JP2003289347A - Mobile telephone set and control method for mobile telephone set - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mobile telephone set in which operability in the case of receiving mail is improved. <P>SOLUTION: While receiving electronic mail from a mail server in the state of folding an upper unit 10 and a lower unit 20 (closed state), when a user enters a place where the strength of radio waves is deteriorated such as inside a tunnel or at a place where high-rise buildings stand together in large numbers and receiving is failed, the presence of non-received mail is displayed on a display part 13. Afterwards, when the upper unit 10 and the lower unit 20 are changed from the closed state into opened state, a magnetic detecting signal M is generated from a magnetic sensor 27, and such an opened state is detected. The magnetic detecting signal M is sent to an opened state detecting part 31, and an opened state detecting signal N is generated from the opened state detecting part 31. Based upon the opened state detecting signal N, the presence/ absence of non-terminated mail is inquired from a line control part 32 to the mail server. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,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 a control method for the mobile phone, and more particularly to a mobile phone suitable for mainly receiving an electronic mail and a control method for the mobile phone.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When an electronic mail is transmitted and received between a mobile phone and another mobile phone or a terminal such as a personal computer, these mobile phones and terminals and a mail server installed in a communication center are generally used. It is connected via the communication line of and is performed via the mail server. For example, when an e-mail is sent from the sending mobile phone to the receiving mobile phone, the e-mail is stored in the mailbox assigned to the receiving mobile phone in the memory of the mail server. The e-mail is automatically delivered from the mailbox to the recipient's mobile phone. When delivered normally, the reception side mobile phone displays that the electronic mail has arrived. Further, when the delivery of the electronic mail is interrupted for some reason (for example, when entering the tunnel), the fact that the email is not delivered normally is displayed on the receiving side mobile phone.

In this type of mobile phone, if the electronic mail is not normally delivered, in the prior art, for example, FIG.
As shown in (a), a mark m indicating that electronic mail remains on the mail server is displayed on the display unit. Then, as shown in (b) of the figure, the user makes an inquiry to the mail server by operating a predetermined button, and as shown in (c) of the figure, an email remains from the mail server. Is transmitted to the mobile phone and is displayed on the display unit as shown in FIG. Thereafter, the user operates a predetermined button to select the e-mail icon, and the e-mail is delivered from the mail server to the mobile phone on the receiving side.

[0004]

However, the above-mentioned conventional mobile phone has the following problems. That is, when the same email is acquired from the mail server when the email remains on the mail server, the user performs a predetermined button operation, or an automatic delivery that is delivered together with the next email. Need to wait. In this case, the user performs a predetermined button operation (for example, pressing and holding the mail button, the buttons “menu”, “2”, “5”).
It is necessary to artificially perform). Therefore, in the case of mainly receiving the e-mail, there is a problem that the user may feel annoyed at each operation. In addition, the user does not perform a predetermined button operation,
In addition, there is a problem that if the next mobile phone is not sent from the mobile phone of the sending side, the mail remains in the mail server for a long time.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and even when an electronic mail remains in the mail server, a mobile phone to which the electronic mail is delivered by a simple operation and a control method of the mobile phone. Is intended to provide.

[0006]

In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is provided with a first unit having a display section on a first front surface and a button operation section on a second front surface. A mobile phone comprising a second unit and configured such that the first unit and the second unit are folded via a hinge portion in a manner that the first and second front faces face each other. , An open state detecting means for generating an open state detection signal when the first unit and the second unit are in an open state, and an unreceived call to the mail server based on the open state detection signal. It is characterized in that it comprises an unreceived mail inquiry means for inquiring about the presence or absence of mail.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first unit having a main display portion on the first front surface and a sub display portion on the back surface, and a second unit having a button operation portion on the second front surface. A mobile phone configured such that the first unit and the second unit are folded via a hinge portion in a mode in which the first and second front surfaces face each other. When the unit and the second unit are in the open state, an open state detecting means for generating an open state detection signal and the presence or absence of unreceived mail are displayed on the sub-display portion, and the open state detection signal is displayed. And an unreceived mail inquiry means for making an inquiry to the mail server as to whether or not there is an unreceived mail.

The invention according to claim 3 relates to the mobile phone according to claim 2, wherein the unreceived mail inquiry means is:
When inquiring about the presence or absence of the unreceived mail, the sub display unit is configured to display that the inquiry is made.

