JP5371712B2 - Key input device and portable terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to perform key operation by a combination of a plurality of keys because each touch position can be identified even when a plurality of hollow key tops on a keypad 38 are depressed simultaneously. <P>SOLUTION: A mobile terminal 10 includes an electrostatic capacitive touch panel 34 having a plurality of transparent electrodes formed on both X-axis and Y-axis directions. The keypad 38 includes the plurality of hollow key tops, and is disposed on the touch panel 34 and a cabinet (C). Further, the plurality of conductors (82) are respectively attached to the plurality of hollow key tops in a manner as to be mutually shifted in the X-axis direction without overlapping. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a key input device and a mobile terminal, and more particularly to a key input device and a mobile terminal in which an input operation is performed using, for example, a touch panel.

Conventionally, a key input device and a portable terminal in which an input operation is performed using, for example, a touch panel are known, and an example of this type of device is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The touch position detecting device of this background art includes a plurality of light transmissive conductive wires extending in the horizontal direction on the front surface side of the transparent film and a plurality of light transmissive conductive wires extending in the vertical direction on the back surface side of the transparent film. Capacitively coupled electrodes are arranged at the intersections of the light transmissive conductors with the direction. Further, another transparent film is laminated on the surface of the transparent film, and the surface of the other transparent film is attached to the back surface of the glass plate. And when a user touches the surface of a glass plate with a finger, since the electrostatic capacitance of the intersection of a light-transmissive conducting wire changes, a touch position is detected.
JP-A-8-77894 [H01H 35/00, A47F 11/00, G06F 3/033, H03K 17/96]

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a background art touch position detection device that detects a touch position based on a change in capacitance is sometimes called a capacitive touch panel. In addition, a capacitive touch panel that detects a touch position as in the prior art is often used in a small portable terminal because of its low price.

  However, in the touch position detection device of the background art, when a plurality of positions are touched, the horizontal position (X coordinate) and the vertical position (Y coordinate) of each touch position are output. The combination with cannot be specified. Therefore, the touch position detection device cannot identify a plurality of touch positions.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a novel key input device and portable terminal.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a key input device and a portable terminal that can operate a key by combining a plurality of keys using a touch panel.

  The present invention employs the following configuration in order to solve the above problems. The reference numerals in parentheses, supplementary explanations, and the like indicate the corresponding relationship with the embodiments described in order to help understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention.

The first invention is a display unit, a control circuit that detects a touch position of the touch panel and the touch panel includes a first electrode which is more disposed in a first direction is provided on the display unit, the control circuit operates on the basis of the touch position when the touch position is detected by, is detachably attached on the mobile terminal touch panel, a keypad, overlap each other in multiple key top, and the first direction so as not to include a plurality of pressing portions respectively provided on the plurality of key tops, pressing portions corresponding to the key top to detect the touch position in contact with the touch panel when the control circuit is the key top is pressed, the key It is a pad .

In the first invention, the keypad (38) is detachably mounted on the touch panel (34) of the portable terminal . The touch panel provided on the display unit (26), least a first electrode including also be arranged in the first direction (X axis direction). The control circuit detects a touch position on the touch panel. The keypad includes a plurality of key tops. Further, the plurality of pressing portions (82) are displaced without overlapping in the first direction with respect to the plurality of key tops, for example, and are respectively provided on the plurality of key tops . Then, when the key top is pressed, the control circuit detects a touch position where the pressing unit corresponding to the key top contacts the touch panel.

According to the first invention, even when two or more key tops are pressed simultaneously, each touch position is detected, so that the user can perform a key operation combining two or more keys.

A second invention is dependent on the first invention, a keyboard is displayed on the display unit, and a plurality of key tops correspond to a plurality of keys included in the keyboard displayed on the display unit.

In the second invention, the display unit displays a keyboard. A plurality of keys included in the keyboard correspond to a plurality of key tops included in the keypad.

According to the second aspect, the user can perform key operations using the keypad that matches the keyboard layout. Also, by changing the type of keyboard displayed, you can enter many characters.

A third invention is dependent on the second invention, and the mobile terminal stores a table associating a plurality of keys with the coordinates in the first direction, and acquires the coordinates of the touch position detected by the control circuit And a specifying unit that specifies a key operated based on the coordinates and the table acquired by the acquiring unit .

In the third invention, the storage unit (30) is, for example, a RAM, and stores a table (338) that associates a plurality of keys with the coordinates in the first direction. For example, when the touch position on the touch panel is detected by the control circuit, the acquisition unit (20, S5) acquires the coordinates of the touch position. The specifying unit specifies the operated key based on the coordinates acquired by the acquiring unit and the table.

According to the third aspect, since the key corresponding to the pressed key top is specified using the table, the key operation process can be speeded up. Therefore, it becomes possible to respond to quick key operations.

A fourth invention is according to the third inventions, the specifying unit, when a plurality of coordinate by the acquiring unit, at least two or more key tops is pressed is acquired, a plurality of coordinates and the table obtained Each key pressed is identified based on

In the fourth invention, for example, when two key tops are pressed substantially simultaneously, two coordinates are acquired. The specifying unit specifies two pressed keys based on the two coordinates and the table.

According to the fourth invention, even when the key tops of at least two or more keys are pressed at the same time, it is possible to deal with a quick key operation by using the table.

A fifth invention is dependent on any one of the first to fourth inventions , and the plurality of key tops are arranged along the first direction and the second direction.

