JP2008245100A - Portable communication terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable communication terminal capable of reducing the possibility of erroneous operations as much as possible and improving the handleability and reliability of an easy call origination function. <P>SOLUTION: The portable communication terminal is provided with a plurality of fingerprint authentication parts, a fingerprint storage part for registering a plurality of fingerprint patterns, a telephone number storage part for storing a plurality of telephone numbers, and a control part. The telephone number storage part stores the telephone numbers corresponding to the plurality of fingerprint authentication parts. When the fingerprint pattern detected in the fingerprint authentication part matches with the fingerprint pattern registered in the fingerprint storage part, the control part originates a call to the telephone number corresponding to the fingerprint authentication part where the fingerprint pattern is inputted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable communication terminal provided with a fingerprint authentication unit.

  In recent years, wireless terminals such as PHS (Personal Handy phone System) and mobile phones have rapidly spread, making it possible to make calls and obtain information regardless of location or time. In addition, due to the downsizing and weight reduction, the user always carries a wireless terminal, and there is a high possibility that even a partner whose location is unknown can be contacted.

  In particular, cellular phones and PHS have been developed and spread widely, and various mechanisms are provided for the structure of the housing. Conventionally, the straight type without moving parts has been the mainstream, but there are a folding type that is divided into two at about the central part and a slide type that a case divided into two in the thickness direction expands in the surface direction. The foldable type and the slide type are preferred because they can take a large area in the display portion, but the housing is likely to be large and has a great sense of elevation. For this reason, recently, a return to a small and simple straight type has begun.

  On the other hand, the advancement and downsizing of peripheral technologies are also progressing, and as one of them, a fingerprint authentication device can be mounted on a mobile communication terminal. As is well known, since fingerprints differ from person to person, various methods of use have been proposed.

For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-095329) proposes a mobile phone device that puts a transmission / reception unit into an operating state when a specific user is identified by fingerprint authentication (so-called security lock). Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-051349) proposes a portable communication device that can identify a plurality of users by fingerprint authentication and can be used with settings according to each user (user's switching). Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-345264) proposes a configuration in which identity verification is performed by a fingerprint authentication device mounted on a mobile communication terminal device at the time of payment with a credit card (cash payment). . Patent Document 4 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-309414) proposes a button telephone device that dials a telephone number registered in association with fingerprint information (simple call function).
JP 05-095329 A JP 10-0513349 A JP-A-11-345264 JP 2001-309414 A

  The straight type casing as described above has an advantage that it can be operated immediately after being taken out, and the display unit can also be visually recognized immediately. However, on the other hand, there is a case where the key operation is unintentionally performed when it is in the bag or pocket. In particular, a mobile communication terminal has a so-called simple call function for inputting all digits of a telephone number and a call command by one operation. If a key to which this simple call function is assigned is pressed in a bag or the like, there is a problem that a call is made.

  Therefore, in many cases, a so-called key lock function is provided in which a key operation is not accepted by a mechanical switch or software switching by menu operation to prevent erroneous input. However, when the key lock function is activated, it must be operated after it is released. For this reason, in the event of an accident, for example, when a fire or accident is discovered and an attempt is made to report it, the user may forget that the key is locked and misunderstand that the call cannot be made.

  On the other hand, the configuration shown in Patent Document 4 registers a telephone number corresponding to a finger, but the authentication accuracy of the fingerprint authentication device is greatly affected by the state of the finger and is wet or injured. In this case, the recognition accuracy is significantly reduced. For this reason, in some cases, there is a risk of being unable to make a call in an emergency.

  Further, when a telephone number is registered corresponding to a finger, it is easy to forget which telephone number is assigned to which finger. In particular, even if a frequent partner is remembered, there is a problem that which finger should be used in an emergency to make a call, and in an emergency, it is more difficult to remember and is likely to be confused.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a portable communication terminal that can reduce the possibility of erroneous operation as much as possible and improve the usability and reliability of the simple call function.

  In order to solve the above problems, a representative configuration of a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention includes a plurality of fingerprint authentication units, a fingerprint storage unit for registering a plurality of fingerprint patterns, and a phone number for storing a plurality of phone numbers. A storage unit and a control unit, the telephone number storage unit stores a telephone number associated with a plurality of fingerprint authentication units, and the control unit registers the fingerprint pattern detected by the fingerprint authentication unit in the fingerprint storage unit. If it matches the fingerprint pattern, a call is made to the telephone number associated with the fingerprint authentication unit to which the fingerprint pattern has been input.

