JP2016174324A - Electronic apparatus, control method, and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the occurrence of a malfunction due to an erroneous operation of switches against the intention of a user and also to improve miniaturization, weight reduction, and usability while improving design and the degree of freedom in outer shape design.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus 100 has a structure in which operation switches 131-133 are provided so as to project from the front surface of a housing of an apparatus main body 102. The electronic apparatus 100 includes a sensor unit 140 for detecting the orientation of the housing. When the sensor unit detects a state in which the electronic apparatus is placed on a desk surface Pd or the like so that it has a possibility of causing a malfunction when the operation switches 131, 132 make contact with the desk surface Pd to be erroneously operated (depressed), the functions of the operation switches 131, 132 are disabled. Besides, a display section 110 displays switch alternative images 114, 116 to which the functions of the operation switches 131, 132 are assigned, in response to the disabling of the operation switches 131, 132.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device provided with a switch protruding from the surface of a housing, a control method applicable to the electronic device, and a control program.

  In recent years, portable electronic devices such as smartphones (high-function mobile phones), tablet terminals, and smart watches have become widespread. In such electronic devices, various operation switches are often provided, for example, on the front surface or side surface of the housing. Here, if the operation switch protrudes from the housing surface of the electronic device, the switch is operated unexpectedly against the intention of the user (user) of the device, The function assigned to the switch may malfunction.

  Specifically, for example, in an electronic device equipped with an operation switch such as a push button, when the electronic device is placed on a desk or the like, it is operated (pressed) by the operation switch contacting the desk surface, There was a case where malfunction occurred. In addition, even when an electronic device is carried by hand or worn on a wrist or arm, the switch can be operated by changing the force with which the device is gripped or bending the wrist greatly ( In some cases, a malfunction occurs.

  Conventionally, in order to prevent the occurrence of such a malfunction, a design of a shape in which the surface of the housing (exterior part) protrudes from the switch portion of the electronic device, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, There has been considered a measure for preventing a switch from being erroneously operated against a user's intention by providing a lock structure on a bezel portion in a wristwatch type electronic device.

JP 2005-337792 A

  However, in the measures for preventing malfunction described in Patent Document 1 and the like described above, it is necessary to change the shape of the casing (exterior part) of the electronic device and the structure of the operation switch. In addition to restricting the degree of freedom of design, there have been problems that the electronic equipment is increased in size, weight, and usability.

  Therefore, in view of the problems described above, the present invention can prevent the occurrence of malfunction due to erroneous operation of the switch against the user's intention while improving the design freedom of the design and external shape, It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device that can be reduced in size, weight, and usability, a control method thereof, and a control program.

The present invention
In electronic equipment,
A housing,
One or a plurality of operation switches provided protruding from the surface of the housing;
An attitude detection unit that detects a direction and an inclination of the electronic device, and detects an orientation of the casing of the electronic device as an attitude of the electronic device;
A function setting unit that invalidates a specific function assigned to at least one specific operation switch of the electronic device based on the posture detected by the posture detection unit;
It is characterized by providing.

The control method according to the present invention includes:
By detecting the direction and inclination of the electronic device provided with one or a plurality of operation switches protruding from the surface of the housing, the orientation of the housing of the electronic device is detected as the posture of the electronic device,
Invalidating a specific function assigned to at least one specific operation switch of the electronic device based on the detected attitude of the electronic device;
It is characterized by that.

The control program according to the present invention is:
On the computer,
The sensor unit that detects the direction and inclination of the electronic device provided with one or a plurality of operation switches protruding from the surface of the housing causes the orientation of the housing of the electronic device to be detected as the posture of the electronic device,
Invalidating a specific function assigned to at least one specific operation switch of the electronic device based on the detected posture of the electronic device;
It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of malfunction due to a switch being operated against the user's intention, and to improve the degree of freedom in designing the design and appearance, while reducing the size, weight and usability. Can be improved.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows 1st Embodiment of the electronic device which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the electronic device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control method in the electronic device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic (the 1) which shows the example of the attitude | position of the electronic device in the mounting state of the electronic device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic (the 2) which shows the example of the attitude | position of the electronic device in the mounting state of the electronic device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the example of a change of the screen display in the mounting state of the electronic device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the example of a display of a switch alternative image in the mounting state of the electronic device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the control method in the electronic device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control method in the electronic device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic (the 1) which shows the example of the attitude | position of the electronic device in the mounting state of the electronic device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is the schematic (the 2) which shows the example of the attitude | position of the electronic device in the mounting state of the electronic device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the example of a display of a switch alternative image in the mounting state of the electronic device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the control method in the electronic device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example (main part) of the control method in the electronic device which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the other application example of the electronic device which concerns on this invention.

Hereinafter, an electronic device, a switch control method thereof, and a switch control program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments.
<First Embodiment>
(Electronics)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of an electronic apparatus according to the invention. Here, FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of the external shape of the electronic device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a front view illustrating an example of the device main body of the electronic device. . FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the electronic device according to the present embodiment.

  The electronic device according to the present invention is roughly classified as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, for example, and is attached to the device main body (housing) 102 and the device main body 102 so that the device main body 102 is attached to the wrist or the like. A belt portion 104 to be attached to a predetermined part of the human body, and has a wristwatch type or wristband type external shape. Here, in the present embodiment, in order to simplify the explanation, in the front view of the electronic device shown in FIG. 1B, the direction in which the belt portion 104 extends from the device main body 102 is the vertical direction of the drawing. The right side of the reference line Lc extending in the extending direction of the belt portion 104 from the center of the device main body 102 is the “right side” of the electronic device for convenience and the left side of the drawing. Is “left side”.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, for example, the device main body 102 has various data on the front surface of a casing (exterior part) having an arbitrary planar shape such as a circle, an ellipse, or a rectangle. And a display unit 110 for displaying information. In addition, mechanical operation switches 131 to 133 such as push buttons to which various functions are assigned are provided on a side surface and a front surface of the housing of the device main body 102 so as to protrude from the surface of the housing.

  The belt portion 104 is formed of, for example, a band-shaped resin member or the like extending from the opposite side surface of the device main body 102, and at least in a state where the electronic device 100 is attached to a wrist or the like, as shown in FIG. , Has a ring-shaped knot shape. In addition, the belt part 104 may be configured to hold an annularly knotted shape as described later when not attached to the wrist or the like (FIG. 4A). (See FIG. 4B), the end portions of the belt-shaped member may be separated from each other. In the former case, the belt portion 104 can be applied with, for example, a structure formed in advance in an annular shape by a member having elasticity, and in the latter case, the belt-like member is used for joining the end portions to each other. A buckle and the like are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the electronic device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a display unit 110, a touch panel 120, operation switches 131 to 133, a sensor unit 140, an arithmetic circuit unit 150, a memory unit 160, And a power supply unit 170. Here, the touch panel 120 corresponds to the detection unit according to the present invention, and the arithmetic circuit unit 150 includes the posture detection unit, the state determination unit, the function setting unit, the alternative image display unit, the display control unit, and the execution control according to the present invention. Corresponding to the part.

