JP4600832B2 - Mobile terminal and key assignment method in the mobile terminal - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and a key assignment method for a key input unit of the mobile terminal.

  With the widespread use of mobile phones, there is an increasing need for higher performance and more functions. In addition to simply making calls, current mobile phones are equipped with various functions such as browsing connected to the Internet, sending and receiving e-mails, audio players, cameras, and JAVA (registered trademark). .

  As described above, the number of recent mobile terminals has become very multi-functional. However, since the number of keys that can be used is limited due to size restrictions on mobile terminals, a UI is required to use the various functions described above. (User Interface) needs to be dealt with such as having a high hierarchical structure, and many key inputs are often required. From such a background, it has become a big issue how to provide an excellent UI (User Interface) in consideration of physical limitations.

  For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a key input unit for inputting information, a display unit for displaying information, and an inclination detection sensor for detecting the inclination of the apparatus main body in order to reduce time and effort for character input. And a CPU that displays information related to the input operation on the key input unit on the display unit in accordance with the inclination detected by the detection sensor is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-159470 (page 4-9, FIG. 3)

  In the communication terminal device described in Patent Document 1, it is described that the key assignment is changed in accordance with the inclination, but in which direction the communication terminal device is inclined (that is, the left inclined state, the upper Since the key assignment is changed according to the tilted state, right-tilted state, or downward-tilted state), the user cannot see the communication terminal device from the front, and the key is input while tilted. Therefore, there is a problem that convenience is poor.

  Further, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, since the key assignment is always changed when the portable terminal is tilted, there is a problem that the user cannot change the key input posture and the convenience is poor. .

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a main object thereof is a portable terminal capable of easily and surely changing key assignment while maintaining good operability, and a key in the portable terminal. It is to provide an allocation method.

In order to achieve the above object, the portable terminal of the present invention stores a plurality of first tables associating input means in which a plurality of keys are arranged with each key and a function operated by pressing the key. At least a control means for controlling an input operation of the input means using the first table, an acceleration sensor fixed to the casing and detecting an inclination angle of the casing, and a timer section. The control means calculates a tilt angle of the housing with respect to a reference state, compares the tilt angle with a predetermined threshold value, the tilt angle exceeds the threshold value, and within a predetermined time. A function of changing the first table to be used based on the tilt angle when the tilt angle satisfies a condition that is equal to or less than the threshold value, and the control means includes the housing from the reference state. Move Calculating a degree, the based on the moving speed and the inclination angle, a shall change the first table to be used.

  In the present invention, a second table that associates the inclination angle with the first table is stored in the storage means, and the control means is based on the second table when the condition is satisfied. The first table corresponding to the tilt angle can be specified.

  In the present invention, the control means may calculate a tilt angle with respect to each of three axes orthogonal to each other, and compare the tilt angle of the axis with the largest change with the threshold value. .

Further, the method of the present invention includes an input means having a plurality of keys arranged therein, a storage means for storing a plurality of first tables for associating each key with a function operated by pressing the key, and the first Of a key in a portable terminal comprising at least control means for controlling the input operation of the input means using the table, an acceleration sensor fixed to the casing and detecting an inclination angle of the casing, and timer means. A first step of detecting an inclination angle in a predetermined reference state; a second step of inclining the housing from the reference state; and a third step of calculating an inclination angle with respect to the reference state. A fourth step of comparing the tilt angle with a predetermined threshold; a fifth step of starting the timer means when the tilt angle exceeds the threshold; If the the tilt angle within a constant time becomes equal to or smaller than the threshold value, on the basis of the inclination angle, and a sixth step of changing said first table to be used, the at least chromatic, the third step Then, the moving speed of the housing from the reference state is calculated, and in the sixth step, the first table to be used is changed based on the tilt angle and the moving speed .

  In the present invention, a second table that associates the tilt angle with the first table is stored in the storage means, and in the sixth step, the tilt angle is set based on the second table. The corresponding first table may be specified.

