JPH1084430A - On-vehicle data communication equipment using portable telephone set - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To conduct a hands-free speech or a data communication selectively, while keeping a portable telephone set and a modem to an on-vehicle eternal device connected. SOLUTION: A portable telephone set 2 and a facsimile modern 3 are connected to an on-vehicle external device 1. The on-vehicle external device 1 is provided with a control circuit 8 freely detecting the connection and the operating state of the facsimile modem 3, and an incoming serial line 9, incoming and outgoing data and voice signal lines 11, 12 are provided. The incoming serial line 9 is used to make serial communication between the portable telephone set 2 and the facsimile modem 3. The incoming and outgoing data and voice signal lines 11, 12 are used to send/receive a data signal or a voice signal among the portable telephone set 2, the facsimile modem 3 and the on-vehicle external device 1. Switches 15, 16, 17 are respectively provided to the lines 9, 11, 12. In the case of conducting a speech or data communication, the control circuit 8 appropriately switches the switches 15, 16, 17.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A vehicle-mounted data communication device using a portable telephone according to the present invention is equipped with a portable telephone mounted on a vehicle-mounted external device provided in an automobile and connected to an information processing device such as a small computer. Modem (modem)
Is connected to the in-vehicle external device via a connection device (adapter), so that the modem is connected to the mobile phone, and a telephone and a data communication can be automatically switched and used. An in-vehicle data communication device is provided.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, portable portable telephones capable of wireless communication have rapidly become widespread. Further, it has been considered that such a mobile phone can be used by a battery power source mounted on an automobile via a cigar socket, and is actually used. When a mobile phone is used in a car, a car-mounted external device called a so-called car mount kit is attached to the car, and the mobile phone is attached to the car-mounted external device for use. Such an in-vehicle external device is provided with, for example, a function (so-called hands-free call function) that enables a call without picking up a mobile phone.

On the other hand, with the development of computer-related industries, personal computers have been miniaturized, and so-called notebook computers and sub-notebook computers have become widespread. Further, although the functions are limited, a smaller device called a personal digital assistant (PDA) has become widespread.

[0004] With the spread of such small computers, the above-mentioned small computers and the like are always carried, and various types of data are transmitted and received from outside, and electronic mail is used (hereinafter referred to as the present specification). , The transmission and reception of these various data and the use of electronic mail are collectively referred to as data communication.).
Such data communication on the go can be performed, for example, using a public telephone, or using the above-mentioned mobile telephone. When performing data communication using a mobile phone, it is performed by connecting a computer, a mobile phone, and a modem.

Conventionally, when data communication is performed inside a vehicle, the data communication is performed outside the vehicle, as described above. However, the vehicle is equipped with the above-described external device. In this case, if both a mobile phone and the above-mentioned modem are mounted on the in-vehicle external device and a call and a data communication can be selectively performed, convenience is improved.
However, there is no in-vehicle external device to which the modem can be connected. The in-vehicle data communication device using the mobile phone of the present invention has been invented in view of such circumstances.

[0006]

An in-vehicle data communication device using a mobile phone according to the present invention is provided for communication between an in-vehicle external device installed in an automobile, a mobile phone detachable from the in-vehicle external device, and a communication device. An information processing device that can freely input and output data,
A modulation / demodulation device for modulating / demodulating a data signal representing the communication data, and a connection device for connecting the modulation / demodulation device to the vehicle-mounted external device so as to connect the modulation / demodulation device to a mobile phone via the vehicle-mounted external device; An uplink serial line and a downlink serial line for performing serial communication between the mobile phone and a modem or a vehicle-mounted external device; and a data signal or a voice signal between the mobile phone and the modem or a vehicle-mounted external device. An uplink data / audio signal line and a downlink data / audio signal line for transmitting / receiving, a detection line indicating whether the modem is connected to a vehicle-mounted external device via a connection device, and the modem And a control line indicating whether or not it is in an operating state.

The upstream serial line, the upstream data / voice signal line, and the downstream data / voice signal line each include a switch capable of switching each line between the connection device side and the vehicle-mounted external device side. Provided.

The vehicle-mounted external device monitors the detection line and the control line by monitoring the detection line and the control line, and monitors the detection line and the control line through a speaker and a microphone attached to the vehicle-mounted external device. Depending on the state of
Control means for switching the switch.

