JP2002535769A - Electronic device with display shared by different electronic modules - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: A portable electronic device according to the present invention includes a screen (2) and display means configured to simultaneously respond to display signals from a plurality of electronic modules (6, 7). And the screen is shared by the modules. Therefore, said modules (6, 7) are separately responsible for the data / signal processing functions, and the display means is that the different data / signal processing functions of said modules (6, 7) are displayed (2). Is provided so as to be shared. This is different from a portable computer with an auxiliary card. The reason is that in a conventional portable computer, the microprocessor of the computer generates a display control signal related to the operation of the auxiliary card.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an electronic device including a display unit and a screen controlled by the display unit.

[0002]

[Prior art]

Conventional portable electronic devices, such as palmtop computers and / or communicators (ie, a computer / mobile phone hybrid), have a microprocessor around a microprocessor running an operating system such as Windows CE or EPOC. It is configured. The functionality of the device is provided by application programs that operate within the operating system environment and task-specific hardware such as radio frequency circuitry.

[0003] One of the most important considerations for portable electronic devices is battery life. A general-purpose microprocessor is, for example, an ASIC that performs the same task (
Power consumption when compared to application-specific integrated circuits).

[0004] However, power consumption is not the only consideration and, in some applications, additional speed that is available from special circuits when compared to general purpose microprocessors is desirable.

[0005] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the present invention is not limited to portable electronic devices.

[0006]

Problems to be Solved by the Invention and Means for Solving the Problems

The device according to the invention is characterized in that the display means is arranged to respond simultaneously to display display signals from a plurality of electronic modules, whereby a screen is shared by said modules. Thus, the modules are separately responsible for data / signal processing functions, and the display means are provided such that different data / signal processing functions of the modules can share a display. This is different from a portable computer with an auxiliary card. The reason is that in a conventional portable computer, the microprocessor of the computer generates a display control signal related to the operation of the auxiliary card.

Preferably, at least one of the modules is easily separable so that the functions performed by the device can be changed. The or each easily separable module can be housed in a bay in the body that also houses the display means. However, there need not be a physical connection between the separable module and the display means. For example, this connection can be provided by a wireless link, such as an IR link.

It is preferable that the display unit generates a window for each module. More preferably, a window of one module can completely hide a window of another module. An audio transducer (eg, a microphone or speaker) and switching means for selectively coupling the audio transducer to the module;
And more preferably, said switching means is responsive to display means for coupling the audio transducer to a module having a window having a focus. Pointing means for selecting a point on the screen and outputting a position indication of the selected point to a display means is provided, and the display means includes the position based on the display. Even more preferably, it is operable to send information to a module having a window. The position indicating means is co-extensive touch-sensitive.
nsitive) elements.

An electronic device according to the present invention may comprise a memory means having a memory, and a means for selectively transferring a file from a module to a storage memory and selectively transferring a file from the memory means to a module. preferable. More preferably, the memory is a non-volatile solid state memory.

[0010] The display means includes a memory for storing a bitmap image, a means for receiving a display control signal from a module and setting a bit in the memory depending on the display control signal from the module, And a means for driving the screen depending on the condition. More preferably, the means for receiving a display control signal has a respective input for each module. However, a bus arrangement can be used. The display means includes a position indicating means for generating screen position data in response to a user selecting a point on the screen, and a memory, if any, for which module the screen position is associated with. It is even more preferred to provide means for determining with respect to content and sending the screen position to the module.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described using examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, the portable electronic device includes a front surface 1a, a back surface (not shown), an upper end (not shown), a bottom end 1b, a first side surface 1c, and a second side surface (not shown). ) Is provided. The backlight LCD 2 is mounted on the front surface 1a. The loudspeaker 3 is mounted between the LCD 2 and the upper end of the main body 1 behind the front surface 1a. The microphone 4 is hidden by the front, and the LCD 2 and the bottom end 1b of the main body 1
It is mounted between. Microphone and earphone socket (not shown)
Is also provided on the main body 1.

