WO2012144415A1

WO2012144415A1 - Information terminal device

Info

Publication number: WO2012144415A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/060026
Authority: WO
Inventors: 藤原　邦夫
Original assignee: シャープ株式会社
Priority date: 2011-04-22
Filing date: 2012-04-12
Publication date: 2012-10-26
Also published as: JP2012226713A

Abstract

When a time at which a touch pen (19) is detected by a first storage switch (16) as being removed from a storage unit (20) as being an earlier time than a time at which the touch pen (19) is detected by a second storage switch (17) as being removed from the storage unit (20), a CPU (10) assesses that the pen has been removed from the right-hand side, and displays a right-handed handwriting input screen on a display unit (13). When the time at which the touch pen (19) is detected by the first storage switch (16) as being removed from the storage unit (20) as not being an earlier time than the time at which the touch pen (19) is detected by the second storage switch (17) as being removed from the storage unit (20), the CPU (10) assesses that the pen has been removed from the left-hand side, and displays a left-handed handwriting input screen on the display unit (13).

Description

Information terminal equipment

The present invention relates to an information terminal device capable of handwritten input.

A system having a touch panel, for example, an information terminal device, displays a user interface that asks the user about the dominant hand. The user can display a user interface corresponding to the dominant hand by performing an operation to answer this question.

As a first related technique, there is an operation guidance device described in Patent Document 1. This operation guidance device displays a selection input area on the display across the left and right sides of the screen. If the operator touches the right half of the selected input area, the next input area to be displayed is displayed to the right. If the left half of the selected input area is the left, the next input area to be displayed is to the left. By displaying on the screen, display according to the dominant hand of the user is performed. The operation guidance device can also display a right-handed area and a left-handed area asking for the user's dominant hand on the initial screen, and can allow the user to specify the dominant hand.

As a second related technique, there is a pen input type information processing apparatus described in Patent Document 2. This pen input type information processing device starts supplying power to the pen input type information processing device when the pen is taken out from the input dedicated pen storage location, and the pen is stored in the input dedicated pen storage location. Is detected, the supply of power to the pen input type information processing apparatus ends. The power supply is automatically turned on / off according to the pen installation state. In addition, the input dedicated pen storage location is provided on the right side of the pen input type information processing device, but the pen input type information processing device is rotated 180 degrees up and down so that the input dedicated pen storage location is on the left side. It can also be used.

As a third related technique, there is a pen input device described in Patent Document 3. This pen input device detects the rotation direction or the number of rotations of the pen stored in the pen storage unit by two pen detection sensors each having a power control pattern, and responds to the detected rotation direction or the number of rotations. Power control. The power supply can be controlled by rotating the pen.

As a fourth related technique, there is a pen input type information device described in Patent Document 4. In this pen input type information device, a hollow cylindrical input pen mounting portion is provided at one end edge of a protective cover for protecting the touch panel, and a concave input pen storage portion is provided in the device main body. When the protective cover is closed with the input pen attached to the input pen attachment portion, the input pen attachment portion and the input pen are accommodated in the input pen accommodation portion. In this state, the protective pen is locked so as not to open by moving the input pen laterally. In order to lock the protective cover, it is necessary to attach the input pen to the input pen mounting portion, so that the input pen can be prevented from being lost.

JP-A-6-208671 JP-A-6-289975 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-66011 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-307666

In the first related technology, operation on the screen by the user, such as operation of the selection input area or setting of the dominant hand, is required. In the second and third related technologies, since the power on / off or the like is controlled using a pen, if the pen is lost, the power on / off cannot be controlled. In the second related technique, in order to perform an operation according to the dominant arm, the upper and lower sides of the apparatus must be rotated 180 degrees. In the fourth related technique, the pen can be prevented from being lost, but an operation corresponding to the dominant hand cannot be performed.

An object of the present invention is to provide an information terminal device that can perform screen display according to the dominant hand by taking out the touch pen.

The present invention includes a display unit for displaying information,
A touch panel for inputting information by hand with a touch pen;
A power supply for supplying power to the display and touch panel;
A storage unit for storing the touch pen in the left-right direction toward the display unit;
An extraction detection unit that detects that the touch pen has been removed from the storage unit, and whether the left end of the touch pen has been removed earlier than the right end of the touch pen, or whether the right side of the touch pen has been removed earlier;
When the removal detection unit detects that the touch pen has been removed, the power supply unit is turned on, and if the removal detection unit detects that the left end has been removed earlier than the right end of the touch pen, handwriting with the left hand Display a left-handed handwriting input screen for entering information on the display unit, and if the extraction detection unit detects that the right end of the touch pen has been extracted earlier than the left end of the touch pen, input information by hand with the right hand And a control unit that displays a right-handed handwriting input screen on the display unit.

In the present invention, the information terminal device further includes a power-on / off instruction unit that instructs power-on and power-off of the power unit,
The take-out detection unit detects that the touch pen is stored in the storage unit,
The controller is
When the power-on / off instruction unit instructs to turn on the power, the take-out detection unit does not detect that the touch pen is stored in the storage unit, and the power-on / off instruction unit instructs to turn off the power. At that time, if the removal detection unit does not detect that the touch pen is stored in the storage unit, it is determined that the touch pen may have been lost,
When the power-on / off instruction unit instructs to turn on the power, when the removal detection unit detects that the touch pen is stored in the storage unit, or the power-on / off instruction unit turns off the power. It is preferable to determine that the touch pen exists when the take-out detection unit detects that the touch pen is stored in the storage unit when the instruction is given.

