HK1075990B - Folding communication terminal and display control method therefor - Google Patents

Description

Folding communication terminal and display control method thereof

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a folder type communication terminal and a display control method thereof, and more particularly, to an illumination technique for controlling a display of a folder type communication terminal, which can be viewed by a user when the folder type communication terminal is in a closed state and can be displayed in various colors.

Background

In recent years, mobile communication devices for use in systems such as PHS (personal handyphone system), PDC (personal digital cellular communication system), and CDMA (code division multiple access) have become common and are now a necessity for young people because of reduction in size and weight, improvement in communication quality thereof, and reduction in price and call cost of the devices themselves. Recently, a folding communication terminal which is stylish and easy to operate in consideration of the great popularity thereof, manufacturers compete with each other to sell the folding communication terminal.

Japanese laid-open patent application H11-74953 discloses a technique relating to a conventional folding communication terminal, which is already well known. In this technique, the folding communication terminal has a sub-display in addition to a main display, and the sub-display notifies a user of information on an incoming call and the like even when the folding communication terminal is in an uncapped state. The sub-display is an auxiliary display for displaying the minimum amount of necessary information to the user when the foldable communication device is in the closed state. Generally, a sub-display having a smaller display area and less expensive than the main display is used to avoid increasing the size and price of the terminal. Specifically, the main display uses a color LCD (liquid crystal display), and the sub-display uses a black and white LCD that can display a line of about ten characters.

The sub-display for example displays (1) standby information indicating the current time, electric field intensity of the standby information, and the like; (2) when an incoming call is received, the caller's telephone number, or the caller's name corresponding to the caller's telephone number, which has been previously stored in a telephone directory, or information indicating that the caller's telephone number is not recognized; and (3) when there is new detailed information to be displayed on the main screen, the sub-display displays number simple information indicating the type and the section of the new detailed information.

By reading the above information displayed on the sub-display, the user can know the time, who the call came from before answering, and whether there is new detailed information to be checked on the main screen without opening the folding communication terminal.

In particular, when there is a call, the user may identify the caller while the foldable communication device is still closed. This eliminates the trouble that the user may answer a call from a person with a bad relationship, a salesperson whose caller ID is not set, or a malicious harasser, and avoids the user's unpleasantness, being forced to purchase unnecessary products, or being involved in malicious harassment.

In addition, the user is saved the trouble of often having to open the folding communication terminal to check the detailed information because the user also knows whether there is new detailed information when the folding communication terminal is closed.

As described above, the operability of the folding communication device can be improved by displaying information on the sub-display, but there is a problem in that the displayed contents are extremely difficult to read because the size of the sub-display is too small. There is therefore a demand for further improvement in the visibility of displayed information when the folding communication terminal is closed.

Note that another method of letting the user know the identity of the caller when the folder type communication terminal is closed is to register a telephone number having a ring tune in the telephone book memory in advance. If there is a ringing tune registered corresponding to the caller's telephone number when there is an incoming call, the corresponding ringing tune is played to let the user know who is calling. For example, if the user registers a ring tune "I Just Called to Say I Love You" corresponding only to his/her female/male friend's phone number, the user immediately knows that the call is from his/her female/male friend when "I Just Called to Say I Love You" is played.

However, ringing sounds will disturb concerts, conferences, and the like, which means that many users set folding communication terminals to a polite manner in which the users are notified of calls by vibrations, and many users often keep their folding communication terminal apparatuses in a polite manner to avoid the annoyance of unexpected ringing. This means that the method of identifying the caller by the ringing melody is not always effective.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the above-described problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a folding communication apparatus and a display method, which enable a user to determine the outline of notification information at a glance without reading a simplified notification such as a caller's telephone number displayed on a sub-display apparatus.

(1) The foldable communication terminal of the present invention has a function of displaying notification information, and includes:

a main display device which is visible to a user only when the main body is in an open state and which can be illuminated in a plurality of colors;

a sub display device visible to a user when the main body is in a folded state and capable of multi-color illumination display;

an operation device for receiving an operation from a user when a main body of the communication terminal is in a folded state;

control means for, when receiving the operation,

(a) selecting a first color when there is no notification information to be displayed, and

(b) selecting a second color different from the first color when there is a notification information to be displayed; and

display control means for illuminating the sub-display means in a selected color and illuminating the main display means in said selected color when the main body is subsequently in an on state.

According to the above configuration, the display is illuminated in response to an operation of the operation device by the user to distinguish whether or not there is the undisplayed notification information. Therefore, the user can know whether or not there is the notification information not displayed at a glance at the color of the display without having to turn on the communication terminal every time and without having to strain their eyes.

In addition, since the colors of the main display device and the sub display device are illuminated to be the same when the communication terminal is subsequently turned on, user convenience is provided.

(2) The above communication terminal, wherein

There are a plurality of notification messages, an

Control means for, when receiving the operation,

when there is notification information to be displayed, the second color is selected according to the type of the notification information to be displayed.

According to the above-described structure, the display is illuminated in response to a switch operation by a user distinguishing a type of notification information not displayed. Therefore, the user can know the type of the notification information not displayed at a glance at the color of the display without having to turn on the communication terminal every time and without having to strain their eyes.

In addition, since the colors of the main display device and the sub display device are illuminated to be the same when the communication terminal is subsequently turned on, user convenience is provided.

(3) The above communication terminal, wherein

There are a plurality of notification messages, an

And a control device for selecting the second color according to the number of types of the notification information to be displayed when receiving the user operation and when there is the notification information to be displayed.

According to the above-described structure, the display is illuminated in response to the user's switch operation by distinguishing the number of types of notification information that is not displayed. Therefore, the user can know the number of undisplayed notification messages at a glance of the color of the display without having to turn on the communication terminal every time and without having to strain their eyes.

In addition, since the colors of the main display device and the sub display device are illuminated to be the same when the communication terminal is subsequently turned on, user convenience is provided.

