JP2698235B2 - Small information terminal - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a small information terminal such as an electronic organizer, and more particularly to a small information terminal capable of displaying a pictogram frequently used in an application program on a display unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an example of an electronic organizer, various pictorial symbols such as a telephone symbol and a weather symbol are called (displayed) on a candidate screen of a display section, and the pictorial symbol is selected by an operator's key input, and characters on the display screen are selected. Some columns can now be snapped into place. Conventionally, this kind of pictogram call is stored in RAM
Is used in accordance with a calling procedure for first calling the learning candidate screen using the pictorial symbol learning memory stored in the storage device.

FIG. 7 shows a CPU in a conventional calling system.
A control procedure will be described. When the processing program is started, the CPU firstly executes the RAM shown in FIG.
Learning memory 3a allocated to a part of the storage area 3
3e is transferred from the RAM 3 to a display buffer (display buffer memory). Next, the content corresponding to the data transferred to the display buffer in step S2 is displayed on the candidate screen of the display unit as a learning candidate screen, and X
'Is set to X' = 0.

[0004] Here, X 'means the number of called pages of the calling screen based on the initially called initial learning candidate screen. That is, when the next screen of the initial learning candidate screen is called, X 'is set to X' = X '+ 1, and when the previous screen is called, X' is set to X '= X'-1.

Next, in step S3, a key input by the operator is waited to determine whether to call the next screen or the previous screen. If it is determined that the next screen is called, X ′ is set to X ′ = X ′ + 1 in step S4. And
In step S5, it is determined whether or not X 'is X' = 0 or X '= A'. Here, since X ′ = 0 means that the candidate screen remains the initial learning screen, X ′ = 0
When it is determined that X '= 0, 1 returns to step S1 and repeats the processing from step S1. Since A 'indicates the number of candidate screens excluding the learning candidate screen, X' = A '
Represents a state in which the learning candidate screen has not been called. Therefore, similarly, the process returns to step S1 and returns to step S1.
The processing after 1 is repeated.

When it is confirmed in step S5 that X '= 0 or X' = A ', the pictorial symbol data of the next screen is transferred from the learning memories 3a to 3e of the RAM 3 to the display buffer in step S6. The displayed data is displayed on the candidate screen (S7). Thereafter, the process returns to step S3, and the processes after step S3 are repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the next screen is to be called, in step S8, X 'is changed to X' = X'-
1 and then, in step S9, X '= 0 or X' =-
It is determined whether it is A '. X '= 0 or X'
= −A ′, it is determined in step S
At 10, the symbol data of the previous screen is transferred from the learning memories 7a to 7e of the RAM 3 to the display buffer, and the transferred data is displayed on the candidate screen (S11). Thereafter, the process returns to step S3 in the same manner, and the processes after step S3 are repeated. On the other hand, in step S9, X ′ = 0 or X ′ =
If it is determined that -A 'has been reached, the process returns to step S1 in the same manner as described above, and the processing from step S1 is repeated.

[0008] As shown in FIG. 8, learning memories 3 a to 3 e for storing pictorial symbol data are stored in a storage area of the RAM 3.
Is assigned. The learning memories 3a to 3e are common to all application programs stored in the ROM of the electronic organizer. Therefore, the pictorial symbol learning candidate screen called first is common to all application programs. As shown in FIG. 9, when a certain symbol data α is selected as the symbol data stored in the learning memories 3a to 3e, the selected symbol data becomes the first learning memory. The pictorial symbol data stored in the learning memories 3a to 3d and stored in the learning memories 3a to 3d before selection is shifted and stored in the learning memories 3b to 3e, respectively. Therefore, the pictorial symbol data stored in the learning memory 3e before the selection is erased.

[0009]

However, according to the above-mentioned conventional example, a system configuration is adopted in which a learning candidate screen for a pictorial symbol called first is common to all application programs. However, there is a disadvantage in that a frequently used pictorial symbol is not included in the first learning candidate screen, a troublesome key operation is required until the pictorial symbol to be selected is selected, and the operation time becomes long.

