WO2017056827A1 - Electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention makes it possible for a proximity sensor to be used to determine whether an electronic device is being gripped. This electronic device (1) is provided with a first sensor group (14) for detecting if the device is being stored, a second sensor group (15) for detecting if the device is being gripped by a user, and a sensor control unit (21) which controls the second sensor group. The sensor control unit suppresses the operation of the second sensor group if even only one of the sensors in the first sensor group detects an object in close proximity thereto.

Description

Electronics

The present invention relates to an electronic device including a proximity sensor.

Conventionally, in an electronic device equipped with an electrostatic sensor, the electrostatic sensor detects whether there is an object in contact with the electronic device, and the electronic device determines its own state according to the detection result. Such a technique is known (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, etc.). In an electronic device, the electrostatic sensor is mounted as a so-called grip sensor for detecting gripping of the electronic device by a user.

However, in order to mount the conventional grip sensor, it is necessary to embed a large hole in the casing of the electronic device. Therefore, there are disadvantages in terms of the manufacturing process or manufacturing cost for the manufacturer, and the user is disadvantageous in terms of usability or design because the grip sensor occupies a large area. There were many points.

Japanese Patent Publication “Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-141825 (Published July 21, 2011)” Japanese Patent Publication “Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-61296 (published on March 30, 2015)” Japanese Patent Publication “Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-254324 (Released on December 15, 2011)” Japanese Patent Publication “Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-093997” (published on May 17, 2012) Japanese Patent Publication “Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-61299 (published on March 30, 2015)”

In order to eliminate the above disadvantages, it is conceivable to employ a sensor other than an electrostatic sensor (for example, a proximity sensor such as an infrared sensor) as a grip sensor. However, in this case, the following problems occur. Specifically, since the proximity sensor reacts to any object other than a conductive material such as a human hand, a situation other than gripping by the user may be erroneously detected as a gripping state. Further, for the purpose of preventing the erroneous detection, it is possible to provide another auxiliary sensor in the electronic device. However, in this case, if all the proximity sensors for gripping determination and the auxiliary sensors continue to operate, another disadvantage arises that the power consumption of the electronic device is greatly increased. As described above, there are many disadvantages in adopting the proximity sensor as a grip sensor, and there is a problem that it cannot be adopted after all.

An electronic device provided with a proximity sensor is conventionally known (eg, Patent Documents 3 to 5). However, in any conventional technology, the proximity sensor is a sensor (electrostatic capacitance) for determining gripping of the electronic device. Apart from sensors, acceleration sensors, etc.), they are mounted only as needed or for purposes different from gripping determination. Therefore, the above conventional configuration does not solve the above-mentioned many disadvantages and problems.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to realize an electronic device that performs gripping determination of the own device using a proximity sensor.

In order to solve the above-described problem, an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first sensor group including one or more sensors for detecting accommodation of an electronic device, and gripping of the electronic device by a user. A second sensor group comprising one or more proximity sensors for detection; and a sensor control unit for controlling the second sensor group, wherein the sensor control unit is one of the first sensor groups. However, when proximity is detected, the operation of the second sensor group is suppressed.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to realize an electronic device that performs gripping determination of the own device using a proximity sensor.

It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the electronic device which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the sensor for state determination in the said electronic device, and the sensor for grip determination. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the state determination process in the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the figure which showed numerically the probability that the user's finger will contact each of the back and sides of the case of the electronic device when the user holds the electronic device with one hand. (A)-(d) is a figure which shows the example of installation of the sensor for state determination of the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. (A)-(d) is a figure which shows an example of the utilization scene of the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the transition of the detection result combination of the infrared sensor in the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, and the said detection result. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which concerns on the grip determination in the grip determination part of the said electronic device. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the example of a transition of the said detection state, and the result of a grip determination. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the state determination process in the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. First, an outline of the appearance and functions of the electronic apparatus 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

≪Appearance of electronic equipment≫
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the electronic device 1. The electronic device 1 is a device that a user can hold with one hand or both hands. For example, the electronic device 1 is a smartphone or a tablet terminal. As illustrated, the electronic device 1 includes proximity sensors 14 a and 14 b, infrared sensors 15 a and 15 b, and a display unit 11. When the longitudinal direction of the casing 2 of the electronic device 1 is the vertical direction, the proximity sensor 14a is provided on any surface of the upper half of the casing 2, and the proximity sensor 14b is any surface of the lower half of the casing 2. Is provided. Further, the infrared sensors 15a and 15b are provided on two surfaces of the housing 2 that face each other. In addition, the electronic device 1 may include a member generally provided in the smartphone or the tablet terminal in addition to the members described below.

The proximity sensors 14a and 14b function as a state determination sensor 14 described later, and the infrared sensors 15a and 15b function as a grip determination sensor 15 described later. The electronic device 1 determines the state of the electronic device 1 based on a detection signal from at least one of the state determination sensor 14 and the grip determination sensor 15, and determines various members of the own device based on the determination result. Control.

≪Main part composition≫
Next, the configuration of the electronic apparatus 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main part configuration of an electronic apparatus 1 according to the present invention. As illustrated, the electronic apparatus 1 includes a state determination sensor 14, a grip determination sensor 15, a control unit 10, a storage unit 13, and a display unit 11.

The state determination sensor 14 is a sensor group including one or more proximity sensors, and includes, for example, proximity sensors 14a and 14b. The proximity sensor 14 a and the proximity sensor 14 b detect the proximity of an object to the housing 2 of the electronic device 1. Detection signals output by the proximity sensors 14a and 14b are processed by a state determination unit 20 (described later). The installation positions of the proximity sensors 14a and 14b on the electronic device 1 will be described in detail later.

The types of the proximity sensors 14a and 14b are not particularly limited as long as the proximity of an object can be detected. For example, the proximity sensors 14a and 14b may be infrared proximity sensors or optical proximity sensors.

The grip determination sensor 15 is a sensor group including a plurality of proximity sensors, and includes, for example, infrared sensors 15a and 15b. The infrared sensors 15 a and 15 b are infrared proximity sensors, and detect the proximity of an object to the housing 2 of the electronic device 1. The detection signals output by the infrared sensors 15a and 15b are processed by a grip determination unit 22 (described later).

The control unit 10 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) of the electronic device 1 and controls the electronic device 1 in an integrated manner. The control unit 10 includes a state determination unit 20 as a functional block, a sensor control unit 21, a grip determination unit 22, and a mode control unit 23.

Based on the detection signal from the state determination sensor 14, the state determination unit 20 is in a state (accommodation state) in which the electronic device 1 is accommodated in an arbitrary accommodation entity (for example, a pocket or a bag of a user's clothes). It is determined whether or not there is. Specifically, the state determination unit 20 detects that proximity is detected by any one of the state determination sensors 14 (that is, at least one of the proximity sensors 14a and 14b), the electronic device 1 is in the accommodated state. Judge that there is. On the other hand, when all of the state determination sensors 14 (that is, both the proximity sensors 14a and 14b) do not detect proximity, the state determination unit 20 determines that the electronic device 1 is not in the storage state (is not in the storage state). judge.

