JP5940414B2 - Portable terminal device, control method thereof, and control program thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable terminal device including a communication antenna for performing wireless communication.

  In recent years, mobile terminal devices such as mobile phones are rapidly spreading, but there is a concern that electromagnetic waves radiated from the mobile terminal devices may affect the human body. In order to evaluate the influence of electromagnetic waves on the human body, an index is defined regarding the characteristics of the electromagnetic waves. For example, in Japan, as specified in Article 14-2, Paragraph 1 of the Radio Equipment Regulations, the specific absorption rate (Local SAR (Specific Absorption Rate)) of radio waves radiated from an antenna is allowed. The value must be 2 W / kg or less, and the local SAR is an average value of the amount of energy absorbed in 6 minutes per 10 g of tissue by exposing the human body to electromagnetic waves. In such a situation, the following techniques are disclosed that take into account the influence of electromagnetic waves on the human body.

  For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-118625 (Patent Document 1) discloses a wireless control device for a portable information device having a wireless communication function for communicating with other wireless devices using one or more antennas. The radio control device includes a radio communication module that performs radio transmission / reception with another radio device, and a radio communication control unit that controls radio wave transmission / reception and operation stop of the radio communication module. The wireless communication control unit performs control so as to stop radio wave transmission by an antenna disposed at a position where the operator is likely to touch a part of the human body.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2009-284525 (Patent Document 2) discloses a method in which a mobile terminal device controls a plurality of antennas. According to the control method, the usage status determination step of determining the usage status of the mobile terminal device based on the display direction of the display unit and the use of the plurality of antennas are stopped according to the usage status determined in the usage status determination step. A use stop determining step for determining the antenna, and a use stop step for canceling the use of the antenna determined to stop using in the use stop determining step.

  In addition, although an antenna for wireless communication is provided in the mobile terminal device, if a part of a human body such as a hand touches the antenna when the user grips the device body, the antenna performance is deteriorated. There is a possibility that. In view of this, the following technology is disclosed in consideration of this.

  For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-151658 (Patent Document 3) discloses a portable wireless device. The portable wireless device includes a housing, a display unit provided in the housing and having a contact detection unit, and a first antenna element and a second antenna element provided in the housing. The contact detection unit of the display unit is divided into a first detection region and a second detection region. A first antenna element is provided on the first detection area side and a second antenna element is provided on the second detection area side. The first detection area and the second detection area are associated with the first antenna element and the second antenna element. The portable wireless device switches between the first antenna element and the second antenna element based on a detection signal from the contact detection unit of the display unit.

JP 2008-118625 A JP 2009-284525 A JP 2011-151658 A

  However, although the portable information device including the wireless control device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is disclosed to prevent the user's hand or part of the body from being brought close to or touching the antenna as much as possible, the device There is no mention of making a phone call using a phone, and no consideration is given to the case where the user grips the device and uses the device close to the ear during the phone call.

  According to the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3, it is necessary to perform control for providing a plurality of antennas and switching the plurality of antennas depending on the situation, which increases the size of the apparatus.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and enables more efficient wireless communication by prompting the user to hold the mobile terminal device appropriately in accordance with the communication content. It is an object to provide a portable terminal device, a control method thereof, and a control program thereof.

  According to an embodiment, a mobile terminal device having a communication function is provided. The portable terminal device outputs sound, which is disposed opposite to the first communication antenna so as to sandwich the display, the first communication antenna disposed in any one of the vertical directions of the display, and the display. Receiver, a communication determination unit that determines whether or not the mobile terminal device performs communication in which sound is output from the receiver, and display control that switches the vertical direction of the display screen of the display based on the determination result of the communication determination unit Part.

  Preferably, when the mobile terminal device performs communication in which no sound is output from the receiver, the display control unit displays the display screen so that the upper direction of the display screen is on the first communication antenna side.

  Preferably, an identification information storage unit for storing identification information for identifying the vertical direction of the current display screen is further included. If the display control unit determines to switch the vertical direction of the display screen in the opposite direction to the vertical direction of the current display screen based on the determination result of the communication determination unit and the identification information, the display control unit switches the vertical direction of the display screen. In addition, information for prompting the user to change the holding direction of the mobile terminal device is displayed.

  Preferably, it further includes a setting unit for setting a vertical direction of display of the initial screen. The display control unit displays the initial screen according to the set vertical direction.

  Preferably, the mobile terminal device further includes a second communication antenna that is disposed to face the first communication antenna so as to sandwich the display, and whose transmission power is less than a predetermined value. When the mobile terminal device communicates via the second communication antenna, the display control unit displays the display screen so that the lower direction of the display screen is on the first communication antenna side.

  Preferably, the wireless communication apparatus further includes a second communication antenna that is disposed to face the first communication antenna so as to sandwich the display, and whose transmission power is less than a predetermined value. The communication determination unit further determines whether or not the mobile terminal device performs communication in which sound is output from the receiver via the second communication antenna. The display control unit displays so that the lower direction of the display screen is on the first communication antenna side when the mobile terminal device performs communication in which sound is output from the receiver via the first or second communication antenna. Let When the mobile terminal device performs communication in which no sound is output from the receiver via the first and second communication antennas, the display control unit displays according to a predetermined vertical setting on the display screen.

  Preferably, when the mobile terminal device performs communication in which sound is output from the receiver, the display control unit displays the display screen so that the lower direction of the display screen is on the first communication antenna side.

