JP2015167045A - User interface making it possible to switch active states with depressing maneuver, and active state switching method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a user interface making it possible to activate a desired active state while suppressing an erroneous action despite a simple maneuver that is so simple as to be unconscious to people around.SOLUTION: A user interface making it possible to switch plural active states and activate any of the active states includes a touch panel that sequentially outputs a finger contact position along with the passage of time, a pressing force detection unit that detects a pressing force applied by a finger brought into contact with the touch panel, pressing force decision means that decides whether the magnitude of the pressing force is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold, contact decision means that decides to which of plural surface position ranges, which are associated with active states of the touch panel, the finger contact position belongs, and active mode control means that, if the pressing force decision means makes a true decision and the contact decision means decides that the finger contact position belongs to one surface position range, activates as a new active state an active state associated with the surface position range.

Description

  The present invention relates to a user interface device capable of setting a plurality of operation modes.

  User interface devices such as smartphones, tablet computers, electronic books, and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), so-called portable information devices, are becoming increasingly indispensable in daily life due to their multi-functionality and high convenience.

  Therefore, the portable information device is required to activate an appropriate operation mode corresponding to various living situations. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a portable information terminal having a business mode corresponding to a business (work) situation and a private mode corresponding to a private (private life) situation.

  In the business (private) mode of this personal digital assistant, the answering message for business (private) is played, the accumulated charge for only business (private) calls is calculated, and the phone registered as private (business) contact A process is performed such that the user is not informed of the incoming call.

  Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a technology for setting a business (private) mode in a communication terminal device that can make a call only with a communication terminal device owned by a person having a business (private) relationship. .

  It is also important to switch between these operation modes according to the situation. For example, Patent Document 3 discloses a mobile phone that automatically switches between a plurality of operation modes (business mode, private mode, secret mode, and security mode).

  This automatic switching of the operation mode in the mobile phone is performed by determining whether or not an external device capable of short-range communication with the mobile phone is attached to the human body and the current state (current position) of the mobile phone. , Current time zone, current operating state).

JP 2007-266982 A JP 2005-136847 A JP 2010-206668 A

  Many portable information devices have a plurality of operation modes as described above, but there are many other devices that can activate a so-called sleep mode.

  The sleep mode is an operation mode that realizes a power saving state such that the display is turned off, the energization to the touch panel is stopped, and further, data is saved in a memory or a hard disk. This sleep mode is generally canceled by pressing an operation button such as a power button. However, many of the power buttons are provided at a position where a finger is difficult to reach in a normal state where the device is held, for example, an upper side surface of the device, in order to prevent malfunction.

  Therefore, in order to cancel the sleep mode, it is necessary to move the held hand and change the device. In particular, when the user first notices that the device is in the sleep mode only after the user tries to operate the device, it takes time to change the device and release it.

  Furthermore, at present, from the viewpoint of protecting privacy and personal information more reliably, there is a demand for a function capable of switching to the private mode or switching from the same mode without being noticed by surrounding people. That is, there is a need for a function that does not realize that the private mode is used (is used) but can hide the specific information itself.

  However, the operation of canceling the sleep mode and switching from the sleep mode to any of the other operation modes as described above requires a further additional procedure in conjunction with pressing of the power button or the like. As a result, it becomes very difficult to switch the operation mode without being noticed (understood by others).

  In addition, as a countermeasure to this problem, for example, it is unnecessary to set the operation mode to be switched to any operation mode simply by touching the touch panel without using an operation button such as a power button. It can cause release.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a user interface device capable of starting a desired operation mode in place of a mode in which the display is turned off while suppressing malfunctions with a simple operation that is not noticed by surrounding people, and operation mode activation An object is to provide a method and a program.

According to the present invention, a user interface device that can be activated by switching each of a plurality of operating states,
A touch panel that sequentially outputs a finger contact position as time passes;
A pressure detection unit that detects a pressure applied by a finger touching the touch panel;
A pressing force determining means for determining whether or not the magnitude of the pressing force is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold;
Contact determination means for determining which contact position of the finger belongs to one of a plurality of surface position ranges associated with each operation state on the touch panel;
When the true determination is made by the pressing force determination means and the contact determination means determines that the contact position of the finger belongs to one surface position range, the operation state corresponding to at least one surface position range is determined. And an operation mode control means for activating as a new operation state.

Further, in the user interface device according to the present invention, the pressing force determining means determines to which of the plurality of pressing force value ranges associated with each operation state the pressing force belongs,
The operation mode control means determines that the magnitude of the pressing force belongs to one pressing force value range by the pressing force determination means, and that the contact position of the finger belongs to one surface position range by the contact determination means. When the determination is made, it is also preferable that the operation state corresponding to the one pressing force value range and at least the one surface position range is activated as a new operation state.

  Furthermore, as one embodiment of the user interface device according to the present invention, the pressing force determination means causes the pressing force to belong to a predetermined pressing force value range among a plurality of pressing force value ranges associated with each operation state. And the operation mode control unit may activate the private mode as a new operation state when the contact determination unit determines that the contact position of the finger belongs to the predetermined surface position range. preferable.

  As another embodiment of the user interface device according to the present invention, the pressing force determination means causes the pressing force value to fall within a predetermined pressing force value range among a plurality of pressing force value ranges associated with each operation state. When it is determined that the contact position of the finger belongs to a predetermined surface position range by the contact determination unit, the operation mode control unit accepts a predetermined operation as a new operation state. It is also preferable to activate a non-locked state.

Furthermore, in the embodiment in which the locked state is activated, when it is determined by the pressing force determination means that the magnitude of the pressing force belongs to the first pressing force value range among the predetermined pressing force value range, The operation mode control means activates a lock state belonging to a predetermined operation mode as a new operation state,
When the pressing force determination means determines that the magnitude of the pressing force belongs to the second pressing force value range in the predetermined pressing force value range, the operation mode control means sets the new operating state as a predetermined operating state. It is also preferable to activate a locked state belonging to an operation mode different from the operation mode.