The sensor control unit 21 controls the driving of the grip determination sensor 15 according to the determination result of the state determination unit 20. Specifically, when the state determination unit 20 determines that “the electronic device 1 is in a non-accommodating state”, the sensor control unit 21 detects the grip determination sensor 15 (or the power source of the grip determination sensor 15). Turn on. Further, when the state determination unit 20 determines that “the electronic device 1 is in the accommodated state”, the sensor control unit 21 turns off the detection function (or the power source) of the grip determination sensor 15 to determine the grip determination. The power consumed by the sensor 15 is suppressed.

The grip determination unit 22 determines whether or not the electronic device 1 is gripped by the user (gripping state) based on the detection signal from the grip determination sensor 15. Specifically, in the grip determination unit 22, at least one grip determination sensor 15 (both the infrared sensors 15 a and 15 b in the example of FIG. 2) approaches each other on each of the two opposite surfaces of the housing 2. If detected, it is determined that the electronic device 1 is in a gripping state. Further, the gripping determination unit 22 is not in a gripping state when none of the gripping determination sensors 15 (in the example of FIG. 2, neither of the infrared sensors 15a and 15b) detects proximity. State). Further, the gripping determination unit 22 determines whether the gripping determination sensor 15 on either one of the two surfaces detects proximity (in the example of FIG. 2, one of the infrared sensors 15a and 15b) The result of the grip determination is maintained.

The mode control unit 23 determines the control mode of the electronic device 1 based on the determination result of at least one of the state determination unit 20 and the grip determination unit 22. Here, the control mode defines a control method of various devices built in or externally attached to the electronic device 1 and is one of two types of modes, “normal mode” and “sleep mode”.

“Normal mode” is a mode in which various devices of the electronic device 1 are driven under the control of the control unit 10. The “sleep mode” is a mode in which power consumption is reduced by stopping driving of various devices of the electronic device 1 (in a sleep state or turning off a power source). In the following embodiments, as an example, when the control mode is the sleep mode, the control unit 10 stops driving the display unit 11 to realize power saving. However, instead of the display unit 11 or together with the display unit 11, the control unit 10 may realize power saving by performing mode control of a camera, a speaker, a microphone, a touch panel, and the like provided in the own device.

The storage unit 13 is a memory that stores data necessary for processing control of the control unit 10. The display unit 11 displays an image according to the control of the control unit 10. The display unit 11 may be configured integrally with a touch panel (not shown).

Embodiment 1
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and FIGS. 3 to 6. FIG. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those already described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

(Configuration of electronic equipment)
With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the principal part structure of the electronic device 1 in this embodiment is demonstrated. In the present embodiment, the electronic device 1 includes at least two proximity sensors (for example, the proximity sensor 14a and the proximity sensor 14b) as the state determination sensors 14 (first sensor group). When the longitudinal direction of the casing 2 of the electronic device 1 is set as the vertical direction at the position where each of the state determination sensors 14 is provided, at least one of the plurality of proximity sensors as the state determination sensor 14 is the casing. 2 is provided on any surface of the upper half (for example, the position of the proximity sensor 14a shown in FIG. 2A), and at least another one is provided on any surface of the lower half of the housing 2. (For example, the proximity sensor 14b shown in FIG. 2B). This is merely an example of an installation example of the state determination sensor 14. Details of an installation example of the state determination sensor 14 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

In the present embodiment, the electronic apparatus 1 does not necessarily include the grip determination sensor 15 (second sensor group). When the electronic apparatus 1 includes the grip determination sensor 15, the grip determination sensor 15 may be, for example, the above-described infrared proximity sensor (infrared sensor). In addition, as long as this embodiment is limited, the grip determination sensor 15 may be realized by any conventional sensor for grip determination, such as an acceleration sensor. Further, the grip determination sensor 15 does not need to include a plurality of sensors, and may be configured by one sensor.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 10 includes at least the state determination unit 20 as an essential configuration. If necessary, it may further include a grip determination unit 22, a mode control unit 23 (operation control unit), and a sensor control unit 21. Note that in the electronic device 1 of the present embodiment, when the grip determination sensor 15 is provided, the gripping state or the non-gripping state of the electronic device 1 is determined based on the detection signal of the grip determination sensor 15. A grip determination unit 22 is provided. However, as described above, the function of the grip determination unit 22 in the present embodiment does not need to process the detection signals of a plurality of infrared sensors, and the grip determination sensor 15 is configured by any sensor. It is designed appropriately according to whether it is. For example, in the case where the grip determination sensor 15 is composed of one acceleration sensor, when the acceleration sensor detects a movement that is lifted in the electronic device 1, the grip determination unit 22 is held by the electronic device 1. You may determine with a state.

The state determination unit 20 determines the state of the electronic device 1 based on the detection signal from the state determination sensor 14 including at least two proximity sensors. Specifically, when at least one of the proximity sensor 14a and the proximity sensor 14b detects proximity, it is determined that the electronic device 1 is in an accommodation state in which it is housed in some housing body. On the contrary, when all the proximity sensors constituting the state determination sensor 14 detect non-proximity (both the proximity sensor 14a and the proximity sensor 14b in the example shown in FIG. 1), the electronic device 1 is accommodated. It is determined that the user is not in a state of being present (non-contained state). Here, “detecting proximity” means detecting that an arbitrary object is in contact with or close to a predetermined distance or less with respect to the housing 2 of the electronic device 1. On the contrary, “detecting non-proximity” means detecting that no object is approaching the casing 2 to a predetermined distance or less. That is, the detection signal output from the state determination sensor 14 is a signal representing either “proximity (for example, 1)” or “non-proximity (for example, 0)”, and state determination is performed continuously or periodically. Input to the unit 20.

According to the above configuration, even if a part of an electronic device accommodated in an arbitrary accommodating entity protrudes from the accommodating entity, or in which direction the electronic device is accommodated, either It is possible to maintain a state in which one proximity sensor is close to the housing main body during housing. The state determination unit 20 determines that the electronic device 1 is in the accommodated state when any one of the state determination sensors 14 detects proximity, so that the electronic device 1 is accommodated. The accommodation state of the electronic device 1 can be reliably determined.

Furthermore, when the electronic device 1 includes the grip determination sensor 15 and the grip determination unit 22, the grip determination unit 22 determines that the electronic device 1 is in the grip state based on the detection signal from the grip determination sensor 15. When the determination is made, if at least one of the plurality of proximity sensors 14a and 14b detects proximity, the state determination unit 20 determines that the determination of the grip state by the grip determination unit 22 is an error. .

As described above, according to the configuration in which the electronic apparatus 1 includes the grip determination sensor 15, the following problems can be solved. Even though the electronic device 1 is not gripped, the gripping determination sensor 15 detects a detection signal indicating the gripping state of the electronic device 1, and the gripping determination unit 22 erroneously changes the state of the electronic device 1 to the gripping state. It can happen that it is determined that.

