Mobile phone apparatus

A mobile phone apparatus has a first case, a second case and a third case each taking the shape of a planar rectangle. A long side of the second case is longer than a long side of the first case, and whereby, in a closed position of the first case, a top surface of the second case is divided into a covered portion and an exposed portion. Also, on a top surface of the first case, a display is provided. Moreover, on the top surface of the second case, a QWERTY keyboard is provided at the covered portion, and a touch key including a cross key being the pointing device is provided at the exposed portion. Then, on a top surface of the third case, a numeric keypad is provided so as to be exposed in response to a sliding of the third case.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to mobile phone apparatuses. More specifically, the present invention relates to slidable mobile phone apparatuses.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, slidable mobile phone apparatuses have been known, and one example of mobile phone apparatuses of such a kind is disclosed in a Patent Document 1. An electronic device according to the Patent Document 1 has three movably interconnected module layers. On the upper module layer, a display unit, directional keypads, etc. are provided, on the intermediate module layer, a phone keypad, etc. are provided, and the lower module layer, a QWERTY keyboard is provided.

When the upper module layer moves relative to the other module layer in a first direction, the phone keypad is exposed. The electronic device with the phone keypad exposed is a phone mode in which a user can use the electronic device as a mobile phone.

When the lower module layer is moved relative to the other module layer in a second direction, the QWERTY keyboard is exposed. The electronic device with the QWERTY keyboard exposed is a PDA mode, in which the user can use the electronic device as a PDA.

Furthermore, a cellular phone disclosed in a Patent Document 2 has a three-stage stacked structure including a ten-key case provided with a numeric keypad for phone of a lower stage, a full-key case of a middle stage, a display case provided with a liquid crystal display and a cursor key of an upper stage. In the cellular phone, when the ten-key case is slid, call style is established to allow the user to make a phone call. Alternatively, if the display case is turned 180° relative to the full-key case, the mobile phone is in a keyboard style to allow the user to easily create e-mail with his or her both hands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

However, in the electronic device of the Patent Document 1, the QWERTY keyboard for inputting characters and the directional keypads capable of being utilized as a pointing device are provided on the different module layers, resulting in low usability of a key operation. For example, when the user simultaneously operates the QWERTY keyboard and the directional keypads with one finger (thumb, etc.), an operation of releasing the finger has to be performed.

Then, in the cellular phone disclosed in the patent document 2 as well, a similar problem occurs.

Therefore, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a novel mobile phone apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile phone apparatus enhanced in usability.

Means for Solving the Problems

The present invention employs following features in order to solve the above-described problems. It should be noted that reference numerals and the supplements inside the parentheses show one example of a corresponding relationship with the embodiments described later for easy understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention.

A first invention is a mobile phone apparatus, comprising: a first case which takes shape of a planar rectangle being formed of a first long side and a first short side; a second case which takes shape of a planar rectangle being formed of a second long side and a second short side; a first slide mechanism which couples the first case to the second case so as to be slidable in a short side direction with the first case stacked on the second case, wherein the second long side is longer than the first long side, whereby a top surface of the second case is divided into a covered portion and an exposed portion in a closed position of the first case; a third case which takes shape of a planar rectangle being formed of a third long side having approximately the same length as the second long side and a third short side; a second slide mechanism which couples the third case to the second case so as to be slidable in a long side direction with the third case beneath the second case; a display device which is provided on a top surface of the first case; a QWERTY keyboard which is provided at the covered portion of the top surface of the second case; a pointing device which is provided at the exposed portion of the top surface of the second case, and designates a position on the display device in response to being operated; and a numeric keypad which is exposed when the third case slides in the long side direction, and is provided on a top surface of the third case.

In the first invention, a mobile phone apparatus (10) has a first case (C1), a second case (C2) and a third case (C3) each taking shape of a planar rectangle. Furthermore, the second long side of the second case is longer than the first long side of the first case, and whereby, in a closed position of the first case in which the first case is stacked on the second case, the top surface of the second case is divided into a covered portion and an exposed portion. In addition, the first case and the second case are coupled with each other so that the first case is slidable in a short side direction by a first slide mechanism (50), and the second case and the third case are coupled with each other so that the third case is slidable in a long side direction by a second slide mechanism (60).