  According to another embodiment, a method for controlling a mobile terminal device having a communication function is provided. The portable terminal device outputs sound, which is disposed opposite to the first communication antenna so as to sandwich the display, the first communication antenna disposed in any one of the vertical directions of the display, and the display. With a receiver. The control method includes a step of determining whether or not the mobile terminal device performs communication in which sound is output from the receiver, and a step of switching the vertical direction of the display screen of the display based on the determination result.

  According to yet another embodiment, a control program to be executed by a computer of a mobile terminal device having a communication function is provided. The portable terminal device outputs sound, which is disposed opposite to the first communication antenna so as to sandwich the display, the first communication antenna disposed in any one of the vertical directions of the display, and the display. With a receiver. The control program causes the computer to execute a step of determining whether or not the mobile terminal device performs communication in which sound is output from the receiver, and a step of switching the vertical direction of the display screen of the display based on the determination result. .

  According to the above, more efficient wireless communication can be performed by prompting the user to hold the mobile terminal device appropriately in accordance with the communication content.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the external appearance of the portable terminal device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram for illustrating an outline of operation of the mobile terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram for illustrating another example of the operation of the mobile terminal device according to the first embodiment. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a mobile terminal device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a mobile terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a display processing procedure executed by the mobile terminal device according to the first embodiment. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an external appearance of a mobile terminal device according to a second embodiment. FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram for illustrating an outline of operation of a mobile terminal device according to the second embodiment. 6 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a mobile terminal device according to a second embodiment. FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a main functional configuration of a mobile terminal device according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a display processing procedure executed by the mobile terminal device according to the second embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[1. Embodiment 1]
<A. Overview>
First, the overall configuration and operation outline of mobile terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

(A1. Overall configuration)
The overall configuration of portable terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an appearance of portable terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment. The following description demonstrates the case where the portable terminal device 10 is a smart phone. However, the mobile terminal device 10 can be implemented as an arbitrary device regardless of the type. For example, the mobile terminal device 10 can be realized as a mobile phone, a tablet terminal device, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), or the like.

  With reference to FIG. 1, the mobile terminal device 10 includes a display 140 as a display unit, a touch panel 120 capable of detecting a position touched on the display 140 by a user, buttons 130 for performing various operations, It includes a receiver 160 that outputs voice during a call and a communication antenna 182 for connection to a mobile communication network.

  The display 140 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and displays application content, data, and the like. A transparent touch panel 120 is attached to the display 140, and various instructions based on a user's touch operation can be received.

  The receiver 160 is basically arranged at the upper part of the main body (housing) of the mobile terminal device 10 as shown in FIG. In other words, the display 140 is arranged in the upward direction (+ Y direction). This is because the user usually holds the lower part of the casing and makes a phone call with the ear close to the receiver 160 during a handset call in which the user holds the mobile terminal device 10 and touches it while holding the handset. . Further, the button 130 is arranged at the lower part of the housing so that the user can easily operate it.

  On the other hand, the communication antenna 182 is disposed in the downward direction (−Y direction) of the display 140. That is, the receiver 160 and the communication antenna 182 are arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the display 140 therebetween. The communication antenna 182 is arranged in this way because the transmission power of the communication antenna 182 for connecting to the mobile communication network is relatively large. More specifically, it is for suppressing the influence on the human body by the electromagnetic wave radiated from the communication antenna 182 when the user brings the receiver 160 close to the ear during a handset call. Further, the communication antenna 182 is basically disposed inside the casing of the mobile terminal device 10. Note that the transmission power of the communication antenna 182 is of a level necessary for connection to a general mobile communication network.

(A2. Operation overview)
Next, an outline of operation of portable terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of operation of portable terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 2, the user is holding the lower part of the housing, and the home screen is displayed on display 140 (FIG. 2A). The home screen corresponds to a standby screen in the case of a smartphone and a desktop screen in the case of a PC (Personal Computer), and is a screen that is the basis of all operations. Here, it can be seen from the face image displayed on the display screen that the upper direction of the display screen is the receiver 160 side and the lower direction is the communication antenna 182 side. This is because, as described above, the user usually makes a call while holding the lower part of the casing and putting his / her ear on the receiver 160 disposed at the upper part of the casing during a handset call. Hereinafter, the display method of the display screen when the upper direction of the display screen is the receiver 160 side and the lower direction of the display screen is the communication antenna 182 side is also referred to as “display method A”.

  Also, in the state of FIG. 2A, it can be seen that the user's hand is located in the vicinity of the communication antenna 182. From the state of FIG. 2A, for example, when the mobile terminal device 10 performs communication (handset call or the like) in which sound is output from the receiver 160, unlike the case of FIG. Maintain the vertical direction (do not switch). Since the display screen is in a direction suitable for the viewing direction, the user brings his / her ear close to the receiver 160 without changing the gripping direction (FIG. 2B).

  On the other hand, from the state of FIG. 2A, for example, when the mobile terminal device 10 performs communication (such as content download) in which audio is not output from the receiver 160, the mobile terminal device 10 moves the display screen in the vertical direction. (Fig. 2 (c)). Here, it can be seen from the face image displayed on the display screen that the face image is opposite to the gripping direction (viewing direction) of the user. More specifically, the upper direction of the display screen is the communication antenna 182 side, and the lower direction of the display screen is the receiver 160 side. Hereinafter, the display method of the display screen in such a case is also referred to as “display method B”.