  The display unit 110 is a display device such as a liquid crystal system or a light emitting element system such as an organic EL, for example, and displays various numbers based on sensor data acquired by the sensor unit 140 described later, in addition to notation of numbers and characters such as time. The data 112 and the mark 112 to which various data and information and various functions are assigned are displayed.

  The touch panel 120 is provided on the front surface (view side) of the display unit 110, and is an operation input unit. The user visually recognizes various data and information displayed on the display unit 110, the icon 112, for example, arbitrary By touching and selecting the touch panel 120 at the position corresponding to the icon 112, the function assigned to the icon 112 is executed. Here, the operation input unit for selecting various data and information displayed on the display unit 110 by the user and the icon 112 is not limited to the touch panel 120, as long as it has an equivalent function. Other means such as a touch sensor may be applied.

  The operation switches 131 to 133 set data and information displayed on the display unit 110, set functions assigned to the icons 112, functions such as power operation of the electronic device 100 and sensing operation by the sensor unit 140, or the like. Used for operations to be executed. Here, in addition to the functions equivalent to the touch panel 120 described above, the operation switches 131 to 133 include, for example, functions for setting or executing data, information, functions, and the like that are not displayed on the display unit 110, and operation switches 131 to 133. It has unique functions.

  The sensor unit 140 includes one or more of an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor), a geomagnetic sensor, a camera (peripheral condition detection sensor), and the like, and at least the direction and inclination of the device main body 102 and changes thereof. And the use state of the electronic device 100 is detected, and the orientation of the device body (housing) 102 is detected as the posture of the electronic device 100. Specifically, the sensor provided in the sensor unit 140 detects acceleration, angular velocity, geomagnetism, peripheral images, and the like that are generated based on the usage state of the electronic device 100 and the orientation or orientation change of the device body (housing) 102. Output as sensor data (acceleration data, angular velocity data, geomagnetic data, peripheral image data). This sensor data is associated with time data and stored in a predetermined storage area of the memory unit 160 described later. Then, in the arithmetic circuit unit 150 to be described later, the direction of the force applied to the electronic device 100 and the change thereof are calculated based on the sensor data stored in the memory unit 160, and the electronic device 100 is placed on a plane (mounting surface) such as a desk surface. A process of determining whether the electronic device 100 is mounted on a mounting surface such as a wrist (mounting state) or mounted on a mounting part such as a wrist (mounting state), the direction of the electronic device 100 with respect to the direction of gravity, It is used for processing for determining a posture including a tilt (a mounting posture and a mounting posture). The sensor provided in the sensor unit 140 has a function of detecting the user's body movement, exercise state, and the like in addition to the function of detecting the usage state and posture of the electronic device 100 described above. Also good.

  The arithmetic circuit unit 150 is an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (central processing unit) or MPU (microprocessor), and displays predetermined information on the display unit 110 by executing a predetermined program. Various operations such as various setting operations by the touch panel 120 and the operation switches 131 to 133, a sensing operation in the sensor unit 140, and a read / write operation to the memory unit 160 are controlled. In addition, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 performs the operation of determining the usage state and posture of the electronic device 100 based on the sensor data acquired by the sensor unit 140 and the functions of the operation switches 131 to 133 based on the posture of the electronic device 100. A series of switch control operations including an operation of enabling or disabling and an operation of displaying an image (switch function image) to which the functions of the disabled operation switches 131 to 133 are assigned is displayed on the display unit 110. The switch control operation in the arithmetic circuit unit 150 will be described in detail later.

  The memory unit 160 stores various data and information displayed on the display unit 110 described above, icons 112, switch function image data, and the like in a predetermined storage area, and sensor data acquired by the sensor unit 140. Save in association with time data. In addition, the memory unit 160 stores various data generated by processing operations (including switch control operations) executed in the arithmetic circuit unit 150. In addition, the memory unit 160 includes a control program for executing operations in the respective components such as the display unit 110 and the sensor unit 140, and an algorithm program for executing a predetermined switch control operation based on the sensor data. Save. Note that these programs may be incorporated in the arithmetic circuit unit 150 in advance. Further, a part or all of the memory unit 160 may have a form as a removable storage medium such as a memory card, and may be configured to be detachable from the electronic device 100.

  The power supply unit 170 supplies driving power to each component inside the electronic device 100. As the power supply unit 170, for example, a primary battery such as a commercially available button type battery or a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery is applied. In addition to the primary and secondary batteries described above, the power supply unit 170 can be used alone or in combination with an energy harvesting technology that generates power using energy such as vibration, light, heat, and electromagnetic waves. And may be applied.

  Although not shown in the present embodiment (see FIG. 2), various data and information are transmitted and received and exchanged with devices external to the electronic device 100, a communication network, and the like. An input / output interface (input / output I / F) unit may be further provided. The input / output I / F unit may transmit and receive data and information in a predetermined communication format using wired or wireless, or may be a memory card or USB (Universal Serial) that can be attached to and detached from the electronic device 100. Bus) Data and information may be exchanged by performing a read / write operation to a removable storage medium such as a memory.

  In addition, various sensors such as an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor applied to the display unit 110, the touch panel 120, and the sensor unit 140 illustrated in this embodiment (see FIG. 2) are generally used in recent portable electronic devices. It is a configuration that is installed. Therefore, the electronic device 100 according to the present invention can be realized easily and satisfactorily by using (diverting) the configuration of the existing electronic device as it is for the electronic device 100 according to the present invention.

(Electronic device control method)
Next, an electronic device control method (switch control method) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, the control method of the electronic device shown below is implement | achieved when the arithmetic circuit part 150 mentioned above performs a process according to a predetermined control program and algorithm program.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control method in the electronic apparatus according to the present embodiment. 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of postures of the electronic device in a mounted state of the electronic device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a change example of the screen display in the mounting state of the electronic device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a display example of the switch substitute image in the mounting state of the electronic device according to the present embodiment. FIG.

  In the method for controlling the electronic device 100 according to the present embodiment, a series of switch control operations as shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 starts a sensing operation by the sensor unit 140 in a driving state in which the electronic device 100 is activated and driving power is supplied from the power supply unit 170 to each of the above-described components. Are acquired at predetermined time intervals. Then, each time the sensor data is acquired from the sensor unit 140, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 detects the usage state of the electronic device 100 based on the sensor data (step S102). Specifically, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 detects whether or not the electronic device 100 is in a state of being removed from a wrist or the like and placed on a placement surface such as a desk (hereinafter also referred to as a placement state). To do. Here, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the electronic device 100 is obtained by the sensor unit 140 when the electronic device 100 is placed on a flat surface (desk surface Pd, placement surface) such as a desk and is stationary. The sensor data such as acceleration data, angular velocity data, geomagnetism data, and peripheral images that are generated hardly change, and continuously show substantially constant values and states. Based on this, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 monitors changes in the sensor data acquired by the sensor unit 140 to detect whether or not the electronic device 100 is in the mounted state. That is, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 determines that the electronic device 100 is in the mounted state when the sensor data is in a state that hardly changes over a predetermined period.

