JPH11355468A - Network terminal device, network system using the same and network connecting method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the operability of a user by selecting an appropriate telephone number in accordance with an address to be accessed on the Internet and switching connection. SOLUTION: The Internet 40 has a server 50 that offers work wide web(www) information and a client 70 that reads it. The Internet 40 has functions such as WWW, an e-mail, file transfer and remote log in. In such a case, a network terminal which is connected to an Internet connection device through a telephone line and performs Internet services is preliminarily provided with a means which manages telephone numbers of plural opposite connection destinations and address relations on the Internet and a means which selects and connects an appropriate one among the plural opposite connection destinations. And, an appropriate telephone number is selected in accordance with an address to be accessed on the Internet and connection is switched.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information terminal for accessing a network and a server for providing information.
In particular, an information terminal that enables access to network information in various places such as at home, in a moving body such as a car, or while walking, and a server that provides information in a form optimal for each use place of the terminal. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A personal computer is used as a network terminal, and is connected to a device of an Internet service provider via a telephone line to access various Internet information through the device.

As a device for connecting a display of a portable terminal to an external display, there is a notebook personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as a notebook computer). The notebook personal computer can display an image with higher definition than the display resolution that can be displayed on the liquid crystal display built in the main body of the notebook personal computer on the external display.

[0004] As a system that uses a power supply line also as a network line, there is an LON (Local Operating Network), and an indoor temperature monitoring system is realized using the LON (Local Operating Network). In this prior art, a temperature measuring unit is connected to an outlet of each room, and plays a role of connecting each unit to an AC 100 V line. There is also a personal computer for controlling the temperature measurement unit,
As for each PC, A
It is connected to the C100V line. The temperature of each room can be set from a personal computer, and the temperature of each room can be monitored by the personal computer.

Conventionally, mobile communication and GPS (Glo
Information terminals with a bal positioning system) function existed. This provided useful information by grasping the current position. For example, map information is stored in an information terminal, and the relation with the current position can be quickly understood, which is effective for route guidance.

[0006]

According to the first prior art, since the line usage fee between the network terminal and the connection provider is generally charged to the user having the network terminal, the user's line usage fee is charged. There was a problem that the burden was large. In particular, it is absurd that the user bears the line usage fee for accessing information that the information provider wants to show to the user, such as various types of advertisement information.

Further, in connection via a telephone line, information transfer such as confirmation of a communication procedure is performed following a call from a network terminal, so that actual data transfer is started slowly. there were.

According to the second prior art, the same contents are displayed on the external display and the liquid crystal display of the main body, or the resolution of the image displayed on the external display and the liquid crystal display of the main body are higher. Therefore, part of the display on the external display is displayed on the liquid crystal display of the main unit. Therefore, although there are two displays, both display only similar contents. Therefore, the liquid crystal display has not been used as a display control screen of the external display. Therefore, an object of the present application is to improve the operability of the user by displaying the display control screen of the external display on the screen of the mobile terminal.

In the third prior art, a personal computer is used, so a dedicated display is required. If you use a desktop computer as a personal computer, you cannot carry it.
Control of the equipment connected to the 100V line is impossible only from the place where the personal computer is installed. Although there is a method using a portable personal computer, the screen is hard to see because the display is small. In addition, even if a keyboard is attached, it is difficult to introduce it to ordinary households because considerable training is required to master it. Furthermore, the third conventional technique does not consider controlling equipment from outside the building. For example,
In an emergency such as a fire, it may not be possible to operate the personal computer for control by going to the location. Furthermore, since the communication protocol is limited, it can communicate only with a specific device.

[0010] Further, in order to access the Internet using a personal information terminal, communication equipment (such as a mobile phone or a P-phone) is required.
HS), a power supply (home AC power supply or battery), and a display device (TV or liquid crystal display). Devices that simplify the configuration by incorporating a mobile phone into a personal mobile terminal already exist.However, this configuration requires the use of a personal mobile terminal when used as a mobile phone, and has a special shape. There was a problem that it was difficult to use.

In the fourth prior art, an information terminal having a mobile communication or GPS (Global Positioning System) function obtains effective information by grasping the current position. However, in order to make the information terminal cheaper and smaller, it is necessary to reduce the number of storage devices.

