JP2002229684A - Portable mail terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce electric current consumption. SOLUTION: A lid closing detection switch 17 detects a change in opening/ closing state of a lid. When the lid changes from the opening state to the closing state, an MCPU/display power control unit 9 interrupts power supply to an MCPU 7 and a display unit 8 and a wireless module power control unit 5 interrupts power supply to a TRX 3 and a base band processing unit 4 for stopping an operation for receiving electronic mails.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a foldable portable mail terminal device having a built-in wireless module capable of transmitting and receiving electronic mail.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a portable mail terminal device having a built-in wireless module has been widely used, and such a portable mail terminal device has a function of automatically and periodically receiving electronic mail. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional portable mail terminal device. In FIG. 6, a power source 21 is composed of a primary battery or a secondary battery. An antenna unit (hereinafter, referred to as an ANT unit) 22 transmits and receives a radio signal. The wireless module 26 includes a transmission / reception unit (hereinafter, TRX).
23), a baseband processing unit 24, and a wireless module power control unit 25.

[0003] The TRX 23 converts the data modulated by the baseband processing unit 24 into a radio signal to be transmitted from the ANT unit 22, and converts the radio signal received by the ANT unit 22 into a signal in the baseband. The baseband processing unit 24 modulates the baseband transmission data to transmit
Output to the RX 23 and demodulate the baseband signal output from the TRX 23 to obtain received data. The wireless module power control unit 25 controls power supply / stop in the wireless module 26. The MCPU 27 controls the entire mobile mail terminal device, and particularly controls an e-mail transmission / reception operation. The display unit 28 displays time, electronic mail, and the like. The MCPU / display power supply control unit 29
The power supply / stop of the U27 and the display unit 28 is controlled. A user interface unit (hereinafter, referred to as a user IF unit) 30 includes a keyboard 31 operated by a user.
Is recognized and transmitted to the MCPU 27. Clock 32
Transmits information on the date and time to the MCPU 27. The driver unit 33 drives the sounder 34 or the vibrator 35 upon receiving a notification command indicating that the electronic mail has been received from the MCPU 27.

[0004] The timer 36 is controlled by the wireless module power control unit 2 at every cycle preset by the MCPU 27.
5. Output an e-mail reception operation start signal to the MCPU / display power control unit 29, the MCPU 27, and the baseband processing unit 24. Upon receiving the e-mail reception operation start signal, the power supply from the wireless module power supply control unit 25 to the wireless module 26 starts, and the power supply from the MCPU / display power control unit 29 to the MCPU 27 and the display unit 28 starts. To start an e-mail receiving operation. The lid closing detection switch 37 is
The open / closed state of the lid is transmitted to the MCPU / display power control unit 29. The MCPU / display power control unit 29 that has received the signal indicating that the lid is closed from the lid close detection switch 37 stops the power supply to the MCPU 27 and the display unit 28. Conversely, the MCPU / display power control unit 29 that has received the signal of the lid open state starts supplying power to the MCPU 27 and the display unit 28.

[0005]

