JPH1132113A - Portable telephone set - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the portable telephone set where the entire telephone set is miniaturized by decreasing the area occupied by an entry section and the operability is improved. SOLUTION: Relating to this telephone set, a track ball 4a is provided in place of basic function keys of an entry section. With the track ball 4a turned laterally, the track ball 4a selects numerals sequentially with its turning and displays the selected numerals on a display section 6, and when the track ball 4a is clicked, the selected numerals are decided to be entry information. When the track ball 4a is turned longitudinally, the track ball 4a selects sequentially function items with its turning and displays the selected function items on the display section 6. When the track ball 4a is clicked, the selected function item is decided to be entry information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable telephone, and more particularly, to a portable telephone which can be downsized by reducing the area of an input portion of the portable telephone as compared with the related art.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art First, the appearance of a conventional portable telephone will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an external view of a conventional mobile phone. A conventional mobile phone, as shown in FIG.
An antenna 1, an input unit 4 ', a display unit (LCD) 6,
A speaker (receiver) 9 and a microphone (transmitter) 10 are arranged. In particular, the input unit 4 'includes specific function keys including a call key, an end key, and a cancel key, numeric keys, and other keys. A basic function key including keys (selection key, decision key, function key, etc.) is provided.

Next, the internal structure of a conventional portable telephone will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a configuration block diagram of a conventional mobile phone. As shown in FIG. 6, a conventional mobile phone includes an antenna 1, a radio unit 2, a control unit 3 ',
An input unit 4 ', a storage unit 5, a display unit (LCD) 6, a speaker (receiver) 9, a microphone (transmitter) 10, a CO
It comprises a DEC 11 and an audio processing unit 12.

Next, each part will be specifically described. The antenna 1 receives and transmits radio waves. The radio unit 2 demodulates received data received via the antenna 1 and outputs the demodulated data to the control unit 3 ', and modulates the transmission data output from the control unit 3' and outputs the modulated data to the antenna 1.

[0005] A speaker (receiver) 9 is for outputting the voice of the other party of the call. The microphone (transmitter) 10 is for inputting a user's voice. The CODEC 11 converts an audio analog signal into a digital signal and converts a digital signal into an analog signal. Voice processing unit 1
2 is a DSP (Digital Signal Processor),
It encodes / decodes a digital audio signal.

[0006] The storage unit 5 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory).
And a random access memory (RAM). The ROM is a memory that stores a program (recognition code) that is executed by the control unit 3 ′ and performs overall control as a receiving device. , A memory for storing program data and the like used during the program execution processing in the control unit 3 ', and used as a work area.

The display unit 6 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like, and displays general information on the mobile phone, for example, an input telephone number, a selected function item, a speed dial, and the like.

The input section 4 'is for inputting general key information necessary for a portable telephone. Specifically, a basic function key 4a' composed of a selection key, an enter key, a number key, a function key and the like. And a specific function key 4b including a call key, an end key, and a cancel key. When an input operation is performed by a user, key information corresponding to the input key is transmitted to the control unit 3 '. It has become.

The control unit 3 'performs outgoing / incoming call control, call control, various setting processes, and the like in accordance with the input and call from the input unit 4'. This is the reception of the input from the unit 4 'and the processing according to it. For example, at the time of transmission, the input unit 4 'is used as transmission control.
When a telephone number is input from the numeric keys, the stored telephone number is stored in the storage unit 5 and displayed on the display unit 6. Then, when the telephone key of the input unit 4 'is depressed, the telephone number is turned off-hook and the stored telephone number is displayed. The signal is output to the radio unit 2 and transmitted.

Next, a calling operation in a conventional portable telephone will be described. In a conventional mobile phone, a telephone number is input by pressing a numeric key of an input unit 4 ', and the input telephone number is stored in a storage unit 5, displayed on a display unit 6, and then displayed on the input unit 4'. Is pressed, the telephone number stored in the storage unit 5 is output to the wireless unit 2 and transmitted from the antenna 1.

[0011]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional portable telephone, the number of keys of the input section 4 'is large, and the area occupied by the keys is large, so that there is a limit to the miniaturization of the whole apparatus. There was a problem.