That is, since the unnecessary learning symbols frequently used in the application program used last time are included in the first learning candidate screen because of the above-mentioned learning memory configuration, it is necessary to select a desired graphics symbol. Is necessary to call the next screen.

Further, when a new pictogram is selected, there is a disadvantage that the pictogram is rewritten by another pictogram and erased even though the pictogram is frequently used in a certain application program. .

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a small-sized information terminal capable of immediately selecting a pictogram with a simple operation and greatly improving the usability. .

[0013]

According to the present invention, there is provided a small-sized information terminal in which pictorial symbols used in a plurality of application programs stored in a program storage section can be displayed on a candidate screen of a display section. In the terminal, a storage unit having a storage area in which the pictorial symbols frequently used in the application program are registered in association with each of the application programs and registered in a priority order, and one application program stored in the program storage unit Starts, the control unit reads out the pictorial symbol corresponding to the application program from the storage unit in accordance with the priority order and displays the pictorial symbol on the candidate screen of the display unit, thereby achieving the object. You.

[0014]

According to the above arrangement, pictorial symbols used in correspondence with each application program are identified for each application program and registered in the storage area of the storage unit with a priority order according to the frequency of use or the like. So
When the corresponding application program starts, the highest priority pictorial symbol is displayed on the candidate screen of the display unit.
Also, the registered pictograms will not be lost.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1 shows an electronic organizer of the present invention together with an IC card set therein. The CPU 1 serves as a control center of the electronic organizer 100 and performs various controls according to a plurality of application programs stored in the ROM 2. As an example of the control, writing of data to the RAM 3 is performed as follows.

When an operator operates a keyboard (main body key) 5 attached to the electronic organizer 100 to perform key input corresponding to data contents, the input data is transmitted to the CPU 1 via the gate array 6 and the I / O unit 7. Is input to CPU
1 writes the input data into the RAM 3 via the gate array 6. The data written in the RAM 3 is backed up by the memory protection battery 4.

The gate array 6 includes an LCD driver 8,
An LCD 10 as a display unit is connected via the terminal 9. L
The CD 10 displays data in the RAM 3 read by the CPU 1 and display guidance to be described later.

A card slot in which an IC card 200 is set is opened on one end surface of the electronic organizer 100. When the IC card 200 is set in the card slot, the connector 11 electrically connects the IC card 200 and the electronic organizer.
In the connected state, the driving battery 12 of the electronic organizer 100
Power is supplied to the C card 200. The driving battery 12 also supplies power to the CPU 1 and the like in the electronic organizer 100. The driving battery 12 is connected to a low battery detection circuit 13 for detecting the battery capacity of the driving battery 12. The detection result of the low battery detection circuit 13 is reported to the CPU 1.

The outline of the IC card 200 is as follows. RO
M20 stores a plurality of types of application programs for driving the IC card 200. The application program is selected by operating a key matrix printed on the surface of the IC card 200. That is, when the IC card 200 is set in the card slot, the key matrix can be visually recognized through the IC card transparent touch key (transparent touch panel switch) 14 provided at a position corresponding to the electronic organizer. Therefore, when a corresponding portion of the IC card transparent touch panel 14 is pressed, a desired application program is selected, and the selected content is reported to the CPU 1.

When the IC card 200 is set in the electronic organizer 100, the CPU 1 reads out the data written in the RAM 21 according to the application program stored in the ROM 20, and displays the data on the LCD 10. Also,
The data input via the keyboard 5 is written into the RAM 21. Writing / reading of data to / from the RAM 21 is performed via the gate array 22. RAM 21
Is connected to a battery 23 for memory protection, and an IC card 20
When 0 is detached from the electronic organizer 100, the memory protection battery 23 backs up the data written in the RAM 21.