  As still another embodiment of the user interface device according to the present invention, when a locked state is activated in which a predetermined operation is not accepted, a plurality of pressing force magnitudes associated with each operation state are determined by the pressing force determination means. When it is determined that the contact pressure value range belongs to a preset pressure value range, and the contact determination means determines that the contact position of the finger belongs to a preset surface position range. The operation mode control means preferably activates the unlocked state where the lock is released as a new operation state.

Furthermore, as still another embodiment of the user interface device according to the present invention, the user interface device further includes an image display unit for displaying an image on a screen,
The operation mode control means preferably activates a new operation state instead of the extinguishing mode in which the image display unit is turned off.

  As still another embodiment of the user interface device according to the present invention, the user interface device includes a tactile response mechanism that gives a tactile response to the finger that touches the touch panel, and a new operation state is activated. It is also preferable to further include tactile response control means for controlling the tactile response mechanism unit to give a tactile response to the finger.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a program mounted on a user interface device that can be activated by switching each of a plurality of operating states, the user interface device comprising:
A touch panel that sequentially outputs a finger contact position as time passes;
And a pressing force detection unit that detects a pressing force applied by a finger touching the touch panel.
A pressing force determining means for determining whether or not the magnitude of the pressing force is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold;
Contact determination means for determining which contact position of the finger belongs to one of a plurality of surface position ranges associated with each operation state on the touch panel;
When the true determination is made by the pressing force determination means and the contact determination means determines that the contact position of the finger belongs to one surface position range, the operation state corresponding to at least one surface position range is determined. There is provided a program for a user interface device that causes a computer to function as an operation mode control means that is activated as a new operation state.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided an operation state switching method in a user interface device that can be activated by switching each of a plurality of operation states, the user interface device comprising:
A touch panel that sequentially outputs a finger contact position as time passes;
And a pressing force detection unit that detects a pressing force applied by a finger touching the touch panel.
Determining whether the magnitude of the pressing force is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold;
Determining which of the plurality of surface position ranges associated with each operation state on the touch panel the contact position of the finger belongs to;
When it is determined that the magnitude of the pressing force is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value and it is determined that the contact position of the finger belongs to one surface position range, at least one surface position range corresponds to this. There is provided an operation state switching method including a step of activating an operation state as a new operation state.

Still further, the present invention provides a user interface device related to the present invention, comprising an image display unit for displaying an image on a screen, and capable of starting a plurality of operation modes including a turn-off mode for turning off the image display unit.
A pressing force detection unit that detects a pressing force applied by a finger touching the screen of the image display unit;
A pressing force determining means for determining whether or not the magnitude of the pressing force is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold;
It is also preferable to provide a user interface device having an operation mode control unit that activates another operation mode instead of the extinguishing mode when the pressing force determination unit makes a true determination when the extinguishing mode is activated.

As one embodiment of the user interface device relating to the present invention, the pressing force determining means determines which of the plurality of pressing force value ranges to which each operation mode is assigned belongs to the magnitude of the pressing force. And
When the extinguishing mode is activated, when the pressing force determining means determines that the magnitude of the pressing force belongs to one pressing force value range, the operation mode control means is assigned to this one pressing force value range. It is also preferable to activate the operation mode as another operation mode.

In the above embodiment, when the pressing force determination means determines that the magnitude of the pressing force belongs to the first pressing force value range among the plurality of pressing force value ranges, the operation mode control means , Activate non-private mode as the other operation mode,
When it is determined by the pressing force determination means that the magnitude of the pressing force belongs to the second pressing force value range among the plurality of pressing force value ranges, the operation mode control means is set to the private mode as another operation mode. It is also preferable to activate.

Furthermore, in the user interface device related to the present invention, a tactile response mechanism that gives a tactile response to a finger that touches the screen of the image display unit;
It is also preferable to further include tactile response control means for controlling the tactile response mechanism unit to give a tactile response to the finger when another operation mode is activated instead of the extinguishing mode.

Furthermore, as one embodiment of the user interface device related to the present invention,
A touch panel that sequentially outputs a finger contact position as time passes;
Contact determining means for determining which of a plurality of surface position ranges on the touch panel the contact position of the finger belongs to;
When the light-off mode is activated, it is determined by the pressing force determining means that the magnitude of the pressing force belongs to one pressing force value range, and the contact position of the finger belongs to one surface position range by the contact determining means. When the determination is made, the operation mode control means preferably activates the operation mode assigned to the combination of the one pressing force value range and at least the one surface position range as another operation mode. .

In the above embodiment, when the pressing force determination means determines that the magnitude of the pressing force belongs to the first pressing force value range among the plurality of pressing force value ranges, the operation mode control means , Activate non-private mode as the other operation mode,
It is determined by the pressing force determining means that the magnitude of the pressing force belongs to the second pressing force value range among the plurality of pressing force value ranges, and the contact position of the finger is brought to a predetermined surface position range by the contact determining means. When it is determined that it belongs, the operation mode control means preferably activates the private mode as another operation mode.

Furthermore, as one embodiment of the user interface device related to the present invention,
A touch panel that sequentially outputs a finger contact position as time passes;
Contact determining means for determining whether or not the finger touches the touch panel;
The operation mode control means may activate another operation mode instead of the light extinction mode when the pressing force judgment means makes a true determination and the contact determination means makes a true determination when the light extinction mode is activated. preferable.

An image display unit for displaying an image on a screen, and a program installed in a user interface device capable of starting a plurality of operation modes including a turn-off mode for turning off the image display unit. The device
The image display unit further includes a pressing force detection unit that detects a pressing force applied by a finger that touches the screen.
A pressing force determining means for determining whether or not the magnitude of the pressing force is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold;
Provided is a program for a user interface device that causes a computer to function as an operation mode control unit that activates another operation mode instead of the extinguishing mode when the pressing force determination unit makes a true determination when the extinguishing mode is activated. It is also preferable.

