ELECTRONIC APPARATUS

According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes: a cabinet having a first surface and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface; a display whose screen is provided in the first surface, configured to display an image; an input unit having an input surface disposed adjacent to the screen, configured to detect an input to the input surface; and plural keys which project from the second surface, height the plural keys being gradually varied from a center line of the second surface toward each of two end portions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes: a cabinet having a first surface and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface; a display whose screen is provided in the first surface, configured to display an image; an input unit having an input surface disposed adjacent to the screen, configured to detect an input to the input surface; and plural keys which project from the second surface, height the plural keys being gradually varied from a center line of the second surface toward each of two end portions.

A first embodiment of the present invention will be hereinafter described with reference to the drawings.FIGS. 1-3are a perspective view, as viewed from the side of a back surface11b,of a cabinet11, a front view, and a rear view, respectively, showing the configuration of an electronic apparatus10according to the first embodiment.FIG. 4is a perspective view, as viewed from the side of a back surface11b,showing how the electronic apparatus10is held by hands.

As shown inFIG. 1, the electronic apparatus10is equipped with the cabinet11which has a front surface11aas a first surface, the back surface11bas a second surface which is opposite to the first surface, and holding portions11c.As shown inFIG. 4, the holding portions11care right and left end portions of the cabinet11to be gripped (held) by the left hand22and the right hand21of a user. Each holding portion11cincludes right or left end portions of the front surface11aand the back surface11band the side surface that connects those end portions.

An LCD (liquid crystal display)12is disposed so as to be exposed through an opening of the front surface12aof the cabinet11. The back surface11bof the cabinet11is provided with plural keys13bwhich project from the level of the back surface11b.As shown inFIG. 4, the user is allowed to make key manipulations by blind touch while looking at the LCD12from the front side and holding the electronic apparatus10by gripping the holding portions11cby placing his or her thumbs on the front surface and placing the other fingers on the back surface11b.

A transparent touch panel14is provided on the screen of the LCD12. In this electronic apparatus10, the LCD12and the touch panel14constitute a touch screen display.

The touch screen display has an input surface adjacent to the screen of the LCD12, and detects a contact area (contact position) on the input surface when it is directly touched by a pen or a finger of the user. This allows the user to perform various manipulations such as selection of a menu bar item or an icon displayed on the screen, input of an instruction, and character input.

As shown inFIG. 2, plural keys13aprovided on the right of, on the left of, and under the LCD12so as to project from the level of the front surface11a.For example, the keys13aare a shift key and a control key each of which is required to be pushed simultaneously with another key13b,a space key which can be manipulated by a thumb, and other kinds of keys. The keys13aare manipulated by the thumbs of the user. The keys13aare part of the keys of a keyboard13.

As shown inFIG. 3, the keys13bwhich project from the level of the back surface11bare disposed in such a manner that their height varies (in this example, decreases) gradually as the position goes from the vertical center line of the back surface11btoward each of its right and left end portions (i.e., the holding portions11c). As a result, in this example, keys near the vertical center line of the back surface11bare tall and hence are easier to push with fingers, which lowers the probability of erroneous key manipulations. Furthermore, the probability of touching keys near the right or left end portion with a palm is lowered. The keys13bare also part of the keys of the keyboard13.

For example, the keys13bare character keys, function keys, a ten-key unit, and other keys. For example, the keys13bare arranged in opposite order to the QWERTY arrangement in the right-left direction. Although in this embodiment the user performs key manipulations with his or her palms opposed to himself or herself, this allows the user to manipulate the keys13bon the back surface11bas if he or she could see them.

Furthermore, the keys13bare arranged in such a manner that the outermost keys13bgradually come closer to the right and left end portions, respectively, as the position of the row they belong to becomes lower, and that the keys13bthat are adjacent to the vertical center line of the back surface11bgradually come more distant from the vertical center line as the position of the row they belong to becomes lower. In the embodiment, with this measure, the keys13bare arranged according to the finger lengths and hence are easier to push with the fingers. In particular, the keys of the lowest row to be manipulated by the little fingers are closer to the holding portions11cand hence are easier to push, that is, manipulate (seeFIG. 4). Still further, the structure that the keys13awhich are required to be pushed simultaneously with one of the keys13bare provided on the front surface11aalso contributes to increase in the ease of manipulation.

As shown inFIG. 3, the surfaces of particular keys13b1and13b2among the keys13bare provided with respective contact sensors19and20, which are, for example, contact pressure sensors capable of detecting a finger contact pressure. In the embodiment, when contact of a finger is detected by the contact sensor19or20, a display indicating the contact is made on the display screen of the LCD12. As a result, in the embodiment, not only can the particular keys13b1and13b2which are disposed on the back surface13bbe recognized but also the positions of the other keys13bwhich cannot be seen during use can be recognized using the positions of the particular keys13b1and13b2as references.

