JP2006287832A - Communication terminal apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To restrict the initiation of an external device connecting means while a communication terminal apparatus is in a predetermined state (under charging or the like), in the communication terminal apparatus comprising the external device connecting means for connection with an external electronic device. <P>SOLUTION: A communication terminal apparatus 10 comprises: an external connection control section 23 for controlling a wired communication section 24 and a wireless communication section 25 for connection with an external electronic device; a main control section 26 which determines whether or not the communication terminal apparatus 10 is in a predetermined state such as charging, controls the external connection control section 23 based on the result of the determination and controls the initiation of the wired communication section 24 or the wireless communication section 25, and a power supply management section 22 for connecting a charging device 28 capable of supplying power to the communication terminal apparatus 10. The main control section 26 determines whether or not the charging device 28 is connected and if it is determined that the charging device 28 is connected, the external connection control section 23 is controlled to restrict the initiation of the wired communication section 24 or the wireless communication section 25. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication terminal device, and more particularly to a communication terminal device capable of stopping a connection function with an external electronic device during charging.

  In recent years, with the spread of communication terminal devices such as mobile phones, important information has been stored in communication terminal devices. In this case, if the information stored in the communication terminal device is seen or obtained by others, it is dangerous not only for the user of the communication terminal device but also for people related to the user. There is a possibility of inviting a situation. On the other hand, the power consumption of communication terminal devices has increased, so the battery-operated time has been shortened, and charging such as charging by connecting to another person's personal computer on the go or using charging services at hotels, convenience stores, etc. Opportunities to charge other than the charger that the person himself uses are increasing.

Regarding a conventional charging service, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a charging service system that improves convenience for a user of an electronic device and improves usage efficiency of the user. The charging service system includes an electronic device having a rechargeable battery, a plurality of charging stations that charge the rechargeable battery, and a management server that can communicate with the electronic device and the charging station via a network. The electronic device monitors the remaining amount of the rechargeable battery, generates a reservation processing signal when the remaining amount falls below a predetermined value, and transmits the reservation processing signal to the management server. The management server also reserves the charging station based on a reservation processing signal from the electronic device.
JP 2003-348757 A

  As described above, a third party connects an electronic device to the communication terminal device and stores it in the communication terminal device while the user of the communication terminal device is not aware while charging the communication terminal device while away from home. There is a risk that the stored information will be stolen. The same applies to the invention described in Patent Document 1.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and in a communication terminal device including external device connection means for connecting to an external electronic device, the communication terminal device is in a predetermined state (for example, being charged). If the communication terminal device is in a state permitted by the user, control is performed so as not to restrict the activation of the external device connection means. It was made for the purpose.

  The communication terminal device of the present invention includes external device connection means for connecting to an external electronic device via a wired or wireless connection, and when the communication terminal device is in a predetermined state (for example, during charging). The activation of the external device connection means is restricted, and the activation of the external device connection means is not restricted when the communication terminal device is permitted by the user in consideration of the convenience of the user. It can be controlled to

  Thus, the first technical means of the present invention is a communication terminal device comprising external device connection means for connecting to an external electronic device, and determining whether or not the communication terminal device is in a predetermined state And an activation control means for performing activation control of the external device connection means based on the determination result.

  A second technical means includes means for connecting a charging device capable of supplying power to the communication terminal device in the first technical means, and the determination means is connected to the charging device as the predetermined state. The activation control unit restricts activation of the external device connection unit when it is determined that the charging device is connected.

  A third technical means includes means for identifying a charging device permitted to connect to the communication terminal device in the second technical means, and the determination means is configured to accept the connection as the predetermined state. It is determined whether or not a charging device is connected, and the activation control unit does not restrict activation of the external device connection unit when it is determined that the connection-permitted charging device is connected. It is.

  The fourth technical means includes means for acquiring position information of the communication terminal apparatus in the second or third technical means, and the determination means is configured to determine whether the communication terminal apparatus has a specific position as the predetermined state. The activation control means does not restrict activation of the external device connection means when it is determined that the communication terminal device is in a specific position.

  A fifth technical means includes means for authenticating a user who operates the communication terminal apparatus in any one of the second to fourth technical means, and the activation control means is a user who operates the communication terminal apparatus. When authentication is performed, activation of the external device connection means is not restricted.

  Sixth technical means includes storage means for storing various data in any one of the second to fifth technical means, and the determination means is connected to the external device connection means as the predetermined state. It is determined whether or not a storage area accessible by a connected electronic device is set in the storage means, and when the activation control means determines that the storage area is set in the storage means, This is characterized in that the activation of the device connection means is not restricted.