Furthermore, on a top surface of the first case, a display device (26) is provided. In addition, on the top surface of the second case, a QWERTY keyboard (22b) is provided at the covered portion, and a pointing device (32,70,72,74) is provided at the exposed portion. Furthermore, the pointing device designates a position on the display device in response to an operation by the user, for example. Then, on the top surface of the third case, a numeric keypad (22a,80,82) is provided, and the numeric keypad is exposed when the third case slides in the long side direction.

According to the first invention, the pointing device and the QWERTY keyboard are provided to be flush with each other, whereby, it is possible to enhance usability of the mobile phone apparatus capable of simultaneously performing a character input operation and a pointing operation.

In addition, the user can use the mobile phone apparatus as a conventional slidable mobile phone apparatus by sliding the third case to thereby expose the numeric keypad.

A second invention is according to the first invention, wherein the QWERTY keyboard is provided such that a center in the long side direction is aligned with a center of the display device in the long side direction.

In the second invention, the QWERTY keyboard and the display device are provided such that the center in the long side direction of the QWERTY keyboard (P1) and the center (P2) in the long side direction of the display device are aligned with each other.

According to the second invention, the user can more easily perform the character input operation than when the centers of the display and the QWERTY keyboard are not aligned with each other. That is, developers of the maker of the mobile phone apparatus can provide the mobile phone apparatus usable for the user.

A third invention is a mobile phone apparatus, comprising: a first case which takes shape of a planar rectangle being formed of a first long side and a first short side; a second case which takes shape of a planar rectangle being formed of a second long side and a second short side; a first slide mechanism which couples the first case to the second case so as to be slidable in a short side direction with the first case stacked on the second case; wherein the second long side is longer than the first long side, whereby a top surface of the second case is divided into a covered portion and an exposed portion in a closed position of the first case; a display device which is provided on a top surface of the first case; a QWERTY keyboard which is provided at the covered portion of the top surface of the second case; and a pointing device which is provided at the exposed portion of the top surface of the second case, and designates a position on the display device in response to being operated.

In the third invention, a mobile phone apparatus (10) has a first case (C1) and a second case (C2) each taking shape of a planar rectangle. Furthermore, the second long side of the second case is longer than the first long side of the first case, whereby, in a closed position of the first case in which the first case is stacked on the second case, the top surface of the second case is divided into a covered portion and an exposed portion. In addition, the first case and the second case are coupled with each other so that the first case is slidable in a short side direction by a first slide mechanism (50).

Furthermore, on a top surface of the first case, a display device (26) is provided. In addition, on a top surface of the second case, a QWERTY keyboard (22b) is provided at the covered portion, and a pointing device (32,70,72,74) is provided at the exposed portion. Furthermore, the pointing device designates a position on the display device in response to an operation by the user, for example.

According to the third invention, similar to the first invention, the pointing device and the QWERTY keyboard are provided to be flush with each other, whereby, it is possible to enhance usability of the mobile phone apparatus capable of simultaneously performing a character input operation and a pointing operation.

According to this invention, the pointing device and the QWERTY keyboard are provided to be flush with each other, whereby, it is possible to enhance usability of the mobile phone apparatus capable of simultaneously performing a character input operation and a pointing operation.

FORMS FOR EMBODYING THE INVENTION

Referring toFIG. 1, a mobile terminal10includes a processor (may be called a “CPU” or a “computer”)20, a key input device22, and a touch key32. The processor20controls a transmitter/receiver circuit14compatible with a CDMA system to output a calling signal. The output calling signal is issued from an antenna12and sent to mobile communication networks including base stations. When a communication partner performs an off-hook operation, a speech communication allowable state is established.

