JP3159421B2 - Communication equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an operation key for setting a function in an electronic device or a communication device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Portable communication devices and the like have been further reduced in size. In addition, many features have been added,
Some devices use only about 20 function setting operation keys. On the other hand, some devices use fewer function setting operation keys to simplify the operation. For example, there is a device that uses three operation keys as function setting keys other than the basic operation keys to enable setting of a main function of a code, a mode, a secret story, and sub-functions such as BEEP, RESET, and BELL. . Further, as shown in FIG. 1, there is a type in which six operation keys for setting functions are provided, as shown in FIG. The function of the operation keys of this type of device depends on the purpose of operation,
As an example, a function using these six operation keys will be described below.

Since the operation keys can operate the functions of the main function and the sub-function shown in parentheses, the operation keys are described. First, when the FM key is kept pressed with the function key, a memory set operation is performed. In the sub-function, the function is released. Next, R
The EV (PRI) is used for reverse operation of the transmission / reception frequency, on / off operation of the priority, and skip mode setting scan mode setting in the set mode. Next, T (S
The (ET) key is used for tone squelch, tone setting, and beep sound on / off operation. The next fourth and fifth operation keys are for UP and DOWN and perform dial mode or memory channel steps. The sixth operation key is RPT
The (SET) key is used to set the transmission offset, set mode, shift width, and the like. For these operation methods, a method of selecting and setting a plurality of memory contents by using a dial encoder together and displaying them sequentially on a display, and when there is a display of a desired memory, setting the operation key there and operating. Has also been done. However, the above-described functions are a part of the function setting, and more function setting operation keys are required to correspond to all functions provided in the communication device.

[0004]

The operation key group for selecting or changing the function of the electronic device or the communication device has the same standard and the same specification for each model produced by the manufacturer, so the operation key function is changed without permission. I can't. But,
Users have right-handed, left-handed, dexterous, clumsy, etc., and it is not always easy to use those of the type standard. According to the present invention, the user's confidence can be easily used by changing the function positions of the limited operation keys so as to make use of such individuality of the user, and it can be changed to other selection functions provided in the device. The purpose is to provide an operation key method.

The present invention comprises a CPU and a display,
Main keys assigned to each operation key on the
Switching between function and sub-function functions
This allows many setting operations to be performed with a few operation keys.
In a communication device that can perform
The key top of each operation key on which
The mechanism is detachable from the on / off mechanism.
The sub function function is displayed near the operation key.
In addition to providing an area where a sticker can be attached,
Display data for all functions that can be assigned to
Memo that stores data and assignment control data in association with each other
And a mode setting instruction key to set the operation function definition mode.
And a sequential display instructing unit for instructing sequential display of function data
And the operation function definition mode by the mode setting instruction key.
With the mode set, the operation from the sequential display
Display data pertaining to individual functions from the memory each time
Display control means for sequentially reading and displaying on the display unit
And a state where display data of individual functions are displayed on the display unit.
When one of the operation keys is turned on in the
Assignment control corresponding to the display data in the memory
Assign the currently displayed function to the operation key based on the data.
And a function allocating means.
Communication equipment.

[0006]

The function of the operation keys for function setting can be freely changed by the CPU. Therefore, even in the case of a device using a small number of operation keys, all the functions of the device can be changed and set. Since it is possible to match the display with the function, it is possible to operate the user individually.

[0007]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a portable communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a mounted state of operation keys. FIGS. 3A and 3B are views showing a mounted state of the sub-function seal according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 3A is a view showing a state where the sub-function seal is stuck, and FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows a sticking position.

1 and 2, a structure that allows the function display of the operation keys to be changed will be described. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a main body of the portable communication device, and reference numeral 2 denotes a keyboard unit incorporating operation keys. The keyboard 2 is mounted on a front case having a recess formed in the front panel. Keyboard part 2
Each of the operation keys K _{1 to} K ₆ has a key top 3 on which an operation function is printed, which is detachably mounted. A translucent plastic key cover 4 is fitted in the keyboard portion 2 of the operation keys K _{1 to} K ₆ to which the key top 3 is mounted as a top cover, and a driver or the like is inserted into the key cover 4. Recess 5 for prying off key cover 4
Is provided. 6 is a display, 7 is a dial encoder, and 8 is a subfunction seal.

As shown in FIG. 2, the keyboard section 2 is composed of a rubber switch, and is attached to a front case portion of a front panel while being mounted on a printed circuit board. Each key top 3 of the operation keys K _{1 to} K ₆ has a structure that does not fall off from the key cover 4. The display printed on the key top 3 is the display of the main function.