  According to the present invention, in a communication terminal device including external device connection means for connecting to an external electronic device, when the communication terminal device is in a predetermined state (for example, charging), the external device connection If the communication terminal device is in a state permitted by the user, it can be controlled not to restrict the activation of the external device connection means, so the electronic device can be connected without the user's knowledge. Thus, the information stored in the communication terminal device can be prevented from being stolen.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of connection between a communication terminal device and an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is a communication network such as a mobile phone network, and 2 is a power supply to the communication terminal device. 3 is a power supply (AC or DC), 4 is an electronic device, and 10 is a communication terminal device with an external connection function (hereinafter referred to as a communication terminal device). The charging device 2 includes, for example, a charging stand, an AC adapter, a DC adapter, and the like, and power supply may be a non-contact method.

  The electronic device 4 that can be connected to the communication terminal device 10 by wire or wireless is, for example, a personal computer, a television device, a microwave oven, an audio device, a digital video recorder, a car navigation system, and the like. Data communication is possible with A plurality of the electronic devices 4 may be connected to the communication terminal device 10 simultaneously, or wired connection / wireless connection may be performed simultaneously. The communication terminal device 10 shown in the present embodiment shows a state where it is connected to one electronic device 4 via wired or wireless. The communication terminal device 10 has an external device connection function for connecting to the electronic device 4, and restricts activation of the external device connection function when the communication terminal device 10 is in a predetermined state (for example, during charging). In addition, when the communication terminal device 10 is in a state permitted by the user, control is performed so as not to limit activation of the external device connection function.

An example of a state permitted by the user is shown below.
(1) When a charging stand, an AC adapter, or a DC adapter (for example, a charger owned by the user, an AC adapter, a DC adapter, etc.) is connected as a specific charging device, the external device connection function is activated. Data communication with the electronic device 4 is possible without limitation. As a means for identifying a specific charging device, for example, the charging device may be identified using RFID or the like.
(2) When the communication terminal device 10 is in a specific position (for example, a user's home or work place), data communication with the electronic device 4 is enabled without restricting activation of the external device connection function. As position information acquisition means of the communication terminal device 10, for example, the current position may be acquired using GPS, RFID, or the like.
(3) When a user operating the communication terminal device 10 (for example, the user himself / herself or a family member) is authenticated, data communication with the electronic device 4 is enabled without restricting activation of the external device connection function. As user authentication means, for example, authentication may be performed using password input or biometric authentication.
(4) When a specific storage area (for example, a folder accessible from the electronic device 4) is set in the storage unit included in the communication terminal device 10, the electronic device 4 is not limited to the activation of the external device connection function. Data communication with is possible. In this case, a folder accessible from the electronic device 4 is set in advance in the storage means included in the communication terminal device 10.

  In this way, the communication terminal device 10 performs control so as to limit the activation of the external device connection function except in the states permitted by the users of (1) to (4) above, so that It is possible to prevent the information stored in the communication terminal device 10 from being stolen by connecting the device 4. In addition, when the communication terminal device 10 is in a state permitted by the users (1) to (4) above, activation of the external device connection function is not limited, and communication with the electronic device 4 is possible. In the workplace or the like, the user's own personal computer can be connected to the communication terminal device 10 for data communication, so that the convenience of the user is not impaired.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a connection example between a communication terminal device and an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The communication terminal device 10 shown in the present embodiment is connected to one electronic device 4 via a wired or wireless connection, and shows a state where power supply and data communication are performed simultaneously. In the case of a wired connection, for example, when a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like is used, power supply and data communication can be performed with a single cable. The power supply may be a non-contact method.

  In the present embodiment, as in FIG. 1, the communication terminal device 10 includes an external device connection function for connecting to the electronic device 4, and the communication terminal device 10 is in a predetermined state (for example, charging). In this case, the activation of the external device connection function is restricted, and when the communication terminal device 10 is permitted by the user, it can be controlled not to restrict the activation of the external device connection function.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a connection example between a communication terminal device and an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The communication terminal device 10 shown in this embodiment is connected to one electronic device 4 by power line communication, and shows a state in which power supply and data communication are performed. The charging device 2 includes, for example, a charging stand, an AC adapter, a DC adapter, and the like, and power supply may be a non-contact method. The communication terminal device 10 shown in the present embodiment has an external connection function corresponding to power line communication, and enables data communication with the electronic device 4 using power line communication.