Further, an operation mode activation method in a user interface device that includes an image display unit that displays an image on a screen and that can activate a plurality of operation modes including a light-off mode that turns off the image display unit. Interface device
The method further includes a pressing force detection unit that detects a pressing force applied by a finger that touches the screen of the image display unit.
A first step of determining whether or not the magnitude of the pressing force is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold;
It is also preferable to provide an operation mode activation method including a second step of activating another operation mode instead of the extinction mode when a true determination is made in the first step when the extinction mode is activated.

  According to the user interface device, the operation mode activation method, and the program of the present invention, a desired operation mode is activated in place of a mode in which the display is extinguished while suppressing a malfunction with a simple operation that is not noticed by surrounding people. can do.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a portable information device and a schematic diagram of an operation with a finger for explaining a switching operation from a sleep mode to a normal mode in the portable information device according to the present invention. It is the front view of the portable information device which shows other embodiment in the portable information device of this invention, and the schematic of operation by a finger | toe. It is the front view of the portable information device which shows the further another embodiment in the portable information device of this invention, and the schematic of operation by a finger | toe. FIG. 2 is a perspective view and a functional configuration diagram schematically showing a configuration of a portable information device according to the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of an operation mode activation method in a portable information device according to the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

The user interface device according to the present invention can activate a plurality of operation modes including a light-off mode for turning off the display. This user interface device, at the start of the turn-off mode, when the magnitude of the pressing force p _c given by the finger in contact with the screen of the display is the predetermined threshold value p _th least, other modes of operation instead of extinction mode It has the feature in starting.

  In this way, switching from the extinguishing mode to another operation mode is realized by an operation of pushing the extinguished display screen with a predetermined force or more. This push-in operation is so simple that the surrounding people do not notice it, and it is less likely to cause a malfunction than simple contact.

Further, as one embodiment, a plurality of operation modes, it is also preferable that is assigned to each of the plurality of pressure values range for pressure p _c with the finger. In this case, the user interface device, at the start of turn-off mode, when the magnitude of the pressing force p _c belongs to one of the pressing force value range, activates the operating mode assigned to the one pressure value range.

Here, in the embodiment described below, a plurality of operation modes provided in the user interface device are listed.
(A) Sleep mode (light-off mode): an operation mode for realizing a power saving state in which the display is turned off. In this mode, in order to further reduce power consumption, it is also preferable to save work data in a memory or a hard disk. Furthermore, depending on the embodiment, it is possible to stop the power supply to the touch panel that outputs the contact position of the finger. Also in this sleep mode, power supply to the pressure detector described later for detecting a pressing force p _c by a finger is continued.

(B) Private mode (non-extinguishing mode): An operating mode that realizes an operating state in which personal information can be handled by turning on the display and supplying power to the touch panel and the pressing force detection unit. The incoming / outgoing call history and the sent / received mail history / contents of the other party registered in the private list can only be viewed while this private mode is activated. Also, incoming calls from the other party registered in the private list are notified only when the private mode is activated. Furthermore, a photo / moving image file taken while the private mode is activated can only be confirmed while the private mode is activated.

(C) Normal mode (non-extinguishing mode): An operation mode in which the display is turned on and power is also supplied to the touch panel and the pressing force detection unit to realize a normal operation state. This normal mode is a non-private mode. That is, the history of incoming / outgoing calls and the history / contents of sent / received mails with the other party registered in the private list cannot be viewed while the normal mode is activated. Also, incoming calls from the other party registered in the private list are not notified while the normal mode is activated. This incoming call that has not been notified can be confirmed when the mode is switched to the private mode. Furthermore, a photo / moving image file taken while the private mode is activated cannot be confirmed while the normal mode is activated.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 3 described later, the following operation modes are also provided.
(D) Business mode (non-extinguish mode): An operation mode that realizes an operation state in which the display is turned on and power is supplied to the touch panel and the pressing force detection unit to handle business information. This mode is also a non-private mode. The incoming / outgoing call history and the sent / received mail history / content of the other party registered in the business list can only be viewed while the business mode is activated. Also, incoming calls from the other party registered in the business list are notified only when the business mode is activated. Furthermore, a photo / moving image file taken while the business mode is activated can only be confirmed while the business mode is activated.

  Of course, the operation mode according to the present invention is not limited to the above classification. As the operation mode, at least a light-off mode (sleep mode) for realizing a power saving state in which the display is turned off and a non-light-off mode in which the display is turned on may be provided.

  Many of the user interface devices according to the present invention are portable information devices such as smartphones and tablet computers that are carried with one hand or both hands and can be operated with fingers of the held hand. Therefore, hereinafter, a portable information device will be described as an embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a portable information device and a schematic diagram of a finger operation for explaining a switching operation from a sleep mode to a normal mode in the portable information device according to the present invention.

  FIG. 1A shows a front view of the portable information device 1 in sleep mode. According to the front view, the display 101 is turned off, and nothing is displayed on the screen of the display 101. Note that this sleep mode may be automatically activated when an operation on the device 1 is not performed for a predetermined time, or may be activated by pressing a predetermined button such as the power button 104.

Further, on the screen of the display 101, a touch panel 100 that sequentially outputs a finger contact position as time passes is arranged. In the present embodiment, no power is supplied to the touch panel 100 while the sleep mode is activated. Furthermore, a pressing force detection unit 103 is disposed below the touch panel 100 (under the four corners of the touch panel 100 in FIG. 1A). The pressing force detection unit 103 detects a pressing force p _{C applied} to the touch panel 100 by a finger. Electric power is supplied to the pressing force detection unit 103 even when the sleep mode is activated.

