Patent Application
20090079698
The present application claims priority to Japanese Patent Applications JP2007-246071 and JP2008-180807 filed in the Japanese Patent Office on Sep. 21, 2007 and Jul. 10, 2008, the entire contents of which are being incorporated herein by reference.
The present application relates to an input device which is applicable to a digital camera, a video camera, a mobile phone, a mobile terminal device, a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as PC), a note type PC, a home system electronic apparatus and a remote controller thereof or the like, and an electronic apparatus using the same.
In resent years, it has become in such a state in which a user (operator) images a subject by using a digital camera with various kinds of operation modes and takes various contents in a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) so as to utilize them. These apparatuses such as the digital camera, the mobile terminal device are provided with input devices. As the input device, a key board, an input unit of a JOG dial or the like, and a touch panel formed by combining a display unit, and the like are often used.
The input device 500 has the housing 501 with a predetermined size and the housing 501 has an opening portion 505 at the side portion thereof. The jog dial 502 is mounted on the circuit board 503 in a state in which a key-top portion of the JOG dial 502 is exposed from this opening portion 505. The JOG dial 502 has a circular shape and is mounted rotatably on the circuit board 503 through a shaft 506 (rotation axis). The JOG dial 502 excluding the key-top portion thereof occupies a space within the housing 501.
The JOG dial 502 also has a magnetic material such as a magnet or the like, which is not shown, on the rear surface thereof. Two hall ICs 507, 508, which are placed at the positions interlinking the magnetic field caused by this magnetic material, are mounted on the circuit board 503 with being separated by a predetermined angle, thereby allowing a two-phase rotation detection signal to be outputted by a fact that the magnetic material of the rear surface of the JOG dial cross the hall ICs 507, 508.
Also, a bias member (not shown) biases the shaft 506 from the circuit board 503 toward the outside of the housing 501. The dome switch 504 is mounted on the circuit board 503 which is facing in parallel with the axial direction of the shaft 506 and the dome switch 504 can be turned on or off when the JOG dial 502 is pressed-into against biasing force of the bias member.
Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-256120 discloses a mobile information terminal and a program therefor in connection with an input device including this kind of JOG dial (see Pages 2 to 3 and
Also, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-070505 discloses an input device mountable on an air conditioner or an electronic apparatus such as audio in connection with an input device accompanied by vibrations (see Page 5 and
A circuit board 603 is provided on the inside of the key-top 602 and the circuit board 603 is provided with a dome switch 604 which is operated so as to be turned on or/and off by the press-in operation of the key-top 602. On the inside of the key-top 602, there are arranged a sensor 613, a pusher piece 619, the dome switch 604, and the circuit board 603 in this order. The pusher piece 619 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the sensor 613 and the side portion of the circuit board 603. When the key-top 602 having the flat front surface is mounted with respect to a side portion of the housing in this manner, the key-top 602 hardly occupies a space within the housing as compared with the above-mentioned JOG dial.
Also, Japanese Patent Application Publication Heisei 02-230310 discloses a menu selection device in connection with a function of an input device (see Page 2 and
Further, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-063230 discloses an input device in connection with a key-top exposed from an opening portion (see Page 9 and
Also, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-063227 discloses an input device (see Page 8 and
Meanwhile, the mobile information terminal seen in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-256120, in which a display unit and a JOG dial are separately arranged, presents to an operator only a single sense of touch which a mechanical structure is to generate and the actual status is that there can be obtained no sense of touch having impact for the operator. Furthermore, the JOG dial excluding the key-top portion thereof occupies a major space within the housing. Consequently, the area (space) in which other parts are mounted is reduced, which blocks compactification of the electronic apparatus applied with the input device.
Also, in the electronic apparatus seen in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-070505 or Japanese Patent Application Publication Heisei 02-230310, an input device with a touch input function by combining a touch panel selected from various kinds of systems and a display unit is mounted, but when an icon is selected on the display unit, an operator get no sense of touch in synchronization with the selection thereof.
Incidentally, an input device with sense of touch function is constituted by combining a plurality of vibration bodies and an input unit and in case of trying to obtain sense of touch by executing contact-operation linearly on the input operation surface thereof, not only the manufacturing process becomes complicated but also there may be a situation in which no satisfactory sense of touch is obtained when the speed with which the operator executes contact-operation on the input operation surface is different, depending on a fact that a structure for separately arranging a display unit and an input unit as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-256120 and an input function combining a touch panel selected from various kinds of systems and a display unit are only simply combined. As a result thereof, it will cause a cost increase of an electronic apparatus.
According to input devices as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication Nos. 2005-063230 and 2005-063227, the item selection is executed by slide-operating the operation button exposed from the window opening provided at a predetermined position of the casing and the item selection screen of page shift, scroll or the like is changed over by press-operating another operation knob. However, an operation mechanism becomes complicated, so that miniaturization, thinner fabrication or the like of the operation unit may be blocked and it may be a fear that the operability thereof is lowered or malfunction occur. Also, the complicated operation mechanism causes a cost increase.
It is desirable to provide an input device and an electronic apparatus in which miniaturization, thinner fabrication, and the operability of the operation unit can be improved by devising a detection electrode for a slide position detection and a contact structure of a switch portion and at the same time, malfunction can be lowered, cost-reduction can be realized, and manufacturing processing can be simplified.
According to an embodiment, there is provided a first input device that inputs information by a slide operation depending on an operation body. The device contains a housing having an operation surface, a detection unit that is provided in the housing and includes an electrostatic capacitance sheet member which detects a slide position of the operation body to output a position detection signal, and an operation unit that covers an entire surface of the detection unit and is slide-operated along the operation surface of the housing. The operation unit has a convex shape which becomes thicker along a sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the housing and also which becomes thinner toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof. The electrostatic capacitance sheet member includes a switch portion that is switched by a press-in operation of the operation body to the operation unit.
In the embodiment of the first input device, the electrostatic capacitance sheet member includes a sheet shaped detection electrode which detects the slide position of the operation body and outputs the position detection signal, and a portion of the detection electrode protuberates in a dome shape and a dome-shape-protuberating region of the detection electrode forms a movable contact constituting the switch portion.
Consequently, in a case in which information is inputted by the slide operation depending on the operation body, in addition to the slide operation feeling of becoming thicker along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the housing in response to the slide operation depending on the operation body which operates the input device, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of becoming thinner toward the other portion of the operation surface.
Also, a movable contact of the switch portion that is formed by the region of the detection electrode which is partially protuberated in a dome shape and a fixed contact constituting the switch portion are connected with each other in response to the press-in operation of the operation body to the operation unit. Consequently, it becomes possible to use the same electrostatic capacitance sheet member compatibly as the detection electrode constituting the electrostatic capacitance sheet that detects the slide position and a movable contact constituting the switch portion for a determination-confirmation key.
Thus, it becomes possible to provide a non-rotary side jog tool with a dome key or the like which has a new structure different from a rotary side jog tool in the past and which obtains the operation feeling approximately similar to such a side jog tool. Furthermore, miniaturization and thinner fabrication of the operation unit, and the operability thereof can be improved, so that it is possible to attempt the lowering of malfunction, cost-down and the simplification of manufacturing process of the input device.
According to another embodiment, there is provided a first electronic apparatus. The first electronic apparatus contains a housing having an operation surface, and an input device that is provided at the housing and inputs information by a slide operation depending on an operation body. The input device includes a detection unit that is provided in the housing and includes an electrostatic capacitance sheet member which detects a slide position of the operation body to output a position detection signal, and an operation unit that covers an entire surface of the detection unit and is slide-operated along the operation surface of the housing. The operation unit has a convex shape which becomes thicker along a sliding direction from one direction of the operation surface of the housing and also which becomes thinner toward the other direction of the operation surface thereof. The electrostatic capacitance sheet member includes a switch portion that is switched by a press-in operation of the operation body to the operation unit.
In an embodiment of the first electronic apparatus, there is provided the embodiment of the first input device, so that in addition to the slide operation feeling of becoming thicker along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the housing in response to the slide operation depending on the operation body which operates the electronic apparatus, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of becoming thinner toward the other portion of the operation surface. Also, it becomes possible to use the same electrostatic capacitance sheet member compatibly as the detection electrode constituting the electrostatic capacitance sheet that detects the slide position and a movable contact constituting the switch portion for a determination-confirmation key.
Also, there is employed a connection structure between the movable contact of the switch portion which is formed by the dome-shape-partially-protuberating region of the detection electrode and a fixed contact constituting the switch portion, so that it becomes possible to provide an electronic apparatus provided with a non-rotary side jog tool with a dome key or the like which has a new structure different from a rotary side jog tool with a dome key in the past and which obtains the operation feeling approximately similar to such a side jog tool. Furthermore, miniaturization and thinner fabrication of the input device, and the operability thereof can be improved, so that it is possible to attempt the lowering of malfunction, cost-down and the simplification of manufacturing process of the electronic apparatus.
According to a further embodiment, there is provided a second input device that inputs information by a slide operation depending on an operation body. The second input device contains a housing having an operation surface, a detection unit that is provided in the housing and includes an electrostatic capacitance sheet member which detects a slide position of the operation body to output a position detection signal, and an operation unit that covers an entire surface of the detection unit and is slide-operated along the operation surface of the housing. The operation unit has a concave shape formed by being dug-down along a sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the housing and also, by being dug-up toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof. The electrostatic capacitance sheet member includes a switch portion that is switched by a press-in operation of the operation body to the operation unit.
In the embodiment of the second input device, the electrostatic capacitance sheet member includes a sheet shaped detection electrode which detects the slide position of the operation body and outputs a position detection signal and a portion of the detection electrode protuberates in a dome shape and a dome-shape-protuberating region of the detection electrode forms a movable contact constituting the switch portion.
Consequently, in a case in which information is inputted by the slide operation depending on the operation body, in addition to the slide operation feeling of being dug-down along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the housing in response to the slide operation depending on the operation body which operates the input device, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of being dug-up toward the other portion of the operation surface.
Also, a movable contact of the switch portion which is formed by the dome-shape-partially-protuberating region of the detection electrode and a fixed contact constituting the switch portion are connected with each other in response to the press-in operation of the operation body to the operation unit. Consequently, it becomes possible to use the same electrostatic capacitance sheet member compatibly as the detection electrode constituting the electrostatic capacitance sheet that detects the slide position and a movable contact constituting the switch portion for a determination-confirmation key.
Also, there is employed a connection structure between a movable contact of the switch portion which is formed by the dome-shape-partially-protuberating region of the detection electrode and a fixed contact constituting the switch portion, so that it becomes possible to provide a non-rotary side jog tool or the like of a reverse structure with respect to a non-rotary side jog tool or the like of the first input device. Furthermore, miniaturization and thinner fabrication of the operation unit, and the operability thereof can be improved, so that it is possible to attempt the lowering of malfunction, cost-down and the simplification of manufacturing process of the electronic input device.
According to an additional embodiment, there is provided a second electronic apparatus. The second electronic apparatus contains a housing having an operation surface, and an input device that is provided at the housing and inputs information by a slide operation depending on an operation body. The input device includes a detection unit that is provided in the housing and includes an electrostatic capacitance sheet member which detects a slide position of the operation body to output a position detection signal, and an operation unit that covers an entire surface of the detection unit and is slide-operated along the operation surface of the housing. The operation unit has a concave shape formed by being dug-down along a sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the housing and also, by being dug-up toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof. The electrostatic capacitance sheet member includes a switch portion that is switched by a press-in operation of the operation body to the operation unit.
In the embodiment of the second electronic apparatus, there is provided the embodiment of the second input device, so that in addition to the slide operation feeling of being dug-down along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the housing in response to the slide operation depending on the operation body which operates the electronic apparatus, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of being dug-up toward the other portion of the operation surface.
Also, a movable contact of the switch portion which is formed by the dome-shape-partially-protuberating region of the detection electrode and a fixed contact constituting the switch portion are connected with each other in response to the press-in operation of the operation body to the operation unit. Consequently, it becomes possible to use the same electrostatic capacitance sheet member compatibly as the detection electrode constitutes the electrostatic capacitance sheet that detects the slide position and a movable contact constituting the switch portion for a determination-confirmation key.
Also, there is employed a connection structure between a movable contact of the switch portion which is formed by the dome-shape-partially-protuberating region of the detection electrode and a fixed contact constituting the switch portion, so that it becomes possible to provide a non-rotary side jog tool or the like of a reverse structure with respect to a non-rotary side jog tool or the like of the first input device. Furthermore, miniaturization and thinner fabrication of the input device, and the operability thereof can be improved, so that it is possible to attempt the lowering of malfunction, cost-down and the simplification of manufacturing process of the electronic apparatus.
Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures.
The following describes preferred embodiments of an input device and an electronic apparatus with reference to the drawings.
The mobile phone 101 shown in
The upper housing 11a contains a display unit 29 having a predetermined size which displays a wait screen image or the phone number of the partner side or the like. A liquid crystal display monitor is used for the display unit 29. The input device 10 is provided in the lower housing 11b. The input device 10 includes the operation surface at an upper portion and a side portion and the upper portion operation surface includes an operation panel 18 in which a ten-key of numerals [0] to [9], a symbol [*] key, a symbol [#] key and the like are arranged.
The input device 10 contains a circuit board 17, a sensor 13, and a key-top 14 in addition to the ten-key of number [0] to [9], the [*] key, the [#] key and the like. In this embodiment, the lower housing 11b has a predetermined sized opening portion 11c at a predetermined position, for example, at an operation surface of a left side portion of the lower housing 11b.
The circuit board 17 for mounting electronic parts is arranged in the inside of the lower housing 11b. The sensor 13 is provided in the circuit board 17 and in a case in which the mobile phone 101 is operated by a left hand of the operator, the sensor operates as to detect the slide position of the finger 30a or the like. Electrostatic capacitance sheet member by which the impressed pressure force of the slide position is converted to the electrostatic capacitance and detected is used for the sensor 13. In a case in which there is mounted the sensor 13 composed of the electrostatic capacitance sheet member, the sensor 13 detects the slide position of the operator's finger to output a position detection signal. The [cursor moving method] described in Japanese Patent No. 3920833 or the [coordinate input device] described in Japanese Patent No. 3909230 are applicable for the electrostatic capacitance sheet member.
Other than the electrostatic capacitance sheet member, a pressure detecting sheet member using piezoresistive effect is used for the sensor 13. The pressure detecting sheet member reads resistance change caused by the impressed pressure force of the slide position and converts it into the electric signal. The [force sensor, force detecting system and force detecting program] described in Japanese Application Publication No. 2005-326293 is applicable for the pressure detecting sheet member. When the sensor 13 composed of the pressure detecting sheet member is mounted, a pressure detection signal is outputted by detecting the pressure of the slide position of the operator's finger.
The key-top 14 is inserted into the opening portion 11c opened in the operation surface of the left side portion of the lower housing 11b. The key-top 14 constitutes one example of the operation unit, covers an entire surface of the sensor 13, and is slide-operated along the operation surface of the left side portion of the lower housing 11b. For example, the key-top 14 has the non-operation surface thereof of a flat shape and a flange 14a (flange-shaped portion) at the circumferential edge portion of the non-operation surface.
The key top 14 is mounted in a state in which the non-operation surface thereof is combined toward the inside of the lower housing 11b and the flange 14a is hooked on a portion surrounding the opening portion 11c of the left side portion of the lower housing 11b, thereby prohibiting the key top 14 from being pulled-out. The key top 14 has a convex shape which becomes thicker along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11b and also which becomes thinner toward the other portion of the operation surface.
In this embodiment, the convex shape of the key-top 14 covering the entire surface of the sensor 13 forms an arc having a predetermined height and width. The key-top 14 is slide-operated along a shape of the arc. By doing like this, in addition to the slide operation feeling of becoming thicker in an arc shape along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11b in response to the slide operation by the operator's finger 30a, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of becoming thinner in the arc shape toward the other portion of the operation surface. Consequently, it becomes possible to provide a non-rotary side jog tool with a dome key or the like which is a new structure different from a rotary side jog tool in the past and which obtains the operation feeling approximately similar to such a side jog tool. The key-top 14 of this shape, when retrieving various kinds of information, is applicable, for example, as a scroll key when selecting a telephone directory, when selecting files and on an occasion of expansion and reduction or a determination key for these and also an information selection key of a volume key and the like when adjusting audio volume.
In this embodiment, the key-top 14 is constituted by material that is different from material of the lower housing 11b. Here, when surface roughness of the material constituting the key-top 14 is substituted as “A” and surface roughness of the material constituting the lower housing 11b is substituted as “B”, such a relation as A<B is set between the surface roughness “A” and the surface roughness “B”. For example, a PC resin, an ABS resin, these synthetic resins or the like is used for the lower housing 11b. Aluminum (Al), its alloy or the like is used for the key-top 14. Totally, it is preferable that at a protrusion portion constituting the key-top 14, the surface roughness “A” thereof is less than the surface roughness “B” of the lower housing 11b. The protrusion portion may be constituted by a PC resin, an ABS resin, these synthetic resins or the like and aluminum or its alloy or the like may be coated on the front surface thereof.
When the material of the key-top 14 is constituted in this manner, it becomes possible to perform the slide operation of the portion which becomes thicker along the sliding direction from the left side portion of the operation surface and also which becomes thinner toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof smoothly as compared with the slide operation in the operation surface of the left side portion of the lower housing 11b and it becomes possible to select information easily by the slide operation of the operator's finger 30a.
In this embodiment, the detection area in which the slide position of the operator's finger 30a is detected by the sensor 13 is set to be wider than the operation area which is slide-operated by the operator's finger 30a at the key-top 14. By doing like this, it is possible to include one portion of the operation surface and the other portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11b sandwiched the convex shaped key-top 14 in the slide operation region with respect to the slide operation by the operator's finger 30a. It becomes possible for the key-top 14 in this shape to set a retrieving pitch of the scroll key when retrieving various kinds of information and an audio volume adjustment pitch of the volume key and the like when adjusting audio volume so as to be wider.
In this manner, when a circle whose diameter φ=20 mm and an arc angle 2θ=58.4° are to be set, for example, with respect to the side portion operation surface “I”, it is possible to obtain a shape of the protrusion position of the key-top 14 of around; the protrusion distance of an exposed portion d=1.3 mm, its protrusion length l=10.08 mm and its outer circumferential length la=10.18 mm.
It should be noted that, the outer circumferential length “l′” of the exposed portion of the arc convex shape can be applied with 2π□φ□θ/360 degrees. In this embodiment, in a case in which the outer circumferential length “l′” of the exposed portion of the key-top 14 and the number of pulses obtained from the sensor 13 by the slide operation are to be set, the slide distance is set as 1.7 mm/pulse in case of attempting to obtain 6 pulses from the sensor 13. Similarly, the slide distance is set as 2.03 mm/pulse in case of attempting to obtain 5 pulses, the slide distance is set as 2.545 mm/pulse in case of attempting to obtain 4 pulses and the slide distance is set as 3.39 mm/pulse in case of attempting to obtain 3 pulses.