When a speech communication end operation is performed by the key input device22and the touch key32after a shift to the speech communication allowable state, the processor20sends a speech communication end signal by controlling the transmitter/receiver circuit14. Then, after sending the speech communication end signal, the processor20ends the speech communication processing. Furthermore, in a case that a speech communication end signal is received as well, the processor20ends the speech communication processing. In addition, in a case that a speech communication end signal from the mobile communication network is received independent of the communication partner, the processor20ends the speech communication processing.

When a calling signal from the communication partner is received by the antenna12in a state the mobile phone apparatus10is started up, the transmitter/receiver circuit14notifies an incoming call to the processor20. The processor20outputs an incoming call tone (may be called an incoming mail tone) from a speaker not shown, and notifies the incoming call to the user. Here, the processor20may vibrate the mobile phone apparatus10by driving a vibrator not shown, and notify the user the incoming call. Then, the processor20controls the display driver24to thereby display calling source information sent from the communication partner together with the calling signal on a display26as a display device.

In the speech communication allowable state, following processing is executed. A modulated audio signal (high frequency signal) sent from the communication partner is received by the antenna12. The received modulated audio signal is subjected to demodulation processing and decode processing by the transmitter/receiver circuit14. Then, the received voice signal that is obtained is output from a speaker18. On the other hand, a voice signal to be transmitted that is captured by a microphone16is subjected to encoding processing and modulation processing by the transmitter/receiver circuit14. Then, the generated modulated audio signal is sent to the communication partner by means of the antenna12as in the above description.

The touch key32is also called a touch sensor, and is a system called an capacitive type in which changes in capacitances between electrodes occurring by an approach of the finger to the surface of the touch key32and detects a touch of a finger on touch key32. Then, the processor20performs predetermined processing in response to detection of the finger by the touch key32. For example, when a phone number is input by the key input device22, and then, the finger touches the touch key32, the processor20outputs a calling signal by controlling the transmitter/receiver circuit14.

Also, the mobile phone apparatus10has a data communication function, which makes it possible to perform data communications with servers not shown, and acquire variety of information (data) such as weather information, traffic information, etc. Here, during the data communication, the antenna12and the transmitter/receiver circuit14function as a communication unit, and a server not shown is connected to networks by wire or wirelessly.

FIG. 2(A) is an illustrative view showing the appearance of the mobile phone apparatus10in a closed position,FIG. 2(B) is an illustrative view showing the appearance of the mobile phone apparatus10in a first open position, andFIG. 2(C) is an illustrative view showing the appearance of the mobile phone apparatus10in a second open position. With reference toFIG. 2(A),FIG. 2(B), andFIG. 2(C), the mobile phone apparatus10has a first case C1taking shape of a planar rectangle which is formed of a first short side and a first long side, a second case C2taking shape of a planar rectangle which is formed of a second short side and a second long side and a third case C3taking shape of a planar rectangle which is formed of a third short side and a third long side.

The first case C1is slidably coupled to the second case C2by a first slide mechanism50(seeFIG. 3(A)) while being stacked thereon. Thus, the first case C1slides relative to the second case C2in a short side direction. Furthermore, the second long side of the second case C2is longer than the first long side of the first case C1, and therefore, in the closed position of the first case shown inFIG. 2(A) andFIG. 2(B), a top surface of the second case is divided into a covered portion and an exposed portion.

The third case C3is slidably coupled to the second case C2by a second slide mechanism60while being placed beneath it (seeFIG. 3(B)). Thus, the third case C3slides relative to the second case C2in a long side direction. Furthermore, the third long side of the third case may be slightly longer or slightly shorter than the second long side of the second case. In addition, the third long side and the second long side may have the same length. That is, the third long side and the second long side have approximately the same length.

Here, the first slide mechanism50and the second slide mechanism60that the mobile phone apparatus10have are described. With reference toFIG. 3(A), the first slide mechanism50is made up of a first plate52, a second plate54and a pair of springs56a,56b.

