Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02256980 1998-12-23
PORIABLE RADIO INF~RMATION TERMINAL APPARA$US,
~Kk~W OPERATING ~Ll~Ov, k~kvING MEDIUM AND
INFORMATION PRO~SlNG APPARAIUS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In general, the present invention relates to a portable radio
information t~rmin~l apparatus and a screen operating method. More
parti~ll~rly, the present invention relates to a portable radio
information t~rmin~l apparatus for controlling received message
information in a structure of hierarchical layers and displaying a
screen of a hierarchical layer. In particular, the present
invention relates to a pager and a-screen operating method adopted
in the pager.
A portable radio information t~rmin~l apparatus is a handy
and portable, it is capable of functioning as a t~rmin~l of a
communication network. In recent years, there have been
implemented portable radio information t~rmin~l apparatus with a
variety of configurations and functions to meet a rapidly growing
demand in a wide range of applications in the field of information
c~mmllnication network.
An example of such a portable radio information terminal
apparatus is a pager which is widely used for carrying out
communications by radio signals.
An early pager generates beeping sound of a bell when a
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
calling signal is received from a radio base station. A radio
calling signal is capable of cAlling the user carrying this pager
even if the user is present at a separated place. The radio
calling signal is normally used to urge the user to respond to the
calling signal by using a wire telephone closest to the user.
By the way, a signal generated by the radio base station is
not merely ended with such a cAlling signal. A signal generated by
the radio base station is also capable of conveying information.
On the pager side, on the other hand, information conveyed by an
incoming signal is decoded and a result of the decoding is stored
in a memory unit and displayed on a liquid crystal display panel
as a message. A pager having functions to decode, store and
display such information has been developed and widely used at the
present time.
The pager organizes message texts each obtained as a result
of decoding an incoming signal into message files stored in a
memory unit. Each message file includes message attributes and
control information in addition to a message text.
Examples of message attributes are the time and date of the
reception, the size and the type of the message. The type of a
message indicates the message has been originated by an individual,
a message provided by an organization such as an information
service company as a service, and so on. The type of a message is
represented by a code number attached to the message.
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CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
In particular, a signal transmitted by an information -
service company may convey an identification code. Such an
identification code is detected automatically to be automatically
appended as a code number for each message type.
For example, a lock flag is attached to the control
information to prevent the message from being deleted from the
file.
Another example, an index is attached to the control
information to indicate or update a scroll format in a scroll
operation.
In addition, a message text of up to typically 4 lines each
comprising m~ ~ 20 characters appears on an embodied liquid
crystal display panel in an operation to display the message text
on the screen. In the case of a message text comprising a large
number of lin~s, the user is allowed t~ carry out A scroll
operation to scroll up or down the message text by entering a
command in order to sequentially view all the lines of the message
text.
By the way, the conventional pager is provided with a tahle
of contents or a table of messages representing a plurality of
received message texts stored in the memory unit to make the
message texts easy to reference. The table of contents normally
comprises shortened headlines each created by the user for a
message text after the user reading the message text. The user
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then catalogs the he~dl;ne into the table of contents as a caption
for the message text by using some input means. In general,
however, the table of contents has a thumb-nail format, comprising
captions which are each a copy of a portion generally the
beginning of the received message text.
In order to manage data of the table of contents and messages
efficiently, the data is organized into a hierarchical information
structure. In the hierarchical information structure, the table of
contents is placed at the top hierarchical layer whereas messages
texts or message files are put at a hierarchical layer at a low
level. Each displayed screen is associated with a hierarchical
layer.
The following is adescription of control of information based
on the hierarchical structure adopted in the conventional pager
and operations accompanying the control with reference to Fig. 12.
Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a hierarchical structure
of data adopted in the conventional portable radio information
terminal apparatus.
As shown in the figure, a table of contents (or a table of
messages) is placed at the top hierarchical layer. The table of
contents is displayed on the screen as a message table screen 300.
When it is desired to display a first message text, the user
operates an input-device to select a headline of the first message
text. In the example, the operation to select a headline is
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denoted by reference numeral 301.
When a confirm~tion button is operated after the headline has
been selected, the operation of the confirmation button is
regarded as adecision 302 made by the user to display the first
message text on the screen and a transition from the top
hierarchical layer to a layer at a low level takes place
automatically. This transition causes the message table screen 300
to be replaced with the first message text 303.
If it is desired to further display a third message text 306
instead of the first message text 303 at the low level
hierarchical layer appearing on the screen, for example, an escape
key is operated as indicated by reference numeral 304 to escape
from the present low level hierarchical layer, and return to the
top layer to redisplay the message table screen 300. Then, the
user operates an input-device to select a headline of the third
message text as indicated by the reference numeral 301. When a
confirmation button is operated after the he~line has been
selected, the operation of the confirmation button is regarded as
adecision 305 to display the third message text 306 on the screen
and a transition from the top hierarchical layer to a layer at a
low level takes place automatically. This transition changes the
first message text 301 to the third message text 306.
As described above, in a portable radio information terminal
apparatus adopting the conventional hierarchical data structure,
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when it is desired to replace a message text of the low level
hierarchical layer displayed on the screen with another message
text placed at the same layer, the display needs to be once
returned to the top layer and then the user makes a transition
from the top layer back to the low level layer after selecting a
hea~line of the other message text. The transition causes the
desired message text to be displayed on the screen.
In the configuration described above wherein, when it is
desired to replace a message text of the low level hierarchical
layer displayed on the screen with another message text placed at
the same layer, the display must be once returned to the top layer
and then the user needs to make a transition from the top layer
back to the low level layer after selecting a headline of the
desired message text, the user is forced to repeat input
operations a number of times. As a result, the operation is
cumbersome for users and it is feared that mistakes in operation
may be made.
In addition, not only it is cumbersome to operate, but it
also takes time to complete processing performed in response to
the input operations carried out by the user. As a result, there
is also raised a problem of difficulty to complete the processing
in a short period of time.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is thus an object of the present invention addressing the
problems of the screen operation configuration encountered in the
co-lven~ional portable radio information tPrmin~l apparatus as
described above to provide a new portable radio information
t~rmin~l apparatus which is capable of making transition from a
displayed screen placed at a low layer of a hierarchical structure
comprising a pl~rality of layers for controlling data to another
screen placed at the same layer im~ tely through a simple input
operation and to provide a screen operating method for the new
portable radio information terminal apparatus.
