JPH04245837A - Input device for telephone set - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain miniaturization and in addition, the facilitation of operation by simple configuration, and further to save power consumption by the simplification of a lighting mechanism. CONSTITUTION:The rotational amount of a roller 20 is discriminated as the numerals of a telephone number and a symbol by a rotary encoder, a rotational amount detecting part, a rotating direction detecting part, and a CPU. Further, on-hook or off-hook is switched by the control of an on-off detecting part and the CPU by pushing down the roller 20. Besides, an LCD 18 to display the numerals of the telephone number, the symbol, the on-hook and the off-hook and a lighting part to light it are provided.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a telephone input device suitable for use in mobile telephones and the like that utilize public telephone lines.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, telephone number input devices for telephones include the well-known rotary dial type or the push button type called a touch phone. As is well known, in the rotary dial type, holes corresponding to numbers 0 to 9 are consecutively arranged in a circular arc shape on a rotary disk, and a person's finger is placed in the hole to rotate it. As a selection signal after a call is made, a number of pulses corresponding to the amount of rotation of the rotary disk, that is, a number, are sent to the exchange via the central office line. In addition, the push button type has push buttons for numbers 0 to 9 and other symbols placed on the exterior of the phone, and when the push button corresponding to the phone number is pressed, a dual tone signal is sent to the exchange via the central line. Sending out.

0003

By the way, the above-mentioned rotary dial type requires a hole with a diameter into which a person's finger can be inserted, and the diameter of the rotary disk becomes large, resulting in an increase in the size of the device. In addition, many devices are not equipped with lighting, making operation difficult when used in a dark place. In addition, even with the push-button type, in order to easily input a telephone number with a person's finger, a button with the required area and a relatively large area to space each button are required, making the device larger. I end up. Furthermore, in order to use it in a dark place, an illumination mechanism is required to illuminate all the push buttons, which has the drawback of complicating its configuration.

[0004] Furthermore, when a push button is provided inside the above push button receiver, there is a disadvantage in use that the push button comes into contact with a person's face during a call, making it easy for the push button to be pressed inadvertently. This is particularly a problem with modern mobile telephones that use public telephone lines, which often involve making calls while walking. Furthermore, if all the push buttons are illuminated in order to use the mobile telephone in a dark place, the battery consumption increases, making it impossible to meet the recent demand for long-term phone calls.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has a simple structure, is compact, and is easy to operate. Furthermore, the lighting mechanism is simplified, and power saving is achieved. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an excellent input device for a telephone that can achieve the following.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The input device for a telephone according to the present invention includes rotating means (20, 20a) that are rotated by a person's finger and displaced when pressed, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, for example.
and number/symbol identification means (20, 20a) for identifying the amount of rotation of the rotation means (20, 20a) as numbers and symbols of a telephone number.
30, 60, 62, 64) and the rotation means (20, 2
On/off hook switching means (40, 60,
66). Furthermore, the telephone input device of the present invention has a display device (18
). Further, the telephone input device of the present invention is provided with illumination means (18a) for illuminating numbers or symbols displayed on the display device. Further, in the telephone input device of the present invention, numbers and symbols of a telephone number are displayed on the rotating means.

[0007]

[Operation] In the telephone input device of the present invention, the rotating means (20
, 20a) is rotated by a person's finger, and this rotation means (20,
Identify the amount of rotation in 20a) as numbers and symbols of a telephone number. Furthermore, the rotating means (20, 20a) is pushed down and displaced, and this displacement switches between on-hook and off-hook. This allows for miniaturization with a simple configuration and ease of operation. Additionally, the digits and symbols of the telephone number, on-hook and off-hook are displayed, and the displayed digits or symbols are illuminated. This simplifies the lighting mechanism and achieves power savings. The numbers and symbols of the telephone number are also displayed on the rotating means. This allows for miniaturization with a simple configuration and ease of operation.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the telephone input device of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the external configuration of the embodiment. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes an exterior body of the telephone, and inside this exterior body 10 there is a speaker (receiver) 1.
2, a microphone (speaker) 13, and an input section 14 for inputting telephone numbers and the like. Furthermore, an LCD 18 is arranged to display inputted telephone numbers and the like. The LCD 18 is provided with an illumination section 18a that illuminates the numbers, symbols, etc. of the telephone number displayed here. For example, when the LCD 18 is a transmissive type, the illumination unit 18a is of a so-called backlight type, and is powered by a battery (not shown). Reference numeral 19 indicates buttons for selecting various functions, such as registration of abbreviated number, volume adjustment, and hold. In this telephone, a module 22 to which a cord 21 is connected is connected to a connector of an exterior body 10.