The first slide mechanism50is placed between the first case C1and the second case C2, and the first plate52is coupled to a bottom surface of the first case C1, and the second plate54is coupled to the top surface of the second case C2. Then, the first plate52is assembled with the second plate54so as to slide in the short side direction (up and down directions inFIG. 3(A)). Thus, the first plate52slides relative to the second plate54to thereby make the first case C1slide relative to the second case C2in the short side direction. Here, in this embodiment, the first plate52and the second plate54may respectively be coupled by being screw-held or may be coupled by engagement between a recessed portion and a projected portion, with respect to the first case C1and the second case C2.

Furthermore, a pair of the springs56a,56beach has one end secured to the first plate52and the other end secured to the second plate54. Then, by elasticity of the spring56aand the spring56b, the first plate52and the second plate54are maintained at states. Furthermore, the direction of the force of each of the springs56aand56bis reversed after the first plate52slides by a predetermined amount. That is, the direction of the force by each of the springs56aand56bis reversed, and therefore, the state that the first plate52is positioned above, or the state that the first plate52is positioned below are maintained.

Referring toFIG. 3(B), the second slide mechanism60is made up of a third plate62, a fourth plate64and a spring66. The second slide mechanism60is positioned between the second case C2and the third case C3, and the third plate62is coupled to a bottom surface of the second case C2, and the fourth plate64is coupled to a top surface of the third case C2. Then, the third plate62is assembled with the fourth plate64so as to slide in the long side direction (horizontal direction inFIG. 3(B)). That is, a fourth plate62is slid to thereby make the third case C3slide relative to the second case C2in the long side direction.

Also, the spring66of the second slide mechanism60functions similar to the springs56a,56bof the first slide mechanism50to thereby maintain the third plate62and the fourth plate64at states.

Here, the first case C1and the second case C2are electrically connected by a flexible harness which is unaffected by sliding, and this holds true for the connection between the second case C2and the third case C3. Furthermore, a coil spring is used for the springs56a,56band the spring64but other kinds of springs, such as a plate spring, etc. may be used.

With again reference toFIG. 2(A),FIG. 2(B), andFIG. 2(C), the microphone16not shown is contained in the third case C3, and an opening communicating with the contained microphone16is omitted in the drawing, but provided on the top surface of the third case C3. Similarly, the speaker18not shown is contained in the first case C1, and an opening OP communicating with the speaker18is provided at the top surface at one end of the long side direction of the first case C1.

The key input device22includes a numeric keypad22abeing constituted of numerical keys of 0 to 9 and a QWERTY keyboard22bin QWERTY arrangement. Here, the numeric keypad22ais provided on the top surface of the third case C3, and the QWERTY keyboard22bis provided at the covered portion on the top surface of the second case.

The display26is provided such that the monitor screen is exposed from the top surface of the first case C1. Also, the display26is switched in its direction of the display depending on the state of the mobile phone apparatus10. More specifically, it is switched on the basis of the tilt of the mobile phone apparatus10detected by a tilt sensor32. The tilt sensor32is a semiconductive three-axis accelerometer, and outputs a gravitational acceleration of each axis to the processor20. Then, the processor20detects the tilt of the mobile phone apparatus10by utilizing an inverse trigonometric function with respect to the value of the gravitational acceleration of each axis. Then, in a case that the mobile phone apparatus10is oriented longitudinally as shown inFIG. 2(A) andFIG. 2(B), the display of the display26is vertically oriented, and in a case that it is oriented laterally as shown inFIG. 2(C), the display of the display26is horizontally oriented.

The touch key32includes a cross key functioning as a pointing device, a decision key for deciding an operation result by a user, an off-hook key, and an on-hook key. The touch key32is provided at the exposed portion of the top surface of the second case C2. That is, the QWERTY keyboard22band the touch key32are provided to be substantially flush with each other.

For example, the user inputs a phone number by operating the numeric keypad22awhile confirming the display26, then performs a calling operation by touching the off-hook key included in the touch key32, and performs a speech communication end operation by touching the on-hook key. Furthermore, the user can perform input operations in up, down, right and left directions by the cross key, and can decide the operation result by the decision key.