In the fifth invention, the plurality of key display portions are arranged in, for example, a QWERTY array.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, it is possible to use a keyboard having a key layout that is generally used.

The sixth aspect of the present invention is to not first invention dependent on any one of the fifth invention, is not specified combination of vertical position and horizontal position of each touch position when touched in a plurality of positions with respect to the touch panel .

A seventh aspect of the invention, to no first invention dependent on any one of the sixth, the touch panel detects the pressed position by the depression portion detects the electrostatic capacitance of the electrode, the pressed position To do .

The eighth invention is dependent on any one of the first to seventh inventions, and the pressing portion is formed of a conductor.

According to the eighth invention, it is possible to employ a capacitive touch panel.

A ninth aspect of the invention, to first free the invention dependent on any one of the eighth, the portable terminal further includes a detecting unit for detecting that the key pad is placed.

In the ninth invention, the detection unit (20, 34, 36, 90) includes an optical sensor (36) for sensing illuminance. For example, since the optical sensor is covered with the keypad when the keypad is placed on the touch panel, it can detect that the keypad is placed.

According to the ninth aspect, only when the keypad is placed on the touch panel, the key operation by the touchpad can be accepted.

A tenth invention is dependent on any one of the first to ninth inventions, wherein the key top further includes a hollow portion on a side facing the touch panel, and the pressing portion is provided in the hollow portion.

According to the tenth aspect , the user can obtain an operational feeling with respect to the key operation on the key top.

An eleventh invention is dependent on any one of the first to ninth inventions, the key top is indicated by a frame, and the pressing portion is attached in the frame.

According to the eleventh aspect, since the configuration of the keypad can be simplified, the cost of the keypad can be suppressed.

A twelfth invention is dependent on any one of the first invention to the eleventh invention, and the touch panel includes a second electrode arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

In the twelfth invention, the second direction (Y-axis direction) may be perpendicular to the first direction may intersect at any angle.

According to inventions of the 12th, the finger at the intersection of the first electrode and the second electrode to approach, can identify the touch position can be used a touch panel.

A thirteenth invention is a portable terminal having the keypad according to any one of the first invention to the twelfth invention.

In the thirteenth aspect, the portable terminal includes a motor touch panel (34), a keypad (38) including a plurality of key tops on the touch panel is detachably mounted. Then, the keypad shift without overlapping in a first direction, and so as to correspond to a plurality of key tops, a plurality of depressed portions (82) is attached.

According to the thirteenth aspect , it is possible to improve the usability of the mobile terminal in which key operations are performed in various situations.

  According to the present invention, even if a plurality of key display portions are pressed simultaneously, each touch position can be specified, so that a key operation combining a plurality of keys can be performed.

  The above object, other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an illustrative view showing one example of an appearance of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an illustrative view schematically showing a part of the touch panel in FIG. FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing one example of a keyboard image displayed on the display shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing another example of a keyboard image displayed on the display shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing one example of a front surface and a back surface of the keypad shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an illustrative view showing one example of a partial cross section of the keypad shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing one example of the appearance of the mobile terminal in a state where the keypad shown in FIG. 6 is placed. FIG. 9 is an illustrative view showing one example of a key arrangement table stored in the RAM shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an illustrative view showing another example of the appearance of the mobile terminal in a state where the keypad shown in FIG. 1 is placed. FIG. 11 is an illustrative view showing another example of the appearance of the mobile terminal in a state where the keypad shown in FIG. 1 is placed. FIG. 12 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map of the RAM shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing multi-touch input processing of the processor shown in FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 1, the portable terminal 10 includes a processor 20 called a CPU or a computer. The portable terminal 10 has a telephone function, and the processor 20 controls the radio communication circuit 14 corresponding to CDMA and outputs a call signal. The output call signal is transmitted from the antenna 12 and transmitted to the mobile communication network including the base station. When the other party performs a response operation, a call ready state is established.

  When a call end operation is performed by the key input device 22 after shifting to a call ready state, the processor 20 controls the wireless communication circuit 14 to transmit a call end signal to the other party. Then, after transmitting the call end signal, the processor 20 ends the call process. The processor 20 also ends the call process when a call end signal is received from the other party first. Furthermore, the processor 20 also ends the call process when a call end signal is received from the mobile communication network regardless of the call partner.

  When a call signal from a call partner is captured by the antenna 12 while the mobile terminal 10 is activated, the wireless communication circuit 14 notifies the processor 20 of an incoming call. The processor 20 outputs a ringing sound from a speaker (not shown), and further rotates a motor (not shown) to vibrate the mobile terminal 10 to receive a call signal (calling state). Notify the user. Then, the processor 20 controls the display driver 24 to display the caller information transmitted from the call partner together with the call signal on the display 26.

  The antenna 12 that receives the calling signal and the caller information functions as a receiving unit. Further, the processor 20 may cause an LED (not shown) to emit light in order to notify the user of the incoming call state. The display 26 is sometimes called a display unit or a display device. Incoming calls may also be referred to as “voice incoming calls”.

  In the call ready state, the following processing is executed. The modulated audio signal (high frequency signal) sent from the other party is received by the antenna 12. The received modulated audio signal is subjected to demodulation processing and decoding processing by the wireless communication circuit 14. The obtained received voice signal is output from the speaker 18. On the other hand, the transmission voice signal captured by the microphone 16 is subjected to encoding processing and modulation processing by the wireless communication circuit 14. Then, the generated modulated audio signal is transmitted to the other party using the antenna 12 as described above. Note that the speaker 18 may be referred to as an audio output device.

