JP3879980B2 - Portable information processing apparatus and operation screen display control method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable information processing apparatus and an operation screen display control method, and is suitable for application to, for example, a mobile phone.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a mobile phone, various functions are provided based on various application programs such as an e-mail program installed in advance, and when a function desired by a user is selected through a predetermined operation, The operation screen of the selected function is displayed on the display unit.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the mobile phone having such a configuration, various functions tend to increase in the future, and in the structure in which only one operation screen is displayed on the current display unit, a plurality of operation screens cannot be displayed at the same time. However, multiple functions cannot be used simultaneously.
[0004]
Therefore, in a mobile phone having such a configuration, when a work is performed using a plurality of functions, the currently used operation screen is once ended before the operation screen of the function desired to be used next is displayed on the display unit. There is a problem that the operation screen switching operation becomes complicated because it is necessary.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an attempt is made to propose a portable information processing apparatus and an operation screen display control method capable of switching an operation screen with a simple operation while simultaneously enabling a plurality of functions. To do.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve such a problem, in the present invention, by dividing the display screen of the display unit, the main display area and a plurality of sub display areas associated with the location of the predetermined operation means on the housing After generating an operation screen display area consisting of the following, a plurality of operation screens corresponding to various functions are respectively displayed on the main display area and the plurality of sub display areas based on a predetermined rule, and a predetermined operation means is displayed. The operation screen displayed in the sub display area and the operation screen displayed in the main display area are switched and displayed in accordance with the performed operation.
[0007]
The user can easily specify the operation screen of the function desired to be used next from the plurality of operation screens displayed on the display unit, and the operation screen specified by an intuitive and simple operation and the operation currently in use. You can switch between screens.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0009]
(1) Appearance configuration of mobile phone
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a mobile phone as a portable information processing apparatus according to the present invention as a whole, which is divided into an upper casing 3 and a lower casing 4 with a central hinge portion 2 as a boundary. It can be folded via the part 2.
[0010]
In the upper housing 3, a transmission / reception antenna 5 is attached to the upper right side of the rear surface so that it can be pulled out and accommodated, and wirelessly communicated with a base station (not shown) via the antenna 5. It is made to communicate.
[0011]
A speaker 6 is provided at the upper front end of the upper housing 3, and a display unit 7 as a display means such as a liquid crystal display is provided at the center of the front. The display unit 7 has an e-mail function. It is possible to display operation screens of various functions such as, radio wave reception status, remaining battery level, current date and time, and the like.
[0012]
On the other hand, the lower casing 4 is provided with a numeric keypad 8 including “0” to “9”, “#”, and “*” keys at the center of the surface, and above the numeric keypad 8. Are provided with a power / end key 9 for inputting a power ON / OFF command, an end-of-call command and the like of the mobile phone 1 and a call key 10 for inputting a call-out command and the like.
[0013]
In addition, a jog dial 11 that can be rotated and pressed is provided at the center of the upper surface of the lower housing 4, and a left key 12 and a right key 13 are provided on both sides of the jog dial 11. Yes.
[0014]
A menu key 14 for displaying a function selection menu box (described later) on the display unit 7 is provided on the left side of the upper surface of the lower housing 4. An end key 15 is provided to end the display.
[0015]
In the cellular phone 1, for example, after the menu key 14 is pressed, a function selection menu box is displayed on the display unit 7, and then the jog dial 11 is rotated to list the selection items in the function selection menu box. When recognizing that the jog dial 11 is pressed in a state where a user-desired function name is selected from a plurality of displayed function name items, an operation screen for the function corresponding to the function name item is displayed on the display unit 7. To be displayed.
[0016]
Here, in the jog dial 11, as shown in FIG. 2, the cylindrical rotary operator 11 </ b> A constituting the jog dial 11 protrudes slightly from the surface of the lower housing 4, that is, easily by the user's thumb or the like. It is attached so that it can be rotated and pressed.
[0017]
The jog dial 11 notifies the internal circuit of the rotation operation amount by generating a rotation pulse linked to the rotation operation via the internal rotary encoder every time the rotation operation element 11A is rotated. Each time 11A is pressed, this is notified to an internal circuit via the push switch 11B.
[0018]
Here, in the rotary operator 11A, a light catch (hereinafter referred to as “rotation click”) is generated at every predetermined rotation angle, and one rotation pulse is generated every time the rotation click is rotated. Yes. Thereby, the mobile phone 1 can make the user surely recognize the amount of rotation operation of the jog dial 11 through the tactile sensation.
[0019]
Note that the lower housing 4 is provided with a microphone 16 at the lower surface thereof, and the user's voice is collected by the microphone 16.
[0020]
A battery pack (not shown) is mounted on the back side of the lower housing 4. When power is turned on by operating the power / end key 9, power is supplied from the battery pack to an internal circuit block. And the mobile phone 1 is activated to an operable state.
[0021]
(2) Circuit configuration of mobile phone
Next, the circuit configuration of the mobile phone 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0022]
In the cellular phone 1, a central processing unit (CPU) 20 that controls the entire cellular phone 1 as a whole, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 22 as a work area, a ROM (Read Only Memory) via a control line 21. ) 23, an operation input unit 24 and a communication processing unit 25 including a numeric keypad 8, a power / end call key 9, a call key 10, a jog dial 11, a left direction key 12, a right direction key 13, a menu key 14, and an end key 15. Connected and configured. The CPU 20, RAM 22, ROM 23, display unit 7, communication processing unit 25, speaker 6 and microphone 16 are connected to each other via a data line 26.
[0023]
Incidentally, the ROM 23 stores a basic program and an operation screen display control program (to be described later) for controlling display processing of the operation screen.
[0024]
In addition, the ROM 23 also stores, as application programs, an e-mail program, a web browser program, a GPS navigation program for providing a function for notifying the current position of the user, a memo pad program, and the like.