  As described above, by implementing the simple call function using the fingerprint authentication unit in the mobile communication terminal, the fingerprint authentication unit will not malfunction in the bag or pocket, so when the key lock function is activated Even so, the simple call function can be enabled. Therefore, the simple call function can be used immediately even in an emergency.

  Here, the telephone number storage unit stores a telephone number associated with the fingerprint authentication unit. That is, as many telephone numbers as the number of fingerprint authentication units provided as a simple call function can be registered. In this case, a plurality of fingerprint patterns can be registered in each fingerprint authentication unit. However, even if any finger is detected in a certain fingerprint authentication unit, an operation is performed to be transmitted to the same telephone number. Thereby, even if the finger is injured or the like, the simple call function can be surely used by another finger, and usability and reliability can be improved.

  The telephone number storage unit stores a telephone number associated with a combination of a plurality of fingerprint authentication units, and the control unit detects a fingerprint pattern registered simultaneously or within a predetermined time in the plurality of fingerprint authentication units. The telephone number associated with the combination of the fingerprint authentication units may be transmitted.

  That is, by associating a telephone number with a combination of a plurality of fingerprint authentication units, it is possible to call more phone numbers than the number of fingerprint authentication units. Thereby, the usability as a simple transmission function can be further improved.

  The telephone number storage unit may store a plurality of sets of telephone numbers associated with a plurality of fingerprint authentication units, and the mobile communication terminal may further include a shift key for switching the set of telephone numbers.

  That is, by using a key input together with a plurality of fingerprint authentication units, it is possible to associate telephone numbers several times the number of fingerprint authentication units. At this time, the telephone number associated with the fingerprint authentication unit is preferably displayed on the display unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mobile communication terminal in which the possibility of erroneous operation is reduced as much as possible and the usability and reliability of the simple call function are remarkably improved.

[First Embodiment]
1st Embodiment of the portable communication terminal concerning this invention is described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a mobile communication terminal according to the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the mobile communication terminal, and FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a correspondence between a fingerprint, a fingerprint authentication unit, and a telephone number. is there. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in the following examples are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified.

  The mobile communication terminal 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called straight type that is not movable like a foldable type. The mobile communication terminal 10 includes a voice input unit 12 (microphone), a voice output unit 14 (speaker), an operation unit 16 including a dial key, a display unit 18 that displays a telephone number and an operation state, and a fingerprint authentication unit 20. Yes. In the present embodiment, three fingerprint authentication units 20 are provided and arranged side by side with the operation unit 16. Further, the mobile communication terminal 10 is provided with a lock key 32 for turning on / off the key lock function and a shift key 34 described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile communication terminal 10 includes a control unit 22 that controls its operation, a communication unit 24 that communicates with the server, a voice processing unit 26 that controls the voice input unit 12 or the voice output unit 14. It has. The mobile communication terminal 10 also includes a fingerprint storage unit 28 that registers a plurality of fingerprint patterns, and a telephone number storage unit 30 that stores a plurality of telephone numbers.

  In normal use, the user can dial by operating the operation unit 16, and can make a voice call using the voice input unit 12, the voice output unit 14, and the communication unit 24. Further, by operating the operation unit 16, a telephone number registered in advance in the telephone number storage unit 30 can be called and transmitted.

  In addition, when the user carries the mobile communication terminal 10 in a bag or pocket, in order to prevent malfunction, the user operates the lock key 32 to turn on the key lock function and invalidates the input from the operation unit 16. Can be

  The fingerprint authentication unit 20 detects the fingerprint pattern when the user traces with a finger. The control unit 22 compares the detected fingerprint pattern with a fingerprint pattern registered in advance in the fingerprint storage unit 28. On the other hand, the telephone number storage unit 30 stores a telephone number in association with the fingerprint authentication unit 20.

  When the fingerprint pattern detected by the fingerprint authentication unit 20 matches the fingerprint pattern registered in the fingerprint storage unit 28, the control unit 22 sets the telephone number associated with the fingerprint authentication unit 20 to which the fingerprint pattern has been input. Send to. That is, the fingerprint authentication unit 20 functions as if it is a button of a simple call function (so-called one-touch dial). The simple call function refers to a function for inputting all digits of a telephone number and a call instruction by one operation.

