JP2005159399A - Personal digital assistant - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a personal digital assistant enabling a user to easily perform customization of functions and maintaining excellent convenience and design performance even if it is equipped with a number of functions. <P>SOLUTION: The personal digital assistant is provided with base sections 102, 202 capable of separating the personal digital assistant into an operating unit 100 having a numeric key pad and a display unit 200 having a display screen and forming a predetermined surface of a back surface of each of the operating unit and the display unit. A user can freely arrange function blocks 30 each capable of realizing the desired function on the surface of a base section, and a function block interface and the function blocks which are provided on each of the operating unit and the display unit perform data transmission, thereby realizing desired additional function in the personal digital assistant. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable portable information terminal, and more particularly to a portable telephone having a call function.

  In recent years, portable information terminals such as mobile phones, PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) handsets, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistance), etc., in addition to information input / output functions and call functions, for example, sending and receiving e-mail Various functions such as imaging and display of still images and moving images, reception and processing of GPS signals, reception and display of television signals, and game functions have been provided.

  In addition, with the development of technology, functions for realizing the same purpose are being subdivided. For example, various types of functions such as an infrared communication function, a Bluetooth communication function, a communication function in a non-contact IC card, an IEEE 802.11a communication function, an IEEE 802.11b communication function can be realized as short-range communication. It exists and is applied in the technical field that makes use of each feature.

  On the other hand, portable information terminals are required to be smaller, lighter, and save power in terms of convenience, such as being easy to carry and easy to use. Therefore, in a mobile information terminal that tends to be multifunctional, components for realizing a large number of functions are arranged, and at the same time, miniaturization, weight reduction, power saving, etc. must be realized simultaneously. It can be said that

  In addition, in Patent Document 1 below, for each component of the device, each of the input unit, the display unit, and the control unit is divided into functions or a plurality of functions, and configured by independent modules. An information device is disclosed in which a desired module is selected from the divided modules and can be used in combination. According to this information device, it is possible to make an optimum configuration according to the application and purpose, such as when using it as a desktop type or notebook type in an office or carrying it, and to improve operability. . The modules disclosed in Patent Document 1 are mainly a display module, an input module, a main control module, a main storage module, and the like, and are basically based on the concept of part division.

Also, in Patent Document 2 below, several types of small boards conforming to various standards are prepared in advance, and a small board is provided between a main board of a wireless communication device and a circuit mounted on the main board. There is disclosed a transmission / reception circuit module that sandwiches the signal. According to this transceiver circuit module, even when the standard or interface of a wireless communication device is changed, it is possible to update the wireless communication device by simply exchanging small boards individually. Can be changed drastically.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-222250 (paragraphs 0012 to 0021, FIGS. 1 to 3) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-24541 (paragraphs 0018 to 0022, FIG. 2)

  However, in the information device described in Patent Document 1, a flat module that realizes a predetermined function is overlaid on the casing, and another flat module is stacked on the flat module that is superimposed on the casing. The functions are expanded by stacking the modules. Therefore, in this configuration, when a large number of functions are mounted on the information device, a large number of flat modules are stacked, which makes it difficult for the user to use and is not beautiful from the viewpoint of design. In other words, the information device described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration made mainly from the viewpoint of miniaturization, weight reduction, and power saving, and the more the information device is multi-functional, the more convenient and design it is. There is a problem that the property is impaired.

  The transmission / reception circuit module described in Patent Document 2 is intended to redesign a substrate existing in the main body of a wireless communication device or to change a substrate pattern. In order to reduce production costs, a small substrate that conforms to a predetermined standard is sandwiched between a main substrate and a circuit among small substrates that conform to a plurality of standards. That is, such a small board change is intended to correspond to a change in the main functions and operations of the wireless communication device itself, and it is very difficult for general users of mobile phones to replace the small board. is there.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a portable information terminal that allows a user to easily customize functions and maintain excellent convenience and design even when many functions are installed. With the goal.

In order to achieve the above object, the portable information terminal of the present invention is a portable portable information terminal,
A base portion that forms a surface for freely arranging a plurality of functional blocks including hardware or software for realizing a predetermined additional function;
A functional block interface for connecting to the functional block disposed on the surface formed by the base portion;
Have.
With this configuration, the user can easily customize the functions, and even when many functions are installed, excellent convenience and design can be maintained.