In the present invention, the information terminal device further includes a time measuring unit that measures time,
When the control unit determines that the touch pen may be lost, it detects that the touch pen is stored in the storage unit from the time when the extraction detection unit detects that the touch pen has been extracted from the storage unit. If the time counted by the timing unit exceeds a predetermined time, a setting screen for setting whether the handwriting input screen is used for right-handed use or left-handed use is displayed on the display unit. It is preferable.

In the present invention, the information terminal device further includes a keyboard having a plurality of keys for inputting information,
The take-out detection unit further detects that the touch pen is stored in the storage unit,
When the control unit detects that the touch pen is stored in the storage unit in a state where the power is turned on by the take-out detection unit, the control unit displays the handwriting input screen displayed on the display unit using the keyboard. It is preferable to display on the display unit instead of the keyboard input screen for inputting.

In the present invention, the storage portion is preferably formed in a cylindrical shape.
In the present invention, it is preferable that the storage portion is formed in a groove shape.
In the present invention, the storage portion is preferably formed in a clip shape.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the take-out detection unit is composed of a plurality of switches.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the take-out detection unit is constituted by two switches.

According to the present invention, the display unit displays information. The touch panel inputs information handwritten with a touch pen. The power supply unit supplies power to the display unit and the touch panel. The storage unit stores the touch pen in the left-right direction toward the display unit. The removal detection unit detects that the touch pen has been removed from the storage unit and whether the left end of the touch pen has been removed first or the right side of the touch pen has been removed. Then, when it is detected that the touch pen has been taken out by the take-out detection unit, the control unit turns on the power supply unit, and the take-out detection unit detects that the left end has been taken out before the right end of the touch pen. The left handed handwriting input screen for inputting information by hand with the left hand is displayed on the display unit, and if the right end is detected before the left end of the touch pen is detected by the extraction detection unit, The right handed handwriting input screen for inputting information by hand is displayed on the display unit. Therefore, it is possible to perform screen display corresponding to the dominant hand by taking out the touch pen. In addition, the power can be turned on simply by removing the touch pen, and the power can be turned on using the touch pen and the handwriting input screen can be automatically switched according to the dominant hand. In particular, in an information terminal device shared by a plurality of users, the switching operation of the handwriting input screen according to the dominant hand by the user can be omitted, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

According to the present invention, the power-on / off instruction unit instructs the power-on and power-off of the power unit. The extraction detection unit further detects that the touch pen is stored in the storage unit. When the power-on / off instruction unit instructs to turn on the power, the control unit is not detected by the take-out detection unit that the touch pen is stored in the storage unit, and the power-on / off instruction unit If the removal detection unit does not detect that the touch pen is stored in the storage unit at the point when the power supply is instructed to be turned off, it is determined that the touch pen may be lost. In addition, when the power-on / off instruction unit instructs to turn on the power, the control unit detects that the touch pen is stored in the storage unit when the take-out detection unit detects that the power-on / off instruction unit is turned on, or power-on / off. When the instruction unit instructs to turn off the power, when the take-out detection unit detects that the touch pen is stored in the storage unit, it determines that the touch pen exists. Therefore, the possibility of losing the touch pen can be detected.

According to the present invention, the timer unit measures time. When the control unit determines that the touch pen may have been lost, the touch detection unit detects that the touch pen has been removed from the storage unit, and the touch pen has been stored in the storage unit. A setting screen for setting whether the handwriting input screen is used for right-handed use or left-handed use when the time measured by the time measuring unit exceeds a predetermined time without detecting Display. Therefore, when it is determined that the touch pen is lost, a screen for setting right-handed / left-handedness can be automatically displayed, and even if the touch pen is lost, the information terminal device can be prevented from being disabled. can do.

According to the present invention, the keyboard has a plurality of keys for inputting information. The take-out detection unit further detects that the touch pen is stored in the storage unit. When the control unit detects that the touch pen is stored in the storage unit while the power is turned on, the control unit displays a handwriting input screen displayed on the display unit as a keyboard. Instead of the keyboard input screen for inputting information, the information is displayed on the display unit. Therefore, when the touch pen is retracted, the touch pen is not used, so that the handwriting input screen can be automatically switched to the keyboard input screen.

According to the present invention, since the storage portion is formed in a cylindrical shape, the touch pen can be securely stored.

According to the present invention, since the storage portion is formed in a groove shape, the storage portion can be easily formed as compared with a case where the storage portion is formed in a cylindrical shape.

According to the present invention, since the storage portion is formed in a clip shape, the storage portion can be made smaller than in the case where the storage portion is formed in a cylindrical shape and a groove shape.

According to the present invention, since the take-out detection unit is constituted by a plurality of switches, the storage direction and the take-out direction can be detected based on the detection order.

According to the present invention, since the take-out detection unit is constituted by two switches, the number of switches can be reduced to a necessary minimum, and depreciation can be reduced.

Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and drawings.
It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electronic dictionary which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of an electronic dictionary. It is a figure for demonstrating the storage direction of a touch pen. It is a figure for demonstrating the storage direction of a touch pen. It is a figure which shows the position where a 1st storage switch and a 2nd storage switch are arrange | positioned. It is a figure which shows the example of a keyboard input screen and a handwriting input screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a keyboard input screen and a handwriting input screen. It is a figure which shows the example of the handwriting input screen for right-handed use and left-handed use. It is a figure which shows the example of the handwriting input screen for right-handed use and left-handed use. It is a figure which shows the information contained in a pen presence determination table. It is a figure which shows an example of a dominant arm setting screen. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a pen taking-out process. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a power-on process. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a power-off process. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a reset process. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the handwriting mode switching process by a user. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a handwriting input screen display process. It is a figure which shows the other form of a storage part. It is a figure which shows the other form of a storage part.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic dictionary 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view showing the appearance of the electronic dictionary 1. The electronic dictionary 1, which is an information terminal device, is an electronic dictionary having functions of a dictionary such as a Japanese dictionary, an English-Japanese dictionary, a Japanese-English dictionary, or an encyclopedia, and examines the meaning of characters entered by handwriting or keyboard be able to. The information terminal device is not limited to the electronic dictionary 1, and may be a personal computer or a portable terminal device that can perform handwriting input. Hereinafter, the electronic dictionary 1 will be described as an example of the information terminal device.