The invention according to claim 4 relates to the mobile phone according to claim 2, wherein the unreceived mail inquiry means is:
When inquiring about the presence or absence of the unreceived mail, the sub display unit is configured not to display that the inquiry is made.

The invention according to claim 5 relates to the portable telephone according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the open state detecting means includes a magnet housed in one of the first unit and the second unit. A reed switch or a Hall element that is housed in the other of the first unit or the second unit and that generates a magnetic detection signal based on the magnetism of the magnet, and the open state detection signal based on the magnetic detection signal. It is characterized in that it is composed of an open state detection unit that occurs.

The invention according to claim 6 relates to the portable telephone according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the open state detecting means detects opening / closing in correspondence with opening / closing of the first unit and the second unit. It is characterized by comprising switch means for generating a signal and an open state detecting section for generating the open state detection signal based on the open / close detection signal.

The invention according to claim 7 relates to the mobile phone according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sub-display unit is a liquid crystal display device, a light emitting diode, an EL (electroluminescence) device, a sound generating device, or a vibration generating device. It is characterized by being composed of a device.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a front side unit, a back side unit slidably engaged with a back side of the front side unit in a longitudinal direction, and the front side unit or the back side unit. The present invention relates to a mobile phone that is provided on a side surface and includes a lock release operation body for releasing the locked state of the front side unit with respect to the back side unit, and the lock release operation body is operated to operate the lock release operation body. When the front-side unit and the back-side unit move from the retracted state to the extended state, an extension detecting unit that detects the extended state and generates an extension detection signal; and, when the extension detection signal is generated, a mail server On the other hand, it is characterized in that it comprises an unreceived mail inquiry means for inquiring whether there is any unreceived mail.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a front side unit having a display section and a receiving section, and a main operation section, and a rear side of the front side unit which is slidably engaged in a longitudinal direction of the back side. A mobile phone comprising a unit and a lock release operation body which is disposed on one side surface of the front side unit or the back side unit and releases the lock state of the front side unit with respect to the back side unit. According to the above, when the unlocking operation body is operated and the front side unit and the back side unit move from the retracted state to the extended state, the extension detecting unit detects the extended state and generates an extension detection signal. And an unreceived mail inquiry means for making an inquiry to the mail server about the presence or absence of an unreceived mail when the extension detection signal is generated.

The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to claim 8 or 9.
According to the mobile phone described above, the extension detecting means is a magnet housed in one of the front-side unit or the back-side unit and a magnet housed in the other of the front-side unit or the back-side unit. It is characterized by comprising a reed switch or a Hall element that generates a magnetic detection signal based on the above, and an extension detection unit that generates the extension detection signal based on the magnetic detection signal.

The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to claim 8 or 9.
According to the mobile phone described above, the extension detection means is a switch means for generating an opening / closing detection signal corresponding to the extension of the front side unit and the back side unit, and the extension detection signal based on the opening / closing detection signal. And an extension detecting unit for generating

The invention according to claim 12 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 1.
The mobile phone according to item 1 is characterized in that the mail is a message based on a short message service or an electronic mail.

The invention described in claim 13 is according to any one of claims 1 to 1.
According to the mobile phone set forth in 2, the unanswered mail inquiry means is configured to arbitrarily cancel the inquiry about the presence or absence of the unreceived mail.

A fourteenth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for controlling a mobile phone, comprising a first unit having a display unit on a first front surface and a second unit having a button operation unit on a second front surface. A mobile phone configured such that the first unit and the second unit are folded with a hinge portion in a manner such that the first and second front faces face each other. An open state detection process that generates an open state detection signal when the second unit is in an open state, and an inquiry process that inquires of the mail server based on the open state detection signal whether or not there is an unreceived mail. It is characterized by performing and.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a mobile phone, comprising a first unit having a main display section on a first front surface and a sub display section on a rear surface, and a button operation on a second front surface. A second unit having a portion, and the first unit and the second unit are configured to be folded via a hinge portion in a manner in which the first and second front surfaces face each other. In the telephone, when the first unit and the second unit are in the open state, an open state detection process for generating an open state detection signal and the presence or absence of unreceived mail are displayed on the sub display unit. A first display process, an inquiry process for inquiring the mail server based on the open state detection signal as to whether or not there is an unreceived mail, and a second display process for displaying the fact that the inquiry process is performed on the sub-display unit. It is characterized by performing the shown processing.

