JPH10336300A - Portable radio telephone set - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable radio telephone set by which a telephone number is entered easily and accurately even in the case of making dialing in the dark. SOLUTION: In the case of awaiting the arrival of an incoming call, an antenna 1 is contained in a telephone set main body and a lighting section 4 is put out. In the case of making dialing, the user extends the contained antenna 1 prior to entry of a telephone number. When an extension detection section 8 detects the extension of the antenna 1 and a control section 7 starts (lights) the lighting section 4 in a start timing obtained when the extension detection section 8 detects the extension 1. Then the lighting of an entry section 2 and a display section 3 is started and the entry section 2 and an entered number displayed on the display section 3 are visible even in the dark.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a radio telephone, and more particularly, to a portable radio telephone provided with a stowable / extendable antenna and communicating wirelessly with a radio base station.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, portable radiotelephones have been widely and widely used. As a result, portable wireless telephones are required to have not only abundant functions and high performance but also comfortable operability.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a conventional portable radio telephone. The telephone shown in FIG.
An extendable antenna 101, an input unit 102 for inputting a telephone number or the like, a display unit 103 for displaying the input telephone number or the like, an illuminating unit 104 for illuminating the input unit 102 and the display unit 103, A radio section 105 for wirelessly communicating with a base station (not shown) via an antenna 101; an RSSI measuring section 106 for measuring a received electric field strength (RSSI) of a signal received from the radio base station;
The control unit 107 selects an optimal wireless base station based on the measurement result of No. 6 and further connects the base station to the line.

The operation of the telephone shown in FIG. 3 when making a call will be described below. Now, the telephone shown in FIG. 3 is accommodated in the user's pocket and is waiting for an incoming call from the wireless base station. Antenna 101 is housed in the phone body to facilitate housing. The lighting unit 104 is turned off to save battery power.

When the user takes out the telephone shown in FIG. 3 from his pocket and operates the input unit 102 to start inputting a telephone number, the control unit 107 operates the first key input (input operation of the first digit of the telephone number). ) Is detected and the illumination unit 10 is promptly detected.
4 is turned on. Thereby, the input unit 102 and the display unit 103 are illuminated, and the input operation for the second and subsequent digits and the confirmation of the input number are facilitated.

When the input of the telephone number is completed, the user
Subsequently, the input unit 102 is operated to instruct a call. Accordingly, RSSI measuring section 106 measures the received electric field strength of the received signal from each radio base station, and control section 107
An optimum radio base station is selected based on the measurement result of the I measurement unit 106, and a line connection is made with the base station.

As a result, a wireless line is established between the telephone shown in FIG. 3 and a wireless base station (not shown), and a call is made. Thereafter, the user extends the antenna 101,
Initiate a call. The timing at which the user extends the antenna 101 is arbitrary, but it is desirable to extend the antenna 101 at the latest before starting the call in order to improve the quality of the call.

[0008]

As described above, in the telephone shown in FIG. 3, the input unit 1 is quickly operated in response to the first key input.
02 and the display unit 103 are started, so that the user can visually recognize the input unit 102 and the input number displayed on the display unit 103 even when making a call at night or in a dark room. Can more easily and reliably perform subsequent key input. However, since only the first key input must be performed by groping, the input operation cannot be easily performed, and there are many erroneous operations.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable radio telephone capable of performing a telephone number input operation easily and accurately even when making a call in the dark, such as at night or in a dark room.

In the telephone shown in FIG. 3, after the user inputs a telephone number, the user issues a call instruction, and when the instruction is received, selection of an optimal wireless base station and line connection with the base station are performed. , The processing related to the call is started. Therefore, it takes time until the processing related to the calling is completed and the call can be made, and there is also a problem that the user cannot start the call immediately.

Therefore, another object of the present invention is to provide a portable radio telephone capable of promptly starting a telephone call upon making a call.

