Abstract:
Relating to a mobile communication terminal equipment for portable use such as cellular telephone and radiotelephone, it is intended to obtain a constitution capable of selecting a desired item out of plural items promptly, and maintaining an excellent controllability for a long period. A touch panel switch ( 37 ) is disposed between a display unit ( 33 ) and an operation button block ( 36 ) disposed on a same surface of an outer case ( 31 ), and by a signal obtained by sliding on the touch panel switch ( 37 ) by finger in the horizontal direction to this installation surface, an item in the display unit ( 33 ) is selected according to the sliding direction, or a desired item is selected by moving the cursor position, and therefore if there are many items to be selected, a desired item can be selected quickly, and if a slight flaw is formed on the surface of the touch panel switch ( 37 ), a favorable controllability is maintained.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal equipment for portable use such as cellular telephone and radiotelephone, and a transparent touch panel switch used therein. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A conventional mobile communication terminal equipment (hereinafter referred to simply as MCTE) for portable use such as cellular telephone and radiotelephone is explained by referring to the drawings. 
     FIG. 19 is a front view of a conventional MCTE. As shown in FIG. 19, the front side of the housing, that is, an outer case  1  is the operation panel. 
     A receiver  2  with a built-in speaker and a display unit  3  are formed in the upper part of this operation panel. The display unit  3  is composed of a liquid crystal device (hereinafter referred to simply as LCD)  4 . 
     On the other hand, in the lower part of the operation panel, a transmitter  5  with a built-in microphone used in transmission and an operation button block  6  comprising numeric and other keys are disposed. One of the keys in this operation button block  6  is a decision key  6   a  for determining each operation. A transparent touch panel switch (hereinafter referred to simply as TTPS)  7  is disposed between the display unit  3  and operation button block  6 . 
     FIG. 20 is a partial sectional view of the MCTE shown in FIG.  19 . The LCD  4  composing the display unit  3  is extended to the display unit  3  and lower part of the TTPS  7 . 
     An antenna  8  is disposed at the upper end of the outer case  1 . The antenna  8  is contained in the outer case  1  when not calling, and is drawn out to a specified length when calling. Also in this outer case  1 , an electric circuit (not shown in FIG.  19  and FIG. 20) for controlling input and output information is incorporated. The input and output information is transmitted to the LCD  4 , operation button block  6 , TTPS  7 , and antenna  8 . FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the composition of the MCTE including the electric circuit. 
     As shown in FIG. 21, the LCD  4 , operation button block  6 , TTPS  7 , and antenna  8  are connected to a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to simply as CPU)  9  directly or through a specified circuit. The CPU  9  processes operations, makes judgement, and controls the LCD  4 , operation button block  6 , TTPS  7 , and antenna  8 . 
     That is, the LCD  4  is connected to the CPU  9  through an LCD driver  10 , and the TTPS  7 , through a transparent touch panel switch driver  11 . The signal from the operation button block  6  is directly fed into the CPU  9 . The antenna  8  is connected to the CPU  9  through a transmission-reception circuit  12 . 
     Further, a ROM  13  in which specified information is registered preliminarily, and a RAM  14  which can register or delete the telephone number and other information as required are connected to the CPU  9 . 
     FIG. 22 shows the display state of the display unit  3  and TTPS  7  in the initial state of the MCTE not in service. Herein, the initial state is, for example, the state right after turning on the power source of the MCTE. 
     Referring now to FIG.  21  and FIG. 22, the operation of the MCTE having such configuration is explained. As shown in FIG. 22, the display unit  3  shows a specified initial menu  15  composed of plural items, and a cursor  16  showing which item of the display items is being presently selected. In the portion of the LCD  4  corresponding to the lower position of the TTPS  7 , arrows  17  for moving the cursor  16  in a desired direction are shown. 
     When making a call by using this MCTE, the user first touches the specified area indicated by the arrow  17  of the TTPS  7  by a finger in order to change the display screen from the initial state to a screen for a desired operation. By this touching, the position of the cursor  16  displayed in the display unit  3  is adjusted to a desired item. Then the user pushes the decision key  6   a  shown in FIG.  19 . By this pushing, the selected item is established. The decision signal is sent to the CPU  9 . 
     When recognizing the decision signal, the CPU  9  discriminates the item selected by the cursor  16  of the display unit  3 , calls a specified menu screen or the like corresponding to the item from the ROM  13  or RAM  14 , and transmits it to the LCD  4  through the LCD driver  10 . Then the CPU  9  changes the display message of the LCD  4  including the portion extended to the lower part of the TTPS  7  to the desired one. 