  Next, the user changes the portable terminal device 10 so that the face image (display screen) is in a direction suitable for the viewing direction (FIG. 2D). That is, the user changes the holding direction of the mobile terminal device 10. In the state of FIG. 2D, it can be seen that, unlike the state of FIG. 2A, the user's hand is located away from the communication antenna 182. In this state, absorption of electromagnetic waves radiated from the communication antenna 182 to the human body can be reduced, so that performance degradation of the communication antenna 182 can be suppressed. In other words, the mobile terminal device 10 can communicate more efficiently.

  As described above, when performing communication in which sound is output from the receiver 160 as in a handset call, the mobile terminal device 10 does not switch (switch) the vertical direction of the display screen in consideration of user convenience. And may cause user confusion). Note that the case of performing communication in which sound is output from the receiver 160 is, for example, a case where the mobile terminal device 10 activates a call application in a state where sound is output from the receiver 160. Or when the receiver 160 is set to output sound during a call. That is, the case where it is assumed that the mobile terminal device 10 performs communication in which sound is output from the receiver 160 is included.

  On the other hand, the portable terminal device 10 switches the vertical direction of the display screen when performing communication in which no sound is output from the receiver 160, such as downloading content. In the case of performing communication in which no sound is output from the receiver 160, for example, when the mobile terminal device 10 performs a hands-free call function in which sound is output from a speaker instead of the receiver 160, no sound is output from the receiver 160. This is the case when an application (for browser or streaming playback) is started. That is, the case where it is assumed that the mobile terminal device 10 performs communication in which no sound is output from the receiver 160 is included.

  As described above, the mobile terminal device 10 prompts the user to appropriately hold the mobile terminal device 10 by switching the display screen depending on whether or not the receiver 160 is used. Therefore, efficient communication utilizing the characteristics of the communication antenna 182 is possible while considering user convenience.

  Next, the operation outline of the mobile terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment will be further described with another example.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for further explaining the operation outline of portable terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 3A shows a state in which data is being downloaded (a communication state in which no sound is output from the receiver 160). This is a state where the user is holding the mobile terminal device 10 in reverse by switching the vertical direction of the display screen from the home screen (display method A) (display method B). Note that the user can preset display method B instead of display method A as the home screen. This setting is useful for users who do not use much voice calls via the receiver 160 and mainly use it for browsing web pages or downloading contents.

  FIG. 2A shows a state in which a voice call is output from the receiver 160 and an incoming call is received from the outside and a call application is activated. At this time, since the mobile terminal device 10 is assumed to perform communication in which sound is output from the receiver 160, the vertical direction of the display screen is switched (FIG. 2B).

  Further, as described above, the mobile terminal device 10 switches the vertical direction of the display screen so as to change from the state of FIG. 2A (display method B) to the state of FIG. 2B (display method A). In this case, information that prompts the user to change the holding direction of the housing (for example, text such as “Please change”) is displayed on the display 140. Then, the user changes the portable terminal device 10 (FIG. 2C) and presses a response button or the like to bring his ear close to the receiver 160 to perform a handset call.

  On the other hand, when continuing to download data from the state of FIG. 2A, the mobile terminal device 10 maintains the display direction of the display screen (without switching the vertical direction of the display screen), Information prompting to change the holding direction is not displayed (FIG. 2D). Here, the case where data download is continued has been described, but if the communication does not output audio from the receiver 160, the display screen is not switched in the vertical direction.

  From the above, when the mobile terminal device 10 determines that it is necessary to switch the vertical direction of the display screen in the opposite direction to the vertical direction of the current display screen depending on whether or not the receiver 160 is used, the vertical direction of the display screen is changed. Information that prompts the user to change the gripping direction of the mobile terminal device 10 is displayed while switching. Therefore, the user is further prompted to change the grip direction of the mobile terminal device 10.

<B. Hardware configuration>
A hardware configuration of portable terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of portable terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 4, mobile terminal device 10 includes, as main components, CPU (Central Processing Unit) 100, memory 110, touch panel 120, button 130, display 140, microphone 150, speaker 170, and the like. , Receiver 160, first wireless communication unit 180, communication antenna 182, and external interface (I / F) 190.

  The CPU 100 controls the operation of each unit of the mobile terminal device 10 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 110. More specifically, the CPU 100 implements each process (step) of the mobile terminal device 10 to be described later by executing the program. The CPU 100 is, for example, a microprocessor. The hardware may be an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) other than the CPU, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a circuit having other arithmetic functions, or the like.

  The memory 110 is realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk, or the like. The memory 110 stores programs executed by the CPU 100, data, and the like.

  The touch panel 120 is provided on the display 140 having a function as a display unit. The touch panel 120 may be any type such as a resistive film method, a surface acoustic wave method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, a capacitance method, and may include a photosensor liquid crystal. The touch panel 120 detects a touch operation on the touch panel by an external object, and inputs touch coordinates (touch position) to the CPU 100.

  The button 130 is disposed on the surface of the main body portion of the mobile terminal device 10, receives an instruction from the user, and inputs it to the CPU 100. The button 130 includes, for example, a screen transition button for changing the display screen, a confirmation button, a cancel button, and the like.

  The display 140 displays an image or text on the display screen based on a signal from the CPU 100.