[0012]

A first aspect of the present invention is a portable radio telephone provided with a stowable / extendable antenna and communicating with a radio base station by radio.
The antenna is extended prior to the input of the telephone number, input means for inputting the telephone number, display means for displaying the input telephone number, illumination means for illuminating the input means and the display means, Detecting means for detecting that the light source has been extended, and activating means for activating the illuminating means at a starting timing obtained by detection by the detecting means.

As described above, in the first aspect, the antenna is extended before the input of the telephone number. Then, since the illumination of the input means and the display means is started with the extension of the antenna as a trigger, even when calling in the dark, the user can visually recognize the input means and the input number displayed on the display means, As a result, the input operation of the telephone number can be performed easily and accurately. Also, since the antenna is extended before the start of a call, a high-quality call can be performed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, there is further provided a registration means for registering a telephone number in advance, and a registration number display means for displaying the telephone number registered in the registration means via a display means, The activating means further activates the registration number display means at an activating timing obtained by detection by the detecting means.

As described above, in the second aspect, the telephone number is registered in advance, and the user only has to select a desired number from a plurality of registered telephone numbers and instruct a call. Therefore, the amount of operation performed by the user when making a call is reduced,
In addition, erroneous operations are reduced. At that time, the display of the registered telephone number is started with the extension of the antenna as a trigger, so that the user gives an instruction to display the number through, for example, an input unit, and the instruction is used as a trigger to start displaying the number. As compared with, the operation amount at the time of calling by the user is further reduced, and the number can be quickly selected.

In a third aspect based on the first aspect, a measuring means for measuring a received electric field strength of a signal received from the radio base station, and a received electric field strength obtained by the measuring means are displayed via a display means. And a receiving electric field strength display means for displaying, wherein the activation means activates the reception electric field strength display means at an activation timing obtained by detection by the detection means.

As described above, in the third aspect of the present invention, the measurement of the received electric field strength and the display of the measurement result are started with the extension of the antenna as a trigger.
It is possible to know the latest received electric field strength before starting the input operation of the telephone number. Therefore, for example, when the displayed value of the received electric field strength is small and it is expected that a call cannot be made, it is possible to prevent a call from being made, and as a result, unnecessary input operations can be reduced.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable radio telephone provided with a stowable / extendable antenna and communicating wirelessly with any of a plurality of radio base stations installed at mutually different positions. Measuring means for measuring the received electric field strength of signals received from a plurality of wireless base stations, which is expanded prior to input of a telephone number, and selecting one of the plurality of wireless base stations based on the measurement result of the measuring means Selecting means;
A detection unit for detecting that the antenna has been extended, and a starting unit for starting the measuring unit and the selecting unit at a start timing obtained by detecting the detection unit are provided.

As described above, in the fourth aspect, the antenna is extended before the input of the telephone number. That is,
Since the antenna is extended before the start of the call, a high-quality call can be made. Then, with the extension of the antenna as a trigger, the measurement of the received electric field strength and the selection of the radio base station based on the measurement result are performed, so that each time a call is made, an appropriate value selected based on the latest received electric field strength is determined. The line is connected to the wireless base station, and as a result, a high-quality call can always be made. At that time, the user issues a call instruction through, for example, the input unit, and the instruction initiates each process of measuring the received electric field strength and selecting the wireless base station. The amount of operation at the time is small, and the call can be started promptly.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, there is further provided a connection means for making a line connection with the radio base station selected by the selection means, and the activation means further comprises a startup timing obtained by detection by the detection means. It is characterized in that the connection means is activated.

[0021] As described above, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the extension of the antenna is used as a trigger to further establish a line connection with the selected base station, so that a call can be started more quickly.

A sixth invention according to the fourth invention, further comprising an evaluation means for evaluating the availability of communication lines of the plurality of radio base stations, wherein the control means detects the start timing obtained by the detection means. Further, the evaluation means is activated, and the selection means selects a base station based on the evaluation result of the evaluation means.