[0012]

According to the present invention, in order to achieve the first object, a plurality of connection partners are connected to a network terminal which obtains Internet service by connecting to an Internet connection device via a telephone line. Means for managing the relationship between the telephone number and the address on the Internet;
A means for selecting and connecting an appropriate one from the plurality of connection destinations is provided, and a connection is switched by selecting an appropriate telephone number corresponding to the address on the Internet to be accessed. did.

[0013] Also, an Internet connection device that receives access from a network terminal via a telephone line, connects to the Internet, and provides Internet services, provides at least a calling telephone number relating to a user having the network terminal and the user. Means for pre-registering information relating to a standard communication procedure during a call, and means for receiving a caller telephone number sent after a call from a network terminal and determining whether or not the call is from a pre-registered user And have
It is determined whether or not the caller telephone number sent after a call from the network terminal is a pre-registered user, and in the case of a call from a pre-registered user, a predetermined communication procedure registered in advance is used. Communication is performed, and in the case of a call from a user other than a pre-registered user, communication is performed after a communication procedure confirmation process is performed.

[0014] Further, charging information according to the network service provider and the amount of connection is provided to an Internet connection device which receives access from a network terminal device via a telephone line and provides Internet services by connecting to the Internet. A means for management is provided so that a predetermined charge can be given to a network service provider.

[0015] Also, an Internet connection device that receives an access from a network terminal via a telephone line and provides an Internet service by connecting to the Internet is provided with charging information for the network terminal and for a network service provider. Means for managing the charging information of the network terminal and the charging of the network service provider.

Further, in order to achieve the second object, according to the present invention, a plurality of contents to be displayed on an external display are abstracted on a screen of a portable terminal to display a plurality of screens. By operating the screen on the terminal side, the image is switched to the external display.

[0017] In order to solve the third problem, the terminal device is provided with a function of displaying information of a device connected to a power line on an external display device at the same time as reducing the size of the terminal device, and transmitting the information by sound. With the function, the user can know the device information wherever he is. further,
Each device has a function to convert different protocols and can communicate with any device.

Further, in order to achieve the fourth object, all necessary information is dynamically replaced by a minimum necessary data without having the information in a portable information terminal.
The capacity of the storage device is significantly reduced. As a result, a small and inexpensive mobile terminal can be realized.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 shows the Internet 40, an Internet terminal 80, and a medium connecting them as the overall configuration of the present invention. The medium includes a data broadcasting station 20, a mobile data communication base station 30, a satellite 10, a telephone line 110, and a telephone network 120.

The Internet 40 has WWW (World
There is a server 50 that provides information of the Wide Web, and a client 70 that browses the information. The Internet 40 has functions such as WWW, electronic mail, file transfer, and remote login. Here, not only text information but also image and audio information can be transferred.
Can exchange this information with the server 50.

The connection can be easily made via a provider (not shown) without directly connecting to the Internet 40. For example, the telephone line 1 from the Internet terminal 80
Connect to the provider via 10 and the Internet 4
0 can be connected. The data communication service center 60 has a function of a server or a provider for providing information.

[0023] The Internet terminal 80 displays on an existing television 90 as a display device at home. Also,
When used in a car, the communication means is a mobile phone, and the display device is an existing television. Further, when used by pedestrians, a display device dedicated to the Internet terminal 80 is used.

FIG. 2 shows an internal block diagram of the Internet terminal 80.

The CPU 204 is a processor for controlling the entire terminal. Although not particularly limited, here, 32
Assuming a so-called single-chip microcomputer that integrates peripheral control functions such as a communication function, a liquid crystal display controller, an A / D converter, a D / A converter, and parallel input / output with a bit RISC processor as a core. I have. A microcomputer suitable for this is, for example, HD64 manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd.
17707 and others. For details on HD6417707, refer to SH77
07 Hardware Manual ”.

The EPROM 207 is a read-only memory erasable by ultraviolet rays, and is a memory for storing a boot program of the CPU 204.
The DRAM 208 is a dynamic RAM, and the C
Used as the main memory of the PU 204.

The flash memory 209 stores the terminal device 8
0 is a non-volatile memory that can be rewritten in the apparatus.

The graphics processor 211 displays an image on a display device such as the television 90. The functions of the graphics processor 211 include a drawing function of drawing a graphic in the graphics memory 213 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 204, and an image drawn by the drawing function is periodically read and the image is displayed on the display device. And a so-called picture-in-picture function of capturing an external video signal and superimposing the external video signal on the display image.

