U.S. patent application number 13/952654 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-21 for task display switching method portable apparatus and portable communications apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to MOBILEMEDIA IDEAS LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is MOBILEMEDIA IDEAS LLC. Invention is credited to Takeshi KOKUBO.
Application Number | 20130311931 13/952654 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 19170322 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130311931 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KOKUBO; Takeshi |
November 21, 2013 |
Task Display Switching Method Portable Apparatus and Portable
Communications Apparatus
Abstract
A task display switching method, a portable apparatus and a
portable communications apparatus which, when a plurality of
software applications are activated and processed in parallel, make
it possible to switch a display between each of the software
applications with ease. According to the task display switching
method, a portable apparatus capable of processing a plurality of
tasks in parallel and of displaying a plurality of display regions
for displaying data, an icon associated with a task displayed on a
first display region is generated automatically or manually, and
the generated icon is displayed in a second display region. When
any icon thus generated is selected from a plurality of icons
displayed on the second display region, the task associated with
the selected icon is restored and displayed in the first display
region.
Inventors: |
KOKUBO; Takeshi; (Kanagawa,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MOBILEMEDIA IDEAS LLC |
Chevy Chase |
MD |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
MOBILEMEDIA IDEAS LLC
Chevy Chase
MD
|
Family ID: |
19170322 |
Appl. No.: |
13/952654 |
Filed: |
July 28, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13555951 |
Jul 23, 2012 |
8498674 |
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13952654 |
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13073602 |
Mar 28, 2011 |
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13555951 |
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|
11514245 |
Sep 1, 2006 |
7917179 |
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13073602 |
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10301598 |
Nov 22, 2002 |
7123945 |
|
|
11514245 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
715/778 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/0218 20130101;
G06F 3/04817 20130101; H04M 1/72522 20130101; G06F 3/0481 20130101;
H04M 2250/16 20130101; H04M 1/72583 20130101; G06F 3/0482
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
715/778 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/0481 20060101
G06F003/0481 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 26, 2001 |
JP |
2001359284 |
Claims
1. A mobile phone comprising: an operating unit configured to
receive user input on the mobile phone; a display unit configured
to provide a main display area and a sub display area on one
display screen; a speaker; a memory storing an operating system and
a plurality of software applications executable on the mobile
phone, the software applications including an e-mail software
application, a web browser, and an audio player software
application, the web browser providing a search operation on the
Internet, the memory further storing identification information
including a telephone number; a short-range communication unit
configured to provide short-range wireless communication; a
modulator configured to modulate a transmission signal for phone
call operation of the mobile phone; a demodulator configured to
demodulate a reception signal for the phone call operation of the
mobile phone; a signal processor configured to process a
demodulated signal from the demodulator and to output the
transmission signal to the modulator; and a controller configured
to run two or more of the plurality of software applications in
parallel, and to control what is displayed on the display unit,
wherein the controller controls the display unit to display on the
main display area a first software application, wherein the
controller controls the display unit to display on the sub display
area a first icon corresponding to the first software application
and a second icon corresponding to a second software application
running in parallel, and wherein the controller controls the
display unit to alternate between the main display area and the sub
display area.
2. The mobile phone of claim 1, wherein the second icon tracks
changes in a state of the second software application and changes
itself in accordance therewith.
3. The mobile phone of claim 1, wherein the second icon is
displayed in a predetermined area within the sub display area.
4. The mobile phone of claim 1, wherein sizes of the main display
area and the sub display area are changeable.
5. The mobile phone of claim 1, wherein at least one of the icons
displayed on the sub display area is a reduction type icon.
6. The mobile phone of claim 5, wherein the controller controls the
display unit to display the reduction type icon and a non-reduction
type icon on the sub display area.
7. The mobile phone of claim 1, wherein the controller controls the
display unit to display an icon showing cumulative communication
usage.
8. The mobile phone of claim 1, wherein the controller controls the
display unit to display an audio screen on the main display area
when the audio player software application is active, and wherein,
when a telephone call is received while the audio screen is
displayed on the main display area, the controller controls the
display unit to switch the main display area from the audio screen
to a call data screen that includes a telephone number of a
caller.
9. The mobile phone of claim 8, wherein the audio player software
application is temporarily stopped during the telephone call.
10. The mobile phone of claim 9, wherein the controller
automatically reactivates the audio player software application
from the point at which the audio player software application is
temporally stopped after the telephone call is terminated, and
controls the display unit to display the audio screen on the main
display area.
11. The mobile phone of claim 1, wherein the mobile phone is
configured to connect to the Internet during a phone call.
12. The mobile phone of claim 11, wherein the controller activates
the web browser in response to an operation performed with the
operating unit during the phone call and controls the display unit
to display the web browser on the main display area while the
controller continues to process the phone call.
13. A mobile phone comprising: an operating unit configured to
receive user input on the mobile phone; a display unit configured
to provide a main display area and a sub display area on one
display screen; a speaker; a memory storing an operating system and
a plurality of software applications executable on the mobile
phone, the software applications including an e-mail software
application, a web browser, and an audio player software
application, the web browser providing a search operation on the
Internet, the memory further storing identification information
including a telephone number; a short-range communication unit
configured to provide short-range wireless communication; a
modulator configured to modulate a transmission signal for phone
call operation of the mobile phone; a demodulator configured to
demodulate a reception signal for the phone call operation of the
mobile phone; a signal processor configured to process a
demodulated signal from the demodulator and to output the
transmission signal to the modulator; and a controller configured
to run two or more of the plurality of software applications in
parallel, and to control what is displayed on the display unit,
wherein the controller controls the display unit to display on the
main display area a first software application, wherein the
controller controls the display unit to display on the sub display
area an icon corresponding to a second software application running
in parallel to the first software application, and wherein the
controller controls the display unit to alternate between the main
display area and the sub display area.
14. The mobile phone of claim 13, wherein the icon tracks changes
in a state of the second software application and changes itself in
accordance therewith.
15. The mobile phone of claim 13, wherein the icon is displayed in
a predetermined area within the sub display area.
16. The mobile phone of claim 13, wherein sizes of the main display
area and the sub display area are changeable.
