JP2008172683A - Portable telephone terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable telephone terminal capable of keeping required functions to be operable without turning off a power source and effectively restricting only an operation that becomes the problem in the portable telephone terminal in a utilization unsuitable time zone. <P>SOLUTION: A function restriction starting/ending time is preset by a key input unit 1 and restriction time zone data are stored in a storage unit. A control unit 5 then carries out a function restriction operation for restricting the utilization of a function packaged in the portable telephone terminal in the set time zone. During the function restriction operation, the portable telephone terminal is disabled from being operated by user key input and regarding a telephone function or an electronic mail function that does not require key input, a call terminating operation and a receiving operation not accompanied with ring-back tone ringing or vibrator vibration are performed. Furthermore, even for operation that required key input, a telephone call to an emergency contact destination can be originated, and the portable telephone terminal can be powered on/off. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile phone, and more particularly to a technique for effectively restricting the use of a mobile phone in a time zone designated in advance.

  In addition to the original telephone function, recent mobile phones have a camera function that can take pictures and videos, an e-mail function that can send and receive e-mails, an Internet connection function that can connect to the Internet, and games A variety of functions such as a game function capable of making payments and a credit function capable of performing credit settlement have been incorporated. With the diversification and sophistication of such functions, mobile phone users tend to be younger year by year, and it is not uncommon for elementary school students to own their own mobile phones.

  In general, many low-age users, such as elementary school students, do not pay their own fees, and often use them unplanned with a sense of play, resulting in problems of high fees due to excessive use of mobile phones. Can be considered. In addition, there are concerns about frequent use at times that are not suitable for using mobile phones, such as late at night or during school hours (such as class time at school).

  As a method for coping with such a situation, a prepaid method for preventing an increase in communication charges due to a long telephone call or long-time data communication, or a method in which the power is automatically turned off for a predetermined time can be considered. The former can avoid generating a large communication fee due to overuse when a child has a mobile phone for contact with the home, for example, but the use of functions other than communication such as camera functions and game functions (not charged) However, it is not possible to effectively limit the use of the mobile phone at a time when the use is not appropriate. In the latter case, when a buzzer for crime prevention is added to the mobile phone or when a function for searching the position of the mobile phone by GPS (Global Positioning System) is installed, the power-off state is Will disable the function.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a communication terminal in which an administrator can finely limit the range of use of a communication terminal, and can prevent a managed person from using the terminal beyond the range intended by the administrator. For example, Patent Document 2 proposes a communication control method that can restrict the use of communication functions of communication terminals in detail.
JP 2005-117280 A JP 2005-328346 A

  The invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 can set specific functions, time zones, and usage time (call time and data amount) restrictions for each of the access restriction, time restriction, and usage restriction. In addition, a fine limitation of the usage range of communication terminals is realized. However, functions other than the access function (communication function), that is, the game function, camera function, stationery function (schedule book, etc.) are not subject to restriction, and effective use restrictions on mobile phones at times when use is not appropriate. It is difficult to do.

  Further, the invention disclosed in Patent Document 2 is based on communication prohibited functions such as a call function and a mail function, a communication prohibited communication destination, a prohibited classification (outgoing, incoming call, etc.), a use prohibited time zone, a total use time upper limit, a total use Detailed restrictions such as the upper limit of the number of times of use can be set, and the use of the communication function of the communication terminal can be set in detail. However, as in Patent Document 1, restrictions on functions other than the communication function are not considered, and it is difficult to realize effective use restrictions of the mobile phone at times when use is not appropriate.

  Therefore, the present invention can maintain necessary functions in an operable manner without turning off the power, and can effectively limit only operations that cause problems of the mobile phone in an inappropriate usage period. An object is to provide a mobile phone that can be used.

  In order to achieve such an object, the present invention restricts the operation of a function that operates in response to an input key operation among the functions provided in the mobile phone during a period preset by the user in the mobile phone, A function that operates independently of the input key operation is performed as usual.

