JP2016018334A - Input operation support tool, input operation support system, and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To start an application capable of using physical keys for supporting an input operation to a touch panel by portable terminal equipment, and to make the physical keys available.SOLUTION: An input operation support tool having physical keys for supporting an input operation to the touch panel of portable terminal equipment includes an information storage part for storing application information corresponding to an application to be started by the portable terminal equipment. The physical keys are arranged at a position corresponding to an input detection area allocated as an area for detecting the input operation by the application started by the portable terminal equipment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a technical field such as an input operation assisting tool that assists an input operation on a touch panel in a mobile terminal device.

  Mobile terminal devices equipped with a touch panel, such as smartphones and tablet PCs (personal computers), are spreading. In an apparatus having a touch panel, an input operation is generally performed via a software keyboard displayed on the touch panel instead of a physical key. However, since the software keyboard is flat and has no irregularities like physical keys, there is a problem that it is difficult for the user to properly operate the target key. In particular, since the input area of the software keyboard in the portable terminal device is narrow, this problem becomes remarkable.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a physical key is provided on a protective cover that is openably and closably attached to a touch panel so as to cover the touch panel provided on the mobile terminal device. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which a physical key is provided on a cover that is detachably provided on a touch panel. Each of these technologies is a technology in which physical keys are arranged at positions corresponding to the keys of the software keyboard displayed on the touch panel.

JP-A-8-297639 JP-A-2005-174114

  However, the display position of the software keyboard on the touch panel depends on an application program (hereinafter referred to as “application”), and the display position differs for each application. Therefore, depending on the application, the physical keys described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are used. The problem of being unable to do so arises.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an application that can use a physical key that assists an input operation on the touch panel can be activated on the mobile terminal device, and the physical key can be used. It is an object to provide an input operation assisting tool or the like.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 1 is an input operation assisting tool that is attached to a mobile terminal device and assists a user's input operation to the touch panel of the mobile terminal device, and An information storage unit for storing application information corresponding to an application activated by the terminal device, and an arrangement corresponding to an input detection area allocated as an area for detecting the input operation by the application activated by the portable terminal device And a physical key that comes into contact with the input detection area by a pressing operation by a user.

  According to the invention, the application activated by the mobile terminal device can be associated with the input operation assisting tool, and therefore, when the mobile terminal device activates the application, the physical key can be used in the application.

  The invention according to claim 2 is an input operation assisting tool that is attached to a portable terminal device and assists a user's input operation to the touch panel of the portable terminal device, and the portable terminal device obtains an application. An information storage unit for storing application information for performing the operation, and a pressing operation performed by the user, which is disposed at a position corresponding to an input detection area assigned as an area for detecting the input operation by the application obtained based on the application information And a physical key that contacts the input detection area.

  According to the invention, the application activated by the mobile terminal device can be associated with the input operation assisting tool, and therefore, when the mobile terminal device activates the application, the physical key can be used in the application.

  The invention according to claim 3 is an input operation assisting tool that is attached to a mobile terminal device and assists a user's input operation to the touch panel of the mobile terminal device, and the mobile terminal device starts an application. An information storage unit for storing application information for communication, communication means for transmitting application information stored in the information storage unit to the mobile terminal device when attached to the mobile terminal device, and based on the application information A physical key arranged at a position corresponding to an input detection area assigned as an area for detecting the input operation by the activated application and touching the input detection area by a pressing operation by a user. .

  According to the present invention, the application information is information for starting an application that can use a physical key that assists an input operation on the touch panel, so that when the mobile terminal device starts the application, the application information A physical key can be used.

  Furthermore, the invention according to claim 4 is the input operation assisting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the application information is download source information for specifying a download source of the application. It is characterized by being.

  According to the invention, the mobile terminal device can download an application that can use the physical key that assists the input operation on the touch panel from the download source based on the application information.

  Further, the invention according to claim 5 is the input operation assisting tool according to claim 4, wherein the download source is configured to download an application selected by a user from a plurality of types of the applications. It is characterized by.

  According to the invention, the mobile terminal device can download the application selected by the user, and the user can use the physical key in the application selected by the user.

  Further, the invention according to claim 6 is the input operation assisting tool according to claim 3, wherein the communication means detects when a saving operation by the user is detected in the portable terminal device during the activation of the application. In addition, a storage data storage unit that receives storage data of the application from the mobile terminal device and stores the storage data received by the communication unit is further provided.

  According to the invention, the user can store the saved data of the application in the input operation auxiliary tool by performing the save operation while the application is running. Even when the mobile terminal device is replaced, the saved data of the application used in one mobile terminal device can be used in another mobile terminal device.

