JP2004312631A - Foldable portable telephone set - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress power consumption by a back light as little as possible. <P>SOLUTION: When it is determined that a casing is closed and a state under a mail operation is then determined (steps S1, S2), only a portion of back lights on a display part is turned on (step S4) by a control circuit. When it is determined that an mail end is instructed (step S5), the mail operation is finished and the back lights are turned off (steps S6, S7). When it is determined that the casing is opened without the instructing operation of the mail end (step S8), the control circuit controls all back lights on the display part to be turned on (step S9). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a foldable mobile phone device that continuously displays a selection screen even when closed.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When a mail is transmitted by a foldable mobile phone in recent years, a mail is transmitted by a user performing a transmission operation after inputting a destination, a subject, a text, and the like of the mail to be transmitted.
[0003]
When the user performs a transmission operation, a message indicating that the mail is being transmitted (for example, “Mail is being transmitted”) is displayed on the display unit. It may take more than a second or mail may not be sent. If the e-mail could not be sent, for example, "Send failed" is displayed on the display unit, the user was notified that the e-mail could not be sent, and if the e-mail could be sent normally, For example, "The mail has been sent." Is displayed on the display unit, and the user is notified that the mail has been sent.
[0004]
If the user wants to move on to the next operation not related to telephone operation immediately after sending the e-mail (for example, buying a ticket at a station or starting driving a car), an e-mail can be sent after the e-mail sending operation. The user must keep the housing open until it is confirmed that the transmission of the mail has been completed by seeing that the message indicating that the message has been displayed on the display unit.
[0005]
Also, depending on the model, the mail sending operation is maintained even if the housing is closed after the mail sending operation, but when the housing is closed, the user cannot see the display unit and the mail is sent normally I can't tell if it's done.
[0006]
On the other hand, a part of the display area can be seen when closed, and furthermore, a foldable type that turns on only part of the backlight when the housing is closed and turns on all the backlight when the housing is open A mobile phone device has been considered (for example, see Patent Document 1). As a result, the display area is reduced, but the continuous screen can be viewed even in the closed state.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent No. 3208294 (FIG. 1)
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the technique described in Patent Literature 1 has a problem that a large amount of power is consumed because a part of the backlight is always turned on even when the housing is closed.
[0009]
In addition, in a state where the housing is closed, a part of the backlight should be turned on, and a part of the backlight should not be turned on in some cases.
[0010]
For example, in a so-called waiting state in which the apparatus is not performing operations such as sending and receiving mails and waiting for an incoming call from the other party, in a so-called waiting state, even if the backlight is turned off with the housing closed, the user is There is no problem. This is because, in such a standby state, information required by the user is rarely displayed on the display unit. On the other hand, when displaying the result of any operation, such as between the start of the execution of the mail transmission operation and the display of the message indicating the completion of the mail transmission, the backlight must be turned on with the housing closed. For example, the user cannot see the result of the operation displayed on the display unit (for example, a mail transmission completion message).
[0011]
For this reason, the backlight is turned off when the housing is closed during standby or after any operation (for example, sending an e-mail or searching for a phone book), and performing some operation (for example, sending an e-mail or searching for a phone book). It is preferable that the backlight be turned on when the housing is closed during the operation. With such a configuration, the backlight can be turned on only when it is really needed, and the limited battery power of the mobile phone can be effectively used.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention is to solve such a problem, and a foldable communication device according to claim 1 is configured such that a first housing, a second housing, and both the housings can be opened and closed. A main display area having a backlight, which is exposed when the two housings are opened, and a sub display area, which is exposed when both the housings are closed and has a backlight. In the foldable mobile phone device provided with: an open / close detection unit that detects opening / closing of the two housings, and when it is determined that the two housings are closed and closed, the sub display area and the main When the backlight of the display area is turned off, and when it is determined that the two casings are not in standby when closed, the backlight of the sub display area is turned on and the backlight of the main display area is turned off. And a part.
[0013]
The foldable portable telephone device according to claim 2, comprising a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge for pivotally supporting the two housings so as to be openable and closable, and opening the two housings. A main display area having a backlight, and a main display area having a backlight, and a sub-display area having a backlight, which is also exposed when the two housings are closed. An opening / closing detection unit that detects opening / closing of the unit, and when it is determined that the mail operation is being performed when the two housings are closed, the backlight of the sub display area is turned on and the backlight of the main display area is turned off. On the other hand, a control unit for turning off the backlights of the sub display area and the main display area when it is determined that the mail operation is not being performed when the two housings are closed.
[0014]
The foldable portable telephone device according to claim 3 is the foldable portable telephone device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit receives an instruction to end the mail operation after the two housings are closed. When it is determined, the backlight of the sub display area is turned off.