The first to fourth bays 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d are accessible via respective openings in the first side surface 1c of the main body. These bays 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d have a rectangular cross section and are arranged in a line. Each bay 5a, 5
The closed ends of b, 5c and 5d are provided with male parts (not shown) of the respective multi-pole connectors.

The bays 5 a, 5 b, 5 c, 5 d can accommodate the plug-in modules 6, 7, 8 in a replaceable manner. In this example, the first module 6 comprises a module telephone circuit and supports an antenna 9. The second module 7 includes an ASIC for mounting a clock. The third module 8 includes a low-power microprocessor and a ROM that stores an application program including a word processor, a spreadsheet, and a drawing program.

Each of the modules 6, 7, 8 is provided with a female connector for engaging a male connector at the end of the bays 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d.

The modules 6, 7, 8 can be provided with small projections 8 a which serve to remove these modules from the body 1.

The first and second modules 6 and 7 are plug-connected, and the LCD 2
Copy of user interface 10 and clock plane 11 of mobile phone (facsim
ile). In the lower right corner of the LCD, there is provided an area 12 showing icons 13, 14 for the respective modules 6, 7 plugged into the main body 1.

The LCD 2 is covered with a touch-sensitive layer, and the stylus 15 is stored in a tubular opening that passes through the bottom end 1 b of the main body 1.

The modules 6, 7, 8 are all installed in bays 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d. However, the module can also comprise a plug for insertion into a bay 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, which is connected by wires to a body comprising most or all of the electronic circuitry.

A power on / off switch 16 is mounted on the main body 1.

Referring to FIG. 2, the main body 1 (FIG. 1) includes a display drive circuit 21 and a touch position sensing circuit for detecting a position of a point at which the stylus 15 touches the LCD 2 and outputting coordinates of the point. 22 are accommodated. The display driving circuit 21 and the touch position sensing circuit 22 are connected to the LCD 2 and the interface controller 23. Interface switching unit 2
4 is inserted between the interface controller 23 and the modules 6 and 7 and controls the routing of interface messages between the modules 6 and 7 and the interface controller 23. The interface controller 23 is also connected to the audio switching unit 25. Audio switching unit 25 links microphone 4 and loudspeaker 3 to modules 6,7.

The memory access switching unit 26 controls access of the modules 6 and 7 to the common nonvolatile memory 27.

The interface controller 23 is also connected to a backlight control circuit 28 for controlling illumination of the LCD 2.

The battery 30 and the voltage regulator 31 are connected to the components in the main body 1 and the module 6.
, 7 are supplied with power. It is understood that a solar cell can be used as a power source. The modules 6, 7 can also have their own power supply, for example for memory backup.

Hereinafter, generation of an image on the LCD 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The icon area 12 is reserved for the interface controller 23,
It is displayed when the device is on.

The interface switching unit 24 receives display control messages from the modules 6, 7 and caches these messages as needed,
Then, these messages are supplied to the interface controller 23. These display control messages are accompanied by ID codes for identifying the modules 6 and 7. The ID code may be unique to each module 6,7 or may simply identify the type of module 6,7, in which case two modules 6 with the same ID , 7 are plugged in at the same time, an error message is displayed. The interface switching unit 24
Furthermore, it receives stylus position messages from the interface controller 23 and routes these messages to the modules 6,7.

When the modules 6, 7 are first inserted in the slots 5 a, 5 b, 5 c, 5 d and powered on, the modules 6, 7 send a registration message via the interface switching unit 24 to the interface controller 23. Send. The interface switching unit 24 adds an ID for the table mapping ID on the bay number. The bay number is known from the input at which the message was received. The message is passed to the interface controller 23 together with the module ID replaced by the bay number. Next, the interface controller 23 adds the bay number from the registration message to the list of active bays. After transmitting the registration message, the modules 6 and 7 transmit a screen resource request message to the interface controller 23. This message defines the size of the display area required by modules 6,7. From FIG. 1, it can be seen that the mobile phone module 6 requires a larger display area than the clock module 7. This message and all subsequent messages are modified by replacing the module ID with the bay number from the table. After the screen resource request message, modules 6, 7 send an icon message. The interface controller 23 responds to the icon message by displaying the icon defined in the icon area 12 thereby.

