JP2006323850A - Display changeover method of application software and portable communication apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display changeover method of application software capable of easily executing a display changeover operation to each application software when a plurality of application software are started and parallel processing is executed in a portable information apparatus; to provide a portable apparatus; and to provide a portable communication apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: In relation to a portable apparatus capable of processing a plurality of application software in parallel with one another and of displaying a plurality of display areas for displaying data, this display changeover method of application software, this portable apparatus and this portable communication apparatus are so structured that an icon related to application software displayed in a first display area used as a main area is automatically or manually generated; and, when a desired icon is selected from icons displayed in a second display area used as a sub-area for the generated icon, the application software related to the selected icon is automatically or manually restored and displayed in the first display area. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a display switching method for application software, a portable device, and a portable communication device. Specifically, in a mobile phone or the like, when a plurality of application software is started and processed in parallel, a display switching method of application software, a portable information device, and a portable communication device that can easily perform a display switching operation to each application software About.

  Technological innovations in portable information devices such as mobile phones are remarkable, and multi-functionalization is progressing by installing communication functions such as Internet connection, games, digital cameras, and music playback functions. This is expected to accelerate further with the advent of next-generation portable information devices. In addition, new technologies and ideas such as colorization and mounting of sub liquid crystal screens have been introduced on the display screens of these portable information devices.

JP 2003-99154 A (pages 4-6, FIG. 1)

  However, despite the progress of multi-functionalization and introduction of new technologies as described above, conventional portable information devices start up and use another application software from the state of using one application software. There is a problem that it is difficult to instantaneously switch the display screen (state).

  Specifically, when accessing the Internet while creating an e-mail on a mobile phone or the like, the e-mail being created is saved and the e-mail creation screen is terminated. When the mail creation screen is finished, the top screen (screen displayed when the power is turned on) is displayed. Select the selection menu from the top screen to display the processing items, and select “Internet connection” from the processing items. When the item is selected, the browser is activated and displayed on the screen, and a desired website can be accessed. When resuming e-mail creation while browsing the website, close the browser, display the top screen, select the selection menu from the top screen again, display the processing items, It is necessary to perform a complicated operation of selecting the “Create” item, selecting the e-mail that was being saved previously, and displaying it on the screen.

  Although some portable information devices have a screen memo function that saves the display screen, this function cannot be applied to all display screens. Since there is a need to call a selection menu from and select an item of “screen memo”, the labor of operation does not change much.

  On the other hand, next-generation mobile phones, which have more functions than current mobile phones, need to perform multiple processes simultaneously (parallel processing) such as browsing websites while listening to music and creating e-mails in the meantime. However, in the current state, the top screen is displayed first, then the selection menu is selected, the process is displayed, and the desired application software is started by selecting the desired item. The operation of displaying on the screen is a series of operations when using one application software. To start another application software and displaying it on the screen, this series of operations must be repeated. Therefore, there is a problem that the switching operation for processing a plurality of application software in parallel and displaying the desired application software on the screen becomes more complicated.

  By the way, the present invention provides an application software display switching method and the like that can easily perform a display switching operation to each application software when a plurality of application softwares are activated and processed in parallel in a portable information device. Has a problem.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the application software display switching method, portable information device, and portable communication device according to the present invention are configured as follows.

(1) A display switching method of application software is a portable device capable of processing a plurality of application software in parallel and displaying a plurality of display areas for displaying data.
An icon generating step of generating a first icon displayed in the first display area of the plurality of display areas and associated with the first application software;
An icon display step of displaying the generated first icon in a second display area of the plurality of display areas;
A selection step of selecting a second icon displayed in the second display area;
A display switching step of switching the display of the first application software displayed in the first display area to the display of the second application software corresponding to the selected second icon,
Even after the display switching, the first application software corresponding to the first icon continues processing.
(2) When the second application software corresponding to the selected second icon is continuing processing, the second application software processing corresponding to the second icon selected by the selection The display switching method of application software according to (1), wherein the display of the latest state is switched to the first display area.
(3) When the display is switched, the application software display switching method according to (1), wherein the first application software corresponding to the first icon is suspended or stopped. .
(4) At the time of the display switching, when the second application software corresponding to the second icon is in a suspended or stopped state, the process is resumed by the display switching ( The display switching method of the application software described in 1).
(5) The generated first icon is generated by reducing an image displayed in the first display area of the first application software. Application software display switching method.
(6) When the display is switched, the second icon disappears from the second display area when the associated second application software is displayed in the first display area. (1) The display switching method of the application software according to (1).

(7) The mobile device is a mobile device capable of processing a plurality of application software in parallel and displaying a plurality of display areas for displaying data,
Icon generating means for generating a first icon associated with the first application software displayed in the first display area of the plurality of display areas;
Icon display means for displaying the generated first icon in a second display area of the plurality of display areas;
Selecting means for selecting a second icon displayed in the second display area;
The display of the first application software displayed in the first display area is switched to the display of the second application software corresponding to the selected second icon, and the first corresponding to the first icon is switched. And control means for continuing the application software processing.
(8) When the second application software corresponding to the second icon is continuing processing, the control means displays the latest state of the application software processing in the first display area by the selection. The portable device according to (7), which is switched.
(9) The portable device according to (7), wherein the control unit is configured to interrupt or stop the processing of the first application software corresponding to the first icon when the display is switched. .
(10) According to (7), when the second application software corresponding to the second icon is in a state where the processing is interrupted or stopped, the control means restarts the processing by the selection. The portable device described.
(11) The generated first icon is generated by reducing an image displayed in the first display area of the first application software. Mobile device.
(12) The first icon disappears from the second display area when the associated second application software is displayed in the first display area by the selection. The portable device according to (7).