[0025]
The CPU 20 reads various programs stored in the ROM 23 as appropriate, expands them in the RAM 22 and executes them, thereby controlling each circuit unit of the mobile phone 1 and executing various processes.
[0026]
For example, according to the basic program, the CPU 20 controls the communication processing unit 25 according to an operation command input via the operation input unit 24, thereby executing various communication processes such as a calling process and an end-call process.
[0027]
When the CPU 20 recognizes that the function desired by the user (for example, an e-mail function) has been selected via the operation input unit 24, the CPU 20 performs the function according to the corresponding application program (in this case, the e-mail program). The processing for realizing is executed.
[0028]
(3) Operation screen display control function
(3-1) Display transition of operation screen
When the CPU 20 recognizes that a function that the user desires to use is selected by performing a predetermined operation via the operation input unit 24, an operation screen display control process (to be described later) according to the operation screen display control program. By executing the above, an operation screen related to the selected function is appropriately arranged and displayed on the display unit 7.
[0029]
For example, when the power of the cellular phone 1 is turned on by pressing the power / end key 9, the CPU 20 shifts to a standby state waiting for incoming calls from other cellular phones and various operations performed by the user of the cellular phone 1. At the same time, a standby screen 100 as shown in FIG.
[0030]
The basic information display unit 101 of the standby screen 100 displays icons indicating the radio wave reception state and the remaining battery level, and the operation screen display unit 102 displays operation screens of various functions. ing. However, in this case, since the standby screen 100 is currently in a standby state, date / time information and the like are displayed as an example for allowing the user to recognize that fact.
[0031]
When the CPU 20 recognizes that the menu key 14 is pressed while the standby screen 100 is displayed, the CPU 20 operates a function selection menu box 103 for selecting various functions such as an e-mail function, as shown in FIG. A pop-up is displayed on the screen display unit 102.
[0032]
In this function selection menu box 103, names of various functions are listed as selection items, and the CPU 20 moves the cursor 103A in accordance with the rotation operation of the jog dial 11 to allow the user to select the name of a specific function. The function name selected by the cursor 103A is selected and determined by pressing the jog dial 11 by the user so that the operation screen for the function corresponding to the function name is displayed on the display unit 7. Has been made.
[0033]
When the “email” item in the function selection menu box 103 is selected and determined, for example, via the jog dial 11, the CPU 20 performs an operation screen display instruction (hereinafter referred to as an operation screen display) for the email function. It is recognized as an instruction).
[0034]
In practice, the CPU 20 displays one or more operation screens to be displayed on the display unit 7 in an appropriately arranged state in accordance with the operation screen display control program. For example, when the CPU 20 is given an operation screen display command for adding and displaying one operation screen of the e-mail function from a state where no operation screen is displayed, the CPU 20 responds accordingly as shown in FIG. In addition, after securing an operation screen display area 104 (indicated by a broken line) for displaying one operation screen on the operation screen display unit 102, a first operation screen corresponding to the operation screen display command is secured. It is displayed on the operation screen display area 104.
[0035]
Accordingly, when an e-mail operation screen display command is given in a state in which the standby screen 100 is displayed (FIG. 4), the CPU 20 responds accordingly to the e-mail operation screen 105 in the operation screen display area 104 as shown in FIG. Is displayed.
[0036]
Here, the CPU 20 recognizes various operation screens displayed in the operation screen display area 104 as user operation targets. Accordingly, in this case, the user can input various operation commands and operation information to the e-mail operation screen 105 displayed in the operation screen display area 104.
[0037]
Next, when the CPU 20 recognizes that the menu key 14 has been pressed while the e-mail operation screen 105 is displayed, the function selection menu box 103 is pop-up displayed on the e-mail operation screen 105 as shown in FIG. To do.
[0038]
When the “Web browser” item in the function selection menu box 103 is selected and determined via the jog dial 11, for example, the CPU 20 recognizes the selection determination operation as an operation screen display command for the Web browser function.
[0039]
In practice, according to the operation screen display control program, for example, the CPU 20 newly displays a second web browser function operation screen while the first e-mail operation screen 105 is displayed. When an operation screen display command is given, as shown in FIG. 9, the operation screen display unit 102 of the display unit 7 is divided in accordance with this, so that the first display region 106 and the width of the first display region 106 are increased. Is provided with a second display area 107 having a shorter width and a third display area 108 having a shorter width than the second display area 107, and the operation screen display area 104 is reconfigured. In addition to the second display area 107 secured in step S2, the second web browser function operation screen corresponding to the operation screen display command is displayed in the first display area 106.
[0040]
Therefore, when the web browser operation screen display command is given in a state where only the e-mail operation screen 105 is displayed (FIG. 8), the CPU 20 displays the first display area 106 so far as shown in FIG. The displayed e-mail operation screen 105 is moved to the second display area 107 and displayed, and a web browser operation screen 109 corresponding to the operation screen display command is displayed in the first display area 106.
[0041]
Incidentally, the CPU 20 recognizes various operation screens displayed in the first display area 106 as user operation targets. Accordingly, in this case, the user can input various operation commands and operation information to the Web browser operation screen 109 displayed in the first display area 106.
[0042]
10 and FIGS. 13, 18 and 20, which will be described later, for convenience of explanation, various operation screens displayed on the display unit 7, the jog dial 11, the left direction key 12, and the right direction key 13 are shown together. .
[0043]
When the CPU 20 displays the e-mail operation screen 105 and the web browser operation screen 109 (FIG. 10), the second operation is performed by pressing the left arrow key 12 for a predetermined period of time (hereinafter referred to as a long press operation). When the e-mail operation screen 105 displayed in the display area 107 is recognized as a switching destination operation screen, the display area between the web browser operation screen 109 and the e-mail operation screen 105 is switched accordingly, as shown in FIG. Thus, the e-mail operation screen 105 recognized as the switching destination operation screen is displayed in the first display area 106.