In this embodiment, with respect to the detection sensitivity of the sensor 13, for example, in a case in which an electrostatic capacitance sheet member is used for the sensor 13, the detection sensitivity of a constant (highest sensitivity) is obtained on the nearer side of the upward start portion “X” of the arc convex shape of the key-top 14. Also, the detection sensitivity thereof lowers while approaching to a center region between the upward start portion “X” and the downward end portion “Y” from the upward start portion “X” and becomes the lowest at approximately the center region. Further, the detection sensitivity thereof uprises while approaching to the downward end portion “Y” from the center region and at the downward end portion “Y” and subsequently, the detection sensitivity of a constant (highest sensitivity) is again obtained. The protrusion distance “d” of such a key-top 14 changes like a quadratic function with respect to the sliding direction. This enables to be realized the sensor 13 having the detection sensitivity which changes like a quadratic function to form a concave shape (reverse Ω shape).
In this embodiment, for example, when an electrostatic capacitance sheet member is used for the sensor 13, operating so as to become thicker along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11b with a constant sliding speed from the front side of the upward start portion “X” of an arc convex shape of the key-top 14, so as to become thinner toward the other portion of the operation surface, and so as to slide via the downward end portion “Y” is performed. In this case, with respect to the position detection information of the sensor 13, it is possible to obtain the position information in which the upward start portion “X” and the downward end portion “Y” are coupled in approximately a straight line.
According to this position detection information, when it is passed through the upward start portion “X” at time t1, there is obtained the position detection information indicating the upward start portion “X”, and when it is passed through the downward end portion “Y” at time t2, there is obtained the position detection information indicating the downward end portion “Y”. Thus, the sensor 13 is used by which the position detection information that changes like a linear function is obtained with respect to the time relating to the slide operation of such a key-top 14.
In the past system, the slide position of the operation body has been judged only by the value of the position detection information. However, when the sensor 13 outputting the detection sensitivity and the position detection information shown in
In this embodiment, in order to realize a reliable operability of the input device 10, it is set so as to have a relation such that the detection area (3) of the sensor 13 is more than the protrusion area (2) of the key-top 14. This is because the finger 30a may trace over a wide region backward and forward the protrusion area (2) of the key-top 14 when it is considered about a sliding trajectory when the operator's finger 30a is slide-operated on the key-top 14. When the detection area (3) of the sensor 13 is set to be wide, it becomes possible to secure the amount of movement per one pulse more largely.
The sensor 13 is connected with a control unit 15 in which the slide operation speed of the operator's finger 30a is detected and the display pitch of the scroll images 29a′, 29b′ in the display unit 29 (see
In this embodiment, the display screen of the display unit 29 is classified into eight display regions and by using the four display regions thereof, the scroll image 29a′ relating to the display character selection is displayed. The display pitch of the scroll image 29a′ for the display is P1. When assuming that the screen length of the display unit 29 is to be “L” [mm], the one display region has a length of approximately L/8 mm. For example, when assuming that the screen length “L” of the display unit 29 is to be 40 mm, one display region is 5 mm and the display pitch P1 is 5 mm. With respect to the display pitch P1=5 mm, in a case in which quantity “x” of the selection items housable in one screen is maximum quantity Max or less, for example, S1=4 mm is set for the amount of slide Sx of the key-top 14.
On the contrary, in the display unit 29 shown in
According to the example of the screen length “L” of the display unit 29 shown in
When the control system is constituted in this manner, following adjustment can be realized: in a case in which the slide operation speed of the operator's finger 30a is quick when retrieving information, the display pitch Px of the scroll image 29b′ in the display unit is set narrow; and on the contrary, in a case in which the slide operation speed of the operator's finger 30a is slow, the display pitch Px of the scroll image 29a′ in the display unit is set wide. Consequently, in a case where there exist a plurality of information retrieval objects and in case of being apart from the aimed scroll image, the scroll images are transferred so as to be skipped roughly and when approaching to the aimed scroll image, it becomes possible to execute the search so as to transfer the scroll images slowly.
In
When the operator continues the slide operation on the protrusion area (2) of the exposed portion of the key-top 14 by the operator's finger 30a, the operator's finger traces upward from the upward start portion “X” and reaches a peak region of the key-top 14 shown in
In this embodiment, during a period in which slide-operation is performed from
By making these as a setting condition, the control unit 15 waits for input instructions of various kinds of applications in step ST1 of a flowchart shown in
When there exists an input appointing various kinds of applications in the control unit 15, the operation shifts to step ST2 where the control unit 15 judges whether or not the scroll image 29a′, 29b′ or the like forming a selection item within one screen of the display unit 29 exists by plural items. With respect to the judgment at that time, it is detected how many selection items exist in the scroll direction. According to the display example of the scroll image 29a′ as shown in
In this judgment result, when the quantity “x” of the selection items existing in the scroll direction is maximum quantity Max or less, the operation shifts to step ST3 where the control unit 15 sets the amount of slide Sx so as to be S1=4 mm and controls the display unit 29 to display the selection items. At that time, the display unit 29 receives the display control from the control unit 15 and displays the scroll image 29a′ as shown in
When the quantity “x” of the above-mentioned selection items exceeds the maximum quantity Max, the operation shifts to step ST4 where the control unit 15 sets the amount of slide Sx so as to be S2=2 mm and controls the display unit 29 so as to change over the display of the selection items. At that time, the display unit 29 receives the display control from the control unit 15 and changes over its screen, for example, from the scroll image 29a′ having the display pitch P1 as shown in
By making this as a setting condition of the amount of slide Sx, the control unit 15 waits for input instructions of various kinds of applications in step ST11 of a flowchart shown in
When there exists an input appointing various kinds of applications in the control unit 15, the operation shifts to step ST12 where the control unit 15 detects all the quantity “Ys” of the selection items existing in the scroll direction. In this embodiment, it is detected how many selection items exist in the scroll direction. For example, the memory in which the selection items relating to the application are stored is searched and all the quantity “Ys” of the selection items existing in the scroll direction are read out.
Thereafter, the operation shifts to step ST13 where the control unit 15 calculates the amount of slide Sx of the key-top 14 and sets it to the display unit 29. In this embodiment, when assuming that all the quantity of the selection items existing in the scroll direction is to be Ys and assuming that the length of the electrical detection area (3) of the sensor 13 is to be Xs [mm], the control unit 15 calculates Xs/Ys and sets the amount of slide Sx in the display unit 29 so as to be Sx=Xs/Ys. Thereafter, the operation returns to the step ST11. Thus, based on the length Xs of the electrical detection area (3) of the sensor 13 and all the quantity Ys of the selection items existing in the scroll direction, it becomes possible to set the amount of slide Sx of the key-top 14 arbitrarily.
In this manner, in an embodiment of the mobile phone 101, the input device 10 as the first embodiment is provided. Then, in a case in which information is inputted by the slide operation in one direction depending on the operator's finger 30a, in addition to the slide operation feeling of becoming thicker along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11b in response to the slide operation depending on the operator's finger 30a which operates the input device 10, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of becoming thinner toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof.
Consequently, it becomes possible to provide a non-rotary side jog tool or the like which has a structure that is different from a rotary side jog tool in the past and which obtains the operation feeling approximately similar to such a side jog tool. Furthermore, miniaturization of the key-top 14, thinner fabrication of the electrostatic capacitance sheet and the operability thereof can be improved, so that it is possible to attempt the lowering of malfunction, cost-down and the simplification of manufacturing process of the input device 10.
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 14 is provided on the left side of the lower housing 11b as shown in
The speaker 36b includes a housing portion 6 and a lid member 1 is engaged therewith after component parts are built-in. With respect to the size of the housing portion 6, the length is around 15 [mm], the width is around 5 [mm] and the height is around 3 [mm]. The lid member 1 is provided with opening portions at predetermined regions. In this embodiment, the lid member 1 has four opening portions 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d such that the sound leaks out therefrom. For example, a resin molded part is used for the lid member 1.
A yoke 5 is arranged in the housing portion 6. The yoke 5 has a concave portion 5a of a bottomed cylindrical shape, which is arranged freely movably in the housing portion 6. For example, the yoke 5 is movably supported by two spring coils 51, 52 of a flat-type waveform shape in the housing portion 6.
In this embodiment, one end of the spring coil 51 is joined with one edge portion of the concave portion 5a of the yoke 5 and the other end thereof is fixed at one upper edge of the housing portion 6. One end of the spring coil 52 is joined with the other edge portion of the concave portion of the yoke 5 and the other end thereof is fixed at the other upper edge of the housing portion 6. In this embodiment, the shape of the spring member for supporting the vibration system elastically is made to be in a flat-type waveform shape.
A magnet 4 (permanent magnet) is fixed at the bottom portion of the yoke 5 which is movably supported in the housing portion 6. For example, neodymium having a cylindrical shape is used for the magnet 4. A movable coil 3 (voice coil) is movably arranged around the magnet 4. The coil 3 includes a winding axis portion. It is configured such that an audio signal, a vibration generating signal or the like is supplied to the coil 3.
A vibration plate 2 is mounted on one side of the above-mentioned winding axis portion of the coil 3 and the outer edge region thereof is made to be sandwiched by the lid member 1 and the housing portion 6. Also, leader electrodes 7a, 7b are provided on the outside of the bottom surface of the housing portion 6 and they are connected to the coil 3 inside the housing portion 6. An audio signal, a vibration generating signal and the like are inputted to the leader electrodes 7a, 7b.
Also, the housing portion 6 has, for example, two opening portions 6a, 6b between the two leader electrodes 7a, 7b which are provided on the outside of the bottom surface of the housing portion 6 and at the bottom surface portion thereof. Mesh seals 8a, 8b are pasted on the bottom surface of the housing portion 6 over these two opening portion 6a, 6b. The mesh seal 8a covers the opening portion 6a and also, the mesh seal 8b covers the opening portion 6b. The function of these mesh seals 8a, 8b is to secure a breath function on the inside and on the outside of the housing portion 6.
The leader electrode 7a includes a terminal 7c and the leader electrode 7b includes a terminal 7d, and they are connected to the leader wires 3a, 3b of the coil 3 on the side wall of the housing portion 6. For example, the one leader wire 3a pulled out from the coil 3 reaches the outer edge portion by passing through the rear surface of the one side of the vibration plate 2, is taken out to the outside from the upper edge of the housing portion 6, is shifted downward the side wall, reaches the terminal 7c and is connected to the leader electrode 7a. Similarly, the other leader wire 3b pulled out from the coil 3 reaches the outer edge portion by passing through the rear surface of the other side of the vibration plate 2, is taken out to the outside from the upper edge of the housing portion 6, is shifted downward the side wall, reaches the terminal 7d and is connected to the leader electrode 7b.
It should be noted that the yoke 5 includes a left arm 5b and a right arm 5c other than the concave portion 5a of the bottomed cylindrical shape. There are joined weights 9a, 9b on the lower surfaces of the left arm 5b and the right arm 5c. There is joined the weight 9b also on the lower surface of the right arm 5c by using adhesive. There is joined the weight 9a on the lower surface of the left arm 5b of the weights 9a, 9b by using adhesive. There is joined the weight 9b also on the lower surface of the right arm 5c by using adhesive. Each of the weights of the weights 9a, 9b is, for example, around 0.597 [g]. Each thickness of these weights 9a, 9b is in the vicinity of 2 mm and is approximately equal to the distance of a space reaching from the lower surface of each of the left arm 5b and the right arm 5c to the bottom surface of the housing portion 6. There are provided very narrow gaps between the lower surfaces of the weights 9a, 9b and the bottom surface of the housing portion 6. This is because strokes (spaces) between the upper and lower portions of the yoke 5 in the direction of coil winding axis portion is to be secured while securing the weights of the weights 9a, 9b.
In this manner, according to the input device 20 as the second embodiment, the speaker 36b with an actuator function is mounted, so that it is possible to generate vibrations by the speaker 36b with respect to the slide position of the operator's finger 30a at a time of the input operation or at a time of the input determination, thereby enabling the sense of touch to be presented with respect to the operator's finger 30a.
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 14 is provided on the left side of the lower housing 11b as shown in
The input device 30 shown in
For the key-top 14, for example, a part molded by injecting PC (polycarbonate) resin, PC+ABS resin or the like into a die modeled with an arc convex shape is used. In this embodiment, the key-top 14 is molded and thereafter, an UV (ultraviolet) coating is applied. For example, a solution for improving abrasion resistance is applied on the operation surface of the key-top 14. Thereafter, ultraviolet rays are illuminated and the painted surface is cured. Thus, it is possible to improve the abrasion resistance of the operation surface of the key-top 14.
Also, for the lower housing 11b, for example, a part molded by injecting PC (polycarbonate) resin, PC+ABS resin or the like into a die modeled with an opening portion 11c is used.
In case of forming the lower housing 11b by metal, an aluminum plate, a magnesium plate or a stainless plate such as a SUS 304 is used and by processing one of these members depending on press processing, deep drawing processing or extrusion processing, there is formed the lower housing 11b including the opening portion 11c at a predetermined position. In this embodiment, the key-top 14 is combined by directing the non-operation surface thereof toward the inside of the lower housing 11b and the brim shaped flange 14a of the key-top 14 is hooked on the inside of the lower housing 11b surrounding the opening portion 11c. This enables the key-top 14 to be prevented from being slipped out of the opening portion 11c.
On the inside of the key-top 14, the sensor 13, the pusher piece 19, the dome switch 25, and circuit board 17 are arranged in this order. The sensor 13 is formed, for example, continuously with an operation panel 38 of a key-top array system which forms ten-keys of numerals [0] to [9], a symbol [*] key, a symbol [#] key and the like on the operation panel 18. The individual key of the operation panel 38 has a rectangular shape. The operation panel 38 is constituted, for example, such that a silicon rubber is formed by injecting a silicon resin or the like into a die which forms ten-keys of numerals [0] to [9], a symbol [*] key, a symbol [#] key and the like and thereafter, an electrostatic capacitance sheet or a pressure detecting sheet is pasted on that silicon rubber. The pusher piece 19 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the sensor 13 and the side portion of the circuit board 17. For the circuit board 17, there is used a board in which, for example, a metal dome is formed on a flexible wiring board and a water-proof and dust-proof sheet is pasted on the upper portion thereof.
In this embodiment, the pusher piece 19 has a length approximately equal to the detection area (3) of the sensor 13. This is accomplished in order to hold (line) the sensor 13 of the electrostatic capacitance sheet member or the like in a stable posture on the plane of the pusher piece 19. The circuit board 17 is mounted with the dome switch 25. The dome switch 25 is constituted by a switch portion 25a and a cover member 25b. The switch portion 25a is constituted by a spring member and an electrode member, and the cover member 25b is constituted by an insulation member.
The dome switch 25 is, for example, turned on by being pressed-into with the finger 30a or the like strongly against the biasing force of the spring member. When releasing the finger 30a from the dome switch 25, the key-top 14 attaches to the lower housing 11b surrounding the opening portion 11c by the biasing force of the spring member. There are mounted on the circuit board 17 with a plurality of key switches forming ten-keys of numerals [0] to [9] of the operation panel 18, a symbol [*] key, a symbol [#] key and the like other than the dome switch 25.
In this manner, according to the input device 30 relating to the third embodiment, it is constituted such that the dome switch 25 pushed down through the key-top 14, the sensor 13 and the pusher piece 19 is provided at the side portion of the circuit board 17 and the key-top 14 is to be press-in operated after the information selection of the scroll image 29a′, 29b′ or the like. Consequently, by turning on or/and off the dome switch 25, it becomes possible also for the unrotary key-top 14 to be applied to a determination key when determining the input.
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 14 is provided on the left side of the lower housing 11b as shown in
In this manner, according to the input device 40 as the fourth embodiment, the speaker 36b with an actuator function is mounted with respect to the input device 30 relating to the third embodiment, so that it is possible, similarly as the second embodiment, to generate vibrations by the speaker 36b with respect to the slide position of the operator's finger 30a at a time of the input operation or at a time of the input determination and it becomes possible to present the sense of touch with respect to the operator's finger 30a.
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 14 is provided on the left side of the lower housing 11b as shown in
On the inside of the key-top 14, there are arranged the sensor 13, the protrusion member 19c, the dome switch 25 and circuit board 17 in this order. The protrusion member 19c is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the sensor 13 and the side portion of the circuit board 17. In this embodiment, the protrusion member 19c is constituted, for example, so as to be pasted by adhesive approximately at the center region of the detection area (3) of the sensor 13. It is needless to say that the protrusion member 19c may be integrally molded in the forming process of the sensor 13.
This method is employed based on a fact that while the sensor 13 of the electrostatic capacitance sheet member has lined at the plane region of the pusher piece 19 in the third embodiment, the lining member can be omitted when the bending strength or the like of the plane of the electrostatic capacitance sheet member or the like can be adequately maintained. With respect to other component parts, they are similar as those of the first to fourth embodiments, so that the explanation thereof will be omitted.
In this manner, according to the input device 50 relating to the fifth embodiment, it is constituted such that the key-top 14, the sensor 13 and the dome switch 25 pushed down through the protrusion member 19c are provided at the side portion of the circuit board 17 and the key-top 14 is press-in operated after the information selection of the scroll image 29a′, 29b′ or the like. Consequently, by turning on or/and off the dome switch 25, it becomes possible also for the unrotary key-top 14 to be applied to a determination key when determining the input. Furthermore, the protrusion member 19c is mounted later on with respect to the sensor 13, so that it becomes possible to reduce the number of parts and parts cost.
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 14 is provided on the left side of the lower housing 11b as shown in
According to the input device 60 shown in
Also in the input device 60, the key-top 141 is built in at the opening portion 11c of the lower housing 11b. At that time, similarly as the third embodiment, the key-top 141 is combined by directing the non-operation surface thereof toward the inside of the lower housing 11b and the brim shaped flange 14a of the key-top 141 is hooked on the inside of the lower housing 11b surrounding the opening portion 11c. This enables the key-top 141 to be prevented from being slipped out of the opening portion 11c.
At the concave portion on the inside of the key-top 141, there are arranged the sensor 13, the pusher piece 191, the dome switch 25 and circuit board 17 in this order. The protrusion portion 91b of the pusher piece 191 is arranged at a position so that it can press the sensor 13. The pusher piece 191 is arranged in the concave portion on the inside of the key-top 141 so as to be along the sensor 13. Also in this embodiment, the pusher piece 191 has a length approximately equal to the detection area (3) of the sensor 13. With respect to the function of the dome switch 25, it has been explained in the third embodiment, so that the explanation thereof will be omitted. It is needless to say that the speaker 36b with an actuator function, which is not shown, may be provided.