  Furthermore, the invention according to claim 7 is an input operation assisting tool that is attached to the mobile terminal device and assists the user's input operation to the touch panel of the mobile terminal device, and is activated by the mobile terminal device. An information storage unit that stores an application, a communication unit that transmits an application stored in the information storage unit to the mobile terminal device when attached to the mobile terminal device, and an application started by the mobile terminal device A physical key disposed at a position corresponding to an input detection area assigned as an area for detecting the input operation, and touching the input detection area by a pressing operation by a user.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to download an application in which the portable terminal device can use the physical key for assisting the input operation on the touch panel directly from the input operation assisting tool.

  Furthermore, the invention according to claim 8 is an input operation assist that includes a mobile terminal device and an input operation assisting tool that is attached to the mobile terminal device and assists the user's input operation to the touch panel of the mobile terminal device. The input operation assisting tool is an information storage unit that stores application information corresponding to an application activated by the portable terminal device, and detects the input operation by the application activated by the portable terminal device. A physical key that is arranged at a position corresponding to the input detection area allocated as the area to be touched and touches the input detection area by a pressing operation by a user, and the mobile terminal device receives the application information from the input operation assisting tool. Based on the application information received by the receiving means and the receiving means Characterized by and a starting means for starting the application.

  Furthermore, the invention according to claim 9 is an input operation assisting device including a mobile terminal device and an input operation assisting tool that is attached to the mobile terminal device and assists the user's input operation to the touch panel of the mobile terminal device. An information processing method by a system, an information storage unit that stores application information corresponding to an application activated by the mobile terminal device, and an area for detecting the input operation by the application activated by the mobile terminal device Communication that is arranged at a position corresponding to an input detection area to be allocated and includes a physical key that comes into contact with the input detection area by a pressing operation by a user, and transmits the application information to the mobile terminal device And the portable terminal device receives the application from the input operation assisting tool. A reception step of receiving ® down information, the portable terminal device, based on the application information received in the reception step, characterized in that it comprises a and a startup step of starting the application.

  Furthermore, the invention according to claim 10 includes an input operation assisting device including a mobile terminal device and an input operation assisting tool that is attached to the mobile terminal device and assists the user's input operation to the touch panel of the mobile terminal device. The input operation assisting tool detects an input operation by an information storage unit that stores application information for the mobile terminal device to obtain an application, and the application obtained based on the application information. A physical key that is arranged at a position corresponding to the input detection area allocated as the area to be touched and touches the input detection area by a pressing operation by a user, and the mobile terminal device receives the application information from the input operation assisting tool. Receiving means for receiving the application information received by the receiving means. And activation means for activating the application, obtained by Zui, characterized in that it comprises a.

  Furthermore, the invention described in claim 11 is an input operation assisting device including a mobile terminal device and an input operation assisting tool that is attached to the mobile terminal device and assists the user's input operation to the touch panel of the mobile terminal device. An information processing method according to a system, wherein the portable terminal device stores an application information for obtaining an application, and an area for detecting the input operation by the application obtained based on the application information Communication that is arranged at a position corresponding to an input detection area to be allocated and includes a physical key that comes into contact with the input detection area by a pressing operation by a user, and transmits the application information to the mobile terminal device And the portable terminal device receives the input from the input operation assisting tool. A reception step of receiving application information, the mobile terminal device, characterized in that it comprises a and a startup step of starting the application obtained on the basis of the application information received in the reception step.

  Furthermore, the invention according to claim 12 is an input operation assisting device including a mobile terminal device and an input operation assisting tool that is attached to the mobile terminal device and assists the user's input operation to the touch panel of the mobile terminal device. In the system, the input operation assisting tool stores an information storage unit that stores application information for the mobile terminal device to activate an application, and the information storage unit stores the information when the mobile terminal device is attached to the mobile terminal device. Communication means for transmitting application information to the mobile terminal device, and a press by the user, which is arranged at a position corresponding to an input detection area assigned as an area for detecting the input operation by the application activated based on the application information A physical key that contacts the input detection area by an operation, and the portable terminal device A receiving means for receiving the application information from the input operation aid, based on the application information received by the receiving device, characterized in that it comprises a starting means for starting the application.

  According to the present invention, the application information is information for starting an application that can use a physical key that assists an input operation on the touch panel, so that when the mobile terminal device starts the application, the application information A physical key can be used.

  Furthermore, the invention described in claim 13 is the input operation assisting system according to claim 12, wherein the application information is download source information for specifying a download source of the application, and the download source is The application selected by the user from a plurality of types of applications is configured to be downloadable, the receiving means further receives the application selected by the user from the download source, and the starting means An application received by the receiving means is activated.

