JP2002287850A - Portable information terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily operate a screen with one hand in any use environment in a portable information terminal means such as a cellular phone or a PDA provided with a screen display means at the front face of a easing. SOLUTION: This portable information terminal 1 has an operating means 3 protrusively provided in a multi-way swingable manner at the side face of a casing adjacent to a display part 2 of the portable information terminal 1. An image three-dimensionally displayed on the display part 2 can be three- dimensionally moved being interlocked with the swing of the operating means 3 of the portable information terminal 1 by swinging the operating means 3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable information terminal means such as a portable telephone or a PDA having a screen display means on a front surface of a housing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a portable information terminal such as a cellular phone or a PDA having a screen display on the front of a housing. Among the portable information terminals, a portable telephone has a feature that it has a small shape and is easy to carry. Further, in order to switch the screen display displayed on the mobile phone, it is possible to operate using a stick-shaped operation key or the like on the screen display side of the mobile phone.

[0003]

However, even with the above-mentioned convenient portable telephone, the screen display section is large and the stick-like operation keys on the screen display section side are located near the center of the housing. In some cases, when the stick-like operation key is operated with one hand, the center of gravity is located at the upper part of the housing, so that the operation must be performed in an unstable support mode. Further, when a map is displayed on the screen display unit and the map is scaled up or down, it is necessary to explicitly press another operation button to switch the mode, which causes inconvenience in operation. Further, when the screen display unit is enlarged, there are operation buttons on the screen display unit side (meaning buttons for inputting numbers, alphanumeric characters, etc., excluding stick-shaped operation keys). Since it is necessary to reduce the size of the stick-shaped operation keys, the operability is significantly reduced.

[0004] From these, when it is desired to use a portable information terminal in a space where a large number of people coexist, for example, in a situation where people are crowded such as a commuter train in the morning, the operation is performed in an unstable support mode. Therefore, a means that can be easily operated with one hand even in such a situation has been desired.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable information terminal capable of operating map information and the like comfortably with one hand without sacrificing operability. As an issue.

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems The invention according to the present application has been made to solve the above problems, and the invention according to claim 1 is an information terminal means having a screen display means on a front surface of a housing. An operating means is provided on a side surface of the housing adjacent to the screen display means so as to be swingable in multiple directions.

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
Since the operation means is provided on the side of the housing adjacent to the screen display means, the operation keys can be easily operated with one hand in a stable support state, and the convenience in operation is further improved. Can be.

The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the screen display means has an image information generating section for expressing image information three-dimensionally in conjunction with the swing of the operation means. 1. The information terminal according to item 1.

According to the second aspect of the present invention,
For example, when the map information is displayed three-dimensionally on the screen of the mobile phone, the screen can be changed three-dimensionally in conjunction with the swing of the operation means. Therefore, not only a two-dimensionally projected screen but also a three-dimensionally displayed screen can be changed, so that screen information can be captured three-dimensionally and quickly.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, a detecting section for detecting the swing of the operating means and outputting a detection signal corresponding to the type of the detected swing, and acquiring the detection signal, A timer that measures time until a detection signal is obtained, and, when the next detection signal is obtained within a predetermined time, a previous detection signal and a command signal corresponding to a combination of the next detection signal. The portable information terminal according to claim 1, further comprising: a command output unit that outputs the command.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, for example, when map information is displayed on the screen of a mobile phone, when the map information is reduced or enlarged, the operation means is swung. By changing the timing under a certain rule, the screen display can be changed in conjunction with it. Therefore, reduction and enlargement of the screen display can be performed with a simple operation, and the operation can be performed with one hand.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (Configuration of portable information terminal) An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1
1A is a front view of the portable information terminal 1, FIG. 2B is a side view of the portable information terminal 1, and FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the portable information terminal 1.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a portable information terminal 1 according to the present embodiment is provided on a side surface of a housing adjacent to a display unit 2 of the portable information terminal 1 so as to be swingable in multiple directions. Operating means 3. In the present embodiment, the portable information terminal 1 also has an operation unit 4 on the front surface of the housing.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion where the operation means 3 in FIG. 1 is present, and shows that the operation means 3 can swing in multiple directions.