  In the present embodiment, as in FIGS. 1 and 2, the communication terminal device 10 includes an external device connection function (corresponding to power line communication here) for connecting to the electronic device 4, and the communication terminal device 10 has a predetermined function. When it is in a state (for example, during charging), activation of the external device connection function is restricted, and when the communication terminal device 10 is in a state permitted by the user, activation of the external device connection function is restricted. It can be controlled not to limit.

  In FIG. 3, as another embodiment, the communication terminal device 10 is connected to the electronic device 4 via a charging device having a function of converting a data format by power line communication, and performs power supply and data communication. May be. That is, the communication terminal device 10 is connected to the charging device 2 by wired communication such as USB or wireless communication such as wireless LAN, and is further connected to the electronic device 4 by power line communication via the charging device 2 and the power source 3. In this case, the charging device 2 has a function of converting a data format compatible with power line communication into a data format compatible with wired communication or wireless communication. Data communication between the electronic device 4 and the power source 3 and between the power source 3 and the charging device 2 is performed using power line communication. After the charging device 2 converts the data format into a data format compatible with wired communication or wireless communication, the charging device 2 Data communication between the communication terminal device 10 and the communication terminal device 10 using wired communication or wireless communication. When the charging device 2 and the communication terminal device 10 are connected by wire, for example, if a USB cable or the like is used, power supply and data communication can be performed with a single cable. The power supply may be a non-contact method.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the communication terminal device 10 according to the present invention. The communication terminal device 10 includes an antenna unit 11, a communication unit 12, a biometric sensor unit 13, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) antenna unit 14, RFID transmission / reception unit 15, GPS (Global Positioning System) antenna unit 16, position information acquisition unit 17, storage unit 18, display unit 19, display driver 20, operation unit 21, power management unit 22, external connection control unit 23, wired communication Unit 24, wireless communication unit 25, main control unit 26, and power supply battery 27, and can be connected to charging device 28 and electronic device 29. The communication terminal device 10 can be applied to a mobile phone having a communication function for communicating with other communication terminal devices via wire or wireless, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and the like.

  The power battery 27 is a storage battery that can be repeatedly used by charging, and is detachably attached to the communication terminal device 10. The charging device 28 is a charging stand, an AC adapter, and a DC adapter for supplying power to the communication terminal device 10. It is possible to connect externally. The power battery 27 and the charging device 28 are connected and managed by the power management unit 22.

  The external connection control unit 23 is a unit for controlling a wired communication unit 24 for performing wired communication such as a serial port and a wireless communication unit 25 for performing wireless communication such as a wireless LAN. Data communication is enabled by controlling connection with an external electronic device 29 via wireless communication. A dotted arrow connecting the charging device 28 and the power management unit 22 and a dotted arrow connecting the power management unit 22 and the external connection control unit 23 indicate a configuration in the case of supporting power line communication.

  The antenna unit 11 transmits and receives radio waves for wireless communication with other communication terminal devices. The communication unit 12 demodulates and decodes the radio wave received by the antenna unit 11 and modulates and encodes the radio wave transmitted from the antenna unit 11.

  The storage unit 18 stores a control program or the like for controlling the communication terminal device 10, and the control program is read and executed by the main control unit 26. In addition, the storage unit 18 has an area for storing various data and the like, and a storage area accessible by an external electronic device can be set in advance. The display unit 19 includes an LCD for displaying various information and is driven and controlled by the display driver 20. The operation unit 21 includes a plurality of numeric keys, operation keys, and the like, and receives an operation input from a user. The main control unit 26 is composed of a CPU and the like, and controls processing of each unit constituting the communication terminal device 10. The main control unit 26 controls the external connection control unit 23 based on the means for determining whether or not the communication terminal device 10 is in a predetermined state (for example, charging), and the wired result. Means for controlling the activation of the communication unit 24 or the wireless communication unit 25.

  The biometric authentication sensor unit 13 is a means for accepting input of biometric authentication information (for example, a fingerprint) from a user and performing user authentication. The RFID antenna unit 14 and the RFID transceiver unit 15 are non-contact type IC chips that incorporate a memory circuit, a high-frequency circuit, and the like, and are attached to the communication terminal device 10 so as to be fixed or removable. The RFID antenna unit 14 and the RFID transmission / reception unit 15 communicate with an IC chip attached to a charging stand, an AC adapter, a DC adapter, or the like as a charging device 28, and a charging stand or an AC adapter stored in the IC chip. DC adapter identification information can be acquired. This makes it possible to identify a specific charging device.