The electronic organizer 100 of the present invention is provided with a function selection key 15 for selecting various functions (menus) in addition to the above configuration. FIG. 2 shows details of the function selection key 15. The function selection key 15 includes a calendar key 150,
A schedule key 151, a telephone key 152, a memo key 153, a clock key 154, a calculation key 155, and a card key 156 are provided.

When a key other than the card key 156 is selected, the result of the selection is reported to the CPU 1. Then, the CPU 1 activates an application program corresponding to a key selected from a plurality of application programs stored in the ROM 2, and the mode is set to 100 in the electronic organizer.

By the way, when the telephone key 152 is selected, RO
When the application program for the telephone directory function stored in M2 is started and the card key 156 is selected, the IC
An application program stored in the ROM 20 of the card 200 is activated.

FIG. 3 shows a control procedure of the CPU 1 for starting the application program. When the power is turned on, the CPU 1 initializes an application program in the ROM 2 in step S20. Next, in step S21, it is determined whether or not the function selection key 15 has been turned on. When it is confirmed that one of the functions is selected by being turned on, the corresponding application program is started (S22).

FIG. 4 shows a storage area of the RAM 3. RAM
3, storage areas 30a to 30a-3 as storage areas for the telephone directory.
0e is secured, and storage areas 30f to 30j are secured as memo storage areas, and storage areas 30k to 30o are secured as schedule storage areas. Default values are stored in the storage areas 30a to 30o in advance, and the operator can register frequently used pictorial symbols for each application program in the storage areas 30a to 30o. This registration work is performed according to the procedure shown in FIG.

When the CPU 1 confirms in step S30 that the pictorial symbol registration mode has been set by an operator's key input, the CPU 1 next determines in step S31 whether an application program has been selected. After confirming that the selection has been made, next in step S32, the storage areas 30a to 30e, 30f to 30j and 30k
It is determined whether any of the storage areas of 30o is selected. This selection operation is also performed by key input by the operator.

After confirming that any one of the storage areas has been selected, it is determined in step S33 whether or not a pictorial symbol to be registered has been designated. When it is confirmed that the designated input has been made, registration processing for writing the designated pictorial symbol in the designated storage area in step S34 is performed. Then, in step S35, it is determined whether or not all the registration processes have been completed. When it is confirmed that the registration process has been completed, the registration work is completed at that time.

Each of the storage areas 30a to 30e, 30f
The pictorial symbols to be called with the highest priority in the respective application programs are registered in the head storage areas of the application programs 30 to 30j and 30k to 30o, respectively.

As described above, the dedicated storage areas 30a to 30a
The pictorial symbols registered in 30e (or 30f to 30j, 30k to 30o) are called on the candidate screen of the LCD 10.
This calling operation is performed according to the control procedure shown in FIG.

In step S40, the CPU 1 first determines whether the currently used application program is a telephone directory application program, a memo application program, or a schedule application program.
If it is determined that the application program is a telephone directory, the process proceeds to step S41. On the other hand, if it is determined that the application program is for a memo, the process proceeds to step S42, and if it is determined that the application program is for a schedule, the process proceeds to step S43.

In step S41, the storage area 3 of the RAM 3
The picture symbols registered in 0a to 30e are read and transferred to the display buffer. In step S42, RA
The pictographs registered in the storage areas 30f to 30j of M3 are read and transferred to the display buffer.
The picture symbols registered in the storage areas 30k to 30o of the AM3 are read and transferred to the display buffer.

When step S41 is completed, the pictorial symbols transferred to the display buffer in step S44
Is displayed as the initial priority call candidate screen on the candidate screen of,
Set X to X = 0. Here, X means the number of pages to be called in the calling screen based on the initially called initial pictorial symbol priority calling candidate screen. That is, when the next screen of the initial pictorial symbol priority calling candidate screen is called, X
Is set to X = X + 1, and when the previous screen is called, X is set to X = X−1.

If it is determined in step S45 that the next screen is to be called, then in step S46, X is set to X = X + 1 so as to call the next screen of the priority call candidate screen. Next, in step S47, it is determined whether or not X is X = 0 or X = A. When it is confirmed that X = 0 or X = A, since the next screen of the priority calling screen is not called in this case, the process returns to step S41 as shown in the figure, and the processing after step S41 is repeated. I do.