The two side surfaces of the cabinet11are provided with respective holding sensors16and17(first and second holding detecting units). Each of the holding sensors16and17detects holding of the electronic apparatus10by the user. More specifically, the holding sensors16and17detect the hands of the user placed on the side surfaces of the cabinet11, respectively, by a capacitive method, for example. In the embodiment, data input through the keyboard13is made effective when holding of the electronic apparatus10by the user is detected by both of the holding sensors16and17.

As shown inFIG. 1, a power switch18is provided in the left side surface of the cabinet11so as to be exposed. The power switch18receives a manipulation for powering on or off the electronic apparatus10.

FIG. 5is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the electronic apparatus10. As shown inFIG. 5, the electronic apparatus10is equipped with a CPU (central processing unit)30, a bridge device31, a maim memory32, a display controller33, a sound controller34, speakers35, an SSD (solid-state drive)36, a BIOS-ROM (basic input/output system-read only memory)37, an embedded controller (EC)38, a power circuit42, etc.

The CPU30is a processor for controlling the operations of individual components of the electronic apparatus10. The CPU30runs an operating system (OS)1and various utility/application programs when they are read into the main memory32from the SSD36.

The CPU30reads a BIOS from the BIOS-ROM37and runs it when, for example, the electronic apparatus10is booted or a BIOS read command has been executed. The BIOS is programs for hardware control.

In the embodiment, a display control program2is provided as one of the various utility/application programs. The CPU30cooperates with the OS1to execute a process described by the display control program2and thereby perform a display control operation.

The bridge device31has a function of communicating with the display controller33. The display controller33is a controller for graphic control which controls the LCD12, which is the touch screen display of the electronic apparatus10.

The bridge device31incorporates a memory controller for controlling the main memory32. Furthermore, the bridge device31communicates with individual devices on an LPC (low pin count) bus.

The SSD36is stored with programs such as the OS1and the display control program2. The main memory32is a temporary storage area into which the CPU30reads the OS1, the display control program2, etc. The CPU30controls individual components by reading the OS1and the display control program2from the SSD36and developing them in the main memory32.

The display controller33performs display processing (graphics calculation processing) for drawing display data in a video memory (VRAM; not shown) according to an image drawing request that is input from the CPU30via the bridge device31. Display data corresponding to an image to be displayed on the LCD12is stored in the video memory.

When holding of each of the holding portions11cby the user is detected by a holding detecting section40, the display controller33performs a display control that is enabled by the holding. For example, when holding of both holding portions11cof the cabinet11by the user is detected, the display controller33performs a display control corresponding to inputs through the keyboard13information input through which has thereby been made possible.

When contact of fingers of the user to the particular keys13b1and13b2among the keys of the keyboard13is detected by a contact detecting section41, the display controller33performs a display control corresponding to the contact. For example, when contact of a finger(s) of the user to one or both of the particular keys13b1and13b2is detected, the display controller33performs a display control corresponding to the contact-detected particular key(s)13b1or/and13b2.

The SSD36is stored with various kinds of parameter information relating to display control, which include information (e.g., an icon or text information) to be used when input through the keyboard13has been enabled and information (e.g., data relating to positions on the screen of the characters corresponding to the particular keys13b1and13b2) to be used when contact to the particular keys13b1and13b2has been detected.

When read into the main memory32by the CPU30, the display control program2allows the display controller33to operate. That is, when holding of the cabinet11or contact to the particular key(s)13b1or/and13b2is detected, the display control program2causes a display control using the above-mentioned various kinds of information. The function of the display control program2is implemented as an operation of the display controller33.

The display control program2changes parameter information such as a sound volume selected by the user, and informs the OS1of a new parameter value. The OS1controls the sound controller34or the display controller33using the parameter value thus received. Such a control makes it possible to change the subtitle size, luminance, sound volume, or picture size.

The embedded controller (EC)38has a function of powering on/off the electronic apparatus10in response to a manipulation of the power switch18by the user. That is, the embedded controller38controls the power circuit42.

The embedded controller38has a touch panel controller39, which controls the touch panel14which is provided on the LCD12. The touch panel controller39acquires touch information from a touch sensor and passes it to the CPU30via the bridge device31. Based on the received touch information, the CPU30instructs the display controller33how to perform a display control.

