JP2018018225A - Electronic apparatus, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve input processing executed by a conventional electronic apparatus in the point of operability.SOLUTION: According to one aspect, there are provided a housing, a touch screen, a software key group arranged along the edge of the touch screen, and a controller executing processing according to operation of software keys of the software key group. The software key group includes a first key group and a second key group. The controller allocates a first group to the first key group and when detecting operation with respect to a software key of the first key group, allocates a second group associated with the first group allocated to the operated software key to the second key group.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present application relates to an electronic device, a control method, and a program.

  Some electronic devices are equipped with physical keys and a touch screen. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses an electronic device that executes various functions in accordance with operations detected via a physical key and a touch screen.

International Publication No. 2008/086302

  There is room for improvement in terms of operability in input operations performed in conventional electronic devices.

  An electronic device according to one aspect includes a housing, a touch screen, a software key group arranged along an edge of the touch screen, a controller that executes processing based on an operation of the software key of the software key group, The software key group includes a first key group and a second key group, and the controller assigns a first group to the first key group, and software of the first key group When an operation on the key is detected, a second group associated with the first group assigned to the operated software key is assigned to the second key group.

  An electronic device according to one aspect includes a housing, a touch screen, a physical key group arranged along an edge of the housing, a software key group arranged along the edge of the touch screen, and the physical key group. A controller that executes processing based on an operation of a physical key and a software key of the software key group, the controller assigning a first group to the software key group, and operating the software key of the software key group Is detected, the second group associated with the first group assigned to the operated software key is assigned to the physical key group.

  A control method according to one aspect is an electronic device including a housing, a touch screen, and a software key group including a first key group and a second key group arranged along an edge of the touch screen. In the control method, when a first group is assigned to the first key group and an operation on the software key of the first key group is detected, the first group assigned to the operated software key is detected. The second group linked to the is assigned to the second key group.

  A control method according to an aspect is an electronic device including a housing, a touch screen, a physical key group arranged along the edge of the housing, and a software key group arranged along the edge of the touch screen. In the control method, when a first group is assigned to the software key group and an operation on the software key of the software key group is detected, the software key group is linked to the first group assigned to the operated software key. The second group is assigned to the physical key group.

  A program according to one aspect is provided in an electronic device including a housing and a software key group including a first key group and a second key group arranged along an edge of the touch screen and the touch screen. When a first group is assigned to the software key group and an operation on the software key of the first key group is detected, a second group associated with the first group assigned to the operated software key is detected. A process of assigning a group to the second key group is executed.

  A program according to one aspect is provided in an electronic device including a housing, a touch screen, a physical key group arranged along an edge of the housing, and a software key group arranged along an edge of the touch screen. When a first group is assigned to the software key group and an operation on the software key of the software key group is detected, a second group associated with the first group assigned to the operated software key is assigned. A process of assigning to the physical key group is executed.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the electronic device according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of key units according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of the touch screen according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the touch screen according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first key data according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of second key data according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of first key data according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an execution screen for input processing according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining screen transitions associated with input processing according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining screen transitions associated with input processing according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing executed by the electronic device according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the electronic device according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of key units according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of first key data according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of second key data according to the embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an execution screen for character input processing according to the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram for explaining screen transitions associated with the character input process according to the embodiment. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram for explaining screen transitions associated with the character input process according to the embodiment. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram for explaining screen transitions associated with the character input process according to the embodiment. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing executed by the electronic device according to the embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input processing execution screen according to the embodiment. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input processing execution screen according to the embodiment. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of key units according to the embodiment. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating another arrangement example of the plurality of physical keys provided in the electronic device. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating another arrangement example of the plurality of physical keys provided in the electronic device. FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating another example of the structure related to the operation surface of the physical key provided in the electronic apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating another example of the structure related to the operation surface of the physical key provided in the electronic apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating another example of the functional configuration of the electronic apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating another structure example of the electronic device according to the embodiment. FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating another structure example of the electronic device according to the embodiment. FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating another structure example of the electronic device according to the embodiment. FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating another example of the structure of the electronic device according to the embodiment. FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating another example of the structure of the electronic device according to the embodiment. FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating another structure example of the electronic apparatus according to the embodiment.

  A plurality of embodiments for carrying out electronic equipment, a control method, and a program concerning this application are described in detail, referring to drawings.

  The electronic device according to the present application may be a device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet, a portable personal computer, a media player, an electronic book reader, a navigator, a wearable device, or a game machine.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the electronic device according to the embodiment. In the following description, the same components may be denoted by the same reference numerals. In the following description, overlapping description may be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device 1 includes a touch screen display 2, a physical key unit 3, an illuminance sensor 4, a proximity sensor 5, a communication unit 6, a receiver 7, a microphone 8, and a storage 9. , Controller 10, speaker 11, camera 12, camera 13, connector 14, and motion sensor 15.

  The touch screen display 2 includes a display 2A and a touch screen 2B. The display 2A and the touch screen 2B may be positioned, for example, may be positioned side by side, or may be positioned apart from each other. When the display 2A and the touch screen 2B are positioned so as to overlap each other, for example, one or more sides of the display 2A may not be along any of the sides of the touch screen 2B.

  The display 2A is a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL display (OELD: Organic Electro-Luminescence Display), or an inorganic EL display (IELD: Inorganic Electro-Luminescence Display). The display 2A displays objects such as characters, images, symbols, and graphics on the screen. The screen including the object displayed on the display 2A includes a screen called a lock screen, a screen called a home screen, and an application screen displayed during execution of the application. The home screen may be called a desktop, a standby screen, an idle screen, a standard screen, an application list screen, or a launcher screen.

  The touch screen 2B detects contact or proximity of a finger, pen, stylus pen, or the like to the touch screen 2B. The touch screen 2B can detect a position on the touch screen 2B when a plurality of fingers, pens, stylus pens, or the like are in contact with or close to the touch screen 2B. In the following description, a position where a plurality of fingers, pens, stylus pens, and the like detected by the touch screen 2B are in contact with or close to the touch screen 2B is referred to as a “detection position”. The touch screen 2B notifies the controller 10 of the contact or proximity of the finger to the touch screen 2B together with the detection position. The touch screen 2B may notify the controller 10 of detection of contact or proximity by notification of the detection position. The touch screen display 2 having the touch screen 2B can execute operations that can be performed by the touch screen 2B. In other words, the operation performed by the touch screen 2B may be performed by the touch screen display 2.

  The controller 10 receives at least one of the contact or proximity detected by the touch screen 2B, the detection position, the change in the detection position, the time that the contact or proximity has continued, the interval at which contact or proximity was detected, and the number of times the contact was detected. The type of gesture is determined based on the one. The electronic device 1 having the controller 10 can execute operations that the controller 10 can perform. In other words, the operation performed by the controller 10 may be performed by the electronic device 1. The gesture is an operation performed on the touch screen 2B using a finger. The operation performed on the touch screen 2B may be performed on the touch screen display 2 having the touch screen 2B. The gestures that the controller 10 determines via the touch screen 2B include, for example, touch, long touch, release, swipe, tap, double tap, long tap, drag, flick, pinch in, and pinch out. It is not limited to.

  The detection method of the touch screen 2B may be any method such as a capacitance method, a resistive film method, a surface acoustic wave method, an infrared method, and a load detection method.

The controller 10 assigns software key areas corresponding to the first key unit 21a and the second key unit 21b to the touch screen 2B. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the first key unit 21 a includes software keys 22 a ₁ ,..., Software keys 22 a ₁₀ . The second key unit 21b includes software keys 22b ₁ ,..., Software keys 22b ₁₀ . For example, when the controller 10 detects both a touch on the software key constituting the first key unit 21a and a touch on the software key constituting the second key unit 21b via the touch screen 2B, the controller 10 Processing for touch can be prioritized and executed. The controller 10 detects the touch on the physical key constituting the first key unit 21a and the touch on the physical key constituting the second key unit 21b, and detects the first via the touch screen 2B. When touches other than the key unit 21a and the second key unit 21b are detected, touches other than the first key unit 21a and the second key unit 21b can be handled as invalid operations.

  The physical key unit 3 receives an operation input from the user. The physical key unit 3 includes a key unit 3c and a touch screen 3d.

  An arrangement example of physical key units according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of key units according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of the touch screen according to the embodiment.

The electronic device 1 according to the embodiment includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 1h, and the plane of the electronic device 1 has a substantially rectangular shape as shown in FIG. The key unit 3c includes a total of three physical keys, a physical key 3c ₁ , a physical key 3c ₂ , and a physical key 3c ₃ shown in FIG. The physical key 3c ₁ , the physical key 3c ₂ , and the physical key 3c ₃ are arranged in a line in a direction parallel to the x axis shown in FIG. 2 along the edge F3 on the bottom side of the casing 1h of the electronic device 1. Be placed. The physical key 3c ₁ , the physical key 3c ₂ , and the physical key 3c ₃ constituting the key unit 3c can detect pressing of the key. Detection of pressing of each physical key constituting the key unit 3c may be individually performed by each physical key. Each physical key constituting the key unit 3c may be configured such that the surface texture of each physical key has a texture different from that of other members of the electronic device 1. Each physical key constituting the key unit 3c may adopt an arbitrary shape such as a cylindrical shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, or a roof shape as the shape of the surface of each physical key. Each physical key constituting the key unit 3c may be configured to be pressed in two or more stages. The number of physical keys constituting the key unit 3c shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and the number of physical keys is not necessarily the same as the example shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 2, although arranged along the edge F3, the present invention is not limited to this. The physical key 3c ₁ , the physical key 3c ₂ , and the physical key 3c ₃ may be arranged along one side constituting the outline of the touch screen display 2. That is, even if the key unit 3c is arranged along the outer side of the housing 1h, the key unit 3c is arranged along the side of the housing 1h on the touch screen display 2 side, the boundary between the housing 1h and the touch screen display 2. May be.