In order to achieve the above object, the portable information terminal of the present invention is a portable portable information terminal,
Forming a surface for arranging a plurality of functional blocks provided with hardware or software for realizing a predetermined additional function, and fixing the functional block to any one of a plurality of arrangement positions where the functional blocks can be arranged A base part configured to be capable of
A functional block interface for connecting to the functional block disposed on the surface formed by the base portion;
Have.
With this configuration, the user can easily customize the functions, and even when many functions are installed, excellent convenience and design can be maintained.

Furthermore, in addition to the functions of the portable information terminal, the portable information terminal of the present invention is configured such that the shape of the functional block is a shape of a predetermined minimum unit or a combination of the predetermined minimum unit shapes. ing.
With this configuration, the functional block can be efficiently filled on the surface formed by the base portion.

Further, in the portable information terminal of the present invention, in addition to the functions of the portable information terminal, the shape of the predetermined minimum unit of the functional block is a cube or a rectangular parallelepiped, and the base portion is the base portion in the functional block. The functional block can be fixed so that each of the two orthogonal axes constituting the contacting surface is substantially parallel to each of the predetermined two orthogonal axes in the surface formed by the base portion.
With this configuration, the functional block can be efficiently filled on the surface formed by the base portion.

Further, in the portable information terminal of the present invention, in addition to the function of the portable information terminal, the functional block has identification information unique to each functional block or each function, and is connected to the functional block interface. The identification information of the functional block is configured to be read.
With this configuration, it is possible to easily recognize the type and number of functional blocks currently connected.

Furthermore, in addition to the functions of the above-described portable information terminal, the portable information terminal of the present invention is an arrangement of functional blocks having the identification information based on the installation position of the functional block interface and the identification information read from the functional block. It is configured to detect the position.
With this configuration, it is possible to easily recognize the arrangement position of the currently connected functional block, and it is possible to perform an additional operation according to the arrangement pattern of the functional block.

Furthermore, the portable information terminal of the present invention includes a display unit having a display unit for displaying information in addition to the function of the portable information terminal and an operation unit having an operation unit that enables information input or operation from the user. The display unit and the operation unit can be physically and electrically connected and separated.
With this configuration, the user can assemble the portable information terminal.

Furthermore, in addition to the functions of the above-described portable information terminal, the portable information terminal of the present invention is physically and electrically connected to both the display unit and the operation unit, so that the display unit and the operation unit are connected. It is configured to mediate connections.
With this configuration, a member different from the display unit and the operation unit can be disposed between the display unit and the operation unit.

Furthermore, in the portable information terminal of the present invention, in addition to the function of the portable information terminal, the connection member electrically connects the imaging camera or the navigation key, the imaging camera or the navigation key, the display unit, and the operation unit. And an external interface to be connected.
With this configuration, an imaging camera or a navigation key can be disposed between the display unit and the operation unit.

Furthermore, in addition to the functions of the portable information terminal, the portable information terminal of the present invention has a protective member for protecting the base part and the functional block arranged on the base part from the outside.
With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the functional block from being detached from the base portion, and for example, it has an electrical contact and protects the base portion and the functional block that are vulnerable to external impacts and changes in the external environment. It becomes possible to do.

Furthermore, in the portable information terminal of the present invention, in addition to the functions of the portable information terminal, the protective member is formed of a transparent member, and the function of the functional block can be visually recognized through the protective member. The function block is colored to specify the function.
With this configuration, it is possible to visually grasp the currently installed function without removing the protection member.

Furthermore, in addition to the function of the above-described portable information terminal, the portable information terminal of the present invention is detachable with the protection member, and has a fastening member for fixing the protection member when the protection member is attached.
With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the protective member that protects the base portion and the functional block from being easily removed.

Furthermore, in the portable information terminal of the present invention, in addition to the function of the portable information terminal, the fastening member electrically connects the imaging camera or the navigation key, the imaging camera or the navigation key, the display unit, and the operation unit. And an external interface to be connected.
With this configuration, the imaging camera or the navigation key can be arranged on a member different from the operation unit and the display unit.

Furthermore, the portable information terminal of the present invention has communication means that enables a call in addition to the functions of the portable information terminal described above, and makes a call even when the functional block is not arranged in the base unit. Is configured to be possible.
With this configuration, even when no functional block is attached, it can be used as a normal mobile phone having a call function.