  The display 26 has a built-in backlight using LED as a light source. Then, the processor 20 performs backlight dimming based on the illuminance obtained from the optical sensor 36. The backlight is installed on the display panel included in the display 26 based on the edge light method. Moreover, although LED is employ | adopted as a light source of a backlight, a cold cathode tube etc. may be employ | adopted. In the sensor portion of the optical sensor 36, a plurality of photodiodes are integrated in an array.

  The touch panel 34 is also called a touch-type input device, and is a capacitance type that detects a change in capacitance between electrodes caused by an object such as a finger approaching the surface. For example, one or more fingers are touch panels. 34 is detected. The touch panel 34 is a pointing device for instructing an arbitrary position within the screen of the display 26. For example, when the touch panel 34 is operated by pressing, stroking, or touching the upper surface with a finger, the touch panel 34 detects the operation. Then, when a finger touches the touch panel 34, the touch panel control circuit 32 specifies the position of the finger and outputs coordinate data of the operated position to the processor 20. That is, the user can input an operation direction, a figure, or the like to the mobile terminal 10 by pressing, stroking, or touching the upper surface of the touch panel 34 with a finger.

  Here, an operation in which the user touches the upper surface of the touch panel 34 with a finger is referred to as “touch”. On the other hand, the operation of releasing the finger from the touch panel 34 is referred to as “release”. Further, the operation of stroking the surface of the touch panel 34 is referred to as “slide”. The coordinates indicated by the touch are referred to as “touch points” (touch start positions), and the coordinates indicated by the releases are referred to as “release points” (touch end positions). Further, an operation in which the user touches the upper surface of the touch panel 34 and subsequently releases it is referred to as “touch and release”. An operation performed on the touch panel 34 such as touch, release, slide, and touch-and-release is generally referred to as “touch operation”.

  Note that the touch operation is not limited to a finger, and may be performed by other objects such as a touch pen with a conductor attached to the tip. In FIG. 1, a keypad (key member) 38 placed on the touch panel 34 is shown, but details of the keypad 38 will be described later, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

  In addition, the mobile terminal 10 can execute a memo pad function that can create a document. In a state where the memo pad function is executed, the user inputs characters using the touch panel, and the created document is stored in the flash memory 28 or the RAM 30 which is a storage unit.

  2A and 2B are illustrative views showing the appearance of the mobile terminal 10. 2A is an external view of the front surface of the mobile terminal 10, and FIG. 2B is an external view of the back surface of the mobile terminal 10. Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the mobile terminal 10 has a straight shape and has a flat rectangular casing C. The microphone 16 (not shown) is built in the housing C, and the opening OP2 leading to the built-in microphone 16 is provided on one main surface in the longitudinal direction of the housing C. Similarly, the speaker 18 (not shown) is built in the housing C, and the opening OP1 leading to the built-in speaker 18 is provided on the other main surface in the longitudinal direction of the housing C.

  The key input device 22 includes three types of keys, a call key 22a, a menu key 22b, and an end call key 22c, and each key is provided on the main surface of the casing C. The display 26 is attached so that the monitor screen is exposed on the main surface of the housing C. Further, a touch panel 34 is provided on the upper surface of the display 26. The optical sensor 36 is provided on the other side in the length direction so that the sensor portion is exposed on the main surface of the housing C. Note that the main surface of the casing C is covered with a transparent cover except for the openings OP1 and OP2, the call key 22a, the menu key 22b, and the call end key 22c so that there is no unevenness.

  For example, the user performs a response operation by operating the call key 22a, and performs a call end operation by operating the call end key 22c. Further, the user operates the menu key 22b to display the menu screen on the display 26. Then, the power-on / off operation of the mobile terminal 10 can be performed by long-pressing the end call key 22c.

  Note that the antenna 12, the wireless communication circuit 14, the processor 20, the display driver 24, the flash memory 28, the RAM 30, and the touch panel control circuit 32 are built in the housing C, and are illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Not.

  FIG. 3 is an illustrative view schematically showing a part of the touch panel 34. Referring to FIG. 3, when the long side direction of the touch panel 34 is the X-axis direction (horizontal direction, first direction) and the short side direction is the Y-axis direction (vertical direction, second direction), the transparent film A plurality of transparent electrodes (first electrode and second electrode) are formed in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction on 34a. In this embodiment, the transparent electrode formed in the X-axis direction is referred to as an X-axis line, and the transparent electrode formed in the Y-axis direction is referred to as a Y-axis line.

  In addition, a change in capacitance can be detected at each intersection of the transparent electrodes of the Y axis line and the X axis line. Therefore, the touch panel control circuit 32 specifies the coordinates of the touch position by detecting the change in the capacitance between the electrodes caused by the finger approaching the intersection. That is, a two-dimensional touch position is detected by using two electrodes in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

  Note that the touch panel 34 employed in the present embodiment can detect a touch with a plurality of fingers, but cannot specify a combination of a plurality of coordinates. That is, the processor 20 cannot specify a combination of a plurality of X-axis coordinates (X coordinates) and a plurality of Y-axis coordinates (Y coordinates) output from the touch panel control circuit 32.