  The touch screen 3d includes a touch screen 3dc as shown in FIG. The touch screen 3dc is arranged below the key unit 3c so as to extend in the short direction of the electronic device 1 along a direction parallel to the x-axis shown in FIG. The touch screen 3dc can detect contact and proximity of a conductive object such as a finger with respect to the key unit 3c.

An example of the structure of the touch screen 3d according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the touch screen according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a part of the structure of the touch screen 3dc among the touch screens included in the touch screen 3d. As shown in FIG. 4, the touch screen 3dc includes a plurality of first electrodes 40a _1, and a plurality of second electrodes 40a _2. The first electrode 40a ₁ extends in the lateral direction of the touch screen 3DC. The second electrode 40a ₂ extends in the longitudinal direction of the touch screen 3DC. Touchscreen 3dc places a plurality of first electrodes 40a ₁ and a plurality of second electrodes 40a _2, in a state of crossed in a grid. Touchscreen 3dc at each position where the plurality of first electrodes 40a ₁ and a plurality of second electrodes 40a ₂ intersect (detection point), for detecting the contact or proximity of a finger to the key unit 3c. When a conductive object approaches the touch screen 3dc, capacitive coupling occurs between the touch screen 3dc and the object. The touch screen 3dc detects contact of a conductive object such as a finger by sensing capacitive coupling at a detection point. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the physical key 3c 1 constituting the third key unit _3c, · · ·, as the cause that the keyhole 40a ₃ for installing the physical key 3c ₃ are provided, the plurality first and electrodes 40a ₁ and a plurality of second electrodes 40a ₂ is without being crossed in a grid pattern, there is a portion disposed in a non-uniform state, but can perform the calibration of the detection point in the processing by the controller 10. As with the touch screen 2B, the detection method of the touch screen 3d may be any method such as a capacitance method, a resistance film method, a surface acoustic wave method, an infrared method, and a load detection method.

The controller 10 can determine which of the physical key 3c ₁ , the physical key 3c ₂ , and the physical key 3c ₃ constituting the key unit 3c is touched based on the detection result of the touch screen 3dc. Based on the detection result of the key unit 3c, the controller 10 can determine which of the physical key 3c ₁ , the physical key 3c ₂ , and the physical key 3c ₃ constituting the key unit 3c is pressed.

  For example, when the controller 10 detects both touches to the two physical keys constituting the key unit 3c via the touch screen 3d, the controller 10 can preferentially execute the process for the latest touch. For example, when the controller 10 detects two touches on the software key of the touch screen 2B via the touch screen 3d, the controller 10 can preferentially execute the process for the latest touch. Even when both the touch on the touch screen 2B and the touch on the touch screen 3d are detected, the controller 10 preferentially executes the process for the latest touch.

  For example, the controller 10 performs touch gestures such as a long touch, a tap, a double tap, and a slide on the software keys constituting the first key unit 21a and the software keys constituting the second key unit 21b via the touch screen 2B. It may be detected.

  The illuminance sensor 4 detects illuminance. The illuminance is the value of the light beam incident on the unit area of the measurement surface of the illuminance sensor 4. The illuminance sensor 4 is used for adjusting the luminance of the display 2A, for example.

  The proximity sensor 5 detects the presence of a nearby object without contact. The proximity sensor 5 detects the presence of an object based on a change in a magnetic field or a change in a feedback time of an ultrasonic reflected wave. The proximity sensor 5 detects, for example, that the display 2A is close to the face. The illuminance sensor 4 and the proximity sensor 5 may be configured as one sensor. The illuminance sensor 4 may be used as a proximity sensor.

  The communication unit 6 communicates wirelessly. The wireless communication standards supported by the communication unit 6 include, for example, cellular phone communication standards such as 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G, and short-range wireless communication standards. Cellular phone communication standards include, for example, LTE (Long Term Evolution), W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), WiMAX (registered trademark) (Worldwide InterPirality C, PD). Examples thereof include GSM (registered trademark) (Global System for Mobile Communications), PHS (Personal Handy-phone System), and the like. Examples of short-range wireless communication standards include IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth (registered trademark), IrDA (Infrared Data Association), NFC (Near Field Communication), and WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network). The WPAN communication standard includes, for example, ZigBee (registered trademark). The communication unit 6 may support one or more of the communication standards described above.

  The receiver 7 outputs the sound signal transmitted from the controller 10 as sound. The receiver 7 can output, for example, the sound of a moving image reproduced by the electronic device 1, the sound of music, and the voice of the other party during a call. The microphone 8 converts an input user's voice or the like into a sound signal and transmits the sound signal to the controller 10.

  The storage 9 stores programs and data. The storage 9 may be used as a work area for temporarily storing the processing result of the controller 10. The storage 9 may include any non-transitory storage medium such as a semiconductor storage medium and a magnetic storage medium. The storage 9 may include a plurality of types of storage media. The storage 9 may include a combination of a storage medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk and a storage medium reader. The storage 9 may include a storage device used as a temporary storage area such as a RAM (Random Access Memory).

  The programs stored in the storage 9 include an application executed in the foreground or the background, and a support program (not shown) that supports the operation of the application. For example, when the application is executed in the foreground, a screen related to the application is displayed on the display 2A. The support program includes, for example, an OS. The program may be installed in the storage 9 via wireless communication by the communication unit 6 or a non-transitory storage medium.

  The storage 9 can store a control program 9A, an input control program 9B, first key data 9C, second key data 9D, condition data 9E, setting data 9Z, and the like. The control program 9A can cooperate with various applications stored in the electronic device 1 when providing various functions. The control program 9A may cooperate with the cloud storage via the communication unit 6 and access files and data stored in the cloud storage. The cloud storage may store a part or all of the programs and data stored in the storage 9.

  The control program 9A can provide functions for realizing processes related to various operations of the electronic device 1. The function provided by the control program 9A includes a function of adjusting the brightness of the display 2A based on the detection result of the illuminance sensor 4. The functions provided by the control program 9A include a function for invalidating the operation on the touch screen 2B based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 5. The functions provided by the control program 9A include a function for realizing a call by controlling the communication unit 6, the receiver 7, the microphone 8, and the like. Functions provided by the control program 9 </ b> A include functions for controlling the photographing processing of the camera 12 and the camera 13. The functions provided by the control program 9A include a function for controlling communication with an external device connected through the connector 14. The function provided by the control program 9A includes a function of performing various controls such as changing information displayed on the display 2A according to a gesture determined based on the detection result of the touch screen 2B. Functions provided by the control program 9 </ b> A include functions for detecting movement, stop, and the like of the user carrying the electronic device 1 based on the detection result of the motion sensor 15.

  The input control program 9B can provide a function for controlling character input executed in the electronic device 1. For example, the input control program 9B assigns a first group to at least two of a plurality of software keys (first key group) constituting the first key unit 21a, and a plurality of pieces constituting the first key unit 21a. When an operation on any of the software keys assigned to the group is detected, the second group linked to the first group assigned to the software key on which the operation is detected is changed to the second key unit. A function of assigning to at least one software key (second key group) 21b can be provided. The first group and the second group include various files, a folder for storing the file, a character input key, and the like. Further, a plurality of groups can be linked to the second group. In this case, the second group becomes the new first group, and the group linked to the second group becomes the new second group.

The first key data 9C is information on a group assigned in advance to each of a plurality of software keys constituting the first key unit 21a. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first key data according to the embodiment. The software keys 22a ₁ ,..., Software key 22a ₁₀ of the first key unit 21a are associated with the numbers of the arrays 1 to 10 corresponding to the first key data 9C, respectively. The software keys 22b ₁ ,..., Software key 22b ₁₀ of the second key unit 21b are associated with the numbers of the arrays 1 to 10 in the second key data 9D. As shown in FIG. 5, the first key data 9 </ b> C includes “document”, “picture”, software key 22 a ₁ ,..., Software key 22 a ₇ constituting the first key unit 21 a. Allocating “video”, “news”, “SNS”, “learning”, and “game” is set. “Software”, “Picture”, “Video”, “News”, “SNS”, “Learning” assigned to each of the software keys 22a ₁ ,..., Software key 22a ₁₀ constituting the first key unit 21a. "And" game "mean folders with respective names. The first key data 9C is used when executing an output corresponding to each of the software keys 22a ₁ ,..., Software key 22a ₁₀ constituting the first key unit 21a in an input process described later.

The second key data 9D is key information assigned in advance to each of a plurality of physical keys constituting the second key unit 21b. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of second key data according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the second key data 9D includes the second key data 9D for each physical key in which the operation is detected among the software keys 22a ₁ ,..., Software key 22a ₁₀ constituting the first key unit 21a. At least one assignment to the software keys 22b ₁ ,..., Software key 22b ₁₀ constituting the key unit 21b is provided. For example, when an operation on the software key 22a ₁ constituting the first key unit 21a is detected (22a ₁ = document), the software key 22b ₁ , the software key 22b ₂ , and the software key 22b ₃ are respectively “Folder 1”, “folder 2”, and “folder 3” are assigned. “Folder 1”, “Folder 2”, and “Folder 3” mean folders with respective names. For example, if the operation on the software keys 22a ₅ constituting the first key unit 21a is detected _(22a 5 = SNS), software keys _22b 1, · · ·, for each of the software keys 22b _5, " “Facebook (registered trademark)”, “LINE (registered trademark)”, “Google+ (registered trademark)”, “LinkedIn (registered trademark)”, and “Twitter (registered trademark)” are assigned. “Facebook”, “LINE”, “Google+”, “LinkedIn”, and “Twitter” are application software. The second key data 9D is used when executing an output corresponding to each of the software keys 22b ₁ ,..., Software key 22b ₅ constituting the second key unit 21b in an input process described later. In the example shown in FIG. 6, in the second key data 9D, there is no assignment to the software keys 22b ₆ ,..., The software keys 22b _{10 and the} like constituting the second key unit 21b. Directories such as application software and files may be set. It should be noted that a function for controlling the operation of the electronic device 1 may be associated with the physical key 3c ₁ , the physical key 3c ₂ , and the physical key 3c ₃ .