[0015]
The foldable portable telephone device according to claim 4, further comprising a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge that pivotally supports the two housings so that the two housings can be opened and closed, and opens the two housings. A main display area having a backlight, and a main display area having a backlight, and a sub-display area having a backlight, which is also exposed when the two housings are closed. Open / close detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the, and when it is determined that the phone book function is operating when the two housings are closed, the backlight of the sub display area is turned on and the backlight of the main display area is turned on. When it is determined that the telephone directory function is not in operation when the two housings are closed, the backlights of the sub display area and the main display area are turned off.
[0016]
The foldable portable telephone device according to claim 5 is the foldable portable telephone device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit has an instruction to end the telephone directory function after the two housings are closed. Is determined, the backlight of the sub display area is turned off.
[0017]
The foldable portable telephone device according to claim 6 is the foldable portable telephone device according to claims 1 to 5, wherein the sub display area is a part of the main display area.
[0018]
The foldable portable telephone device according to claim 7 is the foldable portable telephone device according to claim 1, wherein when the housing is closed, the contents when the housing is opened are displayed in the sub-display. It is displayed in the area.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an open state of the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a closed state. In the foldable portable telephone device of this embodiment, a transmitting section (1) and a receiving section (2) are rotatably supported by a pair of left and right hinges (3) (4). As shown in FIG. 1, the receiving section (1) has a speaker (11), a display section (12), and a first input section (13). The receiving section (2) has a microphone (21), a second input section (22), and a pair of left and right arms (23) and (24).
[0020]
In FIG. 1, a first input unit (13) is provided below the display unit (12), and the rotation axes of the hinges (3) and (4) are upward from the center of the first input unit (13). It is arranged in.
[0021]
The left and right arms (23) and (24) extend from the left and right of the second input unit (22) toward the left and right hinges (3) and (4), respectively, and the extended ends are hinges (3) and (4). Fulcrum. A space (25) is formed between the left and right arms (23) and (24) of the transmitting section (2).
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 1, in the open state, a portion below the hinges (3) and (4) of the first input unit (13) is located in the empty space (25). As shown in FIG. 2, the portion above the hinges (3) and (4) of the first input unit (13) in the closed state is located in the empty space (25). Since the pivots of the hinges (3) and (4) are disposed above the center of the first input section (13), the lower portion of the display section (12) is exposed in a closed state.
[0023]
With such a configuration, the user can see a part of the display unit (12) even when closed, and can operate the first input unit (13).
[0024]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the embodiment. In FIG. 3, reference numeral (B1) denotes a telephone communication unit, which transmits a signal from a baseband unit (B3) to be described later to the base station via the antenna (B2), or transmits a signal from the base station via the antenna (B2). Or receive radio waves.
[0025]
(B3) is a baseband unit, which has a CDMA processing circuit (B1) and an audio codec (B2). The CDMA processing circuit (B31) performs code division multiple access, scrambling, error control, and timing detection. The audio codec (B32) compresses (encodes) and expands (decodes) the audio, performs analog-to-digital conversion, and changes the reception volume and microphone sensitivity by an internal amplifier circuit (not shown). .
[0026]
Reference numeral (11) denotes a speaker that is used for telephone calls to the ear, and converts the electric signal of the baseband unit (B3) amplified by the amplifier circuit (B4) into sound. (21) is a microphone used for a telephone call, which converts voice into an electric signal. (B5) is an amplifier circuit, which amplifies the output of the microphone (21) and outputs it to the baseband section (B3).
[0027]
(26) and (27) are loudspeakers for loudspeakers to make the received sound available to surrounding people. As shown in FIG. 2, they are arranged on the left and right sides of the rear surface of the transmission unit (2). The speakers (26) and (27) convert the electric signals of the baseband section (B3) amplified by the respective amplifier circuits (B6) and (B7) into sound. In addition, the speakers (26) and (27) also sound an incoming call notification.
[0028]
(B8) is a switching circuit, which turns on / off the connection between the four amplifying circuits (B4), (B5), (B6), and (B7) and the baseband unit (B3) under the control of a control circuit (B9) described later. Turn off. The gains of these three amplifier circuits (B4), (B5), (B6), and (B7) are fixed, and it is not possible to change the reception volume or the sensitivity of the microphone. The voice codec (B32) of the baseband unit (B3) changes the reception volume and microphone sensitivity under the control of the control circuit (B9).
[0029]
(B9) is a control circuit composed of a microprocessor, which controls each unit based on a ROM (B10) storing an operation program. (B11) is a RAM, which stores information necessary for the operation of the control circuit (B9).
