JP3680777B2 - Mobile phone - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a mobile phone, and more particularly to a foldable mobile phone that is convenient to carry.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When cellular phones are classified according to their structural aspects, they can be divided into an integral type and a folding type. The integrated type is a type in which the receiver unit, transmitter unit, display unit, and operation unit are mounted in a single case, and the folding type is a unit in which the receiver unit and display unit, transmitter unit and operation unit are provided in separate cases. This is a type in which two housings are configured to be freely foldable with hinges. Note that a mobile phone of a type called a flip type is provided with an openable and closable lid called a flip in an operation portion of an integrated mobile phone, and belongs to the integrated type categorically.
[0003]
The integrated mobile phone has the advantage that it can start a call as soon as it is taken out, but since the receiving unit, transmitting unit, display unit, and operation unit are arranged on the same surface, the key pitch cannot be widened. There is a problem that it is difficult to increase the screen size, and that the display unit and the operation unit are not sufficiently protected against mechanical shock.
[0004]
A flip-type mobile phone which is a modified example of the integrated type can protect the operation unit by closing the flip. However, since some function keys such as the display unit and the response button are always exposed, protection against them is not sufficient. In addition, there are still problems that the key pitch cannot be widened and it is difficult to enlarge the display screen. Furthermore, in the type in which the transmitter is installed inside the flip, a call cannot be made unless the flip is opened. However, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-177664, a cellular phone in which a thin omnidirectional microphone is built in a flip and sound holes are provided on the front and back of the flip where the microphone is located. Then, when you receive a call, you can answer immediately without opening the flip. Also The The type in which the transmission part is incorporated in the hinge part that supports the lip so as to be rotatable can perform a call regardless of whether the flip is opened or closed.
[0005]
In the folded state mobile phone, the operation unit and the display unit are covered with the other housing in the folded state, and thus can be protected. In addition, since the area that can be used as the operation unit and the display unit can be secured almost twice as large as that of an integrated mobile phone of the same size, the key pitch can be widened and the display screen can be enlarged. However, there is an inconvenience that the two housings must be opened one by one during a call.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In recent cellular phones, in addition to a function as a mere telephone for voice communication, functions other than an additional function related to a telephone function and a telephone function are incorporated. For example, as an example of an additional function related to the telephone function, a telephone number and name can be registered as a telephone book, and the telephone book function, speed dial function, and original incoming call can be called after the telephone book is called. A variety of things such as sound composition functions are known. In addition, as an example of functions other than the telephone function, NTT DOCOMO's i-mode (Registered trademark) There are a browser function, an e-mail function, a mobile TV function, an electronic notebook function, a personal computer function, etc. for using a content distribution service represented by
[0007]
When mobile phones become multifunctional in this way, the quality of the user interface becomes the key that determines the usability of the device. The main part of the user interface is the display unit and the operation unit, and the ease of use is due to the expansion of the key pitch and the enlargement of the screen, so it is expected that the above-described folding type mobile phone will attract more attention in the future. . However, as described above, this type has the annoyance of having to open the two housings one by one during a call. Therefore, how to solve this problem is important.
[0008]
In the flip type mobile phone, a technique is known in which a call can be made with the flip closed as described above. However, since the basic structure is different between the folding type and the flip type, it is difficult or not effective to apply the flip type technology to the folding type mobile phone.
[0009]
For example, diverting the technology of incorporating a transmitter into a hinge that rotatably supports a flip, and incorporating the transmitter into the hinges of two housings in a foldable mobile phone is not possible with a foldable mobile phone. It is impossible or extremely difficult because a large number of wires passing through circuit elements that are separately mounted on the two casings pass through the hinge.
[0010]
Further, a technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-177664 in which a thin omnidirectional microphone is built in the flip and sound holes are provided on the front and back of the flip where the microphone is located is diverted. A thin omnidirectional microphone is built in one casing of the foldable mobile phone in which an operation unit is mounted, and sound holes are provided on the front and back of the casing where the microphone is located. This leads to deterioration in operability and is not practically effective. The reason is that a microphone and a sound hole must be provided near the hinge in order to provide a sufficient distance between the transmitter and receiver when the two housings are closed. The location near the hinge on the housing surface corresponds to the location that is most easily operated with the thumb when holding the foldable mobile phone with one hand, and the operability of the key is extremely deteriorated if the key cannot be placed at this position. Because it does. In fact, many of the current folding-type mobile phones have the most frequently used type of keys arranged there.
[0011]
The present invention has been proposed in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a foldable mobile phone with good operability, which can make a call in a folded state or in an opened state.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the mobile phone of the first invention, the main receiver and the transmitter are separately mounted on the upper casing and the lower casing, respectively, and the upper casing and the lower casing are connected to each other by a hinge so as to be foldable. A foldable mobile phone, Provided with a notch at the end of the upper casing far from the hinge, in a folded state on the surface of the lower casing facing the notch In addition to including the transmitter, a sub-receiver is provided in the vicinity of the hinge on the outer surface of the upper casing.
[0013]
In the mobile phone according to the second invention, the upper housing and the lower housing are foldably coupled via a hinge, and the upper housing faces the lower housing in a folded state. A main display unit and a main receiver on the inner surface, and a sub-receiver near the hinge on the outer surface opposite to the inner surface. And a notch at the end far from the hinge, The lower housing includes a main operation portion at a portion covered with the upper housing on an inner surface that is a surface facing the upper housing in a folded state. On the surface facing the notch A sub-operation unit that includes a transmitter and performs a response operation to an incoming call at an arbitrary position that can be operated from the outside in a folded state.
