JPH09134249A - Portable information unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability so that various functions can easily be used without using both hands. SOLUTION: The portable information unit which is provided with plural functions and selectively executes an operation is provided with an inclination detection device 26 detecting the inclined state of the unit and it switches the functions in accordance with the inclined state detected by the inclination detection device 26. Furthermore, a key device 30 for indicating the execution of switch control on the functions is provided. The functions are switched in accordance with the indication from the key device 30. The continuity time of the inclined state is measured and the functions are switched by a repeat processing in accordance with the measured result.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a PDA (personal
portable assistants such as digital assistants).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, PDAs (personal digital
Portable information devices called ssistants) are beginning to be widely used. This type of portable information device is configured to have a size that can be carried by one hand, for example, and is easy to carry, and one advantage is that it can be used anytime and anywhere.
A pen input is mainly used as an input means because it is easy to operate and can be downsized. In the pen input, a command can be input by designating a predetermined area or an icon provided on the display screen, or handwritten characters or the like can be directly input as memo writing.

A portable information device (PDA) has a function of managing a personal schedule and the like, a function of assisting in writing an idea by writing with a pen, a search for information registered in a dictionary or a database. Functions are provided.

By the way, when using the portable information equipment as described above, it is usual to carry the equipment body with one hand and the pen with the other hand for operation. That is, both hands must be used to use the portable information device.

[0005]

As described above, when the conventional portable information equipment is used, it is necessary to use both hands because it is necessary to give an instruction using a pen to operate the equipment. did not become. Therefore, for example, if you want to use a portable information device during a call, that is, even if you try to talk using the function to search and refer to information or the function to manage a schedule, hold the device body with one hand,
I could not use these functions because I had to hold the handset with the other hand. In such a case, it is necessary to secure a place for mounting the portable information device and operate the portable information device.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and provides a portable information device with improved operability so that various functions can be easily used without using both hands. The purpose is to do.

[0007]

According to the present invention, in a portable information device having a plurality of functions and selectively executed, a tilt detecting means for detecting a tilt state of the device and a tilt detecting means for detecting the tilt state of the device. And a control means for switching the function according to the tilted state.

[0008] Further, it is characterized in that it comprises an instructing means for instructing execution of control by the control means, and the control means switches the function in accordance with an instruction from the instructing means.

Further, the control means measures the duration time of the tilt state detected by the tilt detection means, and switches the function according to the measurement result. With such a configuration, the functions can be switched by tilting the main body of the portable information device, and therefore an operation of giving an instruction to the device by pen input is unnecessary, and it is not always necessary to use both hands when using the device. Does not need

Further, since the control of switching the function by tilting the body of the portable information device is not always necessary, it can be arbitrarily executed by an instruction from the instruction means (button device).

When it is necessary to repeat the same operation (switching of functions), it is not necessary to repeat the operation of tilting the main body of the portable information device for the number of times, and the tilted state can be maintained. Since it is executed, the operability is good.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a portable information device according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the portable information device in this embodiment is C
PU 10, RAM 12, VRAM 14, ROM 16, pen input device 18, input control unit 20, display device 22, display control unit 24, tilt detection device 26, tilt detection control unit 28,
The button device 30, the button control unit 32, the storage device 34, and the storage control unit 36 are included.

The CPU 10 controls the entire apparatus and controls various functions by accessing the RAM 12, the VRAM 14, and the ROM 16 and starting a program according to an input instruction. In this embodiment, the calendar function, the schedule function, the address function, and the memo function can be executed. Further, the CPU 10 causes the tilt state detected by the tilt detection device 26 obtained through the tilt detection control unit 28, and the button device 3 obtained through the button control unit 32.
Function switching control is performed according to the duration of 0 state and tilt state.

The RAM 12 is a program area 12 in which various processing programs for determining the operation of the CPU 10 are stored.
In addition to a, a character pattern area in which font data is stored, a dictionary area in which a standard dictionary for converting reading information input in kana or Roman characters into kanji information is provided, and the like. In addition, the RAM 12 is provided with a work area 12b for executing various functions, an address information area 12c, a schedule area 12d, a text memo area 12e, and a handwritten memo area 12f.

The work area 12b is an area for temporarily storing data when executing various functions.
The address information area 12c is an area for storing address information input when the address function is executed, that is, a name, a telephone number, an address, date of birth data, etc. relating to an individual or the like. The schedule area 12d is an area for storing schedule information and the like input when the schedule function is executed. The text memo area 12e and the handwritten memo area 12f are areas for storing text input when the memo function is executed, or handwritten character data. The data stored in each of the areas 12b to 12f are appropriately read out as necessary during the execution of each function and provided for display.