(13) The mobile communication device can process a plurality of application software in parallel,
A display unit having a first display area for displaying data;
A hinge portion having a second display area for displaying data;
An operation unit having operation means for operating data,
When the display unit and the operation unit are coupled via the hinge unit, the display unit and the operation unit are pivoted about the hinge unit to be freely opened and closed, and when opened, the first display area and the second display A mobile communication device that can simultaneously view an area,
Selecting means for selecting a first icon corresponding to the plurality of application software displayed in the second display area;
The display of the first application software displayed in the first display area is switched to the display of the second application software corresponding to the selected second icon, and is displayed in the first display area. A second icon associated with the first application software is displayed, the generated second icon is displayed in the second display area, and the first application software corresponding to the second icon is And control means for continuing the processing.
(14) When the second application software corresponding to the first icon is continuing processing, the latest state of the application software processing is displayed in the first display area by the selection. The portable communication device according to (13).
(15) The mobile communication device according to (13), wherein the first application software corresponding to the second icon is in a state where processing is interrupted or stopped.
(16) The mobile communication device according to (13), wherein when the second application software corresponding to the first icon is in a state where the process is interrupted or stopped, the process is resumed by the selection. .
(17) The mobile phone according to (13), wherein the generated second icon is generated by reducing an image displayed in the first display area of the first application software. Communication equipment.
(18) The first icon disappears from the second display area when the associated second application software is displayed in the first display area by the selection. (13) The portable communication device according to (13).
(19) The mobile communication according to (13), wherein the second display area is provided in a state that can be viewed when the display unit and the operation unit are rotated to be in a closed state. machine.
(20) The mobile communication device according to (19), wherein the second display area displays data indicating a device state when the second display region is in an open state.
(21) The mobile communication device according to (20), wherein the data indicating the device state includes any one of a communication state, battery capacity, time information, and data indicating presence / absence of stored data.

  As described above, in portable devices such as mobile phones and PDAs that have high functionality and short, small and light, generate icons associated with application software displayed in the main first display area, A desired display is made in the first display area (main) by selecting an icon as necessary from the icons displayed in the second display area which is the sub and displayed in the second display area (sub). Since the application software can be restored and displayed, when a plurality of application software are processed in parallel, the switching operation between the application software can be performed smoothly, and the convenience / speed of the switching operation is improved.

  Further, when the icon is restored and displayed on the main display unit and the application software is resumed by generating the icon in association with a predetermined state among the latest state, suspended or stopped state, and initial state of the application software. Since it can be started in a desired state, the operability and speed of the application software restart procedure is improved.

  Further, if the download screen is continuously displayed on the main display unit (first display area), such as when data is downloaded, the display content of the screen is frequently updated. If displayed in the (second display area), there is no need to update the screen, and there is an advantage that the power required by changing the screen each time it is updated is reduced, leading to lower power consumption.

  Further, in a foldable portable communication device such as a mobile phone or a PDA that can be opened and closed by rotating the display unit and the operation unit about the hinge unit, a second display area (sub) is provided in the hinge unit, and By providing it at a position where it can be browsed when it is in the closed state, when it is in use (open state), the switching operation between the application softwares when a plurality of application softwares are processed in parallel as described above. Data indicating device status such as communication status such as electric field strength of radio waves, remaining battery capacity, time information, presence / absence of stored data even when folded (when closed) when not in use By also serving as a display, a small display area can be used effectively. Therefore, there are merits that a small display area can be used effectively without impairing the characteristics of short, small and light, and the convenience / speed of operation can be improved.

  Next, embodiments of the application software display switching method, portable information device, and portable communication device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the drawings are only for explanation, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

  The mobile phone shown in FIG. 1 is an example of an embodiment of a portable information device and a portable communication device according to the present invention, and creates and transmits / receives a function of browsing a website by connecting to the Internet or the like, an e-mail, etc. This is a foldable mobile phone 100 having functions and the like.

  FIG. 1A is an external view when the mobile phone 100 is used, and includes a display unit 120 having a main display unit 122, a hinge unit 140 provided with a sub display unit 142, and an operation unit for performing operations such as data input. 160.

  The display unit 120 and the operation unit 160 are connected to each other through a hinge unit 140, and can be rotated and opened and closed with the hinge unit 140 as an axis. FIG. 1B is an external view of the mobile phone 100 when not in use (closed), and the display unit 120 and the operation unit 160 are folded so as to overlap each other with the hinge unit 140 as an axis. It becomes a state.

  The display unit 120 includes a main display unit 122 that displays a mail creation screen, a web browser, and the like as a first display area, a speaker for call 108, and the like, and rotates with the operation unit 160 via a hinge unit 140. Connected as possible.