[0014]
In the mobile phone according to a third aspect of the invention, the upper housing and the lower housing are foldably coupled via a hinge, and the upper housing faces the lower housing in the folded state. A main display portion and a main reception portion on the inner surface, and a sub display portion and a sub reception portion disposed in the vicinity of the hinge on the outer surface opposite to the inner surface. And a notch at the end far from the hinge, The lower housing includes a main operation portion at a portion covered with the upper housing on an inner surface that is a surface facing the upper housing in a folded state. On the surface facing the notch An answering operation for incoming calls and destination information stored in the built-in storage device are sequentially displayed on the sub-display unit at any location that has a transmitter and can be operated from the outside in a folded state. A sub-operation unit for performing an operation for selecting one of the terminals and a transmission operation for the selected destination partner.
[0015]
Here, in the first to third inventions The main The operation unit includes a number / symbol key group including a numeric key from 0 to 9, a # key and a * key, and some function keys. The sub-operation unit is configured by any one of push buttons, dial keys, rotary switches, or a combination thereof. When a rotary switch is included, the rotary switch is preferably used for scrolling data displayed on the main display unit in an open state.
[0016]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile phone according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention. The detection means detects whether the upper and lower housings are folded, and the detection output of the detection means. And switching means for operating only one of the main and sub-receivers.
[0017]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile phone according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the detecting means for detecting whether or not the upper and lower casings are folded and the receiver operation mode are set. And switching means for performing control to operate only one or both of the main and sub-receiving units based on the detection output of the detecting unit and the set receiving unit operation mode.
[0018]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile phone according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the detection means detects whether or not the upper and lower housings are folded, and the detection output of the detection means. And means for switching the sensitivity of the transmitter.
[0019]
A mobile phone according to a seventh invention is the mobile phone according to the first to sixth inventions, and has one or more additional functions related to the telephone function in addition to the telephone function as voice communication.
[0020]
A mobile phone according to an eighth invention is the mobile phone according to the first to sixth inventions, and has one or more functions other than the telephone function in addition to the telephone function as voice communication.
[0021]
[Action]
In the first invention, when the cellular phone in a folded state is gripped so that the lower casing is in contact with the palm and the hinge is positioned on the upper side, the sub-receiver provided on the outer surface of the upper casing and the lower receiver The transmitter / receiver provided in the side housing can be used as the transmitter / receiver, and the telephone can be talked in a folded state. When the upper casing is opened, the main receiver provided on the inner surface of the upper casing and the transmitter provided on the lower casing can be used as a transmitter / receiver. Calls can be made in the same manner.
[0022]
In the second invention, as in the first invention, the telephone can be talked in both the folded state and the opened state, and when there is an incoming call, it can be answered by operating the sub-operation unit, so it is folded. You can answer the call as it is and immediately make a call.
[0023]
In the third invention, the telephone can be talked in both the folded state and the opened state as in the first invention, and when there is an incoming call as in the second invention, it responds in the folded state. In addition, it is possible to make a call immediately, and by operating the sub-operation unit, the destination information stored in the storage device built in the main body of the device is sequentially displayed on the sub-display unit, and one is selected and a call is instructed. By doing so, the outgoing operation can be performed in the folded state.
[0024]
In the fourth invention, the detecting means detects whether or not the upper and lower casings are folded, and the switching means is based on the detection output, and when it is folded, only the sub-receiving part is By operating, when not folded, only the main receiver is operated, thereby suppressing unnecessary voice output and reducing power consumption.
[0025]
In the fifth invention, the detecting means detects whether or not the upper and lower casings are folded, and the means for setting the receiver operating mode is the single mode and dual mode as the receiver operating mode. Specify one of the modes, and the switching means is based on its detection output and receiver operation mode. In the single mode, only the secondary receiver is activated when folded, and the main receiver when not folded. By operating only the unit, unnecessary audio output is suppressed and power consumption is reduced. Also, in the dual mode, only the sub-receiver is operated when folded, thereby suppressing unnecessary voice output and reducing power consumption.When not folded, the main and sub-receivers By operating both, it is possible to listen to the other party's voice simultaneously.
[0026]
In the sixth invention, when the detecting means detects whether or not the upper and lower casings are folded and the means for switching the sensitivity of the transmitter is not folded, Compared with the sensitivity of the transmitter, the voice of the call can be collected even in the folded state in the same manner as in the unfolded state.
[0027]
In the seventh invention, in addition to the telephone function for voice communication, the telephone function includes one or more phone book functions, speed dial functions, original ring tone composition functions, and the like. Concerning the functions, the user is provided with an easy-to-use user interface by the main display unit having a large size and the main operation unit having a wide key pitch, which are advantages of the folding type.
[0028]
In the eighth invention, in addition to the telephone function as voice communication, one or more browser functions, e-mail functions, video game functions, portable TV functions, electronic notebook functions, personal computer functions, etc. are provided as functions other than the telephone functions. With respect to these additional functions, the user is provided with a user interface that is easy to use by the main display unit having a large size and the main operation unit having a wide key pitch, which are advantages of the folding type.