  The simple transmission function having the above-described configuration is not transmitted unless the fingerprint authentication unit 20 detects a fingerprint. Therefore, even if the fingerprint authentication unit 20 is pushed by a baggage or the like in a bag or pocket, it does not react and there is no risk of malfunction. Therefore, even when the key lock function is activated, the simple call function can be made valid. Therefore, even in an emergency, it is possible to make a call immediately using the simple call function by the fingerprint authentication unit 20.

  Here, in the present embodiment, since the three fingerprint authentication units 20 are provided, the telephone number storage unit 30 stores three telephone numbers 30a to 30c associated therewith. That is, as many telephone numbers as the number of fingerprint authentication units 20 provided as the simple call function can be registered. In this case, a plurality of fingerprint patterns can be registered in each fingerprint authentication unit 20, but an operation of transmitting to the same telephone number is performed regardless of which finger is detected in a certain fingerprint authentication unit 20.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the fingerprint patterns of all fingers are recognized in advance and registered in the fingerprint storage unit 28. On the other hand, telephone numbers 30a to 30c are stored in the telephone number storage unit 30 in association with the fingerprint authentication units 20a to 20c. And when the control part 22 makes any of the fingerprint authentication parts 20a-c detect a fingerprint with any finger | toe, it transmits using the telephone number 30a-c corresponding to the fingerprint authentication part 20a-c. Thereby, even if the finger is injured or the like, the simple call function can be surely used by another finger, and usability and reliability can be improved.

  As the telephone numbers 30a to 30c, frequently used ones such as home, work and family mobile communication terminals can be registered. It is also possible to register special numbers for emergency calls such as the police (110), the fire department (119), and the Japan Coast Guard (118). In particular, special numbers for emergency calls can be used at any time by using the simple call function even when the key lock function is activated. The special effect is that it can be transmitted reliably even in the event of a failure.

  That is, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the usability of the simple transmission function using the fingerprint authentication unit can be significantly improved. In addition, both the prevention of malfunction and the reliability of simple transmission can be achieved.

  In addition, although the example which provided the fingerprint authentication part 20 in the said embodiment is shown, this invention is not limited to this, You may provide two or four or more.

  Further, in the above embodiment, it has been described that even if the fingerprint authentication unit 20 detects a fingerprint pattern even when the key is locked, the simple transmission function transmits the fingerprint pattern. However, since the fingerprint has a characteristic of being different for each individual, it may be used for personal authentication for releasing the key lock. For example, when the key lock function is enabled, among the three fingerprint authentication units 20 provided, the central one is used for authentication for releasing the key lock, and the left and right two operate the simple call function. It may be configured.

[Second Embodiment]
A second embodiment of the mobile communication terminal according to the present invention will be described. The same parts as those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The number of telephone numbers targeted for the simple call function is the same as the number of fingerprint authentication units 20 (three in the first embodiment). However, in the present embodiment, the number of telephone numbers that can be assigned to the simple call function is not limited to the number of fingerprint authentication units 20 and can be further increased.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which a telephone number is associated with a combination of fingerprint authentication units. Here, the combination of fingerprint authentication units refers to detecting a fingerprint pattern registered in a plurality of fingerprint authentication units simultaneously or within a predetermined time (for example, within 1 second).

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the fingerprint authentication units 20a to 20c are detected individually, as described in the above embodiment, a call is made using the telephone numbers 30a to 30c associated with them. Furthermore, when a registered fingerprint pattern is detected in the plurality of fingerprint authentication units 20a to 20c, a call can be made using the telephone numbers 30d to 30g associated with the combination.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the order is not specified, but by distinguishing the order in which the fingerprint patterns are detected in the fingerprint authentication units 20a to 20c, more telephone numbers can be assigned (not shown).

  According to the said structure, more telephone numbers 30a-g can be called than the number of fingerprint authentication parts 20a-c. Thereby, the usability as a simple transmission function can be further improved.

