JP4413352B2 - Mobile radio terminal and external storage unit - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a mobile radio terminal such as a mobile phone or a PHS (Personal Handyphone System) terminal.And an external storage unit used with this mobile radio terminalAbout.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, mobile wireless terminals such as mobile phone terminals and PHS terminals are rapidly spreading. Recently, this type of apparatus can store various information. For example, it is common practice to download image information and music information from the WWW (Wold Wide Web) and store these information in a storage medium in the terminal.
[0003]
By the way, in the mobile radio terminal having such a function, the downloaded information is stored in a storage medium such as a RAM provided in the terminal. However, when the amount of information to be downloaded increases, only the storage medium in the terminal is stored. In this case, the capacity may be insufficient and it may become impossible to store.
[0004]
Therefore, it is considered that the terminal is provided with a slot or a terminal for accommodating or connecting an external storage medium, and the external storage medium is attached to or connected to the slot or terminal, and the download information is stored in the external storage medium. It has been.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a configuration, it is necessary to provide a slot or terminal for an external storage medium in the terminal, and if the external storage medium is mounted in the slot, a space for accommodating the external storage medium must be secured in the terminal. Therefore, there is a drawback that the terminal is increased in size and weight, and further, the cost is increased.
[0006]
  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above circumstances, and its object is a mobile radio terminal capable of storing a large amount of information without causing an increase in size, weight and cost of the main body.And external storage unitIs to provide.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an external storage comprising a first wireless communication means for communicating with a communication network via a first wireless line, a function for storing information, and a wireless communication function. Second wireless communication means for communicating with the unit via a second wireless communication path different from the first wireless communication path, and information received by the first wireless communication means for the first wireless communication path. And information transfer control means for transferring and storing the data from the two wireless communication means to the external storage unit via the second wireless communication path.The Then, the information transfer control means determines whether the external storage unit is in a state capable of storing information during reception of the information. If the information transfer control means is not in a state capable of storing information, the first wireless communication is performed. When at least one of the information received by the means and the information transmitted from the first wireless communication means is temporarily stored in the internal memory, and then the internal storage unit determines that the information can be stored, the internal Information stored in the memory is transferred from the second wireless communication means to the external storage unit and stored therein.
[0008]
  In particular,In the information transfer control means, the information received by the first wireless communication means and the first wireless communication path meansWhen at least one of the information to be transmitted is stored in the internal memory and the information cannot be stored in the internal memory, the above information is stored.From the second wireless communication meansThe data is transferred and stored in the external storage unit via the second wireless communication path.
[0009]
In the main body, at least one of information received via the first wireless communication path and information transmitted to the first wireless communication path is transferred to the external storage unit via the second wireless communication path. When the information stored in the external storage unit cannot be stored, at least one of the information received via the first wireless communication path and the information transmitted to the first wireless communication path is stored in the internal memory of the main body. It is set as the structure memorize | stored in.
[0011]
Therefore, according to the present invention, the information to be stored in the main body is transferred to and stored in the external storage unit via the second wireless communication path, so that, for example, a large amount of information downloaded from the Internet WWW is stored. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide a slot or accommodation space for mounting the external storage unit on the main body, it is possible to maintain a small and light weight of the main body and provide an inexpensive main body.
[0012]
  The present invention also providesInformation transfer control meansCommunication is performed using one of the plurality of first wireless communication paths when the mobile station has a so-called multicall function in which a plurality of first wireless communication paths are set and communicated simultaneously with the communication network. During execution of the first communication with the network, at least one of the information received from the communication network via the other first wireless communication path and the information transmitted to the first wireless communication path Are transferred to and stored in the external storage unit via the second wireless communication path.
[0013]
With this configuration, the download information can be efficiently stored in the external storage unit using the multi-call function without interrupting or interrupting the call, for example.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(First embodiment)
In the first embodiment of the present invention, a memory card unit as an external storage unit is provided separately from a mobile phone, and a small transmission such as BT (Blue Tooth) is provided between the mobile phone and the memory card unit. Using wireless communication means that uses electric power, transmission / reception information of a cellular phone and communication management information such as a telephone directory used for transmission / reception are transferred and stored in a memory card unit.
[0021]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a mobile communication system using a mobile radio terminal according to the first embodiment.
The mobile radio terminal includes a mobile phone MS and a memory card unit MCU that performs radio communication with the mobile phone MS via a BT radio line. The mobile phone MS is connected to the base station BS via a radio line for a mobile communication system. The base station BS is connected to the server SV via a mobile switching device (not shown), a wired communication network such as a wired telephone network and the Internet. A plurality of data storage devices ST are connected to the server SV.
[0022]
When the mobile phone MS makes a call to the server SV, a wireless connection procedure is executed between the caller mobile phone MS and the base station BS, and a radio communication link is set. The BS is connected to the server SV via a mobile switching device or a wired communication network. When the user specifies information desired to be downloaded in the mobile phone MS in accordance with the menu sent from the server SV in this state, the server SV reads the corresponding information from the data storage device ST, and this information is transmitted to the wired communication. The data is transferred to the mobile phone MS via the network, the mobile switching device, and the base station BS. The information is transferred from the mobile phone MS to the memory card unit MCU via the BT radio line and stored.
