JP2002314647A - Method for controlling connection between mutual portable devices and portable device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for controlling connection between mutual convenient portable devices and the portable devices capable of easily, quickly, smoothly and efficiently performing operations of the following devices when a portable audio player without having a driving mechanism is connected with a portable telephone set and a music file is downloaded to the audio player from a music distribution server though the portable telephone set. SOLUTION: When the controller 103 of the portable audio player 10 detects that the portable telephone set 20 is connected through an interface cable 30, the controller 103 starts a program (PDL) for download control. When the controller 103 detects that the portable telephone set 20 is connected through the interface cable 30, the controller 103 recognizes the respective conditions of the portable telephone set 20 and the portable audio player 10, turns on a power supply for operation if the portable telephone set 20 and the portable audio player 10 are in a standby mode, and starts respective original functions to prepares downloading.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for controlling connection between portable devices in which a plurality of portable devices that can operate independently are connected to each other by wire or wirelessly, and a single device having a function of connecting external devices. Possible mobile devices.

The present invention relates to a connection control method between portable devices and a portable device suitable for application to an electronic device to which a portable radio device, a portable audio player, a portable video player, and the like are connected.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a plurality of portable devices which can operate independently are connected to each other to execute a process having a predetermined function, conventionally, for each device to be connected, a user is required to make a connection before the connection. Alternatively, after the connection, it is necessary to individually turn on the power switch to turn on the power. Further, even after the power is turned on, it is necessary to check the operation state of each device, and then to perform an independent operation for each device to set an operation mode and the like. Therefore, the operation burden on the user is large, and there is a problem in usability.

[0004]

As described above, conventionally, when a plurality of independently operable portable devices are connected to each other to execute a process having a predetermined function, the devices to be connected are connected. For each of them, it is necessary for the user to individually operate the power switch to turn on the power before or after the connection, and after confirming the operation state of each device even after the power is turned on, Since it is necessary to perform an independent operation for each operation and set an operation mode and the like, the operation burden on the user is large, and there is a problem in terms of usability.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances,
When a plurality of independently operable portable devices are connected to each other to execute a process having a predetermined function, the process having the predetermined function can be smoothly and quickly executed by a simple operation. It is another object of the present invention to provide a user-friendly connection control method between portable devices and a portable device that significantly reduce the operation burden on the user.

The present invention is also directed to connecting a portable audio player having no drive mechanism to a portable telephone to download a music file from the music distribution server to the audio player via the portable telephone, or to the music distribution server. , A user-friendly connection control method between portable devices, which can easily, quickly, and efficiently perform such operations when editing files downloaded to an audio player from a personal computer or the like. And mobile devices.

[0007]

According to the present invention, when devices that can operate independently are connected to each other, the connection is recognized, and the operating power supply of each connected device is automatically turned on ( It is characterized in that a function capable of turning on the power from a standby state) is realized, and a function (service) enabled by connecting the devices is automatically set. For example, when a mobile phone is connected to an audio player, it is possible to realize a function of turning on power for each operation and automatically performing settings for receiving music distribution. Further, a function of displaying a menu screen for downloading music information on the mobile phone can also be realized.

That is, according to the method for controlling connection between portable devices according to the present invention, when a plurality of portable devices that can operate independently are connected to each other by wire or wirelessly, the connected portable devices are respectively connected to each other. Operable power supply state,
A predetermined process can be executed between the portable devices.

Further, the method for controlling connection between portable devices according to the present invention is characterized in that when a plurality of portable devices operable independently are connected to each other by wire or wirelessly, the portable devices are connected to each other. When the devices are in the operation power on state, and the connection is released, the portable devices are in the operation power off state or the standby state, respectively, and when the portable devices are in the operation power on state, It is characterized in that predetermined processing can be executed between portable devices.