(4) A display control method for a communication terminal of the present invention is (a) foldable, (b) including (i) a main display device visible to a user only when a main body is in an open state and capable of multicolor illumination display, (ii) a sub display device visible to the user when the main body is in a folded state and capable of multicolor illumination display, and (iii) an operation unit for receiving an operation from the user when the main body is in the folded state, and (c) having a display function of displaying notification information, the display control method comprising:

a determination step of determining whether there is notification information to be displayed after the operation of the operation unit;

a selection step of (a) selecting a first color when there is no notification information to be displayed, and

(b) selecting a second color different from the first color when there is notification information to be displayed; and

a display control step of illuminating the sub display device with the color selected in the selection step, and illuminating the main display device with the selected color when the main body is subsequently in an on state.

According to the above method, the same effect as (1) is obtained.

(5) The above display control method, wherein

There are a variety of notification information that may exist,

a judging step of judging a type of the notification information to be displayed when there is the notification information to be displayed, and a selecting step of selecting the second color according to the type of the notification information judged in the judging step.

According to the above method, the same effect as (2) is obtained.

(6) Display control method, wherein

There are a variety of notification information that may exist,

the display control method further includes:

a counting step of counting the number of types of notification information to be displayed after the operation of the operation unit, and a selecting step of selecting the second color according to the number counted in the counting step.

According to the above method, the same effect as (3) is obtained.

Drawings

These and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate a specific embodiment of the invention. In the drawings:

fig. 1a, 1b and 1c are external views of a folding communication terminal of the present invention;

fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a structure of a folding communication terminal of the present invention;

fig. 3 is an example of phonebook information;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an example of a screen display of a sub-display;

fig. 6 is a screen display example of a main display;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing details of an illumination color selection process;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing details of another illumination color selection process;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing details of another illumination color selection process;

FIG. 10 is an example of incoming communication history information;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a screen display example of a sub-display;

fig. 13 is a screen display example of the sub display and the main display;

FIG. 14 is another screen display example of a sub display and a main display;

FIG. 15 is another screen display example of a sub display and a main display;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing details of an illumination color selection process;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing details of another illumination color selection process; and

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing details of another illumination color selection process.

Detailed Description

1. First embodiment

A first embodiment of the folding communication terminal of the present invention is described below with reference to the drawings.

1.1 appearance

Fig. 1a, 1b and 1c are external views of a folding communication terminal of the present invention. Fig. 1a is a front view when opened, fig. 1b is a left side view when opened, and fig. 1c is a front view when folded (hereinafter "folded" is also referred to as "closed").

1 is a main body of a folding communication terminal.

2 is a main display which is a self-luminous or luminous multi-color display including a luminous color LCD display device, a DMD (digital Micromirror (Micromirror) device), an organic EL (electroluminescence) display device, and the like. The main display 2 displays various types of information to the user, including the current time, the electric field strength, and information about the caller. The main display 2 performs a display color light-emitting display of the information designated by the control unit 20, and the control unit 20 is explained later. Note that the display content of the main display 2 cannot be confirmed when the folding communication terminal is in the closed state, and therefore the main display 2 is closed to save power.

And 3 is a flexible key for selecting an item displayed on the lower portion of the main display 2.

4 is a 4-position key, which moves left, right, up, and down, and is used to scroll the display contents.

And 5 is an e-mail key used when proceeding to the e-mail function display screen.

And 6 is a menu/OK key located at the center of the 4-position key for proceeding to the menu item and for confirming the selected item.

And 7 is a power/end key for turning on and off power and for ending a session.

And 8 is a numeric keypad for inputting a telephone number, characters, etc.

And 9 is a microphone for inputting voice.

10 is a headset end cap, protecting the headset end (not shown).

And 11 is a network key for activating the internet connection function and for displaying an internet connection function screen.

12 are side confirm keys for determining a selected item, memo reproduction, voice recording, and the like.

And 13 is a side scroll key for scrolling the display page up and down.

And 14 is a start key used when making and receiving calls.

And 15 is an antenna used when receiving and transmitting radio waves necessary for communication.

16 is a speaker which outputs a ringing tone, a caller's voice, a sound notifying receipt of various messages, and the like.

And 17 is an incoming communication lamp which informs the user by flashing a green light when there is an incoming communication and emits red light during charging.

And 18 is a sub-display which is a display that is self-luminous or multi-color luminous, including a luminous color LCD display device, a DMD (digital micro device), an organic EL (electro luminescence) display device, and the like. The sub-display 18 displays various types of information to the user, including the current time, the electric field strength, and information about the caller. The sub-display 18 performs illumination of the display color specified by the control unit 20 to display the information, and the control unit 20 is explained later.

When the sub-display 18 is constituted by a monochrome display device such as a black-and-white LCD device, at least two illumination sources, green and red, must be provided, for example, to distinguish between the case of notifying the caller's telephone number and the case of not notifying the caller's telephone number, or the case of having new information not displayed on the main display 2 and the case of having no such information. Alternatively, the sub-display 18 may have three primary color light sources, and light emission display is performed in a desired color by appropriately changing the light intensity ratio of each device.

Meanwhile, if the sub-display 18 is a color LCD device or the like, it is not necessary to provide light sources of a plurality of colors, but it is sufficient to provide a single illumination source of substantially white color.

Note that when the folding communication terminal 1 is in the open state, information is displayed on the main display 2, and the sub-display 18 is turned off to save power. Further, if the side confirm key 12 or the side scroll key 13 is operated while the sub-display 18 is closed, the sub-display 18 is opened and then closed again after a predetermined period of time.

Reference numeral 19 denotes an on/off detection switch, which is a micro switch, and mechanically detects whether the folding communication terminal 1 is in an open state or a closed state. However, another well-known means such as an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor that detects the opening of the folding communication terminal 1, or an encoder that detects the opening angle may be used.