The embedded controller38also has the holding detecting section40, which acquires detection information from the holding sensors16and17and performs a control as to the effectiveness of data input through the keyboard13.

The embedded controller38also has the contact detecting section41, which acquires detection information from the contact sensors19and20and passes it to the CPU30via the bridge device31. Based on the received detection information, the CPU30instructs the display controller33how to perform a display control.

The touch panel14has a touch sensor of a resistive film type, a capacitive type, or the like. The touch sensor is configured so as to detect a touch area or a touch position on the touch panel14(touch screen display).

Where external power is supplied via an AC adaptor44, the power circuit42generates system power to be supplied to the individual components of the electronic apparatus10using the external power that is supplied from the AC adaptor44.

Where no external power is supplied via the AC adaptor44, the power circuit42generates system power to be supplied to the individual components of the electronic apparatus10using a battery43.

Next, how the electronic apparatus10according to the embodiment operates will be described with reference toFIG. 6.

As shown inFIG. 6, after the electronic apparatus10was powered on by manipulation of the power switch18at step S101, the holding detecting section40waits for an event that the hooding sensors16and17will detect holding of the electronic apparatus10by the user. If the electronic apparatus10is held by the user, at step S102the holding detecting section40detects whether the electronic apparatus10is held by one hand or both hands.

If the holding detecting section40detects holding by both hands at step S102, at step S103the embedded controller38enables data input through the keyboard13.

If the holding detecting section40detects holding by one hand at step S102, at step S104the embedded controller38disables data input through the keyboard13.

If data input through the keyboard13is enabled at step S103, at step S105the contact detecting section41detects whether contact to the particular keys13b1and13b2has occurred.

If the contact detecting section41detects contact to the particular keys13b1and13b2(S105: yes), the embedded controller38passes the acquired detection information to the CPU30via the bridge device31. Based on the received detection information, the CPU30instructs the display controller33how to perform a display control. At step S106, the display controller33performs a display control corresponding to a contact-detected particular key(s)13b1or/and13b2.

If only the key13b1is contacted by a finger of the user, the display controller33displays a character (alphanumeric character, symbol, or the like) corresponding to the key13b1in a prescribed display region of the LCD12. If only the key13b2is contacted by a finger of the user, the display controller33displays a character (alphanumeric character, symbol, or the like) corresponding to the key13b2in a prescribed display region of the LCD12. If both particular keys13b1and13b2are contacted by a finger of the user, the display controller33displays characters (alphanumeric characters, symbols, or the like) corresponding to the keys13b1and13b2in prescribed display regions of the LCD12.

As a result, in the embodiment, when contact to the particular keys13b1and13b2is detected, not only can the particular keys13b1and13b2which are disposed on the back surface13bbe recognized but also the positions of the other keys13bwhich cannot be seen during use can be recognized using the positions of the particular keys13b1and13b2as references. That is, the user can recognize the keys13bdisposed on the back surface13bduring use without seeing them and input data by pushing desired keys by blind touch.

It is possible to allow the user to recognize contact to the particular keys13b1and13b2in the form of a display using LEDs, a sound emitted by the speakers35, or the like instead of a display of characters corresponding to the particular keys13b1and13b2.

Enablement or disablement of data input through the keyboard13may likewise be indicated by displaying characters on the display screen of the LCD12. Looking at such a display on the display screen, the user can visually recognize enablement or disablement of data input through the keyboard13.

As described above, in the embodiment, the front surface11aof the cabinet11is provided with the touch screen display, and the keys13bof the keyboard13project from the level of the back surface11bwhich is opposite to the front surface11aso that their height varies (decreases) gradually as the position goes from the vertical center line of the back surface11btoward each of its right and left end portions. Therefore, the electronic apparatus10can be reduced in size and weight so as to allow a user to manipulate it (e.g., make key inputs) while holding it.

FIG. 7is a perspective view as viewed from the back side showing the configuration of an electronic apparatus10A according to a second embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 7, a left holding portion11cwhich is a left end portion of the cabinet11has a through-hole11dwhich opens in the front surface Ha and the back surface11b.The hole11dhas such a size as to allow insertion of a hand (left hand22) of the user.

The user inserts his or her left hand22through the hole11dfrom the side of the front surface11aand holds the electronic apparatus10A with the inserted left hand22. In this state, the user can perform various manipulations such as selection of a menu bar item or an icon displayed on the screen, input of an instruction, and character input by directly touching the input surface with a finger of his or her right hand21.

Data input through the keyboard13is enabled by further gripping the right holding portion11cwith the right hand21(i.e., by holding the electronic apparatus10with both hands21and22).