  The hinge unit 140 is provided with a sub display unit 142 that displays icons (ICON) and data associated with application software and the like, and connects the display unit 120 and the operation unit 160 in a rotatable state. In addition, the sub display unit 142 is provided at a position where the display content can be viewed from the outside even when the display unit 142 is not used (when the display unit 120 and the operation unit 160 are folded so as to be superposed). (See FIG. 1B).

  The operation unit 160 includes input / call keys 162 such as a numeric keypad, a manner button, a memo button, a call button, a clear button, and a call end button, and cursors on the screen of the main display unit 122 / sub display unit 142. It has operation keys 164 for moving, scrolling, confirming / executing operations, specifying a data range, etc., a microphone 108 for calling, etc., and is connected to the display unit 120 via a hinge unit 140 so as to be rotatable. Yes.

  The mobile phone 100 described with reference to FIG. 1 has an internal configuration as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 2, and includes an antenna 101, a call speaker 104, a device speaker 106, a call microphone 108, and a duplexer ( Duplexer (111) 111, receiving unit (RX) 112, transmitting unit (TX) 113, DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 114, control unit 115, RAM (Random Access Memory) 116, ROM (Read Only Memory) 117, an operation unit 160, a main display unit 122, and a sub display unit 142, and further includes an imaging control unit 118, a camera 119, an antenna 102, and a short-range wireless communication unit 104. It has become.

  The antenna 101 is connected to the duplexer 111, sends received data to the duplexer 111, and sends transmission data from the duplexer 111.

  The duplexer 111 is connected to the antenna 101, the reception unit (RX) 112, and the transmission unit (TX) 113. The duplexer 111 transmits the received radio wave from the antenna 101 to the reception unit (RX) 112, and the transmission unit (TX) 113 Are transmitted to the antenna 101.

The receiving unit (RX) 112 is connected to the duplexer 111 on the one hand and to the DSP 114 on the other hand, demodulates the received signal from the duplexer 111 and sends it to the DSP 114.
The transmission unit (TX) 113 is connected to the duplexer 111 on one side and the DSP 114 on the other side, and modulates a transmission signal from the DPS 114 and sends the modulated signal to the duplexer 111.

  The call speaker 104 and the device speaker 106 are connected to the DSP 114 and output an audio signal processed by the DPS 114. The call microphone 106 is connected to the DSP 114 and sends the input voice to the DPS 114 for processing.

  A DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 114 is connected to the transmission unit (TX) 113, the reception unit (RX) 112, the call speaker 104 and the device speaker 106, the call microphone 106, and the control unit 115. In accordance with the control, the voice input from the microphone 108 and the reception signal from the receiving unit (RX) 112 are processed and transmitted to the speaker 104 for calling, the data from the control unit 115 is processed, and the transmitting unit (TX) 113 and the apparatus speaker 106.

  The control unit 115 is connected to the DSP 114, the operation unit 160, the RAM 116, the ROM 117, the main display unit 122, the sub display unit 142, the imaging control unit 118, and the short-range wireless communication unit 104, and exists in the ROM 117 (or RAM 116). The connected parts are controlled according to the control program.

  A RAM (Random Access Memory) 116 is connected to the control unit 115, and can perform parallel processing of a plurality of application software, and processes data according to the control unit 115, and performs a main display unit 122 and a sub display unit 142. The application software to be displayed on the screen is switched.

  A ROM (Read Only Memory) 117 is connected to the control unit 115, and includes a control program (Operating System) and identification information (telephone number, device number, etc.) for controlling the device, a plurality of application software, icon image data, and the like. Are stored, and necessary information (data) and a program are appropriately sent to the RAM 116 or the like according to the control of the control unit 115.

  The operation unit 160 is connected to the control unit 115, and performs an operation instruction such as character input / call and display switching via the control unit 115 by the input / call key 162 and the operation key 164 (see FIG. 1A). .

  The main display unit 122 is connected to the control unit 115 and displays application software such as a mail creation screen and a web browser in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 115 as a first display area.

  The sub display unit 142 is connected to the control unit 115, and an icon (ICON) generated in association with application software displayed on the main display unit 122 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 115 as a second display area. And data are displayed. Further, when the device is in an unused state (closed state), as shown in the display example of FIG. 1C, the electric field intensity level of the radio wave (sub-display unit 142a in the same figure), the remaining capacity of the battery (sub Display unit 142b), time information (sub-display unit 142c in the figure), device setting (manner mode on / off etc.) information (sub-display unit 142d in the figure), presence / absence of data storage (stack) (sub-display in the figure) The device status such as the unit 142e) is displayed with an icon (ICON) or the like. Furthermore, it is needless to say that icons indicating the device states can be appropriately combined and displayed as in the sub display unit 142f in FIG.

  The antenna 102 is connected to the short-range wireless communication unit 104 and transmits and receives short-range wireless communication radio waves such as infrared communication (IrDA) and Bluetooth.

  The short-range wireless communication unit 104 is connected to the antenna 102 on one side and the control unit 115 on the other side. For example, a notebook computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), another mobile phone, or the like that complies with the Bluetooth specification. Connect without using cables and send and receive audio and data.

  The imaging control unit 118 connects one side to the camera 119 and the other side to the control unit 115, captures imaging data from the camera 119, displays the data on the main display unit 112 (sub display unit 142) via the control unit 115, Imaging data processing such as storage in the RAM 116 or the like is performed.