In this manner, according to the input device 60 relating to the sixth embodiment, it is constituted such that the key-top 141, the sensor 13 and the dome switch 25 pushed down through the pusher piece 191 are provided at the side portion of the circuit board 17 and the key-top 141 is press-in operated after the information selection of the scroll image 29a′, 29b′ or the like. Consequently, by turning on or/and off the dome switch 25, it becomes possible also for the unrotary key-top 141 whose rear surface forms a concave shape to be applied to a determination key when determining the input. In a case where an adequate space (separation distance) is difficult to be secured between the inside surface of the lower housing 11b and the circuit board 17, this structure functions advantageously and has a large essence for contributing to the compactification of the input device 60.
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 141 is provided on the left side of the lower housing 11b as shown in
The input device 70 shown in
In this embodiment, a structure in which the key-top 142 is movable to the inside direction of the lower housing 11d is employed in order to press-into the dome switch 25. For example, the vicinity of the upward start portion “x” and the vicinity of the downward end portion “Y” of the key-top 142 are processed in bellows-shapes. It is enough if the portions processed in bellows-shapes are set accordingly in response to the strength of the resin material constituting the lower housing 11d. Thus, the airtight structure and the pressing-into structure of the key-top 142 are made compatible.
Also in this embodiment, on the inside of the key-top 142, there are arranged the sensor 13, the pusher piece 19, the dome switch 25 and circuit board 17 in this order. For the sensor 13, a sensor explained in the third embodiment is used. The pusher piece 19 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the sensor 13 and the side portion of the circuit board 17. It should be noted with respect to the structure and the function of the dome switch 25, they have been explained in the third embodiment, so that the explanation thereof will be omitted. It is needless to say that the speaker 36b with an actuator function, which is not shown, may be provided.
In this manner, according to the input device 70 as the seventh embodiment, the lower housing 11d and the key-top 142 whose rear surface is flat shaped are molded integrally instead of the key-top 14 whose rear surface is flat shaped. Consequently, the assembly of the input device 70 becomes simple as compared with the method in which the key-top 14, 141 or the like is built in at the opening portion 11c of the lower housing 11b as explained in the first to sixth embodiments. Thus, it becomes possible to provide the input device 70 abundant in water-resistance.
Furthermore, the key-top 142 may be press-in-operated after the information selection of the scroll image 29a′, 29b′ or the like. Consequently, by turning on or/and off the dome switch 25, it becomes possible also for the unrotary key-top 142 forming an airtight shape of the rear surface thereof to be applied to a determination key when determining the input.
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 142 is provided on the left side of the lower housing 11d as shown in
The input device 80 shown in
Also in the input device 80, a structure in which the key-top 143 is movable to the inside direction of the lower housing 11e is employed in order to press-into the dome switch 25. For example, the vicinity of the upward start portion “X” and the vicinity of the downward end portion “Y” of the key-top 143 are processed in bellows-shapes. It is enough if the portions processed in bellows-shapes are set accordingly in response to the strength of the resin material constituting the lower housing 11e. Thus, the airtight structure and the pressing-into structure of the key-top 143 are made compatible.
At the concave portion on the inside of the key-top 143, there are arranged the sensor 13, the pusher piece 191, the dome switch 25 and circuit board 17 in this order. The protrusion portion 91b of the pusher piece 191 is arranged at a position so that it can press the sensor 13. The pusher piece 191 is arranged in the concave portion on the inside of the key-top 143 so as to be along the sensor 13. Also in this embodiment, the pusher piece 191 has a length approximately equal to the detection area (3) of the sensor 13. With respect to the function of the dome switch 25, it has been explained in the third embodiment, so that the explanation thereof will be omitted. It is needless to say that the speaker 36b with an actuator function, which is not shown, may be provided.
In this manner, according to the input device 80 relating to the eighth embodiment, it is constituted such that the lower housing 11e and a key-top 143 having a rear surface of a concave shape are molded integrally instead of the key-top 142 whose rear surface is flat shaped.
Consequently, the assembly of the input device 80 becomes simple as compared with the method in which the key-top 14, 141 or the like is built in at the opening portion 11c of the lower housing 11b as explained in the first to seventh embodiments. This enables to be provided the input device 80 of airtight structure abundant in water-resistance.
Furthermore, the key-top 143 may be press-in-operated after the information selection of the scroll image 29a′, 29b′ or the like. Consequently, by turning on or/and off the dome switch 25, it becomes possible also for the unrotary key-top 143 forming an airtight shape of the rear surface thereof to be applied to a determination key when determining the input. Further, when an adequate space (separation distance) is difficult to be secured between the inside surface of the lower housing 11e and the circuit board 17, this structure functions advantageously and has a large essence for contributing to the compactification of the input device 80.
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 143 is provided on the left side of the lower housing 11e as shown in
In this embodiment, it is constituted such that the lower housing 11f and a key-top 144 having a rear surface of a concave shape are molded integrally instead of the key-top 143 whose rear surface is flat shaped and which has been explained in the eighth embodiment. The dome switch 25 and the pusher piece 191 are eliminated.
The input device 90 shown in
In this embodiment, the sensor 13 is arranged at the concave portion on the inside of the key-top 144. Thus, it is possible to form the input device 90 including the key-top 144 as an airtight structure. Also, it is constituted such that the speaker 36b with an actuator function as shown in
In the airtight structure mentioned above, there is employed a method in which a portion of the lower housing 11f is protruded in an arc convex shape, but as shown in
In this manner, according to the input device 90 relating to the ninth embodiment, it is constituted such that the lower housing 11f and a key-top 144 having a rear surface of a concave shape are molded integrally instead of the key-top 142 whose rear surface is flat shaped and which has been explained in the seventh embodiment.
Consequently, the assembly of the input device 90 becomes simple as compared with the method in which the key-top 14, 141 or the like is built in at the opening portion 11c of the lower housing 11b as explained in the first to sixth embodiments. Thus, it becomes possible to provide the input device 90 of airtight structure abundant in water-resistance. Of course, as shown in
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 144 or the like is provided on the left side of the lower housing 11f as shown in
In this embodiment, it is constituted such that the lower housing 11g and a key-top 145 having a front surface of a trapezoidal shape are molded integrally instead of the key-top 144 of an arc convex shape which has been explained in the ninth embodiment. The dome switch 25 and the pusher piece 191 are eliminated.
The input device 100 shown in
Also in this embodiment, the sensor 13 is arranged at the concave portion on the inside of the key-top 145. Thus, it is possible to form the input device 100 including the key-top 145 as an airtight structure. Also, it is constituted such that the speaker 36b with an actuator function as shown in
In the above-mentioned airtight structure, a method in which a portion of the lower housing 11g is protruded in a trapezoidal shape is employed, but as shown in
In this manner, according to the input device 100 relating to the tenth embodiment, the lower housing 11g and a key-top 145 having a front surface of a trapezoidal shape are molded integrally instead of the key-top 144 of an arc convex shape which has been explained in the ninth embodiment.
Consequently, the assembly of the input device 100 becomes simple as compared with the method in which the key-top 14, 141 or the like is built in at the opening portion 11c of the lower housing 11b as explained in the first to sixth embodiments. Thus, it becomes possible to provide the input device 100 of airtight structure abundant in water-resistance. Of course, as shown in
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 145 or the like is provided on the left side of the lower housing 11g as shown in
In this embodiment, it is constituted such that the lower housing 11h and a key-top 146 having a front surface of a slug dome shape are molded integrally instead of the key-top 145 of a trapezoidal shape which has been explained in the tenth embodiment. The dome switch 25 and the pusher piece 191 are eliminated.
The input device 110 shown in
Also in this embodiment, the sensor 13 is arranged at the concave portion on the inside of the key-top 146. Thus, it is possible to form the input device 110 including the key-top 146 as an airtight structure. Also, it is constituted such that the speaker 36b with an actuator function as shown in
In the above-mentioned airtight structure, there is employed a method in which a portion of the lower housing 11h is protruded in a trapezoidal shape, but as shown in
In this manner, according to the input device 110 relating to the eleventh embodiment, it is constituted such that the lower housing 11h and a key-top 146 having a front surface of a slug dome shape are molded integrally instead of the key-top 145 of a trapezoidal shape which has been explained in the tenth embodiment.
Consequently, the assembly of the input device 110 becomes simple as compared with the method in which the key-top 14, 141 or the like is built in at the opening portion 11c of the lower housing 11b as explained in the first to sixth embodiments. Thus, it becomes possible to provide the input device 110 of airtight structure abundant in water-resistance. Of course, as shown in
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 146 or the like is provided on the left side of the lower housing 11h as shown in
In this embodiment, it is constituted such that the lower housing 11i and a key-top 147 having a front surface of a semi-cylindrical dome shape are molded integrally instead of the key-top 146 having a front surface of a slug dome shape, which has been explained in the eleventh embodiment. The dome switch 25 and the pusher piece 191 are eliminated.
The input device 120 shown in
Also in this embodiment, the sensor 13 is arranged at the concave portion on the inside of the key-top 147. Thus, it is possible to form the input device 120 including the key-top 147 as an airtight structure. Also, it is constituted such that the speaker 36b with an actuator function as shown in
In the above-mentioned airtight structure, there is employed a method in which a portion of the lower housing 11i is protruded in a semi-cylindrical dome shape, but as shown in
In this manner, according to the input device 120 relating to the twelfth embodiment, it is constituted such that the lower housing 11i and a key-top 147 having a front surface of a semi-cylindrical dome shape are molded integrally instead of the key-top 146 of a slug dome shape which has been explained in the eleventh embodiment.
Consequently, the assembly of the input device 120 becomes simple as compared with the method in which the key-top 14, 141 or the like is built in at the opening portion 11c of the lower housing 11b as explained in the first to sixth embodiments. Thus, it becomes possible to provide the input device 120 of airtight structure abundant in water-resistance. Of course, as shown in
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 147 or the like is provided on the left side of the lower housing 11i as shown in
The mobile phone 102 shown in
The mobile phone 102, as shown in
The upper housing 11x is provided, similarly as the mobile phone 101 explained in the first embodiment, with the display unit 29 having a predetermined size on which a wait screen image, the phone number of the partner side or the like is displayed. A liquid crystal display monitor is used for the display unit 29. The lower housing 11y is provided, for example, with the input device 40 that is operated by the slide operation of the operator's finger 30a so as to input information.
The input device 40 includes the operation surface at an upper portion and a side portion and an operation panel 18 in which a ten-key of numerals [0] to [9], a symbol [*] key, a symbol [#] key and the like are arranged is included on the upper portion operation surface. The lower housing 11y is provided with the sensor 13 for detecting the slide position of the operator's finger 30a. The key-top 14 is provided so as to cover the entire surface of this sensor 13 and is slide-operated along the operation surface of the lower housing 11y. The key-top 14 is constituted so as to include a convex shape which becomes thicker along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11y and also which becomes thinner toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof (see
In this manner, according to the mobile phone 102 relating to the thirteenth embodiment, there is provided any one of the first to twelfth input devices 10 to 120 relating to the present embodiment, so that in addition to the slide operation feeling of becoming thicker along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11y with respect to the slide operation depending on the operator's finger 39b which operates the mobile phone 102, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of becoming thinner toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof. Furthermore, when operating the shutter, it becomes possible to present sense of touch by the speaker 36b with an actuator function.
Consequently, it becomes possible to provide a non-rotary side jog tool or the like which has a structure that is different from a rotary side jog tool in the past and which obtains the operation feeling approximately similar to such a side jog tool. Furthermore, miniaturization and operability of the mobile phone 102 can be improved, so that it is possible to attempt the lowering of malfunction, cost-down and the simplification of manufacturing process of the mobile phone 102.
It should be noted, in case of utilizing a music player function of the mobile phone 102, that the monitor 29a is constituted as a musical composition selection window portion such that images of titles, names of musicians and the like are scroll-displayed and it becomes possible to execute the scroll-operation or the volume adjustment of the reproduced sound depending on the key-top 14.
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 14 is provided on the left side of the lower housing 11y as shown in
The mobile phone 103 shown in
The upper housing 11x′ is provided, similarly as the mobile phone 101 explained in the first embodiment, with the display unit 29 having a predetermined size on which a wait screen image, the phone number of the partner side or the like is displayed. A liquid crystal display monitor is used for the display unit 29. With respect to the mobile phone 103, there is employed a first lid-closing housing structure of the operation surface such that the upper housing 11x′ directing the monitor 29a upward covers the operation surface on the lower housing 11y′ (see
In this embodiment, in a state of closing the upper housing 11x′ which directs the display unit 29 upward, the monitor 29a faces the closing surface thereof. For example, when utilizing one-segment television function of the mobile phone 103, the display unit 29 displays a broadcasting program as a television receiving screen. The lower housing 11y′ is provided, for example, with the input device 40 that is operated so as to input information according to the slide operation of the operator's finger 30a.
The input device 40 includes the operation surface at an upper portion and a side portion and an operation panel 18 in which a ten-key of numerals [0] to [9], a symbol [*] key, a symbol [#] key and the like are arranged is included on the upper portion operation surface. The sensor 13 for detecting the slide position of the operator's finger 30a is provided in the lower housing 11y′. The key-top 14 is provided so as to cover the entire surface of this sensor 13 which is slide-operated along the operation surface of the lower housing 11y′. The key-top 14 has a convex shape which becomes thicker along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11y′ and also which becomes thinner toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof (see
In this manner, according to the mobile phone 103 relating to the fourteenth embodiment, there is provided any one of the first to twelfth input devices 10 to 120 as embodiments, so that in addition to the slide operation feeling of becoming thicker along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11y′ in response to the slide operation depending on the operator's finger 39b which operates the mobile phone 103, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of becoming thinner toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof. Furthermore, on an occasion of the channel selection determination operation, it becomes possible to present sense of touch by the speaker 36b with an actuator function.
Consequently, it becomes possible to provide a non-rotary side jog tool or the like which has a structure that is different from a rotary side jog tool in the past and which obtains the operation feeling approximately similar to such a side jog tool. Furthermore, miniaturization and operability of the mobile phone 103 can be improved, so that it is possible to attempt the lowering of malfunction, cost-down and the simplification of manufacturing process of the mobile phone 103.
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 14 is provided on the left side of the lower housing 11y′ as shown in
The input device 150 shown in
For example, by sealing a resin into a die for the lower housing, which is modeled with the convex shape of spherical single horizontal-line which becomes the key-top 148, ten-keys of numerals [0] to [9], a symbol [*] key, a symbol [#] key and the like, which become the operation panel 18, the lower housing 11j is formed so as to form a convex shape at the portion thereof. Thus, it is possible to form the input device 150 including the key-top 148 as an airtight structure. Also, it is constituted such that the speaker 36b with an actuator function as shown in
In this embodiment, the key-top 148 is slide-operated along the convex shape of spherical single horizontal-line. Thus, in addition to the slide operation feeling of becoming thicker along the convex shape of spherical single horizontal-line from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11j in response to the slide operation depending on the operator's finger 30a, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of becoming thinner in an arc convex shape toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof.
In this manner, according to the input device 150 relating to the fifteenth embodiment, the operation panel 18 of the lower housing 11j and the key-top 148 having a convex shape of spherical single horizontal-line are molded integrally. Consequently, it becomes possible to provide the input device 150 of airtight structure abundant in water-resistance. Furthermore, the assembly of the input device 150 becomes simple as compared with the method in which the key-top 148 with an arc convex shape of spherical single horizontal-line and the operation panel forming the ten-keys of numerals [0] to [9], the [*] key, the [#] key and the like are assembled separately.
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 148 is provided on the front surface side of the lower housing 11j as shown in
The input device 160 shown in
For example, by sealing a resin into a die for the lower housing, which is modeled with the convex shape of spherical single vertical-line which becomes the key-top 149, ten-keys of numerals [0] to [9], a symbol [*] key, a symbol [#] key and the like, which become the operation panel 18, the lower housing 11k is formed so as to form a convex shape at the portion thereof. Thus, it is possible to form the input device 160 including the key-top 149 as an airtight structure. Also, it is constituted such that the speaker 36b with an actuator function as shown in
In this embodiment, the key-top 149 is slide-operated along the convex shape of spherical single vertical-line. Thus, in addition to the slide operation feeling of becoming thicker along the convex shape of spherical single vertical-line from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11k in response to the slide operation depending on the operator's finger 30a, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of becoming thinner in an arc convex shape toward the other portion of the operation surface.
In this manner, according to the input device 160 relating to the sixteenth embodiment, the operation panel 18 of the lower housing 11k and the key-top 149 having a convex shape of spherical single vertical-line are molded integrally. Consequently, it becomes possible to form the input device 160 as airtight structure abundant in water-resistance. Furthermore, the assembly of the input device 160 becomes simple as compared with the method in which the key-top 149 with a convex shape of spherical single vertical-line and the operation panel forming the ten-keys of numerals [0] to [9], the [*] key, the [#] key and the like are assembled separately.
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 149 is provided on the front surface side of the lower housing 11k as shown in
The input device 170 shown in
For example, by sealing a resin into a die for the lower housing, which is modeled with the convex shape of a spherical cross which becomes the key-top 151, ten-keys of numerals [0] to [9], a symbol [*] key, a symbol [#] key and the like, which become the operation panel 18, the lower housing 11m is formed so as to form a convex shape at the portion thereof. Thus, it is possible to form the input device 170 including the key-top 151 as an airtight structure. Also, it is constituted such that the speaker 36b with an actuator function as shown in
In this embodiment, the convex shape of a spherical cross of the key-top 151 has a shape crossing the convex shape of spherical single horizontal-line shown in
In this manner, according to the input device 170 relating to the seventeenth embodiment, the operation panel 18 of the lower housing 11m and the key-top 151 having a convex shape of a spherical cross are molded integrally. Consequently, it becomes possible to provide the input device 170 of airtight structure abundant in water-resistance. Furthermore, the assembly of the input device 170 becomes simple as compared with the method in which the key-top 151 with a convex shape of a spherical cross and the operation panel forming the ten-keys of numerals [0] to [9], the [*] key, the [#] key and the like are assembled separately. Also, the structure is different from the cross key in the past and an approximately similar operation feeling as that of the cross key can be obtained, and it becomes possible to apply the key-top 151 with a convex shape of a spherical cross as an information selection key for selecting information.
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 151 is provided on the front surface side of the lower housing 11m as shown in
In this embodiment, the key-top 152 is constituted of five key parts 86a to 86e. The key part 86a has a cylindrical shape, is arranged at the center portion of the key-top 152 and is used, for example, as an application determination key. The key parts 86b to 86e have predetermined three-dimensional shapes and are arranged centering around the key part 86a in the cross direction (vertical (Y) direction and horizontal (X) direction) with the arrangement angle 90°.
The key part 86b is used, for example, as a scroll & determination key when scrolling an image to the lower side direction of a display screen which is not shown. The key part 86c is similarly used as a scroll & determination key when scrolling an image to the upper side direction of the display screen. The key part 86d is similarly used as a scroll & determination key when scrolling an image to the left side direction of the display screen. The key part 86e is similarly used as a scroll & determination key when scrolling an image to the right side direction of the display screen.