A screen operating method according to claim 1 is adopted in
a portable radio information terminal apparatus which:
controls data of a hierarchical information table comprising
a low-level layer for placing at least a plurality of messages
each conveyed by an incoming radio wave and a high-level layer for
placing at least a table of contents for the messages;
is capable of carrying out processing including an operation
to display any message at the low-level layer; and
has an input means for use by the user for entering a command,
an image displaying unit for displaying a screen and an inter-
layer transition means for making an inter-layer transition
between the high-level layer and the low-level layer of the
hierarchical information table.
....... ....... .
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The image operating method includes a step of carrying out a
screen switching operation based on an infra-layer transition
wherein the screen displayed on the image displaying unit is
switched from one of the messages placed at the low-level layer to
another message placed at the same layer right away without a
transition from the low-level layer to the high-level layer in
accordance with a command entered via the input means.
Thus, by merely entering a command via the input devices, it
is possible to easily carry out a short-cut operation wherein the
screen displayed on the image displaying unit is switched from one
of the messages placed at the low-level layer to another message
placed at the same layer right away. As a result, there is
exhibited an effect that makes it possible to eliminate a complex
operation of the conventional screen operating method to make an
inter-layer transition a number of times and, hence, to improve
operatability of the portable radio information t~rmin~l apparatus.
A portable radio information t~rmin~l apparatus according to
claim 2 has:
A data control means based on a low-level layer for placing
at least a plurality of messages each conveyed by an incoming
radio wave and a high-level layer for placing at least a table of
contents for the messages;
an input means used by the user for entering a standalone
command and composed of a plurality of input devices each capable
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of generating an independent input signal;
an image displaying unit for displaying a screen; and
and an inter-layer transition means for making an inter-layer
transition between the high-level layer and the low-level layer of
the hierarchical information table.
The portable radio information t~rmin~1 apparatus further
comprises:
a standalone/simultaneous-input-signals judging means for
forming a judgment as to whether an input signal generated by the
input means is a plurality of simultaneous input signals generated
at the same time by the input devices or a standalone input signal
generated by one of the input devices; and
an infra-layer transition means for carrying out a screen
operation based on an infra-layer transition to switch a displayed
screen associated with a layer of the hierarchical information
structure to another screen associated with the same layer without
a transition from the layer to another layer of the hierarchical
information structure in the case of an outcome of the judgment
formed by the standalone/simultaneous-input-signals judging means
indicating that an input signal generated by the input means is a
plurality of simultaneous input signals generated at the same time
by the input devices.
Thus, when the standalone/simultaneous-input-signals judging
means detects simultaneous input signals, the infra-layer
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transition means carries out a short-cut operation, that is, a
screen switching operation based on an infra-layer transition
wherein the screen displayed on the image displaying unit is
switched from one of the messages placed at the low-level layer to
another message placed at the same layer right away without a
transition from the low-level layer to the high-level layer. In
addition, it is possible to provide a portable radio information
t~rmin~l apparatus wherein a sequence of operations are specified
by merely entering a command, that is, by merely carrying out
simultaneous operations that generate a plurality of input signals
at the same time.
A recording medium according to claim 3 is used for storing
at least 2 means each as a program, that is, a procedure fetchable
for execution by a computer employed in a portable radio
information t~rmi n~l apparatus which includes an image displaying
unit in addition to a plurality of input devices and is capable of
carrying out control of information based on a plurality of
hierarchical layers. The 2 means recorded in the recording means
are:
a standalone/simultaneous-input-signals judging means for
formung a judgment as to whether an input signal generated by the
input devices is a plurality of simultaneous input signals
generated at the same time by the input devices or a standalone
input signal generated by one of the input devices during an
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operation carried out by the portable radio information terminal
apparatus at one of the hierarchical layers; and
an infra-layer transition means for carrying out a screen
operation based on an infra-layer transition to switch a displayed
screen associated with one of the hierarchical layers to another
screen associated with the same hierarchical layer without a
transition from the same hierarchical layer to another
hierarchical layer in the case of an outcome of the judgment
formed by the standalone/simultaneous-input-signals judging means
indicating that an input signal generated by the input means is a
plurality of simultaneous input signals generated at the same time
by the input devices.
As a result, by incorporating the recording medium in the
portable radio information t~rmi n~ apparatus having a message
storing memory unit and an information control means based on a
hierarchical information structure composed of a plurality of
layers in addition to the computer including a central processing
unit, the input devices and the image displaying unit as a memory
for storing operating procedures to be executed by the central
processing unit, it is possible to implement a portable radio
information terminal apparatus having:
a function of the infra-layer transition means to carry out a
screen operation in an infra-layer transition, wherein the display
appearing on the image displaying unit is switched from a present
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screen at a current layer of the hierarchical information
structure to another screen at the same layer without a transition
from the current layer to another layer, if a plurality of
simultaneous input signals generated at the same time by a
plurality of input devices are detected; and
a function to carry out a screen operation in an inter-layer
transition, wherein the display appearing on the image displaying
unit is switched from a present screen at a current layer of the
hierarchical information structure to another screen at another
layer, if a predetermined input signal is generated.
According to claim 4 microcomputer includes:
an embedded central processing unit; and
an embedded storage unit for storing programs as procedures
which can each be fetched for execution by the central processing
unit.
The microcomputer is employed in a portable radio information
terminal apparatus which also includes an image displaying unit in
addition to a plurality of input devices and is capable of
carrying out control of information based on a plurality of
hierarchical layers,
wherein the programs stored in the storage unit at least
include the following 2 means:
a standalone/simultaneous-input-signals judging means for
forming a judgment as to whether an input signal generated by the
....
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- input devices is a plurality of simultaneous input signals
generated at the same time by the input devices or a standalone
input signal generated by one of the input devices during an
operation carried out by the portable radio information t~rmin~l
apparatus at one of the hierarchical layers; and
an infra-layer transition means for carrying out a screen
operation based on an infra-layer transition to switch a displayed
screen associated with one of the hierarchical layers to another
screen associated with the same hierarchical layer without a
transition from the same hierarchical layer to another
hierarchical layer in the case of an outcome of the judgment
formed by the standalone/simultaneous-input-signals judging means
indicating that an input signal generated by the input means is a
plurality of simultaneous input signals generated at the same time
by the input devices.
