JP2008092081A - Portable terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable terminal capable of surely insuring security, without requiring excessive storage capacitance in a nonvolatile memory. <P>SOLUTION: A control part 21 stores a path of position changes of pressing force detected by a touch sensor 16 as handwriting in a nonvolatile memory 24 of the portable terminal 1 during performing the processing of an authentication information setting mode, compares the path of position changes of pressing force detected by the touch sensor 16, after the operation of a fixing means 9 for locking casing parts 5 and 7, with the handwriting stored in the nonvolatile memory 24, and releases the locks of the casing parts 5 and 7, only when both coincide with each other. Security is insured by completely inhibiting the operations of keys 2, 3 and 4 on a key arrangement surface 5a in a locked state, and the data amount required for collation is reduced, by using handwriting collation instead of fingerprint collation and facilitates combination with other security means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an improvement of a mobile terminal, and more particularly to an improvement for improving the security of the mobile terminal.

  Security functions for mobile terminals such as mobile phones include those that use PINs, those that use the camera's face authentication function that is integrated with the mobile terminal, and fingerprint sensors that are integrated with the mobile terminal. Those utilizing the above are well known.

  However, all of them are merely forbidden on software to read out an address book that stores telephone numbers and the like and electronic mails that have been sent and received.

  Although there are portable terminals that are restricted by a PIN number for almost all functions, key operations for emergency calls related to police, firefighting, etc. are allowed even with such portable terminals. In addition, in the case of performing a lock operation using a personal identification number, the numeric keypad input operation itself required for unlocking is permitted.

  Therefore, even if the mobile terminal is locked using this type of security function, it is difficult to completely prohibit operations such as the numeric keypad, cross key, and enter key. There is a problem that the internal data of the mobile terminal is easily hacked.

  Moreover, since the part which can apply security is limited, there was a possibility that others could see some information through the display.

  As a security structure that can completely prohibit the operation on the mobile terminal, all the key operations on the mobile terminal are prohibited by holding the folded state of the mobile terminal by using the fingerprint sensor as the authentication means and the mechanical lock means Such a device is proposed as Patent Document 1, but this requires a nonvolatile memory having a large storage capacity and an advanced algorithm for storing and comparing fingerprint data. Therefore, there is an adverse effect such as an increase in the storage capacity required for the nonvolatile memory, and other security means in view of the processing capacity of the microprocessor of the control unit mounted on the portable terminal and the storage capacity of the nonvolatile memory. For example, it is difficult to use in combination with security means using a personal identification number or security means using a camera face authentication function.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-12425 (paragraph 0020)

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a portable terminal that can improve the disadvantages of the prior art and can ensure security without requiring an excessive storage capacity in a nonvolatile memory.

The portable terminal of the present invention is a state in which a main casing portion having main keys arranged on one side, a sub casing portion having a main display, and the sub casing portion superimposed on the one side of the main casing portion. A fixing means for fixing the sub-housing part to the main housing part, and a control part for controlling the mobile terminal as a whole, and superimposing the sub-housing part on the one surface of the main housing part. In order to achieve the above-mentioned problem, in particular, the portable terminal is configured to be retracted and put into use by retracting the sub-housing from the one surface of the main housing.
A touch sensor arranged on the surface of the main housing part or the sub housing part exposed to the outside in a state where the sub housing part is superposed on the one surface of the main housing part;
A setting mode transition means for detecting a mode switching command input from a setting mode switching means constituted by a part of the main keys and causing the control section to shift to processing of an authentication information setting mode;
Authentication information setting means for storing a path of a change in position of the pressing force detected in time series by the touch sensor while the control unit is in the authentication information setting mode as a handwriting in a nonvolatile memory of the mobile terminal;
Lock means for operating the fixing means after the authentication information setting means is activated;
The path of the change in position of the pressing force detected in time series by the touch sensor after the operation of the fixing means is compared with the handwriting stored in the memory, and only when the two match, And an unlocking means for releasing the operation.