Hereinafter, an operation for switching the operation mode from the sleep mode to the normal mode will be described. First, the user holds the portable information device 1 and touches the screen of the display 101 that is turned off with the finger of the held hand (the thumb of the right hand in FIG. 1A). Here, the finger contact position 105 may be any position within the screen (in the touch panel 100). Next, the user pushes the touched finger into the screen. The size of the pressing force p _c by the finger is measured by the pressing force detection unit 103 which is energized.

If the magnitude of the pressing force p _c is the predetermined threshold value p _th least, the sleep mode is canceled, as shown in FIG. 1 (B), the operation mode is switched from the sleep mode to the normal mode.

  Here, in FIG. 1B, first, the operation mode state is switched from the sleep mode to the normal mode lock state. In the locked state, the display 101 is turned on and the touch panel 100 is energized, but the image displayed on the screen of the display 101 is fixed and cannot be received except for the unlocking operation. This locked state is set in order to prevent a malfunction via the touch panel 100 after the sleep mode is released. Of course, it is possible to switch from the sleep mode to the normal mode without going through the lock state.

The user then the unlocking region 107 that is displayed is pushed with a predetermined threshold p _th least pressing force p _c by the finger. Thereby, the lock state is released, and the screen of the display 101 is switched to the standby screen in the normal mode. In this normal mode, the display 101 is turned on and the touch panel 100 is also energized so that images, data, and the like can be displayed, and normal operations are also possible.

The pressing force threshold value p _th can be set to a value in the range of 0.5 N (Newton) to 2.0 N, for example. Further, as a method of releasing the lock state, the lock release area 107 may be released by touching it with the finger, and the lock release area 107 is released by dragging in one direction (for example, the lower side) with the contacted finger. May be.

As another embodiment, when the off-mode activation, the magnitude of the pressing force p _c by the finger is not more predetermined threshold p _th or higher and finger touches at any position of the touch panel 100 (the finger It is also preferable to activate the normal mode (another operation mode) instead of the extinguishing mode when contact is detected by the touch panel 100). In this case, power is supplied to the touch panel 100 even when the sleep mode is activated. Here, the switching of the operation mode is determined based on both the determination of the pressing force _pc value and the determination of the presence or absence of contact with the touch panel 100.

As described above, in the portable information device 1, switching from the sleep mode to the normal mode (other operation mode) is realized by an operation of pushing the screen of the display 101 that is turned off. That is, it is not necessary to press the power button 104 or the like provided at a position that is difficult to press. In addition, this pushing operation is simply performed by pushing the screen with a pressing force _pc (≧ p _th ) of a predetermined level or more, and is easily executed with the finger (thumb) of the held hand immediately while holding the device 1. The The push-in position (contact position 105) is also an arbitrary position in the screen, and it is not necessary to check the position. As a result, this push-in operation is an operation that is so simple that it cannot be noticed by the surrounding people.

  In addition, after canceling the sleep mode (and the locked state), it is possible to operate in the normal mode (other operation modes) as it is with the hand that has been pushed in, so when the power button 104 or the like is pressed Compared with, operability is also improved.

Furthermore, in the portable information device 1, an operation of pushing with a pressing force p _c (≧ p _th ) greater than or equal to a predetermined value is required instead of an operation of simply touching the screen (touch panel 100). Does not cause malfunction. As described above, it is understood that the portable information device 1 can start the normal mode (another operation mode) instead of the sleep mode while suppressing malfunctions with a simple operation that is not noticed by surrounding people. The

  In addition, when the normal mode (or the locked state in the normal mode) is activated instead of the sleep mode, it is also preferable that the vibration 106 as a tactile response is applied to the pressed finger. Thereby, the user can confirm from the fingertip that the executed push-in operation has been effectively performed. Further, by sufficiently suppressing the degree of vibration, it is possible to prevent the surrounding people from noticing that there was a response due to vibration.

  FIG. 2 is a front view of a portable information device and a schematic diagram of an operation with a finger, showing another embodiment of the portable information device of the present invention.

  FIG. 2A is a front view of the portable information device 2 in sleep mode. Also in this front view, like the portable information device 1 of FIG. 1A, the display 201 is turned off and no power is supplied to the touch panel 200, but the pressing force detection unit 203 is energized. Yes.

  Hereinafter, an operation for switching the operation mode from the sleep mode to the normal mode or from the sleep mode to the private mode will be described.

First, the user holds the portable information device 2 and touches the screen of the display 201 that is turned off with the finger of the held hand (the thumb of the right hand in FIG. 2A). Here, the finger contact position 205 may be any position in the screen (in the touch panel 200). Next, the user pushes the touched finger into the screen. The size of the pressing force p _c by the finger is measured by the pressing force detection unit 203 is energized.

In this embodiment, further, the normal mode, and the private mode is assigned to each of the first pressure value range, and the second pressing force value range for the pressure p _c with the finger. Here, for example,
(1a) a first pressure value range, the range of the second below the threshold value _{p th2} a first threshold value _{p th1} higher _{(p th1 ≦ p c <p} th2),
(2a) The second pressing force value range is set to a range that is not less than the third threshold value p _{th3 and} less than the fourth threshold value p _th4 (p _th3 ≦ p _c <p _th4 ).

The two pressing force value ranges are set so as not to overlap. For example, p _th1 <p _th2 ≦ p _th3 <p _th4 , or p _th3 <p _th4 ≦ p _th1 <p _th2 can be set. _{Assuming that} p _th1 <p _th2 ≦ p _th3 <p _th4 , the first threshold p _th1 is set to a value in the range of, for example, 0.5N to 1.0N, and the third threshold is set to, for example, 1.0N to 2 It can be a value in the range of 0.0N. Further, the fourth threshold value p _th4 can be set to a very large value (that is, substantially no upper limit is set).

