JP2004104479A - Function expansion device for portable telephone set and portable telephone system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an expanded function allowing easy connection to a portable telephone set without causing the deterioration of portability. <P>SOLUTION: The portable telephone set 1 is attached to an attachment part of an expanded function module 2 and is connected thereto by a connector part 2b. A control circuit 6, an IC card reader/writer 7, a driving battery 10 and the like are provided in the module 2. Control information of the IC cards 3 and 5 are read and they are outputted to the portable telephone set 1. Control information is composed of information corresponding to a key operation of the portable telephone set 1 and of address information. A mail is automatically transmitted and a home page is browsed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a function expansion device for a mobile phone and a mobile phone system capable of improving operability by expanding the functions of the mobile phone.
[0002]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
When sending e-mails or connecting to the Internet with a mobile phone, it is necessary to perform complicated key operations on the mobile phone and input mail or a homepage address, which is one of the troublesome tasks. In addition, since these operating procedures are not the same for each of the various models, unified operating procedures cannot be set, and providing users with solutions to these issues is considered as a new issue. Can be
[0003]
On the other hand, in the past, there were devices that send e-mail by connecting a dedicated module or the like to a mobile phone.However, since the e-mail function has different operation contents and operation procedures depending on the model, the user has to operate the device. It is necessary to register the setting corresponding to the model, which is a troublesome task for the user.
[0004]
In addition, as a configuration of such a module connected to a mobile phone, generally, a connector is connected to a connector portion of the mobile phone via a cable, so that carrying with the connector connected decreases the portability. In addition, there is also a problem that a biased force acts on the connector portion and the connector portion may be damaged in some cases.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to enable easy connection to a mobile phone for function expansion, without lowering the portability, and also by e-mail and homepage. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile phone function expansion device and a mobile phone system that can easily and quickly perform browsing and the like.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, when information of the storage medium is read by the reading unit in a state where the mobile phone is mounted on the mounting unit and the connector unit is connected and integrated, the control unit reads the read information. The control output information is given to the telephone. Thus, it is possible to automatically perform a troublesome operation when performing an operation input using the mobile phone only when necessary using the control output information without impairing portability when the mobile phone is mounted. Therefore, the operability of the mobile phone can be improved, and the function can be easily extended. In addition, since the mobile phone is integrally mounted, the reliability of the connection portion by the connector can be ensured.
[0007]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the above invention, a configuration is provided in which a function module having a function to be added to the mobile phone is connected and a function module connection portion operable is provided. Even if the mobile phone cannot be connected, it can be connected via the function module connection unit, so that the function of the mobile phone can be enhanced to make it more sophisticated. Further, since only necessary functions can be additionally used, it is possible to cope with various usage purposes with a configuration emphasizing economy.
[0008]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, in each of the above-mentioned inventions, since a driving battery is provided, the portable telephone can be driven by using the driving battery provided in the main body for function expansion. It can be used without imposing a burden, and can be used without lowering portability.
[0009]
According to the invention of claim 4, in each of the above-mentioned inventions, since the power supply terminal for receiving the supply of the operation power from the outside is provided, it can be used in a state where the power is supplied from the outside, such as a vehicle. In addition to the use of an on-board battery, if an external power supply is available, even a configuration with a built-in driving battery can be used efficiently with less consumption. Become.
[0010]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the driving battery is configured to be able to be charged with external operating power received from the power supply terminal. If it can be obtained, it can be used while charging the driving battery.
[0011]
According to the invention of claim 6, according to the invention of claims 3 to 5, power is supplied to the mobile phone mounted on the mounting portion. Therefore, when the battery of the mobile phone is depleted, Power can be compensated for.
[0012]
According to the invention of claim 7, in each of the above-mentioned inventions, the reading section is configured to be able to read control information stored in a card-type storage medium, so that the mobile phone is not provided with a card reader or the like. Even with this configuration, card information can be captured and used as control or data. As a result, control information and data using a card-type storage medium can be used without depending on a mobile phone, and information can be shared more easily and widely.