  According to the invention, the mobile terminal device can download and activate the application selected by the user, and the user can use the physical key in the application selected by the user.

  Furthermore, the invention according to claim 14 is the input operation assisting system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the portable terminal device detects a save operation by a user during activation of the application. A storage data transmitting means for transmitting the storage data of the application to the input operation assisting tool; the communication means receiving the storage data transmitted from the storage data transmitting means; The storage device may further include a storage data storage unit that stores storage data received by the communication unit.

  According to the invention, the user can store the saved data of the application in the input operation auxiliary tool by performing the save operation while the application is running. Even when the mobile terminal device is replaced, the saved data of the application used in one mobile terminal device can be used in another mobile terminal device.

  Furthermore, the invention according to claim 15 is an input operation assisting device including a mobile terminal device and an input operation assisting tool that is attached to the mobile terminal device and assists the user's input operation to the touch panel of the mobile terminal device. An information processing method according to a system, wherein the portable terminal device stores an application information for starting an application, and an area for detecting the input operation by the application started based on the application information When the input operation assisting tool, which is disposed at a position corresponding to the assigned input detection area and includes a physical key that comes into contact with the input detection area by a pressing operation by a user, is attached to the portable terminal device, the information A communication step of transmitting application information stored in the storage unit to the mobile terminal device; A receiving step in which the portable terminal device receives the application information from the input operation assisting tool; and an activation step in which the portable terminal device starts up the application based on the application information received in the receiving step. It is characterized by including.

  According to the present invention, the application information is information for starting an application that can use a physical key that assists an input operation on the touch panel, so that when the mobile terminal device starts the application, the application information A physical key can be used.

  According to the present invention, since the application activated by the mobile terminal device can be associated with the input operation assisting tool, the physical key can be used in the application when the mobile terminal device activates the application.

It is a perspective view of protective cover 1 and smart phone 2 in this embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of composition of IC tag 11 in this embodiment. It is a cross-sectional enlarged view of the physical key panel 13 in a state where the protective cover 1 is attached to the smartphone 2 in the present embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the smart phone 2 in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the input system in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the Example when the special application in this embodiment is a calculator application. It is a figure which shows the Example when the special application in this embodiment is a calculator application. It is a figure which shows the Example when the special application in this embodiment is a calculator application. It is a figure which shows the Example when the special application in this embodiment is a game application.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, embodiment described below is embodiment at the time of applying this invention to the input system containing the smart phone which is an example of a portable terminal device, and the protective cover of the said smart phone.

[1. Overview of input system]
The outline of the input system S will be described with reference to FIG. The protective cover 1 is detachably attached to the smartphone 2 having the touch panel 24. The IC tag 11 of the protective cover 1 stores a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicating the download source of the application. When the protective cover 1 is attached to the smartphone 2, the smartphone 2 having a short-range wireless communication function is attached. A URL is sent. Upon receiving the URL, the smartphone 2 accesses a download source server device (not shown) based on the URL, downloads the application, and activates it. The protective cover 1 includes a physical key 12 and a physical key panel 13 in which a plurality of physical keys 12 are arranged. When the physical key 12 is pressed by the user, the physical key 12 contacts the touch panel 24. The user's operation is input to the smartphone 2. It should be noted that an input to which area on the touch panel 24 activates which function depends on the application, but an application that is downloaded and activated based on the URL stored in the IC tag 11 of the protective cover 1 (Hereinafter referred to as “special application”) detects an input to a position where each physical key 12 is pressed and touched as an input for operating a function associated with the physical key 12. Thus, the user can input to the special application using the physical key 12.

[2. Configuration of protective cover 1]
As shown in FIG. 2, the IC tag 11 includes a control unit 111, a storage unit 112, and a communication unit 113. The storage unit 112 stores a URL indicating a download source of an application that can be input with the physical key 12. The communication unit 113 performs short-range wireless communication with the smartphone 2 when the protective cover 1 is attached to the smartphone 2. When the control unit 111 detects that the protective cover 1 is attached to the smartphone 2 and short-range wireless communication with the smartphone 2 is possible, the control unit 111 transmits the URL stored in the storage unit 112 via the communication unit 113 to the smartphone 2. Send to. The IC tag 11 is provided at least at a position where short distance wireless communication with the smartphone 2 is possible when the protective cover 1 is attached to the smartphone 2. When the attachment position of the short-range wireless communication unit (or inductive read / write communication equipment) of the smartphone 2 to which the protective cover 1 is attached is known in advance, the IC tag 11 is provided at a position corresponding to the attachment position. Is preferred.