[0044]
As described above, in the cellular phone 1, the position corresponding to the location of the left key 12 on the casing of the cellular phone 1 (the left side from the upper center of the upper surface of the lower casing 4 (FIG. 1)). Since the second display area 107 is provided on the left side of the display screen of the unit 7, the user designates the e-mail operation screen 105 being displayed in the second display area 107 as a switching destination operation screen through an intuitive operation. be able to.
[0045]
Furthermore, in the cellular phone 1, the process of recognizing the operation screen being displayed in the second display area 107 as the switching destination operation screen is associated with the long press operation of the left arrow key 12, thereby simplifying the user. The e-mail operation screen 105 being displayed in the second display area 107 can be designated as a switching destination operation screen by operation.
[0046]
When the menu key 14 is pressed while the e-mail operation screen 105 and the web browser operation screen 109 are displayed (FIG. 10), the CPU 20 operates the function selection menu box 103 as shown in FIG. For example, when the “GPS navigation” item in the function selection menu box 103 is selected and determined via the jog dial 11, the selection determination operation is displayed on the operation screen display of the GPS navigation function. Recognize as an instruction.
[0047]
In practice, the CPU 20 follows the operation screen display control program, for example, in a state where the e-mail operation screen 105 and the web browser operation screen 109 are displayed (FIG. 10), and adds a third GPS navigation function operation screen. When an operation screen display command is given to display, the first e-mail operation screen 105 is moved to the third display area 108 and displayed in response thereto, as shown in FIG. The browser operation screen 109 is moved to the second display area 107 and displayed, and a third GPS navigation function operation screen (GPS navigation operation screen 110) corresponding to the operation screen display command is displayed in the first display area 106. It is made to do.
[0048]
As described above, in the mobile phone 1, two or three operation screens are displayed in a predetermined order, that is, the order instructed to be displayed on the display unit 7, respectively. By displaying in the third display area 108, the user can easily grasp where each operation screen is displayed.
[0049]
In the state shown in FIG. 13, when the CPU 20 recognizes the Web browser operation screen 109 displayed in the second display area 107 as a switching destination operation screen when the left arrow key 12 is pressed and held, the corresponding figure is displayed. As shown in FIG. 14, by switching the display area between the GPS navigation operation screen 110 and the web browser operation screen 109, the web browser operation screen 109 recognized as the switching destination operation screen is displayed in the first display area 106.
[0050]
On the other hand, in the state shown in FIG. 13, when the CPU 20 recognizes the e-mail operation screen 105 displayed in the third display area 108 as a switching destination operation screen when the right direction key 13 is pressed and held, Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 15, by switching the display area between the GPS navigation operation screen 110 and the e-mail operation screen 105, the e-mail operation screen 105 recognized as the switching destination operation screen is displayed in the first display area 106. .
[0051]
As described above, in the cellular phone 1, the position corresponding to the location of the right direction key 13 on the casing of the cellular phone 1 (the right side from the center of the upper surface of the lower casing 4 (FIG. 1)). Since the third display area 108 is provided on the right side of the display screen of the unit 7, the user can specify the operation screen being displayed in the third display area 108 as a switching destination operation screen by an intuitive operation. .
[0052]
Furthermore, in the cellular phone 1, the process of recognizing the operation screen displayed in the third display area 108 as the switching destination operation screen is associated with the long press operation of the right direction key 13, thereby making it easy for the user. An operation screen being displayed in the third display area 108 by the operation can be designated as the switching destination operation screen.
[0053]
On the other hand, in the state shown in FIG. 13, when the CPU 20 recognizes that the end key 15 has been pressed, the CPU 20 ends the display of the GPS navigation operation screen 110 that has been displayed in the first display area 106 so far. Thus, the state shown in FIG. 10 is restored.
[0054]
In the state shown in FIG. 13, when the CPU 20 recognizes that the menu key 14 has been pressed, the function selection menu box 103 pops up on the GPS navigation operation screen 110 as shown in FIG. When the “memo pad” item in the function selection menu box 103 is selected and determined via the jog dial 11, the selection determining operation is recognized as an operation screen display command for the memo pad function.
[0055]
In practice, the CPU 20 follows the operation screen display control program, for example, while displaying the e-mail operation screen 105, the web browser operation screen 109, and the GPS navigation operation screen 110, and newly adds a fourth notepad function. When the operation screen display command is given so as to display the operation screen, the third display region 108 is divided at predetermined intervals as shown in FIG. The operation screen display area 104 is reconfigured in a state where A (4) is provided, that is, in a state where two operation screens and five icons can be displayed.
[0056]
Then, as shown in FIG. 18, the CPU 20 sets an icon display area A (1) and an icon display area A (0) in which the first e-mail operation screen 105 and the second Web browser operation screen 109 are newly secured, respectively. ) As the e-mail icon 112 and the web browser icon 111, and the third GPS navigation operation screen 110 is moved to the second display area 107 and displayed, and a fourth memo corresponding to the operation screen display command is displayed. A book function operation screen (notepad operation screen 113) is displayed in the first display area 106.
[0057]
Thus, since the size of the display area of the entire display unit 7 is limited in the mobile phone 1, if the number of operation screens to be displayed on the display unit 7 is four or more, the two recently displayed operation screens are displayed. By displaying the remaining operation screens as icons, it is possible to display more operation screens at the same time without reducing the visibility of the operation screens to be operated by the user.
[0058]
Then, in the state shown in FIG. 18, when the CPU 20 recognizes the GPS navigation operation screen 110 displayed in the second display area 107 as a switching destination operation screen when the left direction key 12 is pressed and pressed, As shown in FIG. 19, the GPS navigation operation screen 110 recognized as the switching destination operation screen is displayed in the first display area 106 by switching the display area between the GPS navigation operation screen 110 and the memo pad operation screen 113.