As described above, in the sixth aspect, since the radio base station is further selected based on the availability of the communication line, it is possible to prevent a situation where the selected base station is congested and a call cannot be made. . In addition, the amount of operation performed by the user when making a call does not increase, and the operation does not take time to start the call.

A seventh invention is a portable radio telephone provided with a stowable / extendable antenna, wherein the antenna comprises:
Input means for inputting a telephone number which is expanded prior to input of a telephone number, display means for displaying the input telephone number, input means and / or display means which can be opened and closed and closed , A driving unit for driving and opening the lid in a closed state, a detecting unit for detecting that the antenna is extended, and activating the driving unit at a starting timing obtained by detecting the detecting unit. Starting means.

As described above, in the seventh aspect, the antenna is extended before the input of the telephone number. That is,
Since the antenna is extended before the start of the call, a high-quality call can be made. Further, the provision of the lid protects the input means and the display means and prevents erroneous operation of the input means. Further, the lid is started to be driven by the extension of the antenna as a trigger, and the lid is opened thereby, so that the user does not need to perform the work of opening the lid, and can immediately start inputting the telephone number.

According to an eighth aspect based on the seventh aspect, an illumination means for illuminating the input means and the display means is further provided,
The activating means further activates the lighting means at an activating timing obtained by detection by the detecting means.

As described above, in the eighth aspect, the illumination of the input means and the display means is started by the extension of the antenna as a trigger, so that even when a call is made in the dark, the user can display the input means and the display means. The user can visually recognize the input number displayed on the means, and as a result, the input operation of the telephone number can be performed easily and accurately.

[0028]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a portable wireless telephone according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 includes an antenna 1, an input unit 2, a display unit 3, an illumination unit 4, a radio unit 5, an RS
An SI (received electric field intensity) measuring unit 6, a control unit 7, and an extension detecting unit 8 are provided.

The telephone shown in FIG. 1 is carried by a user and moved within a predetermined communication area. In the communication area, a plurality of wireless base stations are installed at different positions, and the telephone shown in FIG. 1 establishes a wireless line with the nearest wireless base station among the base stations. As a result, the user can make a call via the telephone of FIG. 1 at any position in the call area.

The antenna 1 is provided for transmitting and receiving radio signals, and can be stored / extended in the telephone body. The input unit 2 includes a plurality of input keys, and the user operates the keys to input a telephone number or the like. The display unit 3
For example, it is configured by a liquid crystal screen, and displays an input telephone number and the like. The illuminating unit 4 is configured by, for example, an LED, and illuminates the input unit 2 and the display unit 3 from their rear surfaces. The wireless unit 5 performs wireless communication via the antenna 1.

[0031] The RSSI measuring section 6 measures the received electric field strength of signals received from a plurality of radio base stations. The control unit 7
An optimum radio base station is selected based on the measurement result of the RSSI measurement unit 6, and a line connection is made with the base station. However, the control unit 7 starts the selection of the wireless base station and the processing of the line connection at the start timing obtained by the detection of the extension detection unit 8.

The extension detecting section 8 is composed of a sensor, for example, and detects that the antenna 1 has been extended. Control unit 7
Also, the illumination unit 4 is activated (lighted) at the activation timing obtained by detection by the extension detection unit 8.

The operation of the telephone shown in FIG. 1 when making a call will be described below. Currently, the user is located at a certain point in the call area. It is nighttime, and the area around that point is dark. The telephone of FIG. 1 is stored in a user's pocket and is in a state of waiting for an incoming call. Antenna 1 is housed in the telephone body for easy carrying. The illumination unit 4 is turned off to save battery power.

At this time, the user has to make a call,
Take out the telephone of FIG. 1 from the pocket. However, because of the darkness, the number assigned to each key of the input unit 2 cannot be identified, and it is not easy to accurately input a telephone number.

