JP2003174497A - Portable telephone set and operating method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable telephone set and an operating method therefor in which a desired function can be executed by simple operation even without carrying an instruction manual. <P>SOLUTION: An internal storage device 7 stores a corresponding relation between a preset function or function selected by a user and a numeral key 2, that corresponding relation is clearly shown on a display part 3 and when the user presses the numeral key corresponding to the desired function long while referring to the displayed contents, a control part 8 calls the function corresponding to the pressed numeral key 2 from the internal storage device 7 and executes it. Therefore, the user can execute the desired function only by the simple operation pressing the prescribed numeral key 2 long. Further, it can be selected whether or not the corresponding relation is to be displayed or the selection of the function by the user on an initial picture when a power source is turned on so that a portable telephone set 1 can be utilized in a style corresponding to the needs of the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mobile phone and an operating method thereof, and more particularly to a mobile phone capable of calling a desired function by a simple operation and an operating method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the number of users who use mobile phones has been increasing due to the price reduction of mobile phones and the expansion of services, and in the past, it was often used mainly by young people. In recent years, companies sometimes use mobile phones as a tool for work, and there are increasing opportunities for not only young people but also middle-aged and elderly people to use them.

The conventional mobile phone mainly has a telephone function, but in recent years, various functions such as an electronic mail function, a camera function, an Internet function, a game function, etc. have been added, and such a multi-function. When a user who is unfamiliar with machine operation uses this mobile phone, it is necessary to take time to read many instruction manuals and become familiar with the operation.

[0004]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, when reading the instruction manual and becoming familiar with the operation, it is difficult to read and learn the operation at the time of purchasing a mobile phone. Even if you do, you may forget the operation method at the stage of using it and you will need to read the instruction manual again.

Further, since the instruction manual describes all the functions, it is a waste of work to read and understand the explanations of the functions which are not known whether they are to be used or not. It is efficient to read the instruction manual when the operation method is unknown at the stage, but such an operation method is not realistic because it is necessary to carry the instruction manual with the mobile phone.

[0006] On the other hand, recent mobile phones perform a variety of functions with limited keys, so that the key operation structure itself is complicated, and it is not possible to easily display and execute a desired function. For example, when setting the ringtone,
Normally, you need to press the menu button to display the menu, select the item related to the sound from that menu, and then select the ringtone item from the displayed items, which is unfamiliar with machine operation. It is difficult for the user to display the desired function.

[0007] As described above, in recent mobile phones, in order to execute a wide variety of functions with limited keys, basic functions often used and special functions rarely used must be called by similar operations. In some cases, it becomes difficult to use, and it is an important issue in the future how to use various functions with simple operations.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its main purpose is to provide a mobile phone capable of executing a desired function by a simple operation without carrying an instruction manual. It is to provide the operation method.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, the mobile phone of the present invention has a means for storing a correspondence between a preset function or a function selected by a user and a numeric key, and the correspondence. Means for displaying on the display unit according to the key arrangement of the number keys, and a corresponding function is called from the storage means by a long press operation of a predetermined number key,
And means for executing.

In the present invention, the display of the correspondence /
It is preferable that the non-display is made selectable by a key operation, and the execution of the corresponding function by the long-pressing operation of the number keys is enabled only when the correspondence is displayed.

Further, in the present invention, a means for storing history information of the function used by the user is provided, and the correspondence relationship between the function and the numeral key is updated based on the history information. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the correspondence relationship is updated so that numerical keys with smaller numbers are assigned in the descending order of frequency of use.

The method of operating a mobile phone according to the present invention is
Storing a correspondence between a predetermined function and a numeric key, displaying the correspondence on a display unit according to the key arrangement of the numeric key, monitoring a long press operation of the numeric key, and a user Has a step of calling and executing a function corresponding to the numeric key when a predetermined numeric key is pressed and held.

The present invention preferably includes a step of selecting and registering the function by the user.

Further, in the present invention, the method further comprises a step of the user selecting display / non-display of the correspondence by a key operation, and long-pressing the numeric key only when the correspondence is displayed. It is preferable to enable execution of the corresponding function by operation.

Further, according to the present invention, the function registration step or the correspondence display / non-display selection step may be executed during a startup operation of the mobile phone.

That is, according to the present invention, with the above-described configuration, the operation assigned in advance or the operation set by the user can be executed by a simple operation of pressing the numeric keys for a certain period of time. It is possible to reduce complicated operations when using the mobile phone.

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In a preferred embodiment of a mobile phone according to the present invention, a correspondence relation between a function preset by a user or a function selected by a user and a numeric key is stored, and , The corresponding relationship is clearly displayed on the display unit, and when the user refers to the display content and long-presses the numeric key corresponding to the desired function, the control unit performs the function corresponding to the numeric key pressed from the internal storage device. Is called and executed, and the user can execute a desired function only by a simple operation of pressing and holding a predetermined number key. Further, by making the display / non-display of the correspondence or the selection of the function by the user selectable on the initial screen when the power is turned on, the mobile phone can be used in a form according to the user's needs.

