JP2007274727A - Mobile terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain improvement in operability by automatically initiating functions through a partial sliding action to a movable casing. <P>SOLUTION: A mobile information terminal is constituted of a first unit 2 and a second unit 4. The second unit 4 is engaged to the first unit 2 so as to slide and can be locked in the middle of a sliding enabled range. A position detection section 22c detects the lock position of the second unit 4 from outputs from magnetic sensors 28a, 28b, 28c with sliding of the second unit 4. A function control section 22b initiates a prescribed function being set by a function setting section 22a in accordance with the lock position detected by the position detection section 22c. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable terminal having a structure in which a casing is constituted by a plurality of units and the relative position of the units can be changed.

  In general, in order to reduce the size of a mobile phone, a foldable structure or a slide-type structure in which a main body is composed of two units and the two units are coupled by a rotatable coupling member. It is used. The slide type structure is configured by coupling a movable housing (second unit) on which a part of functional units are mounted to a main housing (first unit) so as to be slidable in the major axis direction (for example, Patent Document 1). When carrying a mobile phone having a slidable structure, the unit is retracted so that both units overlap each other, and the unit is slid so as to be spaced apart in the long axis direction during a call or the like. use.

Further, in the mobile phone described in Patent Document 1, the effective area of the touch panel is set according to whether the second unit is in the closed position (retracted), 1/2 open position, or open position (extended). It can be increased or decreased.
JP 2003-179678 A

  As described above, in the conventional mobile phone described in the cited document 1, although the effective area of the touch panel can be increased or decreased according to the slide locking position, the closed position (retraction), 1/2 open position, open position ( In any state of (extension), only a state where input to the touch panel can be continued.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above circumstances, and the object thereof is a portable terminal capable of improving operability by automatically starting a function by a partial slide operation with respect to a movable housing. Is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a first unit, a second unit, an engagement means for movably engaging a relative position of the second unit with respect to the first unit, and the engagement. First locking means for locking the second unit moved by the means at a first locking position in the middle of the movable range, and the second unit moved by the engaging means for the first A second locking means for locking at a second locking position different from the locking position, and the first locking position at which the second unit is locked by the first locking means. First position detecting means for detecting that there is a second position detecting means for detecting that the second unit is in the second locking position locked by the second locking means; The first position detecting means detects that the first position is in the first locking position. A function control means for measuring time and activating a predetermined function, wherein the first position detection means detects that it is in the first locking position and is measured by the function control means. A function that is activated when the second locking position is detected by the second position detecting means before the predetermined time has elapsed, and the first locking is detected by the first position detecting means. A function that is activated when the second locking position is detected by the second position detection means after a certain time has elapsed after the time measured by the function control means has been detected. It is characterized by being different.

  According to this invention, when the relative position of the second unit is movably engaged with the first unit, and the second unit is moved and locked in the middle of the movable range, this locking position Since the predetermined function is activated according to the function, it is possible to automatically activate the function only by moving the second unit to an intermediate position without performing a normal function activation operation. That is, the operability can be improved by automatically starting the function by a partial movement operation with respect to the movable housing.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mobile information terminal configured as a mobile phone according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the portable information terminal according to the present embodiment includes two units, a first unit 2 and a second unit 4. The first unit is a unit on which a main circuit for performing wireless communication and control parts for various functions are mounted. The second unit 4 is slid with respect to the first unit 2 by, for example, a long axis direction. The unit is slidably coupled. The second unit 4 is mainly mounted with input / output components and the like. The sliding state of the second unit 4 with respect to the first unit 2 will be described later (FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5).

First, the configuration mounted on the first unit 2 will be described.
A radio signal transmitted from a base station (not shown) is received by the antenna 11 and input to the receiving circuit (RX) 13 via the antenna duplexer (DUP) 12. The receiving circuit 13 mixes the received radio signal with the local oscillation signal output from the frequency synthesizer (SYN) 14 and converts the frequency into an intermediate frequency signal. Then, the intermediate frequency signal is orthogonally demodulated and a received baseband signal is output. The frequency of the local oscillation signal generated from the frequency synthesizer 14 is specified by the control signal SYC from the control unit 22.