Therefore, when the user takes out the telephone set shown in FIG. 1, the user firstly holds the stored antenna 1 by gripping the distal end thereof. In the telephone shown in FIG.
Detects that the antenna 1 has been extended.

When the extension detecting section 8 detects the extension of the antenna 1, the control section 7 immediately turns on the illumination section 4. Thereby, the input unit 2 and the display unit 3 are illuminated, and the user can visually recognize the numbers assigned to the plurality of keys of the input unit 2 of the taken-out telephone and the inputted numbers displayed on the display unit 3. Become like Therefore, the user operates the input unit 2 to sequentially input the telephone number from the first digit.

The input number is displayed on the display unit 3. The user reads the displayed number and checks whether there is an error in the input operation. If there is a mistake, cancel the entry and re-enter it.
Further, the input unit 2 is operated to instruct a call.

By the way, the control unit 7 activates the RSSI measurement unit 6 when the illumination unit 4 is activated.
The following processing is performed until the user instructs a call as described above. That is, first, the RSSI measuring unit 6 measures the received electric field strength of the signals received by the wireless unit 5 from the plurality of wireless base stations. Next, the control unit 7 selects an optimal wireless base station based on the measurement result, and then makes a line connection with the base station.

A call is made through the wireless line thus established, and thereafter, the user starts a call.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the antenna 1 is extended prior to the input of the telephone number. Since the illumination of the input unit 2 and the display unit 3 is started with the extension of the antenna 1 as a trigger, even when a call is made in the dark,
The user can visually recognize the input number displayed on the input unit 2 and the display unit 3, and as a result, the input operation of the telephone number can be easily and accurately performed.

Since the antenna 1 is extended before the start of a call, a high quality call can be performed. In addition, the measurement of the received electric field strength and the selection of the radio base station based on the measurement result are started with the extension of the antenna 1 as a trigger, so that each time a call is made, a selection is made based on the latest received electric field strength. Line connection with the appropriate wireless base station, and as a result, high quality communication can always be performed.

At this time, the user issues a call instruction, for example, via the input unit 2, and the instruction is used as a trigger to start the processing of measuring the received electric field strength and selecting the radio base station. Requires a small amount of operation when making a call,
In addition, a call can be started immediately.

Further, the line connection with the selected radio base station is further started with the extension of the antenna 1 as a trigger, so that the user can start a call more quickly.

In this embodiment, the input unit 2 and the display unit 3 are triggered by the extension of the antenna 1 as a trigger.
Lighting, measurement of the received electric field strength, selection of the most suitable wireless base station, and line connection with the wireless base station were started, but what kind of processing is related to the calling operation It may be activated. Also in this case, since the user does not need to operate the input unit 2 to give a start instruction, the input operation at the time of calling is reduced, and the call can be started immediately.

For example, in the telephone shown in FIG. 1, a number registration unit and a search screen display unit are further provided. The number registration section
Register the telephone number in advance. The search screen display unit displays the search screen, that is, displays the telephone number registered in the number registration unit by the user in advance via the display unit 3. Then, when the extension detection unit 8 detects the extension of the antenna 1, the control unit 7 immediately activates the search screen display unit. In this case, the telephone number is registered in advance, and the user only has to select a desired number from among a plurality of registered telephone numbers and instruct a call, for example. It is reduced and erroneous operations are reduced. At this time, since the display of the registered telephone number is started with the extension of the antenna 1 as a trigger, the user gives an instruction to display the number through, for example, the input unit 2 and the display is started with the instruction as a trigger. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of operation performed by the user when making a call, and to make a quick number selection.

The telephone of FIG. 1 is further provided with a reception field strength display. The reception field strength display section is RS
The received electric field strength obtained by the measurement by the SI measuring unit 6 is displayed via the display unit 3. Then, when the extension detecting section 8 detects the extension of the antenna 1, the control section 7 immediately activates the reception electric field strength display section. In this case, the user can know the latest received electric field strength before performing the input operation of the telephone number. Therefore, for example, when the displayed value of the received electric field strength is small and it is expected that a call cannot be made, it is possible to prevent a call from being made, and as a result, unnecessary input operations can be reduced. In addition, the amount of operation by the user does not increase, and the operation does not take time to start the call.

