Electronic equipment, control methods and programs for electronic equipment

Abstract

To provide an electronic apparatus for improving the operability of user input.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus comprises a touch panel type operation unit 11 that is configured by laminating a transparent sheet 11a having a key display unit 14s, which is formed as a transparent region LT and displays symbols for key input in a visible manner by guiding light downward, on a control board 11d, a light guide plate 11c provided with a key transparency LED 11L, and a touch panel 11b in a stacked manner. A back-mounted LED 15R in red (R) is provided at a position on the control board 11d corresponding to an input mode switching key Km of the key display unit 14s. In a key input mode [K], the key transparency LED 11L is turned on to display the symbols of each key and allows the operation unit 11 to function as a key input unit 14K. In a pen (handwriting) input mode [T], the key transparency LED 11L is turned off and the back-mounted LED 15R is turned on to display the input mode switching key Km in red and allows the operation unit 11 to function as a pen input unit 14T.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, a control method for an electronic device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] For example, electronic devices such as personal computers and tablet terminals that input information according to user operations and operate according to the input information are widely used.

[0003] Conventionally, for such electronic devices, instead of a mechanical keyboard with a large number of components, a light guide key pad and a light guide key pad assembly that display a key character pattern by transmitting light through a transmissive region corresponding to the key character pattern and enable the input of information on the key pressed by the user have been considered (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Conventional light guide key pads and light guide key pad assemblies can display key character patterns with good visibility and allow users to input keys, but for example, they cannot input handwritten characters with good operability.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic device, a control method for an electronic device, and a program that can improve the operability of user input.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The electronic device according to the present invention is Touch panel and A transparent sheet is placed over the aforementioned touch panel, and multiple character patterns are formed as transparent areas. A light guide member positioned below the aforementioned transparent sheet, A first light source is used to make the plurality of character patterns visible by irradiating light onto the light guide member, A second light source is positioned below the light guide member and is used to make a portion of the plurality of character patterns visible. It comprises a control unit and, The character pattern includes a plurality of second patterns for correcting positional deviations of the touch position detected by the touch panel, The aforementioned second light source comprises a plurality of fourth light sources for visualizing each of the plurality of second patterns, The control unit, The operating mode can be switched. The on / off switching of the first light source and the on / off switching of the second light source are controlled according to the operating mode. In the third operating mode, the first light source is controlled to be turned off and the fourth light source is turned on. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to improve the operability of user input. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A front view showing the external configuration of an electronic dictionary 10 according to an embodiment of the electronic device, control method for the electronic device, and program of the present invention. [Figure 2] A side view showing the configuration of the touch panel operation unit 11. [Figure 3] A side view showing an example of the configuration of the light guide plate (light guide member) 11c of the touch panel operation unit 11. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic circuitry of electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating the process for setting the operating mode of the electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating the key input processing according to the key input mode [K] of the electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 7] Flowchart showing pen input processing according to the pen input mode [T] of the electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 8] Flowchart showing calibration processing according to the calibration mode [C] of the electronic dictionary 10. [Figure 9] It is a front view showing the external appearance configuration in the state set to the pen input mode [T] of the electronic dictionary 10 according to another embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a front view showing the external appearance configuration of the electronic dictionary 10 according to embodiments of the electronic device, the control method of the electronic device, and the program of the present invention.

[0012] The electronic device is not only configured as the electronic dictionary 10 described below, but may also be configured as a PDA (personal digital assistants) equipped with a touch panel, a PC (personal computer), a mobile phone, an e-book, a portable game machine, etc.

[0013] The electronic dictionary 10 includes a foldable housing (clam shell structure) in which an operation unit housing provided with a touch panel type operation unit 11 and a display unit housing provided with a display unit (display) 12 can be unfolded / closed via a hinge unit 13. As an example of the display unit 12, a touch panel type display unit can be mentioned.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the touch panel type operation unit 11.

[0015] The touch panel operation unit 11 has a transparent sheet 11a on its surface, which will be described in detail later. The touch panel 11b, light guide plate (light guide member) 11c, and control board 11d are stacked beneath the transparent sheet 11a. Near the side of the light guide plate 11c, a key-transmitting LED 11L (first light source) is provided to illuminate the light guide plate 11c with light.

[0016] The touch panel 11b is transparent and is a touch position detection device that detects the position where a user touches it with their finger or pen. The touch panel 11b may be placed on top of the transparent sheet 11a. The touch panel 11b in this embodiment uses a resistive touch method, but is not limited to that; a capacitive touch method or the like may also be used.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the transparent sheet 11a has a light-blocking area LB that does not transmit light, a light-transmitting area LT formed therein, a key display area 14s that displays symbols (character patterns, also called first patterns) including characters and figures for key input so that they can be seen when light is guided beneath the sheet 11a, a boundary display area 14b formed therein as the same transparent area LT that displays the boundaries of each key so that they can be seen, calibration marks (character patterns, also called second patterns) Kc1 to Kc4 formed therein as the same transparent area LT for correcting positional deviations of touch positions detected by the touch panel 11b, and function designation keys 14d that are fixedly printed (PP) on the upper part of the sheet 11a as symbols (character patterns) for key input.

[0018] The key display section 14s displays symbols, including characters and figures, that correspond to the QWERTY keys or the Japanese syllabary keys in a visible manner.

