JP2002247177A - Mobile phone, and key backlight control method for the mobile phone - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mobile phone in which the current consumption is reduced during key operations. SOLUTION: The mobile phone comprises: an operation section 1 including various keys and outputting a signal corresponding to a key depressed by a user; a key backlight section 6 that lights up the operation section 1; a key scan section 2 that detects the signal outputted from the operation section 1 and outputs a signal corresponding to the result of detection; a function control section 3 that discriminates which function the user has selected on the basis of the signal outputted from the key scan section 2; a lighting range control section 4 that discriminates the lighting range of the key backlight section 6 on the basis of the function discriminated by the function control section 3; and a key backlight control section 5 that controls the key backlight section 6 on the basis of the result of discrimination by the lighting range control section 4.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable telephone having a key backlight unit for illuminating an operation unit, and a key backlight control method for the portable telephone.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in mobile terminals having an information terminal function such as a mail function, a web function and the like have been enhanced in addition to a mail function, and the time required for key operations on an operation unit has been increased. Also, with the advancement of display functions, color display of display units has been promoted.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional portable telephone, as the color display of the display unit progresses, the current of the display unit increases remarkably, and the time of key operation becomes longer. The increase has a great effect on the terminal battery life. Further, since all key backlights of the operation unit are turned on at the time of key operation, current consumption during key operation increases, which results in further shortening the battery life.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and is provided with a portable telephone capable of reducing current consumption during key operation, and a key backlight control of the portable telephone. The aim is to provide a method.

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided a portable telephone having at least an operation unit and a key backlight unit for illuminating the operation unit. A function control unit that determines a function selected by a user based on a key pressed by the user; and a lighting range that determines a lighting range of the key backlight unit based on the function determined by the function control unit. It is characterized by including a control unit and a key backlight control unit that turns on the key backlight unit only in the lighting range determined by the lighting range control unit.

A storage unit for storing information on the lighting range of the key backlight unit as an initial value for each function;
The lighting range control unit may determine a lighting range of the key backlight unit based on information stored in the storage unit.

A lighting range designating section for allowing a user to designate a lighting range of the key backlight section for each function, and a lighting range of the key backlight section designated by the user by the lighting range designating section. And a storage unit for storing the information for each function, wherein the lighting range control unit determines the lighting range of the key backlight unit based on the information stored in the storage unit.

A key backlight control method for a portable telephone having a key backlight unit for illuminating an operation unit, wherein a function selected by a user based on a key pressed on the operation unit is provided. The key backlight unit is determined based on the determined function and the lighting range of the key backlight unit is determined, and the key backlight unit is turned on only in the determined lighting range.

Further, the information on the lighting range of the key backlight unit is stored as an initial value for each function, and the lighting range of the key backlight unit is determined based on the stored information.

[0010] Further, a lighting range of the key backlight unit is designated by a user for each function, and information on a lighting range of the key backlight unit designated by the user is stored for each function. The lighting range of the key backlight unit is determined based on information.

(Operation) In the present invention configured as described above, the function selected by the user is determined by the function control unit based on the key pressed on the operation unit. The lighting range of the key backlight unit is determined based on the function determined by the function control unit,
In the key backlight control unit, the key backlight unit is turned on only in the lighting range determined by the lighting range control unit, so at the time of key operation, only the key backlight unit of the key necessary for the function selected by the user is As a result, the current consumption during key operation is reduced.

[0012]

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

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a mobile phone according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment,
An operation unit 1, a key scan unit 2, a function control unit 3, a lighting range control unit 4, a key backlight control unit 5, and a key backlight unit 6 are provided.

The operation unit 1 has various keys, and outputs a signal corresponding to the key pressed by the user to the key scanning unit 2.

The key backlight unit 6 includes an LED or the like, and illuminates the operation unit 1.

The key scan unit 2 detects a signal output from the operation unit 1 and outputs a signal corresponding to the detection result to the function control unit 3.

The function control unit 3 determines which function (mail function, WEB function, etc.) has been selected by the user based on the signal output from the key scan unit 2.