The invention according to claim 16 relates to a method for controlling a mobile phone, wherein a front-side unit, a back-side unit slidably engaged with a back side of the front-side unit in a longitudinal direction, and the front-side unit. A unit or a mobile phone provided with one side surface of the back side unit and provided with a lock release operation body for releasing a locked state of the front side unit with respect to the back side unit, When the operation unit is operated and the front-side unit and the back-side unit move from the retracted state to the extended state, the extension detection process of detecting the extended state and generating an extension detection signal, and the extension detection signal are When it occurs, it is characterized by performing an inquiry process for inquiring the mail server about the presence or absence of unreceived mail.

The invention according to claim 17 relates to a method for controlling a portable telephone, which has a front side unit having a display section and an earpiece section, and a main operation section, and slides in the longitudinal direction on the back side of the front side unit. A back side unit that is freely engaged,
In a mobile phone, which is disposed on one side surface of the front side unit or the back side unit, and includes a lock release operation body for releasing a locked state of the front side unit with respect to the back side unit, When the unlocking operation body is operated and the front-side unit and the back-side unit shift from the retracted state to the extended state, an extension detection process of detecting the extended state and generating an extension detection signal, and a non-arrival The first display processing for displaying the presence or absence of mail on the display unit, the inquiry processing for inquiring the mail server about the presence or absence of unreceived mail when the extension detection signal occurs, and the effect of performing the inquiry processing Is displayed on the display unit.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.
The embodiment will be described.First embodiment FIG. 1 shows a folding type of a first embodiment of the present invention.
It is an external view showing a closed state of the mobile phone, and FIG.
The front view and the same figure (b) are side views. This form of carrying
As shown in FIG. 2B, the mobile phone 1 has an upper unit.
10 and a lower unit 20, which is shown in FIG.
As shown in, the lower unit 20 is the same as the upper unit 1.
It is connected to 0 via a hinge portion 11. That
The upper unit 10 is provided with an antenna 12.
There is.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing the open state of the mobile phone 1 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper unit 1
0 is provided with a display unit 13, an earpiece unit 14, and an incoming / charging lamp 15 on the front surface side that contacts the lower unit 20 when folded to contact the lower unit 20. The lower unit 20 has an operation unit 2 including a plurality of button switches and the like on the front surface that contacts the upper unit 10 when folded to contact the upper unit 10.
1 and a transmitter 22 (microphone) 22 are provided.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal electrical configuration of the upper unit 10 and the lower unit 20 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper unit 10 accommodates an antenna 12, a display unit 13, an earpiece unit 14, an incoming / charging lamp 15, and a magnet 16.
The antenna 12 transmits and receives radio waves to and from a radio base station (not shown). The display unit 13 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid C
rystal Display) is configured, and displays various information such as the telephone number information and icon information of the other party. The receiver 14 generates a voice of the transmission partner and transmits it to the user.
The incoming / charging lamp 15 blinks in blue when an incoming call is received, and lights in red during charging. The magnet 16 radiates magnetism to the lower unit 20 when the upper unit 10 and the lower unit 20 are closed.

The lower unit 20 includes an operation section 21, a microphone 22, an RF circuit 23, and a modulation / demodulation circuit 24.
, Baseband processing circuit 25, and codec circuit 26
The magnetic sensor 27, the storage unit 28, and the control unit 30 are housed. The operation unit 21 includes a send button, an alphabet / kana / kanji / numeric conversion button, a power on / off button, a cross button for cursor operation, an end button, and the like. The microphone 22 is
It receives the voice of the user and transmits. The RF circuit 23 has a receiver circuit, a transmitter circuit, and a frequency synthesizer (not shown).

The modulation / demodulation circuit 24 demodulates received radio waves and modulates transmitted radio waves. The baseband processing circuit 25
The original baseband signal is extracted from the demodulated signal output from the modulation / demodulation circuit 24 and supplied to the codec circuit 26, and the character data is extracted from the demodulated signal and supplied to the control unit 30. The codec circuit 26 digital-to-analog converts the baseband signal output from the baseband processing circuit 25 and supplies the baseband signal to the reception unit 14, and also digital-to-analog converts the output signal of the control unit 30. The magnetic sensor 27 is composed of, for example, a Hall element, and generates a magnetic detection signal M when the upper unit 10 and the lower unit 20 are opened and the magnetism of the magnet 16 is no longer radiated. The storage unit 28 stores a control program for operating the control unit 30, data to be displayed on the display unit 13, and the like.