  The received baseband signal is input to the CDMA signal processing unit 16. The CDMA signal processing unit 16 includes a RAKE receiver. In the RAKE receiver, a plurality of paths included in the received baseband signal are each subjected to despreading processing using spreading codes. Then, the signals of the respective paths subjected to the despreading process are combined after being matched in phase. As a result, received packet data in a predetermined transmission format is obtained. The received packet data is input to a compression / decompression processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a compander) 17.

  The compander 17 separates the received packet data output from the CDMA signal processing unit 16 for each medium by the demultiplexing unit. Then, a decryption process is performed for each separated media data. For example, if audio data is included in the received packet data, the audio data is decoded by a speech codec. If the received packet data includes video data, the video data is decoded by a video codec. A digital audio signal obtained by this decoding process is input to a PCM code processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a PCM codec) 18, and a digital video signal is input to a control unit 22. Further, when the received packet data includes text data such as electronic mail, the text data is input to the control unit 22.

The CM codec 18 performs PCM decoding on the digital audio signal output from the compander 17 and outputs an analog audio signal. The analog audio signal is amplified by the receiver amplifier 21 and then output from the speaker 40. The control unit 22 displays the digital video signal output from the compander 17 on the LCD of the display unit 42 using a video RAM. To do. In addition, text data such as e-mail is temporarily stored in a storage unit (not shown) and displayed on the LCD of the display unit 42. In addition to the transmission / reception data described above, the LCD of the display unit 42 displays telephone book information, a telephone number of a communication partner terminal, a transmission / reception history, an operation state of the own terminal, and the like.

  On the other hand, the voice signal of the speaker input to the microphone 20 is amplified to an appropriate level by the transmission amplifier 19 and then subjected to PCM encoding processing by the PCM codec 8 to be converted into a digital audio signal to the compander 17. Entered. A video signal captured by a camera (not shown) is digitized by the control unit 22 and input to the compander 17. Note that text data such as an e-mail created by the control unit 22 is also input from the control unit 22 to the compander 17.

  The compander 17 detects the energy amount of the input voice from the digital audio signal output from the PCM codec 18, and determines the transmission data rate based on the detection result. Then, the digital audio signal is encoded into a signal having a format corresponding to the transmission data rate, thereby generating audio data. The digital video signal output from the control unit 22 is encoded to generate video data. Then, these audio data and image data are packetized according to a predetermined format by the demultiplexing unit, and this transmission packet data is output to the CDMA signal processing unit 16. Even when text data such as e-mail is output from the control unit 22, the text data is multiplexed with the transmission packet data.

  The CDMA signal processing unit 16 performs spread spectrum processing on the transmission packet data output from the compander 17 using a spreading code assigned to the transmission channel. Then, the output signal is output to the transmission circuit (TX) 15. The transmission circuit 15 modulates the spectrum-spread signal using a digital modulation method such as QPSK method. The transmission signal generated by this modulation is combined with a local oscillation signal generated from the frequency synthesizer 14 and frequency-converted into a radio signal. Then, the radio signal is amplified at a high frequency so that the transmission power level instructed by the control unit 22 is obtained. The amplified radio signal is supplied to the antenna 11 via the antenna duplexer 12, and transmitted from the antenna 11 toward the connected base station.

  The main input unit 23 is provided with transmission execution keys, English / Kana / Kanji / numeric input keys, input switching keys, power ON / OFF keys, end keys, and other keys to which various functions are assigned. Controls input operations for.

  The notification unit 24 operates under the control of the control unit 22 when there is an incoming call addressed to the portable information terminal, and notifies the user of the incoming call. The sounding body 24a that issues an audible sound to notify the user. In addition, a light emitting body 24b that performs notification by light emission, for example, 24c that performs notification by generating vibration by an eccentric motor or the like is included.

