JP3507109B2 - Portable terminal device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable terminal device having a slot into which a memory card can be attached.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a portable terminal device having a memory card reader / writer and capable of easily attaching and detaching a memory card has a slot for inserting a memory card.

In order to prevent a malfunction due to a sudden removal of the memory card accompanying the use of such a portable terminal device, a cover is provided in the slot, and a cover open is notified to the software side by means of a hardware interrupt or the like. By restricting access to the memory card, erroneous read / write to the memory card was prevented.

In particular, regarding the execution of the program in the memory card, when the control address (program counter) indicates on the card, the object code is instantly garbled (the value becomes undefined) when the card is pulled out. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the program will run out of control and seriously affect the data in the main memory or the memory card, so if a card access prohibition interrupt such as a cover open occurs, control is promptly transferred to the main memory. There is a restriction that you must do it.

[0005]

The portable terminal device in which the slot of the memory card is provided with the cover as described above has the following problems (1) to (3).

(1) When a switch or the like provided on the memory card is operated, it is necessary to open the cover. Therefore, when the cover is opened, it is recognized that a card access prohibition event has occurred due to the cover opening, and the card is accessed. The existing program will be interrupted. Also, if the program is running on the card, it will always be interrupted.

Since the intermittent operation is interrupted by such forced interruption, the data processing efficiency of the operator is greatly affected.

(2) If a memory card or a device in the form of a memory card is developed, which is not only a memory card having a built-in memory but is connected to a line or other device from the card, the card portion is connected to the outside. Data cannot be processed without opening the cover.

Therefore, the abnormality cannot be detected by the cover opening, and if the abnormality is not detected, the management when the card is pulled out becomes impossible, and there is a possibility that an abnormal operation occurs at this time.

(3) In executing the program in the memory card, even if the control of the system is transferred to the memory of the main unit by the cover open, strictly speaking, there is a time for the software to operate after the interrupt is activated, so that the software is completely executed. It is not always possible to prevent runaway.

Therefore, for security reasons, execution of the program on the card may not be permitted.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a first object is to provide a part of the first cover in a portable terminal device having a slot for mounting an external device. When the second cover is provided and the second cover is opened, the attachment / detachment operation of the attachment / detachment operation unit covered by the first cover is disabled, so that the external device is prevented from being attached to the external device when the second cover is opened. It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable terminal device capable of limiting an attaching / detaching operation and performing an operation on an external device without the attaching / detaching operation.
A second object of the present invention is, in a portable terminal device having a first slot for mounting an external device and a second slot, when the first cover is opened, the opening of one of the slots is opened. By providing the movable second cover that opens and closes the opening of the other slot, when external devices can be attached to the plurality of slots, the plurality of external devices do not become detachable at the same time.
When the opening of one slot is open, the opening of the other slot can be closed, which limits the attachment / detachment of any external device attached to one of the slots. An object of the present invention is to provide a portable terminal device that can be adapted to a usage mode.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, in a portable terminal device having a slot for mounting an external device, the opening of the slot and the external device mounted in the slot are attached and detached. And a second cover provided on a part of the first cover and covering a part of the opening, and the second cover is opened. In the state, the attachment / detachment operation section cannot be operated.

A second aspect of the present invention further comprises a control means for controlling the portable terminal device and a detection means for detecting the open / closed state of the first cover, and the detection means provides the first means. When it is detected that the cover has been opened, the control means is notified of that fact.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in a portable terminal device having a first slot for mounting an external device and a second slot, a first cover for covering an opening of the first slot. And a second cover that is movable with the first cover open and that can move to open the opening of either the first slot or the second slot. I have.

A fourth invention according to the present invention further comprises detection means for detecting the opening / closing state of the first cover, and when the detection means detects that the first cover is opened, an interrupt is issued. It is what is generated.

[0017]

[0018]

[0019]

[0020]

[0021]

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining a main part of a portable terminal device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which a cover portion of a memory card reader / writer for accessing a memory card is used. Correspond.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes an electronic device main body (main body),
2 is a cover of the mounting slot (first cover), 3 is an opening for opening the first cover 2,
The tip of a finger or the like is put into the opening portion 3 and the first cover 2 is pulled to open the cover downward.

Reference numeral 4 is a second cover provided in the present invention. Reference numeral 5 denotes an opening for opening the second cover 4, which allows the second cover 4 to be opened downward. Reference numeral 6 is a memory card in a mounted state, 7 is a battery exchange section provided in the memory card 6, and 8 is a write protect switch provided in the memory card 6. Reference numeral 9 is an eject button for removing the memory card 6.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration of the portable terminal device shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 12 is a CPU of the processing unit, and R
Bus 1 according to the control procedure stored in OM13, which will be described later.
Access control to each device connected to the device 8. 1
A RAM 4 functions as a work memory for the CPU 12. Reference numeral 15 is an input device such as a touch panel, 16 is a display device such as an LCD for displaying information, 17 is a printing device, and 19 is a communication port.

Reference numeral 20 denotes an interrupt controller (interrupt controller), which is a cover portion 21 of the memory card slot.
It is connected to the. 22 is a reader / writer for the memory card 23, 24 is a power supply system, and a power supply circuit 25 and a battery pack 26
It consists of

When the first cover 2 shown in FIG. 1 is opened, the interrupt controller (interrupt controller 20) causes a hardware interrupt to the CPU 12, and the software is notified of that. ing.

Next, a normal operation when the first cover 2 is opened while accessing the memory card 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an example of a first cover open interrupt processing procedure in the portable terminal device according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (5) indicate each step. The memory card 23 may be accessed by a program on the main body side accessing data in the card or by a program in the card being executed. Here, the latter will be described as an example.

First, when the power of the main body of the electronic device is turned on, the basic software stored in the ROM 13 is activated in step (1). When the program in the memory card is to be executed after performing the necessary self-check and initial setting processing, the process proceeds to step (2).

When the cover of the memory card 23 is opened during execution of the program in the memory card, a hardware interrupt is generated in step (3), and the interrupt routine is activated in step (4). Step (5) is the processing content of the interrupt routine, and a message is displayed on the display device 16 as shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen at the time of the first cover open interrupt process in the portable terminal device according to the present invention.

In the figure, 30 is a touch panel, 31 is a message display, 32 is an input key display section, and 33 is a key top display section. When the cover is opened, this kind of display is displayed, and when the key part labeled "OK" is touched, the basic software terminates the system and
The power is turned off as in step (5).

Next, a method of using the second cover 4 (see FIG. 1) of the memory card slot provided in the present invention will be described.

When the memory card is mounted, the electronic equipment main body is designed to turn on the power from the main body side to prevent the battery inside the card from being consumed. However, before that, the status of the battery inside the memory card can be known by means such as external port sensing, and if the voltage has dropped, the operator can be notified of the status by a message display through the application program. it can.

The battery replacement section 7 of the card shown in FIG. 1 is provided on the cover side of the slot so that the card replacement section 7 can be replaced while being supplied to the main body while receiving power from the main body. However, immediately after receiving the notification that the battery voltage in the card is low, immediately replacing the battery of the card is
Since the system is terminated by opening the cover, the application operation is interrupted. Therefore, it is possible to replace the battery by not causing an interrupt due to opening of the cover of the slot, not being able to remove the card, and opening the second cover 4. Similarly, by opening the second cover 4, the write protect switch 8 can also be operated from the outside.

FIG. 5 is a view showing the opened / closed state of the cover portion of the main body 1 shown in FIG. 1, and corresponds to the state in which the cover is closed.

In the figure, 41 is an electronic device main body, 42 is a first cover, 43 is an opening for opening the cover of the first cover 42, 44 is a second cover, and 45 is a second cover 44. Is an opening for.

FIG. 6 is a view showing the cover open state of the second cover 44 shown in FIG.

As shown in this figure, the battery replacement section 47 and the write protect switch 48 provided on the side of the mounted memory card 46 can be operated.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an open state of the first cover 42 shown in FIG.

As shown in this figure, the eject button 4
The memory card 46 can be removed by pressing 9. Reference numeral 50 denotes a contact portion with the first cover 42, which is an interrupt source for opening the cover.

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view for explaining the opening / closing mechanism of the first cover 42 shown in FIG.

In the figure, 51 is the first cover 42.
, 52 is a spring part, and 53 is a contact part which serves as an interrupt source.

As shown in this figure, when the first cover 42 is opened, the contact portion 51 is replaced by the spring portion 52.
It is in a state where it is exposed to the outside.

FIG. 9 is a view showing the opening / closing mechanism of the first cover 42 shown in FIG. 8, and corresponds to the state in which the first cover 42 is closed.

As shown in this drawing, the contact portion 51 of the interrupt source is pushed by pushing the contact portion 51 against the convex portion of the first cover 42. The source of the hardware interrupt is generated when the contact portion 53 returns from the pushed state to the original state.

FIG. 10 shows the second cover 44 shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a side sectional view for explaining the opening / closing mechanism of the second cover 4.
4 corresponds to the closed state.

Since the second cover 44 does not move with the interrupt source, opening the second cover 44 as shown by the broken line in the figure does not affect the system.

As described above, the first cover 42
Further, by further providing the second cover 44, it is possible to perform operations such as battery replacement and switch switching for the memory card 46 without affecting the system.

Further, in the case of a card-shaped device device called an IO card having the same interface as the memory card 46, a cable or the like may come out from the IO card and be connected to the outside. When the cover is closed and the mounting is managed as in the present embodiment, it is possible to satisfy such a requirement by opening the second cover 44.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the main portion of the memory card 46 mounted in the slot is operated by closing the cover of the main portion of the slot mounting opening to open the first cover 42. When it is opened, the CPU 12 on the main body side is instructed that the memory card 46 is attached / detached.

The opening 43 of the first cover 42 is closed or opened by the second cover 44 to protect the main part of the memory card 46 mounted in the slot. Thus, it is not possible to give an operation instruction to eject the memory card 46 only with the second cover 44 opened, but with the memory card 46 attached to the main body side, The battery can be replaced and the write protect switch 48 can be operated without any problem during the execution of the program. [Second Embodiment] FIGS. 11 to 13 are cross-sectional views for explaining a main part of a portable terminal device showing a second embodiment of the present invention, showing a case where a memory card is composed of two slots. There is. In the figure, 61 is an electronic device main body, 62 is a first slot cover, 63 is an opening for opening the first slot cover, 64 is a second slot cover, and 65 is a cover.
Reference numerals 66 and 66 are knobs for opening and closing the cover of the second slot. Reference numerals 67 and 68 denote memory cards.

The cover 62 of the first slot is adapted to open downward as shown in FIG. The cover 64 of the second slot is a cover that slides laterally as shown in FIG. The cover 64 of the second slot cannot be opened sideways when the cover 62 of the first slot is closed, but when the cover 62 of the first slot is open as shown in FIG. It is possible to open the two-slot cover 64.

With the above configuration, when the memory card has two slots, a method of executing a program on the memory card in one slot will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of a second cover open interrupt processing procedure in the portable terminal device according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (11) indicate each step.

When the power of the electronic equipment main body is turned on, the basic software (BIOSROM) is activated in step (1). When the program in the memory card in the second slot is to be executed after performing the necessary self-check and initial setting processing, the process proceeds to step (2). Where the first
The program in the memory card in the slot is not executable.

After that, when the cover of the first slot is opened during execution of the program, an interrupt occurs in step (3), and an interrupt processing routine is started in step (4). In the interrupt processing routine, first, in step (5), the display for the alarm is performed and the cover of the opened first slot is closed.

FIG. 15 shows a display example of this message.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen at the time of the second cover open interrupt process in the portable terminal device according to the present invention.

In the figure, 30 is a touch panel screen of an electronic device, 31 is a display message, 32 is an input key section, 3
3 is a key top display.

In the present embodiment, the key input section 32 is divided into two types of recognition areas, the key input section 69 and the key input section 70, and a display message is displayed when the cover of the first slot is opened. It should be noted that the cover of the second slot should not be opened. However, the memory card inside the first slot is not programmed and can be replaced.

Then, in step (6), it is judged whether the operation is to be continued or finished by the key input by the operator. The continuation or the end is transmitted to the system by depressing the key input unit 69 and the key input unit 70 in FIG.

When the key input section 69 is pressed, the operation is continued and the step moves to step (7). When the key input section 70 is pressed, the operation is ended and the step moves to step (8) and the power is turned off.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (6) is continued, in step (7) the basic software determines whether the cover of the second slot has already been opened. This can be easily realized by means of generating a hardware interrupt by opening the cover of the second slot. If the cover of the second slot has already been opened, there is a possibility that the memory card 68 mounted in the second slot may be removed, so the power supply is turned off in step (7). If the cover of the second slot has not been opened yet, the process proceeds to step (9).

In step (9), the state of the cover of the first slot is sensed, and if it is still open, the process shifts to a key input waiting state in step (6) to continue or end.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (9) that the memory card is closed, the process of returning to the program executed in the memory card is started in step (10), and in step (11). Control returns to the program.

As described above, when the memory card has a plurality of slots, the contents of the card on the program executing side can be saved by providing the means for detecting the state of each cover and providing the cover structure as in this embodiment. It is also possible to replace the card on the side that is protected and where the program is not running. In addition, since the time until the card currently being executed is pulled out can be sufficiently secured, the basic software can recover the memory contents in the memory card during execution of the program. [Third Embodiment] FIGS. 16 to 18 are sectional views for explaining the essential parts of a portable terminal device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, showing a case where a memory card has two slots. .

In the figure, 71 is an electronic device main body, 72 is a first cover attached to the first slot, 73 is an opening for opening the first cover attached to the first slot, and 74 is a second cover. The covers 75 and 76 are knobs when the second cover is opened and closed. Reference numerals 78 and 79 represent memory cards.

The first cover 72 has a structure in which it can be easily attached to the second slot portion, and the opening portion for opening the first cover is 77 when it is attached to the second slot. is there.

The first cover 72 attached to the first slot is designed to open downward as shown in FIG. At this time, the second cover 74 serves as a cover for the second slot. That is, the second cover 74 cannot be opened sideways when the first cover 72 is closed, but the first cover 72 is open. In the state, the second
The cover 74 can be opened.

Here, the first cover 72 is replaced with the second slot as shown in FIG. FIG. 18 shows this state, and the first cover 80 attached to the second slot is 80. Since the second cover 74 is a cover that slides laterally, it can be a cover for the first slot. That is, the format is the reverse of that of the second embodiment.

As described above, by preparing the structure capable of replacing the first cover 72 and the function of detecting the open state of the first cover 72 and the second cover 74 set in each slot. , It becomes possible to change the designation of the slot of the executable memory card.

That is, the CPU 12 continues or terminates the program execution based on the memory card installed in the second slot based on each cover opening / closing detection state by the cover unit 21 as the first or second detecting means in FIG. Is controlled to avoid runaway of the program accompanying the operation of attaching / detaching the memory card 79 mounted in the second slot. [Fourth Embodiment] FIGS. 19 to 21 are sectional views for explaining a main part of a portable terminal device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein a two-slot structure is provided inside a cover in which a memory card is closed. The case is shown.

In the figure, 81 is an electronic device main body, 82 is a first cover, 83 is an opening for opening the first cover 82, 84 is a second cover, and 85 and 86 are second cover opening / closing. It is the time picking part. In addition, 87 and 88 are memory cards.

In FIG. 20, the second cover 84 is in a state of covering the right side second slot portion.
The second cover 84 is a cover that slides laterally, and FIG. 21 shows a state in which the second cover 84 has moved to the other slot, that is, the first slot side.

In FIG. 20, when the second slot in which the second cover 84 is located is a program-executable slot, the second cover 84 is opened unless the first cover 82 is opened. Since it does not exist, by preparing a means for detecting the opening of the first cover 82 and the second cover 84, the same effect as that of the third embodiment can be obtained.

Further, in FIG. 21, the second cover 84
When the first slot in which is located is a program-executable slot, the second cover 84 cannot be opened unless the first cover 82 is opened.
By providing means for detecting the opening of the first cover 82 and the second cover 84, the designation of the feasible slot can be changed to the first slot.

Since the designation of the executable slot can be changed as described above, the same effect as that of the third embodiment can be obtained.

As described above, the CPU 12 as the setting means executes the first slot or the second slot side based on the open state detection state by the cover portion 21 as the first or second detecting means in FIG. The setting is switched to the slot, and the processing state based on the memory card mounted in the execution slot is switched to the processing of the memory card mounted in the other slot side without causing a runaway. [Fifth Embodiment] Another embodiment of the case where the second cover is provided for one slot as described in the first embodiment will be described.

22 and 23 are sectional views for explaining a main part of a portable terminal device showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and an explanatory view of a cover shape of a memory card reader / writer in a terminal device equipped with a memory card. Is.

In the figure, reference numeral 91 is an electronic apparatus main body, and 92 is a second cover, which corresponds to a state of being opened downward.
93 is a first cover, and 94 and 95 are the first cover 9
3 is a knob for opening, and the first cover 93 can be slid upward and opened. 9
Reference numeral 6 is a memory card that is mounted.

As shown in FIG. 23, the memory card 96 can be taken out by operating the eject button 97 by sliding the first cover 93 upward and opening it.

By providing a means for detecting the opening of the first cover 93 and not detecting the opening of the second cover 92, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. According to the first embodiment described above, when the memory card as the external device is used with the cover provided in the slot,
Since the second cover is provided inside the cover, when operating the switches or the like provided on the memory card or replacing the battery, the second cover is provided without opening the first cover and causing a card access prohibition event. The operation can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to perform a predetermined operation without interrupting the program accessing the card or interrupting the program when the program is being executed on the card.

When a memory card or a memory card-shaped device for developing a connection from a card to a line or another device is developed instead of a memory card having a built-in memory, the card is connected to the outside. The means can be realized without opening the first cover. Therefore, it is possible to detect an abnormality by opening the cover.

On the other hand, according to the second embodiment, when the memory card has a plurality of slots, it is necessary to open the cover of the slot in which the program executed inside the memory card exists and the cover of the other slots. Since the structure is not possible, it is possible to execute the program without the risk of runaway due to the card during the program execution being quickly removed.

On the other hand, according to the third and fourth embodiments, when the memory card has a plurality of slots, the slot where the program executed inside the memory card exists and the covers of the other slots have a symmetrical structure. , By symmetrically exchanging the arrangements of the covers with each other, it is possible to judge the state of the cover to be detected and change the program-executable slot to another slot.

[0087]

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention
According to the invention, in a portable terminal device having a slot for mounting an external device, a first cover for covering an opening portion of the slot and an attachment / detachment operation portion for attaching / detaching the external device attached to the slot, A second cover provided on a part of the first cover and covering a part of the opening
When the second cover is opened, the attachment / detachment operation unit is not allowed to be operated. Therefore, in the state where the second cover is opened, the attachment / detachment operation is restricted to an external device. Therefore, it is possible to perform an operation on the external device without the attaching / detaching operation.

According to the second invention, there is further provided a control means for controlling the portable terminal device and a detection means for detecting the open / closed state of the first cover, and the detection means allows the first cover to be opened. When it is detected that the control unit has opened, the control unit is notified to that effect, so that the control unit can timely recognize whether or not the first cover is opened / closed, which is highly likely to attach / detach the external device.

According to the third invention, in the portable terminal device having the first slot for mounting the external device and the second slot, the first cover for covering the opening of the first slot, A second cover that is movable with the first cover open and that can be moved to open the opening of either the first slot or the second slot. , When an external device can be attached to multiple slots, if one slot has an opening that is open so that multiple external devices do not become detachable at the same time, open the other slot's opening. It can be closed and can be adapted for use in such a way as to restrict the attachment / detachment of any external device attached to one of the slots.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises a detecting means for detecting the opening / closing state of the first cover, and when the detecting means detects that the first cover is opened, an interrupt is generated. Therefore, it is possible to recognize the time when the first cover is opened and activate the interrupt in a timely manner.

[0091]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a main part of a portable terminal device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the portable electronic device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a first cover open interrupt processing procedure in the portable terminal device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen during a first cover open interrupt process in the portable terminal device according to the present invention.

5 is a diagram showing an open / closed state of a cover of the main body 1 shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a cover open state of the second cover shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an open state of the first cover shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view illustrating an opening / closing mechanism of the first cover shown in FIG.

9 is a diagram showing an open / closed state of the first cover shown in FIG.

10 is a side sectional view illustrating an opening / closing mechanism of the second cover shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view illustrating a main part of a portable terminal device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view illustrating a main part of a portable terminal device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view illustrating a main part of a portable terminal device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a second cover open interrupt processing procedure in the portable terminal device according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen at the time of a second cover open interrupt process in the portable terminal device according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view illustrating a main part of a portable terminal device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view illustrating a main part of a portable terminal device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view illustrating a main part of a portable terminal device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view illustrating a main part of a portable terminal device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view illustrating a main part of a portable terminal device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view illustrating a main part of a portable terminal device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view illustrating a main part of a portable terminal device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view illustrating a main part of a portable terminal device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 body 2 First cover 3 openings 4 Second cover 5 openings 6 memory card 7 Battery replacement section 8 write protect switch

Continued front page       (56) Reference JP-A-4-205332 (JP, A)                 Actual Kaihei 4-66620 (JP, U)

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A portable terminal device having a slot for mounting an external device, which covers an opening of the slot and a mounting / dismounting operation part for mounting / dismounting the external device mounted in the slot.
And a second cover that is provided in a part of the first cover and covers a part of the opening, and the attachment / detachment operation part cannot be operated when the second cover is open. A portable terminal device characterized by the above. 2. A control means for controlling the portable terminal device, and a detection means for detecting an open / closed state of the first cover, wherein the detection means detects that the first cover is opened. The portable terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the control means is notified of that fact. 3. A portable terminal device having a first slot for mounting an external device and a second slot, wherein a first cover for covering the opening of the first slot and the first cover are provided. And a second cover that is movable in an open state and that can be moved to open an opening of either the first slot or the second slot. Terminal device. 4. A detection means for detecting the opening / closing state of the first cover is further provided, and when the detection means detects that the first cover is opened, an interrupt is generated. Item 5. A portable terminal device according to Item 3.