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of first key data according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the first key data 9C stores a file associated with the folder 1 associated with the document. That is, the first key data 9C stores a plurality of groups associated with the keys of the second key data 9D associated with the keys of the first key data 9C. Here, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the group is data. The first key data 9C includes software that configures the first key unit 21a for each physical key in which the operation is detected among the software keys 22b ₁ ,..., Software key 22b ₁₀ that configure the second key unit 21b. key _22a 1, ···, a plurality have a letter assignment to the software keys _{22a 10.} For example, when an operation on the software key 22b ₁ constituting the second key unit 21b is detected (22b ₁ = folder 1), for each of the software keys 22a ₁ ,..., Software key 22a ₄ , “Sample.txt”, “sample2.txt”, “sample3.txt”, and “sample.pdf” are set to be assigned.

  In the condition data 9E, various conditions for executing processing by the input control program 9B are set. Specifically, in the condition data 9E, an input process start condition, an input process end condition, and the like of the input control program 9B are set.

  The setting data 9Z includes information used for processing executed by the control program 9A.

  The controller 10 includes an arithmetic processing device. The arithmetic processing unit includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an SoC (System-on-a-Chip), an MCU (Micro Control Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and a coprocessor. It is not limited. The controller 10 controls various operations of the electronic device 1 to realize various functions.

  Specifically, the controller 10 executes instructions included in the program stored in the storage 9 while referring to the data stored in the storage 9 as necessary. And the controller 10 controls a function part according to data and a command, and implement | achieves various functions by it. The functional unit includes, for example, the display 2A, the communication unit 6, the microphone 8, and the speaker 11, but is not limited thereto. The controller 10 may change the control according to the detection result of the detection unit. Examples of the detection unit include, but are not limited to, the touch screen 2B, the physical key unit 3, the illuminance sensor 4, the proximity sensor 5, the microphone 8, the camera 12, the camera 13, and the motion sensor 15.

  The controller 10 can realize processing related to various operations of the electronic device 1 by executing the control program 9A.

  The controller 10 can implement a process for controlling character input executed in the electronic device 1 by executing the input control program 9B. For example, when the controller 10 detects an operation on any one of the plurality of software keys constituting the first key unit 21a by executing the input control program 9B, the controller 10 is associated with the detected physical key. A process of assigning at least one group linked in advance to the plurality of software keys to each of the plurality of software keys constituting the second key unit 21b can be realized. The controller 10 is an example of a controller.

  The speaker 11 outputs the sound signal sent from the controller 10 as sound. The speaker 11 is used for outputting a ring tone and music, for example. One of the receiver 7 and the speaker 11 may also function as the other.

  The camera 12 and the camera 13 convert the captured image into an electrical signal. The camera 12 is an in camera that captures an object facing the display 2A. The camera 13 is an out camera that captures an object facing the opposite surface of the display 2A. The camera 12 and the camera 13 may be mounted on the electronic apparatus 1 in a functionally and physically integrated state as a camera unit that can be used by switching between the in-camera and the out-camera.

  The connector 14 is a terminal to which another device is connected. The connector 14 may be a general-purpose terminal such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), Light Peak (Thunderbolt (registered trademark)), and an earphone microphone connector. . The connector 14 may be a dedicated terminal such as a dock connector. Devices connected to the connector 14 include, but are not limited to, external storage, speakers, and communication devices, for example.

  The motion sensor 15 can detect various information for determining the operation of the user carrying the electronic device 1. The motion sensor 15 may be configured as a sensor unit including an acceleration sensor, an orientation sensor, a gyroscope, a magnetic sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, and the like.

  The electronic device 1 may include a GPS receiver and a vibrator in addition to the above functional units. The GPS receiver receives a radio signal in a predetermined frequency band from a GPS satellite. The GPS receiver demodulates the received radio signal and sends the processed signal to the controller 10. The GPS receiver supports calculation processing of the current position of the electronic device 1. The electronic device 1 may include a receiver that can receive a signal from a positioning artificial satellite other than a GPS satellite, and may execute a calculation process of the current position. The vibrator vibrates a part or the whole of the electronic device 1. The vibrator includes, for example, a piezoelectric element or an eccentric motor in order to generate vibration. The electronic device 1 is mounted with a functional unit that is naturally used to maintain the function of the electronic device 1 such as a battery, and a control unit that is naturally used to control the electronic device 1.

  The electronic device 1 may access a storage server on the cloud via the communication unit 6 and acquire various programs and data.

  An example of processing of the electronic device 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an execution screen for input processing according to the embodiment. 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams for explaining screen transitions associated with the input processing according to the embodiment.

  When executing the input process, the electronic device 1 displays an execution screen 20 shown in FIG. 8 on the display 2A. The execution screen 20 includes a first key unit 21a and a second key key unit 21b.

The first key unit 21a is disposed along the side of the touch screen display 2 on the side F1 side of the housing 1h. The first key unit 21a includes software keys 22a ₁ ,..., Software keys 22a ₁₀ . The software keys 22a ₁ ,..., The software key 22a ₁₀ are areas corresponding to the software keys 22a ₁ ,..., The software key 22a ₁₀ constituting the first key unit 21a. The software keys 22a ₁ ,..., And the software keys 22a ₁₀ are arranged in a row so as to be adjacent to the software keys 22a ₁ ,..., Software keys 22a ₁₀ along the direction parallel to the y-axis shown in FIG. Are displayed side by side. That is, the software keys 22a ₁ ,..., The software key 22a ₁₀ are arranged along the side of the touch screen display 2. Software key _22a 1, · · ·, software keys _{22a 10} includes software keys _22a 1, · · ·, displays the name of the group assigned to the software key _{22a 10.} The second key unit 21b is disposed along the side of the touch screen display 2 on the side F2 side of the housing 1h. The second key unit 21b includes software keys 22b ₁ ,..., Software keys 22b ₁₀ . The software keys 22b ₁ ,..., The software keys 22b ₁₀ are areas corresponding to the software keys 22b ₁ ,..., And the software keys 22b ₁₀ constituting the second key unit 21b, respectively. The software keys 22b ₁ ,..., And the software keys 22b ₁₀ are arranged in a row so as to be adjacent to the software keys 22b ₁ ,..., Software keys 22b ₁₀ along the direction parallel to the y-axis shown in FIG. Are displayed side by side. That is, the software keys 22b ₁ ,..., The software key 22b ₁₀ are arranged along the side of the touch screen display 2. Software key _22b 1, · · ·, software keys _{22b 10,} the software key _22b 1, · · ·, and displays the name given to a group that is assigned in advance to the software key _{22b 10.} In addition, although the name of the group was displayed on the 1st key unit 21a and the 2nd key unit 21b, it should just be the display which can identify a group, and is not limited to a name. In addition, the first key unit 21a and the second key unit 21b may allocate a software key area to the touch screen 2B, and may not display characters or the like.

An example of screen transition in the input process will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the electronic device 1 displays an input process execution screen 20 on the display 2A (step S12). Specifically, the first key unit 21a associates each group of the first group, the software keys 22a 1 to a name corresponding to the group that _associates, ..., to display the software key 22a _7. The software keys 22a ₁ ,..., And the software key 22a ₇ display characters “document”, “picture”, “video”, “news”, “SNS”, “learning”, and “game”, respectively. Subsequently, when the electronic device 1 detects a touch on the software key 22a ₁ , the electronic device 1 executes an output corresponding to the software key 22a ₁ (step S14). Specifically, the electronic apparatus 1 outputs a read-out sound of “document” having the name of the group assigned to the software key 22 a ₁ from the speaker 11. Further, the display different display areas corresponding to the software key 22a ₁ and other regions. For example, the background color is changed.

Subsequently, when the software key 22a ₁ is pressed, the electronic device 1 executes an output corresponding to the software key 22a ₁ (step S16). Here, the pressing of the software key is an operation set in advance by an operation different from the touch. For example, a long tap, a double tap, or the like. The pressing operation may be an operation on a physical key. Specifically, the electronic device 1, the software key _22b 1 associated with the software keys 22a _1, · · ·, each of the software keys 22b _3, software keys _22b 1, · · ·, software keys 22b ₃ Assign a pre-linked group. For example, the software key 22b _1, software keys 22b _2, for each of the software keys 22b _3, "Folder 1", "Folder 2", assigned to groups of "Folder 3", software keys 22b _1, software keys 22b ₂ Then, the software key 22b ₃ is displayed with images of characters of “folder 1”, “folder 2”, and “folder 3”.

Subsequently, when the electronic device 1 detects a touch on the software key 22b ₃ , the electronic device 1 executes an output corresponding to the software key 22b ₃ (step S18). Specifically, the electronic device 1 outputs a read-out sound of the character “folder 3” assigned to the software key 22 b ₃ from the speaker 11. Further, a display different display software key 22b ₃ corresponding to the software key 22b ₃ and other areas. For example, the background color is changed.

Subsequently, when the software key 22b ₃ is pressed, the electronic device 1 executes an output corresponding to the software key 22b ₃ (step S20). Specifically, the electronic device 1, the software keys _22a 1 associated with the software key 22b _3, · · ·, each of the software keys 22a _4, software keys _22a 1, · · ·, software keys 22a ₄ Assign a pre-linked group. For example, software keys _22a 1, · · ·, for each of the software keys 22a _4, allocates a group of "sample.txt", "sample2.txt", "sample3.txt", "sample.pdf" software In the areas corresponding to the key 22a ₁ , software key 22a ₂ , software key 22a ₃ , and software key 22a ₄ , “sample.txt”, “sample2.txt”, “sample3.txt”, and “sample.pdf” are displayed. Display a character image.

Subsequently, the electronic device 1 detects a touch to the software keys 22a _4, executes an output corresponding to the software key 22a ₄ (step S22). Specifically, the electronic device 1 outputs a read-out sound of “sample.pdf” having the name of the group assigned to the software key 22 a ₄ from the speaker 11. Further, a display different display software keys 22a ₄ corresponding to the software key 22a ₄ and other areas. For example, the background color is changed.

