JPH11203102A - Information processor having communication function and communication sound controlling method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve convenience to use during voice communication that utilizes a telephone function of an information processor. SOLUTION: Relating to this information processor having a communication function which is provided with a microphone 54 for a voice input and a tablet 36 that indicates a coordinate position by a pen which inputs data, through contact, when a pen input controlling part 35 detects that data are inputted from the tablet 36 by a pen operation and notifies it to a CPU 30, the CPU 30 instructs a communication controlling part 50 of a radio communication controlling part 22 to cut off a voice input from the microphone 54 through a radio communication control IF part 31. The part 50 cuts off the voice input from the microphone 54 to an input switching part 56 and controls input switching so that melody sound can be generated from a melody sounding part 55.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable telephone, a PHS
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus with a communication function having a communication function such as (Personal Handyphone system) and a communication sound control method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, portable telephones, PHSs (Personal
2. Description of the Related Art Information processing apparatuses having a telephone communication function such as a handyphone system have been developed. Such an information processing apparatus is provided with a personal information man (PIM) such as an address book and a scheduler, which are inherent functions of the information processing apparatus.
ager) function and a combination of wireless communication function (telephone function).

Conventionally, a portable information device having a PIM function such as an electronic organizer often uses a tablet and a pen for detecting a coordinate position in order to reduce the size of a data input device. The pen input operation on the tablet is convenient for browsing information such as a telephone directory and a scheduler, and does not require the familiarity of keyboard operation, thereby improving the user's convenience.

[0004] An information processing apparatus with a telephone function can send and receive e-mails and connect to the Internet to browse a home page using its wireless communication function. In this way, it is also possible to have a voice conversation as a telephone. When the information processing apparatus is used as a telephone, the housing itself is used as a telephone handset.

[0005]

As described above, in a conventional information processing apparatus having a communication function, when the information processing apparatus is used as a telephone, the housing itself is used as a telephone handset.

[0006] Even when the information processing apparatus is used as a telephone, the original functions such as the PIM function provided in the information processing apparatus can be used. For this reason, it is possible to perform operations such as referring to the schedule and writing notes during a telephone conversation.

[0007] However, when a pen input operation is performed during a telephone call, the microphone for voice input picks up an operation sound such as "snap" generated when the pen touches the surface of the tablet. In particular, in the case of a portable information processing device, a tablet on which a pen input is performed and a microphone are provided close to each other in the housing, so that the pen input operation sound is easily transmitted to the telephone of the other party. The transmission of such an unpleasant operation sound during a conversation is particularly uncomfortable for the other party, and is a factor that reduces usability.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an information processing apparatus with a communication function capable of improving the usability during a voice call utilizing the telephone function of the information processing apparatus. It is an object to provide a control method.

[0009]

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus with a communication function, wherein a microphone for voice input and an input means for inputting data with contact are provided in the same housing. Data input determining means for determining that data input is being performed, and when the data input determining means determines that data input is being performed,
Input blocking means for blocking input from the microphone.

According to such a configuration, when a data input operation (such as an operation on a tablet with a pen) is performed to use a function provided in the information processing apparatus, the input from the microphone for voice communication is cut off. Therefore, an unpleasant sound generated by data operation to the other party is not transmitted to the other party.

Further, the input means inputs data when a surface of a tablet for detecting a coordinate position is touched by a pen. Thus, the sound generated when the pen touches the coordinate detection surface of the tablet with the pen input operation is not transmitted to the other party of the call.

Also, a sound generating means for generating a specific sound, and when the input from the microphone is cut off by the input cutoff means, the specific sound generated from the sound generating means instead of the sound input from the microphone. And sound input switching means for inputting

Thus, when the data input operation is started, not only the input from the microphone is cut off, but also a melody sound that does not cause discomfort to the other party can be provided.

[0014] Further, when the input from the microphone is interrupted by the input interrupting means, a display means for displaying a message notifying that no input from the microphone is performed, and a notification by the display means. Is displayed, and release instruction input means for inputting an instruction to release the input cutoff from the microphone by the input cutoff means is provided.