The path of change in the position of the pressing force detected by the touch sensor while the control unit is in the authentication information setting mode is stored in the nonvolatile memory as a handwriting, and the pressing force detected by the touch sensor after the operation of the handwriting and the fixing means Compared with the path of the position change, the fixing means is released only when the two match, so the data required for authentication is less than when using the fingerprint sensor as the authentication means. The storage capacity is small, and the algorithm required for comparing authentication information is also simplified.
As long as the handwriting stored in the non-volatile memory and the path of the change in position of the pressing force detected by the touch sensor after the fixing means is activated do not match, the sub-housing can be retracted from one side of the main housing. In addition, since a third party cannot touch the main keys arranged on the one side, that is, the numeric keypad, the cross key, and the decision key, the security of the portable terminal can be surely ensured.
In addition, the transition to the authentication information setting mode required for setting the handwriting as authentication information is performed only when the mode switching command input from the setting mode switching means configured by a part of the main key is detected. Permissible. In other words, the authentication information can be stored in the non-volatile memory only in the usage state in which the sub-chassis part is retracted from one surface of the main housing part where the main key is arranged. That is, it is possible to reliably prevent the authentication information from being rewritten by a person who cannot retract the sub casing and operate the main keys of the main casing.
As a result of reducing the data storage capacity and simplifying the algorithm required for comparison of authentication information, within the range of the processing capacity of the microprocessor of the control unit mounted on the portable terminal and the storage capacity of the nonvolatile memory, Furthermore, other security means, for example, a security means using a conventionally known personal identification number or a security means using a camera face authentication function can be used in combination.

  When the main housing unit and the sub housing unit are connected so as to be openable and closable, the mobile terminal is a foldable mobile terminal.

  When such a configuration is applied, the fixing means for fixing the sub-housing unit to the main housing unit prohibits the opening / closing operation of the folded portable terminal, and the sub-housing unit is provided on the one surface of the main housing unit. The polymerized storage state is maintained.

  When the main housing unit and the sub housing unit are foldably connected to form a foldable portable terminal, in particular, the main housing unit with the sub housing unit superposed on the one surface of the main housing unit. It is desirable to adopt a configuration in which the one surface and the main display of the sub-casing unit face each other.

  In addition to the operation of the main keys arranged in the main casing, browsing of the main display is completely prohibited, so that it is possible to reliably prevent a third party from looking into the main display.

  In addition, when the main housing unit and the sub housing unit are slidably connected, the mobile terminal is a sliding mobile terminal.

  When such a configuration is applied, the fixing means for fixing the sub-housing unit to the main housing unit prohibits the sliding operation of the sub-housing unit of the mobile terminal in the housed state, The storage state in which the sub-casing is superposed on the one surface is maintained.

In the portable terminal of the present invention, the path of the change in position of the pressing force detected by the touch sensor while the control unit is in the authentication information setting mode is stored in the nonvolatile memory of the portable terminal as a handwriting. Compare the position change path of the pressing force detected by the touch sensor after operation, and release the operation of the fixing means and retract the sub-chassis part from one side of the main housing part only when both match. It is completely forbidden to touch a third party who does not know the handwriting on the main keys arranged on the main case, that is, the numeric keypad, the cross key, and the decision key. Can be guaranteed.
In addition, the transition to the authentication information setting mode required for setting the handwriting used as the authentication information is performed by setting the sub-housing unit from one side of the main housing unit, ie, the setting mode switching means constituted by a part of the main key. Since it is allowed only when a mode switching command input by a key that cannot be touched unless it is retracted, rewriting of authentication information by a third party can be reliably prevented.
Furthermore, compared with the case where a fingerprint sensor is used as an authentication means, the storage capacity of data required for authentication is small, and the algorithm required for comparison of authentication information is simplified. Within the range of the processing capacity of the microprocessor of the control unit and the storage capacity of the non-volatile memory, further security means, for example, security means using a conventionally known personal identification number or security means using a camera face authentication function Can also be used in combination.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with a specific example with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a three-sided view showing an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a foldable mobile phone which is a kind of mobile terminal, and FIG. 1 (a) shows a foldable mobile phone 1 of the same embodiment. FIG. 1B is a front view showing the mobile phone 1 in a closed storage state, and FIG. 1C is a plan view showing the mobile phone 1 in a closed storage state. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 1 (a), the cellular phone 1 includes a main casing 5 in which main keys such as a numeric keypad 2, a cross key 3, and an enter key 4 are arranged on one side, and a sub casing having a main display 6. Part 7, and one end part of the main housing part 5 and one end part of the sub-housing part 7 are connected via a hinge 8 so as to be opened and closed.