Subsequently, when the software key 22a ₄ is pressed, the electronic device 1 executes an output corresponding to the software key 22a ₄ (step S24). Specifically, tied to the software key 22a ₄ "sample.pdf" is because the data file, executes the selected file. For example, the data file image is displayed with the set application software.

  In step S <b> 14, the electronic device 1 outputs a read-out sound of a character assigned to the software key at every elapse of a certain period of time while detecting no touch to another software key or pressing of the software key. You may repeat. When an editing function such as line feed, deletion, conversion, or the like is assigned to the software key, a reading voice corresponding to the content of the corresponding editing function may be output. In step S14, the electronic device 1 does not need to perform any processing when there is no assignment of characters and editing functions to the software key, and reads out that there is no notification or assignment by the vibrator. You may perform the output of an audio | voice, alert | report by a buzzer sound, etc. Alternatively, the electronic device 1 may have a mechanism in which a physical key to which no character and no editing function are assigned cannot be pressed.

  In step S <b> 16, when the electronic device 1 detects pressing of the software key, the electronic device 1 may perform feedback by vibration of a vibrator or output of a sound effect from the speaker 11.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, when the electronic device 1 has fewer groups than the software keys 22a ₁ ,..., Software keys 22a ₁₀ to be assigned to the first key unit 21a, the software key 22a ₁ (the key unit 3c is Although the case where the groups are allocated from the side opposite to the side where they are arranged has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the number of groups to be assigned is smaller than the number of software keys 22a ₁ ,..., Software key 22a ₁₀ , the electronic device 1 may assign the groups by packing from the software key 22a ₁₀ . For example, when the group to be assigned is at least two fewer than the number of software keys 22a ₁ ,..., Software key 22a ₁₀ , the electronic device 1 does not assign groups to both sides of the software key 22a ₁ and the software key 22a _10. Also good. Further, the electronic device 1, the software key _22b 1 of the second key unit 21b, · · ·, the number of groups to be allocated to the software keys _{22b 10} is software key _22b 1, · · ·, than the number in the software key _{22b 10} The same applies when the number is small.

  In the above embodiment, the electronic device 1 performs an operation based on detection of a touch on a software key. However, the electronic device 1 may execute an operation based on detection of a press of a software key. Further, after detecting a touch, the electronic device 1 may perform an operation when a press is detected, or may perform an operation when a press is detected without detecting a touch. . Further, although the electronic device 1 outputs the sound corresponding to the detected operation, the display corresponding to the operated software key may be highlighted without outputting the sound. Further, the electronic device 1 may output a sound corresponding to the operated software key and highlight a display corresponding to the operated software key. Moreover, although it is preferable that the electronic device 1 displays the image corresponding to a software key on the display 2A corresponding to a software key, it is not necessary to display it. Moreover, although mentioned later, the electronic device 1 does not need to be provided with the display 2A.

  In the description of FIG. 9 described above, when the electronic device 1 outputs a text-to-speech voice via the speaker 11, the electronic device 1 may highlight the corresponding character image on the display 2A. The electronic device 1 may change the display mode of the character image displayed on the display 2A depending on whether the software key is touched or the software key is pressed.

Another example of screen transition in the input process will be described with reference to FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the electronic device 1 displays an input processing execution screen 20 on the display 2 </ b> A (step S <b> 32). Subsequently, when the electronic device 1 detects a touch on the software key 22a ₅ , the electronic device 1 executes an output corresponding to the software key 22a ₅ (step S34). Specifically, the electronic device 1 outputs a read-out sound of “SNS” of the group assigned to the software key 22 a ₅ from the speaker 11. In addition, the electronic device 1, the software key _22b 1 that is associated with the software key 22a _5, ···, to each of the software key 22b _5, "Facebook", "LINE", "Google +", "LinkedIn", Assign a group of "Twitter", software key _22b 1, ···, to each of the software key 22b _5, "Facebook", "LINE", "Google +", "LinkedIn", to display the character of "Twitter".

Subsequently, when the software key 22a ₅ is pressed, the electronic device 1 executes an output corresponding to the software key 22a ₅ (step S36). Specifically, the electronic device 1 determines the input of the SNS that has been provisionally determined as the selected group. Here, the provisional decision is a state where selection has not been confirmed. The electronic device 1 can inform the user of the temporarily determined operation by outputting or highlighting the sound corresponding to the temporarily determined software key. Thereby, it is possible to know the group that is operating in a state where the group to be selected can be changed before the operation is determined. Specifically, the electronic device 1, the software key _22b 1 associated with the software keys 22a _5, · · ·, each of the software keys 22b _5, software keys _22b 1, · · ·, software keys 22b ₅ Assign a group linked in advance to and confirm. For example, a group of “Facebook”, “LINE”, “Google+”, “LinkedIn”, and “Twitter” is assigned to each of the software keys 22b ₁ ..., Software key 22b ₅ , and the software keys 22b ₁ ,. ..., “Facebook”, “LINE”, “Google+”, “LinkedIn”, and “Twitter” are displayed on the software keys 22b ₅ respectively.

Subsequently, the electronic device 1 detects a touch to the software key 22b _1, executes an output corresponding to the software key 22b ₁ (step S38). Specifically, the electronic device 1 outputs a reading voice of the character “Facebook” assigned to the software key 22 b ₁ from the speaker 11. Further, a display different display software key 22b ₁ corresponding to the software key 22b ₁ and other regions. For example, the background color is changed. Subsequently, when the software key 22b ₁ is pressed, the electronic device 1 executes an output corresponding to the software key 22b ₁ (step S40). More specifically, to perform the "Facebook", which is tied to the software key 22b ₁ in the application software.

The flow of processing executed by the electronic device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing executed by the electronic device according to the embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 11 is realized by the controller 10 executing the input control program 9B. In the description of FIG. 11, software keys 22a _m is software keys _22a 1 constituting the first key unit 21a, · · ·, corresponding to the software key _{22a 10.} In the description of FIG. 11, the software key 22b _n corresponds to the software keys 22b ₁ ,..., Software key 22b ₁₀ constituting the second key unit 21b.

As shown in FIG. 11, the controller 10 determines whether it has detected the tentative selection operation to any of the software keys 22a _m of the first key unit 21a (step S101). Here, the tentative selection operation, in the above embodiments, operation of the touch or the like to the software keys 22a _m. The provisional selection operation includes a user operation for making the provisional determination. In the following description, the provisional selection operation is also referred to as touch.

The controller 10, as a result of the judgment, when detecting a provisional selection operation on the software keys 22a _m (step S101, Yes), executes the output corresponding to the software key 22a _m detecting the tentative selection operation (step S102).

Subsequently, the controller 10 determines whether it has detected the determination operation of the software keys 22a _m (step S103). Here, determination operation, in the above embodiment, a pressing of the software keys 22a _m.

The controller 10, as a result of the judgment, when detecting a determination operation of the software keys 22a _m (step S103, Yes), executes the output corresponding to the detected software key 22a _m a decision operation (step S104), and the step S101 Return to the procedure.

In step S103, the controller 10, the result of the determination, if not detecting the deciding operation of the software keys 22a _m (step S103, No), the process returns to the procedure of Step S101.

In step S101, the controller 10, the result of the determination, if it does not detect a tentative selection operation of the software keys 22a _m (step S101, No), the temporary selection of the one of the software keys 22b _n of the second key unit 21b It is determined whether an operation has been detected (step S105).

If the controller 10 detects a temporary selection operation on the software key 22b _{n as} a result of the determination (step S105, Yes), the controller 10 executes an output corresponding to the software key 22b _n that has detected the temporary selection operation (step S106).

Subsequently, the controller 10 determines whether or not the determination operation of the software key 22b _n is detected (step S107).

The controller 10, as a result of the judgment, when detecting a determination operation of the software keys 22b _n (step S107, Yes), executes the output corresponding to the detected software key 22b _n the determination operation (step S108), step S101 Return to the procedure.

In step S107, the controller 10, the result of the determination, if not detecting the deciding operation of the software keys 22b _n (step S107, No), the process returns to the procedure of Step S101.

In step S105, the controller 10, the result of the determination, if it does not detect a tentative selection operation of the software key 22b _n (step S105, No), the temporary selection operation to other than the first key unit 21a and the second key unit 21b Is detected (step S109).

  If the controller 10 detects a provisional selection operation other than the first key unit 21a and the second key unit 21b as a result of the determination (step S109, Yes), the process shown in FIG. 11 ends. On the other hand, if the controller 10 does not detect a temporary selection operation other than the first key unit 21a and the second key unit 21b as a result of the determination (No in step S109), the process returns to step S101. .

  Here, as an operation corresponding to the software key, when the group associated with the software key is a group associated with a plurality of files and folders such as folders, the group associated with the group is assigned to the other group. There is a process to display in the key area. The operation corresponding to the software key includes a process of displaying the data or executing the application when the group associated with the software key is data such as a file or application software.

  According to the above embodiment, the electronic device 1 assigns a group to each of a plurality of software keys arranged in a row, thereby making it easier to recognize where the group is assigned and improving operability. Can do. In addition, when a group is associated in a hierarchy and a group is selected, it is possible to easily select a desired group by associating the group associated with the selected group with each of the other key units. . In addition, by linking the groups alternately with the two key units, a simple operation can be performed, and the conventional input can be improved in terms of operability.

  The electronic device 1 provides software keys for assigning groups along the sides of the touch screen display 2. The electronic device 1 may be provided with software keys along the edge of the housing 1 h, the boundary between the housing 1 h and the touch screen display 2, and the side of the touch screen display 2. Thereby, the user selects and operates the software key by moving a finger or the like along the edge of the housing 1h, the boundary between the housing 1h and the touch screen display 2, and the side of the touch screen display 2. The software key can be operated with a simple operation.