Further, the method for controlling connection between portable devices according to the present invention is characterized in that when a plurality of portable devices that can operate independently are connected to each other by wire or wirelessly, the predetermined device is determined by the function of the connected device. Is executed or enabled, and when the connection is released, each of the portable devices independently executes or executes an operation having a function unique to the device.

In the method for controlling connection between portable devices according to the present invention, the processing executed between the portable devices may include editing information stored in one device with the other device. And at least one of a process in which one device captures and stores information received by the other device.

In the method for controlling connection between portable devices according to the present invention, the function that each portable device operates independently includes at least one of a portable telephone function and a music reproduction output function according to a stored file. Is included.

Further, according to the present invention, in a portable device which can operate independently, an external device connecting means to which an external device which can operate independently is connected, and the external device is connected to the external device connecting means. Detecting means for detecting the connection of the external device when the detecting means detects the connection of the external device, and sets the connected devices to an operable power supply state, and performs predetermined processing between the devices. And control means for making it executable.

According to the present invention, there is provided a portable device operable independently, wherein external device connecting means for connecting an external device operable independently, and device wherein the external device is connected to the external device connecting means. Means for detecting the connection state and the device disconnection state in which the connection has been released, and when the detection means detects the device connection state, controlling the operation power supply of each connected device to an on state, Control means for enabling a predetermined process to be executed between the respective devices, and for controlling the operation power supply of the connected devices to an off state or a standby state when the detection means detects the device disconnection state; It is characterized by comprising.

According to the present invention, there is provided a portable device operable independently, wherein external device connecting means capable of arbitrarily connecting an independently operable external device, and an external device connected to the external device connecting means. And a control unit for executing an operation according to the function of the connected device or controlling the device to be executable.

Further, according to the present invention, in a portable device which can operate independently, an external device connecting means to which an external device which can operate independently can be arbitrarily connected, and the external device is connected to the external device connecting means. When the connected device is a compatible device, if it is a compatible device, the operation power supply of each of the connected devices is turned on, and according to the function of the connected device, Control means for executing or controlling the operation to be performed.

According to the present invention, in a portable device capable of downloading a file via a portable telephone, a detecting means for detecting that the portable telephone is connected, and the detecting means detecting a connection of the portable telephone. Control means for executing file download via the mobile phone when detected.

The present invention also provides a portable device capable of downloading a file via a portable telephone, a detecting means for detecting connection and disconnection of the portable telephone, and the detecting means for detecting connection of the portable telephone. Control means for executing a file download via the mobile phone when detected, and executing processing for opening the downloaded file when the detection means detects disconnection of the mobile phone. It is characterized by.

Further, the present invention provides the above portable device,
When a portable telephone is connected to the external device connection means, the terminal becomes a file download terminal, and when the connection is released, the terminal becomes a player for playing a file.

Further, the present invention provides the above portable device,
The external device connection means has an input interface function corresponding to a plurality of types of data formats.

Further, the present invention provides the above portable device,
A program execution control unit for executing a program having a different function between a state in which operation power is supplied by operating a power switch and a state in which an external device is connected to the external device connection unit and operation power is supplied; It is characterized by the following.

Further, the present invention provides the above portable device,
A program execution control means for executing a different program according to the function of the external device connected to the external device connection means is provided.

Further, the present invention provides the above portable device,
When the detecting means detects the connection of the mobile phone,
It is characterized by including means for turning on the operation power supply of the connected devices or the operation power supply of the own device.

Further, the present invention provides the above portable device,
It has a plurality of storage means capable of storing a file, and when downloading a file via the mobile phone, a storage means of a download destination can be selected.

By having the functions of the present invention as described above, for example, when a portable telephone and a portable audio player are connected by a cable, the portable telephone and the portable audio player are each set to a power-on state. In this case, the mobile phone and the portable audio player can communicate with each other. At this time, if the mobile phone and the portable audio player have a function of receiving the music distribution, it is necessary to prepare for receiving the music distribution. Can be.
Furthermore, it is possible to connect to a server via a mobile phone, receive music data, and transfer (download) the music data to a portable audio player.