[0019] The key display unit 14s has an input mode switching key Km that instructs the user to switch between a key input mode [K], which makes the touch panel operation unit 11 function as a key input unit 14K, and a pen input (handwriting) mode [T], which makes it function as a pen input unit 14T.

[0020] Calibration marks Kc1 to Kc4 are placed at predetermined positions corresponding to the rectangles in the area where the touch position can be detected by the touch panel 11b. These calibration marks Kc1 to Kc4 also serve as pen input area indicators, showing the pen input area where input can be made by touching with a finger or pen.

[0021] In the transparent region LT formed on the transparent sheet 11a, at the positions of the control board 11d corresponding to the input mode switching key Km and calibration marks Kc1 to Kc4, as shown in Figure 2, a rear-mounted LED 15R (second light source) is provided as an LED for transmitting the input mode switching key (third light source) at the position corresponding to the input mode switching key Km (first pattern), and as an LED for transmitting the calibration marks (pen input area display marks) (fourth light source) at the position corresponding to the calibration marks Kc1 to Kc4 (second pattern).

[0022] Here, the third light source refers not only to the input mode switching key Km, but also to the rear-mounted LED 15R provided in correspondence to some of the keys in the key display unit 14s (any one or more keys included in the key display unit 14s (first pattern)).

[0023] In Figure 2, for illustrative purposes, the rear-mounted LED (LED for transmitting input mode switching key) 15R located below the input mode switching key Km is shown, while the rear-mounted LED (LED for transmitting calibration marks / LED for transmitting pen input area marks) 15R located below the calibration marks (pen input area indicator marks) Kc1~Kc4 is omitted.

[0024] The rear-mounted LED 15R may also be configured to be located at a position corresponding to either the input mode switching key Km or the calibration marks Kc1 to Kc4.

[0025] The rear-mounted LED 15R is mounted by fitting the light-emitting portion into an LED mounting hole 15H formed in the control board 11d, corresponding to the diameter of the light-emitting portion which is convex in the direction of light emission, from the rear side of the control board 11d. In this embodiment, the height of the light-emitting portion is smaller than the thickness of the control board 11d. For example, by using a rear-mounted LED 15R with a light-emitting portion height of 0.6 to 1.0 mm on a control board 11d with a plate thickness of 1.2 to 1.6 mm, the LED mounting hole 15H can be used to restrict the direction of light emission of the rear-mounted LED 15R to directly upward without widening the direction of light emission. Naturally, the greater the plate thickness of the control board 11d and the deeper the LED mounting hole 15H is relative to the height of the light-emitting portion of the rear-mounted LED 15R, the greater the directionality of the light emission direction.

[0026] In this embodiment, the key-transmitting LED 11L uses a colorless (white) LED, and the back-mounted LED 15R uses a red (R) LED.

[0027] Figure 3 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the light guide plate (light guide member) 11c of the touch panel operation unit 11.

[0028] The light guide plate (light guide member) 11c is formed by laminating a mirror-like reflective sheet 11cM on the back (bottom) side and a light-diffusing sheet 11cD on the front (top) side of a main light plate 11cB made of acrylic plate that has been processed with a textured surface for light guidance, for example, and is configured so that light from the key-transmitting LED 11L is efficiently and uniformly diffused over the entire surface of the light guide plate 11c.

[0029] In this case, the reflective sheet 11cM in the portion corresponding to the LED mounting hole 15H of the rear-mounted LED 15R mounted on the control board 11d has light-passing holes 11H formed in it to allow light from the rear-mounted LED 15R to pass through in a directional manner.

[0030] The key display section 14s, boundary display section 14b, and calibration marks (pen input area display marks) Kc1 to Kc4 are illuminated from below the transparent sheet 11a by the light guide plate 11c when the key-transmitting LED 11L shown in Figure 2 is lit. The illuminated light passes through the transparent area LT, making the characters and symbols for key input, the boundaries of each key, and each mark visible in white. When the key-transmitting LED 11L is turned off, the key display section 14s, boundary display section 14b, and calibration marks (pen input area display marks) Kc1 to Kc4 become invisible, while the function designation key 14d remains visible.

[0031] Function specification key 14d is used to directly specify the dictionary content category ([Japanese][English-Japanese][Japanese-English], etc.) or [Content List] indicated for each key.

[0032] On the other hand, the input mode switching key Km on the key display section 14s and the calibration marks (pen input area display marks) Kc1 to Kc4 can be individually identified in red (R) by illuminating the corresponding rear-mounted LED 15R, which is the LED for transmitting the input mode switching key and the LED for transmitting the calibration marks (LED for transmitting the pen input area display marks).

[0033] Furthermore, the calibration marks (pen input area display marks) Kc1 to Kc4 may be configured so that they are not visible when the key-transmitting LED 11L is lit, and are only visible in red (R) when the calibration mark-transmitting LED (pen input area display mark-transmitting LED) 15R is lit, by excluding a portion of the light guide plate 11c corresponding to their positions.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, the electronic dictionary 10 of this embodiment has three operating modes: a key input mode [K] (first operating mode), a pen input (handwriting) mode [T] (second operating mode), and a calibration mode [C] (third operating mode).