[0059]
On the other hand, when the CPU 20 recognizes that the right key 13 has been pressed for a long time in the state shown in FIG. 18, the icon display area provided on the right side of the first display area 106 as shown in FIG. An icon selection cursor 114 is displayed on the icon displayed in the icon selection area A (0) among A (0) to A (4).
[0060]
The icon selection cursor 114 allows the user to select an arbitrary icon by moving in the direction corresponding to the rotation operation of the jog dial 11, and selects the selected icon by pressing the jog dial 11. It is made to be able to decide.
[0061]
Then, after the jog dial 11 is rotated, for example, the e-mail icon 112 displayed in the icon display area A (1) is selected, and then the jog dial 11 is pressed to operate the e-mail icon 112. Is selected and determined, the email operation screen 105 corresponding to the selected and determined email icon 112 is recognized as the switching destination operation screen.
[0062]
Next, when the CPU 20 recognizes the e-mail operation screen 105 as a switching destination operation screen, the display of the e-mail icon 112 that has been displayed in the icon display area A (1) so far as shown in FIG. And the e-mail operation screen 105 is displayed in the first display area 106, the Web browser icon 111 displayed in the icon display area A (0) is moved to the icon display area A (1) and displayed. After the notepad operation screen 113 displayed in the first display area 106 is moved to the second display area 107 and displayed, and the GPS navigation operation screen 110 displayed in the second display area 107 is displayed, GPS navigation is performed. The icon 115 is displayed in the icon display area A (0).
[0063]
Here, in the mobile phone 1, as shown in FIG. 20, the icon display areas A (0) to A (4) are arranged side by side in the same direction as the rotation direction of the jog dial 11, so that the icon display area A is displayed to the user. A desired icon can be easily selected from a plurality of icons displayed in (0) to A (4).
[0064]
On the other hand, in the state shown in FIG. 18, when the CPU 20 recognizes that the end key 15 has been pressed, the CPU 20 ends the display of the notepad operation screen 113 that has been displayed in the first display area 106 so far. Thus, the state shown in FIG. 13 is restored.
[0065]
Further, in the state shown in FIG. 18, when the CPU 20 recognizes that the menu key 14 has been pressed, the function selection menu box 103 is pop-up displayed on the memo pad operation screen 113 as shown in FIG. When the “call” item in the function selection menu box 103 is selected and determined via the jog dial 11, the selection operation is recognized as a call function operation screen display command, and accordingly, as shown in FIG. Web browser icon 111 and e-mail icon 112 displayed in icon display area A (0) and icon display area A (1) are moved to icon display area A (1) and icon display area A (2), respectively, and displayed. The display of the GPS navigation operation screen 110 displayed in the second display area 107 After the completion, the GPS navigation icon 115 is displayed in the icon display area A (0), and the memo pad operation screen 113 displayed in the first display area 106 is moved to the second display area 107 and displayed. A call operation screen 116 corresponding to the display command is displayed in the first display area 106.
[0066]
As described above, in the cellular phone 1, even if the call processing is started with the call operation screen 116 displayed in the first display area 106, if the left key 12 is pressed and held, the call as shown in FIG. The memo pad operation screen 113 can be switched and displayed in the first display area 106 as an operation object without ending the display of the operation screen 116, and thus text can be displayed on the memo pad operation screen 113 while continuing the call processing. For example, a plurality of functions can be used simultaneously.
[0067]
(3-2) Operation screen display control processing
Next, a processing procedure for performing the above-described operation screen display control will be described in detail with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29. FIG.
[0068]
When the power source / end key 9 is pressed and the power of the cellular phone 1 is turned on, the CPU 20 shifts to a standby state, and steps the operation screen display control processing procedure RT1 shown in FIG. 25 according to the operation screen display control program. Start from SP1.
[0069]
In step SP1, the CPU 20 waits for an operation screen display command to be given in a state where the standby screen 100 is displayed on the display unit 7 (FIG. 4). For example, an operation screen display command for the e-mail function is given via the jog dial 11. If it is recognized, the process proceeds to the next step SP2.
[0070]
In step SP2, since the number of operation screens displayed on the display unit 7 is 0, the CPU 20 displays the operation screen display unit 102 of the display unit 7 with only the operation screen display area 104 provided as shown in FIG. After the configuration, as shown in FIG. 7, the electronic mail operation screen 105 is displayed in the operation screen display area 104, and the process proceeds to the next step SP3.
[0071]
In step SP3, the CPU 20 sets the e-mail operation screen 105 displayed in the operation screen display area 104 as a user operation target, and proceeds to the next step SP4.
[0072]
Here, by setting the e-mail operation screen 105 displayed in the operation screen display area 104 as an operation target of the user, the CPU 20 can input various operation commands and operation information to be given in the future via the numeric keypad 8, the jog dial 11, and the like. The information can be recognized as information input to the e-mail operation screen 105.
[0073]
In step SP4, the CPU 20 determines whether or not a new operation screen display command has been given in a state where one operation screen is displayed on the display unit 7 (FIG. 7). Indicates that a predetermined operation for displaying a new operation screen on the display unit 7 has not yet been performed, and the process proceeds to the next step SP5.
[0074]
In step SP5, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the end key 15 has been pressed, and if an affirmative result is obtained, this indicates that the display of the operation screen displayed in the operation screen display area 104 is ended. Indicates that an instruction has been given, and the process proceeds to the next step SP6.
[0075]
In step SP6, the CPU 20 ends the display of the e-mail operation screen 105 being displayed in the operation screen display area 104, displays the standby screen 100 (FIG. 4) on the display unit 7, and returns to the above-described step SP1.
[0076]
On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP5, this indicates that an instruction to end the display of the operation screen displayed in the operation screen display area 104 has not been given. Return to.
[0077]
On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained in step SP4, this means that a predetermined operation for displaying a new operation screen has been performed by the user. For example, an operation screen display command for the Web browser function is given. If this is recognized, the process proceeds to the next step SP7.