Further, by detecting that the cable has been disconnected from the state in which the portable telephone and the audio player are connected by a cable, it is possible to return to a state in which each device provides the original function. That is, the mobile phone returns to a communication-enabled state and enters a telephone standby state, and the audio player enters a state of listening to music (music can be reproduced).

[0027]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a connection configuration between portable devices in an embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a portable device which is a main component of the present invention. Here, a function of reproducing music with an arbitrary title from a sound data file (music file) stored in a storage medium or the like and outputting the sound. Is shown as an example.

Reference numeral 20 denotes the portable audio player 10
A portable telephone such as a PHS connected to the portable audio player 10 via the interface cable 30 from the music distribution server (not shown) to the portable audio player 10 via the interface cable 30. Downloaded. That is, when the portable telephone 20 is connected to the portable audio player 10 using the interface cable 30, the operation power is turned on, and the portable audio player 10 uses the portable telephone 20 to play music. The file can be downloaded, and its specific functions will be described later.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the portable audio player 10 in the above embodiment.
Here, a configuration is shown in which a stamp size memory card (SD memory card) is used as a removable storage medium, and a flash memory is used as a built-in storage medium, and music files can be stored in these storage media.

The portable audio player 10 shown in FIG. 2 is used for a card slot 102 for mounting a stamp size memory card (referred to as an SD memory card) 101, a controller 103 for controlling the entire apparatus, and program processing. Internal storage unit 104, SD memory card 1
01, a flash memory 105 serving as a built-in storage medium for storing music files, an operation input unit 106 used for inputting user's instructions, etc., and an LCD display for displaying and outputting the name of the music being reproduced under the control of the controller 103. Part 107,
A sound output unit 108 that outputs a reproduced audio signal under the control of the controller 103, a device connection interface 109 that exchanges information with an external device via the interface cable 30, and the like are provided.

The SD memory card 101 inserted in the card slot 102 stores a music program information file (music file) including music information (contents) in units of music and its attribute information in a predetermined format. .

The controller 103 has an internal storage unit 104
In this embodiment, control of connection between devices including power control between devices as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 and download processing are performed.

The internal storage unit 104 includes a controller 103
And a data storage area used for processing of the controller 103. Here, a display program (for controlling display of the LCD display unit 107) is provided in the program storage area. PDC), a music reproduction program (PM) started when a power switch (not shown) is turned on, when the interface cable 30 is disconnected, and the like.
P), a download control program (PDL) started when the mobile phone 20 is connected via the interface cable 30, etc., and when a personal computer is connected via the interface cable 30 or the like. And a storage medium reader / writer program (PRW) to be started up.

The flash memory 105 is capable of storing a plurality of music files, image files, and the like, similarly to the SD memory card 101.
While 01 is a removable storage medium, it is built into the equipment (standard equipment). Each of the storage media including the SD memory card 101 and the flash memory 105 can store a music file downloaded via the mobile phone 20. Here, a storage medium is designated (SD memory card 101 / Flash memory 105 can be selected).

The operation input unit 106 is composed of buttons and the like operated by the user, and is used for selection, reproduction, volume control and the like of music, and music files stored in the SD memory card 101, the flash memory 105 and the like. (Deletion, change of playback order, etc.).

The LCD display unit 107 is provided with the controller 10
Under the control of 3, the title and download status acquired from the music file are displayed and output using a font corresponding to a character code set handled inside the device.

The sound output unit 108 is connected to the controller 1
Under the control of 03, music information (contents) according to the music name instructed to be reproduced by the operation input unit 106 is decoded and output as a reproduced audio signal to, for example, a headphone terminal.

The device connection interface 109 exchanges information with an external device via the interface cable 30. Here, information for download processing including power control is transmitted and received to and from the mobile phone 20 via the interface cable 30.

FIG. 3 shows the mobile phone 2 in the above embodiment.
It is a road block diagram which shows the component of 0.

