JP2010245850A - Mobile terminal device, and method of selecting function - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mobile terminal device capable of easily setting a function of starting by being operatively in conjunction with the opening of the terminal, and improved in usability for a user; and a method of selecting a function. <P>SOLUTION: A mobile phone 100 includes a sub-display part 140 for displaying functions of an application part 150 when closing a terminal, and an input part 120 for previously selecting any of executable functions displayed by the sub-display part 140. A CPU 110 executes Open previous function selection control for starting the function displayed on the sub-display part 140 by being operatively in conjunction with the opening of the terminal by sub-program execution. In this case, a function intended to be started in opening the terminal is previously selected from function display displayed on the sub-display part 140 by the input of the input part 120. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone and a function selection method.

  Mobile phones are equipped with various multimedia functions. For example, TV, game, mailer, camera, Web, calculator, music player, microphone recorder, and the like. In order to use these functions effectively, mobile phones have been changing the user interface, such as changing the shape by opening vertically, opening horizontally, sliding, and rotating.

  In addition, with the increase in functionality, there are functions that are frequently used and functions that are not used when selecting functions, and frequently used functions may be used immediately, but menu selection may be troublesome.

  It is also necessary to reduce useless menus in order to reduce power consumption in mobile phones.

  A cellular phone is required to be able to easily select each function as well as to improve visibility and operational convenience.

  In Patent Literature 1, when the phone mode in the lid closed state is shifted to the information terminal mode in the lid open state, the screen displayed when the lid is opened is selected according to any of history information, call log information, and user settings. A portable information terminal device that determines a transition screen is described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional mobile phone. As an example, a mobile phone that can be opened and closed in two directions, a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, is shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b), the mobile phone 10 has an upper housing 11 and a lower housing 12 that are pivotally connected by a first hinge portion (not shown) and opened in the vertical direction. The state (see FIG. 1A) and the closed state (see FIG. 1B) can be taken. Further, as shown in FIG. 1 (c), the mobile phone 10 is in a state in which the upper housing 11 and the lower housing 12 are rotatably connected by a second hinge portion (not shown) and opened laterally. Can take.

  The upper housing 11 includes a display unit 13 that displays main screen information when the terminal is opened, and a sub display unit 14 that displays sub-screen information when the terminal is closed. The display unit 13 is composed of a large screen LCD, and the sub display unit 14 is composed of a small screen LCD smaller than the display unit 13. The lower housing 12 has an operation unit 15 such as a numeric keypad, a cross key, and function keys.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, when the user opens the terminal in the vertical direction, the user operates the operation unit 15 to select a desired function from the main menu displayed on the display unit 13. For example, the user selects and executes a TV function using the operation unit 15. Thereby, the TV viewing program is activated, and the user can view the TV.

  In addition, the user can set a function to be activated in conjunction with the opening of the upper housing 11 in the mobile phone 10 in advance. In this case, it is necessary to select a function to be activated in conjunction with the terminal closing → opening from the menu or the like with the upper housing 11 opened once. Only one function can be selected. For example, assume that a TV function is set as a function that is activated in conjunction with opening a terminal. When the upper casing 11 of the mobile phone 10 in the closed state (see FIG. 1B) is opened as shown in FIG. 1C, the TV viewing program is started and the user can view the TV. it can.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing operations from the standby of the mobile phone 10 to the activation of the selection function. In the figure, S indicates each step of the flow.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in step S1, the mobile phone 10 is in a standby state with the upper casing 11 closed.

  In step S2, the user opens the terminal (opens the upper casing 11 of the mobile phone 10).

  As a result, the main program of the mobile phone 10 is started and the display unit 13 of the large screen LCD is displayed. In steps S3 to S8 shown in FIG. 2, main program execution and large screen LCD display are performed. The main program is executed by a main control unit (not shown) of the mobile phone 10. The main control unit uses the resources of the mobile phone 10 to the maximum when executing the main program. Specifically, the main control unit executes the main program at a high clock and uses the maximum amount of data. Further, the display unit 13 causes the backlight of the large screen LCD to emit light with high luminance. Note that when the display unit 13 is configured with an organic EL (Organic Electro-Luminescence) display, light is emitted with high luminance during execution of the main program, as in the case of the backlight.