  For example, when the touch panel 34 is touched with two fingers, the touch panel control circuit 32 outputs “Xa, Xb (Xa <Xb)” as the X coordinate from the position where the capacitance changes, and the Y coordinate. “Ya, Yb (Ya <Yb)” is output. However, from these X coordinates and Y coordinates, the coordinates of the touch position may be four patterns of “Xa, Ya”, “Xa, Yb”, “Xb, Ya”, and “Xb, Yb”. Cannot identify which pattern is the correct touch position. That is, even if the correct touch points are “Xa, Ya” and “Xa, Yb”, the processor 20 cannot identify the correct pattern.

  Further, the origin of the display coordinates of the display 26 and the touch position coordinates of the touch panel 34 is assumed to be the lower left corner in an inclined state as shown in FIG. That is, the X coordinate increases from the lower left end toward the lower right end, and the Y coordinate increases from the lower left end toward the upper left end.

  Furthermore, a touch panel, that is, a transparent touch input device can be mounted on the mobile terminal 10 by using a transparent electrode for the touch panel.

  FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing a display example of the display 26 in a state where the memo pad function is executed. Referring to FIG. 4, the screen displayed by display 26 includes a status display area 60 and a function display area 62. The status display area 60 displays a radio wave reception state by the antenna 12, an icon (sometimes referred to as a pictograph) indicating the remaining battery capacity of the secondary battery, and a character icon indicating a character input mode, and the current date and time. Is displayed. In the function display area 62, various images are displayed according to the function executed by the mobile terminal 10, and a notepad screen showing the notepad function is displayed here.

  The memo pad screen displayed in the function display area 62 includes a character display area 64 and a keyboard display area 66. In the character display area 64, an input character is displayed and a cursor CU indicating an input position is displayed. On the other hand, a keyboard corresponding to the character icon is displayed in the keyboard display area 66. Here, since the input mode is “English”, the QWERTY keyboard image is displayed. The user can input characters by performing a touch operation on an arbitrary key on the keyboard image.

  For example, when inputting the character string “ABC”, the user may perform a touch operation on the “A” key, the “B” key, and the “C” key in the keyboard image. Further, the user may perform a touch operation on the “Shift” key when switching between uppercase and lowercase letters. In addition, when the user inputs a hiragana character in Roman characters, the user may perform a touch operation on the “Roman character” key. When changing the position of the cursor CU, a touch operation is performed on the “Up” key, “Down” key, “Left” key, and “Right” key included in the lower right of the keyboard. It may be performed, or an arbitrary position in the character display area 64 may be touched.

  When inputting a character string of a symbol or inputting a hiragana character, a touch operation may be performed on the “switch” key. For example, when the “switch” key is touched in the “alphabet” input mode, the mode is switched to the “symbol” input mode, and the keyboard display area 66 has a keyboard with a keyboard layout shown in FIG. Is displayed. Although not shown, the character icon includes a character string of “symbol”.

  Further, when a touch operation is performed on the switching key in the “symbol” input mode, the mode is switched to the “Japanese” input mode. In other words, the mode is switched to a mode for inputting hiragana by kana input. At this time, the keyboard display area 66 displays an image of a JIS keyboard shown in FIG. Although not shown, the character icon includes a character string “Japanese”.

  Further, when converting the input hiragana into kanji, a touch operation may be performed on the “Space” key. Furthermore, when inputting a kana character, a touch operation may be performed on the “Kana / Kana” key. When the “switch” key is touched in the “Japanese” input mode, the mode returns to the “English” input mode.

  Here, in this embodiment, by using the keypad 38, a plurality of keys included in the keyboard image can be operated simultaneously. That is, a plurality of touch positions are specified using the keypad 38 so that a plurality of keys can be touched simultaneously.

  First, the appearance of the keypad 38 will be described. Referring to FIG. 6A, the keypad 38 includes a key portion 38a and a support portion 38b. The key portion 38a is formed of insulating rubber having a low hardness, and includes a plurality of key display portions corresponding to three types of key images. Therefore, each key display unit includes a character string indicating a key of each input mode in a keyboard layout generally used. For example, the “! 1 Nu” key is a “1” key in the “English” input mode, a “!” Key in the “symbol” input mode, and a “Japanese” input mode. , "Nu" key.

  On the other hand, the support portion 38b is formed of an opaque resin, and the surface of the support portion 38b that contacts the housing C is processed so that the friction coefficient is higher than the main surface of the housing C. That is, the key portion 38a placed on the touch panel 34 is prevented from shifting by the support portion 38b.

  Next, the structure of each key display unit included in the keypad 38 will be described using a cross-sectional view in the long side direction of the keypad 38. Referring to FIG. 7A, each key display portion of keypad 38 is constituted by a dome-shaped insulating rubber 80 and a rectangular parallelepiped conductor (pressing portion) 82. The dome-shaped insulating rubber 80 is also called a hollow key top or a rubber dome, and a conductor 82 is attached inside the dome (hollow) portion. The insulating rubber 80 continues to contact the surface of the touch panel 34 with the keypad 38 placed thereon, but the capacitive touch panel 34 does not detect the contact of the insulating rubber 80. In this embodiment, since the touch is performed by the conductor 82, the capacitive touch panel 34 can be adopted.

  Referring to FIG. 7B, when insulating rubber 80 is pressed by a user's finger or the like, insulating rubber 80 is deformed, and thus conductor 82 comes into contact with touch panel 34. The conductor 82 changes the capacitance when approaching the touch panel 34, like a human finger. Therefore, the touch panel 34 detects a touch by the conductor 82.