  Next, when the arithmetic circuit unit 150 detects that the electronic device 100 is placed, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 determines the posture of the electronic device 100 (that is, the posture of the electronic device 100 defined by the direction or inclination of the device main body 102 placed on the desk surface Pd (that is, A method of placing the electronic device 100 on the desk surface Pd; hereinafter referred to as a placement posture) is detected (step S104). Specifically, the mounting posture of the electronic device 100 is, for example, a gravity direction G (calculated based on a specific axial direction of a coordinate system set in the electronic device 100 and sensor data acquired by the sensor unit 140. 4 (a) and (b) in the downward direction) or based on a relative relationship (angle difference) with the desk surface Pd perpendicular (or substantially perpendicular) to the gravity direction G. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4A, the device main body 102 placed on the desk surface Pd is placed on the desk surface (mounting surface) with the right or left side surface shown in FIG. It is detected whether or not the person is in contact with Pd or has a high possibility of contact. Further, when the device main body 102 of the electronic device 100 is in the posture of being placed with the right or left side face down, as shown in FIGS. It is detected whether the side surface is in contact with the desk surface Pd or is in a posture with a high possibility of contact.

  Next, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 performs processing for detecting the use state (mounting state) and the mounting posture of the electronic device 100 for the first time after starting the electronic device 100 or starting a series of switch control operations. It is determined whether or not the processing is (first) (step S106). If this process is the first process (Yes in step S106), information on the determined use state (mounting state) and mounting posture of the electronic device 100 is stored in a predetermined storage area of the memory unit 160. Save (step S110). On the other hand, when the process for determining the use state (placement state) and placement posture of the electronic device 100 is not the first process (No in step S106), the arithmetic circuit unit 150 detects the use state detected. It is determined whether the (mounting state) and the mounting posture have changed from the previous state (step S108). Specifically, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 reads information on the most recent (past) usage state (mounting state) and mounting posture stored in the memory unit 160 and determines the usage state (mounting state) determined this time. ) And the mounting posture, it is determined whether or not the usage state (mounting state) and the mounting posture have changed.

  When it is determined that there is no change in the usage state (mounting state) and mounting posture of the electronic device 100 (No in step S108), the arithmetic circuit unit 150 causes the electronic device 100 to operate the operation switches 131 to 131 described later. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a state in which the operation switches 131 to 133 are determined to have a relatively low possibility of causing a malfunction due to a malfunction of 133 or to have already been controlled so as not to cause the malfunction. A series of switch control operations are terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the usage state (mounting state) and the mounting posture of the electronic device 100 are changed (Yes in step S108), the arithmetic circuit unit 150 uses the electronic device 100 determined this time. Information on the state (mounting state) and the mounting posture is overwritten and saved (updated) in a predetermined storage area of the memory unit 160 (step S110).

  Thus, by determining the usage state (mounting state) of the electronic device 100 and the change in the mounting posture, for example, the desk shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B from the state of being worn on the wrist or the like. A change in use state of electronic device 100 (whether or not it is in a mounted state) is determined as in the case where the state is changed to a state in which the electronic device 100 is mounted on the upper surface Pd or the like. For example, when the posture shown in FIG. 4 (a) is changed to the posture shown in FIG. 4 (b), or the posture shown in FIG. 5 (a) is changed to the posture shown in FIG. 5 (b). In the electronic device 100 placed on the desk surface Pd, as in the case of the case, a change in the direction or inclination of the device main body 102 is determined. That is, whether or not there is a change in the possibility of malfunction due to erroneous operation of operation switches 131 to 133 described later by determining changes in the usage state (mounting state) and mounting posture of the electronic device 100. Can be determined.

  Next, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 changes the screen display of the display unit 110 based on the mounting posture of the electronic device 100 determined this time (step S112). Specifically, in the arithmetic circuit unit 150, the electronic device 100 is placed on the desk surface Pd, and the placement posture is shown in FIGS. 4 (a), 5 (a), and 5 (b). As described above, when the apparatus body 102 is placed on the desk surface Pd with either the left or right side face down, the screen display of the display unit 110 is rotated to stand upright. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, in the screen display displayed on the display unit 110 of the device main body 102 placed sideways (side down) with the left side face down, it corresponds to the posture of the device main body 102. Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, the image is rotated and displayed so as to stand upright in the vertical direction of the drawing with reference to the gravity direction or the desk surface Pd.

  In this way, by rotating the screen display of the display unit 110 so as to stand upright according to the mounting posture of the electronic device 100, the user can accurately and instantaneously visually recognize and grasp the screen display in the upright state. can do. Here, in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the screen display is rotated clockwise (clockwise in the drawing), for example, in the posture of being placed on the desk surface Pd with the left side surface of the device main body 102 facing down. Although the case where the device is turned upright is shown, the right side surface of the device main body 102 is also turned down so that the screen display is turned upright in the posture placed on the desk surface Pd. indicate. Note that the angle at which the screen display is rotated is not limited to the above 90 ° as long as it is rotated so as to stand upright with respect to the direction of gravity or the desk surface Pd. Further, when executing the rotation process of the screen display, the screen display may be appropriately enlarged or reduced so as to be appropriately displayed on the display unit 110.

  Next, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 is a posture in which the mounting posture of the electronic device 100 detected this time is likely to cause a malfunction due to an erroneous operation of the operation switches 131 to 133 as compared to other mounting postures. It is determined whether or not. Specifically, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 first reads out information (malfunction posture information) related to the mounting posture of the electronic device 100 that is stored in the memory unit 160 in advance and has a relatively high possibility of causing a malfunction (step S114). ). Here, the malfunctioning posture information is based on the relationship between various mounting postures of the electronic device 100, the arrangement of operation switches provided in the device main body 102, the functions assigned to the switches, their valid or invalid states, and the like. The conditions for determining that there is a relatively high possibility of malfunction due to erroneous operation of the operation switches 131 to 133 against the user's intention are verified and converted into data. In other words, the malfunctioning posture information is information indicating which operation switch is likely to cause malfunctioning when the electronic device 100 is in any mounting posture.

  Then, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 determines whether or not the mounting posture of the electronic device 100 detected this time is a malfunctioning posture that is relatively likely to cause a malfunction due to an erroneous operation of the operation switches 131 to 133 (step) S116). Specifically, the arithmetic circuit unit 150, based on the malfunctioning posture information read from the memory unit 160, the device body 102 in which the mounting posture of the electronic device 100 detected this time is in contact with the desk surface Pd. It is determined whether or not the operation switch is provided on the side surface side. Further, when an operation switch is provided on the side surface of the device main body 102 that is in contact with the desk surface Pd, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 determines whether or not a predetermined function is assigned to the operation switch. To do.