1.2 functional Structure

Fig. 2 IS a block diagram showing functions of the folding communication terminal of the present invention, and shows a case where the folding communication terminal IS used for a CDMA (code division multiple access) mobile phone portable terminal based on IS (intermediate standard) -95. Note that components corresponding to those described in the external appearance above have the same reference numerals as those in fig. 1, and therefore, the description of these components will be omitted.

As shown in fig. 2, the folding communication terminal 1 includes an antenna 15, a transmission/reception unit 21, a modulation/demodulation unit (including a baseband processing unit that performs CDMA processing) 22, a voice processing unit 24, a microphone 9, a speaker 16, a control unit 20, a main display unit 2, a sub display unit 18, an operation unit 23, and an on/off detection unit 19.

The control unit 20 realizes its functions, for example, according to a microprocessor, a ROM (read only memory) 20a, a RAM (random access memory) 20b, and the like, and performs various controls according to execution of a control program stored in the ROM 20a by the microprocessor. Further, the RAM 20b functions as an incoming communication history information storage, and in addition to temporarily storing incoming communication history information or until a deletion or modification operation is performed, the RAM 20b functions as a battery-backed phonebook storing corresponding telephone numbers, names and colors to illuminate the display when there is an incoming call. These pieces of information are registered by the user through the operation unit 23.

The main display unit 2 and the sub-display unit 18 correspond to the main display 2 and the sub-display 18 explained in the appearance. The on/off detection unit 19 corresponds to the on/off detection switch 19 explained in the appearance.

The operation unit 23 includes a flexible key 3, a 4-position key 4, an e-mail 5, a menu/ok key 6, an end/power key 7, a numeric keypad 8, a web key 11, a side ok key 12, a side scroll key 13, a start key 14, as explained in appearance.

The transmission/reception unit 21, the modulation/demodulation unit 22, and the voice processing unit 24 realize their functions by a DSP (digital signal processor), a signal amplifier, and the like, and receive and transmit signals in the following manner.

In the folding communication terminal 1 having the above-described structure, radio waves received by the antenna 15 are demodulated into baseband digital audio information or digital data information by obtaining a correlation value of the radio waves with a predetermined PN (pseudo noise) at the modulation/demodulation unit 22 after being amplified in the transmission/reception unit 21. The digital audio information demodulated in the modulation/demodulation unit 22 is supplied to the voice processing unit 24, and is converted into an analog signal of the voice processing unit 24 under the control of the control unit 20, and is subjected to electro-acoustic conversion and output by the speaker 16.

Further, the digital data information demodulated by the modulation/demodulation unit 22 is supplied to the control unit 20. An example of the digital data information is incoming communication notification information indicating that there is an incoming call to the folder type communication terminal and information on the caller (the caller's telephone number or the telephone number does not notify the reason code). Another example is that when there is an e-mail or a character mail sent to the mail server of the folding communication terminal 1, incoming communication notification information is sent according to a so-called SMS dealer (short message service dealer). Incoming communication notification information is supplied to and displayed by the main display unit 2 and the sub display unit 18, and is also stored in the RAM 20 a.

Meanwhile, the input sound is subjected to an acousto-electric conversion in the microphone 9, is digitally converted into a baseband digital voice signal in the voice processing unit 24, and is supplied to the modulation/demodulation unit 22. Further, information input through the operation unit 23 is stored in the RAM 20b via the control unit 20 as required, is also converted into a baseband digital signal, and is then supplied to the modulation/demodulation unit 22. The modulation/demodulation unit 22 modulates the supplied digital voice signal and digital data signal by multiplying them by a predetermined PN sequence signal. The transmitting-receiving unit 21 amplifies the modulated signal and transmits the signal from the antenna 15.

1.3 phonebook information

Fig. 3 shows an example of telephone book information written in a telephone book memory implemented in the RAM 20b and stored in a format shown in a telephone book table 300.

In the phone book table 300, a phone number column 301 holds phone numbers, a name column 302 holds a name corresponding to each phone number, and a color column 303 holds a color for illuminating the display corresponding to each phone number.

The telephone book information is input by the user through the operation unit 23 and stored in the telephone book table 300.

1.4 operation

The operation of the folding communication terminal of the present invention having the above-described structure is explained below with reference to a flowchart and a screen display example.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the folding communication terminal of the present invention;

fig. 5 is a screen display example of the sub-display 18;

fig. 6 is a screen display example of the main display 2;

1.4.1 Standby processing

After power is turned on or a new radio wave from a base station (not shown) is detected, the folding communication terminal 1 performs position registration with the base station according to the control of the control unit 20 by transmitting and receiving signals in the course of a predetermined series (step S101), and enters standby. During the standby period, the folding communication terminal 1 intermittently receives an incoming communication reception signal transmitted from the base station (step S102). It is assumed here that the folding communication terminal 1 is in a closed state at this time (in other words, the state shown in fig. 1 c).

(A) Fig. 5 shows a display screen on the sub-display 18 when the folding communication terminal 1 is in a closed state in the standby mode. The control unit 20 obtains the current time and the electric field strength from a clock circuit and an RSSI (received signal strength indication) detection unit (both not shown), respectively, and displays standby information including the current time (9: 30 in this example) and an antenna pattern indicating the electric field strength (step 103). In addition, although not shown in the drawing, a blank area on the left side of the time may be used to display icons indicating the terminal setup status and whether there is incoming mail history information. Note that since the clock circuit and the RSSI detection unit are components conventionally included in a communication terminal, description will be omitted.

1.4.2 incoming communication handling

The following is a detailed description of the operation of the folding communication terminal 1 when the user is being paged while incoming communication notification information of a call is received and the folding communication terminal 1 is in the closed state. Note that the case in which the folder type communication terminal 1 is in the closed state is detected and notified to the control unit 20 through the open/close detecting unit 19.

When the folding communication terminal 1 receives an incoming communication notification information signal of a call while standing by (step S104), the control unit 20 determines whether caller information contained in the received incoming communication notification information signal indicates a telephone number of a caller (step S111). If the determination is affirmative, the control unit 20 retrieves the name and color corresponding to the caller' S telephone number from the telephone directory memory (step S112).