The above-described portable mail terminal device is convenient for automatically receiving an e-mail, but receives the e-mail periodically even when there is no need to browse the received e-mail. Since the operation is performed, there is a problem that current consumption is increased and a battery (power supply 21) is wasted. Extending battery life is a major challenge for mobile terminals. In a mobile terminal having a built-in wireless module, the battery life is almost determined by the current consumption during communication. The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has as its object to provide a mobile mail terminal device capable of reducing current consumption.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has a foldable housing structure capable of folding a main body and a lid,
What is claimed is: 1. A mobile mail terminal device having a built-in wireless module capable of transmitting and receiving an electronic mail, and being capable of reading received mail by opening said cover, wherein a detection switch for detecting an open / closed state of said cover. (17) power supply control means (5) for stopping power supply to the wireless module when the detection switch detects a change from the open state to the closed state of the lid. Further, the portable mail terminal device of the present invention includes a detection switch for detecting the open / closed state of the lid, and when the detection switch detects a change from the open state to the closed state of the lid, the wireless module transmits the electronic mail. Timer means (16) for making the receiving cycle longer than in the open state. The portable mail terminal device of the present invention may further include a detection switch that detects an open / closed state of the lid, and a power supply to the wireless module when the detection switch detects a change from the closed state to the open state of the lid. And power supply control means for causing the wireless module to start an e-mail receiving operation. In one configuration example of the portable mail terminal device of the present invention, when the detection switch detects a change from the closed state to the open state of the lid, the power supply control unit starts supplying power to the wireless module. do it,
The wireless module starts an e-mail receiving operation. Further, in one configuration example of the mobile mail terminal device of the present invention, when the detection switch detects a change from the closed state to the open state of the lid, the timer means sets an e-mail reception cycle by the wireless module. The length is made shorter than in the closed state.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mobile mail terminal device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The portable mail terminal device according to the present embodiment has a foldable housing structure in which the main body and the lid can be folded by connecting the main body and the lid by, for example, a hinge.

At least one of the main body and the lid is provided with a keyboard and a display section. When the lid is opened, the keyboard and the display section appear. The user creates an e-mail by operating the keyboard while watching the content displayed on the display unit, and sends the created e-mail to the mail server from the mobile mail terminal device, or transmits the e-mail transmitted from the mail server. It can be received by the mobile mail terminal device and browsed on the display unit.

In FIG. 1, a power supply 1 is a power supply for a portable mail terminal device and is composed of a primary battery or a secondary battery.
An antenna unit (hereinafter, referred to as an ANT unit) 2 transmits and receives a radio signal. The wireless module 6 includes a transmitting / receiving unit (hereinafter, T
RX) 3, a baseband processing unit 4 and a wireless module power control unit 5. The TRX 3 converts the data modulated by the baseband processing unit 4 into a radio signal,
The radio signal is transmitted from the T unit 2 and the radio signal received by the ANT unit 2 is converted into a baseband signal. The baseband processing unit 4 modulates the baseband transmission data and outputs the modulated data to the TRX3, and demodulates the baseband signal output from the TRX3 to obtain reception data. The wireless module power control unit 5 controls power supply / stop in the wireless module 6.

[0010] The MCPU 7 controls the entire portable mail terminal device, and particularly controls the operation of sending and receiving electronic mail. The display unit 8 displays time, electronic mail, and the like. MCPU /
The display power control unit 9 controls power supply / stop to the MCPU 7 and the display unit 8. A user interface unit (hereinafter, referred to as a user IF unit) 10 recognizes an input of a keyboard 11 operated by a user and transmits the input to the MCPU 7. The clock 12 stores the date and time information in the MCPU 7.
Communicate to The driver unit 13 is a circuit that drives the sounder 14 or the vibrator 15 by receiving a notification command indicating that the electronic mail has been received from the MCPU 7. The sounder 14 is a speaker that emits a mail reception sound, and the vibrator 15 is a vibration motor that notifies mail reception by vibration.

The timer 16 is controlled by the wireless module power control unit 5 and M at every cycle set in advance by the MCPU 7.
An e-mail reception operation start signal is output to the CPU / display power control unit 9, the MCPU 7, and the baseband processing unit 4.
Upon receiving the e-mail reception operation start signal, the power supply from the wireless module power control unit 5 to the wireless module 6 is started, and the power supply from the MCPU / display power control unit 9 to the MCPU 7 and the display unit 8 is started. To start an e-mail receiving operation.

The lid close detection switch 17 transmits the open / closed state of the lid to the MCPU / display power control unit 9. The MCPU /
The display power control unit 9 stops power supply to the MCPU 7 and the display unit 8. Conversely, the MCPU / display power supply control unit 9 that has received the lid open
The power supply to the display unit 7 and the display unit 8 is started.