  The microphone 150 receives an utterance to the mobile terminal device 10 and transmits a signal corresponding to the uttered voice to the CPU 100.

  The receiver 160 outputs a sound based on a sound signal transmitted from the call destination during a handset call in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 100. Further, the receiver 160 is arranged in one of the vertical directions of the display 140 and is opposed to the communication antenna 182 so as to sandwich the display 140.

  The speaker 170 outputs sound at a higher sound pressure level than the receiver 160, for example, in accordance with instructions from the CPU 100. For example, the speaker 170 outputs sound during a hands-free call.

  First wireless communication unit 180 is connected to a mobile communication network via communication antenna 182 and transmits and receives signals for wireless communication. That is, the first wireless communication unit 180 converts communication data from the CPU 100 into a communication signal and transmits the communication signal via the communication antenna 182 or receives a communication signal received via the communication antenna 182 as communication data. And the communication data is input to the CPU 100. Thereby, the mobile terminal device 10 can communicate with a communication device via a mobile communication network such as a third generation mobile communication system (3G) or LTE (Long Term Evolution). Further, the communication antenna 182 is arranged in one of the vertical directions of the display 140 and is opposed to the receiver 160 so as to sandwich the display 140.

  The external interface (I / F) 190 is, for example, a memory interface. The memory interface reads data from an external storage medium. That is, the CPU 100 reads data stored in an external storage medium via the memory interface and stores the data in the memory 110. The CPU 100 reads data from the memory 110 and stores the data in an external storage medium via the memory interface. As storage media, CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), BD (Blu-ray Disc), USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, memory card, FD (Flexible Disk), hard disk, magnetic tape, Cassette tape, MO (Magnetic Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), IC (Integrated Circuit) card (excluding memory card), optical card, EPROM, EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), etc. A medium for storing the program is exemplified.

<C. Functional configuration>
Next, the functional configuration of the mobile terminal device 10 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of portable terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 5, mobile terminal device 10 includes a communication control unit 210, a voice control unit 220, a determination unit 230, a display control unit 240, and a setting unit 250 as its main functional configuration. Basically, these functions are realized by the CPU 100 of the mobile terminal device 10 executing a program stored in the memory 110 and giving a command to the components of the mobile terminal device 10. That is, the CPU 100 has a function as a control unit that controls the entire operation of the mobile terminal device 10. Note that some or all of these functional configurations may be realized by hardware.

  The communication control unit 210 controls communication via the communication antenna 182. More specifically, the communication control unit 210 outputs an audio signal received via the communication antenna 182 to the audio control unit 220 or outputs an audio signal output from the audio control unit 220 via the communication antenna 182. Or send it to the outside. Further, the communication control unit 210 outputs information indicating whether or not communication is performed via the communication antenna 182 to the determination unit 230 as the communication state of the mobile terminal device 10. The communication control unit 210 is a function realized mainly by the CPU 100 and the first wireless communication unit 180 operating in cooperation.

  The audio control unit 220 performs audio processing on the audio signal received via the communication control unit 210 and causes the receiver 160 or the speaker 170 to output the processed audio. For example, when the mobile terminal device 10 is set to the handset call mode, the voice control unit 220 outputs the voice to the receiver 160 when the mobile terminal device 10 is set to the handset call mode, and when the handset free call mode is set. Causes sound to be output to the speaker 170. In addition, the audio control unit 220 may cause the receiver 160 or the speaker 170 to output audio based on settings predetermined for each application. In addition, the audio control unit 220 outputs information indicating whether audio is output from the receiver 160 or output from the speaker 170 as an audio output state to the determination unit 230.

  Based on the communication state of the mobile terminal device 10 output (transmitted) from the communication control unit 210 and the audio output state output (transmitted) from the audio control unit 220, the determination unit 230 determines that the mobile terminal device 10 receives the receiver 160. It is determined whether or not communication for outputting sound is performed. More specifically, the determination unit 230 determines whether or not the mobile terminal device 10 is communicating via the communication antenna 182 and a sound is output from the receiver 160. The determination unit 230 outputs the determination result to the display control unit 240.

  The display control unit 240 switches the vertical direction of the display screen of the display 140 based on the determination result output from the determination unit 230. In a certain aspect, when the mobile terminal device 10 performs communication in which no sound is output from the receiver 160, the display control unit 240 displays the display screen so that the upper direction of the display screen is on the communication antenna 182 side. When performing communication in which audio is output from the receiver 160, the display screen is displayed so that the lower direction of the display screen is on the communication antenna 182 side.

  In another aspect, the display control unit 240 determines whether the current display screen is up or down based on the determination result of the determination unit 230 and the identification information stored in the memory 110 for identifying the vertical direction of the current display screen. It is determined whether or not to switch the vertical direction of the display screen in the direction opposite to the direction. If the display control unit 240 determines to switch the vertical direction of the display screen in the direction opposite to the vertical direction of the current display screen, the display control unit 240 switches the vertical direction of the display screen and informs the user of the grip direction of the mobile terminal device 10. Information for prompting the change is displayed on the display 140. For example, when the current display screen state is the display method A, the memory 110 stores the flag as identification information with the flag set, and when the display method B has the flag, the flag is not set. Therefore, the display control unit 240 can determine the current vertical direction of the display screen by referring to the memory 110 and confirming the state of the flag.

