JP2006229331A - Information communication apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform telephone conversation and data communication through a telephone network simultaneously in parallel with data communication with a communication apparatus such as a personal computer in the same time zone, or to prevent mismatch of data even if both data communication conflict. <P>SOLUTION: The information communication apparatus comprises a first communication section performing communication with a telephone network, a second communication section performing data communication with an information apparatus, a section for storing information being communicated by the first and second communication sections, and a section for controlling communication by the first communication section and communication by the second communication section to be carried out in parallel. Information related to origination through the first communication section is stored in the first storage area of the storage section, and information being communicated through the second communication section is stored in a second storage area different from the first storage area. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information communication device, and more particularly, to an information communication device capable of data communication with an information device such as a personal computer and telephone and data communication via a wired or wireless telephone network.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, mobile phones have a data communication function for transmitting and receiving e-mails and the like with other mobile phones in addition to a function for making calls with other mobile phones and telephones connected to a general subscriber telephone line via a telephone network. .
Also, a memory for storing incoming data such as e-mails in an internal memory, which has a call function for making a phone call and a call detection function for detecting an incoming call from another telephone in order to make a call or data communication It has a function.

In addition, some mobile phones are equipped with a connector for connecting a USB cable, which is connected to an information device such as a personal computer with a USB cable to transfer received e-mails to a personal computer or setting data such as a phone book from a personal computer. Some have a function of receiving data to be transmitted and storing the data in an internal memory (for example, see Patent Document 1).
When the mobile phone described in Patent Document 1 is connected to a personal computer via a USB cable, the mobile phone is used as an external storage device of the personal computer.
Moreover, what can perform infrared communication and PHS communication simultaneously as what can perform a data communication and a telephone call in parallel is known (for example, refer patent document 2). According to this, in order to realize parallel processing of communication, the infrared communication and the PHS communication timing are shifted.
JP 2002-359694 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-285074

However, in the device described in Patent Document 1, data communication is possible with a personal computer in a state where the personal computer is connected to the personal computer with a USB cable, but communication or data communication via the telephone network is not possible. That is, the outgoing call function and the incoming call function are stopped, and the mobile phone can operate only as an external storage device of a personal computer.
Therefore, even if an emergency situation occurs when the USB cable is connected, the call cannot be accepted and the call cannot be made. In addition, even if there is a mail to be sent, a mail document cannot be created, or even if there is a document already created, the mail transmission cannot be accepted.
A technique for performing parallel processing of infrared communication and PHS communication is known, but infrared has a limitation that the transfer speed is slower than that of USB and the transfer distance is also short.

In addition, when a call is made or received by a call from a telephone network to a conventional mobile phone, the internal memory of the mobile phone is rewritten in order to update the outgoing call history or the incoming call history, via the telephone network. Even when an e-mail or the like is transmitted / received, the internal memory is rewritten to store the transmitted / received data and history. As described above, when a mobile phone is used as an external storage device and the FAT of the file system is managed on the personal computer side, if the FAT on the mobile phone side is rewritten, data inconsistency occurs, and the worst external Data stored in the storage device may be destroyed.
When the mobile phone is used as an external storage device such as a personal computer, the internal memory is generally managed with a file system structure such as FAT. However, simply accepting transmission / reception via the telephone network after using it as an external storage device causes rewriting of the internal memory at the time of the incoming call, resulting in inconsistency or destruction of data stored by the personal computer. In some cases.
That is, the same storage area may be destroyed by overwriting data.

FIG. 18 shows an explanatory diagram when inconsistency or destruction of data written from the personal computer to the internal memory occurs.
FIG. 18A shows a part of the data stored in the internal memory of the mobile phone before connection with the USB cable.
FIG. 18B shows a state where a USB cable is connected and a part of data on the personal computer is changed by text editing on the personal computer.

If a call is made and the call history is updated in such a state, the data in the first and second lines (1 September 13) is stored in the internal memory of the mobile phone as shown in FIG. 15:00, T book 090-1357-1357) is added.
After that, when an instruction to save the edited data is executed from the personal computer, the internal memory of the mobile phone becomes one of the three states shown in FIG. 18D, and data inconvenience may occur.
(I) in FIG. 18 (d) shows a case where the outgoing call history is deleted, and (II) shows a case where inconsistency occurs in a part of the edit data to be stored. ) Shows a case where the data in the internal memory is completely destroyed and cannot be read out.

  In order to perform data communication with a personal computer and communication when making a call to the telephone network in parallel during the same time period, an area for storing data written from the personal computer and data written when making a call to the telephone network are stored. It is necessary to manage the internal memory of the mobile phone by completely dividing the storage area. However, it is difficult to completely separate and manage data shared by both data communications, such as the telephone number of the other party, and care must be taken to prevent unintended rewriting or destruction.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and calls and data communication via a telephone network and data communication with an information device such as a personal computer are performed in parallel at the same time zone. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information communication apparatus that can perform data or prevent data inconsistency from occurring even if both data communications compete.

  The present invention includes a first communication unit that communicates with a telephone network, a second communication unit that performs data communication with an information device, and a storage unit that stores information communicated by the first communication unit and the second communication unit. And a control unit that controls the communication by the first communication unit and the communication by the second communication unit to be executed in parallel, and stores information related to transmission via the first communication unit. An information communication apparatus is provided, wherein information stored in the first storage area and communicated via the second communication unit is stored in a second storage area different from the first storage area. Is.

  According to this, since it is possible to make a call during use as an external storage device, the convenience of the user can be improved, and data destruction does not occur. In particular, calls and data transmissions can be made by outgoing calls.