Similarly as the third embodiment, the key-top 152 is engaged freely movably with respect to the pushdown direction with respect to an opening portion 82g of the operation panel 18 as a reference, has a convex shape which becomes thicker in a cross shape along the sliding direction from one side of the operation surface of the operation panel 18 and also which becomes thinner toward the other side of the operation surface, and is slide-operated in a cross shape along the operation surface of the operation panel 18.
The input device 180 shown in
This operation panel 18 includes an operation surface arranged with ten-keys of numerals [0] to [9], a symbol [*] key, a symbol [#] key and the like. According to the lower housing 11m, the key-top 152 is provided on the operation surface and it protuberates in a convex shape of a three-dimensional cross that is different from the key-top shape shown in
For example, by sealing a resin into a die for the operation panel molding, which is modeled with the convex shape of a three-dimensional cross which becomes the key-top 152, ten-keys of numerals [0] to [9], a symbol [*] key, a symbol [#] key and the like, which become the operation panel 18, the operation panel 18 is formed so as to form a convex shape at the portion thereof. Thus, it is possible to form the input device 180 including the key-top 152 composed of the five key parts 86a to 86e as an airtight structure. Also, it is constituted such that the speaker 36b with an actuator function as shown in
In this embodiment, the detection electrodes of the sensor sheets 81a to 81e have half-round and half-rectangular shapes in which there are included semicircles at one ends and rectangles at the other ends, and portions thereof, in this embodiment, the semicircular shaped regions thereof protuberate in dome shapes. The sensor sheet 81a is derived by a wiring pattern #01 (center) on the front surface of the FPC board 81. The sensor sheet 81b is derived by a wiring pattern #04 (down) on the front surface of the FPC board 81. The sensor sheet 81c is derived by a wiring pattern #02 (up) from the rear surface of the FPC board 81 through the through-hole 88a. The sensor sheet 81d is derived by a wiring pattern #05 (left) on the front surface of the FPC board 81. The sensor sheet 81e is derived by a wiring pattern #03 (right) on the front surface of the FPC board 81.
The detection electrode region of the above-mentioned sensor sheet 81a protuberating in a dome shape constitutes a contact electrode on the movable side of the dome switch 85a (hereinafter, referred to as metal dome portion 511). Also a region of another sensor sheet 81b is similarly made to be the metal dome portion 511 constituting a contact electrode on the movable side of the dome switch 85b. A region of the sensor sheet 81c is made to be the metal dome portion 511 constituting a contact electrode on the movable side of the dome switch 85c. A region of the sensor sheet 81d is made to be the metal dome portion 511 constituting a contact electrode on the movable side of the dome switch 85d. A region of the sensor sheet 81e is made to be the metal dome portion 511 constituting a contact electrode on the movable side of the dome switch 85e.
In case of detecting the trace in the Y direction in this embodiment, the arithmetic calculation system of the control unit 15 or the like executes center-of-gravity calculation by detecting the output levels of the sensor sheets 81b, 81a, 81c, which are transmitted through the wiring patterns #02, #01, #04. In case of detecting the trace in the X direction, the control unit 15 or the like executes the center-of-gravity calculation by detecting the output levels of the sensor sheets 81d, 81a, 81e, which are transmitted through the wiring patterns #05, #01, #03.
In case of detecting the trace in the X-Y directions in this embodiment, the control unit 15 or the like executes the above-mentioned two arithmetic calculations simultaneously. Also, in case of detecting the trace in the rotation direction, the control unit 15 or the like executes center-of-gravity calculation by detecting the output levels of the sensor sheets 81b through 81e, which are transmitted through the wiring patterns #02, #03, #04, #05 and thereafter, the value obtained by the center-of-gravity calculation is converted into phase.
On one surface (front surface) of the FPC board 81, the sheet shaped sensor sheets 81a to 81e including the regions protuberating in dome shapes are provided and at the same time, on the inside of the region protuberating in a dome shape in the sensor sheet 81a, a contact electrode 512 of the fixed side, which constitutes the dome switch 85a, is provided. On the other surface (rear surface) of the FPC board 81, a wiring pattern #00 (GND) is provided which is derived from the contact electrode 512 of the fixed side of the dome switch 85a through the through-hole 88c.
Similarly, on the inside of the region protuberating in a dome shape in the sensor sheet 81b, the contact electrode 512 of the fixed side, which constitutes the dome switch 85b, is provided and it is connected to the contact electrode 512 of the fixed side of the above-mentioned dome switch 85a and connected to the wiring pattern #00 (GND) through the through-hole 88c. On the inside of the region protuberating in a dome shape in the sensor sheet 81c, the contact electrode 512 of the fixed side, which constitutes the dome switch 85c, is provided and it is connected to the contact electrode 512 of the fixed side of the above-mentioned dome switch 85a and connected to the wiring pattern #00 (GND) through the through-hole 88c.
On the inside of the region protuberating in a dome shape in the sensor sheet 81d, the contact electrode 512 of the fixed side, which constitutes the dome switch 85d, is provided and it is connected to the contact electrode 512 of the fixed side of the above-mentioned dome switch 85a and connected to the wiring pattern #00 (GND) through the through-hole 88c. On the inside of the region protuberating in a dome shape in the sensor sheet 81e, the contact electrode 512 of the fixed side, which constitutes the dome switch 85e, is provided and it is connected to the contact electrode 512 of the fixed side of the above-mentioned dome switch 85a and connected to the wiring pattern #00 (GND) through the through-hole 88c.
In a case in which [determination] is operation-inputted by the five dome switches 85a to 85e of up/down, right/left and center, by the deformation of the metal dome portions 511 in the dome switches 85a to 85e, the wiring pattern #00 (GND) and the wiring pattern #02 (up) are connected, the wiring pattern #00 (GND) and the wiring pattern #04 (down) are connected, the wiring pattern #00 (GND) and the wiring pattern #05 (left) are connected, the wiring pattern #00 (GND) and the wiring pattern #03 (right) are connected or the wiring pattern #00 (GND) and the wiring pattern #01 (center) are connected. The wiring patterns #01 to #05 are connected to the control unit 15 and respective trace detection signals S01 to S05 of the sensor sheets 81a to 81e are outputted to the control unit 15.
In this embodiment, on the front surface side of the FPC board 81, there are arranged five LED devices 87a to 87e. The LED device 87a is provided on the right side of the dome switch 85a on the front surface side of the FPC board 81. Similarly, the LED device 87b is provided on the lower side of the dome switch 85b, the LED device 87c is provided on the upper side of the dome switch 85c, the LED device 87d is provided on the left side of the dome switch 85d and the LED device 87e is provided on the right side of the dome switch 85e.
In this embodiment, the contact electrode 512 on the fixed side of the dome switch 85a is connected with a minus side electrode for mounting the LED device 87a on the front surface of the FPC board 81. Similarly, the contact electrode 512 on the fixed side of the dome switch 85b is connected with the minus side electrode for mounting the LED device 87b. The contact electrode 512 on the fixed side of the dome switch 85c is connected with the minus side electrode for mounting the LED device 87c. The contact electrode 512 on the fixed side of the dome switch 85d is connected with the minus side electrode for mounting the LED device 87d. The contact electrode 512 on the fixed side of the dome switch 85e is connected with the minus side electrode for mounting the LED device 87e.
The four plus side electrodes of the LED devices 87a, 87c to 87e are connected to a wiring pattern #06 (LED+) and derived therefrom on the front surface of the FPC board 81. One plus side electrode of the LED device 87b is connected to the wiring pattern #06 (LED+) through the through-hole 88b from the rear surface of the FPC board 81. The LED devices 87a, 87c to 87e are lit by applying a predetermined voltage between the wiring pattern #06 and the wiring pattern #00.
Depending on such electrodes' structure, it becomes possible to provide the FPC board 81 in which the sensor sheets 81a to 81e for trace detection and the contact electrodes on the movable sides of the dome switches 85a to 85e are integrated. It should be noted that, with respect to a detection sensitivity example of the input device 180, Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-246071 whose title is [input device and electronic apparatus].
By making these as manufacturing and assembling conditions, first, an operation panel 18 shown in
The die for the operation panel molding is designed such that the key-top 152 includes the five key parts 86a to 86e. The key part 86a has a cylindrical shape, is arranged at the center portion of the key-top 152 and is used, for example, as an application determination key. The key parts 86b to 86e are designed so as to have predetermined three-dimensional shapes and to have arrangement angles 90° in the XY directions centering around the key part 86a. It should be noted that the key-top 152 in which the key part 86a and the pusher piece 82a are integrally molded from the beginning by the same resin raw material or the like may be also used. It is all the same also with respect to other key parts 86b to 86e.
If such an operation panel 18 can be prepared, a rubber sheet portion 82f is prepared. The rubber sheet portion 82f forms dielectric of the electrostatic sensor sheet. A silicon rubber is used for the rubber sheet portion 82f. In this embodiment, on the rubber sheet portion 82f, a center portion of the key-top 152, that is, the key part 86a and the four key parts 86b to 86e around the key part 86a are arranged in a cross shape. The rubber sheet portion 82f has respective convex shaped pusher pieces 82a to 82e on its non-operation surface side corresponding to the key parts 86a through 86e.
In this embodiment, the pusher piece 82a is mounted corresponding to the key part 86a. Similarly, the pusher piece 82b is to be mounted corresponding to the key part 86b, the pusher piece 82c is to be mounted corresponding to the key part 86c, the pusher piece 82d is to be mounted corresponding to the key part 86d and the pusher piece 82e is to be mounted corresponding to the key part 86e.
When the rubber sheet portion 82f is prepared, the FPC board 81 is prepared. The FPC board 81 is used in which five dome switches 85a, 85b, 85c, 85d, 85e for pushdown operation and the metal dome portions 511 of these dome switches 85a to 85e that are compatibly usable for the electrode patterns for trace detection of the sensor sheets 81a to 81e are used. On the FPC board 81, an IC device 45 for a driver and the five LED devices 87a, 87b, 87c, 87d, 87e as shown in
When the operation panel 18, the rubber sheet portion 82f and the FPC board 81 are prepared, first, the FPC board 81 is mounted on the lower housing 11n shown in
At that time, the five pusher pieces 82a to 82e mounted on the rubber sheet portion 82f, the five key parts 86a to 86e of the key-top 152 and the five dome switches 85a to 85e are mounted after executing the positioning thereof. For example, the pusher piece 82a of the rubber sheet portion 82f and the dome switch 85a are position-adjusted, the pusher piece 82b and the dome switch 85b are position-adjusted, the pusher piece 82c and the dome switch 85c are position-adjusted, the pusher piece 82d and the dome switch 85d are position-adjusted and the pusher piece 82e and the dome switch 85e are position-adjusted.
By doing like this, it is possible with excellent reproducibility to sandwich the rubber sheet portion 82f in the above-mentioned positioning state between the operation panel 18 provided with the five key parts 86a to 86e and the FPC board 81 provided with the five dome switches 85a to 85e. By fixing the operation panel 18 in this state on the frame body 83 of the lower housing 11n, the input device 180 as shown in
The key-top 152 has five key parts 86a to 86e and also, forms a convex shape of a three-dimensional cross having predetermined height and width. The rubber sheet portion 82f is provided so as to cover the entire surfaces of the sensor sheets 81a to 81e. The key-top 152 is slide-operated along the convex shape of the three-dimensional cross or/and is pushdown-operated. The electrode patterns for trace detection of the sensor sheets 81a to 81e are patterns which compatibly include the metal dome portions 511 of the dome switches 85a to 85e.
In this embodiment, the key part 86a is operated at the time of input operation so as to push down the dome switch 85a for being ON. Similarly, the key part 86b is operated so as to push down the dome switch 85b for being ON. The key part 86c is operated so as to push down the dome switch 85c for being ON. The key part 86d which is not shown in
In this embodiment, the detection area for detecting the slide position of the operator's finger 30a by the sensor sheets 81a to 81e is set to be wider than the operation area slide-operated in the key-top 152 by the operator's finger 30a. By doing like this, with respect to the slide operation by the operator's finger 30a, it is possible to include the right/left operation surface and the up/down operation surface of the operation panel 18, which encloses the convex shaped key-top 152, within the slide operation region. It becomes possible for the key-top 152 of this shape to smoothly set the retrieval pitch of the scroll key when retrieving various kinds of information and the zoom adjustment pitch when adjusting the zooming amount of the optical lens at the time of camera start-up.
Thus, in response to the slide operation depending on the operator's finger 30a, in addition to the slide operation feeling of becoming thicker along one arc shape of the convex shape of a three-dimensional cross from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11n, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of becoming thinner along the same arc shape toward the other portion of the operation surface. Further, in addition to the slide operation feeling of becoming thicker along the other arc shape from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11n, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of becoming thinner in the same arc shape toward the other portion of the operation surface. It should be noted that in the drawing, a term, “ta” indicates a distance between components, which forms a distance between the rubber sheet portion 82f and the sensor sheet 81d or the like and “ta” is around 0.27 mm. By employing such an electrode structure, it becomes possible to realize thinner fabrication of the input device 180.
The following will describe an operation example of the dome switch 85a or the like in the input device 180.
The dome switch 85a shown in
Similarly, the key part 86b is operated so as to push down the dome switch 85b for being ON. The key part 86c is operated so as to push down the dome switch 85c for being ON. The key part 86d is operated so as to push down the dome switch 85d for being ON. The key part 86e is operated so as to push down the dome switch 85e for being ON. When employing the above-mentioned electrode structure, miniaturization of the input device 180 is attempted and it becomes possible to realize the cost reduction of the electronic apparatus such as the mobile phone and simplification of the manufacturing process based on a fact that the bending process or the like of the FPC board can be deleted.
In this manner, according to the input device 180 relating to the eighteenth embodiment, the operation panel 18 of the lower housing 11n and the key-top 152 having a convex shape of a three-dimensional cross are molded integrally. Consequently, it becomes possible to provide the input device 180 of airtight structure abundant in water-resistance. Furthermore, the assembly of the input device 180 becomes simple as compared with the method in which the key-top 152 with a convex shape of a three-dimensional cross and the operation panel forming the ten-keys of numerals [0] to [9], the [*] key, the [#] key and the like are assembled separately. Also, the structure is different from the cross key in the past and an approximately similar operation feeling as that of the cross key can be obtained, and the key-top 152 with a convex shape of a three-dimensional cross can be applied to an information selection key for selecting information.
It should be noted that the key-tops 141 to 143 and 148 to 152 mentioned above can be utilized for the function of the key-top 14 of the first embodiment, and the key-top 144 to 147 can be utilized for the function of the key-top 14 of the first embodiment excluding the dome switch function.
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 152 is provided on the front surface side of the lower housing 11n as shown in
The following will describe an input device 180′ as a modified example.
Also in this embodiment, a flexible electrostatic sensor sheet mounting board as shown in
In this embodiment, each of the detection electrodes of the sensor sheets 81a′ to 81e′ has a square shape in which all the side lengths are equal. In this embodiment, the detection electrodes not protuberate as those seen in the eighteenth embodiment. The sensor sheet 81a′ is derived from the wiring pattern #01 (center) on the front surface of the FPC board 801. The sensor sheet 81b′ is derived from the wiring pattern #04 (down) on the front surface of the FPC board 801. The sensor sheet 81c′ is derived from the wiring pattern #02 (up) on the front surface of the FPC board 801.
The sensor sheet 81d′ is derived from the wiring pattern #05 (left) on the front surface of the FPC board 801. The sensor sheet 81e′ is derived from the wiring pattern #03 (right) on the front surface of the FPC board 801. The wiring pattern #01 to #05 are connected to the control unit 15 and the respective trace detection signals S01 to S05 of the sensor sheets 81a′ to 81e′ are outputted to the control unit 15. The position detection signal #S1 is, for example, a logical sum output value of the trace detection signals S01 to S05.
In this embodiment, when detecting the trace in the Y direction, the arithmetic calculation system of the control unit 15 or the like executes center-of-gravity calculation by detecting the output levels of the sensor sheets 81b′, 81a′, 81c′, which are transmitted through the wiring patterns #02, #01, #04. When detecting the trace in the X direction, the control unit 15 or the like executes the center-of-gravity calculation by detecting the output levels of the sensor sheets 81d′, 81a′, 81e′, which are transmitted through the wiring patterns #05, #01, #03 (see
In this embodiment, when detecting the trace in the X-Y directions, the control unit 15 executes the above-mentioned two arithmetic calculations simultaneously. Also, when detecting the trace in the rotation direction, the control unit 15 executes center-of-gravity calculation by detecting the output levels of the sensor sheets 81b′ through 81e′, which are transmitted through the wiring patterns #02, #03, #04, #05 and thereafter, the value obtained by the center-of-gravity calculation is converted into phase.
On the rear surface side of the FPC board 801 shown in
On the rear surface of the FPC board 801, the contact electrode 512 of the fixed side which constitutes the dome switch 85a is arranged in the metal dome portion 511 protuberating in a dome shape in the dome switch 85a. Also in other dome switches 85b to 85e, fixed side contact electrodes 512 are arranged similarly. The fixed side contact electrode 512 of each of the dome switches 85a to 85e is wired on the rear surface side of the FPC board 801 by passing through a space between the open-end terminals of the lower C-shape region of the metal dome portion 511. The respective contact electrodes 512 of the fixed sides thereof are connected to each other and connected to the wiring pattern #06 (LED+) that is derived to the front surface side through the through-hole 88g.
The metal dome portion 511 which constitutes a movable side contact electrode in the dome switch 85a is connected to the wiring pattern #01 (center) which is derived from the rear surface side of the FPC board 801 to the front surface side thereof through the through-hole 88e. The metal dome portion 511 which constitutes a movable side contact electrode in the dome switch 85b is connected to the wiring pattern #04 (down) which is derived from the rear surface side of the FPC board 801 to the front surface side thereof through the through-hole 88h. The metal dome portion 511 which constitutes a movable side contact electrode in the dome switch 85c is connected to the wiring pattern #02 (up) which is derived from the rear surface side of the FPC board 801 to the front surface side thereof through the through-hole 88d.
The metal dome portion 511 which constitutes a movable side contact electrode in the dome switch 85d is connected to the wiring pattern #05 (left) which is derived from the rear surface side of the FPC board 801 to the front surface side thereof through through-hole 88i. The metal dome portion 511 which constitutes a movable side contact electrode in the dome switch 85e is connected to the wiring pattern #03 (right) which is derived from the rear surface side of the FPC board 801 to the front surface side thereof through the through-hole 88f.
In a case in which [determination] is inputted by the five dome switches 85a to 85e of up/down, right/left and center, by the deformation of the metal dome portions 511 in the dome switches 85a to 85e, the wiring pattern #00 (GND) and the wiring pattern #02 (up) are connected, the wiring pattern #00 (GND) and the wiring pattern #04 (down) are connected, the wiring pattern #00 (GND) and the wiring pattern #05 (left) are connected, the wiring pattern #00 (GND) and the wiring pattern #03 (right) are connected or the wiring pattern #00 (GND) and the wiring pattern #01 (center) are connected.