  In addition, the present invention provides a setting means for setting a period for limiting the use of a function that operates in accordance with an input key operation by a user input, a storage means for storing data of the limit period set by the setting means, And a control unit that performs control to invalidate the input key operation when the input key operation is performed during the limited period. In this configuration, the time for starting / ending the function restriction is set in advance by the setting means, and the time is stored by the storage means. Then, the control means executes a function limiting operation for limiting the use of the functions mounted on the mobile phone in the set time zone.

  In the function restriction operation, the cellular phone cannot be operated by the user's key input, and for the telephone function and the e-mail function that do not require the user's key input, the incoming call operation and the reception operation without ringing and vibration are performed. . Further, it may be configured to hold the history information and disconnect the incoming call at the time of the incoming call operation, and at the time of the incoming operation, the mail content may not be browsed only by storing the mail data. You may comprise. In addition, even for operations that require user key input, it is possible to make calls to emergency contacts such as emergency call numbers (110, 119, etc.) and home phone numbers, and to turn the mobile phone on and off You may comprise as follows.

  Further, it may be configured such that the function of the mobile phone is limited only by a predetermined time zone every day or every week by repeatedly setting the setting means. Furthermore, it may be configured such that a user other than the setter cannot set / cancel function restriction by inputting authentication information when performing function restriction setting or function restriction setting release.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to maintain necessary functions in an operable manner without turning off the power, and to effectively limit only operations that cause problems of the mobile phone in an inappropriate usage period. A possible mobile phone is realized.

  Hereinafter, a mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a mobile phone that performs a basic function restriction operation will be described as a first embodiment, and then a mobile phone that performs a function restriction operation by enabling another restriction setting will be described as a second embodiment.

[Embodiment 1]
First, the configuration of the mobile phone according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the mobile phone according to the present embodiment. The mobile phone 10 includes a key input unit 1, a display unit 2, a wireless unit 3, an antenna unit 4, a control unit 5, and a storage unit 6.

  The key input unit 1 performs input necessary for function restriction setting, mobile phone operation, and the like by user key operations. The display unit 2 displays on the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) data used for various functions such as an e-mail function and a camera function, in addition to the function restriction setting screen by key operation input by the key input unit 1. . The wireless unit 3 performs encoding and decoding of wireless data transmitted and received by the antenna unit 4.

  The control unit 5 includes a CPU that stores a program for controlling the overall operation of the mobile phone 10 in a memory and executes the program. Further, the control unit 5 performs control such as starting and ending the function restriction by using the function restriction setting data in the storage unit 6 and the built-in clock of the mobile phone according to the program. The storage unit 6 stores setting contents such as a time zone and restriction execution frequency set in the function restriction setting, authentication information of the setting user, and the like.

  Next, the function restriction setting and the function restriction operation performed by the mobile phone according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 shows a screen display example of the function restriction setting in this embodiment.

  First, as shown in FIG. 2A, the user calls the function restriction setting screen and selects “ON”. Next, in order to shift to the setter input screen shown in FIG. 2B, the user inputs a password and ID as authentication information. For example, the authentication information may be a mobile phone number of the user to set the password, and an ID may be an arbitrary alphanumeric code. Further, the authentication information may be biological information such as a fingerprint or a voiceprint.

  The user registers in advance as a setting authority having the authority to perform function restriction settings, and the authentication information related to the registration is held in the storage unit 5, for example. That is, the input of the password and ID on the setter input screen is performed in order to confirm whether or not the input person is a setting authority when actually performing the function restriction setting.

  Next, in order to move to the restriction content setting screen as shown in FIG. 2 (c), the function restriction start time and end time are input to specify the use-prohibited time zone, and the repeated setting is input. Specify whether to execute the function restriction every day. Then, when the determination button is pressed on the restriction content setting screen, the screen moves to the setting content confirmation screen as shown in FIG. The user confirms the restriction content displayed on the setting content confirmation screen, and if the content is acceptable, the user presses the completion button to set the function restriction.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a screen display for canceling the function restriction setting in this embodiment.