  In the present invention, in the third step, an inclination angle is calculated for each of three axes orthogonal to each other, and in the fourth step, the axis having the largest change among the three axes. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the inclination angle is compared with the threshold value.

  Thus, the present invention changes the first table when the tilt angle with respect to the reference state exceeds a predetermined threshold and the tilt angle becomes equal to or smaller than the threshold within a predetermined time. The key input can be performed and the posture can be changed during the key input, so that the convenience of the user can be improved.

  According to the portable terminal and the key assignment method in the portable terminal of the present invention, it is possible to easily and reliably change the key assignment while maintaining good operability.

  The reason is that the mobile terminal of the present invention is provided with an acceleration sensor that detects the tilt angle of the housing, and when the mobile terminal is tilted from the reference state, the tilt angle with respect to the reference state is calculated, and the tilt angle is calculated. Since the key assignment is controlled only when the predetermined threshold is exceeded and the tilt angle returns below the threshold within a predetermined time, the user can input the key at the front position. This is because the posture can be changed during key input.

  As shown in the prior art, various functions can be used in a portable terminal with a small number of keys by making a key assignment in a hierarchical structure. However, since the key input becomes complicated in the hierarchical structure, the above-mentioned patent document 1 discloses a configuration in which key assignment is changed when the mobile terminal is tilted. However, in this configuration, the user must perform key input with the mobile terminal tilted, and changing the posture changes the key assignment, so the posture can be changed during key input. There was a problem that convenience was bad.

  Therefore, in the present invention, instead of changing the key assignment when the mobile terminal is tilted, the tilt angle with respect to the reference state exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and the tilt angle becomes equal to or less than the threshold value within a predetermined time. In some cases (that is, when returning to a state close to the reference state), the key assignment is changed. As a result, key input at the front position is possible, and the key assignment is not changed just by tilting the mobile terminal, so the posture can be changed during key input, improving the convenience for the user. be able to. Hereinafter, specific description will be given with reference to the drawings.

  In order to describe the above-described embodiment of the present invention in more detail, a mobile terminal and a key assignment method using the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. . FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile terminal of this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the key assignment procedure using the mobile terminal of this embodiment. 3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining an inclination angle of the mobile terminal, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a key map table. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the portable terminal of this embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 that controls each means of the portable terminal, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 105 that serves as a work area, a control program and an application. FLASH ROM (Read Only Memory) 102 for recording and storing a key map table and an inclination angle table, which will be described later, and a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display for displaying input data and key assignments 103, a key input unit 104 composed of a plurality of keys such as numeric keys, direction keys, and function keys for inputting data by a user, a piezoresistive type that detects the tilt angle and moving speed of a mobile terminal, and an electrostatic An acceleration sensor 107 such as a capacitive type or a magnetic sensor type, and a timer unit 108 for counting time The CPU 101 includes a wireless unit 106 that performs voice call, e-mail communication, and the like. The CPU 101 calculates the tilt angle with respect to the reference state using the tilt angle detected by the acceleration sensor 107, and the tilt angle and a predetermined threshold value are calculated. And a function of changing the key assignment based on the tilt angle when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  The key map table refers to a table in which a plurality of key assignment information that links each key constituting the key input unit 104 of the mobile terminal and a function that operates when the key is pressed is registered. FIG. 5 shows an example of a key map table when inputting characters. Table.1 shows the keymap table for Kana-Kanji input, Table.2 shows the keymap table for numeric input, and Table.3 shows the keymap table customized by the user. The tilt angle table is a table in which information for associating the tilt angle with the key map table is described. When the portable terminal is tilted in a predetermined direction at a predetermined angle by referring to this table, Only the change of the key map table can be permitted (that is, the change of the key map table at an unregistered inclination angle is prohibited).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the acceleration sensor 107 is attached at an arbitrary position of the casing (in this embodiment, for the sake of easy explanation, the main surface of the casing on the display unit 103 side and (It is assumed that the acceleration sensor 107 is attached at a position substantially parallel to the main surface of the acceleration sensor 107.) The acceleration and inclination angle applied to two or three axes can be detected simultaneously. This tilt angle detection method will be described. The normal direction of the main surface of the housing (the main surface of the acceleration sensor 107) is the Z axis, and the directions orthogonal to each other in the main surface are the X axis and the Y axis (hereinafter, this 3 axes are called basic axes.) When the predetermined axis coincides with the direction of gravity in a stationary state, the acceleration applied to these axes is 1 G (G: gravitational acceleration), and the axis is angle θ When using the characteristic that the acceleration applied to this axis is sin θG for the X-axis, Y-axis, and cosθG for the Z-axis, as shown in FIG. Angles (tilt angle X, tilt angle Y, tilt angle Z) can be determined, and the tilt angle of the housing can be determined by combining the three axis tilt angles.