  The present invention has the above-described configuration, and the effect that the user can easily customize the functions and can maintain excellent convenience and design even when many functions are installed. Have.

  Hereinafter, the portable information terminal according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, a mobile phone will be described as an example of the mobile information terminal of the present invention. However, the mobile information terminal of the present invention is not limited to a mobile phone and can be carried and used by a user. The present invention can also be applied to a general portable information terminal such as a PHS cordless handset or a PDA.

<First Embodiment>
First, the basic concept of the portable information terminal according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic internal configuration of the portable information terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A mobile phone (portable information terminal) 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13. The display unit 14, the operation unit 15, the communication unit 16, the voice input unit 17, the voice output unit 18, and a plurality of function block interfaces (function block I / F) 20.

  The CPU 11 is means for performing main control within the mobile phone 1 and operation control of each component. For example, the CPU 11 performs communication data generation processing in the communication unit 16. The ROM 12 and the RAM 13 are data storage means for storing a program that operates on the mobile phone 1, image data of still images and moving images that are displayed using the display unit 14, audio data that is output via the audio output unit 18, and the like. is there.

  The display unit 14 is a means for visually informing the user of information, for example, a display screen such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a display screen for displaying information. It includes a display driver. The operation unit 15 is a means for enabling the user to operate the mobile phone 1 and input information. The operation unit 15 is a numeric keypad (numbers “0” to “9” or “ *, “#”, Etc.), and an interface for converting the pressing of the numeric keypad into an electrical signal.

  The communication unit 16 includes a processing unit and an antenna for performing communication with a telephone line network or a packet network, and data in a call with another telephone, transmission / reception of an e-mail, browsing of a web page, etc. It is a means which enables transmission and reception. The voice input unit 17 is realized by a microphone or the like that can acquire external voices such as voices uttered by the user, and the voice output unit 18 audibly notifies the user of voices. Realized by a speaker or the like. The function block interface 20 is an interface for connecting to a function block 30 incorporating a predetermined additional function (additional function).

  In a state where the functional block 30 is not connected to the functional block interface 20, the mobile phone 1 has only a minimum necessary function (essential function), and an operation related to the essential function is possible. It has become. A function realized by each component provided in the main body of the mobile phone 1 is an essential function. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, a call function, an e-mail transmission / reception function, a packet data communication function, and the like correspond to the essential functions. On the other hand, a function that operates for the first time when the function block 30 is connected is an additional function. Note that it is possible to arbitrarily set which function is incorporated into the main body of the mobile phone 1 from the beginning to be an essential function and which function is an additional function operated by the connection of the function block 30.

  The functional block 30 for realizing the additional function is configured to be detachable from the mobile phone 1, and is capable of transmitting data to each component inside the mobile phone 1 via the functional block interface 20. It is configured to be able to supply power. The function block 30 has software or hardware for realizing a predetermined additional function. When the function block 30 is connected to the function block interface 20, the additional function incorporated in the function block 30 is provided. Is realized in the mobile phone 1.

  Examples of additional functions incorporated in each functional block 30 include the following. For example, when a functional block 30 incorporating a GPS chip for processing a GPS (Global Positioning System) signal is connected to the functional block interface 20, the cellular phone 1 can use the GPS processing function. Further, when a functional block 30 having an antenna and incorporating an antenna chip that realizes the same operation as that of the communication unit 16 is connected to the functional block interface 20, the mobile phone 1 has an antenna capable of communication. Another one will be placed.

  Further, the mobile phone 1 can be connected to the functional block 30 incorporating the Bluetooth chip, the functional block 30 incorporating the IEEE802.11a chip, and the functional block 30 incorporating the IEEE802.11b, thereby enabling the Bluetooth communication function, IEEE802. 11a communication function and IEEE802.11b communication function can be used. In addition, specifications such as processing capability and information storage capability of the mobile phone 1 can be expanded by connecting to the functional block 30 provided with a CPU and the functional block 30 provided with a memory. Further, the battery of the mobile phone 1 can be increased by connection with the functional block 30 provided with the battery. By connecting with an IC chip for a credit card or a functional block 30 incorporating an IC chip for an ETC (Electric Toll Collection) system, the mobile phone 1 is connected to a credit card or ETC terminal equipped with a non-contact IC chip. Will be available as Further, the mobile phone 1 can be used as a game machine by connecting to the functional block 30 in which a predetermined game program is stored.