Further, in the present embodiment, a signal from the lid close detection switch 17 for notifying the open / closed state of the lid is also transmitted to the wireless module power supply control unit 5.
Wireless module power control unit 5 receiving signal of lid closed state
Is designed to stop power supply to the wireless module 6. Conversely, the wireless module power supply control unit 5 that has received the signal of the lid open state starts supplying power to the wireless module 6.

Hereinafter, the operation of the portable mail terminal device of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the power of the mobile mail terminal device is turned on, for example, by pressing a power switch (not shown) (step T201 in FIG. 2), the MCPU 7 is supplied from the power source 1 via the MCPU / display power control unit 9.
And power is supplied to the display unit 8 (step T202),
Similarly, power is supplied from the power supply 1 to the TRX 3 and the baseband processing unit 4 via the wireless module power supply control unit 5 (step T203).

After the start of power supply to each unit, a normal operation is performed (step T204). Normal operation means that the MCP
At every cycle set by U7, the timer 16 outputs an e-mail reception operation start signal to the wireless module power supply control unit 5, the MCPU / display power supply control unit 9, the MCPU 7, and the baseband processing unit 4, and this e-mail reception operation In response to the start signal, the wireless module power control unit 5
3 or the baseband processing unit 4 to continue or start the power supply.
CPU / display power supply control unit 9 to MCPU 7 and display unit 8
Means that the power supply to the server is continued or started, a mail server is called by the MCPU 7 and the wireless module 6, a line with the mail server is established, and an e-mail addressed to the user of the own device is received from the mail server. I do.

Note that the wireless module power supply control unit 5 and M
After the reception of the e-mail is completed and the line connection is disconnected, the CPU / display power supply control unit 9 stops the power supply and waits for the input of the e-mail reception operation start signal in the next cycle. In the above description of the normal operation,
The expression “continue or start power supply” means that step T20 follows steps T202 and T203.
In the case of performing the normal operation of No. 4, the e-mail receiving operation is performed without stopping the power supply, and in the subsequent normal operation, the power supply is started at a preset cycle and the e-mail receiving operation is performed. is there.

Next, when detecting the change in the open / closed state of the cover (Yes in step T205), the cover closed detection switch 17 determines whether the state of the cover has been changed to the open state or the closed state (step T206). ). When the lid changes from the open state to the closed state (YES in step T206), lid close detection switch 17 outputs a lid close signal.

The MCPU / display power supply controller 9 which has received the lid closing signal from the lid closing detection switch 17 stops supplying power to the MCPU 7 and the display section 8 (step T20).
7) The wireless module power supply control unit 5 that also receives the lid closing signal stops the power supply to the TRX 3 and the baseband processing unit 4 (step T208). At this time, if the line is connected, the wireless module power control unit 5
Waits until the line connection is disconnected and the baseband processing unit 4 outputs a line disconnection completion signal.
Then, the power supply to the baseband processing unit 4 is stopped.

On the other hand, when the lid changes from the closed state to the open state (NO in step T206), the lid closed detection switch 17 outputs a lid open signal. The MCPU / display power supply control unit 9 that has received the lid open signal from the lid close detection switch 17 returns to step T202 and restarts power supply to the MCPU 7 and the display unit 8, and the wireless module power supply that also receives the lid open signal The control unit 5 restarts power supply to the TRX 3 and the baseband processing unit 4 (step T20).
3).

If there is no change in the open / closed state of the lid (No in step T205), the lid closed detection switch 17
Does not output a lid closing signal or a lid opening signal, the current state is maintained. The current state here refers to the normal operation state (step T204) when the lid is open and there is no change, and when the lid is closed and there is no change, the power supply is stopped (step T2).
07, T208).

As described above, in this embodiment, when the lid is closed, the power supply to the wireless module 6 is stopped, and
Since the e-mail receiving operation is stopped, current consumption can be reduced.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of a portable mail terminal device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Also in this embodiment, the configuration of the mobile mail terminal device is the same as that of the first embodiment.
Description will be made using the reference numerals in FIG. Step T401 in FIG.
The operations from T201 to T403 are performed in steps T201 to T403 in FIG.
The same as 203.