  As a result, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 is provided on the side surface provided with the operation switches 131 to 133 to which a predetermined function is assigned, for example, as shown in FIG. 4 (a), FIG. 5 (a), or (b). The posture in which the device main body 102 is placed on the desk surface Pd is determined to be a malfunctioning posture. On the other hand, the arithmetic circuit unit 150, for example, when a predetermined function is not assigned to the operation switches 131 to 133 in the mounting posture illustrated in FIG. 4A, for example, as illustrated in FIG. If the surface of the device main body 102 not provided with the operation switch (for example, the back cover on the lower side of the drawing facing the display unit 110) is placed in contact with the desk surface Pd, it is not a malfunctioning posture. Is determined.

  If it is determined that the mounting posture of the electronic device 100 is not a malfunctioning posture (No in step S116), the operation circuit unit 150 is in a state in which no malfunction occurs due to an erroneous operation of the operation switches 131 to 133. The series of switch control operations shown in the flowchart of FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the mounting posture of the electronic device 100 is a malfunctioning posture (Yes in step S116), the arithmetic circuit unit 150 has a function assigned to the operation switch in contact with the desk surface Pd. It is determined whether or not it is valid (step S118).

  When it is determined that the function assigned to the operation switch in contact with the desk surface Pd is not valid (that is, invalid) (No in step S118), it is caused by an erroneous operation of the operation switches 131 to 133. Since no malfunction occurs, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 ends the series of switch control operations shown in the flowchart of FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the function assigned to the operation switch in contact with the desk surface Pd is valid (a specific state) (Yes in step S118), it is caused by an erroneous operation of the operation switches 131 to 133. Since there is a relatively high possibility of malfunction, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 invalidates the function assigned to the operation switch (step S120). Next, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 displays an image (switch substitute image) to which the disabled operation switch function is assigned in an arbitrary display area of the display unit 110 (step S122).

  Here, the switch substitute image may be an image 114 imitating the shape of a disabled operation switch (for example, the operation switches 131 and 132), for example, as shown in FIG. As shown in (b), an image 116 having the same shape and arrangement as other icons 112 and marks displayed on the display unit 110 may be used. Here, in FIG. 7B, an image 116 indicated by “A” in the figure is displayed as the switch substitute image of the invalidated operation switch 131, and the switch substitute of the invalidated operation switch 132 is displayed. An example is shown in which an image 116 indicated by “B” in the figure is displayed as an image. Further, for example, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the switch substitute image may be displayed in a display area in the vicinity of the invalidated operation switch, and the operation switch is arranged. It may be displayed in the display area on the side surface (that is, the left side of the drawing in the case of the operation switches 131 and 132 and the right side of the drawing in the case of the operation switch 133). That is, the switch substitute image is preferably displayed at a position where it can be intuitively understood by the user that the switch is an alternative to the operation switch in a shape that can be intuitively understood by the user. Further, when executing this switch substitute image display processing, the notation of numbers and characters displayed on the display unit 110 and the display positions of other icons 112, etc. are moved as appropriate, or enlarged or reduced. Thus, it may be appropriately displayed on the display unit 110.

  Thereafter, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 returns to step S102 and repeatedly executes the above-described series of switch control operations until the electronic device 100 is lifted from the desk surface Pd by the user or the like to be released. Here, in a series of repeatedly executed switch control operations, when it is detected in step S102 that the electronic device 100 is not in the mounted state, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 rotates the screen display of the display unit 110. Is released and displayed so as to stand upright in the extending direction of the belt unit 104, the function of the disabled operation switch is enabled, and the display of the switch substitute image corresponding to the operation switch is released. . When it is determined in step S116 that the electronic device 100 is not in the malfunctioning posture, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 enables the function of the disabled operation switch and switches corresponding to the operation switch. Cancel the display of the substitute image.

  Although not shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 constantly performs an input operation or an operation state change for interrupting or terminating the control operation during the execution of the series of switch control operations described above. When monitoring is performed and the input operation or state change is detected, the switch control operation is forcibly terminated. Specifically, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 detects the operation power-off operation by the user, the remaining battery level in the power supply unit 170, the abnormality of the function or application being executed, and the like, and performs a series of switch control operations. Forcibly interrupt and exit.

  As described above, in this embodiment, an electronic device having a structure in which a mechanical operation switch is provided so as to protrude from the surface of the housing, and the operation switch may be erroneously operated against the user's intention and may cause a malfunction. In this case, when the operation switch is placed on the desk top surface or the like, the operation switch touches the desk top surface and is erroneously operated (pressed) against the user's intention. In such a case, the function of the operation switch is invalidated. Further, in cooperation with the invalidation of the operation switch, a switch substitute image to which the function of the operation switch is assigned is displayed on the display unit.

  As a result, in this embodiment, the function of the operation switch that has a relatively high possibility of causing an erroneous operation due to an erroneous operation can be invalidated by software. Without changing hardware such as the structure of the operation switch, it is possible to prevent malfunctions caused by erroneous operation (pressing) of the operation switch against the user's intention. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size and weight while improving the degree of freedom of design of the electronic device and the external shape, and to improve the usability of the electronic device. In the present embodiment, the switch substitute image to which the function of the operation switch disabled for preventing malfunction is assigned is displayed on the display unit, so that the electronic device is placed on the desk surface or the like. However, when the user touches and selects the switch substitute image, the function can be executed, and the usability of the electronic device can be further improved.

<Modification>
Next, a modified example of the electronic device according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a modification of the control method in the electronic apparatus according to the present embodiment. Here, about the process equivalent to 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is simplified.

  In the switch control method for the electronic device 100 according to the present modification, first, as shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 is based on the sensor data acquired by the sensor unit 140. The use state (mounting state) is detected (step S102). And if it detects that the electronic device 100 exists in a mounting state, the arithmetic circuit part 150 will detect the mounting attitude | position of the electronic device 100 (step S104).

  Next, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 rotates and displays the screen display of the display unit 110 upright based on the detected mounting posture of the electronic device 100 (step S112). Next, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 reads out the malfunctioning posture information from the memory unit 160 (step S114), and the mounting posture of the electronic device 100 is relatively unlikely to cause a malfunction due to the operation switches 131 to 133. It is determined whether or not the posture is set (step S116). When it is determined that the mounting posture of the electronic device 100 is a malfunctioning posture (a specific state) (Yes in step S116), the arithmetic circuit unit 150 sets the operation switch in contact with the desk surface Pd. The assigned function is invalidated (step S120), and the switch substitute image to which the invalidated operation switch function is assigned is displayed on the display unit 110 (step S122). Thereafter, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 returns to step S102 and repeatedly executes the series of switch control operations described above until the mounting state or the malfunctioning posture of the electronic device 100 is released.