As a result, by letting the central processing unit
sequentially execute the means stored in the memory unit, it is
possible to easily implement a portable radio information terminal
apparatus having a simple configuration provided with:
a function of the infra-layer transition means to carry out a
screen operation in an infra-layer transition, wherein the display
appearing on the image displaying unit is switched from a present
screen at a current layer of the hierarchical information
structure to another screen at the same layer without a transition
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from the ~ulLenL layer to another layer, if a plurality of
simultaneous input signals generated at the same time by a
plurality of input devices are detected; and
a function to carry out a screen operation in an inter-layer
transition, wherein the display appearing on the image displaying
unit is switched from a present screen at a current layer of the
hierarchical information structure to another screen at another
layer, if a predetermined input signal is generated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of main
components in a portable radio information t~rmi n~ 1 apparatus
implemented by a first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a complete configuration of
the portable radio information terminal apparatus shown in Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a typical configuration of a
rotary/press input device employed in the portable radio
information t~rmi n~l apparatus provided by the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a transition diagram showing a process of
transitions in handling interruptions generated by a input device;
Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a front view of the external
appearance of the portable radio information terminal apparatus
shown in Fig 2;
Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing operating mode
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transitions occurring in the portable radio information tPrmin~l
apparatus provided by the present invention;
Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing inter-layer and
infra-layer transitions during an operation of the portable radio
information terminal apparatus provided by the present invention;
Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a table of contents displayed on
a screen of the portable radio information t~r~in~l apparatus
provided by the present invention;
Fig. 9 shows a flowchart representing operations carried out
by the portable radio information t~rmin~l apparatus provided by
the present invention to change the screen in accordance with
input signals;
Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration
of a recording medium implemented by a second emkodiment of the
present invention;
Fig. ll is a block diagram showing the configuration of a
microcomputer implemented by a third emhodiment of the present
invention; and
Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing inter-layer
transitions during an operation of the conventional portable radio
information terminal apparatus.
DEIPILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention will become more apparent from the
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CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
following detailed description of some preferred embodiments with
reference to the accompanying diagrams. It should be noted that
the embodiment described below is no more than a preferred example
showing the essential configuration and operation of the present
invention. Thus, the embodiment may have limitations which are
desirable from the technological configuration point of view.
However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the
embodiment unless otherwise specified explicitly in adescription
to limit the scope of the present invention.
Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of main
components composing of a portable radio information terminal
apparatus implemented by a first embodiment of the present
invention. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a complete
configuration of the portable radio information t~r~in~l apparatus
and Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a front view of the external
appearance of the portable radio information t~rmin~l apparatus
shown in Figs. 2.
Used as a pager, the portable radio information t~rmi n~l
apparatus 1 provided by the present invention serves as a
communication means which comprises an antenna 2, a receiver unit
3 and a demodulation unit 4 as shown in Fig. 2. The antenna 2
receives a radio wave conveying an information signal from a
transmitter such as a remote radio station. Connected to the
antenna 2, the receiver unit 3 amplifies and detects the signal
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CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
received by the antenna 2. Connected to the receiver unit 3, the
demodulation unit 4 serves as a decoder for decoding a signal
output by the receiver unit 3 to produce code information.
In addition, the modulation unit 4 also has an A/D converter
for generating digital information. The modulation unit 4 further
has a function to compare the code information obtained as a
result of decoding with an ID code to form a judgment as to
whether or not the received information signal is indeed a signal
destined for this portable radio information terminal apparatus 1.
The ID code is recorded in advance in an ID memory unit (not shown
in the figure) implemented typically by an EEPROM. It should be
noted that the ID memory unit itself is not shown in the figure. A
signal output by the demodulation unit 4 is supplied to a CPU 5.
The CPU 5 is further connected to a message storing memory
unit 7 which is implemented typically by an SRAM.
The CPU 5 is a component for carrying out data processing and
input/output processing. To put it in detail, the CPU 5 executes a
variety of programs or executable procedures stored in advance in
ROM units internal and external to the CPU 5 to read in an input
signal received from an input-device to be described later, to
write data into a file on the message storing memory unit 7, to
read out a file from the message storing memory unit 7 and to
control all operations of the portable radio information terminal
apparatus 1 including an operation to display information such as
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.
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
a message indicating existence of an incoming signal and warnings
including an alarm indicating a voltage abnormality on a display
screen.
In addition, the CPU 5 also composes and copies a table of
contents and a screen image of the table of contents. The CPU 5
also places the table of contents at the top layer and message
files at a low level layer in a hierarchical structure as well as
manages information of the hierarchical structure.
A message included in the code information produced by the
demodulation unit 4 from a received signal is written and stored
in the message storing memory unit 7. The message is read out from
the message storing memory unit 7 to be displayed on a display
screen. The message storing memory unit 7 can also be implemented
by a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory and an
EEPROM in addition to the SRAM described above.
operated by the user, the input-device mentioned above
comprises a rotary input device 9 and a press switch 8 forming a
single assembly with the rotary input device 9. The single
assembly comprising the press switch 8 and the rotary input device
9 constitutes a rotary/press input device 39 which will be
described in detail later.
Also operated by the user, the input-device mentioned above
further has an input switch 16. The input switch 16 is a non-
rotary input device which is actuated by a non-rotary operation.
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
When a non-rotary operation such as a pressure or a touch is
carried out by the input switch 16, an input signal 16a is
generated.
The input signal 16a generated by the input switch 16 is
referred to as a non-rotary input signal. In this embodiment, the
input switch 16 is used as an input-device for carrying out an
escape operation or a simultaneous compound input operation to be
described later.
The rotary input device 9, the press switch 8 and the input
switch 16 are connected to an input-device control unit 10 which
is connected to the CPU 5.
The CPU 5 is connected to a display-panel driving unit 11.
Also connected to the display-panel driving unit 11 is a liquid
crystal display panel 12 for displaying a screen. The display-
panel driving unit 11 and the liquid crystal display panel 12 form
an image displaying unit.
A display signal output by the CPU 5 is transmitted to the
display-panel driving unit 11 which supplies a driving signal to
the liquid crystal display panel 12. Driven by the driving signal,
the liquid crystal display panel 12 forms a screen.
The CPU 5 is also connected to a message-signal outputting
unit 13 which is connected to a speaker 14 used as an audio
message device. The CPU 5 outputs an operation signal to drive the
speaker 14 by way of the message-signal outputting unit 13 for
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converting the operation signal into an audio signal for driving
the speaker 14.
The CPU 5, the input-device control unit 10 and other
components described above constitute a control means. Main
components of the portable radio information t~rmin~l apparatus 1
shown in Fig. 1 are described as follows.
As shown in the figure, connected to a data bus serving as a
data transfer means 20 are components such as the CPU 5, a system
memory unit 6, a ROM unit 6/, the message storing memory unit 7,
an input-signal processing unit 10B, the display-panel driving
unit 11 and the message-signal outputting unit 13.