  The power supply circuit 32 generates a predetermined operating power supply voltage Vcc based on the output of the battery 33 and supplies it to each circuit unit.

  Further, the first unit 2 includes an image processing unit 26 that controls shooting of still images and moving images by a shooting unit 43 provided in the second unit 4, and a flash 44 provided in the second unit 4 when shooting still images. A flash control unit 27 that drives the flash unit, and a plurality of magnetic sensors (Hall elements) 28a, 28b, and 28c disposed at predetermined positions for detecting the slide position (locking position) of the second unit 4, for example, Bluetooth A short-range wireless communication unit 30 or the like that controls short-range wireless communication conforming to the (registered trademark) standard is provided.

  The control unit 22 is provided with a function setting unit 22a, a function control unit 22b, and a position detection unit 22c in addition to the functions for controlling each unit described above.

  The function setting unit 22a sets a function to be activated according to the slide position of the second unit 4 with respect to the first unit 2. In the present embodiment, the function setting unit 22a is activated when the second unit 4 is at an intermediate position (see FIG. 3). The function to be set is set according to an instruction from the user. It should be noted that the function setting unit 22a can also set the functions in the same manner even when the second unit 4 is in the closed position (see FIG. 2) and the open position (see FIG. 4). In the present embodiment, the second unit 4 can be locked only at one position in the slidable range (details will be described later), but the second unit 4 is locked at a plurality of positions. You can also. In this case, it is assumed that a function can be set for each position. The function setting unit 22a manages a plurality of settable functions that can be activated in accordance with the slide position, and sets a function to be activated in accordance with a user designation.

  The function control unit 22b activates the function set by the function setting unit 22a according to the locking position of the first unit 2 detected by the position detection unit 22c.

  The position detector 22c detects the slide position and the slide direction of the second unit 4 with respect to the first unit 2 according to the outputs of the magnetic sensors 28a, 28b, 28c. In this embodiment, the closed position where the first unit 2 and the second unit 4 are integrally overlapped, the intermediate position where the second unit 4 is locked in the middle of the slidable range, and the second unit 4 can be slid Each of the open positions that are slid and locked to the end portions is detected by outputs from the magnetic sensors 28a, 28b, and 28c.

  In addition, when providing not only one place but several places as an intermediate position, the magnetic sensor for detecting that the 2nd unit 4 was latched by each position is provided, and from this magnetic sensor It is assumed that the locking position of the second unit 4 is detected by the output of.

Next, the configuration mounted on the second unit 4 will be described.
The second unit 4 includes a sub input unit 41, a display unit 42, a photographing unit (camera) 43, a flash 44, a magnet 45, a short-range wireless communication antenna 46, and the like.

  The sub input unit 41 is provided with a cross key for performing a cursor operation, a selection / execution key, and other keys. The sub input unit 41 is provided so that it can always be operated even when the second unit 4 is in the closed position (the state shown in FIG. 2 described later) and the input operation to the main input unit 23 is not possible.

  The display unit 42 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays various types of information under the control of the control unit 22.

  The photographing unit 43 includes a lens optical system that constitutes a photographing lens, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) that is an imaging element disposed behind the optical axis, or a drive circuit. The photographing unit 43 is controlled by the image processing unit 26. Use to capture a still image or a moving image. In the present embodiment, the photographing unit 43 can be used when the second unit 4 is locked at the intermediate position.

  The flash 44 emits flash light under the control of the flash control unit 27 during still image shooting by the shooting unit 43. In this embodiment, the flash 44 can be used when the second unit 4 is in the open position.

  The magnet 45 is used for detecting the position where the second unit 4 is slid. For example, the magnet 45 is provided near the end of the second unit 4.

