JP2002358154A - Mobile terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] To improve convenience by simplifying key operations for function and character input. SOLUTION: When a user presses an operation key, a key signal output unit 24 provided corresponding to the operation key is provided.
Notifies the CPU 15 of an operation key press by outputting an electric signal unique to the operation key to the CPU 15. CPU
15 determines the current selection function (character) according to the output from the key signal output unit 24 and causes the display unit 20 to display it. When the key press is detected as described above, the CPU 15 activates the contact detection unit 25 provided corresponding to the operation key. Subsequently, when the contact detection unit 25 detects that a non-contact state has been reached by, for example, releasing the finger from the operation key that has been operated by the user, the CPU 15 executes the function currently selected. Confirm.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable terminal in which the number of keys is limited and the key operation for inputting functions and characters is simplified.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a large number of applications have been mounted on portable communication terminals, and the range of use of terminals has been significantly expanded. On the other hand, the number of operation keys that can be arranged on the terminal is limited by the size of the terminal, etc.,
As the number of installed applications increases, the number of functions assigned to the same operation key increases. The user of the terminal activates a desired application by operating an operation key provided on the mobile communication terminal,
Also, a desired instruction is issued. At this time, in order to determine the application to be activated, one of the choices displayed on the screen is usually selected, and a determination key is provided as one of the operation keys. It was necessary to operate this confirmation key every time the item was confirmed.

[0003] In the case of character input on a portable telephone or the like, a plurality of characters are similarly assigned to the same key. For example, as shown in FIG.
The numbers "1", "A line", and "@" are assigned. Similarly, "2", "KA line", and "ABC" are assigned to the operation key 101, and "3" is assigned to the operation key 102. , "SA line" and "DEF" are assigned. In a mobile phone having such a key arrangement, when inputting hiragana, the user switches the input mode to the “kana input” mode, and then presses the operation key to which the desired character is assigned an appropriate number of times. Press. For example, in the case of inputting "ku", first, the kana input mode is set, and then the operation key 101 to which "ka line" is assigned is pressed three times.

[0004]

As described above, in the conventional portable communication terminal, when the function is determined, it is necessary to press the determination key. Therefore, the finger must be moved to press the determination key. However, there is a problem that key operations cannot be performed promptly. In character input, when characters assigned to the same key in the above-described key layout are continuously input, for example,
In the case of inputting "Kiku", the user has to input the first character "K", then press the enter key once to fix "K", and then input "K". Key operation becomes complicated. For this reason, in order to perform character input accurately and promptly, a certain level of skill is required, and there is a problem that a user who is not accustomed to operating the terminal frequently makes input errors and is inconvenient.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable terminal which is excellent in convenience by simplifying key operations for function and character input.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an operation key to which a plurality of functions are assigned, key press detection means for detecting that the operation key is pressed, Contact detection means for detecting whether or not the operation key is touched, function selection means for selecting a function according to the number of times the operation key is pressed, and a state in which the pressed operation key is in a non-contact state And a function deciding means for deciding the function selected by the function selecting means in the event that the portable terminal has become unavailable.

In the portable terminal described above, the contact detecting means is provided corresponding to each operation key, and is activated when the corresponding operation key is pressed, and the operation key is contactless. The operation is stopped when the state is detected.

[0008] Further, the portable terminal described above is characterized by comprising display means for displaying a function selected by the function selecting means. In the mobile terminal described above, the function is any one of a character, a symbol, and a picture.

According to such a configuration, when the finger is released from the operation key being operated for input, it is detected that the operation key is in a non-contact state, and the currently selected function / character is selected. Is determined, so that it is not necessary to press the determination key when determining the function / character as in the past,
Key operations can be simplified. In particular, when a plurality of functions assigned to the same key are determined in succession, when a desired function is selected, the function can be determined only by once releasing the finger from the operation key. Become. Then, when it is desired to further determine the function assigned to the operation key, the same operation key may be operated again by a predetermined operation. As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform an operation related to the determination such as pressing the determination key by simply releasing the finger from the operation key, so that the function can be determined very easily. . Thereby, the input operation can be performed extremely easily as compared with the related art.

The portable terminal of the present invention is a so-called CD
MA (Code Division Multiple Access) system and PDC (Personal Dig)
Ital Cellular System) mobile phones and PHS
(Personal Handyphone System) (registered trademark)
It also includes a portable terminal called DA (Personal Digital Assistants: personal information equipment). Also,
In the case of a PDA, a communication means may be built in or a communication means may be externally connected.

[0011] The present invention also provides a function determination method for realizing the portable terminal.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 11 denotes an antenna for wireless communication, reference numeral 12 denotes a communication unit, reference numeral 13 denotes a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing various programs, and reference numeral 14 denotes a RAM in which data is temporarily read and written. (Random Access Me
mory), reference numeral 15 denotes a CPU (central processing unit) for implementing various processes by loading and executing various programs stored in the ROM 13.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a voice synthesizing unit for synthesizing voice data and the like output from the CPU 15 to convert the analog data into an analog signal and output the same. Reference numeral 17 outputs the analog signal output from the voice synthesizer 16 as voice. A speaker 18 is a microphone (microphone) that converts an external voice into an analog signal and outputs the same, and 19 is a voice recognition unit that converts the analog signal output from the microphone 18 into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal. Reference numeral 20 denotes a display unit that includes a display including a liquid crystal display screen or the like, and performs display by driving and controlling the display based on display data output from the CPU 15. Reference numeral 21 denotes a vibration motor that notifies the user of an incoming call or the like by vibration.