  The camera 119 is connected to the imaging control unit 118 and sends the captured video (image) to the imaging control unit 118.

  Next, in the cellular phone 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the relationship between the display screen of the main display unit 122 and the icons displayed on the sub display unit 142 will be described.

  Icons displayed on the sub display unit 142 are roughly classified into [1] pointer type, [2] copy type, and [3] reduced type.

[1] Pointer-type icon The pointer-type icon is an icon that is generated while being associated with the processing of the task displayed on the main display unit 122 being continued as schematically shown in FIG. is there. When the pointer type icon is selected, the latest state of the task corresponding to this icon is restored and displayed on the main display unit 122.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the display state of the main display unit 122 and the sub display unit 142 and the state in the memory when the pointer type icon is used, and the main area 122a in the memory. , The task displayed on the main display unit 122 is executed, and another task in a state where the processing is continued is stored in the sub area 142a, and is displayed on the sub display unit 142 as a pointer-type icon.

  First, in FIG. 4A, the first application software “A” is currently being executed, and the first application software “A” is displayed on the main display unit 122. In addition, it is assumed that nothing is displayed on the sub display unit 142.

  Here, when switching to another second application software “B” while continuing the processing of the first application software “A”, a predetermined operation is performed by the operation key 164 or the like, and the second application software “B” is performed. ”Is generated, the pointer type icon 10 corresponding to the first application software“ A ”is automatically or manually generated, and the icon 10 is displayed on the sub display unit 142. At this time, in the memory, the first application software “A” processed in the main area 122 a corresponding to the main display unit 122 is switched to the sub area 142 a and the first application software “A” is managed by the pointer P. I do.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4B, the activated second application software “B” starts processing in the main area 122a, and the second application software “B” is displayed on the main display unit 122. The At this time, the processing of the first application software “A” is continuously performed in the sub area 142a in the memory, and the latest state “A (1)”... “A (n)” is displayed. It is managed by the pointer P.

  Here, when the second application software “B” is ended (or stopped or interrupted), as shown in FIG. 4C, the second application software “B” currently being executed in the main area 122a is started. Switching to the first application software “A” is automatically performed, and the latest state “A (8)” of the first application software “A” managed by the pointer P is restored in the main area 122a. The latest state “A (8)” of the first application software “A” is displayed on the main display unit 122. At the same time, the icon 10 (first application software “A”) is erased from the sub display unit 142 (and the sub area 142a). The icon 10 can be prevented from disappearing.

  As described above, automatic switching of application software can be performed by switching to application software that has been started immediately before, or switching to application software that has been determined in advance or arbitrarily.

  When the second application software “B” is to be terminated (or stopped or interrupted), the main application unit 122 is switched to the sub display unit 142 by a predetermined operation using the operation key 164 or the like, and the first application software “A” is switched. The icon 10 (arbitrary icon 10) may be selected to switch from the second application software “B” to the first application software “A”.

[2] Copy type As shown schematically in FIG. 5, the copy type icon holds the application software displayed on the main display unit 122 in a suspended or stopped state, or keeps the initial state as it is (copied). It is an icon generated in association with the state. When the copy type icon is selected, the application software corresponding to this icon is restored in a suspended or stopped state or in an initial state and displayed on the main display unit 122.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the display state of the main display unit 122 and the sub display unit 142 and the state in the memory when the copy type icon is used, and the main area 122a in the memory. , The application software displayed on the main display unit 122 is executed, the processing is interrupted (stopped) or another task in the initial state is stored in the sub area 142a, and displayed as a copy-type icon on the sub display unit 142. The

  First, in FIG. 6A, the first application software “A” is currently executed, and the first application software “A” is displayed on the main display unit 122. In addition, it is assumed that nothing is displayed on the sub display unit 142.

  Here, when the processing of the first application software “A” is interrupted (stopped) and switched to another second application software “B”, a predetermined operation is performed by the operation key 164 or the like, and the second application software “ When “B” is activated, a copy-type icon 10 corresponding to the first application software “A” is automatically or manually generated, and the icon 10 is displayed on the sub display unit 142. At this time, in the memory, the processing of the first application software “A” processed in the main area 122 a corresponding to the main display unit 122 is switched to the sub area 124 a in the suspended (stopped) state or the initial state, and the pointer P Thus, the first application software “A” is managed to be started (suspended) or in an initial state.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, the activated second application software “B” starts processing in the main area 122a, and the second application software “B” is displayed on the main display unit 122. The At this time, the processing of the first application software “A” is interrupted (stopped) (initial state) “A (1)” in the sub area 142a in the memory.

  Here, when the second application software “B” is terminated (or stopped or interrupted), as shown in FIG. 6C, from the second application software “B” currently being executed in the main area 122a. Switching to the first application software “A” is automatically performed, and the state “A” when the processing of the first application software “A” managed by the pointer P is interrupted (stopped) in the main area 122a. (1) ”is restored, the state of the task“ A (1) ”is displayed on the main display unit 122, and the icon 10 is extinguished from the sub display unit 142 (and the sub area 142a). The icon 10 can be prevented from disappearing.

  As described above, automatic switching of application software can be performed by switching to application software that has been started immediately before, or switching to application software that has been determined in advance or arbitrarily.