  Further, the user can freely attach and detach the functional block 30 to / from the mobile phone 1, that is, the user can freely customize additional functions in the mobile phone 1. Thereby, for example, the user connects only the functional block 30 in which the function required by the user is incorporated to the mobile phone 1, thereby realizing the mobile phone 1 that is most suitable for the usage situation of the user. . Further, for example, a large number of function blocks 30 provided with a battery are connected to increase the total charge amount of the mobile phone 1, or a large number of function blocks 30 provided with a memory or a function block 30 provided with a CPU are connected. Then, by connecting a large number of function blocks 30 related to a specific function, such as greatly improving the specifications of the mobile phone 1, it is possible to enhance a specific function in the mobile phone 1.

  In addition, the data transmission method in the connection between the functional block interface 20 and the functional block 30 is not particularly limited, and any data transmission method can be used. For example, both data transmission and power feeding are possible. USB (Universal Serial Bus) can be used. Each function block 30 is set with a specific ID (identification information), and the ID is sent into the mobile phone 1 at the same time as the connection with the mobile phone 1, and the mobile phone 1 functions according to this ID. It is desirable to be able to recognize block 30. In FIG. 1, the functional block 30 is connected to all the three functional block interfaces 20 shown in the figure, but the functional block 30 is not necessarily connected to all the functional block interfaces 20, as described above. In addition, in a state where the functional block 30 is not connected at all, the mobile phone 1 performs only the operation related to the essential function. In FIG. 1, one functional block 30 is connected to one functional block interface 20. For example, a plurality of functional blocks 30 are connected to one functional block interface 20. It is also possible to connect.

<Second Embodiment>
Although the basic concept of the present invention has been mainly described in the first embodiment, the following second embodiment will be described with respect to a specifically designed portable information terminal. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a basic internal configuration of the portable information terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The internal configuration shown in FIG. 2 is an extension of the internal configuration shown in FIG. 1, and the portable information terminal in the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the portable information terminal in the first embodiment. It is configured to perform all basic operations. Further, in the internal configuration shown in FIG. 2, the same reference numerals used in FIG. 1 are used for the same components as those included in the internal configuration shown in FIG.

  A mobile phone (portable information terminal) 1 shown in FIG. 2 can be separated into an operation unit 100 and a display unit 200. The operation unit 100 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, an operation unit 15, a communication unit 16, a voice input unit 17, and a plurality of functional block interfaces (functional block I / F) 20, and the display unit 200 includes A display unit 14, an audio output unit 18, and a plurality of functional block interfaces (functional block I / F) 20 are disposed.

  In FIG. 2, an aspect in which all the components included in the operation unit 100 and the display unit 200 are connected by an internal bus is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In addition, each component other than the operation unit 15 disposed in the operation unit and the display unit 14 disposed in the display unit 200 may be disposed in either the operation unit 100 or the display unit. You may arrange | position to both the unit 100 and the display unit 200. FIG. Although not shown, the power source can be arranged in one or both of the operation unit 100 and the display unit 200 as long as the power can be supplied to each component.

  The operation unit 100 and the display unit 200 each have two external interfaces (external I / F) 110, 120, 210, and 220, and through these external interfaces 110, 120, 210, and 220, It is configured to allow connection with another unit. The operation unit 100 and the display unit can be connected with the external interface 120 and the external interface 210 (in FIG. 3, further connected via the external interfaces 310 and 320 of the navigation key member 300), and an electrical signal between the units can be obtained. It is possible to have a state in which the constituent elements of two different operation units 100 and display units 200 are arranged in one unit (that is, the state shown in FIG. 1). The external interface 120 of the operation unit 100 and the external interface 210 of the display unit 200 may be directly connected without using the navigation key member 300.

  As described above, the navigation key member 300 having the external interfaces 310 and 320 and the operation unit 330 is disposed between the operation unit 100 and the display unit 200. The operation unit 330 of the navigation key member 300 is different from the operation unit 15 of the operation unit 100 and corresponds to a navigation key (navigation key) described later. Instead of the navigation key member 300, a connection member having only the external interfaces 310 and 320 may be arranged.

  Further, an imaging member 400 having external interfaces 410 and 420 and an imaging unit 430 is disposed, and the external interface 410 and the external interface 220 of the display unit 200 are connected. The imaging unit 430 of the imaging member 400 enables imaging of still images and moving images, and corresponds to an imaging camera described later.