The electronic dictionary 1 includes a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as “CPU”) 10, a read-only memory (hereinafter referred to as “ROM”) 11, and a random access memory (hereinafter referred to as “RAM”). ) 12, the display unit 13, the operation unit 14, the power switch 15, the first storage switch 16, the second storage switch 17, the data bus 18, the touch pen 19, the time measuring unit 23, and a power source (not shown).

The CPU 10 as the control unit controls the RAM 12, the display unit 13, and the operation unit 14 by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 11. The CPU 10 can recognize the time and measure the time by referring to the time measuring unit 23. The ROM 11 stores a program executed by the CPU 10. The RAM 12 stores information necessary for the CPU 10 to write and read information and execute the program.

The display unit 13 is configured by a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The display unit 13 has a display screen and displays information received from the CPU 10 on the display screen. The operation unit 14 is an input device for inputting information, and includes a touch panel 141 and a keyboard 142, for example.

The touch panel 141 is provided opposite to a position close to the display screen of the display unit 13. The touch panel 141 sends position information indicating the position touched by the touch pen 19 to the CPU 10. The CPU 10 recognizes the input handwritten character based on the position information received from the touch panel 141 and recognizes which operation button is operated by the touch pen 19 among the operation buttons displayed on the display screen. The keyboard 142 has a plurality of keys for inputting information such as letters, numbers, and symbols, and sends information represented by the operated keys to the CPU 10.

The power switch 15 is a switch for turning on or off power (not shown). The power source (not shown) includes a main power source and an auxiliary power source. A main power supply that is a power supply unit supplies power to the display unit 13 and the operation unit 14. The power switch 15 is operated by a user and can instruct a power-on instruction and a power-off instruction for the main power supply. The auxiliary power supply is always on and supplies power to the CPU 10, ROM 11, RAM 12, power switch 15, first storage switch 16 and second storage switch 17.

The power switch 15 which is a power-on / off instruction unit notifies the CPU 10 that there has been a power-on instruction and a power-off instruction. When receiving a power-on instruction from the power switch 15, the CPU 10 executes a power-on process, and when receiving a power-off instruction from the power switch 15, the CPU 10 executes a power-off process. The power-on process is a process for turning on the main power, and the power-off process is a process for turning off the main power.

The first storage switch 16 is provided on the left side of the center in the left-right direction toward the display screen, and whether or not the touch pen 19 is stored in the storage unit 20 at the position where the first storage switch 16 is provided. It is a switch to detect. The first storage switch 16 sends the detection result to the CPU 10. The first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17 may be configured by physical switches or optical switches. The second storage switch 17 is provided on the right side of the center in the left-right direction toward the display screen, and whether or not the touch pen 19 is stored in the storage unit 20 at the position where the second storage switch 17 is provided. It is a switch to detect. The second storage switch 17 sends the detection result to the CPU 10. The first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17 are take-out detection units.

The data bus 18 is a data bus for transmitting information, and is between the CPU 10 and the ROM 11, RAM 12, display unit 13, operation unit 14, power switch 15, first storage switch 16 and second storage switch 17. This is a signal line that enables transmission / reception of information. The touch pen 19 is an indicating tool for making a contact with the touch panel 141 and instructing the touched position, for example, a touch pen or a human finger. The touch pen 19 is formed in a rod shape, and is provided with a tapered pen tip at least at one end in the longitudinal direction. The timer 23 measures time. The CPU 10 can recognize the time and measure the time by referring to the time measuring unit 23.

3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining the storage direction of the touch pen 19. FIG. 3A is a diagram viewed from the front side of the electronic dictionary 1, and FIG. 3B is a diagram viewed from the back side of the electronic dictionary 1. The electronic dictionary 1 has a storage portion 20 formed on the back side. The storage unit 20 is provided on the back side of the electronic dictionary 1. The storage part 20 is a cylindrical through-hole penetrating in the left-right direction toward the display screen. The storage unit 20 has a right opening 21 at the left end of the back surface and a left opening 22 at the right end of the back surface.

The touch pen 19 can be stored from both sides of the electronic dictionary 1 in the left-right direction, and can be taken out from either side. That is, it can be stored and taken out from either the left side or the right side.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing positions where the first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17 are arranged. A first storage switch (indicated by “LSW” in FIG. 4) 16 stores and removes the touch pen 19 at a position close to the left opening 22 and close to the side wall surface of the through hole of the storage unit 20. Provided in a position that does not interfere. A second storage switch (indicated by “RSW” in FIG. 4) 17 stores and removes the touch pen 19 at a position close to the right opening 21 and close to the side wall surface of the through hole of the storage unit 20. Provided in a position that does not interfere.

The CPU 10 determines the storage direction and the removal direction of the touch pen 19 according to the order in which the first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17 detect the touch pen 19. That is, when the CPU 10 stores the touch pen 19, when the first storage switch 16 detects the touch pen 19 first and the second storage switch 17 subsequently detects the touch pen 19, the touch pen 19 is moved to the front side of the electronic dictionary 1. Judging from the left side, it is judged that it was stored from the left side. When the second storage switch 17 detects the touch pen 19 first and the first storage switch 16 detects the touch pen 19 after that, the CPU 10 determines that the touch pen 19 is stored from the right side when viewed from the front side of the electronic dictionary 1. To do.