The modules 6, 7 then send a display control message to set their initial display configuration. These messages comprise the following combinations: the identity of the standard display elements (eg buttons or squares) and associated parameters such as position and size, text with associated font, size and position information, position. A bitmap with parameters for shape, size and size.

When the interface controller 23 receives these messages,
The interface controller 23 confirms which area of the internal RAM these messages are related to based on the received bay number. Next, the interface controller 23 sets the state of the RAM location to generate a bitmap display from the received message. For example, if the message indicates a button, a button pullout process is performed, which causes a bitmap of the button to be generated at the appropriate location in RAM.

The interface controller 23 also refreshes the LCD 2 by reading the RAM and by setting the pixels of the LCD 2 according to the Z-order positions associated with the modules 6,7. Zeros in the Z-order are focused-on modules 6,7
Assigned to.

When the modules 6 and 7 perform their functions,
7 transmits a display control message to the interface controller 23 in order to update its own display.

When the user touches the LCD 2 with the stylus 15, the coordinates of the contact point are detected and transmitted to the interface controller 23. The interface controller 23 first checks whether a contact point exists in the icon area 12. If the contact point corresponds to one of the icons, the interface controller 23 tries to set the Z-order to zero for the relevant module 6,7 and furthermore, tells the audio switching unit 25 to send the module 6,7 But now it is a focused module. Next, the audio switching unit 25 connects the microphone 4 and the loudspeaker 3 to the focused modules 6,7.

The interface controller 23 also sends the loss of the focus message to the previously focused modules 6,7. Modules 6,7, which are then out of focus, have the opportunity to put themselves in idle mode or sleep state to reduce power consumption.

If the contact point does not exist in the icon area 12, the interface controller 23 uses the display image of the module and the information on the Z order of these modules to display the display of either module at the touched position. Make sure you do. If the touched area corresponds to the exposed part of the partially hidden window, the window is moved to the Z-order position 0, and the audio switching unit 25 causes the associated module 6, 7 to It is informed of the focused module and sends a focus loss message to the previously focused modules 6,7. In any case, the interface controller 23 converts the absolute coordinates from the touch position sensing circuit 22 into coordinates for the touched window. Next, these coordinates are
Sent to the interface switching unit 24 with the bay number for dispatch to the focused modules 6,7. That is, no ID is required for messages from the interface switching unit and modules 6,7. Modules 6 and 7 in the active state
Responds according to its own internal logic.

If the interface controller 23, which processes the display message and generates the stylus position message, is not active, the interface controller 23 checks whether the modules 6, 7 are still present. Poll periodically to see if it is. If no response is received from modules 6, 7, it is removed from the list of modules and the window bitmap and its icon are cleared.

If a backlight is used, the interface controller 23 controls the backlight with the backlight controller 28, whereby
Only the window of the focused module is illuminated. The backlight comprises an array of independently operable light sources.

The memory 27 is provided so that the modules 6 and 7 can exchange data. The memory switching unit 26 stores the directory of the file in the memory 2
Keep within 7.

When modules 6 and 7 store the file in memory 27, a message containing the name and size of the file is sent to memory switching unit 26. Next, the memory switching unit 26 allocates space in the memory 27 for the file and prompts the module to send the file.
Modules 6 and 7 respond by sending a file to memory switching unit 26, which then stores the file in memory 27 and adds the file to the directory.

The modules 6 and 7 can obtain a file list in the memory 27 by transmitting a directory list request message to the memory switching unit 26.

If the modules 6, 7 are to read a file, a file read message containing the file name is sent to the memory switching unit 26.
If the file exists, the memory switching unit 26 reads the file from the memory 27 and sends the file to the module 6 or 7 that requested the file. If the file does not exist, the memory switching unit returns an error message.

The file can be deleted at the request of the modules 6 and 7.

