JP3867686B2 - Wireless information terminal - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a wireless information terminal that can be connected to a portable personal computer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Mobile phones have become widely used, and voice communication has become possible anytime and anywhere. On the other hand, portable computers (PCs) have become thinner and lighter, making them more portable, and there has been an increasing demand for online work wherever they are by using wireless communication lines. In order to respond to such demands, a wireless information terminal that functions as a mobile phone when it is disconnected from the PC is commercialized by joining the PC with a general-purpose interface such as PCMCIA and functioning as a MODEM. Has been.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, a PC is a terminal operated by a human and needs a certain size in terms of ergonomics, and a place where online work is generally limited to a building or the like. On the other hand, since radio waves often do not reach the building, it is difficult to perform real-time communication like the wired MODEM using the wireless information terminal.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and aims to facilitate online work of a portable computer.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the wireless information terminal according to the present invention, when connected to the computer (9), performs data communication between the computer and the server (8) in a state where the control radio wave of the base station (4) cannot be received. The proxy server functions as a proxy server that performs data communication with the computer based on a predetermined communication protocol, and when the control radio wave of the base station can be received, the original server ( And a wireless unit (2) that starts communication with the original server and updates the data so that the original server has the latest data .
[0006]
In the wireless information terminal, the wireless unit is configured to be connected to the computer (9) or the operation unit (3), and is portable after a predetermined button operation for call connection in a state where the operation unit is connected. Act as a phone.
[0007]
In the present invention, there is provided means for configuring the radio unit so that when a portable computer is connected, power is supplied from the portable computer, and when an operation unit is connected, power is supplied from the operation unit. adopt.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a wireless information terminal according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0009]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a communication system to which the wireless information terminal 1 of the present embodiment is applied. As shown in this figure, the wireless information terminal 1 is composed of a wireless unit 2 and an operation unit 3, and is configured so that the wireless unit 2 and the operation unit 3 can be used separately. Yes. The wireless information terminal 1 in a state in which the wireless unit 2 and the operation unit 3 are combined performs wireless communication with the base station 4 and performs a voice call with the telephone 6 through the wired network 5 to which the base station 4 is connected. Data communication is performed with the base server 4 and the original server 8 connected to the wired network 5 via the MODEM 7 via the wired network 5.
[0010]
The wireless unit 2 in a state where the operation unit 3 is separated is configured to be connectable to the PCMCIA slot 10 of the PC 9 (portable personal computer). The PC 9 has a function of performing data communication with the original server 8 via the wireless unit 2, the base station 4, the wired network 5, and the MODEM 7, and a function of performing communication only with the wireless unit 2 without performing wireless communication. I have it.
[0011]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the wireless unit 2. As shown in this figure, the radio unit 2 includes an antenna 20 that transmits and receives radio waves to and from the base station 4, a radio circuit 21 connected to the antenna 20, and controls and externally connects the radio circuit 21. A CPU 22 that controls communication with the PC 9, a memory 23 that stores a control program executed by the CPU 22, a MODEM 24 that ensures reliability of data communication such as retransmission control opposite to the general-purpose MODEM, and the CPU 22 The switching switch 25 is controlled, and an input / output terminal 26 that interfaces with an external device.
[0012]
Here, the wireless unit 2 is configured to function as a proxy server based on the control program when reaching a state in which the control radio wave transmitted from the base station 4 cannot be received. That is, the wireless unit 2 functions as a client for the original server 8 and as a proxy server for the PC 9, and information equivalent to that of the original server 8 is stored in the memory 23. .
[0013]
The power supply circuit 27 of the wireless unit 2 is supplied with power from the PC 9 when it is separated from the operation unit 3 and joined to the PC 9, and from the operation unit 3 when combined with the operation unit 3. In addition, in the case of a single state, the data stored in the memory 23 is held by a power backup unit (not shown).
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the operation unit 3. The operation unit 3 includes an operation key 31 for inputting a dial number and the like, a display unit 32 for displaying a dial number and a wireless state, a timer 33 for measuring absolute time and interval, and the wireless unit. An input / output terminal 34 joined to the two input / output terminals 26, an input / output port 35 controlled by the CPU 30, a microphone 36 for inputting sound, a receiver 37 for outputting sound, and an analog signal for sound as a digital signal. A CODEC 38 for conversion, a switch 39 for switching controlled by the CPU 30, a battery 40 for supplying power to the above-described units, and the like are included.