In this embodiment, on the front surface side of the FPC board 801, two LED devices 87a, 87b are arranged. The LED devices 87a, 87b are provided on the upper portion side of the dome switch 85c on the front surface side of the FPC board 801. The minus side electrodes of the LED devices 87a, 87b are connected to the wiring pattern #00 (GND) and the plus side electrodes thereof are connected to the wiring pattern #06 (LED+). The LED devices 87a, 87b are lit by applying a predetermined voltage between the wiring pattern #06 and the wiring pattern #00.
Depending on such electrode structure, it becomes possible to provide the FPC board 801 in which the sensor sheets 81a′ to 81e′ for trace detection and the contact electrodes on the movable sides of the dome switches 85a to 85e are separated for the front surface side and for the rear surface side. It should be noted that a detection sensitivity example of the input device 180′ refers to Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-246071 whose title is [input device and electronic apparatus]. It should also be noted that the pattern for the trace detection of the sensor sheets 81a′ to 81e′ may be any one of the patterns shown in
A pattern SP2 for trace detection shown in
A pattern SP4 for trace detection shown in
A pattern SP5 for trace detection shown in
By making these as manufacturing and assembling conditions, first, an operation panel 18 shown in
When such an operation panel 18 is prepared, a rubber sheet portion 82f is prepared. The rubber sheet portion 82f′ forms dielectric of the electrostatic sensor sheet. A silicon rubber is used for the rubber sheet portion 82f. In this embodiment, the pusher piece is provided downward the dome switch 85a or the like, so that an attachment process of the pusher piece 82a or the like corresponding to the key part 86a or the like and a forming process of integration will be omitted.
When the rubber sheet portion 82f′ is prepared, the FPC board 81 is prepared. In this embodiment, on the front surface side of the FPC board 801, there are arranged five places of the sensor sheets 81a′ to 81e′ in which the electrode patterns for trace detection are formed. On the front surface side of the FPC board 801, other than the sensor sheets 81a′ to 81e′, an IC device 45 for a driver and the LED devices 87a, 87b as shown in
On the rear surface side of the FPC board 801, the metal dome portion 511 constituting the movable side contact electrode and the contact electrode 512 on the fixed side are formed, and the five dome switches 85a to 85e are arranged. Protrusion portions corresponding to the pusher pieces are provided downward the respective dome switches 85a to 85e. For example, a protrusion portion 82a′ is formed downward the metal dome portion 511 of the dome switch 85a, a protrusion portion 82b′ is formed downward the metal dome portion 511 of the dome switch 85b, a protrusion portion 82c′ is formed downward the metal dome portion 511 of the dome switch 85c, a protrusion portion 82d′ is formed downward the metal dome portion 511 of the dome switch 85d and a protrusion portion 82e′ is formed downward the metal dome portion 511 of the dome switch 85e.
When the operation panel 18, the rubber sheet portion 82f′ and the FPC board 801 are prepared, first, the FPC board 801 is mounted on the lower housing 11n as shown in
By doing like this, it is possible with excellent reproducibility to sandwich the rubber sheet portion 82f′ in the above-mentioned positioning state between the operation panel 18 provided with the five key parts 86a to 86e and the FPC board 801 provided with the five dome switches 85a to 85e. By fixing the operation panel 18 in this state on the frame body 83 of the lower housing 11n, the input device 180′ is completed (see
The key-top 152 has five key parts 86a to 86e and also, forms a convex shape of a three-dimensional cross having predetermined height and width. The rubber sheet portion 82f′ is provided so as to cover the entire surfaces of the sensor sheets 81a′ to 81e′, which are not shown. The key-top 152 is slide-operated along the convex shape of the three-dimensional cross or/and is pushdown-operated.
Also in this embodiment, the detection area for detecting the slide position of the operator's finger 30a by the sensor sheets 81a′ to 81e′ is set to be wider than the operation area slide-operated in the key-top 152 by the operator's finger 30a. By doing like this, in response to the slide operation by the operator's finger 30a, it is possible to include the right/left operation surface and the up/down operation surface of the operation panel 18, which enclose the convex shaped key-top 152, within the slide operation region.
In this embodiment, further, when the width of the key part 86a of the key-top 152 shown in
In this manner, when such a relation as α1>β1 is set between the width α1 of the key part 86a and the width β1 of the dome switch 85a, the push-into force is transmitted from the key part 86a to the dome switch 85a through the rubber sheet portion 82f′ with good reproducibility, and it is possible to deform the metal dome portion 511 thereof and it becomes possible to execute the ON and OFF operation with good accuracy. It is set similarly also with respect to other key parts 86b to 86e and dome switches 85b to 85e, so that it is possible also in the dome switches 85b to 85e to deform the metal dome portions 511 thereof respectively and it becomes possible to execute the ON and OFF operation with good accuracy.
In this embodiment, the key part 86a operates at the time of input operation so as to push down the dome switch 85a for being ON (see
Thus, in response to the slide operation depending on the operator's finger 30a, in addition to the slide operation feeling of becoming thicker along one arc shape of the convex shape of a three-dimensional cross from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11n, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of becoming thinner along the same arc shape toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof. Further, in addition to the slide operation feeling of becoming thicker along another arc shape from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11n, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of becoming thinner in the same arc shape toward the other portion of the operation surface. It should be noted in the drawing that a term, “ta′” is a distance between components, which forms a distance between the rubber sheet portion 82f′ and the sensor sheet 81d′ and ta′ is around 0.27 mm. By employing such an electrode structure, it becomes possible to realize thinner fabrication of the input device 180′.
The following will describe an operation example of the dome switch 85a or the like of the input device 180′.
The dome switch 85a shown in
Similarly, the key part 86b operates so as to push down the dome switch 85b for being ON. The key part 86c operates so as to push down the dome switch 85c for being ON. The key part 86d operates so as to push down the dome switches 85d for being ON. The key part 86e operates so as to push down the dome switch 85e for being ON. When employing the above-mentioned electrode structure, miniaturization of the input device 180′ is attempted and it becomes possible to realize the cost reduction of the electronic apparatus of the mobile phone or the like and simplification of the manufacturing process based on a fact that the bending process or the like of the FPC board can be deleted.
The following will describe an electrode/wiring intersection structure example of the metal dome portion 511 which forms the movable side contact electrode of the dome switch 85a or the like and the contact electrode 512 on the fixed side thereof, with reference to
As shown in
Then, in this embodiment, it is constituted, in order to employ an electrode/wiring intersection structure, such that both the side terminal portions of the metal dome portion 511 in the hemisphere shape are cut off.
The metal dome portion 511′ of the side cut type having this cut-shape in which both the side terminal portions are cut off is mounted on the rear surface side of the FPC board 801. At that time, the fixed side contact electrode 512 is arranged in the pushdown projection region of the metal dome portion 511′ and electrical wiring is performed such that the wiring pattern extending from the contact electrode 512 is arranged at one side end portion of the metal dome portion 511′ of the side cut type and also in an region other than the pushdown projection region thereof.
When employing such an electrode/wiring intersection structure, the metal dome portion 511′ may avoid a case where it presents shear stress with respect to the wiring pattern on an occasion of an input operation. As a result thereof, it becomes possible to prevent the wire breakage of the wiring pattern extending from the contact electrode 512 on the fixed side of the FPC board 801. It is needless to say that the method for preventing the wire breakage of the wiring pattern is not limited to this; it is also allowed for the width of the wiring pattern crossing the pushdown projection region of the metal dome portion 511′ to be widened so as to become thick locally as compared with other wiring regions. By doing like this, push force is applied to the wiring pattern which is widened in the pushdown projection region of the metal dome portion 511′, but it becomes possible to improve the pattern shearing strength as compared with the wiring pattern which is not widened.
Also, with respect to the wiring pattern crossing the metal dome portion 511′ or the like, it is also allowed to arrange the wiring pattern on the FPC board 801 along an imaginary circular shape which connects a C-shaped open portion of the metal dome portion 511′ thereof in a circular shape in a form in which the wiring pattern is quasi-circumscribed with (or not perpendicular to) the imaginary circle. By doing like this, push force is applied to the wiring pattern arranged along the imaginary circular shape in the pushdown projection region of the metal dome portion 511′, but the contact portion between the edge region of the metal dome portion 511′ and the inclined intersection region of the wiring pattern becomes long as compared with the wiring pattern extending in a straight line shape from the contact electrode 512, so that it becomes possible to improve the pattern shearing strength.
On the rear surface side of the FPC board 801 shown in
On the rear surface of the FPC board 801, the contact electrode 512 of the fixed side which constitutes the dome switch 85a′ is provided in the metal dome portion 511′ protuberating in a dome shape of the dome switch 85a′. Also in other dome switches 85b′ to 85e′, fixed side contact electrodes 512 are provided similarly. The fixed side contact electrodes 512 of the respective dome switches 85a′ to 85e′ are wired on the rear surface side of the FPC board 801 by passing through the space between the open-end terminals of the C-shape region in the lower surface of each of the metal dome portions 511′. The contact electrodes 512 of the respective fixed sides thereof are connected mutually and connected to the wiring pattern #06 (LED+) derived to the front surface side through the through-hole 88g.
The metal dome portion 511′ which constitutes a movable side contact electrode in the dome switch 85a′ is connected to the wiring pattern #01 (center) which is derived from the rear surface side of the FPC board 801 to the front surface side thereof through the through-hole 88e. The metal dome portion 511′ which constitutes a movable side contact electrode in the dome switch 85b′ is connected to the wiring pattern #04 (down) which is derived from the rear surface side of the FPC board 801 to the front surface side thereof through the through-hole 88h. The metal dome portion 511′ which constitutes a movable side contact electrode in the dome switch 85c′ is connected to the wiring pattern #02 (up) which is derived from the rear surface side of the FPC board 801 to the front surface side thereof through the through-hole 88d.
The metal dome portion 511′ which constitutes a movable side contact electrode in the dome switch 85d′ is connected to the wiring pattern #05 (left) which is derived from the rear surface side of the FPC board 801 to the front surface side thereof through through-hole 88i. The metal dome portion 511′ which constitutes a movable side contact electrode in the dome switch 85e′ is connected to the wiring pattern #03 (right) which is derived from the rear surface side of the FPC board 801 to the front surface side thereof through the through-hole 88f.
In a case in which [determination] is inputted by the five dome switches 85a′ to 85e′ of up/down, right/left and center, by the deformation of the metal dome portion 511′ in the dome switches 85a′ to 85e′, the wiring pattern #00 (GND) and the wiring pattern #02 (up) are connected, the wiring pattern #00 (GND) and the wiring pattern #04 (down) are connected, the wiring pattern #00 (GND) and the wiring pattern #05 (left) are connected, the wiring pattern #00 (GND) and the wiring pattern #03 (right) are connected or the wiring pattern #00 (GND) and the wiring pattern #01 (center) are connected (see
In this manner, according to the input device 180″, the above-mentioned electrode/wiring intersection structure is included, so that it becomes possible to ease the shear stress loaded on the wiring pattern #00 of the FPC board 801 by the pushdown operation of the metal dome portion 511′.
An outline type arrow Ia in the vertical direction shown in
For example, the sensor sheet 81c′ outputs the trace detection signal S02 to the control unit 15 through the wiring pattern #02. The sensor sheet 81a′ outputs the trace detection signal S01 to the control unit 15 through the wiring pattern #01. The sensor sheet 81b′ outputs the trace detection signal S04 to the control unit 15 through the wiring pattern #04. The control unit 15 calculates detection sensitivity between electrode patterns and executes the calculation of center of gravity based on the trace detection signal S02 from the sensor sheet 81c′, the trace detection signal S01 from the sensor sheet 81a′ and the trace detection signal S04 from the sensor sheet 81b′. This enables the position of the operator's finger 30a or the moving direction and the amount of movement of the finger 30a to be detected at the time of the vertical trace mode.
An outline type arrow Ib in the horizontal direction shown in
For example, the sensor sheet 81d′ outputs the trace detection signal S05 to the control unit 15 through the wiring pattern #05. The sensor sheet 81a′ outputs the trace detection signal S01 to the control unit 15 through the wiring pattern #01. The sensor sheet 81e′ outputs the trace detection signal S03 to the control unit 15 through the wiring pattern #03. The control unit 15 calculates the detection sensitivity between electrode patterns and executes the calculation on the center of gravity based on the trace detection signal S05 from the sensor sheet 81d′, the trace detection signal S01 from the sensor sheet 81a′ and the trace detection signal S03 from the sensor sheet 81e′. Thus, at the time of the horizontal trace mode, it becomes possible to detect the position of the operator's finger 30a or the moving direction and the amount of movement of the finger 30a. The vertical trace mode and the horizontal trace mode, as described above, in which tracing is executed on the key-top 152 in a cross shape are, hereinafter, referred to as a cross jog mode collectively.
Also, an outline type arrow Ic in the circular direction shown in
For example, the sensor sheet 81c′ outputs the trace detection signal S02 to the control unit 15 through the wiring pattern #02. The sensor sheet 81e′ outputs the trace detection signal S03 to the control unit 15 through the wiring pattern #03. The sensor sheet 81b′ outputs the trace detection signal S04 to the control unit 15 through the wiring pattern #04. The sensor sheet 81d′ outputs the trace detection signal S05 to the control unit 15 through the wiring pattern #05.
The control unit 15 calculates detection sensitivity between electrode patterns and executes the calculation on the center of gravity based on the trace detection signal S02 from the sensor sheet 81c′, the trace detection signal S03 from the sensor sheet 81e′, the trace detection signal S04 from the sensor sheet 81b′ and the trace detection signal S05 from the sensor sheet 81d′. At a time of such a disk trace mode in which tracing is executed so as to rotate 360° on the key-top 152, it becomes possible to detect the position of the operator's finger 30a or the moving direction and the amount of movement of the finger 30a. The above-mentioned disk trace mode is, hereinafter, referred to as a disk jog mode.
The input device 180′ as shown in
The input device 180′ includes the FPC board 801 as shown in
The following will describe a relation example of the input device 180′ and application. According to the mobile phone 104 shown in
Pieces of information Q11 to Q15 which relate to five input operation images and pieces of information Q16 to Q18 relating to three input operation images, as shown in
It is scroll operated so as to intersect a plurality of icon images of the vertical direction and a plurality of icon images of the horizontal direction. In the drawing, icon image surrounded by thick line is an icon image selected by determining the input operation with pushdown-operation of a dome switch 85b or the like of the key-top 152 or the like. Here, the application is executed based on the piece of information relating to the selected icon image.
According to the above-mentioned example, it is a case in which the trace mode is changed automatically by each application or a presently selected UI design screen. In this case, the user does not determine the trace mode individually and it is set automatically corresponding to a state of the UI design screen that the trace mode is about to operate, so that the scroll operation can be executed intuitively.
According to this trace mode automatic setting function, a gyro sensor or the like is provided in the cross jog mode and it is detected that a handling method of the electronic apparatus of the mobile phone 104 or the like is changed. When an application screen is reversed in response to the detection information thereof, naturally a detection mode also executes the reversal from a vertical trace mode to a horizontal trace mode or the reversal from the horizontal trace mode to the vertical trace mode or the like and corresponds to the improvement of input operability.
Pieces of information Q21 to Q29 relating to nine input operation images shown in
In the disk jog mode, a plurality of icon images scrolled in the circular direction, for example, are displayed clockwise or counterclockwise and a scroll operation becomes possible. In the drawing, an icon image surrounded by thick line is an icon image selected by determining an input operation with pushdown-operation by a dome switch 85b or the like of the key-top 152 or the like. Here, the application is executed based on the piece of information relating to the selected icon image.
Also, similarly, identification information is described in the image information for displaying the application for disk jog mode and similarly, identification information is described in the image information for displaying the UI design image for disk jog mode. A case in which the above-mentioned control unit 15 extracts the identification information and automatically sets a trace mode based on the identification information is cited as an example. When the input operation based on the application or the UI design image is terminated, end information is outputted from the input device 180′ to the control unit 15.
By making these be conditions, in step ST31 of a flowchart shown in
In the step ST32, the control unit 15 judges a trace mode corresponding to an application or a UI design screen. Concerning a judgment reference at that time, the identification information which is described in the image information for displaying each application or presently selected UI design screen beforehand is detected and the trace mode corresponding to the identification information is decoded (detected). For example, the control unit 15 branches the control corresponding to a case in which a result that the identification information which is described in the image information for displaying the application beforehand or the identification information or the like which is described in the image information for displaying the UI design image beforehand is decoded shows a cross jog mode. Further, it branches the control corresponding to a case in which the identification information which is described in the image information for displaying the application beforehand or the identification information or the like which is described in the image information for displaying the UI design image shows a disk jog mode.
If it is judged that the identification information relating to the application or the identification information or the like relating to the UI design image shows a [cross jog mode], then the operation shifts to step ST33 where the control unit 15 executes an input operation based on the application or the UI design image by the cross jog mode.
Thereafter, the operation shifts to step ST34 where the control unit 15 judges termination of the input operation based on the application or the UI design image. At that time, if the input operation is terminated based on the application or the UI design image, end information of the OFF-information or the like of the slide function is outputted to the control unit 15 from the input device 180′ that the user operates. If this end information is not detected, then the operation returns to the step ST33 where the control unit 15 continues the above-mentioned input operation based on the application or the UI design image by the cross jog mode. If the end information is detected, then the slide function is rendered OFF and the OFF-information is outputted to the control unit 15, so that the operation returns to the step ST31 where the control unit 15 waits input (detect) of the ON-information of the slide function.
In the above-mentioned step ST32, if it is judged that the identification information relating to the application or the identification information or the like relating to the UI design image shows a [disk jog mode], the operation shifts to step ST35 where the control unit 15 executes the input operation based on the application or the UI design image by the disk jog mode. Thereafter, the operation shifts to step ST36 where the control unit 15 judges termination of the input operation based on the application or the UI design image.
At that time, if the input operation is terminated based on the application or the UI design image, then end information of the OFF-information or the like of the slide function is outputted to the control unit 15 from the input device 180′ that the user operates. If this end information is not detected, then the operation returns to the step ST35 where the control unit 15 continues the above-mentioned input operation based on the application or the UI design image by the disk jog mode. If the end information is detected, then the slide function is rendered OFF and the OFF-information is outputted to the control unit 15, so that the operation returns to the step ST31 where the control unit 15 waits input (detect) of the ON-information of the slide function.
In this manner, according to the input device 180′ for a modified example, it becomes possible to set either one of a cross jog mode or a disk jog mode automatically. It becomes possible to execute the input operation based on the application or the UI design image by the automatic set cross jog mode or disk jog mode.
In this embodiment, a lower housing 11o and a key-top 244 having a reverse arc concave shape are integrally molded instead of the key-top 144 of the convex shape explained in the ninth embodiment. A dome switch 25 and a pusher piece 19 will be omitted. When the dome switch 25 is applied to the input device 190, it is enough if a pressure detecting sheet member is used for the sensor 13 instead of an electrostatic capacitance sheet member.