  The short-range wireless communication antenna 46 is used when wireless communication is performed under the control of the short-range wireless communication unit 30. For example, the short-range wireless communication antenna 46 is provided near the upper end in the housing of the second unit 4. That is, it is provided at a position where the state of radio wave transmission / reception is good when in a normal usage pattern. By sliding the second unit 4 to the open position, the second unit 4 can be separated from the first unit 2 provided with the main control circuit, and interference caused by signals generated from each control circuit can be reduced.

  Next, the external configuration of the portable information terminal and the sliding state of the second unit 4 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5.

  2A is a side view of the portable information terminal in the closed position in which the first unit 2 and the second unit 4 are integrally overlapped, FIG. 2B is a front view, and FIG. Similarly, a rear view is shown.

  3A is a side view of the portable information terminal in a state where the second unit 4 is slid upward in the long axis direction with respect to the first unit 2 and is locked at the intermediate position. FIG. ) Is a front view and FIG. 3C is a rear view.

  4A is a side view of the portable information terminal in a state where the second unit 4 is slid upward in the long axis direction with respect to the first unit 2 and is locked in the open position. FIG. ) Is a front view, and FIG. 4C is a rear view.

  The second unit 4 has a substantially planar shape, and a display unit 42, a sub input unit 41, and a speaker 40 are provided on the front side. On the back side of the second unit 4, that is, in the closed position shown in FIG. 2, the photographing unit 43 and the flash 44 are provided on the surface facing the first unit 2 as shown in FIG. Is provided. As shown in FIG. 3, the photographing unit 43 is provided at a position where the second unit 4 is exposed from the back surface of the first unit 2 and can be used when the second unit 4 is locked at the intermediate position. Yes. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the flash 44 is provided at a position where it is exposed from the back surface of the first unit 2 and can be used when the second unit 4 is locked in the open position. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the second unit 4 is provided with a magnet 45 for detecting the slide position in the vicinity of the end. In the first unit 2, a plurality of magnetic sensors 28 a, 28 b, 28 c are arranged at positions facing the magnet 45 provided in the second unit 4 according to the locking position of the second unit 4. ing. The magnetic sensor 28a is for detecting that the second unit 4 is in the closed position, the magnetic sensor 28b is also provided for detecting the intermediate position, and the magnetic sensor 28c is also provided for detecting the closed position.

  Although not shown in the figure, the first unit 2 and the second unit 4 are provided for locking at the open position, the intermediate position, and the closed position when the second unit 4 is slid. A stop mechanism is provided. The position where the locking mechanism is provided coincides with the position where the magnetic sensors 28a, 28b, 28c are provided. The locking mechanism has, for example, a mechanically engaging structure, and is configured to be easily slidable by releasing the locked state by applying a sliding force with a predetermined force or more. Therefore, the second unit 4 can be slid and locked from the closed position shown in FIG. 2 to the intermediate position shown in FIG. 3, and the state can be maintained, or from the closed position to the open position shown in FIG. It can also be slid without being locked at an intermediate position.

  The first unit 2 has substantially the same planar shape as the second unit 4, and the second unit 4 is slidably attached thereto. The first unit 2 is provided with a main input unit 23 and a microphone 20 at a lower portion of the front surface thereof. By sliding the second unit 4 to the open position, as shown in FIG. 3B, the main input unit 23 is exposed and the distance between the microphone 20 and the speaker 40 becomes appropriate in a call state, and various operations and voices are performed. A call becomes possible.

  On the other hand, when the second unit 4 is in the closed position, the back surface of the second unit 4 and the front surface of the first unit 2 face each other and are covered with each other. Accordingly, the photographing unit 43 and the flash 44 provided on the back surface of the second unit 4 and the main input unit 23 of the first unit 2 are protected from each other by the other unit. Further, an erroneous operation on the main input unit 23 is also prevented.

  In addition, the sub input part 41 is provided in the surface side of the 2nd unit 4, and while the 2nd unit 4 exists in a closed position, operation relevant to this, for example, visually recognizing the display content of the display part 42, for example Operations such as e-mail operation, image operation, and incoming call operation can be performed at all times.