FIG. 2 shows in detail the mechanical configuration of the input section 14 in this embodiment. In FIGS. 1 and 2, this input section 14 is arranged to protrude from the surface of the exterior body 10,
A roller 20 rotated by a person's finger is attached to an elastic shaft 20a. A rotary encoder 30 is provided at the tip of the elastic shaft 20a. In this rotary encoder 30, a rotary plate 30a having an annular slit is connected to an elastic shaft 2 of the roller 20 so as to detect the amount of rotation (position) of the roller 20 as numbers and symbols of a telephone number.
It is attached to the tip of 0a. This elastic shaft 20a uses an elastic member, and is configured so that the roller 20 is pushed down in the direction M of the arrow and displaced. This configuration is used to set a selection signal after a call, which will be described later, by pressing in the direction of arrow M, that is, to set the digits of the input telephone number and to switch between on-hook and off-hook. Further, a detection signal output section 30b composed of a light emitting element, a light receiving element, etc. (not shown) is provided so as to sandwich the rotating plate 30a.
Detection signal S obtained by photoelectrically converting the light that passed through the slit 0a
a is output.

Further, below the roller 20, as described above, by pressing the roller 20 in the direction of the arrow M, a selection signal after a call is made, that is, setting of the input telephone number digits, on-hook, etc. A setting switch section 40 for performing an off-hook switching operation is also provided. The setting switch section 40 has a contact plate 42 that contacts the roller 20, and is configured such that the contact plate 42 moves up and down, and the tact switch 44 is switched by moving the shaft 42a up and down. This switching causes the tact switch 44 to output an on/off signal Sb.

FIG. 3 shows a signal processing section in the case where this configuration is a wired telephone. This signal processing unit connects the line interface (I/F) 50 to the central office lines (so-called L1, L2).
) are connected. This line I/F 50 performs well-known on-hook and off-hook switching, formation of a DC loop with the exchange, and attenuation processing. An incoming call detection section 52 is connected to this line I/F 50, and a ringing tone (ringing tone) is sent out from a speaker 54 connected thereto. This is the so-called traditional ringer (
It functions as a bell. Furthermore, a speech network 56 is connected to the line I/F 50, and this speech network 56 processes signals to the speaker 12 and signals from the microphone 13 when making a call. for example,
These include level adjustment and sidetone adjustment. Furthermore, a CPU 60 is provided to control this device, and this CPU 60
Based on the detection signal Sa from the rotary encoder 30 and the on/off signal Sb from the setting switch section 40, the telephone number transmission and on-hook/off-hook switching control are performed. The CPU 60 receives the detection signal Sa and outputs a rotational position of the roller 20, that is, a rotation amount detection section 6 that outputs a signal corresponding to the digits of the telephone number.
2 are connected. When detecting the amount of rotation here as a digit of a telephone number, a well-known detection method of adding up the amount of rotation may be used. At the same time, a rotation direction detection section 6 is supplied with a detection signal Sa to detect the rotation direction of the roller 20.
4 are connected. This rotational direction detection unit 64, for example, has a light emitting element and a light receiving element of the rotary encoder 30.
The detection signal S in this case is arranged with a phase difference of 0 degrees.
It may be determined whether a is input from either a sine wave or a cosine wave. Here, when the roller 20 rotates clockwise, the numbers of the telephone number become [1-2-3-4-
5-6-7-8-9-0-#-*], and in the case of left rotation, [*-#-0-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2
-1], the rotation direction detection unit 64 first identifies whether the rotation is clockwise or counterclockwise, and then the rotation amount detection unit 62 determines the position before rotation if the rotation is clockwise. sequentially as [2
-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-0-#-*] is sent to the CPU 60. In addition, in the case of left rotation, the position before rotation is set as [*] and sequentially [#-0-9-8-
7-6-5-4-3-2-1] and the counted signal is C.
Send to PU60. Furthermore, an on/off detection section 66 is connected to the CPU 60 for controlling switching between on-hook and off-hook. The on/off detection section 66 detects, for example, the roller 20 by the arrow M shown in the figure, depending on the time of the on signal of the input on/off signal Sb.
When the tact switch 44 is turned on by being pressed in the direction for less than one second, the digits displayed on the LCD 18 are detected as the digits of the telephone number, and a signal is sent to the CPU 60. Further, in this on/off detection unit 66, when the roller 20 is pressed down for more than 1 second, an on/off signal Sb is used to send a signal to the CPU 6 to switch to off-hook if it is on-hook, and to switch to on-hook if it is off-hook.
Send to 0.