This mobile phone 20 has an antenna 201,
Communication unit 202, control unit 203, internal storage unit 204, display unit 205, audio input / output unit 206, speaker 207 and microphone 208, operation unit 209, pronunciation notifying unit 21
0, a card slot 212 for mounting a stamp size memory card (referred to as an SD memory card) 211,
Like the memory card 211, a flash memory 213 serving as a built-in storage medium for storing music files, a device connection interface 214 for exchanging information with an external device (here, the portable audio player 10) via the interface cable 30, and the like. Is configured.

The antenna 201 and the communication unit 202 constitute a radio transmission / reception unit, which receives a radio frequency signal transmitted from a base station (not shown) via a radio communication channel and transmits a generated radio signal to the base station. . Here, in response to a request from the portable audio player 10, a download request signal is transmitted to the music server, and a music file is received from the music server.

The control unit 203 controls the entire mobile phone 20.
When the portable audio player 10 is connected via the PC, the player editing control program (PEC) stored in the internal storage unit 204 and having the portable audio player 10 as a communication target is started, and FIG. 7, control of connection between devices including power control between devices, download processing, and the like.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the second embodiment of the present invention.

First, the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, the portable audio player 10 and the cellular phone 20
Are in a standby state in which at least communication is enabled.

When the controller 103 of the portable audio player 10 detects that the portable telephone 20 has been connected via the interface cable 30, the controller 103 activates a download control program (PDL) and executes the processing shown in FIG. I do. At this time, the control unit 2 of the mobile phone 20
03 activates a player editing control program (PEC) and executes processing in response to a request from the portable audio player 10.

When the portable audio player 10 detects that the portable telephone 20 has been connected via the interface cable 30 (step D11 in FIG. 4), the portable audio player 10 recognizes each state of the portable telephone 20 and the portable audio player 10 and recognizes each state. If it is in the standby state, the power supply for operation is turned on to start the respective original functions (step D1 in FIG. 4).
2 to D15), it is determined whether or not the connected mobile phone 20 is a device compatible with music distribution (step D in FIG. 4).
16).

If the device is not compatible with music distribution, the portable audio player 10 is set to the standby state or the power-off state (step D22 in FIG. 4). If the device is compatible with music distribution, preparations for receiving music distribution (downloading is possible) are made (step D1 in FIG. 4).
7). At this time, a storage medium (here, the SD memory card 101 or the flash memory 105) for downloading the distributed music file is displayed on the LCD display unit 107.
Is specified by the display screen and button operation. afterwards,
Requests music distribution to the music distribution server via the mobile phone 20, receives a music file distributed from the music distribution server via the mobile phone 20, and receives the specified storage medium (SD memory card 101 / flash memory 105).
(Step D18 in FIG. 4). After downloading the above music file, interface cable 3
If 0 is removed and a music playback instruction is issued by a button operation of the operation input unit 106, a music playback program (PMP) is started to make the downloaded music file information reproducible (steps D19 to D19 in FIG. 4). D21).

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Here, the portable audio player 1
0, when at least one of the mobile phones 20 is executing the original processing by itself (when the mobile phone 20 is executing the telephone function or when listening to music with the portable audio player 10) Even when the portable telephone 20 is connected to the portable audio player 10 via the interface cable 30, the reception setting of the music distribution is not automatically performed (steps B11 to B14 in FIG. 5), and the portable audio player 10 and the portable When the portable telephone 20 is connected to the portable audio player 10 via the interface cable 30 when the portable telephones 20 are not independently performing their original operations, the reception setting of the music distribution (download of the music file) is performed for the first time. This is performed automatically (step B15 in FIG. 5).

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the processing procedure in another embodiment of the present invention.