  As described above, in this modified example, an electronic device having a structure in which an operation switch is provided so as to protrude from the surface of the housing and may be erroneously operated against a user's intention to cause a malfunction is applied to the desk surface or the like. Function of the operation switch on the desk surface side unconditionally without determining whether the use state or the mounting posture has changed. Is disabled, and the function of the operation switch is enabled at the time when the mounting state or malfunctioning posture of the electronic device 100 is released.

  According to this, similarly to the first embodiment described above, when the electronic device 100 is placed on a desk surface or the like, the function of the operation switch that has a relatively high possibility of causing a malfunction due to an erroneous operation is provided by software. Can be disabled to prevent the occurrence of malfunctions, improving the design freedom of the design and appearance of the electronic device, while reducing the size and weight, and improving the usability of the electronic device be able to. Further, in this modification, the processing operation can be simplified as compared with the first embodiment described above, so that the processing load on the arithmetic circuit unit can be reduced.

  In the embodiment and the modification described above, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, a process (step for rotating the screen display of the display unit 110 to stand upright according to the mounting posture of the electronic device 100 (step). The case of executing S112) has been described. This invention is not limited to this, The process which rotates the screen display mentioned above may be performed at another timing, or the said process itself may be abbreviate | omitted.

  Specifically, the present invention may be executed simultaneously with the switch substitute image display process in step S122 in the series of switch control operations shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, or the process in step S112. The switch control operation may be executed in a state where it is omitted. Here, in the latter method, when the electronic device 100 is in the placement state, the user does not see the screen display, and the screen display is visually recognized only in a state where the electronic device 100 is lifted to release the placement state. This is applied when the frequency is high or the frequency is high. According to this, it is possible to reduce a burden related to the rotation processing of the screen display in the arithmetic circuit unit 150.

  In the embodiment and the modification described above, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, a switch in which the disabled operation switch function is assigned to the display unit 110 in accordance with the mounting posture of the electronic device 100. The case where the process of displaying the alternative images 114 and 116 is executed has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and the process for displaying the switch substitute image described above may be omitted.

  Specifically, in the present invention, the switch control operation may be executed in a state where the process of Step S122 is omitted. In this method, when the electronic device 100 is in the placement state, the user does not execute the function assigned to the disabled switch, and only when the electronic device 100 is lifted to release the placement state. This is applied when the function is executed or when such a frequency is high. According to this, it is possible to reduce the burden associated with the switch substitute image display processing in the arithmetic circuit unit 150.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the electronic apparatus according to the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, the description of the configuration and processing operation equivalent to those of the above-described first embodiment will be simplified.

  In the first embodiment described above, the function of the operation switch that detects the mounting posture of the electronic device 100 in a state where the electronic device 100 is mounted on the desk surface Pd or the like and has a relatively high possibility of causing a malfunction. The case has been described where the switch substitute images 114 and 116 to which the function of the operation switch is assigned are displayed on the display unit 110 while being invalidated. In the second embodiment, the user detects the posture of the electronic device in a state where the electronic device is mounted on a wrist or other mounting portion, invalidates the operation switch that is likely to cause a malfunction, and displays A switch substitute image to which the function of the operation switch is assigned is displayed on the screen.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method in the electronic apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 10 and 11 are schematic views illustrating examples of the posture of the electronic device in the mounted state of the electronic device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display example of a switch substitute image in the mounted state of the electronic apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  The control method of the electronic device 100 according to the present embodiment is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 when the arithmetic circuit unit 150 executes processing according to a predetermined control program and algorithm program, as in the first embodiment described above. A series of switch control operations as described above are executed.

  In the control method of the electronic device 100 according to the present embodiment, first, in a state where the electronic device 100 is activated, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 acquires sensor data from the sensor unit 140 at predetermined time intervals, and sensor data Based on the above, the use state of the electronic device 100 is detected every time the sensor data is acquired (step S202). Specifically, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 detects whether or not the electronic device 100 is in a state of being worn on a wrist or the like (hereinafter also referred to as a wearing state). Here, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, in a state where the electronic device 100 is worn on the wrist USw, acceleration data, angular velocity data, geomagnetic data, peripheral images, and the like acquired by the sensor unit 140 are used. The sensor data changes continuously according to the movement of the user. Based on this, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 monitors changes in the sensor data acquired by the sensor unit 140 to detect whether or not the electronic device 100 is in the mounted state. That is, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 determines that the electronic device 100 is in the mounted state when the sensor data is continuously changing over a predetermined period.

  Next, when the arithmetic circuit unit 150 detects that the electronic device 100 is in the mounted state, the posture of the electronic device 100 (that is, the wrist USw of the electronic device 100) defined by the time change of the direction and inclination of the device body 102 is detected. Is detected, that is, whether it is worn on the left or right wrist USw; hereinafter also referred to as a wearing posture) (step S204). Specifically, the mounting posture of the electronic device 100 is, for example, a range of a temporal relative change in the gravity direction calculated based on sensor data with respect to a sensor coordinate system set in the device main body 102 (that is, a certain direction). When the sensor coordinate system is changed according to the movement of the arm with respect to the direction of gravity shown, it is determined based on the relative change range indicated by the direction of gravity. Here, when the user moves the arm with the electronic device 100 mounted on the left and right wrists USw, the range of temporal relative change in the gravity direction with respect to the sensor coordinate system is clear for the left and right wrists USw to be mounted. A difference is made. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, it is detected whether the electronic device 100 is in the posture worn on the left or right wrist USw.

  Next, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 performs processing for detecting the use state (mounting state) and mounting posture of the electronic device 100 described above after the start-up of the electronic device 100 or the start of a series of switch control operations. ) Is determined (step S206). If this process is the first process (Yes in step S206), information regarding the detected use state (attachment state) and attachment posture of the electronic device 100 is stored in a predetermined storage area of the memory unit 160. (Step S210). Here, information indicating whether the electronic device 100 is worn on the left or right wrist USw is stored in the memory unit 160. On the other hand, when the processing for detecting the usage state (mounting state) and mounting posture of the electronic device 100 is not the first processing (No in step S206), the arithmetic circuit unit 150 detects the detected usage state (mounting). (State) and whether or not the mounting posture has changed from the previous state (step S208). Specifically, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 stores the information on the usage state (mounting state) and the mounting posture in the memory unit 160, and indicates the latest (previous) indicating whether the electronic device 100 is mounted on the left or right wrist USw. ) And is compared with the currently detected use state (attachment state) and attachment posture, and it is determined whether or not the use state (attachment state) and attachment posture have changed.