  At the other end of the main casing 5 to which the hinge 8 is attached, the sub casing 7 is superposed on one surface 5a (hereinafter referred to as a key arrangement plane 5a) on which the main key is arranged. A lock mechanism 9a constituting a main part of the fixing means 9 for fixing the sub-housing 7 to the main housing 5 in the state is provided, and the other end of the sub-housing 7 to which the hinge 8 is attached. Is provided with a locking piece 9 b constituting a part of the fixing means 9. As shown in FIG. 2, the lock mechanism 9a constituting the main part of the fixing means 9 includes a rod member 11 that can be engaged with and disengaged from a hole 10 formed in the locking piece 9b, and the rod member 11 in the axial direction. An actuator 12 such as a solenoid or a motor that is moved forward and backward to engage and disengage with the hole 10 of the locking piece 9b is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the state in which the sub housing portion 7 is opened and the sub housing portion 7 is retracted from the key arrangement surface 5 a of the main housing portion 5 corresponds to the use state of the mobile phone 1. . Further, as shown in FIG. 1B or FIG. 1C, the state in which the sub housing 7 is closed and the sub housing 7 is superposed on the key arrangement surface 5a of the main housing 5 is shown in FIG. This corresponds to the storage state of the mobile phone 1, and in this state, the key arrangement surface 5 a of the main housing unit 5 and the main display 6 of the sub-housing unit 7 face each other. That is, the main display 6 cannot be seen from the outside when the sub-housing 7 is closed, and the numeric keypad 2, the cross key 3, and the enter key 4 arranged on the key arrangement surface 5a can be operated from the outside. Can not.

The hinge 8 may be a hinge having a degree of freedom of rotation 1 that allows only the swing in the direction in which the sub-housing 7 is in contact with and away from the main housing 5, or the sub-housing 7 It is also possible to use a hinge having a rotational degree of freedom 2 (so-called universal hinge) to which a swivel operation that allows the front and back to be reversed is added.
However, in order to prevent the main display 6 from being looked into from the outside when the mobile phone 1 is stored, the locking piece 9b on the sub-housing 7 side is on the same side as the surface on which the main display 6 is installed. The main display 6 of the sub-housing 7 is covered with the key arrangement surface 5a of the main housing 5 in a state where the sub-housing 7 is closed and the mobile phone 1 is stored. Should.

Of the surface of the sub-housing unit 7 exposed to the outside in a state where the sub-housing unit 7 is superposed on the key arrangement surface 5a of the main housing unit 5, the surface on the back side of the sub-housing unit 7 is used for photographing. A touch sensor 16 is arranged in addition to the camera 13, the sub display 14 and the incoming call display LED 15, and a limited range of operations can be performed on the side surface of the main housing 5 in a situation where the mobile phone 1 is stored. A side switch 17 for realizing this is provided.
In the example of FIG. 1, the sub display 14 and the touch sensor 16 are configured independently. However, a display with a touch sensor in which a transparent film-like touch sensor is stacked on the display is known, and the sub display is known. Instead of 14 and the touch sensor 16, such an integrated display with a touch sensor may be used. The side switch 17 realizes essential functions of the cellular phone 1 related to main keys necessary for operating the cellular phone 1, that is, calls, data transmission / reception, data input, stored data reading, and the like. It is not included in the category of keys that are required.