Thus, the CPU 5 is capable of exchanging data with the system
memory unit 6, the ROM unit 6', the message storing memory unit 7,
the input-signal processing unit 10B, the display-panel driving
unit 11 and the message-signal outputting unit 13 through the data
transfer means 20.
The system memory unit 6 is used for storing a means for
organizing information into a hierarchical structure and a variety
of control procedures for mainly adding, deleting and locking data
in addition to controlling all operations of the portable radio
information terminal apparatus 1 as programs executable by the CPU
5.
On the other hand, the ROM unit 6' is used for storing mainly
a variety of execution procedures related to applications as
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programs executable by the CPU 5. The ROM unit 6' is implemented
by a storage device such as a read only MOS memory or a flash
memory.
Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a typical configuration of the
rotary/press input device 39. As shown in the figure, the
rotary/press input device 39 provided by the embodiment includes a
rotary input device 9 used as a rotary operation unit and a press
switch 8 serving as a press operation unit which are built into a
single assembly.
Such a rotary/press input device 39 allows the portable radio
information t~rmin~l apparatus 1 to be made small in size and the
number of components to be reduced. The rotary/press input device
39 is implemented typically by so-called a jog dial or a rotary
encoder. The rotary operation unit is provided with a disc-shaped
knob which can be rotated freely. The press operation unit
generates an intermittent signal when the disc-shaped knob is
pressed in.
Tw~ kinds of signal can be resulted readily when the disc-
shaped knob is rotated in the clockwise (right) direction or the
counterclockwise (left) direction respectively. Further, an
intermittent input signal is generated by pressing the disc-shaped
knob in. Thus, the number of switch devices is reduced. As a
result, the rotary/press input device 39 can be made small in size
and the operatability thereof is improved.
.
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The disc-shaped knob of the rotary input device 9 can be
rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow Pr. When an input
operation is carried out by rotating the rotary input device 9 in
the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, a signal 9a
corresponding to the rotating direction is generated. This signal
is referred to as a rotary input signal 9a.
When the knob is pressed in a direction indicated by an arrow
Pf, the press switch 8 strokes to move. As a result, an
intermittent signal 8a is generated. This intermittent signal 8a
is referred to an intermittent input signal 8a.
Information of the rotating direction of the knob of the
rotary input device 9 is detected by a rotational-direction
detecting circuit lOC employed in the input-device control circuit
10 through a tPrmi n~l as a signal which is then supplied to an
interrupt interface unit lOA.
The interrupt interface unit lOA in turn generates an
interrupt signal based on the signal supplied thereto and forms a
signal lOAa shown in Fig. 1. The signal lOAa conveying the
information of the rotating direction is supplied to the input-
signal processing unit lOB.
When the input-signal processing unit lOB receives the signal
lOAa, it outputs to the data transfer means 20 immediately as it
is or after holding the signal lOAa.
The information is used in execution of a means for
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
det~rmining the rotational direction of the rotary device. It
should be noted that this means is stored in the system memory
unit 6 (not shown in the figures).
When an input-signal processing unit 10B outputs the signal
lOAa i~m~~iately without holding it, the information of the
rotational direction of the knob is used only once. That is, an
operation carried out on the knob corresponds to one execution of
processlng .
On the other hand, when an input-signal processing unit 10B
outputs the signal 10Aa after holding it, the information of the
rotational direction of the knob can be used repeatedly. That is,
with the knob put in a state of being rotated continuously, the
process is carried out repetitively.
In addition, information of the rotational quantity and the
speed of the knob of the rotary input device 9 is supplied to a
rotational-quantity/rotational-speed detecting circuit 10D
employed in the input-device control circuit 10 through a terminal
as a signal which is then similarly supplied to the interrupt
interface unit 10A as shown in Fig. 3. The information can be used
in the process carried out thereafter.
As shown in Fig. 3, an intermittent input signal 8a generated
by the press switch 8 is supplied to a switch-on/off-state
detecting circuit 10E employed in the input-device control circuit
10 through a terminal as a signal which is then likewise supplied
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
to the interrupt interface unit 10A.
In addition, the rotary input device 9 and the press switch 8
are separately designed so that they can be operated independently
of each other. They can also be operated simultaneously as well.
The rotary input device 9 employed in the rotary/press input
device 39 described a~ove, functions as an input-device operated
by the user for supplying a cnmm~n~ signal for controlling
operations in general including a change cn~m~n~ signal to scroll
the display on the screen and a select signal to specify a
specific portion on the screen. On the other hand, the press
switch 8 employed in the rotary/press input device 39 described
above functions as an input-device operated by the user for
supplying a signal used mainly for confirming a selected portion
or a displayed number and typically for causing the operation of
the portable radio information t~rmin~l apparatus 1 to transit
from a layer in the hierarchical structure to another.
The rotary input signal 9a, the intermittent input signal 8a
and the non-rotary input signal 16a generated by the rotary input
device 9, the press switch 8 and the input switch 16 respectively
are each converted by the interrupt interface unit 10A into an
interrupt signal supplied to the CPU 5 by way of an interrupt
receiving terminal.
When the rotary input signal 9a, the intermittent input
signal 8a or the non-rotary input signal 16a is generated as a
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CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
result of an operation carried out on the rotary input device 9,
the press switch 8 or the input switch 16 respectively, an
interrupt signal is supplied by the interrupt interface unit lOA
to the CPU 5. The interrupt signal brings the CPU 5 into an
interrupt handling phase.
Fig. 4 is a transition diagram showing a typical transition
in handling interruption generated by the input device. The
process begins with a state of processing W30 according to a non-
interrupt procedure. In the event of an interrupt signal W31
generated in this state W30, the interrupt signal W31 is received
by the CPU 5 and the portable radio information t~rmin~l apparatus
1 transits to a state of the interrupt-signal processing W32. In
this state W32, an interrupt signal is processed in accordance
with an interrupt signal processing procedure stored in the system
memory unit 6. This procedure begins with identification of an
input-device that has generated the interrupt signal. An input-
device generating the interrupt signal can be identified directly
from an interrupt receiving terminal that receives the interrupt
signal or from information conveyed by the input signal lOAa
supplied by the interrupt interface unit lOA to the interrupt-
signal processing unit lOB.
In identifying the input device having generated an interrupt,
it is possible to ascertain simultaneous inputs from a plurality
of input devices. Illustratively, if a plurality of input devices
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
is operated concurrently, an interrupt W31 is accepted only from
one of these devices which generates the interrupt signal first.
That a queuing list is referenced in the state W32 of interrupt
h~n~ling, however, makes it possible to verify the simultaneous
inputs originating from the multiple devices.