The control unit 30 is composed of, for example, a CPU (central processing unit) and the like, and includes an open state detection unit 31, a line control unit 32, and a display control unit 33, and controls the entire mobile phone 1. When the upper unit 10 and the lower unit 20 are in the open state, the open state detection unit 31 detects the magnetic detection signal M of the magnetic sensor 27 and generates the open state detection signal N. Further, the open state detection unit 31 is operated by the user through the operation unit 2.
By operating 1, the generation of the open state detection signal N is arbitrarily canceled. The line controller 32
A call is made to a predetermined telephone number, a connection is made to a predetermined Web server, and the like, based on the open state detection signal N of the open state detection unit 31, the mail server is queried for the presence or absence of unreceived mail. This mail is, for example, a message or electronic mail based on the short message service (SMS). The display control unit 33 is composed of, for example, an LCD driver and drives the display unit 13.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the mobile phone 1 of FIG. With reference to FIG. 4, a method of controlling the mobile phone of this embodiment will be described. In this mobile phone 1, when the upper unit 10 and the lower unit 20 are folded (closed) to receive an electronic mail from the mail server (step A
1) For example, when the radio wave intensity deteriorates and reception fails (step A2), for example, in a tunnel or a place where high-rise buildings stand in a forest, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in 1 (b), the fact that there is an unreceived e-mail is displayed on the display unit 13 (step A3).

Thereafter, when the upper unit 10 and the lower unit 20 are changed from the closed state (step A4) to the open state, the magnetic sensor 27 generates a magnetic detection signal M, and this open state is detected. The magnetic detection signal M is sent to the open state detection unit 31, and the open state detection signal N is generated from the open state detection unit 31 (step A5, open state detection processing).
Based on the open state detection signal N, the line control unit 32 inquires of the mail server whether there is an unreceived mail (step A6, inquiry process). The operation of the open state detection unit 31 can be arbitrarily canceled by the user operating the operation unit 21. In this case, the open state detection process and the inquiry process are not performed.

As described above, in the first embodiment,
When the upper unit 10 and the lower unit 20 are opened, the mail server is inquired as to whether or not there is an unreceived mail. The operability is improved because it is not necessary to manually operate the button. Furthermore, it is avoided that e-mail remains on the mail server for a long time. Moreover, since the operation of the open state detection unit 31 is arbitrarily canceled by the user operating the operation unit 21, it is possible to easily cope with the case where it is not necessary to make an inquiry.

[0032]Second embodiment FIG. 5 shows a folding type of the second embodiment of the present invention.
It is an external view showing a closed state of the mobile phone, and is a first embodiment.
Common elements with the elements in FIG.
Has been done. In the mobile phone 1A of this form, as shown in FIG.
Instead of the upper unit 10 and the lower unit 20, the same figure
As shown in (b), the upper unit with new functions added
10A and a lower unit 20A are provided.
In addition, as shown in FIG.
Is equipped with a sub-display 17 on the back side and
The electrical configuration of the part is different from that of the upper unit 10. Vice
The display unit 17 displays the presence or absence of unreceived mail,
The mail server for the presence of unreceived mail
If so, display that you are inquiring. Also, the lower uni
The internal electrical configuration of the unit 20A is also the same as that of the lower unit 20.
Is different.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the internal electrical configuration of the upper unit 10A and the lower unit 20A in FIG. 5, and elements common to those in FIG. 3 showing the first embodiment are not shown. Common reference numerals are attached. As shown in FIG. 6, in the upper unit 10A, the upper unit 1 in FIG.
In addition to the configuration of 0, a sub display unit 17 is provided. Further, in the lower unit 20A, a control unit 30A having a different configuration is provided instead of the control unit 30 in FIG. The control unit 30A is provided with a display control unit 33A to which a new function is added, instead of the display control unit 33 in FIG. The display control unit 33A drives the display unit 13 and also drives the sub display unit 17. In addition, the sub display unit 17
The display operation is arbitrarily canceled by the user operating the operation unit 21. Others are the same as that of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the mobile phone 1A of FIG. With reference to FIG. 7, a method of controlling the mobile phone of this embodiment will be described. In this mobile phone 1, when the upper unit 10A and the lower unit 20A are closed and an electronic mail is being received from the mail server (step B1), for example, the user enters a place where the strength of the radio wave is deteriorated and the reception is performed. When it fails (step B2), the fact that there is an unreceived e-mail is displayed on the display unit 13 and the sub-display unit 17 (first display process, step B3).