  In FIG. 1A, reference numeral 18 denotes a microphone for voice input, reference numeral 19 denotes a speaker, and reference numeral 20 denotes an antenna.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the control unit 21 that controls the mobile phone 1 as a whole.

  The main display 6 and the sub-display 14 are composed of a liquid crystal monitor or the like. Among these, the main display 6 is used for displaying a selection of a telephone number, displaying an incoming call history, and displaying a mail in process of being created or a received mail. In addition, the sub display 14 is used for image confirmation or the like when taking a self-portrait using the camera 13.

  The camera control unit 22 drives the camera 13 in response to an instruction from the control unit 21 having a microprocessor (CPU), and the image captured by the camera 13 is subjected to processing such as color correction by the image processing unit 23. Then, it is read into the control unit 21 and stored in the data memory unit 24 composed of a nonvolatile memory. The data memory unit 24 stores e-mail text data, registered telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, and the like in addition to image data.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the path of the change in the position of the pressing force detected by the touch sensor 16 in the authentication information setting mode is stored in the data memory unit 24 as a legitimate user's handwriting.

  As in the prior art, audio input from the microphone 18 is A / D converted by the audio processing unit 25 and transferred to the control unit 21, further converted into communication format data by the control unit 21, and then modulated by the transmission / reception unit 26. Then, it is transmitted to the outside via the built-in or telescopic antenna 20.

  The communication radio wave received by the antenna 20 is demodulated by the transmission / reception unit 26, transferred to the control unit 21 and converted into audio data, and then subjected to a processing operation such as D / A conversion by the audio processing unit 25, and the speaker. 19 is output as sound.

  The numeric keypad 2 is used as a numeric input key in the case of a telephone number input operation or the like, and is used as a kana key for text data input in creating an e-mail or the like. The cross key 3 and the enter key 4 have functions as so-called menu selection keys and data entry keys.

  The setting mode switching means for shifting the processing of the CPU in the control unit 21 to the processing of the authentication information setting mode is the numeric keypad 2 that is a part of the main keys arranged on the key arrangement surface 5a of the main housing unit 5. It is constituted by.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, a known authentication technique using a personal identification number is diverted so that a valid user personal identification number is stored in the data memory unit 24 in advance. When it is input, the CPU compares the password number stored in advance in the data memory unit 24 with the newly input number, and only when the two match, the determination result is sent to the CPU as a mode switching command. Recognized by. In other words, the CPU functioning as the setting mode transition means regularly and repeatedly executes the process of monitoring whether or not the result of determination of the password match corresponding to the mode switching command is generated, and the password matching corresponding to the mode switching command. When the generation of the determination result is detected, the process proceeds to the authentication information setting mode.

  In the ROM 27, in addition to a control program for executing processing required for transmission and reception of telephone calls and e-mails, as well as image capturing and image reproduction, in the present embodiment, the CPU of the control unit 21 is particularly provided. A control program required to function as setting mode transition means, authentication information setting means, locking means, and unlocking means is stored.

  The open / close sensor 28 is used to determine whether or not the main housing 5 and the sub-housing 7 are completely closed. The operation of the actuator 12 of the lock mechanism 9a, that is, the lock in the fixing means 9 is performed. / The unlocking operation is allowed only when the open / close sensor 28 confirms that the main housing 5 and the sub-housing 7 are completely closed.

  Next, the opening / closing and locking / unlocking operations of the mobile phone 1 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the user opens the sub-casing unit 7 of the mobile phone 1 (step a1), and executes an operation for shifting the CPU of the control unit 21 to the authentication information setting mode process (step a2).