  First, as shown in FIG. 3A, the user calls a function restriction setting cancellation screen and selects “cancel”. Next, in order to shift to the release right person confirmation screen shown in FIG. 3B, the user inputs the password and ID which are authentication information. Since not only the setting of function restrictions but also the setting authority can only cancel, the registered authority (who has the authority to cancel) and the user who performs the cancellation are the same by inputting on the cancellation authority confirmation screen Confirmation of the person is made.

  Then, after confirming that the person has the authority to cancel, the screen shifts to a cancellation content confirmation screen shown in FIG. Check the settings displayed on the screen, and cancel the function restriction setting by pressing the completion button to cancel the setting.

  Detailed setting data (prohibited time zone and repeated setting) set in the function restriction setting is stored in the storage unit 6. Further, the detailed setting data released in releasing the function restriction setting is deleted by the storage unit 6. That is, the function restriction setting data in the storage unit 6 is updated every time function restriction is set and released. The function restriction setting contents may be configured such that different restriction contents can be stored in the storage unit 6 as a plurality of data.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of function restriction setting processing in the present embodiment. The following flow is mainly operations performed by the control unit 5.

  First, in response to a user key operation, the control unit 5 displays a function restriction setting screen on the display unit 2 (step S401). Next, an input of authentication information of the setting user is accepted (step S402), and it is determined whether or not the input authentication information is the same as the registration data, that is, the authentication information of the setting right holder registered in advance ( Step S403).

  If it is determined that the input authentication information is the same as the registration data (step S403 / YES), the screen moves to the restriction content setting screen and receives input of detailed conditions (step S404). Then, the function restriction setting is performed with the restriction contents confirmed by the user (step S405). On the other hand, when it is determined that the input authentication information is not the same as the registration data (step S403 / NO), the process ends without performing the function restriction setting.

  In the determination of authentication information, if the input person is a setting authority, the setting process is continued. If the input person is not the setting authority, a message to that effect is displayed, and the authentication information is reentered by returning to the function restriction setting screen. It may be configured to prompt. In addition, when the number of re-inputs is limited and the authentication information is determined exceeding the limit, the key input operation can be locked so that only the setting authority can release the lock. Good.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for canceling the function restriction setting in the present embodiment. The following flow is mainly an operation performed by the control unit 5 and is the same as the flow at the time of function restriction setting.

  First, in response to a user key operation, the control unit 5 displays a function restriction setting release screen on the display unit 2 (step S501). Next, input of authentication information of the setting user is accepted (step S502), and it is determined whether or not the input authentication information is the same as the registration data (step S503).

  If it is determined that the input authentication information is the same as the registration data (step S503 / YES), the process proceeds to the cancellation content confirmation screen, and the content to be canceled is confirmed by the user (step S504). Then, upon receiving the user confirmation, the function restriction setting is released (step S505). On the other hand, if it is determined that the input authentication information is not the same as the registration data (NO in step S503), the function restriction setting is not canceled and the process ends.

  Note that the re-input notification to the user, the input number limit, and the lock in the determination of the authentication information can be similarly applied to this flow.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the function limiting operation in the present embodiment. The following flow is mainly operations performed by the control unit 5.

  Before the function restriction start time (step S602 / NO), the normal operation is performed for each function of the mobile phone in the normal mode (step S601). Thereafter, when the function restriction start time is reached (step S602 / YES), the function restriction mode is entered and the function restriction operation is performed (step S603).

  In the function restriction mode, functions that involve key input operations are restricted, and functions that do not involve key operation inputs are operated as usual. Functions that involve key input operations include telephone functions (incoming and outgoing calls), e-mail functions (sending and receiving e-mails), Internet connection functions (Internet connection), camera functions (photo / movie shooting), games Functions, stationery functions (schedule book editing, calculator use, etc.), various setting functions (ringtone settings, display display settings, etc.) and data editing functions (phone book data / photo data editing / deletion, etc.) are also included. . Literally, it is a function for operating a mobile phone by performing key input. Examples of functions that do not involve key operation input include a GPS function, a credit function, and a security buzzer function.

  In the function restriction mode according to the present embodiment, as described above, functions that involve key input operations are restricted, but exceptionally calls to emergency contacts and main power ON / OFF are not subject to function restrictions. . The emergency contact is, for example, the police, fire department, home or home (when the current address and the parent are separated), the user can register any contact, and the registered emergency contact is stored. Held in the part 6.