In the process shown in FIG. 6, the connection state of the external device is monitored at regular processing intervals (step C11 in FIG. C), and the operation of the device alone is executed until the external device is connected (FIG. 6). 6 steps C12). When an external device is connected, it recognizes the model or function of the connected device (step C13 in FIG. 6), and if the model is a corresponding model, turns on the operating power supply of each connected device (step C13 in FIG. 6). C14
To C18), and executes processing having functions that cannot be performed by a single operation, utilizing the functions of the connected external device (FIG. 6).
7 steps C19).

In the processing shown in FIG. 7, two portable devices, each of which can operate independently, are connected to each other,
Implement functions that were not possible by itself. Here, it is assumed that the portable device on which the function that cannot be achieved by itself is realized is device A, and the external portable device to which the device is connected is device B.

When the device B is connected to the device A, the device A
Confirms that neither the device A nor the device B is performing the processing alone (steps A11 to A13 in FIG. 7), and executes the processing that was impossible alone. For example, the devices A and B, which are both in a standby state in which only communication can be performed, are each switched from the standby state to an operation mode in which a predetermined processing operation can be performed, and the functions of the device B are used. The corresponding processing is executed (step A15 in FIG. 7).
In this example, if either or both of the device A and the device B have already executed the process independently, the process is continued (step A14 in FIG. 7). When the device B is connected to the device A, even if the process is executed independently, the process can be stopped and the process using the function of the device B, which cannot be performed by itself, can be executed. It is.

In the first and second embodiments described above, even if the portable telephone 20 is connected to the portable audio player 10, the reproduction of the portable audio player 10 is stopped. When the mobile phone 20 is connected, it can be set to a state where music distribution can be automatically received.

When a headset is connected to the portable audio player 10, even if the portable telephone 20 is connected to the portable audio player 10, the reception setting for music distribution is not automatically performed. When the headphone is pulled out from 10, the mobile phone 2
It is also possible to set a state where music distribution can be automatically received when 0 is connected.

By having the functions of the above-described embodiment, for example, when the portable telephone and the portable audio player are connected with a cable, the portable telephone and the portable audio player are set to be in a power-on state. The mobile phone and the portable audio player can communicate with each other. At this time, if the mobile phone and the portable audio player have a function of receiving the music distribution, preparation for receiving the music distribution can be performed. . Furthermore, it is possible to connect to a server via a mobile phone, receive music data, and transfer (download) the music data to a portable audio player. In addition, by detecting that the cable has been disconnected from the state where the mobile phone and the audio player are connected by a cable, it is possible to return to a state where each device provides the original function. That is, the mobile phone returns to a communication-enabled state and enters a telephone standby state, and the audio player enters a state of listening to music (music can be reproduced).

[0060]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, when a plurality of independently operable portable devices are interconnected to execute a process having a predetermined function, a simple operation is performed. Thus, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use connection control method between portable devices and a portable device, which can smoothly and quickly execute a process having a predetermined function, and significantly reduce the operation burden on the user.

Further, according to the present invention, a portable audio player having no drive mechanism is connected to a portable telephone to download a music file from the music distribution server to the audio player via the portable telephone, or When editing files downloaded from a distribution server, personal computer, etc. to an audio player, etc., easy-to-use, easy-to-use portable devices that can perform those operations easily, quickly, smoothly and efficiently A control method and a portable device can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a connection configuration between portable devices according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the portable audio player in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a road block diagram showing components of the mobile phone according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Portable audio player 20 ... Mobile telephone 30 ... Interface cable 101 ... SD memory card 102 ... Card slot 103 ... Controller 104 ... Internal storage unit 105 ... Flash memory 106 ... Operation input unit 107 ... LCD display unit 108 ... Sound output unit 109 Device connection interface 201 Antenna 202 Communication unit 203 Control unit 204 Internal storage unit 205 Display unit 206 Voice input / output unit 207 Speaker 208 Microphone 209 Operation unit 210 Phone notification unit 211 Memory card (Referred to as SD memory card) 212: card slot 213: flash memory 214: device connection interface

Claims (17)