Thereafter, when the upper unit 10A and the lower unit 20A are changed from the closed state (step B4) to the open state, the magnetic detection signal M is generated from the magnetic sensor 27,
This open state is detected. The magnetic detection signal M is sent to the open state detection unit 31, and the open state detection signal N is generated from the open state detection unit 31 (step B5, open state detection processing). Based on the open state detection signal N, the line control unit 32 inquires of the mail server about the presence or absence of unreceived mail (step B6, inquiry process), and the sub-display unit 17 displays that the inquiry is to be made. (Step B7, second display process). In this case, the sub display unit 17 displays, for example, a standby screen, a screen showing that an inquiry is being made, a screen showing a reception result, and the like.

As described above, in the second embodiment,
Since the fact that there is an unreceived e-mail and the inquiry about whether or not there is an unreceived mail is displayed on the sub display unit 17, the operability for the user is further improved in addition to the advantages of the first embodiment. .

[0037]Third embodiment FIG. 8 shows a slide type of a third embodiment of the present invention.
It is an external view showing a degenerated state of the mobile phone, and FIG.
Is a side view, and FIG. 4B is a front view. Of this form
The mobile phone 2 has a front side
And a back side unit 50.
It The back side unit 50 has the antenna 53 attached.
Slides in the long axis direction on the back side of the front unit 40.
Currently engaged. Also, one side of the back side unit 50
The front side unit is the same as the back side unit 50 on the side.
An unlocking operation body (tato) for unlocking the locked state of 40
One-touch slide button) 60 is installed.
It Further, as shown in FIG.
0 has the 1st main surface 40a, the display part 41, the sub-operation part.
42 and a receiver 43.

FIG. 9 is an external view showing a state in which the mobile phone 2 of FIG. 8 is extended. FIG. 9 (a) is a rear view, FIG. 9 (b) is a side view, and FIG. It is a front view. As shown in FIG. 4A, the front unit 40 has a first sub surface 40b on the back surface thereof. Further, a magnet (not shown) is arranged at an appropriate position on the first subsurface 40b side. Further, the back side unit 50 is provided with a magnetic sensor (not shown) such as a Hall element at a position facing the magnet in a contracted state.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the front side unit 40 and the back side unit 50 are extended in the long axis direction by an urging means (not shown) disposed inside the mobile phone 2. When both units 40, 50 are biased to each other (that is, in a retracted state), a locking means (not shown) (for example, a lock mechanism) that locks both units 40, 50 against the biasing means is provided. It is equipped. The locking by the locking means is released by operating the unlocking operation body 60. Further, the back side unit 50 has a second main surface 50a and is provided with a main operation section 51 and a transmitter section (microphone) 52, as shown in FIG. Inside the back side unit 50, an electric circuit such as a control unit (not shown) is housed.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the internal electrical construction of the front unit 40 and the back unit 50. As shown in the figure, the front unit 40 accommodates a display unit 41, a sub-operation unit 42, a receiver 43, and a magnet 44. The display unit 41 is, for example, an LC
D, etc., and displays various information such as the telephone number information and icon information of the other party. In the sub operation unit 42, the front side unit 40 and the back side unit 50 are in a retracted state,
While visually confirming the display contents of the display unit 41, the operations such as an electronic mail operation, an image operation, an incoming call operation, and the like related thereto are performed. The receiver 43 generates a voice of the transmission partner and transmits it to the user. The magnet 44 radiates magnetism to the back side unit 50.

The back side unit 50 includes a main operation section 51.
, Microphone 52, antenna 53, and RF circuit 5
4, the modulation / demodulation circuit 55, and the baseband processing circuit 56
A codec circuit 57, a magnetic sensor 58, a storage unit 59, and a control unit 70 are housed. Main operation section 51
Is composed of a send button, an alphabet / kana / kanji / numeric conversion button, a power on / off button, a ten-character button for cursor operation, an end button, and the like. The microphone 52 receives the voice of the user and transmits the voice. The antenna 53 transmits and receives radio waves to and from a radio base station (not shown). The RF circuit 54 has a reception circuit, a transmission circuit, and a frequency synthesizer (not shown).

The modulation / demodulation circuit 55 demodulates received radio waves and modulates transmitted radio waves. The baseband processing circuit 56 is
The original baseband signal is extracted from the demodulated signal output from the modulation / demodulation circuit 55 and supplied to the codec circuit 57, and the character data is extracted from the demodulated signal and supplied to the control unit 70. The codec circuit 57 digital-to-analog converts the baseband signal output from the baseband processing circuit 56 and supplies the baseband signal to the receiver 43, and also digital-analog converts the output signal of the controller 70. When the front side unit 40 and the back side unit 50 change from the retracted state to the extended state, the magnetic sensor 58 is
A magnetism detection signal M is generated by magnetism of the magnet 44 to detect the extension state. The storage unit 59 includes a control unit 70.
A control program for operating the, and data for displaying on the display unit 41 are stored.