[0013]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect of the present invention, the reading unit is configured to read a magnetically stored information as a card-type storage medium, and the ninth aspect of the present invention. According to the present invention, a contact IC card can be read and written, and according to the invention of claim 10, a non-contact IC card can be read and written. According to the invention, since the ID tag can be read and written, control information and data stored in various card-type storage media can be used, and the nature of the information and the content of the control information or It becomes possible to select and use an appropriate medium according to the type of data and the like.
[0014]
According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the function expansion device for a mobile phone, the control unit stores the mobile phone in the mounting unit, and the mobile phone is connected to the connector unit and stored in the storage medium by the reading unit. When the information is read, the read information is given to the mobile phone as control output information by the control means. As a result, a troublesome operation when performing an operation input using the mobile phone can be automatically performed based on the control output information without impairing the portability when the mobile phone is mounted. The operability can be improved, and the function can be easily extended.
[0015]
According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the storage medium storing the control information of the mobile phone is used, and the function expansion device for the mobile phone according to the first to eleventh aspects is provided. The mobile phone can be controlled by giving control output information to the mobile phone based on information read from a storage medium storing the control information of the mobile phone by using the function expansion device for the mobile phone, thereby extending the function of the mobile phone. Configuration can be reliably performed without deteriorating portability, and troublesome operations performed using a mobile phone can be easily and automatically executed, thereby improving convenience. Become like
[0016]
According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the storage medium according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect stores transmission control information of a mail address, control information and address information necessary for connection to a homepage on the Internet. Because the system uses a mobile phone, it is necessary to store a series of control information in the storage medium as a series of control information, such as troublesome key operation input procedures for sending and receiving e-mail and accessing the Internet homepage using a mobile phone. By doing so, it can be executed easily and quickly.
[0017]
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the storage medium according to the twelfth to fourteenth aspects is configured to store control information that can correspond to a plurality of mobile phone models. Since the control means is configured to read out from the storage medium the control information corresponding to the model of the mobile phone mounted on the mounting portion, there may be a difference in key operation content or key operation procedure depending on the mobile phone model. However, when the control information of the storage medium is read, the control means of the mobile phone function expansion device can automatically read the control information corresponding to the model of the mobile phone. This eliminates the need to grasp the differences between models and perform key operations each time, increasing convenience, and the information provider, which is the provider of the storage medium, is not It is possible to create a control information in order to provide the information in order to have them available in a wide range without being restricted by the type of story machine.
[0018]
According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the control information stored in the storage medium is stored as information corresponding to a key operation procedure of the mobile phone according to the twelfth to fifteenth aspects, and Since the control information is output so as to perform the same key operation as the manual key operation when using the operation function of the mobile phone, the key operation of the mobile phone can be automatically performed. Thus, the troublesome operation input operation can be reduced as much as possible to improve the usability.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(1st Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a configuration in which the present invention can read a contact IC card and a non-contact IC card as a storage medium will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.
[0020]
FIG. 2 shows the external appearance of the entire configuration of the mobile phone system. A function expansion module 2 as a mobile phone function expansion device is different from a foldable mobile phone 1 in that a keypad 1a of the mobile phone 1 is provided. A jacket-type structure is adopted in which the provided portion can be mounted on the mounting portion 2a. The mobile phone 1 has a general configuration including a display unit 1b and an antenna 1c.
[0021]
The function expansion module 2 includes a connector 2b that can be connected to the connector 1d (see FIG. 1) of the mobile phone 1. When the mobile phone 1 is mounted on the mounting section 2a, the connector 2b is also electrically connected. It is configured to be. In addition, a slot 2c into which a contact IC card 3 can be inserted is provided on the side surface, and an antenna 4 described later is provided inside, so that communication with a non-contact type IC card 5 is possible. It is configured.
[0022]
FIG. 1 mainly shows an electrical configuration of the function expansion module 2. A control circuit 6 as a control means has a configuration in which a CPU and a ROM or a RAM are provided as main components. I remember. The control circuit 6 is connected to an IC card reader / writer 7 as a reading unit, and performs communication with the coil antenna 5a of the non-contact type IC card 5 by the coil antenna 4 connected thereto. To read and write information.