  In addition, the telephone function and the electronic mail function, which are functions accompanied by key input operations, can only receive incoming calls without receiving a call and receive mail without browsing. That is, an incoming call in the telephone function is recorded by disconnecting or recording an answering machine holding history information, and receiving in the electronic mail function is holding mail information and receiving history data. Note that incoming calls and mails are received without notification by ringing (ringing tone) or vibration (vibrator), and history information is retained. The function restriction mode described above is continued until the end time of the function restriction comes (step S604 / NO).

  When the function restriction end time has arrived (step S604 / YES), the contents of the repeated setting are referred to (step S605). If the repeated setting is “ON” (step S605 / YES), the function restriction setting ON state is maintained (step S606), the mode is changed to the normal mode, and each function operates normally (step S608). On the other hand, when the repetition setting is “OFF” (step S605 / NO), the function restriction setting is turned OFF (step S607), and the mode is shifted to the normal mode (step S608).

[Embodiment 2]
In the mobile phone of this embodiment, in addition to the function restriction setting in the first embodiment, more detailed repetitive setting is possible. Since the internal configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted, and the function restriction setting and the function restriction operation will be described.

  FIG. 7 shows a screen display example of the function restriction setting in this embodiment.

  The process up to the activation of the function restriction setting screen in FIG. 7A and the authentication information input on the setting person input screen in FIG. 7B are the same as those in the first embodiment. With regard to the subsequent setting of the restriction content, a restriction content setting screen (1) in FIG. 7C and a restriction content setting screen (2) in FIG. 7D are provided. The former is an input screen for function restriction start time and end time, and repeated settings, and the latter is a screen for specifying more detailed conditions for repeated settings.

  When the start time and end time of the function restriction are input on the restriction content setting screen (1) in FIG. 7C, “ON” is designated in the repetitive setting, and the determination button is pressed, the FIG. Move to restriction content setting screen (2). On the restriction content setting screen (2), it is possible to select daily or weekly for the repetition frequency, and any weekday can be designated for each week.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 7, the start time is 9:00, the end time is 15:00, and the repetition setting is specified from Monday to Friday every week, which is intended to limit use within school working hours. I can say that. In addition, you may comprise so that it can designate in a monthly unit so that the 10th and 20th day of every month may be restrict | limited. Further, different restriction condition contents may be held for each setting, and a function restriction setting may be performed by combining a plurality of setting contents. By combining a plurality of restriction conditions, it is possible to cope with the setting without forgetting even when there are a plurality of time zones in which the use is prohibited regularly.

  When the repetition frequency is designated on the restriction content setting screen (2) and the determination button is pressed, the screen shifts to the setting content confirmation screen in FIG. The user confirms the restriction content displayed on the setting content confirmation screen, and if the content is acceptable, the user presses the completion button to set the function restriction.

  Although the function restriction setting process has been described here, the function restriction setting cancellation process can also be performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the function limiting operation in the present embodiment. The following flow is mainly operations performed by the control unit 5.

  First, as in the first embodiment, each function of the mobile phone is normally operated in the normal mode until the function restriction start time is reached (step S802 / NO, step S801). The mode is shifted to the restriction mode and the function restriction operation is performed (step S802 / YES, step S803).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the repeat setting is a day setting (step S803). If the day is set (step S803 / YES), is the determination day corresponding to the set day? Is determined (step S804). If it corresponds to the set day of the week (step S804 / YES), the function restriction operation is performed based on the set restriction condition (step S805). On the contrary, when the set day is not supported (step S804 / NO), the normal operation is performed in the normal mode (step S801).

  The function restriction mode continues until the function restriction end time comes (step S806 / NO, step S805). When the function restriction end time comes (step S806 / YES), the contents of the repeated setting are referred to (step S806 / YES) (step S806 / NO). S807). When the repeat setting is “ON” (step S807 / YES), the function restriction setting ON state is maintained (step S808), and when the repeat setting is “OFF” (step S807 / NO). The function restriction setting is set to OFF (step S809), and in either case, the normal mode is subsequently shifted (step S810).