The input device 190 shown in
In this embodiment, the reverse arc concave shape of the key-top 244 forms a bottomed reverse arc having a predetermined depth and aperture width. For example, the key-top 244 has a concave shape which is dug-down along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11o and also which is dug-up toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof. In order to obtain such a shape, a lower housing 11o may be formed with the portion having a concave shape by injecting a resin into a die molded with a reverse arc convex shape which becomes a key-top 244. A key-top 244 is formed in the region which covers the entire surface of a sensor 13.
Also in this embodiment, a sensor 13 is disposed on the inside of a concave portion of the key-top 244 and operates so as to detect a slide position of the operator's finger 30a. An electrostatic capacitance sheet member is used for the sensor 13 and detects a slide position of the operator's finger 30a to output a position detection signal #S1. A pressure detecting sheet member is used for the sensor 13 other than the electrostatic capacitance sheet member and detects a pressure of the slide position of the operator's finger 30a to output a pressure detection signal.
In this embodiment, the operation surface of the key-top 244 is constituted by material that is different from material of the lower housing 11o and when surface roughness of the material constituting the key-top 244 is substituted as “A” and surface roughness of the material constituting the lower housing 11o is substituted as “B”, such a relation as A<B is set between the surface roughness A and the surface roughness B. As constituting like this, it becomes possible to execute the slide operation of the portion which is dug-down along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface and also which is dug-up toward the other portion of the operation surface smoothly as compared with the slide operation on the operation surface of the lower housing 11o, and it becomes possible to select information easily by the slide operation of the operator's finger 30a. Thus, it is possible to form the input device 190 including the key-top 244 as an airtight structure.
The key-top 244 is slide-operated along the operation surface of the lower housing 11o and also is slide-operated along the bottomed arc convex shape thereof. By doing like this, in addition to the slide operation feeling of being dug-down in an arc shape along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11o in response to the slide operation by the operator's finger 30a, it is possible to present the arc shaped slide operation feeling of being dug-up toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof. Consequently, it becomes possible to provide a non-rotary side jog tool or the like which has a reverse structure of the non-rotary side jog tool or the like of the first input device 10. The key-top 244 of this shape is applicable as a scroll key when retrieving various kinds of information and as an information selection key of a volume key and the like when adjusting audio volume.
Also, a speaker 36b with actuator function as shown in
In this embodiment, the input device 190 is operated by a left hand and the key-top 244 having a concave shape which is dug-down along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11o and also which is dug-up toward the other portion of the operation surface is used. An electrostatic capacitance sheet member is used for the sensor 13 and a case in which the detection area that detects a slide position of the operator's finger 30a by the sensor 13 is set to be wider than the operation area which is slide-operated by the key-top 244 depending on the operator's finger 30a is cited as an example.
In
When the operator's finger 30a continues the slide operation in the concave-portion region (2)′ of an exposed portion of the key-top 244, the operator's finger digs-down from a downward start portion “X′” and reaches the hole bottom region of the key-top 244 shown in
In this embodiment, while slide-operating from
In this manner, according to the input device 190 relating to the nineteenth embodiment, the lower housing 11o and the key-top 244 having the reverse arc concave shape are integrally molded instead of the key-top 144 of the rear surface flat shape explained in the ninth embodiment.
Consequently, assembly of the input device 190 in a mobile phone or the like becomes simple as compared with a method in which the key-top 24, 141 or the like is built in the opening portion 11c of the lower housing 11b as explained in the first to the sixth embodiments. Furthermore, the detection area (3) of the sensor 13 is set to be wider than the concave portion region (2)′ of the key-top 244, so that it is possible to include in the slide operation region one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11o and the other portion of the operation surface, which sandwiches the key-top 244 of the concave shape with respect to the sliding operation by the operator's finger 30a. Thus, it becomes possible to provide a mobile phone or the like including the input device 190 of an airtight structure to which water-resistance is abundant.
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 244 is provided on the right side of the lower housing 11o as shown in
In this embodiment, a lower housing 11p and a key-top 245 having a reverse trapezoid concave shape are integrally molded instead of the key-top 244 of the reverse arc concave shape explained in the nineteenth embodiment. A dome switch 25 and a pusher piece 19 will be omitted. When the dome switch 25 is applied to the input device 200, it is enough if a pressure detecting sheet member is used for the sensor 13 instead of the electrostatic capacitance sheet member.
The input device 200 shown in
Also in this embodiment, a sensor 13 is disposed on the inside of the concave portion of the key-top 245. Thus, it is possible to form the input device 200 including the key-top 245 as an airtight structure. The key-top 245 is slided along a concave shape which is dug-down along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11p and also which is dug-up toward the other portion of the operation surface. Also, a speaker 36b with actuator function as shown in
In this manner, according to the input device 200 relating to the twentieth embodiment, the lower housing 11p and the key-top 245 having the reverse trapezoid concave shape are integrally molded instead of the key-top 244 of the arc convex shape explained in the nineteenth embodiment.
Consequently, assembly of the input device 200 becomes simple as compared with a method in which the key-top 14, 141 or the like is built in the opening portion 11c of the lower housing 11b as explained in the first to the sixth embodiments. Thus, it becomes possible to provide the input device 200 of an airtight structure to which water-resistance is abundant. It should be noted that it is possible to eliminate a bellows-shape process in the vicinity of the downward start portion “X′” and in the vicinity of the upward end portion “Y′” of the key-top 245 by eliminating a dome switch 25.
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 245 is provided on the right side of the lower housing 11p as shown in
In this embodiment, a lower housing 11q and a key-top 246 having a long concave shape are integrally molded instead of the key-top 245 of the reverse trapezoid concave shape explained in the twentieth embodiment. A dome switch 25 and a pusher piece 19 will be omitted. When the dome switch 25 is applied to the input device 210, it is enough if a pressure detecting sheet member is used for the sensor 13 instead of the electrostatic capacitance sheet member.
The input device 210 shown in
Also in this embodiment, a sensor 13 is disposed on the inside of the concave portion of the key-top 246. Thus, it is possible to form the input device 210 including the key-top 246 as an airtight structure. The input device 210 is operated by a left hand and the key-top 246 is slide-operated along a concave shape which is dug-down along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11q and also which is dug-up toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof. Also, a speaker 36b with actuator function as shown in
In this manner, according to the input device 210 relating to the twenty-first embodiment, the lower housing 11q and the key-top 246 having the long concave shape are integrally molded instead of the key-top 245 of the reverse trapezoid concave shape explained in the twentieth embodiment.
Consequently, assembly of the input device 210 becomes simple as compared with a method in which the key-top 14, 141 or the like is built in the opening portion 11c of the lower housing 11b as explained in the first to the sixth embodiments. Thus, it becomes possible to provide the input device 210 of an airtight structure to which water-resistance is abundant. It should be noted that it is possible to eliminate a bellows-shape process in the vicinity of the downward start portion “X′” and in the vicinity of the upward end portion “Y′” of the key-top 246 by eliminating a dome switch 25.
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 246 is provided on the right side of the lower housing 11q as shown in
In this embodiment, a lower housing 11r and a key-top 247 having a reverse semi-cylindrical shape are integrally molded instead of the key-top 246 of the long concave shape explained in the twenty-first embodiment. A dome switch 25 and a pusher piece 19 will be omitted. When a press-in function is applied by the key-top 247, it is enough if a pressure detecting sheet member is used for the sensor 13 instead of an electrostatic capacitance sheet member.
The input device 220 shown in
Also in this embodiment, a sensor 13 is disposed on the inside of the concave portion of the key-top 247. Thus, it is possible to form the input device 220 including the key-top 247 as an airtight structure. The key-top 247 is slide-operated along a concave shape which is dug-down along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11r and also which is dug-up toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof. Also, a speaker 36b with an actuator function as shown in
In this manner, according to the input device 220 relating to the twenty-second embodiment, the lower housing 11r and the key-top 247 having the reverse semi-cylindrical shape are integrally molded instead of the key-top 246 of the long concave shape explained in the twenty-first embodiment.
Consequently, assembly of the input device 220 becomes simple as compared with a method in which the key-top 14, 141 or the like is built in the opening portion 11c of the lower housing 11b as explained in the first to the sixth embodiments. Thus, it becomes possible to provide the input device 220 of an airtight structure to which water-resistance is abundant. It should be noted that it is possible to eliminate a bellows-shape process in the vicinity of the downward start portion “X′” and in the vicinity of the upward end portion “Y′” of the key-top 247 by eliminating a dome switch 25.
In this embodiment, although a case where key-top 247 is provided on the right side of the lower housing 11r as shown in
The input device 230 shown in
According to the lower housing 11s, the operation surface of the key-top 248 is curved in the concave shape of hemispheric inner surface single horizontal-line that is different from the key-top shapes shown in
The lower housing 11s having the concave shape is formed, for example, by injecting a resin in a die for the lower housing which is modeled with a concave shape of hemispheric inner surface single horizontal-line which becomes a key-top 248 and a ten-key of numerals [0] to [9], a symbol [*] key, a [#] symbol key and the like which become an operation panel 18′. Thus, the operation panel 18′ of the ten-key and the like and the key-top 248 are integrally molded and it is possible to form the input device 230 including the key-top 248 as an airtight structure. The key-top 248 is slide-operated along a concave shape which is dug-down along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11s also which is dug-up toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof. Also, a speaker 36b with an actuator function as shown in
In this embodiment, the key-top 248 is slide-operated along the concave shape of hemispheric inner surface single horizontal-line (one orbit of the bottomed hemispheric concave shape). Thus, in addition to the slide operation feeling of being dug-down in an arc shape along one orbit of the shape of hemispheric inner surface from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11s in response to the slide operation by the operator's finger 30a, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of being dug-up in an arc shape toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof. Consequently, it is a structure which is different from the cross key in the past and unique operation feeling which does not exist in the cross key is obtained, thereby enabling the key-top 248 of the shape to be applied as an image information selection key for selecting information.
In this manner, according to the input device 230 relating to the twenty-third embodiment, the operation panel 18′ of the lower housing 11s and the key-top 248 having the concave shape of hemispheric inner surface single horizontal-line are integrally molded. Consequently, it becomes possible to provide the input device 230 of an airtight structure to which water-resistance is abundant. Furthermore, assembly of the input device 230 becomes simple as compared with a method in which the key-top 248 of the concave shape of hemisphere inner surface single horizontal-line arc and the operation panel which forms a ten-key of numerals [0] to [9], a symbol [*] key, a [#] symbol key and the like are assembled separately.
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 248 is provided on the front surface side of the lower housing 11s as shown in
The input device 240 shown in
The lower housing 11t having the concave shape, for example, by injecting a resin in a die for the lower housing which is modeled with a concave shape of hemispheric inner surface single vertical-line which becomes a key-top 249 and a ten-key of numerals [0] to [9], a symbol [*] key, a [#] symbol key and the like which become an operation panel 18′. Thus, it is possible to form the input device 240 including the key-top 249 as an airtight structure. The key-top 251 is slide-operated along a concave shape which is dug-down along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11t and also which is dug-up toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof. Also, a speaker 36b with an actuator function as shown in
In this embodiment, the key-top 249 is slide-operated along the concave shape of hemispheric inner surface single vertical-line. Thus, in addition to the slide operation feeling of being dug-down in an arc shape along the concave shape of hemispheric inner surface single vertical-line (one orbit of the hemispheric concave shape) from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11t in response to the slide operation by the operator's finger 30a, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of being dug-up in a concave shape toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof. Consequently, it is a structure which is different from the cross key in the past and unique operation feeling which does not exist in the cross key is obtained, thereby the key-top 249 of the shape to be applied as an image information selection key for selecting information.
In this manner, according to the input device 240 relating to the twenty-fourth embodiment, the operation panel 18′ of the lower housing 11t and the key-top 249 having the concave shape of hemispheric inner surface single vertical-line are integrally molded. Consequently, it becomes possible to provide the input device 240 of an airtight structure to which water-resistance is abundant. Furthermore, assembly of the input device 240 becomes simple as compared with a method in which the key-top 249 of the concave shape of hemispheric inner surface single vertical-line and the operation panel which forms a ten-key of numerals [0] to [9], a symbol [*] key, a [#] symbol key and the like are assembled separately.
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 249 is provided on the front surface side of the lower housing 11t as shown in
The input device 250 shown in
According to the lower housing 11u, the operation surface of the key-top 251 is different from a key-top shape shown in
The lower housing 11u having the concave shape is formed, for example, by injecting a resin in a die for the lower housing which is modeled with a concave shape of hemispheric inner surface cross which becomes a key-top 251 and a ten-key of numerals [0] to [9], a symbol [*] key, a [#] symbol key and the like which become an operation panel 18′. Thus, it is possible to form the input device 250 including the key-top 251 as an airtight structure. The key-top 251 is slide-operated along a concave shape which is dug-down along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the operation panel 18′ and also which is dug-up toward the other portion of the operation surface. Also, a speaker 36b with an actuator function as shown in
In this embodiment, the concave shape of hemispheric inner surface cross of the key-top 251 includes a shape in which the concave shape of hemispheric inner surface single horizontal-line shown in
In this manner, according to the input device 250 relating to the twenty-fifth embodiment, the operation panel 18′ of the lower housing 11u and the key-top 251 having the concave shape of plane cross are integrally molded.
Consequently, in response to the slide operation by the operator's finger, in addition to the slide operation feeling of being dug-down in an arc shape along the concave shape of hemispheric inner surface single horizontal-line (one orbit of the hemispheric concave shape) from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11u, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of being dug-up in an arc convex shape toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof. Further, in addition to the slide operation feeling of being dug-down in an arc shape along the other orbit intersected with the concave shape of hemispheric inner surface single horizontal-line (one orbit of the hemispheric concave shape) from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11u, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of being dug-up in the concave shape of hemispheric inner surface single vertical-line toward the other portion of the operation surface.
Thus, it becomes possible to provide the input device 250 of an airtight structure to which water-resistance is abundant. Furthermore, assembly of the input device 250 becomes simple as compared with a method in which the key-top of the plane cross convex shape in the past and the operation panel which forms a ten-key of numerals [0] to [9], a symbol [*] key, a [#] symbol key and the like are assembled separately.
In this embodiment, the key-top 246 having the long concave shape as shown in
When the lower housing 11u′ is formed by a metal, the lower housing 11u′ including the key-top 246 is formed at a predetermined position by using an aluminum plate, a magnesium plate, a stainless plate of a SUS 304 or the like and by applying a press processing, a deep drawing processing or an extrusion processing to these members. The sensor 13 and the FPC board 81 are arranged in this order on the inside of the key-top 246. The sensor 13, for example, is formed in continuation of an operation panel 38 which forms a ten-key of numerals [0] to [9], a symbol [*] key, a [#] symbol key and the like.
On the operation surface of the operation panel 38, a ten-key portion of numerals [0] to [9], a symbol [*] key, a [#] symbol key and the like are provided, and a key-top 251 is integrally molded with the ten-key portion or the like. The operation panel 38 is formed, for example, by injecting a predetermined resin or the like into a die which forms a key-top 251, a ten-key portion or the like. Also, a rubber sheet portion 82f with pusher pieces 82a to 82e is arranged on the FPC board 81 with switch function in a state in which sensor sheets 81a′ to 81e′ are sandwiched therebetween.
The FPC board 81 is constituted by including sheet shaped sensor sheets 81a to 81e (not shown) which detect a slide position of the operator's finger 30a to output a position detection signal #S1. The FPC board 81 has a sheet shape. On one surface of the FPC board 81, there are provided sheet shaped sensor sheets 81a to 81e each including the dome-shape-protuberating region and at the same time, fixed side contact electrodes which constitute dome switches 85a to 85e are respectively provided on the inside of the dome-shape-protuberating regions. On the other surface of the FPC board 81, there is provided a wiring pattern which is derived from the fixed side contact electrodes of the dome switches 85a to 85e through through-holes which are not shown (see
The sensor sheets 81a to 81e are provided on the downward side of the rubber sheet portion 82f. Also in this embodiment, a portion of each of the sensor sheets 81a to 81e is protuberated in a dome shape and the dome-shape-protuberating regions of the sensor sheets 81a to 81e constitute the dome switches 85a to 85e. The movable side contact electrodes in the dome switches 85a to 85e are constituted of metal dome portions 511. Other than the dome switches 85a to 85e, a ten-key of numerals [0] to [9], and a plurality of key switches including a symbol [*] key and a [#] symbol key, which constitute the operation panel 38, are mounted on the FPC board 81.
When the input device 250′ is constituted in this manner, it becomes possible to provide the FPC board 81 with switch function in which the sensor sheets 81a to 81e for trace detection and the dome switches 85a to 85e are integrated (see
The key-top 251 has five key parts 86a′ to 86e′ (86d′ and 86e′ are not shown) and also forms a concave shape having a predetermined depth and width. For example, the key-top 251 has a concave surface hemispheric cross shape which is dug-down along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of a housing and also which is dug-up toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof.
The rubber sheet portion 82f is provided so as to cover the entire surface of each of the sensor sheets 81a to 81e. The key-top 251 is slide-operated along a hemispheric concave shape or/and is pushdown-operated. The electrode pattern for trace detection of the sensor sheets 81a to 81e is provided compatibly with the metal dome portions 511 of the dome switches 85a to 85e. The dome switch 85a or the like is turned on, for example, by pressing it strongly by the finger 30a or the like so as to overcome a biasing force of spring effect of the metal dome portion 511. When the finger 30a is released from the key-top 251, the key-top 251 returns by the biasing force of spring effect of the metal dome portion 511 and the dome switch 85a is turned off.
In this embodiment, a key part 86a′ operates so as to push the dome switch 85a down on an occasion of an input operation to turn it on. Similarly, a key part 86b′ operates so as to push the dome switch 85b down to turn it on. A key part 86c′ operates so as to push the dome switch 85c down to turn it on. A key part 86d′, which is not shown in
In this embodiment, the detection area in which the slide position of the operator's finger 30a is detected by the sensor sheets 81a to 81e is set to be wider than the operation area in the key-top 251 which is slide-operated by the operator's finger 30a. By doing like this, it is possible to include in the slide operation region the right/left operation surfaces and the up/down operation surfaces of an operation panel 18, which surround the key-top 251 of the concave shape in response to the slide operation by the operator's finger 30a. With respect to the key-top 251 of this shape, it becomes possible to smoothly set a retrieval pitch of a scroll key when retrieving various kinds of information and a zoom adjustment pitch when the zooming amount of an optical lens is adjusted at the time of camera start-up.
Thus, in response to the slide operation by the operator's finger, in addition to the slide operation feeling of being dug-down in an arc shape along the concave shape of hemispheric inner surface single horizontal-line (one orbit of the hemispheric concave shape) from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11u′, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of being dug-up in an arc convex shape toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof. Further, in addition to the slide operation feeling of being dug-down in an arc shape along another orbit intersected with the concave shape of hemispheric inner surface single horizontal-line (one orbit of the hemispheric concave shape) from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11u′, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of being dug-up in the concave shape of hemispheric inner surface single vertical-line toward the other portion of the operation surface. It should be noted that in the drawing, a term, “ta” indicates a distance between the rubber sheet portion 82f and the sensor sheet 81a or the like and the distance “ta” is around 0.27 mm. By employing such a electrode structure, it becomes possible to make thinner fabrication of the input device 250′.