The VRAM 14 is an area for expanding display data to be displayed on the display device 22. VR
The display data expanded in the AM 14 is read by the display control unit 24 and provided for display on the display device 22.

The ROM 16 is a program area 16 in which various processing programs for determining the operation of the CPU 10 are stored.
a, a data area for storing various data, and the like are provided.

The pen input device 18 is an input means for realizing a pen input, and is a coordinate detection device using, for example, an electromagnetic induction system or a pressure sensitive system. The coordinate detection surface is configured by being superimposed on the display screen of the display device 22, and the displayed content can be directly pointed. With the pen input device 18, it is possible to input a command by pointing a predetermined area or an icon provided on the display screen of the display device 22, or to input a handwritten character as a memo as it is. The input control unit 20 is
The pen input by the pen input device 18 is controlled.

The display device 22 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays under the control of the display controller 24. The display screen of the display device 22 is the pen input device 1
8 coordinate detection planes. Display control unit 24
Is for controlling the display on the display device 22, and VR
The display data stored in the AM 14 is read and provided for display on the display device 22.

The tilt detecting device 26 detects the tilted state of the main body of the device, detects that the device is tilted by a predetermined angle or more, and detects the tilted state by the tilt detection controller 28.
Notify. The inclination detection device 26 may detect the inclination state by any means, but detects the inclination state mechanically or magnetically, for example. The tilt detection device 26 is
It is possible to detect that the device is tilted in the front, rear, left, and right directions, and the CPU 10 determines in which direction the device is tilted.
Can be notified. The inclination detection control unit 28 controls the inclination detection device 26, and outputs the detection result to the CPU 10.
Notify.

The button device 30 is a hold button for instructing the CPU 10 to execute the function switching control based on the tilt state of the device. The state of the button device 30 is notified to the CPU 10 via the button control unit 32. In the present embodiment, when the button device 30 is pressed, the function is switched by the CPU 10 when the device is tilted. The button controller 32
It controls the button device 30, and the state of the button is CP.
Notify U10.

The storage device 34 is a non-volatile storage means for storing programs related to various functions, data handled by the various functions, and the like. The storage control unit 36 controls the storage device 34 under the CPU 10.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flow chart. In the present embodiment, the function switching means (1) a calendar function, (2) a schedule function, (3) an address function, (4) a memo function in order, and contents displayed during execution of each function. It includes the case of sequentially switching. Further, it is assumed that the order of function switching is set in advance in a ring shape in the above-mentioned arrangements (1) to (4). Here, the button device 30 is pressed (depending on the tilted state of the device). It is instructed to execute the function switching).

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the procedure of control for switching functions. The CPU 10 is a button device 30.
When is pressed, it is determined whether or not the device body is tilted according to the notification from the tilt detection control unit 28 (tilt detection device 26) (step A1). The tilt detection device 26 notifies the CPU 10 which of the front, rear, left, and right directions of the device in addition to the tilted state of the device body.

When the tilt detection control unit 28 (tilt detection device 26) notifies the CPU 10 that the device is tilted, the CPU 10 determines which of the front, back, left and right directions of the device is tilted ( Step A2).

Here, when the device is tilted to the right, the CPU 10 activates the function corresponding to the next order of the function currently being executed and switches the function (step A3). For example, the CPU 10 switches to the schedule function when the calendar function is being executed, and switches to the calendar function when the memo function is being executed.

When the device is tilted to the left, the CPU 10 activates the function corresponding to the previous order of the function currently being executed and switches the function (step A4). For example, the CPU 10 switches to the calendar function when the schedule function is being executed, and switches to the memo function when the calendar function is being executed.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a control procedure for sequentially switching the contents displayed during execution of the calendar function. The calendar function is a function of presenting a calendar of a specified year and month.

Here, it is assumed that the calendar function is currently being executed. When the button device 30 is in the pressed state, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the device body is in the tilted state according to the notification from the tilt detection control unit 28 (tilt detection device 26) (step B1). ). In addition to the tilted state of the device body, the tilt detection device 26 determines whether the device is tilted in the front, rear, left, or right directions.
Notify 10.

When the tilt detection control unit 28 (tilt detection device 26) notifies the CPU 10 that the device is tilted, the CPU 10 determines which of the front, rear, left and right directions of the device is tilted ( Step B2).