[0035] In key input mode [K], as shown in Figure 1(A), the key-transmitting LED 11L of the touch panel operation unit 11 is turned on, making the key display unit 14s and boundary display unit 14b, which are the transparent areas LT of the transparent sheet 11a, visible together with the function-specifying key 14d, thereby enabling the touch panel operation unit 11 to function as a key input unit 14K.

[0036] In pen input mode [T], as shown in Figure 1(B), the key-transmitting LED 11L of the touch panel operation unit 11 is turned off to make the function-specifying key 14d visible, while the input mode switching key-transmitting LED (third light source) and the calibration mark-transmitting LED (pen input area display mark-transmitting LED, i.e., fourth light source), which are rear-mounted LEDs 15R, are turned on to make the input mode switching key Km and calibration marks (pen input area display marks) Kc1 to Kc4 visible in red (R), thereby enabling the touch panel operation unit 11 to function as a pen input unit 14T.

[0037] In this case, the input mode switching key Km and calibration marks (pen input area indicator marks) Kc1 to Kc4 light up red (R), allowing the user to recognize that the power is on. Furthermore, the user can clearly recognize the pen input area where touch input is possible and perform touch operations (pen input operations). In addition, switching from the current pen input mode [T] to key input mode [K] is also easy.

[0038] Calibration mode [C] is entered when, for example, the battery power supply of the electronic dictionary 10 is replaced, or the cumulative usage time of the electronic dictionary 10 reaches a predetermined time, or when the same key is pressed a predetermined number of times consecutively, or a combination of these conditions. The control unit 21 of the electronic dictionary 10, described later, determines that a key input error has occurred due to a decrease in the accuracy of touch position detection when the same key is pressed a predetermined number of times consecutively.

[0039] In calibration mode [C], the key-transmitting LED 11L and the input mode switching key-transmitting LED 15R of the touch panel operation unit 11 are turned off, and the calibration mark-transmitting LED 15R is turned on, making only the calibration marks Kc1 to Kc4 on the transparent sheet 11a visible. This allows for easy and accurate touch operation on the calibration marks Kc1 to Kc4, enabling the electronic dictionary 10 to accurately correct the positional deviation of the touch position detected by the touch panel 11b.

[0040] Furthermore, the calibration mark transmission LED 15R may be turned off in key input mode [K] and pen input mode [T], and turned on in calibration mode [C]. This allows the user to easily recognize when the operating mode of the electronic dictionary 10 has switched to calibration mode [C].

[0041] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic circuit of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0042] The electronic circuit of the electronic dictionary 10 includes a control unit (CPU: central processing unit) 21, which is a computer. The control unit 21 controls the operation of each part of the circuit according to a dictionary control program 22a that is pre-stored in a storage unit 22 such as a flash ROM. There may be one or more processors such as a CPU.

[0043] Furthermore, at least one of the dictionary control program 22a and the dictionary data described later may be read from an external recording medium 23 such as a memory card by the recording medium reading unit 24 and stored in the storage unit 22, or it may be downloaded from a Web server (in this case, a program server) 30 on the communication network N via the communication unit 25 and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0044] The control unit 21 is connected to the storage unit 22, the recording medium reading unit 24, and the communication unit 25 via data and control buses, as well as to the touch panel operation unit 11 and the display unit 12 shown in Figures 1 and 2. Although not shown, the control unit 21 may also be connected to an audio output unit and an audio input unit.

[0045] The memory unit 22 stores a system program that controls the overall operation of the electronic dictionary 10, a communication program for communicating with external electronic devices via the communication unit 25, a dictionary search program for searching for and displaying user-requested headwords and corresponding translations, definitions, examples, explanations, and other descriptive information based on dictionary data described later, and a dictionary control program 22a that includes a program for controlling the electronic dictionary 10 according to each operating mode: key input mode [K], pen input mode [T], and calibration mode [C].

[0046] Furthermore, the memory unit 22 is equipped with memory areas for storing data necessary for performing various functions using the electronic dictionary 10, including a dictionary data storage area 22b, a mode data storage area 22c, a key input data storage area 22d, a touch position data storage area 22e, and a work data storage area 22f.

[0047] The dictionary data storage area 22b stores dictionary data corresponding to various dictionary contents (Japanese dictionary / encyclopedia / English-Japanese dictionary / Japanese-English dictionary / ...) as data that associates headwords with corresponding translations, definitions, examples, explanations, and other descriptive information.

[0048] The mode data storage area 22c stores mode data for one of the following modes: key input mode [K], pen input mode [T], or calibration mode [C], which is selectively set according to the operation of the electronic dictionary 10 in accordance with the dictionary control program 22a.

[0049] The key input data storage area 22d stores key input data indicating the type of key corresponding to the touch position (XY coordinates) detected by the touch panel 11b in response to a touch operation on the function designation key 14d or the key display unit 14s.

[0050] The touch position data storage area 22e stores touch position data indicating the touch position (XY coordinates) detected by the touch panel 11b in response to a touch operation on the touch panel operation unit 11.

[0051] In the work data storage area 22f, various types of data, such as data input in response to user operations and data acquired or generated by the control unit 21, are temporarily stored (held) as needed in accordance with the control of the operation of each part of the circuit by the control unit 21 according to the dictionary control program 22a.

[0052] In this configuration, the electronic dictionary 10 has a control unit 21 that controls the operation of each circuit part, including the touch panel operation unit 11, according to the instructions of the dictionary control program 22a stored in the memory unit 22. Through the cooperation of software and hardware, the electronic dictionary 10 realizes various functions as described in the following operation description.