Further, if the size of the keys is reduced or the interval between the keys is reduced in order to reduce the size of the apparatus, it is difficult to input the keys continuously, and erroneous operations increase, resulting in deterioration of operability. Therefore, there is a problem that miniaturization of the key portion is limited.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a portable telephone which can reduce the area occupied by an input section, thereby realizing a reduction in the size of the entire apparatus and improving operability. And

[0014]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable telephone, in which, instead of a basic function key, an input section is operated in four directions substantially orthogonal to each other. A feature is provided in which a selection item is scrolled, and a specific item is set as input information by an operation of deciding a specific item. This eliminates the need for a basic function key, reduces the size of an input portion, and performs input operation. Performance can be improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in a portable telephone, the ball itself can be rotated in four directions, up, down, left and right, instead of a basic function key as an input unit, and the ball itself is clicked. When a rotation of the trackball in four directions of up, down, left and right is detected, a number or a function item corresponding to the rotation direction is sequentially selected and displayed, and when a click of the trackball is detected, a selection is made. The present invention is characterized in that the displayed numbers or function items are used as input information, so that a basic function key is not required, the input portion can be reduced in size, and the input operability can be improved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable telephone according to the second aspect, wherein when a click is detected before the rotation of the trackball is detected, a function relating to a speed dial is provided. Switch to
Speed dials registered in association with one rotation direction of the trackball are sequentially selected and displayed, and shortcut function items relating to registration / deletion of speed dials are sequentially selected in association with another rotation direction of the trackball. When a click on the trackball is detected, the selected and displayed speed dial or speed function item is used as input information, and a function relating to speed dial can be realized by a simple operation.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the claimed invention will be described with reference to the drawings. According to the portable telephone according to the present invention, in place of the conventional basic function key of the input unit, a selection item is scrolled by operation in four directions substantially orthogonal to each other, and the specific item is set as input information by an operation of determining the specific item. For example, a trackball that can be rotated in four directions, up, down, left, and right, and that can click on the ball itself is provided, and when the rotation of the trackball in two directions is detected, items corresponding to the rotation direction are sequentially selected and displayed. When a trackball click is detected, the selected and displayed content is used as input information. By providing the trackball as compared with the related art, the area occupied by the input portion can be reduced. As a result, the entire device can be reduced in size and operability can be improved.

The appearance of the mobile phone according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 using a trackball as an example. FIG. 1 is an external view of a mobile phone according to the present invention. The mobile phone according to the present invention is basically the same as the conventional one as shown in FIG.
An antenna 1, an input unit 4, a display unit (LCD) 6, a speaker (receiving unit) 9, and a microphone (transmitting unit) 10 are arranged.

However, the input unit 4 of the portable telephone of the present invention.
Is characterized in that a trackball 4a is provided in place of the basic function key 4a 'of the conventional input unit 4'. This trackball 4a is rotatable in four directions, up, down, left and right,
In addition, the ball itself can be clicked.

Here, the structure of the track ball 4a will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a trackball portion of the mobile phone of the present invention in detail. As shown in FIG. 2, the trackball 4a of the present invention is a ball that rotates in four directions, up, down, left, and right, and a roller that transmits the number of rotations of the ball in the lateral direction (left and right) to the control unit 3 as input information. A, a roller B for transmitting the number of rotations of the ball in the vertical direction (up and down) to the control unit 3 as input information, a spring for transmitting the click of the ball to the switch, and a spring for transmitting the click of the ball to the switch. And a switch for detecting and transmitting it to the control unit 3.

Next, the configuration of the portable telephone of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a configuration block diagram of a mobile phone according to the present invention. Parts having the same configuration as in FIG. 6 are described with the same reference numerals. The mobile phone of the present invention is basically the same as a conventional mobile phone, and includes an antenna 1, a radio unit 2, a storage unit 5, and a display unit 6.
, A speaker 9, a microphone 10, a CODEC 11,
It comprises an audio processing unit 12, an input unit 4, and a control unit 3. However, the contents of the input unit 4 and the input control method in the control unit 3 are different from those in the related art.

Next, each part of the portable telephone according to the present invention will be described in detail. The antenna 1, the radio unit 2, the storage unit 5, the display unit 6, the speaker 9, the microphone 10, the C
The ODEC 11 and the audio processing unit 12 are completely the same as those in the related art, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the features of the present invention will be specifically described. The input unit 4 is provided with a specific function key 4b similar to the conventional one.
And a conventional basic function key 4 as a characteristic part of the present invention.
A track ball 4a is provided instead of a '.

