JP2003087379A - Mobile phone - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a foldable mobile phone with excellent operability capable of making a speech even in a folded state and an opened state. SOLUTION: An upper case 2 and a lower case 3 are coupled to each other via a hinge 4 in a freely folded state, a main display section 5 and a main reception section 6 are placed on an inner side facing the lower case 3 in the folded state, and a sub display section 8 and a sub reception section 7 are placed on the outer side. A main operation section 10 is placed on a part covered by the upper case 2 on the inner side facing the upper case 2 in the folded state. Further, and sub operation sections 9, 16 for responding to the arrival of an incoming call, sequentially displaying destination opposite party information stored in a built-in storage device and selecting any information and making a call to the selected destination opposite party are provided on an optional part operable externally in the folded state.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a mobile phone,
In particular, the present invention relates to a foldable mobile phone that is convenient to carry.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When classifying mobile phones according to their structure,
It is divided into an integrated type and a foldable type. The integrated type is a type in which a receiver, a transmitter, a display, and an operating unit are mounted in one housing, and the folding type is a housing in which the receiving unit and the display unit and the transmitting unit and the operating unit are mounted in separate housings. It is a type in which two housings are mounted and can be folded by a hinge. The flip-type type mobile phone is an integrated type mobile phone provided with an openable / closable lid called an flip, and is classified as an integrated type.

The integrated mobile phone has an advantage that a telephone call can be started immediately after being taken out. However, since the receiver, transmitter, display and operation unit are arranged on the same surface, the key pitch cannot be widened. However, there are problems that it is difficult to increase the screen size of the display unit and that the display unit and the operation unit are not sufficiently protected from mechanical shock.

A flip type mobile phone, which is a modification of the integrated type, can protect the operation portion by closing the flip. However, some function keys such as the display unit and the response button are always exposed, and thus the protection for them is not sufficient. Further, there are still problems that the key pitch cannot be widened and it is difficult to increase the screen size of the display unit. Furthermore, in the type in which the transmitter is installed inside the flip, the call cannot be made unless the flip is opened.
However, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-177664, a mobile phone in which a thin omnidirectional microphone is built in the flip and sound holes are provided on the front and back surfaces of the flip in a portion where the microphone is located. So, when you receive an incoming call, you can answer immediately without opening the flip. Also, like the digital mover D210i, a type in which a transmitter is incorporated in a hinge portion that rotatably supports a flip can make a call regardless of whether the flip is opened or closed.

In a foldable type mobile phone, the operation unit and the display unit are covered by the other case when folded.
It is possible to protect them. Further, since the area usable as the operation unit and the display unit can be secured almost twice as much as that of the integrated mobile phone of the same size, the key pitch can be widened and the screen of the display unit can be enlarged. However, there is an annoyance that the two housings have to be opened one by one during a call.

[0006]

Recently, mobile phones are
In addition to the simple telephone function for voice communication, it has additional functions related to the telephone function and functions other than the telephone function. For example, as an example of additional functions related to the telephone function, a telephone book function, a speed dial function, and an original call reception function that register phone numbers and names in the phone book and call the phone book in a later operation to make a call. A variety of things such as sound composition functions are known. Examples of functions other than the telephone function include a browser function for using content distribution services represented by NTT Docomo's i-mode, an e-mail function, a mobile TV function, an electronic notebook function, and a personal computer function. .

As the mobile phone becomes multifunctional in this way, the quality of the user interface is the key to the usability of the device. The main parts of the user interface are the display part and the operation part, and the ease of use is due to the expansion of the key pitch and the enlargement of the screen. Therefore, it is expected that the above-mentioned foldable mobile phone will receive more attention in the future. . However, as described above, this type has the trouble of opening the two housings one by one during a call. Therefore, how to solve this problem is important.

In the flip type mobile phone, there is known a technique for making a call with the flip closed as described above. However, since the basic structure is different between the folding type and the flip type, it is difficult or ineffective to apply the flip type technology to the folding type mobile phone.

For example, by diverting the technique of incorporating a transmitter into a hinge that rotatably supports a flip, and incorporating the transmitter into the hinges of two housings in a foldable mobile phone, it is necessary to use a foldable type. In a mobile phone, it is impossible or extremely difficult because a large number of wires connecting between circuit elements mounted separately in two housings pass through the hinge.

A technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-177664, in which a thin omnidirectional microphone is built in the flip and sound holes are provided on the front surface and the back surface of the flip in a portion where the microphone is located, is disclosed. A thin omnidirectional microphone is built into one housing that has been diverted and has an operation unit in a folding type mobile phone, and sound holes are provided on the front surface and the back surface of the housing where the microphone is located. Doing so leads to deterioration in operability and is not practically effective. The reason is that the microphone and the sound hole must be provided near the hinge in order to provide a sufficient distance between the transmitter and the receiver when the two housings are closed, but the operation unit is installed. The location near the hinge on the casing surface corresponds to the location where the thumb is the easiest to operate when holding the foldable mobile phone with one hand, and if the key cannot be placed at this position, the operability of the key will deteriorate significantly. Because it does. In fact, many of the current folding mobile phones have the most frequently used type of keys in their place.

The present invention has been proposed in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a foldable mobile phone having good operability, which enables a telephone call in both a folded state and an opened state. .

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile telephone in which a main receiver and a transmitter are separately mounted in an upper casing and a lower casing, respectively, and the upper casing and the lower casing are mounted. A foldable mobile phone in which a body is foldably coupled to each other, and the transmitter is provided at a location exposed to the outside in a folded state and away from the hinge, and at the outer surface of the upper housing. A sub receiver is provided near the hinge.

