JPH08339241A - Portable information equipment system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a portable information equipment system which can start an application in response to every function when the system is connected to one of plural i/oBOXs of different functions at a handy terminal. CONSTITUTION: Some of i/oBOX 2 has a modem function, a computer communication function, a printer print-out function, etc. These i/oBOX 2 of different functions have different voltage levels at their power connection terminals 15. A handy terminal 1 includes the power connection terminals 8 which receive the electric power from the power connection terminals 15 of the i/oBOX 2 and an installation detection circuit 9 which is connected to the terminals 8. The circuit 9 detects the voltage of the terminals 8. Thus the circuit 9 can detect the voltage of terminals 15 which differ from each other in every i/oBOX 2 and can recognize the function of the i/oBOX 2. A CPU 3 starts an application in response to the function of the i/oBOX 2 and based on the signal that is received from the circuit 9 and shows a voltage level.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable information equipment system capable of inputting / outputting data to / from other information equipment through an interface device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a portable information device such as a handy terminal, a data collector, a PDA (personal d
igital assistants), sub-notebook personal computers, etc., can input and output data to and from other information devices. However, these portable information devices are smaller and lighter, and other information In order to facilitate the connection of the line to the device, the interface device for data input / output is often a detachable separate body.

Conventionally, in a portable information device such as a handy terminal, by connecting a handy terminal to an i / oBOX which is an interface device connected to a line, data is input / output to / from other information devices. I was able to do that.

The i / oBOX has a built-in modem for inputting / outputting data using a telephone line, a built-in interface for communication with a host computer system, and the like depending on the purpose. In some cases, different processing may be performed.

In the handy terminal, i
In order to determine whether or not it is connected to / oBOX,
In some cases, the connection can be confirmed by a photo interrupter using a mechanical switch or a photo sensor at the time of connection.

Further, in the handy terminal, the power source is a battery to ensure portability, and the operating time is limited. Therefore, in the handy terminal, in order to reduce battery consumption, the i / oBOX is used. When connecting, i
Some have come to receive power supply from / oBOX.

[0007]

By the way, in order to connect the handy terminal to the i / oBOX and input / output data to / from other information equipment, it is necessary to start an application for communication, but directly. The processing is different between the case of connecting to the host computer to input / output data and the case of connecting to the host computer via a telephone line to input / output data, and it is necessary to start different applications.

The information equipment connected to the handy terminal is not limited to the host computer, but is connected to a storage device such as a printer or a floppy disk drive or a display device to output or input / output data. This may be done, and it is necessary to start the application corresponding to each information device.

Therefore, as described above, the i / oBOX is different for each purpose, that is, for connection with a computer,
If it has been specialized for a purpose such as a telephone line, a printer, a storage device, etc., after installing a handy terminal in the i / oBOX according to the purpose, further depending on the purpose. It was necessary to select an application and launch it before inputting / outputting data, making the operability of the handy terminal complicated.

In particular, when inputting / outputting data directly to / from a host computer or through a telephone line, processing can be performed by the operation from the host computer side when a communication application is started up, which generally leads to complicated operation. It is possible to eliminate the need to operate from the handy terminal, which is not suitable, but it is necessary to select and launch the communication application from the handy terminal side as described above, and completely eliminate the operation from the handy terminal side. I can't.

Furthermore, if the data input / output in the handy terminal is a standardized job, the information device on the other side may be a printer, a storage device, or a display other than the computer at the stage of launching an application according to the purpose. However, it is possible to automate the process and eliminate the need to operate the handy terminal, but again, it is necessary to select and start the application from the handy terminal side.

Further, as shown in the above conventional example, when the i / oBOX is connected to the handy terminal, the handy terminal can detect the connection of the i / oBOX by a mechanical switch or a photo interrupter. However, such a mechanism is basically an i / o
A protrusion is provided at a predetermined position on the BOX side, a groove or hole is provided at a predetermined position on the handy terminal side, and a mechanical switch or a photo interrupter is provided inside the groove or hole. The protrusion on the i / oBOX side is the handy terminal side. The switch operates when it is inserted into the groove or hole, and the structure is relatively complicated.

Further, the mechanical switch causes a malfunction due to vibration or shock when being carried. In addition, even when using a photo interrupter, it basically detects a mechanical operation of inserting a protrusion into a groove or a hole, which may cause a malfunction when carried and consumes power. This will reduce the usage time of the handy terminal.

Further, by using the above connection detecting mechanism, i
/ Provide different positions and lengths for each oBOX type,
It is possible to detect the i / oBOX type on the handy terminal side by changing the switch that detects it for each i / oBOX type on the handy terminal side, but the mechanism for detecting the connection is structural. However, the operation becomes complicated, which may cause malfunctions and increase manufacturing costs.