[0014]
Next, the detailed operation of the wireless information terminal 1 configured as described above will be described.
[0015]
First, a case where the wireless information terminal 1 is used as a mobile phone will be described. In this case, the input / output terminal 26 of the wireless unit 2 and the input / output terminal 34 of the operation unit 3 are joined, whereby the wireless unit 2 and the operation unit 3 are combined. Further, power is supplied from the battery 40 of the operation unit 3 to the power supply circuit 27 of the wireless unit 2 via the input / output terminals 26 and 34.
[0016]
In this state, the telephone number of the connection destination telephone input from the operation key 31 of the operation unit 3 is captured by the CPU 30 and displayed on the display unit 32. When the user of the wireless information terminal 1 confirms the telephone number and presses the off-hook button from the operation key 31, the CPU 30 that detects this presses the input / output port 35 by operating the input / output port 35. A call connection request is written together with the telephone number to the memory 23 of the wireless unit 2 via the output terminal 26.
[0017]
When the CPU 22 of the wireless unit 2 detects that the call connection request is written in the memory 23, it controls the wireless device 21 and makes a call request to the base station 4 together with the telephone number written in the memory 23. Then, the corresponding telephone 6 is called and connected via the wired network 5. Further, the CPU 22 of the wireless unit 2 controls the switch 25 in accordance with the response signal notified by the base station 4 based on the response of the telephone 6, so that the serial signal terminal of the input / output terminal 26 and the input / output of the wireless circuit 21 Connect signal lines directly.
[0018]
At the same time, the CPU 22 writes a response signal in the memory 23. The CPU 30 of the operation unit 3 that has detected this via the input / output port 35 controls the switch 39 to connect the serial signal terminal of the input / output terminal 34 to the CODEC 38. As a result, since the microphone 36 and the receiver 37 are connected to the CODEC 38, a voice call is started. Even when the call is terminated or an incoming call is received, the control signal is transmitted and received through the memory 23 of the wireless unit 2, and the CPU 22 and the CPU 30 cooperate to control the call path as described above.
[0019]
Next, a case where the wireless unit 2 is connected to the PC 9 and communicates with the PC 9 will be described. In this case, since the wireless unit 2 is connected to the PC 9 located indoors or the like, the wireless unit 2 cannot receive the control radio wave periodically transmitted by the base station 4, and therefore cannot communicate with the base station 4. State.
[0020]
In such a state, the wireless unit 2 is disconnected from the operation unit 3 and the input / output terminal 26 is connected to the PCMCIA slot 10 of the PC 9. Then, the PC 9 requests the wireless unit 2 connected in this way to connect to the original server 8 using a special telephone number (for example, 999) set in the wireless unit 2 in advance. The CPU 22 of the wireless unit 2 determines that it should operate as a proxy server from the special telephone number.
[0021]
Thereafter, the wireless unit 2 processes a protocol for forming a link such as PPP (Point To Point) or TCP / IP from the standpoint of a proxy server using the PC 9 as a client. For example, when there is a mail read request from the PC 9 using the POP protocol, the wireless unit 2 reads the mail information stored in the memory 23 and passes it to the PC 9. This mail information is acquired by communicating with the original server 8 and stored in the memory 23 when the wireless unit 2 is in a state capable of communicating with the base station 4 as will be described later.
[0022]
When the wireless unit 2 and the operation unit 3 are separated, the wireless unit 2 is supplied with power from the PCMCIA slot 10 of the PC 9 connected externally. Further, the memory 23 uses a non-volatile memory or uses a backup battery, so that the contents are retained even when power is not supplied to the wireless unit.
[0023]
Next, a case where the wireless information terminal 1 that combines the wireless unit 2 and the operation unit 3 performs data communication with the original server 8 will be described. In this case, the radio unit 2 is when used as part of the radio information terminal 1 is often subjected to outdoor use. When the radio unit 2 receives a control radio wave periodically transmitted from the base station 4 in a state where it is combined with the operation unit 3, the radio unit 2 uses the information stored in the memory 23 when operating as the proxy server as a client. Send to server 8.
[0024]
It is assumed that the calling time and the telephone number of the original server 8 are written in the memory 23 of the wireless unit 2 by the PC 9 in advance. In the wireless unit 2, it is assumed that the CPU 22 periodically writes the state of the control radio wave from the base station 4 that is always received by the wireless circuit 21 in the memory 23.
[0025]
In this case, when the call time written in the memory 23 of the radio unit 2 matches the time read from the timer 33, the CPU 30 of the operation unit 3 reads the state of the control radio wave similarly written in the memory 23 and performs communication. It is determined whether or not it is possible, the telephone number of the original server 8 written in the memory 23 is fetched, and the input / output port 35 is controlled to call the memory 23 of the wireless unit 2 via the input / output terminals 34 and 26. Write the data communication connection request with the number.
[0026]
When the CPU 22 of the radio unit 2 detects that the data communication connection request has been written in the memory 23, the radio unit 21 controls the radio circuit 21 to perform data communication with the base station 4 along with the telephone number written in the memory 23. A request is made, and the MODEM 7 connected to the corresponding original server 8 is called via the wired network 5 to connect.
[0027]
Then, the CPU 22 of the wireless unit 2 controls the switch 25 based on the response signal notified by the base station 4 in response to the response of the MODEM 7, and the serial signal terminal of the input / output terminal 26 and the input / output signal of the wireless device 21. The line is connected via the MODEM 24 and the response signal is written in the memory 23.
[0028]
The CPU 30 of the operation unit 3 that has detected this via the input / output port 35 controls the switch 39 so that the serial signal terminal of the input / output terminal 34 and the CPU 30 are directly connected. As a result, the CPU 30 starts communication with the original server 8, reads mail using a protocol such as POP, for example, and writes it in the memory 23 via the input / output port 35.
[0029]
When the CPU 30 has taken in all the unread mail accumulated in the original server 8, it instructs the CPU 22 to disconnect the line via the memory 23 of the wireless unit 2. Then, the fact that the mail has been taken in is displayed on the display unit 32. Note that the CPU 30 reads the mail once fetched from the memory 23 of the wireless unit 2 and displays it on the display unit 23 or deletes it based on the operation of the operation key 22 by the user.
[0030]
Finally, a case where the wireless unit 2 is used for direct data communication between the PC 9 and the original server 8 will be described. In this case, the wireless unit 2 can be used when it is connected to the PC 9 in a state where it can receive control radio waves from the base station 4 such as outdoors. In this case, the wireless unit 2 is connected to the PCMCIA slot of the PC 9 while being disconnected from the operation unit 3. The PC 9 operates by regarding the wireless unit 2 as a general-purpose MODEM.
[0031]
In this state, the CPU 22 of the wireless unit 2 controls the switch 25 to connect the serial signal terminal of the input / output terminal 26 and the input / output signal line of the wireless device 21 via the MODEM 24. Then, the CPU 22 obtains information necessary for communication control such as a connection request and a connection destination telephone number from the PC 9 via the MODEM 24. The PC 9 writes a connection request including the telephone number of the MODEM 7 connected to the original server 8 in the memory 23 of the wireless unit 2.
[0032]
When the CPU 22 detects that the call connection request is written in the memory 23, the CPU 22 controls the wireless device 21 to make a call request to the base station 4 together with the telephone number written in the memory 23, via the wired network 5. Call up the appropriate MODEM 7 to connect. Then, the CPU 22 controls the switch 25 with respect to the response signal notified by the base station 4 in accordance with the response of the MODEM 7, so that the serial signal terminal between the input / output terminal 26 and the input / output signal line of the radio circuit 21 are controlled. Connect the MODEM 24. Thereafter, the PC 9 starts communication with the former server 8 via the MODEM 24 and the communication partner MODEM 7.
[0033]
According to the present embodiment, the wireless unit 2 functions as a proxy server for the PC 9 when radio waves do not reach, and communicates with the original server 8 as MODEM when radio waves reach. In addition, when the wireless unit 2 is removed from the PC 9 and coupled to the operation unit 3, the size and usage is equivalent to that of a cellular phone. And automatically synchronize data with the original server 8.
[0034]
Therefore, since the latest information is always acquired from the original server 8 in the wireless unit 2, this latest information can be provided to the PC 9 when functioning as a proxy server. Further, as a communication procedure, the same communication protocol as that used when the original server 8 and the PC 9 communicate with each other can be used. Therefore, it is not necessary to make a special change on the PC 9 side.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the wireless information terminal according to the present invention has the following effects.
(1) When connected to a portable computer, it functions as a proxy server for the portable computer in a state where it cannot receive the base station control radio wave. Since the wireless unit that synchronizes information with the original server is provided, the information of the portable computer stored when functioning as a proxy server is the original when the base station control radio wave can be received. Synchronization is made with the server. Therefore, even a portable computer used in an environment where the control radio waves of the base station such as indoors cannot be received can be simulated online.
(2) Since the portable unit or the operation unit is configured to be connected and the wireless unit is configured to function as a cellular phone in a state where the operation unit is connected, the portable unit can be used as a cellular phone.
(3) The wireless unit receives power from the portable computer when a portable computer is connected, and receives power from the operation unit when the operating unit is connected. It is sufficient to provide a backup power source having a size equal to that of the above-described power supply, and the device configuration is reduced in size and the portability is improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a communication system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a radio unit in an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an operation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Wireless information terminal 2 ... Wireless part 3 ... Operation part 4 ... Base station 5 ... Wired network 6 ... Telephone 7 ... MODEM
8 …… Original server 9 …… PC
10 …… PCMCIA slot 20 …… Antenna 21 …… Radio circuit 22 …… CPU
23 …… Memory 24 …… MODEM
25 …… Switch 26 …… Input / output terminal 30 …… CPU
31 …… Operation key 32 …… Display unit 33 …… Timer 34 …… Input / output terminal 35 …… Input / output port 36 …… Microphone 37 …… Receiver 38 …… CODEC
39 …… Switch 40 …… Battery

Claims (11)

When connected to the computer (9), in a state in which the control radio wave of the base station (4) cannot be received, it functions as a proxy server that performs proxy / mediation of data communication between the computer and the server (8), and has a predetermined communication protocol executing the computer and data communications based, and reaches a state capable of receiving the control radio wave of the base station, the source server and the latest one another to initiate communication between the original server (8) via said base station A wireless information terminal comprising a wireless unit (2) for updating data so as to have the following data .   The wireless information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the wireless unit (2) is connected to the computer or the operation unit (3). The wireless unit (2) starts communication with the original server via the base station in a state where the radio wave (2) can receive the control radio wave of the base station when connected to the operation unit (3). 3. The wireless information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the data is updated so that the original server has the latest data .   The wireless unit (2) includes a wireless circuit (21) for communicating with the base station, a MODEM (24) for communicating with the computer, and a memory (23) for storing data. The wireless information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   When the radio unit (2) is connected to the operation unit (3) and can receive the control radio wave of the base station, the radio unit (2) turns the base station on when the call time stored in the memory (23) is reached. The wireless information terminal according to claim 3, wherein communication is started with the original server via the wireless server.   In a state where the radio unit (2) is connected to the computer (9) and can receive the control radio wave of the base station (4), the radio unit performs data communication between the server and the computer using the MODEM. The wireless information terminal according to claim 2, wherein the wireless information terminal is executed via the wireless information terminal.   The wireless unit (2) has a detachable operation unit (3), and functions as a mobile phone after a predetermined button operation for call connection in a state where the operation unit (3) is connected. The wireless information terminal according to claim 1, wherein:   The wireless unit (2) receives power supply from the computer when the computer is connected, and receives power supply from the operation unit when the operation unit is connected. The wireless information terminal described. A wireless unit (2) and a detachable operation unit (3), wherein the wireless unit can receive control radio waves from the base station (4) in a state where the wireless unit and the operation unit are connected. When the wireless unit transmits a data communication request to the original server (8) via the base station (4), the wireless unit is connected to the original server and has the latest data with the original server. When the wireless unit is disconnected from the operation unit and connected to the computer (9), the wireless unit cannot receive the control radio wave of the base station (4) when the data is updated. provides the function as a proxy server for proxy-mediated data communication with the original server, the data executes the computer and data communication based on a predetermined communication protocol to the computer with respect to Radio information terminal, characterized in that.   The wireless unit (2) includes a wireless circuit (21) for communicating with the base station, a MODEM (24) for communicating with the computer, and a memory (23) for storing the data. The wireless information terminal according to claim 9.   The wireless unit (2) has a detachable operation unit (3), and functions as a mobile phone after a predetermined button operation for call connection in a state where the operation unit (3) is connected. The wireless information terminal according to claim 9, wherein the wireless information terminal is a wireless information terminal.

Images