JP2000278383A - Display lighting structure and method for portable equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the occurrence of mislighting and malfunction by lighting up on detecting two contact sensors, positioned on both the flanks of the portable equipment, coming into contact at the same time. SOLUTION: A detecting circuit 26 is composed of an AND circuit and outputs a detection signal of detecting a hand touching the portable equipment only when inputting signals from both electrostatic sensors 11 and 12 as contact sensors. Consequently, even if one of the two electrostatic sensors 11 and 12 comes into contact, the detection signal is not generated. A timer 32 provided at the output of the detecting circuit 26 has a preset time set in advance, and starts in response to the detection signal from the detecting circuit 26 and stops a time, needed to operate a key button or refer to a display device, later. A lighting circuit 30 once receiving the detection signal from the detecting circuit 26 supplies the electric power from a power circuit 40 such as a battery to the lighting part 25. Consequently, the lighting part 25 illuminates to light up the key buttons and display device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a display illumination structure for portable equipment. In particular, the present invention relates to a display illumination structure of a portable device which has a simple configuration and can prevent erroneous lighting and malfunction caused when touching the portable device or operating a key button in a dark place.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is a portable telephone disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-241549 for the display illumination structure of the portable equipment. The mobile phone will be described below.

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a conventional portable telephone disclosed in the above publication. As shown in the figure, a mobile phone is provided with a clock 151, a touch sensor 152, an optical sensor 153, and an LED 155. At the time of calling, based on the detection outputs of the touch sensor 152 and the light sensor 153, the user picks up the telephone and sets the keys 131 and 132 by the LED 155 only when the surroundings are dark.
Is illuminated. When an incoming call is received, the keys 131 and 132 are illuminated by the LED 155 according to the time indicated by the clock circuit 151 and the output of the light sensor 153 when there is an incoming call request.

[0004] The above-described portable telephone uses an optical sensor 153 in addition to the touch sensor 152, and thus has a complicated configuration. If the touch sensor 153 is inadvertently touched, the first problem is that power is consumed due to erroneous lighting. There is a point.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an illumination circuit of another conventional portable telephone. As shown in the figure, a lighting circuit includes a key button 201 for requesting lighting, a key button 2
01, a detection circuit 202 that receives the signal of No. 01 and detects the press of the key button 201, a display device 203 that receives the detection signal from the detection circuit 202, recognizes the information of the key button 202, and displays the information. A power supply 204 including a battery, a battery, and the like; an illumination circuit 205 for controlling power supply of the power supply 204; a key button 101;
The illumination component 205 illuminates the illumination component 20 and the illumination component 20 from the power supply 204 upon receiving a detection signal from the detection circuit 202.
5 comprises an illumination circuit 206 for supplying electric power to the light source 5.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the lighting circuit of FIG. As shown in FIG.
In step 1, when the key button 201 is pressed, a sensor (not shown) that detects the pressing of the key button 201 outputs a signal in step S22. Step S2
At 3, the detection circuit 202 receives a press signal of the key button 201.

In step S24, the detection circuit 202 outputs a detection signal to the illumination circuit 206. Step S25
In, the illumination circuit 206 receives the detection signal. In step S26, the display device 203 and the key buttons 201 are illuminated. In step S27, the detection circuit 202 outputs a detection signal to the display device 203.

[0008] In step S28, the display device 203 receives the detection signal. In step S29, characters are displayed on the display device 203.

Therefore, when the portable telephone is used in a dark place, the key button 20 is used to recognize the display contents of the display device 203, the position of the key button 201, and the contents.
It is necessary to press 1. The fact that the key button 201 must be groped to recognize the display contents of the display device 203, the position of the key button 201, and the contents in a dark place, naturally the key button 201 may be erroneously pressed. There is a second problem that causes a malfunction or the like. This is because it is impossible to reliably perform key operations in a dark place because the key buttons have multifunctionality.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a display illumination structure for a portable device which has a simple structure and can limit erroneous lighting and erroneous operation in view of the above problems.

