JP3927903B2 - Portable information terminal device and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable information terminal apparatus and control how having an imaging means for imaging an object.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a conventional portable information terminal device with a digital camera (hereinafter referred to as a portable device), there is one proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-270069.
[0003]
The configuration of this portable device will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a conventional portable device (portable information terminal with a digital camera), and FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the portable device in FIG.
[0004]
As shown in FIG. 8, the portable device includes a camera unit 1 and an operation unit 2, and the camera unit 1 and the operation unit 2 are connected by a hinge unit 3. The hinge unit 3 has a structure that can rotate around a rotation shaft 11 and a rotation shaft 12 that are orthogonal to each other. The hinge unit 3 enables the camera unit 1 to be folded and rotated with respect to the operation unit 2. . The camera unit 1 is provided with a lens 108 and a strobe 109 of an imaging unit 200 described later, and a receiver 106 of a PHS unit 303 described later. The operation unit 2 includes a shutter button 103, a keyboard 104, a liquid crystal panel 105, and a microphone 107.
[0005]
As shown in FIG. 9, the internal configuration of the portable device includes an imaging unit 200, a control unit 201, a sub control unit 302, and a PHS unit 303. The imaging unit 200 includes a lens 108 and a photoelectric conversion element 204. The control unit 201 includes a CPU 206, a flash memory 207, and a liquid crystal panel 105. The sub control unit 302 includes a Sub CPU 208, a shutter button 103, and a keyboard 104. The PHS unit 303 includes a CPU 310, a receiver 106 and a microphone 107.
It consists of a shutter.
[0006]
The portable device configured as described above can realize at least a camera function, a telephone function, and a personal information management function such as a schedule book and a telephone book.
[0007]
When the camera function is used, a subject is imaged by the lens 108 and the photoelectric conversion element 204, and the captured image is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 105. Then, when the user presses the shutter button 103 while viewing the image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 105, a desired image is captured.
[0008]
When using the telephone function, the telephone number of the other party is input from the keyboard 104. At this time, the input telephone number is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 105. If there is no mistake in the inputted telephone number, a calling procedure for this telephone number is executed and the other party is called. If the other party answers the call, it is possible to talk with the other party using the microphone 107 and the receiver 106.
[0009]
When the personal information management function is used, a necessary operation screen is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 105, and the registered personal information is read on the operation screen using the keyboard 104, and the personal information is input. The operation is performed. Thereby, it is possible to refer to registered personal information and register personal information at any time.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional portable device described above, there is no restriction when another person uses the portable device, so that the personal address, phone number, owner's schedule, etc. stored in the portable device can be There is a risk that others may see personal information that you do not want to see.
[0011]
In order to solve such a problem, a method of authenticating the user before using the portable device can be considered. However, there is no problem even if it is used by others, such as when authenticating the user before using the mobile device, when using it as a camera, or when viewing an image stored in the mobile device body, etc. Even in such a case, it is necessary to authenticate the user every time the portable device is used, and it takes time and effort to authenticate the user. In particular, when a portable device is used as a camera, it is considered that there is a risk of missing a photo opportunity during user authentication.
[0012]
An object of the present invention includes a first mode using the function of the imaging means, of a second mode using different functions and features of the first mode, the phone mode for voice communication with the outside using the call unit among them, depending on whether to use either mode, it is to provide a portable information terminal apparatus and control how it is possible to impose restrictions on the use of a third party.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a portable information terminal device having an imaging means for imaging a subject and a calling means for making a call with the outside , wherein the first mode uses the function of the imaging means. , and a second mode using different functions and features of the first mode, and mode selection means for selecting one of a telephone mode for performing voice communication with the outside using the call unit, user proper person Authentication means for authenticating whether or not the first mode is selected by the mode selection means and when the telephone mode is selected , the authentication means is not operated and the second mode is selected. In such a case, a portable information terminal device is provided, comprising control means for controlling the authentication means to operate.
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a portable information terminal device having an image pickup means for picking up a subject , a call means for making a call with the outside, and an authentication means for authenticating whether the user is an appropriate person. a control method, a first mode using the function of the imaging unit, performs voice communication with the outside using a second mode using different functions, the call unit and function of the first mode A mode selection step for selecting one of the telephone modes, and when the first mode is selected in the mode selection step and when the telephone mode is selected , the authentication means is not operated, and the second mode is selected . And a control step of controlling the authentication means to operate when the mode is selected. A method for controlling a portable information terminal device is provided.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0015]
(First embodiment)
1 is an external perspective view of the portable information terminal device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the mode dial of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a mode selectable by the mode dial of FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen when the portable information terminal device of FIG. 1 is turned on, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the portable information terminal device of FIG. .