[0053] Next, the operation of the electronic dictionary 10 of this embodiment will be described.

[0054] <Setting the operating mode> Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the process for setting the operating mode of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0055] The control unit 21 determines whether or not there has been a key input for the input mode switching key Km (step S1).

[0056] When it is determined that a key input has been made to the input mode switching key Km (step S1 (Yes)), the control unit 21 determines whether the current operating mode is key input mode [K] or pen input mode [T] based on the mode data stored in the mode data storage area 22c (step S2).

[0057] When it is determined that the current operating mode is key input mode [K] (step S2 (key input mode [K])), the control unit 21 switches and sets the operating mode to pen input mode [T] (step S3).

[0058] If it is determined that the current operating mode is pen input mode [T] (step S2 (pen input mode [T])), the control unit 21 switches and sets the operating mode to key input mode [K] (step S4).

[0059] The control unit 21 also determines whether the conditions for transitioning to the calibration mode [C] described above have been met (step S5).

[0060] If it is determined that the conditions for transitioning to calibration mode [C] are met (step S5 (Yes)), the control unit 21 sets the operating mode to calibration mode [C] (step S6).

[0061] <Key input mode [K]> Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the key input processing according to the key input mode [K] of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0062] When the control unit 21 sets the operating mode of the electronic dictionary 10 to key input mode [K], the control unit 21 turns on the key-transmitting LED 11L to make the key display unit 14s (including the input mode switching key Km) and boundary display unit 14b visible, as shown in Figure 1(A), so that the touch panel operation unit 11 functions as a key input unit 14K (step K1).

[0063] Here, the control unit 21 turns off the input mode switching key-transmitting LED 15R, so that the input mode switching key Km is displayed in white by light guided from the key-transmitting LED 11L, just like the other keys (step K2).

[0064] When touch position data corresponding to the touch position detected by the touch panel 11b is input to the control unit 21 in response to a touch operation on the touch panel operation unit 11 (step K3), the control unit 21 determines whether or not a key input has been made based on whether or not the detected touch position corresponds to the function designation key 14d or the key display unit 14s (step K4).

[0065] If it is determined that a key has been pressed (step K4 (Yes)), the control unit 21 executes processing according to the content of the pressed key (step K5).

[0066] For example, if any dictionary content is selected by touch operation on the function selection key 14d, the control unit 21 displays the initial screen corresponding to that dictionary content on the display unit 12. Also, if, for example, the headword input screen for entering headwords corresponding to any dictionary content is displayed on the display unit 12, the control unit 21 displays the characters entered by the key as characters constituting the selected headword in the headword input area of ​​the headword input screen. Furthermore, if a switch from the current key input mode [K] to pen input (handwriting) mode [T] is instructed by touch operation on the input mode switching key Km, the control unit 21 sets the operation mode to pen input mode [T].

[0067] <Pen input (handwriting) mode [T]> Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the pen input process according to the pen input mode [T] of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0068] When the control unit 21 sets the operating mode of the electronic dictionary 10 to pen input mode [T], the control unit 21 turns off the key-transmitting LED 11L so that the touch panel operation unit 11 functions as a pen input unit 14T, as shown in Figure 1(B), by making the key display unit 14s and boundary display unit 14b of the touch panel operation unit 11 invisible, while leaving the function designation key 14d visible (step T1).

[0069] Furthermore, the control unit 21 turns on the input mode switching key-transmitting LED 15R so that the input mode switching key Km remains visible in red (R) (step T2).

[0070] In this case, the user can easily recognize that the electronic dictionary 10 is powered on and in pen input mode [T], and can also easily give the instruction to switch to the aforementioned key input mode [K].

[0071] When set to pen input mode [T], the control unit 21 may turn on the calibration mark transmission LED (pen input area display mark transmission LED) 15R to display the calibration marks (pen input area display marks) Kc1 to Kc4 in red (R) (step T21).

[0072] In this case, the user can perform touch operations (pen input operations) on the touch panel operation unit 11, which functions as a pen input unit 14T, while clearly recognizing the pen input area that can be touched for input.

[0073] When touch position data corresponding to the touch position detected by the touch panel 11b is input to the control unit 21 in response to a touch operation (pen input operation) on the touch panel operation unit 11 (step T3), the control unit 21 determines whether or not there has been a key input to the input mode switching key Km (step T4).

[0074] If it is determined that the input is not a key input to the input mode switching key Km, but rather a touch operation (pen input operation) to another pen input area (step T4(No)), the control unit 21 displays the trajectory y corresponding to the touch position on the display unit 12, as shown in Figure 1, and draws the strokes of a handwritten character, for example (step T6).

[0075] On the other hand, if it is determined that the input is a key input for the input mode switching key Km (step T4 (Yes)), the control unit 21 switches the operation mode from the current pen input mode [T] to the key input mode [K] (step T5).

[0076] <Calibration Mode [C]> Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the calibration process according to the calibration mode [C] of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0077] For example, when the battery power supply of the electronic dictionary 10 is replaced, and the control unit 21 sets the operating mode of the electronic dictionary 10 to calibration mode [C], the control unit 21 turns off the key-transmitting LED 11L and the input mode switching key-transmitting LED 15R, so that the key display unit 14s (including the input mode switching key Km) and the boundary display unit 14b of the touch panel operation unit 11 are not visible, as shown in Figure 1(B) (step C1).