[0018]

EXAMPLES Examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings in order to describe the above-described embodiments of the present invention in more detail.

[Embodiment 1] First, a mobile telephone and an operating method thereof according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of a mobile phone according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functions of the mobile phone. 3 is a flow chart showing the operation procedure of the mobile phone of this embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the mobile phone of this embodiment.

In general, the mobile phone 1 has a display section 3 for displaying a standby screen, various function setting screens, web screens and the like.
And the key operation unit 6 in which a plurality of keys such as the numeric keys 2, direction keys, and special function keys are arranged. In the mobile phone 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
For example, on the initial screen and the standby screen when the power is turned on, the display unit 3 displays a list of functions executed by long-pressing the corresponding numeric key 2.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the mobile telephone 1 of this embodiment will be described by function. The various screens described above and a screen for clearly indicating the correspondence between preset functions and the numeric keys 2 are displayed. The display unit 3, the key operation unit 6 including the numeric keys 2, the wireless communication unit 9 and the antenna 10 that perform telephone communication, mail transmission / reception, web screen reception, etc., voice input / output and ring tone output. The speaker 4 and the microphone 5 to be performed, an internal storage device 7 that stores various set values and also stores the correspondence between the set function and the numeric key 2 that is a feature of the present embodiment, and a control unit that controls these. 8 and. Then, when the numeric key 2 is pressed for a certain period of time by the key operation unit 6, the function corresponding to the numeric key 2 is called from the internal storage device 7 and executed.

Although not shown in FIG. 2, the mobile phone 1 may be provided with a camera function, a game function and the like.

Using the mobile phone 1 having the above-described configuration, a function executed by long-pressing the number keys 2 or a function registered as a standard is selected and executed.
This will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the user turns on the power of the mobile phone 1 in step S101, a display screen for selecting whether or not to display the function of the long press key is displayed on the display unit 3. In response to this display, in step S102, the user performs a key operation to select whether to display or hide the function of the long press key. For example, when the function of the long press key is displayed on the display unit 3, it is displayed as "1", and when it is not displayed, it is displayed as "2". Make a choice.

When the user selects the function display with the long press key, the registration contents stored in advance are called from the internal storage device 7 and displayed on the display unit 3 in step S105. Further, when the non-display is selected, a standard content screen (for example, a standby screen) is called from the internal storage device 7 and displayed in step S103, and the process is performed according to a normal method in step S104.

When the long press key display is selected, the control unit 8 causes the numeric keypad 2 to operate in step S106.
Is monitored for a certain period of time, and the numeric key 2 is pressed for a certain period of time. In step S107, the control unit 8 refers to the correspondence between the function stored in the internal storage device 7 and the numeric key 2. Then, the function corresponding to the pressed numeric key 2 is called, and the processing of the registered contents is executed. If the key is not pressed for a long time, it is treated as the numeric key 2 and the normal processing is performed. The long press time can be set arbitrarily, and is preferably a time that can be distinguished from a normal key operation, for example, about 1 to 3 seconds.

In this way, it is selected whether or not the long press key display is performed on the initial screen when the power is turned on, and when it is displayed, the numeric key 2 corresponding to the function displayed on the screen is pressed for a certain period of time. The desired function can be executed with only a simple operation, and it is not necessary to operate the key many times as in the past, so even users who are unfamiliar with machine operation can easily use various functions. it can.

As a screen showing the correspondence between this function and the numeral keys 2, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, generally-used functions such as a mail-related function, a ring-tone related function, a web-related function, etc. And the number of the numeric key 2 can be displayed, and in order to prevent an operation error, each function is arranged according to the arrangement order of the numeric key 2 of the key operation unit 6. It is preferable.

The contents to be displayed, the arrangement, etc. are not limited to those shown in FIG. 4 and can be set arbitrarily. Also, the display order can be set arbitrarily. For example, the history information of the function used by the user is stored in the internal storage device 7, and the control unit 8 refers to the history information and frequently uses it. Change the display location in order (for example, if you frequently set the ringtone, set the ringtone to "1", etc.),
Items that are not used for a certain period of time are automatically deleted (for example, if you do not browse the web screen, the bookmark and last URL functions are deleted after a certain period of time),
Conversely, a newly used item may be automatically added.

In the above description, the display / non-display of the long-press key is selected on the initial screen when the power is turned on. However, this selection can be performed at any stage, and any one of them can be selected in the initial setting. Is set, and it may be configured to select again at a later stage. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the preset function is associated with the numeric key 2, but the associated key is not limited to the numeric key 2, and any other key may be used.

[Embodiment 2] Next, a portable telephone and an operating method thereof according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the mobile phone according to the second embodiment.