[0023]
The cellular phone MS and the memory card unit MCU are configured as follows.
[0024]
First, the configuration of the mobile phone MS will be described. FIGS. 2A and 2B show the appearance, wherein FIG. 2A is a front view, FIG. 2B is a side view, and FIG. 2C is a rear view.
The mobile phone MS has a videophone communication function. A speaker 32 as a receiver, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 34, a key input unit 35, and a microphone 31 as a transmitter are provided on the front panel of the casing. It is arranged. An extendable antenna 11 and a camera 33 are attached to the top of the housing. The camera 33 employs a solid-state imaging device such as a CMOS or a CCD, and can capture a still image or a moving image. Further, a mounting portion for a power supply unit is provided on the rear surface of the housing, and the power supply unit 4 constituting the battery pack is detachably mounted on the mounting unit.
[0025]
The circuit of the mobile phone MS is configured as follows. FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram showing the configuration.
The mobile phone MS includes a radio unit 1, a baseband unit 2A, an input / output unit 3A, a power supply unit 4, and a BT radio unit 5.
[0026]
In the figure, a radio frequency signal arriving from a base station BS via a radio channel for a mobile communication system is received by an antenna 11 and then input to a receiving circuit (RX) 13 via an antenna duplexer (DUP) 12. Is done. The reception circuit 13 includes a high frequency amplifier, a frequency converter, and a demodulator. The radio signal is amplified with low noise by a low noise amplifier and then mixed with a reception local oscillation signal generated from a frequency synthesizer (SYN) 14 in a frequency converter to convert the frequency to a reception intermediate frequency signal or a reception baseband signal. The output signal is digitally demodulated by a demodulator. As a demodulation method, for example, an orthogonal demodulation method corresponding to the QPSK method is used. The reception local oscillation signal frequency generated from the frequency synthesizer 14 is instructed from the main control unit 21 provided in the baseband unit 2A.
[0027]
The demodulated signal output from the demodulator is input to the baseband unit 2A. The baseband unit 2A includes a main control unit 21, a demultiplexing unit 22, a voice code decoding unit (hereinafter referred to as a voice codec) 23, a multimedia processing unit 24, and an LCD control unit 25.
[0028]
The demodulated signal is identified by the main control unit 21 as control information or multimedia information, and if it is multimedia information, it is supplied to the demultiplexing unit 22 where it is separated into audio data and image data. The Then, the audio data is supplied to the audio codec 23 where it is decoded and the reproduced audio signal is output from the speaker 32 of the input / output unit 3A. On the other hand, the image data is supplied to the multimedia processing unit 24 where the image decoding process is performed, and the reproduced image signal is supplied to the LCD 34 of the input / output unit 3A via the LCD control unit 25 and displayed. .
[0029]
The received image data is stored in the RAM in the main control unit 21 as necessary. Also, the LCD 34 displays various information indicating the operation state of the device itself output from the main control unit 21, such as a telephone book, a received electric field strength detection value, a remaining battery level, and the like.
[0030]
On the other hand, a user's transmitted voice signal output from the microphone 31 of the input / output unit 3A is input to the audio codec 23 of the baseband unit 2A, where it is encoded and input to the demultiplexing unit 22. The image signal output from the camera (CAM) 33 is input to the multimedia processing unit 24 of the baseband unit 2A, where it is subjected to image encoding processing and then input to the demultiplexing unit 22. The demultiplexing unit 22 multiplexes the encoded audio data and image data in a predetermined format, and the multiplexed transmission data is sent from the main control unit 21 to the transmission circuit (TX) 15 of the radio unit 1. Entered.
[0031]
The transmission circuit 15 includes a modulator, a frequency converter, and a transmission power amplifier. The transmission data is digitally modulated by a modulator, and then mixed with a transmission local oscillation signal generated from the frequency synthesizer 14 by a frequency converter and frequency-converted to a radio frequency signal. As the modulation method, the QPSK method is used. The generated transmission radio frequency signal is amplified to a predetermined transmission level by a transmission power amplifier, then supplied to the antenna 11 via the antenna duplexer 12, and transmitted from the antenna 11 to a base station (not shown). Is done.
[0032]
The power supply unit 4 is provided with a battery 41 such as a lithium ion battery, a charging circuit 42 for charging the battery 41, and a voltage generation circuit (PS) 43. The voltage generation circuit 43 is composed of, for example, a DC / DC converter, and generates a predetermined power supply voltage Vcc based on the output voltage of the battery 41.
[0033]
The input / output unit 4 is provided with an illuminator 36 for illuminating the LCD 34 and the key input unit 35 during operation and communication. The illuminator 36 is called a backlight or illumination, for example.
[0034]
By the way, the BT radio unit 5 includes a BT radio circuit 50 and its antenna 51. The BT radio circuit 50 performs radio transmission of information with a memory card unit MCU, which will be described later, according to a radio communication system defined by the BT.