  In step S3, the user selects a menu screen.

  In step S <b> 4, the main control unit displays a main menu on the display unit 13.

  In step S5, the user selects a desired menu from the displayed main menu.

  In step S <b> 6, the main control unit displays a submenu on the display unit 13.

  In step S7, the user selects a desired function from the functions displayed on the submenu and determines in step S8.

  Steps S3 to S8 are performed while the main program is executed and the large screen LCD is displayed. Both main program execution and large screen display consume a lot of current.

  In step S9, the main control unit activates the selected functional unit. Since the function unit performs a limited function, it consumes only the power necessary to use each function.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the user has to perform an operation many times before reaching a desired function. Therefore, the user can set a function to be activated in conjunction with opening the terminal in the mobile phone 10 in advance.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of assigning a shortcut key to the operation from the standby of the mobile phone 10 to the activation of the selection function. The same steps as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  The shortcut key sets in advance a function that is activated when the terminal is opened.

  If a shortcut key is set (see step S10), the function assigned to the shortcut key is activated in conjunction with opening the terminal. The function assigned to the shortcut key is activated.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-42022

  However, since such a conventional portable terminal device is configured to select and determine a menu after opening the cellular phone, there is a problem in that it is not possible to improve time-consuming operability for selection.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a portable terminal device and a function selection method that can easily set a function to be activated in conjunction with opening a terminal and that are improved in usability for the user. For the purpose.

  The portable terminal device of the present invention is a portable terminal device including a display unit that exposes a display screen when the casing is opened, and includes a function executing unit that executes a plurality of functions, and the function executing unit when the casing is closed. Informing means for informing the executable function, selecting means for preselecting any of the executable functions when the casing is closed, and in advance by the selecting means in conjunction with opening of the casing And a control unit that activates the selected function by the function execution unit.

  The function selection method of the present invention includes a main program that is executed when the casing is opened and a subprogram that uses less power than the main program that is executed when the casing is closed. Informing a function that can be executed at the time of opening, a step of pre-selecting one of the executable functions when the casing is closed, and the function selected in conjunction with opening of the casing. The starting step of starting is sequentially executed by the subprogram.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily set a function to be activated in conjunction with opening a terminal, and to improve the feeling of use.

Schematic diagram showing the schematic configuration of a conventional mobile phone Flow diagram showing the operation from standby of a conventional mobile phone to activation of a selection function Flow diagram showing the operation of assigning shortcut keys to the operation from the standby of the conventional mobile phone to the activation of the selection function Schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the mobile terminal device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the portable terminal device which concerns on the said Embodiment 1. FIG. The flowchart which shows the Open prior function selection control operation of the portable terminal device which concerns on the said Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure explaining the function selection by the display on the sub LCD display part of the portable terminal device which concerns on the said Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure explaining the function selection by the display on the sub LCD display part of the portable terminal device which concerns on the said Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure explaining the function selection by the light illumination display of the LED display part of the portable terminal device which concerns on the said Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure which shows the function selection by the input part of the portable terminal device which concerns on the said Embodiment 1 as a table | surface The flowchart which shows the Open prior function selection control operation | movement of the portable terminal device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. The figure explaining Open advance function selection of the portable terminal device which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. The flowchart which shows the Open prior function selection control operation of the portable terminal device which concerns on the said Embodiment 3. FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the mobile terminal device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to a mobile phone / PHS (Personal Handy-Phone System) that can be opened and closed in two directions, a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, as a mobile terminal device. In addition to mobile phones, the present invention can be applied to portable devices such as PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) and portable game machines.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, in the mobile phone 100, the upper housing 101 and the lower housing 102 are rotatably connected by a first hinge portion (not shown) and opened in the vertical direction. State and closed state can be taken. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4B, in the mobile phone 100, the upper casing 101 and the lower casing 102 are rotatably connected by a second hinge portion (not shown) and opened in the lateral direction. Can take.