[0030]
The display unit (12) is a liquid crystal having a backlight, and displays a telephone number and the like. The light source of the backlight is a plurality of LEDs, which are not shown, but are arranged in a line in the vertical direction in the state of FIG. In the present invention, since a part of the display unit (12) can be seen even in the closed state, the LED of the backlight corresponding to the part exposed when closed is turned on, and the LED not exposed is not turned on. Can be.
[0031]
A first input unit (13) capable of inputting even in a closed state includes a call key (131) for operating a call, an end key (132) for operating a call end, and a telephone directory key for operating a telephone directory. (133), a mail key (134) for performing a mail operation, and a cursor / setting key (135) for performing a cursor moving operation and a setting operation. The second input unit (22) which can be input only in the open state has a ten-key (221) for inputting a telephone number or the like.
[0032]
(B12) is an open / close detection switch (B12) for detecting opening / closing of the receiving unit (1) and the transmitting unit (2). The open / close detection switch (B12) is disposed at a position to close the hole (14 in FIG. 1) of the receiving section (1), and when closed, a convex section (24) provided on the arm (24) of the transmitting section (2). It is pushed by 25) and turned on.
[0033]
Reference numeral (B13) denotes a camera (not shown) for imaging, which is disposed on the back of the display unit (12) and has a slide-type lens cover (not shown). Reference numeral (15) denotes a lens cover / power key for turning on / off the power and opening / closing the lens of the camera. The lens cover / power key (15) is provided on the side of the earpiece (1) and can be operated even when closed. In addition, since the operation is performed not by the push type but by the slide type, the structure of the mechanism for sliding the slide type lens cover is easy, and when the mobile phone device is put in a pocket or the like, the power supply is erroneously turned on. Is difficult to turn on. Further, in the present invention, since a part of the display unit (12) can be seen even in the closed state, when the lens cover / power key (15) is turned on in the closed state, the power is turned on and the lens cover is closed. When opened, the backlight of the exposed portion of the display unit (12) is turned on. Here, if the cursor / setting key (135) is operated, the camera can take an image.
[0034]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the apparatus of this embodiment.
[0035]
In step S1, when the control circuit (B9) detects a signal indicating that the casing is opened from the open / close detection switch (B12), the process proceeds to step S2.
[0036]
In step S2, the control circuit (B9) advances the process to step S4 if it is determined that the mail is currently being operated, and otherwise advances the process to step S3.
[0037]
Note that, in the above-mentioned S2 step, the operation of the mail is, for example, during the preparation of the mail text, the operation of the transmission of the mail, and the like. The display unit (12) displays, for example, as shown in FIG. "Mail is being transmitted" is displayed, and the backlight LEDs in both the area A and the area B of the display unit (12) are turned on.
[0038]
In step S3, the control circuit (B9) turns off all the backlights in the areas A and B of the display unit (12), and ends the process.
[0039]
In step S4, the control circuit (B9) turns on only a part of the backlight of the display unit (12) by controlling the display unit (12). Specifically, the control circuit (B9) displays “mail is being transmitted” in the area B of the display unit (12) as shown in FIG. 5B and turns on only the backlight LED in the area B. The backlight of the area A is turned off.
[0040]
At this time, the housing is in a closed state as shown in FIG. 2, but the user can see only the area B of the display unit (12). Further, as shown in FIG. 2, in the area of the display unit (12) which is not seen by the receiver unit (2), that is, the area A, the backlight is turned off, so that unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed. It is.
[0041]
In step S5, when the control circuit B9 determines that there is an operation for instructing the end of the mail from the first input unit (13), the control circuit B9 proceeds to step S6, and otherwise proceeds to step S8.
[0042]
In step S6, the control circuit B9 ends the mail operation, and proceeds to step S7.
[0043]
In step S7, the control circuit B9 controls the display unit (12) to turn off the backlight in the area B of the display unit (12), and ends the processing.
[0044]
As described above, when the housing is closed during mail transmission (steps S1 and S2), only the area B of the display unit (12) is turned on and the area B is displayed as "transmitting mail" (S4). Steps). Subsequently, the mail transmission is completed, and the user recognizes the completion of the mail transmission by seeing, for example, the message "Mail has been transmitted" displayed on the display unit (12), and performs the mail end operation. Since the backlight of the display unit (12) is turned off (Steps S5 to S7), it is possible to turn on the backlight only when it is really necessary to turn on the backlight after closing the housing.
[0045]
In step S8, if the control circuit (B9) determines that a signal indicating that the housing has been opened is detected from the open / close detection switch (B12), the process proceeds to step S9; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S4. return.
[0046]
In step S9, the control circuit (B9) controls the display unit (12) to turn on the backlights of all the regions A and B of the display unit (12), and proceeds to step S10.