However, according to the electronic device 1 of the present invention, the state determination unit 20 accurately determines the accommodation state or the non-accommodation state of the electronic device 1 based on the detection signal from the state determination sensor 14. When the electronic device 1 is in the housed state, it is possible to determine that the gripping state determination by the gripping determination unit 22 is an error. As a result, when the electronic apparatus 1 includes the grip determination sensor 15 and the grip determination unit 22, it is possible to perform the state determination of the own device with higher accuracy.

Note that a situation in which the above-described grip determination unit 22 makes an erroneous determination may occur as follows when the grip determination sensor 15 is an acceleration sensor. Specifically, when electronic device 1 is stored in a pocket, when vibration is applied to electronic device 1 due to a user walking, gripping determination sensor 15 that is an acceleration sensor detects the vibration. Can happen. When a signal for detecting the vibration is input to the grip determination unit 22 from the grip determination sensor 15 as an acceleration sensor, the grip determination unit 22 is electronic even though the electronic device 1 is stored in the pocket. It is determined that the device 1 has been lifted, and it is erroneously determined that the electronic device 1 is in the gripping state. However, in the electronic device 1 of the present invention, the state determination unit 20 can accurately determine accommodation / non-accommodation based on the detection signal from the state determination sensor 14. Therefore, even if the grip determination unit 22 determines that the electronic device 1 is gripped based on the vibration detected by the acceleration sensor, the state determination unit 20 is gripped when the electronic device 1 is in the housed state. It is possible to make a correct determination that the determination is correct.

(Flow of status determination processing)
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of state determination processing in the electronic device 1 according to the first embodiment. As an example, FIG. 3 shows a flow of the state determination process when the electronic device 1 includes the grip determination sensor 15 and the grip determination unit 22.

Assume that the grip determination unit 22 determines that the electronic device 1 is in the grip state based on the detection signal of the grip determination sensor 15 (YES in S1). At this time, the state determination part 20 acquires a detection signal from each proximity sensor 14a, 14b which comprises the sensor 14 for state determination (S2). The detection signal from the state determination sensor 14 may be input to the state determination unit 20 at all times.

The state determination unit 20 determines that the state of the electronic device 1 is the housed state (S4) when proximity is detected by either one of the proximity sensors 14a and 14b (YES in S3). If the electronic device 1 is in the accommodated state, there is a high possibility that the user is not using the electronic device 1, that is, not holding it. Therefore, the state determination unit 20 determines that the determination result output by the grip determination unit 22 in S1, that is, the determination result that the electronic device 1 is in the grip state is erroneous (S5).

On the other hand, when both the proximity sensors 14a and 14b detect non-proximity (NO in S3), the state determination unit 20 determines that the state of the electronic device 1 is the non-accommodating state (S6). If the electronic device 1 is in the non-accommodating state, there is a possibility that the user is using the electronic device 1, that is, holding it. Therefore, the state determination unit 20 determines that the determination result of the grip determination unit 22 in S1, that is, the determination result that the state of the electronic device 1 is the grip state is appropriate (S7).

Although not shown, the determination result of S5 or S7 is used as follows, for example. The state determination unit 20 notifies the mode control unit 23 of the determination result that the gripping state is incorrect. The mode control unit 23 performs mode control based on the non-gripping state based on the determination result. That is, power saving in the electronic device 1 is realized by shifting from the normal mode to the sleep mode or continuously maintaining the sleep mode. Alternatively, the state determination unit 20 notifies the grip determination unit 22 of a determination result that the grip state is incorrect. In accordance with this notification, the grip determination unit 22 corrects (changes) the determination result of the grip state to the non-grip state, and notifies the mode control unit 23 of the determination result after the correction. The mode control unit 23 realizes power saving in the same manner as described above based on the corrected determination result. Alternatively, the grip determination unit 22 outputs the determination result of the grip state to the mode control unit 23, while the state determination unit 20 outputs the determination result of the accommodation state to the mode control unit 23. Regardless of the determination result of the grip determination unit 22, the mode control unit 23 prioritizes the determination result when the determination result acquired from the state determination unit 20 is in the accommodated state, thereby Perform mode control based on state. On the other hand, the mode control unit 23 determines that the determination result of the state determination unit 20 is in the non-accommodating state (or determination that the determination with the gripping state is appropriate), and the determination result of the grip determination unit 22 is In the state, mode control based on the gripping state is performed. That is, the sleep mode is shifted to the normal mode, or the normal mode is maintained.

(Recommended installation position and example of sensor for condition judgment)
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the recommended installation position of the state determination sensor 14 according to the present invention. In the following, the surface of the electronic device 1 on which the display unit 11 is provided is defined as a front surface, and the back surface 2a, the right side surface 2b, and the left side surface 2c of the housing 2 are defined as shown in FIG.

For example, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 4, the state determination sensor 14 is preferably provided in a place where the user's hand does not touch when the user holds the both sides of the housing 2 with one hand. . Therefore, in the following, in the following measurement target electronic device, data related to the contact area of the hand is collected in the following manner, and the recommended installation position of the state determination sensor 14 is examined.
Target electronic equipment size:
Length (H) in the longitudinal direction of the electronic device (H): about 140 mm × length in the short side direction (W): about 75 mm × thickness (D): about 10 mm (In order to obtain more effective data, a larger electronic device was used as the measurement target.)
Data acquisition procedure:
Each surface of the back surface 2a, the right side surface 2b, and the left side surface 2c of the housing 2 of the electronic device is divided into predetermined areas, and the subject touches the housing 2 of the electronic device with one hand. Add points to the area.
Number of subjects:
47 people with right hand and 56 people with left hand (total 103 people)
In this way, an area that is easy to touch when many users hold and an area that is difficult to touch are investigated.

Of the areas on each surface shown in FIG. 4, the 0-point area indicates an area where none of the 103 subjects touched. That is, the area is an area where the probability that the user's hand touches is 0% or less than 1% when the user grips the both sides of the housing with one hand. An area of 1 to 5 points indicates an area touched by hands of 1 to 5 subjects out of 103. That is, the area is an area with a probability that the user's hand touches is less than 5%. The area of 6 to 10 points indicates the area touched by the hands of 6 to 10 subjects out of 103. That is, the area is an area where the probability that the user's hand touches is less than 10%.

In the present embodiment, since the front surface of the electronic device includes the display unit 11, when the user grips the electronic device in order to use the electronic device, the holding hand touches the front surface. It is assumed that there is almost nothing (that is, the entire front area is an area where the probability of the user's hand touching is 0% or less than 1% when the user grips both sides of the housing with one hand) is doing.

Based on the above measurement results, in the electronic device 1 of the present invention, preferably, the plurality of proximity sensors constituting the state determination sensor 14 are grasped so that the user sandwiches both side surfaces of the housing with one hand. It is provided in an area where the probability of touching the user's hand is less than 10%. More preferably, the plurality of proximity sensors constituting the state determination sensor 14 are provided in an area where the probability of the user's hand touching is less than 5% when the user grips both sides of the housing with one hand. ing. Even more preferably, the plurality of proximity sensors constituting the state determination sensor 14 are provided in an area where the probability that the user's hand touches is less than 1% when the user grips both sides of the housing with one hand. It has been. Most preferably, the plurality of proximity sensors constituting the state determination sensor 14 are provided in an area where the probability of the user's hand touching is 0% when the user grips the both sides of the housing with one hand. Yes.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the “user holding the electronic device 1” from being erroneously determined as the “accommodating state”, and as a result, the state determination of the own device is performed with higher accuracy. It becomes possible.