17. The mobile phone of claim 13, wherein the icon is a reduction
type icon.
18. The mobile phone of claim 17, wherein the controller controls
the display unit to display the reduction type icon and a
non-reduction type icon on the sub display area.
19. The mobile phone of claim 13, wherein the controller controls
the display unit to display an icon showing cumulative
communication usage.
20. The mobile phone of claim 13, wherein the controller controls
the display unit to display an audio screen on the main display
area when the audio player software application is active, and
wherein, when a telephone call is received while the audio screen
is displayed on the main display area, the controller controls the
display unit to switch the main display area from the audio screen
to a call data screen that includes a telephone number of a
caller.
21. The mobile phone of claim 20, wherein the audio player software
application is temporarily stopped during the telephone call.
22. The mobile phone of claim 21, wherein the controller
automatically reactivates the audio player software application
from the point at which the audio player software application is
temporally stopped after the telephone call is terminated, and
controls the display unit to display the audio screen on the main
display area.
23. The mobile phone of claim 13, wherein the mobile phone is
configured to connect to the Internet during a phone call.
24. The mobile phone of claim 23, wherein the controller activates
the web browser in response to an operation performed with the
operating unit during the phone call and controls the display unit
to display the web browser on the main display area while the
controller continues to process the phone call.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/555,951, filed Jul. 23, 2012, 2011, which is a divisional of
U.S. application Ser. No. 13/073,602, filed Mar. 28, 2011
(abandoned), which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
11/514,245, filed Sep. 1, 2006 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,917,179), which
is divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/301,598, filed Nov.
22, 2002 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,123,945), which claims the benefit of
Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-359284, filed on Nov. 26,
2001. The entire contents of each of the above-identified
applications are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a task display switching
method, a portable apparatus and a portable communications
apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a
task display switching method, a portable apparatus and a portable
communications apparatus, which, in a case where a plurality of
application software are run and processed in parallel in a
portable phone apparatus or the like, may easily carry out a
switching operation to switch the display to each application
software.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Technological advances in portable information apparatuses,
such as a portable telephone and the like, have been remarkable,
and functions such as gaming, digital camera, audio reproduction
and communications such as internet connection have been added,
thereby improving their multi-functionality. Such advances may be
expected to be further fueled with the introduction of the next
generation of portable information apparatuses. Also, new
technology and new ideas are introduced with respect to the display
monitors for these apparatuses, such as color displays, liquid
crystal sub-displays and the like.
SUMMARY
[0006] However, although the multi-functionality and the
introduction of new technology are being advanced as mentioned
above, conventional portable information apparatuses have a problem
in that in activating and using an additional application software
while using some other application software, it is difficult to
instantly switch the display between the applications.
[0007] Specifically, in portable telephones and the like, in order
to access the Internet while writing an e-mail, a user has to save
the e-mail and close the e-mail screen. Once the e-mail screen is
closed, a top screen is displayed (a screen displayed when the
power is turned on). The user selects, for example, "selection
menu" from the top screen so that task items are displayed. If the
user selects "Internet Connection," for example, from the items, a
browser is activated and displayed on the display. Thus, the user
can access a desired web site. However, if the user wishes to
resume writing an e-mail while browsing a web site, the user must
perform a tedious operation, where the user must close the browser
to get to the top screen, again select the selection menu from the
top screen so that the task items are displayed, select "Create
Electronic Mail," for example, and select the previously saved
e-mail so that it is displayed on the display.
[0008] There also are portable information apparatuses having a
screen memo function for storing a displayed screen. However, this
function cannot be applied to all displayed screens. Further, in
order to display the content of the screen memo, the user must,
much like what is described above get to the selection menu from
the top screen and then select, for example, the item "Screen
Memo." Thus, in terms of the effort on the part of the user, there
is not much of a difference.
[0009] On the other hand, in the next generation of portable
telephones which will be more multi-functional than those presently
available, it may be anticipated that there will arise a need for
carrying out a plurality of processes at the same time (parallel
processing), such as browsing a web site and listening to music at
the same time, while writing an e-mail every now and then. However,
with what is available, an operation in which the top screen is
displayed, a selection menu is selected, the task items are
displayed, and the desired item is selected to activate the desired
application software so that it is displayed on the screen becomes
an operation sequence for using an application software. And in
order to activate and display a different application software,
this sequence must be repeated. Hence, there lies a problem in that
the switching operation for switching between a plurality of
application software processed simultaneously, and having the
screen of the desired application software displayed becomes
further tedious.
[0010] The present invention provides a task display switching
method, which can easily carry out a display switching operation to
switch between a plurality of application software when they are
activated and processed in parallel in a portable information
apparatus, and the like.
[0011] In order to solve or alleviate the above-mentioned problems,
the task display switching method, the portable apparatus and the
portable communications apparatus according to the present
invention are designed so as to have the following configuration
(steps).
[0012] In a portable apparatus capable of processing a plurality of
tasks (application software) in parallel and of displaying a
plurality of display regions which display data, an icon
corresponding to a task (application software) displayed in a first
display region serving as a main display region is generated
automatically or manually, the generated icon is displayed in a
second display region serving as a sub-display region. When an icon
is selected from the icons displayed in the second display region,
the task (application software) corresponding to the selected icon
is restored and displayed in the first display region automatically
or manually. Consequently, when a plurality of tasks (application
software) are processed in parallel, a switching operation for
switching between the tasks (application software) may be performed
smoothly.
[0013] In addition, by automatically or manually generating an icon
such that it corresponds to the most recent state of the task, to a
state in which the task is suspended or stopped, or to an initial
state of the task, and such that the icon is generated by reducing
the image displayed in the first display region, and that they are
automatically or manually erased from the second display region
when restoration is performed, because the icons may be
appropriately generated so as to correspond with a predetermined
state from among a most recent state, a suspended state and an
initial state of the task (application software), the task
(application software) may be started in a desired state when
resuming the task (application software) in the first (main)
display region.