  The upper casing 101 includes a display unit 103 that displays main screen information when the terminal is opened, and a sub display unit 104 that displays sub-screen information when the terminal is closed. The display unit 103 is composed of a large screen LCD, and the sub display unit 104 is composed of a small screen LCD smaller than the display unit 103. Further, the lower housing 102 has an operation unit 105 such as a numeric keypad, a cross key, and a function key.

  The cellular phone 100 includes notification means 106 that notifies the selection function when the terminal shown in FIG. 4A is closed, and selection means 107 that selects the selection function notified by the notification means 106.

  The notification unit 106 only needs to know a selection function that can be executed by the mobile phone 100, and is typically a display by a sub display or a display by light illumination such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). Also, a voice announcement by a voice synthesis LSI or the like may be used. In FIG. 4A, as an example of the notification unit 106, a display by the sub display unit 104 including an LCD is shown.

  The selection unit 107 selects and inputs a desired function from the selection functions notified by the notification unit 106. The selection means 107 may be any means as long as the selection function can be designated. The selection unit 107 is, for example, a key, a touch sensor, voice recognition, or a motion sensor. In FIG. 4A, as an example of the selection unit 107, selection by a key installed in the mobile phone 100 main body is shown.

  Next, the operation of the selection function of the mobile phone 100 will be described.

  The mobile phone 100 displays function names such as a normal menu, a camera, a game, a TV, and an e-mail on the sub display unit 104 that can be recognized when the terminal is closed.

  The user uses the selection means 107 installed in the main body of the mobile phone 100 to select a function to be activated in conjunction with opening the terminal in advance from the function names displayed on the sub display unit 104.

  When the upper casing 101 of the mobile phone 100 is opened in this state, the display function of the sub display unit 104 selected by the selection unit 107 is activated when the terminal is opened.

  FIG. 4A shows an example in which TV is selected by the selection unit 107 from the function names displayed on the sub display unit 104. As shown in FIG. 4B, when the upper casing 101 of the mobile phone 100 in this state is opened, the TV function is activated and TV viewing is enabled.

  Thus, the function displayed on the sub display unit 104 is immediately executed in conjunction with opening the terminal. The functions displayed on the sub display unit 104 can be easily set in advance by the selection means 107. That is, if the selection unit 107 selects a function to be activated in advance when the terminal is opened, the function displayed on the sub display unit 104 is activated when the terminal is opened.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the mobile phone 100.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the mobile phone 100 includes a CPU 110, an input unit 120, a main LCD display unit 130, a sub display unit 140, and an application unit 150.

  The CPU 110 controls the entire mobile phone 100 and performs Open advance function selection control. The Open advance function selection control will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The input unit 120 includes a key 121, an acceleration sensor 122, a touch sensor 123, a microphone 124, and a dial 125. In the present embodiment, the input unit 120 constitutes a selection unit that selects the selection function displayed by the sub display unit 140.

  The main LCD display unit 130 is a main display device of the mobile phone 100, and displays main screen information when the terminal is opened.

  The sub display unit 140 includes a sub LCD display unit 141 and an LED display unit 142 installed on the back surface of the mobile phone 100. In the present embodiment, sub LCD display unit 141 or LED display unit 142 constitutes notification means for notifying the selection function when cellular phone 100 is closed.

  The main LCD display unit 130 or the sub LCD display unit 141 is a display device including an LCD display or the like, but may be a self-luminous display such as an EL display.

  The application unit 150 includes functions of a camera 151, a TV 152, a mailer 153, a music player 154, and a game 155, and executes each function based on an instruction from the CPU 110. The application unit 150 is realized by execution of application software by the CPU 110. The application unit 150 is executed by hardware such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) (not shown). The application unit 150 includes not only application software such as a game and a browser, but also mobile device control software (power ON / OFF, display device ON / OFF, horizontal screen / vertical screen use, etc.) of the mobile phone 100.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the mobile phone 100 configured as described above will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the Open advance function selection control operation of the mobile phone 100.