Further, when the CPU 10 takes out the touch pen 19, when the first storage switch 16 does not detect the touch pen 19 first and the second storage switch 17 does not detect the touch pen 19 after that, the touch pen 19 is stored in the electronic dictionary 1. Judging from the front side, it is judged that it was taken out from the right side. When the second storage switch 17 does not detect the touch pen 19 first and the first storage switch 16 does not detect the touch pen 19 after that, the CPU 10 takes out the touch pen 19 from the left side when viewed from the front side of the electronic dictionary 1. Judge that

That is, the CPU 10 indicates that the detection results of the first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17 indicate that the left end of the touch pen 19 is detected from the storage unit 20 before the right end. The user can be determined to be left-handed. Further, when the detection result of the first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17 indicates that the right end of the touch pen 19 has been taken out from the storage unit 20 before the CPU 10 detects the right end. The user can be determined to be right-handed.

5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of the keyboard input screen 31 and the handwriting input screen 32. FIG. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of the keyboard input screen 31. The keyboard input screen 31 is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 13. The keyboard input screen 31 includes a title “electronic dictionary” and a keyboard input character display field 311. The keyboard input character display column 311 is a column for displaying characters input by the keyboard.

In the keyboard input character display field 311 shown in FIG. 5A, the character string “reading” is displayed. This “reading” is a message to the user “please input a reading”. The input reading is displayed following the character string “reading” displayed in the keyboard input character display field 311. For example, when “greeting” is input as a reading for “greeting”, “reading greeting” is displayed in the keyboard input character display field 311.

The keyboard input screen 31 is displayed when the touch pen 19 is stored in the storage unit 20 with the power turned on. The reason why the keyboard input screen 31 is displayed when the touch pen 19 is stored in the storage unit 20 is that it is considered that the user desires input using the keyboard. The menu of the electronic dictionary 1 includes items for displaying the keyboard input screen 31. Therefore, even when the user loses the touch pen 19, the keyboard input screen 31 can be displayed from the menu.

FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an example of the handwriting input screen 32. The handwriting input screen 32 is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 13. On the handwriting input screen 32, a title “electronic dictionary” and a handwriting input field 321 are formed. The handwriting input field 321 is a field for inputting characters by handwriting with the touch pen 19 and displaying the characters input by handwriting.

In the handwriting input field 321, a handwriting input area 322, a handwritten input character display field 323, an automatic button 324, a manual button 325, and a recognition button 326 are provided. A character string “reading” input by handwriting is displayed. The handwriting input area 322 is an area for inputting characters by handwriting. The handwritten input character display field 323 is a field for displaying the input handwritten character. After inputting characters in the handwriting input area 322 by handwriting, the input button 326 is operated to recognize the input handwritten characters, and the recognized characters are displayed in the handwritten input character display field 323. In the handwritten input character display field 323 shown in FIG. 5B, the character string “reading” is displayed. This “reading” is the same as the “reading” in the keyboard input character display field 311 shown in FIG. 5A.

The automatic button 324 is an operation button for setting the electronic dictionary 1 to recognize the handwritten character input in the handwriting input area 322 automatically, that is, regardless of the operation of the recognition button 326. This is an operation button for setting so that the user manually recognizes the handwritten character input in the handwriting input area 322, that is, by operating the recognition button 326. The recognition button 326 is an operation button for instructing recognition of a handwritten character input to the handwriting input area 322.

When the screen for inputting characters, that is, the keyboard input screen 31 or the handwriting input screen 32 is displayed, the touch pen 19 is moved from the storage unit 20 when the main power is turned off after the main power is turned off. When it is taken out, the main power is turned on, and after the main power is turned on, the handwriting input screen 32 is displayed. The reason why the handwriting input screen 32 is displayed when the touch pen 19 is removed from the storage unit 20 is that it is considered that the user desires handwriting input with the touch pen 19. Hereinafter, the main power supply is also simply referred to as “power supply”.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing examples of right-handed and left-handed handwriting input screens. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of a left-handed handwriting input screen 32. The left-handed handwriting input screen 32 shown in FIG. 6A is the same as the handwriting input screen 32 shown in FIG. 5A, and the description of the overlapping parts is omitted. The left-handed handwriting input screen 32 is displayed when the touch pen 19 is removed from the left side.

On the left-handed handwriting input screen 32, a handwriting input area 322 is arranged on the left side in the display screen, and an automatic button 324, a manual button 325 and a recognition button 326 are arranged on the right side. This is to prevent the left hand of the user from accidentally touching the automatic button 324, the manual button 325, the recognition button 326, and the like when the user is performing handwriting input in the handwriting input area 322 with the left hand. It is to do.

FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of a right-handed handwriting input screen 33. The right-handed handwriting input screen 33 is displayed when the touch pen 19 is removed from the right side. In the right-handed handwriting input screen 33, the handwriting input area 322 is arranged on the right side in the display screen, and the automatic button 324, the manual button 325, and the recognition button 326 are arranged on the left side. This is to prevent the user's right hand from accidentally touching the automatic button 324, the manual button 325, the recognition button 326, etc. when the user is performing handwriting input in the handwriting input area 322 with the right hand. It is to do.

Therefore, the electronic dictionary 1 can determine the user's dominant arm according to the direction in which the touch pen 19 is taken out, and can display a handwriting input screen corresponding to the dominant arm, and display an optimal screen corresponding to the user's dominant arm. can do.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing information included in the pen presence determination table 40. When the user loses the touch pen 19, the user is more likely to perform an operation with another touch pen other than the touch pen 19 dedicated to the electronic dictionary 1 or a finger. If the genuine touch pen 19 that can be stored in the storage unit 20 is lost, the electronic dictionary 1 cannot determine the dominant arm. Therefore, the presence of the touch pen 19 is determined based on the pen presence determination table 40 based on the storage state of the touch pen 19 when the power is off (hereinafter also referred to as “OFF”) and when the power is on (hereinafter also referred to as “ON”).