In the above-described first embodiment, the case where the correspondence between the long press key and the function is set in advance has been described, but the function to be executed can be arbitrarily set by the user. The operation in the case where the user registers and uses the most necessary (highly used) function in advance will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the user turns on the power of the mobile phone 1 in step S201, a display screen for selecting whether to register the long press key is displayed on the display unit 3. In response to this display, in step S202, the user performs a key operation to select whether or not to register the function with the long-press key. Then, if "do not register the function with the long press key" is selected, a screen of standard contents is called from the internal storage device 7 and displayed in step S203.
If "register function with long press key" is selected, in step S205, the registered contents can be retrieved and displayed from the internal storage device 7, and the function can be assigned to each numeric key 2 for registration.

Thereafter, in step S206, the control unit 8 monitors whether or not the numeric key 2 has been pressed for a certain period of time,
If the number key 2 is pressed and held for a certain period of time, step S207
In, the control unit 8 refers to the correspondence between the function stored in the internal storage device 7 and the numeric key 2 to call up and execute the content registered corresponding to the pressed numeric key 2. If you do not press and hold it, it will be treated as a numeric key 2.

As described above, by allowing the user to select the registered contents, only the necessary items are displayed, so that the convenience for the user can be improved as compared with the first embodiment. As in the first embodiment, the display order of the functions is automatically changed according to the frequency of use, items that have not been used for a certain period are deleted, and items that are newly used are It is also possible to add it.

In each of the above embodiments, the case where the various functions and the various keys are associated with each other in the mobile phone has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and any mobile terminal can be used. It can also be applied to computer terminals.

[0037]

As described above, according to the mobile phone and the method of operating the same of the present invention, it is possible to select and execute a desired function only by a simple operation of pressing a numeric key for a long time. can get.

The reason is that the correspondence between preset functions or functions selected by the user and the numeric keys is stored and displayed, and the user simply presses and holds the key corresponding to the desired function according to the displayed contents. This is because the control unit automatically calls and executes the function corresponding to the numeric key.

As described above, when using a mobile phone, in most cases, the user does not carry an instruction manual.
Conventionally, it has been a difficult task for a user who is unfamiliar with machine operation, because various operations have to be found out from various items such as various settings of the main body, selected, and executed.

However, according to the present invention, a preset function or a user setting function is
Since it can be called from the internal storage device and executed by long-pressing the number keys for a certain period of time, the user's operation can be greatly simplified. Further, since the correspondence between the functions and the numeric keys is displayed on the display unit, it is possible to prevent an error in calling. Further, the display on the display unit can be switched between display / non-display by the ON / OFF function, and can be switched according to the skill level of the user.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functions of the mobile phone according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a method of operating the mobile phone according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of the mobile phone according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a method for operating a mobile phone according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 mobile phone 2 number keys 3 Display 4 speakers 5 microphone 6 key operation part 7 Internal storage 8 control unit 9 Wireless communication section 10 antennas

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Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A means for storing a correspondence between a numeric key and a preset function or a function selected by a user, a means for displaying the correspondence on a display unit according to a key arrangement of the numeric key, and a predetermined number. A mobile phone comprising at least means for calling and executing a corresponding function from the storage means by long-pressing a numeric key. 2. The display / non-display of the correspondence can be selected by a key operation, and only when the correspondence is displayed, execution of the corresponding function by the long-pressing operation of the numeric keys is valid. The mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein: 3. A means for storing history information of a function used by the user, and a correspondence relationship between the function and the numeral key is updated based on the history information. Or the mobile phone described in 2. 4. The mobile phone according to claim 3, wherein the correspondence is updated so that numerical keys with smaller numbers are assigned in the order of functions having higher frequencies of use. 5. A step of storing a correspondence relationship between a predetermined function and a numeric key, a step of displaying the correspondence relationship on a display unit according to a key arrangement of the numeric key, and a long press operation of the numeric key. And a step of calling and executing a function corresponding to the numeric key when the user performs a long-pressing operation of a predetermined numeric key. 6. The method of operating a mobile phone according to claim 5, further comprising the step of the user selecting and registering the function. 7. The method further comprises the step of the user selecting display / non-display of the correspondence by a key operation, and only when the correspondence is displayed, the corresponding function by the long-pressing operation of the numeric keys. 7. The method for operating a mobile phone according to claim 5, wherein the execution of is enabled. 8. The mobile phone according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the function registration step or the display / non-display selection step of the correspondence is executed during a startup operation of the mobile phone. How to operate the phone. 9. The method according to claim 9, further comprising a step of storing history information of a function used by the user, and updating a correspondence relationship between the function and the numeral key based on the history information. Item 9. An operation method for a mobile phone according to any one of items 5 to 8. 10. The method of operating a mobile phone according to claim 9, wherein the correspondence is updated by allocating numerical keys having smaller numbers in the order of function having higher frequency of use.