[0016]
As shown in FIG. 1, the portable information terminal device includes a camera unit 1 and an operation unit 2, and the camera unit 1 and the operation unit 2 are connected by a hinge unit 3. The hinge unit 3 has a structure that can rotate around a rotation shaft 11 and a rotation shaft 12 that are orthogonal to each other. The hinge unit 3 enables the camera unit 1 to be folded and rotated with respect to the operation unit 2. . The camera unit 1 is provided with a lens 108 and a strobe 109 of an imaging unit 200 described later and a receiver 106 of a mobile phone unit 202 described later. The operation unit 2 includes a power switch 101, a mode dial 102, a shutter button 103, a keyboard 104, a liquid crystal panel 105, a microphone 107, and a cross key 110.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 2, the mode dial 102 includes a dial switch that rotates around the shutter button 103. When the mode dial 102 is rotated to any one of the positions M1, M2, M3, and M4, the mode corresponds to the position. The mode can be switched. Here, a camera mode capable of taking a camera is set at a position M1, a view mode displaying an image, sound, and text stored in the main body at a position M2, and a telephone function (incoming call, outgoing call) at a position M3. The Tel mode for execution is associated with the PDA mode capable of using, editing, and registering various information stored in the main body at the position M4.
[0018]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, in the Camera mode, an image formed through the lens 108 provided in the camera unit 1 is converted into an electrical signal by a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD, and the camera mode is used as necessary. In this mode, image processing is performed on the main body and stored in storage means such as a flash memory. In the Camera mode, voice can also be recorded. The View mode is a mode in which an image captured in the Camera mode, recorded sound, and text information are selected and reproduced or displayed. The Tel mode is a mode for realizing a telephone function as a normal mobile phone. That is, in the Tel mode, the telephone number can be input from the keyboard 104, the input number can be displayed on the liquid crystal panel 105, and the telephone directory can be displayed. The call is provided in the receiver 106 provided in the camera unit 1 and the operation unit 2. The microphone 107 is used. PDA mode organizes related information by owner's schedule management, address book function for registering personal address, telephone number, e-mail address, etc., e-mail transmission / reception function, text document creation function, theme and purpose This mode has an information file function, a calculator function, and an Internet connection function. Character input and menu selection for each function are performed using the keyboard 104 and the cross key 110, and various information is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 105.
[0019]
In all modes of the Camera, View, Tel, and PDA modes, it is possible to receive incoming calls.
[0020]
In the portable information terminal device, when the power switch 101 is turned on, a standby screen shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 105. In this standby screen, calendar information and a mode selection screen are displayed. In this mode selection screen, the mode currently selected by the mode dial 102 is displayed in an identifiable manner. After the user turns on the power with the power switch 101, the user can activate the selected mode by selecting a desired mode with the mode dial 102 and determining with the keyboard 104 while the standby screen is displayed. it can.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 5, the internal configuration of the portable information terminal device includes an imaging unit 200, a control unit 201, a mobile phone unit 202, and an authentication processing unit 203. The imaging unit 200 performs A / D conversion on the lens 108, a photoelectric conversion element 204 such as a CCD that converts an image projected by the lens 108 into an electric signal, and an electric signal output from the photoelectric conversion element 204, and digitizes the signal. And an image processing unit 205 that performs various image processing on the processed signals.
[0022]
The control unit 201 includes a CPU 206, a flash memory 207, a Sub CPU 208, an input device 209, and a liquid crystal panel 105. Here, the input device 209 includes a shutter button 103, a mode dial 102, a keyboard 104, and the like. The control unit 201 controls the entire apparatus, and also includes image information input from the imaging unit 200, image information input from the mobile phone unit 202, audio information, an address registered in the address book, a telephone number, and the like. Text information can be stored. The CPU 206 can read out and erase information stored in the flash memory 207 as necessary. The Sub CPU 208 transmits a command corresponding to the signal input from the input device 209 to the CPU 206. The liquid crystal panel 105 displays stored images and text, an input image from the imaging unit 200 as a viewfinder, and a menu display for setting various conditions.