[0078] The control unit 21 also turns on the calibration mark transmission LED 15R to display the calibration marks Kc1 to Kc4 in red (R) (step C2).

[0079] Here, when the user sequentially touches calibration marks Kc1 to Kc4, touch position data corresponding to the touch position detected by the touch panel 11b is input to the control unit 21 (step C3).

[0080] Then, when it is determined that touch positions have been detected for all four calibration marks Kc1 to Kc4 (step C4 (Yes)), the control unit 21 corrects the touch positions (XY coordinates) to be detected in response to the touch operation on the touch panel 11b, based on the positional difference between the predetermined positions (XY coordinates) corresponding to the calibration marks Kc1 to Kc4 on the touch panel 11b and the four touch positions (XY coordinates) detected in step C3 (step C5).

[0081] Furthermore, the calibration mark transmission LED 15R may be configured to sequentially prompt the user to touch each of the four calibration marks Kc1 to Kc4 by turning on (illuminating) the transmission LED 15R corresponding to each of the four calibration marks Kc1 to Kc4 in a predetermined order. This allows the user to perform accurate calibration.

[0082] Alternatively, the system may be configured so that after the four calibration mark transmission LEDs 15R are turned on (lit), the transmission LED 15R corresponding to the calibration mark Kcn where the touch position is detected is turned off (turned off). This allows for more accurate calibration.

[0083] The rear-mounted LEDs 15R (calibration mark-transmitting LEDs 15R), each corresponding to one of the calibration marks (pen input area indicator marks) Kc1 to Kc4, illuminate brightly with a higher light intensity than in pen input mode [T] in calibration mode [C] to strongly encourage the user to touch the calibration marks Kc1 to Kc4. On the other hand, in pen input mode [T], they may illuminate dimly with a lower light intensity than in calibration mode [C] to allow the user to recognize the pen input area. In other words, the control unit 21 controls the light intensity of each calibration mark-transmitting LED 15R in calibration mode [C] to be greater than the light intensity of each calibration mark-transmitting LED 15R in pen input mode [T]. This allows the user to easily recognize that the operating mode of the electronic dictionary 10 has switched to calibration mode [C], and prevents the light from the calibration mark-transmitting LEDs 15R from interfering with the user's pen input operation in pen input mode [T].

[0084] (Summary of the embodiments) According to the electronic dictionary 10 of this embodiment, a touch panel type operation unit 11 is constructed by stacking a transparent sheet 11a, which has a key display section 14s formed as a light-transmitting region LT that allows light to pass through and to display characters and symbols including figures for key input in a visible manner when light is guided below, a control board 11d, a light guide plate 11c provided with a key-transmitting LED 11L that emits, for example, colorless (white) light, and a touch panel 11b. Of the key display section 14s, a rear-mounted LED (input mode switching key-transmitting LED) 15R that emits, for example, red (R) light is provided at the position of the control board 11d corresponding to the input mode switching key Km. In key input mode [K], the key-transmitting LED 11L is turned on to display the symbols of each key, which are the key display unit 14s, in white, and the touch panel operation unit 11 functions as a key input unit 14K. In pen (handwriting) input mode [T], the key-transmitting LED 11L is turned off and the input mode switching key-transmitting LED 15R (third light source) is turned on to display the input mode switching key Km in red (R), and the touch panel operation unit 11 functions as a pen input unit 14T. In this case, even if a wide area, mainly the pen input area of ​​the touch panel operation unit 11, is not electrically indicated, the display of the input mode switching key Km allows the user to easily recognize that the electronic dictionary 10 is powered on and in pen input mode [T], and to easily switch to key input mode [K].

[0085] Furthermore, according to the electronic dictionary 10 of this embodiment, calibration marks (pen input area display marks) Kc1 to Kc4 are formed on the transparent sheet 11a as a transparent area LT at positions corresponding to the rectangle of the area where the touch position can be detected by the touch panel 11b, and calibration mark (pen input area display mark) transparent LED 15R, which is a back-mounted LED that emits light in red (R), for example, is provided at the positions on the control board 11d corresponding to each calibration mark (pen input area display mark) Kc1 to Kc4. In pen input mode [T], the pen input area display mark transparent LED 15R is further turned on to display the pen input area display marks Kc1 to Kc4 in red (R), allowing the user to clearly recognize the pen input area that can be touched for input. In calibration mode [C], the key transparent LED 11L is turned off and the calibration mark transparent LED 15R is turned on to display the calibration marks Kc1 to Kc4 in red (R), allowing easy and accurate touch operations on the calibration marks Kc1 to Kc4. Furthermore, by turning on only the calibration mark transmission LED 15R, touch operations on the calibration marks Kc1 to Kc4 can be made even easier and more accurate.

[0086] Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the usability of user input.

[0087] (Other embodiments) Figure 9 is a front view showing the external configuration of the electronic dictionary 10 according to another embodiment when it is set to pen input mode [T].

[0088] In other embodiments of the electronic dictionary 10, a key display section 14s (see Figure 1(A)) is formed as a transparent area LT on the transparent sheet 11a, and adjacent to the input mode switching key Km, for example, an erase key KE, which is an eraser mark, is provided.