The NTSC encoder 212 converts RGB image data output by the display function into an NTSC signal. The NTSC signal is an analog television signal used in Japan and the United States.
The USB (Universal Serial Bus) controller is for connecting the terminal device 80 to a device having a USB interface. USB is an interface used in a personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as a personal computer). Therefore, peripheral devices such as a mouse for a personal computer, a CCD camera, and a printer can be connected to the terminal device 80.

The modem controller 215 is connected to the telephone line 1
10 for connecting the terminal 204 to the terminal 204, and is necessary for accessing the Internet. Also, D
The / A converter 216 converts digital data sent from the CPU 204 into analog data and sends the analog data to the analog amplifier 218. Using these, audio data is generated.

The mode setting SW 203 is connected to the terminal 80.
Specify the operation mode of. For example, a normal operation mode and a program upgrade mode are switched. In the upgrade mode, the flash memory 20
After performing the batch erasure of No. 9, a new program is downloaded from another device (for example, 60 in FIG. 1) on the Internet via the telephone line 110 and written into the flash memory 209. By doing so, the program of the terminal device 80 can be easily updated anywhere.

Further, the CPU 204 has a plurality of communication ports therein. IrDA communication (optical communication using infrared light) becomes possible by providing the light emitting / receiving element 205 in one of them. In this communication, data can be exchanged with a personal computer or the like, and an operation from the remote controller 100 is enabled.

Also, an RS-232C driver 206 is provided to enable RS-232C communication. RS-232C
Since communication is a standard interface that has been used in the past, it can be connected to a conventional personal computer or a mobile phone adapter that does not have IrDA.

The PCMCIA card slot 210 is an interface for expanding the functions of the terminal 80. PC
MCIA is an interface developed for notebook personal computers, and is suitable for expanding the functions of small devices. What can be mounted in the slot 210 includes an extension memory, a hard disk, and a television tuner. When the TV tuner is connected, the TV video can be displayed on the terminal device 80 by transferring the received TV broadcast video to the graphics memory 213. It is also possible to receive digital data transmitted using the terminal device and display the character and graphic information obtained from the data on the terminal device 80. The processing in that case is as follows. The CPU 204 decodes the received digital data, converts the digital data into a drawing command of a figure or a character, and transfers the drawing command to the graphics processor 211. Then, the graphics processor 211 draws a graphic or character in the graphics memory 213 according to the command, and sends it to the television 90 as a video signal.

Next, the case where the Internet terminal 80 is connected to an external display such as a home television 90 will be described. Since the terminal device 80 is portable, the size and resolution of the built-in liquid crystal display screen are smaller than those of a personal computer. Since information on the Internet is often assumed to be displayed on a personal computer, the terminal device 80 cannot display such information satisfactorily. Therefore, there is a demand for connecting to a large display at home or the like.

FIG. 4A is a diagram for explaining such a situation. The terminal 80 is connected to a television 90 via a video signal 501, and information on the Internet is displayed on the television 90. In this example, the liquid crystal display of the terminal 80 has a resolution of 320 × 240,
Has a resolution of 640 × 480. Here, a method of using the terminal device 80 as a display controller of the television 90 instead of invalidating the screen of the terminal device 80 when the usage as shown in FIG. . In FIG. 4B, icons and title characters indicating a plurality of pages of the Internet 40 are displayed on the screen of the terminal device 80, and any one of them (Page 2 in the figure) is displayed with the pen 502. The page is displayed on the television 90 in detail. In this way, it is possible to move directly to a desired page. The page referred to here indicates a history of accessing the Internet 40 or the like. FIG. 4
(C) shows a display method when the information amount of one page does not fit on the screen of the television 90. On the liquid crystal screen of the terminal device 80, the entire page is displayed in a reduced size, and the outline of the entire page is displayed. When the user of the terminal 80 points a desired portion of the page with the pen 502, the terminal 80 displays the details of the portion on the television 90. By using this method, there is an effect that a desired portion can be immediately displayed as compared with the screen movement by scrolling which has been conventionally used. When the screen is moved by scrolling, the panel switch 401 of the terminal device 80 is operated.

FIG. 3 shows a software configuration diagram of the Internet terminal 80. The CPU 204 that controls the Internet terminal 80 includes an OS 305, a graphics processor 211, a USB controller 214, and an RS232C.
Peripheral I / O such as driver 206 and light emitting / receiving element 205
It comprises a browser 302 on top of various I / O drivers 304 for controlling O, a communication driver 303 for controlling the modem controller 215, and a plug-in 301 for processing various additional functions. The browser 302 interprets and displays the content information obtained via the communication means.