Thus, the state of blocking the input sound from the microphone is specified, and the user can intentionally give an instruction to cancel the blocking of the input sound. Also, a connection means for connecting an external microphone for voice input instead of the microphone, and a microphone connection detection means for detecting whether an external microphone is connected to the connection means, The input blocking unit blocks input from the microphone only when the microphone connection detecting unit detects that an external microphone is not connected.

As a result, even when data input is started, a sound generated by the data input is not transmitted to the other party (a state in which the external microphone is used).
Then, the input sound can be prevented from being interrupted.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is realized by, for example, a computer which reads a program recorded on a memory card or a storage medium connected externally, and whose operation is controlled by the program. As shown in FIG.
In 0, a display 12, a tablet 14, operation keys 15, a pen 16, a receiver 18, a microphone 19, and the like are provided.

Display surface of display 12 and tablet 1
4 is superimposed and integrated with the coordinate detection surface. By directly indicating the target displayed on the display 12 by the pen 16, coordinate data corresponding to the target can be input.

The operation keys 15 are fixed keys provided for giving various instructions to the information processing apparatus.
The receiver 18 and the microphone 19 are used when the information processing apparatus is used as a telephone, and are used when a voice call is made with the receiver 18 being put on the ear and the microphone 19 attached to the mouth.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is provided with the functions of an information processing control unit 20 and a wireless communication control unit 22.

The information processing control unit 20 controls the original functions of the information processing apparatus, and controls the PIM (Personal Information Manager) functions such as an address book, a scheduler, and a memo pad, and also controls the wireless communication by the wireless communication control unit 22. And the like.

The wireless communication control unit 22 includes the information processing control unit 2
0, for example, PHS (Personal Handyphon)
e system), and has a function as a general telephone in addition to data communication between the information processing control unit 20 and the outside.

The information processing control unit 20 includes a CPU 30, a wireless communication control IF unit 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a headset detection unit 34, a pen input control unit 35, and a tablet 3.
6, a display controller 37, a display 38, a key input controller 39, and operation keys 40.

The CPU 30 controls the entire information processing controller 20, and executes various processes based on programs and data stored in the ROM 32 or the RAM 33. The CPU 30 controls communication by the wireless communication control unit 22 through the wireless communication control IF unit 31.

The wireless communication control IF unit 31 is interposed in the control of the wireless communication control unit 22 by the CPU 30, and is an interface for transmitting and receiving data and commands between the CPU 30 and the communication control unit 50.

The ROM 32 stores various control programs that define the operation of the CPU 30, and includes programs for the PIM function and the communication control function for the wireless communication control unit 22. The communication control function includes a function of performing communication sound control (input sound cutoff control) at the time of a voice call by the telephone function in the wireless communication control unit 22.

The RAM 33 is used to store various data in addition to a work area for various functions executed by the CPU 30. The headset detection unit 34
It detects that the headset 58 is connected to the connector 57 provided in the wireless communication control unit 22, and monitors the connection state to the connector 57.

The pen input control unit 35 detects that a position has been designated on the coordinate detecting surface of the tablet 36 by the pen 16 and notifies the CPU 30 of the fact. Tablet 36
Detects the position indicated by the pen 16 on the coordinate detection surface under the control of the pen input control unit 35.

Under the control of the CPU 30, the display control unit 37 controls the display 38 to display various information for executing various functions in addition to the PIM function.

The display 38 controls various kinds of information under the control of the display controller 37. Note that the coordinate detection surface of the tablet 36 and the display surface of the display 38 are superimposed, and by directly pointing the target displayed on the display 38 using the pen 16, the coordinate data for specifying the target is displayed. Can be entered.

The key input control section 39 is provided for the information processing apparatus 10.
The control for inputting an instruction from the user to the operation key 40 (the operation key 15 in FIG. 1) provided in the.

The operation keys 40 are input means provided for inputting various instructions from the user to the apparatus. The wireless communication control unit 22 includes a communication control unit 50, an audio control unit 51, a wireless unit 52, a receiver 53, a microphone 54, a melody sounding unit 55, and a headset 57.

The communication control unit 50 controls the entire wireless communication control unit 22 under the information processing control unit 20, and controls data communication and voice communication between the information processing control unit 20 and the outside. Perform The detailed configuration of the communication control unit 50 will be described later.