[0023]
When the contactable IC card 3 is inserted into the slot 2c, the IC card reader / writer 7 transmits and receives signals via the contact portion 3a of the IC card 3 to read and write information. Has a function. The control circuit 6 is provided with a connector 9 so that a function module 8 for extending another function can be connected from the outside. Examples of the function module 8 include a reader / writer device for reading and writing information of an ID tag, a Bluetooth interface circuit, and an interface circuit for expanding other communication functions.
[0024]
The function expansion module 2 is configured to be supplied with power by a built-in drive battery 10, but is also configured to be able to receive power from an external power supply 12 via a power supply adapter 11 from a power supply input terminal 2 d. The external power supply 12 includes, for example, a commercial power supply (AC) and a vehicle-mounted battery.
[0025]
The control circuit 6 and the driving battery 10 are configured to be connectable to the connector 1d of the mobile phone 1 via the connector 2b. As described later, the control circuit 6 transmits control information and drives The mobile phone 1 can supply power to the mobile phone 1 or charge a battery (not shown) of the mobile phone 1.
[0026]
The control circuit 6 is configured to be connectable to an external host device 13 via the connector 2e. For example, the control circuit 6 can be connected to a personal computer or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance) to exchange information. Is configured.
[0027]
FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 schematically show the electrical configurations of the contact IC card 3 and the non-contact type IC card 5. In FIG. 3, the contactable IC card 3 includes a memory (a non-volatile memory, a flash memory, or the like) 3b serving as storage means for storing control information, and is connected to the contact section 3a via an interface circuit 3c. It is configured to be electrically connected when inserted into the slot 2 c of the function expansion module 2.
[0028]
In FIG. 4, the non-contact type IC card 5 includes a control circuit 5b therein. The control circuit 5b stores control information in a memory 5c and transmits the control information from a non-contact type communication unit 5d. Communication with the function expansion module 2 is performed via the coil antenna 5a. A power generation unit 5e is also connected to the coil antenna 5a, and is supplied with power via the coil antenna 5a to supply power for driving to an internal circuit.
[0029]
The operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. First, an extended function that can be implemented in the mobile phone system will be briefly described. Here, using the contacted IC card 3 or the non-contact type IC card 5, the function expansion module 2 sends the e-mail to the account of the e-mail address stored in the memory in the card to the mobile phone 1. An example will be described in which automatic transmission is performed.
[0030]
In addition, the stored homepage is automatically accessed to be displayed on the display unit 1b of the mobile phone 1, data such as a ringtone melody is automatically registered and read, and mail and address data are transferred. Or an automatic call.
[0031]
Now, the control information to be stored in the IC cards 3 and 5 for realizing the function of automatically sending a mail will be briefly described. The IC cards 3 and 5 can be set so as to correspond to a specific mobile phone 1. However, in order to provide more versatility, control information that can support a large number of models of the mobile phone 1 is stored. It is preferable to keep it.
[0032]
For example, in the mobile phone 1, the operation procedures, keys to be used, selection conditions, and the like are different depending on the model. Therefore, it is necessary to provide versatility that is less dependent on the model in consideration of these. is there. Therefore, for example, in order to realize a certain function, as shown in FIG. 6, the control information is stored so as to be compatible with as many models as possible.
[0033]
Here, for example, for three models A, B, and C, the control j method is stored for each model. For the model A, the mobile phone A control information is described first, followed by the mail address of the transmission destination, the mobile phone A control information is described again, and the control information indicating a series of key operation procedures ends. . Hereinafter, model B and model C are similarly described as control information corresponding to each model.
[0034]
FIG. 5 shows a program executed by the control circuit 6 of the function expansion module 2. When the mobile phone 1 is mounted on the mounting section 2a of the function expansion module 2, the control circuit 6 communicates with the mobile phone 1 via the connector 2b to acquire model information (step S1). The control circuit 6 stores the acquired model information in the internal memory and waits for the process of reading the control information of the IC card (step S2).