  In step S11, the mobile phone 100 is in a standby state with the upper casing 101 closed. When the mobile phone 100 is in the standby state, the CPU 110 executes the subprogram with reduced power consumption at a low clock. In order to extend the standby time of the mobile phone 100, the subprogram is greatly reduced in power consumption. The subprogram is a program focused on the minimum functions necessary for standby of the mobile phone 100. Generally, there are input check programs such as a standby check program, key input, and open / close sensor. The CPU 110 executes this subprogram with a low clock.

  In step S12, the CPU 110 checks the input from the input unit 120 by executing the subprogram. When the mobile phone 100 is closed, the CPU 110 executes a low power consumption subprogram with a low clock, and checks, for example, that there is an Open advance function selection start instruction by operating the key 121.

  In step S <b> 13, the CPU 110 displays a menu of selection functions that can be executed by the mobile phone 100 on the sub display unit 140 by executing the subprogram. In the present embodiment, CPU 110 displays a menu of function names such as a normal menu, a camera, a game, TV, and mail on sub LCD display unit 141 by executing a subprogram. It should be noted that instead of the menu display or in combination, a light illumination display by the LED display unit 142, a voice announcement by a voice synthesis LSI, or the like may be used.

  In step S <b> 14, the user pre-selects a function to be activated when the terminal is opened from the menu display displayed on the sub LCD display unit 141 by input of the input unit 120. CPU 110 accepts input from input unit 120 by executing a subprogram, and displays a function selection result or the like on sub LCD display unit 141.

  In the processing of steps S11 to S14 (see the box enclosed by broken lines in FIG. 6), the CPU 110 executes the subprogram with a low clock. The subprogram consumes much less power than the main program execution. Further, since the sub LCD display unit 141 has a smaller backlight than the main LCD display unit 130, it consumes less power.

  In step S15, the user opens the terminal (opens the upper casing 101 of the mobile phone 100).

  In step S16, CPU 110 activates the selected functional unit. Since the function unit performs a limited function, it consumes only the power necessary to use each function.

  As a result, the main program of the mobile phone 100 is activated and the display unit 130 of the large screen LCD is displayed. The main program is executed by the CPU 110. The CPU 110 uses the resources of the mobile phone 100 to the maximum when executing the main program. Specifically, the CPU 110 executes the main program at a high clock and uses the maximum data amount. The main LCD display unit 130 causes the backlight of the large screen LCD to emit light with high luminance.

  7 and 8 are diagrams for explaining function selection by display on the sub LCD display unit 141. FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8A, the function names displayed on the sub LCD display unit 141 are sequentially displayed by the input of the input unit 120. This corresponds to the menu display in step S13 of FIG. In the order display of the function names on the sub LCD display unit 141, the function names may be automatically circulated and displayed. Further, a mode in which a plurality of function names are simultaneously displayed on the sub LCD display unit 141 and an active cursor or the like moves may be used.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8A, it is possible to select a further deeper hierarchy with respect to the selected function name. For example, after selecting the function name “camera” in FIG. 8A, a predetermined key operation is performed to move to a deeper hierarchy, and “camera” related function names are displayed in this hierarchy in order. The function selection method of FIG. 8 is suitable when there are many function options, and it is also possible to select a deep hierarchy by function selection.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining function selection by light illumination display of the LED display unit 142.

  As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the function can be notified by the light illumination display of the LED display unit 142. This corresponds to the menu display in step S13 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the function is made to correspond to the number of times the LED display unit 142 is turned on or how to light it. For example, when the LED display unit 142 is lit once, it is e-mail, the second lit is a camera, the third lit is TV.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 9B, the color difference of the LED display unit 142 is made to correspond to each function. For example, when the LED display unit 142 emits green light, it is mail, blue light is a camera, red light is TV, and the like.

  FIG. 10 is a table showing function selection by the input unit 120 in a table.

