FR2663442A1 - Electronic apparatus including separate units - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to electronic apparatuses. An electronic apparatus according to the invention comprises a first unit (10) having a main function, which is utilised by an operator, and a second unit (20) which includes a connector section (25) enabling the second unit to be connected to the first, in a detachable manner, a control section (21) which is intended for controlling the first unit by way of the connection effected with the connector section, and a memory section (22) which is intended for recording software which improves the main function of the first unit (10). Application to pocket computer terminals.

Description

 The present invention relates to an electronic device such as a pocket terminal or an intelligent telephone set.

 A personal computer usually has floppy drives, and an application program can be run under the command of an operating system (SE) or a disk operating system (SED) that is installed in the computer .

With such a personal computer, the current version of the operating system and / or of an application program can be replaced by a new version, by loading a new software disc via the floppy disk drive.

 On the other hand, if a personal computer user needs higher processing speed and new functions, he should not only replace the central processing unit (CPU) chip with a new, faster one, but also incorporate new and improved peripheral elements for the new environment, although no changes are necessary for other components such as input / output (I / O) devices.

 For example, if a user wishes to replace his personal computer operating in character mode, having a 16-bit / 8 MHz CPU chip and a 512 kb central memory, formed by dynamic random access memories (DRAM) of 256 kbit / 150 ns, with a new 32-bit / 16 MHz computer, operating in graphics mode and having 4 MB of RAM, it must not only replace the old 16-bit / 8 MHz central unit with a new central unit of 32 bits / 16 MHz, but also replace the 16 dynamic memory chips of 256 kbit / 150 ns, by 32 dynamic memory chips of 1 Mbit / 80 ns. A current user cannot make such a replacement of the central processing unit and dynamic random access memories. So he has to buy a new 32-bit personal computer.

 A similar disadvantage can be encountered as that indicated above in the case of another small electronic device, such as a pocket terminal in which hardware (central unit, inputs / outputs, etc.) and software (a operating system and application program) are installed for the purpose of enabling standalone operation.

 More specifically, it is assumed that a brand new near terminal with fixed software (operating system corresponding to the most recent version, and an old but useful application program), as well as an input interface / improved output, with new functions, is put on the market, and that a customer with an old-style pocket terminal wishes to buy a new one.

In this case, because the brand new terminal is already equipped with the old software, a customer who only needs the new input / output interface must pay for the old software, while he does not not want.

 Market needs and remarkable advances in technology are shortening the product life cycle today, and new products are coming to the market. This causes products to expire much more quickly, resulting in the rapid obsolescence of recently purchased products.

 This trend is not necessarily desirable for users or manufacturers, due to the inefficient use of electronic devices in terms of hardware and software.

 We can therefore say that there are two problems concerning conventional electronic devices: firstly, because of such a shortened life cycle, products expire more quickly, and secondly, an integrated structure of hardware and software prevents their efficient use.

 The object of the invention is therefore to provide an electronic device which, in addition to the fact that it allows efficient use of hardware or software, also makes it possible to avoid obsolescence of the device.

 The above object is achieved by means of an electronic device according to the invention, comprising: a first unit having a main function, which is operated by an operator, and a second unit, constituted by a connection section for the connection of the first unit detachably, a control section for controlling the first unit via the connection made at the connection section, and a memory section for recording software which improves the main function of the first unit.

 With this structure which allows the replacement of the first unit or the second, it is possible to easily improve the operation or performance of the device, if necessary.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which will follow of currently preferred embodiments. The following description refers to the accompanying drawings in which
Figures 1 to 3 show an electronic device according to an embodiment of the invention, and among these figures
Figure 1 is a block diagram of a near terminal presented as an example of electronic devices;
Figure 2 shows the structure of the memory section of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is an exterior view of the pocket terminal of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of an intelligent telephone set according to another embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a modification of the apparatus of Figure 1;
Figure 6 shows the internal structure of the memory 22 of Figure 5;
Figure 7 illustrates a concrete example of the identification table of Figure 6;
Figure 8 shows another internal structure of the memory 22 of Figure 5;
Figure 9 illustrates another example of the identification table of Figure 8; and
FIG. 10 is a flowchart which explains the operation of the integrated circuit card 20 which is associated with the main housing 10.

 Referring to Figure 3, there is a pocket terminal, also called a small portable terminal, which conforms to an embodiment of the invention. A printer section 30 is installed at the top of the main housing (first unit) 10 in the pocket terminal 1, and a display section 40 for viewing various data, is placed below the printer section .

A keyboard section 50, which is used for entering various data information and instructions, is located below the display section.