[0029]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0030]
FIG. 1 shows a mobile phone according to the present invention. Premise example 2A is an external perspective view in a folded state, FIG. 3B is a left side view in a folded state, and FIG. 2C is an external perspective view in an opened state. As shown in FIG. Premise example The cellular phone 1 is a foldable cellular phone in which an upper casing 2 and a lower casing 3 slightly longer than the upper casing 2 are foldably coupled via a hinge 4.
[0031]
The upper housing 2 includes a main display unit 5 and a main receiver 6 on an inner surface that is a surface facing the lower housing 3 in a folded state. The main receiver 6 is preferably arranged near the tip far from the hinge 4 in order to increase the distance from the transmitter 11 described later, and the main display 5 is located between the main receiver 6 and the hinge 4. It is desirable to provide as large a screen as possible. The main receiver 6 includes a sound hole, a built-in receiver, and the like. The main display unit 5 is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD), for example.
[0032]
The upper housing 2 includes a sub-receiver unit 7, a sub-display unit 8, and a response button 9 on a surface (outer surface) that is not opposed to the lower housing 3 in a folded state. It is desirable to arrange the auxiliary receiver 7 near the hinge 4 in order to increase the distance from the transmitter 11 described later. The response button 9 is preferably disposed at a location where the folded cellular phone 1 can be easily operated with the thumb when the cellular phone 1 is held with one hand. It is desirable that the sub display unit 8 is not covered with a hand that holds and operates the mobile phone 1 and is disposed at a place where it is easy to see. Considering this, in this example, the sub-receiver 7 is located near the hinge 4, the response button 9 is slightly above the center of the outer surface, and a small sub-display is provided between the sub-receiver 7 and the response button 9. A portion 8 is provided. The sub-receiver 7 includes a sound hole, a built-in receiver, and the like. The sub display unit 8 is constituted by a small liquid crystal display, for example. The response button 9 is composed of, for example, a push button type switch.
[0033]
On the other hand, the lower housing 3 includes a main operation unit 10 and a transmitter 11 on a surface (inner surface) corresponding to the upper housing 2 in a folded state. Since it is necessary to always expose the transmitter 11, the transmitter 11 is disposed in the vicinity of the tip (the side far from the hinge 4) that is not covered by the upper housing 2 when folded. The transmitter 11 includes a sound hole, a built-in microphone, and the like. On the other hand, the main operation unit 10 is disposed in a portion covered with the upper housing 2 when folded for protection when not in use. The main operation unit 10 includes a number / symbol key group 12 including numeric keys 0 to 9, a # key and a * key, and a function key group 13 including various function keys. The function key group 13 includes a start key 14 used for outgoing and incoming calls, an end key 15 used for ending a call or turning on / off the power of the mobile phone 1, and other keys. Other keys include menu keys used to call up menus, i-mode keys used to display i-mode menus, scrolling up / down / left / right, calling phonebook, displaying incoming call history, redialing and determining operations Command keys used at times are provided as appropriate according to the functions and models of the cellular phone 1. Of the keys of the function key group 13, the frequently used keys are arranged on the side close to the hinge 4 in order to improve operability.
[0034]
The lower housing 3 is provided with a rotary & push switch (abbreviated as RP switch for short) 16 on the left side surface. The RP switch 16 is a switch that outputs a rotation signal corresponding to the direction of rotation when rotated, and outputs a push signal when pushed. It is desirable that the PR switch 16 is disposed at a place where the folded cellular phone 1 can be easily operated with the thumb when the cellular phone 1 is held with the left hand. In this example, the RP switch 16 and the response button 9 described above constitute a sub operation unit.
[0035]
In addition, some other necessary components such as an antenna 17 and an incoming lamp 18 are mounted on the outer surface of the mobile phone 1. The antenna 17 is provided in the vicinity of the hinge 4 on the outer surface of the lower housing 3 so as to face upward both in the folded state and in the opened state. The incoming call lamp 18 is provided not only on the inner surface upper end portion of the upper housing 2 but also on the outer surface lower end portion (hinge side end portion) so that it can be easily seen even in a folded state. Although not shown in FIG. 1, a sounder that emits a ring tone is provided on the back surface of the lower housing 3.
[0036]
Each component mounted on the upper housing 2 is connected to a circuit element of a circuit board housed in the upper housing 2, and each component mounted on the lower housing 3 is The circuit board of the upper housing 2 and the circuit board of the lower housing 3 are connected to the circuit elements of the circuit board housed inside the side housing 3, and are mutually connected by a large number of signal lines passing through the inside of the hinge 4. The upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 are physically and electrically integrated to form the mobile phone 1. There is a case for storing the battery pack on the back surface of the lower housing 3, and the power of the built-in battery pack is supplied to each part.
[0037]
Figure 2 shows a book Premise example It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the mobile telephone 1 concerning. A control unit 21 that controls the entire mobile phone 1 includes an MPU and the like. The control unit 21 includes an EEPROM 22, a RAM 23, a radio unit 24, a main operation unit 10, a sub-operation unit 25, a notification drive unit 26, and a receiver. The main and sub drive units 27 and 28, the transmission drive unit 29, the display main and sub drive units 30 and 31, and the reception unit operation mode setting unit 32 are connected. The radio unit 24 has an antenna 17, the notification drive unit 26 has an incoming call lamp 18, a sounder 33 and a vibrator 34, and the main and sub drive units 27 and 28 for reception have main and sub reception units 6 and 7. The transmission unit 29 for transmission, the main and sub drive units 30 and 31 for display, main and sub display units 5 and 8 for display, and the reception unit operation mode setting unit 32 for transmission unit 29. A receiver switching unit 35 is connected to each other. Furthermore, an open / close detector 36 for detecting whether or not the upper and lower casings 2 and 3 are folded is provided, and the detection signal is received by the receiver switching unit 35, the transmission driver 29, and the display. One of the two outputs of the reception unit switching unit 35 is output to the main drive unit 27 for reception, and the other output is output to the sub drive unit 28.