     The CPU of the conventional MCTE is designed to operate in this manner. 
     The operation of selecting the item on the display unit  3  is described in detail below. When calling by searching a telephone number registered beforehand, the user operates to change over to the display corresponding to the item “Calling telephone number” from the items of the initial menu  15 . The user first touches the specified area indicated by the arrow  17  of the TTPS  7  several times. By this operation, the cursor  16  moves in the specified direction. When the cursor  16  comes to the position of the item “Calling telephone number,” the user presses the decision key  6   a.    
     By this operation, the CPU  9  fetches the information of registered telephone directory from the RAM  14  or ROM  13 , transmits the information to the LCD  4  through the LCD driver  10 , and changes the display of the LCD  4  including the portion extended to the lower part of the TTPS  7  to the telephone directory and the display capable of searching it. 
     In this state, plural telephone numbers are shown on the display unit  3 . In the portion of the LCD  4  in the lower part of the TTPS  7 , the arrow is displayed same as above. 
     In succession, the user touches the specified area of the TTPS  7  same as mentioned above, adjusts the cursor  16  to a desired telephone number, and pushes the decision key  6   a . By this operation, the user can select and establish the desired telephone number. 
     Thus, when the CPU  9  recognizes that the desired telephone number has been established, the CPU  9  controls to transmit the transmission signal corresponding to the searched and established telephone number through the transmission-reception circuit  12  and antenna  8 . 
     At the same time, the CPU  9  controls the receiver  2  and transmitter  5  not shown in the block diagram in FIG. 21 as specified so as to transmit and receive the input and output signal such as voice through the transmission-reception circuit  12  and antenna  8 . 
     Thus, in the conventional MCTE, when searching a desired item from multiple items, it requires many touch operations on the TTPS  7 . That is, the user must push the TTPS  7  once every time moving one item. Therefore, the conventional MCTE is poor in operability. Or if the touch operations are repeated for a long period, sag or flaw may be formed on the upper surface of the TTPS  7 . In this state, it is difficult for the user to recognize the display message in the LCD  4  disposed in the lower part of the TTPS  7 . Therefore, the user experiences difficulty in manipulating the TTPS  7 . These are the problems of the conventional MCTE. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is hence an object of the invention to present a mobile communication terminal equipment for solving the problems of the prior art and a touch panel switch used therein. The mobile communication terminal equipment and the touch panel switch used therein of the invention are capable of selecting a desired item promptly from the plural items shown in the display unit, and maintaining the excellent controllability for a long period. 
     The mobile communication terminal equipment of the invention comprises: 
     a) a display unit showing plural items arranged in a specified pattern, and a cursor indicating the presently selected item, 
     b) an operation button block including numeric and other keys, 
     c) a decision key for establishing the selected specified item, and 
     d) a touch panel switch disposed between the display means and operation button block, 
     e) a position of the items or the cursor in the display unit is moved according to the sliding direction by a signal which is obtained by sliding on touch panel switch, and a desired item is selected by moving the position of the items or the cursor. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a front view of MCTE in a first embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view near the location of a touch panel switch composing input selecting means of the MCTE shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the touch panel switch composing the MCTE shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of the touch panel switch composing the MCTE shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the MCTE shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 6 is a top view near the display unit in an initial state of the MCTE shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the operation state of the MCTE shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective exploded view of other touch panel switch composing the input selecting means of the MCTE shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of forming an operation bump (for example, a dowel) on the surface of the touch panel switch. 
     FIG. 10 is a front view of MCTE in a second embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view of the MCTE shown in FIG.  10 . 
     FIG. 12 is a front view of MCTE in a third embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view of display unit  33  and touch panel switch shown in FIG.  12 . 
     FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing the touch panel switch composing the MCTE shown in FIG.  12 . 
     FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the MCTE shown in FIG.  12 . 
     FIG. 16 is a front view of MCTE showing an example of mounting the touch panel switch of the MCTE on an outer case shown in FIG. 12 through a hinge. 
     FIG. 17 is a partial sectional view of display unit and touch panel switch shown in FIG.  16 . 
     FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of display shape of EL of the MCTE shown in FIG.  12 . 
     FIG. 19 is a front view of a conventional MCTE. 