The lighting range control unit 4 determines the lighting range of the key backlight unit 6 based on the function determined by the function control unit 3.

The key backlight control section 5 controls the key backlight section 6 based on the determination result of the lighting range control section 4.

Hereinafter, the operation of the key backlight unit 6 in the portable telephone constructed as described above when controlling it will be described.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation at the time of controlling the key backlight unit 6 in the portable telephone shown in FIG.

In the standby state, when any key operation on the operation unit 1 is performed (step S201), a signal corresponding to the pressed key is output from the operation unit 1.

Next, the signal output from the operation unit 1 is detected in the key scan unit 2, and the function control unit 3 determines which function is selected by the user based on the detection result in the key scan unit 2. Is performed (step S202).

Next, the lighting range control unit 4 determines the lighting range of the key backlight unit 6 based on the function determined by the function control unit 3 (step S203). The control of the key backlight unit 6 is performed based on the determination result in the lighting range control unit 4 (step S204).

As a result, the key backlight unit 6 is turned on only in the lighting range necessary for the function selected by the user (step S205). When the key backlight unit 6 is turned on, the state returns to the standby state.

Thereafter, the lighting range of the key backlight unit 6 is not changed until any key operation is performed. However, when the key operation is further performed, the above-described steps S201 to S201 are performed.
The processing up to 205 is repeated.

Here, the operation at the time of controlling the key backlight unit 6 in the portable telephone shown in FIG. 1 will be described more specifically. Here, the operation unit 1 will be described as having the keys as shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for specifically explaining the operation at the time of controlling the key backlight unit 6 in the portable telephone shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the mobile phone shown in FIG. In addition,
In the mobile phone shown in FIG. 4, keys on the operation unit are pressed mainly at the time of a WEB operation or a function selection.
Keys such as a selection key (ON / OFF key), an enter key, and a scroll key (hereinafter, referred to as WEB operation keys)
And on-hook key, off-hook key, clear key, number (0 to
9) Keys such as key, “*” key and “#” key
(Referred to as a mail input key).

When any key on the operation unit 1 is pressed in the standby state (step S301), a signal corresponding to the pressed key is output from the operation unit 1.

Next, the signal output from the operation unit 1 is detected in the key scan unit 2, and the function control unit 3 determines which function is selected based on the detection result in the key scan unit 2.

For example, when the menu key of the scroll key on the operation unit 1 is pressed (step S302), the function control unit 3 determines that the menu selection function is selected (step S303).

Subsequently, the backlight (LCD backlight) of the display unit is turned on (step S304), and a menu screen is displayed on the display unit (step S305). Since it is not an essential part of the invention, a detailed description is omitted.

Next, the lighting range control unit 4 determines a lighting range of the key backlight unit 6 necessary for selecting a menu (step S306). Here, it is determined that the lighting range of the key backlight unit 6 necessary for selecting a menu is the range A in which the above-described WEB operation keys are arranged.

Thereafter, the key backlight control section 5 controls the key backlight section 6 based on the determination result of the lighting range control section 4, whereby the key backlight section 6 is controlled only in the range A described above. The light is turned on (step S307). When the key backlight unit 6 is turned on, the state returns to the standby state.

Therefore, when the menu key is depressed and the menu selection function is selected, the key backlight section around the selection key (ON / OFF key), the enter key, and the scroll key necessary for menu selection. 6 will be lit.

When the on-hook key is pressed (step S308), the function control unit 3 determines that no function is selected and is in a standby state (step S309). The backlight is turned on (step S310), and a standby screen is displayed on the display unit (step S311).

In this case, there is a possibility that all keys on the operation unit 1 will be operated next. It is determined that the lighting range of the unit 6 is the entire lighting range (step S312).

Thereafter, the key backlight control unit 5 controls the key backlight unit 6 based on the determination result of the lighting range control unit 4, whereby the key backlight unit 6 is turned on in the entire lighting range. (Step S3
13).

Therefore, when the on-hook key is depressed and a standby state is set, the key backlight unit 6 around all keys on the operation unit 1 is turned on.