[0038]
The EEPROM 22 stores various programs and data. The control unit 21 performs main control of the mobile phone 1 by executing a program stored in the EEPROM 22. The stored programs include a program for causing the cellular phone 1 to function as a telephone for voice communication, and one or more programs for causing the cellular phone 1 to have additional functions related to the telephone function and functions other than the telephone function. . As a program for providing an additional function related to the telephone function, there are a program for realizing a telephone directory function, a program for realizing a speed dial function, and the like. Further, examples of the program that realizes functions other than the telephone function include a program that realizes a browser function, a program that realizes an electronic mail function, a program that realizes an electronic notebook function, and a program that realizes a personal computer function. The stored data is data such as a telephone directory, outgoing call history, incoming call history, and the like.
[0039]
The RAM 23 is used for storing data that is temporarily held during the control of the control unit 21. The radio unit 24 is a part that transmits and receives radio signals to and from the base station via the antenna 17. The wireless unit 24 has a function of transmitting and receiving control data such as dial signals and transmission / reception signals to / from base stations necessary for using the mobile phone 1 as a telephone, It has a data communication function for performing transmission / reception and reception of content by packet communication, for example.
[0040]
The main operation unit 10 includes the number / symbol key group 12 and the function key group 13 illustrated in FIG. 1, and the sub operation unit 25 includes the response button 9 and the RR switch 16 illustrated in FIG.
[0041]
The notification driving unit 26 is a part that notifies the user that there is an incoming call by any one or a combination of blinking of the incoming call lamp 18, ringing of the sounder 33, and vibration of the vibrator 34. Which type of notification is used depends on the user's previous setting.
[0042]
The open / close detector 36 includes, for example, a magnet embedded in a vacant part of the inner surface of the upper housing 2 and a magnetic force detection sensor provided in the lower housing 3 that faces the magnet when folded. A detection signal indicating whether or not the lower housings 2 and 3 are folded is output. Rather than a magnet system, any configuration such as a mechanical one using a switch that is pressed down on the other casing when folded on the inner surface of one of the upper and lower casings 2 and 3 is adopted. be able to. The detection signal is composed of, for example, 1 bit which is logic “1” when folded and logic “0” when opened.
[0043]
Either the single mode or the dual mode is set in the reception unit operation mode setting unit 32 as the operation mode of the reception unit. The single mode is a mode in which only the main receiver 6 is operated when the cellular phone 1 is not folded, and the dual mode is a mode in which both the main and sub receivers 6 and 7 are operated. For setting the receiver operation mode, for example, a menu key in the function key group 13 is used to call the receiver operation mode setting screen on the main display unit 5, and a command key in the function key group 13 is used to select either single mode or dual mode. By selecting, the user can arbitrarily set. The receiver operation mode is expressed by 1 bit, for example, and a logic “1” indicates a single mode and a logic “0” indicates a dual mode.
[0044]
The reception unit switching unit 35 is a part that controls the operations of the main and auxiliary drive units 27 and 28 for reception according to the output of the open / close detector 36 and the reception unit operation mode. In the single mode, the reception unit switching unit 35 sets the output to the sub-drive unit 28 to logic “1” and the output to the main drive unit 27 to logic “0” when folded. Only the main drive unit 27 is operated by reversing the logic of the two outputs when only 28 is operated and when not folded. In the case of the dual mode, when folded, the output to the sub drive unit 28 is set to logic “1”, and the output to the main drive unit 27 is set to logic “0” to operate only the sub drive unit 28. When not folded, the logics of the two outputs are both set to "1" to operate both the main and sub drive units 27 and 28.
[0045]
The main and sub drive units 27 and 28 amplify the reception signal sent from the control unit 21 and drive the main and sub reception units 6 and 7. However, if the signal from the receiver switching unit 35 is logic “0”, the driving is stopped.
[0046]
The transmission drive unit 29 amplifies the transmission signal from the transmission unit 11 and outputs the amplified transmission signal to the control unit 21. At this time, based on the detection output from the open / close detector 36, the drive unit 29 increases the sensitivity of the transmitter 11 by increasing the amplification factor when the cellular phone 1 is folded compared to when it is not.
[0047]
The display main drive unit 30 receives image information for the main display unit output from the control unit 21, updates the built-in display memory, reads out the image information from the display memory, and displays it on the main display unit 5. . However, when the detection output of the open / close detector 36 indicates that the mobile phone 1 is folded, the display memory is continuously updated, but the main display unit 5 is not displayed (turns off). Therefore, when the cellular phone 1 is opened again, the latest image information is displayed on the main display unit 5.
[0048]
The display sub-drive unit 31 receives the image information for the sub-display unit output from the control unit 21, updates the built-in display memory, reads the image information from the display memory, and displays it on the sub-display unit 8. .