  In addition, the information related to the transmission via the first communication unit stored in the first storage area is written into the second storage area after the communication with the information device is completed. An information communication apparatus is provided.

  The present invention also stores a first communication unit that communicates with a telephone network, a second communication unit that performs data communication with an information device, and information communicated by the first communication unit and the second communication unit. A storage unit, and a control unit that controls the communication by the first communication unit and the communication by the second communication unit to be executed in parallel, and information related to transmission to the telephone network by the first communication unit When the address for writing the information to the storage unit and the address storing the information to be communicated by the second communication unit overlap, the data communication by the second communication unit is interrupted, and the first communication unit It is an object of the present invention to provide an information communication apparatus that performs control so that data communication by the second communication unit is re-communication after communication with a telephone network is completed.

According to this, since data communication by transmission from the telephone network is prioritized over data communication with an information device, it is possible to prevent data destruction when two data communication conflicts.
The present invention also provides a first communication unit that performs communication via a telephone network, a second communication unit that performs data communication with an information device, and information that is communicated by the first communication unit and the second communication unit. When data communication between the storage unit for storing and the transmission to the telephone network by the first communication unit and the information device by the second communication unit occur simultaneously, the data communication by the second communication unit is interrupted, There is provided an information communication apparatus comprising a control unit that controls to resume data communication by the second communication unit after communication with the telephone network by the first communication unit is completed.

Further, a display unit may be further provided, and the display unit may distinguish and display that communication by the first communication unit and data communication by the second communication unit are performed.
Furthermore, the display unit displays a first display unit indicating that transmission is being performed via the first communication unit, and a second display indicating communication is being performed via the second communication unit. It may be made up of parts.

Alternatively, the display unit is the same in such a display form that a display indicating that communication by the first communication unit is being performed and a display indicating that communication by the second communication unit is being performed can be distinguished. You may make it display on the display part.
Furthermore, a display indicating that communication by the second communication unit is being performed may be displayed in an area that is always displayed in the display unit.

According to the present invention, the first data communication via the telephone network and the second data communication with the information device are controlled to be executed in parallel in the same time zone. Even if there is a competition between the use of the call and the transmission of the call and the data transmission, it is possible to prevent both from causing inconvenience.
In addition, the storage area of each information used in the first data communication and the second data communication is divided, and the information related to the transmission through the first communication unit stored in the first storage area is stored. Since the data is written into the second storage area after the communication with the information device is completed, data inconsistency and destruction can be prevented without special setting or operation by the user.

Further, according to the present invention, when transmission to the telephone network is required even during data communication with the information device, the data communication is interrupted and priority is given to transmission to the telephone network. Therefore, an emergency call or the like can be performed, and the convenience for the user can be improved.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the transmission via the first communication unit and the data communication via the second communication unit are performed in parallel, both communication are performed. Are displayed separately, so that the user can be clearly informed of the current state of each communication.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on the embodiments shown in the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by this.
<Configuration of Information Communication Device of the Invention>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of the information communication apparatus according to the present invention.
The information communication apparatus 1 of the present invention mainly includes an input unit 2, a display unit 3, a storage unit 4, a control unit 5, a communication control unit 6, an RF communication unit 7, a WLAN communication unit 8, a Bluetooth communication unit 9, and a USB communication unit. 10.
The information communication device 1 may be a device of a type that is fixedly installed in the home, but is used as an external storage device of the information device 41 such as a personal computer, so that it is preferably configured as a portable small and light terminal. For example, it is preferable to use a portable terminal about the size of a conventional cellular phone or PDA.

The input unit 2 is used to input functions, such as setting data and e-mail characters, graphics, symbols, outgoing calls, incoming calls, data transmission / reception, etc. In addition to the keyboard, numeric keys, dedicated function keys, A pointing device such as a pen or a trackball can be used.
The display unit 3 is for displaying information such as various setting data and sent / received mails, and an LCD or EL display can be used.

The storage unit 4 is a part for storing various information and programs used in the information communication terminal, and a semiconductor storage element such as a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, a memory card, or the like is used.
In addition, as the above-mentioned various information, information (transmission / reception data, setting data, transmission history information, incoming history information, address book, answering machine data, download data, etc.) used for data communication and telephone calls via the telephone network 20, There is information (such as multimedia information such as documents, images, and sounds) used for communication with the information device 41 and the like, and these pieces of information are stored in a nonvolatile rewritable memory.

The storage unit 4 includes an area for storing information transmitted and received via the telephone network 20 (hereinafter referred to as a first data storage area 14), mainly a WLAN communication unit 8, a Bluetooth communication unit 9, and a USB communication unit 10. It is assumed that an area (hereinafter referred to as the second data storage area 15) for storing information transmitted / received via the network is stored.
However, the second data storage area 15 stores data received through the telephone network 20 and used in data communication with the information device 41 and the like.

  Further, the program is stored and provided in a small storage medium such as a memory IC card in addition to the case where the program is stored in advance in a read-only memory such as a ROM. Or you may make it provide by downloading to the memory | storage part 4 from an external server etc. via various communication parts (7, 8, 9, 10).

The RF communication unit 7 is a part that communicates with the telephone network 20 by wireless communication, and is a part that executes a communication procedure that satisfies standards such as a mobile phone and a PHS.
Data communication and telephone conversation are performed with the RF terminal 31 connected to the telephone network 20 via the RF communication unit 7.
The telephone network 20 means any wired network or wireless network currently used, and includes general subscriber telephones, ISDN, ADSL, FTTH, IP telephones, and the Internet.
In this embodiment, since the information communication apparatus 1 is described as having portability, the information communication apparatus 1 has an RF communication function. However, when the information communication apparatus 1 is fixedly installed in a home or the like, it is connected to a wired type telephone network 20. A wired communication function may be provided.