[Claims] When a plurality of portable devices that can operate independently are connected to each other by wire or wirelessly, each of the connected portable devices enters an operable power supply state. A method for controlling connection between portable devices, wherein a predetermined process can be executed in the portable device. 2. When a plurality of portable devices that can operate independently are connected to each other by wire or wirelessly, each of the portable devices connected to each other enters an operation power-on state, and the connection is released. When each of the portable devices is in an operation power off state or a standby state, and when each of the portable devices is in an operation power on state, predetermined processing can be performed between the portable devices. A method for controlling connection between portable devices. 3. When a plurality of portable devices that can operate independently are connected to each other by wire or wirelessly, a predetermined process determined by the function of the connected device is executed or enabled, and the connection is released. A method of controlling connection between portable devices, wherein each of the portable devices independently executes or can execute an operation having a function unique to the device when the portable device is operated. 4. A process executed between the portable devices includes a process of editing information stored in one device by another device, and a process of acquiring information received by one device from another device. The method for controlling connection between portable devices according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of accumulation processing is included. 5. The method for controlling connection between portable devices according to claim 3, wherein the function that each portable device operates independently includes at least one of a portable telephone function and a music reproduction output function according to a stored file. . 6. A portable device that can operate independently, external device connection means to which an external device that can operate independently is connected, and detecting that the external device is connected to the external device connection means. A detecting unit, when the detecting unit detects the connection of the external device, sets the connected devices to an operable power supply state and enables a predetermined process to be performed between the devices; A portable device comprising a control unit. 7. A portable device that can operate independently, external device connection means to which an external device that can operate independently is connected, and a device connection state in which the external device is connected to the external device connection means. Means for detecting the disconnected device disconnection state; and, when the detecting means detects the device connection state, controlling the operating power supply of each of the connected devices to an on state, and connecting the respective device to each other. And control means for controlling the power supply for operation of each connected device to an off state or a standby state when the detecting means detects the device disconnection state. Mobile device characterized by becoming. 8. An external device connection means to which an independently operable external device can be arbitrarily connected, and when an external device is connected to the external device connection means,
A portable device comprising: a control unit that executes an operation according to a function of a connected device or controls the device to be executable. 9. An external device connecting means to which an independently operable external device can be arbitrarily connected, and, when an external device is connected to the external device connecting means, whether or not the connected device is a compatible device. Judge
A control unit that turns on the operation power supply of each of the connected devices and executes or controls the operation according to the functions of the connected devices when the devices are compatible. Mobile device characterized by the following. 10. In a portable device capable of downloading a file via a portable telephone, detecting means for detecting connection of the portable telephone, and when the detecting means detects connection of the portable telephone,
A portable device comprising: a control unit for executing file download via the mobile phone. 11. A portable device capable of downloading a file via a mobile phone, comprising: detecting means for detecting connection and disconnection of the mobile phone; and when the detecting means detects connection of the mobile phone,
Control means for executing file download via the mobile phone, and executing processing for opening the downloaded file when the detection means detects disconnection of the mobile phone. Mobile devices. 12. A file download terminal when a mobile phone is connected to the external device connection means, and a player for playing a file when the connection is released. 9. The mobile device according to 9. 13. The portable device according to claim 6, wherein said external device connection means has an input interface function corresponding to a plurality of data formats. 14. A program for executing a program having a different function between a state in which operation power is supplied by operating a power switch and a state in which an external device is connected to the external device connection means and operation power is supplied. 10. The portable device according to claim 6, further comprising execution control means. 15. The portable device according to claim 6, further comprising program execution control means for executing a different program according to the function of the external device connected to said external device connection means. 16. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising means for turning on the power supply for operating the connected devices or the power supply for operating the own device when the detection unit detects the connection of the mobile phone. Mobile devices. 17. The storage device according to claim 10, further comprising a plurality of storage means capable of storing a file, wherein a download destination storage means can be selected when a file is downloaded via said mobile phone. Mobile devices.