  Further, when the second application software “B” is to be ended (or stopped or interrupted), the main application unit 122 is switched to the sub display unit 142 by a predetermined operation using the operation key 164 and the first application software “A”. The icon 10 (arbitrary icon 10) may be selected to switch from the second application software “B” to the first application software “A”.

[3] Reduced Icon As shown schematically in FIG. 7, the reduced icon is an icon generated by reducing the task display screen displayed on the main display unit 122 as it is, and the pointer described above. As with the type icon, it is also possible to restore the latest state of the task and display it on the main display unit 122 (reduced pointer type). As with the copy type icon, the state when the task is interrupted (or stopped) It is also possible to restore the state and display it on the main display unit 122 (reduced copy type).

  Further, the icon displayed on the sub display unit 142 may be an icon if the icon display state is changed following a task state change like a child screen by a PinP (Picture in Picture) function of a television. It is possible to check the display state of the task as it is.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the display state of the main display unit 122 and the sub display unit 142 and the state in the memory when the reduced icon is used, and the main area 122a in the memory. The task displayed on the main display unit 122 is executed, and the sub-region 142a stores another task in a state where the process is continued, a state where the process is interrupted (stopped), or an initial state. 142 is displayed as a copy-type icon.

  First, in FIG. 8A, the first application software “A” is currently being executed, and the first application software “A” is displayed on the main display unit 122. In addition, it is assumed that nothing is displayed on the sub display unit 142.

  Here, when switching to another second application software “B” while continuing the processing of the first application software “A”, a predetermined operation is performed by the operation key 164 or the like, and the second application software “B” is performed. ”Is generated, a reduced icon 10 corresponding to the first application software“ A ”and reduced by reducing the resolution of the displayed screen is automatically or manually generated. Is displayed on the sub-display unit 142. At this time, in the memory, the first application software “A” processed in the main area 122 a corresponding to the main display unit 122 is switched to the sub area 142 a and the first application software “A” is managed by the pointer P. I do.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, the activated second application software “B” starts processing in the main area 122a, and the second application software “B” is displayed on the main display unit 122. The At this time, the processing of the first application software “A” is continuously performed in the sub area 142a in the memory, and the latest state “A (1)”... “A (n)” is displayed. It is managed by the pointer P.

  Here, when the second application software “B” is terminated (or stopped or interrupted), as shown in FIG. 8C, from the second application software “B” currently being executed in the main area 122a. Switching to the first application software “A” is automatically performed, and the latest state “A (8)” of the first application software “A” managed by the pointer P is restored in the main area 122a. The latest state “A (8)” of the first application software “A” is displayed on the main display unit 122. At the same time, the icon 10 (first application software “A”) is erased from the sub display unit 142 (and the sub area 142a). The icon 10 can be prevented from disappearing.

  As described above, automatic switching of application software can be performed by switching to application software that has been started immediately before, or switching to application software that has been determined in advance or arbitrarily.

  Further, when the second application software “B” is to be ended (or stopped or interrupted), the main application unit 122 is switched to the sub display unit 142 by a predetermined operation using the operation key 164 and the first application software “A”. The icon 10 (arbitrary icon 10) may be selected to switch from the second application software “B” to the first application software “A”.

  Further, a special operation such as pressing the jog dial (scroll key) of the operation key 164 and the “*” of the input / call key 162 at the same time without switching from the main display unit 122 to the sub display unit 142 is performed. The icon 10 on the sub display unit 142 may be selected.

  The above description of the reduced icon describes the reduced pointer icon that displays (restores) the latest state of the application software corresponding to the icon in the same manner as the [1] pointer icon. The application software corresponding to the icon is interrupted (stopped) or displayed (restored) on the main display unit 122 in the initial state. [2] A reduced copy type icon that performs the same operation as the copy type icon may be generated. Is possible.

  An example of a specific operation when the mobile phone 100 is used while switching a plurality of application software using the pointer type / copy type / reduction type icons described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The operation of the mobile phone 100 starts when the power is turned on and ends unconditionally when the power is turned off. In addition, it has functions such as creation and transmission / reception of e-mail, access and browsing to the Internet, game, camera shooting mode, call mode, music playback, etc. as application software, and it can process multiple application software in parallel. Application software can be used by switching to an icon.

  First, when the mobile phone 100 in a state where the display unit 120 and the operation unit 160 are folded and closed is opened to be operable, the main display unit 122 and the sub display unit 142 can be viewed simultaneously (see FIG. 1A). ) And the initially set top screen is displayed (ST100). Then, when a predetermined operation is performed with the input / call key 162 or the operation key 164 of the operation unit 160 to access application software, for example, the Internet, when the web browser is activated, the web browser is displayed on the main display unit 122, The display content of the main display unit 122 is updated as needed in accordance with processing and operation (ST101, ST102).

  When application software such as a web browser is activated, it is determined whether icon generation is in the automatic generation mode (ST103).

  In the case of automatically generating an icon, a predetermined data is called from the RAM 116 or the ROM 117 to generate the icon 10 (for web browser), or the icon 10 (for web browser) with a reduced screen of the main display unit 142 is generated, The information is displayed on the sub display unit 142 (ST104, 105).

  If the icon is not automatically generated, it is next selected whether to manually generate the icon (ST106).