In addition, the handy terminal is connected to the i / oBOX.
When the power is supplied from the i / oBOX side when connected to, the processing at the handy terminal is possible if the battery is connected to the i / oBOX even if the battery voltage on the handy terminal side is low. It will be possible to do
In this case, if the handy terminal is removed from the i / oBOX without being completely turned off, a sudden voltage drop may occur, which may destroy the data stored in the handy terminal.

The object of the present invention is to reduce the possibility of malfunction due to vibration or shock and to detect the type of i / oBOX connected in the handy terminal with a very simple structure, and to detect the connected i / oBOX. It is possible to automatically select and start an application corresponding to the function of.

[0017]

The portable information equipment system according to claim 1 of the present invention is formed separately from the portable information equipment and connected to the portable information equipment. A portable information device system comprising an interface device for connecting the portable information device to another information device so as to be capable of data input, data output, or data input / output, and a plurality of types of interface devices are prepared. In addition, the portable information device has power output means for outputting power to the portable information device at a voltage level different for each type of interface device in a connected state, and the portable information device is connected to the interface device. Voltage detection means for detecting the voltage level of the power supply output from the interface device and the voltage level detected by the voltage detection means. An application that further recognizes the connection to the interface device, recognizes the type of the connected interface device based on the detected voltage level, and selects and starts an application corresponding to the recognized type of the interface device. It is characterized by comprising a starting means.

Further, in the portable information equipment system according to claim 2 of the present invention, one kind of the interface equipment of each kind of the interface equipment is connected to the portable information equipment in place of the power output means. In this case, the portable information device has short-circuiting means for short-circuiting the power supply path of the portable information device receiving power output from the interface device, the portable information equipment has short-circuiting detection means for detecting a short-circuit of the power supply path, and the application The start-up means recognizes that the interface device having the short-circuit means is connected when the short-circuit detection means detects a short-circuit in the power supply path, and selects an application corresponding to the interface device having the short-circuit means. It is characterized by selecting and starting.

Further, in the portable information equipment system according to claim 3 of the present invention, the portable information equipment detects a battery for supplying power to each part of the portable information equipment and a battery voltage detection for detecting the voltage of the battery. Means and a disconnecting means for disconnecting the power supply path for receiving power output from the interface device when the battery voltage detecting means does not detect a voltage higher than a predetermined voltage level.

[0020]

According to the above configuration, when the portable information device is connected to the interface device, the portable information device is supplied with power from the power output means of the interface device.

At this time, the interface device is
Depending on the type, power is supplied to the portable information device at different voltage levels.

The voltage detecting means of the portable information device is
The voltage level from the power supply output means is detected. The voltage level detected at this time corresponds to the type of the interface device.

Therefore, the application starting means can recognize the type of the interface device from the detected voltage level, and can start the application corresponding to the recognized interface device. After connecting to the target interface device, it is possible to save the operator the trouble of selecting and starting an application according to the purpose.

Further, according to the structure of claim 2,
In the configuration according to claim 1, when the voltage level of the power supply output means of the interface device is 0V, it is possible to recognize the type of the interface device by the difference in the voltage level. It is not possible to detect the mounting of the portable information device due to the fluctuation of the voltage level, and another mounting detecting mechanism is required. It becomes possible to recognize the attachment of the device to the interface device.

That is, even in an interface device that does not output power to a portable information device, application startup is performed in the same manner as an interface device that outputs power to another voltage level by detecting a short circuit in the power supply path of the portable information device. By the means, it is possible to recognize both the mounting of the portable information device on the interface device and the type of the interface device.

According to the third aspect of the invention, when the battery voltage detecting means cannot detect a voltage higher than the predetermined voltage level of the battery, the power supply path for supplying power from the interface device of the portable information equipment is provided. Since the portable information device is disconnected by the disconnecting means, it is impossible to operate the portable information device by receiving power supply from the interface device when the voltage of the battery of the portable information device is lowered or the battery is not properly mounted.

Therefore, when the portable information device is connected to the interface device with no battery power remaining and the portable information device is operated with the power supplied from the interface device, the portable information device receives the portable information from the interface device. If the device is removed, a sudden drop in voltage may occur in the portable information device, and the data in the portable information device may be destroyed. Since power cannot be supplied to the portable information device to perform processing by the portable information device, it is possible to completely prevent the data from being destroyed due to the above reason.

[0028]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A portable information device system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the portable information device system of this embodiment, the portable information device of the present invention and the interface device are applied to a handy terminal and an interface device i / oBOX, respectively. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a handy terminal 1 and an i / oBOX 2 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the portable information device system of this embodiment includes a handy terminal 1 which is a portable information device and a plurality of types which are interface devices for connecting the handy terminal 1 to other information devices. i / oBO
X2 (only one is shown in FIG. 1).