     FIG. 20 is a partial sectional view near the display unit of the MCTE shown in FIG.  19 . 
     FIG. 21 is a block diagram of the MCTE shown in FIG.  19 . 
     FIG. 22 is a top view near the display unit in an initial state of the MCTE shown in FIG.  19 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     An embodiment of the invention is described in detail below while referring to FIG. 1 to FIG.  9 . 
     Embodiment 1 
     FIG. 1 is a front view of MCTE in embodiment 1 of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the front surface of an outer case  31  is an operation panel of MCTE. In the upper part of the operation panel, a receiver  32  and a display unit  33  are formed. The display unit  33  is composed of an LCD  34 . In the lower part of the operation panel, a transmitter  35  and an operation button block  36  comprising numeric and other keys are disposed. One of the keys in this operation button block  36  is a decision key  36   a , and this decision key  36   a  is for determining the selected specified item. This configuration is same as in the prior art shown in FIG.  19 . 
     The outer case  31  is a rectangular parallelepiped, and is composed of six rectangular sides. The widest surface of the six sides is the operation panel. 
     The input selecting means, that is, the touch panel switch (hereinafter referred to simply as TPS)  37  is disposed between the display unit  33  and operation button block  36 . The layout of the TPS is same as in the prior art shown in FIG.  19 . However, as shown in a partial sectional view in FIG. 2, the LCD  34  for composing the display unit  33  is not extended to the lower part of the TPS  37 . This point is the difference from the prior art. 
     The shape of the operation part which is the input selecting means composed of the TPS  37  is nearly rectangular as shown in the front view in FIG.  1 . This rectangular shape is smaller in the dimension in the longitudinal direction of the outer case  31 , and is set larger in the dimension in the orthogonal width direction. 
     As shown in a sectional view in FIG. 3, the TPS  37  is composed of a flexible upper insulating base material (hereinafter referred to simply as UIBM)  40  forming a conductive film  42  in a specified shape, and a lower insulating base material (hereinafter referred to simply as LIBM)  41  forming a conductive film  43  in a specified shape, and the conductive films  42  and  43  are formed to face each other. 
     An adhesive layer  60  is to hold the conductive films  42  and  43  at a specific spacing so as to keep in an insulated state. This configuration is generally called the analog type or resistance film type. In the TPS  37  of this system, by pushing down the specified position of the UIBM  40 , the conductive films  42  and  43  conduct with each other. By this conduction, a specified output signal is obtained from the TPS  37  of this system. 
     The construction is specifically described by referring to a perspective exploded view in FIG.  4 . As shown in FIG. 4, in the center of each side of the conductive film  43  of the LIBM  41 , electrodes  44 A,  44 B,  44 C,  44 D are formed in a state electrically connected to the conductive film  43 . The length of each electrode is formed shorter than the length of each side of the conductive film  43 . Being electrically connected to each one of these four electrodes ( 44 A,  44 B,  44 C,  44 D), derivation parts ( 45 A,  45 B,  45 C,  45 D) in a state electrically insulated from the conductive film  43  are drawn out to outside. A derivation part  46  electrically connected to the conductive film  42  of the UIBM  40  is also provided on the LIBM  41 , and drawn out to outside. A leading end  46   a  of the derivation part  46  is electrically connected to a derivation part  42   a  of the conductive film  42 . However, the derivation part  46  and its leading end  46   a  are electrically insulated from the conductive film  43 . 
     In this configuration, the conductive film  42  of the UIBM  40  can be used as a mere contacting device (a switch). Therefore, the area resistance value of the conductive film  42  is not required to be homogeneous. That is, the conductive film  42  is not required to have a high linearity precision or the like. Hence, the TPS  37  can be manufactured at low cost. Besides, as compared with the electrodes of the ordinary touch panel, the length of the electrodes ( 44 A,  44 B,  44 C,  44 D) is shorter. It is therefore easy to form the outer form in other than quadrangular form, for example, an elliptical form. Hence the touch panel switch of the embodiment may be reduced in size and weight. 
     In this TPS  37 , the sides of the operation panel and the corresponding electrodes are disposed in the outer case  31  so as to be parallel to each other. The central portion enclosed by the four electrodes ( 44 A,  44 B,  44 C,  44 D) is the operation part. 