[0023]
The mobile phone unit 202 includes a CPU 210, a receiver 106, and a microphone 107. The mobile phone unit 202 converts the signal from the microphone 107 into a digital signal and compresses the data. Further, the mobile phone unit 202 expands the compressed signal to convert it into an audio signal, and then outputs it from the receiver 106. In addition, the mobile phone unit 202 can perform transmission / reception of an e-mail function, text data accompanying the Internet connection, and image data. The received data is sent to the CPU 206 of the control unit 201 via the CPU 210.
[0024]
The authentication processing unit 203 includes an input processing unit 211, a storage device 212, and a data processing unit 213. The authentication processing unit 203 authenticates whether the user is an appropriate person when the PDA mode is selected or when a function storing information to be protected from a third party is used in the PDA mode function. Do. At the time of user authentication, a signal input from the input device 209 by the user is processed as user information in the input processing unit 211, and the data processing unit 213 is used for authentication registered in the storage device 212 in advance. Data is read out, user information from the input processing unit 211 is processed based on the authentication data, and authentication is performed as to whether or not the user of the apparatus is an appropriate person. The authentication result by the data processing unit 213 is sent to the CPU 206.
[0025]
As described above, in the portable information terminal device, the imaging unit 200, the control unit 201, and the mobile phone unit 202 cooperate to realize each function in each mode of Camera, View, Tel, and PDA.
[0026]
Next, user authentication processing by the portable information terminal device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the portable information terminal device of FIG. The procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is executed by the control unit 201 (CPU 206).
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 6, when the power is turned on by the power switch 101, the control unit 201 displays a standby screen on the liquid crystal panel 105 (step S1), and determines the mode selected by the mode dial 102 and the keyboard 104. (Step S2). Here, when the selected mode is any one of the Camera, View, and Tel modes, the control unit 201 does not authenticate the user and selects the selected mode (Camera, View, or Tel mode). ) Is activated (step S3).
[0028]
On the other hand, when the selected mode is the PDA mode (step S2), the control unit 201 inputs input information for user authentication via the keyboard 104 (step S4). Here, the input information for user authentication is, for example, a password using a combination of 4 digits or 8 digits. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and user information may be written in an ID card separate from the present apparatus, and information on the ID card may be read. When this user information is input, the authentication processing unit 203 authenticates whether the user is an appropriate person based on the input user information and the authentication data stored in the storage device 212. . This authentication result is sent to the control unit 201.
[0029]
Next, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the authentication is successful based on the authentication result of the authentication processing unit 203 (step S5). If the authentication is successful, the control unit 201 determines that the user is an appropriate person and activates the PDA mode (step S6). When the authentication process fails, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the number of input information inputs is less than N (step S7). This is because even if the user is the right person, there is a possibility that the user may make a mistake in inputting the user information. For example, N = 3 and the user information can be input up to three times. If the number of inputs is less than 3, the fact that the user information is incorrect is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 105, and then the input information is input again in step S4. If it is determined in step S7 that the number of inputs is N or more, the control unit 201 gives a warning to the user, for example, with a warning sound or a warning display, and does not activate the PDA mode, and the standby screen in step S1. Return to.
[0030]
As described above, in the present embodiment, when the selected mode is any one of Camera, View, and Tel, the selected mode (Camera, View, or Tel is selected without performing user authentication). When the camera mode (camera function) is used, the user is authenticated and the PDA mode is activated according to the authentication result when the selected mode is the PDA mode. Therefore, it is possible to take a picture without authenticating whether the user is an appropriate person, and the camera function can be easily used. As a result, it can be avoided that authentication is troublesome and a photo opportunity is missed.
[0031]
In addition, when the PDA mode is selected, by authenticating the user, the owner's schedule management, personal address, telephone number, e-mail address, etc. can be prevented from being seen by others. it can.
[0032]
(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the portable information terminal device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted here. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are used.
[0033]
In the first embodiment, when the PDA mode is selected, the user is authenticated. Among the functions of the PDA mode (shown in FIG. 3), the calculator and the Internet connection function are personal. In terms of information protection, there is no particular problem even if it is used by a user other than the owner, that is, by another person.