The pen presence determination table 40 includes items “when OFF”, “when ON”, and “determination”. “When OFF” indicates whether or not the touch pen 19 is detected in the storage unit 20 when the power is turned off. “No pen” indicates that the touch pen 19 is not in the storage unit 20 when the power is off, and “With pen” indicates that the touch pen 19 is in the storage unit 20 when the power is off. Indicates.

“When ON” indicates whether or not the touch pen 19 is detected in the storage unit 20 when the power is turned on. “No pen” indicates that the touch pen 19 is not in the storage unit 20 when the power is turned on, and “With pen” indicates that the touch pen 19 is detected in the storage unit 20 when the power is turned on. Indicates.

“Determination” indicates a result determined according to a combination of the “OFF” state and the “ON” state. Specifically, when “OFF” is “no pen” and “ON” is “no pen”, “determination” is “possibility of pen loss”. That is, the touch pen 19 may be lost.

When "OFF" is "no pen" and "ON" is "with pen", "OFF" is "with pen" and "ON" is "no pen" When “OFF” is “with pen” and “ON” is “with pen”, “determination” is “pen presence”. “Pen presence” means that the touch pen 19 is present. However, when “OFF” is “with pen” and “ON” is “without pen”, the touch pen 19 may have been removed in advance for use.

When “OFF” is “no pen” and “ON” is “no pen”, this means that the touch pen 19 may be lost, and whether the touch pen 19 is lost or not. I'm not sure. Therefore, the electronic dictionary 1 determines that the touch pen 19 has been lost when the time since the touch pen 19 is taken out of the storage unit 20 exceeds a predetermined time, for example, 24 hours. When the electronic dictionary 1 determines that the touch pen 19 has been lost, the electronic dictionary 1 displays a dominant arm setting screen 34 for allowing the user to set the dominant arm, which will be described later, and causes the user to set the dominant arm.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the dominant arm setting screen 34. The dominant arm setting screen 34 is a screen in which the dominant arm setting field 341 is displayed on the handwriting input field 321 of the handwriting input screen 32 for the left hand shown in FIG. 6A. In the dominant arm setting field 341, a message “The pen has not been returned for a long time. Which is your dominant arm?” Is displayed, and [Right-handed] 342 and [Left-handed] 343 are displayed as options. Yes. The user can set right-handed as the dominant hand by selecting the option [right-handed] 342 with the touch pen 19, and can set left-handed as the dominant hand by selecting the option [left-handed] 343 with the touch pen 19. .

After the dominant arm is set on the dominant arm setting screen 34, the dominant arm setting screen 34 is set until it is detected by the first storage switch 16 or the second storage switch 17 that the touch pen 19 is stored in the storage unit 20. A handwriting input screen corresponding to the dominant hand is displayed. When it is detected by the first storage switch 16 or the second storage switch 17 that the touch pen 19 is stored in the storage unit 20, when the touch pen 19 is subsequently removed from the storage unit 20, the touch pen 19 is stored in the storage unit 20. The handwritten input screen for the dominant arm corresponding to the direction taken out from the menu is displayed, and the setting on the dominant arm setting screen 34 becomes invalid.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the pen removal processing. The pen removal process is a process executed when the touch pen 19 is removed from the storage unit 20. When it is detected by the first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17 that the touch pen 19 has been removed from the storage unit 20, the process proceeds to step A1.

In step A1, the CPU 10 receives from the first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17 that it has detected that the touch pen 19 has been removed from the storage unit 20. In step A2, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the pen has been removed from the right side. The CPU 10 detects that the time when the first storage switch 16 detects that the touch pen 19 is removed from the storage unit 20 is the time when the second storage switch 17 detects that the touch pen 19 is extracted from the storage unit 20. When the time is earlier, it is determined that the pen has been removed from the right side, and the process proceeds to step A3. The CPU 10 detects that the time when the first storage switch 16 detects that the touch pen 19 is removed from the storage unit 20 is the time when the second storage switch 17 detects that the touch pen 19 is extracted from the storage unit 20. If it is not earlier, it is determined that the pen has not been removed from the right side, that is, it has been removed from the left side, and the process proceeds to step A6.

In step A3, the CPU 10 stores “RIGHT” indicating that the dominant arm is the right arm in the dominant arm information ARM_INFO. The dominant arm information ARM_INFO is information indicating whether the dominant arm is the right arm or the left arm, and is stored in the RAM 12. When the dominant arm is the left arm, “LEFT” indicating that the dominant arm is the left arm is stored in the dominant arm information ARM_INFO.

In step A4, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the system is ready to input characters. When the system is in a state where characters can be input, the CPU 10 proceeds to step A5, and when the system is not in a state where characters can be input, the pen removal process is terminated.

The state where the system can input characters is a state where a screen where characters can be input is displayed. Whether or not a character can be input can be determined by whether or not a screen capable of inputting characters is displayed. Whether or not the screen can input characters is determined by an application program installed in the electronic dictionary 1.

There are screens for operating the menu, for example, a screen for selecting a dictionary, a screen for entering characters to look up a dictionary, and a screen for displaying the results of a search, for example, a dictionary translation. The state where the screen for operating the screen or the screen for displaying the search result is not in a state where the system can input characters. A state in which a screen for inputting characters to display a dictionary is displayed is a state in which the system can input characters.