[0014] The portable communications apparatus according to the
present invention is capable of processing a plurality of tasks in
parallel, and comprises a display unit having a first display
region for displaying data, a hinge unit having a second display
region for displaying data, an operation unit having operating
means for receiving commands and input from a user, and an icon
generating means for generating icons corresponding to the tasks.
The display unit and the operation unit are joined via the hinge
unit, and the portable communications apparatus may be
opened/closed with the hinge unit as a shaft. The second display
region is provided such that it may be viewed when the display unit
and the operation unit are rotated and are thereby placed in a
closed state, and is designed so as to be able to indicate the
status of the apparatus. As such, when the apparatus is in use
(opened), it is possible to switch smoothly between multiple tasks
(application software) processed in parallel, and even when folded
and not in use (closed), data which indicate communication
conditions (signal field strength and the like), and the apparatus
status such as remaining battery capacity, the time, presence of
stored data and the like. Thus, a small display region may be
utilized efficiently.
[0015] As mentioned above, in multi-functional and downsized (in
terms of length, size, weight and thickness) portable apparatuses,
such as portable telephones, PDAs and the like, by generating an
icon corresponding to the application software (tasks) displayed in
the first display region serving as the main display region,
displaying the generated icon in the second display region serving
as the sub-display region, and selecting the desired icon from the
icons displayed in the second display region, the desired
application software (task) may be restored and displayed in the
first display region. Thus, when a plurality of application
software (tasks) are processed in parallel, the switching operation
for switching between these application software (tasks) may be
performed smoothly, and the ease and speed of the switching
operation are improved.
[0016] Further, by generating the icons such that they correspond
to a predetermined state from among a most recent state, a
suspended or stopped state and an initial state of the application
software, the application software may be started at the desired
state when it is restored and displayed on the main display unit to
resume the application software. Thus, the ease and speed of the
application software resuming procedure are improved.
[0017] In, for example, downloading data, if the downloading screen
is continuously displayed on the main display unit (the first
display region), the content displayed on the display is frequently
updated. However, if an icon is displayed on the sub-display unit
(the second display region), there no longer is any need to update
the screen. Thus, an embodiment of the present invention also has
an advantage in that the power consumed in updating the screen is
saved, which leads to lower power consumption.
[0018] Further, in a foldable portable communications apparatus,
such as a portable telephone, PDA and the like, in which the
display unit and the operation unit may be rotated and
opened/closed with the hinge unit as a shaft, by providing the
second (sub) display region in the hinge unit, and in a position
such that the second display region may be viewed when the
apparatus is folded (closed), switching operations for switching
between a plurality of application software processed in parallel
may be performed smoothly while the apparatus is in use (opened),
as described above, and, further, even when the apparatus is folded
and not in use (closed), the second display region may be utilized
effectively by displaying data indicating communication conditions
such as the signal field strength, and apparatus conditions such as
remaining battery capacity, the time, presence of stored data and
the like. Hence, there is an advantage in that the second display
region may be used effectively without affecting the size of the
apparatus, while at the same time improving the ease and speed of
operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIGS. 1A and 1B are external views of a foldable portable
telephone according to the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 1C is an explanatory view illustrating display examples
for a display unit;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the inner
configuration of the portable telephone shown in FIGS. 1A and
1B;
[0022] FIG. 3 is an explanatory view schematically showing the
relationship between a main display unit and a pointer type icon in
the portable telephone shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B;
[0023] FIGS. 4A through 4C are explanatory views schematically
showing the relationship between the internal state of a memory and
the main and sub-display units in a case where the pointer type
icon is used in the portable telephone shown in FIGS. 1A and
1B;
[0024] FIG. 5 is an explanatory view schematically showing the
relationship between the main display unit and a copy type icon in
the portable telephone shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B;
[0025] FIGS. 6A through 6C are explanatory views schematically
showing the relationship between the internal state of the memory
and the main and sub-display units in a case where the copy type
icon is used in the portable telephone shown in FIGS. 1A and
1B;
[0026] FIG. 7 is an explanatory view schematically showing the
relationship between the main display unit and a reduction type
icon in the portable telephone shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B;
[0027] FIGS. 8A through 8C are explanatory views schematically
showing the relationship between the internal state of the memory
and the main and sub-display units in a case where the reduction
type icon is used in the portable telephone shown in FIGS. 1A and
1B;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a task display
switching method in the portable telephone shown in FIGS. 1A and
1B;
[0029] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing an example of a
specific operation of the portable telephone shown in FIGS. 1A and
1B;
[0030] FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing an example of a
specific operation of the portable telephone shown in FIGS. 1A and
1B;
[0031] FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing an example of a
specific operation of the portable telephone shown in FIGS. 1A and
1B;
[0032] FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing an example of a
specific operation of the portable telephone shown in FIGS. 1A and
1B; and
[0033] FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing an example of display
positions for the main display unit and the sub-display unit of the
portable apparatus and the portable communications apparatus
according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] Embodiments of a task display switching method, a portable
apparatus and a portable communications apparatus according to the
present invention will be described below with reference to the
attached drawings. However, the drawings are presented for purposes
of explanation only, and the technical scope of the present
invention is not limited thereto.
[0035] The portable telephone shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is an
example of an embodiment of the portable apparatus and portable
communications apparatus according to the present invention. What
is shown is a foldable portable telephone 100, which is equipped
with functions such as accessing the Internet or the like to browse
websites, and creating, transmitting and receiving e-mail and the
like.
[0036] FIG. 1A is an external view of the portable telephone 100 in
use, and there are shown a display unit 120 having a main display
unit 122, a hinge unit 140 on which a sub-display unit 142 is
provided, and an operation unit 160 for performing operations with,
such as inputting data.
[0037] The display unit 120 and the operation unit 160 are
connected via the hinge unit 140, and are rotatable with the hinge
unit 140 serving as a shaft so as to be opened/closed. FIG. 1B
shows the portable telephone 100 at rest (closed and not in use),
and the display unit 120 and the operation unit 160 are folded with
the hinge unit 140 as a shaft so as to overlap.