In the present embodiment, the portable information terminal 1
It is a small-sized communication device, and refers to a portable terminal means that implements some of the functions of a personal computer. For example, there are a mobile phone and a PDA. Further, in the present embodiment, the portable information terminal 1 has a display unit 2, an operation unit 3, and an operation unit 4, as shown in FIG.

The operating means 3 is provided so as to protrude so as to be swingable in multiple directions. For example, the operating means 3 is a joystick-shaped one which can swing in multiple directions, and is small enough to be operated by the thumb. It refers to things. As shown in FIG. 2, the image displayed on the display unit 2 can be scrolled up and down, left and right, and the like by operating the operation unit 3 in the directions of. Note that, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, the operation unit 3 may be provided on the side of the housing adjacent to the screen display unit 2 as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the operating means 3 may be provided at a position where the thumb is located on the side of the housing when the information terminal is held with one hand.

As the operation means 4, for example, a small stick-shaped one that can swing in multiple directions, a button-shaped one that can operate up, down, left, and right independently can be used.

The function of the operation means 4 may be performed in combination with the function of the operation means 3.
In this embodiment, the mounting position of the operation means 4 is on the surface where the display unit 2 is located. in this way,
By providing the operation means 4, the operation means 3 on the side of the housing can be provided.
Can be integrated with the operation functions of the, and various operations can be performed on the screen display on the display.

Next, the internal structure of the portable information terminal 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG.
1 is a block diagram illustrating an internal structure of the information terminal 1 according to the embodiment. Specifically, as shown in the figure, the information terminal 1 according to the present embodiment has a CPU 21, a display unit 2, a memory 22, and a recording device 23.

The display section 2 is a screen display means provided on the front surface of the housing, and corresponds to, for example, a liquid crystal screen, a display screen of a pocket type personal computer or a PDA. Specifically, the display unit 2 displays image data input from the CPU 21 on the display unit 2. This display unit 2
In 2D, images can be displayed two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally. For example, map information, a schedule,
It can be displayed three-dimensionally or three-dimensionally.
When the portable information terminal 1 is connected to the Internet, the Internet information can be displayed on the display unit 2.

The memory 22 stores programs (instructions) and data and supplies them to the CPU. Specifically, the memory 22 temporarily stores information processed by the CPU 21 and sequentially supplies data and the like to the CPU 21.

The storage device 23 stores information and includes, for example, a hard disk, a server, a CD-ROM, a magnetic disk, and an IC recording medium. In the present embodiment, the information stored in the storage device 23 includes, for example, map information, personal information, photograph information, and book information.

In the present embodiment, the CPU 21 has a detection unit 21a, a clock unit 21b, a command output unit 21c, and an image information generation unit 21d.

The detecting section 21a detects the swing of the operating means 3 and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the type of the detected swing. For example, the detecting means 21a continuously drives the operating means 3 in one direction in one direction.
When the operation is performed once or twice, a signal interlocked with the operation once or twice is detected by the detection unit 21a. The signal detected by the detection unit 21a includes a voltage pulse, a current pulse, a radio wave pulse, and the like.

For example, as an element for generating a signal to be detected by the detecting section 21a, there is a quartz crystal or the like.
Since the quartz crystal can generate a voltage by an external impact, a voltage pulse can be generated by tilting the operating means 3 in a specific direction to give an impact to the quartz crystal. The voltage pulse signal generated from the crystal is input to the detection unit 21a in the CPU 21. Then, the detection unit 21a detects the voltage pulse signal input from the quartz crystal, and outputs a detection signal indicating the detection to the timer unit 21b. In addition, the attachment position of the crystallite can be provided, for example, around the operation means 3.

The timer 21b acquires a detection signal and measures the time until the next detection signal is acquired.
For example, there are a timer and a pulse width measuring device. Specifically, when the timer 21b is a timer, the timer is operated when the first pulse signal is input to the timer, and then the timer is operated when the second pulse signal is input. Is completed, the time interval between the first and second pulse signals is measured, and the measured time interval is output to the command output unit 21c as a measured time signal. Further, for example, when the timer 21b is a pulse width measuring device, the first pulse signal is input to the pulse width measuring device, the width of both input pulses is measured, and the pulse width is measured. The corresponding time interval is output to the command output unit 21c as a measurement time signal.