  Here, the flow of the function restriction operation has been described, but the process flow of the function restriction setting and the function restriction setting release can also be performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the cellular phone functions are divided into those with key input operations and those without them, and the former is restricted and the latter is not restricted. In addition, it is possible to effectively limit only operations that cause problems with the mobile phone in an inappropriate usage period by supporting the holding of history information of incoming calls and mails.

  In addition, the function restriction of the mobile phone is automatically started and finished at the time set by the user by setting the start and end times of the function restriction in advance and specifying the time period for restricting the use. It has the effect that it is possible to prevent forgetting to set or cancel the restriction.

  In addition, by providing repeated settings for this function, there is an effect that the function restriction starts and ends automatically at a fixed time every day or every week, so that the trouble of having to perform the setting every time can be saved. .

  The above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment alone, and various modifications are made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Implementation is possible.

  That is, the mobile phone according to the above-described embodiment operates by a process executed by a computer (CPU or the like in the control unit) according to a program instruction. The program sends a command to each component of the computer, and causes the CPU of the control unit to execute a function restriction setting process or a function restriction operation based on the setting by the CPU of the control unit as described above. . Thus, each process in the mobile phone of the above-described embodiment is realized by specific means in which the program and the computer cooperate.

  Then, the computer of the mobile phone reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium via a computer-readable recording medium that records the program code of the software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, that is, the storage medium. In addition, the object of the present invention is achieved. Further, the program can be loaded and executed directly on the computer of the mobile phone through the communication line without going through the recording medium, and the object of the present invention can be achieved in the same manner.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium or loaded and executed through the communication line realizes the processing function of the above-described embodiment. And the storage medium which memorize | stored the program code comprises this invention. As the storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, a magnetic tape, etc. Can be used.

It is a functional block diagram showing an internal configuration of a mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 shows an example of a screen display for function restriction setting in an embodiment of the present invention. 7 shows an example of a screen display for canceling the function restriction setting in the embodiment of the present invention. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the process of a function restriction setting in embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the process of a function restriction setting cancellation | release in embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the function limitation operation | movement in embodiment of this invention. 4 shows an example of a screen display for function restriction setting in an embodiment of the present invention. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the function limitation operation | movement in embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Key input part 2 Display part 3 Radio | wireless part 4 Antenna part 5 Control part 6 Memory | storage part

Claims (8)

  Of the functions provided in the mobile phone in a period set in advance by the user, the operation of the function that operates in accordance with the input key operation is limited, and the function that operates independently of the input key operation is normally used. A mobile phone characterized in that it operates as described above. A setting means for setting a period for limiting the use of a function that operates in accordance with an input key operation by a user input;
Storage means for storing data of a limited period set by the setting means;
And a control unit that performs control to invalidate the input key operation when the input key operation is performed during the limited period.   3. The mobile phone according to claim 2, wherein the control unit causes a call incoming operation and a mail receiving operation not to be accompanied by a notification action including ringing sound and vibrator vibration even during the limited period. 4.   4. The mobile phone according to claim 3, wherein the control unit performs control to hold a call reception history and a mail reception history during the restriction period as history information.   The control means performs a control to leave the incoming call history and record the incoming call content or record the received content at the time of the incoming call operation, and to retain the received mail content at the time of the mail receiving operation. The mobile phone according to claim 4. The setting means sets a call destination capable of making a call even during the limited period as an emergency call destination by user input,
The storage means stores emergency destination data set by the setting means,
6. The mobile phone according to claim 2, wherein the control unit performs control to enable a telephone call to the emergency destination even during the time limit.   The mobile phone according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the control means performs control to enable power ON / OFF of the mobile phone even during the limited period. The setting means receives the input of authentication information of a user who performs setting, sets a setting right person,
The storage means stores authentication information of a setting authority set by the setting means,
8. The mobile phone according to claim 2, wherein the control unit performs control to invalidate setting of the limit period and cancellation of the setting by a user other than the setting right holder. 9. .

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