If the device is tilted forward, the CPU 10 advances by one month from the currently displayed calendar month and switches to the calendar display for the next month (step B3). ). For example, the CPU 10 is 1
If the month calendar is being displayed, switch to the February calendar display.

When the device is tilted backward, the CPU 10 returns one month from the currently running calendar month and switches to the calendar display of the previous month (step B4). . For example, the CPU 10 is 1
If the month calendar is being displayed, switch to the calendar display for December of the previous year.

Although the calendar function is used as an example,
Of course, in other functions as well, the display contents can be switched according to the tilt state of the device. For example, when the address function is being executed, data relating to an individual or the like (for example, a part of information called PIM (personal information manager) data), for example, a name and a telephone number are displayed in one display screen, and further an address and an address are displayed as an extended display. The date of birth shall be displayed. In this case, when the device is tilted forward while the name and the telephone number are displayed while the address function is being executed, the display is switched to the extended display and the address and the date of birth are displayed.

In this way, the function being executed can be switched by tilting the device body to the right or left, and the content displayed while the function is being executed can be switched by tilting the device body forward or backward. Even if the pen cannot be input, that is, if both hands cannot be used, the desired function can be used.

It should be noted that in the present embodiment, it is also possible to perform the function switching by the repeat processing.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of repeat processing. When the button device 30 is in the pressed state, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the device body is in the tilted state according to the notification from the tilt detection control unit 28 (tilt detection device 26) (step C1). ). When it is notified that the device is tilted, the CPU 10 switches the function according to the tilted state of the device, as described using the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Further, the CPU 10 controls the tilt detection control section 28.
When the tilt detection device 26 notifies that the device is in the tilted state and the tilted state continues (step C2), the time in the tilted state (tilt time) is measured ( Step C3).

As a result of the measurement of the tilt time, when a preset fixed time has elapsed (step C4), CP
U10 executes the previous operation (step C5). That is, the function switching performed when the device is notified that the device is tilted is similarly executed. Furthermore, when the device is maintained in the same state and a certain time has elapsed (steps C3 to C4), the previous operation is executed in the same manner. Thereafter, the same operation is similarly repeated (repeat processing).

For example, if the device is kept tilted while the calendar function is being executed (it is assumed that the device is tilted forward), if the January calendar is currently being displayed, a certain time As the time elapses, the display contents are sequentially switched such as February, March, ....

In this way, by switching the function by the repeat processing, it is possible to efficiently switch to a desired function (or display content), and an operation of tilting the device in a predetermined direction each time the function is switched. The operability is improved because there is no need to perform.

In the present embodiment, when the button device 30 is instructed to execute the function switching according to the tilt, what function is switched (or the display content is switched) when tilted in any direction. You may make it display the message which shows whether is performed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the device is tilted when the button device 30 is pressed, the CPU
Although it has been described that the function is switched by 10, the function may be switched when the button device 30 is not pressed. It is possible to avoid inadvertently switching to an undesired function by tilting the device by operating the button device 30.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the switching of the functions of the calendar function, the schedule function, the address function, the memo function, and the switching of the display of the calendar etc. are described as an example. It can also be applied to content switching.

[0043]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, since the functions are switched according to the tilted state of the device, it is possible to easily use the various functions without using both hands, and to perform the operation. The property is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a portable information device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure of control for switching functions in the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for sequentially switching the contents displayed during execution of the calendar function in the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of repeat processing in the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 ... CPU 12 ... RAM 14 ... VRAM 16 ... ROM 18 ... Pen input device 20 ... Input control unit 22 ... Display device 24 ... Display control unit 26 ... Tilt detection device 28 ... Tilt detection control unit 30 ... Button device 32 ... Button control Unit 34 ... Storage device 36 ... Storage control unit

Front Page Continuation (72) Inventor Hiroki Miyata 2-9 Suehirocho, Ome-shi, Tokyo Toshiba Personal System Engineering Co., Ltd. In-house

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. In a portable information device having a plurality of functions and selectively executed, a tilt detecting unit for detecting a tilt state of the device, and a tilt state detected by the tilt detecting unit,
A portable information device, comprising: a control unit that switches a function. 2. An instruction means for instructing execution of control by the control means, wherein the control means switches a function according to an instruction from the instruction means. The portable information device described. 3. The portable information according to claim 1, wherein the control unit measures the duration of the tilt state detected by the tilt detection unit and switches the function according to the measurement result. machine.