In the mobile phone according to the second aspect of the present invention, the upper casing and the lower casing are foldably connected to each other via a hinge, and the upper casing is in the folded state, the lower casing. A main display section and a main receiving section on the inner surface facing each other, and a sub-receiving section near the hinge on the outer surface that is the opposite surface to the inner surface, and the lower housing is in the folded state. The main operation unit is provided on a portion of the inner surface facing the upper casing that is covered by the upper casing, and the transmitter is provided on a portion that is not covered by the upper casing. A sub-operation unit that performs a response operation to an incoming call is provided at an arbitrary location that can be operated from.

In the mobile phone of the third invention, the upper casing and the lower casing are foldably connected to each other via a hinge, and the upper casing is folded to the lower casing. The lower casing includes a main display portion and a main reception portion on the inner surface that is the opposite surface, and a sub display portion and a sub reception portion disposed near the hinge on the outer surface that is the opposite surface to the inner surface. The body is provided with a main operation unit on a portion covered by the upper casing on an inner surface that is a surface facing the upper casing in a folded state, and a transmitter is provided on a portion not covered by the upper casing. In addition, in a folded state, an operation for responding to an incoming call is performed at an arbitrary position that can be operated from the outside, and destination information stored in a built-in storage device is sequentially displayed on the sub-display unit, and any one of them is selected. To make a call, or make a call to the selected recipient. And an operation unit.

Here, in the first to third inventions, in order to expose the transmitter part to the outside in the folded state and the opened state, the lower casing is slightly smaller than the upper casing. It is configured to be long or has a cutout portion at an end portion far from the hinge of the upper housing, and the transmitter portion is provided on a surface of the lower housing facing the cutout portion in a folded state. I am preparing. Further, the main operation unit is configured to include a number / symbol key group including number keys 0 to 9, # key and * key, and some function keys. The sub operation unit is configured by any one of push buttons, dial keys, rotary switches, or the like, or a combination thereof. When configured with a rotary switch,
This rotary switch is preferably used for scrolling the data displayed on the main display section in the opened state.

A mobile phone according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes the first to third aspects.
In the mobile phone of the invention described above, detection means for detecting whether or not the upper and lower housings are in a folded state, and only one of the main and sub-earpieces is operated based on the detection output of the detection means. And a switching means for controlling the switching.

A mobile phone according to a fifth aspect of the present invention includes the first to third aspects.
In the mobile phone according to the present invention, a detection means for detecting whether or not the upper and lower casings are folded,
And a switching means for performing control to operate only one or both of the main and sub-earpieces based on the detection output of the detection means and the set earpiece operation mode set. ing.

A mobile phone according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes the first to third aspects.
In the mobile phone according to the present invention, a detection means for detecting whether or not the upper and lower casings are folded,
And means for switching the sensitivity of the transmitter based on the detection output of the detection means.

A mobile phone according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the mobile phone according to any one of the first through sixth aspects of the present invention, which has one or more additional functions related to the telephone function in addition to the telephone function as voice communication.

A mobile phone according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the mobile phone according to any one of the first through sixth aspects of the present invention, which has one or more functions other than the telephone function in addition to the telephone function as voice communication.

[0021]

According to the first aspect of the invention, when the folded mobile phone is gripped so that the lower housing is in contact with the palm and the hinge is located on the upper side, the sub reception is provided on the outer surface of the upper housing. The unit and the transmitter unit provided in the lower housing can be used as a transmitter / receiver unit, and a call can be made in a folded state. Further, when the upper housing is opened, the main receiver provided on the inner surface of the upper housing and the transmitter provided on the lower housing can be used as a transmitter / receiver, and an existing foldable mobile phone can be used. Calls can be made in the same manner.

According to the second aspect of the invention, as in the first aspect of the invention, the call can be made in either the folded state or the open state, and the incoming operation can be answered by operating the sub-operation unit. , It is possible to make a call immediately by answering with the folded state.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the call can be made in either the folded state or the open state as in the first aspect of the invention, and the folded state when there is an incoming call as in the second aspect of the invention. You can answer the call as it is and make a call immediately. Further, by operating the sub-operation unit, the destination information stored in the storage device built in the main body of the device is sequentially displayed on the sub-display unit and one is selected. By instructing to make a call, you can perform a call operation in the folded state.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the detecting means detects whether or not the upper and lower casings are folded, and the switching means, based on the detection output, detects the sub-listening when folded. Only the main part is operated, and when not folded, only the main receiving part is operated to suppress unnecessary voice output and reduce power consumption.

In the fifth aspect of the invention, the detecting means detects whether or not the upper and lower casings are folded, and the means for setting the earpiece operation mode is the single operation mode of the earpiece. Mode or dual mode is specified, the switching means is based on the detection output and the earpiece operation mode, and in the case of single mode, only the sub-earpiece is operated when folded, and when not folded By operating only the main receiving section, suppresses unnecessary voice output and reduces power consumption. In the dual mode, by operating only the sub-earpiece when folded, unnecessary voice output is suppressed and power consumption is reduced, and when not folded, the main and sub-earpieces By operating both, it is possible to listen to the voice of the other party at the same time.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the detecting means detects whether or not the upper and lower casings are folded, and the means for switching the sensitivity of the transmitter is set when it is folded. By increasing the sensitivity of the transmitter compared to when it is not, it is possible to collect the call voice even in the folded state, as in the case where it is not.