This embodiment provides the following advantages in addition to the same advantages as the first embodiment does. As described above, the left holding portion11cwhich is an end portion of the cabinet11has the through-hole11dwhich opens in the front surface11aand the back surface11band allows the left hand22of the user inserted through the hole lid to hold the electronic apparatus10A. As a result, not only can a drop of the electronic apparatus10be prevented but also the electronic apparatus10can easily be held by one hand (left hand22). Manipulations on the input surface can be performed smoothly by the other hand (right hand21).

In this embodiment, when the electronic apparatus10is gripped by the left hand22which is inserted through the hole11d,the back of the left hand22can be brought into contact with a side surface of the hole11d.This makes it possible to hold the electronic apparatus10more strongly.

Although in this embodiment the hole11dis formed through the left holding portion11c,this aspect of the invention is not limited to such a case. The hole11dmay be formed through the right holding portion11cor both of the left and right holding portions11c.Where the hole11dis formed through both of the left and right holding portions11c,the electronic apparatus10can be held even more strongly.

FIG. 8is a perspective view as viewed from the back side showing the configuration of an electronic apparatus10B according to a third embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 8, holding portions11care provided with holding members45which project from the ends of the back surface11b,respectively. For example, the holding members45are thick (tall) and wide enough for the user to grip them with his or her hands.

The keys13bwhich project from the level of the back surface11bare disposed in such a manner that their height increases gradually as the position goes from the vertical center line of the back surface11btoward each of its right and left end portions (i.e., the holding portions11c(holding members45)). It is preferable that the keys closest to the holding members45be higher than the holding members45.

As described above, in this embodiment, since the holding members45which are sufficiently tall and wide project from the respective ends of the back surface11b,the user can grip the electronic apparatus10easily and hold it strongly.

This embodiment provides the following advantages in addition to the same advantages as the first embodiment does. In this embodiment, the front surface11aof the cabinet11is provided with the touch screen display, and the height of the keys13bincreases gradually as the position goes from the vertical center line of the back surface11bwhich is opposite to the front surface11atoward each holding member45. As a result, although the holding members45exist at the respective ends of the cabinet11, the keys13bcan be pushed easily and hence the ease of manipulation of the electronic apparatus10can be increased.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the keys closest to the holding members45are higher than the holding members45.

Therefore, although the holding members45project from the respective ends of the back surface11b,the keys13bcan be pushed more easily and hence the ease of manipulation of the electronic apparatus10can be increased further.

FIG. 9is a perspective view as viewed from the back side showing the configuration of an electronic apparatus100according to a third embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 9, the keys13bwhich project from the level of the back surface11bare disposed in such a manner that their height increases gradually as the position goes from the vertical center line of the back surface11btoward each of its right and left end portions (i.e., the holding portions11c).

Furthermore, the keys13bare arranged in such a manner that the outermost keys13bgradually come closer to the respective holding portions11cas the position of the row they belong to becomes higher, and that the keys13bthat are adjacent to the vertical center line of the back surface11bgradually come more distant from the vertical center line as the position of the row they belong to becomes higher.

The above structures are employed in, for example, a case that the distance between the right and left end portions (holding portions11c) is so short that keys13bnear the vertical center line of the back surface11bcan be pushed with the fingers bent. Those keys13bcan be pushed properly though they are small in height.

When the hands21and22are brought into weak contact with the thus-disposed keys13b,the user can hold the electronic apparatus10in such a manner that the keys13bare covered closely with the hands21and22. The user can hold the electronic apparatus10more easily because keys13bare hooked on the palms and the finger joints.

This embodiment provides the following advantages in addition to the same advantages as the first embodiment does. In this embodiment, the front surface11aof the cabinet11is provided with the touch screen display, and the height of the keys13bincreases gradually as the position goes from the vertical center line of the back surface11bwhich is opposite to the front surface11atoward each holding portion11c.Furthermore, the keys13bare arranged in such a manner that the outermost keys13bgradually come closer to the right and left end portions, respectively, as the position of the row they belong to becomes higher, and that the keys13bthat are adjacent to the vertical center line of the back surface11bgradually come more distant from the vertical center line as the position of the row they belong to becomes higher. As a result, the keys13bare hooked on the hands21and22that are in contact with the keys13b,whereby the electronic apparatus10can be held more easily.

The invention is not limited to the above embodiments themselves and, in the practice stage, may be embodied in such a manner that constituent elements are modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. And various inventive concepts may be conceived by properly combining plural constituent elements disclosed in each embodiment. For example, several ones of the constituent elements of each embodiment may be omitted. Furthermore, constituent elements of different embodiments may be combined as appropriate.