[0038] The display unit 120 has the main display unit 122 as a
first display region for displaying, for example, an e-mail screen
or a web browser, and a speaker 104 for telephone calls and the
like. The display unit 120 is rotatably connected to the operation
unit 160 via the hinge unit 140.
[0039] The hinge unit 140 is provided with the sub-display unit 142
for displaying one or more icons each corresponding to an
application software (task) and so forth, or data and the like. The
hinge unit 140 rotatably connects the display unit 120 and the
operation unit 160. In addition, the sub-display unit 142 is
provided in a position such that the displayed content may be
viewed from outside even when the portable telephone is not in use
(i.e. when the display unit 120 and the operation unit 160 are
folded such that they overlap) (refer to FIG. 1B).
[0040] The operation unit 160 may have: input/call keys 162, such
as numerical keys, a manner button, a memo button, a call button, a
clear button, an end button and the like; operation keys 164 for
moving a cursor up, down, right or left in the screen on the main
display unit 122 and/or sub-display unit 142, scrolling, confirming
and executing an operation, specifying a data range and the like; a
microphone 108 for use during a telephone conversation and the
like, and the operation unit 160 is rotatably connected to the
display unit 120 via the hinge unit 140.
[0041] In FIG. 2, the portable telephone 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B is
shown to have an inner configuration as illustrated. In FIG. 2,
there are shown an antenna 101, the speaker 104 for use during, for
example, a telephone conversation, an apparatus speaker 106, the
microphone 108 for use during a telephone conversation, a duplexer
111, a receiving unit (RX) 112, a transmitting unit (TX) 113, a DSP
(Digital Signal Processor) 114, a control section 115, a RAM
(Random Access Memory) 116, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 117, the
operation unit 160, the main display unit 122 and the sub-display
unit 142. Moreover, there are shown an imaging control unit 118, a
camera 119, an antenna 102 and a short-range wireless
communications unit 105.
[0042] The antenna 101 is connected to the duplexer 111. During a
receiving operation, a signal received by the antenna 101 is sent
to the duplexer 111. During a transmitting operation, a
transmission signal from the duplexer 111 is sent to the antenna
101, and a radio signal is radiated from the antenna 101.
[0043] The duplexer 111 is connected to the antenna 101, the
receiving unit (RX) 112 and the transmitting unit (TX) 113. During
the receiving operation, the signal received by the antenna 101 is
sent to the receiving unit (RX) 112 through the duplexer 111.
During the transmitting operation, the transmission signal from the
transmitting unit (TX) 113 is sent to the antenna 101 through the
duplexer 111.
[0044] The receiving unit (RX) 112 is connected to the duplexer 111
on one end, and to the DSP 114 on the other end. The receiving unit
(RX) 112 demodulates the reception signal from the duplexer 111 and
sends the demodulated signal to the DSP 114. The transmitting unit
(TX) 113 is connected to the duplexer 111 on one end, and to the
DSP 114 on the other end. The transmitting unit (TX) 113 modulates
the transmission signal from the DSP 114, and sends the modulated
signal to the duplexer 111.
[0045] The speaker 104 and the apparatus speaker 106 are connected
to the DSP 114, and they output audio signals processed by the DSP
114. Also, the microphone 108 is connected to the DSP 114, and
sends inputted audio to the DSP 114 for processing.
[0046] The DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 114 is connected to the
transmitting unit (TX) 113, the receiving unit (RX) 112, the
speaker 104 for use during a telephone conversation, the apparatus
speaker 106, the microphone 108 and the control unit 115. Under the
control of the control unit 115, the DSP 114 processes audio input
from the microphone 108 or reception signals from the receiving
unit (RX) 112, and outputs the processed signals to the speaker
104, or processes data and the like from the control unit 115, and
outputs the processed data to the transmitting unit (TX) 113 or the
apparatus speaker 106.
[0047] The control unit 115 is connected to the DSP 114, the
operation unit 160, the RAM 116, the ROM 117, the main display unit
122, the sub-display unit 142, the imaging control unit 118 and the
short-range wireless communications unit 105. The control unit 115
controls the respective connected units in accordance with a
control program in the ROM 117 (or the RAM 116).
[0048] The RAM (Random Access Memory) 116 is connected to the
control unit 115, and is capable of performing parallel processing
of a plurality of application software (tasks). The RAM 116
performs data processing in accordance with the control unit 115,
and, for example, switching processes for switching between
application software (tasks) to be displayed on the main display
unit 122 or the sub-display unit 142 are executed. The tasks
mentioned above are not limited to application software, and may
include, for example, phone call information (such as cumulative
call time), a transmission log, and an icon corresponding to a
screen for showing such information may be generated.
[0049] The ROM (Read Only Memory) 117 is connected to the control
unit 115, and stores a control program (an operating system) for
controlling the apparatus, identification information (telephone
number, apparatus number and the like), a plurality of application
software (tasks), image data of one or more icons, and the like.
Under the control of the control unit 115, required information
(data) and programs are sent to the RAM 116 and the like as
needed.
[0050] The operation unit 160 is connected to the control unit 115,
and, via the control unit 115, gives operation instructions, such
as inputting text, placing a phone call, display switching and the
like by way of the input/call keys 162 or the operation keys 164
(refer to FIG. 1A).
[0051] The main display unit 122 is connected to the control unit
115. As the first display region, the main display unit 122 follows
instructions from the control unit 115, and displays application
software (tasks) in the form of, for example, an e-mail screen, a
web browser or the like.
[0052] The sub-display unit 142 is connected to the control unit
115. As a second display region, the sub-display unit 142 follows
instructions from the control unit 115, and displays one or more
icons each generated in correspondence with an application software
(task) displayed on the main display unit 122, data and the like.
If the apparatus is not in use (closed), the sub-display unit 142
displays, as shown in FIG. 1C, apparatus statuses, such as signal
field strength (142g), remaining battery capacity (142b), the time
(142c), information on apparatus settings, such as whether manner
mode is on or off, for example) (142d), presence of stored data
(stack) (142e) and the like, through icons and the like. Moreover,
it is naturally possible to display these icons indicating the
respective apparatus statuses in combination as in 142f.
[0053] The antenna 102 is connected to the short-range wireless
communications unit 105, and transmits and receives radio waves for
short-range wireless communications such as infrared communications
(IrDA) or Bluetooth.
[0054] The short-range wireless communications unit 105 is
connected to the antenna 102 on one end, and is connected to the
control unit 115 on the other end. The short-range wireless
communications unit 105 establishes a connection with, for example,
a laptop personal computer complying with the blue-tooth
specification, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), another portable
telephone or the like without a cable, and transmits and receives
voice or data.
[0055] The imaging control unit 118 is connected to the camera 119
on one end, and to the control unit 115 on the other end. The
imaging control unit 118 imports a captured image data from the
camera 119, and performs image data processing such as displaying
the captured image on the main display unit 122 (or the sub-display
unit 142) via the control unit 115, or storing the captured image
in the RAM 116 and the like.
[0056] The camera 119 is connected to the imaging control unit 118,
and sends an image which has been shot to the imaging control unit
118.
[0057] The relationship between the icon displayed on the
sub-display unit 142 and the screen displayed on the main display
unit 122 in the portable telephone 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B and
FIG. 2 will be described below.
[0058] The icon displayed on the sub-display unit 142 is classified
broadly into (1) a pointer type, (2) a copy type and (3) a
reduction type.
[1] Pointer Type Icon
[0059] As shown schematically in FIG. 3, the pointer type icon is
an icon which is generated in correspondence with the processing of
the task displayed on the main display unit 122 while the task is
active. When the pointer type icon is selected, the most recent
state of the task corresponding to this icon is restored and
displayed on the main display unit 122.
[0060] FIGS. 4A through 4C are diagrams schematically showing the
relationship between the internal state of the memory and the main
and sub-display units 122 and 142. The task displayed on the main
display unit 122 is executed in a main region 122a in the memory,
and a different task of which processing is continuing is stored in
a sub-region 142a, and the task is displayed as a pointer type icon
on the sub-display unit 142.
[0061] In FIG. 4A, task (A) is currently executed, and the task (A)
is displayed on the main display unit 122. It is assumed that
nothing is displayed on the sub-display unit 142.
[0062] In order to switch to a different task (B) while the
processing of the task (A) is continued, if the operation keys 164
and the like are used to start the task (B), a pointer type icon 10
corresponding to the task (A) is automatically or manually
generated, and the icon 10 is displayed on the sub-display unit
142. At this point, in the memory, the task (A) processed in the
main region 122a corresponding to the main display unit 122 is
switched to the sub-region 142a, and the task (A) is monitored by a
pointer P.
[0063] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4B, the task (B) begins
processing in the main region 122a, and the task (B) is displayed
on the main display unit 122. At this point, processing of the task
(A) is continued in the sub-region 142a in the memory, and the most
recent states (A(1)) . . . (A(n)) thereof are monitored by the
pointer P.
[0064] If the task (B) is terminated, stopped or suspended as shown
in FIG. 4C, the task executed in the main region 122a is
automatically switched from the task (B), currently under
execution, to the task (A). The most recent state (A(8)), for
example, of the task (A) monitored by the pointer P is restored in
the main region 122a, and the most recent state (A(8)) of the task
(A) is displayed on the main display unit 122. At the same time,
the icon 10 (corresponding to task (A)) is erased from the
sub-display unit 142 (and the sub-region 142a). However, it is also
possible to keep the icon 10.
[0065] The automatic task switching operation may be such that
switching to a task that was activated immediately before as
described above, or to a predefined or arbitrarily specified task
is performed.
[0066] Alternatively, when terminating, stopping or suspending the
task (B), switching from the task (B) to the task (A) may be done
by performing a predetermined operation with the operation keys 164
and the like to switch from the main display unit 122 to the
sub-display unit 142, and then selecting the icon 10 corresponding
to the task (A).
[2] Copy Type Icon
[0067] The copy type icon, as shown schematically in FIG. 5, is an
icon generated in correspondence with the task displayed on the
main display unit 122 in a suspended or stopped state, or in a
state in which the initial state is maintained (copied). When the
copy type icon is selected, the task corresponding to this icon is
restored and displayed on the main display unit 122 in a state at
which the task was suspended or stopped, or in its initial
state.
[0068] FIGS. 6A through 6C are diagrams schematically showing the
relationship between the internal state of the memory and what is
displayed on the main and sub-display units 122 and 142 when the
copy type icon is used. The task displayed on the main display unit
122 is executed in the main region 122a in the memory, and a
different task in its initial state or in a state in which
processing is suspended (stopped) is stored in the sub-region 142a,
and is displayed as the copy type icon on the sub-display unit
142.
[0069] In FIG. 6A, the task (A) is being executed, and the task (A)
is displayed on the main display unit 122. It is assumed that
nothing is displayed on the sub-display unit 142.
[0070] In suspending (stopping) a task (A) and switching to a
different task (B), if the task (B) is activated through a
predetermined operation using the operation keys 164 and the like,
a copy type icon 10 corresponding to the task (A) is automatically
or manually generated, and the icon 10 is displayed on the
sub-display unit 142. At this point, in the memory, processing of
the task (A) which is undergoing processing in the main region 122a
corresponding to the main display unit 122 is switched to the
sub-region 142a in a state in which the processing of the task (A)
is suspended (stopped) or in its initial state, and the task (A) is
monitored by the pointer P such that it is activated in the
suspended (or stopped) state or in its initial state.
[0071] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, the activated task
(B) begins processing in the main region 122a, and the task (B) is
displayed on the main display unit 122. At this point, in the
sub-region 142a of the memory, the task (A) is still in the
suspended (stopped) or initial state (A(1)).
[0072] If the task (B) is terminated, stopped or suspended, as
shown in FIG. 6C, automatic switching from the task (B) under
execution in the main region 122a to the task (A) is performed. The
task (A) monitored by the pointer P is restored in the main region
122a in the state (A(1)) at which processing thereof was previously
suspended (stopped), and the task (A) in the state (A(1)) is
displayed on the main display unit 122. The icon 10 is erased from
the sub-display unit 142 (and the sub-region 142a). However, it is
also possible to keep the icon 10.
[0073] The automatic task switching operation may be such that
switching to an immediately preceding task, or to a predefined or
arbitrarily defined task is performed.
[0074] Moreover, in terminating, stopping, or suspending the task
(B), a predetermined operation using the operation keys 164 and the
like may be carried out to switch from the main display unit 122 to
the sub-display unit 142, and the icon 10 of the task (A) may be
selected to thereby switch from the task (B) to the task (A).
[3] Reduction Type Icon
[0075] The reduction type icon, as shown schematically in FIG. 7,
is an icon generated by reducing the screen of the task displayed
on the main display unit 122 as it is. Much like the pointer type
icon mentioned above, the reduction type icon may restore and
display the most recent state of a task on the main display unit
122 (reduction pointer type). Alternatively, the reduction type
icon may also restore a task in the state in which it was suspended
(or stopped) or in its initial state, and display the task on the
main display unit 122, as in the case of the copy type icon,
(reduction copy type).
[0076] Further, if the icon displayed on the sub-display unit 142
is capable of tracking changes in the state of the task and of
changing itself in accordance therewith, much like a sub-window in
a television with PinP (Picture-in-Picture) functions, checking the
state of the task with the icon itself may be made possible.
[0077] FIGS. 8A through 8C are diagrams schematically showing the
relationship between the internal state of the memory and what is
displayed on the main and sub-display units 122 and 142 when the
reduction type icon is used. The task displayed on the main display
unit 122 is executed in the main region 122a in the memory, and a
different task in a state in which processing is ongoing or
suspended (stopped), or in an initial state is stored in the
sub-region 142a, and the task is displayed as a copy type icon on
the sub-display unit 142.
[0078] In FIG. 8A, a task (A) is executing, and the task (A) is
displayed on the main display unit 122. It is assumed that nothing
is displayed on the sub-display unit 142.
[0079] In switching to a different task (B) while the processing of
the task (A) is continued, if the task (B) is activated through a
predetermined operation with the operation keys 164, a reduction
type icon 10, which corresponds to the task (A) and in which the
displayed screen is reduced in scale by lowering the resolution
thereof, is automatically or manually generated, and the icon 10 is
displayed on the sub-display unit 142. At this point, in the
memory, the task (A) processed in the main region 122a
corresponding to the main display unit 122 is switched to the
sub-region 142a, and the task (A) is monitored by a pointer P.
[0080] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, processing of the
activated task (B) is started in the main region 122a, and the task
(B) is displayed on the main display unit 122. At the same time,
processing of the task (A) is continued in the sub-region 142a in
the memory, and the most recent states (A(1)) . . . (A(n)) thereof
are monitored by the pointer p.
[0081] When the task (B) is terminated, stopped or suspended the
task executed in the main region 122a is automatically switched, as
shown in FIG. 8C, from the task (B) to the task (A). The most
recent state (A(8)) of the task (A) monitored by the pointer P is
restored in the main region 122a, and the most recent state (A(8))
of the task (A) is displayed on the main display unit 122. At the
same time, the icon 10 (task (A)) is erased from the sub-display
unit 142 (and the sub-region 142a). However, it is also possible to
keep the icon 10.
[0082] In the automatic task switching operation, it is possible to
switch to the immediately preceding task as described above, or it
is also possible to switch to a predefined or arbitrarily defined
task.
[0083] Moreover, in terminating, stopping or suspending the task
(B), switching from the task (B) to the task (A) may be performed
by switching from the main display unit 122 to the sub-display unit
142 through a predetermined operation with the operation keys 164
or the like, and then selecting the icon 10 of the task (A).
[0084] Alternatively, without switching from the main display unit
122 to the sub-display unit 142, the icon 10 of the sub-display
unit 142 may be selected by, for example, a special operation such
as pushing the jog dial (scroll key) of the operation keys 164 and
"*" of the input/call keys 162 at the same time.
[0085] The description of the reduction type icon above is given
with respect to a reduction pointer type icon in which the most
recent state of the task corresponding to the icon is displayed
(restored) on the main display unit 122 in a fashion similar to the
pointer type icon. However, it is also possible to generate a
reduction copy type icon which performs an operation similar to the
copy type icon in which a task corresponding to the icon is
displayed (restored) on the main display unit 122 in the state at
which the task was suspended or stopped, or in its initial
state.
[0086] A specific example of the operations of the portable
telephone 100 as it is used while switching between a plurality of
application software (tasks) using the pointer type/copy
type/reduction type icons mentioned above will be described below
with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 9.
[0087] The operation of the portable telephone 100 is started when
the portable telephone 100 is turned on, and it is ended
unconditionally when the power is turned off. The portable
telephone 100 is, for example, equipped with functions such as
creation, transmission and reception of e-mail, accessing and
browsing the Internet, gaming, taking pictures, placing phone
calls, music reproduction and the like as application software
(tasks). The portable telephone 100 is capable of processing a
plurality of application software (tasks) in parallel, and of
generating icons for each of the application software (tasks) and
switching between the tasks.
[0088] First, when the portable telephone 100, of which the display
unit 120 and the operation unit 160 are folded together in a closed
position, is opened so as to be operable, the main display unit 122
and the sub-display unit 142 become viewable (refer to FIG. 1A),
and a preset top screen is displayed (ST100). Then, when a
predetermined operation is performed with the input/call keys 162
or the operation keys 164 of the operation unit 160, and an
application software, for example, a web browser if accessing the
Internet, is activated, the web browser is displayed on the main
display unit 122, and the content displayed on the main display
unit 122 is updated in accordance with processings and operations
performed (ST101, 102).
[0089] When an application software such as the web browser or the
like is activated, it is judged whether or not icon generation is
in automatic generation mode (ST103).
[0090] If icon generation is in automatic generation mode, a
predetermined data is retrieved from the RAM 116 or the ROM 117 to
generate the icon 10 (for the web browser, in this case), or the
icon 10 (for the web browser) in which the screen on the main
display unit 122 is reduced is generated, and the generated icon 10
is displayed on the sub-display unit 142 (ST104, 105).