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a cross section of the physical key panel 13 in a state where the protective cover 1 is attached to the smartphone 2. The physical key 12 is provided between the key top portion 121 pressed by the user, the pusher portion 122 that is formed smaller than the key top portion 121 and contacts the touch panel 24 when the key top portion 121 is pressed. And a spring 123 to be formed. The pusher portion 122 is formed of a conductive material such as conductive silicon, and the touch panel 24 detects an input by detecting a change in potential of a portion in contact with the pusher portion 122. As a result, the user can make an input while confirming the feel of the physical key 12 (key top portion 121), compared with the case where the user directly touches the touch panel 24 for input, thereby preventing erroneous input.

[3. Configuration of smartphone 2]
Next, the configuration of the smartphone 2 will be described with reference to FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the smartphone 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, a touch panel 24, a button operation unit 25, and a short-range wireless communication unit 26.

  The storage unit 22 includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and stores various programs such as an operating system and application programs. For example, the various programs may be acquired from another server device or the like via a network, or may be recorded on a recording medium and read via an external drive device. The storage unit 22 of the present embodiment stores a special application downloaded from the server device accessed based on the URL received from the protective cover 1. The special application performs an operation corresponding to an area where the physical key 12 is pressed (an area where an input is detected) with at least an area on the touch panel 24 corresponding to each physical key 12 as an input detection area.

  The communication unit 23 controls communication with other server devices and the like via a network.

  The touch panel 24 includes, for example, a capacitive touch panel and a display device, and functions as an input device and a display device. When the pusher portion 122 formed of a conductive member comes into contact with the touch panel 24, the touch panel 24 captures a change in capacitance and specifies the position where the pusher portion 122 is in contact. Then, the touch panel 24 transmits a detection position signal indicating the position where the pusher unit 122 is in contact to the control unit 21.

  When the user presses the button operation unit 25, a button press signal is transmitted to the control unit 21, and for example, the screen displayed by the display device is closed. That is, the user can input information to the smartphone 2 by an input operation on the touch panel 24 and the button operation unit 25.

  The control unit 21 includes a CPU, a RAM, and the like. The CPU implements various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 22. In addition, when the detection position signal is input from the touch panel 24, the control unit 21 performs processing according to the detection position indicated by the detection position signal in accordance with the activated application.

  The short-range wireless communication unit 26 includes an antenna, a rectifier circuit, a demodulation circuit, a modulation circuit, a storage unit, and the like. The rectifier circuit rectifies the antenna input from alternating current to direct current. The demodulation circuit demodulates a command or data superimposed on a carrier wave input from a non-contact communication device such as the IC tag 11 into digital data. In the present embodiment, the URL transmitted from the IC tag 11 is also included as demodulated data. On the other hand, the modulation circuit superimposes commands and data to be transmitted to the contactless communication device on the carrier wave. The storage unit in the short-range wireless communication unit 26 stores an ID unique to the short-range wireless communication unit 26 and a value indicating the amount of monetary value (so-called electronic money).

[4. Operation of input system S]
Next, the operation of the input system S including the protective cover 1 and the smartphone 2 will be described using FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the input system S, which starts when the protective cover 1 is attached to the smartphone 2.

  When the protective cover 1 is attached to the smartphone 2, the IC tag 11 receives a signal for reading the URL recorded in the storage unit 112 from the short-range wireless communication unit 26 of the smartphone 2. The control unit 111 of the IC tag 11 interprets the signal received from the smartphone 2, and transmits the URL stored in the storage unit 112 to the smartphone 2 via the communication unit 113 (step S1).

  When receiving the URL from the IC tag 11 of the protective cover 1 (Step S11), the control unit 21 of the smartphone 2 accesses the server device from which the special application is downloaded based on the received URL (Step S12). At this time, the control unit 21 causes the touch panel 24 to display a message indicating whether the special application may be downloaded by accessing the server device, and the user downloads the special application based on the URL. It is good also as performing the process of step S12 only when permission operation which permits is performed. Next, when downloading the special application from the server device, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the special application has already been downloaded (step S13). Specifically, the control unit 21 refers to a download history (a history of downloaded applications is stored in the storage unit 22), a special application is stored in the storage unit 12, or has been installed. It is determined whether the special application has already been downloaded. However, if the special application is deleted even if the special application has already been downloaded, it is determined that the special application has not been downloaded.