After starting the power supply to each part, the timer 16
Outputs an e-mail reception operation start signal to the wireless module power supply control unit 5, the MCPU / display power supply control unit 9, the MCPU 7, and the baseband processing unit 4 in each open state cycle set in advance by the MCPU 7. The power supply from the wireless module power supply control unit 5 to the TRX 3 and the baseband processing unit 4 is continued or started in response to the e-mail reception operation start signal, and the MCPU / display power supply control is similarly performed in response to the e-mail reception operation start signal. The power supply from the unit 9 to the MCPU 7 and the display unit 8 is continued or started, and the MCPU 7
And calling the mail server by the wireless module 6,
A line with the mail server is established, and an e-mail addressed to the user of the own device is received from the mail server (step T4).
04). The wireless module power control unit 5 and the MCP
The U / display power control unit 9 stops the power supply after the reception of the e-mail is completed and the line connection is disconnected, and waits for the input of the e-mail reception operation start signal in the next open state cycle. I do.

Next, when detecting the change in the open / closed state of the cover (Yes in step T405), the cover closed detection switch 17 determines whether the state of the cover has been changed to the open state or the closed state (step T406). ). When the lid changes from the open state to the closed state (YES in step T406), lid close detection switch 17 outputs a lid close signal. The MCPU / display power supply control unit 9 that has received the lid close signal from the lid close detection switch 17 temporarily stops supplying power to the MCPU 7 and the display unit 8 (Step T).
407).

In response to the output of the lid closing signal, the timer 1
Reference numeral 6 denotes a wireless module power control unit 5, an MCPU / display power control unit 9, and an MCPU 7 for each closed state cycle longer than the open state cycle previously set by the MCPU 7.
And outputs an e-mail reception operation start signal to the baseband processing unit 4. The power supply from the wireless module power supply control unit 5 to the TRX 3 and the baseband processing unit 4 is started in response to the e-mail reception operation start signal, and the MCPU / display power supply control unit 9 is similarly operated in response to the e-mail reception operation start signal. Starts the power supply to the MCPU 7 and the display unit 8, initiates a call and establishes a line with the MCPU 7 and the wireless module 6, and receives an e-mail addressed to the user of the own device (step T 408). The wireless module power supply control unit 5 and the MCPU / display power supply control unit 9 stop the power supply after the reception of the e-mail is terminated and the line connection is disconnected, and receive the e-mail in the next closed state cycle. It waits for the input of the operation start signal.

On the other hand, when the lid changes from the closed state to the open state (NO in step T406), the lid closed detection switch 17 outputs a lid open signal. The MCPU / display power supply control unit 9 that has received the lid open signal from the lid close detection switch 17 returns to step T402 and restarts power supply to the MCPU 7 and the display unit 8, and the wireless module power supply that also receives the lid open signal The control unit 5 restarts power supply to the TRX 3 and the baseband processing unit 4 (step T40).
3). Then, as described above, a call is made every open state cycle.
A line is established and an e-mail is received (step T
404).

If there is no change in the open / closed state of the lid (No in step T405), the lid closed detection switch 17
Does not output a lid closing signal or a lid opening signal, the current state is maintained. The current state referred to here means that, if the lid is in the open state and there is no change, call / line establishment is performed and the e-mail is received in each open state cycle (step T404). If there is no change in the closed state, a call is made and a line is established every period for the closed state to receive an e-mail (step T4).
08).

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the lid is closed, the e-mail reception cycle by the wireless module 6 is made longer than when the lid is open, and the communication frequency in the lid closed state is reduced. Therefore, current consumption can be reduced.

[Embodiment 3] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of a portable mail terminal device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The same operations as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. I have. Also in the present embodiment, the configuration of the mobile mail terminal device is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description will be given using the reference numerals in FIG.

The operation of the present embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, except that after the power supply operation to each unit (steps T202 and T203), the e-mail reception operation from the timer 16 starts. MCPU regardless of signal
7 and the wireless module 6 perform calling and line establishment, and immediately start the operation of receiving an electronic mail addressed to the user of the own device (step T209).