When the off-hook key is pressed (step S314), the function control section 3 determines that the call function is selected (step S315), and subsequently turns on the backlight of the display section (step S315). S31
6), a call screen is displayed on the display unit (step S31).
7).

In this case, since the next necessary operation is to input the telephone number of the other party, the lighting range control unit 4 sets the lighting range of the key backlight unit 6 necessary for the operation at the time of inputting the telephone number. Is determined to be in the range B in which the above-described mail input key is arranged (step S31).
8).

Thereafter, the key backlight control section 5 controls the key backlight section 6 based on the determination result of the lighting range control section 4, whereby the key backlight section 6 is controlled only in the range B described above. Lights up (step S319).

Therefore, when the off-hook key is depressed and the call function is selected, the necessary
The key backlight unit 6 around the on-hook key, off-hook key, clear key, numeric key, “*” key, and “#” key is turned on.

If any other key is pressed (step S320), the function controller 3 determines the selected function in the same manner as described above (step S32).
1) Subsequently, the backlight of the display unit is turned on (step S322), and a screen corresponding to the function determined by the function control unit 3 is displayed on the display unit (step S323). Then, the lighting range control unit 4 determines the lighting range of the key backlight unit 6 based on the function determined by the function control unit 3 (step S324). The key backlight unit 6 is turned on only in the lighting range determined in step S325 (step S325).

As described above, in the present embodiment, only the key backlight unit 6 of the key required for the function selected by the user is turned on, so that the current consumption during key operation can be reduced. Thus, the battery life can be extended.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a mobile phone according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, a lighting range designating section 7 for allowing a user to designate a lighting range of the key backlight section 6 for each function with respect to the portable telephone shown in FIG. And a storage unit 8 for storing information on the lighting range of the key backlight unit 6 designated by the user by the lighting range designating unit 7 for each function. In FIG. 5, the same parts as those of the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the basic configuration for controlling the lighting range of the key backlight unit 6 for each function is the same as that of the portable telephone shown in FIG. 1, but the lighting of the key backlight unit 6 for each function is performed. Allows the user to specify the range,
It is designed to improve operability.

The operation of the portable telephone constructed as described above when the lighting range of the key backlight unit 6 is designated will be described below.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the portable telephone shown in FIG. 5 when the lighting range of the key backlight unit 6 is designated.

In the standby state, the key backlight unit 6
Is selected (step S60).
1) The lighting range designating unit 7 displays a list of functions for which a lighting range can be designated on a display unit (not shown) (step S602), and moves any of the displayed functions by moving a cursor or the like. The user is made to select by a simple method such as inputting a number (step S603).

Next, the lighting range designating section 7 allows the user to designate the lighting range of the key backlight section 6 for the function selected in step S603 (step S6).
04), key backlight unit 6 in the specified lighting range
Is turned on as a test by controlling the key backlight control unit 5 (step S605).

As a result, the user goes to step S603.
It is possible to confirm the lighting range of the key backlight unit 6 for the function selected in the above, so that it is instructed whether or not to determine the lighting range (step S60).
6).

If it is instructed in step S606 not to determine the lighting range, the lighting range designating section 7
Returning to the processing in step S604, the user is again caused to specify the lighting range of the key backlight unit 6 for the function selected in step S603.

On the other hand, when it is instructed to determine the lighting range in step S606, the lighting range designating unit 7 sends information on the lighting range of the key backlight unit 6 for the function selected in step S603. It is stored in the storage unit 8 (step S607). Thereby, step S
The setting of the lighting range of the key backlight unit 6 for the function selected in 603 ends.

Subsequently, the user operates the key backlight unit 6.
Of the lighting range of the key backlight unit 6 for the other functions without ending the setting (step S).
608).

In the lighting range designating section 7, step S
If it is instructed not to end the setting in 608, the process returns to step S602, and a list of functions for which the lighting range can be specified is displayed again on the display unit.
If it is instructed in 608 to end the setting, the process returns to the standby state.

