JP4668932B2 - Mobile terminal device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable terminal device having a key assign function.

  Mobile terminal devices are required to be smaller and lighter from the viewpoint of improving portability. However, considering the operability, there is a limit to downsizing the operation keys. In addition, the screen size of the display screen is required to be increased. In order to satisfy such conflicting demands, in recent portable terminal devices, a display case provided with a display screen and an operation case provided with operation keys are connected by a hinge to display the display case. A display panel that includes a screen and an operation panel that includes an operation key of an operation casing are opposed to each other and can be folded (normally closed state: also referred to as a folder closed state).

  Furthermore, not only the first rotating shaft for folding but also a two-axis hinge having a second rotating shaft orthogonal to the first rotating shaft, the operation housing and the display housing are relatively moved around the second rotating shaft. A portable terminal device that can be rotated has been proposed. In such a foldable mobile terminal device, the display screen is viewed in a compact state by folding the display panel facing outward and the operation panel facing inward (referred to as a turn-closed state). can do.

  However, when the display panel is folded outward, that is, in the turn-closed state, the operation panel is on the inside, and there is a problem that the key operation of the operation key cannot be performed. Therefore, conventionally, a portable terminal device has been proposed in which an operation key (cross key) is provided on the display panel so that key operation input can be performed even when the display panel is folded outward (turn closed) ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

  12 and 13 show the arrangement of the cross key in the conventional portable terminal device. In the conventional literature, two kinds of arrangement of the cross key are shown.

  FIG. 12 is a view showing the arrangement of the first cross key, and FIG. 12A is a view of the conventional portable terminal device 400 in the normal open (folder open) state as seen from the front, and FIG. ) Is a side view of the conventional portable terminal device 400 in the normally open state. In this example, the cross key 402a in the operation panel, that is, the main operation unit is also arranged on the side surface (cross key 402b) of the operation panel, and the cross key 402b can be operated even in the turn closed state.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the second cross key. FIG. 13A shows the conventional mobile terminal device 200 in the open state (in the state where the operation panel is inverted in the figure) from the main display screen 201 side. FIG. 13B is a view of the conventional mobile terminal device 200 in the reverse closed (turn closed) state as viewed from the main display screen 201 side. In this example, the cross key 202 on the operation panel is arranged on the main display screen 201 side (cross key 202), and the cross key 202 can be operated even in the reverse closed state.
JP 2006-20273 A

  However, in the prior art shown in FIG. 12, since the cross key is arranged on the side surface of the mobile terminal device, the capacity of the mobile terminal device increases (for example, becomes thick) or the operation is uncomfortable. There was a problem.

  Further, in the prior art shown in FIG. 13, the key configuration of the cross key is arranged (mounted) on the display (main display screen) side as it is, so a large amount of key space is required, and the enlargement of the display is considered. In this case, there is a problem that the portable terminal device (housing) becomes large.

  Furthermore, in common with both, in the prior art, since the key configuration of the cross key corresponding only to use in the longitudinal direction of the display unit is arranged as it is on the main display screen side or the side surface of the mobile terminal device, for example, When the display unit is used in the landscape orientation, the operation is uncomfortable, and when the cross key is used for purposes other than the cross key, there is a problem that the operation is uncomfortable and difficult to use.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal device that can be made compact in size or can have a large display screen.

  In order to achieve the above object, a mobile terminal device according to the present invention includes a first housing having a main operation unit including a vertical operation key and a horizontal operation key on a front surface, and a display unit on the front surface. A first state in which the front portion of the first housing and the front portion of the second housing are exposed to the second housing, the first housing, and the second housing; A coupling mechanism portion that is deformably coupled to a second state in which a front portion of the housing is covered with the second housing and the front portion of the second housing is exposed; and in the second state, A pair of first operation keys arranged in a row corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the display unit and arranged in a row corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the display unit, arranged in a position where the first housing or the second housing is exposed. And a sub-operation unit comprising a pair of second operation keys arranged in the first operation key or the sub-operation unit in the second state. One of the second operation keys is assigned an operation function as an up / down direction operation key of the main operation unit, and the other of the first operation key or the second operation key is the left / right direction of the main operation unit. An operation function as an operation key is assigned.

  In the portable terminal device, the pair of second operation keys arranged corresponding to the short direction which is the sub operation unit is invalidated in the first state.