The control unit 20 starts paging the user according to whether the output of the output sound is allowed for a predetermined ringing (ringing melody, etc.) or the operation of the vibration motor is set (step 113).

Then, while paging the user, the control unit 20 performs light-emitting display of incoming communication information on the sub-display 18 and the main display 2 according to the following procedure.

1.4.3 illumination color selection Process

The control unit 20 invokes the illumination color selection process (step S121).

Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing an illumination color selection process.

The control unit 20 determines whether the caller' S telephone number is displayed in the caller information (step S151). If the determination is negative, the control unit 20 selects the first color red (step S152). Meanwhile, if the determination is affirmative, the control unit 20 selects the second color green (step S153).

1.4.4 processing to display incoming communication information on a sub-display

Next, returning to the flowchart of fig. 4, the control unit 20 blinks and displays the incoming communication information on the sub-display 18 to illuminate the sub-display 16 with the color selected in the illumination color selection process (step S122).

Fig. 5(B1) to (B3) show display contents when a caller is notified of a telephone number. When the control unit 20 determines that the notified telephone number is not registered in the telephone book, it blinks to display the telephone number (fig. 5 (B1)). When the control unit 20 determines that the telephone number has been registered, telephone numbers and names registered in the telephone book memory corresponding to the telephone number are alternately repeatedly displayed in blinking (fig. 5(B2) and (B3)).

In each case, the control unit 20 illuminates the sub-display 18 with the green color selected by the illumination color selection process.

On the other hand, (C1) to (C3) of fig. 5 represent display contents when the phone number is notified not to notify the reason code. When the non-notification reason code indicates that the caller ID is not set, the control unit 20 blinks the contents of the display (C1). When the reason code indicates that the call is from a terminal without the caller ID function, the control unit 20 blinks the contents of the display (C2). When the reason code indicates that the call is from the public telephone, the control unit 20 blinks the contents of the display (C3).

In each case, the control unit 20 illuminates the secondary display 18 with the red color selected by the illumination color selection process.

If the folding communication terminal 1 is placed in the open state at the time of any one of the displays (B1) to (C3), the control unit 20 detects that the folding communication terminal 1 is in the open state (in other words, the state of fig. 1a or 1B) according to the on/off detection switch 19 (step S123), closes the sub-display 18 (step S131), and displays the incoming communication information on the main display 2.

Further, when the paging is ended (step S124), the control unit 20 turns off the sub-display 18 (step S141), and stops the ringing or vibration motor (step S141).

1.4.5 incoming communication information display processing on Main display

After the folding communication terminal 1 is placed in the open state, the control unit 20 blinks and displays the incoming communication information corresponding to the display content on the sub-display 18 on the main display 2, and illuminates the main display 2 in the color selected by the illumination color selection process (step S122).

Fig. 6(B1) and (B2) show display contents when a caller is notified of a telephone number. When the control unit 20 determines that the notified telephone number is not registered in the telephone book, it blinks to display the telephone number (fig. 6 (B1)). When the control unit 20 determines that the telephone number is registered, the registered telephone number and name corresponding to the telephone number in the telephone book memory are repeatedly displayed in blinking (fig. 6 (B2)).

In each case, the control unit 20 illuminates the main display 2 with green color selected by the illumination color selection process.

On the other hand, (C1) to (C3) of fig. 6 represent contents displayed when the phone number is notified not to notify the reason code. When the reason code is not notified that the caller ID is not set, the control unit 20 blinks the contents of display fig. 6 (C1). When the reason code indicates that the call is from a terminal without the caller ID function, the control unit 20 blinks the contents of display fig. 6 (C2). When the reason code is not notified indicating that the call is from the public telephone, the control unit 20 blinks the contents of fig. 6 (C3).

In each case, the control unit 20 illuminates the main display 2 in red selected by the illumination color selection process.

If the displayed state is any one of the states shown in fig. 6(B1) to (C3), the user presses the start key 14 of the operation unit 23 (step S133), and the control unit 2O controls the transmission/reception unit 21 and the modulation/demodulation unit 22 to establish a wireless connection of a call channel, starting a call to the caller (step S134).

Further, if the paging is ended without pressing the start key 14 (step S135), the control unit turns off the main display 2 (step S136), and stops the ringing or vibration motor (step S141).

1.5 modification of the illumination color selection procedure

FIG. 8 is a flow chart detailing another illumination color selection process; this process is called at step S121 of fig. 4 instead of the illumination color selection process shown in fig. 7.

In the illumination color selection process shown in fig. 8, the control unit 20 determines whether caller information notified when a call is received represents a caller 'S telephone number (step S161), and selects the first color red if the caller' S telephone number is not displayed (step S162). If the caller' S telephone number is displayed, the control unit 20 determines whether the telephone number is registered in the telephone directory memory (step S163), selects the first color red if the telephone number is not registered (step S162), or selects the second color green if the telephone number is registered (step S164).

With this illumination color selection process, fig. 5(B1) is displayed with red blinking, and fig. 5(B2) and (B3) are alternately displayed with green blinking. In addition, fig. 6(B1) is displayed with red blinking, and fig. 6(B2) is displayed with green blinking.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart detailing another illumination color selection process; this process is called at step S121 of fig. 4 instead of the illumination color selection process shown in fig. 7 and 8.

In the illumination color selection process of fig. 9, the control unit 20 determines whether caller information notified when a call is received represents a caller 'S telephone number (step S171), and selects the first color red if the caller' S telephone number is not displayed (step S172). If the caller' S telephone number is displayed, the control unit determines whether the telephone number is registered in the telephone directory memory (step S173), and selects the first color red if the telephone number is not registered (step S172). If the telephone number is registered, the control unit 20 determines whether color index information corresponding to the telephone number is registered (step S174). If the color flag information is not registered, the control unit 20 selects the second color green (step S175), and if the color flag information is registered, the control unit 20 selects the specified color (step S176).