The operation of the above configuration will be explained. First, the operation in the case of reception will be explained. A call signal from the exchange through the central office line is input to the line I/F 50,
Furthermore, an incoming call is detected by the incoming call detection section 52, and a ringing tone is output from the speaker 54 connected thereto. In response to this call, the user of the telephone device presses the roller 20 in the direction of the arrow M shown in the figure for more than one second to turn on the tact switch 44. With this, the CPU 60 performs switching control from the off-hook state to the on-hook state. As a result, a response signal is sent, and the line is connected to the called party through the exchange, allowing a conversation. Then, through the line I/F 50, a call is made using the speaker 12 and microphone 13 connected to the speech network 56. At the end of the call, the roller 20 is pressed down in the direction of the arrow M shown in the figure for one second or more. As a result, the CPU 60 performs switching control from the on-hook state to the off-hook state. That is, a call termination signal is sent. These operating states, ie, off-hook and on-hook states, are displayed on the LCD 18 and can be easily checked by the user.

Next, the operation in the case of transmission will be explained. The user of the telephone device moves the roller 20 1 in the direction of the arrow M shown in the figure.
Press for more than 2 seconds. As a result, the CPU 60 performs switching control from the off-hook state to the on-hook state. A so-called calling signal is sent and line connection is established. Thereafter, the user rotates the roller 20 to display the first digit of the desired telephone number on the LCD 18. Next, press the tact switch 44 in the direction of arrow M for less than 1 second.
is turned on, and the number displayed on the LCD 18 is used as the first digit of the telephone number.
Enter in F50. Then, it is sent as a selection signal to the exchange through the central office line connected here. By performing a similar operation in accordance with the numeric string of the desired telephone number, the transmission of the selection signal is completed, and the exchange is connected to the other party. In this case as well, the call is made through the line I/F 50 using the speaker 12 and microphone 13 connected to the speech network 56, as in the case of reception. At the end of the call, the roller 20 is pressed down in the direction of the arrow M shown in the figure for one second or more. As a result, the CPU 60 performs switching control from the on-hook state to the off-hook state, and a disconnection signal is sent from the line I/F 50 to the exchange via the central office line. In this case, as in the off-hook and on-hook states, the numbers etc. are displayed on the LCD 18, so the user can
You can easily check your phone number.

FIG. 4 shows the configuration of another signal processing section in the embodiment. This signal processing section is for digital telephones. This example uses a digital wireless public line, and a duplexer (not shown) for shared use for transmission and reception is connected to the whip antenna 70, and via this,
A receiving section 72 that processes a received signal at a predetermined frequency, such as amplification and frequency conversion, is connected to a transmitting section 74 that performs frequency conversion, power amplification, and the like. A well-known modem 76 that performs modulation and demodulation processing is connected to the receiving section 72 and the transmitting section 74, and a B modem 76 that performs decoding and encoding processing of the format B channel and D channel in the digital wireless public line. A channel processing section 78 and a D channel processing section 79 are connected. Further, a speaker 12 and a microphone 13 are connected to the B channel processing section 78. Further, the D channel processing section 79 is connected to the CPU 61 that controls this device. A speaker 75 is connected to the CPU 61, and the speaker 75 is used for ringing when an incoming call is received. The other configurations are the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 3, and furthermore, the operation of this part is also the same.