The audio control unit 51 performs voice control for voice communication, and includes a receiver 53, a microphone 5
4, and the transmission / reception control of the audio signal between the melody sounding section 55 and the communication control section 50 (baseband circuit section 65).

Radio section 52 includes a reception control circuit for performing reception control under the control of communication control section 50, and a transmission control circuit for performing transmission control. The reception control circuit is a circuit that amplifies a radio frequency signal, converts the frequency, and demodulates the signal into a baseband signal. The transmission control circuit has a function of amplifying a radio frequency signal after demodulating and frequency-converting a baseband signal.

The receiver 53 (receiver) outputs an audio signal received by the radio unit 52 and input via the communication control unit 50 and the audio control unit 51 as audio. The microphone 54 (transmitter) inputs a voice when making a voice call by a telephone function, and inputs a voice signal to the input switching unit 5.
6, and the communication control unit 50 through the audio control unit 51.
Notify.

The melody sounding section 55 is a melody sound (specific sound) to be sent to the other party when an input from the microphone (transmitter) 54 is interrupted while a voice call is being made by the telephone function. Generate.

The input switching unit 56 switches the audio signal input to the audio control unit 51 to either the microphone 54 or the melody sounding unit 55 under the control of the communication control unit 50. The input switching unit 56 cuts off the voice input from the microphone 54 when a data input is made in the information processing control unit 20 during the voice call by the telephone function, and the melody sounding unit 55
The melody sound generated in the audio control unit 51
Output to

The connector 57 is for connecting the headset 58, intervenes in the transmission and reception of audio signals between the headset 58 and the audio control unit 51, and detects whether the headset 58 is connected or not. Part 34
It is configured to be able to detect by.

The headset 57 is used for making a voice call instead of the receiver 53 and the microphone 54, and is used by being arbitrarily connected to the connector 57. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a communication control unit 50 of the information processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing apparatus includes a wireless control system CPU 60, a ROM 61, an RA
M62, EEPROM 63, baseband circuit section 65,
And an operation system CPU 68.

The wireless control system CPU 60 controls the wireless communication control IF unit 3 based on a program stored in the ROM 61.
Under the control of the CPU 30 of the information processing control unit 20 via the control unit 1, control for performing wireless communication (establishment of a protocol, etc.) and control for switching voice input when performing a voice call using a telephone function are performed.

The ROM 61 stores programs, data, and the like that specify the operation of the wireless control system CPU 60. RA
M62 is used as a work area for various processes executed by the wireless control system CPU 60.

The EEPROM 63 stores various information (such as a telephone number and arbitrarily set unique information) used for performing wireless communication. Baseband circuit section 65
Are controlled by the wireless control system CPU 60,
Control the wireless signal processing via the.

The operation system CPU 68 includes the wireless communication control unit 22
The wireless signal processing in the baseband circuit unit 65 is controlled in response to an instruction input by an operation on a button (not shown) (for example, an icon on the screen or a mechanical object).

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is provided with a function as a telephone in addition to a general information processing function. When used as a telephone, the receiver 18 shown in FIG. 19 is used with the mouth.

Further, even during a telephone call, the information processing apparatus can refer to a schedule, write a memo, and the like by using the original functions of the information processing function such as the PIM function. In this case, the information processing device is temporarily moved away from the ear to perform a pen operation or the like. At this time, switching control of the voice sent to the other party (interruption of the input from the microphone 54) is performed.

In the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, a method for canceling voice switching (interruption of input from the microphone 54) can be set in advance. According to a preset state, there are two methods of canceling, "method of automatically canceling if there is no pen input for a certain period" (automatic cancel setting) and "method of canceling by user operation" (arbitrary cancel setting) There are two ways. Here, description will be made assuming that one of the methods is set in advance at an arbitrary timing.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing voice switching control in response to a pen input during a voice call by the telephone function. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The pen input control unit 35 includes the wireless communication control unit 2
While the voice call is being performed by the telephone function in Step 2, it is monitored whether or not the tablet 36 has detected the position on the coordinate detection surface designated by the pen 16 (Steps S1 and S2).