In the seventh invention, in addition to the telephone function as voice communication, one or more additional functions related to the telephone function, such as a telephone directory function, a speed dial function, and an original ringtone composition function, are provided. With regard to these additional functions, the user is provided with a user interface that is easy to use with a large-sized main display unit and a main operation unit with a wide key pitch, which are advantages of the folding type.

In the eighth invention, in addition to the telephone function as voice communication, a browser function, an electronic mail function, a video game function, a portable TV function, an electronic notebook function, a personal computer function, etc. are provided as functions other than the telephone function. For one or more of these additional functions, the user is provided with a user-friendly user interface with a large-sized main display unit and a main operation unit with a wide key pitch, which are advantages of the folding type.

[0029]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external view of an embodiment of a mobile phone of the present invention. (A) is an external perspective view of a folded state, (b) is a left side view of the folded state, and (c). FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of an open state. As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile phone 1 according to the present embodiment includes an upper housing 2
This is a foldable mobile phone in which a lower casing 3 slightly longer than that and a lower casing 3 are foldably connected via a hinge 4.

The upper casing 2 is provided with a main display portion 5 and a main receiving portion 6 on an inner surface which is a surface facing the lower casing 3 in a folded state. It is desirable that the main receiving section 6 is arranged near the tip far from the hinge 4 in order to increase the distance to the later-described transmitting section 11, and the main display section 5 is located between the main receiving section 6 and the hinge 4. It is desirable to set the screen as large as possible. The main receiving section 6 includes a sound hole, a built-in receiver, and the like. The main display unit 5 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD).

The upper housing 2 is provided with a sub-listening section 7, a sub-display section 8 and a response button 9 on the surface (outer surface) which does not face the lower housing 3 in the folded state. It is desirable that the sub-receiver 7 is arranged near the hinge 4 in order to increase the distance to the transmitter 11 which will be described later. It is desirable that the response button 9 is provided at a position where the thumb is easy to operate when the folded mobile phone 1 is held with one hand. It is desirable that the sub-display unit 8 is provided at a location that is not covered by the hand that holds and operates the mobile phone 1 and that is easy to see. In consideration of this, in this example, the sub-earpiece 7 is provided near the hinge 4, the response button 9 is located slightly above the center of the outer surface, and a small sub-display is provided between the sub-earpiece 7 and the response button 9. The part 8 is provided. The sub-receiver 7 includes a sound hole, a built-in receiver, and the like. The sub display unit 8 is composed of, for example, a small liquid crystal display. The response button 9 is composed of, for example, a push button type switch.

On the other hand, the lower casing 3 is provided with the main operating portion 10 and the transmitter portion 11 on the surface (inner surface) corresponding to the upper casing 2 in the folded state. Since the transmitter 11 needs to be always exposed, it is disposed near the tip (the side far from the hinge 4) that is not covered by the upper housing 2 when folded. The transmitter 11 includes a sound hole, a built-in microphone, and the like. On the other hand, the main operation unit 10 is arranged in a portion covered by the upper housing 2 when folded for protection when not in use. The main operation unit 10 is a number / symbol key group 1 including number keys 0 to 9 and # and * keys.
2. A function key group 13 including various function keys is included. Function key group 1
3 is a start key 14 used for making and receiving a call,
An end key 15 and other keys used when ending a call or turning on / off the power of the mobile phone 1 are included.
Other keys include the menu key used to call the menu, the i-mode key used to display the i-mode menu, scroll up / down and left / right, call the phonebook, display the received call history, and determine the operation when redialing. The command keys and the like used at times are appropriately provided according to the function and model of the mobile phone 1. Among the keys of the function key group 13, the key that is frequently used is arranged near the hinge 4 in order to improve operability.

The lower housing 3 has a rotary & push switch (abbreviated as RP switch) on its left side surface.
16 are provided. The RP switch 16 is a switch that outputs a rotation signal according to the rotation direction when rotated and a push signal when pushed. It is desirable that the PR switch 16 is arranged at a position where the folded mobile phone 1 can be easily operated with the thumb when the mobile phone 1 is held with the left hand. In the case of this example, the RP switch 16 and the response button 9 described above constitute a sub operation unit.

In addition, on the outer surface of the mobile phone 1, some other necessary parts such as the antenna 17 and the incoming lamp 18 are mounted. The antenna 17 is provided in the vicinity of the hinge 4 on the outer surface of the lower housing 3 so as to face upward in the folded state and the opened state. Incoming call lamp 18
Are provided not only on the upper end of the inner surface of the upper housing 2 but also on the lower end of the outer surface (end on the hinge side) so that they can be easily viewed even when folded. Although not shown in FIG. 1, a sounder for emitting a ring tone is provided on the back surface of the lower housing 3.

The above-mentioned components mounted on the upper housing 2 are connected to the circuit elements of the circuit board housed inside the upper housing 2, and the above-mentioned components mounted on the lower housing 3 as well. The elements are connected to the circuit elements of the circuit board housed inside the lower housing 3, and the circuit board of the upper housing 2 and the circuit board of the lower housing 3 pass through the inside of the hinge 4 for a large number of signals. The upper casing 2 and the lower casing 3 are connected to each other by a wire, and the upper casing 2 and the lower casing 3 are physically and electrically integrated to form the mobile phone 1. On the back surface of the lower housing 3, there is a case for accommodating the battery pack, and the power of the built-in battery pack is supplied to each part.