  The storage unit 112 of the protective cover 1 stores a cover ID for identifying the protective cover 1, and the control unit 111 of the protective cover 1 transmits the cover ID to the smartphone 2 together with the URL. The control unit 21 is configured to store the special application downloaded based on the received URL and the received cover ID in the storage unit 12 in association with each other, and the control unit 21 has the protective cover 1 attached to the smartphone 2, Whether or not the special application has been downloaded depending on whether or not the special application associated with the cover ID is stored in the storage unit 12 when the URL and the cover ID are received from the protective cover 1 May be determined.

  When it is determined that the special application has been downloaded (step S13: YES), the control unit 21 activates the special application (step S15) and ends the process shown in the flowchart. When activating the special application, the control unit 21 may display a message on the touch panel 24 as to whether or not the special application may be activated, and activate the special application only when the user performs a permission operation to permit the special application. Good. As described above, when the special application and the cover ID are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 12, the control unit 21 downloads the special application corresponding to the cover ID received from the protective cover 1. If it is determined that the application has been completed, the special application corresponding to the cover ID can be started immediately. On the other hand, when it is determined that the special application has not been downloaded (step S13: NO), the control unit 21 downloads the special application from the server device (step S14) and starts the special application (step S15). Then, the process shown in the flowchart is terminated.

[5. Example]
Next, an embodiment of the input system S will be described with reference to FIGS.

[5.1. Example 1]
First, an embodiment when the special application is a calculator application will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, physical keys 12 simulating a calculator are arranged on the physical key panel 13 of the protective cover 1 according to the first embodiment. Numbers and symbols are drawn on the key top portion 121 of the physical key 12, and when the physical key 12 is pressed while the calculator application is activated, the control unit 21 of the smartphone 2 inputs the physical key 12 pressed. By detecting the position, the user's operation content is discriminated, and the calculation display unit 241 displays and the calculation based on the input numerical value is performed. For example, when the physical key 12 drawn “1” is pressed, “1” is displayed on the calculation display unit 241, then the physical key 12 drawn “+”, and the physical key drawn “2”. When the physical key 12 drawn with the key 12, “=” is sequentially pressed, “1 + 2 =” is displayed on the calculation display unit 241 and “1 + 2 =” is calculated, and the calculation result “3” is displayed. Is displayed.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, it is good also as forming the physical key 12 with a transparent thru | or translucent transparent member so that the symbol etc. which are displayed on the touch panel 24 can be visually recognized. In this case, the control unit 21 of the smartphone 2 displays the numbers and symbols drawn on the key top unit 121 of the physical key 12 in FIG. 6 at positions corresponding to the physical keys 12 on the touch panel 24. Thereby, the user can perform an input operation based on the numbers and symbols that can be seen through the physical key 12. In addition, since it is not necessary to draw numbers and symbols on the key top portion 121, the production cost of the protective cover 1 can be suppressed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 21 displays, for example, “F” at a position corresponding to a part of the physical keys 12F on the touch panel 24, and detects a pressing operation on the physical keys 12F. As shown in FIG. 4, at least some symbols displayed at the positions corresponding to the physical keys 12 may be displayed by switching to other symbols. At this time, the control unit 21 switches the display on the touch panel 24 every time the physical key 12F is pressed. Accordingly, both the key arrangement shown in FIG. 7 and the key arrangement shown in FIG. 8 can be provided to the user, and a plurality of functions can be assigned to a limited number of physical keys 12. Note that the control unit 21 performs an operation corresponding to a number or a symbol displayed when a pressing operation is performed on the physical key 12 to which a different function is assigned as the display is switched.

[5.2. Example 2]
Next, an embodiment when the special application is a game application will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, physical keys 12 simulating a controller unit of a game machine are arranged on the physical key panel 13 of the protective cover 1 of the second embodiment. In the game application, an area that is not covered with the physical key panel 13 on the touch panel 24 is set as a content display area, and game content is displayed. The control part 21 of the smart phone 2 detects the operation content with respect to the physical key 12, and controls the display of a content display area according to the operation content.

  As described above, the protective cover 1 of the present embodiment is an input operation assisting tool that is attached to the smartphone 2 (an example of a “portable terminal device”) and assists the user's input operation to the touch panel 24 of the smartphone 2. The storage unit 112 (an example of “information storage unit”) of the IC tag 11 is a URL (an example of “application information”) for starting a special application (an example of “application”) that is activated by the smartphone 2. The control unit 111 (an example of “communication means”) of the IC tag 11 transmits the URL stored in the storage unit 112 to the smartphone 2 when attached to the smartphone 2, and the physical key 12 is stored in the URL. Corresponding to the input detection area assigned as an area to detect input operations by a special application started based on It is disposed at a position to contact the input detection area by pressing operation of the user.