  The input unit 120 includes a key 121, an acceleration sensor 122, a touch sensor 123, a microphone 124, and a dial 125. For these inputs, function selection is performed by the selection method shown in FIG. This corresponds to the function selection in step S14 of FIG. For example, in the case of key 121 input, selection is performed with a cursor key or the like, and toggle selection is performed with one button. In the case of input from the acceleration sensor 122, the mobile phone 100 is selected in a direction in which the mobile phone 100 is swung left and right or up and down.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, mobile phone 100 has sub-display unit 140 that displays the function of application unit 150 when the terminal is closed, and the executable that is displayed by sub-display unit 140. And an input unit 120 for pre-selecting one of the various functions, and the CPU 110 activates the function displayed on the sub-display unit 140 in conjunction with the opening of the terminal by executing the subprogram. Execute control. Here, it is assumed that the function to be activated when the terminal is opened is pre-selected by the input of the input unit 120 from the function display displayed on the sub display unit 140.

  This Open advance function selection is characterized in that the function displayed on the sub display unit 140 is activated when the terminal is opened without requiring the enter key.

  Thereby, when the user closes the terminal, a function to be activated in conjunction with the opening of the terminal can be selected in advance. When using various functions, the user can save the trouble of selecting a function from the main menu and can enhance the user's feeling of use. Further, power saving can be achieved. Specifically, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) The user can select several functions in the closed state, and when opened, the functions are expanded, so that the function of starting from the closed state to the open state is saved without taking time for menu selection after opening. It can improve that only one can be selected. Usability can be improved.

  (2) In this Open advance function selection, the function is selected in advance in the state when the terminal is closed by executing the subprogram. Therefore, a desired function can be activated without activating the main menu and the main display device. That is, in the conventional example, when a function is selected on the menu display screen on the main LCD as shown in FIG. 2, it is activated by the main device or the main program, and wasteful current is consumed until the function to be used is reached. Was. On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 6, the function selection is completed in advance when the terminal is closed by executing the subprogram. Since there is no need to activate a program such as a function selection program or a main LCD, there is an effect of reducing current consumption.

(Embodiment 2)
The second embodiment is an example in which function selection is performed in accordance with the priority order.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an Open advance function selection control operation of the mobile terminal device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The same steps as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  The hardware configuration is the same as that of the mobile phone 100 of FIGS. In the present embodiment, the CPU 110 further has a function of setting function priorities according to usage frequency or user settings. Further, the CPU 110 performs a setting function for setting the priority order of the functions and an Open advance function selection control for starting the corresponding function according to the set priority order.

  In step S21, the CPU 110 stores the function selected in conjunction with the opening of the terminal or the function set by the user in an internal memory (not shown) or the like as a frequently used function. When the priority mode is set, the CPU 110 shifts to step S15 by executing the subprogram without shifting to step S12. In this case, the CPU 110 selects a function with the highest priority by executing the subprogram, and proceeds to step S15. For example, when the function with the highest priority is TV, the TV function is automatically selected.

  On the other hand, when the priority mode is not set, the CPU 110 receives an input in step S12 by executing the subprogram.

  In step S <b> 13, the CPU 110 displays a menu of selection functions that can be executed by the mobile phone 100 on the sub display unit 140 by executing the subprogram. Here, it is preferable that the CPU 110 displays the menu in the order according to the priority order even when the priority order mode is not set. For example, when the function with the highest priority is TV, the TV function is displayed at a place where the menu display is most easily selected.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the feeling of use by preferentially appearing functions that are frequently used at the time of selection. Specifically, the function selected in conjunction with the opening of the terminal is stored as a frequently used function. In addition, the user can set the priority order. By making it possible to select from functions with higher priorities, it is possible to further reduce the time and effort of selecting functions and to further improve the feeling of use.

  Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the terminal (mobile phone 100) is opened as it is, the function most frequently used at that time, the function used immediately before, or the like is activated.

(Embodiment 3)
The third embodiment is an example in which function selection is performed in a terminal that opens vertically and horizontally.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining Open advance function selection of the mobile terminal device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

  The hardware configuration is the same as that of the mobile phone 100 of FIGS.