[0089] As shown in Figure 2, the control board 11d is equipped with rear-mounted LEDs 15R corresponding to the input mode switching key Km and calibration marks (pen input area display marks) Kc1 to Kc4, as well as rear-mounted LEDs 15R (third light source) corresponding to the erase key KE and the input / confirm (ENTER) key KR. In Figure 9, the input / confirm (ENTER) key KR is indicated by a return symbol, but it may be the word [ENTER]. The erase key KE and the input / confirm (ENTER) key KR are part of the key display unit 14s.

[0090] In pen input mode [T], the control unit 21 turns off the key-transmitting LED 11L and turns on the rear-mounted LEDs 15R corresponding to the input mode switching key Km, calibration marks (pen input area display marks) Kc1 to Kc4, erase key KE, and input / confirm (ENTER) key KR.

[0091] The erase key KE is a key used to set the erase mode (second pen input mode) in the pen input mode [T], in which the drawing mode (first pen input mode) displays a trajectory y corresponding to the touch position on the display unit 12 in response to a touch operation on the touch panel operation unit 11.

[0092] In erase mode (second pen input mode), the control unit 21 moves the erase pointer PE displayed on the display unit 12 in response to a touch operation on the touch panel operation unit 11, and erases the trajectory y displayed on the display unit 12.

[0093] In other embodiments of the electronic dictionary 10, similar to the above embodiment, even if a wide area mainly consisting of the pen input area of ​​the touch panel operation unit 11 is not electrically indicated, the user can easily recognize that the electronic dictionary 10 is powered on and in pen input mode [T] by the display of the input mode switching key Km, and can easily give the instruction to switch to the aforementioned key input mode [K].

[0094] Furthermore, the display of calibration marks (pen input area indicator marks) Kc1 to Kc4 allows users to clearly recognize the pen input area while performing touch operations (pen input operations).

[0095] Furthermore, the display of the erase key KE allows the user to easily instruct the user to switch to erase mode, and the display of the input / confirm (ENTER) key KR allows the user to easily perform operations such as confirming and saving the input of a handwritten trajectory y displayed on the display unit 12 in response to a touch operation.

[0096] In pen input mode [T], the rear-mounted LED 15R that is turned on (lit) corresponds to the input mode switching key Km, calibration marks (pen input area display marks) Kc1~Kc4, erase key KE, and input / confirm (ENTER) key KR. However, if the spacing between adjacent keys is narrow, such as between the input mode switching key Km and the erase key KE, the configuration may be such that multiple adjacent keys are displayed by a single rear-mounted LED 15R.

[0097] In this case, the rear-mounted LED 15R may be positioned near the boundary between multiple adjacent keys, and the light-passing holes 11H of the reflective sheet 11cM shown in Figure 3 may be extended to span the range of the multiple adjacent keys, thereby displaying the multiple keys. Alternatively, the light intensity of the rear-mounted LED 15R provided in relation to a specific key among the multiple adjacent keys (in this case, the input mode switching key Km) may be increased, so that the light leaking to the key adjacent to that specific key (in this case, the erase key KE) will display the adjacent key.

[0098] Furthermore, the rear-mounted LED 15R, which serves as the third light source, is not limited to the input mode switching key Km, erase key KE, and input / confirm (ENTER) key KR mentioned above, but may also be provided in correspondence to some of the keys in the key display unit 14s (any one or more keys included in the key display unit 14s (first pattern)). In this case as well, in pen input mode [T], the control unit 21 turns off the key-transmitting LED 11L and turns on the rear-mounted LED 15R corresponding to each key included in the key display unit 14s. Also, in pen input mode [T] simultaneously with the above-described embodiment, the control unit 21 may turn on a fourth light source in addition to the third light source, or it may turn on only the third light source.

[0099] In each of the above embodiments, if the rear-mounted LED 15R (third light source) is not provided in a position corresponding to the input mode switching key Km, the key input mode [K] and the pen input mode [T] may be switched by, for example, long-pressing another key on which the rear-mounted LED 15R is provided.

[0100] Even without providing a rear-mounted LED 15R corresponding to the input mode switching key Km, the user can easily recognize that the electronic dictionary 10 is powered on and in pen input mode [T] by illuminating a third light source corresponding to another key.

[0101] Furthermore, by using a rear-mounted LED 15R (third light source) to display any key, the transparent sheet 11a can be used in common even when changing the key to be displayed in pen input mode [T] (second operating mode).

[0102] Furthermore, by controlling the lighting state of the rear-mounted LED 15R, which is provided as a second light source, new functions can be realized, such as flashing to warn when the battery is running low.

[0103] Furthermore, the light-emitting color of the rear-mounted LED 15R, which is provided in accordance with specific keys or marks on the touch panel operation unit 11, is not limited to red; it may be a different light-emitting color depending on the function of the key or mark.

[0104] It goes without saying that the electronic device of the present invention is not limited to the electronic dictionary 10 described as an embodiment, but is also applicable to other electronic devices equipped with a touch panel operation unit 11 similar to that of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0105] The methods for each process performed by the electronic dictionary 10 as described in the above embodiments, namely the operation mode setting process shown in the flowchart of Figure 5, the key input process in key input mode [K] shown in the flowchart of Figure 6, the pen input process in pen input mode [T] shown in the flowchart of Figure 7, and the calibration process in calibration mode [C] shown in the flowchart of Figure 8, can all be distributed as programs that can be executed by a computer, stored on the media of an external recording device such as a memory card (ROM card, RAM card, etc.), magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk, etc.), optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), or semiconductor memory. The control unit (CPU) of the electronic device reads the program recorded on the media of this external recording device into the storage device, and its operation is controlled by this read program, thereby realizing the various functions described in the embodiments and executing the same processes as described above.