When the next detection signal is detected within a predetermined time, the command output section 21c outputs a command signal corresponding to a combination of the previous detection signal and the next detection signal. Specifically, as a specific command signal output from the command output unit 21c to the image information generation unit 21d, if the time interval between the detection signals measured by the clock unit 21b is short,
When there is a command signal for reducing or enlarging the display screen, or when the screen display displayed on the display unit 2 is a selection screen display, there is a command signal for determining a part of the selection screen. As another specific command signal, for example, there is a command signal for scrolling the screen display if the time interval detected by the command output unit 21c is long.

The image information generation section 21d is for causing the screen display means to create data for expressing the image information three-dimensionally in conjunction with the swing of the operation means 3, and includes, for example, an image processing apparatus. Can be Specifically, the image information generation unit 2
In 1d, based on a command signal input from the command output unit 21c, coordinate data to be displayed on the display unit 2 is read from the storage device 23, and three-dimensional coordinate calculation is performed from the coordinate data to create image data. The generated image data is output to the display unit 2.

(Operation of Portable Information Terminal) The operation of the portable information terminal 1 having the above configuration can be performed according to the following procedure. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the operation of the information terminal according to the present embodiment.

First, a step (S31) of causing the operation means 3 to perform a specific operation is performed. Specifically, the portable information terminal 1
(For example, a mobile phone, a PDA, etc.) is held with one hand, and the thumb of the hand is put on the operation means 3 to swing the operation means 3.

Next, a step (S32) of detecting a specific operation of the operating means 3 by the detecting section 21a is performed. Specifically, the detection unit 21a detects a signal interlocked with the swing by the operation unit 3. For example, when the operation unit 3 is operated in the direction of, the detection unit 21a detects a current pulse or a voltage pulse due to the operation in the direction of. Then, a signal detected by the detection unit 21a is output to the clock unit 21b as a detection signal.

Then, a step (S33) of measuring the interval of the detection time by the timer 21b is performed. Specifically, when the operation unit 3 is tilted twice in a specific direction, the detection unit 21a detects a pulse signal caused by the operation unit 3 being tilted twice, and the detection unit 21a detects the pulse signal. Is output to the timer 21b as a detection signal. The timer 21b measures the interval between the two detection signals input from the detector 21a, and outputs a measurement time signal corresponding to the measurement time to the command output unit 21c.

Thereafter, a step (S34) of causing the command output section 21c to output a specific command signal is performed. Specifically, the command output unit 21c generates a specific command signal according to the measurement time signal input from the clock unit 21b, and outputs the generated command signal to the image information generation unit 21d.

Then, a step of creating image information (S35) is performed by the image generating section 21d, and finally a step of displaying an image on the display section 2 (S36) is performed. Specifically, the image information generation unit 21d reads coordinate data and the like from the recording device 23 in accordance with the command signal input from the command output unit 21c, creates an image based on the coordinate data, and creates the image. The image data is output to the display unit 2. Then, the display unit 2 displays the image data created by the image information generation unit 21d.

In this embodiment, in the step (S35) of creating image information in the image information generating section 21d, first, as shown in FIG. S41) is performed. Specifically, the image information generation unit 21d reads two-dimensional or three-dimensional coordinate data or the like to be displayed on the display unit 2 from the storage device 23 based on a command signal from the command output unit 21c. Next, a step (S42) of creating two-dimensional or three-dimensional three-dimensional structure data based on the coordinate data or the like is performed.

Specifically, based on the coordinate data and the like read from the storage device 23 by the image information section 21d, two-dimensional or three-dimensional
Create dimensional image data. Then, the instruction output unit 2
A step (S43) of transforming the two-dimensional or three-dimensional image data according to the command from 1c is performed. Specifically, when the command signal from the command output unit 21c input to the screen information generation unit 21d is a command signal for enlarging the screen, the two-dimensional or three-dimensional image data is enlarged. Is transformed into image data to be performed. Then, the transformed image data is output to the display unit 2,
The display unit 2 displays the deformed image data input from the image generation unit 21d.

FIG. 6 or FIG. 7 is a diagram in which the map information changes in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional direction in conjunction with the swing of the operation means 3 in FIG. It is shown.