2 (a), (b) and (a) to (d) of FIG. 5 are diagrams showing an installation example of the state determination sensor 14. FIG. When the longitudinal direction of the casing 2 of the electronic device 1 is the vertical direction, at least one of the plurality of proximity sensors as the state determination sensor 14 is provided on any surface of the upper half of the casing 2 ( For example, the position of the proximity sensor 14a shown in FIG. 2A), at least another one is provided on any surface of the lower half of the housing 2 (for example, FIG. Proximity sensor 14a) shown in b).

According to said structure, even if it is a case where a part of electronic device 1 accommodated in arbitrary accommodating main bodies protrudes from the said accommodating main body, electronic device 1 accommodates either the upper end lower end downward. Even in such a case, it is possible to maintain the state in which either one of the proximity sensors is close to the housing main body at the time of housing, so that the housing state of the electronic device 1 can be accurately determined.

Further, as described above, it is sufficient that at least one state determination sensor 14 is provided in any region on the upper half of each surface of the housing 2 and at least one in any region on the lower half. A configuration in which the state determination sensor 14 is provided on the same surface (only the front surface or only the back surface) can also achieve the same effect as described above, and thus falls within the scope of the present invention. Alternatively, at least one of the state determination sensors 14 is provided on any surface of the upper half of the casing 2 (the position of the proximity sensor 14b ′ in FIG. 5D), and at least another one is the casing. 2 may be provided on either surface of the lower half (for example, the proximity sensor 14a shown in FIG. 5A or 5B). As described above, it is sufficient that at least one state determination sensor 14 is provided in any region on the upper half of each surface of the housing 2 and at least one in any region on the lower half. A configuration in which a plurality of state determination sensors 14 are both provided in the left half (or right half) when the short side direction of 1 is the left-right direction can achieve the same effects as described above, and thus is within the scope of the present invention. to go into.

Preferably, at least two proximity sensors (proximity sensor 14a and proximity sensor 14b) as the state determination sensor 14 are provided on two surfaces facing each other. For example, when the proximity sensor 14a is provided at the position shown in FIG. 5A or 5C (the lower half of the front surface), the other proximity sensor 14b is connected to the upper half of the opposing back surface 2a (FIG. 5). (B) or (d). According to the above configuration, when the state determination sensor 14 is an infrared proximity sensor having directivity, the proximity of the opposite surface that cannot be covered by one proximity sensor can be detected by the other proximity sensor. Therefore, it is possible to determine the accommodation state of the electronic device 1 with higher accuracy compared to the configuration in which two are provided on the same surface.

More preferably, when the longitudinal direction of the housing 2 of the electronic device 1 is the vertical direction, that is, the short side direction is the left-right direction, at least two proximity sensors (proximity sensor 14a and At least one of the proximity sensors 14b) is provided on any surface of the right half of the housing 2 (for example, the position of the proximity sensor 14a shown in FIG. 5C), and at least another one is the housing. It is provided on either surface of the left half of the body 2 (for example, the proximity sensor 14b shown in FIG. 5D). According to said structure, it is a case where a part of electronic device 1 accommodated in arbitrary accommodating main bodies protrudes from the said accommodating main body, Moreover, the electronic device 1 makes any of the up-and-down left and right ends face down Even in the case of being accommodated, since the state in which any one of the proximity sensors is close to the accommodation main body can be maintained at the time of accommodation, there is an effect that the accommodation state of the electronic device 1 can be more accurately determined.

Alternatively, or more preferably, in addition to the above-described configuration, at least one proximity sensor (proximity sensors 14c, 14d, 14e, and 14f not shown) may be provided on each of the remaining four surfaces of the housing 2. As described above, by covering all six surfaces of the housing 2 with proximity sensors, when the state determination sensor 14 is an infrared proximity sensor having directivity, all directions of the housing 2 can be covered. The accommodation state of the electronic device 1 can be determined with higher accuracy.

(Use scene)
6A to 6D are diagrams showing examples of usage scenes of the electronic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. 6 (a) and 6 (b) show that the electronic device 1 provided with the proximity sensor 14a and the proximity sensor 14b at the positions shown in FIGS. It is a figure which shows the state accommodated in the accommodation main body. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, when the longitudinal direction of the electronic device 1 is the vertical direction, the electronic device 1 is accommodated in the pocket with its upper end down, and the depth of the pocket is determined by the electronic device 1. Therefore, the lower end of the electronic device 1 protrudes from the pocket. For this reason, the proximity sensor 14 a provided at the lower end cannot detect an object close to the housing 2. Therefore, in the configuration in which only the proximity sensor 14a is provided, there is a problem that the accommodation state cannot be determined even though the electronic device 1 is actually accommodated in the pocket. However, according to the configuration of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5A, the proximity sensor 14b is further provided in the upper half of the electronic device 1, and the proximity sensor 14b can detect the proximity of the object. The accommodation state of the electronic device 1 can be determined. On the contrary, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the electronic device 1 is stored in the pocket with the lower end of the electronic device 1 facing down, similarly, even if the proximity sensor 14b cannot detect the proximity, Since the sensor 14a can detect proximity, the accommodation state of the electronic device 1 can be correctly determined. That is, at least two state determination sensors 14 are provided in at least one region in the upper half of each surface of the housing 2 and at least one in any region in the lower half. Regardless of the direction in which the device 1 is accommodated in the pocket, it is possible to accurately determine the accommodation state.

6 (c) and 6 (d) show that the electronic device 1 in which the proximity sensor 14a and the proximity sensor 14b are respectively provided at the positions shown in FIGS. 5 (c) and 5 (d) It is a figure which shows the state accommodated in. Since the width of the bag is less than the length (H) in the longitudinal direction of the electronic device 1, the lower right end ((c) of FIG. 6) or the upper left end ((d) of FIG. 6) of the electronic device 1 is It sticks out of the cage. The proximity sensor 14a (proximity sensor 14b) provided in the protruding portion cannot detect the proximity of the object, but the proximity sensor 14b provided in a point-symmetrical position with respect to the proximity sensor with respect to the center point of the housing 2. Since the (proximity sensor 14a) is surely in the part accommodated in the bag, the proximity of the object can be detected. Therefore, regardless of the direction in which the electronic device 1 is accommodated in the pocket, it is possible to accurately determine the accommodation state.

[Embodiment 2]
Hereinafter, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

The electronic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment determines whether or not the grip determination unit 22 is in the gripping state (gripping determination) according to the detection result of the grip determination sensor 15, and determines the mode control unit according to the grip determination result. 23 determines the control mode. In other words, in the electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment, proximity detection by the state determination sensor 14, determination of the accommodation state by the state determination unit 20, and control of the power supply of the grip determination sensor 15 by the sensor control unit 21 are performed. Not required. That is, in the electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment, the functional blocks of the state determination sensor 14, the state determination unit 20, and the sensor control unit 21 illustrated in FIG. 1 are not essential.