  In the portable information terminal according to the present embodiment, there is an incoming call when the second unit 4 is in the closed position, and when the second unit 4 is slid and opened by the user, the position detection unit 22c performs the sliding operation. , And the control unit 22 automatically enters an off-hook state to enable a call. At this time, the notification operation by the notification unit 24 is stopped at the same time. When the second unit 4 is already in the open state at the time of an incoming call, if the user performs an operation on the call start key of the main input unit 23, the user enters an off-hook state to enable a call.

  On the other hand, when the second unit 4 in the open state is slid to the closed position after the call is finished, the position detection unit 22c detects the slide operation, and the control unit 22 automatically enters the on-hook state (end call) processing). When the second unit 4 is in the open position, if the user performs an operation on the call end key of the main input unit 23, the on-hook state is set, and the end-of-call process is performed in the same manner.

  In the portable information terminal according to the present embodiment, for incoming calls, as described above, the second unit 4 can be placed in an off-hook state by a slide operation for opening the second unit 4 to be able to talk, and the second unit 4 is closed. With the on-hook state, the call can be terminated. In the present embodiment, various functions provided in the portable information terminal can be activated by a slide operation on the second unit 4.

Next, the operation of the portable information terminal in this embodiment will be described.
First, the function setting process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The portable information terminal is equipped with various functions and can be activated and executed in accordance with an instruction from the user. In the present embodiment, a preset function can be automatically activated by sliding the second unit 4 and locking it at an intermediate position.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the portable information terminal according to the present embodiment has a plurality of functions that can be activated by a slide operation of the second unit 4, such as a photographing function, a short-range wireless communication, an electronic mail function, an application 1,. Features are available. The application 1 is a function that is implemented in advance in a portable information terminal, such as a calendar or schedule function, a game that can be executed by downloading, a map (navigation), an image reproduction, a network (Web site) connection, etc. Functions that can be arbitrarily executed shall be included.

  The function setting unit 22a of the control unit 22 holds information regarding these various functions.

  When an execution request for the function setting process is input by an operation on the main input unit 23 or the sub input unit 41, the function setting unit 22a of the control unit 22 reads information on these settable functions (step A1) and displays the display unit. A list is displayed on the function selection screen 42 (step A2). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 7, a list of shooting functions, short-range wireless communication, e-mail functions, applications 1,.

  On this list display screen, an arbitrary function can be designated by moving the cursor by operating the cross key of the sub input unit 41, for example. When any function is designated and an instruction for selection is input (step A3), the function setting unit 22a sets the corresponding function as a function to be activated (step A4).

  For example, FIG. 7 shows that the shooting function is set. When the shooting function is set as a function that is activated when the second unit 4 is locked at the intermediate position, the flash function is set for the open position in association with the shooting function. To do. That is, it is assumed that the flash function is set as a function to be automatically activated in association with the change (slide direction) from the intermediate position to the open position of the second unit 4 (see FIG. 9).

  In the present embodiment, only the combination of the shooting function and the flash function will be described, but the function can be set with respect to the slide direction (position change of the second unit 4) for other combinations of functions. In addition to the change from the intermediate position to the open position, it is also possible to set a function for the change from the intermediate position to the closed position (slide direction).

  In this way, the user can arbitrarily select and set a function from a plurality of settable functions. Therefore, the function activated by the slide operation on the second unit 4 can be arbitrarily set according to the usage pattern and preference for each user. Can do.

  In the above description, the function that is activated when the second unit 4 is locked at the intermediate position is set. However, the function is activated when the second unit 4 is slid to the open position and the closed position. It is also possible to set the function to be performed.

  Next, the function control process for starting the function set by the function setting process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The position detection unit 22c constantly monitors at which position the second unit 4 is slid and locked based on the outputs from the magnetic sensors 28a, 28b, and 28c (step B1). The position detection unit 22c notifies the function control unit 22b when the position is detected by the outputs from the magnetic sensors 28a, 28b, and 28c.