When a function other than the function for setting the lighting range of the key backlight unit 6 is selected, the lighting range control unit 4 determines the optimal lighting range of the key backlight unit 6 for the selected function. The determination is made based on the information stored in the storage unit 8 at that time. Other operations are the same as those of the mobile phone shown in FIG.

Further, even if a function other than the function of setting the lighting range of the key backlight unit 6 is selected in a state where the lighting range of the key backlight unit 6 is not set by the user, the storage unit is not used. Since the information on the lighting range of the key backlight unit 6 is stored in the storage unit 8 as an initial value, the above-described operation is performed in the lighting range control unit 4 using the information stored in the storage unit 8 as the initial value. Will be.

In this embodiment, the lighting range designating section 7
Has been described outside the lighting range control unit 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The lighting range designation unit 7 is moved to the inside of the lighting range control unit 4, and the lighting range control unit 4 A configuration in which the function of the specifying unit 7 is provided may be adopted.

[0062]

As described above, in the present invention,
A function control unit that determines a function selected by the user based on a key pressed on the operation unit, and a lighting range that determines a lighting range of the key backlight unit based on the function determined by the function control unit The control unit and the key backlight control unit that turns on the key backlight unit only in the lighting range determined by the lighting range control unit are provided, so it is necessary for the function selected by the user at the time of key operation Only the key backlight portion of the key is turned on.

As a result, current consumption during key operation can be reduced, and the battery life of the portable terminal can be extended.

The user can easily understand which key should be operated next because the key backlight of the key required for operating the function selected by the user is turned on. Operability can be improved.

A lighting range designating unit for designating the lighting range of the key backlight unit by the user for each function, and information on the lighting range of the key backlight unit designated by the user by the lighting range designating unit for each function. When the lighting range control unit determines the lighting range of the key backlight unit based on the information stored in the storage unit, the user himself / herself may use the key backlight for each function. Since the lighting range of the section can be set, the operability of the user can be further improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a mobile phone according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an operation at the time of controlling a key backlight unit in the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for specifically explaining an operation at the time of controlling a key backlight unit in the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an appearance of the mobile phone shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the mobile phone of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when a lighting range of a key backlight unit is specified in the mobile phone illustrated in FIG. 5;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 operation unit 2 key scan unit 3 function control unit 4 lighting range control unit 5 key backlight control unit 6 key backlight unit 7 lighting range designation unit 8 storage unit

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A mobile phone having at least an operation unit and a key backlight unit for illuminating the operation unit, wherein the user selects a key based on a key pressed on the operation unit. A function control unit that determines a function; a lighting range control unit that determines a lighting range of the key backlight unit based on the function determined by the function control unit; and a lighting determined by the lighting range control unit. A key backlight control unit that turns on the key backlight unit only within a range. 2. A storage unit for storing information of a lighting range of the key backlight unit as an initial value for each function, wherein the lighting range control unit is configured to control the key based on information stored in the storage unit. The mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein a lighting range of the backlight unit is determined. 3. A lighting range designating section for allowing a user to designate a lighting range of the key backlight section for each function, and a lighting range of the key backlight section designated by the user by the lighting range designating section. And a storage unit for storing the information of each of the functions for each function, wherein the lighting range control unit determines the lighting range of the key backlight unit based on the information stored in the storage unit. Item 2. The mobile phone according to Item 1. 4. A key backlight control method for a mobile phone having a key backlight unit for illuminating an operation unit, wherein a function selected by a user based on a key pressed on the operation unit is provided. Determining a lighting range of the key backlight unit based on the determined function, and lighting the key backlight unit only in the determined lighting range. . 5. A lighting range of the key backlight unit is stored as an initial value for each function, and a lighting range of the key backlight unit is determined based on the stored information. 5. The key backlight control method for a mobile phone according to 4. 6. A lighting range of the key backlight unit is designated by a user for each function, and information on a lighting range of the key backlight unit designated by the user is stored for each function.
5. The key backlight control method for a mobile phone according to claim 4, wherein a lighting range of the key backlight unit is determined based on the stored information.