  When the icon is manually generated, a predetermined operation is performed with the operation key 164 or the like, and the icon 10 (for the web browser) is generated by calling predetermined data from the RAM 116 or the ROM 117 as described above, or the main display unit 142 The icon 10 obtained by reducing the screen is reduced to generate an icon 10 (for a web browser) and displayed on the sub display unit 142 (ST104, 105). When the icon is not manually generated, the process proceeds to the application software (in this case, the web browser) as it is.

  Subsequently, when other application software, for example, application software for creating an e-mail, is activated, it is determined whether or not the icon 10 of the application software to be activated has already been generated on the sub display unit 142 (ST108). . In this case, it is determined whether or not an icon of application software for creating an e-mail is displayed (existing) on the sub display unit 142.

  When the icon 10 (for creating an e-mail) is displayed (generated) on the sub display unit 142 (= being activated), the application software corresponding to the icon 10 is switched to the e-mail creating software in this case. The mail creation screen is displayed on the main display unit 142, and the display content is updated as needed in accordance with the operation and processing (ST108 → ST110, 111 → ST102...).

  When an icon (for creating an e-mail) is not displayed (generated) on the sub display unit 142, it is determined whether or not (other) application software (e-mail creating software) requested to start is in an icon automatic generation mode ( ST103).

  When automatically generating an icon, a predetermined data is called from the RAM 116 or the ROM 117 to generate the icon 10 (for creating an e-mail), or the icon 10 (for creating an e-mail) having a reduced screen of the main display unit 142 is generated. And displayed on the sub display unit 142 (ST103, ST104, 105).

  If the icon is not automatically generated, it is subsequently selected whether to manually generate the icon (ST106).

  When the icon is manually generated, a predetermined operation is performed with the operation key 164 or the like, and the icon 10 (for creating an e-mail) is generated by calling predetermined data from the RAM 116 or the ROM 117 in the same manner as described above. An icon 10 (for creating an e-mail) is generated by reducing the screen of the display unit 142 and displayed on the sub display unit 142 (ST104, 105). If the icon is not manually generated, the process directly proceeds to the application software (in this case, e-mail creation).

  Then, the application software (e-mail creation) currently displayed on the main display unit 122 performs processing, and it is selected whether or not to end the application software (e-mail creation) processing (ST109).

  If the process is not terminated, the operation of this application software (e-mail creation) is continued (ST109 → ST102...).

  When the process is to be terminated, it is determined whether or not the icon 10 of the application software (for creating an e-mail) is present (displayed) on the sub display unit 142 (ST109 → ST112).

  If an icon exists in the sub display unit 142, it is next selected whether or not the icon disappears from the sub display unit 142 (ST114).

  When the icon is to be deleted, it is determined whether it is automatically deleted or manually deleted (ST115). Then, the icon 10 (and the data in the memory) is erased from the sub display unit 142 (and the memory sub area 142a) automatically or by a predetermined key operation (ST116). If the icon is not deleted, the icon 10 (for creating an e-mail) is left in the sub display unit 142 (and the memory sub area 142a).

  If no icon is present in the sub-display unit 142, it is determined whether there is any other application software that is currently running (ST112 → ST113).

  If there is other application software that is running, the application software is switched to, displayed on the main display unit 142, and the processing is continued (ST113 → ST102 →...).

  If there is no other application software being activated, the screen is switched to the main display unit 122 and the initially set top screen is displayed (ST115 → ST113 → ST100).

  Next, a specific use example when the mobile phone 100 is used based on the operation flow shown in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the mobile phone 100 shown in FIG. 10, a “music playback screen” 122 a is displayed on the main display unit 122, music data playback processing is performed, and a plurality of icons 10 are displayed on the sub display unit 142. It is in a state.

  The icons 10 displayed on the sub display unit 142 are, from the leftmost in the upper row, a top (initial) screen 10a, an Internet connection icon 10b, a Java (registered trademark) program execution icon 10c, and an e-mail icon. An icon 10d and an icon 10e for operating the camera 119 are set in advance, and are always displayed on the sub display unit 142 as icons to be displayed on the sub display unit 142. In the lower row, an active display that is being displayed on the main display unit 122 or is continuing processing Application software icons are displayed. In FIG. 10, a music icon 10f is displayed.

  The icons 10a to 10e that are always displayed on the sub display unit 142 (upper stage) are copy-type icons. When this icon is selected, a screen in which each application software is initially set is always displayed on the main display unit 122. .

  On the other hand, the icon displayed in the sub-display unit 142 (lower part) is manual for any copy type (and reduced copy type), regardless of copy type / pointer type / reduced type (reduced copy type, reduced pointer type). If the pointer type (and reduced pointer type) is selected, it is automatically displayed / erased according to the start / end of each application software.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10, if music is being viewed on the mobile phone 100, the music playback software is activated, the “music playback screen” 122a is displayed on the main display section 122, and the sub display section is displayed. In 142, a “sound” icon 10f generated manually or automatically is displayed.

  In this state, when a call comes in, the music playback software automatically switches to the call software (or when the input / call key 162 is operated), and as shown in FIG. Switches to the “call data screen” 122b for displaying the telephone number and call time of the other party, and the music playback software in the main area of the memory transitions to the sub area to continue or pause music playback. At the same time as the calling software is activated, a “talk” icon 10g (pointer type) indicating that a call is in progress is automatically generated on the sub-display unit 142.