With this illumination color selection process, FIG. 5(B1) is displayed flashing with red illumination, FIGS. 5(B2) and (B3) are alternately displayed illuminated with green or a designated color (e.g., pink for a user's boy/girl friend.) furthermore, FIG. 6(B1) is displayed flashing with red illumination.

1.6 conclusion

As explained, according to the folding communication terminal and the illumination color selection method of the present invention, the display color of the incoming communication of the main display and the sub display is changed by distinguishing the telephone number of the notified caller from the telephone number of the non-notified caller. Therefore, the user can confirm whether the caller is notified of the telephone number immediately by looking at the color.

In addition, the display color of incoming communication is changed by distinguishing whether or not the telephone number of the notification is registered in the telephone directory memory. Thus, the user can immediately confirm whether the call is from a registered caller at a glance in color.

Further, when the illumination color is specified corresponding to the caller's telephone number of the notification, the display color of the incoming communication changes to the specified color. Thus, the user can confirm at a glance the color that the call is from a given caller (e.g., the user's girlfriend/boyfriend, family, etc.).

2. Second embodiment

The folding communication terminal of the second embodiment is explained in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that explanations of the same items as those of the first embodiment are omitted, and differences thereof are mainly explained.

2.1 appearance

The external appearance of the folding communication terminal of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

Incoming communication history information, as well as the current time, electric field strength, caller information, and the like are displayed on the main display 2. The incoming communication history information includes incoming call history information and input mail history information indicating that e-mail or character mail is received at the mail server.

The number, type and reception time of the new incoming communication history information to be displayed on the main display 2 are displayed on the sub-display 18, and the current time, electric field strength, caller information and the like are displayed.

The incoming communication history information displayed on the main display 2 is referred to as detailed information. The number, reception time, and type of incoming communication history information not displayed, displayed on the sub-display 18, are referred to as simple information.

2.2 functional Structure

The functional structure of the folding communication device of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

2.3 incoming communication History information

Fig. 10 shows an example of incoming communication history information, which is written in an incoming communication history information memory implemented in the RAM 20b and stored in a format indicated by an incoming communication history information table 400.

There is one row in the incoming communication history information table 400 for each communication. The information category column 401 holds symbols "Call", "e-mail" or "c-mail" representing an incoming communication history information of a call, e-mail or character mail, respectively. The receive date/time column 402 indicates the date and time the communication was received. The caller/sender information column 403 holds information about the caller or sender of the e-mail or character message. The response category column 404 holds user response symbols for "answer" or "not answer" calls and user response symbols for "read" or "unread" e-mail and character messages for incoming communications. The subject column 405 holds the subject of the e-mail only for incoming communication history information about the e-mail. The display mark 406 holds the symbol "1" or "0" indicating whether or not an incoming communication history information has been displayed on the main display.

Incoming communication history information is generated by the control unit 20 when an incoming communication notification signal of a call is received and recorded in the incoming communication history table 400.

2.4 operation

Next, the operation of the folding communication terminal of the present invention having the above-described structure will be explained with reference to a flowchart and a screen display example.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the folding communication terminal of the present invention;

fig. 12 to 15 are screen display examples of the sub display 18 and the main display 2.

2.4.1 Standby processing

Upon power-on or detection of a new radio wave from a base station (not shown), the folding communication terminal 1 performs position registration with the base station according to the control of the control unit 20 by transmitting and receiving signals in a predetermined series of processes (step S201), and enters standby. During the standby period, the folding communication terminal 1 intermittently receives an incoming communication reception signal transmitted from the base station (step S202). It is assumed here that the folding communication terminal 1 is in a closed state at this time (in other words, the state shown in fig. 1 c).

Fig. 12(a) shows a display screen on the sub-display 18 when the folding communication terminal 1 is in the closed state in the standby mode. The control unit 20 obtains the current time and the electric field strength from a clock circuit and an RSSI detection unit (both not shown), respectively, and displays standby information including the current time (9: 30 in this example) and an antenna pattern indicating the electric field strength (step 203). In addition, although not shown in the drawing, a blank area on the left side of the time may be used to display icons indicating the terminal setup status and whether there is incoming mail history information. Note that since the clock circuit and the RSSI detection unit are components conventionally included in a communication terminal, description will be omitted.

2.4.2 incoming communication processing and simplified information display processing

When the folding communication terminal 1 is in the off state and it receives an incoming communication notification signal of a telephone call, an e-mail, or a character message (step S204), the control unit 20 rings or operates a vibration motor for a predetermined period of time according to the type of incoming communication to page the user (step S205).

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the user cannot immediately answer an incoming communication, for example, because the user is busy or absent. In other words, it is assumed that the user does not answer the call, nor does it operate to confirm the incoming communication history information of the electronic mail and the character mail.

The control unit 20 generates incoming communication history information written in the incoming communication history information memory (step S206), and displays simple information including the type and reception time of the incoming communication notification signal that was received most recently on the sub-display 18 (step S207).

The following is a specific example of the case where four incoming communication notification signals are received.

(1) The folding communication terminal 1 receives an incoming communication notification signal of a call on 1/9 and 10:00, and the user does not answer the call. After operating the ringing or vibration motor for a predetermined time, the control unit 20 adds the incoming communication history information of line 414 to the incoming communication history information table 400 and displays simple information on the incoming communication on the sub-display 18.

The response category of the incoming communication history information is indicated as "missed", indicating that the user did not answer the call, and the display flag is set to "0", indicating that the incoming communication history information is not displayed.

Fig. 12(B) shows an example of display of simple information. This display indicates that a call was received at 10:00 and an incoming communication history information related to the call (i.e., the current call) is not displayed. This display remains in standby until a new incoming communication is available.

(2) The folding communication terminal 1 receives an incoming communication notification signal indicating that the mail server receives an e-mail on day 1/9 at a ratio of 10: 30. After the beep sound is generated, the control unit 20 adds 415 lines of incoming communication history information to the incoming communication history information table 400, and displays simple information on the incoming communication on the sub-display 18.