After an input device generating the interrupt signal has
been identified as described above, that is, after an input-device
operated by the user has been identified, a state transition W33
shown in Fig. 4 occurs from the interrupt-signal processing state
W32 to an interrupt h~n~ling state W34. At a state transition W33,
an interrupt handling procedure associated with the identified
input-device is read out from the system memory unit 6 to be
followed in execution of processing to handle the interrupt.
Normally, data such as a value entered by the user throuth the
identified input device is confirmed in this processing. At the
end of this processing, a transition W35 occurs between the state
W34 and the state W30 in which the CPU 5 resumes the non-interrupt
processing. In this resumed processing, the value entered via the
interrupting input-device can be used.
Next, a variety of means stored in the ROM unit 6' are
explained by referring to Fig. 1.
As shown in the figure, a standalone/simultaneous-input-
signals judging means 26, an infra-layer transition means 27, a
scroll-processing means 30 and an inter-layer transition means 31
26
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
are each stored in the ROM unit 6' as a program, that is, a
procedure executable by the CPU 5.
The standalone/simultaneous-input-signals judging means 26
forms a judgment as to whether an input generated by an input
means comprising a plurality of input-devices is a plurality of
simultaneous input signals generated at the same time by the
input-devices or a standalone input signal generated by one of the
input-devices.
The infra-layer transition means 27 carries out a screen
operation in an infra-layer transition, wherein the display
appearing on the image displaying unit is switched from a present
screen at a current layer of the hierarchical information
structure to another screen at the same layer without a transition
from the current layer to another layer, if the outcome of the
judgment formed by the standalone/simultaneous-input-signals
judging means 26 indicates that an input generated by the input
means is a plurality of simultaneous input signals generated at
the same time by a plurality of input-devices.
Any program format can be used for prescribing the means
described above as long as the program can be executed directly or
indirectly. It is thus desirable to adopt an absolute binary
addressing format, and a relocatable binary format which needs
readdressing at execution time is also acceptable. In the case of
the latter format, however, it is necessary to keep a linkage
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
means in the system memory unit 6 as a resident tool.
Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a front view of the external
configuration of the portable radio information t~rmin~l apparatus
1 implemented by the embodiment. The configuration of the portable
radio information t~rmin~l apparatus 1 implemented by the
embodiment is explained by referring to this figure as follows.
The portable radio information t~rmin~l apparatus 1
implemented by the embodiment is accommodated in a thin hexahedron
cabinet 15. At about the center of the front face of the cabinet
15, there is provided a liquid crystal display panel 12 for
displaying a message, a date and/or the time of the day.
At the upper right corner of the cabinet 15, a jog dial used
as the rotary/press input device 39 described earlier is installed
in such a way that a portion of the jog dial protrudes outward
from the cabinet 15. The rotary/press input device 39 has a knob
serving as the rotary input device 9 which can be rotated in the
clockwise or counterclockwise directions freely.
A press switch 8 is assembled with the rotary input device 9
as a single assembly. When the knob of the rotary input device 9
is pressed in, the press switch 8 is actuated.
At a position on the lower side adjacent to the liquid
crystal display panel 12, the input switch 16 functioning as an
escape key is embedded in such a way that the input switch 16 can
be pressed and operated freely. The input switch 16 is operated by
28
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
the user to enter a command to escape or to return to a screen of
an upper layer, a message halting cn~m~n~ to stop alarming sound
generated as a message indicating an incoming call or a cnmm~nd to
control an operation.
The input switch 16 is slightly dented on the surface of the
cabinet 15 toward the inner side of the cabinet 15 to form such a
structure that an inadvertent external force will never be applied
to the switch 16 accidentally. With such a structure, a
malfunction can be avoided.
On the liquid crystal display panel 12, it is possible to
display a message text composed of up to typically 4 lines each
comprising maximum 20 alphabetical and numerical characters.
The configuration of the portable radio information t~rmin~l
apparatus 1 implemented by the embodiment has heen described so
far. Next, the operation of the portable radio information
terminal apparatus 1 is explained as follows.
First of all, normal operations to receive a radio signal and
to display a message are discussed by referring mainly to Fig. 2.
When an electric wave conveying information or a message
destined for a specific portable radio information terminal
apparatus 1 is transmitted from a radio transmitting station, the
t~rmi n~l apparatus 1 receives the radio wave using the antenna 2.
In the receiver unit 3, the radio wave is subjected to signal
processing such as conversion into a signal having an intermediate
29
... ... ~, ..
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
frequency, amplification and detection. In the demodulation unit 4,
after the fact that the message is indeed destined for the
portable radio information terminal apparatus 1 itself has been
confirmed, the received information signal is decoded. The decoded
information signal is finally stored in the message storing memory
unit 7 in an operation controlled by the CPU 5.
To put it in detail, a new message file is created for each
message text. A message text is written into a message file which
is placed at a low level layer in the hierarchical information
structure.
An item representing a newly created message file is further
added to the table of contents placed at a high level hierarchical
layer.
It should be noted that the high level and low level
hierarchical layers are no more than layers of a logical
hierarchical configuration. Thus, the table of contents and a
plurality of message files can be physically laid out in the
message storing memory unit 7 as files or a folder.
The CPU 5 controls the operation of the portable radio
information t~rmi n~l apparatus 1 by executing control programs
stored in the system memory unit 6. First of all, the CPU 5 forms
a judgment as to whether or not an information signal has been
received. If an information signal is judged to have been received,
the display-panel driving unit 11 is operated to display a message
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
of the received information signal read out from the message
storing memory unit 7 on the liquid crystal display panel 12 as a
text composed of up to typically 4 lines each comprising maximum
20 alphabetical and numerical characters.
It should be noted that the image displaying unit does not
have to be implemented by the liquid crystal display panel 12. An
image displaying unit of any arbitrary type can be employed. In
addition, the configuration of a screen is not limited to a
configuration composed of up to 4 lines each comprising m~im.lm 20
alphabetical and numerical characters. Any arbitrary screen
configuration is applicable.
In addition, when an information signal is judged to have
been received, the CPU 5 issues a command to operate the message-
signal outputting unit 13. Operated by the command, the message-
signal outputting unit 13 supplies an alarm signal to the speaker
14 to generate sound for making the user aware of the fact that an
information signal has been received.
Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing operating mode
transitions occurring in the portable radio information terminal
apparatus l provided by the present invention. Fig. 7 is an
explanatory diagram showing inter-layer and infra-layer
transitions in the operation of the portable radio information
terminal apparatus provided by the present invention.