FIG. 2 shows a mobile phone 1 according to this embodiment.
3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of FIG. Mobile phone 1
The control unit 21 for controlling the entire device is configured to include an MPU and the like, and the control unit 21 includes an EEPROM 22, a RAM 23,
Radio unit 24, main operation unit 10, sub operation unit 25, notification drive unit 26, main and sub drive units 27 and 28 for reception, drive unit 29 for transmission, main and sub drive units 30 and 31 for display. , And the receiver operating mode setting unit 32 are connected. Further, the wireless unit 24 has the antenna 17, and the notification driving unit 26 has the incoming call lamp 18, the sounder 33, and the vibrator 3.
4, the main and sub drive units 27 and 28 for reception are the main and sub reception units 6 and 7, and the drive unit 29 for transmission is the transmission unit 1.
1, the main and sub drive units 30 and 31 for display are connected to the main and sub display units 5 and 8, and the receiver operating mode setting unit 32 is connected to the receiver switching unit 35. Further, an opening / closing detector 36 for detecting whether or not the upper and lower casings 2 and 3 are folded is provided, and the detection signal thereof is a receiver switching unit 35, a driver 29 for transmission, a display. Is output to the main drive unit 30 and one of the two outputs of the reception unit switching unit 35 is output to the main drive unit 27 for reception and the other output is output to the sub drive unit 28.

The EEPROM 22 stores various programs and data. The control unit 21 executes the program stored in the EEPROM 22 to perform the main control of the mobile phone 1. The stored programs include a program for causing the mobile phone 1 to function as a telephone for voice communication, and one or more programs for giving the mobile phone 1 an additional function related to a phone function and a function other than the phone function. . As a program for providing an additional function related to the telephone function, there is a program that realizes a telephone directory function, a program that realizes a speed dial function, and the like. In addition, as programs that implement functions other than telephone functions, there are programs that implement browser functions, programs that implement electronic mail functions, programs that implement electronic notebook functions, programs that implement personal computer functions, and the like. The stored data is data such as a telephone directory, an outgoing call history, and an incoming call history.

The RAM 23 is used for storing data that is temporarily held when the control unit 21 controls. The wireless unit 24 is a unit that transmits and receives wireless signals to and from the base station via the antenna 17. This wireless unit 24 is the mobile phone 1
When you use the phone as a telephone, you can send and receive control data such as dial signals and transmission / reception signals to and from the base station by converting them to radio waves, and send and receive e-mail and receive content by packet communication It has a data communication function.

The main operation section 10 is composed of the number / symbol key group 12 and the function key group 13 shown in FIG.
The sub operation unit 25 includes the response button 9 and the RR switch 16 shown in FIG.

The notification drive section 26 is a section for notifying the user of the arrival of an incoming call by any one of the blinking of the incoming call lamp 18, the sounding of the sounder 33, the vibration of the vibrator 34, or a combination thereof. Which form of notification is performed depends on the user's advance setting.

The open / close detector 36 is composed of, for example, a magnet embedded in an empty space on the inner surface of the upper housing 2 and a magnetic force detection sensor provided in the lower housing 3 facing the magnet when folded. , And outputs a detection signal indicating whether or not the upper and lower housings 2 and 3 are folded. Instead of a magnet system, any structure such as a mechanical one using a switch that is pressed by the other housing when folded is provided on the inner surface of one of the upper and lower housings 2 and 3. be able to. The detection signal is composed of, for example, 1 bit that is a logical "1" when folded and a logical "0" when opened.

In the earpiece operation mode setting section 32, either the single mode or the dual mode is set as the operation mode of the earpiece. The single mode is a mode in which only the main reception section 6 is activated when the mobile phone 1 is not folded, and the dual mode is a mode in which both the main and sub reception sections 6 and 7 are activated. To set the earpiece operation mode, for example, function key group 1
The menu key in 3 calls up the receiver operation mode setting screen on the main display 5, and the command key in the function key group 13 selects either single mode or dual mode, so that the user can arbitrarily set You can do it. The earpiece operation mode is represented by, for example, 1 bit. For example, a logical "1" is a single mode,
A logic "0" indicates dual mode.

The reception section switching section 35 is a section for controlling the operations of the main and auxiliary driving sections 27 and 28 for reception according to the output of the open / close detector 36 and the operation mode of the reception section. In the single mode, the earpiece switching unit 35 sets the output to the sub-driving unit 28 to logical "1" and the output to the main-driving unit 27 to logical "0" when the sub-driving unit is folded. Only the main drive 27 is activated by activating only 28 and reversing the logic of the two outputs when unfolded. Further, in the dual mode, the output to the sub-driving unit 28 is set to logic "1" and the main driving unit 2 when folded.
By setting the output to 7 to logic "0", only the sub-driving unit 28 is activated, and when not folded, the logic of the two outputs is set to "1" to set the main and sub-driving units 27 and 2 to each other.
Both 8 are activated.

The main and sub-driving sections 27 and 28 are the control section 2
The main and sub reception units 6 by amplifying the reception signal transmitted from
And 7 are driven. However, if the signal from the receiving section switching section 35 is logic "0", the driving is stopped.

The drive unit 29 for transmitting the voice amplifies the voice transmitting signal from the voice transmitting unit 11 and outputs it to the control unit 21. At this time, the drive unit 29, based on the detection output from the open / close detector 36,
When the mobile phone 1 is folded, the sensitivity of the transmitter 11 is increased by increasing the amplification factor as compared with when the mobile phone 1 is not folded.