  If it is determined that there is no change in the use state (wearing state) and the wearing posture of the electronic device 100 (No in step S208), the arithmetic circuit unit 150 attaches the electronic device 100 to either the left or right wrist USw. It is determined that the maintained state is maintained. In this case, in the arithmetic circuit unit 150, the operation switches 131 to 133 are already controlled so that a possibility of malfunction caused by the operation switches 131 to 133 described later is relatively low or the malfunction is not caused. 9 is finished, the series of switch control operations shown in the flowchart of FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a change in the usage state (mounting state) and mounting posture of the electronic device 100 (Yes in step S108), the arithmetic circuit unit 150 uses the electronic device 100 usage state (currently detected). Information indicating whether the electronic device 100 is worn on the left or right wrist USw is overwritten and saved (updated) in a predetermined storage area of the memory unit 160 as information on the wearing state) and wearing posture (step S210).

  Thus, by determining whether or not the wrist USw on which the electronic device 100 is mounted has been changed between the left and right, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, for example, the wrist USw protrudes from the housing surface of the device main body 102. The change in the relative positional relationship between the operation switches 131 to 133 provided and the wrist USw and the back of the hand USh (or the palm) on which the electronic device 100 is mounted is determined. That is, by determining changes in the usage state (mounting state) and mounting posture of the electronic device 100, it is determined whether or not there has been a change in the possibility of malfunction caused by erroneous operation of operation switches 131 to 133 described later. be able to.

  Next, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 is a posture in which the mounting posture of the electronic device 100 detected this time is likely to cause a malfunction due to an erroneous operation of the operation switches 131 to 133 as compared to other mounting postures. It is determined whether or not. Specifically, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 first reads information (operation switch information) relating to operation switches that are stored in the memory unit 160 in advance and have a relatively high possibility of causing a malfunction (step S212). Here, the malfunction switch information includes a mounting posture indicating whether the electronic device 100 is mounted on the left or right wrist USw, an arrangement of an operation switch provided in the device main body 102, an assigned function, its valid or invalid state, etc. On the basis of the relationship, the conditions for determining that the operation switches 131 to 133 are erroneously operated against the user's intention and are likely to cause a malfunction are preliminarily converted into data. In other words, the malfunction switch information is information indicating which operation switch is likely to cause malfunction when the electronic device 100 is in any mounting posture.

  Then, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 determines whether any of the operation switches 131 to 133 provided in the electronic device 100 in which the mounting posture is detected this time is a malfunction switch that has a relatively high possibility of malfunction (step). S214). Specifically, based on the malfunction switch information read from the memory unit 160, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 determines that the mounting posture of the electronic device 100 detected this time is that of the electronic device 100 mounted on the user's wrist USw. It is determined whether or not the device main body 102 is positioned on the back of the hand USh side and the operation switch is provided on the side surface of the device main body 102 on the back of the hand USh side. Furthermore, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 determines whether or not a predetermined function is assigned to the operation switch provided on the side surface of the device main body 102 on the back of the hand USh side.

  Thereby, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 is provided on the side surface of the device main body 102 on the back side USh side among the operation switches 131 to 133 provided in the electronic device 100 and is assigned a predetermined function. It is determined that the operation switch has a relatively high possibility of causing a malfunction due to a malfunction (hereinafter referred to as a malfunction switch). That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 10A, in the posture in which the electronic device 100 is mounted on the left wrist USw, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 is placed on the side surface on the right side of the drawing, which is the side surface on the back of the hand USh side of the device body 102. It is determined that the provided operation switch 133 is a malfunction switch. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 10B, in the posture in which the electronic device 100 is mounted on the right wrist USw, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 is placed on the left side surface of the device body 102, which is the side surface on the back of the hand USh side. It is determined that the provided operation switches 131 and 132 are malfunctioning switches.

  As described above, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the operation switch determined to be a malfunctioning switch is an operation that greatly bends the back of the hand USh with the electronic device 100 mounted on the left wrist USw (arrow in the figure). If the back of the hand USh (mounting portion) is in contact with the operation switch 133 provided on the side of the back of the hand USh of the device main body 102, the operation switch 133 is erroneously operated (pressed) against the user's intention. This is relatively likely to cause malfunctions. On the other hand, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 is, for example, a device that is located on the back USh side of the hand when the predetermined functions are not assigned to the operation switches 131 to 133 in the mounting posture illustrated in FIGS. When the operation switch is not provided on the side surface of the main body 102, it is determined that there is no malfunction switch.

  If it is determined that there is no malfunction switch in the electronic device 100 (No in step S214), the arithmetic circuit unit 150 does not cause malfunction due to erroneous operation of the operation switches 131 to 133. The series of switch control operations shown in the flowchart of FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the electronic device 100 has a malfunction switch (Yes in step S214), the arithmetic circuit unit 150 is an operation that is provided on the side surface of the device body 102 on the back side of the hand USh and serves as a malfunction switch. It is determined whether or not the function assigned to the switch is valid (step S216).

  If it is determined that the function assigned to the operation switch that is the malfunction switch of the device main body 102 is not valid (that is, invalid) (No in step S216), malfunction caused by the operation switches 131-133. Therefore, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 ends the series of switch control operations shown in the flowchart of FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the function assigned to the operation switch of the device main body 102 is valid (a specific state) (Yes in step S216), the arithmetic circuit unit 150 displays the operation switch. The function assigned to is invalidated (step S218), and the switch substitute image to which the function of the invalidated operation switch is assigned is displayed in an arbitrary display area of the display unit 110 (step S220).

  Here, the switch substitute image may be an image 114 imitating the shape of the invalidated operation switch, for example, as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 7A) described above. 12 (a) and 12 (b), an image 116 having the same shape and arrangement as other icons 112 and marks displayed on the display unit 110 may be used. Here, in FIG. 12A, the image 116 indicated by “C” in the figure is displayed as a switch substitute image in the display area near the invalidated operation switch 133, and the invalidated operation is displayed. An example is shown in which images 116 indicated by “A” and “B” in the figure are displayed in the display area near the switches 131 and 132 as switch substitute images. The switch substitute image is preferably displayed at a position where it is easy for the user to intuitively understand that it is a substitute for the operation switch, in a shape where the user can intuitively understand that the switch is substitute. In addition, when executing this switch substitute image display processing, as in the first embodiment described above, the display of numbers and characters displayed on the display unit 110 and the display positions of other icons 112 and the like are performed. It may be appropriately displayed on the display unit 110 by being moved as appropriate or enlarged or reduced.

  Thereafter, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 returns to step S202, and repeatedly executes the series of switch control operations described above until the electronic device 100 is released from the wrist or the like and the wearing state is released. Here, in a series of switch control operations that are repeatedly executed, when it is determined in step S202 that the electronic device 100 is not in the mounted state, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 displays the function of the disabled operation switch. In addition to the validation, the display of the switch substitute image corresponding to the operation switch is canceled. When it is determined in step S214 that none of the operation switches 131 to 133 is in the malfunction switch position, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 enables the disabled operation switch function and the operation switch. Cancel the display of the switch substitute image corresponding to.