 The front part of the main housing 10 is designed to allow the installation of a control device (second unit) 20, which essentially consists for example of an integrated circuit card.

 FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of the pocket terminal 1 of FIG. 3.

 The main housing 10 of the pocket terminal 1 is equipped with a connector section 80 for electrically connecting the terminal to the control device 20. The connector section 80 is connected to a modem section 60 for communication with the control device 20 and a card reader / writer section 70, for writing and reading data in the controller 20, as well as the printer section 30, the viewing section 40 and the keyboard section 50. Each section has a structure which makes it possible to install, if necessary, an attack and control device.

 The main housing 10 also includes a power supply 90 which supplies supply voltages to the control device 20 and to all of the circuits of the main housing 10.

 The control device 20 contains a control element (central unit or CPU) 21, constituted by a 16-bit microprocessor which controls the entire system, a memory section 22 intended for recording an operating system (SE) and application programs and similar programs, and a connector section 25 for ensuring the electrical connection with the main housing 10 of the pocket terminal 1.

 FIG. 2 illustrates the structure of the memory section 22.

The memory section 22 is made with different types of memory devices, each adapted to its own purpose. For example, in the memory section there is an operating system memory (SE) section 22a, which is made up of masked read-only memories or programmable and erasable read-only memories (EPROM) for recording the system. operating section, a program memory section 22b, consisting of memories
EPROM or random access memories, for recording application programs, and a data memory section 22c which is constituted by random access memories, for recording various data. In addition to such application software for common business applications, the memory section 22 may contain game software.

 We will now describe the operation of the pocket terminal having the above structure.

 When the controller 20 is installed in the main housing 10 of the handheld terminal 1, the connector section 25 of the controller 20 is electrically connected to the connector section 80 of the main housing 10, so that the power supply 90 of the main housing 10 applies a supply voltage to the control device 20, which also receives from the main housing 10 other signals, including the clock signal.

 When the controller 20 receives the supply voltage, the clock signal and other necessary signals from the main housing 10, each section in the main housing 10 begins to operate in accordance with the operating system or programs. applications located in the memory section 22, under the control of the central unit 21.

 The pocket terminal 1 fulfills the function of a terminal. For example, an employee in a factory (or a nurse in a hospital) can carry the pocket terminal with him, to enter information such as production order data or quality control data (or production data). physical condition of patients). The information that is entered can be saved for later use, such as data processing by a host computer, or it can be used to produce calculation results on site.

 It should be noted that it is necessary to install the control device 20 in the main housing 10 so that the pocket terminal 1 can function correctly, as expected.

 With the pocket terminal 1 mentioned above, the main box 10 can be replaced by a new one when it becomes expired, taking into account the needs of the user. Some of these needs correspond to the following cases: users desire a greater display in place of the existing display section 40; of users want the printer section 30 to operate much faster or provide better performance; and users desire additional functions such as radio communications. In this case, although it is necessary to add an updated operating system or new application programs to the control device 20, to adapt to the new situation, the control device 20 itself can be used without modification, as regards the material.

 On the other hand, the main housing 10, which can be used as it is, can be successfully adapted to the new situation. For example, when a larger memory capacity is required in the memory section 22, or when faster processing is required for the central unit 21, these requirements can be satisfied by replacing the controller (card to integrated circuit) 20 by a suitable device. This not only makes it possible to efficiently use the material of the main housing 10, but also makes it possible to avoid obsolescence of the latter.

 Since a replacement of unit 21 may require changing its clock signal, a clock signal generator section which is intended to generate any suitable clock signals necessary, may be incorporated beforehand in the main unit 10. This problem is also solved by giving the control device 20 the possibility of adjusting the clock frequency to adapt it to the new environment. To ensure that the main housing 10 or the control device 20 can be exchangeable, they must be mutually compatible in terms of mechanical, electrical and software interface conditions.

 With the invention described above, replacing the main unit or the control device with a new one, instead of disposing of the complete pocket terminal, allows the user to continue using the remaining element, and allows in addition to facilitating the improvement of their functions or their performance.

 The efficient use of the material of the main box or the control device contributes to the saving of natural resources and prevents obsolescence of the terminal.

 Because the main housing and the controller are made separately, shielding only the controller effectively protects the terminal from harmful external effects.

 We will now explain another embodiment of the invention.

 FIG. 4 represents an intelligent telephone set (telephone set with an integrated circuit card) according to another embodiment of the invention.

 The main housing 100 of the intelligent telephone set is essentially formed by an ordinary telephone set comprising a handset 101, a number keypad 102 and a display section 103. It normally functions like an ordinary telephone set, under the control of 'an incorporated control section (not shown).