  When the position is detected by the position detection unit 22c as the second unit 4 is slid (step B1), the function control unit 22b determines in which state the second unit 4 is in accordance with the position. It is determined whether the position is an open position, an intermediate position, or a closed position (steps B2 and B3).

  For example, it is assumed that the second unit 4 is slid to the intermediate position when it is in the closed position (step B3, Yes). In this case, the function control unit 22b starts counting using a counter for measuring the time during which the second unit 4 is in the locked state at the intermediate position (step B4). The function control unit 22b determines whether or not the state in which the second unit 4 is at the intermediate position has elapsed for a predetermined time (steps B5 and B8).

  Here, when the position is detected by the position detector 22c before the predetermined time has elapsed (step B8, Yes), the function controller 22b resets the counter (step B9).

  When the position detected by the position detector 22c is based on the output from the magnetic sensor 28c, that is, when the second unit 4 is slid to the open position beyond the intermediate position (No in Step B10). The function control unit 22b sets the state according to the open position (step B11). For example, when a function to be activated is set for the open position, the corresponding function is activated. If the operation is for the second unit 4 at the time of an incoming call, the line is connected in an off-hook state to enable a call.

  When the second unit 4 is slid to the open position from the intermediate position (step B3, No), the function control unit 22b is automatically activated by the second unit 4 being slid to the intermediate position. If there is a function that has been activated, the function at the open position corresponding to the function is activated. A specific example will be described later using the photographing function as an example (FIG. 9).

  On the other hand, when the position detected by the position detector 22c is based on the output from the magnetic sensor 28a, that is, when the second unit 4 is slid from the intermediate position to the closed position (Step B10, Yes), The function control unit 22b sets the state according to the closed position (step B12). For example, when a function to be activated for the closed position is set, the corresponding function is activated.

  When the second unit 4 is slid from the intermediate position to the closed position (step B2, No), the function control unit 22b is automatically activated by the second unit 4 being slid to the intermediate position. If there is a function that has been activated, the function at the closed position corresponding to the function is activated or the automatically activated function is stopped.

  By the way, when the state in which the second unit 4 is locked at the intermediate position continues for a certain time (step B4, Yes), the function control unit 22b resets the counter (step B6) and is set for the intermediate position. The active function is automatically activated (step B7).

  For example, as described with reference to FIG. 7, when the shooting function is set as a function to be activated, the function control unit 22 b activates the image processing unit 26 to perform shooting by the shooting unit 43. Make it possible. When the second unit 4 is in the intermediate position, the photographing unit 43 is exposed from the back side of the first unit 2 as shown in FIG. It is in a state.

  In this way, the function set in the function setting process can be automatically activated by locking the second unit 4 at the intermediate position for a certain period of time. Accordingly, it is not necessary to perform a normal activation operation, so that operability is improved. Here, since the function to be activated can be arbitrarily set in advance in the function setting, it can be used in accordance with the user's preference. In addition, since it is only necessary to slide the second unit 4 to the intermediate position, the operation is easier than when sliding from the closed position to the open position, and the overall shape of the portable information terminal needs to be larger than necessary. Since there is no, handling becomes easy. Furthermore, since the function is activated when the state locked at the intermediate position continues for a certain period of time, for example, when the second unit 4 is slid from the closed position to the open position (or vice versa), each time, Even if the position is detected at the intermediate position, it is possible to prevent the set function from being activated each time.

  Next, operations when the photographing function and the flash function set by the function setting process are automatically activated will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When it is detected by the function control process described above that the second unit 4 is locked at the intermediate position for a certain time (step C1), the function control unit 22b activates the image capturing function and shifts to the image capturing mode (step S1). C2).