  The RFID transmission / reception unit 15 is means for communicating with the IC chip provided to the charging device via the RFID antenna unit 14. The RFID transmission / reception unit 15 includes a reader / writer in order to transmit and receive information by bringing IC chips close to each other. In this case, when the inductive magnetic flux radiated from the RFID transceiver 15 enters a communicable area where it can be caught by the built-in antenna of the IC chip attached to the charging device, both are in a state capable of wireless communication.

  The GPS antenna unit 16 and the position information acquisition unit 17 are means for acquiring the position information of the communication terminal device 10 using the GPS function. Note that this position information may be acquired using RFID.

  In the communication terminal device 10 shown in FIG. 4, the main control unit 26 determines whether the charging device 28 connected to the power management unit 22 is connected as a predetermined state, and the charging device 28 is connected. If it is determined, the external connection control unit 23 is controlled to limit the activation of the wired communication unit 24 or the wireless communication unit 25. That is, the electronic device 29 cannot be connected.

  Further, the RFID antenna unit 14 and the RFID transceiver unit 15 identify the charging device 28 that is permitted to connect to the communication terminal device 10, and the main control unit 26 determines whether or not the charging device 28 that is permitted to connect is connected. If it is determined that it is determined that the connection-permitted charging device 28 is connected, the external connection control unit 23 is controlled so that the activation of the wired communication unit 24 or the wireless communication unit 25 is not restricted. That is, the electronic device 29 can be connected.

  Further, the GPS antenna unit 16 and the position information acquisition unit 17 acquire the position information of the communication terminal device 10, and the main control unit 26 has the communication terminal device 10 at a specific position (such as a user's home or work place). If the communication terminal device 10 is determined to be in a specific position, the external connection control unit 23 is controlled so that the activation of the wired communication unit 24 or the wireless communication unit 25 is not restricted. That is, the electronic device 29 can be connected.

  In addition, when the biometric sensor unit 13 authenticates a user who operates the communication terminal device 10 and the main control unit 26 authenticates a user who operates the communication terminal device 10, the biometric authentication sensor unit 13 controls the external connection control unit 23. The activation of the wired communication unit 24 or the wireless communication unit 25 is not restricted. That is, the electronic device 29 can be connected.

  In addition, the storage unit 18 has an area for storing various data, and the main control unit 26 is set in the storage unit 18 as a storage area accessible by the electronic device 29 connected via the external connection control unit 23. If it is determined that the storage area is set in the storage unit 18, the external connection control unit 23 is controlled so as not to restrict activation of the wired communication unit 24 or the wireless communication unit 25. To do. That is, the electronic device 29 can be connected.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the communication terminal apparatus 10 of the present invention. In addition, the communication terminal device 10 of this example is demonstrated based on the structure shown in FIG. First, the communication terminal device 10 determines whether or not the external electronic device 29 is connected via the wired communication unit 24 or the wireless communication unit 25 (step S1), and determines that the electronic device 29 is connected (YES) (YES) In this case, it is determined whether or not the permitted charging device 28 is used (step S2). In step S1, if the electronic device is not connected (NO), the process in step S1 is repeated. If the permitted charging device 28 is used in step S2 (YES), the process goes to step S3 to control the external connection control unit 23 to control the wired communication unit 24 or the wireless communication unit. 25 is started (step S3). In step S3, if the authorized charging device 28 is not used (in the case of NO), it is determined whether or not the authorized user is using (step S4).

  Next, when the authorized user is using in step S4 (in the case of YES), the communication terminal device 10 proceeds to step S3 and controls the external connection control unit 23 to control the wired communication unit. 24 or the wireless communication unit 25 is activated. In step S4, if the authorized user is not using (in the case of NO), it is determined whether or not the authorized user is using it (step S5).

  Next, when the communication terminal device 10 is used at the permitted position in Step S5 (in the case of YES), the communication terminal device 10 proceeds to Step S3 and controls the external connection control unit 23 to control the wired communication unit 24. Alternatively, the wireless communication unit 25 is activated. Further, in step S5, if the folder is not used at the permitted position (NO), it is determined whether a permitted folder is set (step S6).

  Next, in step S6, when the permitted folder is set (in the case of YES), the communication terminal device 10 proceeds to step S3 and controls the external connection control unit 23 to control the wired communication unit 24. Alternatively, the wireless communication unit 25 is activated. In step S6, when the permitted folder is not set (in the case of NO), the external connection control unit 23 is controlled so that the wired communication unit 24 or the wireless communication unit 25 is not activated (step S7). ).