  Although not shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, as in the first embodiment, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 interrupts the control operation during the execution of the series of switch control operations described above. The input operation to be ended and the change in the operation state are constantly monitored, and when the input operation and the state change are detected, the switch control operation is forcibly ended.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in an electronic device having a structure in which an operation switch protrudes from the surface of the housing, when the user's wrist or the like is worn, the back of the hand is operated against the user's intention. When there is a relatively high possibility that a malfunction will occur due to an erroneous operation (pressing) on the touch panel, the function of the operation switch is invalidated and the function of the operation switch is assigned to the display unit. Display the switch substitute image.

  According to this, as in the first embodiment described above, the function of the operation switch that has a relatively high possibility of malfunctioning can be disabled by software to prevent the occurrence of malfunctioning. As well as improving the degree of freedom in designing the external shape, it is possible to reduce the size and weight and improve the usability of the electronic device. Also in this embodiment, since the switch substitute image to which the disabled operation switch function is assigned is displayed on the display unit, even if the electronic device is worn on the wrist or the like, the user can replace the switch. By touching and selecting an image, the function can be executed, and usability of the electronic device can be further improved.

<Modification>
Next, a modified example of the electronic device according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the control method in the electronic apparatus according to the present embodiment. Here, about the process equivalent to 2nd Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is simplified.

  In the modification of the first embodiment described above, if it is determined that the electronic device is placed on the desk surface or the like and is in a malfunctioning posture, the operation switch on the desk surface side is unconditionally. Although the switch control method for disabling the function has been described, the control method shown in the following modification may be applied to the second embodiment based on the same technical idea.

  In the switch control method for the electronic device 100 according to the present modification, first, as shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. 13, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 is based on the sensor data acquired by the sensor unit 140. Is used (whether or not it is in a mounted state) (step S202). When the electronic device 100 is in the wearing state, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 detects the wearing posture, that is, which wrist USw the electronic device 100 is worn on (left or right) (step S204).

  Next, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 reads out malfunction switch information from the memory unit 160 (step S212), and there is a relatively high possibility that any of the operation switches 131 to 133 provided in the electronic device 100 will malfunction. It is determined whether or not the switch is a malfunction switch (step S214). When it is determined that any of the operation switches provided in the electronic device 100 is a malfunction switch (specific state) (Yes in step S214), the arithmetic circuit unit 150 includes the back USh of the device main body 102. The function assigned to the operation switch which is provided on the side surface and is designated as the malfunction switch is invalidated (step S218), and the switch substitute image to which the function of the invalidated operation switch is assigned is displayed on the display unit 110. It is displayed (step S220). Thereafter, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 returns to step S202 and repeatedly executes the series of switch control operations described above until the electronic device 100 is released from the mounted state.

  Thus, in this modification, the electronic device having a structure in which the operation switch is provided so as to protrude from the surface of the housing is in a state of being mounted on the user's wrist or the like, and any of the operation switches is When it is determined that the switch is a malfunction switch, the function of the operation switch that has been unconditionally set as the malfunction switch is invalidated without determining whether the use state or the mounting posture has changed, and the electronic device 100 is mounted. When the state is released, the operation switch function is enabled.

  According to this, as in the second embodiment described above, when the electronic device 100 is worn on the wrist or the like, the function of the operation switch that is relatively likely to cause a malfunction due to an erroneous operation is invalidated by software. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the electronic device and improve the usability of the electronic device while improving the degree of freedom in designing the electronic device and the external shape. . In this modification, the processing operation can be simplified as compared with the second embodiment described above, so that the processing burden on the arithmetic circuit unit can be reduced.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment of the electronic apparatus according to the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, the description of the configuration and processing operation equivalent to those of the first and second embodiments described above will be simplified.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the switch control method in the use state of either the placement state where the device is placed on the desk surface or the like or the wearing state where the device is worn on the wrist or the like has been individually described. . In the third embodiment, based on the sensor data acquired by the sensor unit 140, it is determined whether the electronic device 100 is in a mounted state or a mounted state, and the determined usage state is obtained. The switch control according to this is performed.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example (main part) of a control method in the electronic apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Here, description will be made with reference to the flowcharts (FIGS. 3 and 9) shown in the first and second embodiments as appropriate.

  Also in the control method of the electronic device 100 according to the present embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments described above, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 executes processing according to a predetermined control program and algorithm program, so that FIG. A series of switch control operations as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  In the method for controlling the electronic device 100 according to the present embodiment, first, the electronic device 100 is activated (step S302), and the arithmetic circuit unit 150 starts the sensing operation by the sensor unit 140 and acquires the acquired sensor. Based on the data, the usage state of the electronic device 100 is determined (step S304). Specifically, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 determines whether the electronic device 100 is placed on a desk surface or the like, or is attached to a user's wrist or the like. Here, as shown in the first and second embodiments described above, sensor data such as acceleration data, angular velocity data, geomagnetic data, and peripheral images acquired by the sensor unit 140 is mounted on the electronic device 100. There are clearly different values and changing trends depending on whether the device is in the wearing state or the wearing state. Based on this, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 determines whether the electronic device 100 is in the mounting state or the mounting state by monitoring changes in the sensor data acquired by the sensor unit 140. That is, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 determines that the electronic device 100 is in the mounted state when the sensor data is hardly changed over a predetermined period, and the sensor data is continuously input over the predetermined period. When the electronic device 100 is changing, it is determined that the electronic device 100 is in the wearing state.

  When it is determined that the electronic device 100 is in the mounting state (step S306), the arithmetic circuit unit 150 is shown in the flowchart (see FIG. 3) of the switch control method according to the first embodiment described above. A series of control operations in steps S104 to S122 are executed. That is, steps S304 and S306 correspond to a process (step S102) for detecting the usage state of the electronic device 100 in the first embodiment. On the other hand, when it is determined that the electronic device 100 is in the mounted state (step S308), the arithmetic circuit unit 150 is shown in the flowchart (see FIG. 9) of the switch control method according to the second embodiment described above. A series of control operations in steps S204 to S220 are executed. That is, steps S304 and S308 correspond to a process (step S202) for detecting the usage state of the electronic device 100 in the second embodiment. Thereafter, the arithmetic circuit unit 150 returns to step S304 to repeatedly execute the series of switch control operations described above. When the arithmetic circuit unit 150 detects a change in input operation or operation state that interrupts or ends the control operation during execution of the series of switch control operations shown in FIG. Ends.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is determined whether the electronic device is in a mounted state or a mounted state, and by performing an appropriate control operation according to the used state, The function of the operation switch that has a relatively high possibility of malfunctioning can be disabled by software to prevent malfunction. Therefore, regardless of the usage state of the electronic device, it is possible to prevent or suppress the occurrence of malfunction caused by the operation switch, and to further improve the usability of the electronic device.