The control unit 70 is composed of, for example, a CPU (central processing unit) and the like, and includes an extension detection unit 71, a line control unit 72, and a display control unit 73, and controls the entire mobile phone 2. The extension detection unit 71 detects the magnetic detection signal M of the magnetic sensor 58 and generates the extension detection signal Q when the front side unit 40 and the back side unit 50 transition from the retracted state to the extended state. In addition, the extension detecting unit 71 operates the operation unit 51 by the user so that the extension detecting signal Q
The occurrence of is released at will. The line control unit 72 makes a call to a predetermined telephone number or a predetermined We
b The connection is made to the server, and the extension detection unit 7
Based on the extension detection signal Q of 1, the mail server is queried for the presence or absence of unreceived mail. This mail is, for example, a message or electronic mail based on the short message service. The display control unit 73 is, for example, L
It is composed of a CD driver or the like and drives the display unit 41.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the mobile phone 2 of FIG. With reference to FIG. 11, a method of controlling the mobile phone of this embodiment will be described. In this mobile phone 2, when the front side unit 40 and the back side unit 50 are in a degenerate state and receive an electronic mail from a mail server (step C1), for example, the user enters a place where the intensity of the radio wave is deteriorated and receives it. Fails (step C2), the fact that there is an unreceived e-mail is displayed on the display unit 41 (step C3, first display processing).

Thereafter, when the front side unit 40 and the back side unit 50 shift from the retracted state (step C4) to the extended state, the magnetic detection signal M is generated from the magnetic sensor 58, and this extended state is detected. (Step C5, extension detection process). This magnetic detection signal M is sent to the extension detection unit 71, and the extension detection unit 71 generates an extension detection signal Q. Based on the extension detection signal Q, the line controller 72 inquires of the mail server about the presence or absence of unreceived mail (step C6, inquiry processing). The fact that this inquiry is made is displayed on the display unit 41 (step C7, second display processing). The operation of the extension detection unit 71 can be arbitrarily canceled by the user operating the operation unit 51. In this case, the extension detection process and the inquiry process are not performed.

As described above, in the third embodiment,
When the front-side unit 40 and the back-side unit 50 shift from the degenerated state to the extended state, the mail server is queried for the presence or absence of unreceived mail. Therefore, even when mainly receiving electronic mail, The user does not need to artificially perform a predetermined button operation, and operability is improved. Furthermore, it is avoided that e-mail remains on the mail server for a long time. In addition, since the operation of the extension detecting unit 71 is arbitrarily canceled by the user operating the operation unit 51, it is possible to easily cope with the case where it is not necessary to make an inquiry. Further, the fact that there is an unreceived e-mail and the inquiry about whether there is an unreceived mail is displayed on the display unit 41, so that the operability of the user is further improved.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and there are design changes and the like within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention. Also included in the present invention. For example, the display unit 13 in FIG. 3, the sub-display unit 17 in FIG.
The display unit 41 in the inside may be, for example, an EL or the like in addition to the LCD. Further, in place of the sub display unit 17, a voice generating device that generates a voice or a vibration generating device that generates a vibration during the inquiry process may be provided. Further, the magnetic sensor 27 in FIGS. 3 and 6 may be a reed switch that generates the magnetic detection signal M based on the magnetism of the magnet 16 in addition to the Hall element. Similarly, the magnetic sensor 58 in FIG.
In addition to the Hall element, a reed switch that generates the magnetic detection signal M based on the magnetism of the magnet 44 may be used. Further, instead of the magnetic sensor 27, the upper unit 1
A mechanical switch that generates an open / close detection signal in response to opening / closing of 0, 10A and the lower unit 20, 20A may be provided. Similarly, instead of the magnetic sensor 58 in FIG.
A mechanical switch that generates an extension detection signal corresponding to the extension of the front unit 40 and the back unit 50 may be provided.