FIG. 5 illustrates a hardware configuration for displaying on the liquid crystal screen and the television 90 by the terminal device 80. 5 is different from FIG. 2 in that a transparent tablet 403, a liquid crystal display 404, a tablet controller 402, and a panel switch 401 are provided. The other components shown in FIG. It is assumed that An image to be displayed on the television 90 draws a graphic in a graphics memory 213 by a graphics processor 211, reads the drawn graphic by the graphics processor 211, converts the graphic into an NTSC signal by an NTSC encoder 212, 90. On the other hand, the image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 404 is
Draws a figure on the DRAM 208, and the drawn data is read by the liquid crystal display controller in the CPU 204 and sent to the liquid crystal display 404. A transparent tablet 403 for detecting a place pointed by the pen 502 is controlled by a tablet controller 402. The detailed description of the operation of the tablet 403 is described in, for example, JP-A-10-55238.

FIG. 6 shows a case where the present invention is applied to a general household and the equipment installed in the general household is connected to an Internet terminal 80.
This is an example in which the control is performed by the following. First, the outline of FIG. 6 will be described.

In FIG. 6, a television 90,
It is assumed that a washing machine 603, a bath boiler 604, and a rice cooker 605 are installed. Each of the above devices includes a plug 601 and a power line 602, and the plug 601 and the power line 602 are provided.
Is connected. The household is provided with a power line 607 for supplying power to the home and an outlet 608 for supplying power to each of the above devices from the power line 607. Each of the above devices can obtain electric power by connecting the plug 601 to the outlet 608.

The power line 607 serves not only to supply power but also to connect the devices to the Internet terminal 80. Accordingly, each device can notify the Internet terminal 80 of its own status, and the Internet terminal 80 displays the status on the television 90, so that the user can know the status. Internet terminal 8
Since the number 0 is small and can be carried freely at home, if a plurality of televisions 90 are installed in the home, it is necessary to know the state of each device at a plurality of places where the televisions 90 are installed. Can be.

As shown in FIG. 1, the Internet terminal 80 is connected to the telephone 606 through the telephone line 110, and sends a command to the Internet terminal 80 through an external public telephone. Can control the above devices. The above is an outline of the case where the Internet terminal 80 is applied to a general household.

Next, a procedure for using the Internet terminal 80 will be described. First, the user connects the plug 601 of the Internet terminal 80 to the outlet 608,
Power on the Internet terminal 80. Next, the user sets the Internet terminal 80 to a mode for communicating with the device. This is because the mode setting SW 20 shown in FIG.
3 is possible. Next, the user turns on the power switch of the television 90, and switches to a channel for displaying information transmitted by the Internet terminal 80.
This can be achieved by the remote controller 100, a switch provided on the television body, or the like. The order of the operation of turning on the power of the Internet terminal 80 and the operation of setting the mode may be either first.

When the above settings are completed, the Internet terminal 80 searches for a device connected to the power line 607. Therefore, the Internet terminal 80 is connected to the power line 6
07 is transmitted. The broadcast signal includes an ID of the Internet terminal 80 and an ID indicating a broadcast function. Upon receiving the broadcast signal, each device transmits its own device ID to the Internet terminal 80. The Internet terminal 80 can confirm the connected device by receiving each device ID. Thereafter, the Internet terminal 80 periodically repeats the above operation to check which device is connected to the power line 607.

At this point, the screen of the television 90 is shown in FIG.
(a). A screen 701 displays a menu for viewing the status of each device and an online manual. The correspondence between each device name and device ID is shown in FIG.
Is stored in the flash memory 209 shown in FIG. By referring to this, the received device I
The correspondence between D and the device name can be understood.

The user operates the screen shown in FIG.
The desired information can be obtained. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the progress of the work of the device and the online manual of the device are displayed.

The operation of the screen can be performed by the remote controller 100. When using the remote control 100, the remote control 10
0 emits an infrared signal, and the signal is transmitted through an IrDA port (not shown), emitted through a light receiving element 205,
It reaches PU204. Thereafter, the signal is analyzed by the CPU 205 and appropriate processing is performed.