The communication between the modules 6, 7 and the memory and interface switching units 24, 26 may be in series, in parallel, or a hybrid thereof. The choice of series or parallel is a trade-off between speed and connection complexity.

It is understood that the internal organization of the module is not widely relevant. An important consideration is the interfacing of the shared parts of the system with them. Physically, the modules of the above embodiments are provided with connections for interface messages (optionally for file transfer, audio in and out). The operation of the modules 6, 7 needs to include the registration process described above and the generation of the standard interface message identified by the interface controller 23. Optionally, the module comprises a memory switching unit 2
6 can be used to interact with the memory switching unit 26 and perform power saving measurements in response to the focus loss message.

In another embodiment, the icon area 12 is replaced with a button associated with each bay on the body 1.

Referring to FIG. 3, the portable electronic device includes a front surface 101a, a back surface (not shown), an upper end portion (not shown), a bottom end portion 101b, a first side surface 101c, and a second side surface (not shown). )
And a main body 101 having: The backlight LCD 102 has a front surface 101a.
It is installed in. The microphone and the earphone sockets 103 and 104 are
It is provided on the first side surface 101c of the main body 101.

The bay 105 is accessible via an opening in the bottom end 101 b of the main body 101. The bay 105 has a rectangular cross section. At the closed end of bay 105,
A male part (not shown) of the multi-pole connector is provided.

The bay 105 can accommodate the plug-in module 106 in a replaceable manner. In this example, module 106 is an ASIC that implements the diary.
It has. An ASIC module for mounting a clock is provided in the main body 101.

The module 106 is provided with a female connector for engaging with a male connector at the end of the bay 105.

The module 106 is provided with small projections 106 a that help remove the module from the body 101.

The LCD 102 shows a copy of the diary surface 110 and the clock surface 111.

The LCD 102 is covered by a touch-sensitive layer, and
The stylus 115 is stored in a tubular opening passing through the bottom end 101b of the main body 101.

The module 106 is installed substantially in the bay 105. However, the module can also include a plug for insertion into a bay 105 connected by wires to a body that contains most or all of the electronics.

The power on / off switch 116 is mounted on the main body 101.

Referring to FIG. 4, the main body 101 (FIG. 3) includes a display driving circuit 121,
The stylus 115 contains a touch position sensing circuit 122 for detecting the position of a point touching the LCD 102 and outputting the coordinates of the point. The display driving circuit 121 and the touch position sensing circuit 122
2 and the interface controller 123. The interface switching unit 124 is inserted between the interface controller 123 and the internal clock module and the plug-in diary modules 107 and 106, and controls the routing of interface messages between the modules 106 and 107 and the interface controller 123. Control. The interface controller 123 is also connected to the audio switching unit 25. The audio switching unit 125 connects the microphones and loudspeakers 103, 104 to the modules 106, 10
Link to 7.

The memory access switching unit 126 includes a common nonvolatile memory 127
Of the modules 106 and 107 to the server.

The interface controller 123 is also connected to a backlight control circuit 128 for controlling illumination of the LCD 102.

The battery 130 and the voltage regulator 131 supply power to components in the main body 101 and the diary module 106. It is understood that a solar cell can be used as a power source. The diary module 106 may have its own power supply, for example, for memory backup.

Hereinafter, generation of an image on the LCD 102 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

The interface switching unit 124 includes modules 106 and 1
07, display messages are cached as needed, and then these messages are transferred to the interface controller 12.
Supply to 3. These display control messages are accompanied by ID codes for identifying the modules 106 and 107. Interface switching unit 124
Further receives stylus position messages from interface controller 123 and routes these messages to modules 106 and 107.