[0047]
In step S10, if the control circuit B9 determines that there is an operation for instructing the end of the mail from the first input unit (13), the control circuit B9 proceeds to step S6, otherwise returns to step S1.
[0048]
As described above, in the apparatus of the present embodiment, first, all the backlights of the display unit (12) are turned off unless the mail operation is performed when the housing is closed. The reason for this configuration is that it is not necessary to display anything on the display unit (12) after closing the housing in a state other than the mail operation (for example, in a standby state). With this configuration, power consumption can be reduced.
[0049]
On the other hand, if a mail operation is being performed when the housing is closed, a part of the backlight of the display unit (12) is turned on, and a message indicating the current operation state is displayed in the area where the backlight is turned on (for example, "Sending mail") is displayed. With such a configuration, not only can the user be notified of the current operation state even after the housing is closed, but also the power consumption of the backlight can be reduced as much as possible.
[0050]
In addition, when there is an instruction to end the mail operation in a state where the housing is closed and a part of the backlight is turned on, all the backlights are turned off. The reason why such a configuration is adopted is that when entering the standby state after the mail operation is completed, it is not necessary to display a message or the like indicating the operation state of the apparatus on the display unit (12). By doing so, it is possible to avoid wasting power.
[0051]
In the present embodiment, in step S2, it is determined whether or not a mail operation is being performed when the housing is closed. However, when the housing is closed, browsing, correction, registration, etc. of telephone directory data are performed. It may be configured to determine whether or not the above operation is performed, or to determine whether or not the connection to the Internet is made when the casing is closed.
[0052]
Further, the backlight of the area B is turned off by the mail ending operation in step S5, but the backlight may be turned off automatically upon detection of completion of mail transmission.
[0053]
Further, in the present embodiment, the display unit that is displayed when the housing is closed is a part of the display unit that is displayed when the housing is opened. However, the display unit (sub-display unit) that is displayed when the housing is closed is opened. The present invention can be applied to a foldable portable telephone device that is separate from a display unit (main display unit) that is displayed when the mobile phone is displayed.
[0054]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the present invention can prevent unnecessary power consumption in the backlight.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an open state of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a closed state of the embodiment apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the apparatus of the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display mode of a display unit of the apparatus according to the embodiment.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 transmitting section 2 receiving section 12 display section 13 first input section B9 control circuit B12 open / close detection switch

Claims (7)

A main display area having a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge for pivotally supporting the two housings so that the two housings can be opened and closed, and exposed when the two housings are opened and having a backlight; And, in the foldable mobile phone device that is also exposed when both the housings are closed and has a sub-display area having a backlight,
An opening / closing detection unit that detects opening / closing of the two housings,
When it is determined that the two housings are in standby when closed, the backlight of the sub display area and the main display area is turned off, while, when the two housings are closed, it is not in standby. A controller for turning on the backlight in the sub display area and turning off the backlight in the main display area when the determination is made. A main display area having a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge for pivotally supporting the two housings so that the two housings can be opened and closed, and exposed when the two housings are opened and having a backlight; And, in the foldable mobile phone device that is also exposed when both the housings are closed and has a sub-display area having a backlight,
An opening / closing detection unit that detects opening / closing of the two housings,
When it is determined that the mail operation is being performed when the two housings are closed, the backlight of the sub display area is turned on and the backlight of the main display area is turned off, while the two housings are closed. And a controller that turns off the backlights of the sub display area and the main display area when it is determined that the mail operation is not being performed. The foldable mobile phone device according to claim 2,
When the control unit determines that there is an instruction to end the mail operation after the two housings are closed, the backlight of the sub display area is turned off. A main display area having a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge for pivotally supporting the two housings so that the two housings can be opened and closed, and exposed when the two housings are opened and having a backlight; And, in the foldable mobile phone device that is also exposed when both the housings are closed and has a sub-display area having a backlight,
An opening / closing detection unit that detects opening / closing of the two housings,
If it is determined that the phone book function is operating when the two casings are closed, the backlight of the sub display area is turned on and the backlight of the main display area is turned off. A folding mobile phone device, wherein when it is determined that the telephone directory function is not in operation when closed, the backlights of the sub display area and the main display area are turned off. The foldable mobile phone device according to claim 4, wherein
If the control unit determines that there is an instruction to terminate the telephone directory function after the two housings are closed, the backlight of the sub display area is turned off. The foldable mobile phone device according to claim 1, wherein:
The foldable portable telephone device, wherein the sub display area is a part of the main display area. The foldable mobile phone device according to claim 1, wherein:
A foldable mobile phone device, wherein when the housing is closed, the operation when the housing is opened is continuously displayed in the sub-display area.

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