[0106] Furthermore, the program data for realizing each method can be transmitted over a communication network (N) in the form of program code, and the program data can be taken into an electronic device and stored in a memory device from a computer device (program server) connected to this communication network (N), thereby realizing the various functions described above.

[0107] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and can be modified in various ways during implementation without departing from its essence. The embodiments may also be combined as appropriate, and in that case, combined effects can be obtained. Moreover, the embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by selecting combinations from the multiple disclosed constituent elements. For example, if the problem can be solved and effects obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiments, then the configuration with these deleted constituent elements can be extracted as an invention.

[0108] The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below.

[0109] [Note 1] Touch panel and A transparent sheet is placed over the aforementioned touch panel, and multiple character patterns are formed as transparent areas. A light guide member positioned below the aforementioned transparent sheet, A first light source is used to make the plurality of character patterns visible by irradiating light onto the light guide member, A second light source is positioned below the light guide member and is used to make a portion of the plurality of character patterns visible. It comprises a control unit and, The control unit, The operating mode can be switched. The on / off switching of the first light source and the on / off switching of the second light source are controlled according to the operating mode. electronic equipment.

[0110] [Note 2] The character pattern includes a first pattern for key input, The second light source includes a third light source for visualizing the first pattern, The control unit, In the first operating mode, the first light source is controlled to be turned on and the third light source is turned off. In the second operating mode, the first light source is controlled to be turned off and the third light source is turned on. Electronic equipment as described in Appendix 1.

[0111] [Note 3] The character pattern includes a plurality of second patterns for correcting positional deviations of the touch position detected by the touch panel, The aforementioned second light source comprises a plurality of fourth light sources for visualizing each of the plurality of second patterns, The control unit, In the third operating mode, the first light source is turned off and the fourth light source is turned on. Electronic equipment as described in Appendix 1.

[0112] [Note 4] The character pattern includes a first pattern for key input, The second light source includes a third light source for visualizing the first pattern, The aforementioned plurality of second patterns are formed in areas where the touch position can be detected by the touch panel, The control unit, In the second operating mode, the first light source is turned off, and the third and fourth light sources are turned on. Electronic devices as described in Appendix 3.

[0113] [Note 5] The control unit, The amount of light from the fourth light source in the third operating mode is controlled to be greater than the amount of light from the fourth light source in the second operating mode. Electronic devices as described in Appendix 4.

[0114] [Note 6] The control unit, In the third operating mode, the fourth light source is controlled to be lit in a predetermined order. Electronic equipment as described in either Appendix 3 or Appendix 5.

[0115] [Note 7] The control unit, In the third operating mode, when a touch position corresponding to the second pattern is detected by the touch panel, the control is made to turn off the fourth light source corresponding to the second pattern where the touch position was detected. Electronic equipment as described in any of the appendices 3 through 6.

[0116] [Note 8] The control unit, In the third operating mode described above, when a touch position corresponding to each of the plurality of second patterns is detected by the touch panel, a correction process is performed on the detected touch position. Electronic equipment as described in any of Appendix 3 to Appendix 7.

[0117] [Note 9] The control unit, When the battery power supply of the electronic device is replaced, when the cumulative usage time of the electronic device reaches a predetermined time, or when the same key is pressed a predetermined number of times consecutively, the operating mode of the touch panel is switched to the third operating mode. Electronic equipment as described in any of Appendix 3 to Appendix 8.

[0118] [Note 10] The first pattern is a switching pattern for instructing the switching between the first operating mode and the second operating mode. The control unit, When a touch position corresponding to the switching pattern is detected by the touch panel, the system switches between the first operating mode and the second operating mode. Electronic equipment as described in Appendix 2.

[0119] [Note 11] Touch panel and A transparent sheet is placed over the aforementioned touch panel, and multiple character patterns are formed as transparent areas. A light guide member positioned below the aforementioned transparent sheet, A first light source is used to make the plurality of character patterns visible by irradiating light onto the light guide member, A second light source is positioned below the light guide member and is used to make a portion of the plurality of character patterns visible. The control unit of an electronic device comprising a control unit, Switch the operating mode, The on / off switching of the first light source and the on / off switching of the second light source are controlled according to the operating mode. A method for controlling electronic devices.