  The portable terminal of this embodiment includes an input unit composed of a plurality of keys, a detection unit that detects an inclination angle of the portable terminal, a storage unit that stores a key map table, and a key map based on the inclination angle. It is only necessary to include a control means for changing the table and a timing means for counting time, and other means are optional, and other means (for example, an audio player unit, a camera unit, TV broadcast receiving unit etc.) may be provided. Further, the form of the mobile terminal is also arbitrary, and it may be a structure in which two housings are connected to each other by a hinge portion as shown in FIG. 3, or a structure constituted by one housing. It is good also as a structure where two housing | casings were connected so that sliding was possible.

  Hereinafter, a key assignment operation (key map table changing operation) using the mobile terminal configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when an application that uses the acceleration sensor 107 (for example, an application that involves character input such as creation of an e-mail) is activated in step S201, the acceleration sensor 107 is activated in conjunction with that in step S202. In step S203, The acceleration sensor 107 uses the above method to detect the tilt angle of the mobile terminal in the current state (reference state) (the main surface of the acceleration sensor 107 in this state is referred to as the reference surface 1), and the CPU 101 The set key map table is specified, and the CPU 101 stores the detected tilt angle and the key map table in the RAM 105.

  Next, when the application using the acceleration sensor 107 is terminated in step S204, the acceleration sensor 107 is stopped and the process is terminated in step S212. On the other hand, when the application is not terminated, the user determines whether to change the key map table (for example, change to Table. 2 when Table. 1 in FIG. 5 is selected), and the key map table. In step S205, the acceleration sensor 107 detects the tilt angle of the mobile terminal in the tilted state (the main surface of the acceleration sensor 107 in this state is detected) in step S205. Then, the CPU 101 calculates the inclination angle of the reference surface 2 with respect to the reference surface 1 for each of the basic axes.

  At this time, if the key map table is changed when the mobile terminal is slightly inclined from the reference plane 1, the key map table may be changed even if the user does not intend. In the example, a threshold value is set in advance, and the key map table change process is started only when the inclination angle of the reference surface 2 with respect to the reference surface 1 exceeds this threshold value.

  Specifically, assuming that the inclination angle serving as a threshold for changing the key map table is the inclination angle A, and the inclination angle of the reference surface 2 with respect to the reference surface 1 is the inclination angle B, the CPU 101 determines the inclination angle in step S206. A is compared with the inclination angle B to determine whether or not the condition “inclination angle A (threshold) <inclination angle B” is satisfied. If the above condition is satisfied, the CPU 101 determines in step S207 that the timer unit 108 Start and monitor the elapsed time.

  The threshold value is not particularly limited. However, if the threshold value is small, the key map table is easily changed without permission, and if the threshold value is large, the key map table changing operation becomes difficult. It is preferable to do. The threshold value is preferably registered in advance in the FLASH ROM 102, but may be arbitrarily set and changed by the user. In the above description, the angle (including the oblique direction) obtained by combining the three tilt angles of the tilt angle X, the tilt angle Y, and the tilt angle Z is the tilt angle B, but the tilt angle X, the tilt angle Y, The largest inclination angle among the inclination angles Z may be set as the inclination angle B. In that case, in step S206, the CPU 101 determines the inclination angle A (threshold) and the inclination angle B (the inclination angle of the axis with the largest change). Should be compared. Further, it is possible to change the angle obtained by averaging the inclination angles of the two or three axes as the inclination angle B.