[0049]
Next book Premise example The operation of the mobile phone 1 according to the above will be described.
[0050]
Immediately after the power is turned on, the mobile phone 1 is in a standby state. In the standby state, the control unit 21 displays a standby screen for the main display unit on the main display unit 5 through the main drive unit 30 and displays a standby screen for the sub display unit on the sub display unit 8 through the sub drive unit 31. Monitoring the occurrence of events. For example, current date and time, battery level, and the like are displayed on the standby screen for the main and sub display units. Instead of displaying the same information on the main and sub display sections, different information may be displayed. The main events to be monitored are input from the main and sub operation units 10 and 25, reception of incoming signals from the base station, and the like.
[0051]
When some event occurs, the state transits to a state corresponding to the occurred event, and after necessary processing is performed under the control of the control unit 21, the state again returns to the standby state. A typical operation example will be described below.
[0052]
(1) Incoming calls
FIG. 3 shows a processing example of the control unit 21 when there is an incoming call. When the incoming signal for the mobile phone 1 including the caller telephone number is received from the base station through the antenna 17 by the wireless unit 24, the control unit 21 activates the notification driving unit 26 to activate the incoming call lamp 18, sounder 33, An incoming call notification is made by the vibrator 34 (step S1), and the screens of the main and sub display units 5 and 8 are updated from the standby screen to the incoming call screen through the main and sub drive units 30 and 31 (step S2). For example, a caller telephone number is displayed on the incoming call screen. Next, the control unit 21 monitors whether or not the user of the mobile phone 1 has responded and whether or not the user has responded and the caller has disconnected (steps S3 and S4). In the mobile phone 1, the user can respond by either the response button 9, the push of the RP switch 16, or the push of the start key 14. Note that a mobile phone having an any answer function can respond with any other key.
[0053]
When the user responds (YES in step S3), the control unit 21 stops the incoming call notification (step S5), and enables a call with the caller by executing the call control (step S6). When the call ends, the current caller telephone number is recorded in the incoming call history area of the EEPROM 22 (step S7), and the process returns to the standby state. On the other hand, when the user does not respond and the other party disconnects the line (YES in step S4), the control unit 21 records the caller's telephone number of this time in the incoming call history area of the EEPROM 22 with a mark of “absent”. (Step S7), the process returns to the standby state.
[0054]
In the call control in step S 6, the control unit 21 sends the caller's voice signal received by the radio unit 24 to the main and sub drive units 27 and 28 for receiving and input from the drive unit 29 for transmitting. By outputting the audio signal to be transmitted to the wireless unit 24, a call with the caller is enabled. Further, whether or not the call is ended is monitored by disconnection of the line from the caller side and input operation on the callee side. When the call is ended, the call control is terminated. In the mobile phone 1, the user can end the conversation by either the response button 9, the double push of the RP switch 16, or the push of the end key 15. Here, the double push means an operation of pushing twice in a short time. Moreover, the control part 21 performs control which displays information, such as call time, suitably on the screen of the main and sub display parts 5 and 8 during call control.
[0055]
FIG. 4 shows the transition of the screen of the sub display unit 8 and an example of user operation when an incoming call is received in the standby state. In this example, the sub display unit 8 has a display area for three lines. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, the operation when the user answers, talks, and ends the call with the cellular phone 1 folded will be described.
[0056]
In the standby state, the sub display unit 8 displays the battery level and the wireless level on the first line, and the current date and day of the week on the second line. When there is an incoming call, the screen is switched to the incoming call screen, and the caller telephone number is displayed on the third line. The user can recognize that there is an incoming call by the incoming call notification, and can recognize the caller by this caller telephone number. When the user pushes the response button 9 or pushes the RP switch 16 for a response, the user enters a call state. The user can place a call by placing the sub-receiving unit 7 on his ear and bringing the transmitting unit 11 close to his / her mouth. At this time, the second line of the sub display unit 8 is switched to the call time, and the call time is counted and displayed every moment. Since the cellular phone 1 is folded, the main drive unit 27 does not output audio from the main receiver 6, and the main drive unit 30 turns off the main display unit 5. When the talk is over, the user double-pushes the response button 9 or double-pushes the RP switch 16. When the talk ends, the sub display unit 8 returns to the standby screen. As described above, when there is an incoming call, the mobile phone 1 can answer, call, and end the call without opening the incoming mobile phone 1 in a folded state.
[0057]
Folding mobile phones that can respond, talk, and end calls when folded are epoch-making, so there are no other foldable mobile phones so far. The telephone 1 may be opened without thinking. However, users will soon learn the guidelines and take advantage of this convenient feature. Also, even if the phone is opened, there is no worry because the mobile phone 1 of this example can be answered, talked on, and ended without being folded again. That is, when the start key 14 is pushed or the response button 9 or the RP switch 16 is pushed and responded in the same manner as described above, the telephone can be brought into a talking state, the main receiver 6 is put on the ear, and the transmitter 11 is turned on. You can make a call by getting close to your mouth. The end of the talk can also be performed by pushing the end key 15 or by double-pushing the response button 9 or the RP switch 16 in the same manner as described above. The transition similar to the transition of the screen as shown in FIG. 4 when an incoming call is received is also performed on the main display unit 5, and the main display unit 5 resumes the display immediately when the cellular phone 1 is opened. It is also possible to check the caller telephone number and the call time.