 The main housing 100 is designed to allow the use of a control device (integrated circuit card) 200. Like the integrated circuit card 20 of FIG. 1, the control device 200 contains a control section and a section memory for storing telephone control information (none of which is shown).

 When the controller 200 is installed in the main box 100, each section of the main box operates on the basis of telephone control information, under the direction of the control section of the controller 200. This allows the station smart phone to provide a wide variety of services, including home banking.

 With this embodiment, the smart phone can be used like a regular phone when no special service is required, while it can be improved to be a smart device when equipped with the device control unit recording telephone control information relating to the desired service.

 As described above, it is possible to develop the functions of the telephone set as required, and it is possible to easily obtain a new service by replacing the control device or by adding the control information. phone. This embodiment therefore allows efficient use of the hardware and software in the main box or in the control device, it prevents their obsolescence, and it contributes to the saving of natural resources.

 Although in the embodiment of FIG. 1, considered above, a contact connection, such as a connector, is used as a means for connecting the main unit to the control device, this coupling mode does not is not limiting, and other coupling techniques can be used, including magnetic coupling (contactless coupling), depending on the type of electronic equipment used, the processing speed or the operating environment .

 The control device can be presented in the form of a cartridge, instead of in the form of a card.

 The invention is not limited to the pocket terminal or the intelligent telephone set, but can be applied to various electronic devices, such as personal computers or word processing machines.

 The invention can be implemented in still other ways, without departing from the scope which is defined by the claims.

 FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the present invention, in which each element comprising the main housing 10 and the integrated circuit card 20 of FIG. 1, includes an identification function.

 More specifically, the main unit 10 has for example a 2-bit identification code (ID.A) 300A, while the integrated circuit card 20 has for example a 2-bit identification code (ID.B), 300B. The content of the identification code 300A can be a fixed code or a variable code which can be changed by the identification selection instruction which comes from the keyboard 50, while the content of the identification code 300B is a fixed code which is determined beforehand by the card issuer, for each integrated circuit card 20.

 The integrated circuit card 20 of FIG. 5 contains the memory 22, having the structure which is represented in FIG. 6. The memory 22 comprises the read-only memory (ROM) 22a which is intended for recording basic software (system of operating), the programmable and erasable read-only memory or EPROM (or a masked read-only memory) 22b, for recording for example four different programs 221 to 224 and an identification table 225, and the random access memory (a static random access memory (SRAM ) or a dynamic random access memory (DRAM)) 22c, for storing data for use in the basic software and the basic programs 221 to 224. A battery or an accumulator (not shown) which is incorporated in the card to integrated circuit 20 saves the content of the random access memory 22c, when necessary.

 There are no restrictions on the content of programs 221 to 224. For example, program 221 is application software such as a database and / or a spreadsheet; program 222 is application software such as word processing and / or telecommunications software; program 223 is utility software comprising a clock and a computer; and program 224 is game software.

 The identification table of FIG. 6 contains for example the information which is represented in FIG. 7. When the integrated circuit card 20 with the identification code 300b with the value "00" is inserted into the main housing 10, and when the identification code "00" is selected by the keyboard of the main unit 10, the central unit consults the table of FIG. 7 to select program 1 (for example the spreadsheet program 221).

After completion of the selection, the combination of the main housing 10 and the integrated circuit card 20 is transformed into a spreadsheet execution machine.

 Similarly, the selection of one of the identification codes 01, "10" and "11" by the keyboard 50 of the main housing 10, commands the central unit 21 to consult the table in FIG. 7 to select one of programs 1 to 4.

 The integrated circuit card 20 carrying the identification code "00" allows the use of all programs 1 to 4, while the integrated circuit card 20 carrying the identification code "01" prevents the use of the programs 2 and 4. Similarly, the integrated circuit card 20 carrying the identification code 111011 authorizes the use of programs 2 to 3, while the integrated circuit card 20 bearing the identification code "11" allows 'only use program 4.

 As mentioned above, and in accordance with the embodiment which is shown in Figures 5 to 7, the transmitter of the integrated circuit card 20 can specify the types of programs usable by a combination of identification codes.

 FIG. 8 shows another example of the internal structure of the memory 22 in the integrated circuit card 20. More specifically, the card identification code (ID.A) and the identification table 225a are recorded in the zone fixed read only memory (22a) which is provided for the operating system. This means that the contents of the card identification code (ID.A) and of the identification table 225a cannot be changed or modified by a user of the integrated circuit card 20. The read-only memory area of application (22b) contains one or more programs intended for use with the integrated circuit card 20.