In the telephone of FIG. 1, a line evaluation unit is further provided. The line evaluation unit evaluates the availability of communication lines of a plurality of wireless base stations. Then, when the extension detecting section 8 detects the extension of the antenna 1, the control section 7 immediately activates the line evaluation section, and selects an optimal wireless base station based on the evaluation result of the line evaluation section. In this case, since the radio base station is selected based on the availability of the communication line in addition to the reception electric field strength, it is possible to prevent a situation where the selected base station is congested and a call cannot be made. In addition, the amount of operation performed by the user when making a call does not increase, and the operation does not take time to start the call.

(Second Embodiment) Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a portable wireless telephone according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The telephone of FIG.
The telephone has a control unit 7a instead of the control unit 7, and further includes a lid 9 and a lid driving unit 10.

The telephone of FIG. 2 is carried by a user and moved within a predetermined communication area, similarly to the telephone of FIG. In the communication area, a plurality of radio base stations are installed at different positions, and the telephone shown in FIG.
A wireless line is established with the nearest one of the base stations. As a result, the user can make a call via the telephone of FIG. 2 at any position in the call area.

The lid 9 has, for example, a rectangular shape, and one side thereof is fixed to the telephone body. The input unit 2 and the display unit 3 are opened and closed about one side as an axis, and cover the input unit 2 and the display unit 3 in a closed state. The lid driving unit 10 is configured by, for example, a motor, and drives the closed lid 9 to open it. Control unit 7
a is the operation of the control unit 7 in FIG.
0 is activated. Other components perform the same operation as that of FIG.

The operation of the telephone shown in FIG. 2 when making a call will be described below. Currently, the user is located at a certain point in the call area. It is nighttime, and the area around that point is dark. The telephone of FIG. 2 is stored in a user's pocket and is in a state of waiting for an incoming call. Antenna 1 is housed in the telephone body for easy carrying. Lighting unit 4
Is turned off to save battery power.
The lid 9 is closed to protect the input unit 2 and the display unit 3 and to prevent erroneous operation of the input unit 2.

At this time, the user has to make a call,
Remove the telephone of FIG. 2 from the pocket. The user sees FIG.
When the phone is taken out, the antenna 1
Is extended by gripping its tip. In the telephone shown in FIG. 2, the extension detecting section 8 detects that the antenna 1 has been extended.

The control unit 7a is configured such that the extension detecting unit 8
When the extension is detected, the lid driving unit 10 is immediately activated. In response, the lid driving unit 10 drives the lid 9 in the opening direction, and as a result, the input unit 2 and the display unit 3 are exposed.

By the way, the control section 7a is provided with the lid driving section 10
Is activated, the illumination unit 4 is also activated (lit). Therefore, when the lid 9 is opened, the input unit 2 is opened.
And the display unit 3 are already illuminated, so that the input unit 2 and the number displayed on the display unit 3 can be visually recognized. Therefore, the user operates the input unit 2 to sequentially input the telephone number from the first digit and confirms the input number displayed on the display unit 3. Subsequent operations are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the antenna 1 is extended prior to the input of the telephone number. The opening of the lid 9 and the illumination of the input unit 2 and the display unit 3 are started with the extension of the antenna 1 as a trigger, so that even when calling in the dark, the user can input the input unit 2 and the display unit 3. The user can visually recognize the input number displayed on the screen, and as a result, the input operation of the telephone number can be performed easily and accurately.