  Conventionally, since the key map table is changed when the mobile terminal is tilted, the key input must be performed while the mobile terminal is tilted, and the posture can be changed when the key is input. There was a problem that operability was poor. Therefore, in this embodiment, not only the inclination angle with respect to the reference state (that is, the inclination angle of the reference surface 2 with respect to the reference surface 1) exceeds the threshold value, but also when the inclination angle falls below the threshold value within a predetermined time ( That is, the key map table is changed when the state returns to a state close to the reference state.

  Specifically, in step S208, the CPU 101 monitors whether “inclination angle A (threshold) ≧ inclination angle B”, and if the application is terminated during monitoring (step S213), the acceleration sensor in step S212. 107 is stopped and the processing is terminated. On the other hand, if the application is not terminated, in step S214, the CPU 101 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (timer has expired). If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the CPU 101 returns to step S208, and the predetermined time When the time has elapsed, it is determined that the holding state of the portable terminal is not changed, but the key map table is changed, and the CPU 101 stops and resets the timer unit 108 in step S215. In order to set this state as the reference plane 1, the process returns to step S203, and the inclination angle is similarly detected and stored in the RAM 105.

  The predetermined time is not particularly limited. However, if the predetermined time is long, the key map table cannot be changed quickly, and if the predetermined time is short, it is difficult to change the key map table. It is preferable to set the predetermined time in consideration of the above. The predetermined time is preferably registered in advance in the FLASH ROM 102, but may be arbitrarily set and changed by the user.

  On the other hand, if the condition of “inclination angle A (threshold value) ≧ inclination angle B” is satisfied within a predetermined time in step S208, it is determined that the operation of changing the key map table has been performed, and in step S209, the CPU 101 In step S210, the CPU 101 refers to the inclination angle table stored in the FLASH ROM 102 and determines whether the inclination angle B is registered in the inclination angle table (ie, the key map table). In step S211, the key map table is changed with reference to the inclination angle table, and if it is not registered, the current key map table is registered. (The key map table stored in step S203) is continuously used.

  The operation of the mobile terminal described in the above flow will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A shows a reference state (a state in which the display surface of the portable terminal is the reference surface 1). In this state, the key map table is set in Table.1. Next, when the display surface is tilted by θ degrees (θ> inclination angle A (threshold)) from the state of (a) (see FIG. 6B), the timer is activated. When the display surface is returned to a state close to (a) before the timer expires (see FIG. 6C), the CPU 101 determines whether θ is registered in the tilt angle table. Identifies the key map table (here, Table.2) corresponding to θ with reference to the tilt angle table, and changes the key map table from Table.1 to Table.2.

  Here, when the inclination angle B is rotated by 90 degrees in the + direction and the − direction with respect to each of the three axes XYZ from the reference plane 1, the number of replaceable key map tables is 6, When n corners A (threshold values) are set, the number of replaceable key map tables is 6 × n. Further, the tilt angle A (threshold value) is not limited to one, and by setting a plurality of angles such as 30 degrees and 60 degrees, it is possible to replace more key map tables.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the inclination angle of the mobile terminal relative to the reference state is detected by the acceleration sensor 107, the inclination angle exceeds the threshold value, and the inclination angle falls below the threshold value within a predetermined time. In addition, since the key map table is changed according to the inclination angle, the user can always input the key at the front position and can change the posture during the key input, thereby improving the convenience for the user. it can.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the key map table is changed using the tilt angle when the mobile terminal in a certain state is rotated has been described, but the present invention is limited to the above embodiment. Instead, for example, when the mobile terminal is moved by applying force, it is possible to know the current speed of the mobile terminal by integrating the output value of the acceleration sensor 107, so that the key map table according to the moving speed. Can also be changed. Further, by combining the tilt angle and the moving speed, more key map tables can be replaced.