For example, when the user wants to know the work progress of the washing machine 603, the user selects the status button 702. Then, the color of the status button 702 is inverted, and the Internet terminal 80 transmits a signal to the power line 607 according to the protocol shown in FIG. 8A, and the device having the ID shown in the destination ID 802 transmits the signal. receive. When the device receives the signal, it checks whether the signal is addressed to itself. This can be done by determining whether or not the destination ID 802 included in the signal matches the own ID.

The device whose destination ID 802 matches its own ID transmits a signal to the Internet terminal 80 in accordance with the protocol of FIG. 8B. When the signal reaches the Internet terminal 80, the Internet terminal 80 determines whether the signal is addressed to itself. If it is addressed to itself, the screen of FIG. FIG. 7B shows an example in which the progress of the operation of the washing machine 603 is displayed. A screen 701 includes a field 7 indicating a series of operations performed by the washing machine 603.
04 to 708 are displayed. That is, there are five types: washing, dehydration after washing, rinsing, dehydration after rinsing, and completion. Among them, the field 706 highlighted is the work in progress, and FIG. 7B shows that the work “rinse” is in progress. It also shows not only the work in progress, but how long the work will be completed. This is shown in the field 709, and FIG.
Indicates that the work is completed in 18 minutes. After confirming the work progress of the washing machine 603, the user selects the display end button 710 with the remote controller 100. Then, the screen returns to the screen of FIG.

The Internet terminal 80 can also display an online manual of the device on the television 90. An example is shown in FIG. FIG. 7C shows a method of starting the washing machine 603. To end the display, select the display end button 710 with the remote control 100,
What is necessary is just to return to the screen of FIG. The online manual itself is a memory (not shown) provided in each device
May be included. Alternatively, the URL (UniformResource L) of the homepage related to the device is stored in the memory of each device.
ocator), and stores the U
It may be obtained from the Internet 40 by connecting to the RL. For example, a failure may occur in each device, and a manual for handling the failure may be obtained on the Internet. In that case, information emitted by the device may be displayed on half of the screen 701, and the corresponding manual may be displayed on the other half.

Here, the communication protocol between the Internet terminal 80 and each device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8A shows a configuration of a signal transmitted from the Internet terminal 80. The signal is a source ID 80
1, a destination ID 802 and a function ID 803. Here, the function ID 803 is a command for the device such as whether to obtain the progress of the operation of the device or to obtain an online manual. By the way, in the above, the power line 6
It is stated that a broadcast signal is transmitted to the power line 607 in order to search for a device connected to the device 07. In the broadcast signal, an ID of the Internet terminal 80 is set as a source ID, and a special ID indicating broadcast is set as a destination ID. The ID indicating a broadcast
Is an ID that cannot be assigned to any device. No function ID is set.

FIG. 8B shows the structure of a signal transmitted from each device to the Internet terminal 80. The signal is
At least source ID 804, destination ID 805, function ID
803 included. The function ID 803 is the function ID 80 described above.
3, the value of the function ID 803 received from the Internet terminal 80. Further information may be sent together according to the value of the function ID 803. For example, if the function ID 803 is an ID for knowing the progress of the work of the device, the progress and the remaining time until the end of the work are sent together.

The telephone 606 can control the Internet terminal 80. Therefore, telephone 6
It is possible to control each device from 06. Telephone 6
Reference numeral 06 may be a telephone installed in a general home, a mobile phone, or a public telephone installed outdoors. The user sends a signal from the telephone 606 to the Internet terminal 80 according to the protocol shown in FIG. Source ID 801 and destination ID 80
2. Each of the function IDs 803 can be input by a push key 609 provided on the telephone 606. At that time, the user enters the source ID 801 and the destination ID
802, the function ID 803 in this order with the push key 6
Input from 09. A # symbol is input as a delimiter for each ID. Thus, for example, it is possible to turn on the switch of the bath boiler 604 so that the user can immediately take a bath when returning home.

As described above, not only can the status of each device be obtained from the television 90, but also the status of each device can be obtained from a speaker (not shown) provided in the Internet terminal 80. This means that the TV 90 is
07 is not connected, or when the power of the television 90 is not turned on, or when the user sets not to use the television 90.

Upon receiving the protocol signal shown in FIG. 8B from the device, the Internet terminal 80
Synthesizes sound data stored in the flash memory 209, the D / A converter 216 converts the data into sound, and outputs the sound to the speaker via the analog amplifier 218. The sound at that time may be different depending on the device ID. Alternatively, a card containing sound data may be inserted into the PCMCIA card slot 210 and the sound data may be used.