As shown in FIG. 1, the handy terminal 1 is used for data communication between the CPU (central processing unit) 3 for realizing the function of the handy terminal 1 and the handy terminal 1 and the i / oBOX 2. Optical interface 4, a battery 5 for supplying power to the CPU 3 and the like of the handy terminal 1, and a diode OR in a state in which power can be supplied from either of the power from the battery 5 and the power from the i / oBOX 2 side. Circuit 6
A stabilizing circuit 7 for stabilizing the voltage from the battery 5 and the i / oBOX 2 and supplying it to the CPU 3 and the like, and the i / oBOX 2
Power connection terminals 8 for receiving power from
And a mounting detection circuit 9 that detects that the handy terminal 1 is mounted on the i / oBOX 2 by detecting the voltage supplied by the power from the i / oBOX 2, and from the i / oBOX 2 side when the battery 5 is exhausted. It is composed of a switch circuit 10 for cutting off the supply of electric power and a voltage detector 11 for detecting the voltage of the battery 5.

The i / oBOX 2 on which the handy terminal 1 is mounted and mounted has an AC adapter 13 for converting an AC current from the commercial power supply 12 into a DC current of a predetermined voltage.
A stabilizing circuit 14 for stabilizing the direct current from the AC adapter 13 to a predetermined voltage, and power connection terminals 15 and 15 for supplying power from the stabilizing circuit 14 to the handy terminal 1. The data processing unit 16 is supplied with power from the stabilizing circuit 14 and performs data processing as an interface device of the handy terminal 1. The data processing unit 16 is connected to the data processing unit 16 via a data bus 17a, and
It comprises an optical interface 4 of the handy terminal 1 and an optical interface 17 for data communication.

FIG. 1 mainly shows the power receiving portion of the handy terminal 1 and the i / oBOX 2 according to the present invention. The key input portion, the display portion of the handy terminal 1 and the i / oBOX 2 are shown. The parts such as the communication line connection part are omitted.

FIG. 1 and the following FIGS. 3, 4 and 5
In the figure, the thick line indicates the power supply path 8a of the handy terminal 1 and the power supply path 15a of the i / oBOX, and the thin line indicates the signal path (signal lines 19, 20, 21, 22, 23). Further, the i / oBOX 2 is formed with a recess 18 for receiving a connecting portion at the bottom of the handy terminal 1 as shown in a simplified manner in FIG. 1, and the handy terminal is formed on the i / oBOX 2 in accordance with the recess 13. When 1 is placed, the handy terminal 1 is placed and mounted on the i / oBOX 2 at a predetermined position.

Next, the i / oBOX 2 will be described in detail before the handy terminal 1 is described in more detail. In the above i / oBOX2, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (B) and (C) respectively, [A],
There are three types, [B] and [C], and the i / oB shown in FIG.
OX2 (2a) is a [B] type and [C] type i
/ OBOX2.

Then, the above-mentioned [A] type i / oBOX
2 (2b), as shown in FIG. 3, the power is not supplied from the stabilizing circuit 14 to the power connection terminals 15 and 15, and the power connection terminals 15 and 15 are short-circuited by the conductor 15b. It is in a state of being forced to.

Here, each part of the i / oBOX 2 will be described. The AC adapter 13 converts an alternating current from the commercial power supply 12 into a direct current to supply electric power to the i / oBOX 2, and also [B] type and [C] type i / o.
In the oBOX 2 (2a), power is also supplied to the handy terminal 1 attached to the i / oBOX 2 via the stabilizing circuit 14 and the power connection terminals 15 and 15.

The stabilizing circuit 14 is, as shown in FIG. 4, a [B] type and a [C] type i / oBOX2.
In (2a), a constant voltage regulator 14a for supplying power of a predetermined voltage to the data processing unit 16 and a constant voltage for supplying power of a predetermined voltage to the handy terminal 1 via the power connection terminals 15 and 15. Regulator 14
and b.

Further, in the [A] type i / oBOX 2, only the constant voltage regulator 14a for supplying the power of a predetermined voltage to the data processing unit 16 is provided, and the power is supplied to the handy terminal 1. Is not supplied. Also, [B] type i / oBO
In X2, the voltage of the constant voltage regulator 14b for supplying the power of the predetermined voltage to the handy terminal 1 is set to 3V. Also, [C] type i / oB
In the OX2, the voltage of the constant voltage regulator 14b for supplying electric power of a predetermined voltage to the handy terminal 1 is set to 5V.

The power connection terminals 15 and 15 are [A].
Type i / oBOX2 (2b), i / oBO
The handy terminal 1 is placed at the predetermined position of X2,
With the handy terminal 1 attached to the i / oBOX 2, the power connecting terminals 8 of the handy terminal 1 are contacted by contacting the power connecting terminals 8 of the handy terminal 1.
8 is short-circuited.