Here, when the position on the coordinate detection surface is detected by the pen input control unit 35, that is, when the pen input is performed to execute some information processing function (step S2), the CPU 30 executes the wireless communication. Communication control unit 22
The headset detector 34 detects whether or not the headset 58 is connected to the connector 57 (step S3).

When a voice call is made in the wireless communication control unit 22 after the headset 58 is connected, a sound generated by a pen input operation in the information processing control unit 20 is generated by a microphone provided in the headset 58. Do not cut off pen input because there is no pick up.

On the other hand, when the headset 58 is not connected, the CPU 30
The communication control unit 50 of the wireless communication control unit 22 is notified of an instruction to cut off the input from the microphone 54.

Receiving the instruction to cut off the input from CPU 30, communication control unit 50 instructs input switching unit 56 to switch the input. The input switching unit 56 switches the connection from the state connected to the microphone 54 to the melody sounding unit 55 for voice communication using the telephone function to the
4 is interrupted (step S4).

If the automatic switching is set as the method of canceling the voice switching (step S5), the CPU
30 measures the pen non-input processing time with reference to the notification of pen input detection from the pen input control unit 35. That is, the CPU 30 uses the tablet 36 to
The time from the last input by the user is measured, and it is monitored whether or not a predetermined time set in advance has elapsed.

If no input continues for a certain period of time, the CP
U30 notifies the communication control unit 50 of the wireless communication control unit 22 of the cancellation of the interruption of the voice input from the microphone 54 via the wireless communication control IF unit 31.

The communication control unit 50 instructs the input switching unit 56 to switch the input. That is, the input switching unit 5
Reference numeral 6 denotes a microphone connected to the melody sound generator 55 so that a voice call using the telephone function can be resumed.
Side to release the input cutoff (step S8).

On the other hand, when the voice input from the microphone 54 is interrupted and the automatic release setting has not been made (arbitrary release setting) (step S5), the CPU 30 controls the display control As shown in FIG. 5, an input sound state display 70 indicating that the sound input from the microphone is not notified to the other party is displayed on the processing screen currently being executed (step S9).

FIG. 5 shows an example in which “MUTE” is displayed as the input sound state display 70.
Further, a release button 72 for releasing the interruption of the voice input in accordance with an instruction from the user is displayed. CPU 30
Is in a state of waiting for input of input block release (step S1).
0), the voice input from the microphone 54 is interrupted until the release input is instructed.

When the pen 16 is instructed on the coordinate detection surface of the tablet 36 to select the release button 72 displayed on the display 38, the CPU 30
Determines that an instruction to cancel the voice input cutoff has been issued (step S11), and sends the voice input cutoff from the microphone 54 to the communication control unit 50 of the wireless communication control unit 22 through the wireless communication control IF unit 31. Notification of cancellation.

The communication control unit 50 that has received the notification of the cancellation of the voice input cutoff instructs the input switching unit 56 to switch the input. The input switching unit 56 switches the state connected to the melody sounding unit 55 to the microphone 54 so that the voice communication using the telephone function can be resumed, and releases the input interruption (step S12).

Further, the CPU 30 has a function as shown in FIG.
The input sound state display 70 of “MUTE” on the display 38 is stopped (step S13). In this way, while making a voice call using the telephone function,
When a pen input is performed on the tablet 36 by the operation of the pen 16, the input sound of the microphone 54 is cut off, so that the sound generated when the tip of the pen 16 contacts the coordinate detection surface of the tablet 36. However, it is not transmitted to the other party and does not give any discomfort.

In the above description, the sound generated when the pen 16 touches the coordinate detection surface of the tablet 14 is not transmitted to the other party. Sounds generated by operations on other device configurations, such as sounds, can be targeted. In this case, the presence or absence of an operation on the operation key 15 for executing the information processing function during the voice call is detected, and the interruption of the voice input from the microphone 54 is controlled.

When an openable / closable cover for protecting the surface of the display 38 of the information processing control unit 20 is provided, the open / closed state of the cover during a call using the information processing apparatus as a telephone is determined. Detect and detect microphone 54
It is also possible to control the interruption of the voice input from.