The trackball 4a has the structure as described above. When the ball portion is rotated in four directions, up, down, left, and right, the rotation direction and the number of rotations are determined by the roller A or the roller B.
When the ball portion is clicked through the switch, the switch operates via a spring and the click is input to the control unit 3.

The control unit 3 performs outgoing / incoming call control, call control, various setting processes, and the like in accordance with the input from the input unit 4 and the reception of the call, as in the related art. Is reception of input from the input unit 4 and input processing in accordance with the reception.

For example, in the transmission control process at the time of transmission, when the trackball 4a of the input section 4 is rotated in the horizontal direction (left and right), the numbers are sequentially selected and displayed on the display section 6, and the track of the input section 4 is displayed. When the ball 4a is clicked, the number selected and displayed is determined as input information, and is stored in the storage unit 5. The order in which the numbers are displayed is, for example, ascending order for rotation in the right direction and descending order for rotation in the left direction, but may be reversed.

When the operation is repeated, the telephone number is stored by sequentially displaying the numbers determined by the click on the display unit 6 and storing the numbers in the storage unit 5, and the call key of the input unit 4 is depressed. Then, the stored telephone number is output to the radio unit 2 to make a call.

Next, a specific flow of input processing in the control unit 3 of the mobile phone according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the input processing in the control unit 3 of the mobile phone of the present invention.

The input processing in the control unit 3 of the portable telephone according to the present invention is started when the power of the apparatus is turned on, and the dialing is performed by inputting a number by the first input, and the time setting, schedule, etc. And shortening processing for shortened dialing, shortened registration, and shortened deletion.

First, after the power is turned on, when it is first detected that the trackball 4a of the input unit 4 is horizontally rotated (scrolled) (100), a dial process is performed, and numbers are sequentially selected in accordance with the rotation of the horizontal scroll. Is displayed on the display unit 6 (102), it is determined whether or not the trackball 4a is clicked (104).
o) returns to the process 100.

It should be noted that the processing 102 specifically determines whether the horizontal rotation is right or left, and selects numbers in ascending or descending order.

On the other hand, when clicked (Yes),
The selected number is determined as input information, and the storage unit 5
And the cursor is advanced on the display unit 6 (1
06). Next, it is determined whether the call key of the input unit 4 has been pressed (108), and if the call key has not been pressed (No).
Returns to the process 100.

On the other hand, when the call key is pressed (Ye
In step s), the telephone number stored in the storage unit 5 is output to the wireless unit 2 to make a call and make a call (110), and the dialing process ends. During the dialing process, vertical scrolling is not accepted.

After the power is turned on, when it is first detected that the trackball 4a is vertically rotated (scrolled) (120), item processing is performed, and items such as time setting and schedule are set according to the rotation of the vertical scroll. Are sequentially selected and displayed on the display unit 6 (122), and the trackball 4a is displayed.
Is determined (124), and if not clicked (No), the process returns to step 120.

The details of the processing 122 are as follows. Items to be selected by vertical scrolling are stored in the storage unit 5 in a table format, and it is determined whether the vertical rotation is up or down. Ascending or descending order is selected.

On the other hand, when clicked (Yes),
The selected item is determined as input information, a process is performed in accordance therewith (126), and the item process ends. Note that, even within the selected process, numeric input and item input are performed by horizontal scrolling and vertical scrolling.

On the other hand, when the trackball 4a is first clicked after the power is turned on (130), a shortening process for realizing the shortening function is performed, and when it is detected that the trackball 4a is horizontally scrolled by the trackball (132), the shortening is performed. A dial search process is performed (134), and it is determined whether the call key of the input unit 4 has been pressed (136). If the call key has not been pressed (No), the process returns to step 132.

Here, the abbreviated dial search processing is to select abbreviated telephone numbers in order from the abbreviated dial telephone number table stored in the storage unit 5 in accordance with the rotation of the horizontal scroll and to display them on the display unit 6. Processing. For example, in the speed dial search processing, when the right scroll of the trackball 4a is detected, the telephone number table is selected in the forward direction, and when the left scroll is detected, the telephone number table is selected in the backward direction.

On the other hand, when the call key is pressed (Ye
In step s), the selected abbreviated telephone number is output to the wireless unit 2 to make a call and make a call (138), and the abbreviated processing ends.