The main drive unit 30 for display receives the image information for the main display unit output from the control unit 21, updates the built-in display memory, reads the image information from this display memory, and reads the main display unit 5. To display. However, when the detection output of the open / close detector 36 indicates that the mobile phone 1 is folded, the display memory is continuously updated, but the main display unit 5 is in a non-display state (turns off). Therefore, when the mobile phone 1 is opened again, the latest image information is displayed on the main display section 5.

The display sub-driving unit 31 receives the image information for the sub-display unit output from the control unit 21, updates the built-in display memory, reads the image information from the display memory, and reads the sub-display unit 8. To display.

Next, the operation of the mobile phone 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

Immediately after the power is turned on, the mobile phone 1 is in a standby state. In the standby state, the control unit 21 displays a standby screen for the main display unit on the main display unit 5 through the main drive unit 30 and the sub-driving unit 3
The standby screen for the sub display unit is displayed on the sub display unit 8 through 1 to monitor the occurrence of the event. On the standby screens for the main and sub-displays, for example, the current date and time, the battery level, etc. are displayed. Instead of displaying the same information on the main and sub display units, different information may be displayed. The main event to be monitored is the main and sub operation unit 1
Input from 0 and 25, reception of an incoming signal from the base station, etc.

When any event occurs, a transition is made to the state corresponding to the occurred event, necessary processing is performed under the control of the control unit 21, and then the standby state is returned again. Hereinafter, a typical operation example will be described.

(1) Incoming call FIG. 3 shows an example of processing of the control unit 21 when an incoming call arrives. When the wireless unit 24 receives an incoming signal addressed to the mobile phone 1 including the caller telephone number from the base station through the antenna 17, the control unit 21 activates the notification driving unit 26, the incoming lamp 18, the sounder 33, The vibrator 34 notifies the incoming call (step S1), and updates the screens of the main and sub-displays 5 and 8 from the standby screen to the incoming call screen through the main and sub-driving units 30 and 31 (step S2). On the incoming call screen, for example, the caller telephone number is displayed. Next, the control unit 21 monitors whether or not the user of the mobile phone 1 has responded, and whether or not the user has not responded and the caller side has disconnected (steps S3 and S4). This mobile phone 1
Then, the user selects the response button 9 or the RP switch 16
It is possible to respond by either pushing the key or pushing the start key 14. In addition, a mobile phone having an any answer function can respond with any other key.

When the user responds (Y in step S3)
ES), the control unit 21 stops the incoming call notification (step S
5) The call with the caller is enabled by executing the call control (step S6). When the call ends, the current caller telephone number is recorded in the incoming call history area of the EEPROM 22 (step S7), and the state returns to the standby state. On the other hand, when the user does not respond and the other party disconnects the line (YES in step S4), the control unit 21 records the current caller telephone number in the incoming call history area of the EEPROM 22 by marking "absent". (Step S7), the process returns to the standby state.

In the call control of step S6, the control unit 21
Sends the voice signal of the caller received by the wireless unit 24 to the main and auxiliary driving units 27 and 28 for receiving, and outputs the voice signal input from the driving unit 29 for transmitting to the wireless unit 24. By doing so, it is possible to make a call with the caller. Also,
Whether or not the call is ended is monitored by disconnecting the line from the caller side and an input operation on the callee side. When the call is ended, the call control is ended. In this mobile phone 1, the user can double-press the response button 9 or the RP switch 16 and the end key 15
You can end the call by either pushing. Here, double push means 2 pushes in a short time.
It means an operation to be performed. In addition, the control unit 21 performs control to appropriately display information such as call duration on the screens of the main and sub display units 5 and 8 during call control.

FIG. 4 shows a screen transition of the sub display unit 8 and an operation example of the user when an incoming call is received in the standby state. In this example, the sub-display unit 8 has a display area for three lines. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, an operation when the user answers, talks, and ends the call with the mobile phone 1 folded will be described.

In the standby state, the sub display unit 8 displays
The battery level and wireless level are displayed on the first line, and the current date and time and the day of the week are displayed on the second line. When there is an incoming call, the screen at the time of the incoming call is displayed and the caller telephone number is displayed on the third line. The user can recognize that there is an incoming call by the incoming call notification, and can recognize the caller by this caller telephone number. When the user pushes the response button 9 or pushes the RP switch 16 to respond, a call is made, and the sub-listening section 7 is placed on the ear, and the transmitting section 11 is brought close to the mouth so that the user can talk. At this time, the second line of the sub display unit 8 is switched to the call time, and the call time is counted and displayed moment by moment. Since the mobile phone 1 is folded, the main drive unit 27 does not output voice from the main reception unit 6, and the main drive unit 30 turns off the main display unit 5. When ending the talk
The user double pushes the response button 9 or double pushes the RP switch 16. When the talk ends,
The sub display unit 8 returns to the standby screen. In this way, when there is an incoming call, the present mobile phone 1 does not need to open the incoming mobile phone 1 in the folded state, to answer, call,
You can end the talk.