[0035]
The main control unit 21 includes an internal memory including a microprocessor, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. In addition to normal control functions such as connection control of a wireless channel and communication control after establishing a communication link, the main control unit 21 includes the present invention. As a related control function, a download control unit 21a and a BT transfer control unit 21b are provided.
[0036]
The download control means 21a sends an information download request to the server SV in accordance with the information download request input from the key input unit 35, thereby receiving the information transmitted from the server SV and temporarily storing it in the internal memory. .
[0037]
The BT transfer control means 21b operates the BT radio unit 5 every time the internal memory becomes full during the download control, reads the download information from the internal memory, and reads this information from the BT radio unit 5 to the memory card unit MCU. To send to and memorize.
[0038]
On the other hand, the memory card unit MCU is configured as follows. FIGS. 4A and 4B show the appearance, wherein FIG. 4A is a front view, FIG. 4B is a side view, FIG. 4C is a rear view, and FIG. 4D is a top view.
A slot for installing a memory card is provided in the memory card unit MCU. Further, a memory card insertion slot 81 and an eject button 82 are provided on the upper surface portion, and the memory card 10 is inserted from the memory card insertion slot and inserted into the slot. Further, the loaded memory card 10 is ejected from the memory card insertion slot 81 to the outside of the unit by pressing the eject button 82.
[0039]
In addition, a BT antenna 61 is provided at the lower end of the memory card unit MCU. Note that a mounting portion as the power supply unit 9 is provided on the rear surface of the unit, and a battery pack as the power supply unit 9 is mounted on the mounting unit 9.
[0040]
The circuit of the memory card unit MCU is configured as follows. FIG. 5 is a circuit block diagram showing the configuration.
That is, the memory card unit MCU is composed of a BT radio circuit 62, its antenna 61, a baseband unit 7A, and a power supply unit 9. The BT radio circuit 62 performs radio communication with the mobile phone MS in accordance with a radio communication system defined by BT.
[0041]
The baseband unit 7A includes a main control unit 71, a memory card interface unit (memory card I / F) 72, and a memory card detection unit 73. The memory card detection unit 73 detects whether or not the memory card 6 is installed in the slot. The memory card I / F 72 writes and reads information to and from the memory card 6 mounted in the slot.
[0042]
The main control unit 71 includes a microprocessor, ROM, and RAM, and includes BT communication control means, memory card interface (I / F) control means, and memory card access control means as its control functions. .
[0043]
The BT communication control means controls the BT radio circuit 62 to control the download information transmission / reception operation with the mobile phone MS. The memory card I / F control means determines the mounting state of the memory card 6 based on the detection output of the memory card detection unit 73, and sets the driver of the memory card I / F 72 to the active state when the memory card 6 is mounted. Set.
[0044]
The memory card access control means 21b controls the writing and reading of the download information with respect to the memory card 6 mounted in the slot, and the download information received by the BT radio circuit 62 is stored in the memory via the memory card I / F 72. Write to card 6. Further, when a read request for stored information comes from the mobile phone MS, the stored information is read from the memory card 6 via the memory card I / F 72.
[0045]
With this configuration, the terminal user first attaches the memory card 6 to the slot of the memory card unit MCU when acquiring WWW information. Then, the insertion of the memory card 6 is detected by the memory card detection unit 73, and upon receiving this detection output, the main control unit 71 sets the memory card I / F 72 to the active state.
[0046]
In this state, the user operates the key input unit 35 in the mobile phone MS to make a call to the WSV server SV. When a communication link is established with the server SV in response to this call and the user transmits a request for transmitting desired information according to a menu sent from the server SV, the server SV sends the corresponding information from the data storage device ST. This information is searched and transmitted to the mobile phone MS. This information is transferred to the mobile phone MS via a wired communication network such as the Internet and a subscriber telephone network, a mobile switching device, and a base station BS.
[0047]
When a communication link is established with the server SV, the main control unit 21 of the mobile phone MS first sets the memory card status to the memory card unit MCU via the BT radio unit 5 in step 5a. Inquire. In response to this inquiry, the main control unit 71 of the memory card unit MCU detects whether or not the memory card 6 is installed and its free space, and returns the detection result from the BT radio circuit 62 to the mobile phone MS.
[0048]
The main control unit 21 of the cellular phone MS has a memory card 6 mounted on the basis of the detection result of the state of the memory card 6 returned from the memory card unit MCU and a capacity capable of storing downloaded information. It is determined whether or not there is. If this condition is satisfied, the download information coming from the server SV is received in step 5b and temporarily stored in the internal memory. At this time, it is determined whether or not the internal memory is full in Step 5f while monitoring whether or not downloading of information is completed in Step 5c.
[0049]
When the internal memory being downloaded becomes full, in step 5g, the download information temporarily stored in the internal memory is read, and this information is transmitted from the BT radio unit 5 to the memory card unit MCU. On the other hand, when the main control unit 71 of the memory card unit MCU receives the information by the BT radio circuit 62, the main control unit 71 stores the received download information in the memory card 6 via the memory card I / F 72.