When this operation is performed, the state is shifted from the lid closed state where no communication is performed to the lid open state (Yes in step T205, step T2).
06, NO), the e-mail reception operation is automatically started, so that the user does not need to instruct the reception of the e-mail, and the e-mail is immediately received without waiting for the e-mail reception operation start signal from the timer 16. Since the mail receiving operation can be performed, an effect of eliminating the trouble of the user can be expected.

[Embodiment 4] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a portable mail terminal device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. I have. In the first to third embodiments, the wireless module power control unit 5 and the MCPU / display power control unit 9 are separated, but they may be integrated into one as in the power control unit 9a of the present embodiment. .

The first to fourth wireless modules 6 according to the embodiment are provided with PDC (Personal Digital Cellular), PH
S (Personal Handy-phone System), wireless LAN (Lo
calArea Network).

[0034]

According to the present invention, the power supply control means for stopping the power supply to the wireless module when the lid is changed from the open state to the closed state is provided, so that the user has no intention to read the e-mail. Current consumption can be reduced in the lid closed state, and the battery life can be greatly extended.

Further, when the cover is changed from the open state to the closed state, the user does not intend to read the electronic mail by providing a timer means for making the reception period of the electronic mail by the wireless module longer than that in the open state. With the lid closed, current consumption can be reduced, and battery life can be extended.

Further, when the lid changes from the closed state to the open state, power supply to the wireless module is started, and the wireless module is provided with power supply control means for starting an e-mail receiving operation. The e-mail receiving operation is immediately started without waiting, so that the user's hand is not bothered.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile mail terminal device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the mobile mail terminal device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a mobile mail terminal device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a mobile mail terminal device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile mail terminal device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional portable mail terminal device.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Power supply, 2 ... Antenna part, 3 ... Transceiving part, 4 ... Baseband processing part, 5 ... Wireless module power control part, 6 ... Wireless module, 7 ... MCPU, 8 ... Display part, 9 ... MCP
U / display power control unit, 9a power control unit, 10 user interface unit, 11 keyboard, 12 clock, 1
3 ... Driver part, 14 ... Speaker, 15 ... Vibe, 16
... Timer, 17 ... Lid close detection switch.

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) H04M 11/00 302 G06F 1/00 332B

Claims (5)

[Claims] The present invention has a foldable housing structure capable of folding a main body and a lid, has a built-in wireless module capable of transmitting and receiving e-mails, and allows a user to view received e-mails by opening the lid. A portable mail terminal device that is in a possible state, comprising: a detection switch that detects an open / closed state of the lid; and a detection switch that detects a change from the open state to the closed state of the lid, A portable mail terminal device comprising: a power control unit for stopping power supply. 2. It has a foldable housing structure capable of folding a main body and a lid, has a built-in wireless module capable of transmitting and receiving e-mail, and opens the lid to allow viewing of received mail. A portable mail terminal device that is in a state in which the cover is openable, wherein a detection switch that detects an open / closed state of the cover, and when the detection switch detects a change from the open state to the closed state of the cover, A portable mail terminal device, comprising: timer means for setting a mail receiving cycle longer than in the open state. 3. It has a foldable housing structure that can fold the main body and the lid, and has a built-in wireless module that can transmit and receive e-mails. A portable mail terminal device that is in a possible state, comprising: a detection switch for detecting an open / closed state of the lid; and a detecting switch for detecting a change from a closed state to an open state of the lid, Power supply control means for starting power supply and causing the wireless module to start an e-mail receiving operation. 4. The mobile mail terminal device according to claim 1, wherein when the detection switch detects a change from a closed state to an open state of the lid, the power supply control unit supplies power to the wireless module. Starting, causing the wireless module to start an e-mail receiving operation. 5. The mobile mail terminal device according to claim 2, wherein, when the detection switch detects a change from a closed state to an open state of the lid, the timer means determines an e-mail reception cycle of the wireless module. Is shorter than in the closed state.