[B] type and [C] type i
In / oBOX2 (2a), as described above, i / o
With the Handy Terminal 1 attached to the BOX2,
Power is supplied to the handy terminal 1 by contacting the power connection terminals 8 of the handy terminal 1.

The data processing unit 16 processes data as an interface device with other information equipment of the handy terminal 1, and includes the optical interface 4,
The data is input / output to / from the handy terminal 1 via 17, and the data corresponding to another information device is converted to input / output the data to / from another information device.

The data processing section 16 of each of the above types of i / oBOX2 has different functions,
It is designed to input / output data to / from different information devices or to input / output data via different paths.

For example, the data processing unit 16 of the [A] type i / oBOX 2 is connected to a telephone line as a so-called modem to input / output data to / from a computer via the telephone line. B] type i / o
The data processing unit 16 of the BOX2 is directly connected to the computer by a line to input and output data to and from the computer, and the data processing unit 16 of the [C] type i / oBOX2 is connected to the printer. The handy terminal 1 prints to a printer.

The functions of each type of i / oBOX 2 are not particularly limited to those described above, and may be connected to various information devices. The optical interface 17 has a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, and is for performing data communication by non-contact light.

Further, the optical interface 17 inputs and outputs data of the data processing unit 16 to and from the optical interface 4 on the handy terminal 1 side under the control of the data processing unit 16. And i / o
When the handy terminal 1 is placed at a predetermined position on the BOX 2, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the optical interface 4 of the handy terminal 1 and the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the optical interface 17 of the i / oBOX 2 are opposed to each other. It is supposed to be.

As described above, the i / oBOX2 of this embodiment is used.
Is at least 3 types, and [A] type i / oB
The OX 2 functions, for example, as a modem and does not supply power to the handy terminal 1 side as shown in FIG. 2A, and the power connection terminals 8 and 8 of the handy terminal 1 are provided.
It is designed to short circuit between them.

[B] type i / oBOX2 is
For example, while functioning as an interface device with a computer, as shown in FIG. 2B, power of 3V is supplied to the handy terminal 1 side. Also, the [C] type i / oBOX2 is, for example,
It functions as an interface device with the printer and supplies electric power of 5V to the handy terminal 1 side as shown in FIG. 2 (C). The combination of the voltage level for power supply and the function of the i / oBOX 2 is not particularly limited to the above.

Next, the handy terminal 1 will be described in detail. The CPU 3 shown in FIG. 1 does not represent a chip but represents a unit that performs arithmetic processing of the handy terminal 2, and a RAM (random access me).
mory), ROM (read only memory), i / o port, etc. are also included, and the function as a well-known handy terminal is realized.

Further, the CPU 3 has a function of activating an application corresponding to each i / oBOX 2 based on a signal from the mounting detection circuit 9, as described later. In addition, the CPU 3 is
It is possible to output a signal to turn off the
The power supply from the i / oBOX2 can be cut by a command from.

Further, the CPU 3 can output a warning of the dead battery by a signal from the voltage detector 11 which measures the voltage of the battery 5. The optical interface 4 is similar to the optical interface 17, and is connected to the CPU 3 by the data bus 4a.
Further, the optical interface 4 inputs / outputs data of the CPU 1 from / to the optical interface 12 on the i / oBOX 2 side under the control of the CPU 1.

The battery 5 is a primary battery or a secondary battery that supplies electric power to the CPU 3 and the like of the handy terminal 1. 1 does not show a configuration for charging the battery 5, the power connection terminal 8,
A well-known charging circuit may be provided to bring a voltage to the battery 5 when power is supplied from the battery 8. The diode OR circuit 6 is configured to be able to supply power to the CPU 3 and the like via the stabilizing circuit 7 when power is supplied from at least one of the battery 5 and the power connection terminals 8 and 8. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, it is composed of two diodes 6a, 6a.

The stabilizing circuit 7 is a constant voltage regulator 7a (shown in FIG. 5), which is a battery 5 or an i / oBO.
When electric power is supplied from X2 at a different voltage, the electric power is converted into a predetermined voltage and stabilized, and the electric power is supplied to the CPU 3 and the like.

The power connection terminals 8 and 8 are connected to the power terminals 1 of the i / oBOX 2 when the handy terminal 1 is arranged at a predetermined position of the i / oBOX 2 as described above.
It comes in contact with 5, 15 and i / oBOX2
It is for supplying electric power from the side to the handy terminal 1 side. Although FIG. 1 illustrates the power connection terminals 8 and 8 in a simplified manner, the power connection terminals 8 and 8 may be formed in the recesses, or an openable and closable cover may be provided. You may.