When the plug-in module 106 is first inserted into the slot 105 and turned on, the module 106
4 and transmits a registration message to the interface controller 123. The internal module 107 sends a registration message each time the device is powered on. The interface switching unit 124 adds an ID for the table mapping ID on the bay 105 or the internal module 107. The fact that the ID is from bay 105 is known from the input at which the message is received. The message includes the module ID replaced by the bay number (internal module 107 is conceptually considered to be bay "0" and bay 1
05 is considered to be bay “1”), interface controller 123
Passed to Next, the interface controller 123 adds the bay number from the registration message to the list of active bays. After transmitting the registration message, the modules 106 and 107 transmit a screen resource request message to the interface controller 123. This message defines the size of the display area required by modules 106,107. It can be seen from FIG. 3 that the diary module 6 requires a larger display area than the clock module 7. This message and all subsequent messages are modified by replacing the module ID with the bay number from the table.

The modules 106 and 107 then send a display control message to set their initial display configuration. These messages are
It has the following combinations: Identity of standard display elements (eg buttons or squares) and associated parameters such as position and size, text with associated font, size and position information, position, shape and size. Bitmap with parameters.

When the interface controller 123 receives these messages, the interface controller 123 checks which area of the internal RAM these messages are related to based on the received bay number. Next, the interface controller 123 sets the state of the RAM location to generate a bitmap display from the received message. For example, if the message indicates a button, a button pullout process is performed, which causes a bitmap of the button to be generated at the appropriate location in RAM.

The interface controller 123 further refreshes the LCD 102 by reading the RAM and setting the pixels of the LCD 102.

When the modules 106 and 107 execute their functions, the modules 106 and 107 update their displays 110 and 111 by
A display control message is transmitted to the interface controller 123.

When the user touches the LCD 102 with the stylus 115, the coordinates of the contact point are detected and transmitted to the interface controller 123. The interface controller 123 confirms which module's display is present at the touched position using the information on the display image of the module. Thus, the module 106, 107 corresponding to the touched window is now the focused module, and the audio switching unit 125 has the associated module 106, 107 now focused. The module is notified of the module and sends a focus loss message to the previously focused modules 106,107. The audio switching unit 125 comprises microphone and speaker sockets 103, 10
Respond by connecting 4 to the focused modules 106,107.

The interface controller 123 includes the touch position sensing circuit 12
Convert the absolute coordinates from 2 to the coordinates for the touched window. These coordinates are then transmitted to the interface switching unit 124 along with the bay number for dispatch to the focused module 106, 107.
That is, the interface switching unit 124 and the module 10
No ID is required for messages from 6,107. The focused modules 106, 107 respond according to their own internal logic.

If the interface controller 123 that processes the display message and generates the stylus position message is not active, the interface controller 123 checks with the plug-in module 106 whether this module 106 is still present. Polling periodically to do so. If no response is received from the plug-in module 106, it is removed from the list of modules and the window bitmap is cleared.

The interface controller 123 controls the backlight with the backlight controller 128 if a backlight is used, so that only the focused module window is illuminated. The backlight comprises an array of independently operable light sources.

The memory 127 is provided so that the modules 106 and 107 can exchange data. The memory switching unit 126 maintains a directory of files in the memory 127.

When the modules 106 and 107 store the file in the memory 127, a message containing the name and size of the file is sent to the memory switching unit 126. Next, the memory switching unit 126 allocates space in the memory 127 for the file and prompts the modules 106, 107 to send the file. Modules 106 and 107 respond by sending the file to memory switching unit 126, which then stores the file in memory 127 and adds the file to the directory.

The modules 106 and 107 can obtain a file list in the memory 127 by transmitting a directory list request message to the memory switching unit 126.

When the modules 106, 107 read a file, a file read message containing the file name is sent to the memory switching unit 126. If the file exists, the memory switching unit 126 reads the file from the memory 127 and returns to the module 106 that requested the file.
, 107 are transmitted. If the file does not exist, memory switching unit 126 returns an error message.

The file can be deleted at the request of the modules 106 and 107.

Communication between the modules 106 and 107 and the memory switching unit and the interface switching units 124 and 126 may be serial, parallel, or a hybrid thereof. The choice of series or parallel is a trade-off between speed and connection complexity.