[0048]

As described above, according to the configuration of the present invention, when the first unit and the second unit are opened, the mail server is queried for the presence or absence of unreceived mail. Therefore, even when the mail is mainly received, the user does not need to manually perform a predetermined button operation, and the operability can be improved. Further, it is avoided that the mail remains on the mail server for a long time. Moreover, since the control means is configured to arbitrarily cancel the inquiry about the presence or absence of unreceived mail, it is possible to easily respond even if it is not necessary to make an inquiry. Further, the fact that there is an unreceived e-mail and the inquiry about whether there is an unreceived e-mail is displayed on the sub display unit, so that the operability for the user can be further improved.

When the front side unit and the back side unit are moved from the degenerated state to the extended state, the mail server is inquired about the presence or absence of unreceived mail. However, the user does not need to artificially perform a predetermined button operation, and operability can be improved. Further, it is avoided that the mail remains on the mail server for a long time. Further, the fact that there is an unreceived e-mail and the inquiry about whether there is an unreceived e-mail is displayed on the display unit, so that the operability of the user can be further improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view showing a closed state of a foldable mobile phone according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing an open state of the mobile phone 1 of FIG.

3 is an upper unit 10 and a lower unit 2 in FIG.
It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution inside 0.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the mobile phone 1 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is an external view showing a closed state of the folding mobile phone according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal electrical configuration of an upper unit 10A and a lower unit 20A in FIG.

7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the mobile phone 1A of FIG.

FIG. 8 is an external view showing a retracted state of a slide type mobile phone according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

9 is an external view showing a state where the mobile phone 2 of FIG. 8 is extended.

FIG. 10 is a front side unit 40 and a back side unit 50.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal electrical configuration of FIG.

11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the mobile phone 2 of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display screen of a conventional mobile phone.

[Explanation of symbols]

10, 10A Upper unit (first unit) 11 Hinge section 13 Display section (main display section) 16,44 Magnet (open state detecting means) 17 Sub display section 20, 20A Lower unit (second unit) 21 Operation Part (button operation part) 27, 58 Magnetic sensor (open state detection means) 30, 30A, 70 Control part (unreceived mail inquiry means) 31 Open state detection part (open state detection means) 32, 72 Line control part (not yet Incoming mail inquiry means) 33, 33A, 73 Display control unit (unreceived mail inquiry means) 40 Front side unit 41 Display section 50 Back side unit 51 Main operation section 60 Unlocking operation body 71 Extension detection section (extension detection means)

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F term (reference) 5K027 AA11 BB02 CC08 EE04 FF03                       KK02 MM17                 5K067 AA34 BB21 DD23 EE02 FF16                       FF23 FF24 FF25 FF28 GG01                       KK17