Under these settings, the magnitude of the pressing force p _c with the finger, which is measured by the pressing force detection unit 203,
(1b) When belonging to the first pressing force value range (p _th1 ≦ p _c <p _th2 ), the normal mode is activated (FIG. 2B),
(2b) If it belongs to the second pressing force value range (p _th3 ≦ p _c <p _th4 ), the private mode is activated (FIG. 2C).

For example, when p _th1 <p _th2 ≦ p _th3 <p _th4 , when viewed from the user's operation, if the finger is pushed relatively weakly above a predetermined pressing force, the sleep mode is canceled and the normal mode is activated. If it is pushed relatively hard, the sleep mode is canceled and the private mode is activated. Even if the pressed finger is returned (released), the activated operation mode continues to be activated.

  Here, the normal mode is the same as the normal mode of FIG. On the other hand, the private mode is an operation mode that realizes an operation state in which personal information can be handled by turning on the display 201 and supplying power to the touch panel 200 and the pressing force detection unit 203.

  2B and 2C, the operation mode state is first switched from the sleep mode to the normal mode lock state and the private mode lock state. This locked state is the same as the locked state of FIG. Of course, it is possible to switch from the sleep mode to the normal mode or the sleep mode without going through the lock state.

  In the private mode, as shown in FIG. 2C, the screen of the display 101 is initially a private mode standby screen. Here, for example, a screen for a call or e-mail can be opened, and the history of incoming / outgoing calls and the history / contents of sent / received mails with the other party registered in the private list can be viewed. In addition, incoming calls from the other party registered in the private list are notified only during the activation of the private mode.

  Furthermore, a photo / moving image file shot by the shooting unit 209 during activation of the private mode is stored and managed by the file management unit 213. The file stored in the private memory of the file management unit 213 can be confirmed only while the private mode is activated, and the contents cannot be viewed.

  Thus, in the portable information device 2, switching from the sleep mode to the normal mode or from the sleep mode to the private mode can be reliably classified by an operation that changes the degree of push-in. This operation of changing the degree of push-in is a very simple sorting method, and is easily executed with the finger (thumb) of the held hand immediately while holding the device 2. The push-in position (contact position 205) is also an arbitrary position on the screen, and it is not necessary to check the position. That is, the operation of changing the degree of pressing is so simple that the surrounding person cannot notice that it has been operated.

  Further, since it is not simply an operation of touching the screen (touch panel 200), no malfunction occurs due to unnecessary or unintentional contact. As described above, the portable information device 2 can be activated by selecting a desired operation mode instead of the sleep mode while suppressing malfunctions by a simple operation that is not noticed by surrounding people.

  When the normal mode (or the normal mode lock state) is activated instead of the sleep mode, the finger 206 is given a vibration 206 as a first tactile response, while the private mode (or the private mode). It is also preferable that a vibration 207 different from the vibration 206 is applied as the second haptic response when the (locked state) is activated. For example, the vibration 206 is a pattern composed of one vibration unit such as a vibration such as “blue”, whereas the vibration 207 is a pattern including two vibration units such as a vibration such as “blue”. It may be a pattern. As a result, the user can confirm from the fingertip that the operation that has been pushed in intentionally is effective and the desired operation mode is selectively activated. In addition, by suppressing the degree of each vibration sufficiently, it is possible to prevent the surrounding people from noticing that there is a response due to the vibration.

  FIG. 3 is a front view of a portable information device and a schematic diagram of an operation with a finger, showing still another embodiment of the portable information device of the present invention.

  FIG. 3A is a front view of the portable information device 3 during sleep mode activation. Also in this front view, the display 301 is turned off as in the portable information device 1 of FIG. However, in this embodiment, both the touch panel 300 and the pressing force detection unit 203 are energized.

  Hereinafter, an operation for switching the operation mode from the sleep mode to the normal mode, the private mode, or the business mode will be described.

First, the user holds the portable information device 3 and touches the screen of the display 301 that is turned off with the finger of the held hand (the thumb of the right hand in FIG. 3A). Here, the surface of the touch panel 300 (screen) is divided into a plurality of surface position ranges 304, 304 'and 304 _oth (surface position ranges other than 304 and 304'). Using the contact position signal from the energized touch panel 300, it is determined which of the plurality of surface position ranges the finger contact position 305 belongs to.

Next, the user pushes the touched finger into the screen. The size of the pressing force p _c by the finger is measured by the pressing force detection unit 203 is energized. In this embodiment,
Normal mode, and a private mode business mode, first pressing force values range for pressure _{p c} with the finger _{(p th1 ≦ p c <p} th2), and a second pressing force value range _{(p th3} ≦ p _c <p _th4 ). These first and second pressing force value ranges are the same as those described with reference to FIG.

Under these settings, the operation mode is switched as follows.
(1) the magnitude of the pressing force _{p c} belongs to the first pressure value range _{(p th1 ≦ p c <p} th2), and the contact position 305 of the finger surface position range ₃₀₄ oth (other than 304 and 304 ' If it belongs to the (surface position range), the normal mode is activated. That is, the normal mode is set so as to be started on the condition of a combination of the first pressing force value range and the surface position range 304 _oth .

(2) if the magnitude of the pressing force _{p c} is belonging to the second part of the pressing force value range _{(p th3 ≦ p c <p} th4), and the contact position 305 of the finger surface position range 304, the private mode is activated Is done. That is, the private mode is set so as to be activated on the condition of a combination of the second pressing force value range and the surface position range 304.
(3) the magnitude of the pressing force _{p c} belongs to the second pressure value range _{(p th3 ≦ p c <p} th4), and when the contact position 305 of the finger belongs to the surface position range 304 ', a business mode It is activated. That is, the business mode is set so as to be activated on the condition of a combination of the second pressing force value range and the surface position range 304 ′.