≪Infrared sensor layout≫
Here, a desirable arrangement of the grip determination sensor 15 in the electronic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4 again.

FIG. 2 shows a desirable arrangement example of the above-described grip determination sensors 15 ( infrared sensors 15a and 15b). As described above, the grip determination sensors 15 are provided on the two surfaces of the housing 2 facing each other. Here, as shown in the figure, it is desirable that at least one grip determination sensor 15 is provided on each of the left and right side surfaces (right side surface 2b and left side surface 2c) when the housing 2 is viewed from the front. This is because when using the electronic device 1, there is a high possibility that the electronic device 1 is gripped so as to sandwich the left and right side surfaces of the housing. More specifically, the user is likely to grasp the left side surface 2c on the thumb side of one hand and the right side surface 2b on the other four fingers side (FIG. 4).

Further, as shown in the figure, it is desirable that the grip determination sensor 15 is provided on the lower half surface of each of the left and right side surfaces when the longitudinal direction of the housing 2 is the vertical direction. This is because when the user uses the electronic device 1 while looking at the display unit 11, there is a high possibility of gripping the lower portion of the housing.

In this way, by arranging the grip determination sensor 15 at a location where the user is likely to touch the hand when using the electronic device 1, the grip determination sensor 15 can contact the hand that grips the electronic device 1 ( Or proximity) can be accurately detected. Therefore, the grip determination unit 22 can perform grip determination more accurately.

Furthermore, a pair of sensors (infrared sensor 15a and infrared sensor 15b in the example of FIG. 2) of the grip determination sensors 15 are vertically and horizontally symmetrical when viewed from the front of the housing. It is desirable to be provided in a plane symmetrical position. This is because in order to hold the electronic device in a stable state, the user is likely to have two opposing surfaces of the housing with equal force. Therefore, the grip determination unit 22 can perform grip determination more accurately by providing the grip determination sensor 15 at the plane-symmetrical position.

Further, the position where the grip determination sensor 15 is arranged will be specifically described with reference to FIG. The grip determination sensor 15 is preferably provided in an area where the probability that the user's hand touches when the user grips the right side surface 2b and the left side surface 2c of the housing 2 with one hand is a predetermined value or more. This is the most common way of holding the housing 2 when using the electronic device 1, “holding the right and left sides 2 b and 2 c of the housing 2 with one hand”. Because. The predetermined value may be appropriately determined according to the number of the grip determination sensors 15, the arrangement pattern, and the detection range and detection accuracy of each of the grip determination sensors 15.

As a specific example, the predetermined value is preferably 60% or more. When a measurement result as shown in FIG. 4 is obtained, an area where 60% or more of the 103 subjects touched, that is, an area where the score is 62 or more is an area where the predetermined value is 60% or more. is there. Accordingly, it is desirable that at least one grip determination sensor 15 be provided in each of the right side surface 2b and the left side surface 2c in an area having 62 or more points. Specifically, one or more gripping determination sensors 15 (for example, an infrared sensor 15b) are provided in any of the back side hooks, the middle side hooks, and the front side hooks of the right side surface 2b. It is desirable. Further, one or more gripping determination sensors 15 (for example, an infrared sensor 15a) may be provided in any of the back side hooks, the middle side hooks, and the front side hooks of the left side surface 2c. preferable.

Furthermore, the predetermined value is more preferably 65% or more. In other words, according to the measurement result of FIG. 4, the gripping determination sensor 15 is in any of the back side case, the middle side, and the front side side of the right side surface 2b and the left side surface 2c. It is more preferable that at least one of each of the back side hooks, the middle side hooks, and the front side hooks is provided.

Furthermore, it is more preferable that the predetermined value is 70% or more. That is, according to the measurement result of FIG. 4, the grip determination sensor 15 includes any one of the back side, the middle side, and the front side of the right side surface 2b, and the back side of the left side surface 2c. It is more preferable that at least one is provided in each of the areas of the first, second, middle, and second.

Thus, by devising the position where the grip determination sensor 15 is provided in the housing 2, the grip determination sensor 15 can be provided in an area where the user's hand is likely to touch. Therefore, the grip determination unit 22 can perform grip determination more accurately.

≪Detection status of gripping judgment sensor≫
In the present embodiment, the grip determination unit 22 determines that the electronic device 1 is in the grip state, and then the grip determination sensor 15 is close to one of the two surfaces facing each other (for example, the right side surface 2b and the left side surface 2c). It is desirable to maintain the determination that the electronic device 1 is in the gripping state while detecting. Hereinafter, transition of the detection result state (detection state) of the grip determination sensor 15 in the electronic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment and the grip determination result of the grip determination unit 22 will be described with reference to FIGS. . In the following description, a case will be described in which the electronic apparatus 1 includes the infrared sensors 15a and 15b as the grip determination sensor 15 in the arrangement illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the transition of the detection state of the infrared sensor in the electronic device 1. “ON” and “OFF” in the figure indicate detection signals of the infrared sensor 15a or 15b, “ON” indicates a detection signal when proximity is detected, and “OFF” indicates a case where proximity is not detected. The detection signal is shown. In the present embodiment, there are three types of detection states of the grip determination sensor 15. That is, when both the infrared sensors 15a and 15b are not detecting proximity (that is, when non-proximity is detected) (FIG. 7 (a)), one of the infrared sensors 15a and 15b is close. There are three types: a state where detection is performed ((b) and (c) in FIG. 7) and a state where both the infrared sensors 15a and 15b are detecting proximity ((d) in FIG. 7). The three types of detection states transition as indicated by the white arrows. Although the state shown in FIG. 7A may be changed to the state shown in FIG. 7D, when the electronic device 1 is normally held, the user first precedes either the right side surface 2b or the left side surface 2c. Therefore, the description of the transition from (a) to (d) is omitted in FIG.

<< Flow of gripping judgment process >>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing related to gripping determination. When the grip determination unit 22 acquires the detection signal output from the grip determination sensor 15 ( infrared sensors 15a and 15b) (S20), the grip determination unit 22 performs grip determination according to the combination of detection results. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7D, when both the infrared sensors 15a and 15b detect proximity (YES in S22), the grip determination unit 22 determines that the electronic device 1 is in the grip state. (S24).

On the other hand, as shown in (b) or (c) of FIG. 7, when one of the infrared sensors 15a and 15b detects proximity (NO in S22 and YES in S26), the grip determination unit 22 The result of the grip determination is maintained (S28). Further, as shown in FIG. 7A, when neither the infrared sensor 15a nor the infrared sensor 15b detects proximity (NO in S22 and NO in S26), the gripping determination unit 22 is not connected to the electronic device 1. It determines with it being a holding state (S30).

It is considered that when the user grips the electronic device 1, the user touches any two surfaces (for example, the right side surface 2 b and the left side surface 2 c) facing each other and grips the case 2. Therefore, according to the above processing, when the user grips the electronic device, both of the infrared sensors 15a and 15b respectively disposed on the two surfaces detect proximity (YES in S22), so that the grip determination unit 22 is electronic It can be determined that the device 1 is in the gripping state. The infrared sensors 15a and 15b are infrared proximity sensors. Therefore, when the user is wearing gloves, the proximity can be detected even when the hand holding the electronic device 1 is a non-conductor. Therefore, the grip determination unit 22 can perform the grip determination more accurately.