The control means switches the switches according to the states of the detection line and the control line as follows. That is, when the detection line indicates that the modem is not connected to the external device for in-vehicle connection via the connection device, the uplink serial line, the uplink data / audio signal line, the downlink data / The respective switches are switched so that the audio line is connected to the vehicle-mounted external device. In addition, the control line controls that the detection line represents a state in which the modem is connected to the vehicle-mounted external device via the connection device, and that the modem is not operating. When the line represents, the upstream serial line is connected to the connection device side, and the upstream data / voice signal line and the downstream data / voice signal line are connected to the vehicle-mounted external device side. Change the switch. Further, the control line indicates that the detection line represents a state in which the modem is connected to the in-vehicle external device via the connection device, and that the modem is operating. When the line indicates, the respective switches are switched so that the upstream serial line, the upstream data / voice signal line, and the downstream data / voice signal line are connected to the connection device side.

[0010]

In the vehicle-mounted data communication device using the mobile phone of the present invention configured as described above, the mobile phone is mounted on the vehicle-mounted external device, and is connected to the vehicle-mounted external device via the connection device. A modem connected to an information processing device such as a computer or a PDA can be connected. In this state, hands-free communication and data communication such as reception and transmission of a fax or use of an e-mail can be selectively performed. That is, when the detection line indicates that the in-vehicle external device is not connected to the connection device, the control unit determines that the uplink serial line, the uplink data / audio signal line, and the downlink data / audio line are in-vehicle. The respective switches of each line described above are switched so as to be connected to the external device for communication. As a result, a state in which a hands-free call can be performed is established.

On the other hand, the detection line indicates that the vehicle-mounted external device is connected to the connection device, and indicates that the modem is not operating. If there is, the control means is connected to the connection device side, the uplink data / audio signal line and the downlink data / audio signal line to the vehicle-mounted external device side, respectively, the control means, the control means, respectively Change the switch. Even in this state, the hands-free call can be performed.

[0012] Further, the detection line represents a state in which the in-vehicle external device is connected to the connection device,
And, when it indicates that the modem is in operation, the uplink serial line, the uplink data / audio signal line, and the downlink data / audio signal line are connected to the connection device side, The control means switches each switch. As a result, the above-mentioned free hands call becomes impossible, and various data can be transmitted and received. For example, as the modem, a fax
When a so-called fax modem having a function is employed, facsimile transmission or reception can be performed in a vehicle cabin.

Therefore, in the in-vehicle data communication device using the portable telephone according to the present invention, both the portable telephone and the modem connected to the input / output device are mounted on the in-vehicle external device. it can. That is, there is no need to change the connection state between the case of making a call and the case of performing data communication. In other words, a call (hands-free call) and data communication can be selectively performed while the mobile phone and the modem are mounted on the external device mounted on the vehicle.

[0014]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an embodiment of the present invention. An in-vehicle data communication device using a mobile phone according to the present embodiment includes an in-vehicle external device 1 called a car mount kit, which is installed in an automobile, and a digital portable device that is detachably attached to the in-vehicle external device 1. A telephone 2, a small computer (not shown) which is an information processing apparatus capable of inputting and outputting data to be communicated,
A facsimile modem 3 for modulating and demodulating the data signal representing the communication data, and a facsimile modem adapter 4 as a connection device for connecting the facsimile modem 3 and the external device 1 for mounting on a vehicle are provided. The fax modem 3 is the modem described in the claims. The facsimile modem 3 may be of any shape as long as it can be connected to the computer, but in actuality, for example, a PCMCIA card type can be preferably used.

Further, between the portable telephone 2 and the facsimile modem adapter 4 for connecting the facsimile modem 3 and the control circuit 8 of the in-vehicle external device 1, there is an upstream serial communication for performing serial communication between them. A line 9 and a downstream serial line 10 are provided. Also, between the fax modem adapter 4 for connecting the portable telephone 2 and the fax modem 3 and the hands-free communication circuit 7 of the vehicle-mounted external device 1, there are uplinks for transmitting and receiving data signals or voice signals between them. Data / audio signal line 1
1 and a downstream data / audio signal line 12 are provided.
Further, between the portable telephone 2 and the fax modem adapter 4 for connecting the fax modem 3 and the monitoring circuit 18 attached to the control circuit 8 of the in-vehicle external device 1,
The fax modem 3 is a fax modem adapter 4
And an adapter control line 14 indicating whether the fax modem is in operation or not. The adapter detection line 13 and the adapter control line 14 are a detection line and a control line described in the claims, respectively.

Further, the upstream serial line 9, the upstream data / audio signal line 11, and the downstream data / audio signal line 12 have lines 9, 11, 12 respectively.
, Switches 15, 16, and 17 that can be switched between the fax modem adapter 4 and the external device 1.