For example, when p _th1 <p _th2 ≦ p _th3 <p _th4 is set, a portion other than the surface position ranges 304 and 304 ′ is pushed relatively weakly with a finger above a predetermined pressing force as seen from the user's operation. When the sleep mode is released and the normal mode is activated and the surface position range 304 is pushed in relatively strongly, the sleep mode is released and the private mode is activated, and when the surface position range 304 ′ is pushed relatively strongly, the sleep mode is activated. The mode is canceled and the business mode is activated. FIG. 3B shows a state where the sleep mode is canceled and the private mode is activated.

  Here, in FIG. 3B, the operation mode state is first switched from the sleep mode to the private mode lock state. This locked state is the same as the locked state of FIG. Of course, it is possible to switch from the sleep mode to the sleep mode without going through the lock state. On the other hand, even when the operation mode is switched from the sleep mode to the business mode or the normal mode, a configuration in which the locked state is passed is possible.

Here, as a modification, the normal mode, regardless of the contact position 305 of the finger, the magnitude of the pressing force p _c can be set to be activated when belonging to the first pressure value range. In this case, the normal mode is started on the condition of a combination of the first pressing force value range and the entire surface position range (304 + 304 ′ + 304 _oth ). As described above, one operation mode is assigned to a combination of one pressing force value range and at least one surface position range, and when the combination condition is satisfied, the assigned operation mode is activated. Can do. As a result, various combination conditions can be formed, and various operation modes can be selected.

  As described above, in the portable information device 3, switching from the sleep mode to the normal mode or from the sleep mode to the private (business) mode can be reliably performed by changing the degree of pressing by bringing the finger into contact with the predetermined surface position range. Can be sorted. Of these operations, the operation of changing the degree of pressing is a very simple sorting method, and is easily executed with the finger (thumb) of the held hand immediately while holding the device 3. Moreover, the predetermined surface position range can also be set to a position where contact can be facilitated to such an extent that it is not necessary to see and confirm by making the range that the finger (thumb) can easily reach. Therefore, the operation of changing the degree of pressing by bringing the finger into contact with the predetermined surface position range can be an operation that is so simple that the operation itself is not noticed by surrounding people.

  Further, since it is not simply an operation of touching the screen (touch panel 200), no malfunction occurs due to unnecessary or unintentional contact. As described above, the portable information device 3 can be activated by selecting a desired operation mode instead of the sleep mode while suppressing malfunctions by a simple operation that is not noticed by surrounding people.

Furthermore, to activate a predetermined operation mode (private (business) mode), the combined also conditions of the pressing force p _c conditions just not contact position 305, a situation in which a predetermined operation mode by accident will start Can be avoided more reliably. As a result, confidential information such as personal (work) information can be protected more reliably. At this time, by adjusting the section width of the pressing force value range and the area of the surface position range, it is possible to balance the ease of activation and the mode operation protection.

  Also in this embodiment, when the normal mode, the private mode, or the business mode (or the locked state of any mode) is activated instead of the sleep mode, the tactile response differs depending on the pressed finger. Different types of vibrations may be applied. Thereby, the user can confirm from the fingertip that the desired operation mode is selectively activated. In addition, by suppressing the degree of each vibration sufficiently, it is possible to prevent the surrounding people from noticing that there is a response due to the vibration.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view and a functional configuration diagram schematically showing the configuration of the portable information device 3 according to the present invention.

  According to FIG. 4, the portable information device 3 includes a touch panel 300, a display 301, a tactile response mechanism unit 302, a pressing force detection unit 303, a communication unit 308, an imaging unit 309, and a processor memory. And a functional component. Here, the function configuration unit (processor memory) realizes its function by executing a program that causes the computer mounted on the portable information device 3 to function.

  The portable information devices 1 and 2 as other embodiments are also realized by the functional configuration of FIG. In this case, the function at the time of sleep mode activation in the contact determination part 321 mentioned later, Comprising: The function which determines whether the contact position of a finger | toe belongs to which of the some surface position range in a touch panel is not used.

  The display 301 displays an image on the screen. The touch panel 300 is arranged on the screen of the display 301, and sequentially outputs the contact position information of the user's finger to the contact determination unit 321 described later as time elapses. As this touch panel 300, a projection capacitive touch panel, a surface capacitive touch panel, a resistive touch panel, an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave touch panel, an infrared scanning touch panel, or the like can be employed.

  The tactile response mechanism unit 302 gives a tactile response by vibrating the touch panel 300 to the finger touching the touch panel 300 when the sleep mode is canceled and another operation mode is activated. The tactile response mechanism 302 may be a piezoelectric actuator formed using a piezoelectric material such as PZT (lead zirconate titanate).

The pressing force detection unit 303 detects a pressing force p _{C applied} to the touch panel 300 by a finger. The pressing force detection unit 103 is installed, for example, under the four corners of the touch panel 300, and detects the total pressure exerted on the touch panel 300 that is bent by pressing a finger as the pressing force p _C. The pressing force signal output from the pressing force detection unit 303 is input to a pressing force determination unit 320 described later. The pressing force detection unit 303 can be, for example, a piezoelectric sensor formed using a piezoelectric material such as PZT. In addition to or in addition to providing the tactile response mechanism unit 302 formed of a piezoelectric actuator, the pressing force detection unit 303 can be used as a tactile response mechanism unit.

  The communication unit 308 controls outgoing / incoming calls via the mobile phone network and controls transmission / reception of e-mails and the like. The communication unit 308 outputs the incoming / outgoing call history and the history / contents of sent and received mails to the communication history management unit 312 described later.

  The imaging unit 309 includes a lens module, a charge coupled device (CCD) that receives light from the lens module and performs photoelectric conversion, a signal processing unit that performs processing such as gain adjustment on an image signal from the CCD, An A / D conversion unit that converts the processed image / moving image signal into a digital signal and an image processing unit that generates captured image / moving image data are provided. The generated captured image / moving image data is output to a file management unit 313 described later.