Here, the antenna12, the display driver24, the flash memory28, the RAM30and the tilt sensor34are contained in any one of the first case C1, the second case C2and the third case C3, and are not illustrated inFIG. 2(A),FIG. 2(B), andFIG. 2(C). Furthermore, in other external views, reference numerals of the first case C1, the second case C2, the third case C3, the opening OP, the numeric keypad22a, the QWERTY keyboard22b, the display26and the touch key32may be omitted for simplicity.

A first magnetic sensor36is contained in the second case C2, and a first magnet, not shown, that pairs up with the first magnetic sensor36is contained in the third case C3. Furthermore, the first magnetic sensor36and the first magnet are contained so as to be the closest to each other in the closed position shown inFIG. 2(A), and are contained so as to be the furthest from each other in the first open position shown inFIG. 2(B). That is, the first magnetic sensor36detects the first open position shown inFIG. 2(B).

Additionally, a second magnetic sensor38is contained in the second case C2at a position different from the first magnetic sensor36, and a second magnet, not shown, that pairs up with the second magnetic sensor38is contained in the first case C1. Furthermore, the second magnetic sensor38and the second magnet are contained so as to be closest to each other in the closed position, and are contained so as to be furthest from each other in the second open position shown inFIG. 2(C). That is, the second magnetic sensor38detects the second open position shown inFIG. 2(C).

For example, the user reads data, such as address book in the closed position, and makes a call with another mobile phone apparatus10, etc. in the first open position. Also, the user acquires various data stored in the server by executing the data communication function in the second open position.

FIG. 4is an illustrative view showing one example of an operation by a user with respect to the mobile phone apparatus10in the second open position. Referring toFIG. 4, a top screen of a certain search site acquired through the data communication function is displayed on the display26. Also, on the display26, an arrow icon Y for arbitrarily designating a position within a display range is displayed, and the user performs an operation of moving the arrow icon Y with the cross key. Here, in this embodiment, an operation performed on the cross key being a pointing device is referred to as “pointing operation”.

For example, the user performs a pointing operation with its own thumb, and operates the decision key, to thereby designate a character input area CIA. Then, the user then moves his or her own thumb without releasing it from the top surface of the second case C2after designating the character input area CIA, to thereby operate the QWERTY keyboard22b. That is, the QWERTY keyboard22band the touch key32being the pointing device are provided to be substantially flush with each other, and therefore, the user can easily switch between a pointing operation and a character input operation performed on the QWERTY keyboard by merely moving his or her own thumb without releasing it from the top surface of the second case C2.

Also, with reference toFIG. 5, the QWERTY keyboard22bof this embodiment is provided such that a point P1being its center in the long side direction is aligned with a point P2being the center of the display26in the long side direction. Thus, the user can more easily perform a character input operation than when the center of the display26and the center of the QWERTY keyboard are not aligned with each other. That is, developers of the maker of the mobile phone apparatus10can offer the mobile phone apparatus10usable for the user.

Here, for the pointing device of the present embodiment, the cross key included in the touch key32is utilized, but by means of a pointing stick (TrackPoint (registered trademark), AccuPoint (registered trademark), Neuro Pointer (registered trademark))70shown inFIG. 6(A), a trackball72shown inFIG. 6(B), etc., the arrow cursor Y may be operated. Furthermore, in place of the decision key included in the touch key32, a jog dial74shown inFIG. 6(C)may be provided. Here, the pointing stick70, the trackball72and the jog dial74are provided such that their operated portions are not protruded through the top surface of the second case C2.

In the second embodiment, in place of the numeric keypad22aof the first embodiment, a sub display80and a touch panel82set on the sub display80may be provided.

With further reference toFIG. 7, at the exposed portion of the second case C2, the sub display80is provided such that its monitor screen is exposed. Then, on the top surface of the sub display80, the electrical capacitive type touch panel82is provided.

Also, in the second embodiment, in a case that the mobile phone apparatus10is in the first open position, GUIs shown inFIG. 8(A)toFIG. 8(C)are displayed on the sub display80. With reference toFIG. 8(A), numeric keys of 0 to 9, etc. are displayed in the key arrangement corresponding to the numeric keypad22aon the sub display80. That is, the sub display82and the touch panel82correspond to the numeric keypad22aof the first embodiment, and the user inputs a phone number by operating the GUI representing the numeric keypad22a.

Also, in a case of the mobile phone apparatus10equipped with a TV tuner for executing a TV viewing function, a GUI of a channel key shown inFIG. 8(B)is displayed on the sub display80. In this case, the mobile phone apparatus10displays a received image on the display26, and displays the GUI on the sub display80to thereby accept a channel operation by the touch panel82. In addition, in a case of the mobile phone apparatus10having a music player function, a GUI of a sub-menu key shown inFIG. 8(C)may be displayed on the sub display80. For example, in a case that a music function is executed, a GUI relating to a song title, and play-back of music data is displayed on the display26, and a play list key for changing the music data during reproduction, a menu key for changing sound quality and a menu key for setting display of the sub display80are displayed on the sub display80. Then, the user operates an arbitrary menu key by a touch operation performed on the touch panel82.

FIG. 9is an illustrative view showing a memory map of a RAM30. With reference toFIG. 9, in the memory map of the RAM30, a program memory area302and a data memory area304are included. A part of programs and data are read entirely at a time, or partially and sequentially as necessary from the flash memory28, stored in the RAM30, and then executed by the CPU20, etc.

In the program memory area302, a program for operating the mobile phone apparatus10is stored, and a display controlling program310, etc., for example, is stored. The display controlling program310is a program for controlling display of the GUIs shown inFIG. 8(A)to (C). Although illustration is omitted, the program for operating the mobile phone apparatus10includes a program for making communications, a program for making data communications with servers on networks, etc.

In the data memory area304, a tilt buffer330, a display GUI buffer332, etc. are provided. Also, in the data memory area304, executive function list data334, GUI data336, etc. are stored, and an orientation flag338, a first open position flag340, a second open position flag342, etc. are also provided.

The tilt buffer330is a buffer for temporarily storing data of a gravitational acceleration output from the tilt sensor34. The display GUI buffer332is a buffer for temporarily storing image data of GUIs to be displayed on the sub display80.

The executive function list data332is data storing a function ID corresponding to the function being executed in the mobile phone apparatus10, and formed in a table form, for example. Also, the executive function list data332is updated every time that the function to be executed in the mobile phone apparatus10is changed. The GUI data336is made up of image data and character string data of the GUI that are to be displayed on the sub display80.

The orientation flag338is a flag for determining the state of the mobile phone apparatus10. The orientation flag338is constituted of one bit register, for example, and when it is turned on (established), a data value “1” is set to the register. On the other hand, when the orientation flag338is turned off (not established), a data value “0” is set to the register. Furthermore, the orientation flag338is switched between ON and OFF on the basis of the data stored in the tilt buffer330. Here, in the present embodiment, the orientation flag338is turned on in a state that the mobile phone apparatus10is used longitudinally as shown inFIG. 2(A) andFIG. 2(B), and is turned off in a state that the mobile phone apparatus10is used laterally as shown inFIG. 2(C).

The first open position flag340is a flag for determining whether in the first open position shown inFIG. 2(B) or not. The second open position flag342is a flag for determining whether in the second open position shown inFIG. 2(C) or not. Furthermore, the ON/OFF of the first open position flag340and the second open position flag342are switched on the basis of the values output from the first magnetic sensor36and the second magnetic sensor38, respectively.

Although illustration is omitted, in the data memory area304, standby image data to be displayed on the standby screen, address book data being made up of phone numbers set to other mobile terminals10, etc. are stored, and counters and flags necessary for operating the mobile terminal10are also provided.

The processor20performs in parallel a plurality of tasks including a display controlling task, etc. shown inFIG. 10under the control of RTOS (Real-time Operating System) such as “Linux(registered trademark) and “REX”.

FIG. 10is a flowchart showing the display controlling task. For example, when the power of the mobile phone apparatus10is turned on, the processor20determines whether or not the mobile phone apparatus10is in the first open position in a step S1. That is, it is determined whether or not the first open position flag340is turned on. If “NO” in the step S1, that is, if it is not in the first open position, the determination in the step S1is repetitively executed. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S1, that is, if it is in the first open position, the process proceeds to a step S3.