[0011]

According to the present invention, there is provided a key button located on the front of a portable device.
In a display illumination structure of a portable device that illuminates a display device,
The portable device includes two contact sensors located on both side surfaces of the portable device, and the key button, which detects simultaneous contact of the two contact sensors, and a detection circuit for illuminating the display device, The present invention provides a display lighting structure for a portable device.

By this means, the usability is improved by simply adding a simple configuration to the portable device. This is because the position and contents of the key buttons and the contents displayed on the display device can be recognized simply by grasping the portable device in a dark place. Even if the portable device is inadvertently contacted, it is unlikely that the portable device will be inadvertently contacted at two places at the same time. In addition, since the operation of the key button is not required, the malfunction of the key button is restricted, so that the operation can be performed with confidence even in a dark place.

Preferably, the key button and the display device are turned off after a lapse of a predetermined time after the simultaneous contact detection by the detection circuit. By this means, the light is turned off a certain time after the illumination, so that unnecessary power consumption can be prevented.

[0014] Preferably, the contact sensor may be an electrostatic sensor or a piezoelectric sensor. The present invention can be easily realized by using such easily available sensors. Preferably, the detection circuit may detect a simultaneous contact of the two contact sensors to stop the sound component or stop the vibration component. By this means, the usability of the portable device is further improved.

[0015] In a display illumination structure of a portable device for illuminating a display device, a key button located in front of the portable device, two contact sensors respectively located on both side surfaces of the portable device, and simultaneous contact of the two contact sensors. A lighting circuit for illuminating the key button and the display device, a lighting circuit for supplying power to the lighting unit circuit by a detection signal from the detection circuit, and a detection signal from the detection circuit. And a timer for stopping the supply of power to the illumination circuit after a predetermined time has elapsed.

By this means, the usability is improved only by adding a simple configuration to the portable device. This is because the position and contents of the key buttons and the contents displayed on the display device can be recognized simply by grasping the portable device in a dark place. Even if the portable device is inadvertently contacted, it is unlikely that the portable device will be inadvertently contacted at two places at the same time. In addition, since the operation of the key button is not required, the malfunction of the key button is limited, and the operation can be performed with confidence even in a dark place.

A key button located in front of a portable device, a display illumination method for a portable device for illuminating a display device, a detecting step of detecting signals from two contact sensors located on both side surfaces of the portable device; A method for illuminating a display of a portable device, comprising: an illumination step of illuminating the key button and the display device when signals of two contact sensors are simultaneously detected.

By this means, the usability is improved by simply adding a simple configuration to the portable device. This is because the position and contents of the key buttons and the contents displayed on the display device can be recognized simply by grasping the portable device in a dark place. Even if the portable device is inadvertently contacted, it is unlikely that the portable device will be inadvertently contacted at two places at the same time. In addition, since the operation of the key button is not required, the malfunction of the key button is restricted, so that the operation can be performed with confidence even in a dark place.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a portable device for explaining a display illumination structure of the portable device according to the present invention. The portable device shown in the figure is a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handy Phone System), an information terminal, an electronic device that requires recognition of display contents, key button positions and contents in a dark place, and furthermore, , Television, radio, stereo, air-conditioning and other remote controls.

The portable device is usually vertically long and has a smaller thickness at the side than the width at the front, and is large enough to be held between the thumb of one hand and the other finger (or the index finger). As shown in the figure, a key button surface 10 on which key buttons 23 are located and a surface of a display device 27 are provided on the same surface in front of the portable device. Key button 2 on key button surface 10
3 is provided, and a liquid crystal (LCD) is provided on the surface of the display device 27.
A display device product as described above is provided.

As shown in FIG. 1, two electrostatic sensors 11 and 12 are provided on both left and right sides of the portable device, respectively. The two static sensors 11 and 12 are contact sensors using static electricity, and generate a signal when they come into contact. And the positions of the static electricity sensors 11 and 12 are
When the portable device main body is grasped with a hand, it is set to be located exactly between a thumb and another finger.

Therefore, when the side of the portable device is gripped,
The electrostatic sensors 11 and 12 are located at locations where they can be easily touched because they are easily distinguished from the front surface, which is another surface by touch.