[0078]
In step SP7, for example, when an operation screen display command for the Web browser function is given, the CPU 20 determines that two operation screens should be displayed together with the already displayed operation screen, and as shown in FIG. By dividing the operation screen display unit 102 of the unit 7 to reconfigure the operation screen display region 104 so as to provide the first display region 106, the second display region 107, and the third display region 108, FIG. As shown, the e-mail operation screen 105 is moved from the first display area 106 to the second display area 107 and displayed, and a Web browser operation screen 109 that is newly displayed in response to the operation screen display command is displayed in the first display area 106. Then, the process proceeds to the next step SP8 (FIG. 26).
[0079]
In step SP8, the CPU 20 recognizes the web browser operation screen 109 displayed in the first display area 106 as a user operation target, and proceeds to the next step SP9.
[0080]
In step SP9, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the left key 12 has been pressed for a long time. If an affirmative result is obtained here, this indicates that the e-mail operation screen 105 displayed in the second display area 107 is switched. This indicates that it has been designated as the previous operation screen, and the process proceeds to the next step SP10.
[0081]
In step SP10, as shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 20 displays the display area of the Web browser operation screen 109 that has been displayed in the first display area 106 and the e-mail operation screen 105 that has been displayed in the second display area 107 so far. And return to step SP8.
[0082]
On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP9, this indicates that the e-mail operation screen 105 displayed in the second display area 107 has not been designated as the switching destination operation screen. At this time, the CPU 20 Moves to the next step SP11.
[0083]
In step SP11, the CPU 20 determines whether or not an operation screen display command is given in a state in which two operation screens are displayed on the display unit 7 (FIG. 10). This indicates that a predetermined operation for displaying an operation screen on the display unit 7 has not yet been performed, and the process proceeds to the next step SP12.
[0084]
In step SP12, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the end key 15 has been pressed, and if an affirmative result is obtained, this indicates a command to end the display of the operation screen displayed in the first display area 106. Is transferred to the next step SP13, and the display of the Web browser operation screen 109 displayed in the first display area 106 is terminated to return to the state shown in FIG. Control goes to step SP3.
[0085]
On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP12, this indicates that an instruction to end the display of the operation screen displayed in the first display area 106 has not been given. Return to step SP9.
[0086]
On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained in step SP11, this indicates that a predetermined operation for displaying a new operation screen on the display unit 7 has been performed. For example, an operation screen display command for the GPS navigation function is given. If it is recognized, the process proceeds to the next step SP14.
[0087]
In step SP14, for example, when an operation screen display command for the GPS navigation function is given, the CPU 20 determines that three operation screens should be displayed together with the number of operation screens already displayed, and as shown in FIG. The e-mail operation screen 105 is moved from the second display area 107 to the third display area 108 and displayed, and the web browser operation screen 109 is moved from the first display area 106 to the second display area 107 and displayed. The GPS navigation operation screen 110 corresponding to the command is displayed in the first display area 106, and the process proceeds to the next step SP15 (FIG. 27).
[0088]
In step SP15, the CPU 20 recognizes the GPS navigation operation screen 110 newly displayed in the first display area 106 as a user operation target, and proceeds to the next step SP16.
[0089]
In step SP16, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the left key 12 has been pressed and pressed. If an affirmative result is obtained, this indicates that the Web browser operation screen 109 displayed in the second display area 107 is switched. This indicates that it has been designated as the previous operation screen, and the process proceeds to the next step SP17.
[0090]
In step SP17, as shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 20 displays the GPS navigation operation screen 110 that has been displayed in the first display area 106 and the Web browser operation screen 109 that has been displayed in the second display area 107 so far. Are switched and displayed, and the process returns to step SP15 described above.
[0091]
On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP16, this indicates that the Web browser operation screen 109 displayed in the second display area 107 has not been designated as the switching destination operation screen. At this time, the CPU 20 Moves to the next step SP18.
[0092]
In step SP18, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the right key 13 has been pressed for a long time. If an affirmative result is obtained here, this indicates that the e-mail operation screen 105 displayed in the third display area 108 is switched. This indicates that it has been designated as the previous operation screen, and the process proceeds to the next step SP19.
[0093]
In step SP19, as shown in FIG. 15, the CPU 20 displays the GPS navigation operation screen 110 that has been displayed in the first display area 106 and the e-mail operation screen 105 that has been displayed in the third display area 108 so far. Are switched and displayed, and the process returns to step SP15 described above.
[0094]
On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP18, this indicates that the e-mail operation screen 105 displayed in the third display area 108 has not been designated as the switching destination operation screen. At this time, the CPU 20 Moves to the next step SP20.
[0095]
In step SP20, the CPU 20 determines whether or not an operation screen display command for another function is given in a state where three operation screens are displayed on the display unit 7 (FIG. 13), and if a negative result is obtained, This means that a predetermined operation for displaying a new operation screen on the display unit 7 has not yet been performed, and the process proceeds to the next step SP21.
[0096]
In step SP21, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the end key 15 has been pressed, and if an affirmative result is obtained, this indicates a command to end the display of the operation screen displayed in the first display area 106. Is transferred to the next step SP22, and the display of the GPS navigation operation screen 110 displayed in the first display area 106 is terminated in step SP22, thereby returning to the state shown in FIG. Then, the process returns to step SP8.
[0097]
On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP21, this means that an instruction to end the display of the operation screen displayed in the first display area 106 has not been given. At this time, the CPU 20 It returns to above-mentioned step SP16.
[0098]
On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained in step SP20, this indicates that a predetermined operation for displaying a new operation screen on the display unit 7 has been performed. For example, an operation screen display command for a notepad function is given. If this is recognized, the process proceeds to the next step SP23.