The response category of the incoming communication history information is indicated as "unread" indicating that the user has not read the e-mail, and the display flag is set to "0" indicating that the incoming communication history information is not displayed.

Fig. 12(C) shows an example of display of simple information. This display indicates that the mail server receives an e-mail at 10:30, and that there is an incoming communication history information concerning the e-mail (i.e., the current e-mail) that is not displayed. This display remains on standby until a new incoming communication is available.

(3) The folding communication terminal 1 receives an incoming communication notification signal indicating that the character mail is received by the mail server at 11:00 on 1 st/9 th. After the beep sound is generated, the control unit 20 adds the incoming communication history information of the line 416 to the incoming communication history information table 400, and displays simple information on the incoming communication on the sub-display 18.

The response category of the incoming communication history information is indicated as "unread" indicating that the user has not read the character message, and the display flag is set to "0" indicating that the incoming communication history information is not displayed.

Fig. 12(D) shows an example of display of simple information. This display indicates that the mail server received the character message at 11:00, and that there is an incoming communication history information about the character message (i.e., the current character message) that is not displayed. This display remains on standby until a new incoming communication is available.

(4) The folding communication terminal 1 receives the incoming communication notification signal again, indicating that the mail server received the e-mail on 11:30 on 1 st/9 th. After the beep sound is generated, the control unit 20 adds the incoming communication history information of the 417 line to the incoming communication history information table 400, and displays simple information on the incoming communication on the sub display 18.

The response category of the incoming communication history information is indicated as "unread" indicating that the user has not read the e-mail, and the display flag is set to "0" indicating that the incoming communication history information is not displayed.

Fig. 12(E) shows an example of display of simple information. This display indicates that the mail server receives an e-mail at 11:30, and that there are two pieces of incoming communication history information that are not displayed for the e-mail (i.e., the current e-mail). This display remains on standby until a new incoming communication is available.

2.4.3 illumination color selection Process

When the user operates the side confirm key 12 or the side scroll key 13 while the folding communication terminal 1 is on standby or is displaying simple information (step S211), the control unit 20 invokes and executes an illumination color selection process (step S211).

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing in detail the illumination color selection process;

the control unit 2020 searches the incoming communication history information table 400 to determine whether there is incoming communication history information with the display flag set to "0" (step S251). When there is no such information, the control unit 20 selects the first color green (step S252), and when there is such information, the control unit 20 selects the second color red (step S253).

Next, returning to the flowchart of fig. 11, the control unit 20 illuminates the sub-display 18 with the color selected by the illumination color selection process (step S213).

For example, when the side confirm key 12 or the side scroll key 13 is operated while the simple message of fig. 12(E) is displayed, the control unit 20 illuminates the sub-display 18 in red because the incoming communication history information stored in the incoming communication history information table 400 is not displayed. On the other hand, when all the incoming communication history information stored in the incoming communication history information table 400 is displayed, the standby information shown in (a) of fig. 12 is displayed, and if a key operation is performed, the control unit 20 illuminates the sub-display 16 in green.

2.4.4 display update procedure according to on/off operation

If the user opens the folding communication terminal 1 while standing by or displaying simple information, the control unit 20 detects that the folding communication terminal 1 is in the open state (i.e., the state of fig. 1a or 1b (step S226) based on the open/close detection switch 19, terminates the display of the sub-display 18 (step S221), and displays incoming communication history information corresponding to the simple information displayed on the sub-display 18 on the main display 2 in a noticeable manner (step S222).

The control unit 20 updates the value in the display flag column 406 of the incoming communication history information table 400 to "1" for displaying the incoming communication history information on the main display 2.

If the user closes the folding communication terminal 1 while the incoming communication history information is displayed on the main display 2, the control unit 20 detects that the folding communication terminal 1 has been closed (i.e., the state of fig. 1 c) based on the on/off detection switch 19 (step S231). Then, the main display 2 is also turned off (step S232), the control unit 20 searches the incoming communication history information table 400, displays simple information of the latest piece of information when there is incoming communication history information with the display flag set to "0", and displays standby information on the sub-display 18 when there is no such information (step S233).

The following is a specific example when the incoming communication history information shown in fig. 10 is recorded in the incoming communication history information table 400.

(1) After receiving the incoming communication history information of the last E-mail, fig. 12(E) is displayed on the sub-display 18. When the user opens the folding communication terminal while performing the above-described display, the control unit 20 recognizes that the folding communication terminal 1 is opened based on the open/close detection switch 19, and terminates the display at the sub-display 18.

Fig. 13 shows the subsequent display contents of the main display 2 and the sub-display 18.

Since the sub-display 18 displays simple information on e-mail, after terminating the display of the sub-display 18, the control unit 20 displays incoming communication history information on unread electronic mail on the main display 2 (see fig. 13 (a)). Further, the control unit 20 updates the display flag columns of the rows 417 and 415 in the incoming communication history information table 400 to "1".

FIG. 13(A) shows an unread email from Taro Yamada with the subject "About the other day" (About the other day) and with the subject "meeting" from jiro @ _ aaa.bbb.co.jp email number 002 arriving on 9 st 1 st day 11:30 due to unread e-mail 10: 30. Note that e-mail number 001 is surrounded by a rectangular box. This is to indicate highlight number 001 and to indicate selection number 001. Further, if the menu/ok key 6 is pressed in this state, the folding communication terminal 1 wirelessly connects to the mail server to obtain the content of the e-mail number 001, and displays the obtained content on the main display 2. Another e-mail is selected by operating the 4-position key 104 up and down. Note that the icon on the upper left of the display represents the remaining battery amount.