     An antenna  47  is disposed in the upper part of the outer case  31 . The antenna  47  is contained in the outer case  31  when not calling, and is drawn out to a specified length when calling. Also in this outer case  31 , an electric circuit (not shown in FIG.  1  and FIG. 2) for controlling input and output information is incorporated. The input and output information is transmitted to the display unit  33 , operation button block  36 , TPS  37 , and antenna  47 . FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the composition of the MCTE including the electric circuit. 
     As shown in FIG. 5, the LCD  34  which is the display unit  33 , operation button block  36 , TPS  37 , and antenna  47  are connected to a CPU  48  directly or through a specified circuit. The CPU  48  processes operations, makes judgement, and controls the LCD  34  which is the display unit  33 , operation button block  36 , TPS  37 , and antenna  47 . 
     That is, the LCD  34 , which is the display unit  33 , is connected to the CPU  48  through an LCD driver  49 . The signal from the operation button block  36  is directly fed into the CPU  48 . 
     The TPS  37  is connected to the CPU  48  through a touch panel switch driver  50 . This is same as in the prior art. However, the method of operation of the TPS  37  in this embodiment is different from the method of the prior art. The output is also different from that in the prior art. The CPU  48  has a function of processing the output of the TPS  37 . These points are described later. 
     The antenna  47  is also connected to the CPU  48  through a transmission-reception circuit  51 . Further, a ROM  52  in which specified information is registered preliminarily, and a RAM  53  which can register or delete the telephone number and other information as required are connected to the CPU  48 . 
     FIG. 6 shows the display state of the display unit  33  in the initial state of the MCTE not in service. Herein, the initial state is, for example, the state right after turning on the power source of the MCTE. 
     Referring now to FIG.  5  and FIG. 6, the operation of the MCTE of the embodiment is explained. 
     In the MCTE of the embodiment, in the initial state neither transmitting nor receiving, as shown in FIG. 6, the display unit  33  shows a specified initial menu  54  and a cursor  55 . The initial menu  54  is composed of plural items. The cursor  55  shows that item of the display items of the specified initial menu  54  is being presently selected. This state is same as in the prior art. However, nothing is displayed in the TPS  37  disposed as input selecting means. 
     When making a call by using this MCTE, the user first changes the display screen from the initial state to a screen for making a desired operation. To change over, the user moves the cursor  55  shown on the display unit  33  in a desired direction by sliding by finger on the surface of the TPS  37  (see FIG.  7 ). 
     The TPS  37  is composed the conductive films  42  and  43  formed on the confronting sides of the UIBM  40  and LIBM  41  held at a specific spacing as mentioned above. The UIBM  40  is flexible. Accordingly, by sliding on the surface of the UIBM  40 , the contact position of the conductive films  42  and  43  changes sequentially. As a result, the voltage between each electrode and derivation part  46  varies. This voltage change is used as a signal in the MCTE of the embodiment. When a specific voltage is applied between the electrodes  44 A and  44 B, the voltage between the electrode  44 B and derivation part  46  is a voltage depending on the contact position of the conductive films  42  and  43 . Similarly, when a specific voltage is applied between the electrodes  44 C and  44 D, the voltage between the electrode  44 D and derivation part  46  is a voltage depending on the contact position of the conductive films  42  and  43 . Thus, from the mutually orthogonal direction of the TPS  37 , a voltage depending on the contact position of the conductive films  42  and  43  can be taken out. 
     Application of voltage between the electrodes  44 A and  44 B, and application of voltage between the electrodes  44 C and  44 D are realized by changing over one power source alternately at specified time intervals. By this operation, from the mutually orthogonal direction of the TPS  37 , a voltage depending on the contact position of the conductive films  42  and  43  can be taken out. Also, the voltage between the electrode  44 A and derivation part  46 , or the voltage between the electrode  44 C and derivation part  46  may be used similarly. 
     The touch panel switch driver  50  converts this voltage from an analog signal into a digital signal, and feeds the digital signal into the CPU  48 . The CPU  48  processes the signal in time series. 
     By this processing, the CPU  48  discriminates the sliding direction and speed on the surface of the TPS  37 , and moves the position of the cursor  55  in specified direction according to the corresponding direction and speed. 
     In the conventional MCTE, the user pushes the specified position of the touch panel switch plural times, and moves the cursor to a desired item. 
     Thus, in the MCTE of the embodiment, the user slides on the surface of the touch panel switch, and moves the cursor to a desired item. By this simple operation of sliding, the user can adjust the position of the cursor  55  to the desired item. 
     Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1, the outer case  31  has an outer shape of rectangular parallelepiped, and this structure is easy to hold by hand. The user holds the outer case  31 , and easily slides the TPS  37 , the input selecting means, by the thumb. The shape of the operation part of the TPS  37  is a rectangle longer in the lateral direction of the operation panel of the outer case  31 . Generally, the user is easy to move the thumb of the holding hand in the lateral direction of the operation panel of the outer case  31 . Hence, the MCTE of the embodiment is very easy to operate by the user. 
     The user, after adjusting the cursor  55  to the desired item by sliding on the TPS  37 , pushes the decision key  36   a . By this operation, the CPU  48  receives the signal from the decision key  36   a , and recognizes that the desired item has been established. The CPU  48  discriminates the item selected by the cursor  55  of the display unit  33 , and calls the corresponding specified menu screen or the like from the ROM  52  or RAM  53 . The CPU  48  transmits the called data to the LCD  34  through the LCD driver  49 . As a result, the display message of the display unit  33  is changed over to the desired one. 
     An example of searching and calling a telephone number is explained below. 
     The user operates to change over to the display corresponding to the item of “Calling telephone number” from the items of the initial menu  54 . for this operation, as shown in FIG. 7, the user slides on the TPS  37  in vertical direction by finger, adjusts the cursor  55  shown in the display unit  33  to the position of the item “Calling telephone number,” and pushes the decision key  36   a . By this operation, the item of “Calling telephone number” is established. 
     Once the item of “Calling telephone number” is established, the CPU  48  fetches the information of the registered telephone directory from the RAM  53  or ROM  52 . The CPU  48  transmits the information to the LCD  34  through the LCD driver  49 . As a result, the display message of the display unit  33  is changed over to the telephone directory. In succession, the user similarly slides on the TPS  37  by finger, and adjusts the cursor position to the desired telephone number, and pushes the decision key  36   a . By this operation, the desired telephone number is selected and established. In this way, when the CPU  48  recognizes that the desired telephone number is established, the CPU  48  executes the specified processing. That is, the MCTE transmits a transmission signal to the searched and established telephone number through the transmission-reception circuit  51  and antenna  47 , and operates the receiver  32  and transmitter  35  at the same time. 
     In the MCTE of the embodiment, if there are many items to be selected, only by the simple operation of sliding on the TPS  37  by finger, the position of the cursor  55  can be adjusted to the desired item easily and quickly. In the conventional MCTE, the TTPS  7  must be pushed once every time moving one item. Therefore, as compared with the prior art, the MCTE of the embodiment is excellent in controllability. Further, it is not necessary to dispose the TPS  37  by overlapping on the LCD  34  for composing the display unit  33 , and the LCD  34  is reduced in size. In the MCTE of the embodiment, the LCD and touch panel switch are not overlapped. The thickness of the TPS  37  is smaller than that of the LCD. Hence, the MCTE of the embodiment is made thinner than the conventional MCTE. By reduction of size and thickness of the LCD, the MCTE of the embodiment can be manufactured at lower cost. As compared with the conventional MCTE comprising the stick switch or other input device, the surface of the TPS  37  of the embodiment is flat. Hence, the MCTE of the embodiment realizes an excellent dust-proof performance easily. 
     This explanation is an example of moving the cursor  55  in the vertical direction. In the MCTE of the embodiment, the cursor  55  may be also moved easily in the lateral direction or oblique direction. In this case, too, the same effects are obtained. In the MCTE of the embodiment, if the cursor position is fixed and the item to be selected is moved and selected, the same effects are obtained. 
     The area of the TPS  37  necessary for this sliding operation is enough if slightly larger than the finger size, and an excellent controllability is maintained. 
     FIG. 8 shows a perspective exploded view of other structural example of the touch panel switch. As shown in FIG. 8, a conductive film  58  of a LIBM  57  of a TPS  56  is formed in a cross shape corresponding to the width of four electrodes ( 59 A,  59 B,  59 C,  59 D). In this configuration, too, same as in the touch panel switch in FIG. 4, a voltage corresponding to the sliding operation is obtained. On the other hand, for example, the resistance between the electrode  59 A and electrode  59 B is higher because the width of the conductive film  58  is narrower. Similarly, the resistance between the electrode  59 C and electrode  59 D is also higher. As the resistance between the electrodes becomes higher, the power consumption can be saved easily. Same as in the TPS  37  shown in FIG. 4, being electrically connected to each one of these four electrodes ( 59 A,  59 B,  59 C,  59 D), derivation parts ( 63 A,  63 B,  63 C,  63 D) in a state electrically insulated from the conductive film  58  are drawn out to outside. A derivation part  64  electrically connected to the conductive film  42  of the UIBM  40  is also provided on the LIBM  57 , and drawn out to outside. A leading end  64   a  of the derivation part  64  is electrically connected to a derivation part  42   a  of the conductive film  42 . However, the derivation part  46  and its leading end  46   a  are electrically insulated from the conductive film  58 . 