In the shortening process, the trackball 4a
When it detects that is scrolled vertically (14
1) In accordance with the rotation of the vertical scroll, shortened function items such as shortened registration and shortened deletion are sequentially selected and displayed on the display unit 6 (142), and it is determined whether the trackball 4a is clicked (144), and clicked. If not (No)
Returns to the process 140.

On the other hand, when clicked (Yes),
The selected shortened function item is used as input information, and processing according to the information is performed (146), and the shortening process ends. Note that numbers and items are also input by horizontal and vertical scrolling of the trackball 4a even in the selected process.

When the trackball 4a is clicked immediately after the start of the shortening process (150), the process returns immediately after the power is turned on to receive vertical and horizontal scrolling and clicks.
Note that FIG. 4 shows a flow of a series of processing. However, in practice, when processing corresponding to each input is completed, the processing returns to immediately after turning on the power and receives vertical and horizontal scrolls and clicks.

Next, the operation of the portable telephone according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the mobile phone of the present invention, when a user makes a horizontal scroll of the trackball of the input unit 4 at the time of calling, the control unit 3 selects a number in accordance with the rotation of the horizontal scroll of the trackball, and the display unit 6 displays the number. Is displayed.

When the trackball of the input section 4 is clicked, the number selected and displayed is stored in the storage section 5 as input information. By repeating the horizontal scrolling and clicking of the trackball, the telephone number is stored in the storage unit 5 and displayed on the display unit 6.

When the call key of the input unit 4 is pressed, the telephone number stored in the storage unit 5 is output to the wireless unit 2 by the control unit 3 and transmitted from the antenna 1 for transmission.

When the trackball of the input unit 4 is vertically scrolled by the user, the control unit 3
The function item is selected according to the rotation of the vertical scroll, and is displayed on the display unit 6. Then, when the trackball of the input unit 4 is clicked, the processing of the selected and displayed function item is performed.

When the user clicks the trackball of the input unit 4 before rotation, the shortening function is activated. When the trackball of the input unit 4 is horizontally scrolled thereafter, the control unit 3 stores the trackball. A telephone number is selected from the speed dial telephone number table stored in the unit 5 in accordance with the rotation of the horizontal scroll, and is displayed on the display unit 6. Then, when the call key of the input unit 4 is pressed, the control unit 3 outputs the selected and displayed shortened telephone number to the wireless unit 2 and transmits it from the antenna 1 for transmission.

In the shortening function, depending on the user,
When the trackball of the input unit 4 is vertically scrolled, the control unit 3 selects abbreviated function items such as abbreviated registration and abbreviated deletion according to the rotation of the vertical scroll, and displays them on the display unit 6. Then, when the trackball of the input unit 4 is clicked, processing of the selected shortened function item such as shortened registration or shortened deletion is performed.

In the above description, the horizontal scrolling has been described as selecting a number, and the vertical scrolling has been described as selecting an item. However, the reverse is also possible. Also, in the processing of the shortening function, the correspondence with the rotation direction may be reversed.

Up to this point, a trackball has been described in detail as an example of a means provided in place of the basic function key. However, basically, a selection item is scrolled by operation in substantially four directions, and a specific item is determined. Any structure may be used as long as the specific item is used as input information by an operation to be performed.

For example, a combination of a donut-shaped key for discriminating depression of four places, up, down, left, and right, and a decision key (decision key) provided at the center thereof, or a circle of four places, up, down, left, and right A combination of a key that can be pressed and a decision key separately provided in the vicinity of the key can be considered.

According to the portable telephone of the present invention, when the basic function key of the input section 4 is a trackball and the trackball of the input section 4 is horizontally scrolled, the numbers are sequentially selected in accordance with the rotation of the horizontal scroll. When the trackball of the input unit 4 is clicked, the selected number is stored in the storage unit 5 as input information.
Is pressed, the telephone number stored in the storage unit 5 is output to the wireless unit 2 for transmission, so that the telephone number can be input only by rotating and clicking the trackball. There is an effect that the number keys are not required and the size of the input unit 4 can be reduced.

Further, according to the portable telephone of the present invention, when the trackball of the input unit 4 is vertically scrolled, the items are sequentially selected according to the rotation of the vertical scroll and displayed on the display unit 6. When the trackball is clicked, the selected item is used as input information, and processing is performed in accordance with the input information.
There is an effect that the function keys and the like are not required, and the size of the input unit 4 can be reduced.

