Abstract:
A mobile terminal, a non-transitory computer readable recording medium, and a notification method are disclosed. A proximity sensor detects the proximity of an object. An illumination sensor detects an illumination. A processor provides a specific notification upon detection of a touch operation when the proximity sensor detects the proximity of the object and the illumination is smaller than a predetermined value.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/JP2015/068272, filed on Jun. 24, 2015, which claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-129312, filed on Jun. 24, 2014. International Application No. PCT/JP2015/068272 is entitled “PORTABLE TERMINAL, RECORDING MEDIUM, AND NOTIFICATION CONTROL METHOD” and Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-129312 is entitled “MOBILE TERMINAL, NOTIFICATION CONTROL PROGRAM AND NOTIFICATION CONTROL METHOD”. The content of these applications is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a mobile terminal. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Various techniques have conventionally been proposed for mobile terminals. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    A mobile terminal, a non-transitory computer readable recording medium, and a notification control method are disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile terminal comprises a touch panel, a proximity sensor, an illumination sensor, and a processor. The proximity sensor detects the proximity of an object. The illumination sensor detects an illumination. The processor provides a specific notification upon detection of a touch operation when the proximity sensor detects the proximity of the object and the illumination is smaller than a predetermined value. 
         [0005]    In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable recording medium stores a notification control program for controlling a processor of a mobile terminal comprising a touch panel, a proximity sensor configured to detect the proximity of an object, and an illumination sensor configured to detect an illumination. The notification control program causes the processor to execute the step of providing a specific notification upon detection of a touch operation when the proximity sensor detects the proximity of an object and the illumination is smaller than a predetermined value. 
         [0006]    In one embodiment, a notification control method by a mobile terminal comprising a touch panel, a proximity sensor configured to detect the proximity of an object, and an illumination sensor configured to detect an illumination comprises providing, by a processor of the mobile terminal, a specific notification upon detection of a touch operation when the proximity sensor detects the proximity of the object and the illumination is smaller than a predetermined value. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  illustrates an example of an external appearance of a mobile phone. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of an electrical configuration of the mobile phone. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of an example of an incoming call screen. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of an example of a lock screen. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is an illustration of an example of an operation lock screen. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is an illustration of an example of a state in which a pop-up is displayed on the lock screen in an overlapping manner. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is an illustration of an example of a state in which a pop-up is displayed on the incoming call screen in an overlapping manner. 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is an illustration of an example of a memory map of a RAM. 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a notification control process by a processor. 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a notification control process according to a first embodiment by the processor. 
           [0017]      FIG. 11  illustrates a flowchart showing the example of the notification control process according to the first embodiment by the processor. 
           [0018]      FIG. 12  illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a lock state control process by the processor. 
           [0019]      FIG. 13  illustrates a flowchart showing an example of an incoming call control process by the processor. 
           [0020]      FIG. 14  illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a notification control process according to a second embodiment by a processor. 
           [0021]      FIG. 15  illustrates a flowchart showing an example of the notification control process according to the second embodiment by the processor. 
           [0022]      FIG. 16  illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a notification control process according to another embodiment by the processor. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     First Embodiment 
       [0023]    A mobile phone  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is, for example, a smartphone and includes a vertically long, flat, and rectangular housing  12 . It is pointed out in advance that embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable to any mobile terminals including tablet terminals, tablet PCs, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). 
         [0024]    On the main surface (front surface) of the housing  12  is provided a display  14  that comprises, for example, liquid crystal panel or organic electroluminescent (EL) panel and functions as a display unit. On the display  14  is provided a touch panel  16 . 
         [0025]    A speaker  18  is built in at the main surface side of one vertical end of the housing  12 , and a microphone  20  is built in at the main surface side of the other vertical end of the housing  12 . 
         [0026]    For example, a menu key  22   a  is provided on the main surface of the housing  12  as a hard key constituting an input operation unit together with the touch panel  16 . A power supply key  22   b  is provided on the side surface of the housing  12 . 
         [0027]    Further, to the right of the speaker  18  are provided a proximity sensor  24  and an illumination sensor  26 . Here, a detection surface of the proximity sensor  24  and a detection surface of the illumination sensor  26  are provided so as to be exposed from the housing  12 , and the other portions are built in the housing  12 . 
         [0028]    For example, the user performs a touch operation on a dial pad displayed on the display  14  to enter a telephone number, and also performs a touch operation on an incoming telephone key  64  (see  FIG. 3 ) displayed on the display  14  to start a voice call. When a voice call starts, a hang-up key is displayed on the display  14 . When a touch operation is performed on the hang-up key, the voice call ends. 
         [0029]    When the menu key  22   a  is operated, a home screen appears on the display  14 . In this state, the user can perform, through the touch panel  16 , a touch operation on a graphical user interface (GUI) such as icons and keys displayed on the display  14  to select, for example, icons and keys, thus confirming the selection. 
         [0030]    The user can long press the power supply key  22   b  to power on or off the mobile phone  10 . When the power supply key  22   b  is short pressed with the screen displayed on the display  14 , the display  14  and the touch panel  16  are powered off. 
         [0031]    The GUI such as icons and soft keys displayed on the display  14  may be collectively referred to as an object in the description below. 
         [0032]    The touch operation is an operation including a finger&#39;s touch (contact) on the surface of the touch panel  16 . Examples of the touch operation include a tap operation, a long tap operation, a flick operation, and a swipe (slide) operation. 
         [0033]    The tap operation is an operation of bringing the finger into contact (touch) with the surface of the touch panel  16  and, in a short period of time, moving the finger off (releasing the finger from) the surface of the touch panel  16 . The long tap operation is an operation of keeping the finger in contact with the surface of the touch panel  16  for a predetermined period of time or longer, and then, moving the finger off the surface of the touch panel  16 . The flick operation is an operation of bringing the finger into contact with the surface of the touch panel  16  and flicking the finger at a predetermined speed or higher in any direction. The swipe (slide) operation is an operation of moving the finger in any direction while keeping the finger in contact with the surface of the touch panel  16 , and then, moving the finger off the surface of the touch panel  16 . 
         [0034]    The swipe operation above comprises a swipe operation of touching an object displayed on the surface of the display  14  with the finger and then moving the object, or, a so-called drag operation. An operation of moving the finger off the surface of the touch panel  16  after the drag operation is referred to as a drop operation. 
         [0035]    In the description below, the tap operation, long tap operation, flick operation, swipe operation, drag operation, and drop operation each may also be described without “operation”. The touch operation may be performed not only with the user&#39;s finger but also with, for example, a stylus pen. 
         [0036]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , the mobile phone  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  includes a computer or a processor  30  that is a CPU. The processor  30  is connected with, for example, the proximity sensor  24 , the illumination sensor  26 , a wireless communication circuit  32 , an A/D converter  36 , a D/A converter  38 , an input device  40 , a display driver  42 , a flash memory  44 , a RAM  46 , a touch panel control circuit  48 , a vibrator  50 , and a power supply circuit  52 . 
         [0037]    The processor  30  can perform overall control of the mobile phone  10 . In the RAM  46  that is a storage, all or some of the programs preset in the flash memory  44  are expanded in use, and the processor  30  can operate in accordance with the programs on the RAM  46 . The RAM  46  is further used as a working area or buffer area of the processor  30 . 
         [0038]    The input device  40  includes hard keys (the menu key  22   a  and the power supply key  22   b ) illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The input device  40  can thus accept key operations performed on the hard keys. When accepting the input operation performed on the hard key, the input device  40  can enter the information of the hard key (key data) into the processor  30 . 
         [0039]    The wireless communication circuit  32  is a circuit for transmitting and receiving radio waves for voice calls and emails through an antenna  34 . The wireless communication circuit  32  is, for example, a circuit for wireless communications based on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) scheme. In one example, based on an outgoing call (voice transmission) operation accepted by the touch panel  16 , the wireless communication circuit  32  can perform a voice transmission process under the instruction of the processor  30  and output a voice transmission signal through the antenna  34 . The voice transmission signal is transmitted to a party&#39;s telephone via a base station and a communication network. When the party&#39;s telephone performs a voice reception process, a communicable state is established, so that the processor  30  performs a call process. 
         [0040]    The A/D converter  36  is connected with the microphone  20  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As described above, a voice signal from the microphone  20  is converted into digital voice data by the A/D converter  36 , and the voice data is entered into the processor  30 . The D/A converter  38  is connected with the speaker  18  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The D/A converter  38  can convert the digital voice data into a voice signal and output the voice signal to the speaker  18  through an amplifier. The voice based on the voice data is thus output from the speaker  18 . During the execution of the call process, the voice picked up by the microphone  20  is transmitted to the party&#39;s telephone, and the voice picked up by the party&#39;s telephone is output from the speaker  18 . 
         [0041]    The display driver  42  is connected with the display  14  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The display  14  can thus display a video or an image in accordance with a video or an image output from the processor  30 . The display driver  42  includes a video memory for temporarily storing image data to be displayed. The video memory stores the data output from the processor  30 . The display driver  42  then displays an image on the display  14  in accordance with the contents of the video memory. In other words, the display driver  42  controls a display of the display  14  connected to the display driver  42  under the instruction of the processor  30 . The processor  30  may thus be referred to as a display controller. The display  14  is provided with a backlight, and the display driver  42  can control the brightness and turn-on or turn-off of the backlight in accordance with the instruction of the processor  30 . 
         [0042]    The touch panel control circuit  48  is connected with the touch panel  16  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The touch panel control circuit  48  can provide a necessary voltage or the like to the touch panel  16  and also enter, into the processor  30 , a touch start signal indicating the start of a touch performed on the touch panel  16 , an end signal indicating the end of the touch, and coordinate data indicating a position of the touch. The processor  30  can thus determine an object that has been touched based on the coordinate data and a change in the coordinate data. 
         [0043]    For example, the touch panel  16  is a capacitive touch panel for detecting a change in the capacitance generated between its surface and an object such as a finger (hereinafter collectively referred to as a finger for convenience′ sake). The touch panel  16  can detect that, for example, one or more fingers have touched the touch panel  16 . The touch panel  16  may thus be referred to as a pointing device. The touch panel control circuit  48  can detect a touch within a touch-enabled range of the touch panel  16  and output the coordinate data indicating the position of the touch to the processor  30 . In other words, the user can perform a touch operation on the surface of the touch panel  16  to enter an operation position, an operation direction, and the like into the mobile phone  10 . The touch panel control circuit  48  can also detect an amount of change in capacitance in the touch operation performed on the touch panel  16 . 
         [0044]    In the touch panel  16 , a high sensitivity mode can be set in which a touch can be detected by the user even with a gloved hand. Specifically, a mode is set automatically in accordance with an amount of change in capacitance of a first touch when the touch operation starts. For example, if an amount of change in capacitance is smaller than a threshold (first threshold), it is determined that a touch is made with gloves, and a setup value for determining that a touch has been made is set to a value smaller than a normal setup value. The state in which the setup value for determining that a touch has been made is set to a value smaller than the normal setup value is referred to as a high sensitivity mode. In contrast, the state in which the setup value for determining that a touch has been made is set to the normal setup value is referred to as a normal mode. In the high sensitivity mode, a touch (mere contact) is detected more easily, so that a touch operation such as a tap operation is detected more easily. The processor  30  determines that the touch panel  16  has been touched if an amount of change in the capacitance detected by the touch panel control circuit  48  is greater than the setup value for determining that a touch has been made. Letting a setup value for determining that a touch has been made in the high sensitivity mode be a “second threshold” and a setup value for determining that a touch has been made in the normal mode be a “third threshold”, second threshold&lt;first threshold&lt;third threshold. 
         [0045]    Although whether an amount of change in capacitance in a touch operation is greater than the setup value for determining that a touch has been made is determined by the processor  30 , it may be judged by the touch panel control circuit  48 . 
         [0046]    In the mobile phone  10 , the display  14  and the touch panel  16  are powered off automatically after a lapse of a predetermined period of time (for example, 15 seconds) with no operation performed. 
         [0047]    The proximity sensor  24  includes a light emitting element (not shown) such as an infrared light emitting diode (LED) and a light receiving element (not shown) such as a photodiode. The processor  30  can calculate a distance between the proximity sensor  24  (mobile phone  10 ) and an object (such as the user&#39;s face or clothes) proximate to the proximity sensor  24  from a change in output of the photodiode. Specifically, the light emitting element emits infrared rays, and the light receiving element receives the infrared rays reflected off the object such as the face. For example, if the light receiving element is far from the user&#39;s face, hardly any infrared rays emitted from the light emitting element are received by. In contrast, if the user&#39;s face is proximate to the proximity sensor  24 , the infrared rays emitted from the light emitting element are reflected off the face and received by the light receiving element. In this manner, the amount of infrared rays received by the light receiving element varies between the case in which the proximity sensor  24  is proximate to the user&#39;s face and in the other case. This enables the processor  30  to calculate the distance between the proximity sensor  24  and the object based on the amount of the light received. The processor  30  then determines that an object is proximate to the proximity sensor  24  when the calculated distance is smaller than a certain value. The proximity sensor  24  is used to detect the proximity of an object, so it is also referred to as a proximity detector. 
         [0048]    The illumination sensor  26  includes photodiodes integrated in array. Upon receipt of light, each photodiode changes its output. The processor  30  detects the ambient brightness (illumination) of the mobile phone  10  based on a change in output of each photodiode. In another embodiment, photodiodes may be replaced with phototransistors. The illumination sensor  26  is used to detect the ambient illumination, so it is also referred to as an illumination detector. 
         [0049]    The vibrator  50  is a motor with an eccentric weight attached to its rotating shaft and is controlled to be turned on or off by the processor  30 . When the vibrator  50  operates (turns on), the mobile phone  10  also vibrates due to the vibrations of the vibrator  50 . For example, operating the vibrator  50  upon receipt of an incoming call can notify the user of an incoming call status. Operating the vibrator  50  upon detection of a touch operation notifies the user that a touch operation has been detected. In the description below, the process of operating the vibrator  50  upon detection of a touch operation is referred to as a vibration notification process. 
         [0050]    The power supply circuit  52  comprises an IC for power supply management. The power supply circuit  52  can supply the entire system with the power that is based on the voltage across the secondary battery  54 . The state in which the power supply circuit  52  is supplying power to the entire system is referred to as a power-on state, whereas the state in which the power supply circuit  52  is not supplying power to the entire system is referred to as a power-off state. As described above, the power supply circuit  52  is activated upon long press of the power supply key  22   b  in the power-off state (power-on operation) and is stopped upon long press of the power supply key  22   b  in the power-on state (power-off operation). Further, the power supply circuit  52  includes an external power supply connector (not shown) connected with an external power supply, and accordingly, even in the power-off state, the power supply circuit  52  is activated when the secondary battery  54  is supplied with power (is charged) and is stopped when the fully charged state of the secondary battery  54  is detected. “Being charged” means that the external power supply connector is connected with the external power supply and receives a power supply from the external power supply, and accordingly, the secondary battery  54  stores electrical energy. The power supply circuit  52  and the secondary battery  54  may be collectively referred to as a power supply unit. 
         [0051]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of an example of an incoming call screen displayed while an incoming call is received. With reference to  FIG. 3 , a display range of the display  14  includes a status display area  60  and a function display area  62 . In the status display area  60  are displayed a pictogram indicating a status of a radio wave received by the antenna  34 , a pictogram indicating a remaining battery capacity of the secondary battery  54 , and a time. The incoming call screen is displayed in the function display area  62 . The incoming call screen includes a text indicating that an incoming call is being received, a text and an image indicating a caller, two keys for response, and a text for describing an operation. 
         [0052]    In the case in which address data including a name and an image of a party (caller) is registered in association with the telephone number of the party, the text and image indicating the caller are displayed based on the address data. If such address data is not registered, “unknown caller” is displayed on the incoming call screen, and an image indicating that the caller is unknown is displayed. 
         [0053]    The two keys for response include an incoming telephone key  64  and a hold key  66 . When a swipe operation is performed on the incoming telephone key  64  while an incoming call is received, a communicable state is established, so that the processor  30  performs a call process. In other words, the user can perform a touch operation on the incoming telephone key  64  to start a call with the caller. When the swipe operation is performed on the hold key  66  while an incoming call is received, an incoming-call-enabled state is established, so that the processor  30  performs a hold process. When the hold process is performed, for example, a voice massage informing that a call cannot be answered is transmitted to the caller&#39;s telephone. In other words, the user can perform a touch operation on the hold key  66  to inform the caller that the user cannot answer the incoming call. 
         [0054]    On the incoming call screen and the next call screen, the touch operation on the touch panel  16  is limited while the proximity sensor  24  detects the proximity of an object. In other words, the mobile phone  10  is brought close to the user&#39;s face during, for example, a call, and accordingly, the touch panel  16  may detect the user&#39;s face, so that the mobile phone  10  may malfunction. Thus, when the proximity sensor  24  detects the proximity of an object while an incoming call is received and while a call is made, the touch operation is limited so as to avoid the execution of an operation such as a process corresponding to the key operation even if the touch operation is performed on the touch panel  16 . 
         [0055]    To avoid an incorrect operation due to an unintended input to the touch panel  16  by the user, the mobile phone  10  can set a lock state in which the execution of a predetermined process based on the touch operation is limited. For example, when the power supply key  22   b  is operated, the display  14  and the touch panel  16  are powered off, and also, the lock state is set. When the menu key  22   a  is operated in this state, the display  14  and the touch panel  16  are powered on, and the lock screen is displayed, so that the operation of releasing the lock state can be accepted. Also when the display  14  is powered off automatically, the lock state is set. In the lock state, the display  14  and the touch panel  16  are powered off until the lock screen is displayed, thus reducing power consumption of the mobile phone  10 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of an example of the lock screen. With reference to  FIG. 4 , when, for example, the menu key  22   a  or the power supply key  22   b  is operated in the lock state, the lock screen is displayed in the function display area  62 . The lock screen includes a time and date icon  68  indicating a current time and date, on which two keys for accepting a release operation are displayed. The two keys include a start key  70  for releasing the lock state and a telephone key  72  for releasing the lock state and also executing a telephone function. 
         [0057]    For example, when the tap operation is performed on the start key  70 , the tap operation is accepted as the release operation, and the lock state is accordingly released. Then, when the lock state is released using the start key  70 , the operation lock screen illustrated in  FIG. 5  is displayed. The operation lock screen displays the time and date icon  68  and a start icon  74 . Then, when a swipe operation (start operation) is performed on the start icon  74  in any direction for a predetermined distance or more, the operation lock state is released, and the home screen appears. In other words, with the lock state set, the user can display the home screen by performing the release operation on the lock screen and then performing the start operation on the operation lock screen. 
         [0058]    In place of the operation lock screen, a password lock screen for accepting an input of a password may be displayed. After the lock state is released, the operation lock screen illustrated in  FIG. 5  may not be displayed but the home screen may be displayed. Further, the operation lock screen may be displayed as the lock screen. 
         [0059]    When a tap operation is performed on the telephone key  72 , the tap operation is accepted as a release operation, so that the lock state is released. Then, when the lock state is released using the telephone key  72 , a calling screen including a dialing key is displayed. Then, the user can perform a calling operation after entering any telephone number on the calling screen to make a call to any party. When an incoming call is received in the lock state, not the lock screen illustrated in  FIG. 4  but the incoming call screen illustrated in  FIG. 3  is displayed. 
         [0060]    When the lock screen is displayed or the incoming call screen is displayed in the lock state, whether the user performs a touch operation with gloves needs to be determined, and thus, the sensitivity of the touch panel  16  is set to the high-sensitivity mode. Thus, even when the user displays the lock screen or the like with gloves, the operation of releasing the lock state can be accepted. 
         [0061]    However, when the lock screen or the incoming call screen is displayed while the mobile phone  10  in which the lock state is set is put in the pocket of user&#39;s clothes, the touch panel  16  set to the high sensitivity mode may detect the user&#39;s body such as the leg through the clothes. Then, when the touch panel  16  detects the user&#39;s body, the following malfunction may conceivably occur: the setting of the mobile phone  10  may be changed against the user&#39;s will, or an incoming call may be answered against the user&#39;s will. 
         [0062]    Thus, the mobile phone  10  uses the proximity sensor  24  and the illumination sensor  26  to determine the state in which the mobile phone  10  is put in the pocket of the user&#39;s clothes, and when determining that the mobile phone  10  is put in the pocket, provides a specific notification to make practically disable the touch operation. 
         [0063]    Specifically, when an event such as a key operation or an incoming call occurs and the display  14  of the mobile phone  10  is accordingly powered on, the proximity sensor  24  and the illumination sensor  26  are powered on. In this case, when the proximity sensor  24  detects the proximity of an object and the illumination detected by the illumination sensor  26  is smaller than a predetermined value, or, it is determined that the surrounding area of the mobile phone  10  is dark, the mobile phone  10  determines that it is put in the pocket. When the touch operation is performed on the touch panel  16  after the determination as described above, for example, a pop-up  76  as illustrated in  FIG. 6  is displayed, and the vibrator  50  performs the vibration notification process. Then, while the mobile phone  10  is put in the pocket, the pop-up  76  is displayed even when any position of the touch panel  16  is touched, and the vibration notification process is performed. In other words, the pop-up  76  is displayed or the vibration notification process is performed upon detection of a touch operation when the proximity of an object is detected and the detected illumination is smaller than a predetermined value while the mobile phone  10  is put in, for example, the pocket. Then, such a notification is made in the state above to practically disable the touch operation and lower the risk of malfunction. 
         [0064]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , at the occurrence of, for example, a key operation event, the lock screen is displayed after the display  14  is powered on. When the mobile phone  10  determines that it is put in the pocket and the touch operation is performed on any position of the touch panel  16  in this state, the pop-up  76  is displayed on the lock screen in an overlapping manner, so that the vibration notification process using the vibrator  50  is performed. As described above, the vibration notification process is performed in response to the touch operation, and accordingly, the user can notice that the touch panel  16  is not out of order. For example, when the vibration notification process is not performed in response to a touch operation, the user may misunderstand that the touch operation cannot be performed due to the touch panel  16  being out of order. However, performing the vibration notification process in response to the touch operation can reduce a risk that the user will misunderstand that the touch operation cannot be performed due to the touch panel  16  being out of order. 
         [0065]    The pop-up  76  includes an image of the external appearance of the mobile phone  10  and a message. The image indicates the positions of the proximity sensor  24  and the illumination sensor  26 . The message informs that the mobile phone  10  becomes operable by moving the hand or object covering the mobile phone  10 . As described above, in the case in which the mobile phone  10  determines that it is put in the pocket, displaying the pop-up  76  in response to the touch operation can inform the user that the proximity sensor  24  and the illumination sensor  26  are inadvertently hidden. 
         [0066]    Then, when the proximity sensor  24  no longer detects the proximity of an object or when the illumination detected by the illumination sensor  26  is greater than the predetermined value, or, the surrounding area of the mobile phone  10  becomes bright, the display of the pop-up  76  is deleted. In other words, when the mobile phone  10  determines that it is not put in the pocket, the pop-up  76  is deleted. The user can accordingly notice that the touch operation has been practically enabled. 
         [0067]    As described above, the power consumed when the mobile phone  10  determines whether it is put in the pocket can be reduced by powering on the proximity sensor  24  and the illumination sensor  26  in response to the occurrence of an event such as a key operation. For example, if the proximity sensor  24  and the illumination sensor  26  are always powered on, the power is supplied to the proximity sensor  24  and the illumination sensor  26  even when the determination described above is not required, resulting in unnecessary power consumption. However, powering on the proximity sensor  24  and the illumination sensor  26  can reduce power consumption. 
         [0068]    When the mobile phone  10  determines that it is no longer put in the pocket, or, when the proximity sensor  24  no longer detects the proximity of an object or the illumination detected by the illumination sensor  26  is greater than a predetermined value, the proximity sensor  24  and the illumination sensor  26  are powered off. In this manner, the proximity sensor  24  and the illumination sensor  26  are powered off when these sensors are not required, thus reducing power consumption. 
         [0069]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , at the occurrence of an incoming call event, the incoming call screen is displayed after the display  14  is powered on. Also in this case, when the mobile phone  10  determines that it is put in the pocket and detects a touch operation, the pop-up  76  is displayed on the incoming call screen in an overlapping manner, and the vibration notification process is performed. Note that the pop-up  76  is displayed at the position of the incoming call screen at which an image corresponding to a caller is not hidden, for example, at the lower position of the screen. Additionally, a message is displayed but no image is displayed in the pop-up  76  displayed on the incoming call screen, and the display size of the message is smaller than that of the pop-up  76  displayed on the lock screen. The user can thus check an image related to the caller even when the pop-up  76  is displayed on the incoming call screen in an overlapping manner. 
         [0070]    If the proximity sensor  24  no longer detects the proximity of an object in the case in which the pop-up  76  is displayed on the incoming call screen, the pop-up  76  is deleted. In other words, the user can notice that the touch operation has been practically enabled. As described above, the proximity sensor  24  limits the touch operation on the touch panel  16  while an incoming call is received, and thus, the operation on the touch panel  16  is caused to return to the practically enabled state based on the detection result of the proximity sensor  24 , without using the illumination sensor  26 . For example, similarly to the pop-up  76  displayed on the lock screen or the like, if the illumination detected by the illumination sensor  26  is used to enable the operation on the touch panel  16 , the touch operation on the touch panel  16  may be enabled irrespective of the presence of the mobile phone  10  close to the user&#39;s face, causing a malfunction. Thus, the mobile phone  10  is configured not to cause such a malfunction. 
         [0071]    Further, if the operation on the touch panel  16  is enabled after the occurrence of an incoming call event, the illumination sensor  26  is powered off. Then, if the mobile phone  10  is no longer put in the pocket, the proximity sensor  24  needs to detect the proximity of the user&#39;s face, and accordingly, the proximity sensor  24  remains powered on. Unnecessary power consumption can be reduced by powering off the illumination sensor  26  as described above. 
         [0072]    While the mobile phone  10  determines that it is put in the pocket, the pop-up  76  is displayed when any position of the touch panel  16  is touched. In other words, while the mobile phone  10  determines that it is put in the pocket, approximately the entire touch panel  16  is the effective area for the touch operation. Contrastingly, on the lock screen illustrated in, for example,  FIG. 4 , the process corresponding to the touch operation is not performed even when the touch operation is performed on any position other than the start key  70  and the telephone key  72 . In other words, on the lock screen, the display ranges (predetermined areas) of the start key  70  and the telephone key  72  are effective areas for the touch operation. This means that the effective area for the touch operation in the touch panel  16  varies between before and after the mobile phone  10  determines that it is put in the pocket. While the mobile phone  10  provides a specific notification in response to the touch operation, the pop-up  76  is displayed when the touch operation is performed on the touch panel  16 , irrespective of the key display range. The user can thus perform the touch operation on any position to grasp the state of the mobile phone  10 . 
         [0073]    Even while the mobile phone  10  determines that it is put in the pocket, the pop-up  76  may be displayed when the touch operation is performed on a predetermined area, such as a key display range. The pop-up  76  can thus be displayed when the user performs the touch operation on the predetermined area. 
         [0074]    The position at which the user performs the touch operation can be guided by setting the key display range as a predetermined area. 
         [0075]    Also when the display  14  and the touch panel  16  are powered off due to a lapse of a predetermined period of time with no operation performed or due to the operation performed on the power supply key  22   b , the proximity sensor  24  and the illumination sensor  26  are powered off. 
         [0076]    When an incoming call flag  350  ( FIG. 8 ) is turned on during the display of the lock screen, the incoming call screen is displayed in place of the lock screen. At this time, if the pop-up  76  is displayed, the pop-up  76  changes from the state of  FIG. 6  to the state of  FIG. 7 . In other words, the content and display position of the pop-up  76  change. 
         [0077]    Next, the action of the mobile phone  10  will be described in detail with reference to the memory map illustrated in  FIG. 8  and the flowcharts illustrated in  FIGS. 9 to 13 . 
         [0078]    With reference to  FIG. 8 , a program storage area  302  and a data storage area  304  are formed in the RAM  46 . The program storage area  302  is, as described above, the area for reading and storing (expanding) all or some of the programs and data preset in the flash memory  44  ( FIG. 2 ). 
         [0079]    The program storage area  302  stores a display control program  310  for powering off the display  14  and the touch panel  16  after a lapse of a predetermined period of time with no operation performed, a touch operation control program  312  for limiting the touch operation on the touch panel  16  while an incoming call is received and while a call is made, a notification control program  314  for providing a specific notification when the mobile phone  10  determines that it is put in the pocket, a lock state control program  316  for, for example, releasing a lock state, an incoming call control program  318  to be executed when an incoming call is received, and any other program. The program storage area  302  also stores a program for calling, a program for transmitting and receiving emails, a program for managing address book data, and any other program. 
         [0080]    The data storage area  304  of the RAM  46  includes a proximity sensor buffer  330 , an illumination sensor buffer  332 , a touch buffer  334 , a hard key buffer  336 , a touch area buffer  338 , and any other buffer. The data storage area  304  stores, for example, GUI data  340  and pop-up data  342 . Additionally, a touch flag  344 , a display flag  346 , a lock flag  348 , an incoming call flag  350 , a high-sensitivity flag  352 , a no-operation counter  354 , and the like are provided in the data storage area  304 . 
         [0081]    The proximity sensor buffer  330  temporarily stores the information on the distance between the object detected by the proximity sensor  24  and the proximity sensor  24 . The illumination sensor buffer  332  temporarily stores the information on the illumination detected by the illumination sensor  26 . The touch buffer  334  temporarily stores, for example, the data on touch coordinates output from the touch panel control circuit  48 , an amount of change in capacitance, and the data on touch coordinates of the starting point and end point of the touch operation. 
         [0082]    The hard key buffer  336  temporarily stores the information on the hard key (key data) entered into the processor  30 . The touch area buffer  338  temporarily stores the coordinate data on the area in which the touch operation is effective on the displayed screen. For example, during the display of the lock screen illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the touch area buffer  338  stores the coordinate data indicating the display ranges of the start key  70  and the telephone key  72 . 
         [0083]    The GUI data  340  is the data on the GUI to be displayed for displaying the lock screen, the incoming call screen, or any other screen. The GUI data  340  thus includes image data and text data. The pop-up data  342  is the data for displaying the pop-up  76  and, similarly to the GUI data  340 , includes image data and text data. 
         [0084]    The touch flag  344  is a flag for determining whether the touch panel  16  is touched. For example, the touch flag  344  comprises a one-bit register. When the touch flag  344  is turned on (established), a data value “1” is set in the register. When the touch flag  344  is turned off (not established), a data value “0” is set in the register. The touch flag  344  is switched on or off based on the output of the touch panel control circuit  48 . 
         [0085]    The display flag  346  is a flag for determining whether the display  14  displays an image. For example, the display flag  346  is turned on when the display  14  displays an image or is turned off when the image displayed on the display  14  is deleted. The lock flag  348  is a flag for determining whether the lock state is set. For example, the lock flag  348  is turned on when the lock state is set or is turned off when the lock state is released. The incoming call flag  350  is a flag for determining whether an incoming call is being received. For example, the incoming call flag  350  is turned on when a voice transmission signal is received or is turned off when a voice transmission signal is no longer received. The high-sensitivity flag  352  is a flag for determining whether a high-sensitivity mode is set. 
         [0086]    The configurations of these flags are approximately the same as that of the touch flag  344 , and thus will not be described here in detail for the sake of brevity. 
         [0087]    The no-operation counter  354  is a counter for measuring a time in which no operation is performed. The no-operation counter  354  is initialized when the display  14  is powered on or an event such as a key operation or an incoming call occurs, and then starts measuring a time. When the no-operation counter  354  measures a predetermined period of time, the no-operation counter  354  expires. Then, when the no-operation counter  354  expires, the display  14  and the touch panel  16  are powered off. 
         [0088]    The data storage area  304  stores address book data or includes any other flag or timer (counter) necessary for executing a program. 
         [0089]    The processor  30  simultaneously processes a plurality of tasks including the notification control process illustrated in  FIGS. 9 to 11 , the lock state control process illustrated in  FIG. 12 , and the incoming call control process illustrated in  FIG. 13  under the control of a predetermined operating system (OS) such as a Windows (registered trademark)-based OS, a Linux (registered trademark)-based OS such as Android (registered trademark), or an iOS (registered trademark). 
         [0090]    A display control process and a touch operation control process are performed simultaneously with the processes above. The display control process powers off the display  14  and the touch panel  16  after a lapse of a predetermined period of time with no operation performed. The touch operation control process limits the touch operation on the touch panel  16  using the proximity sensor  24  while an incoming call is received and while a call is made. These two processes are well known and thus will be neither illustrated nor described. 
         [0091]      FIG. 9  illustrates a part of the flowchart of the notification control process. For example, when the display  14  is powered off, an instruction to perform the notification control process is issued, so that the notification control process starts. The instruction to perform the notification control process is issued at regular cycles (for example, 100 ms) if the display  14  is powered off. 
         [0092]    In step S 1 , the processor  30  determines whether an event has occurred. In other words, whether an event such as a key operation or an incoming call has occurred is determined. Specifically, the processor  30  determines whether the hard key buffer  336  has stored key information or the incoming call flag  350  has been turned on. If “NO” in Step S 1 , or, when no event has occurred, the processor  30  ends the notification control process. If “YES” in step S 1 , or, when a key operation event occurs, the processor  30  powers on the proximity sensor  24  and the illumination sensor  26  in step S 3 . In other words, these sensors are powered on to determine whether the mobile phone  10  is put in, for example, the pocket. The processor  30  that performs the process of step S 3  functions as a first controller. 
         [0093]    Subsequently, in step S 5 , the processor  30  powers on the display  14  and the touch panel  16 . In other words, the display  14  and the touch panel  16  are powered on to display and operate the screen corresponding to the event that has occurred. Subsequently, in step S 7 , the processor  30  determines whether an incoming call has been received. In other words, whether the event that has occurred is an incoming call is determined. Specifically, the processor  30  determines whether the incoming call flag  350  is turned on. If “YES” in step S 7 , or, when the event that has occurred is an incoming call, the processor  30  proceeds to the process of step S 31  illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0094]    If “NO” in step S 7 , or, when the event that has occurred is a key operation, in step S 9 , the processor  30  determines whether the proximity of an object has been detected. In other words, whether an object is present in front of the mobile phone  10  is determined. Specifically, the processor  30  determines whether an object is proximate thereto based on the information on the distance stored in the proximity sensor buffer  330 . If “NO” in step S 9 , or, when the proximity of an object has not been detected, the processor  30  proceeds to the process of step S 27 . If “YES” in step S 9 , or, when the proximity of an object has been detected, in step S 11 , the processor  30  determines whether the surrounding area of the mobile phone  10  is dark. In other words, the processor  30  determines whether the illumination stored in the illumination sensor buffer  332  is smaller than a predetermined value. If “NO” in step S 11 , or, when the surrounding area of the mobile phone  10  is bright, the processor  30  proceeds to the process of step S 27 . 
         [0095]    If “YES” in step S 11 , or, when the proximity of an object has been detected and the surrounding area of the mobile phone  10  is dark, the processor  30  proceeds to the process of step S 13 . In other words, the processor  30  determines that the mobile phone  10  is put in the pocket. After such a determination, in step S 13 , the processor  30  determines whether a touch operation has been performed. For example, when the lock screen is displayed, the processor  30  determines whether a touch operation has been performed on the touch panel  16  at any position. If “NO” in step S 13 , or, when the touch operation has not been performed, the processor  30  proceeds to the process of step S 19 . If the determination is “YES” in step S 11 , the touch area buffer  338  stores the coordinate data indicating the entire area of the touch panel  16 . In other words, the entire touch panel  16  is the effective area for the touch operation. 
         [0096]    If “YES” in step S 13 , for example, when the tap operation is performed on the touch panel  16 , the processor  30  displays the pop-up  76  in step S 15  and performs the vibration notification process in step S 17 . For example, while the lock screen is displayed, the pop-up  76  as illustrated in  FIG. 6  is displayed, and the vibrator  50  operates. 
         [0097]    Subsequently, in step S 19 , the processor  30  determines whether the proximity of an object is no longer detected. In other words, the processor  30  determines whether the mobile phone  10  is no longer put in the pocket. If “YES” in step S 19 , or, when the proximity of an object is no longer detected, the processor  30  proceeds to the process of step S 25 . If “NO” in step S 19 , or, when the proximity of an object has been detected, in step S 21 , the processor  30  determines whether the surrounding area of the mobile phone  10  is bright. In other words, as in step S 19 , whether the mobile phone  10  is no longer put in the pocket is determined. If “NO” in step S 21 , in step S 23 , the processor  30  determines whether the display has been deleted. For example, the processor  30  determines whether the power supply key  22   b  has been operated and the display flag  346  has been turned off. If “YES” in step S 23 , for example, when the display  14  is powered off and the display flag  346  is turned off after a lapse of a predetermined period of time with no operation performed, the processor  30  performs the process of step S 29  described below and then ends the notification control process. 
         [0098]    If “NO” in step S 23 , for example, when the display of the display  14  does not change while the mobile phone  10  remains put in the pocket, the processor  30  returns to the process of step S 13 . After that, if the determination is “YES” in step S 19  or S 21 , or, when the proximity of an object is no longer detected or the surrounding area of the mobile phone  10  becomes bright, in step S 25 , the processor  30  deletes the pop-up  76 . For example, in the case where the lock screen illustrated in  FIG. 6  has been displayed, the pop-up  76  is deleted, and the lock screen illustrated in  FIG. 4  is displayed. However, in the case where the pop-up  76  is not displayed, the display of the display  14  does not change. Then, when the pop-up  76  is deleted in step S 25 , the touch area buffer  338  stores the coordinate data corresponding to the displayed key. In other words, when the processor  30  determines that the mobile phone  10  is no longer put in the pocket, the effective area of the touch panel  16  changes from the entire touch panel  16  to the key display area. The processor  30  that performs the process of step S 25  functions as a deletion unit. 
         [0099]    Subsequently, in step S 27 , the processor  30  determines whether the display has been deleted. For example, the processor  30  determines whether the release operation has been performed while the lock screen is displayed, and accordingly, the lock screen has been deleted and the display flag  346  has been turned on. If “NO” in step S 27 , for example, when the lock screen is displayed while the mobile phone  10  is held by the user, the processor  30  returns to the process of step S 9 . 
         [0100]    For example, if the operation lock screen is displayed after the release operation has been performed to delete the lock screen, the display flag  346  is turned off once. Thus, the determination is “YES” in step S 27 , and in step S 29 , the processor  30  powers off the proximity sensor  24  and the illumination sensor  26 . In other words, the processor  30  does not need to determine whether the mobile phone  10  is put in the pocket, and accordingly, the two sensors are powered off. Then, when the process of step S 29  ends, the processor  30  ends the notification control process. The processor  30  that performs the process of step S 29  functions as a second controller. 
         [0101]    If the event that has occurred is an incoming call, or, if “YES” in step S 7 , in step S 31  illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the processor  30  determines whether the proximity of an object has been detected as in step S 9 . If “YES” in step S 31 , or, when the proximity of an object is detected, in step S 33 , the processor  30  determines whether the surrounding area of the mobile phone  10  is dark as in step S 11 . If “NO” in step S 31  or S 33 , or, when the proximity of an object has not been detected or the surrounding area of the mobile phone  10  is bright, the processor  30  performs the process of step S 47  described below and then ends the notification control process. In other words, at the time when an incoming call is received, the processor  30  determines that the mobile phone  10  is not put in the pocket, and thus, the notification control process ends. If an incoming call is being received at the time when the notification control process ends, the touch operation control process is performed to determine whether to limit the touch operation on the touch panel  16  using the proximity sensor  24 . 
         [0102]    If “YES” in step S 33 , or, when the proximity of an object has been detected and the surrounding area of the mobile phone  10  is dark, the processor  30  proceeds to the process of step S 35 . In other words, the processor  30  determines that the mobile phone  10  is put in the pocket. After such a determination, in step S 35 , the processor  30  determines whether a touch operation has been performed as in step S 13 . If “NO” in step S 35 , or, when the touch operation has not been performed, the processor  30  proceeds to the process of step S 41 . If the determination is “YES” in step S 33 , as in the case in which the determination is “YES” in step S 11 , the entire touch panel  16  is the effective area for the touch operation. 
         [0103]    If “YES” in step S 35 , or, when the touch operation is performed, the processor  30  displays the pop-up  76  illustrated in  FIG. 7  in step S 37 , and performs the vibration notification process in step S 39 . 
         [0104]    Subsequently, in step S 41 , the processor  30  determines whether the proximity of an object is no longer detected as in step S 19 . If “NO” in step S 41 , or, when the proximity of an object has been detected, in step S 43 , the processor  30  determines whether the display has been deleted. For example, the processor  30  determines whether the power supply key  22   b  has been operated, and accordingly, the display flag  346  has been turned off. If “YES” in step S 43 , when a voice transmission signal is no longer received so that the incoming call flag  350  is turned off, and when the incoming call screen is deleted, the processor  30  proceeds to the process of step S 29 . 
         [0105]    If “NO” in step S 43 , or, when the display has not been deleted, the processor  30  returns to the process of step S 35 . After that, if the determination is “YES” in step S 41 , or, when the proximity of an object is no longer detected, the processor  30  deletes the pop-up  76  in step S 45 . In other words, when the pop-up  76  is deleted in the incoming call screen illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the display  14  displays the incoming call screen illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Then, when the pop-up  76  is deleted in step S 45 , as in the case in which the pop-up  76  is deleted in the process of step S 25 , the effective area of the touch panel  16  changes from the entire touch panel  16  to the key display area. The processor  30  that perform is the process of step S 45  functions as a deletion unit. 
         [0106]    Subsequently, in step S 47 , the processor  30  powers off the illumination sensor  26 . In other words, since the illumination sensor  26  is not necessary, the processor  30  powers off the illumination sensor  26 . Then, when the process of step S 47  ends, the processor  30  ends the notification control process. A normal incoming call screen is displayed, and accordingly, the touch operation on the touch panel  16  may be limited by the touch operation control process described above. The processor  30  that performs the process of step S 47  functions as a third controller. 
         [0107]    The processor  30  that performs the processes of steps S 15  and S 37  functions as a pop-up processing unit. 
         [0108]      FIG. 12  illustrates a flowchart of the lock state control process. When the display  14  is powered on in the case where the lock state is set, the lock state control process starts. In step S 61 , the processor  30  turns on the high-sensitivity flag  352 . In other words, the processor  30  sets the sensitivity of the touch panel  16  to the high-sensitivity mode. Subsequently, in step S 63 , the processor  30  displays the lock screen. For example, the display  14  displays the lock screen illustrated in  FIG. 4 . When the lock screen is displayed, the touch area buffer  338  stores the coordinate data indicating the display ranges of the start key  70  and the telephone key  72 . However, when the processor  30  determines that the mobile phone  10  is put in the pocket, the touch area buffer  338  stores the coordinate data indicating the entire touch panel  16 . 
         [0109]    Subsequently, in step S 65 , the processor  30  determines whether the release operation has been performed. For example, the processor  30  determines whether the tap operation has been performed on the start key  70  or the telephone key  72 . If the processor  30  determines that the mobile phone  10  is put in the pocket, the release operation is not accepted as an effective operation. 
         [0110]    If “NO” in step S 65 , or, when the release operation has not been performed, in step S 67 , the processor  30  determines whether the display has been deleted. For example, the processor  30  determines whether the lock screen has been deleted by powering off the display  14  after a lapse of a predetermined period of time without an operation performed. Specifically, the processor  30  determines whether the display flag  346  has been turned off. If “YES” in step S 67 , for example, when the power supply key  22   b  is operated to delete the lock screen, the processor  30  proceeds to the process of step S 75 . If “NO” in step S 67 , or, when the lock screen has been displayed, the processor  30  returns to the process of step S 65 . If “YES” in step S 65 , or, when the start key  70  is operated, the processor  30  turns off the lock flag  348  in step S 69 . In other words, the lock state is released. 
         [0111]    Subsequently, in step S 71 , the processor  30  determines whether the operation has been performed with gloves. In other words, in the touch operation performed as the release operation, the processor  30  determines whether an amount of change in capacitance is smaller than a first threshold. An amount of change in capacitance is read from the touch buffer  334 . If “NO” in step S 71 , for example, when the release operation has been performed with bare hands and an amount of change in the capacitance stored in the touch buffer  334  is greater than the first threshold, in step S 73 , the processor  30  turns off the high-sensitivity flag  352 . In other words, the processor  30  sets the sensitivity of the touch panel  16  to the normal mode. Then, when the process of step S 73  ends, the processor  30  proceeds to the process of step S 75 . If “YES” in step S 71 , for example, when the release operation has been performed with gloved hand and an amount of change in capacitance is smaller than the first threshold, the processor  30  proceeds to the process of step S 75 . In other words, the high-sensitivity mode remains set. 
         [0112]    Subsequently, in step S 75 , the processor  30  deletes the lock screen. In other words, since the lock state has been released, the lock screen is deleted to display the next screen (for example, the operation lock screen). Then, when the process of step S 75  ends, the processor  30  ends the lock state control process. 
         [0113]      FIG. 13  illustrates a flowchart of the incoming call control process. For example, when the incoming call flag  350  is turned on, the incoming call control process starts. In step S 91 , the processor  30  determines whether the lock state has been set. In other words, the processor  30  determines whether the lock flag  348  has been turned on. If “NO” in step S 91 , or, when the lock state has not been set, the processor  30  proceeds to the process of step S 95 . If “YES” in step S 91 , or, when the lock state has been set and the lock flag  348  has been turned on, in step S 93 , the processor  30  turns on the high-sensitivity flag  352  as in step S 61 . 
         [0114]    Subsequently, in step S 95 , the processor  30  determines whether the display  14  has been powered on. In other words, an incoming call may be received while the display  14  is powered off Thus, before displaying the incoming call screen, the processor  30  determines whether the display  14  has been powered on in step S 5  of the notification control process. If “NO” in step S 95 , or, when the display  14  has been powered off, the processor  30  repeats the process of step S 95 . If “YES” in step S 95 , or, when the display  14  has been powered on, in step S 97 , the processor  30  displays the incoming call screen. For example, the display  14  displays the incoming call screen illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Together with the display of the incoming call screen, the speaker  18  outputs a ringtone, and accordingly, the vibrator  50  operates. When the incoming call screen is displayed, the touch area buffer  338  stores the coordinate data indicating the display ranges of the incoming telephone key  64  and the hold key  66 . However, if the processor  30  determines that the mobile phone  10  is put in the pocket, the touch area buffer  338  stores the coordinate data indicating the entire touch panel  16 . 
         [0115]    Subsequently, in step S 99 , the processor  30  determines whether an incoming call operation has been performed. For example, the processor  30  deter mines whether the tap operation has been performed on the incoming telephone key  64 . If “YES” in step S 99 , or, when the tap operation is performed on the incoming telephone key  64 , in step S 101 , the processor  30  perform is the call process. In other words, the mobile phone  10  can communicate with the party&#39;s telephone. Then, when the process of step S 101  ends, the processor  30  proceeds to the process of step S 109 . If “NO” in step S 99 , or, when the call operation has not been performed, in step S 103 , the processor  30  determines whether a hold operation has been performed. For example, the processor  30  determines whether the tap operation has been performed on the hold key  66 . If “YES” in step S 103 , for example, when the tap operation is performed on the hold key  66 , in step S 105 , the processor  30  performs the hold process. For example, a message informing that a communication cannot be currently performed is transmitted to the party&#39;s telephone. Then, when the process of step S 105  ends, the processor  30  proceeds to the process of step S 109 . However, if it is determined that the mobile phone  10  is put in the pocket, the call incoming operation or the hold operation cannot be accepted as an effective operation. 
         [0116]    If “NO” in step S 103 , or, when the hold operation is not performed, in step S 107 , the processor  30  determines whether the incoming call flag  350  has been turned off. In other words, the processor  30  determines whether a voice transmission signal is no longer received and whether the incoming call flag  350  has been turned off. If “NO” in step S 107 , or, when a voice transmission signal has been received and the incoming call flag  350  has been turned on, the processor  30  returns to the process of step S 99 . 
         [0117]    If “YES” in step S 107 , for example, when a voice transmission signal is no longer received and the incoming call flag  350  has been turned off, in step S 109 , the processor  30  deletes the incoming call screen. In other words, the incoming call screen is deleted in order to display the next screen. Also, together with the deletion of the incoming call screen, a ringtone output is stopped, and accordingly, the vibrator  50  is stopped. Then, when the process of step S 109  ends, the processor  30  ends the incoming call control process. When the incoming call control process ends, the display  14  displays a call screen, a hold screen, a lock screen, a home screen, or any other screen. 
         [0118]    The processor  30  that performs the processes of steps S 69 , S 101 , and S 105  functions as an execution unit. 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0119]    In a second embodiment, when it is determined that the mobile phone  10  is put in the pocket, the pop-up  76  is displayed even if no touch operation is detected. The external appearance, electrical configuration, and the like of the mobile phone  10  are approximately the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus will not be described here in detail. 
         [0120]    For example, when the proximity sensor  24  detects the proximity of an object and the illumination detected by the illumination sensor  26  is smaller than a predetermined value while the mobile phone  10  is put in the pocket, the menu key  22   a  is operated to display the lock screen, and also, the pop-up  76  is displayed together. 
         [0121]    Similarly, when the mobile phone  10  receives an incoming call while being put in the pocket, the incoming call screen is displayed, and also, the pop-up  76  is displayed. 
         [0122]    In the second embodiment, thus, if the user inadvertently hides the proximity sensor  24  and the illumination sensor  26  with the finger or the like, the user can notice such a situation by merely looking at the display  14 . 
         [0123]    The characteristics of the second embodiment have been described above. The second embodiment will now be described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . 
         [0124]      FIG. 14  illustrates a part of the flowchart of a notification control process according to the second embodiment, and  FIG. 15  illustrates the other part of the flowchart of the notification control process according to the second embodiment. The processes of steps S 1  to S 7  of the notification control process of the second embodiment are identical to those of the first embodiment, which will not be described here. Also, the processes of steps S 9  to S 11 , S 19  to S 33 , and S 41  to S 47  are approximately the same as those of the first embodiment, which will not be described here in detail. 
         [0125]    When the notification control process of the second embodiment is performed, and, for example, it is determined that the mobile phone  10  is put in the pocket after the lock screen is displayed, or, if “YES” in step S 11 , the processor  30  displays the pop-up  76  in step S 121 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the pop-up  76  is displayed on the lock screen in an overlapping manner. 
         [0126]    Subsequently, in step S 123 , the processor  30  determines whether the touch operation has been performed. For example, the processor  30  determines whether the touch operation has been performed on the lock screen on which the pop-up  76  is displayed. If “NO” in step S 123 , or, when the touch operation is not performed, the processor  30  proceeds to the process of step S 19 . If “YES” in step S 123 , or, when the touch operation is performed, in step S 125 , the processor  30  performs the vibration notification process. In other words, the processor  30  performs the vibration notification process in response to the touch operation. 
         [0127]    When the process of step S 125  ends, the processor  30  performs the processes of steps S 19  to S 29  as in the first embodiment. In this case, if “NO” in step S 23 , or, when the state of the mobile phone  10  has not been changed, the processor  30  returns to the process of step S 123 . 
         [0128]    When the notification control process of the second embodiment is performed, and when the processor  30  determines that the mobile phone  10  is put in the pocket after the incoming call screen is displayed, or, if “YES” in step S 33 , the processor  30  displays the pop-up  76  in step S 141 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the pop-up  76  is displayed on the display  14  while overlapping the incoming call screen. 
         [0129]    Subsequently, in step S 143 , the processor  30  determines whether the touch operation has been performed. In other words, the processor  30  determines whether the touch operation has been performed on the incoming call screen on which the pop-up  76  is displayed. If “NO” in step S 143 , for example, when the touch operation has not been performed, the processor  30  proceeds to the process of step S 41 . If “YES” in step S 143 , or, when the tap operation or any other operation is performed on the incoming call screen on which the pop-up  76  is displayed, the processor  30  performs the vibration notification process in step S 145 . In other words, the vibration notification process is performed in response to the tap operation. 
         [0130]    When the process of step S 145  ends, the processes of steps S 41  to S 47  are performed as in the first embodiment. In this case, if “NO” in step S 43 , or, when the state of the mobile phone  10  has not been changed, the processor  30  returns to the process of step S 143 . 
         [0131]    The processor  30  that performs the processes of steps S 15 , S 17 , S 37 , S 39 , S 125 , and S 145  functions as a notification unit. In particular, the processor  30  that performs the processes of steps S 17 , S 39 , S 125 , and S 145  functions as a vibration notification unit. In the second embodiment, the processor  30  that performs the processes of steps S 121  and S 141  functions as a pop-up display processing unit. 
         [0132]    Although whether the mobile phone  10  is put in the pocket is determined using the proximity sensor  24  and the illumination sensor  26  while an incoming call is received, whether the mobile phone  10  is put in the pocket may be determined without using the illumination sensor  26 . 
         [0133]    Specifically, with reference to  FIG. 16 , the process of step S 33  for determining the ambient brightness, or, the step performed using the illumination sensor  26  is omitted in the notification control process. Thus, if “YES” in step S 31 , or, when the proximity of an object has been detected, the processor  30  performs the process of step S 35  and the following steps. In other words, if “YES” in step S 31 , or, when the proximity of an object has been detected, the processor  30  determines that the mobile phone  10  is put in the pocket. 
         [0134]    Also at the occurrence of an event other than an incoming call, whether the mobile phone  10  is put in the pocket may be determined without using the illumination sensor  26 . In this case, the processes of steps S 11  and S 21  are omitted in the notification control process. 
         [0135]    The event may comprise the notification by an alarm and the reception of an email. The pop-up  76  is thus displayed on, for example, an alarm screen and an email reception screen. 
         [0136]    Although, for example, the pop-up  76  is displayed or the vibrator  50  is operated as a specific notification, the specific notification may be provided through an appropriate combination of, for example, a voice and light of LEDs or the like. 
         [0137]    The user may appropriately set the high-sensitivity mode and the normal mode. Moreover, when the high-sensitivity mode is set, an icon indicating the high-sensitivity mode may be displayed in the status display area  60 . Then, the high-sensitivity mode may be set constantly. 
         [0138]    The proximity sensor  24  and the illumination sensor  26  may be powered on constantly. In this case, whether the mobile phone  10  is put in the pocket may be determined irrespective of the timing at which an event occurs. 
         [0139]    As in the first embodiment, the vibration notification process (steps S 17  and S 39 ) may be omitted in the case in which the processes other than the vibration notification process, such as the display of a pop-up, are performed upon detection of the touch operation in the notification control process. 
         [0140]    For example, a light emission notification process using light emission of LEDs or the like or a sound notification process using a sound from a speaker may be performed in place of the vibration notification process. In other words, light, sound, or the like is used to notify the user that a touch operation has been detected. The notifications by vibration, light, sound, and the like may be combined appropriately. 
         [0141]    As described above, the processor  30  simultaneously performs the notification control process, the lock state control process, and the incoming call control process. Thus, the processor  30  simultaneously performs the respective steps included in the processes. 
         [0142]    The steps are repeated at regular intervals (for example, a period of time shorter than one second) in the processes described with reference to the flowcharts, which may be repeated at intervals longer than the regular intervals. 
         [0143]    Although the phrase “greater than” has been used for thresholds such as predetermined values, the phrase “greater than a threshold” also means “greater than or equal to a threshold”. Also, the phrase “smaller than a threshold” also means “smaller than or equal to a threshold” and “smaller than a threshold”. 
         [0144]    The programs used in the respective embodiments may be stored in a hard disk drive (HDD) such as a server for data distribution and distributed to the mobile phone  10  through a network. Alternatively, a storage medium, which stores a plurality of programs, such as an optical disk (for example, CD, DVD, or blue-ray disk (BD)), a USB memory, or a memory card, may be sold or distributed. If a program downloaded through the server and the recording medium described above is installed in a mobile phone similar in configuration to the mobile phone  10 , effects similar to those of the mobile phone  1  can be achieved. 
         [0145]    The specific numeric values in the specification are merely examples and can be changed appropriately in accordance with, for example, changes in product specifications. 
         [0146]    While the mobile phone  10  has been described above in detail, the above description is in all aspects illustrative and not restrictive, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The modifications described above are applicable in combination as long as they are not mutually inconsistent. It is understood that numerous modifications which have not been exemplified can be devised without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.