Since a foldable mobile phone capable of answering, talking, and ending while receiving an incoming call is an epoch-making one that has never existed before, users familiar with conventional foldable mobile phones are At first, the mobile phone 1 may be opened without thinking. However, users will soon get the idea and take advantage of this useful feature. In addition, even if the mobile phone 1 is opened, there is no need to worry because the mobile phone 1 of the present example can answer, make a call, and end the call without opening the mobile phone 1 again. That is, when the start key 14 is pushed or the answer button 9 or the RP switch 16 is pushed in the same manner as described above, the call state can be established, the main receiving section 6 is put on the ear, and the transmitting section 11 is set. You can talk by bringing it close to your mouth.
Also, the call can be ended by pushing the end key 15 or by double-pushing the response button 9 or the RP switch 16 as described above. The same transition as the screen transition shown in FIG. 4 when an incoming call is received is also performed on the main display unit 5. Since the main display unit 5 resumes the immediate display when the mobile phone 1 is opened. It is also possible to check the caller's phone number and call time.

In addition, a usage mode of answering in a folded state, opening and making a call and ending a call, a usage mode of answering in an open state, folding and making a call and a talking state, and a call in a folded state and opening Various usage modes are possible, such as switching between a call in a state and a call during one call as appropriate.

(2) Calling The mobile telephone 1 is operated by operating the sub-operation unit 25, and EE
The destination information stored in the PROM 22 is sequentially displayed on the main and sub-displays 5 and 8, and any one of them can be selected, and a function of transmitting to the selected destination is provided. ing. This function is called a sub-operation unit activation type transmission function. Here, as the destination information stored in the EEPROM 22, in this example, the one selected by the user in advance from among the incoming call history, the outgoing call history, and the telephone directory is used. This selection can be made by calling the destination information selection screen on the main display unit 5 with the menu key and selecting one from the incoming call history, the outgoing call history, and the telephone directory.

FIG. 5 shows a processing example of the control unit 21 relating to the sub-operation unit activation type transmission function. When the user pushes the RP switch 16 in the standby state, the control unit 21 recognizes that the sub operation unit activation type transmission function has been activated, and starts the process shown in FIG. First, incoming call history, outgoing call history,
Of the three callee information in the phonebook, three pieces of information registered in the preset callee information are displayed on the main and sub-displays 5 and 8, and the center one is selected. The inside display is reversed (step S11). Here, the information to be displayed is the name of the other party registered corresponding to the telephone number in the case of the telephone directory, and the telephone number in the case of the incoming call history and the outgoing call history. Next, the control unit 21 waits for the user's input (step S12), and when the next input is a scroll instruction, scrolls the three pieces of information to be displayed according to the instruction direction, and newly displays the information at the center. The one that has been selected is displayed in reverse video to indicate that it is being selected (step S1).
3). The scroll instruction can be input by rotating the RP switch 16, and can also be input by the scroll function key in the main operation unit 10 when the RP switch 16 is open.

When the next user's input is an end instruction, the control unit 21 stops the sub-operation unit activation type transmission function and returns to the standby state. In the present mobile telephone 1, the RP switch 1
This can be done by double-pushing 6 or the response button 9.

On the other hand, when the next input from the user is a call instruction, the control section 21 determines that the currently highlighted central information is selected, and the telephone number of the selected partner is selected. Is transmitted to the base station through the wireless unit 24 to perform the calling process (step S14). The instruction to send is R
It can be done by pushing the P switch 16 or the response button 9.
Alternatively, when the key is open, the start key 14 of the main operation unit 10 can be pushed.

Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the destination is busy based on a signal received from the base station through the wireless unit 24 (step S15). If not busy, call control is performed to make a call. The call with the destination is enabled (step S16). In this call control, as in step S6 of FIG. 3, the voice signal of the other party received by the wireless unit 24 is sent to the main and sub driving units 27 and 28 for receiving, and is input from the driving unit 29 for transmitting. By outputting a voice signal to the wireless unit 24, it becomes possible to talk with the other party. Further, whether or not the call is ended is monitored by disconnecting the line from the other party and an input operation of the mobile phone 1. When the call is ended, the call control is ended. In the present mobile phone 1, the user has the response button 9 or the RP.
The call can be ended by either of the double push of the switch 16 or the push of the end key 15. Then, when the call ends, in the outgoing call history area of the EEPROM 22,
Record the telephone number of the recipient this time (step S1
7) Return to the standby state. On the other hand, if the user is busy (YES in step S15), the control unit 21 records the telephone number of the destination of this call in the call history area of the EEPROM 22 by marking "absent" (step S15). S1
7) Return to the standby state.

FIG. 6 shows a screen transition of the sub display unit 8 and a user operation example when a call is made using the sub operation unit activation type call function. In this example, the sub-display unit 8 has a display area for three lines. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, an operation when the user makes a call, makes a call, and ends a call with the mobile phone 1 folded will be described.

In the standby state, the sub display unit 8 displays
The battery level and wireless level are displayed on the first line, and the current date and time and the day of the week are displayed on the second line. RP switch 16
When the sub-operation unit start type outgoing function is activated by pressing the button, the three items registered in the preset destination information among the three destination information of the outgoing call history, incoming call history and phonebook are registered. Information is displayed on the sub display unit 8. The example of FIG. 6 shows the case of a telephone directory, and the XXX store in the center is highlighted. In this state, when the RP switch 16 is rotated toward the front, the information for three items is scrolled toward the front one by one, and the □□□ company newly located at the center is highlighted. By the way, when the RP switch 16 is rotated in the opposite direction, the information of three items is scrolled by one item to the opposite side, and the newly located XX company is highlighted.