  In yet another aspect, the display control unit 240 refers to the memory 110 and displays the initial screen (home screen) according to the vertical direction set by the setting unit 250.

  The setting unit 250 accepts the vertical setting of the initial screen in accordance with an instruction from the user via the touch panel 120 (or the button 130), and registers the setting in the memory 110. The setting unit 250 may receive a mode setting of the handset call mode or the hands-free call mode in accordance with an instruction from the user and register the setting in the memory 110. For example, the setting unit 250 receives an instruction from the user on the user interface screen for performing the above setting.

<D. Processing example>
Next, a display processing procedure executed by the mobile terminal device 10 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a display processing procedure executed by portable terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment. In the initial state, the mobile terminal device 10 is configured such that the home screen is displayed in the display method A in which the upper direction of the display screen is the receiver 160 side and the lower direction of the display screen is the communication antenna 182 side. (State shown in FIG. 2A).

  Referring to FIG. 6, CPU 100 determines whether or not to start wireless communication via communication antenna 182 (step S102). For example, the CPU 100 makes the determination based on whether or not a wireless communication start instruction (or a communication application activation instruction or the like) is received from the user via the touch panel 120. CPU100 repeats the process of step S102, when not starting wireless communication (in the case of NO in step S102). On the other hand, when starting wireless communication (YES in step S102), CPU 100 determines whether or not the wireless communication is communication in which sound is output from receiver 160 (step S104). . More specifically, the CPU 100 determines whether the communication is not accompanied by audio output from the receiver 160 such as a hands-free call or content download, or is communication accompanied by audio output from the receiver 160 such as a handset call. to decide.

  If the communication is such that no sound is output from the receiver 160 (NO in step S104), the CPU 100 switches the vertical direction of the display screen (step S108). In other words, the CPU 100 switches the display screen from the display method A to the display method B (state shown in FIG. 2B). At this time, the CPU 100 may cause the display 140 to display information for prompting the user to change the holding direction of the mobile terminal device 10. On the other hand, in the case of communication in which sound is output from the receiver 160 (YES in step S104), the CPU 100 does not switch the vertical direction of the display screen (step S106). In other words, the CPU 100 maintains the display screen as the display method A.

  Next, CPU 100 determines whether or not to display the display screen in the home screen display method (the display method set on the home screen) (step S110). For example, the CPU 100 terminates the currently running application when the predetermined time elapses, when an instruction to return to the home screen is received from the user via the touch panel 120, or when the light of the display 140 is turned off. In such a case, it is determined that the display screen is displayed in the home screen display method. Of the above, it is assumed that the user can arbitrarily set when to return to the home screen display method.

  CPU100 repeats the process of step S110, when not using the display method of a home screen (in the case of NO in step S110). On the other hand, when the CPU 100 uses the home screen display method (YES in step S110), the CPU 100 displays the display screen in the home screen display method A (step S114). More specifically, when the display screen is not switched (in the case of step S106), the CPU 100 maintains the display screen as the display method A, and when the display screen is switched (in the case of step S108). ) Return (switch) the display screen from the display method B to the display method A.

  Then, the CPU 100 determines whether or not to end the process (step S114). The CPU 100 makes the determination based on, for example, whether or not an end instruction has been received by the user. If CPU 100 has not received an end instruction (NO in step S114), CPU 100 repeats the processing from step S102. In contrast, when CPU 100 receives an end instruction (YES in step S114), CPU 100 ends the process.

  In the above description, when the home screen set by the user is set to the display method B, the CPU 100 switches the vertical direction of the display screen (switches from the display method B to the display method A) in step S106, and step S108. It goes without saying that the process of not switching the vertical direction of the display screen (maintaining display method B) is executed.

<E. Advantage>
According to the first embodiment, more efficient wireless communication is possible by prompting the user to appropriately hold the mobile terminal device 10 by switching the vertical direction of the display screen according to the communication content. In addition, when the display screen needs to be switched in the vertical direction, information prompting the user to change the gripping direction is displayed on the display screen, so that the user can change the gripping direction more smoothly.

  In addition, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of antennas for selecting and switching antennas that are less affected by the human body, which is advantageous in terms of product size reduction and cost. Furthermore, since the performance of the communication antenna is improved by changing the holding direction of the mobile terminal device, transmission power (power consumption) is suppressed, and battery consumption can be suppressed.

[2. Second Embodiment]
<A. Overview>
Next, the overall configuration and operation outline of mobile terminal apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Schematically, mobile terminal apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment is different from mobile terminal apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes a communication antenna with relatively low transmission power.

(A1. Overall configuration)
The overall configuration of mobile terminal apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an appearance of mobile terminal apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment.
Since the mobile terminal device 10A has the same configuration as the mobile terminal device 10 shown in FIG. 1 except that the communication antenna 302 is added, detailed description of the same portions will not be repeated.

  Referring to FIG. 7, communication antenna 302 is arranged above display 140 in the same manner as receiver 160. That is, the communication antenna 302 is disposed to face the communication antenna 182 so as to sandwich the display 140. The communication antenna 302 is not high in transmission power like the communication antenna 182 for connecting to a mobile communication network. For example, the transmission antenna used for connecting to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) is relatively small. It is less than a predetermined value. The transmission power less than the predetermined value is a transmission power in a range not exceeding the allowable value of the SAR described above even when the user performs a handset call via the communication antenna 302. Note that the communication antenna 302 is disposed inside the housing of the mobile terminal device 10 </ b> A in the same manner as the communication antenna 182.