Next, another example of input processing executed by the electronic device 1 will be described. In addition, the electronic device 1 of the present embodiment uses a plurality of physical keys as the second key unit. FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the electronic device according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of key units according to the embodiment. The electronic device 1 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is the same as the electronic device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 except that the physical key unit 3 is provided with the key unit 3b. The electronic device 1 according to the embodiment includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 1h, and the plane of the electronic device 1 has a substantially rectangular shape as shown in FIG. The key unit 3b includes a total of ten physical keys, ie, physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., Physical key 3b ₁₀ shown in FIG. The physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., The physical keys 3b ₁₀ are arranged in a line along the right side edge F2 of the casing 1h of the electronic device 1 in a direction parallel to the y-axis shown in FIG. The The key unit 3c includes a total of three physical keys, a physical key 3c ₁ , a physical key 3c ₂ , and a physical key 3c ₃ shown in FIG. The physical key 3c ₁ , the physical key 3c ₂ , and the physical key 3c ₃ are arranged in a row along the edge F3 on the bottom side of the housing 1h of the electronic device 1 in a direction parallel to the x axis shown in FIG. Be placed. The number of physical keys constituting each of the key unit 3b and the key unit 3c shown in FIG. 13 is an example, and the physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., And the physical key 3b ₁₀ shown in FIG. Although it arrange | positions along the edge F2 by the side of the right side of the housing | casing 1h, the arrangement | positioning along 1 side which comprises the outline of the touch screen display 2 may be sufficient. For example, the physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., The physical key 3b ₁₀ may be disposed along the edge F1 on the left side of the housing 1h of the electronic device 1. Similarly, the physical key 3c ₁ , the physical key 3c ₂ , and the physical key 3c ₃ may be arranged along one side constituting the outline of the touch screen display 2. That is, even if the key unit 3b and the key unit 3c are arranged along the outer side of the casing 1h, the key unit 3b and the key unit 3c are located on the side of the casing 1h on the touch screen display 2 side, the boundary between the casing 1h and the touch screen display 2. You may arrange along.

The electronic device 1 assigns a software key area corresponding to the first key unit 21a to the touch screen 2B. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the first key unit 21a includes software keys 22a ₁ ,..., Software keys 22a ₁₀ . In the present embodiment, the first key unit 21 a is arranged along the left side edge F <b> 1 of the housing 1 h of the electronic device 1, but is arranged along any side constituting the outline of the touch screen display 2. It may be.

The physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., The physical key 3b ₁₀ constituting the key unit 3b can detect key presses. The physical key 3c ₁ , the physical key 3c ₂ , and the physical key 3c ₃ constituting the key unit 3c can detect pressing of the key. The detection of pressing of each physical key constituting the key unit 3b and the key unit 3c may be individually performed by each physical key. Each physical key constituting the key unit 3b and the key unit 3c may be configured such that the surface texture of each physical key has a texture different from that of other members of the electronic device 1. Each physical key constituting the key unit 3b and the key unit 3c may adopt an arbitrary shape such as a cylindrical shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, or a roof shape as the shape of the surface of each physical key. Each physical key constituting the key unit 3b and the key unit 3c may be configured to be pressed in two or more stages. The physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., The physical key 3b ₁₀ constituting the key unit 3b are an example of a second physical key.

Here, in the present embodiment, a case will be described where characters are associated with each other as a group. In this case, a group including a plurality of characters or a group of one character is associated with the first key data 9C and the second key data 9D. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of first key data according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of second key data according to the embodiment. The software keys 22a ₁ ,..., Software key 22a ₁₀ of the first key unit 21a are associated with the numbers of the arrays 1 to 10 corresponding to the first key data 9C, respectively. The physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., The physical key 3b ₁₀ of the key unit 3b are associated with the arrays 1 to 10, respectively. The first key data 9C is key information assigned in advance to each of a plurality of software keys constituting the first key unit 21a. As shown in FIG. 14, the first key data 9C includes “a”, “ka”, software keys 22a ₁ ,..., Software key 22a ₁₀ constituting the first key unit 21a. “SA”, “TA”, “NA”, “HA”, “MA”, “YA”, “RA”, “WA” are assigned to be assigned. "A", "KA", "SA", "TA", "NA", "HA" assigned to each of the software keys 22a ₁ ,..., Software key 22a ₁₀ constituting the first key unit 21a. ”,“ Ma ”,“ ya ”,“ ra ”,“ wa ”characters are A line, ka line, SA line, TA line, NA line, HA line, MA line, line, RA line, WA line Means each line. The first key data 9C is used when executing an output corresponding to each of the software keys 22a ₁ ,..., Software key 22a ₁₀ constituting the first key unit 21a in a character input process described later.

The second key data 9D is key information assigned in advance to each of a plurality of physical keys constituting the key unit 3b. As shown in FIG. 15, the second key data 9D includes a key unit 3b for each physical key in which an operation is detected among the physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., Physical key 3b ₁₀ constituting the key unit 3b. physical key _3b 1 constituting, ..., a plurality have a letter assignment to the physical key 3b _5. For example, when an operation on the software key 22a ₁ constituting the first key unit 21a is detected (22a ₁ = first key unit array 1 = a), the physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., The physical key 3b Each of ₅ is set to be assigned the characters “A”, “I”, “U”, “E”, “O”. For example, when an operation on the software key 22a ₂ constituting the first key unit 21a is detected (22a ₂ = array of first key units 2 =), the physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., The physical key 3b Each of ₅ is set to be assigned the characters “ka”, “ki”, “ku”, “ke”, and “ko”. For example, when an operation on the software key 22a ₃ constituting the first key unit 21a is detected (22a ₃ = first key unit array 3 = sa), the physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., The physical key 3b Each of ₅ is set to be assigned the characters “sa”, “shi”, “su”, “se”, and “so”. For example, when an operation on the software key 22a ₄ constituting the first key unit 21a is detected (22a ₄ = array 4 of the first key unit =), the physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., The physical key 3b Each of ₅ is set to be assigned the characters “ta”, “chi”, “tsu”, “te”, “to”. For example, when an operation on the software key 22a ₅ constituting the first key unit 21a is detected (22a ₅ = first key unit array 5 = N), the physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., The physical key 3b Each of ₅ is set to be assigned the characters “na”, “ni”, “nu”, “ne”, “no”. For example, when an operation on the software key 22a ₆ constituting the first key unit 21a is detected (22a ₆ = first key unit array 6 = ha), the physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., The physical key 3b Each of ₅ is set to be assigned the characters “ha”, “hi”, “fu”, “to”, and “ho”. For example, when an operation on the software key 22a ₇ constituting the first key unit 21a is detected (22a ₇ = first key unit array 7 = m), the physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., The physical key 3b Each of ₅ is set to be assigned the characters “ma”, “mi”, “mu”, “me”, and “mo”. For example, when an operation on the software key 22a ₈ constituting the first key unit 21a is detected (22a ₈ = first key unit array 8 = or), the physical key 3b ₁ , the physical key 3b ₃ , the physical key It is set to assign characters “ya”, “yu”, and “yo” to each of 3b ₅ . For example, when an operation on the software key 22a ₉ constituting the first key unit 21a is detected (22a ₉ = array 9 of the first key unit 9), the physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., The physical key 3b Each of ₅ is set to be assigned the characters “ra”, “ri”, “ru”, “re”, “ro”. For example, when an operation on the software key 22a ₁₀ constituting the first key unit 21a is detected (22a ₁₀ = first key unit array 10 = wa), the physical key 3b ₁ , the physical key 3b ₃ , the physical key It is set to assign the characters “wa”, “wo”, and “n” to each of 3b ₅ . The second key data 9D is used when executing output corresponding to each of the physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., The physical key 3b ₅ constituting the key unit 3b in the character input process described later. In the example shown in FIG. 15, in the second key data 9D, there is no assignment for the physical keys 3b ₆ ,..., The physical key 3b ₁₀ constituting the key unit 3b. Editing functions such as deletion and conversion may be set. Incidentally, physical key 3c _1, · · ·, to the physical key 3c _3, may have features corresponding to control operation of the electronic device 1.

  An example of processing of the electronic device 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 19. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an execution screen for character input processing according to the embodiment. 17 to 19 are schematic diagrams for explaining screen transitions associated with the character input process according to the embodiment.

  When executing the character input process, the electronic device 1 displays the execution screen 20 shown in FIG. 16 on the display 2A. The execution screen 20 includes a character input field 40, a first key unit 21a, and a second key area 23.

The character input field 40 displays characters input by the character input process. The first key unit 21a includes software keys 22a ₁ ,..., Software keys 22a ₁₀ . The software keys 22a ₁ ,..., Software key 22a ₁₀ display an image of characters assigned to each software key. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the regions 22 a ₁ ,..., The region 22 a ₁₀ are “A”, “KA”, “SA”, “TA”, “NA”, “HA”, “MA”, “YA”. ”,“ Ra ”, and“ Wa ”. The second key area 23 includes areas 23b ₁ ,..., Area 23b ₁₀ . The areas 23b ₁ ,..., And the area 23b ₁₀ are areas corresponding to the physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., And the physical key 3b ₁₀ constituting the key unit 3b, respectively. The regions 23b ₁ ,..., And the region 23b ₁₀ are arranged in a row so as to be adjacent to the physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., The physical key 3b ₁₀ along the direction parallel to the y axis shown in FIG. Is displayed. Region _23b 1, · · ·, region _{23b 10} the physical key _3b 1, · · ·, from among characters assigned in advance to physical key _{3b 10,} the physical key _3b 1, · · ·, physical key _{3b 10} The image of the character corresponding to the operated physical key is displayed.

An example of screen transition in the character input process will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, the electronic device 1 displays the character input process execution screen 20 on the display 2A (step S51). Subsequently, the electronic device 1 detects a touch to the software keys 22a _3, executes an output corresponding to the software key 22a ₃ (step S52). Specifically, the electronic device 1 outputs the read-out voice M ₁ of the character “sa” assigned to the software key 22 a ₃ from the speaker 11.