  In the mobile terminal device, the connection mechanism unit may be configured so that the first housing and the second housing are in a state where the front portion of the first housing faces the front portion of the second housing. In the third state, the first operation key and the second operation key, which are the sub operation parts, are operated in the vertical direction. An operation function different from the operation function of the operation key and the left-right direction operation key is assigned.

  Further, in the portable terminal device, in the second state, in addition to the first operation key or the second operation key as the sub operation unit, the first operation key or the second operation key is disposed at a part. On the other hand, a third operation key to which an operation function for selection or determination is assigned is further arranged in a line on a straight line.

  Further, in the portable terminal device, in the second state, in addition to the first operation key or the second operation key as the sub operation unit, the first operation key or the second operation key is disposed at a part. On the other hand, a fourth operation key to which an operation function for canceling or returning is further arranged in a line on a straight line.

  In the mobile terminal device, the connection mechanism unit is connected to the second housing by a rotation connection unit having a rotation axis parallel to the display surface of the display unit of the second housing, The second operation key is disposed on a surface of a portion located on the same plane as the display unit exposed in the second state.

  In the portable terminal device, the display unit is display-controlled so that a display direction can be switched to either a longitudinal direction or a short direction of the second casing, and the first operation which is the sub-operation unit The operation functions of the up-down direction operation key and the left-right direction operation key assigned to the key and the second operation key are changed according to the display direction of the display unit.

  According to the present invention, in the second state, assignment of operation functions according to the up / down direction operation keys and the left / right direction operation keys in the main operation unit in the first state to the sub operation unit provided in the exposed part. As a result, the casing can be made compact or the screen can be enlarged, and even in the second state, operations equivalent to those in the first state can be performed. Operation becomes possible.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
<Configuration of mobile terminal device>

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a mobile phone device 1 as an example of a mobile terminal device that communicates with a host device according to the present invention in an open state. 2A shows a left side view when the cellular phone device 1 is opened, and FIG. 2B shows a right side view when the cellular phone device 1 is opened. FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the cellular phone device 1 in the opened state.

  The cellular phone device 1 includes an operation unit side body (first housing) 2 whose surface is configured by a front panel 2a and a rear panel 2b, and a display unit side body whose surface is configured by a front panel 3a and a rear panel 3b. Part (second housing) 3. The operation unit side body unit 2 exposes an operation key group (main operation unit) 11 and a voice input unit 12 to which a voice uttered by a user of the mobile phone device 1 is input on the surface of the front panel 2a. Configured to do. The operation key group 11 includes a function setting operation key 13 for operating various functions such as various settings, a telephone book function, and a mail function, and a numeric keypad for inputting numbers such as phone numbers and characters such as mail. Input operation key 14 (14a is a clear key), a determination key 15a for determining various operations, and a cross key (up / down operation key, left / right operation key) 15b for performing vertical scrolling, horizontal scrolling, and the like. And is composed of.

  In addition, each key constituting the operation key group 11 includes a deformed state (open state, closed state, turn-closed state) of the operation unit side body unit 2 and the display unit side body unit 3 and an activated application. Depending on the type, a predetermined function is assigned (key assignment). Further, when the user performs a pressing operation on each key constituting the operation key group 11, an operation corresponding to the assigned function is executed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2A, an interface 16 for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external device (for example, a host device) and a headphone / microphone terminal are provided on one side surface of the operation unit side body 2. 17, a removable external memory interface 18, and a charging terminal 19. The interface 16, the headphone terminal 17, and the interface 18 are covered with a removable cap for preventing dust.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, a pair of side keys (first operation keys) 20, an imaging operation key 21, and a reception angle are provided on the other side surface of the operation unit side body unit 2. And an adjustable broadcast wave receiving antenna 22. Further, the side key 20 has a predetermined value according to the deformation state (open state, closed state, turn-closed state) of the operation unit side body unit 2 and the display unit side body unit 3 and the type of the activated application. Function assignment (key assignment) is performed. Further, when the user performs the pressing operation of the side key 20, an operation corresponding to the assigned function is executed.

  Further, on the surface of the front panel 3 a of the display unit side body 3, a display 30 having a predetermined shape for displaying various information and an audio output unit 31 for outputting the voice of the other party of the call are exposed. Composed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a camera unit 23 that captures an image of a subject and a light unit 24 that emits light to the subject are exposed and formed on the surface of the rear panel 2b of the operation unit side body unit 2. Yes. The rear panel 2b of the operation unit side body unit 2 is provided with a battery lid 25 that covers a battery storage unit in which a battery is detachably stored.