The procedure for the RF communication unit 7 to communicate with the telephone network 20 does not need to use a special protocol. For example, if a protocol compatible with a protocol used for communication with a mobile phone or PHS is used. Good.
Furthermore, the calling / receiving process of the telephone function via the RF communication unit 7 can be realized by the same procedure and circuit configuration as those used in a mobile phone or PHS.
The RF terminal 31 means a telephone connected to a general subscriber telephone line or ISDN, a mobile phone that performs wireless communication, a PHS, and the like.

The WLAN communication unit 8 is a part that communicates with the WLAN terminal 32 by wireless communication of the wireless LAN standard.
The Bluetooth communication unit 9 is a part that communicates with the Bluetooth terminal 33 by wireless communication of the Bluetooth standard.
Both the WLAN communication unit 8 and the Bluetooth communication unit 9 transmit and receive wireless signals according to protocols defined by the respective standards.

The WLAN terminal 32 and the Bluetooth terminal 33 are terminals having functions capable of communicating according to the respective standards. In addition to dedicated terminals, information devices that can communicate by attaching an adapter conforming to the respective standards to a personal computer or the like are also available. Including.
The USB communication unit 10 is a part that communicates with an information device 41 such as a personal computer via a USB cable.

The USB communication unit 10 includes a connector for connecting a so-called USB cable, detects that the USB cable is connected to the connector, transmits a detection signal to the communication control unit 6, and is connected to the USB cable. A digital signal conforming to the USB standard is transmitted to and received from the device 41 based on a predetermined protocol.
In an embodiment described later, data communication is performed via the USB communication unit 10 so that the storage unit 4 can function as an external storage device of the information device 41.

In the following embodiments, the wired communication connected to the information device 41 uses a USB cable, but other wired cables may be used. For example, any commercially available wired cable such as a SCSI cable, an IEEE 1394 cable, or an RS232C serial cable may be used, and a SCSI communication unit, an IEEE 1394 communication unit, or the like may be provided to perform communication using a protocol other than USB communication.
Further, FIG. 1 shows that the WLAN communication unit 8, the Bluetooth communication unit 9, and the USB communication unit 10 are all provided, but it is not necessary to provide all of these three communication units, and at least one of them is provided. You only need one.
1 shows a form in which the information device 41 is connected to the USB communication unit 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and there are a plurality of other communication connection forms (WLAN communication, Bluetooth communication, SCSI communication, etc.). You may have.

The communication control unit 6 is a part that mainly performs switching control between data communication via the RF communication unit 7 and data communication via the other communication units (8, 9, 10).
For example, as described later, when data communication via the RF communication unit 7 and data communication via the USB communication unit 10 compete in the same time period, communication control or Priority is given to data communication via the RF communication unit 7, communication control for interrupting and resuming communication via the USB communication unit 10, and data communication via the USB communication unit 10 is given priority via the RF control unit 7. Control communication to prohibit data communication.
The communication control unit 6 includes a connection detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a physical connection or a logical connection for communication via each communication unit (7, 8, 9, 10), and three communication units (8 , 9, 10) and a signal switching unit for switching transmission / reception signals between the RF communication unit 7 and a mode switching unit for determining which of the above-described communication controls is to be performed.

  The control unit 5 is a unit that controls each functional element unit including the input unit 2 as described above. The control unit 5 mainly includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a timer, an I / O interface, an interrupt control unit, and the like. Realized by a computer. The operation of each functional element unit is realized by the CPU operating the hardware based on a program stored in the ROM or the like.

In addition, when a transmission to the telephone network 20 is performed, the control unit 5 executes a transmission process by interrupt control. For example, when an outgoing call is made to another telephone while operating as an external storage device of an information device, when the outgoing call is detected, an interrupt process occurs and a speaker (not shown) The microphone can exchange signals with the RF communication unit 7.
Alternatively, when an e-mail is transmitted to the telephone network 20, when the e-mail is detected, the e-mail is transmitted by interruption processing, and a mail transmission record or the like is stored in the storage unit 4.

  When the information device 41 is connected to the information communication device 1 of the present invention via a USB cable, the connection is detected, and then the storage unit 4 functions as an external storage device of the information device 41 to perform USB communication. The communication program PG1 that implements the function of the external storage device is activated so that data communication can be performed with the information device 41 via the unit.

<Data communication processing and transmission processing to the telephone network>
FIG. 2 shows a schematic flow when a USB cable is connected to the information communication apparatus of the present invention. First, in step S1, it is checked whether a USB cable is connected. If it is detected that it is connected, the function as the external storage device is activated (step S2).
When a call is made to the telephone network 20 while the program PG1 is operating, an interrupt process for the CPU is activated after the call is detected, and a process based on the call (for example, a mail transmission process) is performed. Executed.
According to this, since processing for transmission to the telephone network can be executed in real time by interruption processing even during data communication with the information device 41, the user can always transmit to the telephone network.

Next, a process for detecting that a USB cable is connected to a USB connector provided in the USB communication unit 10 will be described.
FIG. 3 shows an explanatory diagram of an embodiment for detecting the physical connection of the USB cable. Here, a state is shown in which the information communication apparatus 1 of the present invention and a personal computer (information device 41) are connected via a USB cable. The USB cable has four cores, and consists of two power supply lines (V = 5V, GND) and two data lines (D +, D-). When a USB cable is connected, the four lines are connected to terminals having the same meaning.