As shown in FIG. 4, the mounting detection circuit 9 has a short circuit detector 9a and two voltage detectors 9a, and detects a short circuit between the power connection terminals 8 and 8. The voltage level between the power connection terminals 8 and 8 is detected. Further, the mounting detection circuit 9 includes a signal line 19 (shown in FIG. 1, 19a, 19b, 1 in FIG. 4).
9c) is connected to the CPU 13 and is also connected to the switch circuit 10 by a signal line 20 (shown in FIG. 1, 20b and 20c in FIG. 4).

The short-circuit detector 9a is shown in FIG.
When the handy terminal 1 is attached to the i / oBOX 2 of the type and the power connection terminals 8 of the handy terminal 1 are short-circuited by contacting the power connection terminals 15 of the i / oBOX 2, It is something to detect. The short-circuit detector 9a and the CPU 3 are connected to the signal line 1
9a, and when the short circuit detection circuit 9a detects a short circuit between the power connection terminals 8 and 8, an ON signal is sent to the CPU 3.

The voltage detector 9b is a [B] type i.
When the handy terminal 1 is attached to the / oBOX2, a voltage of 3V is applied when the space between the power connection terminals 8 and 8 of the handy terminal 1 contacts the power connection terminals 15 and 15 on the i / oBOX2 side. In order to be able to detect, the detection range corresponds to the stop voltage regulator 14b of the [B] type i / oBOX2.

The voltage detector 9b is connected to the CPU 3 and the switch circuit 10 by the signal line 19b and the signal line 20b, and the voltage detection circuit 9b detects a voltage of about 3 V between the power connection terminals 8 and 8. In that case, an ON signal is sent to the CPU 3 and the switch circuit 10.

The voltage detector 9c is a [C] type i.
When the handy terminal 1 is attached to the / oBOX2, a voltage of 5V is applied when the space between the power connection terminals 8 and 8 of the handy terminal 1 contacts the power connection terminals 15 and 15 on the i / oBOX2 side. In order to be able to detect, the detection range corresponds to the stop voltage regulator 14b of the [C] type i / oBOX2.

The voltage detector 9c is connected to the CPU 3 and the switch circuit 10 by the signal line 19c and the signal line 20b, and the voltage detection circuit 9b detects a voltage of about 3 V between the power connection terminals 8 and 8. CPU3
An ON signal is sent to the switch circuit 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the switch circuit 10 is composed of three switches 10a, 10b and 10c.

Further, these switches 10a, 10b, 1
0c is arranged in series in the power supply path 8a, and if any of the three switches 10a, 10b, 10c is OFF, the power supply connection terminals 8, 8 When the power path 8a is cut off and all the switches 10a, 10b, 10c are ON,
The power supply path 8a is connected.

The switch 10a includes a signal line 20 (20
b, 20c), the mounting detection circuit 9 (voltage detector 9b,
When the handy terminal 1 is connected to the [B] type or [C] type i / oBOX 2 connected to the voltage detector 9c) and a voltage of 3V or 5V is detected, the attachment detection circuit 9 ( It turns on when the signals from the voltage detector 9b and the voltage detector 9c) turn on.

The switch 10b is connected to the voltage detector 11 by the signal line 22, and is turned on when the signal from the voltage detector 11 is turned on, that is, when the normal voltage of the battery 5 is detected. It is supposed to be. The switch 10C is connected to the CPU 3 via a signal line 21, and is turned on when a control signal from the CPU 3 is turned on.

Each switch 10a, 10b, 10c
May be operated by a signal from the outside, and is constituted by, for example, an FET (field-effect transistor) or another transistor. If a charging circuit for charging the battery is provided, the switch circuit 10
It is necessary to bypass the power supply to supply power to the charging circuit.

The voltage detector 11 detects the voltage between the terminals of the handy terminal 1 connected to the battery 5, and is connected to the CPU 3 and the switch circuit 10 via the signal line 22 and the signal line 23, respectively. It is connected to the switch 10b and outputs an ON signal when the voltage between the terminals is equal to or higher than a predetermined level.

Therefore, the battery 5 is normally attached, and
When the voltage of the battery 5 is normal, an ON signal is output to the CPU 3 and the switch 10b of the switch circuit 10,
In U3, it can be confirmed that the battery 5 is normal, and the switch 10b is turned on and the other switch 10 is turned on.
When a and 10c are ON, power can be supplied from the i / oBOX 2 side to the handy terminal 1 side.

If the battery 5 is not properly mounted, or if the battery 5 is exhausted and its voltage drops, the CPU 3 and the switch 1 of the switch circuit 10 are switched.
The signal to 0b is turned off. Therefore, if power is still being supplied to the CPU 3,
The CPU 3 can determine whether the voltage of the battery 5 has dropped and output a warning.

Further, in the switch circuit 10, the switch 10b is turned off, and the power supply from the i / oBOX 2 side to the handy terminal 1 side is cut off.