  Here, a state in which the navigation key member 300 is connected to both the operation unit 100 and the display unit 200 and the imaging member 400 is connected to the display unit 200 is illustrated. It is possible to change the connection freely. In addition, the components arranged in the member connected via the external interface are not limited to the operation unit 330 and the imaging unit 430, and arbitrary components can be arranged.

  Next, the appearance of the mobile phone 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the portable information terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the portable information terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a front view of a portable information terminal according to the second embodiment, FIG. 6 is a rear view of the portable information terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a portable information terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a right side view of the information terminal, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view (A-B cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 5) of the portable information terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, about the site | part corresponding to the component in the block diagram shown in FIG. 2, the same code | symbol is quoted or it demonstrates that it exists in a correspondence.

  A mobile phone (portable information terminal) 1 shown in FIGS. 3 to 8 is illustrated by a combination of an operation unit 100, a display unit 200, a navigation key member 300, an imaging member 400, a fastening member 500, and transparent members 600a and 600b. It is comprised so that it may become a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The shape of the operation unit 100 and the shape of the display unit 200 are substantially the same. Further, the operation unit 100, the display unit 200, the navigation key member 300, the imaging member 400, the fastening member 500, and the transparent members 600a and 600b are combined and integrated by fitting according to a predetermined shape, and each can be separated. It is configured as follows. This fitting structure will be described later with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG.

  A numeric keypad 101 (corresponding to the operation unit 15) is exposed to the front side of the operation unit 100 (the surface facing the user when the mobile phone 1 is used). Performs information input and operations. Further, a display screen 201 (corresponding to the display unit 14) is exposed to the outside on the front side surface of the display unit 200, and the display screen 201 provides visual notification of information to the user. Further, a navigation key (navigation key) 301 for improving operability is provided on the front surface of the navigation key member 300 so as to be exposed to the outside. In addition, an imaging camera 401 (corresponding to the imaging unit 430) in which the imaging direction is set in the user direction (the direction in which the user images itself) is provided on the front surface of the imaging member 400.

  On the other hand, on the back surface of the operation unit 100 or the display unit 200, base portions 102 and 202 that form a surface for disposing the functional block 30 are disposed. By installing the functional block 30 on the surface formed by the base portions 102 and 202, the functional block interface 20 (not shown in FIGS. 3 to 8) existing inside the operation unit 100 and the display unit 200 is provided. The function block 30 is connected, and the mobile phone 1 can read out the software stored in the function block 30 or use the hardware. An imaging camera 402 (corresponding to the imaging unit 430) having an imaging direction set in a direction opposite to the imaging direction of the imaging camera 401 is provided on the back surface of the imaging member 400. The imaging member 400 shown in FIGS. 3 to 8 is provided with two imaging cameras 401 and 402. In the internal configuration shown in FIG. It is desirable to provide two imaging units 430 corresponding to each, and it is desirable that the two imaging cameras 401 and 402 can be switched as necessary.

  Further, the transparent members 600a and 600b are protections for protecting the base units 102 and 202 existing on the back surface of the operation unit 100 and the display unit 200, the functional blocks 30 arranged on the base units 102 and 202, and the like. The member is made of, for example, an acrylic resin. The transparent members 600a and 600b have substantially the same shape as the operation unit 100 and the display unit 200, and functions arranged on the base portions 102 and 202 when they are overlapped with the operation unit 100 and the display unit 200. A void is formed to contain the block 30.

  In addition, the navigation key member 300, the imaging member 400, and the fastening member 500 are shaped so that the operation unit 100, the display unit 200, and the transparent members 600a and 600b can be held in an overlapping state (for example, FIG. Refer to the sectional view shown: the navigation key member 300 is H-shaped, and the imaging member 400 and the fastening member 500 are U-shaped). With this configuration, the operation unit 100, the display unit 200, the navigation key member 300, the imaging member 400, the fastening member 500, and the transparent members 600a and 600b are kept in a combined state during normal use of the mobile phone 1. It is like that. The transparent members 600a and 600b are transparent members so that the functional blocks 30 disposed therein can be seen through from the viewpoint of convenience and design as described later. , 202 and the functional block 30 can be protected by using an opaque member.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a separation state of the portable information terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an assembly state of the portable information terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention. is there. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the operation unit 100, the display unit 200, the navigation key member 300, the imaging member 400, the fastening member 500, and the transparent members 600 a and 600 b constituting the mobile phone 1 can be separated from each other. is there.

  When assembling the mobile phone 1, first, the user installs the desired functional block 30 on the surface formed by the base portions 102 and 202 existing on the back side of the mobile phone 1, and the base portions 102 and 202 In order to protect the functional block 30 installed above, the transparent blocks 600a and 600b are covered. And the predetermined location (upper part of the operation unit 100) formed by superimposition of the operation unit 100 and the transparent member 600a, and the predetermined location (display) formed by superimposition of the display unit 200 and the transparent member 600b The navigation key member 300 is fitted to the lower part of the unit 200, and the operation unit 100 and the display unit 200 are connected by the navigation key member 300, and the operation unit 100 and the transparent member 600a are overlapped. 200 and the transparent member 600b are fixed so as not to come off.

  In addition, the imaging member 400 is fitted to a predetermined portion (upper part of the display unit 200) formed by overlapping the display unit 200 and the transparent member 600b, and the imaging cameras 401 and 402 are attached to the mobile phone 1. The display unit 200 and the transparent member 600b are fixed so as not to be separated. Further, the fastening member 500 is fitted to a predetermined portion (a lower portion of the operation unit 100) formed by overlapping the operation unit 100 and the transparent member 600a, and the operation unit 100 and the transparent member 600a are not overlapped. Fix so that there is no.

  The operation unit 100 is fitted with the navigation key member 300 and the fastening member 500 (upper and lower portions of the operation unit 100), and the display unit 200 is fitted with the navigation key member 300 and the imaging member 400 (display). The external interfaces 110, 120, 210, and 220 shown in FIG. 2 are provided on the upper and lower portions of the unit 200, respectively, and are electrically connected together with the fitting. The upper and lower portions of the operation unit 100 and the upper and lower portions of the display unit 200 can be fitted and connected to arbitrary members or units. For example, a plurality of operation units 100 and display units 200 are connected in succession. It is also possible to connect.

  Further, when the mobile phone 1 is assembled as described above, the user places the functional block 30 related to the function to be mounted on the mobile phone 1 on the surface formed by the base portions 102 and 202, thereby Function can be customized. At this time, as described above, there is no limitation on the type and number of functional blocks 30 (functions mounted on the mobile phone 1) arranged in the base units 102 and 202, and the functional blocks 30 may not be arranged. Is possible.

  As described above, the connection between the functional block interface 20 and the functional block 30 is not limited, and any connection method (data transmission method) may be adopted. The arrangement of the functional block 30 depends on the connection method between the functional block interface 20 and the functional block 30, the shape of the connecting interface, the shape of the functional block 30, and the like.

  For example, it is configured to enable non-contact (wireless) data transmission between the functional block interface 20 and the functional block 30. This enables wireless data transmission between the functional block interface 20 and the functional block 30 disposed on the surface formed by the base units 102 and 202, and the functional block 30 is formed by the base units 102 and 202. By disposing at any place on the surface, the mobile phone 1 can use the functions of the function block 30. In this case, it is desirable that the functional block 30 has a shape that can be efficiently filled on the surface formed by the base portions 102 and 202.

  Further, for example, the electrical contacts 51 of the functional block interface 20 are arranged at equal intervals with respect to two orthogonal axes included in the surface formed by the base portions 102 and 202, and the distance between the electrical contacts 51 is set. Provide a contact according to Further, in this case, by configuring the shape of the functional block 30 according to the electrical contact 51, it is possible to increase the filling rate of the functional block 30 on the surface formed by the base portions 102 and 202. It becomes.

  That is, for example, the connection between the functional block interface 20 and the functional block 30 is performed at the four electrical contacts 51 and 61, and the electrical contacts 51 on the surface formed by the base portions 102 and 202. Are arranged at intervals α with respect to each of the two orthogonal axes (see FIG. 11A), and the functional block 30 has an interval 2α orthogonal to one of the two orthogonal axes (short axis direction). An electrical contact 61 is provided at an interval 4α with respect to the other of the two axes (long axis direction) (see FIG. 11B). Further, the shape of the functional block 30 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and the surface (substantially rectangular surface) in contact with the surface formed by the base portions 102 and 202 has a length 3α with respect to the minor axis direction and a length with respect to the major axis direction. 4α (see FIG. 11C). As a result, when the functional blocks 30 are arranged on the surface formed by the base portions 102 and 202, the functional blocks 30 can be filled efficiently so as to be the most dense.

  Further, as long as the electrical contacts 51 on the surfaces of the base portions 102 and 202 are in contact with the electrical contacts 61 of the functional block, any position on the surface on which the base portions 102 and 202 form the functional block 30. In addition, it is preferable that the orientation of the functional block 30 in the major axis direction and the minor axis direction can be arbitrarily set as shown in FIG. The minimum unit of the size of the surface contacting the base portions 102 and 202 of the functional block 30 is the interval between the electrical contacts 51 arranged on the surface formed by the base portions 102 and 202 (in each of the two axial directions). For example, the minimum unit is a square having a length of 2α in both the major axis direction and the minor axis direction. In this case, for example, when a circuit that realizes a predetermined function cannot be mounted unless the size of the functional block 30 is set to a certain size, the functional block 30 is expanded, and as shown in FIG. , 202, the size of the surface of the functional block 30 in contact with the surface to be formed is a length 3α with respect to the minor axis direction and a length 4α with respect to the major axis direction, or as shown in FIG. It is also possible to make the size of the surface of the functional block 30 in contact with the surface formed by the portions 102 and 202 to be a length 4α with respect to each of the biaxial directions.

  Further, it is necessary to fix the electrical contact 51 on the surface formed by the base portions 102 and 202 and the electrical contact 61 provided in the functional block 30 so that they are not separated by a slight impact. . In order to realize this fixing, for example, the shape of one of the electrical contact 51 on the surface formed by the base portions 102 and 202 and the electrical contact 61 provided in the functional block 30 is a convex shape, It is possible to make the other concave shape and insert the convex shape into this concave shape so that it can be fixed. The fixing means is an example. For example, a protruding member is provided on the surface formed by the base portions 102 and 202, and the functional block 30 is sandwiched between the protruding members and fixed. It is also possible to fix the functional block 30 on the surface by other fixing means such as fixing the functional block 30 with a magnet or a sticky adhesive member.

  When an ID is assigned to the functional block 30, the mobile phone 1 determines which type of functional block 30 is the base unit 102 from the installation position of the functional block interface 20 that has read the ID and the read ID. , 202 can be easily detected at which position on the surface. When detection of the arrangement position of the functional block 30 is used, a specific functional block 30 is arranged at a specific position, or a relation between arrangement positions of a plurality of specific functional blocks 30 satisfies a specific condition For example, the mobile phone 1 can be configured to start a special program. Examples of this special program include a program that displays an image that does not appear on the display screen 201 under normal use, and a program that improves or suppresses the processing capability (for example, communication speed) of the mobile phone 1. It is done. In particular, as this special program, a program for controlling the mobile phone 1 to operate only when the arrangement position of the functional block 30 satisfies a specific condition, and to prevent the mobile phone 1 from operating when the specific condition is not satisfied. Is used, the arrangement position of the functional block 30 serves as an authentication mechanism for the operation of the mobile phone 1, and only the user who knows the specific arrangement position can use the mobile phone 1.

  Further, when the transparent members 600a and 600b are used to protect the base portions 102 and 202 and the functional block 30, the user can remove the protective member superimposed on the back side surface without removing the protective member superimposed on the back surface. It is possible to visually check the type and number. It is desirable to describe the function type name in the function block 30 so that the user can easily grasp the type of the function block 30 arranged by such visual inspection. In addition, for example, the function block 30 is classified roughly into the types of functions such as communication functions, battery functions, functions intended for hardware expansion such as CPU expansion and memory expansion, and game functions. By attaching the colors shown, the functional blocks 30 colored for each function can be seen through the transparent members 600a and 600b. As a result, the functions installed in the mobile phone 1 can be distinguished at a glance, improving convenience, and the back side surface of the mobile phone 1 is colored in units of 30 functional blocks to improve design. To do.

  The present invention has an effect that the user can easily customize the functions and can maintain excellent convenience and design even when many functions are installed. The present invention can be applied to portable portable information terminals such as PHS slaves and PDAs.

The block diagram which shows the basic internal structure of the portable information terminal in the 1st Embodiment of this invention The block diagram which shows the basic internal structure of the portable information terminal in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of the portable information terminal in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention The rear perspective view of the portable information terminal in the 2nd embodiment of the present invention Front view of portable information terminal according to second embodiment of the present invention The rear view of the portable information terminal in the 2nd embodiment of the present invention The right view of the portable information terminal in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention Sectional drawing of the portable information terminal in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention (sectional drawing of the AB surface shown in FIG. 5) The figure which shows the isolation | separation state of the portable information terminal in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention The figure which shows the assembly state of the portable information terminal in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention The figure for demonstrating an example of the connection aspect of the functional block interface of a portable information terminal and functional block in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention (a) Arrangement of the electrical contact on the surface which a base part forms FIG. 4B is a diagram showing the shape of the functional block arranged on the surface. FIG. 4B is a diagram showing the arrangement of electrical contacts on the surface that is in contact with the surface formed by the base portion. FIG. (D) The figure which shows another example of the shape of the expanded functional block

Explanation of symbols

1 Mobile phone (personal digital assistant)
11 CPU
12 ROM
13 RAM
14 Display unit 15, 330 Operation unit 16 Communication unit 17 Audio input unit 18 Audio output unit 20 Functional block interface (functional block I / F)
30 Functional block 51, 61 Electrical contact 100 Operation unit 101 Numeric keypad 110, 120, 210, 220, 310, 320, 410, 420 External interface (external I / F)
200 Display Unit 201 Display Screen 102, 202 Base 300 Member for Navigation Key 301 Navigation Key (Navigation Key)
400 Imaging member 401, 402 Imaging camera 430 Imaging unit 500 Fastening member 600a Transparent member for operation unit 600b Transparent member for display unit

Claims (14)

A portable information terminal that can be carried,
A base portion that forms a surface for freely arranging a plurality of functional blocks including hardware or software for realizing a predetermined additional function;
A functional block interface for connecting to the functional block disposed on the surface formed by the base portion;
A portable information terminal. A portable information terminal that can be carried,
Forming a surface for arranging a plurality of functional blocks provided with hardware or software for realizing a predetermined additional function, and fixing the functional block to any one of a plurality of arrangement positions where the functional blocks can be arranged A base portion configured to be capable of,
A functional block interface for connecting to the functional block disposed on the surface formed by the base portion;
A portable information terminal.   The portable information terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a shape of the functional block is configured to be a shape of a predetermined minimum unit or a shape combining the shapes of the predetermined minimum unit.   The shape of the predetermined minimum unit of the functional block is a cube or a rectangular parallelepiped, and each of the two orthogonal axes constituting the surface where the base portion contacts the base portion in the functional block is the surface formed by the base portion. The portable information terminal according to claim 3, wherein the functional block can be fixed so as to be substantially parallel to each of predetermined two orthogonal axes.   5. The function block according to claim 1, wherein the function block has identification information unique to each function block or each function, and is configured to read the identification information of the function block connected to the function block interface. The portable information terminal as described in any one.   6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an arrangement position of the functional block having the identification information is detected based on an installation position of the functional block interface and the identification information read from the functional block. The portable information terminal described.   The display unit includes a display unit that displays information, and an operation unit that includes an operation unit that enables input or operation of information from a user. The display unit and the operation unit are physically and electrically connected. The portable information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the portable information terminal is configured to be connectable and separable.   The connection member configured to mediate connection between the display unit and the operation unit by being physically and electrically connected to both the display unit and the operation unit. Mobile information terminal.   The portable information terminal according to claim 8, wherein the connection member includes an imaging camera or a navigation key, and an external interface that electrically connects the imaging camera or the navigation key to the display unit and the operation unit.   The portable information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a protective member for protecting the base unit and the functional block disposed on the base unit from the outside.   The protective member is formed of a transparent member, and the function block is colored to specify the function so that the function of the functional block can be visually recognized from the outside through the protective member. The portable information terminal according to claim 10.   The portable information terminal according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the protection member is detachable, and has a fastening member for fixing the protection member when the protection member is attached.   The portable information terminal according to claim 12, wherein the fastening member includes an imaging camera or a navigation key, and an external interface that electrically connects the imaging camera or the navigation key to the display unit and the operation unit. 14. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit that enables a call, wherein the call can be performed even when the functional block is not arranged in the base unit. Mobile information terminals.