  In the present embodiment, the orientation of the terminal is detected by an acceleration sensor 122 (FIG. 5), a motion sensor (not shown), a vibration sensor (not shown), or the like. CPU 110 selects a function according to the orientation of the terminal. In this case, the functions may overlap. However, it is preferable to change the priority of function selection according to the orientation of the terminal.

  As shown in FIG. 12A, when the mobile phone 100 is held vertically, the main menu, mailer, telephone book, etc. are often used. Also, as shown in FIG. 12B, when the mobile phone 100 is held sideways, a TV, a game, a camera, etc. are often used.

  The mobile phone 100 of the type that can be opened and closed in two directions, the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, preselects the phone functions and functions that are easy to use when opening the terminal vertically such as mail when opening the terminal vertically, When the terminal is opened, application functions such as TV and games are preferentially selected in advance.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an Open advance function selection control operation of the mobile terminal device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The same steps as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In step S31, the CPU 110 executes the subprogram, and the orientation of the terminal (mobile phone 100) is set to the vertical orientation (FIG. 12A) based on inputs from the acceleration sensor 122 (FIG. 5), the motion sensor (not shown), and the like. Reference) or sideways (see FIG. 12B). Here, a sensor input when a signal input to the CPU 110 continues for a predetermined time is set as a determination value. By determining the elapse of the predetermined time, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the Open advance function selection process is frequently executed when the orientation of the mobile phone 100 is frequently changed.

  If the orientation of the mobile phone 100 is vertical, the CPU 110 displays the vertical priority function by executing a subprogram in step S32. As described above, the vertical priority function is a telephone function or mail used when the terminal is opened vertically. When the orientation of the mobile phone 100 is vertical, the telephone function or mail used when opening the terminal vertically is displayed with priority. FIG. 12A shows a state in which the user is using the mobile phone 100 in the portrait orientation, and “mail” which is the portrait priority function is displayed on the sub display unit 104.

  On the other hand, if the orientation of the mobile phone 100 is horizontal in step S31, the CPU 110 displays the horizontal priority function by executing the subprogram in step S33. As described above, the horizontal priority function is a TV or game used when the terminal is opened horizontally. When the orientation of the mobile phone 100 is landscape, the TV or game used when opening the terminal horizontally is displayed with priority. FIG. 12B shows a state in which the user is using the mobile phone 100 in a landscape orientation, and “camera”, which is a landscape priority function, is displayed on the sub display unit 104.

  In step S <b> 14, the user pre-selects a function to be activated when the terminal is opened from the menu display displayed on the sub LCD display unit 141 by input of the input unit 120. CPU 110 accepts input from input unit 120 by executing a subprogram, and displays a function selection result or the like on sub LCD display unit 141.

  In the processing of steps S11 to S14 (see the box enclosed by broken lines in FIG. 13), the CPU 110 executes the subprogram with a low clock. In addition to the simplicity of the program itself, the subprogram is executed with a low clock, and therefore has much lower power consumption than the main program execution. Further, since the sub LCD display unit 141 has a smaller backlight than the main LCD display unit 130, it consumes less power.

  In step S15, the user opens the terminal (opens the upper casing 101 of the mobile phone 100).

  As a result, the main program of the mobile phone 100 is activated and the display unit 130 of the large screen LCD is displayed. The main program is executed by the CPU 110. The CPU 110 uses the resources of the mobile phone 100 to the maximum when executing the main program. Specifically, the CPU 110 executes the main program at a high clock and uses the maximum data amount. The display unit 130 causes the backlight of the large screen LCD to emit light with high luminance.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the orientation of the terminal is detected by the acceleration sensor 122 and the like, and the function corresponding to the orientation of the terminal is preferentially displayed on the sub display unit 104. Therefore, when the terminal is opened vertically, the telephone function Functions that are easy to use vertically, such as email and email, and when opening the device horizontally, application functions such as TV and games are displayed with priority, so that the user can use them properly according to the state when the device is opened. Usability can be improved.