Next, an example in which the Internet terminal 80 shown in FIG. 2 is combined with a charger for a mobile phone will be described.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 9 shows the system configuration of an Internet terminal using a mobile phone. This system is a mobile phone 901, an Internet terminal with a mobile phone charging function
902, television 90, video signal line 501, plug 601,
A power supply line 602 is provided.

The Internet terminal 902 with a mobile phone charging function has a function of charging the mobile phone 901, data communication using the mobile phone 901, and displaying information on the television 90.

The mobile phone 901 is charged by plugging the plug 601 into an outlet and connecting the mobile phone 901, so that electricity flowing from the power line 602 is transferred to the mobile phone 901.
It is done by sending to. If you need AC / DC conversion,
This is performed in the plug 601 or the Internet terminal 902 with a mobile phone charging function.

The data communication using the mobile phone 901
This is performed via the S232C port 201.

Information is displayed on the television 90 by the NTSC encoder 212 converting an image created by the graphics processor 211 in the Internet terminal 902 having a mobile phone charging function into a video signal 501, and
This is done by outputting to 0.

Next, connection terminals of the mobile phone 901 and the Internet terminal 902 with a mobile phone charging function will be described with reference to FIG.

The mobile phone 901 has a button 1005 for dialing, an antenna 10 for transmitting and receiving data.
06, a liquid crystal panel 1007 for displaying information, and external connection terminals. The external connection terminals include a mobile phone ground terminal 1001, a mobile phone DC power supply terminal 100 used for charging, and a mobile phone input signal terminal 10 used for communication.
03 and a mobile phone output signal terminal 1004, and an Internet terminal 902 with a mobile phone charging function or
Connected to a commercially available mobile phone charger.

The communication connector 1010 for a portable telephone has a connector ground terminal 1011 and a connector DC power supply terminal 101.
2, a connector input signal terminal 1013 and a connector output signal terminal 1014, each of which is connected to a terminal corresponding to an external connection terminal of the mobile phone 901. by this,
The Internet terminal 902 with a mobile phone charging function can perform data communication with the mobile phone 901 while charging the mobile phone 901.

Next, the configuration of the Internet terminal 902 with a mobile phone charging function will be described with reference to FIG.

An Internet terminal 902 with a mobile phone charging function is provided in the lower half 902 -A of the Internet terminal 8.
0, the upper half 902-B has a communication connector 101 for a mobile phone.
0, having a mobile phone communication adapter 1101; If the mobile phone communication connector 1010 can be connected to the mobile phone 901, these arrangements can be freely taken. Power is supplied from the power supply line 602, but if the required voltage of each component is different, a voltage conversion device is required for each component. In FIG. 11, it is omitted to avoid complication.

The connection between the components included in the Internet terminal 902 with a mobile phone charging function will be described.

The communication adapter 1101 for the mobile phone and the Internet terminal 902 with the mobile phone charging function are provided with a serial output signal line 201-A and a serial input signal line 201-B.
Data communication is performed via. Here, the serial output signal line 201-A and the serial input signal line 201-B are signals included in the RS-232C port 201 in FIG. 2, and these signal lines are required at a minimum.

The communication adapter for mobile phone 1101 and the communication connector for mobile phone 1010 communicate data via a communication adapter input signal line 1102 and a communication adapter output signal line 1103. Communication adapter input signal line 110
2 is connected to the connector input signal terminal 1013. The communication adapter output signal line 1103 is the connector output signal terminal 10
14.

Next, the function of the mobile phone communication adapter 1101 will be described.

At the time of data reception, data is received from the mobile phone 901, converted into a format for flowing through the RS-232C port 201, and passed to the Internet terminal 80. When transmitting data, the Internet terminal 8
0 through the RS-232C port 201, and converts the data into a data format inside the mobile phone 901.
The data is passed to the mobile phone 901.

As an effect of adopting the configuration shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, many cables conventionally required are:
Since the power supply line 602 and the video signal line 501 are used, the wiring can be simplified.

The effect of this configuration in function will be described. When the communication function is not used, information stored in the mobile phone 901 such as a telephone directory and function setting contents is displayed on the screen of the television 90 so that the user can easily see the information. Also, by using a user interface device (mouse, keyboard, infrared remote controller, etc.) connected to the Internet terminal 80, settings of the mobile phone 901 that are difficult to remember can be made using an easy-to-understand interface using a web browser or the like. . Further, the information stored in the mobile phone 901 can be backed up using a flash memory 209 or a flash memory card that can be inserted into the PCMCIA card slot 210.