As described above, this operation is performed by inputting a personal identification number by a combination operation of the numeric keypad 2. The personal identification number input by the user at this time coincides with the personal identification number stored in the data memory unit 24 in advance. Only in some cases, the transition to the authentication information setting mode is allowed. In other words, the CPU functioning as the setting mode transition means recognizes this determination result as a mode switching command only when the comparison results of the passwords coincide with each other, and proceeds to the authentication information setting mode processing.
Therefore, even if the mobile phone 1 is left open, a third party starts up the authentication information setting mode without permission, and another handwriting is renewed while the legitimate user does not know. The mischief of setting as is almost impossible.

  The CPU that has shifted to the authentication information setting mode process displays a guidance message such as “Please close the terminal and press the side switch” on the main display 6, and then confirms signals from the open / close sensor 28 and the side switch 17. The user waits for the storage operation (folding operation) of the mobile phone 1 or the pressing operation of the side switch 17 to be performed by the user.

  When the user folds the mobile phone 1 and operates the side switch 17 (step a3), the CPU inputs “graphics or characters to the sub-display 14 located on the front side of the user when the mobile phone 1 is closed. Display a guidance message such as “Please”, and start reading a signal from the touch sensor 16 (step a4).

The user refers to the guidance message and executes handwriting input such as a figure or a character by tracing the touch sensor 16 (step a5), and the CPU functioning as the authentication information setting means causes the touch sensor 16 to The path change of the pressing force detected in series, that is, the path of change of the contact position of the user's fingertip is temporarily stored in the buffer as handwriting (step a6).
Note that handwriting reading processing using a touch sensor is already known, and various types of software have already been provided.

  In this embodiment, in particular, after confirming that the mobile phone 1 is closed and the side switch 17 is operated, the touch sensor 16 is activated to start processing in the authentication information setting mode (processing after step a4). Therefore, even if the user accidentally touches the touch sensor 16 when folding the mobile phone 1, there is no concern that this contact is read as part of the handwriting.

  Next, the CPU displays a guidance message such as “Please input the same graphic or character for confirmation” on the sub-display 14 (step a7), and the user responds to this by handwriting input of the graphic or character. When executed again, the CPU temporarily stores the handwriting in the other storage area of the buffer in the same manner as described above (step a8), and the newly stored handwriting and the handwriting temporarily stored in the processing of step a6 described above. Are determined to match (step a9).

  If these handwriting do not match, the CPU repeatedly executes the processing of step a4 to step a9 as retry processing in the same manner as described above, and finally, the input of reproducible handwriting is confirmed and step a9. If the determination result is true, the CPU functioning as the authentication information setting means stores the handwriting temporarily stored in the buffer at this time in the data memory unit 24 as the legitimate user's handwriting, and also functions as the locking means. The CPU that operates the actuator 12 of the lock mechanism 9a that forms the main part of the fixing means 9 causes the rod member 11 to enter the hole 10 of the locking piece 9b, and enters the key arrangement surface 5a of the main housing portion 5 into the sub housing. The sub-chassis part 7 is fixed to the main housing part 5 while maintaining the superposed state of the body part 7 (step a10).

  When it becomes necessary to open the mobile phone 1 again, the user operates the side switch 17 to cause the CPU to start processing in the unlock mode (step a11).

  The CPU that has started the processing in the unlock mode displays a guidance message such as “Please input the same graphic or character as that used for locking” on the sub-display 14, and then reads the signal from the touch sensor 16. Start (step a12).

  Then, when the user who refers to the guidance message performs handwriting input such as a figure or a character by tracing the touch sensor 16, the CPU functioning as the unlocking means detects the push detected by the touch sensor 16 in time series. The path of pressure position change, that is, the change path of the contact position of the user's fingertip is temporarily stored in the buffer as a handwriting (step a13), and the newly stored handwriting and the legitimate data stored in the data memory unit 24 are stored. A match / mismatch with the handwriting of the user is determined (step a14).

  Only when the two coincide with each other, the CPU functioning as the unlocking means returns the actuator 12 of the lock mechanism 9a to the non-actuated state and retracts the rod member 11 from the hole 10 of the locking piece 9b. The fixed state of the sub housing part 7 with respect to the body part 5 is released (step a15).