     FIG. 9 shows an example of forming operation protrusions (for example, dowels) on the surface of the touch panel switch. As shown in FIG. 9, five operation protrusions  40   a  are formed on the UIBM  40 . In sliding operation of the touch panel switch, the finger can be fitted to the operation protrusions. By the feeling by the finger, too, the operating direction can be easily recognized. Instead of visually recognizing the finger position on the touch switch, it can be recognized by feeling. 
     Further, if a flaw is formed on the surface of the TPS  37 , there is no effect on the sliding operation, and excellent operation is maintained for a long period. 
     In the foregoing example, the decision key  36   a  is formed as an independent button. However, the “on” information of the TPS  37  may be discriminated by other means. 
     In this case, to distinguish from the signal issued at the time of sliding operation, two methods may be considered. In a first method, when the cursor comes to the specified position, the user removes the finger from the TPS  37 . Next, the user pushes the surface of the TPS  37  twice continuously in a specified time (for example, twice in 200 ms; generally known as doubleclick). When the double-click signal is entered, the CPU  48  judges it as decision signal. Instead of double-click, the switch may be also pressed once, or three times or more. In a second method, when the cursor comes to the specified position, the user keeps pushing the TPS  37  by finger longer than a specified time. When exceeding the specified time, the CPU  48  judges it as decision signal. If the MCTE is designed to deliver a confirmation sound when the CPU  48  recognizes the decision signal, it is easy to understand for the user. By this confirmation sound, it prevents useless pushing of the TPS  37  by the user. 
     As for the TPS  37 , too, the input device such as digital type TTPS or electrostatic capacity type TTPS may be used as the input device of the invention. In any case, it is possible by composing so that the signal obtained by sliding operation is judged by the CPU. 
     Embodiment 2 
     FIG. 10 is a front view of the MCTE in embodiment  2  of the invention, and FIG. 11 is a sectional view of display unit  33  and TPS  37  shown in FIG.  10 . As shown in FIG. 10, in this embodiment, the TPS  37  is mounted on an outer case  61  through a hinge  66 . When the TPS  37  is pressed with a force greater than a specified pressure, it is designed so that the TPS  37  is moved to the inner side of the outer case  61  by a specified distance. A switch  62  pressed and actuated along with the move is provided at the backside of the TPS  37  in the outer case  61  (see FIG.  11 ). 
     The other composition is same as in embodiment  1 , and its description is omitted. 
     In embodiment 2, the sliding operation for selecting an item shown in the display unit  33  and the related operation of other parts are same as in embodiment 1, and their explanation is omitted. In this embodiment, when determining the desired item, a specified force is applied to the TPS  37 , and the switch  62  provided in the lower part of the TPS  37  is actuated. The signal obtained by this operation is recognized by the CPU (not shown) as decision signal. 
     In this configuration, the user, after selecting a desired item, continues to press without removing the finger from the surface of the TPS  37 . By this operation, the user can establish the desired item. Therefore, this MCTE is further improved in the controllability, and since the decision operation requires a specified pressing force, errors in decision operation are decreased. 
     Thus, according to the invention, by sliding the touch panel switch provided as input selecting means by finger, the user can easily select a desired item. Therefore, an excellent controllability is assured for a long period and realized at a low cost in the MCTE and the touch panel switch used therein. 
     Embodiment 3 
     FIG. 12 is a front view of the MCTE in embodiment  3  of the invention, and FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view of display unit  33  and touch panel switch  77  shown in FIG. 12., The touch panel switch of this embodiment is a transparent touch panel switch (TTPS). As shown in FIG. 13, beneath the TTPS  77  of the embodiment, a half mirror sheet  78  having a half mirror function is disposed, and an EL element  79  is disposed beneath it. 