The key-top 251 has five key parts 86a′ to 86e′ and also forms a concave shape of hemispheric inner surface cross having a predetermined depth and width. The key-top 251 is constituted by including a concave shape which is dug-down along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of an operation panel 38 and also which is dug-up toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof. The rubber sheet portion 82f′ is provided so as to cover the entire surface of each of the sensor sheets 81a′ to 81e′. The key-top 251 is slide-operated along the concave surface hemispheric cross shape or/and is pushdown-operated.
Also in this embodiment, the operation panel 38 and the key-top 251 constituting the lower housing 11u″ are integrally molded. Also, the detection area in which the slide position of the operator's finger 30a is detected by the sensor sheets 81a′ to 81e′ is set to be wider than the operation area which is slide-operated by the operator's finger 30a depending on the key-top 251. By doing like this, it is possible to include in the slide operation region the right/left operation surfaces and the up/down operation surfaces of the operation panel 38, which surrounds the concave shaped key-top 251 with respect to the slide operation by the operator's finger 30a.
The FPC board 801 is constituted by including dome switches 85a to 85e which turned on or/and off by an press-in operation to the key-top 251 by the operator's finger 30a. On the other surface of the FPC board 801, metal dome portions 511 constituting the dome switches 85a to 85e which is protuberated in a dome shape are respectively provided and at the same time, fixed side contact electrodes constituting the dome switches 85a to 85e are respectively provided on the inside of the dome-shape-protuberating regions with being apart by a predetermined distance. The metal dome portions 511 constitute contact electrodes on the movable side.
Also in this embodiment, the metal dome portion 511 of each of the dome switches 85a to 85e under the FPC board 801 has a C-shape (at its upper surface of the dome shaped region) and each of the fixed side contact electrodes of the dome switches 85a to 85e is wired by passing through it between the open-end terminals of the C-shaped region (see
As mentioned above, when such a relation as α1>β1 is set between the width α1 of the key part 86a′ and the width β1 of the dome switch 85a, a push force is transmitted with good reproducibility to the dome switch 85a from the key part 86a′ through the rubber sheet portion 82f′ so that the metal dome portion 511 thereof can be bent. Further, it becomes possible to execute the ON and OFF operations with good accuracy. This is similarly set with respect to other key parts 86b′ to 86e′ and other dome switches 85b to 85e, so that in the dome switches 85b to 85e, each of the metal dome portions 511 thereof can be also bent, thereby enabling the ON and OFF operations to be executed with good accuracy.
According to the input device 250′ as the modified example in this manner, the key-top 251 is slide-operated along a concave shape of hemispheric inner surface single horizontal-line or/and is slide-operated along a concave shape of hemispheric inner surface single vertical-line intersected with this. Further, the dome switches 85a to 85e are respectively turned on or/and off by a press-in operation of the key-top 251. Thus, after the information selection, it is possible to turn on or/and off the dome switches 85a to 85e by press-in-operating the key-top 251, which may be applied to a determination key when the input is determined.
Consequently, the structure that is different from the cross key in the past is obtained and the unique operation feeling which does not exist in such a cross key is obtained. It also becomes possible for the key-top 251 of the shape to widely set a retrieval pitch of a scroll key when retrieving various kinds of information and a audio volume adjustment pitch of a volume key and the like when adjusting audio volume.
In this embodiment, although each case where the key-top 251 is provided on the front surface side of the lower housing 11u, 11u′ or 11u″ as shown in
The input device 260 shown in
By injecting a resin to a die for the lower housing which is modeled with, for example, a concave shape of hemispheric inner surface which becomes a key-top 252 and a ten-key of numerals [0] to [9], a symbol [*] key, a [#] symbol key and the like which become an operation panel 18′ having concave shape, the lower housing 11v is formed. Thus, it is possible to form the input device 260 including the key-top 252 as an airtight structure. Also, a speaker 36b with an actuator function as shown in
In this embodiment, the concave shape of hemispheric inner surface of the key-top 252 has a predetermined depth and aperture width. The key-top 252 is slide-operated along one orbit of the concave shape of hemispheric inner surface or/and is slide-operated along the other orbit intersected with the orbit. Thus, in response to the slide operation by the operator's finger, in addition to the slide operation feeling of being dug-down in an arc shape along one orbit of the concave shape of hemispheric inner surface from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11v, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of being dug-up in an arc shape toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof. Then, in addition to the slide operation feeling of being dug-down in an arc shape along the other orbit intersected with one orbit of the concave shape of hemispheric inner surface from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11v, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of being dug-up in an arc shape along the other portion of the operation surface thereof.
In this manner, according to the input device 260 relating to the twenty-sixth embodiment, the operation panel 18′ of the lower housing 11v and the key-top 252 having the concave shape of hemispheric inner surface is integrally molded. Consequently, it becomes possible to provide the input device 260 of an airtight structure to which water-resistance is abundant. Furthermore, assembly of the input device 260 becomes simple as compared with a method in which the key-top 252 of the concave shape of hemispheric inner surface and the operation panel which forms a ten-key of numerals [0] to [9], a symbol [*] key, a [#] symbol key are assembled separately. Also, a structure which is different from the cross key in the past is obtained and unique operation feeling which does not exist in the cross key is obtained. Further, the key-top 252 of the concave shape of hemispheric inner surface can is applied to an image information selection key for selecting information. For example, it becomes possible to realize the slide operation of the key-top 252 to one direction or plural directions, the information selection by a press-in operation to one direction and the determination operation thereof.
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 252 is provided on the front surface side of the lower housing 11v as shown in
The input device 270 shown in
By injecting a resin to a die for the lower housing which is modeled with a convex shape of hemispheric outer surface cross which becomes a key-top 153 and a ten-key of numerals [0] to [9], a symbol [*] key, a [#] symbol key and the like which become an operation panel 18, the lower housing 11w having the convex shape is formed. Thus, it is possible to form the input device 270 including the key-top 153 as an airtight structure. Also, the speaker 36b with an actuator function as shown in
In this embodiment, the key-top 153 forms the convex shape of hemispheric outer surface cross having a predetermined height and width. Touch marks 53a to 53d (key marks) of a ginkgo's leaf shape (approximately triangle) are provided crosswise on the key-top 153. The key-top 153 is slide-operated along one orbit of the convex shape of hemispheric outer surface cross or/and is slide-operated along the other orbit intersected with the orbit. Further, four touch marks 53a to 53d are pressed individually. The press-in region is operated so as to press the peak region of the key-top 153 in addition to four touch marks 53a to 53d.
Thus, in response to the slide operation by the operator's finger, in addition to the slide operation feeling of becoming thicker in an arc shape along one orbit of the convex shape of hemispheric outer surface cross from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11w, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of becoming thinner in an arc shape toward the other portion of the operation surface. Further, in addition to the slide operation feeling of becoming thicker in an arc shape along the other orbit intersected with one orbit of the convex shape of hemispheric outer surface cross from the other portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11w, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of becoming thinner in an arc shape along the other portion of the operation surface.
Further, vibration is transmitted from the speaker 36b with an actuator function as shown in
In this manner, according to the input device 270 relating to the twenty-seventh embodiment, the operation panel 18′ of the lower housing 11w and the key-top 153 having the convex shape of hemispheric outer surface cross are integrally molded. Consequently, it becomes possible to provide the input device 270 of an airtight structure to which water-resistance is abundant. Furthermore, assembly of the input device 270 becomes simple as compared with a method in which the key-top 153 of the convex shape of hemispheric outer surface cross and the operation panel which forms a ten-key of numerals [0] to [9], a symbol [*] key, a [#] symbol key are assembled separately. Also, the structure which is different from a cross key in the past is obtained and unique operation feeling which does not exist in such a cross key is obtained. The key-top 153 of the convex shape of hemispheric outer surface cross can be applied to an image information selection key for selecting information.
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 153 is provided on the front surface side of the lower housing 11w as shown in
The photoconductive member 161 forms a cylindrical ring shape having an opening portion 61e inside thereof. On an outer circumferential edge portion of the photoconductive member 161, for example, four concave/convex shaped triangular marks 61a to 61d are provided. The photoconductive member 161 is obtained by die-injection-molding a transparent acrylic system resin. Of course, the photoconductive member 161 and the key-top 251 may be formed integrally. The thickness thereof is around 1.0 mm. A material thereof is a polycarbonate or the like.
In this embodiment, the photoconductive member 161 having the cylindrical ring shape is fitted into an outer circumferential groove portion of the key-top 251 with the key-top 251 on the operation panel 18′ exposing the opening portion 61e of the photoconductive member 161. A circuit board 17′ is mounted in the lower housing 11z. A glass epoxy board having the thickness of around 1.1 mm is used for the circuit board 17′. A plurality of LED devices 62a to 62e constituting one example of light sources are provided at predetermined positions of the circuit board 17′, for example, at the positions under the key-top 251 and facing it and irradiate light to the photoconductive member 161 and the vicinity of the center portion of the key-top 251.
For example, the LED device 62a illuminates with a LED light the triangular mark 61a of the photoconductive member 161. The LED device 62b illuminates with a LED light the triangular mark 61b thereof. The LED device 62c illuminates with a LED light the triangular mark 61c thereof. The LED device 62d illuminates with a LED light the triangular mark 61d thereof. The LED device 62e illuminates with a LED light the vicinity of the center portion of the key-top 251. Of course, by integrating the light sources into one, it is also allowed to be light-dispersed and to be light-distributed. A laser diode which emits a red light, a laser diode which emits a green-light and/or a laser diode which emits a blue light are used for the LED devices 62a to 62e (LED light diffusion structure).
In this manner, according to the input device 280 relating to the twenty-eighth embodiment, the key-top 251 is provided with the photoconductive member 161. It is possible to illuminate the key-top 251 and the peripheral portion thereof with the LED light emitted from the LED devices 62a to 62e, so that the operability of the input device 280 can be improved. The above-mentioned LED light diffusion structure can be applied to not only the twenty-eighth embodiment but also the first to the twenty-seventh embodiments.
In this embodiment, although a case where the key-top 251 is provided on the front surface side of the lower housing 11z as shown in
The input device 290 shown in
The display top member 63 is assembled so as to cover the whole sensor 13′. A polycarbonate plate or the like having the thickness of around 1.0 mm is used for the display top member 63. In this embodiment, a convex portion constituting the key-top 152′ is provided at a predetermined position of the display top member 63. An electrostatic capacitance sheet member, a pressure detecting sheet member or the like is used for the sensor 13′.
It is nice for the key-top 152′ to be disposed, for example, at a little bit upward or downward position compared with the center region of the display unit 29 in order to improve the operability. It is nice for the key-top 152′ to be formed by a method for pasting the key-top 152′ on the display top member 63 or by a method for molding the display top member 63 and the key-top 152′ integrally by die-injection-molding a resin for key-top. The thickness thereof is around 1.0 mm. The LCD device 64 is arranged on the rear surface side of the sensor 13′ and a liquid crystal display device for color having the thickness of around 1.7 mm is used for the LCD device 64.
In this embodiment, the key-top 152′ forms a hemispheric convex shape having a predetermined height and width. The key-top 152′ is slide-operated along one orbit of the hemispheric convex shape or/and is slide-operated another orbit intersected with the orbit. An icon image for selecting input information is displayed in the display unit 29 through the LCD device 64 and it is also allowed for the operator's finger to slide-operate along this icon image.
In this manner, according to the input device 290 relating to the twenty-ninth embodiment, the key-top 152′ is provided at a little bit upward or downward position compared with the center region of the display unit 29 in which the display top member 63, the sensor 13′ and the LCD device 64 are layered in this order, and the display top member 63 and the key-top 152′ having the hemispheric convex shape are integrally molded or the key-top 152′ is pasted on the display top member 63.
Consequently, it becomes possible to provide the input device 290 of an airtight structure to which water-resistance is abundant. Furthermore, in addition to the slide operation feeling of becoming thicker in an arc shape along one orbit of the hemispheric convex shape from one portion of the display surface of the display top member 63 of the display unit 29 in response to the slide operation by the operator's finger, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of becoming thinner in an arc shape toward the other portion of the display surface thereof. Then, in addition to the slide operation feeling of becoming thicker in an arc shape along another orbit intersected with one obit of the hemispheric convex shape from one portion of the display surface of the display top member 63, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of becoming thinner in an arc shape toward the other portion of the display surface thereof.
Thus, there is improved the input operability of an electronic apparatus of a mobile phone, a video camera, a digital camera or the like which is applied with the input device 290 and unique operation feeling which does not exist in the touch panel in the past can be obtained.
The following will describe a mobile phone 101 with sense of touch input function or the like.
The mobile phone 101 or the like shown in
Although cases in which the circuit board 17 and the FPC boards 81, 801 are used with respect to the sensor 13, the sensor sheets 81a to 81e or the like in
The input device 300 is provided in the lower housing constituting the mobile phone 101 or the like and inputs information by the slide operation and by the press-in operation depending on the operator's finger 30a. For example, the input device 300 detects a slide position or a press-in force of the operator's finger 30a, and outputs at least a position detection signal #S1 and a press-in detection signal #S2 to the control unit 15.
The input devices 10 to 290 relating to the first to the twenty-ninth embodiments can be used for the input device 300. For example, when the input device 250 relating to the twenty-fifth embodiment is used, the input device 250 includes a sensor 13 which is provided in the lower housing 11u and which detects a slide position of the operator's finger, and a key-top 246 which is provided so as to cover the sensor 13 and which is slide-operated along the operation surface of the lower housing 11u. The key-top 246 has a concave shape which is dug-down along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11u and also which is dug-up toward the other portion of the operation surface (also, this is similar to
The control unit 15 constitutes a control system and includes an image processing unit 26, an A/D-driver 31, a CPU 32, and a storage unit 37. The A/D-driver 31 is supplied with the position detection signal #S1 and the press-in detection signal #S2 from the input device 300. In the A/D-driver 31, an analogue signal composed of the position detection signal #S1 and the press-in detection signal #S2 is converted to digital data in order to distinguish function of the cursoring and function of the icon selection. Other than this, the A/D-driver 31 performs arithmetic-calculation-processing on this digital data, detects which is a cursoring input and the icon selection information, and supplies image information data D3 by which the cursoring input or the icon selection is distinguished, position detection information D1 or press-in detection information D2 to the CPU 32. It is also allowed for these arithmetic calculations to be executed in the CPU 32.
The A/D-driver 31 is connected with the CPU 32. The CPU 32 controls the whole phone based on a system program. The memory unit 35 stores system program data for controlling the whole phone. RAM, which is not shown, is used as a work memory. The CPU 32 turns the power ON and at the same time, reads the system program data out of the memory unit 35, expands the system program data in the RAM, and turns on the system to control the whole mobile phone.
For example, the CPU 32 controls so as to receive the position detection information D1, the press-in detection information D2, and the information data D3 (hereinafter, simply also referred to as input data) from the A/D driver 31, supply predetermined instruction data “D” to the devices of the power supply unit 33, the camera 34, the memory unit 35, the storage unit 37, a picture and audio processing unit 44 or the like, receive the reception data from the receiving unit 21, and transmit the transmission data to the transmitting unit 22.
The picture and audio processing unit 44 is connected with the display unit 29 which displays, for example, the scroll image 29a′, 29b′ or the like corresponding to the slide operation or the press-in operation of the operator's finger 30a detected by the sensor 13. In this embodiment, the CPU 32 detects the slide operation speed of the operator's finger 30a, and adjusts a display pitch of the scroll image 29a′, 29b′ or the like in the display unit 29 in response to the slide operation speed of the operator's finger 30a.
Under the display control thus executed, adjustment is realized such that when retrieving information, a display pitch of the scroll image 29b′ or the like in the display unit 29 is set as narrow in a case in which the slide operation speed of the operator's finger 30a is quick and on the contrary, a display pitch of the scroll image 29a′ or the like in the display unit 29 is set as wide in a case in which the slide operation speed of the operator's finger 30a is slow. Consequently, when plural information retrieval objects exist and the aimed scroll image is far therefrom, the scroll image is transmitted so as to skip roughly but when approaching to the aimed scroll image, it becomes possible to execute the search so as to transmit the scroll image slowly.
In this embodiment, when the pressure detecting sheet member is used for the sensor 13, the CPU 32 compares the press-in detection information D2 obtained from the input device 300 with a preset pushdown determination threshold Fth, in addition to the display pitch adjustment of the scroll image 29a′, 29b′ or the like, and controls the storage unit 37 to read out thereof data that controls the vibration of the speaker 36b with an actuator function based on the comparison result. For example, when senses of touch propagated from the operation surface in the pushdown position of the input device 300 are assumed to be A and B, respectively, the sense of touch #A is obtained by changing the operation surface in response to the slide operation of the operator's finger 30a in the slide position thereof from vibration pattern of low frequency and small amplitude to vibration pattern of high frequency and large amplitude. Also, the sense of touch #B is obtained by changing the operation surface in response to existence or nonexistence of the pressing-in force of the operator's finger 30a in the slide position thereof from vibration pattern of high frequency and large amplitude to vibration pattern of low frequency and small amplitude.
The above-mentioned CPU 32 is connected with the memory unit 35 which stores display information D4 for displaying the display screen for input item selection three-dimensionally, for example, control information Dc relating to the selection position of the icon corresponding to the display information D4 and the vibration mode, and the like in every display screen. The control information Dc includes a plurality of specific vibration waveforms by which a plurality of differed senses of touch that are synchronized with applications (three-dimensional display and various kinds of display contents) in the display unit 29 can be generated and which generate these senses of touch thereof, and algorism that sets the specific sense of touch generation mode of every application. An EEPROM, a ROM, a RAM or the like is used for the memory unit 35.
In this embodiment, the CPU 32 executes the display control of the display unit 29 and the output-control of the speaker 36b with an actuator function based on the position detection information D1, the press-in detection information D2, and information data D3 which are outputted from the A/D-driver 31. For example, the control unit 15 reads the control information Dc out of the memory unit 35 based on the position detection signal #S1 and the press-in detection signal #S2 which are obtained from the input device 300, accesses to the storage unit 37 and controls so as to supply a vibration generating signal Sa to the speaker 36b with an actuator function.
In this embodiment, when the pressure detecting sheet member is used for the sensor 13, the CPU 32 controls the storage unit 37 to read the data out thereof such that the sense of touch #A is started up when the press-in detection information D2 less than the pushdown determination threshold Fth is detected, and then, the sense of touch #B is started up when the input device 300 detects the press-in detection information D2 which exceeds the pushdown determination threshold Fth. By doing like this, it is possible to generate different vibration patterns coincidentally with an [pressure force] by the operator's finger 30a or the like.