 FIG. 9 shows the contents of the identification table 225a of FIG. 8. Table 225a indicates that programs 1-3 in the read-only memory zone 22b can only be used when the condition ID.AC ID.B is satisfied.

The purposes of using the combination of identification codes (ID.A & ID.B) are as follows
(1) Determining whether the card identification code (ID.B) coincides or not with the main box identification code (ID.A).

More specifically, if the condition ID.A I ID.B is detected, the central unit 21 determines that the integrated circuit card 20 is adapted to the main housing 10, and that the combination of the card 20 and of the housing 10 operates.

 (2) Determining whether the input / output interface of the main unit 10 can operate or not with the operating system (SE) which is located in the read-only memory 22a of the integrated circuit card 20. When the operating system of the card 20 allows the operation of the input / output interface of the box 10, the user can use the application programs which are in the read only memory 22b.

 FIG. 10 is a flowchart which is intended for explaining the operation of the integrated circuit card 20 which is connected to the main housing 10.

 After switching on the power supply 90 in the main housing 10 (ST10, yes), and after the insertion of an integrated circuit card 20 in the housing 10 (ST11, yes), the contacts of the card 20 (connector section 25 in FIG. 3) are electrically connected to the corresponding contacts (not shown) of the housing 10, and the housing 10 applies power and a clock signal to the card 20, via the connectors 80 and 25 (ST12).

 The central unit 21 is then restored and the content of the RAM area 22c in the memory 22 is erased (ST20). The agreement between the hardware configuration (for example the clock speed of the central unit 21) of the integrated circuit card 20 and that (for example a clock rate) of the main unit 10 is checked (ST21). If these configurations do not match each other (ST21, no), an error code is generated (ST22), and an error message is presented (ST14).

 When the hardware configuration of the card 20 agrees with that of the housing 10 (ST2î, yes), the state of completion of the scanning of the keys of the keyboard 50 of the housing 10 is checked (ST13). When the scanning of the keys is finished (ST13, yes), the key input information which results from the scanning is coded (ST23), and the corresponding data processing (execution of the program) is accomplished (ST24).

 The result of the data processing is displayed (ST14) while the power is applied (ST15, no). When the power is cut (ST15, yes), the integrated circuit card 20 can be extracted from the main housing 10. If the card 20 is extracted, the contacts of connectors 25 and 80 are disconnected (ST16).

 According to the invention, the main housing and the control device are produced separately to allow their independent replacement, when necessary, which makes it possible to have an electronic device which not only allows the efficient use of its equipment. and its software, but also avoids the obsolescence of the device.

 Additional advantages and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

The invention, in its broadest aspects, is therefore not limited to the specific details and to the representative devices which are described and represented here. Various modifications can therefore be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the general principle of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (8)

 1. Electronic device comprising separate units, characterized in that it comprises: a first unit (10) having a predetermined main function, which is operated by an operator; and a second unit (20) supplied by a particular supplier, which can be connected to the first unit (10) in a detachable manner, and which comprises means (21, 22) which are combined with the main function for the purpose improve the main function.  2. Electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for improving the main function (21, 22) include memory means (22) comprising an operating system area (22a), intended to record operating system software which controls basic operation of the apparatus when the first unit (10) and the second unit (20) are connected, a program area (22b) which is intended for the registration of application software which improves the main function, and a data area (22c) which is intended to record data intended for use in the operating system software and in the application software; and means (21) for executing the application software on the basis of an instruction which is obtained from the first unit (10), under the control of the operating system software.  3. Electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that: (a) the first unit (10) comprises means (300A) which are intended to supply a first predetermined identification code (ID.A); b) the second unit (20) comprises means (300B) which are intended to supply a second predetermined identification code (ID.B); and c) the program area (22b) comprises an identification table (225) which contains information specifying a combination of the first identification code (ID.A) and the second identification code (ID.B), and more than one piece of application software (221 to 224), each of which is specified by the combination of the first identification code (ID.A) and the second identification code (ID.B), based on the information that is contained in the identification table (225).  4. Electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that the second identification code (ID.B) contains a fixed code which is determined by the supplier of the second unit (20).  5. Electronic device according to claim 4, characterized in that the first identification code (ID.A) contains a variable code which can be selected by the operator of the first unit (10).  6. Electronic device according to claim 5, characterized in that the second unit (20) is incorporated in an integrated circuit card.  7. Electronic device according to claim 5, characterized in that the first unit (10) is incorporated in a pocket terminal.  8. Electronic device according to claim 5, characterized in that the first unit (10) is incorporated in an intelligent telephone set.