Reference numeral 22 denotes an input unit including an operation unit 23, a key signal output unit 24, and a contact detection unit 25. The user gives various instructions by operating (pressing) the operation unit 23 of the input unit 22. The operation unit 23 includes a plurality of operation keys such as numeric keys, symbol keys, and various function keys. The key signal output unit 24
It is provided in correspondence with each operation key, and detects depression of a key and outputs an electric signal unique to the key. Thus, the CPU 15 can recognize which key has been pressed by identifying the electric signal. Further, the contact detection unit 25 detects that there is a contact with the operation key, and outputs an electric signal notifying the fact. The above-described units are connected by a bus 26.

Next, FIG. 2 is a plan view of a portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a numeric keypad 231 constituting the operation section 23, and FIG. Show.

As shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 2 of the input unit 22
3 is a numeric keypad 23 for inputting telephone numbers, characters, and the like.
1 and a function key 232 to which various functions are assigned. And
Each of the operation keys 100 and 101 constituting the numeric keypad 231
.. Are assigned with a plurality of characters as shown in FIG.

Further, as shown in FIG.
On the surfaces of 0, 101, and 102, a contact detection unit 25 that detects contact is provided. As the contact detection unit 25, a contact sensor or the like which detects a contact by detecting a change in resistance when a minute current is applied and the resistance component changes due to contact with a human finger or the like is given as an example. A key signal output unit 24 is provided on the lower surface of each of the operation keys 100, 101, and 102 to detect a key press and output a signal unique to the pressed key. This key signal output unit 2
Reference numeral 4 detects a key press by contacting the first conductive portion 241 provided on the lower surface of each of the operation keys 100, 101, and 102 with the second conductive portion 242 laid thereunder.

Next, in a predetermined memory area of the ROM 13 or the RAM 14, function information such as characters assigned to the operation keys is set in a predetermined order corresponding to the operation keys constituting the operation section 23. The stored function selection table is stored. That is, the operation key 100 shown in FIG.
In the function selection table described above, “A” is associated with the operation key 100.
A switching order setting is stored such that the order is switched in the order of → “i” → “u” → “e” → “o” → “a” →. Thus, when the pressed operation key 100 is pressed, the CPU 15 switches the selected characters one after another in the above order based on the function selection table.
As a result, if the operation key 100 is pressed once by the user, “a” is displayed on the display unit 20 as a selected character, and if pressed again, “i” is displayed on the display unit 20 as a selected character. Display.

Each time the operation key is pressed, the CPU 15 switches the selected character in accordance with the order set in the function selection table. When the operation key operated up to now becomes a non-contact state, the currently selected character is determined. As described above, when it is detected that the operation keys that have been operated until now are in a non-contact state, the currently selected function is determined, so that a special key operation for determining the selected character is not required. . Thus, the user only has to release his finger from the operation key to determine the selection function, so that the input operation can be easily performed.

Next, the operation of the portable terminal having the above configuration will be described. Here, a case where the user inputs “No” will be specifically described. In the following description, it is assumed that ten characters are assigned to the operation keys 100 in the order of “aiueo ぁ ぃ ぅ ぇ ぉ” and that the information is set in the function selection table described above.

First, the user enters the function key 23
By pressing 2 a predetermined number of times, the mode is changed to the “kana input mode”, and subsequently, the operation key 100 of the “A line” to which “I” is assigned is pressed. By such an operation, the first conductive portion 24 provided below the operation key 100 is provided.
1 comes into contact with the second conducting portion 242, whereby the key signal output portion 24 outputs an electric signal unique to the operation key 100. For example, the electric signal is a DC current having a specific current value.

Upon receiving the electric signal output from the key signal output unit 24, the CPU 15
M14 is accessed, and the character located at the beginning of the “kana character” associated with the operation key 100, that is, “a” is acquired from the function selection table. Then, the display unit 20 displays the obtained character “A” as a selected character. As a result, the display unit 20 displays “A” as the selected character.
Is displayed. On the other hand, the CPU 15 activates the contact detection unit 25 provided corresponding to the operation key 100.
Thereby, the contact detection unit 25 contacts the operation key,
Non-contact can be detected.

Subsequently, it is assumed that the user presses the operation key 100 once again without releasing the finger from the operation key 100. Thereby, an electric signal unique to the operation key 100 is output to the CPU 15. Thereby, the CPU 15
Acquires the kana character corresponding to the operation key from the function selection table, and switches the selected character from "a" to "i" as a result. Then, the information of the selected character is output to the display unit 20, and the display unit 20 displays the selected character as a selected character.
"I" is displayed.