For example, when the information processing apparatus is used as a telephone with the cover closed, it is determined that the information processing function will be used when the cover is opened during a voice call. Is controlled so as to cut off the voice input. Conversely, when the cover is closed, it is assumed that the use of the information processing function has been completed, and control is performed to release the interruption of the voice input from the microphone 54.

In the above description, when the voice input from the microphone 54 is cut off, the specific sound (melody sound) generated from the melody sounding section 55 is transmitted to the other party. However, a silent state may be set for the other party.

In the above-described embodiment, the microphone 54
Input switching unit 56 as a component for interrupting voice input from
However, a configuration may be adopted in which a function of switching the voice input source or a function of blocking the voice input is provided inside the audio control unit 51, and the function is controlled by the communication control unit 50.

Further, if only the sound input is cut off, the baseband circuit section 65 of the communication control section 50 may be provided with a function of cutting off the sound output and controlled by the wireless control system CPU 60.

The method described in the above-described embodiment includes, as programs that can be executed by a computer, for example, a magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM,
DVD and the like, and can be written to a recording medium such as a semiconductor memory and provided to various devices. Further, it is also possible to transmit the data via a communication medium and provide it to various devices. A computer that implements the present apparatus reads the program recorded on a recording medium or receives the program via a communication medium, and executes the above-described processing by controlling the operation of the program.

[0069]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, when a data input for using the information processing function is detected during a voice call by the telephone function, the receiver (microphone) is used. ) Can be cut off, so that the data input operation sound can be prevented from being generated as noise from the receiver of the other party.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exemplary view showing an external configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram showing the system configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a communication control unit 50 of the information processing device shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing voice switching control in response to a pen input during a voice call by a telephone function.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displaying an input sound state indicating that a sound input from a microphone is not notified to a call partner on a screen for processing being executed;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Information processing apparatus 12 ... Display 14 ... Tablet 15 ... Operation keys 16 ... Pen 18 ... Receiver 19 ... Microphone 20 ... Information processing control part 22 ... Wireless communication control part 30 ... CPU 31 ... Wireless communication control IF part 32 ... ROM 33 ... RAM 34 ... Headset detection unit 35 ... Pen input control unit 36 ... Tablet 37 ... Display control unit 38 ... Display 39 ... Key input control unit 40 ... Operation keys 50 ... Communication control unit 51 ... Audio 52 ... Wireless unit 53 ... Receiver (Receiver) 54 ... Microphone (transmitter) 55 ... Melody sounding section 57 ... Connector 58 ... Headset 60 ... Wireless control system CPU 61 ... ROM 62 ... RAM 63 ... EEPROM 65 ... Baseband circuit section 68 ... Operation system CPU 70 … Input sound status display 72… release button

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus with a communication function, wherein a microphone for voice input and an input means for inputting data with contact are provided in the same housing, wherein a data input by the input means is being performed. With a communication function, comprising: a data input determining means for determining; and an input blocking means for blocking input from the microphone when the data input determining means determines that data is being input. Information processing device. 2. The information processing apparatus with a communication function according to claim 1, wherein said input means inputs data when a surface of a tablet for detecting a coordinate position is touched by a pen. 3. A sound generator for generating a specific sound, and a specific sound generated from the sound generator instead of a sound input from the microphone when an input from the microphone is cut off by the input cutoff unit. An information processing apparatus with a communication function, comprising: a sound input switching unit for inputting a sound. 4. A display means for providing a display for notifying that no input from the microphone is made when an input from the microphone is cut off by the input cutoff means, and a notification by the display means. Is displayed,
2. The information processing apparatus with a communication function according to claim 1, further comprising: a cancellation instruction input unit configured to input an instruction to cancel the input cutoff from the microphone by the input cutoff unit. 5. A connection means for connecting an external microphone for voice input in place of the microphone, and a microphone connection detection means for detecting whether or not an external microphone is connected to the connection means. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input cutoff unit cuts off an input from the microphone only when the microphone connection detection unit detects that an external microphone is not connected. Information processing device with communication function. 6. A communication sound control method in an information processing apparatus with a communication function, wherein a microphone for voice input and an input unit for inputting data with contact are provided in the same housing. A communication sound control method comprising: determining that data input is being performed; and, when determining that data input is being performed, interrupting input from the microphone.