The inter-layer and infra-layer transitions occurring in the
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
portable radio information t~rmin~1 apparatus 1 and the operating
mode transitions accompanying the inter-layer and infra-layer
transitions are explained by referring to Figs. 6 and 7.
In the operating mode transitions shown in Fig. 6 as well as
the inter-layer and infra-layer transitions shown in Fig. 7, the
present operating mode is the mode Mdl displaying the table of
contents placed at the top layer of the hierarchical information
structure. In this case, the portable radio information t~rmin~l
apparatus 1 is operating at the top hierarchical layer. Thus, at
the present time, the table of contents is displayed on the screen
as shown in Fig. 8.
In Fig. 8, notations Sml to Sm4 denote thumb-nail data (or
headlines) of first to fourth message texts respectively. A cursor
on the screen points to the thumb-nail image Sm2 of the second
message text which appears as an inverted display hatched with
slanting parallel lines. The cursor indicates that the second
message text can be currently selected.
In the operating mode Mdl, the knob of the rotary input
device 9 is used for selecting a headline of a message text
cataloged in the table of contents. If the knob is rotated in the
clockwise direction, the cursor moves from the image Sm2 of the
second message text to the image Sm3 of the third message text on
the right side of the image Sm2 in a right select phase p9b. If
the knob of the rotary input device 9 used for selecting a message
32
........ . ~ .. . ...... ... .....
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
text is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, on the other
hand, the cursor moves from the image Sm2 of the second message
text to the image Sml of the first message text on the left side
of the image Sm2 in a left select phase p9a.
If the press switch 8 is pressed in with the cursor on the
screen pointing to the thumb-nail image Sm2 of the second message
text, to display the second message text is confirm~ in a
confirmation/transition phase p8 shown in Figs. 6 and 7. At that
time, the operating mode transits from the table-of-contents
displaying mode Mdl to the inter-layer transition mode MD2 through
the confirmation/transition phase p8 as shown in Figs. 6. The
portable radio information terminal apparatus l then operates in
this inter-layer transition mode MD2, making a preparation for
opening a message file used for storing the second message text
before a transition to the mode Md3 for displaying a message text
placed at a low level hierarchical layer (a phase p316).
In the mode Md3 for displaying a message text, the portable
radio information termin~l apparatus 1 displays the second message
text on the screen. The user is capable of scrolling the screen by
operating the rotary input device 9 as described below.
In the message displaying mode Md3, the knob of the rotary
input device 9 is used for scrolling a displayed message text up
and down. To put it in detail, if the rotary input device 9 is
rotated in the counterclockwise direction, a transition takes
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
place through an upward scroll phase p9c shown in Fig. 6,
scrolling a displayed message text up. If the rotary input device
9 is rotated in the clockwise direction, on the other hand, a
transition takes place through a downward scroll phase p9d shown
in Fig. 6, scrolling a displayed message text down.
If it is desired to switch the displayed screen from the
second message text to the third or fourth message text, a short
cut operation to make an infra-layer transition can be carried out.
For example, by pressing in the press switch 8 of the
rotary/press input device 39 and the input switch 16 at the same
time, a plurality of input signals are generated to make an
operating mode transition from the message displaying mode Md3 to
the infra-layer transition mode Mdfourthrough an infra-layer
transition phase 89 shown in Fig. 6. The infra-layer transition
mode Md4 is present at the same layer as the mode Md3.
In the infra-layer transition mode Md4, a short cut operation
to transit to another message text at the same layer is carried
out by typically pushing the press switch 8 of the rotary/press
input device 39 and rotating the rotary input device 9 of the
rotary/press input device 39 in the clockwise direction to make a
transition through a succeeding-candidate selection phase p9f to
display the succeeding candidate, that is, the first 4 lines of
the third message text on the screen.
If the rotary input device 9 of the rotary/press input device
34
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
39 is further rotated in the clockwise direction while the press
switch 9 is being pushed, a further succeeding c~ te, that is,
the first 4 lines of the fourth message text, is displayed on the
screen.
If the rotary input device 9 of the rotary/press input device
39 is rotated back in the counterclockwise direction while the
press switch 9 is being pushed, on the other hand, a transition is
made through a preceding-c~n~ te selection phase p9e to display
the preceding candidate, that is, the first 4 lines of the
previous third message text, on the screen.
As described above, a direct jump to another message text at
the same current layer is possible.
As the desired candidate, that is, the first 4 lines of
fourth message text for example, appears on the screen, the
operation to push the press switch 8 is stopped. Consequently, the
candidate is confirmed and a transition from the infra-layer
transition mode Md4 back to the message displaying mode Md3 (a
transition phase p27) occurs to complete the short cut from the
second message text to the fourth message text.
Note that, when it is desired to go back from the message
displaying mode Md3 to the mode Mdl for displaying the table of
contents placed at the top hierarchical layer, only the input
switch 16 is operated to make a transition through an escape phase
pl6 to the inter-layer transition mode Md2 before the final
~ . ~ .. ~.
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
transition from the mode Md3 to the mode Mdl for displaying the
table of contents through a transition phase p31a.
Fig. 9 shows a flowchart reprèsenting processing carried out
by the portable radio information terminal apparatus 1 implemented
by the first embodiment of the present invention to display a
message text on the screen. Detailed operations of the processing
are explained by referring to the flowchart shown in Fig. 9.
As shown in the figure, the flowchart begins with a step Sl
at which the CPU 5 executes the standalone/simultaneous-input-
signals judging means 26 stored in the ~OM unit 6' to display the
table of contents (or the table of messages). The flow of the
processing then goes on to a step S2 at which an input signal
generated by the input device is detected.
At the step S2, the input signal is examined to form a
judgment as to whether the input signal has been generated by the
rotary input device 9 of the rotary/press input device 39. If the
input signal has been generated as a result of rotating the knob
of the rotary input device 9, which functions as a select switch
at the layer of the table of contents, in the counterclockwise
direction, the flow of the processing proceeds to a step S3
through the left select phase p9a to select a file on the left
side. The flow of the processing then goes back to the step S1.
If the input signal has been generated as a result of
rotating the knob of the rotary input device 9 in the clockwise
36
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
direction, on the other hand, the flow of the processing proceeds
to a step S4 through the right select phase p9b to select a file
on the right side. The flow of the processing then goes back to
the step S1.
If the outcome of the judgment formed at the step S2
indicates that the input signal has been generated by an end
switch, a transition through a t~rmin~tion phase p4 takes place to
end the processing.