As described above, by omitting the basic keys of the input unit 4 and arranging only the trackball, the area occupied by the input unit 4 is reduced, and the mobile phone can be made smaller and lighter. .

Similarly, by eliminating the need for the basic keys of the input unit 4 and arranging only the trackballs, the area occupied by the input unit 4 can be reduced, and the area occupied by other components such as LCD can be increased. This has the effect of increasing the visibility of the display portion and the amount of information that can be displayed simultaneously.

According to the portable telephone of the present invention, the number of key components, the number of backlights, and the components of the light distribution path are reduced by omitting the basic function keys of the input unit 4 and disposing only the trackball. There is an effect that it can be deleted and cost can be reduced.

Further, according to the portable telephone of the present invention, all the inputs by the basic function keys of the input unit 4 are replaced with a horizontal or vertical rotation of the trackball and a click, so that all the input operations are unified. In particular, in the case of operating with one hand, there is an effect that the input operation is simplified, erroneous input due to an incorrect key press or the like can be reduced, and operability in continuous input operation can be improved.

[0058]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, instead of the basic function key as the input unit, the selection items are scrolled by operations in substantially four orthogonal directions, and the specific items are determined by the operation of determining the specific items. Since the mobile phone is provided with a means for inputting information, basic function keys such as numeric keys are not required, and the size of the input portion is reduced, thereby realizing a reduction in the entire mobile phone and improving input operability. There is an effect that can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the upper, lower, left and right 4
Provide a trackball that can rotate in the direction and click the ball itself, and when the rotation of the trackball in four directions, up, down, left and right is detected, a number or a function item corresponding to the rotation direction is selected and displayed in order, When a click on the trackball is detected, the mobile phone uses the selected or displayed number or function item as input information, thereby eliminating the need for basic function keys such as numeric keys and miniaturizing the input portion. There is an effect that the size of the entire mobile phone can be reduced and operability of input can be improved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, if a click is detected before the rotation of the trackball is detected, the function is switched to a function related to the speed dial, and the shortening registered in association with one rotation direction of the trackball is registered. Select and display the dials in order, and display and select the shortcut function items related to registration / deletion of speed dials in association with the different rotation directions of the trackball. When a trackball click is detected, it is selected and displayed. The mobile phone according to claim 2, wherein the abbreviated dial or the abbreviated function item is used as input information, so that the functions related to the abbreviated dial can be easily realized by a simple operation, and a basic function key such as a number key is not required. By reducing the size of the input portion, the overall size of the mobile phone can be reduced, and input operability can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a mobile phone according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a trackball portion of the mobile phone of the present invention in detail.

FIG. 3 is a configuration block diagram of a mobile phone according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an input process in a control unit of the mobile phone of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an external view of a conventional mobile phone.

FIG. 6 is a configuration block diagram of a conventional mobile phone.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... antenna, 2 ... radio unit, 3,3 '... control unit,
4, 4 '... input unit, 5 ... storage unit, 6 ... display unit (LC
D), 9: speaker (receiving unit), 10: microphone (transmitting unit), 11: CODEC, 12: voice processing unit

Claims (3)

[Claims] Claims: 1. An input unit, instead of a basic function key,
A mobile phone, comprising means for scrolling a selection item by operation in four directions substantially orthogonal to each other and setting the specific item as input information by an operation of determining the specific item. 2. Instead of a basic function key as an input unit,
A trackball that can rotate in four directions, up, down, left, and right, and that can click on the ball itself is provided. When rotation of the trackball in four directions, up, down, left, and right is detected, a number or a function item corresponding to the rotation direction is selected in order. A mobile phone, wherein when a click on the trackball is detected, the selected or displayed number or function item is used as input information. 3. Before detecting the rotation of the trackball,
When a click is detected, the function is switched to a function relating to speed dials, the speed dials registered in association with one rotation direction of the trackball are sequentially selected and displayed, and the speed dials are shortened in association with another rotation direction of the trackball. Select and display the shortcut function items related to dial registration / deletion in order, and when the trackball click is detected,
3. The mobile phone according to claim 2, wherein the speed dial or the speed function item selected and displayed is used as input information.