In addition, in the case where the housing of the electronic device is a conductive material such as metal, in order to use the electrostatic sensor as a gripping determination sensor (grip sensor), a hole is made in the housing and the housing is charged. It is necessary to provide a partition between the housing and the electrostatic sensor so as not to escape. Thus, using an electrostatic sensor as a gripping determination sensor has disadvantages in terms of usability and design of electronic equipment. On the other hand, when an infrared proximity sensor is used as the gripping determination sensor 15 as in the electronic apparatus 1 according to the present invention, the hole in the housing can be made smaller than when an electrostatic sensor is used. Therefore, there is an advantage that the degree of freedom in design increases.

≪Detection state transition and gripping determination result≫
Finally, the relationship between the transition of the detection state shown in FIG. 7 and the result of the grip determination of the grip determination unit 22 shown in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a transition example of the detection state and a result of the grip determination. Note that (a), (b), (c) and (d) in the left column of FIG. 9 indicate the detection states of (a), (b), (c) and (d) in FIG. . Also in FIG. 9, as in FIG. 7, the description of the case of direct transition from the state (a) to the state (d) is omitted.

As described above, when the detection state is the state (a), the grip determination unit 22 determines that the electronic device 1 is in the non-grip state (S30 in FIG. 8). If the detection state is (b) or (c), the grip determination unit 22 maintains the result of the previous grip determination (S28 in FIG. 8). When the detection state is (d), the grip determination unit 22 determines that the electronic device 1 is in the grip state (S4 in FIG. 8).

Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the state (a) transitions to the state (b) or (c) (Examples 1 and 2), the gripping determination unit 22 performs the previous determination, that is, (a) Maintain judgment when in state. That is, the control unit 10 determines that the electronic device 1 remains in the non-gripping state. In addition, when the state returns to the state (a) again after the state transition shown in Example 1 or Example 2 (Examples 3 and 4), the electronic device 1 at the time when the grip determination unit 22 returns to the state (a). Is determined to be in a non-gripping state. As described above, since the electronic device 1 is in the non-gripping state before the determination, it can be said that the electronic device 1 is still in the non-gripping state in this case.

On the other hand, when the state transition to the state (d) is made after the state transition shown in Example 1 or Example 2 (Examples 5 and 6), the gripping determination unit 22 changes the electronic state when the detection state changes to the state (d). It is determined that the device 1 is in the gripping state. That is, it is determined that the electronic device 1 has changed from the non-gripping state to the gripping state. In addition, after the state transition shown in Example 1 or Example 2, when the detection state goes back and forth between the state (b) and the state (c) (Examples 7 and 8), the grip determination unit 22 ( Since the determination in the state of a) is maintained, it is determined that the electronic device 1 remains in the non-gripping state.

On the other hand, when the state (d) transits to the state (b) or (c) (examples 9 and 10), the grip determination unit 22 maintains the previous determination, that is, the determination in the state (d). To do. That is, the control unit 10 determines that the electronic device 1 remains in the gripping state. Note that when the state returns to the state (d) again after the state transition shown in Example 9 or Example 10 (Examples 11 and 12), the gripping determination unit 22 returns to the state (d) when the electronic device 1 is returned. Is determined to be in the gripping state. As described above, since the electronic device 1 is in the gripping state before the determination, it can be said that the electronic device 1 is still in the gripping state in this case.

On the other hand, when the state transition to the state of (a) is made after the state transition shown in Example 9 or Example 10 (Examples 13 and 14), the gripping determination unit 22 is electronic when the detection state changes to the state of (a). It is determined that the device 1 is in a non-gripping state. That is, it is determined that the electronic device 1 has changed from the gripping state to the non-holding state. In addition, after the state transition shown in Example 9 or Example 10, when the detection state goes back and forth between the state (b) and the state (c) (Examples 15 and 16), the grip determination unit 22 ( Since the determination in the state of d) is maintained, it is determined that the electronic device 1 remains in the gripping state.

Thus, after determining that the gripping determination unit 22 is once in the gripping state, the gripping determination unit 22 maintains the determination that the gripping state is in effect until both of the infrared sensors 15a and 15b no longer detect proximity. Accordingly, the grip determination unit 22 performs the operation with the thumb after the user once grips the electronic device 1 and then re-holds the electronic device 1 for the operation (for example, after gripping the housing 2 once). The case where the electronic device is supported by the remaining four fingers can be appropriately determined to be in the gripping state.

Further, after determining that the gripping determination unit 22 is once in the non-holding state, the determination that the gripping determination unit 22 is in the non-holding state is maintained until both the infrared sensors 15a and 15b detect proximity. Thereby, for example, when the user simply touches one side surface of the electronic device 1, it can be prevented that the user is erroneously determined to be in the gripping state.

Although not shown, the result of the grip determination is used as follows, for example. The grip determination unit 22 notifies the mode control unit 23 of the result of the grip determination. The mode control unit 23 performs mode control based on the result of the grip determination. Specifically, when the determination result that “the electronic device 1 is in a non-gripping state (or is in a non-gripping state as in the previous determination)” is notified from the grip determination unit 22, the mode control unit 23 Performs mode control based on the non-gripping state. That is, the normal mode is shifted to the sleep mode (or the sleep mode is continuously maintained). On the other hand, when the determination result that “the electronic device 1 is in the gripping state (the gripping state is the same as the previous determination)” is notified from the gripping determination unit 22, the mode control unit 23 sets the mode based on the gripping state. Take control. That is, the sleep mode is shifted to the normal mode (or the normal mode is maintained).

[Embodiment 3]
Another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and FIG. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those already described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

(Configuration of electronic equipment)
With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the principal part structure of the electronic device 1 in this embodiment is demonstrated. In the present embodiment, the electronic device 1 includes at least one sensor as the state determination sensor 14 (first sensor group). The sensor as the state determination sensor 14 may be anything as long as it can achieve the purpose of determining the accommodation state or the non-accommodation state of the electronic device 1, and is realized by a proximity sensor such as an infrared sensor or an illuminance sensor. In the following description, as an example, the electronic apparatus 1 will be described assuming that the state determination sensor 14 includes a proximity sensor 14a and a proximity sensor 14b that are infrared sensors. When the state determination sensor 14 is realized by an infrared sensor, the position where the state determination sensor 14 is provided is the same as that of the state determination sensor 14 of the first embodiment. It is desirable that it is an area (see FIG. 4) in which the probability that the user's hand touches when holding the surface so as to sandwich the surface is less than a predetermined value.

In the present embodiment, the electronic apparatus 1 includes at least one proximity sensor as the grip determination sensor 15 (second sensor group). Below, as an example, the electronic apparatus 1 is demonstrated as what is provided with the infrared sensor 15a and the infrared sensor 15b. When the grip determination sensor 15 is realized by an infrared sensor, the position where the grip determination sensor 15 is provided is the same as that of the grip determination sensor 15 of the second embodiment. It is desirable that the probability that the user's hand touches when holding the surface so as to sandwich the surface is an area having a predetermined value or more (see FIG. 4).