That is, in a state where the battery 5 cannot supply power to the handy terminal 1, the handy terminal 1 is connected to the i / oBOX 2 and the i / oBOX is connected.
2 cannot be supplied with electric power, and when the power supply from the battery 5 cannot be expected, i /
By removing the handy terminal 1 from the i / oBOX 2 while receiving power from the oBOX 2, data is prevented from being destroyed due to a sudden voltage drop in the handy terminal 1.

Next, a plurality of i / oBOX2 as described above is used.
Detection of mounting and recognition of the type of the i / oBOX 2 at the time of mounting and selection and activation of an application accompanying the mounting detection in the portable information device system including the portable terminal 1 and the handy terminal 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this embodiment, three types of i / oBOX2 are installed as shown in FIG.

As described above, in this embodiment, the [A] type i / oBOX 2 is connected to the telephone line and functions as a modem, and as shown in FIG. Supply voltage is 0V
Therefore, the power connection terminals 8 of the handy terminal 1 are short-circuited.

The [B] type i / oBOX2 is
It is directly connected to the computer, functions as an interface device for communication with the computer, and supplies 3V of power to the handy terminal 1 side as shown in FIG. 2B. Also, [C]
The type i / oBOX 2 is connected to the printer, functions as an interface device with the printer, and supplies power of 5V to the handy terminal 1 side as shown in FIG. 2C. .

Then, in the handy terminal 1,
When inputting / outputting data using a telephone line, inputting / outputting data directly connected to a computer, outputting data to a printer, etc., attach the handy terminal 1 to an i / oBOX2 of a type according to the purpose. To do.

At this time, the power connection terminals 8 and 8 of the handy terminal 1 and the power connection terminals 8 and 8 of the i / oBOX 2 come into contact with each other, and accordingly, the voltage between the power connection terminals 8 and 8 is detected. Is performed (step S1).

That is, the short-circuit detector 9 of the mounting detection circuit 9
In a, the voltage detector 9b, and the voltage detector 9c, when the handy terminal 1 is not attached to the i / oBOX 2, short-circuiting between the power connection terminals 8 of the handy terminal 1 and application of voltage are performed. Not so
As shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, the short circuit detector 9a, the voltage detector 9b, the voltage detector 9c to the signal line 19 are connected.
Signal to CPU3 via a, 19b, 19c is OFF
Has become.

When the signals from the voltage detectors 9b and 9c are OFF, the switch 10a of the switch circuit 10 connected to the voltage detectors 9b and 9c by the signal lines 20b and 20c is also OFF. Since the power supply path 8a is cut off, the short-circuit detector 9a does not output an ON signal in the state where no short circuit has occurred between the power connection terminals 8 and 8.

Then, the handy terminal 1 becomes i / oB
When it is attached to OX2, if the i / oBOX is [A]
In the case of the type, the power connection terminals 8, 8 of the handy terminal 1 are brought into contact with the short-circuited power connection terminals 15, 15 of the i / oBOX 2 to short-circuit the power connection terminals 8, 8. As shown in FIG. 7A, the short circuit detector 9a detects this short circuit and outputs an ON signal to the CPU 3.

As a result, the CPU 3 recognizes the attachment to the i / oBOX 2 and the signal from the short-circuit detector 9a is turned ON, so that the [A] type i / oBOX
Recognize that it is attached to X2.

In addition, the handy terminal 1 is an i / oBO
If the i / oBOX is a [B] type when it is attached to the X2, as shown in FIG. 7B, the i / oBOX is
2. Power connection terminals 15, 15 to which a voltage of 3 V is applied
When the power connection terminals 8 and 8 of the handy terminal 1 come into contact with each other, a voltage of 3V is applied between the power connection terminals 8 and 8. The voltage detector 9b detects the voltage of 3V and turns on the CPU3. Signal will be output. As a result, the CPU 3 recognizes attachment to the i / oBOX 2 and also recognizes attachment to the [B] type i / oBOX 2 when the signal from the voltage detector 9b is turned on.

In addition, the handy terminal 1 is an i / oBO
If the i / oBOX is a [C] type when it is attached to the X2, as shown in FIG. 7C, the i / oBOX is
Power connection terminals 15, 15 to which a voltage of 5V of 2 is applied
When the power connection terminals 8 and 8 of the handy terminal 1 come into contact with each other, a voltage of 5V is applied between the power connection terminals 8 and 8. The voltage detector 9b detects the voltage of 5V and turns on the CPU3. Signal will be output. As a result, the CPU 3 detects the attachment to the i / oBOX 2 and recognizes that the attachment has been made to the [C] type i / oBOX 2 when the signal from the voltage detector 9c is turned on.

By performing the voltage detection as described above, the attachment of the handy terminal 1 to the i / oBOX 2 is detected, and the detected voltage level is recognized depending on which detector the signal is ON. To be done. When the signal of the short circuit detector 9a is turned on, the voltage level is 0V.

Then, the process branches depending on the detected voltage level, that is, from which detector the signal is turned on (step S2). When the voltage level is 0V, that is, when the signal from the short circuit detector 9a is turned on, the [A] type i / oBOX 2 having the function as a modem is mounted as described above. So, CPU3 is [A] type i / oBOX
The communication application using the telephone line corresponding to 2 is selected and activated (step S3).

When the voltage level is 3V, that is, when the signal from the voltage detector 9b is turned on, the [B] type i having the function as the interface device with the computer as described above. Since / oBOX2 is installed, the CPU 3 determines that the [B] type i
The application for communication with the computer corresponding to / oBOX2 is selected and activated (step S4).

When the voltage level is 5V, that is, when the signal from the voltage detector 9c is turned on, the [C] type i having the function as the interface device with the printer as described above. / OBOX2 is installed, so the CPU3 is using the [C] type i / o.
An application for communication with a computer corresponding to BOX2 is selected and activated (step S5). And
When the application corresponding to the i / oBOX2 type is activated, the attachment detection and the i / oBOX2 when the attachment is performed
Ends the process of recognizing the type and the selection and activation of the application.

If the process of inputting / outputting data via the i / oBOX2 is standardized, a well-known macro function or the like is executed after the application corresponding to the type of the i / oBOX2 is started as described above. Thus, the input / output processing of data can be automatically performed.

Next, i / in the switch circuit 10
A process of permitting power supply from the oBOX 2 to the handy terminal 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 8. FIG.
FIG. 4 is an operation logic diagram of the switch circuit 10. As described above, the switch circuit 10 includes the voltage detector 9 of the mounting detection circuit 9.
When the signal indicating the voltage application by the i / oBOX2 from b and 9c is turned on, that is, i / oBOX2
The switch 10a is turned on when attachment to the ([B] type or [C] type) is detected.

The switch is activated when the signal from the voltage detector 11 indicating that the battery 5 detects a voltage higher than a predetermined level is turned on, that is, when the normal mounting of the battery 5 having the remaining capacity is detected. 10b is turned on. Also,
The switch 10c is turned on when the control signal from the CPU 3 is turned on. Only when these three conditions are met, the switch circuit 10 is turned on, and the power output from the i / oBOX 2 is output. Will be supplied to the handy terminal 1.

If any one of the conditions is not satisfied, the power output from the i / oBOX 2 to the handy terminal 1 is cut off. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the attachment detection and voltage detector 11 in the attachment detection circuit 9
In the case where the three conditions of normal battery installation and CPU3 control signal ON are met, power supply from the i / oBOX 2 to the handy terminal 1 is permitted, and the installation detection circuit 9
If any one of the mounting non-detection, the battery abnormality in the voltage detector 11, and the control signal OFF of the CPU 3 occurs, the power supply from the i / oBOX 2 to the handy terminal 1 is cut off.

When the mounting detection circuit 9 does not detect a voltage of 3V or 5V by controlling the switch circuit 10 as described above, the voltage detector 11
If the normal voltage of the battery is not detected by the
Does not permit the power supply, the power is not supplied from the i / oBOX 2 to the handy terminal 1.

As described above, according to the portable information device system of this embodiment, a plurality of i / o having different functions are provided.
In Handy Terminal 1 with BOX2,
As described above, the i / oBOX2 of the handy terminal 1 is detected by detecting a short circuit between the power connection terminals 8 or 8 or a voltage.
Since it is possible to detect the attachment to the i / oBOX2 and to recognize the type of the i / oBOX2, it is possible to construct a system that is less susceptible to vibrations and impacts with a simpler configuration than when a mechanical switch or photo interrupter is used.

Further, as described above, the handy terminal 1 is connected to the i / oB by detecting the short circuit or the voltage level.
When attached to the OX2, the i / oBOX2 type can be recognized, and an application corresponding to the i / oBOX2 type can be selected and activated. Therefore, after the operator attaches the handy terminal 1 to the i / oBOX2, Since it is not necessary to select and start a target application according to the type of oBOX2, data input / output processing can be performed as it is after the handy terminal 1 is attached to the i / oBOX2.
Therefore, in inputting / outputting data from / to other information devices of the handy terminal 1, the operability of the handy terminal 1 can be greatly improved.

Further, in the input / output processing of the data stylized as described above, the processing after the application is started can be easily automated. That is, the operator simply connects the handy terminal 1 to the i / oBOX2.
It becomes possible to automatically input / output data by simply mounting the same on the device, and it is possible to greatly save the operation of the operator in the input / output processing of the stylized data.