If the outcome of the judgment formed at the step S2
indicates that the input signal has been generated by the press
switch 8 of the rotary/press input device 39 which functions as a
confir~tion switch at the layer and a transition switch to the
low-level layer, the flow of the processing continues to a step S5
through a confirmation/transition phase p8. At the step S5, the
standalone/simultaneous-input-signals judging means 26 issues a
command 26b to the inter-layer transition means 31 as shown in Fig.
1.
Receiving the c~mm~nd 26b, the inter-layer transition means
31 extracts a message text from a specified message file at the
step S5. The flow of the processing then goes on to a step S6 at
which the CPU 5 executes a message displaying means stored in the
system memory unit 6 to display the extracted message text on the
screen. It should be noted that the message displaying means
itself is shown in none of the figures.
37
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
The flow of the processing then goes on to a step S7 at which
the standalone/simultaneous-input-signals judging means 26 detects
an input signal generated by the input device.
At the step S7, the input signal is examined to form a
judgment as to whether the input signal has been generated by the
rotary input device 9 of the rotary/press input device 39. If the
input signal has been generated as a result of rotating the knob
of the rotary input device 9, which functions as a scroll switch
at the layer of the message, in the counterclockwise direction,
the flow of the processing proceeds to a step S8 through the
upward scroll phase p9c to scroll the screen in the upward
direction. At the step S8, the standalone/simultaneous-input-
signals judging means 26 issues a command 26b to the scroll-
processing means 30 as shown in Fig. 1. Receiving the command 26b,
the scroll-processing means 30 carries out scroll processing in
the upward direction. The flow of the processing then goes back to
the step S6.
If the input signal has been generated as a result of
rotating the knob of the rotary input device 9 in the clockwise
direction, on the other hand, the flow of the processing proceeds
to a step S9 through the downward scroll phase p9d to scroll the
screen in the downward direction. At the step S9, the
standalone/simultaneous-input-signals judging means 26 issues a
command 26b to the scroll-processing means 30 as shown in Fig. 1.
38
, . .
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
Receiving the command 26b, the scroll-processing means 30 carries
out scroll processing in the downward direction. The flow of the
processing then goes back to the step S6.
If the outcome of the judgment formed at the step S7
indicates that the input signal has been generated by the end
switch, a transition through the t~rmin~tion phase p4 takes place
to end the processing. In addition, if the outcome of the judgment
formed at the step S7 indicates that the input signal has been
generated by the input switch 16, the flow of the processing goes
back to the step Sl through the escape phase pl6.
If the outcome of the judgment formed at the step S7
indicates that the input signal is not a standalone signal
generated by an input device but a plurality of simultaneous input
signals such as a press and a rotation generated by a plurality of
input devices at the same time, the flow of the processing goes on
to a step S10 through the infra-layer transition phase p89 to
switch the screen to another message text at the same hierarchical
layer. At the step S10, the standalone/simultaneous-input-signals
judging means 26 issues a command 26a to the infra-layer
transition means 27 as shown in Fig. 1.
At the step S10, the infra-layer transition means 27 forms a
judgment as to whether the simultaneous operations of the press
and the rotation have been going on continuously. If the
simultaneous operations of the press and the rotation have not
39
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
been going on continuously, the flow of the processing goes back
to the step S6 through a transition phase p27.
If the simultaneous operations of the press and the rotation
have been going on continuously, on the other hand, the flow of
the processing goes on to a step S11 to wait for a signal input to
be generated by the rotary input device 9 of the rotary/press
input device 39. As an input signal resulting from a rotation of
the rotary input device 9 in the counterclockwise direction is
detected, the flow proceeds to a step S12 through a preceding-
c~n~idate select phase p9e. At the step S12, the head of a message
text stored in the preceding-c~n~ te file is displayed. The flow
of the processing then goes back to the step S10.
If an input signal resulting from a rotation of the rotary
input device 9 in the clockwise direction is detected, on the
other hand, the flow proceeds to a step S13 through a succeeding-
candidate select phase p9f. At the step S13, the head of a message
text stored in the succeeding-candidate file is displayed. The
flow of the processing then goes back to the step S10.
As described above, the embodiment substantially improves the
way of operating the portable radio information terminal apparatus
1 as the user likes. With the conventional configuration, it is
feared that incorrect processing is inadvertently carried out due
to complicated operations such as a transition to another message
text through the screen displaying the table of contents placed at
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
the top hierarchical layer. In the case of the portable radio
information t~rm;n~l apparatus 1 provided by the present invention,
however, no complicated operation is required. That is to say, a
short-cut operation can be carried out in place of such a
complicated operation. As a result, higher reliability can be
obtained.
Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration
of a recording medium 40 implemented by a second embodiment of the
present invention. The recording m~ m 40 implemented by the
second embodiment of the present invention is explained by
referring to this figure as follows.
The recording m~ m 40 implemented by the second embodiment
of the present invention is a single-chip semiconductor memory
which includes at least 3 means described below. The 3 means are
each a procedure, that is, a program which can be read and
executed by a computer. The 3 means can be accessed through chip
pins 4Oa.
The first means is the aforementioned
standalone/simultaneous-input-signals judging means 26 to be read
out for execution by a central processing unit of a computer
employed in a portable radio information terminal apparatus which
also comprises an image displaying unit, a plurality of input
devices and an information control means based on a hierarchical
information structure composed of a plurality of layers. The
41
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
standalone/simultaneous-input-signals judging means 26 is executed
by the central processing unit during an operation of the portable
radio information t~rmin~l apparatus at one of the hierarchical
layers to form a judgment as to whether an input received from the
input devices is a plurality of simultaneous input signals
generated at the same time by the input devices or a standalone
input signal generated by one of the input devices.
The second means is the aforementioned infra-layer transition
means 27 to be read out for execution by a central processing unit
of the computer to carry out a screen operation in an infra-layer
transition, wherein the display appearing on the image displaying
unit is switched from a present screen at a current layer of the
hierarchical information structure to another screen at the same
layer without a transition from the current layer to another layer,
if the outcome of the judgment formed by the
standalone/simultaneous-input-signals judging means 26 indicates
that an input generated by the input devices is a plurality of
simultaneous input signals generated at the same time by a
plurality of input devices.
The third means is the aforementioned inter-layer transition
means 31 to be read out for execution by a central processing unit
of the computer to carry out a screen operation in an inter-layer
transition, wherein the display appearing on the image displaying
unit is switched from a present screen at a current layer of the
42
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
hierarchical information structure to another screen at another
layer, if a predetermined input signal is generated.
The recording m~ m 40 can be incorporated in a portable
radio information t~rmin~l apparatus having a computer including a
central processing unit, a plurality of input devices, an image
displaying unit, a message storing memory unit and an information
control means based on a hierarchical information structure
composed of a plurality of layers as a memory for storing
operating procedures to be executed by the central processing unit.