  Further, a sub-display 32 having a predetermined shape for displaying various information is exposed on the surface of the rear panel 3b of the display unit side body 3.

  In addition, the display 30 and the sub display 32 include a liquid crystal panel, a drive circuit that drives the liquid crystal panel, and a light source unit such as a backlight that emits light from the back side of the liquid crystal panel.

  Moreover, the upper end part of the operation part side housing | casing part 2 and the lower end part of the display part side housing | casing part 3 are connected by the connection part (connection mechanism part) 4, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, a sub-operation key group 33 arranged in a line is provided on one side of the connecting portion 4. In addition, each key constituting the sub operation key group 33 includes a deformed state (open state, closed state, turn closed state) of the operation unit side body unit 2 and the display unit side body unit 3 and an activated application. Depending on the type, a predetermined function assignment (key assignment) is performed. Further, when the user performs a pressing operation of each key constituting the sub operation key group 33, an operation corresponding to the assigned function is executed.

  Here, the structure and operation of the connecting portion 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the cellular phone device 1 in an opened state (open state). 5 closes and rotates the display unit side body 2 and the operation unit side body 3 of the mobile phone device 1 in the direction of the arrow A2 around the opening / closing axis A of the connecting unit 4 from the open state shown in FIG. The top view of a closed state (closed state) is shown. 6 shows a state in which the display unit side body 2 of the mobile phone device 1 is rotated 180 ° in the direction of the arrow B2 around the rotation axis B of the connecting unit 4 from the open state shown in FIG. The state) perspective view is shown. 7 shows that the display unit side body 2 of the mobile phone device 1 is closed and rotated in the direction of the arrow A2 around the opening / closing axis A of the connecting unit 4 from the turn open state shown in FIG. The state) perspective view is shown.

  The connection unit 4 supports the operation unit side body unit 2 and the display unit side body unit 3 so that the operation unit side body unit 2 and the display unit side body unit 3 can be freely opened and closed at an arbitrary angle around the opening / closing axis A, and It is composed of a biaxial hinge mechanism that is rotatably supported at an angle.

  Further, the connecting portion 4 has one end side 4a connected to the upper end portion of the operation unit side body 2 by a connecting member (not shown), and the other end side 4b connected to the display unit side body 3 by a connecting member (not shown). It is connected with the lower end of the.

  A convex opening / closing part 4 c is formed at one end 4 a of the connecting part 4 so as to protrude vertically from the surface of the connecting part 4. A concave cutout portion 2 c into which the convex opening / closing portion 4 c is inserted is formed at the upper end portion of the operation unit side body 2.

  A hole A (not shown) is formed on each side of the opening / closing part 4c in the opening / closing axis A direction. Further, a hole B (not shown) is formed on both inner side surfaces of the notch 2c of the operation unit side body 2. The hole A and the hole B are arranged so as to be close to each other and face each other in the state where the convex opening / closing part 4c is inserted into the concave notch 2c. A cylindrical opening / closing connecting member is inserted through both the hole B and the hole B. Thereby, the operation part side housing | casing 2 and the connection part 4 are connected so that opening and closing is possible. The opening / closing part 4c is not particularly limited to a convex shape as long as the opening / closing part 4c is inserted into the upper end part of the operation unit side body part 2, and the shape of the upper end part of the operation part side body part 2 is also limited. It is not limited to a concave shape.

  Further, the other end side 4b of the connecting portion 4 and the lower end portion of the display-side housing portion 3 are pivotally supported by a rotating connecting member so as to be rotatable. A hole C (not shown) is formed on the side surface of the connecting unit 4 on the display unit side body 3 side. In addition, a hole D is formed on the side surface of the display unit side body 3 on the connection unit 4 side. Then, the rotation connecting member is inserted into both the hole C and the hole D, so that the operation unit side body 2 and the connection unit 4 are connected to each other so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis B. .

  As described above, since the operation unit side body unit 2 and the display unit side body unit 3 are connected by the connection unit 4, the cellular phone device 1 is relatively opened and closed with the opening / closing axis A as the center. It can be transformed into various states by operating or rotating about the rotation axis B.