Subsequently, when the software key 22a ₃ is pressed, the electronic device 1 executes an output corresponding to the software key 22a ₃ (step S53). Specifically, the electronic device 1 includes a physical key 3b ₁ ,..., A physical key 3b ₅ for each of the physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., And the physical key 3b ₅ associated with the software key 22a _3. Assign at least one character previously associated with. For example, the characters “sa”, “shi”, “su”, “se”, “so” are assigned to each of the physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., And the physical key 3b ₅ , and the physical keys 3b ₁ ,. ..., images of the characters "sa", "shi", "su", "se", and "so" are stored in the areas 23b ₁ , ..., area 23b ₅ corresponding to the physical keys 3b ₅ respectively. Display.

Subsequently, when the electronic device 1 detects a touch on the physical key 3b ₃ , the electronic device 1 executes an output corresponding to the physical key 3b ₃ (step S54). Specifically, the electronic device 1 outputs the read-out voice M ₂ of the character “SU” assigned to the physical key 3 b ₃ from the speaker 11.

Subsequently, when the physical key 3b ₃ is pressed, the electronic device 1 executes an output corresponding to the physical key 3b ₃ (step S55). Specifically, the electronic device 1 determines the input of the character “SU” assigned to the physical key 3 b ₃ and displays it in the character input field 40.

  In step S52, the electronic device 1 outputs a read-out sound of a character assigned to the physical key every time a predetermined time has elapsed since it does not detect a touch on another physical key or a press on the physical key. You may repeat. When an editing function such as line feed, deletion, conversion, etc. is assigned to the physical key, a reading voice corresponding to the content of the corresponding editing function may be output. In step S52, the electronic device 1 does not need to perform any processing when there is no assignment of characters and editing functions to the physical key, and reads out that there is no notification or assignment by the vibrator. You may perform the output of an audio | voice, alerting | reporting by a buzzer sound, etc. Alternatively, the electronic device 1 may have a mechanism in which a physical key to which no character and no editing function are assigned cannot be pressed.

In step S <b> 53, when the electronic device 1 detects pressing of a physical key, the electronic device 1 may execute feedback by vibration of a vibrator or output of a sound effect from the speaker 11. In the above step S53, when the physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., The physical key 3b ₅ are provided with a physical mechanism capable of expressing a Braille pattern on the operation surface, the electronic device 1 is associated with the software key 22a _3. physical key _3b 1 are, ..., to each physical key 3b _5, physical key _3b 1, ..., when allocating at least one of characters assigned in advance cord to a physical key 3b _5, each character A corresponding braille pattern may be displayed.

  In the description of FIG. 17 described above, the electronic device 1 may highlight the corresponding character image on the display 2 </ b> A when outputting the text-to-speech voice via the speaker 11. The electronic device 1 may change the display mode of the character image displayed on the display 2A depending on whether the physical key is touched or when the physical key is pressed. In the above embodiment, an example in which the electronic device 1 displays the character input field 40 will be described, but the character input field 40 may not be displayed.

  In the above embodiment, the electronic device 1 performs an operation based on detection of a touch on a software key. However, the electronic device 1 may execute an operation based on detection of a press of a software key. Further, the electronic device 1 may be configured to perform an operation when a press is detected after detecting a touch on a software key, or without performing a touch detection and performing an operation when a press is detected. May be. Further, although the electronic device 1 outputs the sound corresponding to the detected operation, the display corresponding to the operated software key or physical key may be highlighted without outputting the sound. In addition, the electronic device 1 may output a sound corresponding to the operated software key or physical key and highlight the display corresponding to the operated software key or physical key. Moreover, although it is preferable that the electronic device 1 displays the image corresponding to a software key and a physical key on the display 2A, it is not necessary to display at least one. Moreover, although mentioned later, the electronic device 1 does not need to be provided with the display 2A.

Another example of screen transition in the character input process will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, the electronic device 1 displays the character input process execution screen 20 on the display 2A (step S61). Subsequently, the electronic device 1 detects a touch to the software keys 22a _3, executes an output corresponding to the software key 22a ₃ (step S62). Specifically, the electronic device 1 outputs the read-out voice M ₁ of the character “sa” assigned to the software key 22 a ₃ from the speaker 11. Furthermore, the electronic device 1 includes “sa”, “shi”, “su”, “se”, “physical key 3b ₁ ,..., Physical key 3b ₅ associated with the software key 22a ₃ . Assign the letters "their" physical key _3b 1, · · ·, region _23b 1 corresponding to the respective physical key 3b _5, · · ·, in the region 23b _5, "of", "teeth", "su" , “SE” and “SO” are displayed. Furthermore, the electronic device 1 provisionally determines the character “sa” assigned to the software key 22a ₃ where the touch is detected as an input candidate.

Subsequently, when the software key 22a ₃ is pressed, the electronic device 1 executes an output corresponding to the software key 22a ₃ (step S63). Specifically, the electronic device 1 determines the input of the character “sa” that has been provisionally determined as the input candidate and displays it in the character input field 40.

Another example of screen transition in the character input process will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 19, the electronic device 1 displays a character input process execution screen 20 on the display 2A (step S71). Subsequently, when the electronic device 1 detects a touch on the software key 22a ₂ , the electronic device 1 executes an output corresponding to the software key 22a ₂ (step S72). Specifically, the electronic device 1 outputs a sound M ₃ reading of the character "or" assigned to the software key 22a ₂ from the speaker 11. Furthermore, the electronic device 1 includes “ka”, “ki”, “ku”, “ke”, “physical key 3 b ₁ ,..., Physical key 3 b ₅ associated with the software key 22 a ₂ , respectively. Assign the character of "child", a physical key _3b 1, ···, area _23b 1 corresponding to each of the physical key 3b _5, ···, in the area 23b _5, "or", "ki", "V" , “Ke” and “ko” are displayed. Furthermore, the electronic device 1 provisionally determines the character “ka” assigned to the software key 22a ₂ where the touch is detected as an input candidate.

Subsequently, when the electronic device 1 detects a new touch on the physical key 3b _{3 in} a state where pressing of the software key 22a ₂ temporarily determined as an input candidate is not detected, the electronic device 1 executes an output corresponding to the physical key 3b ₃ ( Step S73). Specifically, the electronic device 1 outputs the read-out voice M ₄ of the character “ku” assigned to the physical key 3 b ₃ from the speaker 11.

Subsequently, when the physical key 3b ₃ is pressed, the electronic device 1 executes an output corresponding to the physical key 3b ₃ (step S74). Specifically, the electronic device 1 cancels the provisional determination of the character “ka” as an input candidate, determines the input of the character “ku” assigned to the physical key 3 b ₃ , and displays it in the character input field 40. Let

Subsequently, when the electronic device 1 detects a touch on the software key 22a _{1 while} the touch on the physical key 3b ₃ is continued, the electronic device 1 outputs outputs corresponding to the touch on the physical key 3b ₃ and the touch on the software key 22a ₁ . Execute (Step S75). Specifically, the electronic device 1 assigns “A”, “I”, “U”, “H” to each of the physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., And the physical key 3b ₅ associated with the software key 22a _1. e "," assigned a character of your "physical key _3b 1, ···, area _23b 1 corresponding to each of the physical key 3b _5, ···, in the area 23b _5," a "," i ", Display the letters "U", "E", and "O". The electronic device 1 outputs a sound M ₅ reading of the character "U" that is assigned to the physical key 3b ₃ a touch is being continued from the speaker 11. Furthermore, the electronic device 1 provisionally determines the character “U” assigned to the physical key 3b ₃ that has been touched as an input candidate.

Subsequently, when the physical key 3b ₃ is pressed, the electronic device 1 executes an output corresponding to the physical key 3b ₃ (step S76). Specifically, the electronic device 1 determines the input of the character “U” that has been provisionally determined as the input candidate, and displays it in the character input field 40.

A flow of processing executed by the electronic apparatus according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing executed by the electronic device according to the embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 20 is realized by the controller 10 executing the character input control program 9B. In the description of FIG. 20, software keys 22a _m is software keys _22a 1 constituting the first key unit, ..., corresponding to the software key _{22a 10.} In the description of FIG. 20, the physical key 3b _n corresponds to the physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., The physical key 3b ₁₀ constituting the key unit 3b.

As shown in FIG. 20, the controller 10 determines whether it has detected a touch on any of the software keys 22a _m of the first key unit 21a (step S201).

The controller 10, as a result of the judgment, when detecting a touch to the software key 22a _m (step S201, Yes), executes the output corresponding to the software key 22a _m detecting the touch (step S202).

Subsequently, the controller 10 determines whether it has detected the depression of the software keys 22a _m (step S203).

The controller 10, as a result of the judgment, when detecting a depression of the software keys 22a _m (step S203, Yes), executes the output corresponding to the software key 22a _m detecting the pressed (step S204), the process of step S201 Return to procedure.

In step S203, the controller 10, the result of the determination, if detecting no depression of the software keys 22a _m (step S203, No), the process returns to the procedure of step S201.

In step S201, the controller 10, the result of the determination, if not detecting the touch to the software keys 22a _m (step S201, No), whether it has detected a touch on any of the physical key 3b _n key unit 3b Determination is made (step S205).

If the controller 10 detects a touch on the physical key 3b _{n as} a result of the determination (step S205, Yes), the controller 10 executes an output corresponding to the physical key 3b _n that has detected the touch (step S206).

Subsequently, the controller 10 determines whether or not the pressing of the physical key 3b _n is detected (step S207).

When the controller 10 detects that the physical key 3b _n is pressed as a result of the determination (step S207, Yes), the controller 10 executes an output corresponding to the physical key 3b _n detected to be pressed (step S208), and the process of step S201 described above. Return to procedure.

In step S207, when the controller 10 does not detect pressing of the physical key 3b _n as a result of the determination (step S207, No), the controller 10 returns to the processing procedure of step S201.

In step S205, if the controller 10 does not detect a touch on the physical key 3b _{n as} a result of the determination (No in step S205), the controller 10 determines whether a touch other than the first key unit 21a and the key unit 3b is detected. (Step S209).