  Moreover, since the attachment position of the conductor 82 does not change with respect to the insulating rubber 80, the user can always touch the same position (coordinates) when pressing the same hollow key top. become.

  Further, since each hollow key top is deformed when pressed, a feeling of pressing is added to each key. Therefore, the user can obtain an operational feeling with respect to key operations on the keypad 38.

  The horizontal width of the conductor 82 may be about 1.5 to 3.0 mm, and the vertical width may be about 8.0 to 15.0 mm. However, the area where the conductor 82 is in contact with the touch panel 34 is set to be about 1/3 to 1/5 of the area of the attached key. For example, if the area in contact with the conductor 82 is too small, the user cannot perform stable key operations.

  In this embodiment, the conductor 82 attached to each key display unit is attached to the insulating rubber 80 so as to be displaced in the X-axis direction, and is output when each key display unit is pressed. Make sure that the X coordinates do not overlap. Referring to FIG. 6B, 69 conductors 82 are attached to the back surface of keypad 38 corresponding to each key display portion. And the attachment position of 69 conductors 82 is made not to overlap in the X-axis direction.

  For example, the “Alt” key and the “! 1 nu” key shown in FIG. 6 (A) are in the same position in the horizontal direction, but as shown in FIG. 6 (B), the conductors attached to the two keys. The position of 82 is different. Therefore, even if two key display parts are pressed simultaneously, the output X coordinates are different. Thereby, the processor 20 can specify from the two output X coordinates that the pressed key display portion is the “Alt” key and the “! 1 N” key.

  Even if the “Shift” key and the “A 〒 chi” key are operated simultaneously, the processor 20 can specify each key. The “a” can be input in one operation. In particular, when creating an English sentence, it is often possible to input characters by switching between uppercase and lowercase letters of the alphabet.

  Thus, if the keypad 38 is placed on the touch panel 34, the processor 20 can specify the touch position, that is, the pressed key only by the X coordinate.

  A plurality of conductors 82 are attached to one hollow key top of a key that is long in the long side direction, such as a “switch” key or a “Space” key. For example, referring to FIG. 7C, four conductors 82a, 82b, 82c, and 82d are attached to insulating rubber 80 on the back side of the “Space” key. As described above, since the plurality of conductors 82 are attached to one hollow key top, the user can be provided with stable operability regardless of the pressed position. For example, if there is only one conductor 82 on the right side attached to the “Space” key, it is conceivable that the conductor 82 does not contact even if the user depresses the left side. However, as shown in FIG. 7C, as long as the four conductors 82a to 82d are attached, the conductor 82 always comes into contact regardless of the position pressed. Here, if at least one of the conductors 82a to 82d is in contact with the touch panel 34, the processor 20 can specify the “Space” key.

  A key that is long in the short side direction, such as the “Enter” key, makes the conductor 82 longer in the short side direction of the key.

  FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing a state in which the detachable keypad 38 is placed on the main surface of the touch panel 34 and the casing C1. Referring to FIG. 8, the long side of keypad 38 is substantially the same length as the long side of housing C. That is, the long side of the keypad 38 may be slightly longer than the long side of the housing C, or may be slightly shorter. Further, the long sides of the keypad 38 and the housing C may be the same length.

  Further, since the sensor portion of the optical sensor 36 is covered with the support portion 38 b, the processor 20 can determine whether or not the keypad 38 is placed based on the illuminance of the optical sensor 36. For example, in another embodiment, a keyboard image may not be displayed at all, and a character input operation may be accepted only when the keypad 38 is placed. In addition, the optical sensor 36 of a present Example functions also as a detection part.

  Further, the state of the keyboard image cannot be confirmed in the state where the keypad 38 is placed, but the state of the keyboard image is indicated by the character icon displayed in the state display area 60. Therefore, the user may determine the key to be operated based on the character icon. As shown in FIG. 8, since each key on the keypad 38 corresponds to each key on the keyboard image, the user operates the keypad 38 using the keypad 38 that matches the key arrangement on the keyboard image. It can be performed. In addition, it is possible to input many characters by changing the type of keyboard image displayed.

  FIG. 9 is an illustrative view showing one example of a key arrangement table showing correspondence between X coordinates and keys in a keyboard image. Referring to FIG. 9, for example, the coordinates of X1 correspond to the “Romaji” key if the input mode is “English”, and correspond to the “full-width / half-width” key if the input mode is “symbol”. ”Corresponds to the“ Kana / Kana ”key. Further, the “Tab” key corresponds to the coordinate of X2, regardless of the input mode. Similarly, the “switch” key corresponds to the coordinates of X13 and X18 regardless of the input mode. Further, the “Enter” key corresponds to the coordinate of X68, and the “Right” key corresponds to the coordinate of X69 regardless of the input mode.

  Then, if the X coordinate is acquired after detecting the touch, the processor 20 specifies the touched key based on the key arrangement table shown in FIG. 9 and causes the display 26 to display the result of the key operation. In this way, the touched key is specified using the key arrangement table, so that the key operation process can be speeded up. Therefore, it becomes possible to respond to quick key operations. Furthermore, even when a plurality of keys are touched at the same time, a quick key operation can be handled by using the key arrangement table.