  For example, the operation unit side body 2 and the display unit side body 3 are opened to each other (open (normally open) by performing an opening operation relative to the opening / closing axis A in the direction of the arrow A1. ) State (first state)).

  Further, the operation unit side body unit 2 and the display unit side body unit 3 are folded by being relatively closed in the direction of the arrow A2 around the opening / closing axis A (folded (normally closed)). State) (see FIG. 5).

  Further, in the open state, the display unit side body 3 is rotated by 180 ° in the direction of arrow B2 about the rotation axis B (see FIG. 6), and the display unit side body is centered on the opening / closing axis A. 3 is closed in the direction of arrow A2 to be in the closed state, so that the front panel 3a of the display unit side body 3 is folded outside (rotated folded (turn closed) state). (See FIG. 7).

  In the present embodiment, the foldable mobile phone device 1 using the connecting portion 4 is described. However, the foldable mobile phone device 1 is not a foldable type. A sliding type that is slid in the direction, or a rotating (revolver) type that is configured to rotate one casing around an axis along the overlapping direction may be used.

  The operation unit side body unit 2 includes a front case 2a, a key sheet constituting the operation key group 11 described above, a flexible printed wiring board for key switches, a shield case, a reference potential pattern layer, and a cellular phone. A circuit board including various electronic components such as an RF (Radio Frequency) module, an antenna unit, a rear case, a battery, and a battery lid are included. Further, the battery is accommodated so as to be removable from the outside of the rear case 2b.

  Further, the front case 2a and the rear case 2b are arranged so that their concave inner surfaces face each other, and are joined so that their outer peripheral edges overlap each other. Further, between the front case 2a and the rear case 2b, a key sheet, a flexible printed wiring board, a shield case, a circuit board, and an antenna unit are configured in this order. That is, the shield case is laminated and disposed so as to cover the flexible printed wiring board, and the key sheet is laminated and arranged on the upper surface of the flexible printed wiring board.

A plurality of key holes are formed on the inner surface of the front case 2a facing the display 30 of the display unit side body 3 in a state in which the cellular phone device 1 is folded. From each of the plurality of key holes, the pressing surfaces of the function setting operation key 13, the input operation key 14, and the cross key 15b are exposed. By pressing the function setting operation key 13, the input operation key 14, and the cross key 15b constituting the exposed operation key group 11 so as to depress, the metal domes (corrugated shape) in each of the corresponding key switches. The top of the switch is pressed and contacts the switch terminal to be electrically connected.
<Description of essential parts of the present invention>

  Next, the main points of the present invention will be described in detail.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a usage pattern of the mobile terminal device of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the usage pattern of the mobile terminal device of the present invention can be classified into, for example, four usage patterns according to the type of application running on the mobile terminal device. Then, an optimal operation key assignment (key assignment) is performed according to this usage pattern (described later). Hereinafter, these four forms will be described.

  FIG. 8A shows a folder open state (usage in the vertical direction) generally called an open state (first state), which is an optimal usage pattern when using the telephone function or mail function. is there. The key operation in this form is performed by a determination key 15a (operation key a3), a cross key 15b (operation keys a1, a2, a4, a5) provided on the operation unit side housing (first housing) 2 and clear. This is performed by the operation key group (main operation unit) 11 including the key 14a (operation key a6). The result of the key operation is reflected on the display (display unit) 30 provided in the display unit side housing unit (second housing) 3. The operation unit side body 2 and the display unit side body 3 are coupled by a coupling unit (coupling mechanism unit) 4.

  FIG. 8B shows a turn-closed state (use in the vertical direction) which is the second state, and is a usage form in the case of using a photo function or a game function, for example. The key operation in this form is performed by a sub operation unit 307 including a sub operation key group (left / right direction operation key) and side keys (up / down direction operation key). The result of the key operation is reflected on the display unit 30.

  FIG. 8C shows a turn-closed state (use in the horizontal direction), which is the second state, and is an optimum use form when using a photographic function or a television function, for example. The key operation in this form is performed by a sub operation unit 307 including a sub operation key group (up / down direction operation key) and a side key (left / right direction operation key). The result of the key operation is reflected on the display unit 30.

  FIG. 8D shows a folder closed state generally called a closed state (third state), which is an optimal usage pattern when using a function that does not use the display unit 30, such as a music player function. . The key operation in this form is performed by the sub operation unit 307. The result of the key operation is reflected on the sub display (sub display unit) 32.