  As a result of the determination, when the controller 10 detects a touch to other than the first key unit 21a and the key unit 3b (step S209, Yes), the process illustrated in FIG. 20 ends. On the other hand, when the controller 10 does not detect a touch on any part other than the first key unit 21a and the second key unit 3b as a result of the determination (No in step S209), the controller 10 returns to the processing procedure in step S201.

Note that although character input has been described as an example in the present embodiment, the same applies to a combination of folders and data associated in the above-described hierarchy. According to the above embodiment, the electronic device 1 assigns a group to each of a plurality of physical keys and software keys arranged in a row, thereby making it easier to recognize where the group is assigned and improving operability. Can be high. In addition, when a group is associated in a hierarchy and a group is selected, it is possible to easily select a desired group by associating the group associated with the selected group with each of the other key units. . Moreover, a simple operation can be performed by associating a group with two key units alternately. Further, the key unit 3b including the physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., The physical key 3b ₁₀ may be used as the second key unit corresponding to the second key data. Even when the physical key is used as described above, it is possible to easily determine where the physical key is operated by arranging the physical key along the side of the housing 1h. can do. The electronic device 1 can improve conventional input in terms of operability.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input processing execution screen according to the embodiment. FIG. 21 shows an example in which the operation target is a character conversion process. In the example shown in FIG. 21, the electronic device 1 displays a screen including the first key unit 21a and the second key unit 21b and the character input field 40 on the display 2A (step S80). A plurality of software keys of the first key unit 21a are assigned to the A, A, A, A, A, A, A, A, A, A, A, R, and A lines. When the software key 22a ₃ of the first key unit 21a is temporarily selected, the software keys 22b ₁ ,..., The software key 22b ₅ of the first key unit 21b include “sa”, “shi”, “su”. "," Se ", and" so "are assigned. In step S80, the user is performing provisional selection operation on the software key 22b _1.

The electronic device 1 detects the temporary selection operation on the software key 22b _1, the group assigned to the software key 22b ₁ cord Tagged groups (characters) (characters) are assigned to the physical keys of the key unit 3b ( Step S81). In the example shown in FIG. 21, the characters “sa” assigned to the software key 22b ₁ include “difference”, “examination”, “sa”, “chain”, “sa (half-width)”, “sa”, Characters such as “嵯”, “early”, “trivial”, “娑”, “invite”, “嵯”, “紗”, “sha”, “裟”, “tea” are linked as conversion candidates. Yes. Data indicating conversion candidate characters is stored in the storage 9. In the example shown in step S81, the electronic device 1 includes “an arrow indicating candidate movement”, “difference”, “examination”, physical key 3b ₁ ,..., Physical key 3b ₁₀ of the key unit 3b. “Sa”, “chain”, “sa (half-width)”, “sa”, “嵯”, “early”, “an arrow indicating candidate movement” are assigned. For example, the electronic device 1 displays a screen including the second key unit 21b, the character input field 40, and the prediction conversion candidate unit 42 on the display 2A. In the example shown in step S81, the screen has the second key unit 21b larger than the second key unit 21b shown in step S80, but may have the same size. In the example shown in step S81, the screen does not include the first key unit 21a, but may include the first key unit 21a. The electronic device 1 displays the character “sa” in the character input field 40. The prediction conversion candidate unit 42 has a plurality of areas 44 corresponding to the physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., The physical key 3b ₁₀ of the key unit 3b. The area 44 displays characters assigned to the physical key of the corresponding key unit 3b. In the example shown in step S81, the predictive conversion candidate unit 42 includes “an arrow indicating candidate movement”, “difference”, “examination”, “sa”, “chain”, “sa (half-width)”, “sa”, An image showing each of “嵯”, “early”, and “arrow indicating candidate movement” is displayed in each of the plurality of regions 44.

  In this embodiment, since the number of groups linked to the characters of the group assigned to the software key is larger than the number of physical key groups, an operation for scrolling candidates to the physical key at the end of the key unit 3b is performed. Is associated with “an arrow indicating candidate movement”, but is not limited thereto. For example, if the number of groups associated with the characters of the group assigned to the software key is less than or equal to the number of physical key groups, it is not necessary to assign “an arrow indicating candidate movement” to the physical key. .

  When the electronic device 1 detects a temporary selection operation on the physical key of the key unit 3b, the electronic device 1 may read out a character assigned to the physical key that has been temporarily selected. As a result, the user can recognize the conversion candidate characters assigned to the key unit 3b.

Subsequently, when the electronic device 1 detects a determination operation for the physical key 3b ₁ , the electronic device 1 executes a process corresponding to the physical key 3b ₁ (step S82). Specifically, the electronic device 1 assigns another character of the group associated with the character of the group assigned to the software key 22b ₁ to the physical key group of the key unit 3b. In the example shown in step S82, each of the physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., Physical key 3b ₁₀ of the key unit 3b has “arrows indicating candidate movements”, “trivial”, “娑”, “suggest”, “ “嵯”, “紗”, “「 ”,“ 裟 ”,“ brown ”,“ arrow indicating candidate movement ”are assigned. Thereby, the electronic device 1 changes the character allocated to the physical key of the key unit 3b. The predictive conversion candidate unit 42 has “arrows indicating candidate movement”, “trivial”, “娑”, “simply”, “嵯”, “紗”, “sha”, “裟”, “brown” for each key. , An image indicating “an arrow indicating candidate movement” is displayed.

Subsequently, when the electronic device 1 detects a provisional selection operation for the physical key 3b ₂ , the electronic device 1 executes an output corresponding to the physical key 3b ₂ (step S83). Specifically, the electronic device 1 reads out the selected character. In the case of the present embodiment, the electronic device 1 outputs a voice “Ocha no Sasa” in order to identify the Chinese character “Brown”. Subsequently, when the electronic device 1 detects a determination operation for the physical key 3b ₂ , the electronic device 1 executes an output corresponding to the physical key 3b ₂ (step S84). Specifically, the electronic device 1 determines the character “brown” corresponding to the physical key 3 b ₂ as an input character, and displays the image “brown” in the character input field 40. Thereafter, the electronic device 1 may return to the screen shown in step S80, for example.

  As described above, the electronic device 1 may associate conversion candidates for character input as a group. In the above-described embodiment, the electronic device 1 associates the character input conversion candidates with the physical key as a group, but may associate with the software key.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 21, the electronic device 1 has been described with respect to the case where the prediction conversion candidate unit 42 is displayed on the display 2A when a group is assigned to the physical key of the key unit 3b. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the electronic device 1 may allow the user to confirm the assigned group only by outputting a sound corresponding to the temporary selection operation for the physical key of the key unit 3b without displaying the prediction conversion candidate unit 42.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input processing execution screen according to the embodiment. FIG. 22 shows an example when the operation target is a character conversion process. In the example illustrated in FIG. 22, the electronic device 1 includes a plurality of physical keys of the key unit 3 b with a line, a line, a line, a line, a line, a line, a line, a line, a line, a line, Each row is assigned. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the electronic device 1 displays an execution screen 20 for input processing on the display 2 </ b> A. Subsequently, when the electronic device 1 detects a touch on the physical key 3b ₃ , the electronic device 1 executes an output corresponding to the physical key 3b ₃ (step S91). Specifically, the electronic device 1 outputs a read-out voice of the character “sa line” assigned to the physical key 3 b ₃ from the speaker 11.

Subsequently, when the physical key 3b ₃ is pressed, the electronic device 1 executes an output corresponding to the physical key 3b ₃ (step S92). Specifically, the electronic device 1, the software key _22b 1 associated with the physical key 3b _3, · · ·, each of the software keys 22b _5, software keys _22b 1, · · ·, software keys 22b ₅ Assign at least one character previously associated with. For example, the software key _22b 1, · · ·, for each of the software keys 22b _5, "of", "teeth", "su", "allowed", assigned letters "its", software keys _22b 1, ..., the software key 22b ₅ is displayed with an image of the characters "sa", "shi", "su", "se", and "so".

Subsequently, when the electronic device 1 detects a touch on the software key 22b ₃ , the electronic device 1 executes an output corresponding to the software key 22b ₃ (step S93). Specifically, the electronic device 1 outputs a read-out voice of the character “su” assigned to the software key 22b ₃ from the speaker 11.

Subsequently, when the software key 22b ₃ is pressed, the electronic device 1 executes an output corresponding to the software key 22b ₃ (step S94). Specifically, the electronic device 1 displays the character “SU” assigned to the software key 22b ₃ in the character input column 40 as an input candidate. Here, the electronic device 1 detects long tap, a double tap or the like as pressed against software keys 22b _3.

The electronic device 1 associates conversion candidates corresponding to the characters of the software keys 22b ₁ ,..., Software key 22b _{5 with} the keys of the first key unit 21a. The electronic device 1 displays one character, that is, each group of characters associated with the key “SU” in the present embodiment, on a plurality of software keys of the prediction conversion candidate unit 48 (step S95). Here, the conversion candidate is not limited to one character (Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji), and may be a word or a sentence. The software keys of the predictive conversion candidate unit 48 include “arrows indicating candidate movement”, “su”, “su”, “primary”, “nest”, “immediately”, “great”, “great” “Gap” and “arrow indicating candidate movement” are assigned. The predictive conversion candidate unit 48 displays characters corresponding to each key on each of the software keys 48a ₁ ,..., Software key 48a ₁₀ of the predictive conversion candidate unit 48. The end software key 48a ₁ and software keys 48a ₁₀ of the first key unit 21a, the operation of scrolling associated "arrow indicating the movement of the candidate" is assigned to the candidate. The software keys 48a ₁ ,..., The software key 48a ₁₀ are provided along one side of the display 2A where the key unit 3b is not arranged, but the other of the displays 2A where the key unit 3b is arranged. You may provide along one side.