If the user turns off the folding communication terminal 1 while the display state is fig. 13(a), or after the e-mail content is displayed, the control unit 20 recognizes that the folding communication terminal 1 has been turned off according to the signal input of the on/off detection switch 19. The control unit 20 turns off the main display 2 and displays the latest incoming communication history information marked "0" in the incoming communication history information table 400. Here the control unit 20 displays the c-mail, i.e. the symbolic message, received at 11:00 (see fig. 13 (B)). Note that this display content is the same as fig. 12 (D).

If the user operates the side confirm key 12 or the side scroll key 13 while the display state is fig. 13(B) (non-illuminated state), the control unit 20 calls the illumination color selection process again. Because the display flag of rows 414 and 416 is set to "0", control unit 20 selects the color red and illuminates secondary display 18 with red color.

(2) Next, if the user opens the folding communication terminal 1 while the display state is shown in fig. 13(B), the control unit 20 recognizes that the folding communication terminal 1 is in the open state based on the on/off detection switch 19, and terminates the display of the sub-display 18.

Fig. 13 shows the subsequent display state of the main display 2 and the sub-display 18.

Since the sub-display 18 displays simple information on the character message, the control unit 20 displays detailed information on the character message on the main display 2 after the display of the sub-display 18 is terminated (see fig. 14 (a)). Further, the control unit 20 updates the display flag column of the 406 and 416 rows in the incoming communication history information table 400 to "1".

Fig. 14(a) shows an unread character message arriving at 11:00, month 1, and there are six other character messages. Note the top, unread character message surrounded by a rectangular box. This means highlighting the character message and indicating selection of the character message. Further, if the menu/ok key 6 is pressed in this state, the folding communication terminal 1 wirelessly connects to a mail server to obtain the content of e-mail number 001, and displays the obtained content on the main display 2.

If the user turns off the folding communication terminal 1 after the state of fig. 14(a), the control unit 20 recognizes that the folding communication terminal 1 has been turned off based on the on/off detection switch 19. The control unit 20 turns off the main display 2 and displays the latest incoming communication history information whose display is marked "0" in the incoming communication history information table 400. Here the control unit 20 indicates that a call is received at 10: 00. Note that this display content is the same as fig. 12 (B).

If the user operates the side confirm key 12 or the side scroll key 14 while the display state is fig. 14(B) (non-illuminated state), the control unit 20 calls the illumination color selection process again. Because the display flag of rows 414 and 416 is set to "0", control unit 20 selects the color red and illuminates secondary display 18 with red color.

(3) Next, if the user opens the folding communication terminal 1 while the display state is shown in fig. 14(B), the control unit 20 recognizes that the folding communication terminal 1 is in the open state based on the on/off detection switch 19, and terminates the display of the sub-display 18.

Fig. 15 shows a subsequent display state of the main display 2 and the sub-display 18.

Since simple information about the call is displayed on the sub-display 18, the control unit 20 displays detailed information about the call on the main display 2 when the display of the sub-display 18 is terminated (see fig. 15 (a)). Further, the control unit 20 updates the display flag columns of the rows 406 and 414 in the incoming communication history information table 400 to "1".

Fig. 15(a) shows that the call from the telephone number 09012345678 was not answered at code O1, day 9, day 1, day 11:00, and the call numbers 02, 03, and 04 are received before the call number 01. "answered" means that the user answered the call, and "missed" means that the user did not answer the call. Note that the top unanswered calls are surrounded by a rectangular box. This is an indication that the call is highlighted and that the call is selected. Further, if the start key 14 is pressed in this state, a state of displaying the telephone number is started.

If the user turns off the folding communication terminal 1 after the state of fig. 15(a), the control unit 20 recognizes that the folding communication terminal 1 has been turned off based on the on/off detection switch 19. The control unit 20 turns off the main display 2, and returns to the ordinary standby since there is no incoming communication history information whose display flag is "0" in the incoming communication history information table 400 (see fig. 15 (B)). Note that this display content is the same as fig. 12 (a).

If the user operates the side confirm key 12 or the side scroll key 13 while the display state is fig. 15(B) (non-illuminated state), the control unit 20 calls the illumination color selection process again. Since there is no incoming communication history information with the display flag set to "0", the control unit 20 selects green and illuminates the sub-display 18 with green.

2.5 modification of the illumination color selection procedure

Fig. 17 shows another illumination color selection process in detail. This process is called at step S212 of fig. 11 instead of the illumination color selection process shown in fig. 16.

The control unit 20 searches the incoming communication history information table 400 and determines whether there is incoming communication history information with the display flag set to "0" (step S261). When there is no such information, the control unit 20 selects the first color green (step S262). When there is such information, the control unit 20 confirms the communication type by referring to the communication category (step S263), and selects a color corresponding to the type and different from the first color (S264).

For example, the control unit 20 may select red, blue and yellow corresponding to a call, an e-mail and a character message, respectively. Further, when there are a plurality of pieces of incoming communication history information that are not displayed, the control unit 20 may select a color according to the piece of incoming communication history information having the latest reception date/time.

With this illumination color selection process, when fig. 12(a), fig. 12(B), fig. 12(C), fig. 12(D), and fig. 12(E) are displayed on the sub-display 18, and the user operates the side confirm key 12 or the side scroll key 13, the sub-display 18 is illuminated with green, red, blue, yellow, and blue colors, respectively, for each screen.

Fig. 18 shows another illumination color selection process in detail. This process is invoked at step S212 of fig. 11, in place of the illumination color selection process shown in fig. 16 and 17.

In this illumination color selection process, the control unit 20 searches the incoming communication history information table 400, and determines whether there is incoming communication history information whose display flag is set to "0" (step S271). When the control unit 20 determines that there is no such information, the first color green is selected (step S272). When the control unit judges that there is such information, it refers to the communication type in the incoming communication history information to count the number of types of incoming communication (step S273), and selects a color different from the first color and corresponding to the number of types (step S274).

For example, the control unit 20 may select red, blue, and yellow when one, two, and three types of incoming communication history information, respectively, are not displayed.