  Therefore, according to the protective cover 1 of the present embodiment, when the smartphone 2 activates the special application, the user can use the physical key 12 in the special application.

  Further, as described above, when the smartphone 2 is configured to receive the cover ID together with the URL from the protective cover 1, the protective cover 1 includes the storage unit 112 (an example of the “information storage unit”) of the IC tag 11. 2 stores a cover ID (an example of “application information”) corresponding to a special application activated by 2 (an example of “application”), and the physical key 12 detects an input operation by the special application activated by the smartphone 2. It is arranged at a position corresponding to the input detection area assigned as the area, and touches the input detection area by a pressing operation by the user. In this case, since the special application activated by the smartphone 2 and the protective cover 1 can be associated with each other, the physical key 12 can be used in the special application when the smartphone 2 activates the special application.

[6. Modified example]
Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described. Note that the modifications described below can be combined as appropriate.

[6.1. Select application on download page]
In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 21 of the smartphone 2 is configured to access the download source server device based on the URL received from the protective cover 1 and receive the special application. A download page that can download a special application selected by the user from among the special applications may be prepared in the server device, and the URL of the download page may be stored in the storage unit 112 of the IC tag 11.

  In the present modification, the control unit 21 of the smartphone 2 accesses the download page based on the URL received from the IC tag 11, and uses the physical key panel 13 of the touch panel 24 to download a download page from which a plurality of types of special applications can be selected. Display in an uncovered area. The download page displays a description of each special application, evaluation of other users, a download button, etc., and the user can download the special application to the smartphone 2 by selecting a download button corresponding to the special application that the user wants to use. Configure as follows. The control unit 21 downloads and starts a special application selected by the user from the download page.

  According to this modification, the arrangement of the physical keys 12 on the physical key panel 13 can be various, and the user can use a special suitable for the arrangement of the physical keys 12 of the protective cover 1 attached to the smartphone 2. The application can be selected on the download page. Specifically, the special application suitable for the arrangement of the physical keys 12 is an area in which content is displayed at a position not covered by the physical key panel 13 and an input operation is detected at a position corresponding to each physical key 12. It is a special application. The storage unit 112 of the IC tag 11 preferably stores the URL of a download page on which only a special application suitable for the arrangement of the physical keys 12 of the protective cover 1 to which the IC tag 11 is attached is stored. It is. By doing so, the user can download and use an application suitable for the arrangement of the physical keys 12 regardless of which of the special applications listed on the download page is selected.

[6.2. Special application memorized in protective cover 1]
In the above embodiment, the URL of the download source of the special application is stored in the storage unit 112 of the IC tag 11. However, when the special application is stored in the protective cover 1 and the protective case 1 is attached to the smartphone 2. The special application may be transmitted. At this time, when the smartphone 2 receives the special application, it activates the special application. Specifically, since the data capacity of the special application is generally large and the special application cannot be stored in the IC tag 11, the same control unit, short-range wireless communication unit, and storage unit as the IC tag 11 are provided. An application distribution device is provided in the protective cover 1 and a special application is stored in the storage unit.

  In this modification, when receiving the special application from the application distribution device, the control unit 21 of the smartphone 2 stores the special application in the storage unit 22 and activates the special application. When the control unit 21 receives the special application and determines that the special application has already been received, the control unit 21 immediately starts the special application.

  According to this modification, even if the smartphone 2 cannot connect to another server device via the network and cannot download the special application from the server device, the special application can be used. it can.

  In addition, it is good also as providing the save function which memorize | stores the data used by the special application in the memory | storage part of an application delivery apparatus. Specifically, the control unit 21 (an example of “save data transmission unit”) of the smartphone 2 detects a predetermined save operation (an example of “save operation”) by the user while the special application is activated. The saved data of the special application at that time is transmitted to the application distribution device. On the other hand, the control unit of the application distribution device stores the storage data received from the smartphone 2 in the storage unit of the application distribution device (an example of a “storage data storage unit”). Then, when the protective cover 1 is removed from the smartphone 2 and attached to the same smartphone 2 again, the control unit of the application distribution device acquires saved data from the storage unit of the application distribution device, and It transmits with respect to the smart phone 2 via a near field communication part. When receiving the saved data from the application distribution device, the control unit 21 of the smartphone 2 activates the special application, reads the saved data, and displays the saved data on the touch panel 24. As a result, the user can resume using the special application from the point when the save operation is performed. Further, when the protective cover 1 is removed from the smartphone 2 and attached to another smartphone 2 in which the special application is not stored (not installed), the control unit of the application distribution device stores the storage of the application distribution device. It is good also as a structure which acquires a special application and preservation | save data from a part, and transmits with respect to the smart phone 2 via the near field communication part of an application delivery apparatus. When receiving the special application and saved data from the application distribution device, the control unit 21 of the smartphone 2 activates the special application, reads the saved data, and displays the saved data on the touch panel 24. Thereby, the user can resume the use of the special application used in one smartphone 2 by using the data at the time when the other smartphone 2 performs the save operation on the one smartphone 2.