In step A5, the CPU 10 executes a handwriting input screen display process, which will be described later, and ends the pen removal process. In step A6, the CPU 10 stores “LEFT” in the dominant arm information ARM_INFO, and proceeds to step A4.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of power-on processing. When the power switch 15 instructs to turn on the power, the process proceeds to Step B1.

In step B1, the CPU 10 determines whether or not there is a pen. If the CPU 10 is informed that at least one of the first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17 has detected that the touch pen 19 is stored in the storage unit 20, there is a pen. And proceed to step B2. When the CPU 10 is informed that the touch pen 19 is not stored in the storage unit 20 from the first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17, the CPU 10 determines that there is no pen, and step B6. Proceed to

In step B2, the CPU 10 stores “FALSE” indicating that the touch pen 19 exists in the storage unit 20 in the power-on flag ON_PEN_FLAG. The power-on flag ON_PEN_FLAG is information indicating whether or not the touch pen 19 is present in the storage unit 20 when the power is turned on. If the touch pen 19 is not present in the storage unit 20 when the power is turned on, the power-on flag ON_PEN_FLAG is “TRUE” indicating that 19 does not exist in the storage unit 20 is stored.

In step B3, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the time obtained by subtracting the power-off time OFF_TIME from the current time NOW () is longer than a predetermined time, for example, 24 hours (referred to as “24Hour” in FIG. 10). The current time NOW () is the current time measured by the timer unit 23. The power-off time OFF_TIME is the time when the power of the electronic dictionary 1 was cut off most recently. When the time obtained by subtracting the power-off time OFF_TIME from the current time NOW () is longer than a predetermined time, for example, 24 hours (referred to as “24Hour” in FIG. 10), the CPU 10 proceeds to step B4. When the time obtained by subtracting the power-off time OFF_TIME from the current time NOW () is not longer than a predetermined time, for example, 24 hours (referred to as “24Hour” in FIG. 10), the CPU 10 ends the power-on process.

In step B4, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the power-on flag ON_PEN_FLAG is “TRUE” and the power-off flag OFF_PEN_FLAG is “TRUE”. In the CPU 10, the power-off flag OFF_PEN_FLAG is information indicating whether or not the touch pen 19 exists in the storage unit 20 when the power is off. When the touch pen 19 does not exist in the storage unit 20 when the power is turned off, “TRUE” indicating that the touch pen 19 does not exist in the storage unit 20 is stored in the power-off flag OFF_PEN_FLAG. When the touch pen 19 exists in the storage unit 20 when the power is turned off, “FALSE” indicating that the touch pen 19 exists in the storage unit 20 is stored in the power-off flag OFF_PEN_FLAG.

When the power-on flag ON_PEN_FLAG is “TRUE” and the power-off flag OFF_PEN_FLAG is “TRUE”, that is, the touch pen 19 does not exist in the storage unit 20 when the power is on, and the touch pen when the power is off When 19 does not exist in the storage unit 20, the process proceeds to step B5. When the power-on flag ON_PEN_FLAG is not “TRUE”, or when the power-off flag OFF_PEN_FLAG is not “TRUE”, that is, when the touch pen 19 exists in the storage unit 20 when the power is turned on, or when the power is off, the touch pen 19 When the storage unit 20 exists, the process proceeds to step B7.

In step B5, the CPU 10 stores “MANUAL” indicating the manual mode for manually setting the dominant arm in the pen recognition mode PEN_MODE, and ends the power-on process. The pen recognition mode PEN_MODE is information indicating whether the mode for setting the dominant arm is the automatic mode, the manual mode, or the manual fixed mode. When the mode for setting the dominant arm is a mode for automatically setting the dominant arm, “AUTO” indicating the automatic mode is stored in the pen recognition mode PEN_MODE. When the dominant arm is set in the manual mode, “MANUAL_FIXED” indicating the manual fixing mode is stored in the pen recognition mode PEN_MODE.

In step B6, the CPU 10 stores “TRUE” in the power-on flag ON_PEN_FLAG and proceeds to step B3. In step B7, the CPU 10 stores “AUTO” in the pen recognition mode PEN_MODE, and ends the power-on process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of power-off processing. When a power-off instruction is received from the power switch 15, the process proceeds to step C1.

In step C1, the CPU 10 determines whether or not there is a pen. If the CPU 10 is informed that at least one of the first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17 has detected that the touch pen 19 is stored in the storage unit 20, there is a pen. And proceed to Step C2. When the CPU 10 is informed that the touch pen 19 is not stored in the storage unit 20 from the first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17, it determines that there is no pen, and step C4. Proceed to

In step C2, the CPU 10 stores “FALSE” in the power-off flag OFF_PEN_FLAG. In step C3, the CPU 10 stores the current time NOW () in the power-off time OFF_TIME and ends the power-off process. In Step C4, the CPU 10 stores “TRUE” in the power-off flag OFF_PEN_FLAG, and proceeds to Step C3.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of reset processing. In the reset process, when the electronic dictionary 1 is hung up for some reason, for example, when the reset switch provided on the back of the electronic dictionary 1 is pressed or in the case of the electronic dictionary 1 driven by a dry battery, the battery is replaced. This is executed when the electronic dictionary 1 is reset.

In step D1, the CPU 10 stores “FALSE” in the power-on flag ON_PEN_FLAG. In step D2, the CPU 10 stores “FALSE” in the power-off flag OFF_PEN_FLAG. In step D3, the CPU 10 stores “AUTO” in the pen recognition mode PEN_MODE. In step D4, the CPU 10 stores “RIGHT” in the dominant arm information ARM_INFO and ends the reset process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of handwriting mode switching processing by the user. When the pen is lost, the user must switch between the keyboard input screen 31 and the handwriting input screen 32. When the user displays the handwriting input screen 32 by operating the menu or the like, a handwriting mode switching process is executed by the user, and a dialog for inquiring about the dominant hand is displayed if necessary.