[0099]
In step SP23, for example, when the operation screen display command for the memo pad function is given, the CPU 20 determines that the operation screens and icons for the four functions should be displayed together with the number of operation screens already displayed. As shown in FIG. 18, after reconfiguring the operation screen display area 104 so that two operation screens and two icons can be displayed as shown, the e-mail operation that has been displayed in the third display area 108 so far The Web browser operation screen 109 displayed on the screen 105 and the second display area 107 is moved to the icon display area A (1) and the icon display area A (0) as an icon, and displayed on the first display area 106. The displayed GPS navigation operation screen 110 is moved to the second display area 107 and displayed, and a notepad operation screen corresponding to the operation screen display command is displayed. 113 displayed on the first display area 106, and proceeds to the next step SP24 (FIG. 28).
[0100]
In step SP24, the CPU 20 recognizes the memo pad operation screen 113 newly displayed in the first display area 106 as a user operation target, and proceeds to the next step SP25.
[0101]
In step SP25, it is determined whether or not the left key 12 has been pressed for a long time. If an affirmative result is obtained here, this indicates that the GPS navigation operation screen 110 displayed in the second display area 107 is changed over to the switching destination operation. This indicates that the screen has been designated, and the process proceeds to the next step SP26.
[0102]
In step SP26, as shown in FIG. 19, the CPU 20 displays the display area of the notepad operation screen 113 that has been displayed in the first display area 106 and the GPS navigation operation screen 110 that has been displayed in the second display area 107 so far. Are switched and displayed, and the process returns to step SP24 described above.
[0103]
On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP25, this indicates that the GPS navigation operation screen 110 displayed in the second display area 107 has not been designated as the switching destination operation screen. Move to SP27.
[0104]
In step SP27, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the right key 13 has been pressed and held. If an affirmative result is obtained, this is displayed in the icon display areas A (0) to A (4). This means that there is a high possibility that the operation screen corresponding to the icon is selected as the switching destination operation screen, and the process proceeds to the next subroutine SRT2 to execute icon selection processing (described later).
[0105]
On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained, this indicates that the operation screen corresponding to the icon displayed in the icon display areas A (0) to A (4) is not selected as the switching destination operation screen. At this time, the CPU 20 moves to the next step SP28.
[0106]
In step SP28, the CPU 20 determines whether or not an operation screen display command for another function has been given in a state where two operation screens and two icons are displayed on the display unit 7 (FIG. 18). When obtained, this indicates that a predetermined operation for displaying a new operation screen on the display unit 7 has not yet been performed, and the process proceeds to the next step SP29.
[0107]
In step SP29, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the end key 15 has been pressed. If an affirmative result is obtained, this indicates that the display of the operation screen displayed in the first display area 106 is ended. Indicates that an instruction has been given, and the process proceeds to the next step SP30.
[0108]
In step SP30, the CPU 20 returns to the state shown in FIG. 13 by terminating the display of the notepad operation screen 113 that has been displayed in the first display area 106 so far, and proceeds to the next step SP31.
[0109]
In step SP31, the CPU 20 determines whether or not icons are displayed in the icon display areas A (0) to A (4). If an affirmative result is obtained, this indicates that the display unit 7 has three operations. This indicates that only the screen is displayed, and the process proceeds to step SP15 described above.
[0110]
On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP31, this indicates that two operation screens and a plurality of icons are displayed on the display unit 7. At this time, the CPU 20 performs the above-described step SP24. Return to.
[0111]
On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP29, this indicates that an instruction has not been given to end the display of the operation screen displayed in the first display area 106, and the process proceeds to step SP25 described above. Return.
[0112]
If a positive result is obtained in step SP28, this indicates that a predetermined operation for displaying a new operation screen on the display unit 7 has been performed, and the process proceeds to the next step SP32.
[0113]
In step SP32, the CPU 20 determines whether or not an icon display area for displaying a new icon remains. If a negative result is obtained here, this indicates that the icon display areas A (0) to A (4 ) Indicates that some kind of icon is displayed, and the process proceeds to the next step SP33.
[0114]
In step SP33, the CPU 20 notifies the user that the operation screen cannot be displayed any more by displaying an error message on the display unit 7, and then returns to the above-described step SP25.
[0115]
On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained in step SP32, this means that an icon display area where no icon is displayed remains in the icon display areas A (0) to A (4). The process proceeds to step SP34.
[0116]
In step SP34, for example, if the CPU 20 recognizes that the operation screen display command for the call function is given in step SP28 described above, the CPU 20 displays two operation screens and three icons together with the already displayed operation screen. As shown in FIG. 23, the Web browser icon 111 and the e-mail icon 112 that have been displayed in the icon display area A (0) and the icon display area A (1) are displayed in the icon display area. A (1) and the icon display area A (2) are moved and displayed, and the GPS navigation operation screen 110 displayed in the second display area 107 is moved to the icon display area A (0) as an icon and displayed. The notepad operation screen 113 displayed in the one display area 106 is moved to the second display area 107 and displayed. After the call operation window 116 newly displayed in response to the operation screen display instruction has been displayed on the first display area 106, the flow returns to the aforementioned step SP24.
[0117]
Further, the CPU 20 starts the icon selection process to be executed when a positive result is obtained in step SP27 described above from step SP40 of the icon selection process procedure SRT2 shown in FIG.
[0118]
In step SP40, as shown in FIG. 20, the CPU 20 displays the icon selection cursor 114 on the icon displayed in the icon selection area A (0) so that the user can select an arbitrary icon. Then, the process proceeds to next step SP41.
[0119]
In step SP41, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the jog dial 11 has been rotated. If a negative result is obtained here, this means that the user has not performed an icon selection operation. The process proceeds to step SP43.
[0120]
On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained, this indicates that the user is performing an icon selection operation. At this time, the CPU 20 moves to the next step SP42, and in step SP42, the rotation operation of the jog dial 11 is performed. The icon selection cursor 114 is moved in the direction corresponding to the above, and the process proceeds to the next step SP43.