[0058]
In addition, the usage mode that responds in the folded state, opens and calls and ends, the usage mode that responds in the open state, calls and concludes the call, and ends the conversation Various usage forms are possible, such as switching between calls during a call.
[0059]
(2) Transmission
In this cellular phone 1, by operating the sub-operation unit 25, the destination partner information stored in the EEPROM 22 is sequentially displayed on the main and sub-display units 5 and 8, and one of them is selected. A function is provided that can make a call to the other party. This function is referred to as a sub-operation unit activated transmission function. Here, as destination information stored in the EEPROM 22, information selected by the user in advance among the incoming call history, outgoing call history, and telephone book is used in this example. This selection can be made by calling a destination information selection screen on the main display section 5 by using a menu key and selecting one from the incoming call history, outgoing call history, and telephone directory.
[0060]
FIG. 5 shows a processing example of the control unit 21 related to the sub-operation unit activated transmission function. When the user pushes the RP switch 16 in the standby state, the control unit 21 recognizes that the sub-operation unit activated transmission function has been activated, and starts the processing shown in FIG. First, the main and sub display sections 5 and 8 display the information for three cases registered in the preset destination information of the three destination information of the incoming call history, outgoing history, and telephone book. Then, one of the centers is displayed in reverse to indicate that it is being selected (step S11). Here, the information to be displayed is the other party name registered corresponding to the telephone number in the case of a telephone directory, and the telephone number in the case of an incoming call history and outgoing call history. Next, the control unit 21 waits for the user's input (step S12). When the next input is a scroll instruction, the control unit 21 scrolls information for three cases to be displayed in accordance with the instruction direction, and newly displays it in the center. The one that has been selected is displayed in reverse video indicating that it is being selected (step S13). A scrolling instruction can be input by rotating the RP switch 16, and can also be performed with a scrolling function key in the main operation unit 10 when the RP switch 16 is open.
[0061]
If the next user input is an end instruction, the control unit 21 stops the sub-operation unit activated transmission function and returns to the standby state. The end instruction during the activation of the sub-operation unit activated transmission function can be performed by double-pushing the RP switch 16 or the response button 9 in the cellular phone 1.
[0062]
On the other hand, if the next input from the user is a call instruction, the control unit 21 determines that the central information that is currently highlighted is selected, and the selected telephone number of the other party is set to the wireless unit. Transmission processing is performed by transmitting to the base station through 24 (step S14). The transmission instruction can be made by pushing the RP switch 16 or the response button 9, and can also be made by pushing the start key 14 of the main operation unit 10 when it is open.
[0063]
Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the call destination is busy based on a signal received from the base station through the wireless unit 24 (step S15). A telephone call is enabled (step S16). In this call control, the other party's voice signal received by the radio unit 24 is sent to the main and sub drive units 27 and 28 for receiving and input from the drive unit 29 for transmitting as in step S6 of FIG. The voice signal is output to the wireless unit 24, thereby enabling a call with the other party. Further, whether or not the call is ended is monitored by disconnection of the line from the other party and an input operation of the cellular phone 1, and when the call is ended, the call control is ended. In the mobile phone 1, the user can end the conversation by either the response button 9, the double push of the RP switch 16, or the push of the end key 15. When the call is completed, the telephone number of the callee at this time is recorded in the call history area of the EEPROM 22 (step S17), and the process returns to the standby state. On the other hand, if the user is busy (YES in step S15), the control unit 21 records the telephone number of the other party to be called this time by marking “absent” in the outgoing call history area of the EEPROM 22 (step S15). S17), returning to the standby state.
[0064]
FIG. 6 shows a screen transition of the sub display unit 8 and a user operation example when a call is made using the sub operation unit activated transmission function. In this example, the sub display unit 8 has a display area for three lines. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, the operation when the user makes a call, makes a call, and ends the call with the cellular phone 1 folded will be described.
[0065]
In the standby state, the sub display unit 8 displays the battery level and the wireless level on the first line, and the current date and day of the week on the second line. When the sub-operation unit activation type transmission function is activated by the push operation of the RP switch 16, it is registered in the destination partner information set in advance among the three destination partner information of the outgoing call history, the incoming call history, and the telephone directory. Three pieces of information are displayed on the sub display unit 8. The example of FIG. 6 shows the case of a telephone book, and the center xxx store is highlighted. In this state, when the RP switch 16 is rotated in the forward direction, information for three items is scrolled forward one by one, and the new company located in the center is highlighted. By the way, when the RP switch 16 is rotated in the opposite direction, the information for three cases is scrolled one by one on the opposite side, and the XX company located in the center is highlighted.
[0066]
□□□ When the RP switch 16 or the response button 9 is pushed while the company information is highlighted, the call is processed and the phone registered in the phone book corresponding to the □□□ company A call is made using a number. When the other party answers and enters a call state, the sub-receiver 7 can be placed on the ear and the transmitter 11 can be brought close to the mouth to make a call. At this time, the first line of the sub display unit 8 is switched to the battery level and the radio level, the second line is switched to the call time, and the third line is switched to the calling telephone number, and the call time is counted and displayed every moment. The Since the cellular phone 1 is folded, the main drive unit 27 does not output audio from the main receiver 6, and the main drive unit 30 turns off the main display unit 5. When the user double-pushes the response button 9 or double-pushes the RP switch 16 to end the conversation, the sub display unit 8 returns to the standby screen. As described above, the mobile phone 1 can make a call, make a call, and end the call without opening the mobile phone 1 in a folded state.