(A2. Operation overview)
Next, an outline of operation of mobile terminal device 10A according to the second embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing an outline of operation of mobile terminal apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment.

  With reference to FIG. 8, the user is holding the lower part of 10 A of portable terminal devices, and the home screen is displayed on the display 140 with the display method A (FIG. 8 (a)). In the state of FIG. 8A, when the mobile terminal device 10A performs communication in which sound is output from the receiver 160, the vertical direction of the display screen is not switched. That is, the mobile terminal device 10A displays a display screen when audio is output from the receiver 160, either via a mobile communication network using the communication antenna 182 or via a wireless LAN using the communication antenna 302. The vertical direction is not switched (the display method A is maintained). Also, the mobile terminal device 10A does not switch the vertical direction of the display screen when performing communication in which no sound is output from the receiver 160 via the communication antenna 302 alone. This is because, in the state of FIG. 8A, the user's hand is located at a location away from the communication antenna 302, so that the communication via the communication antenna 302 is performed more efficiently. Note that the case where the mobile terminal device 10A performs communication in which sound is not output from the receiver 160 via only the communication antenna 302 is, for example, the case where the mobile terminal device 10 executes content download or the like via a wireless LAN.

  On the other hand, when performing communication in which no sound is output from the receiver 160 via the communication antenna 182 only, the mobile terminal device 10A switches the vertical direction of the display screen as shown in FIG. Switch from A to display method B).

  Alternatively, when performing communication in which no sound is output from the receiver 160 via the communication antenna 182 and the communication antenna 302, the vertical direction of the display screen may be switched as shown in FIG. This is because communication via the communication antenna 182 is used with priority over communication via the communication antenna 302. However, in this case, 10 A of portable terminal devices may display a screen according to the up-down direction arbitrarily preset by the user. In the case of performing communication in which no sound is output from the receiver 160 via the communication antenna 182 and the communication antenna 302, for example, the mobile terminal device 10A executes a dethering function using a wireless LAN and a mobile communication network. This is the case.

<B. Hardware configuration>
A hardware configuration of mobile terminal apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of mobile terminal apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 9, mobile terminal apparatus 10 </ b> A includes, as main components, CPU 100, memory 110, touch panel 120, button 130, display 140, microphone 150, receiver 160, speaker 170, 1 wireless communication unit 180, communication antenna 182, external interface (I / F) 190, second wireless communication unit 300, and communication antenna 302. That is, the mobile terminal device 10 </ b> A is different from the mobile terminal device 10 in that a second wireless communication unit 300 and a communication antenna 302 are added to the mobile terminal device 10. Therefore, the detailed description of the same parts as the mobile terminal device 10 will not be repeated.

  The second wireless communication unit 300 transmits and receives signals for wireless communication via the communication antenna 302 with relatively low transmission power. Second wireless communication unit 300 converts communication data from CPU 100 into a communication signal, transmits the communication signal through communication antenna 302, or converts a communication signal received through communication antenna 302 into communication data. Then, the communication data is input to the CPU 100. The second wireless communication unit performs wireless communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark), wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or the like as a communication method. The communication antenna 302 may be a reception-only antenna such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) reception antenna or a digital television reception antenna. The communication antenna 302 is one of the vertical directions of the display 140 and is disposed to face the communication antenna 182 so as to sandwich the display 140.

<C. Functional configuration>
The main functional configuration of the mobile terminal device 10A will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a main functional configuration of mobile terminal apparatus 10A according to the second embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 10, mobile terminal device 10A includes a communication control unit 210A, a voice control unit 220A, a determination unit 230A, a display control unit 240A, and a setting unit 250A as its main functional configuration. Basically, it is realized by the CPU 100 of the mobile terminal device 10A executing a program stored in the memory 110 and giving a command to the components of the mobile terminal device 10A. That is, the CPU 100 has a function as a control unit that controls the entire operation of the mobile terminal device 10A. Note that some or all of these functional configurations may be realized by hardware.

  The communication control unit 210A outputs an audio signal received via the communication antenna 182 or the communication antenna 302 to the audio control unit 220, or outputs an audio signal output from the audio control unit 220 to the communication antenna 182 or the communication antenna 302. Or send to the outside via. In addition, the communication control unit 210A determines whether the communication state of the mobile terminal device 10A is to communicate via only the communication antenna 182 or to communicate via only the communication antenna 302, or to set the communication antenna 182 and the communication antenna 302. Information indicating whether or not communication is to be performed via the determination unit 230A. Note that the communication control unit 210A is a function realized mainly by the CPU 100, the first wireless communication unit 180, and the second wireless communication unit 300 operating in cooperation.

  The voice control unit 220A is basically the same as the function of the voice control unit 220. The sound control unit 220A outputs information indicating whether the sound is output from the receiver 160 or the speaker 170 as the sound output state to the determination unit 230A.

  Based on the communication state of the mobile terminal device 10A output (transmitted) from the communication control unit 210A and the audio output state output (transmitted) from the audio control unit 220, the determining unit 230A It is determined whether or not communication in which sound is output from 160 is performed. More specifically, the determination unit 230A determines which of the communication antennas 182 and the communication antenna 302 the mobile terminal device 10A communicates with, and the sound is output from the receiver 160. It is determined whether or not. The determination unit 230A outputs the determination result to the display control unit 240A.

  Display control unit 240A switches the vertical direction of the display screen of display 140 based on the determination result of determination unit 230A. More specifically, in a certain aspect, when the mobile terminal device 10 communicates via the communication antenna 302, the display control unit 240A displays the display screen so that the lower direction of the display screen is on the communication antenna 182 side.

  Further, in another aspect, when the mobile terminal device 10 performs communication in which sound is output from the receiver 160 via the communication antenna 182 or the communication antenna 302, the display control unit 240A is configured such that the downward direction of the display screen is communication. The display is made to be on the antenna 182 side. When the mobile terminal device 10 performs communication in which no sound is output from the receiver 160 via the communication antenna 182 and the communication antenna 302, the display control unit 240 </ b> A refers to the memory 110 and is set in a vertical direction set in advance by the user. To display the display screen.

  Further, the display control unit 240A displays the display screen so that the upper direction of the display screen is on the communication antenna 182 side when performing communication in which no sound is output from the receiver 160 via the communication antenna 182 alone.

  Note that the display control unit 240A displays information for prompting the user to change the gripping direction on the display 140, or displays the initial screen according to the set vertical direction, like the display control unit 240 in the mobile terminal device 10. It has a function to let you.

  The setting unit 250A receives the setting of the display method (up and down direction of the display screen) from the user when the mobile terminal device 10 performs communication in which no sound is output from the receiver 160 via the communication antennas 182 and 302, and performs the setting. Register in the memory 110. Similarly to the setting unit 250, the setting unit 250 </ b> A accepts the vertical setting and mode setting of the initial screen from the user and registers them in the memory 110.

<D. Processing example>
Next, a display processing procedure executed by the mobile terminal device 10A will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a display processing procedure executed by portable terminal device 10 according to the second embodiment. In the initial state, the mobile terminal device 10A is assumed to display the home screen in the display method A (state shown in FIG. 8A). Hereinafter, for the sake of explanation, the communication antenna 182 is referred to as a first antenna, and the communication antenna 302 is referred to as a second communication antenna.

  Referring to FIG. 11, CPU 100 determines whether or not to start wireless communication (step S200). More specifically, CPU 100 determines whether to start wireless communication via at least one of the first and second communication antennas. CPU100 repeats the process of step S200, when not starting wireless communication (in the case of NO in step S200). In contrast, when starting wireless communication (YES in step S200), CPU 100 determines whether or not the wireless communication is communication in which sound is output from receiver 160 (step S201). . In the case of communication in which sound is output from the receiver 160 (YES in step S201), the CPU 100 maintains the display screen as display method A without switching the vertical direction of the display screen (step S106). And CPU100 performs the process after step S110. Since the processing after step S110 is the same as the processing described in FIG. 6, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  On the other hand, if the communication is such that no sound is output from the receiver 160 (NO in step S201), the CPU 100 determines whether the communication is via the first communication antenna (step S202).

  If the communication is not via the first communication antenna (that is, communication via only the second communication antenna) (NO in step S202), CPU 100 does not switch the vertical direction of the display screen. (Step S106), the processing after Step S110 is executed. On the other hand, if the communication is via the first communication antenna (YES in step S202), the CPU 100 determines whether the communication is via the second communication antenna (step S204). .

  If the communication is not via the second communication antenna (that is, communication via only the first communication antenna) (NO in step S204), CPU 100 switches the vertical direction of the display screen. The display method A is changed to the display method B (step S108). At this time, the CPU 100 may cause the display 140 to display information for prompting the user to change the holding direction of the mobile terminal device 10. And CPU100 performs the process after step S110.

  On the other hand, in the case of communication via the second communication antenna (that is, communication via the first and second communication antennas) (in the case of YES in step S204), the CPU 100 stores the memory 110, it is determined whether or not the display method of the display screen preset by the user is display method A (step S206).

  When the display method A is set (YES in step S206), the CPU 100 does not switch the vertical direction of the display screen (step S106), and executes the processes after step S110. On the other hand, when the display method B is set (NO in step S206), the CPU 100 switches the vertical direction of the display screen (step S108) and executes the processes after step S110.

  In the second embodiment as well, when the home screen set by the user is set to the display method B, the CPU 100 switches the vertical direction of the display screen (from the display method B to the display method A) in step S106. Needless to say, in step S108, a process of not switching the vertical direction of the display screen (maintaining display method B) is executed.

<E. Advantage>
Also in the second embodiment, more efficient wireless communication is possible by urging the user to appropriately hold the mobile terminal device 10 by switching the vertical direction of the display screen according to the communication content. In addition, since the characteristics of each communication antenna can be utilized, transmission power (power consumption) corresponding to the radio wave environment is suppressed, and battery consumption can be suppressed.

[3. Other Embodiments]
It is also possible to provide a program that causes a computer to function and execute control as described in the above flowchart. Such a program is recorded on a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk attached to the computer, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a ROM, a RAM, and a memory card as a program product. It can also be provided. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  The program may be a program module that is provided as a part of an operating system (OS) of a computer and that calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present embodiment.