  For example, when m threshold values for changing the key map table are set, the number of key map tables that can be replaced only by the operation of the mobile terminal by the combination with the tilt angle is 6 × n × (m + 1). However, considering actual use, n = 1 and m = 1, which are considered to be unintentionally used by the user, are considered appropriate, but the 12-side key map table can be replaced even under these conditions. And sufficient practicality can be obtained.

  In the above description, the key map table is changed according to the inclination angle and movement speed detected by the acceleration sensor 107. However, the present invention is not limited to the change of the key map table, and another application is started according to the inclination angle and movement speed. It can also be used for other controls such as, and the convenience of the user can be further enhanced.

  The present invention can be applied to any portable terminal such as a cellular phone, a PHS (Personal Handyphone System), and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance).

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the portable terminal which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the key allocation procedure using the portable terminal which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a perspective view which defines the XYZ axis | shaft in the portable terminal which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the inclination angle of 3 axes | shafts of an acceleration sensor. It is a figure which shows an example of the key map table of the portable terminal which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of operation of the portable terminal which concerns on one Example of this invention (when rotated to the near direction (theta)).

Explanation of symbols

101 CPU
102 FLASH ROM
103 Display unit 104 Key input unit 105 RAM
106 Wireless section 107 Acceleration sensor 108 Timer section

Claims (6)

Input means having a plurality of keys arranged therein, storage means for storing a plurality of first tables for associating each key with a function operated by pressing the keys, and the input using the first table Comprising at least control means for controlling the input operation of the means, an acceleration sensor fixed to the housing and detecting displacement of the housing, and timer means,
The control means includes
A function of calculating an inclination angle of the housing with respect to a reference state, and comparing the inclination angle with a predetermined threshold;
A function of changing the first table to be used based on the inclination angle when the inclination angle exceeds the threshold value and the condition that the inclination angle is not more than the threshold value within a predetermined time is satisfied. Prepared ,
Portable terminal wherein, for calculating a moving speed of the casing from the reference state, on the basis on the moving speed and the angle of inclination, characterized that you change the first table to be used . The storage means stores a second table that associates the inclination angle with the first table;
2. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein when the condition is satisfied, the control unit specifies the first table corresponding to the tilt angle based on the second table.   3. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit calculates an inclination angle with respect to each of three axes orthogonal to each other, and compares the inclination angle of an axis with the largest change with the threshold value. Mobile device. Input means having a plurality of keys arranged therein, storage means for storing a plurality of first tables for associating each key with a function operated by pressing the keys, and the input using the first table A key assigning method in a portable terminal comprising at least control means for controlling an input operation of the means, an acceleration sensor fixed to the casing and detecting displacement of the casing, and timer means,
A first step of detecting an inclination angle in a predetermined reference state;
A second step of tilting the housing from the reference state;
A third step of calculating an inclination angle with respect to the reference state;
A fourth step of comparing the tilt angle with a predetermined threshold;
A fifth step of activating the timer means when the tilt angle exceeds the threshold;
A sixth step of changing the first table to be used based on the tilt angle when the tilt angle is equal to or less than the threshold value within a predetermined time; and
In the third step, the moving speed of the housing from the reference state is calculated,
In the sixth step, the first table to be used is changed based on the tilt angle and the moving speed, and a key assignment method in a portable terminal. Storing in the storage means a second table that associates the tilt angle with the first table;
5. The key assignment method in a portable terminal according to claim 4, wherein, in the sixth step, the first table corresponding to the tilt angle is specified based on the second table . In the third step, an inclination angle is calculated for each of three axes orthogonal to each other,
Wherein in the fourth step, the of the three axes, allocation method of a key in a portable terminal according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that comparing the inclination angle of the change is the greatest axial threshold.

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