In the present embodiment, the control unit 10 includes at least a sensor control unit 21 as an essential configuration. The state determination unit 20, the grip determination unit 22, and the mode control unit 23 may be further included as necessary. In the present embodiment, the sensor control unit 21 suppresses the operation of the grip determination sensor 15 based on the detection signal output from the state determination sensor 14 or the determination result output from the state determination unit 20. It is. Specifically, when even one of the proximity sensor 14a and the proximity sensor 14b detects proximity, the sensor control unit 21 suppresses the operations of the infrared sensor 15a and the infrared sensor 15b. More specifically, the sensor control unit 21 turns off the power of the infrared sensors 15a and 15b, prohibits the detection of proximity objects from the infrared sensors 15a and 15b, and prohibits the output of detection signals. To stop the functions of the infrared sensors 15a and 15b. In this way, while the operation of the grip determination sensor 15 is suppressed by the sensor control unit 21, the power consumption of the electronic device 1 is suppressed as compared with the case where the grip determination sensor 15 is operating. It becomes possible.

In the present embodiment, the state determination unit 20 determines the accommodation state or non-accommodation state of the electronic device 1 each time a change occurs in the detection signal detected by the state determination sensor 14, and the determination result is sent to the sensor control unit 21. And notification to the gripping determination unit 22. The sensor control unit 21 controls the grip determination sensor 15 according to the notified determination result. That is, the operation of the grip determination sensor 15 is suppressed as necessary.

In the present embodiment, the gripping determination unit 22 determines the gripping state / non-holding state every time it receives the determination result regarding accommodation / non-accommodation from the state determination unit 20. Specifically, in addition to executing the state determination process in the same manner as in the second embodiment, the operation of the grip determination sensor 15 is suppressed by the sensor control unit 21, so that the detection from the grip determination sensor 15 is performed. While the signal cannot be acquired, the state of the electronic device 1 is determined to be a non-gripping state.

(Flow of status determination processing)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the state determination process in the electronic device 1 according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 10, as an example, the electronic device 1 includes proximity sensors 14 a and 14 b as the state determination sensor 14, and infrared sensors 15 a and 15 b as the grip determination sensor 15, and the control unit 10 includes the state determination unit 20. The flow of the state determination process when the grip determination unit 22 is further included is shown.

Changes in detection signals from proximity sensors 14a and 14b and at least one of infrared sensors 15a and 15b (from proximity “1” to non-proximity “0” or from non-proximity “0” to proximity When the change to “1” occurs (YES in S41), the electronic device 1 starts the state determination process after S42.

Specifically, first, the state determination unit 20 determines accommodation / non-accommodation based on the detection signals of the proximity sensors 14a and 14b (S42). When the proximity sensors 14a and 14b both detect non-proximity (NO in S42), the state determination unit 20 determines that the state of the electronic device 1 is in the non-accommodating state, and the determination result is determined by the sensor control unit 21 and the gripper. The determination unit 22 is notified. Upon receiving this notification, the sensor control unit 21 turns on the power when the grip determination sensor 15 is not turned on (NO at S43) (S44). If the power is already turned on (YES in S43), the sensor control unit 21 maintains the on state.

Upon receipt of the notification, the grip determination unit 22 acquires a detection signal from the grip determination sensor 15 that is turned on, and determines grip / non-hold based on the detection signal (S45). Specifically, when all of the infrared sensors 15a and 15b detect proximity (YES in S45), it is considered that an object (finger) hits all the places where the user's hand should hit when gripping. 22 determines that the state of the electronic device 1 is the gripping state (S46).

On the other hand, if at least one of the infrared sensors 15a and 15b is detected (NO in S47), the grip determination unit 22 maintains the previous determination result as in the second embodiment (S48). . This is because the fact that the object partially hits the place where the user's hand should hit when grasping is because it is considered that some fingers have been detached from the housing 2 during use by the user. This is to prevent the determination of gripping / non-holding from being covered more frequently than necessary, depending on the change in. Note that maintaining the previous determination result means that the determination result of gripping / non-gripping output in S46, S48, or S51 is inherited before S41 that triggers the current state determination processing occurs. To do.

On the other hand, if all of the infrared sensors 15a and 15b detect non-proximity (YES in S47), it is assumed that no object (finger) is hit anywhere on the user's hand when gripping. The determination unit 22 determines that the state of the electronic device 1 is a non-gripping state (S51). Although not shown, the determination result of gripping / non-holding in S46, S48, or S51 is notified to the mode control unit 23, and is used for the mode control unit 23 to perform mode control.

Specifically, on the other hand, when proximity is detected by at least one of the proximity sensors 14a and 14b (YES in S42), the state determination unit 20 determines that the state of the electronic device 1 is in the accommodated state, The determination result is notified to the sensor control unit 21 and the grip determination unit 22. Upon receiving this notification, the sensor control unit 21 turns off the power when the grip determination sensor 15 is turned on (YES in S49) (S50). If the power is not already turned on (NO in S49), the sensor control unit 21 maintains the off state.

The grip determination unit 22 that has received the above notification, when the operation of the grip determination sensor 15 is suppressed by the sensor control unit 21 and cannot acquire a detection signal from the grip determination sensor 15, is based on that. Then, the state of the electronic device 1 is determined as the non-gripping state (S51).

Thus, when the state determination process for one time is completed, the state determination unit 20 returns to the state in which the change of the detection signal from the state determination sensor 14 is monitored in S41.

According to the above configuration and method, first, based on the detection signal from the state determination sensor 14 (for example, with the same configuration and procedure as in the first embodiment), whether or not the electronic device 1 is in the accommodated state is determined. Determined. Here, if even one state determination sensor 14 detects proximity, it can be understood that the electronic device 1 is accommodated (that is, the user is not likely to use it). Therefore, it is not necessary to determine whether or not the user is holding the electronic device 1 during the period in which the electronic device 1 is accommodated. Therefore, during such a period, the sensor control unit 21 suppresses unnecessary operations of the grip determination sensor 15. Accordingly, erroneous detection of the grip determination sensor 15 can be prevented, and power consumed by the grip determination sensor 15 can be suppressed, and power saving in the electronic device 1 can be realized. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the disadvantages of using the proximity sensor as a grip sensor, and to realize an electronic device that performs gripping determination of the own device using the proximity sensor.

[Example of software implementation]
A control block (particularly, the state determination unit 20, the sensor control unit 21, the grip determination unit 22, and the mode control unit 23) of the electronic device 1 is a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like. It may be realized by software, or may be realized by software using a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

In the latter case, the electronic device 1 includes a CPU that executes instructions of a program that is software that realizes each function, a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which the program and various data are recorded so as to be readable by a computer (or CPU), or A storage device (these are referred to as “recording media”), a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program, and the like are provided. And the objective of this invention is achieved when a computer (or CPU) reads the said program from the said recording medium and runs it. As the recording medium, a “non-temporary tangible medium” such as a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like can be used. The program may be supplied to the computer via an arbitrary transmission medium (such as a communication network or a broadcast wave) that can transmit the program. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[Summary]
The electronic device (1) according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a first sensor group (state determination sensor 14) including one or more sensors (proximity sensor 14a and proximity sensor 14b) for detecting accommodation of the electronic device. A second sensor group (gripping determination sensor 15) including one or more proximity sensors (infrared sensor 15a, infrared sensor 15b) for detecting gripping by the user of the electronic device, and the second sensor group A sensor control unit (21) that controls the movement of the second sensor group when the proximity of even one of the first sensor group is detected.