  FIG. 9 shows a key assignment operation necessary for assigning the optimum operation key (key assignment) so that an intuitive key operation is possible in accordance with each use form of the mobile terminal device 1 described above. The functional block diagram of the portable terminal device for performing is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the functional block diagram required for key assignment and the like of the mobile terminal device 1 includes a control unit 300, ROM 301, RAM 302, display (display unit) 30, sub display 32, wireless communication unit 303, usage pattern detection. A unit 304, a display direction detection unit 305, a main operation unit 11 (operation key group), a sub operation unit 307, a display control unit 308, and a voice input / output unit 309.

  The control unit 300 controls the entire mobile terminal device 1 in cooperation with the ROM 301 and the RAM 302. The ROM 301 stores in advance a control program for the mobile terminal device 1, various application programs, a key assignment table, and the like. And the control part 300 controls each functional block based on the control program recorded on ROM301. In addition, activation / stop and control of various application programs recorded in the ROM 301 are performed.

  The wireless communication unit 303 and the voice input / output unit 309 are functional blocks for realizing functions as a mobile phone device. Various displays are performed on the display 30 and the sub display 32 by various applications.

  The usage pattern detection unit 304 determines whether the mobile terminal device 1 is in any of the above-described four modes (three states (open / closed / turn-closed)). Detecting by means of a magnetic sensor or the like provided in the above, the vertical and horizontal directions of turn-close are detected according to the type of application. When the form changes, the detection result is notified to the control unit 300. Thereby, the control unit 300 stores the detection result in the RAM 302 as “the current usage state of the mobile terminal device”.

  The display direction detection unit 305 detects whether the display 30 is used in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) or the horizontal direction (short direction) from the currently running application program. The control unit 300 is notified of the detection result. Whether the display 30 is used in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) or the horizontal direction (short direction) is detected by, for example, the display direction detection unit 305 transmitted from the control unit 300. Is detected from the information of the currently running application program included in the control signal. Thereby, the control unit 300 stores the detection result in the RAM 302 as “the current display direction of the mobile terminal device”.

  When the operation key is pressed, the main operation unit 11 and the sub operation unit 307 notify the control unit 300 of the information.

  The display control unit 308 is formed of, for example, a one-chip computer, and displays an image displayed on the display 30 in a vertical direction or a horizontal direction based on a display direction determined for each application program.

  The voice input / output unit 309 outputs the required voice according to the running application program.

  Next, referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, according to each usage pattern (four patterns) of the above-described portable terminal device 1, the optimal operation key is set so that the user can perform an intuitive key operation. A procedure (method) for assigning (key assignment) will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for performing key assignment, and FIG. 11 shows a specific key assignment table.

  First, in step S10, the control unit 300 detects the current usage state of the mobile terminal device. Specifically, the control unit 300 refers to “the current usage state of the mobile terminal device” in the RAM 302 and determines the current usage mode of the mobile terminal device. If it is determined in step S10 that the folder is in the open state, the control unit 300 moves the process to step S11.

  In step S <b> 11, the control unit 300 assigns the operation keys a <b> 1 to a <b> 6 to the key operation functions assigned to the operation keys a <b> 1 to a <b> 6 in the “folder open state (vertical)” of the key assignment table stored in the ROM 301. And This key assignment is a reference state (normal key assignment) of the mobile terminal device 1, and this key assignment is unique to the mobile terminal device 1. The key operation functions of each of the operation keys a1 to a6 are assigned to the subsequent operation keys b1 to b6.

  On the other hand, when it determines with it being a folder closed state in step S10, the control part 300 moves a process to step S12.

  In step S <b> 12, the control unit 300 assigns the operation keys b <b> 1 to b <b> 6 to key operation functions assigned to the operation keys b <b> 1 to b <b> 6 in the “folder closed state” in the key assignment table stored in the ROM 301. In this case, the assignment of the operation keys b1 to b6 is determined by the application to be started or the started application. For example, the music player is activated by pressing the operation key b1. Hereinafter, the operation keys b5 and b6 are also referred to as a first operation key, the operation keys b2 and b3 as a second operation key, the operation key b4 as a third operation key, and the operation key b1 as a fourth operation key.