□□□ When the RP switch 16 or the response button 9 is pushed in the state where the company information is highlighted, the outgoing call process is performed and the □□□ company is registered in the telephone directory. The outgoing call is made using the telephone number that is used. Then, when the other party responds and becomes in a call state, the sub-listening section 7 is put on the ear, and the transmitting section 11 is brought close to the mouth so that the person can talk. At this time, the first line of the sub-display unit 8 is switched to the battery level and the wireless level, the second line is switched to the call time, and the third line is switched to the telephone number of the outgoing call. It Since the mobile phone 1 is folded, the main drive unit 27 does not output voice from the main reception unit 6, and the main drive unit 30 turns off the main display unit 5. When the user double pushes the response button 9 or the RP switch 16 to end the call, the sub display unit 8 returns to the standby screen. As described above, the mobile phone 1 can make a call, make a call, and end a call without opening the mobile phone 1 in the folded state.

In the sub-operation unit activation type transmission function, the same transitions as the screen transitions shown in FIG. 6 are performed on the main display unit 5, so that the same operation as described above is performed even when the mobile phone 1 is opened. You can make, call, and end calls by operation. However, at the time of a call, the main receiver 6 is put on the ear and the transmitter 11 is brought close to the mouth to talk. In addition, you can make a call in the folded state, open and make a call and end the call, and make a call in the open state, make a call by folding and end the call, and use the call in the folded state and the open state. Various usage modes are possible, such as switching between a call and a call as needed during one call.

In addition to the sub-operation unit activation type call function, the present mobile phone 1 can make a call by the same operation as the call operation of the existing foldable mobile phone. That is, it is possible to open the mobile phone 1, enter a dial number using the number / symbol key group 12 and push the start key 14 to make a call to any other party, and also to send a call to the function key group 13
Call the phonebook, incoming call history, and outgoing call history on the main display unit 5 by the operation of, and you can call to any person registered in advance by scrolling the screen, selecting the corresponding party, and pushing the start key 14. Is.

(3) Additional Function Related to Telephone Function In the present mobile phone 1, the additional function related to the telephone function can be used in the same manner as the existing foldable mobile phone. For example, taking the phonebook registration function as one of the additional functions, if the mobile phone 1 is opened and the phonebook registration function program is started by operating the function key group 13, the phonebook registration screen is displayed on the main display unit 5. Is displayed, and by performing a series of operations, the pair of the partner name and telephone number is EEPR
It can be registered in the telephone directory area of the OM22. In addition, various additional functions such as a speed dial function and an incoming call notification mode setting can be used. By using the main display unit 5 as an output interface and the main operation unit 10 as an input interface, these additional functions can provide a user with a user interface that is easy to use. Also, while the additional function related to the telephone function is being activated, the RP
The switch 16 can be used for scrolling the screen of the main display unit 5, for example.

(4) Functions other than telephone function The present mobile phone 1 has telephone functions such as a browser function, an electronic mail function, a video game function, a portable TV function, an electronic notebook function, and a personal computer function as functions other than the telephone function. Functions other than the above are installed, and these functions are provided to the user by using the main display unit 5 as an output interface and the main operation unit 10 as an input interface. For example, i
To explain the mode as an example, when the mobile phone 1 is opened and the i-mode function program is activated by operating the function key group 13, the i-mode menu is displayed on the main display portion 5, and by selecting any of the items, Various services can be used. Further, during the activation of functions other than the telephone function, the RP switch 16 can be used for scrolling the screen of the main display unit 5, for example.

[0071]

Other Embodiments In the above-described embodiments, the lower casing 3 is made slightly longer than the upper casing 2, and the lower casing 3 is not covered with the upper casing 2 in the folded state. Although the transmitter portion 11 is provided on the inner surface portion, as shown in FIG. 7 showing the front view in the closed state, the tip portion of the upper housing 2 (the side far from the hinge 4).
The lower housing 3 is provided with a notch portion (including a hole) 41 having a substantially U-shape, and faces the notch portion 41 in a folded state.
The transmitter section 11 may be provided on the inner surface of the. In this case, the lower casing 3 may be longer than the upper casing 2,
It can be the same or slightly shorter.

In the above-described embodiment, the main receiving section 6 is composed of the sound hole and the built-in receiver and is arranged at a position different from the main display section 5. A transparent and flat speaker provided as above can be used as the main receiving section 6. As a transparent and flat speaker, for example, N
XT loudspeakers can be used.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various other additions and modifications can be made. For example, the sub-operation unit 25
RP switch 16 alone, or RP switch 1
Any configuration can be adopted, such as using several push buttons instead of 6.

[0074]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

Operability is improved. The reason is that the call can be made even in the folded state or the opened state.

When an incoming call is received, the call can be made immediately by responding with the folded state. The reason is that by operating the sub-operation unit, it is possible to respond while folded.

Not only the incoming call but also the outgoing call can be performed in the folded state. The reason is that, in the folded state, the callee information stored in the built-in storage device can be displayed and selected, and an instruction to call the selected callee can be issued. Looking at the current usage status of mobile phones, it is overwhelmingly more common to make a call by specifying the other party registered in the phonebook, outgoing call history, and incoming call history than by specifying the other party using dial keys. , In most cases, it can be used in the folded state.

It is possible to prevent generation of unnecessary voice output and increase in power consumption due to the presence of two transmitters. The reason is that by operating only the sub-earpiece when folded, and by activating only the main earpiece when not folded, unnecessary voice output is suppressed and power consumption is reduced. Is.

By positively utilizing the existence of two transmitters, a new method of using two voices of the other party at the same time is possible. The reason is that when dual mode is specified as the earpiece operation mode, both the main and sub-earpieces are activated when they are not folded. This is because people other than the caller can also hear clearly.