Here, the user temporarily releases his / her finger from the operation key 100 in order to determine the character "i". As a result, the resistance component on the surface of the operation key 100 changes, so that the contact detection unit 25 detects that the user's finger has left the operation key 100 and outputs an electric signal to that effect. CPU1
5 acquires the signal indicating that the operation key 100 has been brought into a non-contact state, and determines the currently selected character “i”.

When the selected character is determined in this way,
The CPU 15 stops the operation of the contact detection unit 25 of the operation key 100. Thereby, activation of the contact detection unit 25 can be suppressed to a minimum, and the power required for the contact detection unit 25 can be suppressed as much as possible. As a result, the consumption of the battery driving the portable terminal can be suppressed, and the battery can be used efficiently.

Subsequently, when the user presses the operation key 100 to input "e", the key signal output unit 24 detects that the operation key 100 is pressed, and outputs an electric signal unique to the operation key 100 to the CPU 15. CPU 15 is an operation key 1
When an electric signal indicating that 00 has been pressed is received, the ROM 1
3 or the RAM 14 and obtains the character located at the top of the “kana characters” associated with the operation key 100, that is, “a” from the function selection table. Then, the display unit 20 uses the acquired character “A” as a selected character.
, And activates the contact detection unit 25 provided corresponding to the operation key 100.

Further, when the user presses the operation key 100 three times in succession without releasing the finger, an electric signal unique to the operation key 100 is output from the key signal output unit 24 every time the operation key 100 is pressed. You. Thereby, the CPU 215
Switches the selected character from “I” to “U” to “E” by referring to the function selection table. As a result, “e” is displayed on the display unit 20 as the currently selected character.

Subsequently, when the user presses another operation key and tries to input a character assigned to the operation key, the operation key 10 which has been pressed until now is input.
Since the finger is separated from 0, the operation key 100 is in a non-contact state. Thereby, the contact detection unit 25 detects the non-contact state of the operation key 100 and outputs an electric signal to that effect. As a result, “E” currently displayed as the selected character is determined by the CPU 15. Also, CPU
When the “e” is determined, the operation of the contact detection unit 25 corresponding to the operation key 100 is stopped.

As described above, when a character assigned to another operation key is input, the finger is naturally separated from the operation key which has been pressed so far. Will be determined. Therefore, even if the user does not intentionally determine the selected character, when the user attempts to input the next character, the selection function is naturally determined.

Note that characters that have been erroneously determined can be deleted by pressing an operation key provided for input deletion, such as a clear key. Thus, the selected character can be easily confirmed without pressing the confirmation key or the like.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiments, and includes a design and the like within a range not departing from the gist of the present invention. It is.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the contact sensor for detecting the contact with the operation key based on the change in the resistance component has been described as the contact detection means. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Any small sensor that can detect the signal may be used.

[0033]

As described above, according to the portable terminal of the present invention, when a finger is separated from an operation key being operated for input, it is detected that the operation key is in a non-contact state. , To confirm the currently selected function / character,
When the function / character is determined, it is not necessary to press the determination key as in the related art, and the key operation can be simplified. In particular, since the complicated operation required for the determination required when selecting the functions assigned to the same key continuously is performed by simply releasing the finger from the operation key, the determination of the function is extremely easy. It can be performed.
Thereby, the input operation can be performed extremely easily as compared with the related art.

According to the portable terminal of the present invention, when it is detected that the operation key is in a non-contact state, the operation of the contact detection means provided corresponding to the operation key is stopped. Accordingly, activation of the contact detection unit can be suppressed to a minimum, and as a result, electric power required for the contact detection unit can be suppressed as much as possible. As a result, consumption of the battery driving the portable terminal can be suppressed, and the battery can be used efficiently.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the portable terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a numeric keypad 231 included in the operation unit 23.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the input unit 22.

[Explanation of symbols]

11: antenna, 12: communication unit, 13: ROM, 14 ...
RAM, 15 CPU (function selecting means), 16 voice synthesizer, 17 speaker, 18 microphone, 19 voice recognition unit, 20 display unit, 21 vibration motor, 22 input unit,
23 ... operation unit (operation key), 24 ... key signal output unit (press detection means), 25 ... contact detection unit (contact detection means), 2
6 ... Bus

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An operation key to which a plurality of functions are assigned, a key press detection means for detecting that the operation key is pressed, and a contact detection means for detecting whether or not the operation key is touched. A function selecting means for selecting a function in accordance with the number of times the operation key is pressed, and a function selected by the function selecting means when the pressed operation key is brought into a non-contact state. A mobile terminal comprising: a function determining unit for determining. 2. The contact detecting means is provided for each operation key, and is activated when a corresponding operation key is pressed, and detects that the operation key is in a non-contact state. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein the operation is stopped when the mobile terminal performs the operation. 3. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays a function selected by the function selection unit. 4. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein the function is one of a character, a symbol, and a picture. 5. A step of detecting that an operation key has been pressed, a step of detecting whether or not the operation key is touched, and a step of detecting whether the operation key has been pressed. A step of selecting one function from a plurality of assigned functions, and a step of determining the function selected by the function selecting means when the pressed operation key is brought into a non-contact state. A method for determining a function, comprising: