JPH11212893A - Program starting device/method in electronic unit, medium and electronic unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide program starting device/method in an electronic unit which can start a function that the electronic unit has with the one touch operation of a user and to provide a medium. SOLUTION: The program starting device automatically starts a prescribed application program which is previously stored in the electronic unit 100. It is provided with starting condition storage means 66A and 66 storing a starting condition which is previously set by a user, and a starting sequence control means 2A starting the prescribed application program when the state of the electronic unit 100 is judged to be matched with the starting condition stored in the starting condition storage means 66A and 66 are provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a program starting apparatus and a program starting method in an electronic device for automatically starting functions provided in an electronic device such as a portable computer by a one-touch operation of a user.
It relates to media and electronic equipment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, many portable electronic devices have been developed, and advanced electronic devices equipped with a CPU (central processing unit) have appeared. Among portable electronic devices, for example, a portable computer includes a main body and a display unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and the display unit can be opened and closed via a hinge with respect to the main body. It has become.
A typical example of such a portable computer is a notebook personal computer.

In such electronic equipment, for example, a so-called electronic mail (e-mail, e-mail) for exchanging a communication message via a communication line is used.
1) is installed. In this case, the user activates a basic program called an OS of the electronic device, activates an application program for e-mail, and further activates a function for confirming an incoming e-mail addressed to the user. If you don't do this, you won't be able to see if you've received the e-mail and see what it is.

[0004]

However, there is a desire for a user to immediately view an electronic mail on an electronic device. In addition to the function of the e-mail, there is a desire that the user wants to instantly activate the function of other electronic devices. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to solve the above problems and to provide a program starting device, a program starting method, and a medium in an electronic device capable of automatically starting a function of the electronic device by a one-touch operation of a user. .

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided a program starting apparatus for automatically starting a predetermined application program stored in an electronic apparatus, wherein the program starting apparatus is configured to allow a user to execute the program in advance. The start condition storing means for storing the set start condition, and when it is determined that the state of the electronic device matches the start condition stored in the start condition storing means, the predetermined application program is executed. The present invention is attained by a program starting device in an electronic device, comprising: starting sequence control means for starting.

According to the present invention, there is provided a program starting method for automatically starting a predetermined application program stored in an electronic device.
A starting condition storing step in which a starting condition set in advance by a user is stored; and when it is determined that the state of the electronic device matches the starting condition stored in the starting condition storing step, the predetermined condition is determined. This is achieved by a program starting method in an electronic device, comprising a starting sequence processing step of starting an application program.

According to the present invention, there is provided a program starting method for automatically starting a predetermined application program stored in an electronic device in advance.
A starting condition storing step in which a starting condition set in advance by a user is stored; and when it is determined that the state of the electronic device matches the starting condition stored in the starting condition storing step, the predetermined condition is determined. The present invention is achieved by a medium storing a program for starting a program executable in an electronic device, comprising: a start sequence processing step of starting an application program.

According to the present invention, when a predetermined application program stored in the electronic device is automatically started, the start condition set by the user is stored in the start condition storing means. The activation sequence control unit activates the predetermined application program when determining that the state of the electronic device matches the activation condition stored in the activation condition storage unit. Thereby, the user can immediately start a specific application program.

Further, in the present invention, preferably, the startup sequence control means is configured to operate in a state where a basic program for controlling the electronic device is not activated.
When it is determined that the operation means is operated, the specific application program may be activated after the basic program is activated, and the specific function may be activated. In the present invention, preferably, the specific application program is an e-mail program that sends and receives messages via a network,
If the specific function is an incoming mail acquisition function for acquiring an e-mail addressed to a user, it is possible to perform one-touch confirmation of incoming e-mail or the like.

[0010] In the present invention, preferably, a notifying means for notifying that the mail addressed to the user has been obtained by the incoming mail obtaining function of the electronic mail program is provided, so that the user can be surely notified of the mail acquisition. be able to.

[0011]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present invention,
Although various technically preferable limits are given, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these modes unless otherwise specified in the following description. FIG. 1 shows an example of an electronic device including a program starter 1000 (see FIG. 4) in the electronic device of the present invention. The electronic device shown in FIG.
00. The portable computer 100 includes a main body 2,
The display unit 3 includes a display unit 3, a keyboard 4, hinges 1A and 1B surrounded by regions A and B, a battery pack (battery) 200, and the like.

The main body 2 has the above-described keyboard 4 and other pointing devices 5 and the like, and the display section 3 can employ, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display unit 3 includes hinges 1A and 1B with respect to the main body 2.
Is mounted so that it can be opened and closed (folded) in the direction of arrow R. Although not shown in FIG. 1,
For the main body 2, a device or the like to which a mouse or the like as an external pointing means is externally attached can be set. The main body 2 has a power lamp PL, a battery lamp BL, and a message lamp (notifying means) ML.
L indicates the remaining battery level of the battery pack 200. Among these lamps, especially the message lamp ML is exposed outside even when the display unit 3 is closed with respect to the main body 2. Thus, even if the display unit 3 is closed, the arrival of the e-mail can be notified to the user by turning on the message lamp ML.

FIG. 2 is a view of the display unit 3 of the electronic apparatus of FIG. 1 in a state where the display unit 3 is folded about the center axis CLC with respect to the main body 2 and viewed from the arrow SD. In FIG. 2, a power switch 40, an operation key 41,
A switch 42 and the like are arranged. The side 2S has P
CMCIA (Personal ComputerMe)
more Carol International
An association card (PC card) is provided with a slot 43. The operation key 41 is separate from the power switch 40. The operation key 41 is a switch for activating the activation sequence control means 2A shown in FIG. 4, and the power switch 40 is a switch for activating the basic program (OS).

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery pack 200 is disposed between hinges 1A and 1B. Preferably, center axis CLC corresponding to the center axis of hinges 1A and 1B corresponds to the center axis of battery pack 200. That is, the center axis of the battery pack 200 and the center axes of the hinges 1A and 1B coincide. The battery pack 200 can be detachably and mechanically held on the main body 2 and can also be detachably electrically connected.

FIG. 4 shows a program starting device 1000 in the portable computer shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and an accessory device connected to the outside of the portable computer. FIG. 4 shows the main body 2, the display unit 3, the modem 50 built in the main body 2, and the like. First, the program starting device 1000 in the main body 2 is operated by operation keys (operation means).
41, a power switch 40, and a startup sequence control means 2A, and has the following structure. The internal bus 51 of the startup sequence control means 2A includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 52 and a PC card 5 inserted as necessary.
3. A RAM (random access memory) 54 is connected. The internal bus 51 is connected to an external bus 55, and the external bus 55 has a hard disk drive 5
6, I / O controller (input / output controller) 57,
A keyboard controller 58, a tablet controller 59, an interface 60 and the like are connected.

The CPU 52 is a controller for controlling each function, and the PC card 53 is for adding optional functions to the internal bus 51. In the random access memory 54, when the activation of the main body 2 is completed, an e-mail program (application program) 54A, an autopilot program (application program) 54B, and
S (basic program) 54C is stored. The e-mail program 54A is a program for exchanging messages via a network via a communication line such as a telephone line. The electronic mail program 54A has an incoming mail acquisition function as a specific function. This incoming mail acquisition function checks whether mail addressed to the user (user) has arrived in the mailbox with respect to the mail server 83 in FIG. 4, and if there is mail addressed to the user, acquires the mail. Execute the process. Autopilot program 54
B is a program for sequentially activating and processing a plurality of preset processes (or programs) in a preset order. The OS (basic program software) 54C controls the computer 100, which is an electronic device, and can use an operating system such as Windows 95. This Win
Windows 95 is a type of operating system for personal computers developed by Microsoft Corporation in the United States.

On the other hand, an e-mail program 56 is stored in a hard disk drive (HDD) 56 on the external bus 55 side.
A, an autopilot program 56B and an OS (basic program software) 56C are stored. OS 56C in hard disk drive 56, auto pilot program 56B and e-mail program 56A
During the boot-up process of the main unit 2
They are sequentially stored in M54.

The I / O controller 57 has a microcontroller 61, and the microcontroller 61 is provided with an I / O interface 62. This microcontroller 61 has an I / O interface 6
2. CPU 62A, RAM (random access memory)
63 and a ROM 68 are connected to each other.
The RAM 63 has a key input status register 64,
It has an LED (light emitting diode) control register 65, a set time register 66, and an operation key / program correspondence register 66A. The set time register 66 is a start condition storage unit, and is used when a user sets a time (start condition) in advance and starts the operation of the start sequence control unit 2A when the preset time comes. The operation key / program correspondence register 66A stores the correspondence between a preset operation key combination (activation condition) and the application program to be activated, and the preset operation key combination is pressed by the user. Then, the application program (eg, e-mail) to be started can be started. The key input status register 64 stores an operation key flag when an operation key 41 which is a switch means for one-touch operation described later is pressed. The LED control register 65 controls the lighting of a message lamp (notifying means: for example, using an LED) ML that displays the instantaneous start-up state of the e-mail when the operation key 41 is pressed. The set time register 66 can arbitrarily set a certain time. The microcontroller 61 is provided with a backup battery 67, and the values of the registers 64, 65, and 66 are
It is held even when the power of the main body 2 is turned off.

The ROM (r) in the microcontroller 61
The wakeup program 69 and the key input monitoring program 7
0, an LED control program 71 is stored in advance.
The ROM 68 is, for example, an EEPROM (selector
electrically erasable and progr
amble read only memory)
It is composed of This EEPROM is also called a flash memory. Further microcontroller 61
RTC (Real-
Time Clock) 42A is connected. RO
The wake-up program 69 in M68 is RTC
It is checked whether or not the time set in the set time register 66 has been reached in advance based on the current time data supplied from the CPU 42. When the set time has come, a program for activating a predetermined process (or program) or the like is performed. It is.
The key input monitoring program 70 is a program that constantly monitors whether the operation key 41 is pressed by the user. The LED control program 71 determines whether the message lamp M
This is a program for controlling lighting of L. The BIOS 72 is further written in the ROM 68. This BI
OS (Basic Input / Output Sys)
tem) means the basic input / output system, OS
Data transfer between (operating system) and application software and peripheral devices (display, keyboard, hard disk drive, etc.) (input / output)
Is a software program that controls

A keyboard controller 58 connected to the external bus 55 shown in FIG. The tablet controller 59 is shown in FIG.
Of the tablet 5 shown in FIG. A pressure-sensitive tablet can be used as this tablet. The interface 60 receives an input from the internal microphone 60A or supplies an audio signal to the built-in speaker 60B. The modem 50 can be connected to a communication network 82 such as the Internet, a mail server 83, and the like via a public telephone line 80 and an Internet service provider 81.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the exchange of mail between the communication network 82, the mail server 83 and the portable computer 100. An electronic mail program is installed in the portable computer 100 as a client computer, and the user can transmit an electronic mail from the computer 100 to the mail server 83 via the communication network 82. The mail server 83 includes an SMTP server 84 and a POP server 85. This SMTP server (Simple Mail Transfer P
The protocol 84 is an Internet standard message exchange protocol, and exchanges messages between the mail server 83 and the communication network 82. POP server (Post Office Protocol) 8
Reference numeral 5 denotes a protocol used when an electronic mail is transferred to the client computer 100.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 4, a procedure for activating an e-mail function, which is one of the functions of the computer 100, and for checking the presence or absence of the e-mail and the contents thereof will be briefly described. 1. One-Touch Activation of Favorite Software By using “PPK Setup” software, it is possible to activate favorite software or a script file just by pressing a programmable power key (operation key 41). You can start your favorite software with one touch, so it is convenient to assign the software you want to start immediately. Here, a procedure for selecting software prepared in the initial setting will be described. Step 1) Double-click the “PPK setup icon” of a predetermined shape displayed on the task bar of the startup screen of Windows 95. As a result, “PP” in FIG.
A dialog box D1 of “K Setup” is displayed. Step 2) Select your favorite software from the "List of applications" and click the right button of the touchpad. A “setting menu” M shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. Step 3) Click “Execute with programmable power key”. A preset icon of a predetermined shape is displayed on the software selected in step 2. Step 4) Click “OK” B. This completes the settings. When you press the programmable power key on the right side of the unit,
The set software starts.

If you want to specify software that is not included in the “application list”, click “Add” and then specify your favorite software. In the initial setting, even if the programmable power key is pressed while the liquid crystal display panel is closed, the specified software is not started. If the user wants to start even when the display panel is closed, click the “Detailed Settings” tab T on the “PPK Setup” screen, and uncheck “Set not to be used when liquid crystal panel is closed”.

Programmable power key (operation key 4
Regarding the combination of 1) and another key By pressing the programmable power key in combination with another key, it is also possible to activate the favorite software. That is, if the activation conditions set by the user in advance match the conditions for assigning the operation means (operation keys) to be operated, the favorite software can be activated. A combination is selected in the “setting menu” M shown in FIG. 8 displayed in step 2). "Execute with programmable power key" Simply press the programmable power key (operation key 41) on the right side of the unit, and your favorite software is activated. Pressing a key automatically turns on the unit and launches your favorite software even when the unit is off. "Execute with ALT + PPK" Pressing the programmable power key while holding down the Alt key while the power of the unit is turned on activates the desired software. "Execute with CTRL + PPK" Pressing the programmable power key while pressing the Ctrl key while the power of the unit is turned on activates the desired software. “Execute with SHIFT + PPK” Pressing the programmable power key while holding down the Shift key while the power of the unit is turned on activates the desired software. As described above, the correspondence between the operation keys preset by the user and the application program to be started is stored in the operation key / program correspondence register 66A provided in the RAM 63 in the microcontroller 61 described above. Is done.

2. Using the built-in timer to start your favorite software The built-in timer allows you to start your favorite software at any time when the unit is in normal operation, in standby mode, or in suspend mode. Similar to assigning software to a programmable power key, a script file can be executed at a desired time. Normal operation mode (power lamp on) This operation mode is the normal operation mode. However, it is also possible to save power consumption by turning off only a specific device such as a liquid crystal display or a modem. Standby mode (power lamp blinks) Temporarily stops the operation of the entire system. This is convenient when you want to leave the seat for a while.・ To enter standby mode: Press S key while pressing Fn key.・ To return to normal mode: Press any key. It recovers even if you operate an external mouse or keyboard.

Suspend mode (power lamp slowly blinks) Turns off the CPU power while maintaining the current work status. This is convenient when you resume work the next day. -To enter the suspend mode: Press the Esc key while pressing the Fn key.・ To return to normal mode: Press any key on the keyboard of the main unit. Procedure 1) Double-click the “PPK setup icon” displayed on the task bar of the Windows 95 startup screen. “PPK Setup” D1 is displayed. Step 2) Select the software you want to start with the timer from the "List of applications" and click the right button of the touchpad. Step 3) Click “Execute when timer starts”. A "timer set icon" of a predetermined shape is displayed on the software selected in step 2. Step 4) Click the "Timer setting" tab. Step 5) Click “Timer setting”. A dialog box D2 of “designation of timer setting method” in FIG. 9 is displayed. If you select "Start once only by specifying date and time" and select "Start repeatedly by specifying day and time" only once, the timer starts at the fixed time every week.

Step 6) Click “Next>” N. Set the timer start time. Set the date and time when "Start once only by specifying date and time" is selected in step 5, and set the day and time when "Repeat start by specifying day and time" is selected. . Step 7) Click “Next>”. Step 8) Click “Finish”. This is the end of the setting. After starting the software automatically,
The device can be put into a power saving operation mode after a certain period of time. In step 7 described above, click “Transition to power saving mode after starting timer” to set the time until the process is interrupted. As described above, the date and start time set by the user as described above are stored in the set time register 66 provided in the RAM 63 in the microcontroller 61 described above.

3. One-touch confirmation of e-mail As an example of how to use the programmable power key conveniently, let's set up one-touch confirmation of e-mail. Just press the programmable power key to check your email. Before using this feature, make sure that:・ Has a contract with a connection company for connecting to the Internet been completed?・ Do you have an e-mail account?・ Is "Dial-up network setting" of Windows 95 completed?・ Is "Save password" checked in "Dial-up network settings"? -Have you set up the e-mail software?

Step 1) Double-click the "PPK setup icon" displayed on the task bar of the Windows 95 startup screen. "PPK Setup"
M is displayed. Step 2) Click “Add” K. "Selection of setting method" is displayed. Step 3) Click “Simple settings” and click “Next>”. When a dialog box D3 of "simple setting" shown in FIG. 10 is displayed, the setting is performed in the following procedure. Click "Connect to dial-up network" and set the dial-up destination. Click the down arrow button and select the dial-up destination that you set in the "Internet Connection Wizard". As shown in FIG. 10, the user clicks “Email Intake” and sets execution contents. Click the down arrow button and select your e-mail software.

Step 4) Click "Next>" N. Enter a file name and comment. The file name and comment entered here are displayed on the screen of “PPK Setup” D1. Step 5) Click “Finish”. Step 6) Select the file name set in step 4 from the “application list” and click with the right button. Step 7) Perform steps 3 and 4 of “Start up your favorite software with one touch”. This is the end of the setting.
Pressing the programmable power key activates the specified e-mail software and automatically retrieves the e-mail.

In FIG. 5, in step S1, it is determined whether or not the user has pressed the operation keys 41 of FIGS.
The key input monitoring program 70 of FIG. 4 constantly monitors. When the operation key 41 in FIG. 4 is pressed in step S2, the key input monitoring program 70 sets an operation key flag in the key input status register 64 and instructs the operation key flag to write "1". In steps S3 and S4, the hard disk drive 56
OS 56C is stored in the RAM 54 and booted (boot up: Boot up), and in step S4, the auto pilot program (automatic sequence processing program) 56B is started, and the e-mail program 5
6A and the like are activated. And OS54C in RAM54,
The autopilot program 56B and the e-mail program 54A are sequentially stored, and the activation process is completed.

In step S5 of FIG.
Checks the presence / absence of an incoming mail addressed to itself to the mail server 83 of FIGS. 4 and 7. If there is an incoming mail, the process proceeds to step S6, a flag indicating that there is an incoming mail is set, and the electronic mail program or the like is terminated in step S7. If there is an incoming mail, LE in FIG.
The D control program 71 writes a lighting flag for lighting the message lamp ML in the LED control register 65 (sets a lighting flag), and thereby turns on the message lamp ML in step S8. Next, OS54
C ends in step S9. On the other hand, step S
If there is no incoming mail in step 5, the process proceeds to step S
Then, the process proceeds to step S7 to terminate the e-mail program and the like, and further proceeds to step S9 to terminate the OS 54C.

Next, the processing by the I / O controller 57 and the processing by the CPU 52 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, step S20
Is executed by the wake-up program 69, and steps S21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 are executed by the key input monitoring program 70. Steps S32 and S3
3 is executed by the LED control program 71, and is executed in step S2.
7 to step S36 are performed in the autopilot program 5
6B and 54B execute.

Steps S20, 21, 22, 23,
24, 25, S32 and S33 are I / O controllers 5
Steps S26 to S36 are processing according to instructions from the CPU 52. First, in step S20, the CPU 52 of FIG. 4 determines whether or not the set time set in the set time register 66 has been reached based on the wake-up program 69. The operation starts, and the process proceeds to step S22. Otherwise,
If the set time has not come, step S21
If the user presses the operation key 41 in step, the process proceeds to step S22. If the operation key 41 has not been pressed in step S21, the process proceeds to step S25.

In step S22, the "operation key flag" is set to "1" in the key input status register 64.
Write as In step S23, the I / O controller 57 determines whether or not the apparatus is in the power saving state. That is, when the CPU 52 or the like in FIG. 4 is held in the power saving state, the process proceeds to step S23-1 to execute the resume process. Otherwise, when not in power saving state,
In step S24, the CPU 52
6C (Windows 95) is instructed to boot up (start up).

If the user presses the operation key 41 in step S21 and presses the power switch (key) 40 in step S25, the same instruction is given in step S24. Step S24
Alternatively, when the process proceeds from step S23-1 to step S26, the CPU 5
The processing by 2 starts. Here, as described above, in the state where the operation key flag is raised and is “1”, step S2
6, if necessary, the OS54C (Windows)
95) Boot-up or resume processing and boot-up of the autopilot program 54B. This boot-up is a startup or startup process.

In step S27, the CPU 52 instructs an automatic dialing process to the access point of the Internet service provider 81 set by the user in advance, and the modem 52 and the telephone line 80 shown in FIG. Perform an auto-dial and connect to the line. In step S28, account transmission such as a user name (user ID) and a password is performed at a timing requested by the provider 81. CPU
52 confirms the dial-up connection by PPP in step S29, the e-mail program 5 of FIG.
4A is activated in step S30, and executes an e-mail acquisition process from the mail server 83 to the client computer 100 as shown in FIG. If there is an incoming mail addressed to the user, the process proceeds to step S32, in which the LED control program 71 writes a lighting flag in the LED control register 65 in FIG. 4, and performs lighting display of the message lamp ML in FIG.

On the other hand, if there is no incoming mail to itself in step S31, if there is no mail, the electronic mail program 54A is terminated in step S34, and the P with the provider 81 is terminated in step S35.
After disconnecting the PP connection, step S36, OS (Windows)
ws95) The end processing of 54C is executed. In this way, the startup sequence control means 2A constantly monitors whether or not the operation key 41 is pressed by the user, and the user simply presses the operation key to automatically perform the operation for acquiring an e-mail. It can be performed. That is, when the user presses the operation key 41 with a one-touch operation, the startup sequence control means 2A in FIG. 4 can automatically start the function for acquiring an incoming e-mail.

By the way, in the embodiment of the present invention, FIG.
Steps S20 to S25 and steps S32 and S32
33 is performed by the ROM of the I / O controller 57 in FIG.
68 and stored in steps S26 to S36 in FIG.
Are stored in the HDD 56. However, not limited to this, each step shown in FIG.
Of course, it may be stored at 68 or the like.

As the functions of the electronic device such as the portable computer 100, the following functions can be considered in addition to the above-described functions such as the confirmation of the presence or absence of the e-mail. Operation key application examples ( 1) BGM activation function : The power is turned on by pressing the operation key, and after Windows 95 starts up, the audio player application is started up immediately and H
MIDI (synthesizer, sequencer, rhythm sound source, sequence software, moving computer, etc., interface for exchanging performance data between several songs to thousands of songs stored in a DD (hard disk drive): Musical Instruments Digit
It is a function to automatically play BGM (background music) by randomly playing back an ital interface (file) file. ( 2) Handwritten memo activation function : After the power is turned on by pressing the operation key and Windows 95 starts up, (Touchpad) as a pointing device is immediately set to the absolute coordinate detection mode, and then the drawing application is started up. , A function that enables input of a handwritten memo (useful when writing down a telephone number / address by telephone). ( 3) Camera start function : (Example in a system equipped with a video camera or other image capturing device) Power is turned on by pressing an operation key, and Wind
A function to start the video capture utility after ows95 starts up, take a picture, and save the image data to the HDD. ( 4) Scheduler start function (Open this week's page) : Power is turned on by pressing the operation key, and Windows 95
After launching, launch the schedule software and open the weekly list page of this week (this is useful for schedule software that opens the page for today's day when it starts). ( 5) Digital still camera (DSC) link function : D
Turn on the power of the SC and place it on the side where IrDA (infrared data) communication is possible. When the operation key is pressed, the power is turned on and Windows 95 is started up. Then, the communication software is started, and the digital still camera is connected.
A function to capture image data stored in the digital still camera into the HDD. ( 6) PHS function : (Application example in combination with PHS communication card) After the power is turned on by pressing the operation key and Windows 95 starts up, PHS (Personal Hand
y-phone System) A function that activates the dialer software and allows the user to make a call by inputting the telephone number of a desired destination. ( 7) A machine that starts two or more computers in synchronization
(Data exchange function with other computers) : (Application example in which the cable connection function of Windows 95 and the briefcase function are used together) Two computers are connected to each other with a parallel cable or the like, and both operation keys are operated. By pressing the button, the power is turned on and Windows95
After launching, connect using the cable connection function, see the time stamp of the files in the specified folder, and synchronize the files from the newer to the oldest. ( 8) IrDA synchro function (data with other computers)
Data exchange) : (Application example in which the cable connection function of Windows 95, the briefcase function, and the IrDA infrared communication function are used together) Two PCs are arranged so that the IrDA transmission / reception units face each other, and both operation keys are used. Press to turn on the power and start up Windows 95.
A function to make DA connection, connect by cable connection function, look at the time stamp of files in the specified folder, and synchronize files from newer to older. ( 9) Panic response function : A function of displaying a screen different from the currently displayed screen by pressing an operation key. The different image is, for example, an image such as “screen shot when performing cost calculation with spreadsheet software”. ( 10) Security function : By pressing the operation key,
A function that locks the password and guards against unauthorized operation of the terminal when you are away. A legitimate user (activating a screen saver with a password with one key) is unlocked by entering a pre-registered password. ( 11) Internet compatible function : After the power is turned on by pressing the operation key and Windows 95 starts up, PPP (Point to Point Prot)
ocol) and connect to WWW (Worl)
d Wide Web) Start the browser and specify the specified URL.
(Uniforn Resource Locato
r) Function for displaying a page. ( 12) Over-the-counter demonstration function : (Application example when used for an exhibit at a store) After pressing the operation key, the power is turned on, Windows 95 starts up, and the over-the-counter demonstration software is started up. Function to explain etc. ( 13) Function supporting ink word processor : A function to activate the ink word processor software after the power is turned on by pressing the operation key and start up Windows 95, switch the tablet to the absolute value mode, and immediately enter a pen input state. ( 14) Handwritten character recognition support function : (usually in a device that performs input using a keyboard) Pressing an operation key activates character recognition software,
A function that allows you to enter handwritten characters by switching your tablet to absolute mode. ( 15) Fax memo function : After the power is turned on by pressing the operation key and Windows 95 starts up,
A function that activates X (facsimile) software and faxes characters and illustrations input by keyboard or handwriting input. ( 16) Silent function : When the operation key is pressed, the power is turned on, the sound function is turned off, and Windows
Function to start 5. It is used in situations such as during a meeting where it would be annoying to emit sounds. The operation can be performed not only by operating the operation keys but also by using a timer.

Incidentally, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, a so-called portable computer is used as an example of the electronic device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other types of electronic device may be used. As the electronic device of the present invention, portable information terminals and mobile phones,
It can be used in electronic devices such as wireless devices. In the above-described embodiment, the message lamp ML can display the state when the e-mail is called by pressing the operation key 41. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the notification means may be the speaker 60B shown in FIG. It is of course possible to notify by sound by sending an audio signal.
The liquid crystal display device 3A of the display unit 3 includes a backlight 3B
Of the liquid crystal display device 3
Of course, a result such as the presence or absence of the e-mail may be displayed for A.

[0042]

As described above, according to the present invention,
For example, a specific function of an application program installed in the electronic device in advance, such as a function of acquiring an incoming mail of an e-mail program, can be automatically activated by a one-touch operation of the user.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exemplary perspective view showing a portable computer as an example of an electronic apparatus including a program starting device in the electronic apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the computer shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from an arrow SD.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the computer shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram showing a main body, a display unit, and the like of the computer shown in FIGS.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a procedure for activating a function according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a procedure of activating a function according to the present invention in more detail.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between a computer and a communication network.

FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a dialog box D1 of “PPK Setup” displayed on the display unit.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dialog box D2 of “designation of a timer setting method” displayed on a display unit.

FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a “simple setting” dialog box D3 displayed on the display unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

2A: Start sequence control means, 40: Power switch (power key), 41: Operation key (operation means), 66: Time setting register (Start condition storage means), 66A: Register (Start condition storage means), 1
00: Portable computer (electronic device), ML
..Message lamps (notification means)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Masahiko Suzuki 6-7-35 Kita Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Inside Sony Corporation

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A program activating device for automatically activating a predetermined application program stored in an electronic device in advance, comprising: a activating condition storing means for storing an activating condition preset by a user; An activation sequence control unit that activates the predetermined application program when it is determined that the state of the electronic device matches the activation condition stored in the activation condition storage unit. A program activation device in a device. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation unit operated by a user, wherein the activation condition storage unit stores, as the activation condition, an allocation condition of the operation unit to be operated. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the operation unit operated by a user determines that the assignment condition stored in the activation condition storage unit matches the assignment condition, the predetermined application program is activated. 3. Program starting device in electronic equipment. 3. A real-time clock that always counts the current time, wherein the activation condition storage means stores an activation time preset by a user as an activation condition; 2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined application program is started when it is determined that the current time based on the real-time clock matches the time stored in the start condition storage unit. Program starting device. 4. When the activation sequence control means determines that the operation means has been operated in a state in which a basic program for controlling the electronic device has not been activated, the activation sequence control means executes the activation after the activation of the basic program. 2. The program starting device according to claim 1, wherein the specific application program is started, and the specific function is started. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the specific application program is an e-mail program for exchanging messages via a network, and the specific function is an incoming mail acquisition function for acquiring mail addressed to a user. The program starting device in the electronic device according to claim 1. 6. The program starting apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying that a mail addressed to a user has been obtained by an incoming mail obtaining function of the electronic mail program. . 7. The program starting device according to claim 6, wherein the notifying unit is a display disposed on a portion exposed to the outside when the display unit of the electronic device is folded. 8. The program starting device according to claim 2, wherein the operation unit is disposed on a portion of the electronic device where the display unit is foldable and exposed to the outside in a state where the display unit is folded. . 9. The program starting device according to claim 2, wherein said operating means is provided separately from a power switch for starting a basic program. 10. An electronic device for automatically starting a predetermined application program stored in advance, comprising: a start condition storing means for storing a start condition set by a user; An electronic device comprising: a start sequence control unit that starts the predetermined application program when it is determined that a state matches a start condition stored in the start condition storage unit. 11. A method for automatically starting a predetermined application program stored in an electronic device, comprising: a start condition storing step in which a start condition set by a user is stored; A start sequence processing step of starting the predetermined application program when it is determined that the state of the electronic device matches the start condition stored in the start condition storing step. A method for starting a program in an electronic device. 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein, when it is determined that the operation unit is operated in a state where the basic program for controlling the electronic device is not activated, after the basic program is activated, The method according to claim 11, wherein the specific application program is activated, and the specific function is further activated. 13. The specific application program is an e-mail program that sends and receives messages via a network, and the specific function is an incoming mail acquisition function for acquiring mail addressed to a user. The method according to claim 11, wherein the program is started. 14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of notifying that a mail addressed to a user has been obtained by an incoming mail obtaining function of the electronic mail program. 15. A program starting method for automatically starting a predetermined application program stored in an electronic device, comprising: a starting condition storing step in which a starting condition set by a user is stored; A start sequence processing step of starting the predetermined application program when it is determined that the state of the electronic device matches the start condition stored in the start condition storing step. A medium in which a program for starting a program executable in an electronic device is stored. 16. The method according to claim 1, wherein, in a state where the basic program for controlling the electronic device is not activated, when it is determined that the operation unit is operated, the activation processing step includes: 16. The medium according to claim 15, wherein the medium activates the specific application program, and further activates the specific function. 17. The method according to claim 17, wherein the specific application program is an e-mail program that sends and receives messages via a network, and the specific function is an incoming mail acquisition function that acquires mail addressed to a user. A medium storing a program for starting a program executable in the electronic device according to claim 15. 18. The program for activating a program executable in an electronic device according to claim 17, wherein a notification that a mail addressed to a user has been obtained is received by the incoming mail obtaining function of the electronic mail program. The medium on which is stored.