  In addition, it is possible to connect to the Internet while in a call state as shown in FIG. 11. For example, when accessing a website for searching for a restaurant, the input / call key 162 or the operation key 164 of the operation unit 160 can be used. The main display unit 122 is switched to the sub display unit 142 by the operation, and the “i” icon 10b on the upper stage of the sub display unit 142 is selected.

  When the “i” icon 10 b is selected, the network connection software is activated and a web browser is displayed on the main screen 122. Then, the user accesses the Internet, searches for a desired website as shown in FIG. 12, and displays a “restaurant search screen” 122c on the main screen 122. At this time, the call software in the main area of the memory transitions to the sub area and continues the call processing. At the same time when the network connection software is activated, a “Net” icon 10 h (pointer type) is automatically generated on the sub display unit 142.

  Then, on the “restaurant search screen” 122 c, for example, a station name, a budget, a type of dish, and the like are input, and information on the corresponding restaurant (store phone number and map) is displayed on the main display unit 122.

  At this time, a predetermined operation is performed with the input / call key 162 or the operation key 164 of the operation unit 160 to create this display screen as a copy type (reduced copy type) icon 10H and display it on the sub display unit 142. Alternatively, it is possible to replace the “Net” icon 10h (pointer type) and save the display screen when the network connection software is terminated. The network connection software icon 10h may automatically disappear after a predetermined time.

  Furthermore, when the information (display screen) searched for on the “restaurant search screen” 122c in FIG. 12 is to be transmitted by e-mail, the main display unit is operated by a predetermined operation using the input / call key 162 or the operation key 164 of the operation unit 160. Switching from 122 to the sub-display unit 142, the “Me” icon 10d at the top of the sub-display unit 142 is selected.

  When the “me” icon 10d is selected, the e-mail creation software is activated, and a “new mail creation screen” 122d as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the main screen 122. At the same time, the sub display unit 142 displays “ A “new” icon 10i (pointer type) is automatically generated.

  Then, when predetermined items such as a title, destination, and text are input with the input / call key 162 or the operation key 164 of the operation unit 160, or an e-mail is created with the icon 10H as attached data and transmitted or stored, the sub display unit 142 The “new” icon 10i disappears automatically (the display state shown in FIG. 12 is obtained).

  Subsequently, when the Internet connection is terminated (see FIG. 11) and the call is terminated, the “Net” icon 10h and the “talk” icon 10g of the sub display unit 142 are automatically disappeared and music playback is automatically or manually resumed. (The display state shown in FIG. 10 is obtained).

  At this time, if the “sound” icon 10f is a pointer-type icon, the music playback is continued, and when the music playback software is restarted automatically or manually after the call ends, a certain time has elapsed from the state before the restart. Music is played in the state. If the “sound” icon 10f is a copy-type icon, music playback is paused, and when the music playback software is resumed automatically or manually after the call ends, the music playback starts from the point at which it stopped before the resume. Is called. Regardless of the pointer type or the copy type, when the music playback software is resumed, the main display unit 122 switches to a screen display for music playback.

  When the application software is sequentially terminated, according to the operation flow of FIG. 9, the main display unit 122 displays the top (initial) screen, but the recently used application software as described above. "Retrieval search screen" 122c (see FIG. 12) is displayed on the main display unit 122, and if application data is most frequently updated, the "call data screen" 122b (see FIG. 12) is displayed. 11 (provided that the call data is updated most frequently) is displayed on the main display unit 122.

  10-13, for example, “Sound” is used for music playback and “Talk” is used in the call mode, and the icon is automatically selected according to the application software. Of course, other methods may be used such as selecting each time an icon is generated, or assigning icons in numerical order.

  Note that the main display unit 122 (one display screen) displayed on the display unit 120 may be displayed separately in a main display area and a sub display area. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, when the main display area is the display area “B” 122M in the display unit 120A, the sub display area is displayed on the upper part of the display unit 122A like the display area “A” 122S. Alternatively, it may be displayed below the display unit 122A as in the display area C (sub) 122S. Furthermore, it is a matter of course that the main display area and the sub display area may be arranged on the left and right, or may be switched as appropriate and displayed at other display positions. Furthermore, the width (size) of the display area of the main display area and the sub display area can be arbitrarily set.

  Therefore, in a mobile phone other than the foldable mobile phone 100 having the main display unit 122 and the sub display unit 142 as separate display screens, when there is only one screen display unit, as shown in FIG. In addition, if one display screen is divided into a main display area and a sub display area and displayed, it is possible to realize the same function, whether or not it is a foldable type, or whether it has a plurality of display screens. It goes without saying that an equivalent function can be realized in devices other than mobile phones.