The upstream serial line 9 and the downstream serial line 10 communicate with each other only between the vehicle-mounted external device and the mobile phone 2 in the case of a conventional vehicle-mounted external device. In the case of the above, each line 9-1
4 is freely communicable between the mobile phone 2 and the fax modem adapter 4 and between the mobile phone 2 and the external device 1 for mounting on a vehicle. However, the upstream serial line 9 can freely communicate with the portable telephone 2, the fax modem adapter 4, and the control circuit 8 of the external device 1 for the vehicle by switching the switch 15. In the upstream data / voice signal line 11 and the downstream data / voice signal line 12 as well, the switches 16 and 17 are switched so that the portable telephone 2 and the fax modem adapter 4 and the hands-free communication circuit of the external device 1 are mounted on the vehicle. 7 can be freely communicated. The upstream data / audio signal line 11 and the downstream data / audio signal line 12 can freely transmit audio data and data signals.

That is, when the fax modem 3 and the fax modem adapter 4 are connected to the vehicle-mounted external device 1 and the fax modem 3 is operating,
These upstream data / audio signal line 11 and downstream data /
The audio signal line 12 transmits the data signal.
Whether the fax modem 3 and the fax modem adapter 4 are not connected to the vehicle-mounted external device 1, or
If the fax modem 3 is not operating even if it is connected, these upstream data / voice signal lines 11
The downstream data / audio signal line 12 transmits the audio data.

The adapter detection line 13 indicates whether the fax modem 3 is connected to the vehicle-mounted external device 1 via the fax modem adapter 4. That is, in the case of the present example, the signal is held at H level (high impedance state) when not connected, and at L level (low impedance state) when connected.

The adapter control line 14 is controlled to the H level by the portable telephone 2 when the fax modem 3 becomes operable. Then, after the operation is completed, the operation returns to the L level.

The vehicle-mounted external device 1 includes a hands-free communication circuit 7 that allows the user to talk freely through a speaker 5 and a microphone 6 attached to the vehicle-mounted external device 1. The hands-free communication circuit 7 is a hands-free communication means described in the claims. Further, there is provided a control circuit 8 which constantly monitors the adapter detection line 13 and the adapter control line 14 and switches the switches 15, 16, 17 in accordance with the state represented by these lines 13, 14. This control circuit 8 is the control means described in the claims. In this example, the control circuit 8
A monitoring circuit 18 for monitoring and detecting respective levels (L level and H level) of the adapter detection line 13 and the adapter control line 14 is additionally provided.

The control circuit 8 switches the switches 15, 16, and 17 as follows in accordance with the states of the adapter detection line 13 and the adapter control line 14, respectively. That is, when the adapter detection line 13 indicates a state in which the fax modem 3 is not connected to the vehicle-mounted external device 1 via the fax modem adapter 4, that is, the adapter detection line 13 is at the H level. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, the respective switches are connected so that the upstream serial line 9, the upstream data / voice signal line 11, and the downstream data / voice signal line 12 are connected to the vehicle-mounted external device 1. Switch between 15, 16, and 17. As a result, hands-free communication can be performed.

The adapter detection line 13 indicates that the fax modem 3 is connected to the vehicle-mounted external device 1 via the fax modem adapter 4, and the fax modem 3 is activated. In the case where the adapter control line 14 indicates that the adapter control line 14 is not in the off state, that is, when both the adapter detection line 13 and the adapter control line 14 are at the L level, as shown in FIG. Up serial line 9
Switch 15 so that is connected to the fax modem adapter 4 side. The upstream data / voice signal line 11 and the downstream data / voice signal line 12
As shown in (2), it is still connected to the vehicle-mounted external device 1 side. Thus, the hands-free call can be performed as it is, and serial communication can be performed between the mobile phone 2 and the fax modem 3.

Further, the adapter detection line 13 indicates a state in which the fax modem 3 is connected to the external device 1 for mounting on the vehicle via the fax modem adapter 4, and the fax modem 3 is activated. When the adapter control line 14 indicates that the adapter control line 14 is at the L level and the adapter control line 14 is at the H level, as shown in FIG. The switches 16 and 17 are switched so that the upstream data / voice signal line 11 and the downstream data / voice signal line 12 are connected to the fax modem adapter 4 side. As shown in FIG. 3, the switch 15 of the upstream serial line 9 is switched to the state shown in FIG. 4 when the fax modem 3 is connected to the in-vehicle external device 1 via the fax modem adapter 4. . As a result, communication data created by the small computer or communication data sent to the small computer can be freely transmitted via the mobile phone 2. At the same time, the function of the hands-free communication circuit 7 is stopped, and hands-free communication cannot be performed.