On the other hand, at step S47, X = 0 or X = A
If not, the process proceeds to step S48, where the pictorial symbol of the next screen of the priority calling screen is stored in the RAM.
3 and transferred to the display buffer.
Next, the pictorial symbols transferred to the display buffer in step S49 are displayed on the priority candidate calling screen of the next screen. When step S49 is completed, the process returns to step S45, and the processing after step S45 is repeated. here,
A is the number of candidate screens excluding the priority candidate call screen.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S45 that the previous screen is to be called, the process proceeds to step S50, where X is set to X = X-1 so as to call the previous screen of the priority call candidate screen. Next, step S51
Then, it is determined whether or not X is X = 0 or X = −A. When it is confirmed that X is satisfied, the process returns to step S41 as shown in the figure, and the processes after step S41 are repeated.

In step S51, X is X = 0 or X = -A.
When it is confirmed that is not set, the symbol of the previous screen of the priority calling screen is read from the storage area of the RAM 3 and transferred to the display buffer in step S52. Next, the pictorial symbol transferred to the display buffer in step S53 is displayed on the LCD.
10 are displayed on the priority display candidate screen. This step S5
When the process of Step 3 is completed, the process returns to Step S45, and the processes after Step S45 are repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S40 that the application program currently in use is a memo application program, the flow advances to step S42 to read the pictographs registered in the storage areas 7f to 7j of the RAM 3 and read them out of the display buffer. Then, the processing B corresponding to the above-described steps S44 to S53 is executed, and the priority calling candidate screen of the pictorial symbol frequently used in the memo application program is sequentially displayed on the LCD 10. If it is determined in step S40 that the application program currently in use is a schedule application program, in step S43 the pictographs registered in the storage areas 7k to 7o of the RAM 3 are read and transferred to the display buffer. Of the process B.

Although the above embodiment has been described with reference to the case where the present invention is applied to an electronic organizer, it is needless to say that the present invention can be similarly applied to other small information terminals.

[0040]

As described above, in the small information terminal of the present invention, pictorial symbols used in correspondence with each application program are identified for each application program, and stored in the storage unit in a priority order according to the frequency of use. Since the system is configured to be registered in the area, when the application program is started, the corresponding highest priority pictogram is automatically displayed on the candidate screen of the display unit. Therefore, the operator can immediately select a pictogram to use.
Therefore, the troublesome operation as in the above-mentioned conventional example is not required, and the usability of the small information terminal can be remarkably improved.

Further, the pictogram once registered in a predetermined storage area is not rewritten or lost in another storage area. Therefore, as long as there is no need to change the registered content, the calling process can be re-executed with the same registered content without worry.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an electronic organizer of the present invention and an IC card set therein.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a function selection key.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an activation process of an application program.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a storage area for registering a pictorial symbol assigned to a storage area of a RAM.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a CPU in a pictogram registration process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a CPU when a pictorial symbol registered in a RAM is called on a candidate screen.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for calling a learning candidate screen in a conventional example.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a learning memory assigned to a storage area of a conventional RAM.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for rewriting a pictogram in a conventional RAM.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 CPU 2 ROM 3 RAM 30a-30e Telephone directory storage area 30f-30j Memo storage area 30k-30o Schedule storage area 5 Keyboard 6 Gate array 10 LCD 15 Function selection keys 20 ROM 21 RAM 100 Electronic notebook 200 IC card

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A small information terminal in which pictorial symbols used in a plurality of application programs stored in a program storage unit can be displayed on a candidate screen of a display unit. A symbol is associated with each application program,
When a storage unit having a storage area registered with a priority order and one application program stored in the program storage unit are started, the pictorial symbol corresponding to the application program is read out from the storage unit according to the priority order. And a control means for displaying the candidate screen on the display unit.