  Moreover, the control part 22 changes the predetermined definition with respect to a predetermined button among the some buttons provided in the main input part 23 (step C3). For example, when the second unit 4 is in the intermediate position, as shown in FIG. 2B, among the buttons provided on the main input unit 23, some buttons 23a are operable. The control unit 22 sets a process to be executed by an input operation on the operation button so that the button 23a can be used in a function that is currently automatically activated (here, a photographing function). That is, a function related to image shooting is assigned to each button. When there is an input operation to the button of the main input unit 23, the control unit 22 executes processing according to the function assigned to each.

  When the image processing unit 26 shifts to the photographing mode, the image photographed by the photographing unit 43 is input, and a through image is displayed on the display unit 42 as an electronic viewfinder under the control of the control unit 22.

  Here, when execution of image shooting is instructed by an operation on the main input unit 23 or the sub input unit 41 (for example, a still image), the control unit 22 records still image data input through the image processing unit 26. The captured image is displayed on the display unit 42.

  On the other hand, it is assumed that the second unit 4 is further slid to the open state in a state where the photographing function is automatically activated by detecting the second unit 4 at the intermediate position (step C4). In this case, for the slide operation from the intermediate position to the open position, automatic activation of the flash function is set in association with the photographing function set for the intermediate position.

  The function control unit 22b activates the flash control unit 27 in accordance with the position detection by the position detection unit 22c, and enables the flash light to be irradiated along with the still image capturing by the image processing unit 26 (Step S22). C5). When the second unit 4 is in the open position, as shown in FIG. 4C, the flash 44 is exposed from the back side of the first unit 2 together with the photographing unit 43. Light irradiation is possible.

  Here, when the execution of still image shooting is instructed by an operation on the main input unit 23 or the sub input unit 41, the control unit 22 causes the flash control unit 27 to irradiate flash light, and the still image through the image processing unit 26. The inputted still image data is recorded and the photographed image is displayed on the display unit 42.

  In this way, by sliding the second unit 4 from the intermediate position to the open position, the flash function related to the shooting function set as the activation target with respect to the intermediate position can also be automatically activated. For example, even if the second unit 4 is simply slid from the closed position to the open position, the flash function is not activated, but the shooting function is activated at the intermediate position and then moved to the open position to perform a special operation. The flash can be used without any problems.

  In the above description, the shooting function and the flash function have been described as examples. However, by combining other different processing combinations with the locking positions of the respective second units 4, Thus, according to the sliding direction of the 2nd unit 4, each process can be started sequentially.

  For example, when the second unit 4 is in the open state, the body of the e-mail is created by a key operation on the main input unit 23, and the second unit 4 is slid from the open state to the intermediate position and locked for a certain time. The electronic mail is automatically transmitted and further slid to the closed position to end the processing related to the electronic mail.

  Thus, in the portable information terminal in the present embodiment, the function corresponding to the locking position of the second unit 4 can be arbitrarily set by executing the function setting process.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the portable information terminal in this embodiment. The figure which shows the external appearance of the portable information terminal in the closed position which overlap | superposed the 1st unit 2 and the 2nd unit 4 in this embodiment integrally. The figure which shows the external appearance of the portable information terminal in the state by which the 2nd unit 4 in this embodiment was slid to the major axis direction upper direction, and was latched in the intermediate position. The figure which shows the external appearance of the portable information terminal in the state in which the 2nd unit 4 in this embodiment was slid to the major axis direction upper direction, and was latched in the open position. The figure for demonstrating the mounting position of the magnet 45 and magnetic sensor 28a, 28b, 28c in this embodiment, and the latching position of the 2nd unit 4. FIG. The flowchart for demonstrating the function setting process in this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the function setting process in this embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the function control process in this embodiment. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation when a shooting function and a flash function set by function setting processing in the present embodiment are automatically activated.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... 1st unit, 4 ... 2nd unit, 11 ... Antenna, 12 ... Antenna duplexer (DUP), 13 ... Reception circuit (RX), 14 ... Frequency synthesizer (SYN), 16 ... CDMA signal processing part, 17 ... Compression / decompression processing unit (compander), 18 ... PCM code processing unit (PCM codec), 19 ... Transmission amplifier, 20 ... Microphone, 21 ... Reception amplifier, 22 ... Control unit, 22a ... Function setting unit, 22b ... Function control unit , 22c ... position detection unit, 23 ... main input unit, 24 ... notification unit, 24a ... sound generator, 24b ... light emitter, 24c ... vibrator, 26 ... image processing unit, 27 ... flash control unit, 28a, 28b, 28c ... Magnetic sensor, 30 ... Short-range wireless communication unit, 32 ... Power supply circuit, 33 ... Battery, 41 ... Sub-input unit, 42 ... Display unit, 43 ... Shooting unit, 44 ... Flash, 5 ... magnet, 46 ... short-range wireless communication antenna.