  In another embodiment, the shape of the keypad 38 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 6A, but may be the shape shown in FIGS. 10 and 11A. First, referring to FIG. 10, the keypad 38 of another embodiment is configured by a key portion 38 a and a protruding portion 90 without the support portion 38 b. The long side of the keypad 38 is substantially the same length as the long side of the display 26, and the short side of the keypad 38 is substantially the same length as the short side of the keyboard display area 66.

  The protrusion 90 is made of a conductor, and is always in contact with the touch panel 34 when the keypad 38 is placed. That is, the processor 20 determines that the keypad 38 is placed when the touch by the protrusion 90 is detected.

  The protrusion 90 is also used for the offset of the keypad 38 in the left-right direction. For example, when the keypad 38 shown in FIG. 10 is placed on the display 26, it is not always placed at the same position. Therefore, when the touch by the protrusion 90 is detected, the processor 20 offsets the left and right direction of the keypad 38 based on the touch position of the protrusion 90. Thereby, even if the position where the keypad 38 is placed is shifted, the processor 20 can correctly specify the key to be input. Note that the X coordinate of the touch point by the protrusion 90 does not coincide with the X coordinate of the other dielectrics 82. Further, the processor 20, the touch panel 34, and the protrusion 90 also function as a detection unit.

  Referring to FIG. 11A, the keypad 38 of the other embodiment does not have a support portion 38b, and includes a key portion 38a, a transparent support portion 38c, and a spacer 38d. In the keypad 38 of the other embodiment shown in FIG. 11A, the key display portion is not a hollow key top, but is indicated by a plurality of frames 38e drawn in a rectangle or a square and a character string.

  In other embodiments, the frame 38e is not limited to a rectangle or a square as shown in FIG. 11A, and other shapes include a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, any other polygon, The shape which consists of these combination may be sufficient. The long side of the keypad 38 is substantially the same length as the long side of the casing C, and the short side of the keypad 38 is approximately the same length as the short side of the casing C. That is, the main surface of the casing C is covered with the keypad 38.

  The transparent support portion 38c is colorless and transparent so as not to disturb the display of the display 26. Further, the spacer 38d is in contact with the main surface of the housing C1 at a position where no touch is detected by the touch panel 34. The optical sensor 36 is covered with a spacer 38d. That is, in other embodiments, if the optical sensor 38 is covered by the spacer 38d, it is detected that the keypad 38 is placed. Note that the surface of the spacer 38d in contact with the housing C is processed so that the friction coefficient is higher with respect to the main surface of the housing C so that the keypad 38 is not displaced.

  The key portion 38a and the transparent support portion 38c are prevented from contacting the main surface of the casing C by the spacer 38d. Referring to FIG. 11B, in the cross section in the long side direction of keypad 38, both ends of insulating rubber 80 are installed on spacer 38d so as not to touch the main surface of casing C and touch panel 34. Is done. Under the insulating rubber 80, a plurality of conductors 82e, 82f, 82g and the like are attached at positions corresponding to the frame 38e indicating the key display portion.

  As described above, since the insulating rubber 80 does not contact the touch panel 34, the keypad 38 can be mounted on the mobile terminal 10 even in the mobile terminal 10 that employs a resistive film type touch panel that detects pressing. become. Further, since the configuration of the keypad 38 can be simplified, the cost of the keypad 38 can be suppressed.

  Note that the key display unit may be configured only by the frame 38e by making the key unit 38a transparent so that the keyboard image can be confirmed. Furthermore, the key display unit may be indicated by only a character string without using the frame 38e. In addition, the display 26 and the touch panel 34 may be recessed with respect to the main surface of the housing C so that the insulating rubber 80 and the conductor 82 do not contact the touch panel 34 without using the spacer 38d. .

  Further, the keypad 38 may be attached to the mobile terminal 10 so that the keypad 38 has a ring shape and is wound around the mobile terminal 10.

  These other embodiments described above and this embodiment can be arbitrarily combined, and a specific combination can be easily imagined, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 12 is an illustrative view showing a memory map 300 of the RAM 30. Referring to FIG. 12, a memory map 300 of RAM 30 includes a program storage area 302 and a data storage area 304. A part of the program and data is read from the flash memory 28 all at once or partially and sequentially as necessary, stored in the RAM 30, and then processed by the processor 20.

  The program storage area 302 stores a program for operating the mobile phone 10, and stores, for example, a multi-touch input program 310 and a key input program 312. The multi-touch input program 310 is a program for specifying key images touched at the same time, and is executed with the keypad 38 placed. Even if the touched key image is one, it is specified by the processing of the multi-touch input program 310. The key input program 312 is a program that executes processing corresponding to the touched key image.

  Although illustration is omitted, the program for operating the mobile terminal 10 includes a program for executing the memo pad function, a program for controlling the display of the GUI, and the like.

  In the data storage area 304, a touch buffer 330, an input key buffer 332, and an input character buffer 334 are provided. Further, in the data storage area 304, touch coordinate map data 336, key arrangement table data 338, and GUI data 340 are stored, and a touch flag 342 and a mounting flag 344 are provided.

  The touch buffer 330 is a buffer in which touch points output from the touch panel control circuit 32 and release points (including X coordinates and Y coordinates) are temporarily stored. The input key buffer 332 is a buffer in which a key specified by the processing of the multi-touch input program 310 is temporarily stored. The input character buffer 334 is a buffer for temporarily storing an input character string by executing a memo pad function or the like.