[0067]
In the sub-operation unit activation type transmission function, the same transition as the screen transition as shown in FIG. 6 is also performed in the main display unit 5, so even when the cellular phone 1 is opened, the transmission is performed by the same operation as described above. Can talk, end calls. However, during a call, the main receiving unit 6 is put on the ear and the transmitting unit 11 is brought close to the mouth to make a call. In addition, the usage mode to make a call in a folded state, open and call, end the call, the usage mode to make a call in an open state, call in a folded state, end the call, in a folded state and in an open state Various usage forms are possible, such as switching between calls during a call.
[0068]
The mobile phone 1 can make a call by an operation similar to a call operation of an existing folding mobile phone, in addition to the sub-operation unit activation type transmission function. In other words, the mobile phone 1 is opened, and a dial number input by the number / symbol key group 12 and a start key 14 can be pushed to make a call to any other party. Calls can be made to any previously registered party by calling the incoming call history and outgoing call history to the main display unit 5, scrolling the screen, selecting the corresponding partner, and pushing the start key 14.
[0069]
(3) Additional functions related to telephone functions
In the mobile phone 1, additional functions related to the telephone function can be used in the same manner as an existing folding mobile phone. For example, taking the phone book registration function as an example of the additional function, if the cellular phone 1 is opened and the phone book registration function program is started by operating the function key group 13, the phone book registration screen is displayed on the main display unit 5. Is displayed, and a pair of partner name and telephone number can be registered in the telephone directory area of the EEPROM 22 by performing a series of operations. In addition, various additional functions such as an abbreviated dial function and setting of an incoming call notification form can be used. These additional functions can provide a user interface that is easy to use by using the main display unit 5 as an output interface and the main operation unit 10 as an input interface. Further, during the activation of the additional function related to the telephone function, the RP switch 16 can be used for scrolling the screen of the main display unit 5, for example.
[0070]
(4) Functions other than telephone functions
The mobile phone 1 has functions other than telephone functions such as a browser function, an e-mail function, a video game function, a mobile TV function, an electronic notebook function, and a personal computer function as functions other than the telephone function. The functions are provided to the user using the main display unit 5 as an output interface and the main operation unit 10 as an input interface. For example, taking i-mode as an example, if the mobile phone 1 is opened and the i-mode function program is started by operating the function key group 13, the i-mode menu is displayed on the main display unit 5, and an arbitrary item is selected. By doing so, various services can be used. Further, during the activation of functions other than the telephone function, the RP switch 16 can be used for scrolling the screen of the main display unit 5, for example.
[0071]
Previous Stated Premise example Then, the lower housing 3 is slightly longer than the upper housing 2, and the transmitter 11 is provided on the inner surface of the lower housing 3 that is not covered by the upper housing 2 in a folded state. In the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention, As shown in FIG. 7 showing a front view in a closed state, a notch portion (including a hole) 41 such as a substantially U-shape is provided at the distal end portion (the side far from the hinge 4) of the upper housing 2 and folded. The transmitter 11 is provided on the inner surface of the lower housing 3 that faces the notch 41 in the state. This is different from the premise example in other points, and the other points are the same as the premise example. In this case, the lower housing 3 may be longer than the upper housing 2 or may be the same or slightly shorter.
[0072]
In the above-described embodiment, the main reception unit 6 is configured by a sound hole and a built-in receiver and the like, and is disposed at a position different from the main display unit 5, but is provided so as to overlap the main display unit 5. A transparent and flat speaker can be used as the main receiver 6. For example, an NXT loudspeaker can be used as the transparent and flat speaker.
[0073]
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various other additions and modifications can be made. For example, an arbitrary configuration may be employed such that the sub operation unit 25 is configured by only the RP switch 16 or some push buttons are used instead of the RP switch 16.
[0074]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
[0075]
Operability is improved. The reason is that a call can be made in a folded state or an open state.
[0076]
When there is an incoming call, you can answer the call in a folded state and make a call immediately. The reason is that it is possible to respond while folded by operating the sub-operation unit.
[0077]
Not only incoming calls but also outgoing calls can be done in a folded state. The reason is that, in a folded state, display and selection of the destination partner information stored in the internal storage device, and a transmission instruction to the selected destination can be performed. Looking at the current usage status of mobile phones, it is overwhelmingly more likely to make a call by specifying the other party registered in the phone book, outgoing call history, and incoming call history than using the dial keys to specify the other party. In most cases, it can be used in a folded state.
[0078]
Generation of unnecessary audio output and increase in power consumption due to the presence of two transmitters can be prevented. The reason is that only the secondary receiver is activated when folded, and only the main receiver is activated when not folded, thereby suppressing unnecessary voice output and reducing power consumption. It is.
[0079]
It is possible to use a new usage method such as listening to the voices of the other party at the same time by actively utilizing the presence of two transmitting parts. The reason for this is that when dual mode is specified as the receiver operation mode, both the main and sub receivers are activated when not folded, so if the ear is close to the sub receiver, the other party's voice is heard. This is because a person other than the caller can also listen clearly.
[0080]
Even in the folded state, the call voice can be collected in the same manner as in the other state. The reason is that in the folded state, the distance between the handset and the handset is shorter than in the closed state, and the transmitter is further away from the mouth, but when folded, the sensitivity of the transmitter is automatically increased compared to when it is not. This is because it increases.