In step E1, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the pen recognition mode PEN_MODE is “MANUAL”. The CPU 10 proceeds to Step E2 when the pen recognition mode PEN_MODE is “MANUAL”, and proceeds to Step E4 when the pen recognition mode PEN_MODE is not “MANUAL”.

In step E2, the CPU 10 requests the user to input the dominant arm and sets the dominant arm. Specifically, the CPU 10 displays, for example, the dominant arm setting screen 34 shown in FIG. 8 on the display unit 13, and in response to the displayed dominant arm setting screen 34, the option [right-handed] 342 is selected by the touch pen 19 or the like. Then, “RIGHT” is set in the dominant arm information ARM_INFO, and when the option [left-handed] 343 is selected by the touch pen 19 or the like, “LEFT” is set in the dominant arm information ARM_INFO.

In step E3, the CPU 10 stores “MANUAL_FIXED” in the pen recognition mode PEN_MODE. In step E4, the CPU 10 switches from the key input mode to the handwriting mode display, and ends the handwriting mode switching process by the user. That is, the keyboard input screen 31 displayed on the display screen of the display unit 13 is switched to the handwriting input screen 32, and the handwriting mode switching process by the user is ended.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of handwriting input screen display processing. When the handwriting mode switching process by the user or step A5 shown in FIG. 9 is executed, the process proceeds to step F1.

In step F1, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the dominant arm information ARM_INFO is “RIGHT”. If “RIGHT” indicating that the dominant arm is the right arm is stored in the dominant arm information ARM_INFO, the CPU 10 determines that the dominant arm information ARM_INFO is “RIGHT”, and proceeds to Step F2. If “LEFT” indicating that the dominant arm is the left arm is stored in the dominant arm information ARM_INFO, the CPU 10 determines that the dominant arm information ARM_INFO is not “RIGHT”, and proceeds to Step F3.

In step F2, the CPU 10 displays a right-handed handwriting input screen 33 on the display unit 13 and ends the handwriting input screen display process. In step F3, the CPU 10 displays a left-handed handwriting input screen 32 on the display unit 13 and ends the handwriting input screen display process.

In the handwriting input screen display process shown in FIG. 14, a right-handed or left-handed screen is output for the handwriting input screen. However, the process shown in FIG. 14 is not limited to the handwritten input screen. When there are screens for dominant and left-handed users, processing similar to the handwriting input screen display processing shown in FIG. 14 is performed.

FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B are diagrams showing other forms of the storage unit 20. In the embodiment described above, the storage portion 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape, but is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be formed in a groove shape or a clip shape. FIG. 15A is an example of an electronic dictionary 1a in which the storage unit 20 is formed in a groove shape. In the electronic dictionary 1a, a recess 51 formed in a groove shape is provided in the left-right direction at the lower front of the electronic dictionary 1a, and the touch pen 19 is accommodated in the recess 51. At both ends in the longitudinal direction of the recess 51, a pressing portion that presses the touch pen 19 in the longitudinal direction, for example, a spring, is provided, and the touch pen 19 is held by the pressing portion. A first retracting switch 16 is provided at the pressing portion at the left end in the longitudinal direction, and a second retracting switch 17 is provided at the pressing portion at the right end in the longitudinal direction. The first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17 detect whether or not the touch pen 19 is pressed by each pressing portion.

FIG. 15B is an example of an electronic dictionary 1b in which the storage unit 20 is formed in a clip shape. In the electronic dictionary 1b, a clip portion 52 formed in a clip shape is provided at the upper front of the electronic dictionary 1b, and the touch pen 19 is accommodated in the clip portion 52 in the horizontal direction. The clip part 52 is open at the top and holds the touch pen 19. The clip part 52 is formed so that the touch pen 19 can be inserted from either the left or right direction. The first storage switch 16 is provided at the left end of the clip portion 52, and the second storage switch 17 is provided at the right end of the clip portion 52.

Thus, the display unit 13 displays information. The touch panel 141 inputs information handwritten with the touch pen 19. The power supply unit supplies power to the display unit 13 and the touch panel 141. The storage unit 20 stores the touch pen 19 in the left-right direction toward the display unit 13. The first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17 are configured such that the touch pen 19 has been removed from the storage unit 20 and the left end of the touch pen 19 has been removed first, or the right end of the touch pen 19 has Detect whether it has been removed. Then, when the CPU 10 detects that the touch pen 19 has been taken out by the first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17, the CPU 10 turns on the power of the power supply unit. When the first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17 detect that the left end of the touch pen 19 has been taken out first, the CPU 10 uses the left hand to input information by handwriting with a left hand. The screen is displayed on the display unit 13. When it is detected by the first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17 that the right end of the touch pen 19 is taken out first, the CPU 10 uses the right hand to input information by hand. An input screen is displayed on the display unit 13. Therefore, the screen display corresponding to the dominant hand can be performed by taking out the touch pen 19. In addition, the power can be turned on simply by taking out the touch pen 19, and the power can be turned on using the touch pen 19 and the handwriting input screen can be automatically switched according to the dominant hand. In particular, in an information terminal device shared by a plurality of users, the switching operation of the handwriting input screen according to the dominant hand by the user can be omitted, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

Further, the power switch 15 instructs to turn on and off the power supply unit. The first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17 further detect that the touch pen 19 is stored in the storage unit 20. The CPU 10 does not detect that the touch pen 19 is stored in the storage unit 20 by the first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17 when the power switch 15 instructs to turn on the power, When the switch 15 instructs to turn off the power, if the first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17 do not detect that the touch pen 19 is stored in the storage unit 20, the touch pen 19 may be lost. Judge that there is sex. Further, the CPU 10 detects that the touch pen 19 is stored in the storage unit 20 by the first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17 when the power switch 15 instructs to turn on the power, or When the first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17 detect that the touch pen 19 is stored in the storage unit 20 when the power switch 15 instructs to turn off the power, the touch pen 19 is present. judge. Therefore, the possibility of the touch pen 19 being lost can be detected.