  Similarly, according to FIG. 4, the functional component as the processor memory includes a pressing force determination unit 320, a contact determination unit 321, an operation mode control unit 322, a tactile response control unit 323, a display control unit 310, An application processing unit 311, a communication history management unit 312, a file management unit 313, a display power supply control unit 314, and a touch panel power supply control unit 315 are included.

The pressing force determination unit 320 inputs a pressing force signal from the pressing force detection unit 303. Multiple Thereafter, the pressing force judging unit 320, based on this signal, whether the magnitude of the pressing force p _c with the finger is predetermined pressing force threshold p _th or more, or each operating mode is assigned to each in any of the pressure value range, it determines whether the magnitude of the pressing force p _c belongs. Further, the pressing force determination unit 320 outputs the determination result to the operation mode control unit 322.

  The contact determination unit 321 inputs a contact position signal from the touch panel 300. Thereafter, the contact determination unit 321 determines which of the plurality of surface position ranges on the touch panel 300 the finger contact position belongs to based on this signal. This function is not necessary for the portable information devices 1 and 2 shown in FIGS. Further, the contact determination unit 321 outputs this determination result to the operation mode control unit 322.

  When the sleep mode is activated, the operation mode control unit 322 outputs an instruction signal to the display power supply control unit 314 and turns off the display 301. In the portable information devices 1 and 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an instruction signal is output to the touch panel power supply control unit 315 to stop energization of the touch panel 300. This saves power in the sleep mode.

In addition, the operation mode control unit 322 inputs determination results from the pressing force determination unit 320 and the contact determination unit 321. Then, these (pressure p _c of size, or according to the size and the contact position of the finger pressing force p _c) based on the determination result, was assigned to the advance pressure value range or pressure value range The operation mode assigned to the combination of the surface position range is activated instead of the sleep mode.

  Furthermore, the operation mode control unit 322 instructs the display power control unit 314 to turn on the display when the private (business) mode is activated, and supplies power to the touch panel 300 to the touch panel power control unit 315. To set the state that can handle personal (work) information.

  Here, the operation mode control unit 322 includes, for example, the communication history among the incoming / outgoing call history and the history / contents of transmitted / received mails output from the communication unit 308 and stored / managed by the communication history management unit 312. The communication history management unit 312 (display control unit 310) is instructed to be able to display information related to the partner registered in the private (business) list of the management unit 312. In addition, an incoming call from a partner registered in the private (business) list is also notified when the private (business) mode is activated.

  Further, the operation mode control unit 322 is stored in, for example, a private (business) memory of the file management unit 213 among the photo / movie files that have been shot by the shooting unit 209 and saved / managed by the file management unit 213. The file management unit 213 (display control unit 310) is instructed to display the data.

  On the other hand, when the normal mode is activated, the operation mode control unit 322 displays the incoming / outgoing call history and the sent / received mail history / content of the other party registered in the private (business) list of the communication history management unit 312. Disable display. It also does not notify incoming calls from people registered in the private (business) list. Further, the file / photo file stored in the private (business) memory of the file management unit 213 is disabled.

  The tactile response control unit 323 receives the operation mode switching information output from the operation mode control unit 322. Next, based on this information, the tactile response mechanism 302 is controlled so as to give a predetermined tactile response to the finger touching the touch panel 300.

  The display control unit 310 inputs the application processing information from the application processing unit 311 and causes the display 301 to display an image corresponding to the execution of the application. In addition, the display control unit 310 responds to the data / instruction signal output from the communication history management unit 312, the file management unit 313, and the operation mode control unit 322. Display files etc.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the operation mode starting method in the portable information device 3 according to the present invention.

Incidentally, in the case in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, which belong to the size the first pressing force values range of the pressing force _{p c} regardless contact position 305 of the finger _{(p th1 ≦ p c <p} th2), usually The mode is activated. Further, when the size of the pressing force _{p c} is belonging to the second part of the pressing force value range _{(p th3 ≦ p c <p} th4), and the contact position 305 of the finger surface position range 304, the private mode is activated Is done. Naturally, other embodiments can be realized by easily changing the procedure of FIG.

Here, the portable information devices 1 and 2 as other embodiments can also be realized by the procedure of FIG. In this case, steps S510 and S511 (measurement / determination of the finger contact position) described later are not used. That is, when the true determination is made in step S502 (the determination of the pressing force p _c), Soku, private mode is activated.

(S500) According to FIG. 5, first, the operation mode control unit 322 activates the sleep mode. At this time, the display 301 is also turned off.
(S501) by the pressing force detection unit 303, the pressing force _{p c} by the finger is measured.
(S502) by the pressing force determining section 320, the size is first pressing force values range of the pressing force _{p c (p th1 ≦ p c} <p th2) and a second pressing force value range _{(p th3} ≦ _p c < It is determined whether it belongs to any one of p _th4 ).

(S520) In step S502, when the magnitude of the pressing force p _c is a determination as belonging to the first pressure value range has been made, the operation mode control unit 322, and the sleep mode is canceled, starts the normal mode Is done.
(S521) When the normal mode is activated, the first tactile response is given to the depressed finger. This completes startup of the normal mode (switching from the sleep mode to the normal mode).

(S510) In step S502, when the magnitude of the pressing force _{p c} is the determination of the belonging to the second pressure value range has been made, by the touch panel 300, the contact position 305 of the finger is measured. On the other hand, if it is determined not to belong to any pressure value range has been made, it returns to step S501, the pressing force p _c by the finger is measured (monitored).
(S511) After step S510, the contact determination unit 321 determines whether the finger contact position 305 belongs to the surface position range 304 (whether it belongs to the surface position range 304 or any other surface position range). Made.

(S512) When a true determination is made in step S511, the sleep mode is canceled by the operation mode control unit 322, and the private mode is activated.
(S513) When the private mode is activated, a second tactile response is given to the pressed finger. This completes the activation of the private mode (switching from the sleep mode to the private mode).