[0120] [Note 12] Touch panel and A transparent sheet is placed over the aforementioned touch panel, and multiple character patterns are formed as transparent areas. A light guide member positioned below the aforementioned transparent sheet, A first light source is used to make the plurality of character patterns visible by irradiating light onto the light guide member, A second light source is positioned below the light guide member and is used to make a portion of the plurality of character patterns visible. The control unit of an electronic device comprising a control unit, Switch the operating mode, The on / off switching of the first light source and the on / off switching of the second light source are controlled according to the operating mode. A program that makes it work in that way. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0121] 10. Electronic dictionary (electronic device) 11 ...Touch panel control unit 11a...Transparent sheet 11b...Touch panel 11c... Light guide plate (light guide component) 11cB…Leading light plate 11cD…Light Diffusion Sheet 11cm…Reflective sheet 11H...Light passing hole 11L…LED for key transmission (1st light source) 11d... Control board 12...Display section y...Trajectory LB...shading area 14s...Key display section (Pattern 1) 14b...Boundary display area LT...Transmission area Km ... Input mode switching key (Pattern 1) Kc1~Kc4…Calibration marks (pen input area indicator marks) (2nd pattern) 15R…Back mounted LED (2nd light source: 3rd light source / 4th light source) 15H…LED mounting hole KE... Erase key (Pattern 1) KR... Input / Confirm (ENTER) key (Pattern 1) PE ... erase pointer (R)...Red 14d... Function specification key 14K...Key input section PP…Fixed printing 14T…Pen input section 21 ...Control Unit (CPU) 22...Storage section 22a...Dictionary control program 22c... Mode data storage area 22d...Key input data storage area 22e...Touch position data storage area

Claims

1. Touch panel and A transparent sheet is placed over the aforementioned touch panel, and multiple character patterns are formed as transparent areas. A light guide member positioned below the aforementioned transparent sheet, A first light source is used to make the plurality of character patterns visible by irradiating light onto the light guide member, A second light source is positioned below the light guide member and is used to make a portion of the plurality of character patterns visible. It comprises a control unit and, The character pattern includes a plurality of second patterns for correcting positional deviations of the touch position detected by the touch panel, The second light source comprises a plurality of fourth light sources for visualizing each of the plurality of second patterns, The control unit, The operating mode can be switched. The on / off switching of the first light source and the on / off switching of the second light source are controlled according to the operating mode. In the third operating mode, the first light source is turned off and the fourth light source is turned on. electronic equipment.

2. The character pattern includes a first pattern for key input, The second light source includes a third light source for visualizing the first pattern, The control unit, In the first operating mode, the first light source is controlled to be turned on and the third light source is turned off. In the second operating mode, the first light source is controlled to be turned off and the third light source is turned on. The electronic device according to claim 1.

3. The character pattern includes a first pattern for key input, The second light source includes a third light source for visualizing the first pattern, The aforementioned plurality of second patterns are formed in areas where the touch position can be detected by the touch panel, The control unit, In the second operating mode, the first light source is turned off, and the third and fourth light sources are turned on. The electronic device according to claim 1.

4. The control unit, The amount of light from the fourth light source in the third operating mode is controlled to be greater than the amount of light from the fourth light source in the second operating mode. The electronic device according to claim 3.

5. The control unit, In the third operating mode, the fourth light source is controlled to be lit in a predetermined order. The electronic device according to any one of claim 1, claim 3, or claim 4.

6. The control unit, In the third operating mode, when a touch position corresponding to the second pattern is detected by the touch panel, the control is made to turn off the fourth light source corresponding to the second pattern at the detected touch position. The electronic device according to claim 1 or any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. The control unit, In the third operating mode described above, when a touch position corresponding to each of the plurality of second patterns is detected by the touch panel, a correction process is performed on the detected touch position. The electronic device according to claim 1 or any one of claims 3 to 5.

8. The control unit, When the battery power supply of the electronic device is replaced, when the cumulative usage time of the electronic device reaches a predetermined time, or when the same key is pressed a predetermined number of times consecutively, the operating mode of the touch panel is switched to the third operating mode. The electronic device according to claim 1 or any one of claims 3 to 7.

9. The first pattern is a switching pattern for instructing the switching between the first operating mode and the second operating mode. The control unit, When a touch position corresponding to the switching pattern is detected by the touch panel, the system switches between the first operating mode and the second operating mode. The electronic device according to claim 2.

10. Touch panel and A transparent sheet is placed over the aforementioned touch panel, and multiple character patterns are formed as transparent areas. A light guide member positioned below the aforementioned transparent sheet, A first light source is used to make the plurality of character patterns visible by irradiating light onto the light guide member, A second light source is positioned below the light guide member and is used to make a portion of the plurality of character patterns visible. A method performed by the control unit of an electronic device comprising a control unit, The character pattern includes a plurality of second patterns for correcting positional deviations of the touch position detected by the touch panel, The second light source comprises a plurality of fourth light sources for visualizing each of the plurality of second patterns, The control unit, Switch the operating mode, The on / off switching of the first light source and the on / off switching of the second light source are controlled according to the operating mode. In the third operating mode, the first light source is turned off and the fourth light source is turned on. A method for controlling electronic devices.

11. Touch panel and A transparent sheet is placed over the aforementioned touch panel, and multiple character patterns are formed as transparent areas. A light guide member positioned below the aforementioned transparent sheet, A first light source is used to make the plurality of character patterns visible by irradiating light onto the light guide member, A second light source is positioned below the light guide member and is used to make a portion of the plurality of character patterns visible. A program executed by a computer of an electronic device equipped with, The character pattern includes a plurality of second patterns for correcting positional deviations of the touch position detected by the touch panel, The second light source comprises a plurality of fourth light sources for visualizing each of the plurality of second patterns, The aforementioned program controls the computer, Switch the operating mode, The on / off switching of the first light source and the on / off switching of the second light source are controlled according to the operating mode. In the third operating mode, a control means controls the first light source to be turned off and the fourth light source to be turned on. A program that makes it function as such.

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