Furthermore, the time measuring unit 23 measures time. When the CPU 10 determines that the touch pen 19 may have been lost, the touch pen 19 starts when the first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17 detect that the touch pen 19 has been removed from the storage unit 20. Whether the handwriting input screen is to be right-handed or left-handed when the time counted by the time measuring unit 23 exceeds a predetermined time without detecting that 19 is stored in the storage unit 20 A setting screen for setting is displayed on the display unit 13. Therefore, when it is determined that the touch pen 19 has been lost, a screen for setting right-handed / left-handed can be automatically displayed, and the information terminal device becomes unusable even if the touch pen 19 is lost. Can be prevented.

Furthermore, the keyboard 142 has a plurality of keys for inputting information. The first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17 further detect that the touch pen 19 is stored in the storage unit 20. When the first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17 detect that the touch pen 19 is stored in the storage unit 20 while the power is turned on, the CPU 10 displays on the display unit 13. The handwriting input screen is displayed on the display unit 13 instead of the keyboard input screen for inputting information using the keyboard 142. Therefore, since the touch pen 19 is not used when the touch pen 19 is stored, the handwriting input screen can be automatically switched to the keyboard input screen.

Furthermore, since the storage part 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the touch pen 19 can be securely stored.

Furthermore, since the storage portion 20 is formed in a groove shape, the storage portion 20 can be easily formed as compared with the case where the storage portion 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

Furthermore, since the storage part 20 is formed in a clip shape, the storage part 20 can be made smaller than in the case where it is formed in a cylindrical shape and a groove shape.

Furthermore, since the first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17 are composed of a plurality of switches, the storage direction and the removal direction can be detected based on the detection order.

Furthermore, since the first storage switch 16 and the second storage switch 17 are composed of two switches, the number of switches can be reduced to the minimum necessary, and depreciation can be reduced.

The present invention can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof. Therefore, the above-described embodiment is merely an example in all respects, and the scope of the present invention is shown in the claims, and is not restricted by the text of the specification. Further, all modifications and changes belonging to the scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

1 Electronic dictionary 10 CPU
11 ROM
12 RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Display part 14 Operation part 15 Power switch 16 1st storage switch 17 2nd storage switch 18 Data bus 19 Pen 20 Storage part 21 Right opening part 22 Left opening part 23 Clocking part 141 Touch panel 142 Keyboard

Claims

A display for displaying information;
A touch panel for inputting information by hand with a touch pen;
A power supply for supplying power to the display and touch panel;
A storage unit for storing the touch pen in the left-right direction toward the display unit;
An extraction detection unit that detects that the touch pen has been removed from the storage unit, and whether the left end of the touch pen has been removed earlier than the right end of the touch pen, or whether the right side of the touch pen has been removed earlier;
When the removal detection unit detects that the touch pen has been removed, the power supply unit is turned on, and if the removal detection unit detects that the left end has been removed earlier than the right end of the touch pen, handwriting with the left hand Display a left-handed handwriting input screen for entering information on the display unit, and if the extraction detection unit detects that the right end of the touch pen has been extracted earlier than the left end of the touch pen, input information by hand with the right hand And a control unit that displays a right-handed handwriting input screen for display on the display unit.
A power-on / off instruction unit for instructing power-on and power-off of the power unit;
The removal detection unit further detects that the touch pen is stored in the storage unit,
The controller is
When the power-on / off instruction unit instructs to turn on the power, the take-out detection unit does not detect that the touch pen is stored in the storage unit, and the power-on / off instruction unit instructs to turn off the power. At that time, if the removal detection unit does not detect that the touch pen is stored in the storage unit, it is determined that the touch pen may have been lost,
When the power-on / off instruction unit instructs to turn on the power, when the take-out detection unit detects that the touch pen is stored in the storage unit, or the power-on / off instruction unit turns off the power. 2. The information terminal device according to claim 1, wherein at the time of instructing, when the removal detection unit detects that the touch pen is stored in the storage unit, it is determined that the touch pen is present.
It further includes a timekeeping section that measures time,
When the control unit determines that the touch pen may be lost, it detects that the touch pen is stored in the storage unit from the time when the extraction detection unit detects that the touch pen has been extracted from the storage unit. If the time counted by the timing unit exceeds a predetermined time, a setting screen for setting whether the handwriting input screen is used for right-handed use or left-handed use is displayed on the display unit. The information terminal device according to claim 2.
Further including a keyboard having a plurality of keys for entering information;
The take-out detection unit further detects that the touch pen is stored in the storage unit,
When the control unit detects that the touch pen is stored in the storage unit in a state where the power is turned on by the take-out detection unit, the control unit displays the handwriting input screen displayed on the display unit using the keyboard. 4. The information terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the information terminal device is displayed on a display unit instead of a keyboard input screen for inputting.
5. The information terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the storage portion is formed in a cylindrical shape.
5. The information terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the storage portion is formed in a groove shape.
5. The information terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is formed in a clip shape.
The information terminal apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the take-out detection unit includes a plurality of switches.
9. The information terminal device according to claim 8, wherein the take-out detection unit includes two switches.