[0050]
When the main control unit 21 of the mobile phone MS finishes transferring the download information stored in the internal memory, the main memory 21 clears the internal memory in step 5h. Thereafter, every time the internal memory becomes full, reception of download information and transfer control to the memory card 6 in steps 5b to 5h are repeated.
[0051]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step 5c that the download of information from the server SV has been completed, the main control unit 21 of the mobile phone MS proceeds to step 5d, where it reads the download information stored in the internal memory, This information is transmitted from the BT radio unit 5 to the memory card unit MCU. On the other hand, when the main control unit 71 of the memory card unit MCU receives the information by the BT radio circuit 62, the main control unit 71 stores the received download information in the memory card 6 via the memory card I / F 72. When the transfer of the download information is completed, the main control unit 21 of the mobile phone MS clears the internal memory in step 5e and executes a process for releasing the communication link.
[0052]
In step 5a, if it is determined that the memory card 6 is not installed in the memory card unit MCU, or if the memory card 6 is installed, the card 6 has insufficient free space. The main control unit 21 shifts to step 5i to display a message indicating that the download cannot be performed on the LCD 34, and executes processing for releasing the communication link.
[0053]
Thus, information is downloaded from the server SV.
Even if it is determined that the memory card 6 is not inserted or the memory card 6 has insufficient free space, if the free space in the internal memory of the mobile phone MS is larger than the planned download amount of information, the information This information is stored in the internal memory. Then, when it is confirmed that the memory card 6 is mounted and the memory card 6 has a capacity capable of storing download information, the download information stored in the internal memory is read out, and this information is read out by the BT radio. The data can be transferred from the unit 5 to the memory card unit MCU and stored in the memory card 6.
[0054]
If the memory card 6 runs out of free space during information download and the memory card unit MCU informs the mobile phone MS of that fact, the main control unit 21 of the mobile phone MS will use the free space in the internal memory. Determine capacity. If there is sufficient free space, the download information is continuously received and the received information is stored in the internal memory. When a new memory card 6 is installed in the memory card unit MCU and it is confirmed that the memory card 6 has a capacity capable of storing download information, the download information stored in the internal memory is stored. It is also possible to read out and transfer this information from the BT radio unit 5 to the memory card unit MCU and store it in the memory card 6.
[0055]
Furthermore, the information stored in the memory card 6 is not limited to the information downloaded from the server SV. For example, image information captured by the camera 33 in the mobile phone MS is wirelessly transferred from the BT wireless unit 5 to the memory card unit MCU and stored in the memory card 6. Then, at the time of communication with the communication partner, the image information is read from the memory card 6 and wirelessly transferred from the memory card unit MCU to the mobile phone MS by the BT radio circuit 62 and multiplexed with the transmitted voice data in the mobile phone MS. It is also possible to transmit to a communication partner.
[0056]
In addition, the telephone directory information stored in the memory card 6 is selectively transferred wirelessly from the memory card unit MCU to the mobile phone MS by BT at the time of outgoing / incoming call, and the outgoing call processing is performed based on this information. It is also possible to perform caller verification at the time of incoming call.
[0057]
As described above, in the first embodiment, the memory card unit MC provided with the memory card slot is provided separately from the mobile phone MS, and the mobile phone MS and the memory card unit MCU have the BT wireless communication function. Is provided. Then, after the information downloaded from the server SV is received by the mobile phone MS, it is transferred to the memory card unit MCU and stored in the memory card 6 using the BT wireless communication function.
[0058]
Therefore, since the download information is transferred to and stored in the memory card 6, it is possible to receive a large amount of download information including, for example, image data. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide a slot or accommodation space for mounting a memory card in the mobile phone MS, it is possible to keep the mobile phone MS small and light and provide an inexpensive mobile phone MS. .
[0059]
(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment of the present invention, a memory card unit as an external storage unit is provided separately from a mobile phone, and the mobile phone and the memory card unit are portable using BT wireless communication means. Transmission / reception information of the telephone and communication management information such as a telephone book used for transmission / reception are transferred and stored in the memory card unit. In addition to the memory card interface function, the memory card unit is provided with a display and a camera, and image information captured by the camera is stored in the memory card or transferred to a mobile phone using BT wireless communication means. Then, transmission is made from this mobile phone to the communication partner terminal. Further, image information captured by the camera and information transferred from a mobile phone and stored in a memory card are displayed on the display.
[0060]
FIG. 7 shows the appearance of the mobile phone MS according to the second embodiment, wherein (a) is a front view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a rear view. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the mobile phone MS. In this figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 2 and FIG.
[0061]
The mobile phone MS according to the second embodiment has a configuration necessary for voice communication by removing the camera 33 and the multimedia processing unit 24 for image processing from the configuration of the mobile phone MS shown in FIGS. It is equipped with.
[0062]
On the other hand, the memory card unit MCU is configured as follows. FIGS. 9A and 9B show the external appearance, wherein FIG. 9A is a front view, FIG. 9B is a side view, FIG. 9C is a rear view, and FIG. 9D is a top view. FIG. 10 is a circuit block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the memory card unit MCU. Also in this figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 4 and FIG.
[0063]
In addition to the slot for the memory card 6, the input / output unit 8B of the memory card unit MCU is newly provided with a camera 83, an LCD 84, and a key input unit 85. The camera 33 employs a solid-state imaging device such as a CMOS or CCD, and can capture a still image or a moving image.
[0064]
In addition to the main control unit 71, the memory card I / F 72, and the memory card detection unit 73, the baseband unit 7B is newly provided with a multimedia processing unit 74 and an LCD control unit 75.
[0065]
The multimedia processing unit 74 performs an image encoding process on the image data output from the camera 83 and supplies the image data to the main control unit 71, and also reads out the encoded image data received from the mobile phone MS or the memory card 6. The encoded image data is subjected to image decoding processing and supplied to the LCD control unit 75. The LCD control unit 75 edits the image data supplied from the multimedia processing unit 74 and the control data supplied from the main control unit 71 and causes the LCD 84 to display the edited data.
[0066]
The main control unit 71 includes a microprocessor and an internal memory having a ROM and a RAM. As its control functions, the main control unit 71 stores information received from the mobile phone MS in the memory card 6 and is stored in the memory card 6. A function for reading out the received information and displaying it on the LCD 84, a function for storing the image information captured by the camera 83 in the memory card 6, and a function for transmitting the information to the mobile phone MS using the BT radio circuit 62 are provided.
[0067]
Further, the programs for realizing the above control functions may be stored in advance in the ROM in the main control unit 71. However, when the memory card 6 has a large storage capacity of, for example, 64 Mbytes or more. May be stored in advance in the memory card 6. In this case, the user purchases the memory card 6 in which a program for realizing a desired control function is stored and installs it in the slot. The main control unit 71 reads a program from the memory card 6 and executes the various control functions.
[0068]
The power supply unit 9 generates the operating voltage Vcc based on the output voltage of the battery 91, its charging circuit 92, and the battery 91, and supplies it to each circuit in the unit, like the power supply unit 4 of the mobile phone MS. And a voltage generation circuit 93.
[0069]
With such a configuration, when the user performs an operation for displaying information stored in the memory card 6 in the key input unit 85 in the memory card unit MCU, the main control unit 71 starts from the memory card 6. The corresponding information is read out via the memory card I / F 72, and it is determined whether this information is image data or text data. The image data is supplied to the multimedia processing unit 74, and the text data is supplied to the LCD control unit 75. The image data is decoded by the multimedia processing unit 74 and supplied to the LCD control unit 75, where it is edited with the text data and displayed on the LCD 84.
[0070]
Therefore, the user can download information stored in the memory card 6 from the server SV, for example, by operating the key input unit 85 of the memory card unit MCU without operating the mobile phone MS. It can be confirmed by displaying on the LCD 84.
[0071]
Also, while the mobile phone MS is performing voice communication with a certain other party, the user transmits image information that has been previously captured and stored in the memory card 6 at the key input unit 35 of the mobile phone MS. Suppose you perform an operation to do this. Then, the request is sent from the mobile phone MS to the memory card unit MCU. Upon receiving this request, the main control unit 71 of the memory card unit MCU reads the image information from the memory card 6 and transmits this image information from the BT radio circuit 62 to the mobile phone MS. The mobile phone MS receives the information sent from the memory card unit MCU by the BT radio unit 5 and then supplies the information from the main control unit 21 to the demultiplexing unit 22. Then, the multiplexing / demultiplexing unit 22 multiplexes it with the transmission voice data, and transmits the multiplexed information from the radio unit 1 to the base station BS.
[0072]
In the memory card unit MCU, after the image data captured by the camera 83 is encoded, it is not stored in the memory card 6 but transmitted as it is from the BT radio circuit 62 to the mobile phone MS. In the mobile phone MS, the image data can be temporarily stored in the internal memory and then multiplexed with the audio data for transmission.
[0073]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, the memory card unit MCU includes the camera 83 and the multimedia processing unit 74 that performs the encoding / decoding processing, the LCD 84 and the control unit 75, and the key input unit 85. By providing, for example, download information stored in the memory card 6 can be displayed and confirmed on the LCD 84 as needed by operating the memory card unit MCU without operating the mobile phone MS.
[0074]
Further, for example, during voice communication using the mobile phone MS, the memory card unit MCU is freely moved to pick up a desired image at a desired angle, and this image data is multiplexed with the voice data. It is also possible to transmit.
[0075]
(Third embodiment)
According to a third embodiment of the present invention, a memory card unit is provided with a wireless communication function for a mobile communication network, a camera, an LCD, and a key input unit in addition to the interface function of the memory card. A handset having a signal input / output function has a BT wireless communication function. Then, voice data and control information for voice communication are transferred between the memory card unit and the handset with the BT communication function using BT wireless communication means.
[0076]
FIG. 11 shows the appearance of a handset with a BT communication function according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11A is a front view, FIG. 11B is a side view, and FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the handset with the BT communication function. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIGS. 7 and 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0077]
The handset with a BT communication function according to the third embodiment includes a wireless unit 1 that performs wireless communication with the base station BS of the mobile communication system from the configuration of the mobile phone MS illustrated in FIGS. The demultiplexing unit 22 that performs demultiplexing processing of image data and audio data is removed, and only the configuration necessary for audio input / output and the BT radio unit 5 are provided.
[0078]
On the other hand, the memory card unit MCU is configured as follows. FIGS. 13A and 13B show the appearance, where FIG. 13A is a front view, FIG. 13B is a side view, FIG. 13C is a rear view, and FIG. FIG. 14 is a circuit block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the memory card unit MCU. In this figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 9 and FIG.
[0079]
This memory card unit MCU includes two independent radio units, that is, a radio unit 10 for a mobile communication system, and a BT radio unit 60. Similar to the radio unit 1 provided in the mobile phone MS, the radio unit 10 for the mobile communication system includes an antenna 101, an antenna duplexer (DUP) 102, a receiving circuit (RX) 103, and a frequency synthesizer (SYN) 104. And a transmission circuit (TX) 105. On the other hand, the BT radio unit 60 includes an antenna 61, an antenna duplexer (DUP) 63, a reception circuit (RX) 64, a frequency synthesizer (SYN) 65, and a transmission circuit (TX) 66.
[0080]
The main control unit 71 of the baseband unit 7C includes a microprocessor and an internal memory having a ROM and a RAM. The control function includes a function for storing information downloaded from the server SV in the memory card 6, and A function of reading information stored in the memory card 6 and displaying the information on the LCD 84; a function of storing image information captured by the camera 83 in the memory card 6; and a function of transmitting the information to the mobile communication system using the wireless circuit 10; Each has a function of transmitting and receiving voice data using the BT radio unit 60 to and from the handset.
[0081]
Further, the programs for realizing the above control functions may be stored in advance in the ROM in the main control unit 71. However, when the memory card 6 has a large storage capacity of, for example, 64 Mbytes or more. May be stored in advance in the memory card 6. In this case, the user purchases the memory card 6 in which a program for realizing a desired control function is stored and installs it in the slot. The main control unit 71 reads a program from the memory card 6 and executes the various control functions.
[0082]
With this configuration, when performing voice communication, the user performs a call operation on the handset. Then, the call control signal is transferred from the BT radio unit 5 to the memory card unit MCU. When the main control unit 71 of the memory card unit MC receives the call control signal, it makes a call to the mobile communication network via the radio unit 10 and executes connection processing for establishing a communication link. When a communication link is established with the call destination terminal, voice communication relay control is subsequently executed.
[0083]
That is, transmission voice data transmitted from the handset by the BT radio units 5 and 60 is transmitted from the main control unit 71 to the radio unit 10 for the mobile communication system, and transmitted from the radio unit 10 to the base station BS. . On the other hand, the received voice data transmitted from the communication partner terminal is received by the radio unit 10 and then sent from the main control unit 71 to the BT radio unit 60 and transmitted from the BT radio unit 60 to the handset. In the handset, the BT radio unit 5 receives the received voice data transmitted from the memory card unit MCU, and this received voice data is input to the voice codec 23 via the main control unit 21 of the baseband unit 2C. Then, after being decoded by the audio codec 23, the audio is output from the speaker 32 of the input / output unit 3C.
[0084]
Further, when image data is transmitted during the voice communication, the following operation is performed. That is, image data captured by the camera 83 of the memory card unit MCU is encoded by the multimedia processing unit 74 and then temporarily stored in the memory card 6. In this state, when the user performs an operation for transmitting image data at the key input unit 85 of the memory card unit MCU, the image data is read from the memory card 6 under the control of the main control unit 71, This image data is transmitted from the wireless unit 10. Transmission of transmitted voice data is interrupted during the transmission period of the image data.
[0085]
As with the cellular phone MS of the first embodiment, if the memory card unit MCU is provided with a demultiplexing unit that multiplexes image data and audio data, transmission of transmitted audio data can be interrupted. It is possible to transmit the image data without first.
[0086]
Further, when information is downloaded from the server SV or the like, the memory card unit MCU performs the following operation. That is, the download information transmitted from the server SV is received by the wireless unit 10, and then supplied from the main control unit 71 of the baseband unit 7C to the memory card I / F 71. The memory card I / F 71 supplies the download information to the memory card 6. Remembered.
[0087]
The download information stored in the memory card 6 is read from the memory card 6 under the control of the main control unit 71 in accordance with a user operation, and is displayed on the LCD 84 via the LCD control unit 75.
[0088]
As described above, according to the third embodiment, since the memory card unit MCU is equipped with the radio unit 10 for the mobile communication system and its communication control function, it is only necessary to prepare a handset with a BT communication function. Mobile voice communication can be performed. Therefore, the user can perform voice communication with a handset that is smaller and lighter than when the mobile phone MS is used. In this case, if the handset is made extremely small and light, such as a wristwatch type or a remote controller for portable audio equipment, the user does not need to hold the handset in the call and the hands-free property is enhanced.
[0089]
(Other embodiments)
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and for example, the following configurations are also conceivable.
That is, when the mobile radio terminal main body is a PHS terminal MS ′ having a cordless communication function, the PHS terminal MS ′ is connected to the public network NW via the base unit QS of the cordless telephone device, for example, indoors and its surroundings, Outdoors, the PHS base station CS is connected to the public network NW via the PHS network (I ′ interface).
[0090]
On the other hand, the PHS terminal MS ′ is used as it is, such as an existing portable wireless communication system such as PDC (Personal Digital Cellular) and GSM (Global System For Mobile Communication), W-CDMA (Wide Band-Code Division Multiple Access) or CDMA2000. It is more convenient to connect to the next generation portable wireless communication system and perform portable wireless communication. In order to meet this demand, recently, for example, mobile communication terminals in which both a communication function for PDC and a communication function for PHS are provided in one terminal have appeared. However, since this type of terminal is provided with both functions in one terminal, the terminal is likely to increase in size and weight and increase in power consumption.
[0091]
Therefore, in the present invention, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, an existing portable radio communication system such as PDC or GSM or a next-generation portable radio communication system such as W-CDMA (first radio communication system) is provided in the memory card unit MCU. ) And the memory card unit MCU and the PHS terminal MS ′ are connected by the BT wireless communication system. At this time, the memory card unit MCU is provided with minimum hardware for realizing a wireless communication function for an existing portable wireless communication system such as PDC or GSM or a next-generation portable wireless communication system such as W-CDMA. The remaining part for realizing the wireless communication function is configured by software, and this software is stored in the memory card 6 in advance.
[0092]
And if the user wants to use the existing portable wireless communication system such as PDC and GSM and the next generation portable wireless communication system such as W-CDMA using the PHS terminal MS ′ as it is, these portable wireless communication functions are realized. The memory card 6 in which the software to be stored is preliminarily stored is purchased and installed in the memory card unit MCU, or the software is downloaded from the software service center of the communication carrier and stored in the memory card 6.
[0093]
With such a configuration, the user simply uses the PHS terminal MS ′ and the memory card unit MCU and prepares the memory card 6 storing software for realizing the desired function. It is possible to use not only the (second wireless communication system) but also an existing portable wireless communication system such as PDC and GSM and a next-generation portable wireless communication system (first wireless communication system) such as W-CDMA. Become.
[0094]
In addition, since there is no need to replace the PHS terminal MS ′ itself, the cost burden on the user is reduced. Further, since it is not necessary to provide both the function for the first radio communication system and the function for the second radio communication system in the PHS terminal MS ′, the size and weight of the PHS terminal MS ′ can be increased, and power consumption can be reduced. There is no increase.
[0095]
In each of the above embodiments, the case where only one line is used at the same time has been described as an example. However, as in the case of a terminal used in a W-CDMA system, when the main body has a so-called multicall function in which a plurality of wireless communication paths are set and communicated with a communication network at the same time, the above plural For example, while performing voice communication with a communication network using one of the wireless communication paths, image information received via another wireless communication path is stored in the memory via the BT wireless communication path. It may be transferred to the card unit and stored in the memory card 6.
[0096]
Furthermore, since the memory card 6 described in each of the above embodiments is assumed to be used for storing large-capacity data such as video data downloaded from the Internet or image data captured by a camera, for example, 64 Mbytes. A large-capacity storage medium having the above storage capacity is desirable, but the present invention is not limited to this.
[0097]
Assuming that the memory card 6 is used for storing video data and music data as described above, it is desirable that the memory card 6 be a copy-protectable storage medium from the viewpoint of copyright protection. However, the present invention is not limited.
[0098]
Further, in each of the above embodiments, a mobile radio terminal represented by a mobile phone terminal, a PHS terminal, or the like has been described as an example. However, a PDA (Personal) having the performance as a mobile radio terminal described in each embodiment It can also be applied to portable information terminals represented by Data Assistants) and electronic notebooks.
[0099]
In addition, the shape and structure of the external storage unit (which may be a stick shape, a spherical shape, or a rod shape in addition to the card shape), the configuration of the memory card unit, the configuration of the mobile wireless terminal main body, etc. are within the scope of the present invention. Various modifications can be made.
[0100]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the external storage unit includes the first wireless communication means for performing communication with the communication network via the first wireless line, the function for storing information, and the wireless communication function. The second wireless communication means for communicating with the second wireless communication path different from the first wireless communication path, and the information received by the first wireless communication means for the second wireless communication path. Information transfer control means for transferring and storing the data from the wireless communication means to the external storage unit via the second wireless communication path.Then, the information transfer control means determines whether the external storage unit is in a state capable of storing information during reception of the information. If the information transfer control means is not in a state capable of storing information, the first wireless communication is performed. When at least one of the information received by the means and the information transmitted from the first wireless communication means is temporarily stored in the internal memory, and then the internal storage unit determines that the information can be stored, the internal Information stored in the memory is transferred from the second wireless communication means to the external storage unit and stored therein.
[0101]
  Therefore, a mobile radio terminal capable of storing a large amount of information without increasing the size, weight, and cost of the main body, andExternal storage unitCan be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a mobile communication system using a mobile radio terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are external views of a mobile phone according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 2A is a front view, FIG. 2B is a side view, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the mobile phone according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
4A and 4B show the appearance of the memory card unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 4A is a front view, FIG. 4B is a side view, FIG. 4C is a rear view, and FIG. Top view.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a memory card unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart showing the procedure and contents of download control and BT transfer control by the mobile phone shown in FIG. 3;
7A and 7B are external views of a mobile phone according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 7A is a front view, FIG. 7B is a side view, and FIG.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a mobile phone according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 9A and 9B are external views of a memory card unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9A is a front view, FIG. 9B is a side view, and FIG.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a memory card unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 11A and 11B show the appearance of a mobile phone according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 11A is a front view, FIG. 11B is a side view, and FIG.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a mobile phone according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 13A and 13B are external views of a memory card unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13A is a front view, FIG. 13B is a side view, and FIG.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a memory card unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram of a mobile communication system showing the use of a mobile radio terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
MS ... Mobile phone
MCU ... Memory card unit
BT ... Base station
SV ... Server
ST: Data storage device
1. Wireless unit of mobile phone
2A, 2B, 2C, 2D ... Baseband part of mobile phone
3A, 3B, 3C, 3D ... Input / output unit of mobile phone
4. Power supply unit of mobile phone
5 ... BT radio part of mobile phone
6 ... Memory card
7A, 7B, 7C ... Baseband part of memory card unit
8B, 8C ... Memory card unit input / output section
9 ... Power supply part of memory card unit
10: Radio unit for mobile communication system of memory card unit
11, 51, 61, 101 ... antenna
12, 52, 63, 102 ... Duplexer (DPX)
13, 53, 64, 103... Reception circuit (RX)
14, 54, 65, 104 ... frequency synthesizer (SYN)
15, 55, 66, 105... Transmission circuit (TX)
21 ... Main control unit of mobile phone
21a ... Download control means
21b ... BT transfer control means
22 ... Demultiplexer
23 ... Audio codec
24, 74 ... Multimedia processing unit
25, 75 ... LCD controller
31 ... Microphone
32 ... Speaker
33, 83 ... Camera
34,84 ... Liquid crystal display (LCD)
35, 85 ... Key input section
36. Illuminator
41, 91 ... battery
42, 92 ... Charging circuit (CHG)
43, 93 ... Voltage generation circuit (PS)
60 ... BT radio unit for memory card unit
61 ... BT radio circuit
71 ... Main control unit of memory card unit
81 ... Memory card slot
82 ... Eject button

Claims (4)

First wireless communication means for communicating with a communication network via a first wireless line;
A second wireless communication means for performing communication via a second wireless communication path different from the first wireless communication path between an external storage unit having a function of storing information and a wireless communication function;
The information received by the first wireless communication means, comprising a second radio from said communication means a second information transfer control means for transferring and storing into the external storage unit via the wireless communication path ,
The information transfer control means includes
Determining means for determining whether or not the external storage unit is capable of storing information during reception of the information;
When it is determined by the determination means that the external storage unit is not in a state capable of storing information, at least one of information received by the first wireless communication means and information transmitted from the first wireless communication means When it is determined that the external storage unit is ready to store information after being temporarily stored in the internal memory, the information stored in the internal memory is transferred from the second wireless communication means to the external storage unit. Means to transfer and store
Mobile radio terminals, characterized in that it comprises a.   The information transfer control means stores at least one of information received by the first wireless communication means and information transmitted from the first wireless communication means in an internal memory, and stores the information in the internal memory. The function according to claim 1, further comprising a function of transferring the information from the second wireless communication unit to the external storage unit via the second wireless communication path and storing the information when the information cannot be used. Mobile radio terminal. The information transfer control means includes
Communication path setting control means for setting a plurality of first wireless communication paths simultaneously with a communication network;
While executing the first communication with the communication network using one of the first wireless communication paths set by the communication path setting control means, the other first wireless communication is performed. Means for transferring and storing at least one of information received from the communication network via a path and information transmitted to the first wireless communication path to the external storage unit via the second wireless communication path; The mobile radio terminal according to claim 1, further comprising: An external storage unit for use with the mobile radio terminal according to claim 1,
Wireless communication means for performing communication between the mobile wireless terminals via the second wireless communication path;
It detects whether or not its own external storage unit is in a state where information can be stored, and the detection result is sent to the mobile communication terminal via the second wireless communication path for determination by the determination means. Means for transmitting;
Means for receiving information transferred from the mobile communication terminal via the second wireless communication path using the wireless communication means;
An external storage unit comprising: means for storing the received information in a storage medium.

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