In order to move the image displayed on the display unit 2, the user operates the operation means 3 protruding from the side of the housing of the portable information terminal 1 to operate the display unit 2.
Can be moved. Specifically, by oscillating the operation unit 3, the detection unit 21a detects a pulse signal interlocked with the oscillation of the operation unit 3, and uses the pulse signal as a detection signal as a detection signal.
Output to

Thereafter, in the time counting section 21b, the detecting section 21a
, And measures the time interval between the detection signals input from the CPU, and outputs the measurement time to the command output unit 21c as a measurement time signal. The command output unit 21c outputs a specific command signal to the image information generation unit 21d based on the measurement time signal input from the clock unit 21b. The image data is generated based on the instruction signal of (1) and output to the display unit 2. Finally, the display unit 2 moves the image as shown in FIG. 6 or 7 in multiple directions based on the image data input from the image information generation unit 21d.

That is, when the two-dimensional image displayed on the display unit 2 in the present embodiment is changed by the operation unit 3, it can be scrolled mainly in four directions as shown in FIG. For example, when the operation unit 3 shown in FIG. 2 is operated to the side, the image (for example, map information) displayed on the display unit 2 is scrolled in the 'direction in conjunction with the operation. When the operation unit 3 is operated to the side shown in FIG. 2 by the same operation, the image (for example, the map information) displayed on the display unit 2 is interlocked with the operation as shown in FIG. ) Scroll in the 'direction.

When the operating means 3 is operated to the side shown in FIG. 2 by the same operation, the display is displayed on the display unit 2 as shown in FIG. 6 in conjunction with the operation. Scroll the screen (for example, map information) in the 'direction. Further, when the operation unit 3 is operated to the side shown in FIG. 2 by the same operation, the screen (for example, the map) displayed on the display unit 2 is interlocked with the operation as shown in FIG. Information) in the 'direction.

Further, the two-dimensional screen display can be switched depending on the speed at which the operating means 3 is operated. Specifically, when the operation unit 3 is quickly and once tilted to the side shown in FIG. 2, the screen (for example, map information) displayed on the display unit 2 can be enlarged in conjunction with the operation. Yes (not shown). In the same operation, when the operating means 3 is quickly and once dropped to the side shown in FIG.
In conjunction with the operation, a screen (for example, map information) displayed on the display unit 2 can be reduced (not shown).

More specifically, a function of detecting the swing of the operating means 3 and outputting a detection signal corresponding to the time required for the detected swing is added to the detection unit 21a, and further, the detection signal is acquired. Then, a function of measuring the time required for the swing is added to the timer unit 21b. The operation of the mobile terminal 1 when the above functions are added can be realized by the following procedure.

First, when the operating unit 3 is tilted once in a specific direction, the detection unit 21a detects a pulse signal caused by the tilting of the operating unit 3 once, and the detection unit 21a detects the pulse signal. Is output to the timer 21b as a detection signal. Then, the timer unit 21b measures the interval of one detection signal input from the detection unit 21a, and outputs a measurement time signal corresponding to the measurement time to the command output unit 21c.

Thereafter, the instruction output unit 21c outputs the time
A specific command signal is generated according to the measurement time signal input from 1b, and the generated command signal is output to the image information generation unit 21d. Further, the image information generation unit 21
In d, coordinate data and the like are read from the recording device 23 in accordance with a command signal (for example, a signal for enlarging or reducing an image) input from the command output unit 21c, and an image is created. The output image data is output to the display unit 2. Finally, in the display unit 2,
The image data (for example, the image after the image is enlarged or reduced) created by the image information generation unit 21d is displayed.

As a result, the image displayed on the display unit 2 can be changed by quickly tilting the operation means 3 once in a specific direction.

Next, when an image displayed three-dimensionally on the display unit 2 in the present embodiment is scrolled by the operation means 3, the image is mainly scrolled in four directions as shown in FIG. be able to. For example, FIG.
When the operation means 3 is operated to the side shown in the inside, a three-dimensional image displayed on the display unit 2 (for example, map information is displayed as a bird's-eye image) as shown in FIG. Can be moved in the direction of "". By the same operation, the operation means 3 is moved to the side shown in FIG.
Is operated, the viewpoint can be moved in the “direction” of the three-dimensional image displayed on the display unit 2 in conjunction with the operation, as shown in FIG.

In a similar operation, when the operating means 3 is operated to the side shown in FIG. 2, in conjunction with the operation, for example, as shown in FIG. The viewpoint can be rotated in the direction of the three-dimensional image. Further, when the operation unit 3 is operated to the side shown in FIG. 2 by the same operation, as shown in FIG. In addition, the viewpoint can be rotated in the direction of the three-dimensional image displayed on the display unit 2.