With this illumination color selection process, when fig. 12(a), fig. 12(B), fig. 12(C), fig. 12(D), and fig. 12(E) are displayed on the sub-display 16, and the user operates the side confirm key 12 or the side scroll key 13, the sub-display 18 is illuminated in green, red, yellow, and yellow for each screen, respectively.

2.6 conclusion

As explained, according to the folding communication terminal and the illumination color selection method of the present invention, when the folding communication terminal is in the off state and the sub-display illumination operation is performed, the first color (for example, green) is selected to illuminate the sub-display when the display content is the standby screen. However, when there is incoming communication history information not displayed, a color different from the first color is selected to illuminate the sub-display according to the number of communication types. Therefore, the user can immediately confirm whether there is the incoming communication history information and the type or the number of types of the incoming communication history information at a glance.

< other modifications >

Note that the present invention has been explained based on the above-described embodiments, but is of course not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the following cases are also included in the invention.

The invention may be a method comprising the steps described in the examples. Further, the present invention may be a computer program that implements the computer system method, and the present invention may be a digital signal representing the computer program.

Further, the present invention may be a computer-readable recording medium on which a computer program or a digital signal is recorded, such as a flexible disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory), an MO (magneto optical), a DVD (digital versatile disc), a DVD-ROM (digital versatile disc read only memory), a DVD-RAM (digital versatile disc random access memory), a semiconductor memory, or the like.

Further, the present invention may be a computer program or a digital signal transmitted via a network, for example, via an electric communication line, a wireless or wired communication line, and the internet.

Furthermore, the present invention may be the above-described method implemented by a computer system having a microprocessor and a memory, the program being stored in the memory, the microprocessor operating according to the program stored in the memory.

Further, the program or the digital signal may be transmitted or recorded on a recording medium via a network and executed in a separate computer system.

Claims (6)

1. A foldable communication terminal having a function of displaying incoming communication history information indicating a history of incoming communication and a detection function of detecting whether a main body of the communication terminal is in a folded state or in an unfolded state, comprising:

a main display device which is visible to a user only when the main body is in an open state and which can be illuminated in a plurality of colors;

a sub display device visible to a user when the main body is in a folded state and capable of multi-color illumination display;

a storage device for storing one or more pieces of incoming communication history information, and one or more pieces of display information respectively corresponding to one piece of incoming communication history information, each piece of display information indicating whether a corresponding piece of incoming communication history information has been displayed on the main display device;

an operation device for receiving an operation from a user when a main body of the communication terminal is in a folded state;

judging means for judging, when the operation has been received from the user, whether all of the stored pieces of incoming communication history information have been displayed on the main display means, based on the stored pieces of display information;

selection means for:

(A) selecting a first color when the judging means judges that all the stored pieces of the incoming communication history information have been displayed on the main display means, and

(B) selecting a second color different from the first color when the judging means judges that at least one of the pieces of the stored incoming communication history information is not displayed on the main display means; and

and a display control device for illuminating the sub display device with a selected color in a case where an operation is received from a user when the main body is in the folded state, and illuminating the main display device with the selected color when the main body is subsequently in the opened state.

2. The communication terminal of claim 1, wherein

There are a plurality of types of incoming communication history information,

when it is judged that at least one of the pieces of the stored incoming communication history information is not yet displayed on the main display device, the judging means further judges the type of the at least one piece of the incoming communication history information which is not yet displayed on the main display device, and

the selecting means selects the second color according to the type judged by the judging means.

3. The communication terminal of claim 1, wherein

There are multiple types of incoming communication history information, an

The communication terminal further includes:

counting means for counting the number of types of at least one piece of incoming communication history information not yet displayed based on the stored piece of display information in a case where a judgment result is obtained that the judging means judges that at least one piece of the stored piece of incoming communication history information has not yet been displayed on the main display means,

wherein the selecting means selects the second color in accordance with the number calculated by the counting means in a case where the judging means judges that at least one of the pieces of the stored incoming communication history information is not displayed on the main display means.

4. A display control method for a communication terminal (a) foldable, (b) having a detection function to detect whether a main body of the communication terminal is in a folded state or in an opened state, (c) comprising (i) a main display device visible to a user only when the main body of the communication terminal is in the opened state and capable of multi-color illumination display, (ii) a sub display device visible to the user when the main body is in the folded state and capable of multi-color illumination display, and (iii) an operation unit for receiving an operation from the user when the main body is in the folded state, (d) having a storage device for storing one or more pieces of incoming communication history information and one or more pieces of display information respectively corresponding to one piece of incoming history information, each piece of display information indicating whether the corresponding one piece of incoming history information has been displayed on the main display device, and (e) having a display function of displaying the piece of incoming communication history information, the display control method comprising:

a determination step of determining, when an operation has been received from the user, whether all of the stored pieces of incoming communication history information have been displayed on the main display device based on the stored pieces of display information;

a selection step of

(A) Selecting a first color when the determining step determines that all of the stored pieces of incoming communication history information have been displayed on the main display device, and

(B) selecting a second color different from the first color when the determining step determines that at least one of the pieces of the stored incoming communication history information is not yet displayed on the main display device; and

a display control step of illuminating the sub display device in a selected color in a case where an operation is received from a user when the main body is in the folded state, and illuminating the main display device in the selected color when the main body is subsequently in the opened state.

5. The display control method of claim 4, wherein

There are a plurality of types of incoming communication history information,

a judging step of, when it is judged that at least one of the stored pieces of incoming communication history information is not yet displayed on the main display device, further judging a type of the at least one piece of incoming communication history information which is not yet displayed on the main display device, and

and a selecting step of selecting the second color according to the type judged in the judging step.

6. The display control method of claim 4, wherein

There are a plurality of types of incoming communication history information,

the display control method further includes:

a counting step of, in a case where a judgment result that the judging step judges that at least one of the stored pieces of incoming communication history information has not been displayed on the main display device is given, calculating the number of types of the at least one piece of incoming communication history information that has not been displayed on the basis of the stored piece of display information, and

a selecting step of selecting a second color according to the number calculated in the counting step.