  On the other hand, when it determines with it being a turn closed state in step S10, the control part 300 moves a process to step S13.

  In step S13, control unit 300 determines whether or not the image displayed on display (display unit) 30 is a standby initial screen. Here, the waiting initial screen is displayed when the application to be started is not selected before the mobile terminal device 1 is closed. If the display on the display unit 30 is the standby initial screen in step S13, the control unit 300 moves the process to step S17.

  In step S <b> 17, the control unit 300 assigns the operation keys b <b> 1 to b <b> 6 to the operation keys b <b> 1 to b <b> 6 in the “turn closed state (waiting initial screen)” in the key assignment table stored in the ROM 301. Key operation function. In this case, the assignment of the operation keys b1 to b6 is determined by the application to be started or the started application. For example, the camera is activated by pressing the operation key b2.

  On the other hand, if the standby initial screen is not displayed in step S13, that is, if the application to be started is already selected before the mobile terminal device 1 is turned closed, or from the turn closed state. If a specific application is activated, the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S14, the control unit 300 determines whether the activated application is in the second display state (horizontal display). If it is determined that not the landscape display but the portrait display (first display state), the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S <b> 15, the control unit 300 assigns the operation keys b <b> 1 to b <b> 6 to the key operation functions assigned to the operation keys b <b> 1 to b <b> 6 in the “turn closed state (vertical)” in the key assignment table stored in the ROM 301. And Specifically, the function of the operation key a6 (cancel (clear) or return) is assigned as the operation function of the operation key b1, and the function of the operation key a2 (move to the left) is assigned as the operation function of the operation key b2. The function of the operation key a4 (move to the right) is assigned as the operation function of b3, the function (selection or determination) of the operation key a3 is assigned as the operation function of the operation key b4, and the operation key a1 as the operation function of the operation key b5 Function (move up), and the function of operation key a5 (move down) is assigned as the operation function of operation key b6.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S14 that the activated application is in the second display state (horizontal display) by the control unit 300, the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S <b> 16, the control unit 300 assigns the operation keys b <b> 1 to b <b> 6 to the key operation functions assigned to the operation keys b <b> 1 to b <b> 6 in the “turn closed state (horizontal)” of the key assignment table stored in the ROM 301. And Specifically, the function of the operation key a6 (cancel (clear) or return) is assigned as the operation function of the operation key b1, and the function of the operation key a5 (move down) is assigned as the operation function of the operation key b2. The operation key a1 function (move up) is assigned as the operation function of b3, the function (selection or determination) of the operation key a3 is assigned as the operation function of the operation key b4, and the operation key a2 as the operation function of the operation key b5. Function (move to the left), and the function of the operation key a4 (move to the right) is assigned as the operation function of the operation key b6.

  The portable terminal device 1 configured as described above has the following effects.

  The operability of the cross key 15b, the enter key 15a, and the clear key 14a in the folder open state can be given to the sub operation unit 307 in the folder close state or the turn close state. The sub operation unit 307 is provided with the cross key 15b, Similar to the enter key 15a and the clear key 14a, it can be used without a sense of incongruity.

  Further, as in the conventional example, the space occupied by the sub-operation unit 307 can be reduced in comparison with the case where the cross key is provided in the exposed part in the folder closed state or the turn closed state, and the housing can be made compact or The screen (display unit) can be enlarged.

  Furthermore, even when the keys of the sub-operation unit 307 are used for purposes other than the uses of the cross key 15b, the enter key 15a, and the clear key 14a, key operations without a sense of incongruity are possible.

  Further, it is possible to realize a key assignment that is visually easy to recognize according to the layout (vertical / horizontal) of the mobile terminal device.

  As mentioned above, although the Example was described, this invention is not limited to this.

  For example, in the above description, the determination as to whether or not the display state is the second display state (landscape display) has been described as being determined by the type of application to be activated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. You may make it determine with the motion sensor provided in the apparatus 1. FIG.

  Further, the key assignment function of the present invention can be applied not only to the mobile terminal device but also to other devices (devices). For example, PHS (Personal Handy phone System), PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), portable navigation device, and other portable wireless devices equipped with antennas such as notebook computers.