Further, the three-dimensional screen display can be switched depending on the speed at which the operation means 3 is operated. Specifically, when the operation unit 3 is quickly and once tilted to the side shown in FIG. 2, the three-dimensional screen displayed on the display unit 2 can be zoomed in conjunction with the operation (see FIG. 2). Not shown). In the same operation, when the operating means 3 is quickly and once dropped to the side shown in FIG. 2, a three-dimensional screen (for example, map information) displayed on the display unit 2 in conjunction with the operation. Can be made wide-angle (not shown).

(Operation and Effect of Portable Information Terminal) According to such a portable information terminal according to the present embodiment, since the operating means is provided on the side surface of the housing adjacent to the screen display means, a stable supporting state is provided. Accordingly, the operation keys can be easily operated with one hand, and the convenience in operation can be greatly improved. Further, for example, when map information is displayed three-dimensionally on the screen of the mobile phone, the image can be three-dimensionally changed in conjunction with the swing of the operation means. The image information displayed three-dimensionally can be easily and quickly understood.

Further, when map information is displayed on the screen of the mobile phone, the timing at which the operation means 3 swings is changed under a certain rule, so that the screen is linked with the operation means 3. The display can be easily changed (for example, enlargement / reduction of the display screen).

(First Modification) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be modified as described below.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing the portable information terminal 1 according to this modification. As shown in the figure, the operation means 3a (3b) may be provided symmetrically on the side surface of the housing of the portable information terminal 1. Specifically, the operation means 3a (3b) both change the display of the image displayed on the display unit 2.

That is, various operation functions can be provided by combining the operations of both operation means 3a (3b). For example, when it is desired to scroll the location of the map information displayed on the display unit 2, The user scrolls by operating the operation unit 3a (for example, when the portable information terminal is held by the left hand, the operation is performed by the thumb of the left hand). On the other hand, when it is desired to greatly change the contents of the screen, such as by enlarging / reducing the contents of the screen or selecting a selection menu of the screen display, the user operates the operation means 3b (for example, holding the portable information terminal with the left hand). If this is the case, operate with your left index finger).

Further, the functions that can be operated by the operation means 3a (3b) can be changed according to the dominant hand when holding the portable information terminal. Specifically, the function performed by the operation unit 3a is changed to be performed by the operation unit 3b, and conversely,
The function performed by the operation unit 3b is changed to be performed by the operation unit 3a.

According to the portable information terminal according to the first modification, the operation performance can be further improved as compared with the case where there is only one operation means 3. In addition, since the function of the operation means 3a (b) can be changed by the handle of the portable information terminal 1, the operation can be made easier.

(Second Modification) FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a portable information terminal 1 according to a second modification. As shown in the figure, in addition to the block diagram of FIG. 3, a communication unit 24 that receives a GPS signal from a satellite and specifies the position information of the portable information terminal 1 may be provided.

The communication means 24 in the present modification is for acquiring the position information of the portable information terminal 1, for example, a GP.
There are S devices. Specifically, the communication unit 24 receives a GPS signal from a satellite, and specifies the position coordinates where the portable information terminal 1 is located based on the GPS signal. The mounting position of the GPS device can be provided, for example, near the antenna of the portable information terminal 1.

The operation of the portable information terminal 1 having the above configuration can be performed according to the following procedure. First, the communication unit 23 performs a step of acquiring the position information of the portable information terminal 1. Specifically, the communication means 24 receives a GPS signal or the like transmitted from a satellite, and causes a processing device in the communication means 24 to specify the position coordinates of the portable information terminal based on the received GPS signal. And the communication means 23
Causes the specific position coordinates to be output as position data to the image information generation unit 21d.

Next, a step of creating image data in the image information generating section 21d is performed. Specifically, based on the position data input from the communication unit 24, the image information generation unit 21d extracts peripheral coordinates corresponding to the position data from the storage device 24 and creates image data based on the peripheral coordinate data. Let it.

Thereafter, in the image information generating section 21d, when a command signal is input from the command output section 21d, a step of changing the image data is performed. Specifically, the image information generation unit 21d changes the image data created by the image information generation unit 21d based on the coordinates of the GPS signal based on a specific command signal input from the command output unit 21c. Finally, a step of displaying the image information created by the image information generation unit 21d on the display unit 2 is performed.

