JP3271763B2 - Information processing device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus having a telephone function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art One of the commonly used forms of personal computers and telephones is that they are installed on a desk for each user at home or office. As described above, the personal computer and the telephone are often used by placing both on a single desk at the same time.

However, these personal computers and telephones both require a large amount of space when placed on a desk, and both have a common function such as a communication function. Providing each of these devices individually wastes space and cost.

For this reason, a personal computer with a telephone function that realizes the functions of a personal computer and a telephone as a single unit has been produced for the purpose of saving space and reducing costs such as production and power consumption.

As an example of a personal computer having a telephone function, there is a conventional technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 02-081557.

The personal computer with a telephone function disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 02-081557 saves space by centralizing the telephone function, and also shares the communication function on the telephone line between a telephone and a personal computer modem. By doing so, a technique for saving space and reducing cost has been proposed.

[0007]

However, the conventional personal computer with a telephone function has various problems as described below.

First, space saving and cost reduction, which are the main objects of realizing a telephone and a personal computer as a single unit, are not sufficiently realized by a conventional personal computer with a telephone function.

This is because the conventional personal computer with a telephone function has an external appearance in which the main body of the telephone is added to the main body of the personal computer, and has a structure in which the telephone is simply integrated or the telephone can be detachably mounted from the personal computer. It is to achieve. For this reason, the required space and cost are not much different from the case where the personal computer and the telephone are individually prepared, and the form in which the personal computer and the telephone are detachably mounted requires more production cost.

Second, a conventional personal computer with a telephone function simply has a place of a handset, a telephone number button and the like added to a main body of a personal computer having a normal shape, and has poor functionality. The environment was not easily accessible. In some cases, the handset was installed at a remote location, which made it inconvenient to use the telephone function while using a personal computer.

Third, the conventional personal computer with a telephone function is not suitable for solely using the telephone function.

This is because the function of the personal computer is mainly used and the telephone function is designed as an additional function. If only the function of the telephone is used, the operation may be more complicated than that of a normal telephone. .

The conventional personal computer with a telephone function does not have a mechanism for locking the personal computer function so that the user cannot operate the personal computer function when the personal computer function is not used. This function prevents erroneous operations on the keyboard of a personal computer during a telephone call and prevents other telephone users from operating the personal computer, and is particularly necessary when a telephone function is used by a plurality of users. .

A first object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus with a telephone function which solves the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art and realizes space saving and cost reduction based on a functional and efficient apparatus configuration. It is to be.

A second object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art and to provide a telephone function having good operability of telephone functions such that a handset can be picked up immediately even while using the functions of a personal computer. It is to provide an information processing device.

A third object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a lock mechanism for a personal computer function.
An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus with a telephone function that can appropriately use only the telephone function.

[0017]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus having both a telephone function and an information processing function, wherein a display unit for displaying various information is integrally provided. A main unit, an input unit for performing an input operation for the information processing, and a pedestal unit supporting the display unit and the input unit, the pedestal unit includes a telephone operation panel unit for operating the telephone function. The input unit is provided on the front surface, and the input unit is rotatably supported so as to be capable of opening and closing so as to be able to be opened and closed by overlapping the display unit side or opening forward, and the dimensions of the input unit are larger than those of the display unit. In a state in which the input unit is closed on the display unit side, a part of the display screen of the display unit is always displayed in a state where the input unit is closed. Is displayed on a part of the display screen. It is characterized in.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus, the telephone function operates when the input unit is closed, and the information processing function operates when the input unit is open. It is characterized by being performed in conjunction with the operation.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus, when the input unit is closed on the display unit side, an opening for passing the pedestal unit is provided in the input unit.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus, the main body is formed in a box shape having a small thickness, and the input unit is formed in a plate shape which can be superimposed on a display unit side of the main body. It is characterized by the following.

The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising means for selecting one of the telephone function unit and the information processing unit and starting up in response to a state of the input unit when the system is started, When the input unit is closed, the telephone function unit is activated, and when the input unit is open, the information processing unit is activated.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus comprising means for preliminarily selecting and initially setting a function for starting one of the telephone function unit and the information processing unit when the system is started. Features.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, during the operation of the system, the information processing apparatus responds to a change in the open / close state of the input unit,
Means for activating a function that has not been activated, wherein when the information processing unit is not activated, the information processing unit is activated when the display unit and the input unit change from a closed state to an open state, and the telephone The telephone function unit is activated when the display unit and the input unit change from an open state to a closed state when the function unit is not activated.

An information processing apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the information processing apparatus further comprises means for starting and stopping the telephone function unit while the system is operating.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus further comprises means for starting and stopping the information processing unit while the system is operating.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, when the telephone function unit is newly activated while the information processing unit is operating, the information processing unit stops the information processing unit, and the telephone function unit operates. When the information processing unit is newly activated, the telephone function unit is stopped.

An information processing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a communication processing unit for performing communication control of a telephone line, wherein the communication processing unit performs a voice call of the telephone function unit and an electric signal of the information processing unit. The communication control of both of the data communication based on is performed.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus, when the input unit is closed, a part of the display screen of the display unit is shown outside without being covered by the input unit. It is characterized by doing.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus further comprises a lock mechanism that locks the input unit when the input unit is closed, and disables the information processing unit until the lock is released. And

The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the lock mechanism physically locks the input unit so as not to be opened, and prevents operation on the input unit until the lock is released. It is characterized by comprising means.

In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the telephone operation panel may include a telephone number input unit, a process for an input from the telephone number input unit, and a telephone number input to the telephone function unit. And a switching unit configured to switch and set the input of the numerical information to the information processing unit.

[0032] An information processing apparatus according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the information processing apparatus further comprises a portable terminal attaching section for attaching a portable terminal.

An information processing apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a power transmission unit for supplying power for charging the portable terminal, wherein the power transmission unit includes means for charging the portable terminal via the portable terminal attachment unit. It is characterized by having.

An information processing apparatus according to the present invention controls the portable terminal by connecting to the attached portable terminal via the portable terminal attaching section, referring to data recorded in the portable terminal. And a mobile terminal control unit.

In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the portable terminal includes a display for displaying information, and the portable terminal control unit acquires data that the portable terminal displays on the display, and acquires the acquired data. The data is converted into an appropriate format and displayed on the display unit.

[0036]

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state of an information processing apparatus (personal computer) 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention at the time of normal use.

Referring to FIG. 1, an information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has a built-in main body function as an information processing apparatus and has an LCD (liquid crystal display) panel 20 as a display unit integrally incorporated therein. And a pedestal section 40 having a telephone operation panel 41 provided with operation buttons 41a for operating telephone functions such as transmission and reception. .

The lower portion of the main body 10 is rotatably supported with respect to the pedestal 40 as described later. The pedestal portion 40 can maintain a state of standing on the desk. A keyboard opening / closing sensor 60 for detecting whether the keyboard unit 30 is closed on the LCD panel 20 side or closed as shown in FIG.
Is provided.

As the keyboard open / close sensor 60,
There are various methods such as a method of detecting opening and closing by blocking light with the keyboard unit 30 using an optical sensor, and a method of mechanically detecting opening and closing by contacting a protrusion or the like provided on the keyboard unit 30 side. Can be used.

The keyboard section 30 is rotatably supported at its rear side with respect to the pedestal section 40, whereby the keyboard section 30 is overlaid on the LCD panel 20 side as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, it is configured so that it can be opened forward.

The keyboard section 30 may include not only a key code input mechanism for inputting various commands and data relating to personal computer functions by a user but also another input mechanism such as a touch panel or a trackball. . In addition to the keyboard section 30, a pointing device such as a mouse can be connected.

The LCD panel 20 is used for the information processing apparatus 100
The display of various information when using the function as a personal computer and the display for telephone function when using the function as a telephone are performed.

The telephone operation panel 41 provided on the front surface of the pedestal section 40 is an operation panel that functions in the same manner as a normal telephone, and includes number buttons 0 to 9, #, *, call, abbreviate, redial, An operation button 41a for holding or the like may be provided as needed, and a small display unit may be provided.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the keyboard unit 30 in an open state and a closed state. Referring to FIG.
The main body unit 10 including the keyboard unit 30 and the LCD panel 20 of the information processing apparatus 100 is rotatably supported on the pedestal unit 40 by a keyboard rotation shaft 31 and a main body rotation shaft 21, respectively. Thereby, the keyboard unit 30
The main body 10 can be freely opened and closed about the keyboard rotation axis 31 and can be tilted back and forth by a predetermined angle about the main body rotation axis 21.

The keyboard portion 30 is provided with an opening 30a as shown in the figure, and is pivotally supported by the pedestal 40 so as to straddle the pedestal 40 through the opening 30a. For this reason, regardless of the state of the keyboard unit 30 (open or closed state), the telephone operation panel 41 of the pedestal unit 40 is configured to always appear on the front.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the keyboard of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is closed.

Referring to FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, when not using the personal computer function,
By rotating the keyboard unit 30 toward the LCD panel 20, the keyboard unit can be closed as shown.

Further, when closed in this manner, the pedestal 4
It is possible to operate the telephone operation panel 41, and use the handset 50 to transmit and receive telephone calls, e-mails, and the like. When the information processing apparatus 100 is not used as a personal computer, only the telephone function can be used alone.

Here, the dimension of the keyboard section 30 in the height (depth) direction is smaller than the main body section 10 by a predetermined length, and as shown in FIG. It is designed so that when closed, a part of the upper part of the LCD panel 20 remains without being hidden.

The LCD panel 20 is configured to use a part of the area as a display area 20a when the telephone function is used.

The display area 20a displays various kinds of information when using the telephone function. For example, information about a telephone number and transmission / reception of mail is displayed.

The handset 50 is a handset that functions similarly to an ordinary telephone, and includes a microphone and a speaker.

As shown in FIG. 1, a handset mounting portion 5 for hanging the handset 50 is provided beside the main body 10.
2 as shown in FIG.
Can be hung up and down. In this embodiment, the handset 50 can be attached to and detached from the main body as described above, and wireless or wired communication can be performed between the handset 50 and the personal computer main body.

As described above, by attaching the handset 50 to the side of the main body 10, the handset 50 can be easily picked up even while using the personal computer. Further, the telephone operation panel 41 is also installed at the front front and is located at a position where it is easy to use, so that a configuration suitable for simultaneous use of the personal computer and the telephone function is realized. Further, the handset 50 and the telephone operation panel 41 are located at positions where they do not hinder the use of the personal computer, and when only the personal computer is used, it can be used in the same manner as a normal personal computer.

As shown in the above drawings, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a pedestal section 40 on which a telephone operation panel 41 for realizing a telephone function is provided, and a keyboard section 30 and a main body section 10. Because of this, a compact configuration is realized, and the required space is the same as a personal computer without a normal telephone function. When the personal computer function is not used, the space on the desk can be expanded by closing as shown in FIG. As described above, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment achieves space saving and low cost.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, an information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has a control unit 10 for controlling the functions of each unit of the main body.
0a. The control unit 100a controls the LCD panel 2
0, an LCD panel controller 12 that controls the keyboard unit 30, a keyboard controller 13 that controls the keyboard unit 30,
Operation buttons 4 on the telephone operation panel 41 for controlling the telephone function
A communication processing unit 14 such as a modem for receiving input from the communication device 1a and transmitting / receiving communication data, a memory 15, a keyboard open / close sensor 60 for detecting an open / close state of the keyboard unit 30 and the LCD panel 20 are monitored and corresponded to the open / close state. And a programmable interrupt controller 16 for controlling activation and termination of the personal computer function and the telephone function, and a CPU 11 (central control unit) for controlling each function of the control unit 100a.

The keyboard open / close sensor 60 detects the open / closed state of the keyboard unit 30. The timing of detecting the open / closed state is not only at the time of startup or when there is a change in the open / closed state, but also in the form of detection when a request is received from the control unit 100a, or at all times or at regular intervals. A form that continues is considered.

The programmable interrupt controller 16
Is the keyboard unit 30 from the keyboard open / close sensor 60
Receiving a detection signal indicating the open / closed state of the keyboard unit, and generating an interrupt signal corresponding to the current open / closed state of the keyboard unit 30;
The personal computer function and the telephone function are mutually switched based on preset contents.

That is, a function is provided for automatically executing switching so that the personal computer function is used when the keyboard unit 30 is open, and the telephone function is used when the keyboard unit 30 is closed.

The communication processing unit 14 is an interface for performing communication via a telephone line, and performs data communication such as the Internet using a personal computer function and voice communication using a telephone function.

Further, the communication processing unit 14 includes the LCD panel 2
0 (when the keyboard unit 30 is closed, information on the telephone function is displayed in the display area 20a). The information relating to the telephone function may include the name and telephone number of the caller, the telephone number input from the operation button 41a, the telephone time, the telephone charge for the current telephone call, the total amount of the telephone charge, and the like. Further, it is possible to display a record of transmission / reception of e-mail and the like. Further, it is also possible to set and input a schedule such as a schedule for one day or a schedule for one round, and display the schedule.

By displaying information relating to the telephone function in the display area 20a above the LCD panel 20, the information shown in FIG.
The user can confirm even when the keyboard unit 30 is closed on the LCD panel 20 side as shown in FIG. Thus, the user can refer to the information when the information related to the telephone function by the LCD panel 20 is closed.

In the information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment,
The function used in accordance with the opening and closing of the keyboard unit 30 can be switched between a personal computer function and a telephone function. Next, the switching process of this function will be described.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining activation and interruption of each function processed in response to the opening / closing operation of the keyboard unit 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the function is switched between the personal computer function and the telephone function based on the opening and closing of the keyboard unit 30. For this reason, when using one of the functions that is not being used while the other is being used, a process of interrupting the function being used is performed.

The process of interrupting the function being used is not terminated, but the process of stopping the operation of the personal computer or the like can be immediately resumed.

Since the above-described exclusive control is not required for use as a normal telephone, which does not perform display on the LCD panel 20, the other function is used even during the use of one. Can be started freely.

First, at the time of start-up or the like, the current open / closed state of the keyboard unit 30 is checked by the keyboard open / close sensor 60 (step 501).

When the keyboard section 30 is completely closed, the keyboard open / close sensor 60 detects this state, and the programmable interrupt controller 16 sends an interrupt signal so that the personal computer function does not start, and a program used for the telephone function. Is read into the memory and executed. As a result, a telephone function such as displaying information related to the telephone call on the LCD panel 20 can be used (step 507).
The display information on the LCD panel 20 is displayed in a display area 20a which is not hidden by the keyboard unit 30 shown in FIG. When the keyboard unit 30 is open, the open state is detected by the keyboard open / close sensor 60, and the programmable interrupt controller 16 does not transmit the above-described interrupt signal, activates the personal computer function, and stores the personal computer program in the memory. The reading and the personal computer function become available (step 502).

Next, a description will be given of a process of switching the function to be used to another one after activating the telephone function or the personal computer function. Here, when switching to another function, the currently used function is stopped.

However, as described above, this exclusive control is required when the display on the LCD panel 20 is performed in the telephone function, and if the display on the LCD panel 20 is not performed, the personal computer program is executed. By operating the buttons on the telephone operation panel 41 even during the execution of
It is possible to make a call using the communication processing unit 14.
Also, the reception of a call from outside can be always received regardless of the telephone function described here or the activation or termination of the system main body, and the incoming call is transmitted to the user by a buzzer or the like.

First, when the telephone function program is being executed (step 507), if the termination of the telephone function program is instructed, it is terminated (step 50).
8) Also, when the interruption of the telephone function is instructed to the switching instruction unit such as the telephone activation button for instructing the switching of the function to be used without terminating (step 50).
9) When it is detected that the closed keyboard unit 30 is newly opened (step 510), the telephone function program is interrupted (step 501), and the personal computer program is read and executed (step 501). Step 50
2).

Here, the reason why the switching instruction section is provided is that the function switching is not limited to the opening and closing of the keyboard section 30 but is preferably provided with another switching means.

Further, the interruption of the telephone function program in step 511 may be terminated and erased from the memory unlike the case of the personal computer function program.

First, when the personal computer program is being executed (step 502), if termination of the personal computer program is instructed, it is terminated (step 50).
3) If the switching instruction unit is instructed to activate the telephone function without terminating the process (step 504), or if it is detected that the closed keyboard unit 30 has been newly opened. (Step 505), the personal computer program is interrupted (Step 506), and the telephone function program is read and executed (Step 507).

Here, the interruption of the personal computer program in step 506 is not completely terminated, but temporarily shifts to a sleep state in which the computer can be resumed immediately, for example, when using the telephone while using the personal computer. It is preferable to have a function of causing the above. After the sleep mode is set, the sleep mode personal computer program is restarted again when the use of the telephone function program ends (when the process proceeds from step 511 to step 502). Further, in this method, even when the use of the telephone function program in step 508 supports the termination of the system, it is preferable to perform processing such as returning to the personal computer program and ending the personal computer program.

As described above, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment has a functional and efficient device configuration, realizes an information processing apparatus with a telephone function that is smaller in space and lower in cost than the conventional one, and has a telephone function. Both PC functions achieve good operability.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the first embodiment, since the LCD panel 20 is used to display different contents between the personal computer function and the telephone function, exclusive control is performed and both cannot be used at the same time.

However, even when the LCD panel 20 is used to display information on the telephone function, it is possible to use both the personal computer function and the telephone function at the same time.

For example, when the personal computer function is used, only a part of the screen of the LCD panel 20 set in advance (for example, the display area 20a) is switched to the display of information by the telephone function. A form in which the received information by the telephone function is displayed in the display screen by the personal computer function using software that transmits the program to be used and displays the information by the telephone function is conceivable.

In this embodiment, exclusive control is not required as in this example, and both functions can be used. Here, a case will be described in which one of the personal computer function and the telephone function is set as a normally used function.

Here, the setting of the function normally used means that one of the personal computer function and the telephone function is set in advance as a function mainly used by the user. The set function is activated, and the other function not set is arbitrarily activated based on a user's instruction.

However, the function that is mainly used by the user is set to be activated first irrespective of the open / closed state of the keyboard unit 30, and can be used at any time regardless of the activation / termination of the other function. State. Thereby, it is possible to cope with the convenience of a user who mainly uses one of the personal computer function and the telephone function.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the activation and interruption of each function processed in response to the opening / closing operation of the keyboard unit 30 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, first, when the system is started, one of the personal computer function and the telephone function set as a function normally used by the user is started (step 601).

If the personal computer function is set, the personal computer program is executed (step 60).
2) If a command to activate the telephone function is issued during use (step 604), a program for the telephone is executed (step 605).

Here, the program for the telephone is executed during the execution of the program for the personal computer, and the information of the telephone function is displayed on the LCD panel 20 by using the above-mentioned method or the like.

When the telephone function additionally activated later is terminated (step 607), the state returns to the state where only the personal computer function is used again, and only information by the personal computer function is displayed on the LCD panel 20.

In either the state where only the personal computer function is executed or the state where the telephone function is added and executed, it is possible to terminate the system and stop the function being used. Yes (steps 603, 60
6). Here, when the system is terminated while the telephone function is being added and executed, both the telephone function and the personal computer function are stopped. After the system is terminated, the information processing apparatus 100 waits for reception of a telephone call or the like until the system is restarted.

In step 601, if the function set as the function normally used by the user is the telephone function, the personal computer function and the telephone function in the processing of steps 602 to 607 are performed in the same manner as the above processing. The processing from step 608 to step 613 corresponding to the replaced one is executed.

Here, in the instruction for activating the personal computer function (step 610) and the instruction for ending (steps 603 and 613), it is also possible to give an instruction by opening and closing the keyboard unit 30 as an instruction method. .

Similarly, in the instruction for activating the telephone function (step 604) and the instruction for ending (steps 609 and 607), it is also possible to give an instruction by an operation of removing the handset 50 from the stand and an operation of returning the same. It is.

It is also possible to configure so that each of the personal computer function and the telephone function independently starts and terminates independently without performing exclusive control.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the difference between the information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment and the information processing apparatus of the first embodiment shown in FIG. A keyboard lock mechanism 90 is provided.

The keyboard lock mechanism 90 locks the personal computer function so that it cannot be operated by anyone other than the user. The keyboard lock mechanism 90 releases the lock by inputting a password of the user.

For this reason, the keyboard lock mechanism 90
Link with security programs such as passwords. This password can be input by operating the operation button 41a of the telephone operation panel 41.

In the present embodiment, as an example of a process in which the keyboard lock mechanism 90 locks, the keyboard lock mechanism 90 is activated when the user closes the keyboard unit 30.
Will be described below.

When the user closes the keyboard section 30, the surface of the keyboard section 30 is closed inside as shown in FIG.
It is in a state where input from is not possible. For this reason, by closing the keyboard unit 30, it can be recognized that the user has stopped using the personal computer function, and the lock is applied at this point in the present embodiment.

As the method of locking by the keyboard lock mechanism 90, many various methods for locking the personal computer are possible.

In particular, as a specific method based on the structure of the information processing apparatus of the present invention, there is a method of locking the keyboard unit 30 so as not to physically and mechanically open it while the keyboard unit 30 shown in FIG. 2 is closed. .

Also, there is another method of locking a personal computer, an electric method, in which no power is supplied for the personal computer function until the lock is released, or the personal computer function is not activated. Alternatively, there is a method of not accepting the input of the start switch of the personal computer function. In this electrical method, there is no need to fix the keyboard unit 30 so that it does not open after locking.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining processing by the keyboard lock mechanism 90 according to the third embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8, in the process of locking the keyboard unit 30 of the present embodiment, first, when the keyboard open / close sensor 60 recognizes that the keyboard unit 30 is closed (step 801), the keyboard lock mechanism 90 locks the keyboard. (Step 802).

After the lock, if the user inputs a password to release the lock (step 803),
The password is authenticated (step 804), and if the password is correct, the keyboard lock mechanism 90 releases the lock.

When the lock is released, the personal computer function becomes operable again. After the keyboard 30 is opened once after the lock is released (step 806), the keyboard 30 is closed again to close the lock. Return to the initial state where it is possible to apply

As described above, in this embodiment, when the personal computer function is not used, the operation of the personal computer function can be locked so as not to be performed. It is possible to prevent the user from operating the personal computer function.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing device 100 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is capable of charging and exchanging data with the portable terminal 85 by attaching a portable terminal 85 such as a portable telephone, a PHS, and a small portable information terminal.

Referring to FIG. 9, information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that portable information terminal 100 includes portable terminal accommodating section 70, power supply section 80, and portable terminal processing section 17. is there. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an information processing device 100 according to the fourth embodiment.

The portable terminal accommodating section 70 is provided on the side surface of the main body 10 as shown in FIG. 4, so that the portable terminal 85 can be inserted and accommodated from the side.

The power supply section 80 contacts the power supply terminal 81 of the portable terminal 85 inserted into the portable terminal accommodating section 70, and sends power from the power supply section 80 to the portable terminal 85 to charge the portable terminal.

The portable terminal accommodating section 70 is provided with a connection terminal 82 connected to a data input / output terminal of the portable terminal, whereby the portable terminal 85 and the portable terminal processing section 17 are provided.
Exchange data between

The data exchange between the portable terminal processing unit 17 and the portable terminal 85 is performed, for example, in the case of a portable information terminal, by reading various data recorded in the portable terminal 85 to the personal computer side for displaying or editing. Or newly pass data to the portable terminal 85. Further, for example, when the mobile terminal 85 is a mobile phone, a PHS, or the like, an e-mail is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 100 via the communication function of the mobile terminal 85,
Make a connection to the Internet line.

Further, when connecting to the Internet line, the mobile terminal 85 can display a special web page such as “i-mode” for display on the mobile terminal 85. It has a function of connecting and enlarging and displaying screen data on the LCD panel 20. In addition, a function of reading various data stored in the mobile terminal 85 by the mobile terminal processing unit 17 and enlarging and displaying the content on the LCD panel 20 can be provided.

As described above, in the present embodiment, since the portable terminal 85 is connected using the portable terminal accommodating section 70, a connection cable or the like which is conventionally required for connecting the personal computer and the portable terminal 85 is used. Can be easily connected without
Also, since the screen of a page such as "i-mode" by a mobile phone or the like is enlarged and displayed on the LCD panel 20 of the personal computer, the page which is conventionally displayed small on the display of the portable terminal and is difficult to read can be enlarged and easily read.

Further, it becomes possible to access the pages for these mobile phones and the like from the personal computer side to refer to the screen and to receive the provision of the service by these pages. In addition, an e-mail service using these mobile phones can be used.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an information processing device 100 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11, information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that an operation button 4 for inputting a telephone number on telephone operation panel 41 is provided.
1a is provided with a switching button 41b for switching to a function as a so-called numeric keypad of a personal computer.

Further, an arrangement of buttons for inputting telephone numbers,
The layout of the numeric keypad is usually different, but the switch button 41b
In the case of using one of these methods, the form in which an array of numerical values according to both of these methods is described, and the numerical value displayed on each button of the switch button 41b according to the purpose of using the telephone number and the numeric keypad, For example, a mode including a switching unit is possible.

As a result, the button for inputting a telephone number in the telephone function can be used also as a "numeric keypad" for inputting a numerical value in the personal computer function. This eliminates the need for the keyboard unit 30 to include a numeric keypad, thereby realizing space saving.

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an information processing device 100 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, the information processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that
Instead of the CD panel 20, an LCD panel 22 with a built-in touch panel that operates the information processing apparatus 100 by touching the surface of the screen is provided.

The user touches the screen of the touch panel built-in LCD panel 22 directly with a finger or performs an operation using an input pen.

As a result, various operations can be performed on the information processing apparatus 100 via the LCD panel 22 with a built-in touch panel. In particular, in the telephone function, a complicated operation which is difficult to operate from the telephone operation panel 41 can be performed through the touch panel built-in LCD panel 22 even in a call when the keyboard unit 30 is closed.

For example, by using a so-called address book using a table in which the telephone numbers of the callees and the names of the callees are arranged, the name of the callee displayed on the LCD panel 22 with a built-in touch panel is touched, and It can be used to make phone calls.

Further, the above embodiments can be implemented in various combinations.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments and examples, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments and examples, and various modifications may be made within the scope of the technical concept. Modifications can be made.

[0131]

As described above, according to the information processing apparatus with telephone function of the present invention, the following effects can be achieved.

First, since the operation panel for the telephone is installed between the display and the keyboard of the personal computer integrated with the display and the keyboard, the space is the same as that of the ordinary personal computer, and the telephone function is minimized. It can be provided only at the cost, and space saving and cost reduction can be realized.

Second, the handset can be installed beside the liquid crystal display, and the telephone operation panel is installed in front of and between the display and the keyboard, so that the telephone function can be easily performed even while using the functions of the personal computer. It becomes possible to operate.

Third, since the flat liquid crystal display and the keyboard can be closed together with each other, it is also suitable when only the telephone function is used without using the personal computer function. In addition, since a mechanism for locking the liquid crystal display and the keyboard in the closed state is provided, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation on the keyboard of the personal computer at the time of telephone call, and to prevent other telephone users from operating the personal computer.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a state of an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention during normal use.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a keyboard of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is closed.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the keyboard in an open state and a closed state.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining activation and interruption of each function processed in response to the opening / closing operation of the keyboard according to the first embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining activation and interruption of each function processed in response to an opening / closing operation of a keyboard according to the second embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining processing of a keyboard lock mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an information processing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 100 information processing device 100a control unit 11 CPU (central processing unit) 12 LCD (liquid crystal display) controller 13 keyboard controller 14 communication processing unit 15 memory 16 programmable interrupt controller 17 portable terminal communication unit 20 LCD (liquid crystal display) panel 22 LCD with built-in touch panel Panel 21 Body rotation axis 30 Keyboard part 31 Keyboard rotation axis 40 Pedestal part 41 Telephone operation panel 41a Operation button 41b Switching button 50 Handset 51 Handset attachment part 60 Keyboard open / close sensor 70 Mobile terminal housing part 80 Power supply part 81 Power supply Terminal 82 Connection terminal 90 Keyboard lock mechanism

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Noriko Takayanagi 5-7-1 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo Within NEC Corporation (72) Inventor Toshiki Takeda 2-20-36 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo N Within EC Design (72) Inventor Tsutomu Kagami 2-20-36 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo NEC Design Inc. (72) Inventor Hitoshi Sakai 2-20-36 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo Inside NEC Design Inc. ( 72) Inventor Hidee Kanaya 2-20-36, Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo NEC Design Inc. (72) Inventor Takuji Katani 2-20-36, Takanawa Minato-ku, Tokyo NEC Design Inc. (72) Invention Person Minoru Nemoto 5-7-1 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo NEC Corporation (56) References JP-A 2000-232544 (JP, A) JP-A 9-26832 (JP, A) (58) Field (In t.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 1/16-1/18 H04M 1/02-1/23

Claims (19)

(57) [Claims] An information processing apparatus having both a telephone function and an information processing function, a main body unit integrally having a display unit for displaying various information, an input unit for performing an input operation for the information processing, The display unit includes a pedestal unit that supports the input unit, the pedestal unit includes a telephone operation panel unit that operates the telephone function on a front surface, and the input unit is superimposed on the display unit side. Closed, or rotatably supported so as to be able to open and close forward, and set the size of the input unit smaller than the size of the display unit, with the input unit closed to the display unit side. An information processing apparatus having a structure in which a part of a display screen of the display unit always appears and displaying information necessary for the telephone function on a part of the display screen in a state where the input unit is closed. . 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the switching is performed in such a manner that the telephone function operates when the input unit is closed and the information processing function operates when the input unit is open. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The information according to claim 1, wherein an opening through which the pedestal passes is provided in the input unit when the input unit is closed on the display unit side. Processing equipment. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body is formed in a box shape having a small thickness, and the input unit is formed in a plate shape that can be superimposed on a display unit side of the main body.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. A system according to claim 1, further comprising: means for selecting one of said telephone function unit and said information processing unit and starting up when said system is activated, said one of said telephone function unit and said information processing unit. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing unit activates the telephone function unit, and activates the information processing unit when the telephone function unit is opened. 6. 6. A system according to claim 1, further comprising means for preliminarily selecting and initially setting a function for starting one of said telephone function unit and said information processing unit when said system is started. 5. The information processing device according to any one of 5. 7. A system for activating a function not activated in response to a change in the open / close state of the input unit during operation of the system, wherein the display unit and the input unit are activated when the information processing unit is not activated. Activates the information processing unit when the state changes from a closed state to an open state, and when the display unit and the input unit change from an open state to a closed state when the telephone function unit is not activated. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the telephone function unit is activated. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a unit that starts and stops the telephone function unit while the system is operating. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit that starts and stops the information processing unit while the system is operating. 10. A means for stopping said information processing unit when said telephone function unit is newly activated during operation of said information processing unit, and said information processing unit being newly activated during operation of said telephone function unit. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a unit that stops the telephone function unit when the telephone function unit is activated. 11. A communication processing unit for performing communication control of a telephone line, wherein the communication processing unit controls both communication by voice of the telephone function unit and data communication by an electric signal of the information processing unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing is performed. 12. When the input unit is closed,
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a part of the display screen of the display unit is configured to be shown outside without being covered by the input unit. . 13. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a lock mechanism that locks the input unit when the input unit is closed, and prevents the information processing unit from being used until the lock is released. An information processing device according to any one of the above. 14. The lock mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a lock unit for physically locking the input unit so as not to be opened, and for preventing operation on the input unit until the lock is released. Item 14. The information processing device according to item 13. 15. The telephone operation panel, comprising: a telephone number input unit; a process for inputting from the telephone number input unit; inputting a telephone number to the telephone function unit; and inputting numerical information to the information processing unit. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a switching unit configured to switch and set the information. 16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a portable terminal attaching section for attaching a portable terminal. 17. A power transmission unit for supplying electric power for charging the portable terminal, wherein the power transmission unit includes a unit for charging the portable terminal via the portable terminal mounting unit. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1. 18. A portable terminal control unit that connects to the attached portable terminal via the portable terminal attachment unit, refers to data recorded in the portable terminal, and controls the portable terminal. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus. 19. The portable terminal includes a display for displaying information, and the portable terminal control unit acquires data to be displayed on the display by the portable terminal, and converts the acquired data into an appropriate format. 19. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information is displayed on the display unit.