Further, in the switch circuit 10,
It is possible to prevent the handy terminal 1 from being damaged when a voltage other than 3 V or 5 V is applied from the power connection terminals 8 and 8, and when the voltage of the battery 5 is reduced, the handy terminal is disconnected from the i / oBOX 2. 1 so that power cannot be supplied to the handy terminal 1 when the power is supplied from the i / oBOX 2 to the handy terminal 1 with the voltage of the battery 5 lowered.
By removing from the i / oBOX2, it is possible to prevent the data from being destroyed due to a sharp drop in voltage on the handy terminal 1 side.

Further, since the switch circuit 10 can be turned off by the control from the CPU 3 side, the power supply is cut off in the state that the switch circuit 10 is attached to the i / oBOX 2, and the i / oBOX is cut off.
The voltage of the battery 5 can be detected without being affected by 2. In the above embodiment, the mounting detection circuit 9
Although the two voltage detectors 9b and 9c are used in the above, the voltage level is measured by one voltage detector, and a signal indicating the voltage level is output to the CPU 3, so that the CPU 3 performs the processing depending on the voltage level difference. It may be branched.

Further, in the above embodiment, three kinds of i / oBOX2 are recognized by three voltage levels of 0V (short circuit), 3V and 5V, but two different voltage levels may be used. , Four or more, and two types of i / oBOX2,
It may be four or more.

[0095]

According to the portable information device system of the first aspect, the type of the interface device connected to the portable information device is automatically determined according to the voltage level of the power supplied from the interface device to the portable information device. Since it is possible to recognize and activate the application corresponding to the recognized type of interface device, the operator selects the application according to the purpose after connecting the portable information device to the target interface device. You can save the trouble of starting up.

According to the portable information equipment system of the second aspect, the interface device is provided with the short-circuit means, and the portable information equipment is provided with the short-circuit detection means.
Even in an interface device that does not output power to a portable information device, like other interface devices that output power at different voltage levels, the portable information device recognizes attachment to the interface device and recognition of the type of interface device. It is possible to do both.

According to the portable information device system of the third aspect, when the voltage of the battery of the portable information device is lowered or the battery is not properly installed, the portable information is supplied from the interface device. Since the device cannot be operated, the portable information device is connected to the interface device in the above-described case, and the portable information device is removed from the interface device while power is supplied from the interface device. Therefore, it is possible to completely prevent the data of the portable information device from being destroyed due to the sudden voltage drop.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a handy terminal and an i / oBOX of a portable information device system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining types of i / oBOX according to the above embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining another i / oBOX of the above embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining a mounting detection circuit of the handy terminal 1 and a stabilization circuit of an i / oBOX of the above-described embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a switch circuit of the handy terminal of the above embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining application selection and activation processing in the portable information device system of the above-described embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a time chart for explaining detection of a voltage or a short circuit in the mounting detection circuit of the above embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an operation logic diagram for explaining the operation of the switch circuit of the above embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Handy Terminal (Portable Information Equipment) 2 i / oBOX (Interface Device) 3 CPU (Application Starting Means) 5 Battery 8a Power Supply Path 9 Mounting Detection Circuit (Voltage Detection Means) 9a Short Circuit Detector (Short Circuit Detection Means) 9b Voltage Detector (Voltage detecting means) 9c Voltage detector (voltage detecting means) 10 Switch circuit (disconnecting means) 10b Switch (disconnecting means) 11 Voltage detector (battery voltage detecting means) 15b Conductor (short-circuiting means)

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A portable information device and a portable information device are separately formed, and connected to the portable information device,
A portable information device system comprising an interface device for connecting the portable information device to another information device so as to be capable of data input, data output, or data input / output. When the portable information device is connected to the interface device, the portable information device has a power output means for outputting power to the portable information device at a voltage level different for each type of interface device when the portable information device is connected to the interface device. A voltage detecting means for detecting the voltage level of the power supply output from the interface device; and recognizing the connection to the interface device when the voltage level is detected by the voltage detecting means, and based on the detected voltage level. Recognizes the type of connected interface device and recognizes the recognized interface device. Portable information equipment system comprising: the application starting means for starting to select an application in accordance with the type characterized by being provided with. 2. An interface device of a kind of the interface devices of the respective types, in place of the power output means, a power source of a portable information device which receives a power output from the interface device when the portable information device is connected. The portable information device has a short-circuit detecting means for detecting a short-circuit of the power supply path, and the application starting means causes the short-circuit detecting means to detect a short-circuit of the power supply path. 2. When it is detected, it is recognized that the interface device having the short-circuit means is connected, and an application corresponding to the interface device having the short-circuit means is selected and activated. Portable information equipment system. 3. The portable information device comprises a battery for supplying electric power to each part of the portable information device, a battery voltage detecting means for detecting a voltage of the battery, and a voltage higher than a predetermined voltage level by the battery voltage detecting means. 3. The portable information device system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: disconnecting means for disconnecting the power supply path that receives a power supply output from the interface device when the above is not detected.