That is, when the person carrying the portable information terminal 1 is at Tokyo Station, the communication means 24 receives the GPS signal from the satellite, and sends the position data of the current position of the person to the image information generating section 21d. And output. Then, the image information generation unit 2
In 1d, two-dimensional or three-dimensional coordinate data around the Tokyo station is stored in the storage device 2 based on the position data of the Tokyo station.
Take out from 3 and create image data around Tokyo Station (image data around Tokyo Station viewed from directly above if it is two-dimensional, image data where Tokyo Station is looked down diagonally from above if it is three-dimensional) I do.

Thereafter, when a command signal is input from the command output unit 21c, the image information generation unit 21d changes two-dimensional or three-dimensional image data based on the command signal, and changes the two-dimensional or three-dimensional image data after the change. Display unit 2 for image data
Output to Then, the display unit 2 displays the image data around the Tokyo station created by the screen information generation unit 21d.

Thus, the presence of the communication means 24 allows the person holding the portable information terminal 1 to easily check the current position of the user through the communication means 24. Further, by operating the operation unit 3, the information on the current position of the user displayed on the display unit 2 can be changed two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally, so that the position information can be quickly and accurately grasped. it can.

(Third Modification) FIG. 10 shows a portable information terminal 1 according to a third modification. FIG. 10 (a)
A perspective view of the housing of the portable information terminal 1 according to the third modification, and FIG. 2B is a side view of the housing of the portable information terminal 1. Also,
FIG. 3C is an enlarged view of the periphery of the operation unit 3.

In this modified example, as shown in FIG.
A slide means 5 capable of moving the operation means 3 is provided on a side surface of the housing.

In this modification, the sliding means 5 is provided with a groove on the side surface of the housing adjacent to the screen display section so that the operating means 3 can be moved. For example, the slide means 5 has a hole on the side surface of the housing such that the operation means 3 can be moved, and the slide means 5 can move the operation means 3 within a range where the hole is formed.

The shape of the groove of the slide means 5 may be such that a groove is provided in parallel with the front surface of the housing, as shown in FIG. May be provided. Thereby, the position of the operation means 3 can be changed according to the size of each individual hand, so that the operability can be further improved.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7C, a stopper 6 may be provided on the slide means 5 in FIG. The stopper 6 fixes the position of the operating means 3 and enables the operating means 3 to be moved stepwise. The shape of the stopper portion 6 may be, for example, a triangular shape or a wavy shape. As a result, even if the slide means 6 is provided, the operation means 3 is always fixed, so that a more stable operation can be performed.

(Fourth Modification) In the above embodiment, a description is given of changing (enlarging / reducing, etc.) a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional manner by swinging the operation means 3. However, the present modified example is not limited to this, and a simple operation for easily operating the reproduction of the music data recorded on the mobile phone, the selection of the still image or the moving image, and the like with the operation unit 3. Means (not shown) can also be provided. This simple operation means enables the following modes.

Aspects of Playback of Music Data, etc. In the aspect of playback of music data, etc. in this modification, the portable information terminal 1 selects and plays back music data by operating the operating means 3 under certain rules. Can be.

Specifically, by oscillating the operating means 3, the detecting section 21a detects a pulse signal linked to the oscillating movement of the operating means 3 and sends the pulse signal as a detection signal to the timer section 21b. Output. After that, the timer 21
In b, a time interval between the detection signals input from the detection unit 21a (for example, a time interval when the operating means 3 is quickly tilted once in a certain direction or when the operating means 3 is continuously tilted in a certain direction)
Is measured, and the measurement time is output to the command output unit 21c as a measurement time signal.

Then, in the instruction output unit 21c, the clock unit 2
Based on the measurement time signal input from 1b, a specific command signal (for example, when the operating means 3 is quickly tilted once in a certain direction or when the operating means 3 is continuously tilted in a certain direction, reproduction and music selection are performed, respectively). Command signal to perform the output to a voice information generation unit (not shown).
The voice data is generated based on a specific command signal input from the command output unit 21c.