[0035]
When the user inserts the contacted IC card 3 into the slot 2c or brings the non-contacted IC card 5 close to the function expansion module 2, the IC card reader / writer 7 detects this. No. 6 determines that there is an IC card 3 or 5 ("YES" in step S2), and proceeds to step S3.
[0036]
Next, the control circuit 6 reads the control information stored in the IC card 3 or 5. At this time, the control circuit 6 reads out the model information of the mobile phone 1 previously stored, and reads the control information corresponding to the model. (Step S3). Here, as described above, as shown in FIG. 6, the control information of the corresponding model is read from the control information and the mail address information stored for a series of key operation procedures corresponding to each model.
[0037]
Subsequently, the read control information is sequentially output to the mobile phone 1 in accordance with the key operation procedure (step S4). Thus, in the mobile phone 1, a key operation is automatically input so as to send a mail to the mail address stored in the IC card 3 or 5.
[0038]
Further, the function expansion module 2 can transmit control information related to the same key operation from a personal computer or a PDA as the external device 13, thereby controlling the mobile phone 1 by giving the same control information as described above. Will be able to do it.
[0039]
In this way, a troublesome operation input procedure for the key operation of the mobile phone 1 can be automatically performed. In addition to sending a mail, the user can connect to the Internet and browse a desired homepage. Function that automatically dials and calls a specified person, or retrieves the incoming melody of the mobile phone 1 and automatically registers the address and telephone number. Will be able to
[0040]
Further, by attaching the function module 8 to the connector 9, for example, a Bluetooth function can be used, and a function of connecting to another local network or a reader / writer of an ID tag can be connected. Thus, the information of the ID tag can be read and written.
[0041]
(Second embodiment)
FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the first embodiment is that a connector 15b is provided as a connector section 15 of the function expansion module 14 via a cable 15a. .
[0042]
7A is a view from the top, FIG. 7B is a view from the side of the end face, and FIG. 7C is a view from the side. Here, an example using an integrated mobile phone 16 instead of a folding type is shown. The mobile phone 16 can be mounted on the mounting portion 14a of the function expansion module 14 so as to be integrally portable. Then, the connector 15b provided on the cable 15a, which is the connector 15 provided on the function expansion module 14, is connected to the connector of the mobile phone 16.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 9C, the same configuration as that shown in the first embodiment is provided. The coil antenna 4 is provided with a coil so as to surround the mounting portion 14 a of the mobile phone 16, thereby setting a wide angle range for reading with respect to the non-contact type IC card 5. Will be able to
[0044]
The function expansion module 14 is provided with a slot 14b for mounting the function module 8, and has a connector 9 therein. As a driving power source, a driving battery 10 is provided, and an external power source 12 can be connected via a power adapter 11.
[0045]
In the second embodiment having such a configuration, the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the connector portion 15 is constituted by the cable 15a and the connector 15b. Can be easily dealt with at the manufacturing stage even if the model differs depending on the model, and can be easily and inexpensively manufactured for various models.
[0046]
In addition, even when the connector 15b is connected to the mobile phone 16, the mobile phone 16 is integrated with the function expansion module 14, so that it is possible to prevent the connector portion from being damaged when being carried as much as possible. .
[0047]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but can be modified or expanded as follows.
As the storage medium, in addition to the IC cards 3 and 5, a stick type memory and various other types can be used. In addition, not only an electric storage means but also a magnetic storage type of control information can be used. Furthermore, if an optical reader is used as the functional module, it is possible to use a device in which control information is stored by optical information such as a barcode or a QR code.
[0048]
The driving battery may be a primary battery or a secondary battery. When the primary battery is used, the charging operation is not performed when the external power supply 12 is connected, but the power supply operation in the function expansion module, the power supply operation to the mobile phone 1, and the charging operation can be performed. When a secondary battery is used, the charging operation can be performed when the external power supply 12 is connected.
[0049]
The driving battery is not an essential component, and can be provided as needed. In a case where a driving battery is not provided, driving power can be supplied by using an external power supply or by supplying power from the mobile phone 1.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic electrical configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the entire mobile phone system; FIG. 3 is a schematic electrical diagram of a contacted IC card; FIG. 4 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 3 of a non-contact type IC card. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a program showing an operation of a function expansion module. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing contents of control information stored in a storage medium. 7 is an external view showing a second embodiment of the present invention.
1 and 16 are mobile phones, 2 and 14 are function expansion modules (function expansion devices for mobile phones), 3 is a contact IC card (storage medium), 4 is a coil antenna, and 5 is a contactless IC card (storage). Medium), 6 is a control circuit (control means), 7 is an IC card reader / writer (reading unit), 8 is a functional module, 9 is a connector, 10 is a driving battery, 11 is a power adapter, 12 is an external power supply, and 13 is an external power supply. An external device 15 is a connector.

Claims (16)

A reading unit that can read information on a storage medium that stores control information of the mobile phone;
A mounting portion to which a mobile phone can be mounted,
A connector portion for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the mobile phone mounted on the mounting portion,
A control unit that reads control information stored in the storage medium by the reading unit and supplies the mobile phone mounted on the mounting unit as control output information via the connector unit. Function expansion device for mobile phones. The function expansion device for a mobile phone according to claim 1,
A function expansion device for a mobile phone, comprising: a function module connection unit operable by connecting a function module having a function to be added to the mobile phone. The mobile phone function expansion device according to claim 1 or 2,
A function expansion device for a mobile phone, comprising a driving battery. The mobile phone function expansion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A function expansion device for a mobile phone, comprising a power supply terminal for receiving a supply of operation power from outside. The function expansion device for a mobile phone according to claim 4,
The function expansion device for a mobile phone, wherein the driving battery is provided so as to be able to be charged by external operating power received from the power supply terminal. The function expansion device for a mobile phone according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
A mobile phone function expansion device configured to supply power to the mobile phone mounted on the mounting unit. The function expansion device for a mobile phone according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The function expansion device for a mobile phone, wherein the reading unit is provided so as to be able to read control information stored in a card-type storage medium. The function expansion device for a mobile phone according to claim 7,
The function expansion device for a mobile phone, wherein the reading unit is configured to read a magnetically stored information as the card-type storage medium. The function expansion device for a mobile phone according to claim 7,
The function expansion device for a mobile phone, wherein the reading unit is configured to read and write a contact IC card as the card-type storage medium. The function expansion device for a mobile phone according to claim 7,
The function expansion device for a mobile phone, wherein the reading unit is configured to read and write a non-contact type IC card as the card type storage medium. The mobile phone function expansion device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The function expansion device for a mobile phone, wherein the reading unit is configured to read and write an ID tag as the storage medium. A storage medium storing control information of the mobile phone;
A mobile phone function expansion device that reads out the control information stored in the storage medium and outputs the control information to the mobile phone,
The mobile phone function expansion device,
A reading unit that reads control information from the storage medium;
A mounting portion to which the mobile phone can be mounted,
A connector portion for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the mobile phone mounted on the mounting portion,
Control means for providing the control information read by the reading section to the mobile phone mounted on the mounting section as control output information via the connector section. A storage medium storing control information of the mobile phone;
A mobile phone system, comprising: the mobile phone function expansion device according to claim 1. The mobile phone system according to claim 12 or 13,
A mobile telephone system, wherein the storage medium stores transmission control information of a mail address, control information and address information necessary for connection to a homepage on the Internet. The mobile phone system according to any one of claims 12 to 14,
The storage medium stores the control information that is compatible with a plurality of mobile phone models,
The mobile phone system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit of the mobile phone function expansion device is configured to read, from the storage medium, control information corresponding to a model of the mobile phone mounted on the mounting unit. The mobile phone system according to any one of claims 12 to 15,
The control information stored in the storage medium is stored as information corresponding to a key operation procedure of the mobile phone,
Wherein the control means is configured to output control information so as to perform the same key operation as manual key operation when using the operation function of the mobile phone. system.

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