The CPU 32 is connected with the storage unit 37 and reads vibration generating data Da out of the storage unit 37 based on the control information Dc from the CPU 32. The vibration generating data Da includes an output waveform composed of a sinusoidal waveform. The storage unit 37 is connected with the picture and audio processing unit 44. Each item of the vibration generating data Da is supplied to the picture and audio processing unit 44, the vibration generating data Da thereof is audio-processed (digital/analogue conversion, amplification or the like) and becomes a vibration generating signal Sout 2, and it is supplied to the speaker 36b with actuator function. The speaker 36b vibrates based on the vibration generating signal Sout 2.
In this embodiment, the storage unit 37 memorizes the pushdown determination threshold Fth corresponding to each application. For example, the pushdown determination threshold Fth is stored beforehand in a ROM or the like provided in the memory unit 35 as trigger parameter. The memory unit 35 reads out the press-in detection information D2 under the control of the CPU 32, and the CPU 32 compares the preset pushdown determination threshold Fth with the impressed pressure force F obtained from the press-in detection information D2 to execute the determination process of Fth≧F, the determination process of Fth<F or the like.
For example, when the pushdown determination threshold Fth=100 [gf] is set in the storage unit 37, the operation surface vibrates based on the vibration pattern for obtaining the sense of touch of a classic switch. Also, when the pushdown determination threshold Fth=20 [gf] is set, the operation surface vibrates based on the vibration pattern for obtaining the sense of touch of a cyber switch.
The CPU 32 is connected with the image processing unit 26, in addition to the storage unit 37, which image-processes the display information D4 for scroll-displaying the scroll image 29a′, 29b′ or the like. The display information D4 thus image-processed is supplied to the display unit 29. In this embodiment, the CPU 32 controls the display unit 29 so as to display the scroll image 29a′, 29b′ or the like three-dimensionally with including the perspective in the depth direction of the display screen.
By the sense of sight depending on the eyes 30b of the operator, each function for the display contents of the display unit 29 is judged and by the sense of hearing depending on the ears 30c of the operator, each function for the sound release from the speakers 36a, 36b or the like is judged. The above-mentioned CPU 32 is connected with the operation panel 18 which is used, for example, when a phone number of the partner is inputted manually. The display unit 29 may display a received picture based on a picture signal Sv in addition to the above-mentioned icon selection screen.
Also, the antenna 16 shown in
The picture and audio processing unit 44 is connected with the speaker 36a which constitutes a big sound use and the speaker 36b with actuator function (vibration body) which constitutes a receiver. The speaker 36a rumbles the received sound, the received melody or the like based on an acoustic signal Sout 1 when receiving calls. The speaker 36b receives an audio signal Sout 2′, and magnifies speaking voice 30d or the like of the partner. Also, the speaker 36b vibrates based on the vibration generating signal Sout 2 when presenting the sense of touch.
This picture and audio processing unit 44 is connected with a microphone 43 constituting a transmitter, in addition to the speakers 36a, 36b, which gathers the operator's voice and outputs an audio signal Sin. The picture and audio processing unit 44 performs analog/digital conversion on the analog audio signal Sin to be transmitted to the partner to output the digital audio data when transmitting calls, or performs analog/digital conversion on the analog picture signal Sv to output the digital image data.
The CPU 32 is connected with the transmitting unit 22, in addition to the receiving unit 21, which modulates picture data and audio data, Dout, or the like to be transmitted to the partner, supplies the transmission data thus modulated to the antenna 16 through the antenna diplexer 23. The antenna 16 radiates a radio wave supplied from the antenna diplexer 23 toward a base station or the like.
The above-mentioned CPU 32 is connected with the camera 34, in addition to the transmitting unit 22, which images a subject and for example, transmits still image information or operation information to the partner through the transmitting unit 22. It is also allowed for the camera 34 to be provided on the rear surface side of the upper housings 11a, 11x, 11x′ or the like. The power supply unit 33 includes a battery, and supplies DC power to the operation panel 18, the receiving unit 21, the transmitting unit 22, the display unit 29, the CPU 32, the camera 34, the memory unit 35, the storage unit 37, the picture and audio processing unit 44, and the input device 300. It should be noted that in this embodiment, although a case where the storage unit 37 is provided separately from the picture and audio processing unit 44, it is also allowed to use compatibly the memory device which is included in the picture and audio processing unit 44. This enables the number of parts to be reduced.
The first vibration pattern Pa shown in
The second vibration pattern Pb shown in
Generally, in the button switch operation or the like, there exists an input motion peak. In a case in which the pushdown speed (operation input speed) is coincident with the design, it is known that the impressed pressure force F thereof is around 30 [gf] to 240 [gf]. The impressed pressure force distribution waveform Ja shown in
In this embodiment, the pushdown determination threshold Fth is set with respect to the press-in detection signal #S2 obtained from the input device 300 beforehand. The CPU 32 controls the storage unit 37 to reads the data out so as to generate the first vibration pattern Pa at a sampling time t11 when a rise-up waveform of the press-in detection signal #S2 crosses the pushdown determination threshold Fth, and so as to generate the second vibration pattern Pb at a sampling time t21 when a rise-down waveform of the press-in detection signal #S2 crosses the pushdown determination threshold Fth.
By doing like this, when the input device 300 detects the impressed pressure force F which is made as a reference on an occasion of the slide operation and the relation of Fth≧F between the pushdown determination threshold Fth and the impressed pressure force F is detected, it is possible to start up the sense of touch #A. It is possible to start up the sense of touch #B when the CPU 32 or the like detects the relation of Fth<F between the pushdown determination threshold Fth and the impressed pressure force F. It should be noted that there is provided a vibration-free blank period Tx=T1 between the vibration pattern Pa and the vibration pattern Pb. This blank period Tx varies in response to the pressing speed toward the press-in direction.
The impressed pressure force distribution waveform Jb shown in
By doing like this, the input device 300 detects the impressed pressure force F when the scroll image 29a′, 29b′ or the like is selection-and-press-in-operated during the slide operation, and it is possible to start up the sense of touch #A when the CPU 32 or the like detects the relation of Fth≧F between the pushdown determination threshold Fth and the impressed pressure force F, and also it is possible to start up the sense of touch #B when the CPU 32 or the like detects the relation of Fth<F between the pushdown determination threshold Fth and the impressed pressure force F.
It should be noted that there is provided a vibration-free blank period Tx=T2 (T2<T1) between the vibration pattern Pa and the vibration pattern Pb. Thus, the sense of touch #A is transmitted during the slide operation relating to the scroll image 29a′ or 29b′ or the like and the sense of touch #B is transmitted in a case in which the scroll image 29a′, 29b′ or the like is selection-and-press-in-operated, thereby enabling a load having the click feeling to be reached.
The following will describe an information processing example in the mobile phone 101 or the like.
In this embodiment, the mobile phone 101 or the like is provided the input device 210 explained in the twenty-first embodiment and the sensor 13 and the key-top 246 are provided in the input device 210. Further, the display unit 29 for displaying the scroll image, which has been explained in the first embodiment, and the speaker 36b with actuator function, which has been explained in the second embodiment, are provided therein and there is assumed a case in which information is inputted by slide-operating or pushdown-operating the operation surface of the side surface of the mobile phone 101 or the like by the operator's finger 30a.
A function (algorism) for processing waveforms by making the impressed pressure force F by the operator's finger 30a or the like as parameter, for example, in the same vibration mode is provided in the mobile phone 101 or the like. The CPU 32 calculates the impressed pressure force F from the press-in detection information D2 and carries out the judgment corresponding to the drive conditions “a”, “b” as shown in
By setting these as the information processing conditions, the CPU 32 waits power ON in step G1 of a flowchart shown in
Then, the operation shifts to step G2 where the CPU 32 controls the display unit 29 so as to display the icon screen of the menu or the like. For example, the CPU 32 supplies the display information D4 to the display unit 29 which displays the icon screen of the menu or the like. An information processing mode is set by this icon screen. In this embodiment, the information processing mode includes an icon input mode or other processing mode, so that the operator selects either one of them. The icon input mode includes, for example, a scroll image selection mode.
The scroll image selection mode means an operation for slide-operating or pushdown-operating the key-top 246 of the operation surface at a time of selection of the scroll image 29a′, 29b′ or the like. The scroll image selection mode includes a telephone mode, a mail making mode, a transmission display mode or the like. The telephone mode includes an operation for dialing telephone to the partner. The scroll image 29b′ includes a character input item at a time of the telephone mode selection. The scroll images 29a′, 29b′ are input information as shown in
At that time, as shown in
Then, the operation shifts to step G3 where the CPU 32 branches the control based on the scroll image selection mode or other processing mode. If the scroll image selection mode is set, then the key-top 246 is slide-operated for the scroll operation of the scroll image 29a′, 29b′ or the like, and the operation shifts to step G4 where the CPU 32 detects the impressed pressure force F by the sensor 13. At that time, the key-top 246 is slide-operated along a concave shape which is dug-down along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the lower housing 11q of the input device 210 and also which is dug-up toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof. The sensor 13 detects the impressed pressure force F of the slide position of the operator's finger 30a which is slide-operated on the key-top 246, and outputs the position detection signal #S1 to the A/D-driver 31. The A/D-driver 31 performs A/D-conversion on the position detection signal #S1 to the position detection information D1 and transfers the position detection information D1 thus A/D-converted to the CPU 32.
Then, the operation shifts to step G5 where the CPU 32 compares the impressed pressure force F based on the position detection information D1 with the pushdown determination threshold Fth and judges whether or not the relation is F≦Fth. If the relation becomes F≦Fth, the operation shifts to step G6 where the sense of touch #A is started up. The sense of touch #A is obtained by vibrating the operation surface based on the vibration pattern Pb corresponding to the impressed pressure force F of the operator's finger 30a by the speaker 36b with actuator function. In the sense of touch #A, for example, with respect to frequency fx, amplitude Ax and the number of times Nx shown in
Then, when the press-in operation is executed to the key-top 246 by the operator's finger 30a, the operation shifts to step G7 where the CPU 32 calculates the impressed pressure force F based on the press-in detection information D2. At that time, the sensor 13 detects the impressed pressure force F of the pushdown position of the operator's finger 30a in the operation surface and outputs the press-in detection signal #S2 to the A/D-driver 31. The A/D-driver 31 performs A/D-conversion on the press-in detection signal #S2 to the press-in detection information D2 and transfers the press-in detection information D2 thus A/D-converted to the CPU 32.
Then, the operation shifts to step G8 where the CPU 32 compares the impressed pressure force F with the pushdown determination threshold Fth and judges whether or not the relation is F>Fth. If the relation becomes F>Fth, the operation shifts to step G9 where the sense of touch #B is started up. The sense of touch #B is obtained by vibrating the operation surface based on the vibration pattern Pb corresponding to the impressed pressure force F of the operator's finger 30a by the speaker 36b with actuator function. In the sense of touch #B, in the first step “i” shown in
Thereafter, the operation shifts to step G10 where the input is determined. At that time, the CPU 32 determines the input information displayed at the pushdown position in the input operation surface. Then, the operation shifts to the step G12. It should be noted that if other processing mode is selected in step G3, the operation shifts to step G11 where such other processing mode is executed. Such other processing mode includes a music reproduction function and a television reception function.
After such other processing mode is executed, the operation shifts to the step G12. The CPU 32 makes termination-judgment in the step G12. For example, the power OFF information is detected and the information processing is terminated. If the power-OFF information is not detected, the operation returns to the step G2 where the menu screen is displayed and the above-mentioned processing is repeated.
In this manner, according to the mobile phone 101 or the like to which the input device 210 with the sense of touch function for each embodiment is applied, the embodiments of the input device 300 are provided. Therefore, in addition to the slide operation feeling of being dug-down along the sliding direction from one portion of the operation surface of the side surface of the mobile phone 101 or the like in response to the slide operation of the operator's finger 30a which operates the mobile phone 101 or the like, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of being dug-up toward the other portion of the operation surface thereof.
Consequently, it becomes possible to provide the side jog tool or the like of the non-rotary of the reverse structure with respect to the side jog tool or the like of the non-rotary of the first input device 10. Furthermore, miniaturization of the input device 210, thinner fabrication of the sensor sheets 81a′ to 801e and operability can be improved, so that it is possible to attempt the lowering of malfunction of the mobile phone 101 or the like, cost-down and simplification of the manufacturing process.
The video camera 400 includes a case 402 constituting a decoration and a lens mirror cylinder 403 in which an imaging optical system 404 is built is provided at a front surface upper portion of the case 402. An imaging device (not shown in drawings) for imaging a subject image introduced by the imaging optical system 404 is built-in in the rear end of the lens mirror cylinder 403.
There is provided on the rear surface, on the upper surface and on the side surface of the case 402 with various kinds of operation switches 405 such as a power switch, an imaging start/stop switch, a zoom switch and the like. On the left side surface of the case 402, a touch panel display device 401 is coupled to the case 402 so as to be openable/closable through a hinge, and displays the image imaged by an imaging device, which is not shown in the drawing.
There is provided in the touch panel display device 401, for example, with input device 290 explained in the twenty-ninth embodiment and the speaker 36b including actuator function shown in
The key-top 152′ is arranged, for example, on a little left side of the center region of the display unit 29 in order to improve the operability. The key-top 152′ has a hemispheric convex shape having a predetermined height and width. The key-top 152′ is slide-operated along one orbit of the hemispheric convex shape or/and is slide-operated along another orbit intersected with the orbit. It is needless to say that icon image for selecting input information is displayed on the display unit 29 through the LCD device 64 and the operator's finger may slide-operate along this icon image.
The speaker 36b is provided in the touch panel display device 40, and the speaker 36b is used containing: a lid member 1 including opening portions 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d at a predetermined region shown in
In this embodiment, when the icon image for input operation displayed on the display unit 29 for monitor of the touch panel display device 401 is operated by the finger, any click sound (cyber switch operation sound) is presented from the speaker 36b and at the same time, a sense of touch is presented to operator's finger touching on the display screen. It becomes possible to determine, even in the video camera 400, the input of the scroll image 29a′, 29b′ or the like which is displayed on the display unit 29 by this input operation. It should be noted that in the drawing, a hole 67 is an opening portion for click sound leaker.
In this manner, according to the video camera 400 as the thirtieth embodiment, there is included the embodiment of the input device 290 with sense of touch function, the key-top 152′ is provided on a little bit left side as compared with the center region of the display unit 29 in which the display top member 63, the sensor 13′ and the LCD device 64 are layered in order, and the display top member 63 and the key-top 152′ having a hemispheric convex shape are integrally molded or the key-top 152′ is pasted on the display top member 63.
Consequently, it becomes possible to provide the video camera 400 including the input device 290 of an airtight structure to which water-resistance is abundant. Furthermore, in addition to the slide operation feeling of becoming thicker in an arc shape along one orbit of the hemispheric convex shape from one portion of the display surface of the display top member 63 of the display unit 29 in response to the slide operation by the operator's finger, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of becoming thinner in an arc shape toward the other portion of the display surface. Further, in addition to the slide operation feeling of becoming thicker in an arc shape along another orbit intersected with one obit of the hemispheric convex shape from one portion of the display surface of the display top member 63, it is possible to present the slide operation feeling of becoming thinner in an arc shape toward the other portion of the display surface. Thus, the input operability of the video camera 400 applied with the input device 290 is improved and it becomes possible to obtain the unique operation feeling which does not exist in a touch panel in the past.
In the above-mentioned embodiments, although the slide-type mobile phone 101 or the like and the video camera 400 to which the input device with sense of touch function is applied, with respect to the electronic apparatus, it is not limited to these; it is needless to say that the input device with sense of touch function can be applied to the normal one axis hinge type mobile phone 102, the two-axes hinge type mobile phone 103, a mobile terminal device including display screens in both of the upper housing 11x and the lower housing 11y, a digital camera and the like.
It should be noted that table 1 shows operability evaluation results in the respective input devices that were carried out.
The operability evaluation results shown in table 1 are a summary of comparing operation accuracy in the respective input devices of related art “1”, related art “2”, the present invention “1” and the present invention “2”. Such related art “1” relates to a case of the input device 500 of side jog rotary switch+dome switch structure as shown in
The slide operation and the push operation were evaluated with respect to these four input devices 30, 40, 500, 600. Any one of the evaluation methods was such that examinees were fifty members. With respect to the slide operation, the key-top operation in which a cursor was attached to and stopped at an aimed spot (target image) by a vertical scroll screen of the telephone directory application was executed. It was requested that items which the cursor was attached to and stopped at were ten pieces for one member. In this case, the number of right answers in which the cursor could be stopped at the target image by one time of the key-top operation was compared.
Also, with respect to the push operation, the key-top press-in operation was executed from a state of being selected and ended by a vertical scroll screen of the telephone directory application, a dome switch was turned on and the input determination (determination) operation was executed. In this case, it is a [right answer] if the target image which is selected before the key-top is pressed-into is directly determined, and it is made as a [wrong] if a different target image is selected or if the selection of the target image is not determined. The operation accuracy of the input devices 30, 40, 500, 600 was evaluated by comparing these number of right answers with respect to related art “1”, related art “2”, the present invention “1” and the present invention “2” respectively.
According to the operability evaluation result shown in table 1, with respect to the number of right answers in all 500 times of related art “1”, related art “2”, the present invention “1” and the present invention “2”, respectively and in case of related art “1”, the slide operation was 478 times and the push operation was 478 times. In case of related art “2”, the slide operation was 302 times and the push operation was 300 times. In case of the present invention “1”, the slide operation was 450 times and the push operation was 495 times. In case of the present invention “2”, the slide operation was 468 times and the push operation was 493 times.
With respect to the slide operation, the present invention “1” and the present invention “2” were a little bit inferior to related art “1” in the number of right answers, but the operational reliability was improved than related art “2”. With respect to the push operation, both the present invention “1” and the present invention “2” were a lot of the number of right answers than related art “1” and related art “2” and the operational reliability was improved. According to related art “1”, a failure in which a key-top was rotated before a JOG dial was pressed-into and one in the vicinity of the target image was determined by mistake was seen. According to related art “2”, a failure of a content in which when a key-top was pressed-into, it happened that a corner of the key-top was pressed-into, and a pusher piece was not pressed into a metal dome portion 511 accurately so that no target image was selected and determined was seen.
On the contrary, the present invention “1” and “2” employed a unrotary key-top+dome switch or a structure including a unrotary key-top+dome switch+actuator function, so that one in the vicinity of the target image was not determined by mistake and furthermore, a pusher piece comes to press-into the metal dome portion 511 accurately, so that it was possible to realize the high operability and reliability and it was possible to provide the input device 30, 40 or the like having excellent usability of user-friendliness.
The present embodiments are preferable for applying to a digital camera, a video camera, a mobile phone, a mobile terminal device, a personal computer, a note type PC, a home system electronic apparatus and the remote controller thereof or the like.
It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-246071 | Sep 2007 | JP | national |
| 2008-180807 | Jul 2008 | JP | national |