For example, the music information generation unit to which the reproduction command signal for reproducing the music is input from the command output unit 21c reads out the music data from the storage device 23 stored in advance and stores the data for reproduction. Generate. Also,
The music information generation unit to which the selection command signal for selecting the music data is input from the command output unit 21c is stored in the storage device 23.
Is read out, and music data corresponding to the selection command signal is selected.

Further, a signal for returning the music reproduced from the command output unit 21c (for example, a signal for reproducing the previous music or a signal for returning the music for a predetermined time) or the reproduced music. The music information generation unit to which a signal for advancing music (for example, a signal for reproducing the next song or a signal for advancing the song for a predetermined time) is input, and the music information generation unit stores the music stored in the storage device 23. The data is read, and music data for returning the music data to the previous music or proceeding to the next music is generated. Finally, an audio unit (not shown) reproduces music based on a specific signal from the music information generation unit.

Next, when reproducing the music data in the present modified example, the operation can be performed by operating the operation means 3 in a direction as shown in FIG.

Specifically, when the operating means 3 is quickly and once dropped to the side shown in FIG.
The previous music data can be selected. For example,
When the tune of the artist b is currently selected, the above operation enables the selection of the tune of the artist a existing before the tune. On the other hand, when the operating means 3 is quickly and once dropped to the side shown in FIG. 2, the next music data can be selected in conjunction with the operation. For example, if the song of the artist b is currently selected, the above operation can select the song of the artist c that exists next.

When the operating means 3 is quickly tilted to the side shown in FIG. 2 once, the music data selected immediately before is reproduced in conjunction with the operation. Further, when the operation means 3 is continuously depressed in the same direction, it is possible to return by a time interval during which the currently reproduced music is defeated. On the other hand, when the operating means 3 is quickly and once tilted to the side shown in FIG. 2, the music data selected next is reproduced in conjunction with the operation. If the operation means 3 is continuously depressed in the same direction, it is possible to advance by the time interval during which the currently reproduced song is defeated.

Thus, the user of the portable information terminal 1
Since the music data stored in the portable information terminal 1 can be played back using the operation means 3, the music data can be reproduced in a crowded space in a train during a commuting time in the early morning or in a situation where a user is walking. Even so, the operation can be performed more easily.

Display Mode of Still Image In the display mode of the still image in the present modification, the operation means 3
The still image can be selected and displayed on the display unit 2 by the swing of.

More specifically, when the operating means 3 is quickly moved down to the side shown in FIG. 2 once, the currently selected category (for example, sports, culture, , Economy, etc.). On the other hand, when the operating means 3 is quickly and once tilted to the side shown in FIG. 2, the next class after the currently selected class can be selected in conjunction with the operation.

When the operating means 3 is quickly moved down to the side shown in FIG. 2 once, an image before the currently selected classification can be displayed in conjunction with the operation. For example, if the category of sports is currently selected and the image belonging to the category is scenery of watching a baseball game, an image before the currently selected scenery image of watching a baseball game (for example, a baseball game) Scenery before the start) can be displayed. When the operation means 3 is continuously tilted in the same direction, the previous image (for example, e image → d image → c image → b image → a (Like an image).

When the operating means 3 is quickly moved down to the side shown in FIG. 2 once, the next image of the currently selected category can be displayed in conjunction with the operation. For example, if the category of sports is currently selected and the image belonging to the category is a scene of watching a baseball game, an image following the displayed image of the watching baseball game (for example, after the start of a baseball game) Scenery) can be displayed. When the operation unit 3 is continuously tilted in the same direction, the next image (for example, e image → f image → g image → h image →
i-image) can be displayed.

Display Mode of Moving Image In the display mode of the moving image in this modification, a still image can be selected and displayed on the display unit 2 by the swing of the operation means 3.

More specifically, when the operating means 3 is quickly tilted down to the side shown in FIG. 2 once, the currently selected category (for example, sports, culture, , Economy, etc.) can be selected. On the other hand, the operating means 3 is quickly moved to the side shown in FIG.
In the case of turning over, in conjunction with the operation, it is possible to select the next class after the currently selected class.

When the operating means 3 is quickly moved down to the side shown in FIG. 2 once, an image before the currently selected classification can be displayed in conjunction with the operation. For example, if the category of sports is currently selected and the moving image belonging to the category is a moving image of a baseball game, the moving image before the currently selected image (for example, When the moving image after the pitcher throws the ball is displayed, the moving image before the pitcher throws the ball, which is the state before that, can be displayed. When the operation means 3 is continuously tilted in the same direction, the previous moving image (for example, e moving image → d moving image → c moving image → (b moving image → a moving image) is displayed.