Furthermore, the area occupied by the static electricity sensors 11 and 12 is increased to facilitate contact with the hand on the side of the portable device. Therefore, there is a very high possibility that the mobile phone may come into contact with the electrostatic sensors 11 and 12 when the mobile device is groped and grasped in a dark place. In particular, the contact can be surely made by changing the position and grasping again.

As described above, the key button 2 having multiple functions
Since operation 3 is not necessary for lighting, key button 2
Erroneous operation of 3 is eliminated. FIG. 2 shows the electrostatic sensors 11, 1
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portable device for explaining the configuration of FIG. As shown in FIG.
1. A case 22 is provided. The cover 21 has a display device window 27A, a key button window 23A, and notches 1 on both sides.
1A and 12A are provided. Notches 11 corresponding to the notches 11A and 12A of the cover 21 are provided on the side surface of the case 22.
B and 12B are provided.

The substrate 24 is fixed while being surrounded by the cover 21 and the case 22. Key button 2 on the substrate 24
3, a display unit 27, and an illuminating unit 25 including illuminating components such as a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are provided. Illumination part 2
Reference numeral 5 is lit to allow the user to visually recognize the position and contents of the key button 23 in a dark place, and to allow the display contents of the display device 27 to be read. Further, 2
Two contact portions 29 are provided, and the two contact portions 29
4 is provided near a notch formed when the cover 21 and the case 22 are combined with each other.

Further, a detection circuit 26,
An illumination circuit 30 is provided. The detection circuit 26 outputs a signal to the illumination circuit 30 only when receiving both signals of the electrostatic sensors 11 and 12. The illumination circuit 30 receives a signal from the detection circuit 26 and illuminates the illumination unit 25.

As shown in FIG. 2, the static electricity sensor 11,
The shape of the notch 12 is the same as the shape of the notch formed by the notches 11A, 12A and the notches 11B, 12B when the cover 21 and the case 22 are combined. The electrostatic sensors 11 and 12 are fitted into the cutouts thus formed. As described above, the surfaces of the electrostatic sensors 11 and 12 and the surfaces of the cover 21 and the case 22 are configured such that no step is formed.

A spring-like terminal portion 28 is provided on the inside where the electrostatic sensors 11 and 12 are attached, respectively, and the terminal portion 28 projects out of the inside of the electrostatic sensors 11 and 12. The terminal part 28 is a contact part 29 on the substrate.
, And signals from the electrostatic sensors 11 and 12 are sent to the detection circuit 26 on the substrate 24 via the terminal 28 and the contact 29.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating illumination of the illumination component. The detection circuit 26 shown in the figure is an AND circuit, and outputs a detection signal indicating that contact between the portable device and the hand is detected only when both signals are simultaneously input from the electrostatic sensors 11 and 12 as described above. I do. Therefore, even if one of the two electrostatic sensors 11 and 12 is touched, the above detection signal is not generated. Therefore, unnecessary power consumption can be prevented. Timer 3 is applied to the output of detection circuit 26
2 is provided. The timer 32 has a preset time set in advance, and is started by a detection signal from the detection circuit 26,
When the time necessary for operating the key button 23 and referring to the display device 27 elapses, the operation is stopped.

An illuminating circuit 30 is connected to a power supply circuit 40 such as a battery or a battery. The illuminating circuit 30 controls the power supply of the power supply circuit 40. The illumination circuit 30 is connected to the detection circuit 26.
When the detection signal is received from the power supply circuit 40,
To supply power. As a result, the illumination unit 25 is turned on to illuminate the key button 23 and the display device 27.

Incidentally, even if one of the electrostatic sensors 11 and 12 comes into contact for some reason, the illuminated portion 25 does not light up. For this reason, even if it touches by mistake, power consumption can be prevented.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a series of operations for performing display illumination in the portable device of FIG. As shown in the figure, the electrostatic sensors 11 and 12 operate in steps S1 and S2. Step S3, 4
, A human finger touches the electrostatic sensors 11 and 12. In steps S5 and S6, the static electricity sensors 11 and 12 detect a finger touch due to the change in static electricity.