  In addition, when the handwriting newly temporarily stored in the process of step a13 and the handwriting stored in the data memory unit 24 do not match, the CPU functioning as the unlocking unit determines that the handwriting input operation is valid. The release of the fixed state is not executed (step a16).

  Even when a legitimate user performs a handwriting input operation, an appropriate handwriting is not necessarily input by a single input operation, but in this embodiment, the mobile phone 1 is closed. Since the unlocking mode process (the process after step a13) is forcibly started by the operation of the side switch 17, the retry input of the handwriting by a legitimate user is permitted by the re-operation of the side switch 17, If it is a legitimate user, even if the handwriting input fails several times, the locked state of the mobile phone 1 can be surely released.

  Of course, it is possible for a third party different from the legitimate user to input the handwriting retry, but the legitimate user inputs the handwriting using any figure or character in the authentication information setting mode processing. Therefore, there is almost no possibility that a third party inputs an appropriate handwriting by accidental coincidence and unlocks the mobile phone 1.

In this embodiment, the operation of the touch sensor 16 and the processing in the unlock mode are started after the operation of the side switch 17 is detected in the storage state in which the mobile phone 1 is locked. This is for saving.
As described above, there is almost no possibility that an appropriate handwriting is input due to accidental coincidence. Therefore, if the power consumption is not a problem, the touch sensor 16 is always in an operating state with the cellular phone 1 closed. The above-described processing after step a13 may be repeatedly executed to wait for an appropriate handwriting input.

  In this embodiment, the sub-housing unit 7 is closed by the fixing means 9 while the sub-housing unit 7 is closed and the sub-housing unit 7 is superposed on the key arrangement surface 5 a of the main housing unit 5. Since it is fixed to the body part 5, touching the main keys such as the numeric keypad 2, the cross key 3, and the enter key 4 under the situation where the mobile phone 1 is locked and put into the unused storage state is not possible. Neither can it be done at all, and the main display 6 facing the key arrangement surface 5a of the main housing part 5 cannot be peeked at all.

  Even in a situation where the mobile phone 1 is locked and stored, a third party can operate the side switch 17, but the side switch 17 has a handwriting that serves as authentication information for unlocking. Since only the function of starting the process that allows the input is provided, no matter how the side switch 17 is operated, the lock of the fixing means 9 cannot be released unless an appropriate handwriting is input. It is practically impossible for a third party to hack various data stored in the data memory unit 24 of the mobile phone 1 or to look into the main display 6.

  However, the side switch 17 is a means for preventing inconvenience that an erroneous contact at the time of closing the mobile phone 1 is read as a part of the handwriting and waste of power consumption due to long-time operation of the touch sensor 16. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which this is not an essential requirement.

  As described above, the handwriting as the authentication information can be registered in the data memory unit 24 only when the unlocking of the fixing means 9 is successful and the mobile phone 1 is opened to the use state. Can be registered in the data memory unit 24 only when the user inputs the personal identification number by operating the numeric keypad 2 with an appropriate combination. Therefore, the user temporarily leaves the mobile phone 1 in use. However, it is impossible for the third party to start the authentication information setting mode process without permission and to set another handwriting as authentication information without the knowledge of the legitimate user. That is, there is no problem that the mobile phone 1 cannot be opened due to the mischief of others.

  However, when the cellular phone 1 is locked, the keys on the key arrangement surface 5a cannot be touched at all. Therefore, at the start of the authentication information setting mode process, the password is entered to determine the authenticity of the user. It is not always necessary, and if there is no problem that the user leaves the mobile phone 1 in a used state or leaves it in a stored state without being locked, it is possible to operate by operating any key arranged on the key arrangement surface 5a. The authentication information setting mode process may be started immediately.