In the step S3, the function ID of the function to be executed is acquired. That is, from the executive function list data334, the function ID of the function to be executed is acquired. Succeedingly, in a step S5, GUI data336corresponding to the function ID is read out. That is, on the basis of the function ID read in the step S3, the image data of the GUI corresponding to the function to be executed is read from the GUI data336, and stored in the display GUI buffer332. For example, in the step S3, if the function ID of the TV viewing function is read, the image data of the GUI representing the channel key (seeFIG. 8(B)) is read from the GUI data336.

Succeedingly, in a step S7, the GUI is displayed. That is, the image data stored in the display GUI buffer332is displayed on the sub display80. For example, on the sub display80, the GUI of the channel key shown inFIG. 8(B)is displayed. Succeedingly, in a step S9, it is determined whether in the open position or not. That is, it is determined whether or not the mobile phone apparatus10shifts from the first open position to the closed position on the basis of the first open position flag340. If “NO” in the step S9, that is, if it is in the second open position, the determination in the step S9is repetitively executed. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S9, that is, if it shifts to the closed position, the process proceeds to a step S11. Then, in the step S11, the display of the GUI is erased, and the process returns to the step S1. That is, in the step S11, the display of the sub display80representing the GUI is erased.

Thus, in the second embodiment, in place of the numeric keypad22a, the sub display80and the touch panel82can be utilized. Also, in the second embodiment, the display controlling task is executed, and therefore, the sub display80and the touch panel82can be worked as an input assister capable of being utilized depending on the functions to be executed in the mobile phone apparatus10.

As understood from the above, the slidable mobile phone apparatus10includes the first case C1, the second case C2and the third case C3each taking shape of a planar rectangle. In addition, the second long side is longer than the first long side, and therefore, the top surface of the second case C2is divided into the covered portion and the exposed portion in the closed position of the first case C1. In addition, the first case C1and the second case C2are coupled with each other by the first slide mechanism50such that the first case C1is slidable in the short side direction, and the second case C2and the third case C3are coupled with each other by the second slide mechanism60such that the third case C3is slidable in the long side direction.

Furthermore, on the top surface of the first case C1, the display26is provided. In addition, on the top surface of the second case C2, the QWERTY keyboard22bis provided at the covered portion, and the touch key32including the cross key being the pointing device is provided at the exposed portion. Then, on the top surface of the third case C3, the numeric keypad22ais provided so as to be exposed in response to a slide of the third case.

Thus, the pointing device and the QWERTY keyboard are provided to be flush with each other, and therefore, it is possible to enhance usability of the mobile phone apparatus10capable of simultaneously performing a character input operation and a pointing operation.

Also, the user can use the mobile phone apparatus10as a conventional slidable mobile phone apparatus by sliding the third case C3and exposing the numeric keypad22a.

In addition, in the mobile phone apparatus10of the present embodiment, the touch key32is provided at the exposed portion of the second case C2, and the numeric keypad22ais provided on the top surface of the third case C3, and therefore, the user can easily switch operations between the numeric keypad22aand the touch key32. For example, if the touch key32is provided on the top surface of the first case C1, the touch key32and the numeric keypad22aare far away from each other due to the thickness of the second case C2. In this case, it is more difficult for the user to switch the operations between the numeric keypad22aand the touch key32than that of the mobile phone apparatus10of the present embodiment.

Here, in this embodiment, for the first display26, an LCD monitor is utilized, but other display devices such as an organic light emitting panel may be used. Furthermore, by the first magnetic sensor36and second magnetic sensor38, the closed position, the first open position and the second open position of the mobile phone apparatus10are detected, but they may be detected by utilizing a mechanical switch and other sensors. Moreover, the cross key included in the touch key32may be formed of a mechanical switch key.

Moreover, for the communication system of the mobile terminal10, a W-CDMA system, a TDMA system, a PHS system and a GSM system, etc. may be adopted without being restricted to the CDMA system.

Explanation of Reference Characters