[0081]
Additional functions related to telephone functions such as a telephone book function and abbreviated dial function can be provided to users with an easy-to-use user interface. The reason is that a user interface with a large main display section and a main operation section with a wide key pitch, which are advantages of the folding type, can be used.
[0082]
Functions other than the telephone function such as the browser function and the e-mail function can be provided to the user with an easy-to-use user interface. The reason is that a user interface with a large main display section and a main operation section with a wide key pitch, which are advantages of the folding type, can be used.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 shows a mobile phone according to the present invention. Premise example 2A is an external perspective view in a folded state, FIG. 3B is a left side view in a folded state, and FIG. 2C is an external perspective view in an opened state.
FIG. 2 of the present invention Premise example It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the mobile phone concerning.
FIG. 3 of the present invention Premise example It is a flowchart which shows the process example of the control part when there exists an incoming call in the mobile telephone concerning.
FIG. 4 of the present invention Premise example FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a transition of the screen of the sub display unit and an example of user operation when there is an incoming call in a standby state in the mobile phone according to FIG.
FIG. 5 shows the present invention. Premise example It is a flowchart which shows the process example of the control part concerning the sub operation part starting type | formula transmission function which the mobile telephone concerning this.
FIG. 6 of the present invention Premise example It is a figure which shows the example of a user's operation and the transition of the screen of a subdisplay part at the time of making a call using the suboperation part starting type | formula transmission function which the mobile telephone concerning this.
FIG. 7 is a mobile phone according to the present invention. The fruit It is a front view of the folded state concerning embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Mobile phone
2 ... Upper housing
3 ... Lower housing
4 ... Hinge
5 ... Main display
6 ... Main receiver
7 ... Vice receiving part
8 ... Sub-display section
9 ... Response button
10 ... main operation part
11 ... Speaker
12 ... Number / Symbol Keys
13 ... Function key group
14 ... Start key
15 ... End key
16 ... RP switch
17 ... Antenna
18 ... Incoming call lamp
21 ... Control unit
22… EEPROM
23 ... RAM
24. Radio section
25 ... Sub-operation part
26. Notification drive unit
27 ... Main drive section
28 ... Sub-driving unit
29 ... Drive unit
30 ... Main drive unit
31 ... Sub-driving unit
32. Reception unit operation mode setting unit
33 ... Sounder
34 ... Vibrator
35. Reception part switching part
36 ... Open / close detector
41 ... Notch

Claims (9)

The main receiving unit mounted on the upper housing, implementing the transmitter section to the lower housing, the upper housing and the lower housing a freely bound foldable mobile telephone foldable by a hinge, the The upper casing is provided with a notch at the end far from the hinge, the transmitter is provided on the surface of the lower casing facing the notch in the folded state, and the outer surface of the upper casing. A mobile phone comprising a sub-receiver in the vicinity of the hinge in order to be able to talk in either a folded state or an open state. The upper housing and the lower housing are connected to each other via a hinge so as to be foldable, and the upper housing is connected to the main display portion and the main housing on the inner surface which is the surface facing the lower housing in the folded state. A receiving part and a sub-receiving part in the vicinity of the hinge on the outer surface opposite to the inner surface, and a notch at the end far from the hinge, the lower housing in the folded state A portion that is covered with the upper housing on the inner surface, which is a surface facing the upper housing, is provided with a main operation unit , a transmitter that is disposed on the surface facing the notch , and externally in a folded state. A mobile phone provided with a sub-operation unit that performs a response operation for an incoming call at any operable location. The upper housing and the lower housing are connected to each other via a hinge so as to be foldable, and the upper housing is connected to the main display portion and the main housing on the inner surface which is the surface facing the lower housing in the folded state. A lower receiving portion provided on the outer surface opposite to the inner surface, a sub-display portion and a sub-receiving portion disposed in the vicinity of the hinge, and a notch at the end far from the hinge. The casing is provided with a main operation part at a portion covered with the upper casing on the inner surface which is a surface facing the upper casing in a folded state, and a transmitter section on a surface facing the notch. And, at any place that can be operated from the outside in the folded state, the answering operation for the incoming call and the destination party information stored in the built-in storage device are sequentially displayed on the sub-display unit, and one of them is selected To make calls and send calls to the selected recipient Mobile phone with a power sale auxiliary operating unit.   The sub-operation unit includes a rotary switch provided on a side surface of the lower casing, and the rotary switch is used for a scroll operation of data displayed on the main display unit in an opened state. The mobile phone according to claim 2 or 3. Detection means for detecting whether or not the upper and lower casings are in a folded state, and switching means for operating only one of the main and auxiliary receivers based on the detection output of the detection means. The mobile phone according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . Based on the detection means for detecting whether or not the upper and lower housings are folded, means for setting a receiver operation mode, detection output of the detection means and the set receiver operation mode. and the portable telephone according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and a switching means for controlling to operate either one and both of the sub-earpiece. Detecting means for detecting whether or not a state where the upper and lower housing are folded, the detection switch the sensitivity of the transmitter section based on the detection output of the unit means and the claims 1 to 4 comprising The mobile phone according to any one of claims. The mobile phone according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , further comprising one or more additional functions related to the telephone function in addition to the telephone function as voice communication. The mobile phone according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising one or more functions other than the telephone function in addition to the telephone function as voice communication.

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