It is understood that the internal organization of the module is not widely related. An important consideration is the interfacing of the shared parts of the system with them. Physically, the plug-in module of the previous embodiment is provided with connections for interface messages (optionally for file transfer, audio in and out). The operation of modules 106 and 107 needs to include the registration process described above and the generation of standard interface messages identified by interface controller 123. Optionally, the module can interact with the memory switching unit 126 using messages understood by the memory switching unit 126 and perform power saving measurements in response to the loss of focus message.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that the present invention provides an apparatus wherein the display means interacts independently with multiple sources of display control signals.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a first device according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 3 shows a second device according to the invention.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the device of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1,101 main body 2,102 LCD 3,103 loudspeaker 4,104 microphone 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 105 bay 6,7,8,106,107 module 15 stylus 15 16 power on / off switch 16 21 display drive Circuit 22 Touch Position Sensing Circuit 23 Interface Controller 24 Interface Switching Unit 25 Audio Switching Unit 26 Memory Access Switching Unit 27 Memory

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE ), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID , IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. An electronic device comprising a display means (23, 24; 123, 124) and a screen (2; 102) controlled by the display means, wherein the display means comprises a plurality of electronic modules (6; , 7, 8; 106, 107) to respond simultaneously to the display signal from the display,
An electronic device, wherein a screen is shared by said modules. 2. The module (6, 7, 8) includes display means (23, 24).
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device can be easily separated from the electronic device. 3. A module (107) includes display means (123, 124).
And the other module (106) is integrated with the display means (1).
23. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device can be easily separated from the electronic device. 4. The display means (23, 24; 123, 124) for generating a window for each module (6, 7, 8; 106, 107). The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein a window of one module completely hides a window of another module. 6. A memory means comprising a memory (27, 127), and a module for selectively transferring files from the modules (6, 7, 8; The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising means (26, 126) for selectively transferring a file to (7, 8; 106, 107). 7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the memory (127) is a nonvolatile solid-state memory. 8. An audio transducer (3, 4) and an audio transducer (3, 4) comprising a module (6, 7, 8; 106,
Switching means (25, 125) for selectively coupling to the module (6, 7, 8; 106, 107) having a window with a focal point. The electronic device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the electronic device responds to the display means (23, 24; 123, 124) to connect (3, 4). 9. A microphone (4) and a speaker (5) comprising a microphone (4) and a speaker (5), wherein said switching means (25) comprises a microphone (4) and a speaker (5) in a module (6, 7, 8) having a window having a focal point. Electronic device according to claim 8, characterized in that it is operable in response to display means (23, 24) in order to connect. 10. Position indicating means (15, 22;) for selecting a point on the screen (2; 102) and outputting the position display of the selected point to display means (23, 24; 123, 124). 115, 122), and the display means (23, 24; 123, 124) sends information to a module (6, 7, 8; 106, 107) having a window including the position based on the display. The electronic device according to claim 4, operable as follows. 11. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein the position indicating means (15, 22; 115, 122) comprises a touch-sensitive element coextensive with the screen (2; 102). apparatus. 12. The display device (23, 24; 123, 124) is accommodated therein.
And a body (50) having bays (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d; 105) for accommodating said easily separable modules (6, 7, 8; 106) or each of them.
The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the electronic device comprises: (1; 101). 13. The display means (23, 24; 123, 124) includes a memory for storing a bitmap image, and a module (6, 7, 8, 8;
107) means for receiving the display control signal from (107) and setting bits in the memory depending on the display control signal from the module (24; 124); and means for driving the screen depending on the contents of the memory. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: 14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein the means (24; 124) for receiving the display control signal has a respective input for each module. 15. The display means (23, 24; 123, 124) includes position indicating means (15, 22; 115, 122) for generating screen position data in response to a user selecting a point on the screen. , Which module (6,7,8;
Means (106, 107) for determining whether said screen position is relevant, if there is a corresponding module, concerning the contents of the memory and sending the screen position to that module (6, 7, 8; 106, 107). The electronic device according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising: (23; 123). 16. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a portable electronic device.