     Further, as shown in a sectional view in FIG. 14, the TTPS  77  is composed of a flexible transparent upper insulating base material (hereinafter referred to simply as TUIBM)  80  forming a transparent conductive film  82  in a specified shape, and a transparent lower insulating base material (hereinafter referred to simply as TLIBM)  81  forming a transparent conductive film  83  in a specified shape, and the conductive films are formed to face each other. 
     An adhesive layer  90  is to hold the conductive films  82  and  83  at a specific spacing so as to keep in an insulated state. 
     The other composition is same as in embodiment  1 , and its explanation is omitted. 
     The half mirror sheet sets the direction so as to pass the light from the EL element side, and reflect the light from outside. Usually, the color of the luminescence side of the EL element not emitting light is often original. In this half mirror sheet  78 , while the EL element  79  is not emitting light, the original luminescence side color of the EL element  79  can be concealed. While the EL element is illuminating, the half mirror allows to pass the light from the EL element. Therefore, while the EL element  79  is illuminating, its light is passed and the TTPS  77  is illuminated from beneath. As a result, in this composition, the MCTE of a good appearance is obtained. 
     Instead of forming the half mirror sheet  78  by a separate member, a layer having a half mirror function may be formed on the EL element  79 . 
     FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a structure of the MCTE including this electric circuit. 
     As shown in FIG. 15, the LCD  34  which is the display unit  33 , operation button block  36 , TTPS  77 , EL element  79 , and antenna  47  are connected to the CPU  48  directly or through a specified circuit. The CPU  48  processes operations, makes judgement, and controls the LCD  34  which is the display unit  33 , operation button block  36 , TTPS  77 , EL element  79 , and antenna  47 . 
     The EL element  79  and antenna  47  are also connected to the CPU  48  through an EL element driver  89  and a transmission-reception circuit  51 , respectively. 
     It is not required to dispose the TTPS  77  by overlapping on the LCD  34  for composing the display unit  33 , and the LCD  34  is formed in a small size. The overlapped thickness of the half mirror sheet  78  and EL element  79  is smaller than the thickness of the LCD  34 . Hence, the MCTE of the embodiment is thinner than the conventional MCTE. By reduction of size of the LCD and reduction of thickness of the MCTE, the MCTE of the embodiment can be manufactured at lower cost. As compared with the conventional MCTE comprising the stick switch or other input device, the surface of the transparent touch panel switch of the embodiment is flat. Hence, the MCTE of the embodiment realizes an excellent dust-proof performance easily. 
     The sliding operation for selecting the item shown in the display unit  33  of the embodiment and the operation of the related parts are same as in embodiment 1, and the explanation is omitted. 
     Further, same as the touch panel shown in FIG. 8 in embodiment 1 of the invention, when the transparent conductive film  83  of embodiment 3 is shaped in a cross form corresponding to the width of the four electrodes, the same effects as in embodiment 1 are obtained. 
     Moreover, same as the touch panel shown in FIG. 9 in embodiment 1 of the invention, when the transparent operation protrusion is provided on the surface of the transparent touch panel of embodiment 3, the same effects as in embodiment 1 are obtained. 
     Same as in FIG. 10 relating to embodiment 2 of the invention, it is also composed as shown in FIG.  16 . That is, as shown in FIG. 16, the transparent touch panel switch  77  of embodiment 3 is mounted on the outer case  61  through a hinge  66 . When the TTPS  77  is pressed with a force larger than specified, the TTPS  77  is designed to be moved to the inner side of the outer case  61  by a specified distance. The switch  62  pressed and actuated along with the move is provided at the backside of the TTPS  77  in the outer case  61  (see FIG.  17 ). Thus, the MCTE of embodiment 3 shown in FIG.  16  and FIG. 17 has the same effects as in embodiment 2 of the invention. 
     In the MCTE of embodiment 3, the EL element  79  is disposed beneath the TTPS  77 . In this configuration, the user, if using in the nighttime, can easily recognize the position of the TTPS  77  visually by illumination of the EL element  79 . 
     For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the shape of the illuminating area of the EL element  79  is as shown in  79   a . The shape  79   a  of the illuminating area of the EL element  79  may include the graphic, pattern, character, logo, and illustration, among others. Owing to the shape  79   a  of the illuminating area, in addition to the above effects, the MCTE of embodiment 3 is excellent in appearance. 
     Thus, according to the invention, by sliding the transparent touch panel switch disposed as input selecting means by finger, the user can select a desired item easily. Therefore, in the MCTE and the transparent touch panel switch used therein, the excellent controllability can be assured for a long period and realized at low cost.