  The touch coordinate map data 336 is map data for associating the touch operation performed on the touch panel 34 with the display coordinates of the display 26. That is, the processor 20 associates the result of the touch operation performed on the touch panel 34 with the display 26 based on the touch coordinate map data 336.

  Key arrangement table data 338 is data of the key arrangement table shown in FIG. The GUI data 340 is composed of GUI data displayed on the display 26, and includes English keyboard data 340a, symbol keyboard data 340b, Japanese keyboard data 340c, and the like. The alphabet keyboard data 340a is GUI data of the keyboard image shown in FIG. 4, the symbol keyboard data 340b is GUI data of the keyboard image shown in FIG. 5A, and the Japanese keyboard data 340c is FIG. It is GUI data of the image of the keyboard shown in B).

  The touch flag 342 is a flag for determining whether or not the touch panel 34 is touched. For example, the touch flag 342 is composed of a 1-bit register. When the touch flag 342 is turned on (established), a data value “1” is set in the register. On the other hand, when the touch flag 342 is turned off (not established), a data value “0” is set in the register.

  The mounting flag 344 is a flag for determining whether or not the keypad 38 is placed, that is, whether or not the keypad 38 is mounted on the mobile terminal 10. For example, the mounting flag 344 is switched on / off according to a value (illuminance) output from the optical sensor 36 if the memo pad function is executed.

  Since the configuration of the mounting flag 344 is the same as that of the touch flag 342, detailed description thereof is omitted. Although not shown, the data storage area 304 stores data such as icons displayed on the display 26 and is provided with counters and flags necessary for the operation of the mobile terminal 10.

  The processor 20 processes a plurality of tasks in parallel including the multi-touch input process shown in FIG. 13 under the control of an RTOS (Real-time Operating System) such as “Linux (registered trademark)” and “REX”. To do.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of multi-touch input processing. For example, when the mounting flag 344 is turned on, the processor 20 determines whether or not a touch is detected in step S1. That is, it is determined whether or not the touch panel 34 is touched and the touch flag 342 is turned on. If “YES” in the step S1, that is, if the touch panel 34 is touched, the process proceeds to a step S5. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S1, that is, if the touch panel 34 is not touched, it is determined whether or not the mounting flag 344 is turned off in a step S3. That is, it is determined whether or not the keypad 38 has been removed. If “NO” in the step S3, that is, if the keypad 38 is still worn, the process returns to the step S1. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S3, that is, if the keypad 38 is removed, the multi-touch input process is ended.

  If the touch panel 34 is touched, the X coordinate is acquired in step S5. That is, the X coordinate of the touch point is acquired from the touch buffer 330. The processor 20 that executes the process of step S5 functions as an acquisition unit. Subsequently, in step S7, it is determined whether or not a plurality of X coordinates have been acquired. For example, it is determined whether or not X coordinates corresponding to two touches are acquired from the touch buffer 330. If “NO” in the step S7, that is, if only one acquired X coordinate is obtained, the process proceeds to a step S15.

  On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S7, that is, if X coordinates corresponding to a plurality of touch positions are acquired, a plurality of key display portions corresponding to the respective X coordinates are displayed on the basis of the key arrangement table in a step S9. Identify. For example, referring to the key arrangement table shown in FIG. 9, if the input mode is “English” and X4 and X15 are acquired as the X coordinates, the “Shift” key and the “X” key are specified. Is done. Further, the information of the specified key is temporarily stored in the input key buffer 332.

  Subsequently, in step S11, it is determined whether or not it has been released. That is, it is determined whether or not the touch flag 342 is turned off. If “NO” in the step S11, that is, if the finger is not released from the touch panel 34, the process of the step S11 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S11, that is, if the finger is released from the touch panel 34, a key input result corresponding to the combination of the plurality of keys specified in the step S13 is displayed. And if the process of step S13 is complete | finished, it will return to step S1.

  For example, in the process of step S <b> 13, if the “Shift” key and the “X” key are specified, the capital letter “X” is displayed in the character display area 64. If the “Shift” key and the “Left direction” key are specified, the character string can be selected by moving the cursor CU. The processor 20 that executes the process of step S13 functions as a combination display unit.

  Here, if there is one X coordinate acquired in step S5, a key corresponding to the X coordinate is specified based on the key arrangement table in step S15. That is, the key arrangement table data 338 is read and the key corresponding to the X coordinate is specified. Then, the specified key information is temporarily stored in the input key buffer 332.

  Subsequently, in step S17, as in step S11, it is determined whether or not it has been released. If “NO” in the step S17, that is, if not released, the process of the step S17 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S17, a key input result corresponding to the key specified in the step S19 is displayed. And if the process of step S19 is complete | finished, it will return to step S1.

  For example, in step S19, if the specified key is “Space”, a space may be input to the character string, and if an unconfirmed hiragana is displayed, conversion candidates may be displayed. Good. Furthermore, if the “switch” key is specified, the input mode is changed.

  In addition, the processor 20 which performs the process of step S13 and step S19 functions as a key operation display part. Moreover, the portable terminal 10 provided with the touch panel 34, the keypad 38, and the conductor 82 may be called a key input device.

  As can be seen from the above description, the mobile terminal 10 includes a capacitive touch panel 34 in which a plurality of transparent electrodes are formed in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The keypad 38 includes a plurality of hollow keypads and is placed on the touch panel 34 and the housing C. Each of the plurality of conductors 82 is attached to the plurality of hollow keypads so as not to overlap in the X-axis direction.