[Third Embodiment]
A third embodiment of the mobile communication terminal according to the present invention will be described. The same parts as those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the above embodiment, the fingerprint authentication unit 20 or the combination of the fingerprint authentication unit 20 and the telephone number correspond to each other in a fixed manner. However, in the present embodiment, the telephone number assigned to the fingerprint authentication unit 20 can be changed by switching with the shift key.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a mobile communication terminal having a shift key, FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a set of telephone numbers associated with a fingerprint authentication unit, and FIG. It is a figure explaining.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the mobile communication terminal 10 is provided with a shift key 34 for switching a set of telephone numbers. Although an independent key is provided as the shift key 34 in FIG. 5, another key, for example, a dial key of the operation unit 16 may be used to operate as the shift key.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the three fingerprint authentication units 20a-c are associated with telephone numbers 30a-c as the first set, telephone numbers 30d-e as the second set, and telephone numbers 30f-g as the third set. Is remembered. The number of telephone numbers that can be registered in one set is equal to the number of fingerprint authentication units 20.

  Each time the shift key 34 is pressed, the set of telephone numbers is switched. When a fingerprint pattern registered in the fingerprint authentication unit 20a-c is detected, a call is made to the telephone number associated with the fingerprint authentication unit 20a-c in the currently valid set. That is, by using a key input together with a plurality of fingerprint authentication units 20, the number of fingerprint authentication units 20 (three) is called several times (six, nine, etc.) by a simple call function. Can do.

  Further, as shown in the transmission destination display 18a shown in FIG. 7, each time the shift key 34 is pressed and the set of telephone numbers is switched, the currently valid set of telephone numbers may be displayed on the display unit 18. As a result, even if the number of sets is increased, it is possible to confirm in advance and easily which telephone number will be sent when the simple call function is used, and the certainty of operation Can be improved.

  In the third embodiment, the description has been made so that the fingerprint authentication unit 20 is provided with a set of telephone numbers. Therefore, the number of telephone numbers that can be registered in each set is the same as the number of fingerprint authentication units 20. However, if a combination of a plurality of fingerprint authentication units 20 is associated with a telephone number and is also switched as a set, the number of telephone numbers that can be registered dramatically can be increased (not shown). ). Even in this case, the simple call function can be used without hesitation by displaying the set of currently valid telephone numbers on the display unit 18.

  Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

  For example, the fingerprint authentication unit 20 in the above-described embodiment has been described as a configuration in which the user recognizes the fingerprint pattern by tracing with the finger. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the user presses the finger against the surface to print the fingerprint pattern. For example, various authentication methods can be applied.

  In the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a plurality of fingerprint authentication units detect a fingerprint pattern registered simultaneously or within a predetermined time (for example, within 1 second). It is possible to apply various patterns such as a pattern in which a plurality of fingerprint authentication units are continuously pressed with one finger.

  The present invention can be used as a mobile communication terminal including a fingerprint authentication unit.

It is a figure explaining the portable communication terminal concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of a portable communication terminal. It is a figure explaining matching with a fingerprint, a fingerprint authentication part, and a telephone number. It is a figure explaining the structure which matches a telephone number with the combination of a fingerprint authentication part. It is a figure explaining the portable communication terminal provided with the shift key. It is a figure explaining the set of the telephone number matched with the fingerprint authentication part. It is a figure explaining switching of the set of a telephone number, and operation | movement of a display part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Mobile communication terminal 12 ... Voice input part 14 ... Voice output part 16 ... Operation part 18 ... Display part 18a ... Transmission destination display 20 ... Fingerprint authentication part 22 ... Control part 24 ... Communication part 26 ... Voice processing part 28 ... Fingerprint memory | storage Part 30 ... telephone number storage parts 30a to g ... telephone number 32 ... lock key 34 ... shift key

Claims (3)

A plurality of fingerprint authentication units;
A fingerprint storage unit for registering a plurality of fingerprint patterns;
A telephone number storage unit for storing a plurality of telephone numbers;
A control unit,
The telephone number storage unit stores a telephone number associated with the plurality of fingerprint authentication units;
When the fingerprint pattern detected by the fingerprint authentication unit matches the fingerprint pattern registered in the fingerprint storage unit, the control unit responds to the telephone number associated with the fingerprint authentication unit to which the fingerprint pattern has been input. A mobile communication terminal characterized by making outgoing calls. The telephone number storage unit stores a telephone number associated with the combination of the plurality of fingerprint authentication units;
When the control unit detects a fingerprint pattern registered simultaneously or within a predetermined time in the plurality of fingerprint authentication units, the control unit transmits to a telephone number associated with the combination of the fingerprint authentication units. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 1. The telephone number storage unit stores a plurality of sets of telephone numbers associated with the plurality of fingerprint authentication units;
The mobile communication terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a shift key for switching the set of telephone numbers.

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