The provision of the lid 9 protects the input unit 2 and the display unit 3 and prevents erroneous operation of the input unit 2. Further, the drive of the lid 9 is started with the extension of the antenna 1 as a trigger, and the lid 9 is thereby opened, so that the user does not have to take the trouble of opening the lid 9 and also immediately starts inputting the telephone number. it can.

Since the antenna 1 is extended before the start of a call, a high quality call can be performed. In addition, the measurement of the received electric field strength and the selection of the radio base station based on the measurement result are started with the extension of the antenna 1 as a trigger, so that each time a call is made, a selection is made based on the latest received electric field strength. Line connection with the appropriate wireless base station, and as a result, high quality communication can always be performed.

At this time, the user issues a call instruction via, for example, the input unit 2 and starts the processing of measuring the received electric field strength and selecting the radio base station using the instruction as a trigger. Requires a small amount of operation when making a call,
In addition, a call can be started immediately.

Further, the line connection with the selected radio base station is further started with the extension of the antenna 1 as a trigger, so that the user can start a call more quickly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a portable wireless telephone according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a portable wireless telephone according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a conventional portable wireless telephone.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Antenna 2 Input part 3 Display part 4 Illumination part 5 Radio | wireless part 6 RSSI measurement part 7, 7a control part 8 Extension detection part 9 Lid 10 Lid drive part

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A stowable / extendable antenna is provided,
And a portable wireless telephone that wirelessly communicates with a wireless base station, wherein the antenna is extended prior to input of a telephone number, and input means for inputting the telephone number; and the input telephone number is displayed. Display means for illuminating the input means and the display means; detecting means for detecting that the antenna has been extended; and activating the lighting means at a start timing obtained by detection by the detecting means. A portable wireless telephone comprising: 2. Registering means for registering a telephone number in advance, and registration number displaying means for displaying the telephone number registered in the registering means via the display means, wherein the activating means comprises the detecting means 2. The portable wireless telephone according to claim 1, further comprising: activating the registration number display unit at an activation timing obtained by detecting the registration number. 3. A measuring means for measuring a received electric field strength of a signal received from the radio base station, and a received electric field strength displaying means for displaying the received electric field strength obtained by the measuring means through the display means. 2. The portable wireless telephone according to claim 1, wherein the activation unit further activates the reception field intensity display unit at an activation timing obtained by the detection unit. 4. A retractable / extendable antenna is provided,
And a portable wireless telephone that wirelessly communicates with any one of a plurality of wireless base stations installed at different positions from each other, wherein the antenna is extended prior to input of a telephone number, from the plurality of wireless base stations. Measuring means for measuring the received electric field strength of the received signal, selecting means for selecting any of the plurality of radio base stations based on the measurement result of the measuring means, and detecting for detecting that the antenna is extended. A portable radiotelephone comprising: means for activating the measuring means and the selecting means at an activation timing obtained by detection by the detecting means. 5. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a connection unit configured to connect a line to the wireless base station selected by the selection unit, wherein the activation unit further activates the connection unit at activation timing obtained by detection by the detection unit. The portable radio telephone according to claim 4, characterized in that: 6. An evaluation unit for evaluating the availability of communication lines of the plurality of wireless base stations, wherein the control unit further activates the evaluation unit at a start timing obtained by detection by the detection unit. The portable radio telephone according to claim 4, wherein the selection unit further selects a base station based on an evaluation result of the evaluation unit. 7. A portable radio telephone provided with a stowable / extendable antenna, wherein the antenna is extended prior to input of a telephone number, and input means for inputting a telephone number; Display means for displaying a telephone number; lid which can be opened and closed and which covers the input means and / or the display means in a closed state; and drive means for driving the lid in a closed state to open it. A portable wireless telephone, comprising: detecting means for detecting that the antenna has been extended; and activating means for activating the driving means at activation timing obtained by detection by the detecting means. 8. An illumination device for illuminating the input unit and the display unit, wherein the activation unit activates the illumination unit at an activation timing obtained by the detection unit. The portable wireless telephone according to claim 7,