  Further, the program according to the present embodiment may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. A program incorporated in such another program can also be included in the program according to the present embodiment.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  10, 10A portable terminal device, 100 CPU, 110 memory, 120 touch panel, 130 button, 140 display, 150 microphone, 160 receiver, 170 speaker, 180 first wireless communication unit, 182, 302 communication antenna, 210, 210A communication control Unit, 220, 220A voice control unit, 230, 230A determination unit, 240, 240A display control unit, 250, 250A setting unit, 300 second wireless communication unit.

Claims (6)

A mobile terminal device having a communication function,
Display,
A first communication antenna disposed in any one of the vertical directions of the display;
A receiver for outputting sound, disposed opposite the first communication antenna so as to sandwich the display;
A communication determination unit that determines whether or not the mobile terminal device performs communication in which sound is output from the receiver;
A display control unit that switches a vertical direction of the display screen of the display based on a determination result of the communication determination unit;
A second communication antenna disposed opposite to the first communication antenna so as to sandwich the display, the transmission power being less than a predetermined value,
When the mobile terminal device communicates via the second communication antenna, the display control unit displays the display screen so that a downward direction of the display screen is on the first communication antenna side . A mobile terminal device having a communication function,
Display,
A first communication antenna disposed in any one of the vertical directions of the display;
A receiver for outputting sound, disposed opposite the first communication antenna so as to sandwich the display;
A communication determination unit that determines whether or not the mobile terminal device performs communication in which sound is output from the receiver;
A display control unit that switches a vertical direction of the display screen of the display based on a determination result of the communication determination unit;
The display was arranged to face the first communication antenna to sandwich, and a second communication antenna transmitting power is less than the predetermined value,
The communication determination unit further determines whether or not the mobile terminal device performs communication in which sound is output from the receiver via the second communication antenna,
When the portable terminal device performs communication in which sound is output from the receiver via the first or second communication antenna, the display control unit is configured such that the downward direction of the display screen is the first communication antenna. Display to the side,
The display control unit is configured to set a predetermined vertical direction of the display screen when the mobile terminal device performs communication in which no sound is output from the receiver via the first and second communication antennas. The mobile terminal device is displayed according to the above. A method for controlling a portable terminal device having a communication function,
The mobile terminal device includes a display, a first communication antenna disposed in one of the vertical directions of the display, and an audio disposed to face the first communication antenna so as to sandwich the display. And a second communication antenna having a transmission power less than a predetermined value, which is disposed opposite to the first communication antenna so as to sandwich the display .
The control method is:
Determining whether the portable terminal device performs communication in which sound is output from the receiver; and
Switching the up and down direction of the display screen of the display based on the determination result of the determining step;
When the mobile terminal device communicates via the second communication antenna, the switching step includes displaying the display screen so that a downward direction of the display screen is on the first communication antenna side. Control method. A method for controlling a portable terminal device having a communication function,
The mobile terminal device includes a display, a first communication antenna disposed in one of the vertical directions of the display, and an audio disposed to face the first communication antenna so as to sandwich the display. And a second communication antenna having a transmission power less than a predetermined value, which is disposed opposite to the first communication antenna so as to sandwich the display.
The control method is:
Determining whether the portable terminal device performs communication in which sound is output from the receiver; and
Switching the up and down direction of the display screen of the display based on the determination result of the determining step;
The determining step further includes determining whether or not the mobile terminal device performs communication in which sound is output from the receiver via the second communication antenna;
In the switching step, when the mobile terminal device performs communication in which sound is output from the receiver via the first or second communication antenna, the downward direction of the display screen is the first communication antenna side. Including the display to be
In the switching step, when the portable terminal device performs communication in which no sound is output from the receiver via the first and second communication antennas, the display screen is set in accordance with a predetermined vertical setting on the display screen. A method for controlling a mobile terminal device, including displaying. A control program to be executed by a computer of a mobile terminal device having a communication function,
The mobile terminal device includes a display, a first communication antenna disposed in one of the vertical directions of the display, and an audio disposed to face the first communication antenna so as to sandwich the display. And a second communication antenna having a transmission power less than a predetermined value, which is disposed opposite to the first communication antenna so as to sandwich the display .
The control program is stored in the computer.
Determining whether the portable terminal device performs communication in which sound is output from the receiver; and
Based on the determination result of the determining step, the step of switching the vertical direction of the display screen of the display ,
When the mobile terminal device communicates via the second communication antenna, the switching step includes displaying the display screen so that a downward direction of the display screen is on the first communication antenna side. Control program. A control program to be executed by a computer of a mobile terminal device having a communication function,
The mobile terminal device includes a display, a first communication antenna disposed in one of the vertical directions of the display, and an audio disposed to face the first communication antenna so as to sandwich the display. And a second communication antenna having a transmission power less than a predetermined value, which is disposed opposite to the first communication antenna so as to sandwich the display.
The control program is stored in the computer.
Determining whether the portable terminal device performs communication in which sound is output from the receiver; and
Based on the determination result of the determining step, the step of switching the vertical direction of the display screen of the display,
The determining step further includes determining whether or not the mobile terminal device performs communication in which sound is output from the receiver via the second communication antenna;
In the switching step, when the mobile terminal device performs communication in which sound is output from the receiver via the first or second communication antenna, the downward direction of the display screen is the first communication antenna side. Including the display to be
In the switching step, when the portable terminal device performs communication in which no sound is output from the receiver via the first and second communication antennas, the display screen is set in accordance with a predetermined vertical setting on the display screen. A control program for a mobile terminal device, including display.

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