As described above, since the user's handwriting when drawing figures, characters, etc. is used as authentication information, the storage capacity of data required for authentication is less than when using fingerprints as an authentication means. I'll do it. As a result, another authentication data can be stored redundantly in the storage area of the data memory unit 24, and the algorithm required for comparing the authentication information is simplified compared to the case of fingerprint verification. Therefore, there is a room for storing another verification program in the ROM 27.
Specifically, other security means known in the art, such as security means using PIN code match / mismatch, security means using face image match / mismatch using camera face authentication function, etc. Locking / unlocking operation of the fixing means 9 can be performed in combination with security means using handwriting. In this way, the security related to data hacking and the like is further improved by applying double and triple security measures. To do.

  Still another embodiment will be briefly described. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a slide-type mobile phone. FIG. 5A shows a use state in which the slide-type mobile phone 1 ′ of the embodiment is slid and opened. FIG. 5 (b) is a right side view showing the cellular phone 1 ′ in a closed storage state, and FIG. 5 (c) shows the cellular phone 1 ′ in a use state opened by sliding. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5 (a), the cellular phone 1 'includes a main casing 5' on which main keys such as a numeric keypad 2 'are arranged on one side, and a sub casing 7' having a main display 6 '. The main housing 5 'and the sub-housing 7' are slidably connected via a known slide mechanism (not shown).

  Between the main housing portion 5 ′ and the sub housing portion 7 ′, the main housing portion 5 ′ is superposed on the key arrangement surface 5a ′ of the main housing portion 5 ′. Is provided with a fixing means 9 'for fixing the sub-housing 7'. The fixing means 9 'is composed of a lock mechanism 9a' on the main housing part 5 'side and an engaging piece 9b' on the sub-housing part 7 'side, and the parts configuration is basically the fixing means 9 in FIG. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the locking piece 9b ′ is embedded so as to be flush with the back surface of the main housing portion 5 ′, and this locking piece 9b ′ is embedded in the main housing. A hole in the normal direction of the portion 5 ′ is formed, and the rod member on the lock mechanism 9a ′ side penetrates into the hole of the locking piece 9b ′, whereby the main housing portion 5 ′ and the sub housing portion 7 ′ The lock / unlock operation is performed during the period.

  In this embodiment, the sub-housing portion 7 ′ of the surface of the sub-housing portion 7 ′ exposed to the outside in a state where the sub-housing portion 7 ′ is superposed on the key arrangement surface 5a ′ of the main housing portion 5 ′. The touch sensor 16 'and the main display 6' are arranged on the front surface of the main body 5 ', and a limited range of operations can be performed on the side surface of the main casing 5' under the condition that the mobile phone 1 'is stored. A side switch 17 ′ for realizing this is provided.

  In FIG. 5A, reference numeral 18 'denotes a microphone, reference numeral 19' denotes a speaker, and reference numeral 20 'denotes an antenna.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the configuration of the control unit 21 ′ for controlling the mobile phone 1 ′ as a whole is basically the same as that of the control unit 21 of FIG. 3, but the mobile phone 1 ′ of this embodiment has a sub-display and a camera. The camera control unit is not provided. An actuator 12 'in FIG. 6 is an actuator for operating a rod member (not shown) on the lock mechanism 9a' side.

  The flow of processing operations for opening / closing and locking / unlocking the cellular phone 1 'is basically the same as the flowchart of FIG.

However, since the cellular phone 1 ′ of this embodiment does not include a sub-display, a guidance message such as “Please input a graphic or character” is displayed in step a4, and “the same graphic or character for confirmation” in step a7. "Please enter"", and the guidance message such as" Please input the same figure or characters used at the time of locking "in step a12 are both displayed via the main display 6 '. Will be done.
In this embodiment, the main display 6 'is located outside in a state where the cellular phone 1' is closed and stored, and the touch sensor 16 'is also disposed on the same side as the main display 6'. Therefore, the user can accurately operate the touch sensor 16 ′ and the side switch 17 ′ while referring to the guidance message on the main display 6 ′.

  The overall operation and effects related to the mobile phone 1 ′ are the same as those in the above-described embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. However, in this embodiment, since the main display 6 'is located outside both when the cellular phone 1' is used and when it is stored, it is not possible to prevent the main display 6 'from being looked into itself. .