[0121]
In step SP43, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the operation of pressing the jog dial 11 has been performed. If a negative result is obtained here, this means that the determination operation for any icon selected by the user has not been performed. And the process returns to step SP41 described above.
[0122]
On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained, this indicates that the determination operation has been performed on the selected icon. At this time, the CPU 20 proceeds to the next step SP44.
[0123]
In step SP44, for example, when the e-mail icon is selected and determined in the above-described step SP43, the CPU 20 displays the e-mail icon 112 that has been displayed in the icon display area A (1) as shown in FIG. After completion, the e-mail operation screen 105 is displayed in the first display area 106, and the Web browser icon 111 displayed in the icon display area A (0) is moved to the icon display area A (1) and displayed. After the display of the GPS navigation operation screen 110 displayed in the second display area 107 is finished, the GPS navigation icon 115 is displayed in the icon display area A (0) and the notepad operation screen displayed in the first display area 106. 113 is moved to the second display area 107 and displayed. To end the down selection procedure SRT2.
[0124]
(4) Operation and effect
In the above configuration, the CPU 20 of the mobile phone 1 follows the operation screen display control program and displays an operation screen for newly displaying the second operation screen while only one operation screen is displayed on the display unit 7. When the operation is performed, the operation screen display unit 102 in the display unit 7 is divided in accordance with the operation, whereby the first display area 106 for displaying the operation screen to be operated by the user and the mobile phone 1 housing After constructing the operation screen display area 104 composed of the second display area 107 and the third display area 108 that are positionally associated with the locations of the left direction key 12 and the right direction key 13, a new second The first operation screen and the first operation screen are displayed in the first display area 106 and the second display area 107, respectively, and a third operation screen is newly displayed in this state. When the operation screen display operation is performed, a new third operation screen, a second operation screen, and a first operation screen are displayed on the first display area 106, the second display area 107, and the third display, respectively. The information is displayed in the area 108.
[0125]
Therefore, in the mobile phone 1, by arranging two or three operation screens based on a predetermined order, that is, the order in which the operation screen display operations are performed, where each operation screen is displayed to the user. Thus, the user can easily identify the operation screen desired to be used next from the plurality of operation screens displayed on the display unit 7.
[0126]
In the mobile phone 1, when a long press operation is performed on the left direction key 12 that corresponds to the position of the second display area 107, the CPU 20 switches the operation screen displayed in the second display area 107 to the switching destination. After recognizing as an operation screen, the display region between this and the operation screen being displayed on the first display region 106 is switched, and a long press operation is performed on the right direction key 13 corresponding to the third display region 108 in position. Then, after recognizing the operation screen being displayed in the third display area as the switching destination operation screen, the user can switch the display area between this and the operation screen being displayed in the first display area 106. Since any operation screen can be designated as the switching destination operation screen by an intuitive and simple operation, if the operation screen desired to be used next can be specified, the operation screen and the current use screen can be specified. The display area of the operation window in can be easily switched.
[0127]
When the operation screen display operation for newly displaying the fourth operation screen is performed in a state where the three operation screens are displayed on the display unit, the CPU 20 performs the first display area 106 and the second display area. 107 and the icon display areas A (0) to (4) arranged in the same direction as the rotation direction of the jog dial 11 to reconfigure the operation screen display area 104 in the display unit 7, and then a new fourth And the third operation screen are displayed in the first display area 106 and the second display area 107, respectively, and the second operation screen and the first operation screen are used as icons in the icon display area A ( 0) and the icon display area A (1).
[0128]
Therefore, in the cellular phone 1, when four or more operation screens are displayed on the display unit, the operation screens other than the two recently displayed operation screens are displayed as icons, so that the display on the display unit 7 is displayed. The area can be used efficiently, and thus more operation screens can be displayed at the same time without deteriorating the visibility of the operation screens to be operated by the user.
[0129]
Further, in the mobile phone 1, in order to select an arbitrary icon by rotating the jog dial 11, the icon display areas A (0) to (4) are provided in the same direction as the rotation direction of the jog dial 11, thereby providing the icon display area. A desired icon can be selected by a simple operation from a plurality of icons displayed in A (0) to (4).
[0130]
According to the above configuration, when displaying a plurality of operation screens on the display unit 7, the mobile phone 1 divides the operation screen display unit 102 in the display unit 7, so that the first display area 106 and the lower housing are separated. After configuring the operation screen display area 104 composed of the second display area 107 and the third display area 108 associated with the locations of the left direction key 12 and the right direction key 13 on the body 4, the first display area A plurality of operation screens corresponding to various functions are displayed on the 106, the second display area 107, and the third display area 108 based on a predetermined order, and are performed on the left arrow key 12 or the right arrow key 13. By switching between the operation screen being displayed in the second display area 107 or the third display area 108 and the operation screen being displayed in the first display area 106 according to the operation, the user can display the display screen on the display unit 7. It is possible to easily identify the operation screen of the function desired to be used next from among the plurality of operation screens that have been specified, and to intuitively perform the identified operation screen and the operation screen currently in use without performing complicated operations. Can be switched to.
[0131]
(5) Other embodiments
In the above-described embodiment, the CPU 20 as the generation unit and the control unit includes the two second display areas 107 and the third display areas 108 associated with the left direction key 12 and the right direction key 13, Although the case where the operation screen display area 104 is configured by providing the display area 106 has been described, one or three or more display areas associated with predetermined operation means on the mobile phone 1 housing, The operation screen display area 104 may be configured by providing one display area 106.
[0132]
In the above-described embodiment, when the operation screen display operation is performed so that the CPU 20 displays the second operation screen in a state where the first operation screen is displayed on the display unit 7, The case where three display areas (that is, the first display area 106, the second display area 107, and the third display area 108) are provided according to the above is described. When an operation screen display operation is performed so that the second operation screen is displayed in a state where the screen is displayed on the display unit 7, an operation screen to be displayed is provided, for example, by providing two display areas. You may make it provide the display area according to a number suitably.