[6.3. When there are multiple types of applications on the smartphone 2]
When a plurality of types of applications are stored in the storage unit 22 of the smartphone 2, the control unit 21 of the smartphone 2 stores each application stored in the storage unit 22 of the smartphone 2 when the protective cover 1 is attached. A list may be displayed, and a user may select an application to be used using the protective cover 1 (an application suitable for use using the protective cover 1) from the application list. At this time, the control unit 21 activates the application selected by the user from the application list.

  Further, as described above, if the smartphone 2 is configured to receive the cover ID together with the URL from the protective cover 1, the control unit 21 is an application configured only by the special application associated with the cover ID. A list may be displayed, and the user may select a special application to be used from the application list using the protective cover 1. At this time, the control unit 21 activates the special application selected from the application list by the user. In this case, since only the special application is displayed in the application list, the user is suitable for using the protective cover 1 (that is, the special application) and using the protective cover 1. Since it is not necessary to select a special application after discriminating no application, the burden on the user can be reduced.

[6.4. Mobile terminal device other than smartphone 2]
In the above embodiment, the case where the mobile terminal device is the smartphone 2 has been described. However, other than the smartphone 2, a mobile phone having a touch panel, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet PC, a car navigation system, a remote controller, a digital camera, and the like. The present invention can also be applied.

[6.5. Near field communication]
As a short-range wireless communication method, a communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be employed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Protective cover 11 IC tag 12 Physical key 13 Physical key panel 2 Smartphone 21 Control part 22 Storage part 23 Communication part 24 Touch panel 25 Button operation part 26 Short-range wireless communication part

Claims (15)