When the operating means 3 is quickly tilted once to the side shown in FIG. 2, the next moving image of the currently selected category can be displayed in conjunction with the operation. For example, if the category of sports is currently selected and the moving image belonging to the category is a moving image of a baseball game, the moving image next to the currently selected moving image (for example, In the case where a moving image after the pitcher throws the ball is displayed, a moving image when the batter hits the ball in a later state can be displayed. When the operation unit 3 is continuously tilted in the same direction, the next image (for example, e image → f image → g image → h image →
i) is displayed.

(Fifth Modification) The type of the timing of the operating means 3 (for example, when the operating means 3 is quickly tilted, when the operating means 3 is continuously tilted in a specific direction, or Timing setting means (not shown) for freely setting the number of times the operation means 3 is defeated) may be provided. For example, when the operation unit 3 is tilted in a specific direction for 1 second, a setting for enlarging the image displayed on the display unit 2 is made, or the operation unit 3 is tilted for 0.5 second. In such a case, a setting for reducing the image displayed on the display unit 2 can be made.

The operation of the portable terminal 1 when the above functions are added can be realized by the following procedure. First, an application for setting the timing type of the operation unit 3 is executed (not shown). Then, the type of timing of the operation means 3 is set according to the executed screen display. Until this setting is made, the timing information is temporarily stored in an internal memory (not shown) of the CPU 21.

After the timing information is determined using the operation means 3, the determined timing information is output from the internal memory to the command signal output section 21c. Thereafter, the command signal output unit 21c, to which the timing information is input from the internal memory, determines a specific command signal (for example, for enlarging / reducing an image) based on the timing information by the timing at which the operation unit 3 is swung. Signal).

Thus, the user of the portable terminal 1 can freely set the timing at which the operation unit 3 is tilted, so that the image display and the like can be appropriately changed according to his / her own operational feeling.

[0091]

As described above, according to the portable information terminal 1 of the present invention, map information and the like can be operated comfortably with one hand without sacrificing operability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a portable information terminal 1 according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a swing range of an operation unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the portable information terminal 1 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the portable information terminal 1 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a screen information generation unit in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a two-dimensional screen display on a display unit in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a three-dimensional screen display on a display unit in the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a structural diagram showing a structure of a portable information terminal 1 according to a first modification.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing communication means in a second modification.

FIG. 10 is a structural diagram showing a structure of a portable information terminal 1 according to a third modification.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Portable information terminal 2 ... Display part 3 ... Operating means 4 ... Operating means 5 ... Sliding means 6 ... Stopper part 21 ... CPU 21a / Detection part 21b / Timekeeping part 21c -Command output unit 21d-Image information generation unit 22-Memory 23-Storage device 24-Communication means

Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) H04M 1/725 G06F 1/00 312G 312U F term (reference) 5B019 BA03 DB10 HD20 5B087 AA09 AB02 AE09 BC02 BC28 CC02 DD12 DE06 5E501 AA04 AA23 AB03 AC03 CB01 CB03 CB04 FA27 FB04 FB22 FB24 FB32 5K023 AA07 BB11 GG03 GG12 HH06 5K027 AA11 BB02 FF22

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An information terminal device having a screen display means on a front surface of a case, comprising: an operation means projecting from a side surface of the case adjacent to the screen display portion so as to be swingable in multiple directions. Mobile information terminal. 2. The portable information according to claim 1, wherein said screen display means has an image information generating section for three-dimensionally expressing image information in conjunction with the swing of said operation means. Terminal. 3. A detecting unit for detecting a swing of the operating means and outputting a detection signal according to a type of the detected swing, and a time until the detection signal is obtained and a next detection signal is obtained. And a command output unit that outputs a command signal according to a combination of the previous detection signal and the next detection signal when the next detection signal is acquired within a predetermined time. The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein: 4. A detecting unit for detecting a swing of the operating means and outputting a detection signal corresponding to a time required for the detected swing, acquiring the detection signal, and determining a time required for the swing. 3. The portable information terminal according to claim 1, further comprising: a timing unit for measuring, and a command output unit for outputting a command signal according to a length of time required for the swing. .