[0133]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the left direction key 12 and the right direction key 13 are associated with the second display area 107 and the third display area 108 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, As long as the second display area 107 and the third display area 108 on the display unit 7 are arranged at positions where they can be associated with each other, various operation means such as the numeric keypad 8 and the second display area 107 and the third display area 108 may be associated with each other.
[0134]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the CPU 20 displays a plurality of operation screens in the first display area 106, the second display area 107, and the third display area 108, respectively, based on the order in which the operation screen display operations are performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of operation screens are respectively displayed on the first display area 106 and the second display area 107 based on various other rules such as the order in which the user is frequently used. And may be displayed in the third display area 108.
[0135]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the CPU 20 performs a long press operation on the left direction key 12 and the right direction key 13, the operation screen being displayed in the second display area 107 and the third display area 108 is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various other operations are performed, for example, the left key 12 and the right key 13 are continuously pressed twice. When the operation is performed, the operation screen displayed in the second display area 107 and the third display area 108 may be recognized as the switching destination operation screen.
[0136]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the CPU 20 displays the fourth operation screen on the display unit 7, the five icon display areas A (0) to A (4) are replaced with the third display area 108. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of icon display areas may be changed, such as providing two icon display areas instead of the third display area 108.
[0137]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the mobile phone 1 as a portable information processing apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various other portable information processing such as a PDA, for example. You may make it apply to an apparatus.
[0138]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the operation screen display control program is installed in advance has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc) in which the operation screen display control program is stored. The operation screen display control program may be installed by playing a program storage medium such as a package medium such as a read-only memory (DVD) or a DVD-ROM (digital video disc read-only memory), and the program may be temporarily or permanently installed. The operation screen display control program may be installed by reproducing a program storage medium such as a semiconductor memory or a magneto-optical disk stored in the computer.
[0139]
As a means for storing the operation screen display control program in these program storage media, wired and wireless communication media such as a local area network and digital satellite broadcasting may be used, and various communication interfaces such as routers and modems are interposed. You may make it store.
[0140]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, by dividing the display screen of the display unit, from the main display area and a plurality of sub display areas associated with the location of the predetermined operation means on the housing. After the operation screen display area is generated, a plurality of operation screens corresponding to various functions are respectively displayed on the main display area and the plurality of sub display areas based on predetermined rules, and are performed on predetermined operation means. By switching between the operation screen being displayed in the sub display area and the operation screen being displayed in the main display area according to the operation performed, the user can select one of the plurality of operation screens displayed on the display unit. It is possible to easily identify the operation screen for the function that you want to use next, and to switch between the operation screen identified by intuitive and simple operation and the operation screen currently in use, thus enabling multiple functions to be used simultaneously. Available and Portable information processing apparatus and the operation screen display control method may switch a simple operation an operation screen on a can be realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an external configuration of a mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of a jog dial.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a mobile phone.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an entire configuration of a standby screen.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a state (1) of a screen on which a function selection menu box is displayed.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state of a screen in which an operation screen display area is secured.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state of a screen on which one operation screen is displayed.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a state (2) of a screen on which a function selection menu box is displayed.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state of a screen in which a first display area, a second display area, and a third display area are secured.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state (1) of a screen on which two operation screens are displayed.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a state (2) of a screen on which two operation screens are displayed.
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a state (3) of a screen on which a function selection menu box is displayed.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state (1) of a screen on which three operation screens are displayed.
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a state (2) of a screen on which three operation screens are displayed.
FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a state (3) of a screen on which three operation screens are displayed.
FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a state (4) of a screen on which a function selection menu box is displayed.
FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating a screen on which a first display area, a second display area, and an icon display area are secured;
FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a state (1) of a screen on which two operation screens and two icons are displayed.
FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a state (2) of a screen on which two operation screens and two icons are displayed.
FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a state (3) of a screen on which two operation screens and two icons are displayed.
FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state (4) of a screen on which two operation screens and two icons are displayed.
FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing a state (5) of a screen on which a function selection menu box is displayed.
FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing a state (1) of a screen on which two operation screens and three icons are displayed.
FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing a state (2) of a screen on which two operation screens and three icons are displayed.
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an operation screen display control processing procedure (1).
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an operation screen display control processing procedure (2).
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an operation screen display control processing procedure (3).
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an operation screen display control processing procedure (4).
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an icon selection processing procedure.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Mobile phone, 4 ... Lower case, 7 ... Display part, 11 ... Jog dial, 12 ... Left direction key, 13 ... Right direction key, 14 ... Menu key, 15 ... End key , 20... CPU, RT1... Operation screen display control processing procedure, SRT2... Icon selection processing procedure.

Claims (4)

Display means;
Generation of generating an operation screen display area composed of a main display area and a plurality of sub display areas associated with the location of the predetermined operation means on the housing by dividing the display screen in the display means Means,
A plurality of operation screens corresponding to various functions are respectively displayed on the main display area and the plurality of sub display areas based on a predetermined rule, and the sub display according to an operation performed on the predetermined operation means. A portable information processing apparatus comprising: control means for switching and displaying the operation screen being displayed in the display area and the operation screen being displayed in the main display area. The portable information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays the operation screen displayed in the sub display area as an icon. Generating step of generating an operation screen display area composed of a main display area and a plurality of sub display areas associated with locations of predetermined operation means on the housing by dividing the display screen on the display means When,
A plurality of operation screens corresponding to various functions are respectively displayed on the main display area and the plurality of sub display areas based on a predetermined rule, and the sub display according to an operation performed on the predetermined operation means. An operation screen display control method comprising: a control step of switching and displaying the operation screen being displayed in the display area and the operation screen being displayed in the main display area. 4. The operation screen display control method according to claim 3, wherein the control step displays the operation screen displayed in the sub display area as an icon.

Images