<Application example>
Next, another example of an electronic apparatus to which the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing another application example of the electronic apparatus according to the invention.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, a wristwatch type or wristband type electronic device (see FIG. 1) is shown and described in detail. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, a digital camera as shown in FIG. 15A, a GPS logger as shown in FIG. 15B, a smartphone or a tablet as shown in FIG. The present invention may be applied to terminals, and various wearable terminals that are expected to be rapidly spread in the future. That is, these electronic devices 100 also have a structure in which mechanical operation switches 134 to 138 such as push buttons and slide switches protrude from the surface of the housing. When the switch is placed on a charging holder (charging stand), or carried in the hand or worn, the switch may be operated incorrectly (pressed or slid) against the user's intention. The probability of occurrence is relatively high. Therefore, by applying the present invention to such an electronic device 100, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as the above-described embodiments.

As mentioned above, although some embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, It includes the invention described in the claim, and its equivalent range.
Hereinafter, the invention described in the scope of claims of the present application will be appended.

(Appendix)
[1]
In electronic equipment,
A housing,
One or a plurality of operation switches provided protruding from the surface of the housing;
An attitude detection unit that detects a direction and an inclination of the electronic device, and detects an orientation of the casing of the electronic device as an attitude of the electronic device;
A function setting unit that invalidates a specific function assigned to at least one specific operation switch of the electronic device based on the posture detected by the posture detection unit;
An electronic device comprising:

[2]
Based on the posture detected by the posture detection unit, the electronic device includes a state determination unit that determines whether or not the specific operation switch is in a specific state where the specific operation switch may be erroneously operated. The function setting unit invalidates the specific function assigned to the specific operation switch when the state determination unit determines that the electronic device is in the specific state. The electronic device according to [1].

[3]
The posture detection unit further determines whether the usage state of the electronic device is a mounting state mounted on a fixed mounting surface or a mounting state mounted on a human body mounting unit. Detect
The state determination unit may be configured such that the specific operation switch is mounted on the mounting surface or the mounting unit according to the posture and the usage state of the electronic device detected by the posture detection unit. [2], wherein it is determined whether or not the electronic device is in the specific state based on determination of whether or not the electronic device is in a state of being erroneously operated by touching The electronic device described.

[4]
The state determination unit further includes the use state and the posture of the electronic device detected by the posture detection unit, the arrangement of the operation switch, the function assigned to the operation switch, and the operation switch. The electronic device according to [3], wherein it is determined whether or not the electronic device is in the specific state based on whether the assigned function is valid or invalid.

[5]
A display for displaying information;
An alternative image display unit that, when the specific function assigned to the specific operation switch is invalidated by the function setting unit, causes the display unit to display a switch alternative image to which the specific function is assigned; ,
A detection unit that detects whether or not the switch substitute image displayed on the display unit in response to an operation by a user is selected;
An execution control unit that executes the specific function when the detection unit detects that the switch substitute image is selected;
The electronic apparatus according to any one of [1] to [4], comprising:

[6]
A display control unit configured to set a direction in which the information is displayed on the display unit to be an upright direction along a gravitational direction based on the posture of the electronic device detected by the posture detection unit; The electronic device according to [5].

[7]
By detecting the direction and inclination of the electronic device provided with one or a plurality of operation switches protruding from the surface of the housing, the orientation of the housing of the electronic device is detected as the posture of the electronic device,
Invalidating a specific function assigned to at least one specific operation switch of the electronic device based on the detected attitude of the electronic device;
A control method characterized by that.

[8]
On the computer,
The sensor unit that detects the direction and inclination of the electronic device provided with one or a plurality of operation switches protruding from the surface of the housing causes the orientation of the housing of the electronic device to be detected as the posture of the electronic device,
Invalidating a specific function assigned to at least one specific operation switch of the electronic device based on the detected posture of the electronic device;
A control program characterized by that.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Electronic device 102 Apparatus main body 110 Display part 114,116 Switch substitute image 120 Touch panel 131-138 Operation switch 140 Sensor part 150 Arithmetic circuit part 160 Memory part Pd Desk surface USw Wrist USh Back of hand

Claims (8)

In electronic equipment,
A housing,
One or a plurality of operation switches provided protruding from the surface of the housing;
An attitude detection unit that detects a direction and an inclination of the electronic device, and detects an orientation of the casing of the electronic device as an attitude of the electronic device;
A function setting unit that invalidates a specific function assigned to at least one specific operation switch of the electronic device based on the posture detected by the posture detection unit;
An electronic device comprising: Based on the posture detected by the posture detection unit, the electronic device includes a state determination unit that determines whether or not the specific operation switch is in a specific state where the specific operation switch may be erroneously operated. The function setting unit invalidates the specific function assigned to the specific operation switch when the state determination unit determines that the electronic device is in the specific state. The electronic device according to claim 1. The posture detection unit further determines whether the usage state of the electronic device is a mounting state mounted on a fixed mounting surface or a mounting state mounted on a human body mounting unit. Detect
The state determination unit may be configured such that the specific operation switch is mounted on the mounting surface or the mounting unit according to the posture and the usage state of the electronic device detected by the posture detection unit. The method according to claim 2, wherein the electronic device is determined to be in the specific state based on a determination as to whether or not the electronic device is in a state where the electronic device may be erroneously operated. The electronic device described.   The state determination unit further includes the use state and the posture of the electronic device detected by the posture detection unit, the arrangement of the operation switch, the function assigned to the operation switch, and the operation switch. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein it is determined whether the electronic device is in the specific state based on whether the assigned function is valid or invalid. A display for displaying information;
An alternative image display unit that, when the specific function assigned to the specific operation switch is invalidated by the function setting unit, causes the display unit to display a switch alternative image to which the specific function is assigned; ,
A detection unit that detects whether or not the switch substitute image displayed on the display unit in response to an operation by a user is selected;
An execution control unit that executes the specific function when the detection unit detects that the switch substitute image is selected;
The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   A display control unit configured to set a direction in which the information is displayed on the display unit to be an upright direction along a gravitational direction based on the posture of the electronic device detected by the posture detection unit; The electronic device according to claim 5. By detecting the direction and inclination of the electronic device provided with one or a plurality of operation switches protruding from the surface of the housing, the orientation of the housing of the electronic device is detected as the posture of the electronic device,
Invalidating a specific function assigned to at least one specific operation switch of the electronic device based on the detected attitude of the electronic device;
A control method characterized by that. On the computer,
The sensor unit that detects the direction and inclination of the electronic device provided with one or a plurality of operation switches protruding from the surface of the housing causes the orientation of the housing of the electronic device to be detected as the posture of the electronic device,
Invalidating a specific function assigned to at least one specific operation switch of the electronic device based on the detected posture of the electronic device;
A control program characterized by that.

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