It is explanatory drawing which showed the example of a display of the external view of a folding type | mold mobile phone which concerns on this invention, and a sub display part. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an internal configuration of the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view schematically showing a relationship between a pointer type icon and a main display unit in the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a relationship between main and sub display units and states in a memory when a pointer type icon is used in the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a relationship between a copy type icon and a main display unit in the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a relationship between main and sub display units and states in a memory when a copy type icon is used in the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a relationship between a reduced icon and a main display unit in the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a relationship between main and sub display units and states in a memory when a reduced icon is used in the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a task display switching method in the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the specific operation | movement in the mobile telephone shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the specific operation | movement in the mobile telephone shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the specific operation | movement in the mobile telephone shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the specific operation | movement in the mobile telephone shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the display position of the main display part of the portable apparatus which concerns on this invention, and a portable communication apparatus, and a sub display part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100; Mobile phone, 120; Display part, 122; Main display part, 140; Hinge part, 142; Sub display part, 160; Operation part, 162; Input / call key, 164; Antenna, 104; Speaker for call, 105; Short-range wireless communication unit, 106; Speaker for device, 108; Microphone, 111; Duplexer, 112; Receiver (RX), 113; Transmitter (TX), 114; Digital Signal Processor (115); Control unit 116; RAM (Random Access Memory) 117; ROM (Read Only Memory) 118; Imaging control unit 119; Camera 10; Icon 10a to 10i; Icon 10H; Icons, 122a to 122d; display screen 100A; mobile phone, 120A; display unit, 122A, the main display unit, 122m; main display area, 122s; sub display area, 142A; sub-display unit, 142a~142f; of the sub-display unit display example

Claims (21)

In a portable device capable of processing a plurality of application software in parallel and displaying a plurality of display areas for displaying data,
An icon generation step of generating a first icon displayed in the first display area of the plurality of display areas and associated with the first application software;
An icon display step of displaying the generated first icon in a second display area of the plurality of display areas;
A selection step of selecting a second icon displayed in the second display area;
A display switching step of switching the display of the first application software displayed in the first display area to the display of the second application software corresponding to the selected second icon,
The display switching method for application software, wherein the first application software corresponding to the first icon continues processing even after the display switching. When the second application software corresponding to the selected second icon is continuing processing, the latest state of the second application software processing corresponding to the second icon selected by the selection 2. The display switching method for application software according to claim 1, wherein display switching is performed in the first display area. 2. The display switching method of application software according to claim 1, wherein when the display is switched, the first application software corresponding to the first icon is suspended or stopped. 2. The processing is resumed by the display switching when the second application software corresponding to the second icon is in a suspended or stopped state at the time of the display switching. The display switching method of the described application software. The application software according to claim 1, wherein the generated first icon is generated by reducing an image displayed in the first display area of the first application software. Display switching method. When the display is switched, the second icon disappears from the second display area when the associated second application software is displayed in the first display area. The display switching method for application software according to claim 1. A portable device capable of processing a plurality of application software in parallel and displaying a plurality of display areas for displaying data,
Icon generating means for generating a first icon associated with the first application software displayed in the first display area of the plurality of display areas;
Icon display means for displaying the generated first icon in a second display area of the plurality of display areas;
Selecting means for selecting a second icon displayed in the second display area;
The display of the first application software displayed in the first display area is switched to the display of the second application software corresponding to the selected second icon, and the first corresponding to the first icon is switched. And a control device for continuing the application software processing. When the second application software corresponding to the second icon is continuing processing, the control means switches the display of the latest state of the application software processing to the first display area by the selection. The portable device according to claim 7. 8. The portable device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit is configured to interrupt or stop the processing of the first application software corresponding to the first icon when the display is switched. 8. The portable device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit resumes the process by the selection when the second application software corresponding to the second icon is in a state where the process is interrupted or stopped. machine. The mobile device according to claim 7, wherein the generated first icon is generated by reducing an image displayed in the first display area of the first application software. 8. The first icon disappears from the second display area when the associated second application software is displayed in the first display area by the selection. The portable device as described in. Multiple application software can be processed in parallel,
A display unit having a first display area for displaying data;
A hinge portion having a second display area for displaying data;
An operation unit having operation means for operating data,
The display unit and the operation unit are coupled via the hinge unit, and the first display region and the second display can be opened when the display unit is opened by being pivoted about the hinge unit. A mobile communication device that can simultaneously view an area,
Selecting means for selecting a first icon corresponding to the plurality of application software displayed in the second display area;
The display of the first application software displayed in the first display area is switched to the display of the second application software corresponding to the selected second icon, and is displayed in the first display area. A second icon associated with the first application software is displayed, the generated second icon is displayed in the second display area, and the first application software corresponding to the second icon is And a control means for continuing the processing. The latest state of the application software processing is displayed in the first display area by the selection when the second application software corresponding to the first icon is continuing the processing. 13. The mobile communication device according to 13. The mobile communication device according to claim 13, wherein the first application software corresponding to the second icon is in a state where processing is interrupted or stopped. 14. The portable communication device according to claim 13, wherein when the second application software corresponding to the first icon is in a state where the process is interrupted or stopped, the process is resumed by the selection. The mobile communication device according to claim 13, wherein the generated second icon is generated by reducing an image displayed in the first display area of the first application software. 14. The first icon disappears from the second display area when the second application software associated with the first icon is displayed in the first display area by the selection. The mobile communication device described in 1.   14. The portable communication device according to claim 13, wherein the second display area is provided in a state where the second display area can be viewed when the display unit and the operation unit are rotated to be in a closed state.   The mobile communication device according to claim 19, wherein the second display area displays data indicating a device state when the second display region is in an open state. 21. The portable communication device according to claim 20, wherein the data indicating the device status includes any one of communication status, battery capacity, time information, and data indicating presence / absence of stored data.

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