According to the above configuration, if even one first sensor group detects proximity, it is found that the electronic device is accommodated (the user is not likely to use it). Therefore, it is not necessary to determine whether or not the user is holding the electronic device during this period. Therefore, during such a period, the sensor control unit suppresses unnecessary operations of the second sensor group for detecting gripping by the user. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent erroneous detection by the second sensor group when the electronic device is accommodated, and to suppress power consumed by the second sensor group, thereby realizing power saving in the electronic device. It becomes. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the disadvantages of using the proximity sensor as a grip sensor, and to realize an electronic device that performs gripping determination of the own device using the proximity sensor. The sensor constituting the first sensor group for the purpose of detecting accommodation is an infrared proximity sensor, an arbitrary sensor such as an illuminance sensor, a pressure sensor, an electrostatic sensor, an acceleration sensor, or the like. A combination is adopted.

In the electronic device according to aspect 2 of the present invention, in the aspect 1, the first sensor group has a predetermined probability that the user's hand touches when holding the both sides of the housing with one hand. The second sensor group is provided in an area where the probability that the user's hand touches is a predetermined value or more.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the “state in which the user has the electronic device in the hand (gripping state)” from being erroneously determined as the “accommodating state”. It is possible to avoid malfunction such as operation of the second sensor group being suppressed. In addition, the determination accuracy of gripping / non-holding can be improved.

The electronic device according to aspect 3 of the present invention further includes a state determination unit (20) that determines the state of the electronic device based on the detection signal from the first sensor group in the above aspect 1 or 2, and When the longitudinal direction of the casing (2) of the electronic device is the vertical direction, at least one of the first sensor groups is provided on any surface of the upper half of the casing, and at least another one. Is provided on one surface of the lower half of the housing, and the state determination unit determines that the electronic device is in the accommodated state when even one of the first sensor groups detects proximity. judge.

According to the above configuration, even when a part of the electronic device accommodated in an arbitrary accommodating entity protrudes from the accommodating entity, the electronic device is accommodated with either the upper end or the lower end facing downward. Even in this case, since the state in which either one of the proximity sensors is close to the housing main body can be maintained during housing, the housing state of the electronic device can be accurately determined. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a malfunction such that the operation of the second sensor group is not appropriately suppressed in a scene where grip detection is unnecessary. The present invention is particularly effective when the size of the housing of the electronic device exceeds the accommodation volume of the accommodation subject.

In the electronic device according to aspect 4 of the present invention, in the above aspects 1 to 3, the sensor control unit suppresses the operation of the second sensor group by turning off the power of the second sensor group. .

Accordingly, it is possible to reliably prevent erroneous detection by the second sensor group when the electronic device is accommodated, and to reliably suppress the power consumed by the second sensor group, thereby realizing power saving in the electronic device. Is possible.

In the electronic device according to aspect 5 of the present invention, in the above aspects 1 to 3, the sensor control unit stops the function of detecting the proximity object of the second sensor group, whereby the second sensor group Suppresses the operation.

As a result, erroneous detection by the second sensor group at the time of electronic device accommodation is reliably prevented, and the power consumed by the second sensor group is compared with the case where the function of detecting a proximity object is effective. Therefore, it is possible to realize power saving in the electronic device.

An electronic apparatus according to an aspect 6 of the present invention further includes a grip determination unit that determines the gripping or non-holding state of the electronic apparatus based on the detection signal from the second sensor group in the above aspects 1 to 5. When the operation of the second sensor group is suppressed, it is determined that the state of the electronic device is a non-gripping state.

The situation in which the operation of the second sensor group is suppressed occurs when the electronic device is accommodated, that is, when gripping by the user does not occur, and thus the operation of the second sensor group is suppressed. Therefore, the grip determination unit can correctly determine that the electronic device is in the non-hold state without acquiring a detection signal from the second sensor group.

It is a control method of the electronic device (1) which concerns on aspect 7 of this invention, Comprising: The said electronic device is 1st which consists of 1 or more sensors (proximity sensor 14a, proximity sensor 14b) for detecting accommodation of an electronic device. Sensor group (state determination sensor 14) and a second sensor group (grip determination sensor) including one or more proximity sensors (infrared sensor 15a, infrared sensor 15b) for detecting gripping by the user of the electronic device. 15), and the electronic device control method includes a sensor control step for controlling the second sensor group, and in the sensor control step, even one of the first sensor groups detects proximity In this case (YES in S42), the operation of the second sensor group is suppressed (S50).

The electronic device according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer, and in this case, each unit (software element, state determination unit 20, sensor control unit 21, gripping determination) provided in the electronic device in this case. The control program of the electronic device that causes the electronic device to be realized by a computer by operating as the unit 22 and the mode control unit 23) and a computer-readable recording medium on which the control program is recorded also fall within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a new technical feature can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic device 2 Case 10 Control part 11 Display part 13 Memory | storage part 14 Sensor for state determination (1st sensor group)
14a, 14b, 14b ′ Proximity sensor (sensor)
15 Gripping determination sensor (second sensor group)
15a, 15b Infrared sensor (proximity sensor)
20 state determination unit 21 sensor control unit 22 grip determination unit 23 mode control unit

Claims (5)

1. A first sensor group comprising one or more sensors for detecting accommodation of an electronic device;
   A second sensor group comprising one or more proximity sensors for detecting gripping by a user of the electronic device;
   A sensor control unit for controlling the second sensor group,
   The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor control unit suppresses the operation of the second sensor group when proximity is detected in at least one of the first sensor groups.
2. The first sensor group is provided in an area where the probability that the user's hand touches when the user grips both sides of the housing with one hand is less than a predetermined value, and the second sensor group The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a probability that the user's hand touches is provided in an area having a predetermined value or more.
3. A state determination unit for determining a state of the electronic device based on the detection signal from the first sensor group;
   When the longitudinal direction of the casing of the electronic device is the vertical direction, at least one of the first sensor groups is provided on any surface of the upper half of the casing, and at least another one is the casing. On either side of the lower half of the body,
   The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the state determination unit determines that the electronic device is in an accommodation state when proximity is detected in at least one of the first sensor groups. .
4. The said sensor control part suppresses operation | movement of this 2nd sensor group by turning off the power supply of the said 2nd sensor group, The any one of Claim 1 to 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Electronic equipment.
5. The said sensor control part suppresses operation | movement of this 2nd sensor group by stopping the function which detects the proximity | contact object of the said 2nd sensor group, The any one of Claim 1 to 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. The electronic device of Claim 1.

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