FIG. 5 shows another external configuration of the input device for a telephone according to the present invention. This example is an example of a mobile phone that is particularly smaller than the phone shown in FIG. A whip antenna 71 is provided on the exterior body 70 of this mobile phone. Further, an LCD 72 and a microphone 74 are provided, and an earphone 76 is connected instead of a speaker. Further, an input section 78 for inputting a telephone number, off-hook information, and on-hook information is provided on the side of the exterior body 80. The input section 78 has the same configuration as described using FIG. 2. Further, the internal signal processing section and the like are the same as those of the digital telephone described with reference to FIG. In the configuration in which the input section 78 is arranged in this manner, the device is smaller and lighter, and the convenience as a mobile phone is improved.

In the above embodiment, the numbers and symbols of the telephone number are displayed on the LCD 18, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the numbers and symbols of the telephone number may be displayed on the surface of the roller 20 itself. , that is, the digits of the telephone number [
1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-0-#-*], a switching contact is provided to semi-fix the roller 20 at each position, and the corresponding number is identified through this contact. The CPU 60 (61) is configured to send the generated signal to the CPU 60 (61). Further, the numbers at these semi-fixed positions may be displayed on the LCD 18 at the same time. In this case as well, by illuminating the surface of the roller 20 itself, it becomes easier to input a telephone number in a dark place. Note that if the numbers are not displayed on the LCD 18, the LCD 18 and the like are not required, but since the area of the display portion is small, the numbers are naturally smaller than those displayed on the LCD 18. In this case, it is preferable to provide a lens cover on the roller 20 to enlarge the displayed numbers.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the optical rotary encoder 30 is used for inputting telephone numbers, etc., but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration using a magnetic rotary encoder may be used. Furthermore, a ball is placed in place of the roller 20, and a so-called X/Y coordinate input device using a trackball is used to detect the rotation in all directions, and the output signal is processed as described above to obtain the same effect. You can also get

[0018] In this way, the configuration is simplified and the size is reduced compared to the conventional dial type or touch tone type telephone input device. Furthermore, input operations such as telephone numbers become easier. In addition, since only the displayed numbers or symbols are illuminated, the illumination area is narrower compared to, for example, conventional dial type or touch-tone type, and the illumination mechanism is simplified and power saving is achieved. will be done.

[0019]

[Effects of the Invention] As can be understood from the above explanation, in the input device for a telephone according to the present invention, the rotating means is rotated by a person's finger;
The amount of rotation of this rotating means is identified as the numbers and symbols of the telephone number, and the on-hook or off-hook mode is switched based on the displacement when the rotating means is pressed down.
It has the advantage of being downsized with a simple configuration and being easy to operate. Furthermore, the numbers and symbols of the telephone number, on-hook and off-hook are displayed, and the displayed numbers or symbols are illuminated, which has the advantage of simplifying the lighting mechanism and achieving power savings. have Further, since the numbers and symbols of the telephone number are displayed on the rotating means, there is an advantage that miniaturization is achieved based on a simple structure and operation is easy.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of an embodiment of an input device for a telephone according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing in detail the configuration of an input section in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing in detail the configuration of a signal processing section of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing in detail another configuration of the signal processing section of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another external configuration of the input device for a telephone according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Exterior body 12 Speaker 13. Microphone 14 Input section 18 LCD 18a　Lighting section 20 Laura 20a Elastic shaft 30 Rotary encoder 40 Setting switch section Sa detection signal Sb on/off signal

Claims (4)

[Claims] Claims 1: Rotating means that is rotated by a person's finger and displaced when pressed; numeral/symbol identification means for identifying the amount of rotation of the rotating means as numbers and symbols of a telephone number; 1. An input device for a telephone, comprising: on-hook switching means for switching between on-hook and off-hook when pressed. 2. The telephone input device according to claim 1, further comprising a display device for displaying numbers and symbols of a telephone number and on-hook or off-hook status. 3. The telephone input device according to claim 2, further comprising illumination means for illuminating the numbers or symbols displayed on the display device. 4. The telephone input device according to claim 1, wherein the numbers and symbols of the telephone number are displayed on the rotating means.