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A mode in which a first unit including a display unit on a first front surface and a second unit including a button operation unit on a second front surface are provided, and the first and second front surfaces face each other. Is a mobile phone configured such that the first unit and the second unit are folded via a hinge portion, and the first unit and the second unit are opened. At this time, an open state detection means for generating an open state detection signal and an unreceived mail inquiry means for inquiring of the mail server based on the open state detection signal whether or not there is an unreceived mail are provided. Mobile phone. 2. A first unit having a main display section on a first front surface and a sub display section on a back surface, and a second unit having a button operation section on a second front surface, the first unit comprising: And a second front surface is a mobile phone configured such that the first unit and the second unit are folded via a hinge portion in a state where they face each other, the first unit and the second unit And an open state detection means for generating an open state detection signal when the unit is in the open state, and the presence or absence of unreceived mail is displayed on the sub-display unit, and the mail server based on the open state detection signal. A mobile phone comprising: an unanswered mail inquiry means for inquiring about whether there is any unreceived mail. 3. The unreceived mail inquiry means is configured to, when making an inquiry about the presence or absence of the unreceived mail, display on the sub-display unit that the inquiry is made. Item 2. A mobile phone according to item 2. 4. The unreceived mail inquiry means is configured such that, when making an inquiry about the presence or absence of the unreceived mail, the fact that the inquiry is made is not displayed on the sub-display section. Item 2. A mobile phone according to item 2. 5. The open state detecting means is housed in one of the first unit or the second unit and the other of the first unit or the second unit, and A reed switch or a Hall element that generates a magnetic detection signal based on the magnetism of a magnet, and an open state detection unit that generates the open state detection signal based on the magnetic detection signal. The mobile phone according to items 1 to 4. 6. The open state detection means includes switch means for generating an open / closed detection signal corresponding to opening / closing of the first unit and the second unit, and the open state based on the open / closed detection signal. The mobile phone according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an open state detection unit that generates a detection signal. 7. The sub-display unit includes a liquid crystal display device, a light emitting diode, an EL (electroluminescence) device, a sound generation device, or a vibration generation device. Mobile phone. 8. A front side unit, a back side unit slidably engaged with the back side of the front side unit in a longitudinal direction, and arranged on one side surface of the front side unit or the back side unit, A mobile phone comprising: a lock release operating body for releasing a locked state of the front side unit with respect to the back side unit, wherein the lock releasing operation body is operated to operate the front side unit and the front side unit. When the rear side unit and the back side unit move from the retracted state to the stretched state, a stretch detection unit that detects the stretched state and generates a stretch detection signal; and, when the stretch detection signal occurs, an unreceived mail server A mobile phone comprising a means for inquiring an unreceived mail for inquiring about the presence or absence of mail. 9. A front side unit having a display section and an earpiece section, a back side unit having a main operation section and slidably engaged in the longitudinal direction on the back side of the front side unit, and the front side. A mobile phone provided with a unit or one side surface of the back side unit, and a lock release operation body for releasing a locked state of the front side unit with respect to the back side unit. An extension detecting unit that detects an extension state and generates an extension detection signal when the front-side unit and the back-side unit move from the retracted state to the extended state by operating the stop release operation body, and the extension detection unit. A mobile phone, comprising: an unreceived mail inquiry means for inquiring of a mail server whether or not there is an unreceived mail when a signal is generated. 10. The extension detection means is housed in one of the front side unit or the back side unit and the other of the front side unit or the back side unit, and is based on the magnetism of the magnet. 10. The mobile phone according to claim 8 or 9, comprising a reed switch or a Hall element that generates a magnetic detection signal by a magnetic field, and an extension detection unit that generates the extension detection signal based on the magnetic detection signal. Telephone. 11. The extension detecting means includes a switch means for generating an opening / closing detection signal corresponding to the extension of the front side unit and the back side unit, and the extension detecting signal based on the opening / closing detection signal. 10. The mobile phone according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the mobile phone comprises an extension detector. 12. The mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein the mail is a message based on a short message service or an electronic mail. 13. The unreceived mail inquiry means is configured to arbitrarily cancel the inquiry about the presence or absence of the unreceived mail.
2. The mobile phone set forth in 2. 14. A mode in which a first unit having a display unit on a first front surface and a second unit having a button operation unit on a second front surface are provided, and the first and second front surfaces face each other. In the mobile phone configured such that the first unit and the second unit are folded via a hinge portion, when the first unit and the second unit are in an open state, A control method comprising: performing an open state detection process for generating an open state detection signal; and an inquiry process for inquiring of a mail server whether there is an unreceived mail based on the open state detection signal. 15. A first unit having a main display section on a first front surface and a sub display section on a back surface, and a second unit having a button operation section on a second front surface, wherein: And a mobile phone configured such that the first unit and the second unit are folded via a hinge portion in a mode in which the second front surfaces face each other, the first unit and the second unit Based on the open state detection signal, an open state detection process for generating an open state detection signal when and are in an open state, a first display process for displaying the presence or absence of an unreceived mail on the sub display unit, Inquiry processing for inquiring the mail server about the presence or absence of unreceived mail, and second display processing for displaying the fact that the inquiry processing is performed on the sub-display unit. 16. A front side unit, a back side unit slidably engaged in the longitudinal direction on the back side of the front side unit, and arranged on one side surface of the front side unit or the back side unit, In a mobile phone comprising a lock release operation body for releasing the locked state of the front side unit to the back side unit, the lock release operation body is operated to operate the front side unit and the back side. An extension detection process of detecting an extension state and generating an extension detection signal when the unit and the extension state are transferred to the extension state; and, when the extension detection signal is generated, an unreceived mail to the mail server is received. A control method characterized by performing an inquiry process for inquiring about the presence or absence. 17. A front side unit having a display section and an earpiece section, a back side unit having a main operation section and slidably engaged in the longitudinal direction on the back side of the front side unit; A unit or a mobile phone provided on one side surface of the back side unit, the lock release operation body for releasing the locked state of the front side unit to the back side unit, When the operation unit is operated and the front-side unit and the back-side unit move from the retracted state to the extended state, the extension state is detected and an extension detection signal is generated. A first display process for displaying the presence / absence on the display unit; an inquiry process for inquiring the mail server about the presence or absence of an unreceived mail when the extension detection signal is generated; A control method characterized by performing a second display process of displaying on the display unit that the inquiry process is to be performed.