An input operation assisting tool that is attached to a mobile terminal device and assists a user's input operation to the touch panel of the mobile terminal device,
An information storage unit for storing application information corresponding to an application activated by the mobile terminal device;
A physical key that is arranged at a position corresponding to an input detection area assigned as an area for detecting the input operation by the application started by the mobile terminal device, and touches the input detection area by a pressing operation by a user;
An input operation assisting tool comprising: An input operation assisting tool that is attached to a mobile terminal device and assists a user's input operation to the touch panel of the mobile terminal device,
An information storage unit for storing application information for the mobile terminal device to obtain an application;
A physical key arranged at a position corresponding to an input detection area assigned as an area for detecting the input operation by the application obtained based on the application information, and touching the input detection area by a pressing operation by a user;
An input operation assisting tool comprising: An input operation assisting tool that is attached to a mobile terminal device and assists a user's input operation to the touch panel of the mobile terminal device,
An information storage unit for storing application information for the mobile terminal device to start an application;
Communication means for transmitting application information stored in the information storage unit to the mobile terminal device when attached to the mobile terminal device;
A physical key arranged at a position corresponding to an input detection area assigned as an area for detecting the input operation by the application activated based on the application information, and touching the input detection area by a pressing operation by a user;
An input operation assisting tool comprising: The input operation assisting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The input operation assisting tool, wherein the application information is download source information for specifying a download source of the application. The input operation assisting tool according to claim 4,
The input operation assisting tool, wherein the download source is configured to download an application selected by a user from a plurality of types of the applications. The input operation assisting tool according to claim 3,
The communication means receives storage data of the application from the mobile terminal device when a storage operation by the user is detected in the mobile terminal device during the activation of the application,
An input operation assistance tool, further comprising a saved data storage unit for storing saved data received by the communication means. An input operation assisting tool that is attached to a mobile terminal device and assists a user's input operation to the touch panel of the mobile terminal device,
An information storage unit for storing an application activated by the mobile terminal device;
Communication means for transmitting an application stored in the information storage unit to the mobile terminal device when mounted on the mobile terminal device;
A physical key that is arranged at a position corresponding to an input detection area assigned as an area for detecting the input operation by the application started by the mobile terminal device, and touches the input detection area by a pressing operation by a user;
An input operation assisting tool comprising: An input operation assisting system including a mobile terminal device and an input operation assisting tool that is attached to the mobile terminal device and assists a user's input operation to the touch panel of the mobile terminal device,
The input operation aid is
An information storage unit for storing application information corresponding to an application activated by the mobile terminal device;
A physical key that is arranged at a position corresponding to an input detection area assigned as an area for detecting the input operation by the application started by the mobile terminal device, and touches the input detection area by a pressing operation by a user;
With
The portable terminal device
Receiving means for receiving the application information from the input operation aid;
Starting means for starting the application based on the application information received by the receiving means;
An input operation assisting system comprising: An information processing method by an input operation assisting system including a mobile terminal device and an input operation assisting tool that is attached to the mobile terminal device and assists a user's input operation to the touch panel of the mobile terminal device,
An information storage unit that stores application information corresponding to an application activated by the mobile terminal device, and a position corresponding to an input detection area assigned as an area for detecting the input operation by the application activated by the mobile terminal device A communication step for transmitting the application information to the mobile terminal device, wherein the input operation assisting tool is provided with a physical key that is disposed on the touch panel and touches the input detection area by a pressing operation by a user;
A receiving step in which the portable terminal device receives the application information from the input operation assisting tool;
Based on the application information received by the mobile terminal device in the reception step, a startup step of starting the application,
An information processing method comprising: An input operation assisting system including a mobile terminal device and an input operation assisting tool that is attached to the mobile terminal device and assists a user's input operation to the touch panel of the mobile terminal device,
The input operation aid is
An information storage unit for storing application information for the mobile terminal device to obtain an application;
A physical key arranged at a position corresponding to an input detection area assigned as an area for detecting the input operation by the application obtained based on the application information, and touching the input detection area by a pressing operation by a user;
With
The portable terminal device
Receiving means for receiving the application information from the input operation aid;
Starting means for starting the application obtained based on the application information received by the receiving means;
An input operation assisting system comprising: An information processing method by an input operation assisting system including a mobile terminal device and an input operation assisting tool that is attached to the mobile terminal device and assists a user's input operation to the touch panel of the mobile terminal device,
An information storage unit for storing application information for the mobile terminal device to obtain an application, and a position corresponding to an input detection area assigned as an area for detecting the input operation by the application obtained based on the application information A physical key that touches the input detection area by a pressing operation by a user;
The input operation assisting tool comprising: a communication step of transmitting the application information to the mobile terminal device;
A receiving step in which the portable terminal device receives the application information from the input operation assisting tool;
An activation step of activating the application obtained based on the application information received by the portable terminal device in the reception step;
An information processing method comprising: An input operation assisting system including a mobile terminal device and an input operation assisting tool that is attached to the mobile terminal device and assists a user's input operation to the touch panel of the mobile terminal device,
The input operation aid is
An information storage unit for storing application information for the mobile terminal device to start an application;
Communication means for transmitting application information stored in the information storage unit to the mobile terminal device when attached to the mobile terminal device;
A physical key arranged at a position corresponding to an input detection area assigned as an area for detecting the input operation by the application activated based on the application information, and touching the input detection area by a pressing operation by a user;
With
The portable terminal device
Receiving means for receiving the application information from the input operation aid;
Starting means for starting the application based on the application information received by the receiving means;
An input operation assisting system comprising: The input operation assistance system according to claim 12,
The application information is download source information for specifying a download source of the application,
The download source is configured to download an application selected by the user from a plurality of types of the application,
The receiving means further receives an application selected by the user from the download source,
The input operation assisting system, wherein the activation unit activates the application received by the reception unit. The input operation assisting system according to claim 12 or 13,
The portable terminal device
A storage data transmission means for transmitting storage data of the application to the input operation auxiliary tool when a storage operation by the user is detected during the activation of the application;
The communication unit receives the storage data transmitted from the storage data transmission unit;
The input operation aid is
An input operation assisting system, further comprising a saved data storage unit for storing saved data received by the communication means. An information processing method by an input operation assisting system including a mobile terminal device and an input operation assisting tool that is attached to the mobile terminal device and assists a user's input operation to the touch panel of the mobile terminal device,
An information storage unit for storing application information for the mobile terminal device to start an application, and a position corresponding to an input detection area assigned as an area for detecting the input operation by the application started based on the application information And when the input operation assisting tool provided with a physical key that touches the input detection area by a pressing operation by a user is mounted on the portable terminal device, the application information stored in the information storage unit is stored in the application information. A communication step of transmitting to the mobile terminal device;
A receiving step in which the portable terminal device receives the application information from the input operation assisting tool;
Based on the application information received by the mobile terminal device in the reception step, a startup step of starting the application,
An information processing method comprising: