JPH04367962A - Small-sized information terminal machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To quickly execute the call and the selection of a picture symbol, and to improve the handleability, in the small-sized information terminal machine such as an electronic pocketbook, etc., where the picture symbol can be used. CONSTITUTION:In a storage area of a RAM 3, a telephone directory storage area, a memo storage area and a schedule storage area are secured, respectively, and picture symbols used for application programs corresponding to these storage areas are registered in priority call order for each application program. In such a way, when the application program is started, the picture symbol registered in the corresponding storage area is called in order of priority and displayed on a candidate screen of an LCD 10.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a small-sized information terminal such as an electronic notebook, and more particularly to a small-sized information terminal capable of displaying pictorial symbols frequently used in application programs on a display section.

0002

[Prior Art] As an example of an electronic notebook, various pictorial symbols such as telephone symbols and weather symbols are called up (displayed) on a candidate screen on a display section, and the operator selects the pictorial symbol by key input and displays the characters on the display screen. Some items can now be inserted into columns. Conventionally, calling this type of pictorial symbol was performed using RAM
This was done by following a recall procedure that first called up the learning candidate screen using the pictorial symbol learning memory stored in the memory.

FIG. 7 shows a CPU in a conventional calling method.
The control procedure is shown below. When this processing program starts, the CPU first stores the RAM shown in FIG. 8 in step S1.
Learning memory 3a allocated to a part of the storage area of 3
The data stored in ~3e is transferred from the RAM 3 to the display buffer (display buffer memory). Next, the content corresponding to the data transferred to the display buffer in step S2 is displayed as a learning candidate screen on the candidate screen of the display unit, and
' is set to X'=0.

[0004] Here, X' means the number of pages of the called screen based on the initially called initial learning candidate screen. That is, when the next screen of the initial learning candidate screen is called, X' is set to X'=X'+1, and when the previous screen is called, X' is set to X'=X'-1.

[0005] Next, in step S3, the operator waits for a key input and determines whether the next screen or the previous screen is to be called. If it is determined that the next screen is to be called, X' is set to X'=X'+1 in step S4. and,
In step S5, it is determined whether or not X' is X'=0 or X'=A'. Here, X'=0 means that the candidate screen remains the initial learning screen, so the CPU
If it is determined that 1 is X'=0, the process returns to step S1 and the processes from step S1 onwards are performed again. Also, since A' indicates the number of candidate screens excluding learning candidate screens, X'=A'
indicates a state in which the learning candidate screen is not called up. Therefore, the process returns to step S1 in the same way, and step S1
Retry the following process.

[0006] When it is confirmed in step S5 that X'=0 or The selected data is displayed on the candidate screen (S7). Thereafter, the process returns to step S3 and the processes from step S3 onwards are performed again.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the next screen is to be called, then in step S8 X' is changed to X'=X'-
1, and then in step S9 X'=0orX'=-
It is determined whether or not it is A'. X'=0orX'
After confirming that =-A' is not set, step S
At step 10, the pictorial symbol data of the previous screen is transferred from the learning memories 7a to 7e of the RAM 3 to the display buffer, and the transferred data is displayed on the candidate screen (S11). Thereafter, the process returns to step S3 in the same manner, and the processes from step S3 onwards are performed again. On the other hand, in step S9, X'=0orX'=
-A', the process returns to step S1 in the same manner as described above, and the processes from step S1 onwards are performed again.

As shown in FIG. 8, the storage area of the RAM 3 includes learning memories 3a to 3e for storing pictorial symbol data.
is assigned. The learning memories 3a to 3e are common to all application programs stored in the ROM of the electronic notebook. Therefore, the pictorial symbol learning candidate screen that is called up first is common to all application programs. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, when a certain pictorial symbol data α is selected, the pictorial symbol data stored in the learning memories 3a to 3e is stored in the first learning memory. 3a, and the pictorial symbol data stored in the learning memories 3a to 3d before selection are shifted and stored in the learning memories 3b to 3e, respectively. Therefore, the pictorial symbol data stored in the learning memory 3e before selection is erased.

[0009]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] According to the above-mentioned conventional example, the system configuration is such that the picture symbol learning candidate screen that is called up first is common to all application programs. This method has disadvantages in that frequently used pictorial symbols are not included in the initial learning candidate screen, and cumbersome key operations are required to select the pictorial symbol to be selected, resulting in a long operation time.

[0010] In other words, because of the learning memory configuration described above, unnecessary pictorial symbols frequently used in the application program used last time are included in the first learning candidate screen. This is because it is necessary to call the next screen.

[0011] Furthermore, when a new pictorial symbol is selected, there is a problem in that the pictorial symbol is rewritten to another pictorial symbol and deleted, even though the pictorial symbol is frequently used in a certain application program. .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the drawbacks of the prior art, and aims to provide a compact information terminal that can immediately select a pictorial symbol with a simple operation and that is significantly more user-friendly. .

[0013]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The small information terminal of the present invention is a small information terminal that can display pictorial symbols used in a plurality of application programs stored in a program storage section on a candidate screen of a display section. In a terminal device, a storage unit having a storage area in which the pictorial symbols frequently used in the application program are registered in association with each application program and in priority order, and an application program stored in the program storage unit. and control means for reading out the pictograms corresponding to the application program from the storage unit in priority order and displaying them on the candidate screen of the display unit when the application program starts, thereby achieving the above object. Ru.

[0014]

[Operation] According to the above configuration, the pictorial symbols used in correspondence with each application program are identified for each application program, and are registered in the storage area of the storage unit with priorities according to frequency of use, etc. So,
When the corresponding application program starts, the pictorial symbol with the highest priority is displayed on the candidate screen of the display section. Furthermore, registered pictorial symbols will not be lost.

[0015]

[Examples] Examples of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1 shows the electronic notebook of the present invention together with an IC card set therein. CPU1 is the electronic notebook 100
It is the control center of the ROM 2 and performs various controls according to a plurality of application programs stored in the ROM 2. As an example of this control, writing of data to the RAM 3 is approximately performed as follows.

When the operator operates the keyboard (main body keys) 5 attached to the electronic notebook 100 and inputs keys corresponding to the data contents, the input data is transferred to the gate array 6.
and is input to the CPU 1 via the I/O section 7. C.P.
U1 transfers the input data to RAM 3 via gate array 6.
write to. Data written in the RAM 3 is backed up by a memory protection battery 4.

The gate array 6 includes an LCD driver 8,
An LCD 10 as a display section is connected via 9. L
The CD 10 displays data in the RAM 3 read out by the CPU 1 and display guidance to be described later.

[0019] An IC card 2 is placed on one end surface of the electronic notebook 100.
A card slot into which 00 is set is opened. When the IC card 200 is set in the card slot,
The connector 11 electrically connects the IC card 200 and the electronic notebook. In the connected state, the driving battery 12 of the electronic notebook 100 supplies power to the IC card 200. The driving battery 12 also supplies power to the CPU 1 and the like in the electronic notebook 100. A low battery detection circuit 13 that detects the battery capacity of the drive battery 12 is connected to the drive battery 12 . The detection result of the low battery detection circuit 13 is CPU1
will be reported.

The outline of the IC card 200 is as follows. R
A plurality of types of application programs for driving the IC card 200 are stored in the OM 20 . The application program is selected by operating a key matrix printed on the surface of the IC card 200. That is, when the IC card 200 is set in the card slot, the IC card placed in the corresponding position of the electronic notebook
Transparent touch key for cards (transparent touch panel switch)
The key matrix is visible through 14. Therefore, when a corresponding part of the IC card transparent touch panel 14 is pressed, a desired application program is selected and the selected content is reported to the CPU 1.

When the IC card 200 is set in the electronic notebook 100, the CPU 1 reads data written in the RAM 21 according to an application program stored in the ROM 20, and displays the data on the LCD 10. In addition, data input via the keyboard 5 is stored in the RAM.
Write on 21. Writing/reading of data to/from the RAM 21 is performed via the gate array 22. R.A.
A memory protection battery 23 is connected to M21, and when the IC card 200 is removed from the electronic notebook 100, the memory protection battery 23 backs up the data written in the RAM 21.

In addition to the above configuration, the electronic notebook 100 of the present invention is provided with a function selection key 15 that allows selection of various functions (menus). FIG. 2 shows the details of the function selection key 15, and the function selection key 15 includes a calendar key 150.
, a schedule key 151, a telephone key 152, a memo key 153, a clock key 154, a calculation key 155, and a card key 156 are provided.

When a key other than the card key 156 is selected, the selection result is reported to the CPU 1. Then, the CPU 1 starts the application program corresponding to the key selected from among the plurality of application programs stored in the ROM 2, and the mode is thereafter set to 100 for the electronic notebook.

Incidentally, when the telephone key 152 is selected, R
When the application program for the telephone directory function stored in OM2 is started and the card key 156 is selected,
An application program stored in ROM 20 of IC card 200 is started.

FIG. 3 shows a control procedure of the CPU 1 that performs application program startup processing. When the power is turned on, the CPU 1 initializes the application program in the ROM 2 in step S20. Next, in step S21, it is determined whether the function selection key 15 has been turned on. When it is confirmed that one of the functions has been selected by the on operation, the corresponding application program is started (S22).

FIG. 4 shows the storage area of RAM3. RAM
3 has storage areas 30a to 3 as storage areas for the telephone directory.
0e is secured, storage areas 30f to 30j are secured as storage areas for memos, and storage areas 30k to 30o are secured as storage areas for schedules. Default values are stored in advance in the storage areas 30a to 30o, and the operator can register frequently used pictorial symbols for each application program in the storage areas 30a to 30o. This registration work is performed according to the procedure shown in FIG.

When the CPU 1 confirms that the pictorial symbol registration mode has been set by the operator's key input in step S30, it then determines in step S31 whether or not an application program has been selected. After confirming that the selection has been made, the storage areas 30a to 30e, 30f to 30j, and 30k are then stored in step S32.
30o is selected. This selection operation is also performed by key input by the operator.

When it is confirmed that one of the storage areas has been selected, it is determined in step S33 whether or not a pictorial symbol to be registered has been designated. When it is confirmed that the specified input has been made, a registration process is performed in which the specified pictorial symbol is written in the specified storage area in step S34. Then, in step S35, it is determined whether all the registration processing has been completed, and when it is confirmed that the registration processing has been completed, the registration work is ended at that point.

Note that each storage area 30a to 30e, 30f
In the first storage areas ~30j and 30k~30o, pictorial symbols to be called with the highest priority in each application program are registered.

As described above, the dedicated storage areas 30a~
The pictorial symbols registered in 30e (or 30f to 30j, 30k to 30o) are called up on the candidate screen of the LCD 10. This calling operation is performed according to the control procedure shown in FIG.

In step S40, the CPU 1 first determines whether the application program currently in use is a telephone directory application program, a memo application program, or a schedule application program. If it is determined that the application program is a telephone directory, the process advances to step S41. On the other hand, if it is determined that the application program is for memo use, the process proceeds to step S42, and if it is determined that the application program is for schedule use, the process proceeds to step S43.

In step S41, storage area 3 of RAM 3 is
The pictorial symbols registered in 0a to 30e are read and transferred to the display buffer. Further, in step S42, RA
The pictorial symbols registered in the storage areas 30f to 30j of M3 are read out and transferred to the display buffer, and in step S43, R
The pictorial symbols registered in the storage areas 30k to 30o of AM3 are read out and transferred to the display buffer.

When step S41 is completed, the pictorial symbols transferred to the display buffer in step S44 are displayed on the LCD 10.
displayed on the candidate screen as an initial priority call candidate screen,
Set X to X=0. Here, X means the number of pages of the call screen based on the initial pictorial symbol priority call candidate screen that is called first. In other words, if you call the next screen after the initial pictorial symbol priority call candidate screen,
Set X to X=X+1, and when calling the previous screen, set X to X=X-1.

If it is determined in step S45 that the next screen is to be called, then in step S46, X is set to X=X+1 in order to call the next screen of the priority call candidate screen. Next, in step S47, it is determined whether or not X is X=0 or X=A. When it is confirmed that X=0 or go

On the other hand, in step S47, X=0orX=A
If it is determined that it is not, the process advances to step S48, where the pictorial symbol of the next screen of the priority call screen is stored in RAM
read from the storage area and transfer it to the display buffer. Next, in step S49, the pictorial symbol transferred to the display buffer is displayed on the next screen, the priority candidate calling screen. When step S49 is completed, the process returns to step S45 and the processes from step S45 onwards are performed again. here,
A is the number of candidate screens excluding the priority candidate call screen.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S45 that the previous screen is to be called, the process proceeds to step S50, and X is set to X=X-1 in order to call the previous screen of the priority call candidate screen. Next, in step S51, it is determined whether or not X is X=0 or X=-A,
When it is confirmed that this is the case, the process returns to step S41 as shown by ■ in the figure, and the process from step S41 onwards is performed again.

[0037] In step S51, X is X=0 or X=-A.
If it is confirmed that this is not the case, in step S52, the pictorial symbols on the previous screen of the priority call screen are read out from the storage area of the RAM 3 and transferred to the display buffer. Next, the pictorial symbols transferred to the display buffer in step S53 are displayed on the LCD.
10 priority display candidate screens. This step S5
When the process of step 3 is completed, the process returns to step S45, and the process from step S45 onwards is performed again.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S40 that the application program currently in use is a memo application program, the process proceeds to step S42, where the pictorial symbols registered in the storage areas 7f to 7j of the RAM 3 are read out and stored in the display buffer. Transfer to the above step S.
Processing B corresponding to steps S44 to S53 is executed to sequentially display on the LCD 10 priority call candidate screens for pictorial symbols frequently used in memo application programs. Further, if it is determined in step S40 that the application program currently in use is a schedule application program, in step S43 the pictorial symbols registered in the storage areas 7k to 7o of the RAM 3 are read out and transferred to the display buffer, and the same goes on. Processing B is performed.

[0039] In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to an electronic notebook has been described, but it goes without saying that it can be similarly applied to other small-sized information terminals.

[0040]

[Effects of the Invention] The small information terminal of the present invention as described above identifies the pictorial symbols used for each application program and stores them in the storage section in order of priority according to the frequency of use, etc. Since the system configuration is such that registration is performed in an area, when an application program starts, the corresponding highest priority pictorial symbol is automatically displayed on the candidate screen of the display unit. Therefore, the operator can immediately select the pictorial symbol he or she wants to use. Therefore, the troublesome operations as in the above-mentioned conventional example are no longer necessary, so that the usability of the small information terminal can be greatly improved.

Furthermore, once a pictorial symbol is registered in a predetermined storage area, it will not be rewritten to another storage area or disappear. Therefore, unless there is a need to change the registered contents, the calling process can be performed again with the same registered contents with confidence.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an electronic notebook of the present invention and an IC card set therein.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing function selection keys.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing application program startup processing.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a storage area for pictorial symbol registration allocated to a RAM storage area.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a CPU control procedure in pictorial symbol registration processing.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a CPU control procedure when calling pictorial symbols registered in RAM to a candidate screen.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for calling a learning candidate screen in a conventional example.

FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a learning memory allocated to a storage area of a conventional RAM.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for rewriting pictorial symbols in a conventional RAM.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 CPU 2 ROM 3 RAM 30a-30e Phonebook storage area 30f-30j Memo storage area 30k-30o Schedule storage area 5 Keyboard 6 Gate array 10 LCD 15 Function selection key 20 ROM 21 RAM 100 Electronic notebook 200 IC card

Claims (1)

[Claims] Claim 1: A small information terminal capable of displaying pictorial symbols used in a plurality of application programs stored in a program storage section on a candidate screen of a display section, wherein the pictorial symbols frequently used in the application programs are displayed on a candidate screen of a display section. Symbols are associated with each application program,
and a storage unit having a storage area registered in priority order, and when one application program stored in the program storage unit starts, the pictorial symbol corresponding to the application program is read out from the storage unit in accordance with the priority order. , and a control means for displaying on the candidate screen of the display section.