As described above in detail, according to the user interface device, the operation mode activation method, and the program of the present invention, switching from the extinguishing mode in which the display is extinguished to the predetermined operating mode is performed on the screen of the extinguished display. This is realized by pushing in. This pushing operation is merely pushing the screen at a predetermined or more (or the predetermined pressure value in the range) pressure p _c, it is easily performed by the fingers of the hand holding the device. In addition, unnecessary and unintentional input is less likely to occur compared to simple contact operations. As a result, a desired operation mode can be activated in place of the sleep mode while suppressing malfunctions with a simple operation that is not noticed by surrounding people.

  Various changes, modifications, and omissions of the above-described various embodiments of the present invention can be easily made by those skilled in the art. The above description is merely an example, and is not intended to be restrictive. The invention is limited only as defined in the following claims and the equivalents thereto.

1, 2, 3 Portable information devices (user interface devices)
100, 200, 300 Touch panel 101, 201, 301 Display 103, 203, 303 Pressing force detection unit 104 Power button 105, 205, 305 Contact position 106, 206, 207 Vibration (tactile response)
107 Lock release area 209, 309 Imaging unit 213, 313 File management unit 302 Tactile response mechanism unit 304, 304 ′, 304 _Other surface position range 308 Communication unit 310 Display control unit 311 Application processing unit 312 Communication history management unit 313 File management unit 314 Display power supply control unit 315 Touch panel power supply control unit 320 Pressing force determination unit 321 Contact determination unit 322 Operation mode control unit 323 Tactile response control unit

Claims (10)

A user interface device that can be activated by switching each of a plurality of operating states,
A touch panel that sequentially outputs a finger contact position as time passes;
A pressing force detection unit for detecting a pressing force applied by a finger in contact with the touch panel;
A pressing force determining means for determining whether or not the magnitude of the pressing force is a predetermined threshold value or more;
Contact determination means for determining which contact position of the finger belongs to which of a plurality of surface position ranges associated with each operation state in the touch panel;
An operation corresponding to at least one surface position range when the true determination is made by the pressing force determination means and the contact determination means determines that the contact position of the finger belongs to one surface position range An operation mode control means for activating a state as a new operation state. The pressing force determining means determines to which of the plurality of pressing force value ranges associated with each operation state the size of the pressing force belongs,
In the operation mode control means, it is determined by the pressing force determining means that the magnitude of the pressing force belongs to one pressing force value range, and the contact position of the finger is determined to be one surface position by the contact determining means. The operation state corresponding to the one pressing force value range and at least the one surface position range is activated as a new operation state when it is determined that it belongs to the range. A user interface device as described. The pressing force determining means determines that the magnitude of the pressing force belongs to a predetermined pressing force value range among a plurality of pressing force value ranges associated with each operation state, and the contact determining means 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the contact position of the finger belongs to a predetermined surface position range, the operation mode control unit activates a private mode as the new operation state. A user interface device as described. The pressing force determining means determines that the magnitude of the pressing force belongs to a predetermined pressing force value range among a plurality of pressing force value ranges associated with each operation state, and the contact determining means When it is determined that the contact position of the finger belongs to a predetermined surface position range, the operation mode control means activates a lock state that does not accept a predetermined operation as the new operation state. The user interface device according to claim 1 or 2. When the pressing force determining means determines that the magnitude of the pressing force belongs to the first pressing force value range in the predetermined pressing force value range, the operation mode control means As an operation state, activate a lock state belonging to a predetermined operation mode,
When it is determined by the pressing force determining means that the magnitude of the pressing force belongs to the second pressing force value range in the predetermined pressing force value range, the operation mode control means The user interface device according to claim 4, wherein a lock state belonging to an operation mode different from the predetermined operation mode is activated as the operation state. At the time of activation of a locked state in which a predetermined operation is not accepted, the pressing force determination unit sets a predetermined pressing force value range among a plurality of pressing force value ranges associated with each operation state. When the contact determination unit determines that the contact position of the finger belongs to a preset surface position range, the operation mode control unit sets the new operation state as the new operation state. The user interface device according to claim 1, wherein the unlocked state in which the lock is released is activated. An image display unit for displaying an image on the screen;
7. The user interface device according to claim 1, wherein the operation mode control unit activates the new operation state instead of a light-off mode in which the image display unit is turned off. . A tactile response mechanism that gives a tactile response to the finger touching the touch panel;
The tactile response control means for controlling the tactile response mechanism unit to give a tactile response to the finger when the new operation state is activated. The user interface device according to item. A program installed in a user interface device that can be activated by switching each of a plurality of operating states, the user interface device comprising:
A touch panel that sequentially outputs a finger contact position as time passes;
A pressing force detection unit that detects a pressing force applied by a finger that is in contact with the touch panel;
A pressing force determining means for determining whether or not the magnitude of the pressing force is a predetermined threshold value or more;
Contact determination means for determining which contact position of the finger belongs to which of a plurality of surface position ranges associated with each operation state in the touch panel;
An operation corresponding to at least one surface position range when the true determination is made by the pressing force determination means and the contact determination means determines that the contact position of the finger belongs to one surface position range A program for a user interface device, which causes a computer to function as an operation mode control unit that activates a state as a new operation state. An operation state switching method in a user interface device that can be activated by switching each of a plurality of operation states, the user interface device comprising:
A touch panel that sequentially outputs a finger contact position as time passes;
A pressing force detection unit that detects a pressing force applied by a finger that is in contact with the touch panel, and the operation mode activation method includes:
Determining whether the magnitude of the pressing force is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold;
Determining which of the plurality of surface position ranges associated with each operation state in the touch panel the contact position of the finger belongs to;
When it is determined that the magnitude of the pressing force is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value and it is determined that the contact position of the finger belongs to one surface position range, at least one surface position range is supported. And a step of causing the operating state to be activated as a new operating state.

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