  Similarly, a menu structure such as a telephone function is activated when the terminal is opened vertically, and application functions such as a TV and a game are preferentially activated when the terminal is opened horizontally. The telephone function and the application function can be used properly according to the state when the terminal is opened, and the function to be activated can be selected in advance depending on how the terminal is opened. User convenience can be further improved.

  The above description is an illustration of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to this.

  In each of the above embodiments, an example in which the portable terminal device is applied to a portable terminal of a cellular phone is described. However, the portable terminal device is not limited to a cellular phone, and a portable information terminal such as a PDA, a personal computer, or a combined device thereof, The present invention can be applied to portable devices such as MP3 players, HDD players, and portable game machines.

  Moreover, although it is an example applied to the type which can be opened and closed in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, it can be similarly applied to a unidirectional folding type or lid-sliding type mobile terminal device, and the same effect is obtained. be able to.

  In each of the above embodiments, the names of the mobile terminal device and the function selection method are used. However, this is for convenience of explanation, and the device is a portable device, an electronic device, etc., and the method is a prior function selection method. May be.

  Furthermore, each part which comprises the said portable terminal device, for example, a display part, an application part, the number, a connection method, etc. may be what.

  Further, the function selection method described above is also realized by a program for causing this function selection method to function. This program is stored in a computer-readable recording medium.

  The mobile terminal device and function selection method according to the present invention are useful for selecting functions of a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone. Moreover, it is also possible to incorporate in various electronic devices other than a portable terminal as a function selection method.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Mobile telephone 101 Upper housing | casing 102 Lower housing | casing 103 Display part 104,140 Sub display part 105 Operation part 106 Notification means 107 Selection means 110 CPU
120 Input unit 130 Main LCD display unit 140 Sub display unit 150 Application unit 141 Sub LCD display unit 142 LED display unit

Claims (12)

A portable terminal device including a display unit whose display screen is exposed when the housing is opened,
Function execution means for executing a plurality of functions;
Informing means for informing a function executable by the function executing means when the casing is closed;
Selection means for pre-selecting one of the executable functions when the housing is closed;
In conjunction with opening of the housing, a control unit that activates the function selected in advance by the selection unit by the function execution unit;
A mobile terminal device comprising:   The mobile terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is a sub display unit that displays a function name when the casing is closed.   The portable terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is an LED display unit that emits light corresponding to a function name when the casing is closed.   The portable terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is a sound notification unit that makes a sound or a voice announcement corresponding to a function name when the casing is closed.   The portable terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit is a key input or voice input unit.   The portable terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit is a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a vibration sensor that detects a use state of the housing. The function execution means has a function to be used in the vertical opening of the housing and a function to be used in the horizontal opening of the housing,
When the casing is vertically opened, the control unit is activated with priority given to a function used when the casing is vertically opened, and when the casing is horizontally opened, priority is given to a function used when the casing is opened horizontally. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1. Provided with a case detection means for detecting the vertical or horizontal position of the case,
The function execution means has a function to be used in the vertical opening of the housing and a function to be used in the horizontal opening of the housing,
The notification means gives priority to a function used when the casing is vertically opened when the casing is placed vertically, and gives priority to a function used when the casing is opened horizontally when the casing is placed horizontally. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1.   The mobile terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines a priority order to be executed by the function execution unit based on an execution history of the selection function.   The portable terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit gives priority to a function having a high selection frequency or a function used immediately before based on an execution history of the selection function. The control means includes a main program that is executed when the casing is opened, and a subprogram that consumes less power than the main program that is executed when the casing is closed,
The portable terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs activation control of the function execution unit by executing the subprogram. A main program that is executed when the casing is opened, and a subprogram that uses less power than the main program that is executed when the casing is closed;
Informing a function that can be executed when the casing is opened when the casing is closed;
Pre-selecting any of the executable functions when the housing is closed;
A function selection method for sequentially executing, by the subprogram, an activation step of activating the selected function in conjunction with opening of the housing.

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