[0034]
Therefore, in this embodiment, the above two functions of the calculator and the Internet connection function are usable functions, and the remaining functions (address book function, e-mail transmission / reception function, information file function, etc.) are used as protection functions. Authenticates the user when is selected.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 7, when the power is turned on by the power switch 101, the control unit 201 displays a standby screen on the liquid crystal panel 105 (step S11), and determines the mode selected by the mode dial 102 and the keyboard 104. (Step S12). Here, when the selected mode is any one of the Camera, View, and Tel modes, the control unit 201 does not authenticate the user and selects the selected mode (Camera, View, or Tel mode). ) Is activated (step S13).
[0036]
On the other hand, when the selected mode is the PDA mode (step S12), the control unit 201 displays a list of functions that can be used in the PDA mode on the liquid crystal panel 105, and selects from the listed functions. Determine the function that was performed. The keyboard 104 and the cross key 110 are used for selection and determination of this function. If the selected function is the above available function (calculator and Internet connection function), the control unit 201 activates the PDA mode (step S15).
[0037]
When the selected function is a protection function (address book function, e-mail transmission / reception function, information file function, etc.), the control unit 201 inputs input information for user authentication via the keyboard 104 (step S16). Here, the input information for user authentication is the same as in the first embodiment. When this user information is input, the authentication processing unit 203 authenticates whether the user is an appropriate person based on the input user information and the authentication data stored in the storage device 212. . This authentication result is sent to the control unit 201.
[0038]
Next, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the authentication is successful based on the authentication result of the authentication processing unit 203 (step S17). Here, when the authentication is successful, the control unit 201 determines that the user is an appropriate person and activates the PDA mode (step S15). If the authentication process fails, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the number of input information inputs is less than N (step S18). Here, when it is determined that the number of inputs is N or more, the control unit 201 gives a warning to the user with, for example, a warning sound or a warning display, and displays the standby screen in step S11 without starting the PDA mode. Return.
[0039]
Thus, in this embodiment, when using a protection function that handles information that should be protected from a third party other than the owner among the PDA mode functions, the user is authenticated and the third party's Restrictions can be imposed on use, and other functions, that is, functions that can be used, can be used without authentication, so that the function can be easily used by owners and non-owners. Can be used for
[0040]
Note that an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) on which a program code of software that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU) of the system or apparatus Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.
[0041]
Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case in which the CPU or the like provided in the expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0055]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a call between a first mode using a function of the imaging unit, and a second mode using different functions and features of the first mode, and the outside using the call unit Depending on which one of the phone modes is used, restrictions can be imposed on the use of third parties. For example, when this apparatus is used as a camera, it is possible to shoot without authenticating whether or not the user is an appropriate person, and the camera function can be easily used. As a result, it can be avoided that authentication is troublesome and a photo opportunity is missed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a portable information terminal device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is an enlarged perspective view of the mode dial of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing functions of modes selectable by a mode dial in FIG. 2;
4 is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen in the power-on state of the portable information terminal device of FIG. 1. FIG.
5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the portable information terminal device of FIG. 1. FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the portable information terminal device of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the portable information terminal device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a conventional portable device (a portable information terminal with a digital camera).
9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the mobile device in FIG. 8. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camera part 2 Operation part 3 Hinge part 101 Power switch 102 Mode dial 103 Shutter button 104 Keyboard 105 Liquid crystal panel 106 Receiver 107 Microphone 108 Lens 109 Strobe 110 Cross key 200 Imaging part 201 Control part 202 Cell-phone part 203 Authentication process part 204 Photoelectric Conversion element 205 Image processing unit 206, 210 CPU

Claims (2)

A portable information terminal device having an imaging means for imaging a subject and a calling means for making a call with the outside ,
A first mode using the function of the imaging means, and a second mode using different functions and features of the first mode, one of a telephone mode for performing voice communication with the outside using the call unit Mode selection means to select;
An authentication means for authenticating whether the user is a proper person,
When the first mode is selected by the mode selection means and when the telephone mode is selected , the authentication means is not operated, and when the second mode is selected, the authentication means is operated. And a control means for controlling the portable information terminal device. A control method for a portable information terminal device having an imaging means for imaging a subject, a calling means for making a call with the outside, and an authentication means for authenticating whether a user is an appropriate person,
A first mode using the function of the imaging means, and a second mode using different functions and features of the first mode, one of a telephone mode for performing voice communication with the outside using the call unit A mode selection process to select;
When the first mode is selected by the mode selection step and when the telephone mode is selected , the authentication unit is not operated, and when the second mode is selected, the authentication unit is operated. And a control process for controlling the portable information terminal device.

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