When the operation of the fax modem 3 is completed, the control line 14 goes low, indicating that the operation of the fax modem 3 is not performed. In this case, the control circuit 8 controls each of the switches 15 so that the upstream data / audio signal line 11 and the downstream data / audio line 12 are connected to the vehicle-mounted external device 1.
Switch between 16 and 17.

Even when the facsimile modem 3 is connected to the in-vehicle external device 1 via the facsimile modem adapter 4, the operation of the portable telephone 1 can be monitored by the down serial line 10. .

The operation of the in-vehicle data communication device using the portable telephone of the present invention configured as described above is as follows. That is, first, as shown in FIG.
After the in-vehicle external device 1 is initialized, the processing step number is initialized. In the case of the example shown in the figure, step 0 indicates that the fax modem 3 is not connected to the in-vehicle external device 1 via the fax modem adapter 4 in step 1.
Is the fax modem 3 is the fax modem adapter 4
Is connected to the in-vehicle external device 1 via the FAX, but in a state where the fax modem adapter 4 is inactive, the step 2 is to connect the facsimile modem 3 to the in-vehicle external device 1 through the facsimile modem adapter 4. And
Each state in which the fax modem adapter 4 is operating is shown.

In the case of step 0, as shown in FIG. 5B, the upstream serial line 9, the upstream data / voice signal line 11, and the downstream data / voice line 12 are connected to the vehicle-mounted external device 1, respectively. The control circuit 8 switches the respective switches 15, 16, 17 as shown in FIG. As a result, the hands-free communication circuit 7 becomes operable (the mute between the speaker 5 and the microphone 6 is turned off), and the hands-free communication can be performed. The monitoring circuit 18 of the control circuit 8 monitors the level taken by the adapter detection line 13, and when the level is the H level, the switches 15, 16, and 17 remain as described above, and the level becomes the L level. If so, it is determined that the fax modem 3 has been connected to the in-vehicle external device 1 via the fax modem adapter 4, and the process proceeds to step 1.

When the adapter detection line 13 becomes L level, the control circuits 8 respectively connect the upstream serial line 9 to the fax modem adapter 4 as shown in FIG. Switch 15
Are switched as shown in FIG. Switch 1
6 and 17 are not switched. As a result, a hands-free call is possible, and serial communication between the mobile phone 2 and the fax modem 3 becomes possible. Further, the monitoring circuit 18 monitors the adapter detection line 13 and the adapter control line 14, and when these lines are all at L level, the switches 15, 16, 17
In this state. Adapter detection line 1
When 3 goes to the H level, the state returns to the state of step 0 described above. If the adapter detection line 13 is at L level and the adapter control line 14 is at H level, the process proceeds to step 2.

In step 2, as shown in FIG. 5D, first, the operation of the hands-free communication circuit 7 is disabled. That is, the mute of the speaker 5 and the microphone 6 is turned on. Further, the control circuit 8 is connected so that the upstream data / voice signal line 11 and the downstream data / voice signal line 12 are connected to the fax modem adapter 4 side.
Switches the respective switches 16 and 17 as shown in FIG. As described above, the up serial line 9 has already been switched to the state shown in FIG. As a result, while the free hands communication circuit 7 is not operating,
Communication data can be transmitted and received.

Further, the monitoring circuit 18 monitors the adapter detection line 13 and the adapter control line 14, and when the adapter detection line 13 is at the L level and the adapter control line 14 is at the H level, It is determined that the transmission or reception of
16 and 17 are left as they are. When the adapter detection line 13 becomes H level, the state returns to the state of step 0. If both the adapter detection line 13 and the adapter control line 14 are at the L level, it is determined that the transmission or reception of the communication data has been completed, and the process returns to the state of step 2. That is, in this case, the adapter control line 14 indicates that the operation of the fax modem 3 is not performed, so that the upstream data / voice signal line 11 and the downstream data / voice signal line 12 The control circuit 8 controls the switches 16 and 1 so that
Switch 7 As a result, the hands-free communication circuit 7 becomes operable, and hands-free communication can be performed.

Next, as to the transmission or reception of communication data in the case where the process proceeds to step 2, the case of transmitting and receiving a facsimile will be described with reference to FIG.
A brief description will be given. Figure 6 for fax transmission
As shown in (A), via the upstream serial line 9,
A transmission request is issued from the fax modem 3 to the mobile phone 1. At this time, if facsimile transmission is possible, a reply is sent via the downlink serial signal 10 to the effect that transmission is possible from the mobile phone 1 to the fax modem 3. As a result, the adapter control line 14 becomes H level, and transmission starts. When the transmission is completed, the adapter control line 14 is set to the L level to enable the hands-free communication circuit 7 to operate.