Since the operation keys correspond to a plurality of functions with respect to the main function display of the key top 3, a separate sub-function display may be required in some cases. This sub-function display is shown in FIG.
It is displayed as shown in FIG. The display intended for displaying pasted a sealing subfunction, displayed pasted to the front case surface adjacent to the operation keys k ₁ to k ₆ of the keyboard section 2 that is mounted to the front case part. Therefore, the key cover 4 is made of a light-transmitting plastic so that the sub-function display is located inside the key cover 4 so that it can be seen through. The key cover 4 is also useful for preventing the separation of the sub-function seal.

When it is desired to change the function display of the operation keys K _{1 to} K ₆ , first, the key cover 4 is removed by inserting it into the recess 5 of the key cover 4 using a screwdriver or the like, and removing the key top 3 in this state. Replace with the key top 3 of the function display to be extracted and changed. The display of the sub-function sticker is changed by replacing the sub-function sticker. When the display has been changed, the key cover 4 is fitted back as before, and the change ends. If a function display other than the key top 3 attached to the communication device main body 1 is required, it can be prepared as an accessory, and a sub-function seal can also be prepared as an accessory.

The method of changing the function of the operation key can be changed by a normal function provided in the CPU, and an example thereof will be briefly described. The function setting in the communication device has more than 20 functions for selection or change setting even if the number of operation keys is six as shown in FIG. 1, so that all of these functions are stored in the memory by the operation key K _1. If you want to change the function of ~K _6, for example, since when the function change of the operation key K ₃ is less mistake when setting after change the function display of the main functions and subfunctions, define operation function after function display change To operate the instruction key. This instruction key may be used in combination with any switch. When this instruction key is operated, the function of the operation key is changed.
The function is read out from the memory by operating the instruction key and displayed on the display 6. As for the displayed functions, different functions are displayed one after another from the memory by the operation of the dial encoder 7 or the like. Therefore the operation keys K operation key K ₃ pressed and the operation keys K ₃ with modified functions displayed at the display of the display unit 6 matches the ₃ changes to the function of the display has been changed. In this way, the operation keys that need to be changed may be changed and set one by one. When the deformation setting is completed, the instruction key is turned off to restore the normal operation state.

As in this embodiment, there is a case where the operation is performed with the operation keys of the communication device changed, but as another method of use, the operation keys K _{1 to} K ₆ need not be used to select the function, but merely required for communication. In such a case, it is possible to replace the key cover 4 with a blind cover key cover and mount the key cover 4 and operate without a function setting key.

[0014]

According to the communication device of the present invention, an operation key group capable of changing the function of the operation key to another function by the CPU controlling the communication device is provided, and the function display is performed in accordance with the change of the function. as you can change, function display with key top and the sub-function for the seal of the main function
Because it has a structure that enables changes detachable and, because it is function change of the operation keys if necessary it is possible to provide a communication device has good usability at high.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a mounted state of an operation key of the present invention.

3A and 3B are views showing a state where a sub-function seal according to the present invention is mounted, wherein FIG. 3A is a view showing a state where a sub-function seal is stuck, and FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows a position.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Communication main body 2 Keyboard part 3 Key top 4 Key cover 5 Recess 6 Display 7 Dial / encoder 8 Sub-function seal K _{1 to} K ₆ Operation keys

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A front panel comprising a CPU and a display.
Main function assigned to each operation key
By switching between the function function and the sub function function,
Ri, carried out a large number of setting operation in the operation of a small number of operation keys
In Unishi was communicator, the operation keys that display the main function function is performed
Key top is removable with respect to its on / off mechanism.
Configuration and sub-functions near each operation key
Provide an area where a sticker with function display can be attached
And all functions that can be assigned to the operation keys.
Display data and assignment control data are stored in association with each other.
And memory have a mode setting instruction keys for setting the operation function definition mode, and sequentially display instruction unit for instructing the sequential display of the function data, the operation function definition mode by the mode setting instruction key
In the set state, the operation from the sequential display
Every time the display data relating to the individual function is read from the memory.
Display control means for sequentially reading and displaying the data on the display unit, and displaying the display data of the individual function on the display unit.
When one of the operation keys is turned on, the note
Allocation control data corresponding to the display data in the
Assign the displayed function to the operation key based on the data
Communication means provided with function assignment means.
Shinki .