  As portable terminals to which the invention is applied, in addition to mobile phones, laptop computers, PHS (Personal Handy phone System), PDA (Personal Data Assistance, Personal Digital Assistants), and the like can be considered.

FIG. 1 is a three-sided view showing an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a foldable mobile phone which is a kind of mobile terminal, and FIG. 1A is a use state in which the foldable mobile phone of the embodiment is opened. FIG. 1B is a front view showing the mobile phone in a closed storage state, and FIG. 1C is a plan view showing the mobile phone in a closed storage state. It is sectional drawing shown about the outline of the structure of the fixing means in the mobile telephone of the embodiment. It is the functional block diagram which showed the outline of the structure of the control part which controls the mobile telephone of the embodiment entirely. 4 is a flowchart schematically showing opening / closing and locking / unlocking operation of the mobile phone according to the embodiment. FIG. 5A shows an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a slide-type mobile phone. FIG. 5A is a plan view showing the slide-type mobile phone according to the embodiment in a state of being opened by sliding. FIG. 5B is a right side view showing the cellular phone in the closed storage state, and FIG. 5C is a right side view showing the usage state in which the cellular phone is slid and opened. It is the functional block diagram which showed the outline of the structure of the control part which controls the mobile telephone of the embodiment entirely.

Explanation of symbols

1,1 'mobile phone (mobile terminal)
2,2 'numeric keypad (main key, setting mode switching means)
3 Four-way controller (main key)
4 Enter key (main key)
5,5 'Main casing 5a, 5a' One side on which main keys are arranged (key arrangement surface)
6, 6 'Main display 7, 7' Sub-housing 8 Hinges 9, 9 'Fixing means 9a, 9a' Lock mechanism 9b, 9b 'Locking piece 10 Hole 11 Rod member 12, 12' Actuator 13 Camera 14 Sub display 15 Incoming display LED
16, 16 'touch sensor 17, 17' side switch 18, 18 'microphone 19, 19' speaker 20, 20 'antenna 21, 21' control unit 22 camera control unit 23 image processing unit 24, 24 'data memory unit (non-volatile) Memory)
25, 25 ′ audio processing unit 26, 26 ′ transmission / reception unit 27, 27 ′ ROM
28, 28 'open / close sensor CPU setting mode transition means, authentication information setting means, locking means, unlocking means

Claims (4)

A main housing portion having a main key arranged on one surface, a sub housing portion having a main display, and the sub housing portion being superposed on the one surface of the main housing portion. While having a fixing means for fixing the sub-housing part and a control part for controlling the mobile terminal as a whole, the sub-housing part is superposed on the one surface of the main housing part to be in a storage state. A portable terminal configured to retract the sub-housing unit from the one surface of the main housing unit to be in a use state,
A touch sensor arranged on the surface of the main housing part or the sub housing part exposed to the outside in a state where the sub housing part is superposed on the one surface of the main housing part;
A setting mode transition means for detecting a mode switching command input from a setting mode switching means constituted by a part of the main keys and causing the control section to shift to processing of an authentication information setting mode;
Authentication information setting means for storing a path of a change in position of the pressing force detected in time series by the touch sensor while the control unit is in the authentication information setting mode as a handwriting in a nonvolatile memory of the mobile terminal;
Lock means for operating the fixing means after the authentication information setting means is activated;
The path of the change in position of the pressing force detected in time series by the touch sensor after the operation of the fixing means is compared with the handwriting stored in the memory, and only when the two match, A portable terminal comprising unlock means for releasing the operation.   The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein the main housing part and the sub-housing part are connected so as to be openable and closable.   The one surface of the main housing portion and the main display of the sub housing portion face each other in a state in which the sub housing portion is overlapped on the one surface of the main housing portion. The mobile terminal according to claim 2.   The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein the main housing portion and the sub housing portion are slidably connected.

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