By mounting the recording medium 40 on the portable radio
information terminal apparatus and letting the central processing
unit sequentially execute the 3 means which are each stored in the
recording m~illm 40 as a procedure, it is possible to implement a
portable radio information terminal apparatus having:
a function of the standalone/simultaneous-input-signals
judging means 26 to detect a plurality of simultaneous input
signals generated at the same time by input devices during an
operation of the portable radio information terminal apparatus at
one of the hierarchical layers;
a function of the infra-layer transition means 27 to carry
out a screen operation in an infra-layer transition, wherein the
display appearing on the image displaying unit is switched from a
present screen at a current layer of the hierarchical information
structure to another screen at the same layer without a transition
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
from the current layer to another layer, if a plurality of
simultaneous input signals generated at the same time by a
plurality of input devices are detected; and
a function of the inter-layer transition means 31 to carry
out a screen operation in an inter-layer transition, wherein the
display appearing on the image displaying unit is switched from a
present screen at a current layer of the hierarchical information
structure to another screen at another layer, if a predetermined
input signal is generated.
The recording medium 40 provided by this embodiment can be
applied to mainly a flash memory. In addition, the recording
medium can be applied to a read-only MOS memory, an SRAM, an EPROM,
an EEPROM and the other so-called non-volatile semiconductor
recording mediums.
In addition, the recording medium 40 can also be applied to
an optical recording medium, an optical magnetic recording medium
and a magnetic recording medium as well.
Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a
microcomputer 80 implemented by a third embodiment of the present
invention. The microcomputer 80 implemented by the third
embodiment of the present invention is explained by referring to
the figure.
Designed into a one-chip product, the microcomputer 80
implemented by the third embodiment of the present invention
44
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
comprises a CPU (central processing unit) 81, a working memory
unit 82, a display interface unit 83, an output interface unit 84,
an input interface unit 85 and a memory unit 91 which are
connected to each other by an internal bus 86 as shown in the
figure.
External pins provided on the chip of the microcomputer 80
are interrupt input pins 87 connected to an interrupt input
t~rmin~l of the CPU 81, an output pins 88 connected to the display
interface unit 83 and the output interface unit 84, input pins 89
connected to the input interface unit 85 and common bus pins 90
connected to the internal bus 86.
The memory unit 91 is used for storing programs that can be
executed by the CPU 81. The programs include a system control
means 95, an input/output control means 96, a display control
means 97, the standalone/simultaneous-input-signals judging means
26, the infra-layer transition means 27, the scroll-processing
means 30 and the inter-layer transition means 31.
The system control means 95 is executed to control not only
operations of the components inside the chip of the microcomputer
80 but also operations of the whole portable radio information
terminal apparatus including the microcomputer 80 itself and
operations of components in the portable radio information
terminal apparatus other than the microcomputer 80. The procedure
implementing this system control means is adapted to the portable
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
radio information t~rmin~l apparatus provided by the present
invention.
By the same token, the input/output control means 96 is
executed to control not only exchanges of data and signals among
the components inside the chip of the microcomputer 80 but also
exchanges of data and signals between the whole portable radio
information terminal apparatus including the microcomputer 80
itself as well as components in the portable radio information
t~rmin~l apparatus other than the microcomputer 80 and the
external world. The procedure implementing this system control
means is adapted to the portable radio information t~rmin~l
apparatus provided by the present invention.
On the other hand, the display control means 97 is executed
to control operations to display a message text on a screen on an
image displaying unit connected to the microcomputer 80.
The standalone/simultaneous-input-signals judging means 26 is
read out for execution by the central processing unit 81 of the
microcomputer 80 employed in a portable radio information t~rmin~l
apparatus which also comprises an image displaying unit, a
plurality of input devices and an information control means based
on a hierarchical information structure composed of a plurality of
layers. The standalone/simultaneous-input-signals judging means
26 is executed by the central processing unit 81 during an
operation of the portable radio information terminal apparatus at
46
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
one of the hierarchical layers to form a judgment as to whether an
input received from the input devices is a plurality of
simultaneous input signals generated at the same time by the input
devices or a standalone input signal generated by one of the input
devices.
The infra-layer transition means 27 is read out for execution
by the central processing unit 81 of the microcomputer 80 to carry
out a screen operation in an infra-layer transition, wherein the
display appearing on the image displaying unit is switched from a
present screen at a current layer of the hierarchical information
structure to another screen at the same layer without a transition
from the current layer to another layer, if the outcome of the
judgment formed by the standalone/simultaneous-input-signals
judging means 26 indicates that an input generated by the input
devices is a plurality of simultaneous input signals generated at
the same time by a plurality of input devices.
The scroll-processing means 30 is read out for execution by
the central processing unit 81 of the microcomputer 80 to carry
out scroll processing.
The inter-layer transition means 31 to be read out for
execution by the central processing unit 81 of the microcomputer
81 to carry out a screen operation in an inter-layer transition,
wherein the display appearing on the image displaying unit is
switched from a present screen at a current layer of the
47
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
hierarchical information structure to another screen at another
layer, if a predetermined input signal is generated.
The microcomputer 80 can be incorporated in a portable radio
information t~rmin~l apparatus equipped with components including
a c~m~ mication mech~ni.~m unit, a memory unit for recording a
received message, a plurality of input devices, an image
displaying unit for displaying information, an information control
means based on a hierarchical information structure composed of a
plurality of layers and a power-supply circuit.
By incorporating the microcomputer 80 in such a portable
radio information t~rmin~l apparatus and letting the central
processing unit 81 sequentially execute the means stored in the
memory unit 91, it is possible to provide a portable radio
information termin~l apparatus with:
a function of the standalone/simultaneous-input-signals
judging means 26 to detect a plurality of simultaneous input
signals generated at the same time by input devices during an
operation of the portable radio information t~rmin~l apparatus at
one of the hierarchical layers;
a function of the infra-layer transition means 27 to carry
out a screen operation in an infra-layer transition, wherein the
display appearing on the image displaying unit is switched from a
present screen at a current layer of the hierarchical information
structure to another screen at the same layer without a transition
48
CA 022~6980 1998-12-23
from the current layer to another layer, if a plurality of
simultaneous input signals generated at the same time by a
plurality of input devices are detected; and
a function of the inter-layer transition means 31 to carry
out a screen operation in an inter-layer transition, wherein the
display appearing on the image displaying unit is switched from a
present screen at a current layer of the hierarchical information
structure to another screen at another layer, if a predetermined
input signal is generated.
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