[0091] If, on the other hand, icon generation is not automatic, it
is then selected whether or not the icon is to be generated
manually (ST106).
[0092] In order to generate an icon manually, a predetermined
operation is performed with the operation keys 164 and the like,
and, as in the case above, a predetermined data is retrieved from
the RAM 116 or the ROM 117, thereby generating the icon 10 (for the
web browser), or alternatively, the icon 10 (for the web browser)
may be generated by reducing the content displayed on the main
display unit 122 (ST104). The icon 10 (for the web browser) thus
generated is displayed on the sub-display unit 142 (ST105). If the
icon is not to be generated manually, the operational flow proceeds
to the processing of the application software (in this case, the
web browser).
[0093] Subsequently, if a different application software, for
example, an application software for writing e-mail, is activated,
it is judged whether or not an icon 10 for this application
software is already generated and displayed on the sub-display unit
142 (ST108). In this case, it is judged whether or not the icon for
the e-mail application software is displayed (present) on the
sub-display unit 142.
[0094] If the icon 10 (for the e-mail application) is displayed
(generated) on the sub-display unit 142 (i.e. if the application is
active), switching to the application software corresponding to the
icon 10, in this case, the e-mail software, is performed, and the
e-mail screen is displayed on the main display unit 122, and the
content displayed is updated regularly in accordance with
processings and operations performed
(ST108.fwdarw.ST110.fwdarw.ST111.fwdarw.ST102 . . . ).
[0095] If the icon (for the e-mail application) is not displayed
(generated) on the sub-display unit 142, it is judged whether or
not the application software (the e-mail application), whose
activation is requested, is in automatic icon generation mode
(ST103).
[0096] In automatically generating the icon, a predetermined data
is retrieved from the RAM 116 or the ROM 117 to generate the icon
10 (for the e-mail application), or, alternatively, the icon 10
(for the e-mail application) may be generated by reducing the
content displayed on the main display unit 122. The icon 10 thus
generated is displayed on the sub-display unit 142 (ST103, ST104,
ST105).
[0097] If icon generation is not automatic, it is then selected
whether or not the icon is to be generated manually (ST106).
[0098] In the case of manual generation, a predetermined operation
is performed with the operation keys 164 and the like, and, as in
the case above, predetermined data is retrieved from the RAM 116 or
the ROM 117 and the icon 10 (for the e-mail application) is
generated, or the icon 10 (for the e-mail application) in which the
content displayed on the main display unit 122 is reduced is
generated. The icon 10 thus generated is displayed on the
sub-display unit 142 (ST104, 105). If the icon is not to be
generated manually, the operational flow proceeds to the processing
of the application software (in this case, the e-mail
application).
[0099] Desired processing is performed with the application
software (the e-mail application) currently displayed on the main
display unit 122, and it is then selected whether or not processing
of the application software (the e-mail application) is to be
terminated (ST109).
[0100] If the processing is not terminated, operation of the
application software (the e-mail application) is continued
(ST109.fwdarw.102 . . . ).
[0101] If processing is terminated, it is judged whether or not the
icon 10 of the application software (the e-mail application) is
present (displayed) on the sub-display unit 142
(ST109.fwdarw.ST112).
[0102] If the icon is present on the sub-display unit 142, it is
then selected whether or not the icon is to be erased from the
sub-display unit 142 (ST114).
[0103] In erasing the icon, it is judged whether the icon is to be
erased automatically or manually (ST115). The icon 10 (and the data
in the memory) is then erased from the sub-display unit 142 (and
the sub-region 142a of the memory) automatically or through a
predetermined operation of the keys or the like (ST116). If the
icon is not to be erased, the icon 10 (for the e-mail application)
is kept on the sub-display unit 142 (and the sub-region 142a of the
memory).
[0104] If the icon is not present on the sub-display unit 142, it
is judged whether or not there are any other active application
software (ST112.fwdarw.ST113).
[0105] If there is another active application software, it is
switched to this application software, which is displayed on the
main display unit 122. The process is then continued
(ST113.fwdarw.ST102.fwdarw. . . . ).
[0106] On the other hand, if there are no other active application
software, the pre-set top screen is displayed
(ST115.fwdarw.ST113.fwdarw.ST100).
[0107] Specific examples of the mobile phone 100 in use will be
described below with reference to FIGS. 10 through 13, based on the
operation flow shown in FIG. 9.
[0108] In the portable telephone 100 shown in FIG. 10, an audio
screen 122e is displayed on the main display unit 122, reproduction
processing of audio data is carried out, and a plurality of the
icons 10 are displayed on the sub-display unit 142.
[0109] For the icons 10 displayed on the sub-display unit 142,
there are pre-set, in the upper row from the left, a top (initial)
screen icon 10a, an icon 10b for connecting to the Internet, an
icon 10c for executing a Java (R) program, an icon 10d for e-mail
and an icon 10e for operating the camera 119. In this example,
these icons 10 are always displayed on the sub-display unit 142 in
the upper row. In the bottom row, an icon for an active application
software under processing or displayed on the main display unit 122
is displayed. In FIG. 10, an icon 10f for audio is displayed.
[0110] The always-displayed icons 10a to 10e displayed on the upper
row of the sub-display unit 142 are copy type icons. When these
icons are selected, a preset screen for each application software
is displayed on the main display unit 122.
[0111] On the other hand, as for the icon displayed on the lower
row of the sub-display unit 142, if it is a copy type (or a
reduction copy type), display/erasure thereof is selected manually,
and if it is a pointer type (or a reduction pointer type), it is
automatically displayed/erased in accordance with the
activation/termination of the corresponding application
software.
[0112] For example, if, as shown in FIG. 10, the portable telephone
100 is used for listening to music, the audio player software is
active, and the audio screen 122e is displayed on the main display
unit 122, and a manually or automatically generated "" icon 10f is
displayed on the sub-display unit 142.
[0113] If under such circumstances, a telephone call is received,
it is automatically switched from the audio player software to a
telephone call software (or by operating the input/call keys 162).