Subsequently, the electronic device 1 detects a touch to the software keys 48a _8, executes the processing corresponding to the software key 48a ₈ (step S96). Specifically, the electronic device 1 reads the selected group (character). In the example shown in step S <b> 96, the electronic apparatus 1 outputs a voice “Excellent, true, straightforward, fine weather”. Then the electronic device 1 detects the depression to the software keys 48a _8, executes an output corresponding to the software key 48a ₈ (step S97). Specifically, the electronic device 1 determines “great” corresponding to the software key 48 a ₈ as an input character, and displays “great” as an input character in the character input field 40.

  Thus, the electronic device 1 may associate conversion candidates for character input as a group associated with the software key. The conversion candidate may be a word. The first key unit and the second key unit may be switched by a key on which an input is performed.

  Embodiment which this application discloses can be changed in the range which does not deviate from the summary and range of invention. Furthermore, the embodiment disclosed in the present application and its modifications can be combined as appropriate. For example, the above embodiment may be modified as follows.

  For example, each program shown in FIG. 1 may be divided into a plurality of modules, or may be combined with other programs.

  In the above embodiment, the electronic device 1 has been described as an example of the electronic device including the touch screen 2B. However, the electronic device according to the appended claims is not limited to the electronic device. The electronic device according to the appended claims may be a portable electronic device other than the electronic device. Examples of portable electronic devices include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, portable personal computers, digital cameras, smart watches, media players, electronic book readers, navigators, and game machines.

Hereinafter, various examples of the electronic apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 to 34. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of key units according to the embodiment. An electronic device 1 shown in FIG. 23 includes a key unit 3a in addition to a key unit 3b and a key unit 3c in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped casing 1h. The key unit 3a includes a total of ten physical keys, ie, physical keys 3a ₁ ,..., Physical key 3a ₁₀ . The physical keys 3a ₁ ,..., The physical keys 3a ₁₀ are arranged in a line along the left side edge F1 of the housing 1h of the electronic device 1 in a direction parallel to the y-axis shown in FIG. The Key unit 3b may include a physical key _3b 1, ···, a total of 10 physical keys of the physical key _{3b 10.} The physical keys 3b ₁ ,..., The physical keys 3b ₁₀ are arranged in a line in a direction parallel to the y-axis shown in FIG. The As described above, the electronic apparatus 1 may arrange the key units including a plurality of physical keys on two opposite sides of the housing 1h. In this case, the above control is executed using one of the two key units.

24 and 25 are diagrams illustrating another arrangement example of the plurality of physical keys provided in the electronic device. The electronic device 1 may arrange a plurality of physical keys divided into several groups. In the example shown in FIG. 24, the electronic device 1 provides a space 50a between the physical key 3a ₃ and the physical key 3a _4, and a space 50b between the physical key 3a ₆ and the physical key 3a ₇ . Furthermore, the electronic device 1 provides a space 50c between the physical key 3b ₃ and the physical key 3b _4, and a space 50d between the physical key 3b ₆ and the physical key 3b ₇ . Accordingly, the electronic device 1 includes a plurality of physical keys 3a ₁ to 3a ₁₀ included in the key unit 3a, a group of physical keys 3a ₁ to 3a _{3 and} a group of physical keys 3a ₄ to 3a ₆ . When the physical key 3a ₇ with arranging in groups of ~ physical key _{3a 10,} a plurality of physical keys 3b ₁ - physical key _{3b 10} provided in the second key unit 3b, a physical key 3b ₁ - physical key 3b ₃ , The physical key 3b ₄ to the physical key 3b ₆ group, and the physical key 3b ₇ to the physical key 3b ₁₀ group.

In the example shown in FIG. 25, the electronic apparatus 1 provides a partition 60a between the physical key 3a ₃ and the physical key 3a _4, and also provides a partition 60b between the physical key 3a ₆ and the physical key 3a ₇ . Furthermore, the electronic device 1, a physical key 3b _3, provided with a partition 60c between the physical key 3b _4, a physical key 3b _6, provided partition 60d between the physical key 3b _7. Accordingly, the electronic device 1 includes a plurality of physical keys 3a ₁ to 3a ₁₀ included in the key unit 3a, a group of physical keys 3a ₁ to 3a _{3 and} a group of physical keys 3a ₄ to 3a ₆ . When the physical key 3a ₇ with arranging divided into a group of ~ physical key _{3a 10,} a plurality of physical keys 3b ₁ - physical key _{3b 10} provided in the second key unit 3b, a physical key 3b ₁ - physical key 3b ₃ , The physical key 3b ₄ to the physical key 3b ₆ group, and the physical key 3b ₇ to the physical key 3b ₁₀ group.

FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 are diagrams illustrating another example of the structure related to the operation surface of the physical key provided in the electronic apparatus according to the embodiment. Illustrate the operation surface of the physical key 3a ₁ from among a plurality of physical keys included in the electronic device 1. In the example shown in FIG. 26, the electronic device 1 comprises, for example, six protrusions 70a~70f to expose the Braille pattern on the operating surface of the physical key 3a ₁ (surface on which a user operates touch). The protrusions 70a to 70f are installed in a state in which the protrusions 70a to 70f can be protruded from the surface by an actuator or the like and can be accommodated inside. The physical key 3a ₁ may be installed in a state rotated by 90 degrees from the example shown in FIG. 26 in accordance with a general lateral finger movement when reading Braille.

In the example shown in FIG. 27, the electronic device 1, to divide the operating surface of the physical key 3a ₁ into two regions 80a and the region 80b, the physical keys parallel linear partition 90 in the longitudinal direction of the physical key 3a ₁ 3a ₁ is provided on the operation surface. In the physical key 3a ₁ shown in FIG. 27, the electronic device 1 changes the processing content depending on which of the two areas 80a and 80b on the operation surface of the physical key 3a ₁ is touched. Can do.

  Another example of the functional configuration of the electronic device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating another example of the functional configuration of the electronic apparatus according to the embodiment. In the above embodiment, the electronic apparatus 1 has been described with an example in which the physical key unit 3 is provided (see FIG. 1). However, the physical key unit 3 can also be configured as an individual unit that can be externally attached. As shown in FIG. 28, the electronic device 1 is connected to the external physical key unit 100 through the communication unit 6 in a communicable state. The external physical key unit 100 includes, for example, a communication unit 101, a memory 102, a physical key unit 103, and a microcomputer 104. The physical key unit 103 includes a key unit 103a, a key unit 103b, a key unit 103c, and a touch screen 103d. The electronic device 1 can receive information about the user's operation on the external physical key unit 100 via the communication unit 6, and can execute the same processing as in the above embodiment.

FIG. 29 to FIG. 34 are diagrams illustrating other structural examples of the electronic apparatus according to the embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the electronic device 1 may have a structure in which a plurality of physical keys 3a _{1 to} 3a ₃ are arranged on the side surface of the housing 1h.

  As shown in FIG. 31, the electronic device 1 may have a structure in which only the touch screen 2B and a plurality of physical keys are arranged on the operation surface of the user. Further, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the electronic device 1 is a structure having a substantially circular shape, in which the touch screen display 2 is disposed inside, and physical keys are disposed on the outer periphery of the structure. There may be. As shown in FIG. 34, the electronic device 1 may have a substantially cylindrical shape, and may be a structure in which the touch screen display 2 is arranged on the upper surface and a plurality of physical keys are arranged on the side surface.

  In the present specification, characteristic embodiments have been described in order to completely and clearly disclose the technology according to the appended claims. However, the appended claims should not be limited to the above-described embodiments, but all modifications and alternatives that can be created by those skilled in the art within the scope of the basic matters shown in this specification. Should be embodied by a possible configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic device 2 Touch screen display 2A Display 2B Touch screen 3 Physical key unit 3a, 3b, 3c Key unit 3d Touch screen 4 Illuminance sensor 5 Proximity sensor 6 Communication unit 7 Receiver 8 Microphone 9 Storage 9A Control program 9B Input control program 9C 1 key data 9D second key data 9E condition data 9Z setting data 10 controller 11 speaker 12 camera 13 camera 14 connector 15 motion sensor 100 external physical key unit

Claims (6)

A housing,
Touch screen,
A group of software keys lined up along the edge of the touch screen;
A controller that executes processing based on an operation of a software key of the software key group,
The software key group includes a first key group and a second key group,
The controller assigns a first group to the first key group;
When an operation on the software key of the first key group is detected, an electronic device that assigns a second group linked to the first group assigned to the operated software key to the second key group . A housing,
Touch screen,
A group of physical keys arranged along the edge of the housing;
A group of software keys lined up along the edge of the touch screen;
A controller that executes processing based on an operation of a physical key of the physical key group and a software key of the software key group,
The controller assigns a first group to the software key group;
An electronic device that assigns, to the physical key group, a second group associated with the first group assigned to the operated software key when detecting an operation on the software key of the software key group. A housing,
Touch screen,
A method for controlling an electronic device comprising: a software key group including a first key group and a second key group arranged along an edge of the touch screen,
Assigning a first group to the first key group;
A control method for allocating a second group associated with the first group assigned to the operated software key to the second key group upon detecting an operation on the software key of the first key group . A housing,
Touch screen,
A group of physical keys arranged along the edge of the housing;
A software key group arranged along an edge of the touch screen, and a control method for an electronic device comprising:
Assigning a first group to the software key group;
A control method for assigning, to the physical key group, a second group associated with the first group assigned to the operated software key when an operation on the software key of the software key group is detected. A housing,
An electronic device comprising a touch screen and a software key group including a first key group and a second key group arranged along an edge of the touch screen,
Assigning a first group to the software key group;
When an operation on the software key of the first key group is detected, a process of assigning a second group linked to the first group assigned to the operated software key to the second key group The program to be executed. A housing,
Touch screen,
A group of physical keys arranged along the edge of the housing;
A software key group arranged along an edge of the touch screen, and an electronic device comprising:
Assigning a first group to the software key group;
A program that, when detecting an operation on a software key in the software key group, executes a process of assigning a second group associated with the first group assigned to the operated software key to the physical key group.

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