At this time, a voltage of +5 V is supplied from the personal computer 41 side to the information communication apparatus 1 of the present invention to the terminal to which the V = 5 V line is connected. Therefore, a circuit for monitoring the voltage of the terminal connected to the V = 5V line is provided in the communication control unit, and the presence / absence of the + 5V voltage is detected.
If a voltage of +5 V is detected here, it is determined that the USB cable is connected. Otherwise, it is determined that the USB cable is not connected. This + 5V voltage detection signal is given as an interrupt signal to the CPU of the control unit 5 via the communication control unit 6.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of processing for software detection that the USB cable is connected.
First, in step S11, when + 5V of a line of V = 5V is detected, an interrupt signal corresponding thereto is given to the control unit 5.
In step S12, when the interrupt signal is given to an interrupt controller (INTC) provided in the control unit, the INTC transmits an interrupt signal indicating that something is connected to the connector unit to the CPU.

  In step S13, when the CPU receives a signal from the interrupt controller, in step S14, the CPU determines which interrupt is the interrupt. If it is recognized that the interrupt is due to USB connection, the process proceeds to step S15, and a predetermined application program is loaded so that communication can be performed via the USB driver and the USB cable.

Next, in step S16, it is checked whether a command meaning that transmission / reception is possible is sent from the personal computer side. When a command is transmitted, in step S17, either the D + line or the D− line is pulled up, and along with the USB speed selection, the logical connection for USB communication is completed on the personal computer side. Tell.
When the above processing is completed, the information communication apparatus 1 and the personal computer 41 are ready for data communication via the USB cable.

<Example 1: Parallel communication processing 1>
FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of an embodiment in the case where two data communications are performed in parallel in the present invention.
FIG. 5A is a flowchart of data communication processing with a personal computer via a USB cable.
FIG. 5B is a flowchart of data communication via the telephone network performed by interrupt processing.
FIG. 6 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the internal configuration of the storage unit 4.
In FIG. 6, the storage unit 4 is roughly divided into two areas (Data A, Data B). The Data A area is an area (first data storage area 14) for temporarily storing a telephone call record, mail transmission record, voice memo, transmission data, etc. accompanying outgoing calls, and the Data B area is transmitted and received by data communication with a personal computer. This is a data storage area (second data storage area 15).

The Data B area has a file system structure that can be accessed from an external information device 41 such as a personal computer. For example, it is assumed that it is formatted in the FAT structure as shown.
Thus, by storing data in the DataB area in the FAT structure, data can be written to this area from a personal computer or the like, and the data stored in this area can be read out.

  On the other hand, the DataA area stores data in a structure that cannot be read by an external information device 41 such as a personal computer. As a result, the data written in the DataA area cannot be accessed from a personal computer or the like, and can be prevented from being rewritten by an unintended write command from the personal computer. That is, as shown in FIG. 6A, if data (DataT) such as an e-mail transmitted by transmission is written in the area of DataA, in the state of FIG. 6A, in the area of DataB, Even if data is read from or written to the personal computer, the transmitted data (DataT) is not destroyed.

Also, as shown in FIG. 6B, when data communication with the personal computer is completed, for example, when the USB cable is disconnected, each data (DataT) such as a telephone call record associated with the call is stored from the DataA area. Write to a predetermined position in the DataB area.
For example, in the case of an electronic mail, the mail transmission record data (DataT) may be written in a mail transmission record data storage area predetermined in DataB.
Since data is written to the DataB area after the data communication with the personal computer is completed, there is no contention with the data communication with the personal computer, and simultaneous access to the same area is prevented. Never happen.

DataT written in the DataB area can then be accessed from the personal computer and transferred to the personal computer as necessary. Here, DataT temporarily stored in the DataA area may not be erased as it is, but may be erased as needed after writing to the DataB area.
Such data communication processing will be described based on the flow of FIG.

In FIG. 5A, it is assumed that data communication is performed with a personal computer via a USB cable (step S31). That is, it is assumed that reading and writing are performed on the DataB area.
In step S32, it is checked whether or not all data has been transferred. If the transfer of all data has not been completed, the data transfer is continued as it is.

When the transfer of all data is completed, the process proceeds to step S33, and it is checked whether or not the transmission interrupt process of FIG.
If the transmission interrupt process is not executed, the data process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the outgoing interrupt process has been executed, the process proceeds to step S34 to check whether the outgoing interrupt process has ended. If the transmission interrupt process is completed, the process proceeds to step S35. If there is transmission-related data (DataT) written in the DataA area in the transmission interrupt process, DataT is copied to the DataB area.
That is, the data written in the DataA area is copied to the DataB area accessible by the personal computer when data communication with the personal computer is not performed.

On the other hand, the transmission interrupt process shown in FIG. 5B is executed each time an interrupt signal is detected regardless of the process of FIG.
That is, when the interruption process is started, in step S41, signal switching or the like is performed so that data communication with the telephone network 20 can be performed via the RF communication unit 7 after transmission. In step S42, transmission related data is transmitted. (DataT) is written in the DataA area of the storage unit 4 and the interrupt process is terminated.

  By executing the above two processes in parallel in real time, it is possible to transmit data by transmission during data communication with a personal computer, and transmitted data (DataT with the data communication with the personal computer completed). ) Is written in the DataB area, it is possible to prevent inconsistency and destruction of data stored in the DataB area.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart when the USB cable is removed.
In step S21, it is checked whether or not the physical connection of the USB cable is lost in a state where it is recognized that the USB cable is currently connected. That is, it is checked whether or not the power supply of the + 5V terminal of the USB cable is lost. When the power supply is lost, the process proceeds to step S22, and the external storage device function (program) is stopped.
Thereby, the data communication with the personal computer is completely terminated.

<Example of screen display during parallel data transfer>
FIG. 8 shows a screen display example of the display unit when data communication with a personal computer and transmission to the telephone network are performed in parallel.
FIG. 8A is an example of a screen display in a state where no USB cable is connected and no incoming or outgoing call is made. This is a so-called standby screen.
FIG. 8B shows a screen display example in a state where the USB cable is connected and data communication with the personal computer is not yet performed. In order to indicate that the USB cable is connected, “USB” or the like is displayed.
FIG. 8C is an example of a screen display in a state where the USB cable is connected, there is no outgoing call, and data transfer is actually performed with the personal computer. In order to indicate that data is being transferred to or from the personal computer, the word “in communication” or an illustration or the like is displayed.
FIG. 8D shows an example of a screen display when a USB cable is connected and no data is transferred to or from the personal computer, but a call is made to the telephone network. Inform the telephone network of information on destinations and illustrations.
FIG. 8E is an example of a screen display when a call is made during the same time period when data is transferred to and from the personal computer with the USB cable connected. (C) and (d) are displayed at the same time to indicate that the telephone network is being communicated and data is being transferred to or from the personal computer.
By displaying such a screen, the user can be clearly notified of the current communication state.

As shown in FIG. 1, data communication can be performed with a Bluetooth terminal 33 having a wireless communication function based on Bluetooth via the Bluetooth communication unit 9, and the information communication apparatus 1 can be used as an external storage device of the terminal 33.
In this case, a wired connection such as a USB cable cannot be detected. However, when the apparatus 1 and the Bluetooth terminal 33 come close to a communicable distance, connection control processing of a predetermined protocol is performed, and data communication is performed. You can do it.

When the user places both devices close to each other, a specific key operation of the information communication device 1 of the present invention is performed to execute connection control processing and operate as an external storage device of the Bluetooth terminal 33. You may do it.
When used as an external storage device of a Bluetooth terminal, a display such as “BT” may be displayed instead of “USB” in FIG.

  According to this Bluetooth communication, it is not necessary to connect the device 1 of the present invention and the Bluetooth terminal 33 with a cable, and both need only be placed within a communicable range. Alternatively, even when the device 1 of the present invention is held for the purpose of a call and there is no wired cable, a call and data communication with the Bluetooth terminal 33 can be performed with the same operability as a mobile phone.

As shown in FIG. 1, data communication can be performed with the WLAN terminal 32 connected to the WLAN via the WLAN communication unit 8, and the information communication apparatus 1 can be used as an external storage device of the terminal 32. In this case, in this information communication device 1, the communication control unit 6 switches to connect the WLAN communication unit 8 to the communication line and sets the network name and IP address. In the WLAN terminal 32, the WLAN setting is turned on by ad hoc connection. To.
Also in this case, since data communication by wireless communication is performed in the same manner as Bluetooth communication, when both devices (1, 32) are within a communicable range, they may be used as an external storage device. Further, data communication as an external storage device may be performed by the user performing a specific key operation with both devices placed close to each other. Further, during communication by WLAN, a display such as “WLAN” may be displayed in the same manner as shown in FIG.

13 to 17 are explanatory views showing display examples different from the above-described screen display examples in the case where data communication with a personal computer and transmission to the telephone network are performed in parallel.
On the display screen of the display unit 3, data communication is performed between the information communication apparatus 1 and the personal computer, and information regarding communication to the telephone network, for example, information such as a telephone number of a call destination is displayed at the same time. Is preferred.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a second screen display example different from FIG. FIG. 13A shows a state where preparation for data transfer with a personal computer is completed, and a plurality of squares obtained by dividing the outer frame are displayed on the background of the screen. Each cell has a role of displaying the progress of data transfer. At the same time, a call is being made to the telephone network, and the name of the other party “K”, the phone number and the call duration are displayed on the screen. FIG. 13B shows a state during data transfer with the personal computer. During data transfer, the progress of data transfer is displayed on the outer frame of the screen. In other words, the circumference of the outer frame is set to 100%, and the display color is changed one by one according to the transfer progress rate. When all the data transfer is successful, as shown in FIG. 13C, all the cells in the outer frame are displayed in a color corresponding to the transfer success, for example, green. Further, a message indicating successful transfer is displayed for a predetermined time after the transfer is completed. On the other hand, when the data transfer fails due to a transfer error or the like, as shown in FIG. 13D, all the cells in the outer frame are displayed in a color corresponding to the transfer failure, for example, red. Further, a message indicating that the transfer has failed is displayed, a message prompting the operator to select whether or not to transfer again is displayed, and an instruction input is awaited. When an instruction input corresponding to No is received, the message is displayed and the display is switched to normal background display. When an instruction input corresponding to Yes is received, the message is deleted, and the above display is repeated according to the data retransfer state.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a third screen display example during parallel communication. FIG. 14A shows a state in which preparation for data transfer has been completed and no outgoing call has been made to the telephone network. In order to show the data transfer state, in FIG. 14A, for example, a round earth illustration is displayed in the center of the screen. FIG. 14B shows a case where a call is made to the telephone network during data transfer. While making a call, the destination name “Mr. K”, its phone number, and call duration are displayed superimposed on the front of the illustration. Also, during the transfer process, a moving image is displayed so that the earth of the illustration rotates to the right. When all the data transfer is successful, the earth is stopped and a transfer success message is displayed for a predetermined time after the transfer is completed, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the data transfer fails due to a transfer error or the like, as shown in FIG. 14D, a message indicating that the transfer has failed is displayed and a message prompting the operator to select whether or not to transfer again. Is displayed and the input of instructions is awaited. When an instruction input corresponding to No is received, the message is deleted. When an instruction input corresponding to Yes is received, the message is deleted, and the above display is repeated according to the data retransfer state.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth screen display example during parallel communication. FIG. 15A shows a state in which preparation for data transfer with the personal computer is completed. At the same time, a call is being made to the telephone network, and the name of the other party “K”, the phone number and the call duration are displayed on the screen. FIG. 15B shows a state during data transfer with the personal computer. An icon indicating that data is being transferred is displayed blinking in the upper left part of the screen next to the icon indicating the strength of the received radio wave. That is, it means that the display is always performed in the area where the display is performed. In the third screen display example, the illustration showing the data transfer state and the information related to the transmission to the telephone network are displayed in a superimposed manner, but in the fourth screen display example, they are not displayed in a superimposed manner. When all the data transfers are successful, as shown in FIG. 15C, the icon indicating the data transfer process is turned off, and a transfer success message is displayed for a predetermined time. On the other hand, when the data transfer fails due to a transfer error or the like, an icon corresponding to the transfer failure, for example, a hail icon is displayed as shown in FIG. Further, a message indicating that the transfer has failed is displayed, a message prompting the operator to select whether or not to transfer again is displayed, and an instruction input is awaited. When an instruction input corresponding to No is received, the message and the haze icon are erased. When an instruction input corresponding to Yes is received, the message is deleted, and the above display is repeated according to the data retransfer state.

  Furthermore, FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a fifth screen display example during parallel communication. FIG. 16A shows a state in which preparation for data transfer with the personal computer is completed. At the same time, a call is being made to the telephone network, and the name of the other party “K”, the phone number and the call duration are displayed on the screen. FIG. 16B shows a state during data transfer with the personal computer. As the screen background, a background (so-called wallpaper) indicating that data is being transferred is displayed. When all the data transfers are successful, as shown in FIG. 15C, the wallpaper indicating the data transfer process is switched to the normal wallpaper, and a message indicating the successful transfer is displayed for a predetermined time. On the other hand, when the data transfer fails due to a transfer error or the like, a wallpaper corresponding to the transfer failure, for example, a wallpaper with a cross mark is displayed as shown in FIG. Further, a message indicating that the transfer has failed is displayed, a message prompting the operator to select whether or not to transfer again is displayed, and an instruction input is awaited. When an instruction input corresponding to No is received, the message is erased, and the wallpaper is switched from the wallpaper with a cross to the normal wallpaper. When an instruction input corresponding to Yes is received, the message is erased and the above-described display is repeated according to the data retransfer state.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example in which each numeric keypad for inputting a telephone number or the like is a key with two colors of illumination as a sixth display example at the time of parallel communication. In this embodiment, information relating to outgoing calls to the telephone network is displayed on the screen, and data transfer preparation completion and transfer status are displayed on illuminated keys. Accordingly, the two parallel communications are displayed on the different parts of the display screen and the numeric keypad. However, the message after data transfer is displayed on the display screen. FIG. 17A shows a state in which preparation for data transfer with the personal computer is completed. When the transfer is ready, the “0” key light flashes green. If a call is being made to the telephone network at the same time, the name of the other party “Mr. K”, the telephone number, and the call time are displayed on a display screen (not shown). FIG. 17B shows a state during data transfer with the personal computer. In accordance with the progress rate of data transfer, the blinking illumination is changed in the order of the “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4” keys starting from the “0” key. When all data transfer is successful, the “5” key is turned on as shown in FIG. Further, a transfer success message, for example, a message “transfer was successful” is displayed on a display screen (not shown) for a predetermined time.

On the other hand, if the data transfer fails due to a transfer error or the like, the “0” key is blinked in a color corresponding to the transfer failure, for example, red as shown in FIG. Further, a message that informs the operator that the transfer has failed and prompts the user to select whether or not to transfer again, for example, “Do you want to transfer again? 1. Yes 2. No” is displayed on a screen (not shown). Wait for instruction input. When an instruction input corresponding to No is received, the message is erased, and the key illumination is switched to normal illumination. If a Yes instruction is accepted, the message is deleted, and the above display is repeated according to the data retransfer state. Note that when a telephone number is entered to make a call to the telephone network during data transfer, the illumination of the key is not affected by the input. The number of the input key may be displayed on the display screen.
By displaying the screens as described above in the second to sixth aspects, it is possible to clearly notify the user of the current communication state.

<Example 2: Parallel communication processing 2>
Here, a description will be given of a second embodiment in which data communication with the personal computer 41 and transmission processing to the telephone network are performed in parallel.
For example, when a call is made to the telephone network during data communication with the personal computer 41, the data communication and the call processing to the telephone network are performed in parallel.
At that time, the data transfer between the personal computers is stopped only when, for example, the data of the call record updated by the outgoing call is to be written into the memory area accessed by the data transfer with the personal computer 41.

Since the storage unit 4 is managed by the control unit 5, the address overlap is easily detected by comparing the address where the call record data is written and the address where the data transfer between the personal computer 41 is performed. it can.
When the address overlap is detected and the data transfer between the personal computers is stopped, the data transfer with the personal computer is performed from the beginning after the call is finished.
It is unlikely that the call recording data write address and the data transfer data address between the personal computers overlap. Normally, data communication with the personal computer 41 and call transmission to the telephone network can be performed in parallel.

  The same processing can be performed when data communication is performed between the personal computer 41 and the personal computer 41 during a data communication with the personal computer 41. For example, when a call with the telephone network ends, the call record for the call time is updated, and therefore, the call record data write address and the data transfer data address between the personal computers may overlap even when the call ends.

<Example 3: Outgoing priority processing>
Here, when data communication is performed with the personal computer 41, if there is a call to the telephone network 20, the data communication is interrupted and only the call process is executed.
Data transmission with a personal computer or the like is suspended while the outgoing call processing is performed and data communication is being performed during a call or via the telephone network. In addition, after the telephone call is finished or the data communication via the telephone network is finished, the data communication with the personal computer or the like once interrupted is resumed. The restart of data communication is not resumed from the data transfer in the middle of the interruption, but is retransmitted from the first data of the data transfer in order to avoid inconvenience due to data inconsistency and destruction.

FIG. 9 shows an explanatory diagram of the state of the second data storage area (Data B) of the storage unit 4.
This DataB area is an area where data d by data communication with a personal computer and data e copied after data communication based on transmission coexist. When the transmitted data e is written in the memory area β, It is necessary not to overwrite the data d stored in the area α. However, depending on the timing of interruption of data communication with the personal computer, there is a possibility that the data e by transmission is written in the memory area α in which the data d is written.
Therefore, in order to prevent inconsistency of the data d written in the memory area α, when data transfer with the personal computer is resumed, control is performed so that the first data is retransmitted from the personal computer.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of the data communication control process of the first embodiment.
FIG. 10A is a flowchart of data communication with a personal computer.
FIG. 10B shows a transmission process and a data transmission process performed in the interrupt process.
First, in step S41, it is checked whether or not the transmission flag is set (ON). The transmission flag is a flag for determining whether or not there is a transmission. For example, “1” (ON) is set when there is a transmission, and “0” (OFF) when there is no transmission or when the transmission processing is completed. ) Is set. The transmission flag is set to ON (“1”) in step S53 of FIG.
When the transmission flag is OFF (“0”), the process proceeds to step S45, and data communication with the personal computer is continued as it is.

When data such as image data is transmitted from the personal computer to the information communication apparatus 1, the data is written in the area α as shown in FIG.
In step S46, it is checked whether data communication with the personal computer has been completed. If not completed, the process returns to step S41 to transfer the next packet data. When the data communication is finished, the process is finished.

On the other hand, when the transmission flag is ON (“1”) in step S41, the process proceeds to step S42 to check whether the area α in the storage unit 4 has been rewritten. Whether or not the data has been rewritten can be confirmed by comparing the address of the memory area to which the data has been transferred with the address of the memory area to which the data transmitted in the transmission process has been written.
If the area α has not been rewritten, the process proceeds to step S44. If the area α is rewritten, the data received from the personal computer may be destroyed. Therefore, a retransmission request is transmitted so that the data currently being transmitted to the personal computer is sent from the beginning (step S43). In S44, the transmission flag is set to OFF (“0”). Thereafter, in step S45, data communication with the personal computer is resumed.
That is, if there is a transmission during data communication with a personal computer, the data communication is interrupted, and some data has been written due to the transmission, there is a possibility that the data to be communicated with the personal computer may be damaged. Start communication again from the beginning.

  When there is a transmission to the telephone network 20 via the RF communication unit 7, the control unit 5 is notified that the data has been transmitted, and the CPU has the transmission as an interrupt signal. By detecting this interrupt signal, the transmission interrupt process of FIG. 10B is started. When the transmission interrupt process is activated, the logical connection with the personal computer is disconnected in step S51. Specifically, the data communication process shown in FIG. 3A is temporarily interrupted.

Next, in step S52, if there is a transmission process and transmission data such as an electronic mail, the data transmission process is performed. In step S53, the transmitted data is written in the area β of the storage unit 4 shown in FIG. 9, and the transmission flag is set to ON (“1”). Here, it can be detected by the processing of FIG. 3A that data has been transmitted.
Next, returning to the data communication process of FIG. 10A, the logical connection with the personal computer is resumed. For example, in the interrupt process of FIG. 10B, the process of FIG. 10A that has been temporarily suspended may be resumed from the part after the interrupted part.

On the other hand, since the personal computer side does not know the situation such as the transmission, there is a case where the data is continuously sent during the data transfer. In this case, the data that has been continuously sent is not received by the information communication apparatus 1 and a communication error occurs. However, when the retransmission request in step S43 is received, the data communication may be restarted from the beginning.
However, when the connection is disconnected in step S51, if it is detected on the personal computer side that the connection has been disconnected, the data transmission is temporarily interrupted, and the connection is resumed in step S54. The data transmission may be restarted from the beginning.

  In general, when data transmission is performed from the personal computer side, a data reception completion notification (such as an ACK signal) is returned from the information communication device 1 to the personal computer 41 when the data transmission is completed to the end. The personal computer waits for this notification to be returned, and if the notification does not return even after a certain period of time, the data communication may be retransmitted from the beginning.

  Also, if the data reception completion notification does not return even after a certain period of time on the personal computer side, it is considered that the data transfer to the information communication device has not been completed. The user may be caused to perform an operation to execute data transmission again.

By performing such processing, it is possible to make a call from the information communication device 1 even during data communication with the personal computer, and data communication with the personal computer once interrupted by the information communication device 1 making a call. Can be resumed without inconvenience. Further, it is possible to execute both data communication processing with the personal computer and transmission processing without imposing a burden on the user.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an example of screen display on the display unit according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 11A shows an example of a screen display in a state where no USB cable is connected and no incoming or outgoing call is made. This is a so-called standby screen.
FIG. 11B is a screen display example in a state where the USB cable is connected and data communication with the personal computer is not yet performed. To indicate that the USB cable has been connected,
"Is displayed.

FIG. 11C shows an example of a screen display in a state where a USB cable is connected, no transmission is made, and data is actually being transferred to and from a personal computer. In order to indicate that data is being transferred to or from the personal computer, the word “in communication” or an illustration or the like is displayed.
FIG. 11D shows a screen display in a state where a call is being made, and informs that a call is being made by information on a call destination to the telephone network, an illustration, or the like. In the third embodiment, data communication via the USB cable is interrupted during transmission, so that “USB” is displayed lightly.
FIG. 11E shows a screen display when a call is made during data communication with a personal computer. The display of “USB” is dimmed and the data communication is suspended. Display that a call is in progress.

<Example 4: Example of data configuration of storage unit>
As shown in FIG. 1, the storage unit 4 of the information communication apparatus of the present invention is divided into two storage areas, a first data storage area 14 and a second data storage area 15. 6 and 9 is in the first data storage area 14, and the DataB area is in the second data storage area 15.
FIG. 12 shows an example of information to be stored in the DataA area and DataB area of the storage unit.
Here, the information stored in the DataA area is data that cannot be accessed from the personal computer, and the information stored in the DataB area is data transmitted / received by data communication with the personal computer.

1 is a configuration block diagram of an embodiment of an information communication apparatus of the present invention. It is a flowchart in case the USB cable of the Example of this invention is connected. It is explanatory drawing of the Example which detects the physical connection of a USB cable. It is a flowchart which detects that the USB cable was connected by software. It is a flowchart in the case of performing two data communications of the Example of this invention in parallel. It is a schematic explanatory drawing of the internal structure of the memory | storage part of this invention. It is a flowchart at the time of removing a USB cable. It is an example of a screen display of the display part of Example 1 of this invention.

It is explanatory drawing of the 2nd data storage area (DataB) of the memory | storage part of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the data communication and interruption process of Example 2 of this invention. It is an example of a screen display of the display part of Example 2 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of an example of the information memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of Example 3 of this invention.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd example of a screen display in the case of performing data communication with a personal computer, and the transmission from a telephone network in parallel. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 3rd example of a screen display at the time of parallel communication. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a 4th screen display at the time of parallel communication. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a 5th screen display at the time of parallel communication. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 6th example of a display at the time of parallel communication. It is a figure explaining the data inconsistency and destruction state in the conventional data communication.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information communication apparatus 2 Input part 3 Display part 4 Storage part 5 Control part 6 Communication control part 7 RF communication part 8 WLAN communication part 9 Bluetooth communication part 10 USB communication part 14 1st data storage area 15 2nd data storage area 20 Telephone Network 31 RF terminal 32 WLAN terminal 33 Bluetooth terminal 41 Information equipment

Claims (8)

A first communication unit for communicating with a telephone network;
A second communication unit that performs data communication with the information device;
A storage unit for storing information communicated by the first communication unit and the second communication unit;
A control unit for controlling the communication by the first communication unit and the communication by the second communication unit to be executed in parallel,
Information related to transmission via the first communication unit is stored in the first storage area of the storage unit, and information communicated via the second communication unit is different from the first storage area. The information communication apparatus is characterized by being stored in a storage area. The information related to the transmission via the first communication unit stored in the first storage area is written to the second storage area after the communication with the information device is completed. The information communication apparatus according to claim 1. A first communication unit for communicating with a telephone network;
A second communication unit that performs data communication with the information device;
A storage unit that stores information communicated by the first communication unit and the second communication unit, a control unit that controls the communication by the first communication unit and the communication by the second communication unit to be executed in parallel. With
When the address at which information related to transmission to the telephone network by the first communication unit is written to the storage unit overlaps with the address at which information to be communicated by the second communication unit is stored, the second communication The data communication by the unit is interrupted, and after the communication with the telephone network by the first communication unit is completed, the data communication by the second communication unit is controlled to re-communication. A first communication unit for performing communication via a telephone network;
A second communication unit that performs data communication with the information device;
A storage unit for storing information communicated by the first communication unit and the second communication unit;
When the transmission to the telephone network by the first communication unit and the data communication with the information device by the second communication unit occur at the same time, the data communication by the second communication unit is interrupted, and the telephone by the first communication unit An information communication apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls to resume data communication by the second communication unit after communication with a network is completed.   5. The information communication according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit, wherein the display unit distinguishes and displays that communication by the first communication unit and data communication by the second communication unit are performed. apparatus. The display unit includes a first display unit indicating that communication by the first communication unit is performed,
The information communication apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a second display unit indicating that communication by the second communication unit is performed.   The display unit has the same display form so that a display indicating that communication by the first communication unit is performed and a display indicating communication by the second communication unit can be distinguished. 6. The information communication apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the information communication apparatus displays the information on a display unit.   8. The information communication apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a display indicating that communication by the second communication unit is being performed is displayed in an area that is always displayed in the display unit.

Images