As shown in FIG. 11, the main display unit 122 switches to a call
data screen 122b which displays the telephone number of the person
on the line, the duration of the call and the like. The audio
player software in the main region in the memory is shifted to the
sub-region, and reproduction of music is continued or temporally
stopped. Also, with the activation of the telephone call software,
a busy icon 10g (pointer type) indicating that a user is in the
middle of a phone call is automatically generated on the
sub-display unit 142.
[0114] In addition, it is also possible to connect to the Internet
during a phone call. For example, if the user wishes to access a
web site to search for a restaurant, a predetermined operation is
performed with the input/call keys 162 or the operation keys 164 of
the operation unit 160 to thereby switch from the main display unit
122 to the sub-display unit 142. Then, the "i" icon 10b on the
upper row of the sub-display unit 142 is selected.
[0115] When the "i" icon 10b is selected, a net connection software
is activated, and a web browser is displayed on the main display
unit 122. Then, a desired web site is found and accessed via the
Internet, and a restaurant search screen is displayed on the main
display unit 122 as shown in FIG. 12. At this point, the call
software processed in the main region of the memory is shifted to
the sub-region, and processing of the phone call is continued. In
addition, with the activation of the net connection software, a
"Net" icon 10h (pointer type) is automatically generated on the
sub-display unit 142.
[0116] Then, in the restaurant search screen 122c, station name,
budget, kind of cuisine and the like, for example, are inputted,
and information on restaurants (such as telephone number and a map)
which match the search conditions is displayed on the main display
unit 122.
[0117] At this point, a copy type (reduction copy type) icon 10H
for the displayed screen may be generated and displayed on the
sub-display unit 142 through a predetermined operation with the
input/call keys 162 of the operation unit 160 or the operation keys
164, or the displayed screen may be saved as a copy type (reduction
copy type) icon to replace the "Net" icon 10h (pointer type) when
the net connection software is terminated. The icon 10h for the net
connection software may also be erased automatically after a
predetermined period has elapsed.
[0118] Moreover, if it is desired that the information (the
displayed screen) retrieved in the restaurant search screen 122c of
FIG. 12 be sent via e-mail, it is switched from the main display
unit 122 to the sub-display unit 142 through a predetermined
operation of the input/call keys 162 or the operation keys 164, and
the mail icon 10d (illustrated with a drawing of an envelope in the
diagram) on the top row of the sub-display unit 142 is
selected.
[0119] When the mail icon 10d is selected, the e-mail software is
activated, and a screen for creating a new message 122d shown in
FIG. 13 is displayed on the main display unit 122. At the same
time, a "New" icon 10i (pointer type) is automatically generated on
the sub-display unit 142.
[0120] Then, items such as title, addressee, main text or the like
may be inputted through the input/call keys 162 or the operation
keys 164 of the operation unit 160, and the icon 10H is attached.
When the thus generated message is transmitted or saved, the "New"
icon 10i of the sub-display unit 142 is automatically erased
(returns to the state shown in FIG. 12).
[0121] Subsequently, when Internet connection is terminated (refer
to FIG. 11) and the phone connection is cut, the "Net" icon 10h and
the "busy" icon 10g of the sub-display unit 142 are automatically
erased, and music reproduction is resumed automatically or manually
(returns to the state shown in FIG. 10).
[0122] At this point, if the "" icon 10f is a pointer type icon,
music reproduction has been ongoing, and thus when the music
reproduction software is automatically or manually reactivated
after the phone call is terminated, music reproduction is resumed
in a condition where a certain period of time has elapsed. If, on
the other hand, the "" icon 10f is a copy type icon, music
reproduction is in a state in which it is temporarily stopped. When
the audio player software is automatically or manually reactivated
after the call is terminated, music is reproduced from the point at
which it was stopped. Regardless of whether the icon is of a
pointer type or a copy type, when the audio player software is
reactivated, the main display unit 122 displays the audio screen
122e.
[0123] When each of the application software is successively
terminated, according to the operational flow of FIG. 9, the top
(initial) screen is displayed on the main display unit 122.
However, if, as in the case above, a process in which the
application software used most recently is displayed is adopted,
the restaurant search screen 122c (refer to FIG. 12), for example,
is displayed on the main display unit 122. If, on the other hand, a
process in which the application software whose data is updated
most frequently is displayed is adopted, the call data screen 122b
(refer to FIG. 11. However, it is assumed here that the call data
is updated most frequently), for example, is displayed on the main
display unit 122.
[0124] In addition, for the icons illustrated in FIGS. 10 through
13, "" for example, is used for music reproduction, and "busy" is
used for the call mode, and the icons are automatically selected in
accordance with the application software. However, it is naturally
possible to use other methods, such as making a selection each time
an icon is generated, or assigning an icon by order, or the
like.
[0125] Further, the main display unit 122 (one display screen)
provided on the display unit 120 may be divided into a main display
area and a sub-display area. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, in a
display unit 120A, if the main display area is set to be a display
region (B) 122M, the sub-display area may be displayed in an upper
portion of a display unit 122A as a display region (A) 122S, or it
may be displayed in the lower portion of the display unit 122A as a
display region C (sub) 122S. Moreover, it is naturally possible to
place one of the main display area and the sub-display area on the
right and the other on the left, or to alternate between the main
and the sub-display areas as required, or place the main and
sub-display areas in positions other than those described above.
Still further, the sizes of the display regions of the main display
area and the sub-display area may be set arbitrarily.
[0126] Thus, in a portable telephone, other than the foldable
portable telephone 100 equipped with the main display unit 122 and
the sub-display unit 142 as separate display screens as mentioned
above, in which only one display unit is provided, similar
functionality is still achievable if the one display unit is
divided, as shown in FIG. 14, into a main display area and a
sub-display area. Therefore, functionality similar to those
described herein may naturally be attained in apparatuses other
than a portable telephone apparatus regardless of whether or not
they are of a foldable type and of whether or not they are equipped
with a plurality of display units.
[0127] Thus, since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied
in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or
general characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been
indicated, the embodiments described herein are to be considered in
all respects illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the
invention is to be indicated by the appended claims, rather than by
the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the
meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are intended to be
embraced therein.
* * * * *