Even in the folded state, the call voice can be collected in the same manner as in the unfolded state. The reason is that in the folded state, the distance between the handsets is shorter than in the closed state, and the transmitter part is farther from the mouth, but when it is folded, the sensitivity of the transmitter part is automatically adjusted compared to when it is not. It is because it raises to.

Additional functions related to telephone functions such as a telephone directory function and a speed dial function can be provided to the user with an easy-to-use user interface. The reason is that the user interface including the large-sized main display unit and the main operation unit having a wide key pitch, which is an advantage of the folding type, can be used.

Functions other than the telephone function such as the browser function and the electronic mail function can be provided to the user with a user-friendly user interface. The reason is that the user interface including the large-sized main display unit and the main operation unit having a wide key pitch, which is an advantage of the folding type, can be used.

[Brief description of drawings]

1 is an external view of an embodiment of a mobile phone of the present invention, (a) is an external perspective view of a folded state,
(B) is a left side view of the folded state, and (c) is an external perspective view of the opened state.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing example of a control unit when an incoming call is received by the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a screen transition of a sub display unit and a user operation example when an incoming call arrives in a standby state in the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing example of a control unit relating to a sub-operation unit activation type transmission function included in the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a screen transition of a sub display unit and a user operation example when a call is made by using a sub operation unit start-up type transmission function of a mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present invention. is there.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a mobile phone according to another embodiment of the present invention in a folded state.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Mobile phone 2 ... Upper case 3 ... Lower housing 4 ... Hinge 5 ... Main display 6 ... Main receiver 7 ... Sub-listening section 8 ... Sub display 9 ... Answer button 10 ... Main operation unit 11 ... Transmitter 12 ... Number / symbol key group 13 ... Function key group 14 ... Start key 15 ... End key 16 ... RP switch 17 ... Antenna 18 ... Incoming lamp 21 ... Control unit 22 ... EEPROM 23 ... RAM 24 ... Wireless unit 25 ... Sub operation unit 26 ... Notification drive unit 27 ... Main drive 28 ... Sub drive unit 29 ... Drive unit 30 ... Main drive 31 ... Sub drive unit 32 ... Earpiece operation mode setting section 33 ... Sounder 34 ... Vibrator 35 ... Earpiece switching unit 36 ... Open / close detector 41 ... Notch

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A foldable mobile phone in which a main receiver is mounted in an upper housing, a transmitter is mounted in a lower housing, and the upper housing and the lower housing are foldably connected by a hinge. In the folded state, the transmitter is provided at a location exposed to the outside, and a sub-receiver is provided near the hinge on the outer surface of the upper housing, so that the call can be made in both the folded state and the open state. Mobile phones made possible. 2. An upper housing and a lower housing are foldably connected via a hinge, and the upper housing has an inner surface that is a surface facing the lower housing in a folded state. A main receiver and a main receiver are provided, and a sub-receiver is provided near the hinge on the outer surface, which is the opposite surface to the inner surface, and the lower housing is a surface facing the upper housing in a folded state. A main operation unit is provided on a portion of the inner surface that is covered by the upper casing, and a transmitter is provided on a portion that is not covered by the upper casing, and at an arbitrary position that can be operated from the outside in a folded state. A mobile phone equipped with a sub-operation unit that responds to incoming calls. 3. The upper casing and the lower casing are foldably connected via a hinge, and the upper casing has an inner surface that is a surface facing the lower casing in a folded state. A sub display unit and a sub reception unit disposed near the hinge are provided on the outer surface, which is the opposite surface to the inner surface, including the main display unit and the main reception unit, and the lower housing is in a folded state. The main operation unit is provided on a portion covered by the upper casing on the inner surface facing the upper casing, and the transmitter is provided on a portion not covered by the upper casing, and in a folded state. An operation for responding to an incoming call, an operation for sequentially displaying the destination information stored in the internal storage device on the sub-display unit and selecting any one of them at an arbitrary location that can be operated from the outside, the selected destination Mobile phone equipped with a sub-operation unit for making outgoing calls to the other party . 4. The sub operation unit is configured to include a rotary switch provided on a side surface of the lower housing, and the rotary switch is a scroll operation for data displayed on the main display unit in an opened state. The mobile phone according to claim 2, which is used as a mobile phone. 5. The mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein the lower casing is slightly longer than the upper casing. 6. The cutout portion is provided at an end portion of the upper housing away from the hinge, and the transmitter portion is provided on a surface of the lower housing facing the cutout portion in a folded state. The mobile phone according to 1, 2, 3 or 4. 7. A detection means for detecting whether or not the upper and lower casings are in a folded state, and a switch for activating only one of the main and sub-earpieces based on a detection output of the detection means. The mobile phone according to claim 1, further comprising: 8. A detection means for detecting whether or not the upper and lower casings are in a folded state, a means for setting an earpiece operation mode, a detection output of the detection means and the set earpiece operation. The mobile phone according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a switching unit that controls to operate only one or both of the main and sub-listening units based on a mode. 9. A detection means for detecting whether or not the upper and lower casings are folded, and a means for switching the sensitivity of the transmitter based on a detection output of the detection means. Item 7. The mobile phone according to any one of items 1 to 6. 10. The mobile phone according to claim 1, further comprising one or more additional functions related to the telephone function, in addition to the telephone function as the voice communication. 11. The mobile phone according to claim 1, further comprising at least one function other than a telephone function in addition to the telephone function as voice communication.