It is a front view in the open state of the portable terminal device concerning the present invention. It is a side view in the open state of the portable terminal device concerning the present invention. It is a rear view in the open state of the portable terminal device concerning the present invention. It is a perspective view in the open state of the portable terminal device concerning the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the member incorporated in the operation part side housing | casing part. It is a top view in the state (closed state) which closed the display part side housing | casing part and the operation part side housing | casing part of the portable terminal device which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view in the state (turn state) which rotated the display part side housing | casing part of the portable terminal device which concerns on this invention 180 degrees centering | focusing on the rotating shaft of a connection part. FIG. 7 is a perspective view in a closed state (turn closed state) in which the display unit side body unit shown in FIG. 6 is closed and rotated around an opening / closing axis of a connecting unit. It is a figure which shows the usage condition of the portable terminal device which concerns on this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the portable terminal device which concerns on this invention. It is a key assignment determination flowchart of the mobile terminal device according to the present invention. It is the figure which showed the key allocation table of the portable terminal device which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows arrangement | positioning of the cross key in the conventional portable terminal device. It is a figure which shows arrangement | positioning of the cross key in the conventional portable terminal device.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Mobile telephone apparatus (mobile terminal device), 2 operation part side housing | casing part, 2a, 3a front panel, 2b, 3b rear panel, 3 display part side housing | casing part, 4 connection part, 11 operation key group (main operation part) , 12 Voice input unit, 13 Function setting operation key, 14 Input operation key, 14a Clear key, 15a Enter key, 15b Cross key, 16 interface, 17 Headphone / microphone terminal, 18 interface, 19 Charging terminal, 20 Side key, 21 Operation key, 22 Antenna, 23 Camera unit, 24 Light unit, 25 Battery lid, 30 Display, 31 Audio output unit, 32 Sub display, 33 Sub operation key group, 300 Control unit, 301 ROM, 302 RAM, 303 Wireless communication unit 304, usage pattern detection unit, 305 display direction detection unit, 307 Sub-operation unit, 308 display control unit, 309 voice input / output unit, a1-a6, b1-b6 operation keys

Claims (7)

A first housing having a main operation unit including a vertical operation key and a horizontal operation key on a front surface;
A second housing having a display on the front surface;
The first housing and the second housing are in a first state where the front portion of the first housing and the front portion of the second housing are exposed, and the front portion of the first housing is the A coupling mechanism unit that is deformably coupled to a second state that is covered by the second housing and exposes the front portion of the second housing;
A pair of first operation keys arranged in a line corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the display unit, which is arranged at an exposed position of the first casing or the second casing in the second state. And a sub-operation unit comprising a pair of second operation keys arranged in a line corresponding to the short direction,
With
When the sub operation unit is in the second state, an operation function as an up / down operation key of the main operation unit is assigned to one of the first operation key or the second operation key, and the first operation key is assigned to the first operation key. An operation function as a left-right direction operation key of the main operation unit is assigned to the other of the operation key or the second operation key.   2. The operation according to claim 1, wherein the pair of second operation keys arranged in a row corresponding to the short direction which is the sub operation unit is invalidated in the first state. Mobile terminal device. The coupling mechanism section is configured to cover the first casing and the second casing with the second casing in a state where the front portion of the first casing faces the front portion of the second casing. The third state is deformably connected,
In the third state, the operation functions of the first operation key and the second operation key, which are the sub operation unit, are different from the operation functions of the up / down direction operation key and the left / right direction operation key. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the mobile terminal device is assigned.   In the second state, in addition to the first operation key or the second operation key as the sub operation unit, a line is formed on a straight line with respect to a portion where the first operation key or the second operation key is arranged. The mobile terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a third operation key to which an operation function for selection or determination is assigned.   In the second state, in addition to the first operation key or the second operation key as the sub operation unit, a line is formed on a straight line with respect to a portion where the first operation key or the second operation key is arranged. 5. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth operation key to which an operation function for canceling or returning is assigned.   The connection mechanism portion is connected to the second housing by a rotation connection portion having a rotation axis parallel to the display surface of the display portion of the second housing, and is exposed in the second state. The portable terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second operation key is disposed on a surface of a part located on the same plane as the display unit. The display unit is display-controlled so that the display direction can be switched to either the longitudinal direction or the short direction of the second casing,
The operation functions of the up / down direction operation key and the left / right direction operation key assigned to the first operation key and the second operation key as the sub operation unit are changed according to the display direction of the display unit. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the mobile terminal device is a mobile terminal device.

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