In steps S7 and S8, the electrostatic sensors 11 and 12 transmit signals to the detection circuit 26. In step S9, the detection circuit 26 sets the electrostatic sensors 11, 12
Simultaneously receive signals from In step S10, the detection circuit 26 outputs a detection signal to the illumination circuit 30. In step S11, the timer 32 is started.

In step S12, the illumination circuit 30 receives the detection signal. In step S13, the illumination circuit 3
0 supplies power to the illumination unit 25. In step S14, the lighting unit 25 is turned on. The key buttons 23 and the display device 27 are illuminated. In step S15, operation of the key button 23 and reference to the display device 27 are performed. Step S1
At 6, the timer stops.

In step S17, the illumination unit 25 is turned off. Note that the static electricity sensors 11, 1
2, it is possible to control not only the illuminating unit 25 but also a sounding component such as a bell in a dark place and a vibrating component such as a vibrator. This makes the mobile device easier to use.
Further, a piezoelectric element, a key button, or the like may be used instead of the electrostatic sensor according to the present embodiment. In this case, in order to generate a signal, it is necessary to press not only the piezoelectric element and the key button but also the hand.

[0036]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The ease of use has been improved by adding a simple configuration to mobile devices without adding functions to key buttons. This is because the position, contents and display contents of the key buttons can be recognized simply by grasping the portable device in a dark place.

Since there are few cases where the portable device is inadvertently contacted at two places at the same time, it is possible to limit the erroneous lighting of the shining part 25. This can prevent power consumption. Since the light is turned off after a certain time after lighting, unnecessary power consumption can be prevented. Malfunctions have been limited, so operations can be performed safely even in dark places.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a portable device for explaining a display illumination structure of the portable device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the portable device for explaining the configuration of the electrostatic sensors 11 and 12.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating illumination of an illumination component.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a series of operations for performing display illumination in the mobile device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a conventional mobile phone disclosed in the above publication.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an illumination circuit of another conventional mobile phone.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the lighting circuit in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a conventional mobile phone disclosed in the above publication.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Key button surface 11, 12 ... Static electricity sensor 11A, 12A, 11B, 12B ... Notch 21 ... Cover 22 ... Case 23 ... Key button 23A ... Key button window 24 ... Board 25 ... Illumination part 26 ... Detection circuit 27 ... Display Device 27A: Display device window 28: Terminal portion 29: Contact portion 30: Illumination circuit 32: Timer 40: Power supply circuit

Claims (8)

[Claims] A key button located in front of the mobile device;
In a display illumination structure of a portable device for illuminating a display device, two contact sensors respectively located on both side surfaces of the portable device, and simultaneous contact of the two contact sensors are detected to illuminate the key button and the display device. And a detection circuit for performing the following. 2. The display illumination structure of a portable device according to claim 1, wherein the key button and the display device are turned off after a lapse of a predetermined time after the simultaneous contact detection by the detection circuit. 3. The display illumination structure of a portable device according to claim 1, wherein the contact sensor is an electrostatic sensor. 4. The display illumination structure of a portable device according to claim 1, wherein the contact sensor is a piezoelectric sensor. 5. The display illumination structure of a portable device according to claim 1, wherein the detection circuit detects a simultaneous contact of the two contact sensors and stops the sound-emitting component. 6. The display illumination structure of a portable device according to claim 1, wherein the detection circuit detects a simultaneous contact of the two contact sensors and stops the vibration component. 7. A key button located in front of the portable device,
In a display illumination structure of a portable device that illuminates a display device, two contact sensors located on both side surfaces of the portable device, a detection circuit for detecting simultaneous contact of the two contact sensors, the key button, and the display An illuminating section for illuminating the device; an illuminating circuit for supplying power to the illuminating section circuit according to a detection signal from the detection circuit; and supplying power to the illuminating circuit after a predetermined time after being started by the detection signal from the detection circuit. And a timer for stopping the display. 8. A key button located in front of the portable device,
In a display illumination method of a portable device that illuminates a display device, a detection step of detecting signals from two contact sensors respectively located on both side surfaces of the portable device; and when the signals of the two contact sensors are detected simultaneously. A display illumination method for a portable device, comprising: the key button; and an illumination step of illuminating the display device.