Claims (6)

A first unit;
A second unit;
Engagement means for movably engaging the relative position of the second unit with respect to the first unit;
First locking means for locking the second unit moved by the engaging means at a first locking position in the middle of the movable range;
Second locking means for locking the second unit moved by the engaging means at a second locking position different from the first locking position;
First position detecting means for detecting that the second unit is in the first locking position locked by the first locking means;
Second position detecting means for detecting that the second unit is in the second locking position locked by the second locking means;
A function control means for measuring time when the first position detecting means detects that the first position is detected and starting a predetermined function;
It is detected by the first position detecting means that the second position detecting means is in the first locking position, and the second position detecting means allows the second position detecting means to measure the second position before the time measured by the function control means elapses. A function that is activated when the locking position is detected, and that the first position detection unit detects that the lock position is in the first locking position, and the time measured by the function control unit elapses for a certain period of time. A portable terminal having a function different from that activated when the second locking position is detected by the second position detecting means. A first unit;
A second unit;
Engagement means for slidably engaging the second unit with respect to the first unit;
First locking means for locking the second unit slid by the engaging means at a first locking position in the middle of the slidable range;
Second locking means for locking the second unit slid by the engaging means at a second locking position different from the first locking position;
First position detecting means for detecting that the second unit is in the first locking position locked by the first locking means;
Second position detecting means for detecting that the second unit is in the second locking position locked by the second locking means;
A function control means for measuring time when the first position detecting means detects that the first position is detected and starting a predetermined function;
It is detected by the first position detecting means that the second position detecting means is in the first locking position, and the second position detecting means allows the second position detecting means to measure the second position before the time measured by the function control means elapses. A function that is activated when the locking position is detected, and that the first position detection unit detects that the lock position is in the first locking position, and the time measured by the function control unit elapses for a certain period of time. A portable terminal having a function different from that activated when the second locking position is detected by the second position detecting means. An input means having an operation button;
The portable terminal according to claim 1, further comprising: an input processing unit that changes a process to be executed by an input operation on the operation button in accordance with a function activated by the function control unit. The apparatus further comprises direction detecting means for detecting the moving direction of the second unit in accordance with a change in the locking position of the second unit detected by the first position detecting means and the second position detecting means. ,
4. The portable terminal according to claim 1, wherein the function control unit activates a function in accordance with a movement direction detected by the direction detection unit. The apparatus further comprises direction detecting means for detecting the sliding direction of the second unit in accordance with a change in the locking position of the second unit detected by the first position detecting means and the second position detecting means. ,
4. The portable terminal according to claim 2, wherein the function control unit activates a function in accordance with a sliding direction detected by the direction detection unit. The function control means includes
An image capturing function is activated when the predetermined time has elapsed after the first position detecting means detects that the second unit is in the first locking position;
After the predetermined time has elapsed after the first position detecting means detects that the second unit is in the first locking position, the second position detecting means causes the second unit to be 3. The portable terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a step of activating a flash function when it is detected that the second locking position is set.

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