  When the communication terminal device 10 satisfies any one or a plurality of conditions of step S2 and steps S4 to S6, that is, at a position where a permitted user is used and permitted by a permitted user. When one or a plurality of conditions for use / permitted folder is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S3 to control the external connection control unit 23 to control the wired communication unit 24 or the wireless communication. The unit 25 is activated. In addition, when one or more of the conditions in Step S2 and Steps S4 to S6 are not satisfied, that is, other than the permitted charging device is used, other than the authorized user is used, and is used outside the permitted position. If any one or more of the permitted folders are not set, the process proceeds to step S7 to control the external connection control unit 23 so that the wired communication unit 24 or the wireless communication unit 25 is not activated. It may be.

  As described above, each embodiment has been described centering on each function in the communication terminal device of the present invention. However, the present invention is a connection control method for an external device as described also as a method for executing each step in the communication terminal device. Can take the form of Moreover, the form as a program for functioning as a communication terminal apparatus which has each of these functions, and the form as a recording medium which memorize | stored the program are also possible.

  An embodiment of a recording medium storing a program and data for realizing a connection control function of an external device according to the present invention will be described. Specifically, a CD, DVD, HD (hard disk), flash memory, memory card, memory stick, and various other ROMs and RAMs can be assumed as the recording medium. By implementing a function as a communication terminal device of a form in a computer and recording and distributing a program for realizing a connection control function of an external device, the function can be easily realized. Then, by mounting the recording medium as described above on the communication terminal device and reading the program by the communication terminal device, or storing the program in a storage medium provided in the communication terminal device and reading it as necessary The connection control function of the external device according to the present invention can be executed.

It is a figure which shows the example of a connection of the communication terminal device which is one Embodiment of this invention, and an electronic device. It is a figure which shows the example of a connection of the communication terminal device which is other embodiment of this invention, and an electronic device. It is a figure which shows the example of a connection of the communication terminal device which is other embodiment of this invention, and an electronic device. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the communication terminal device of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation example of the communication terminal device of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Communication network, 2,28 ... Charging apparatus, 3 ... AC power supply, 4,29 ... Electronic device, 10 ... Communication terminal device, 11 ... Antenna part, 12 ... Communication part, 13 ... Biometric sensor part, 14 ... RFID Antenna unit 15... RFID transmission / reception unit 16 GPS antenna unit 17 Position information acquisition unit 18 Storage unit 19 Display unit 20 Display driver 21 Operation unit 22 Power management unit 23 External connection control unit, 24 ... wired communication unit, 25 ... wireless communication unit, 26 ... main control unit, 27 ... power battery.

Claims (6)

  In a communication terminal device comprising external device connection means for connecting to an external electronic device, determination means for determining whether or not the communication terminal device is in a predetermined state, and based on the determination result, the external device connection A communication terminal device comprising activation control means for performing activation control of the means.   2. The communication terminal device according to claim 1, further comprising means for connecting a charging device capable of supplying power to the communication terminal device, wherein the determination unit determines whether the charging device is connected as the predetermined state. The activation control unit restricts activation of the external device connection unit when it is determined that the charging device is connected.   3. The communication terminal device according to claim 2, further comprising means for identifying a charging device that is permitted to connect to the communication terminal device, wherein the determination means includes the charging device that is permitted to be connected as the predetermined state. The communication terminal apparatus, wherein it is determined whether or not the connection is established, and the activation control unit does not limit activation of the external device connection unit when it is determined that the connection-permitted charging device is connected.   4. The communication terminal apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising means for acquiring position information of the communication terminal apparatus, wherein the determination means determines whether the communication terminal apparatus is in a specific position as the predetermined state. And the activation control means does not restrict activation of the external device connection means when it is determined that the communication terminal apparatus is in a specific position.   5. The communication terminal device according to claim 2, further comprising means for authenticating a user who operates the communication terminal device, wherein the activation control unit authenticates a user who operates the communication terminal device. The communication terminal device does not restrict activation of the external device connection means.   6. The communication terminal device according to claim 2, further comprising a storage unit for storing various data, wherein the determination unit is an electronic device connected to the external device connection unit as the predetermined state. It is determined whether or not a storage area accessible by the device is set in the storage means, and the activation control means determines that the storage area is set in the storage means. A communication terminal device characterized by not restricting activation.

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