  Thereby, even if a plurality of hollow keypads of the keypad 38 are pressed simultaneously, each touch position can be specified, so that the user can perform a key operation combining a plurality of keys.

  In addition, it is possible to improve the usability of the mobile terminal 10 in which key operations are performed in various situations.

  Although only the memo pad function has been described in the present embodiment, the keypad 38 may be attached in a state where a mail function for inputting characters, an address book function, a browser function, and the like are executed. Furthermore, not only the character input but also the keypad 38 may be attached in a state where an action game that requires simultaneous pressing of a plurality of keys is executed. Needless to say, each key is specified even when three or more key display units are operated simultaneously.

  Further, the “Shift” key, the “Alt” key, and the like in the image of the keypad 38 and the keyboard may be arranged at different positions. Further, the shape of the key arrangement may not be a matrix shape but may be formed so that the left end of the key is not uniform. Moreover, the image of the keypad 38 and keyboard corresponding to various languages, such as Korean, Chinese, and Russian, may be employ | adopted.

  In the above embodiment, the keypad 38 has been described as being attached to the display 26 or the housing C. However, the keypad 38 may be attached to a concave portion by the opening OP1 or a structural convex portion.

  Further, when a key image is touched, an operation sound may be output from the speaker 18 as a field back process.

  In this embodiment, the key is specified only by the X coordinate, but the key may be specified only by the Y coordinate. Moreover, the arrangement | positioning of the transparent electrode formed in the transparent film 34a does not need to be orthogonal to 2 axes, and may cross | intersect at a predetermined angle so that a rhombus may be formed.

  The shape of the mobile terminal 10 is not limited to the straight type, but may be a slide type or a uniaxial or biaxial folding type.

  In addition, as the mobile terminal of the present invention, not only when one touch panel 34 is mounted as in the mobile terminal 10 of the above embodiment, but two or more touch panels are mounted in one housing, Alternatively, a touch panel may be mounted on each housing of a slide type, uniaxial or biaxial folding type mobile terminal, and the processing described in the above embodiment may be performed by each touch panel and a keypad.

  In the description of the above embodiment, the touch panel is assumed to be implemented by a capacitive touch sensor. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case. The touch panel is a matrix switch composed of a transparent electrode having a two-layer structure. It may be a method.

  In addition, the touch input device may include not only the touch panel 34 of the embodiment of the present application but also a touch pad adopted in a notebook PC or the like.

  Further, the communication method of the mobile terminal 10 is not limited to the CDMA method, but may be a W-CDMA method, a GSM method, a TDMA method, an FDMA method, a PHS method, or the like. Further, although an LCD monitor is used for the display 26, other display devices such as an organic EL panel may be used.

  The present invention is not limited to the portable terminal 10 but may be applied to an electronic device having no hardware keyboard such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Portable terminal 12 ... Antenna 20 ... Processor 22 ... Key input device 28 ... Flash memory 30 ... RAM
32 ... Touch panel control circuit 34 ... Touch panel 36 ... Optical sensor 38 ... Keypad 38e ... Frame 80 ... Insulating rubber 82 ... Conductor

Claims (13)

Display unit, a control circuit that detects a touch position on the touch panel and the touch panel includes a first electrode which is more disposed in a first direction provided on the display unit, the touch position by the control circuit A keypad that is detachably mounted on the touch panel of the mobile terminal, which operates based on the touch position when
Several of the key top, and
So as not to overlap each other in the front Symbol first direction, comprising a plurality of depression portions provided respectively to the plurality of key tops,
The control circuit detects the touch position pressed portion corresponding to the key top when the key top is pressed into contact with the touch panel, a keypad. A keyboard is displayed on the display unit ,
Wherein the plurality of key top, corresponding to the plurality of keys included in the keyboard that is displayed on the display unit, according to claim 1 Symbol placement of the keypad. The portable terminal includes a storage unit that stores a table for associating the said plurality of keys from the first direction coordinate acquisition unit for acquiring the coordinates of the detected touch position by the control circuit, and by the acquisition unit further comprising a keypad according to claim 2, wherein the identifying unit that identifies an operated key based acquired coordinates on the said table. The specifying unit specifies each key pressed based on the plurality of acquired coordinates and the table when at least two or more key tops are pressed and a plurality of coordinates are acquired by the acquiring unit. The keypad according to claim 3 . Wherein the plurality of key tops, the first are arranged along the direction and the second direction, the keypad according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The keypad according to claim 1, wherein a combination of a vertical position and a horizontal position of each touch position is not specified when a plurality of positions are touched with respect to the touch panel. The touch panel, the pressed position by the press unit, detects the electrostatic Den'yo amount before Symbol electrodes to detect the pressed position, the keypad according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The press section is formed by a conductor, a key pad according to any one of claims 1 to 7. It said portable terminal further includes a detecting unit for detecting that the key pad is placed, a keypad according to any one of claims 1 to 8. It said key top further includes a hollow portion to the far side to the touch panel,
The keypad according to claim 1, wherein the pressing portion is provided in the hollow portion. The key top is indicated by a frame ;
The keypad according to claim 1, wherein the pressing portion is attached to the frame. The touch panel, the first comprising a second electrode arranged in a second direction crossing the direction, keypad according to any one of claims 1 to 11. You claim 1 having a keypad as claimed in any of the 12, the portable terminal.

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