On the other hand, as for the fax reception, FIG.
As shown in (B), a reception request is issued from the mobile phone 2 to the fax modem 3 via the downstream serial line 10. Then, if fax reception is possible, a reply is sent from the fax modem 3 to the mobile phone 1 via the uplink serial signal 10 to the effect that reception is possible. As a result, the adapter control line 14 becomes H level,
Reception starts. After the reception is completed, the adapter control line 14 is set to the L level, and the hands-free communication circuit 7 is made operable.

Since the vehicle-mounted data communication device using the mobile phone of this embodiment is constructed and operates as described above, the mobile phone 2 is mounted on the external device 1 and the fax modem 3 is connected to the fax modem adapter. 4 can be connected. There is no need to change these connection states between hands-free communication and data communication. In other words, data communication and hands-free communication can be selectively performed while the mobile phone 2 and the fax modem 3 are mounted on the external device 1 for mounting on the vehicle.

In the above-described example, a case has been described in which a so-called fax modem having a fax function is employed as the modem, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a modem having no facsimile function for performing data communication, or a facsimile (a device for performing a copying transmission or a photo transmission) may be employed as the modem.

[0036]

As described above, the in-vehicle data communication device using the portable telephone according to the present invention is constructed and operates as described above. Therefore, the portable telephone and the modem are both attached to the in-vehicle external device. Can be. Then, there is no need to change these connection states between the case of making a call and the case of performing data communication. That is, it is possible to selectively perform data communication and hands-free communication while the mobile phone and the modem device are mounted on the external device mounted on the vehicle, which has a large practical effect.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first example of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state of a line for performing various controls when a fax modem is not connected.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state of a line for performing various controls when a fax modem is connected but the fax modem is not used.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state of a line for performing various controls when a fax modem is connected and the fax modem is used.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing operations at the time of fax transmission and reception.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 In-vehicle external device 2 Mobile telephone 3 Fax modem 4 Fax modem adapter 7 Hands-free communication circuit 8 Control circuit 9 Up serial line 10 Down serial line 11 Up data / audio signal line 12 Down data / audio signal line 13 Adapter detection line 14 Adapter control line 15, 16, 17 switch

Claims (1)

[Claims] An in-vehicle external device installed in a vehicle, a mobile phone detachable from the in-vehicle external device, an information processing device capable of inputting and outputting communication data, and a data signal representing the communication data are transmitted. A modem for modulating and demodulating, a connecting device for connecting the modem to the vehicle-mounted external device so as to connect the modem to the mobile phone via the vehicle-mounted external device, Serial and downlink serial lines for performing serial communication with an external device for transmission, and uplink data for transmitting and receiving a data signal or a voice signal between the portable telephone and the modem or the external device mounted on the vehicle. An audio signal line, a downlink data / audio signal line, and a detection signal indicating whether or not the modem is connected to a vehicle-mounted external device via a connection device. An in-vehicle data communication device using a mobile phone, comprising: an outgoing line; and a control line indicating whether the modem is in an operating state, wherein the uplink serial line and the uplink data / voice signal line are provided. And the downstream data / voice signal line are provided with a switch capable of switching each line between the connection device side and the vehicle-mounted external device side, and the vehicle-mounted external device is connected to the vehicle-mounted external device. Hands-free communication means for making a call freely via an attached speaker and microphone; and control means for monitoring the detection line and the control line and switching the switches according to the state of each of these lines. The means may include, when the detection line indicates a state in which the modem is not connected to the in-vehicle external device via the connection device, the uplink serial port. The respective switches are switched so that the transmission line and the upstream data / voice signal line and the downstream data / voice line are connected to the vehicle-mounted external device, and the modem is connected to the vehicle-mounted external device via the connection device. The above detection line represents the state in which
And, when the control line indicates that the modem is not operating, the uplink serial line is connected to the connection device side, and the uplink data / audio signal line and the downlink data are connected. The detection line represents a state in which the respective switches are switched so that the audio signal line is connected to the in-vehicle external device, and the modem is connected to the in-vehicle external device via the connection device. ,
And, when the control line indicates that the modem is operating, the uplink serial line, the uplink data / audio signal line, and the downlink data / audio signal line are connected to the connection device side. An in-vehicle data communication device using a mobile phone, which switches respective switches so as to be connected.