When the communication function is used, it can be used as a space-saving Internet terminal device having a simple configuration as shown in FIG. As a specific application example, a case where electronic mail is used will be described as an example.

When the Internet terminal 80 detects that the mobile phone 901 has been placed on the Internet terminal 902 with a mobile phone charging function, the Internet terminal 80 connects to the Internet using the packet communication service of the mobile phone, and sends an e-mail. Receive automatically.

Also, while the mobile phone 901 is not connected, an e-mail is written using the configuration of the Internet terminal 902 with a mobile phone charging function, the television 90, and a user interface device (keyboard or the like) connected to the Internet terminal 80. When the mobile phone 901 is placed, an e-mail is automatically transmitted.

Thus, the procedure for connecting to the Internet by the user, which is necessary for the conventional Internet connection using the personal information terminal, is simplified, and the e-mail can be used easily.

Another application example of the Internet terminal 902 with a mobile phone charging function is to mount it on a car navigation system.
However, when the car navigation has the Internet terminal 80, only the upper half 902-B of the Internet terminal 902 with the mobile phone charging function may be mounted. The effect of this is that it is not necessary to make a contract for using a mobile phone exclusively for a car because a personally owned mobile phone can be used. It has the effect of preventing use for telephone purposes, and enhances driving safety.

By the way, there are two types of connection systems for telephone lines in ordinary households, tone and pulse. A method of automatically determining and connecting these will be described with reference to FIG.

It is checked whether the line is a pulse (120).
1) If a pulse, dial with a pulse (120)
2). Next, check if the connection was made by pulse (1
204), if the connection is established, communication is started (1210). It is confirmed whether or not the connection has been made by using a tone (1208). If the connection has been made, communication is started (1210).

If the line is unknown or unknown, dial with a tone (1203). Next, it is confirmed whether or not the connection can be made by the tone (1205). If the connection can be made by the tone, the communication is started (1210). If the connection fails, the dial is performed by a pulse (1207). It is confirmed whether or not the connection can be made by a pulse (1209). If the connection can be made, communication is started (1210)
If the connection fails, it is determined that the communication has failed (1211).

FIG. 13 shows a procedure when the network terminal 80 obtains content information on a network such as the Internet 40 or the telephone network 120.
These processes are performed mainly by the CPU while using the graphics processor 211 and the modem controller 215.
This is performed at 204.

There is a module 1301 for writing the content to be obtained in the obtained content table. This is activated by the instruction of the operator. Then, the process proceeds to the module 1302 for capturing the content.

Module 1302 for importing contents
First, there are an immediate mode for taking in data immediately according to an instruction of an operator and a delay mode for taking in data at a predetermined time.

In the immediate mode, the data acquisition and output module 1306 is executed. This will be described with reference to FIG.

In the other delay mode, first, the data acquisition time in the acquisition content table is set (13).
04). Then, a time interruption is set so that the data acquisition module is activated at that time (1).
305). The data interrupt module will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 18 shows the procedure of the data acquisition and output module.

First, it is determined whether or not the information described in the obtained content table is in the data holding area (180).
1). If there is no data, the data is fetched by communication (180
8) Activate a drawing module for drawing data (1)
809).

If there is information in the data holding area, it is determined 1802 whether or not it is necessary to reload the data based on the information of the validity period in the existing content table.
If unnecessary, a drawing module for drawing the data is activated (1809).

If data re-fetching is necessary based on the existing content table information, for example, if it is an invalid period or if it is unknown, a module for drawing existing data is activated (1803). Then, the data is fetched by using the communication means. First, the date of the information is confirmed in the header of the fetched data, and the necessity of data recapture is determined by comparing the date with the update date of the existing data (1
804). When necessary, a module that draws a message during data capture is started while data is continuously captured (1805). Here, when there is not enough free space in the data holding area, data with low priority is deleted and held. After the data acquisition is completed,
If the drawing has been performed, the drawing ends 1807. Then, a drawing module for drawing data is started (180)
9).

After the data is fetched, the existing data table information is updated.

FIG. 22 shows a data capture module in the delay mode. It is determined from the obtained content table whether or not there is data to be captured (22
01).

If the information described in the obtained content table is in the data holding area, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to reload the data according to the information in the existing content table. If necessary, it is determined from the header information of the fetched data whether or not it is necessary to re-fetch (2204). If necessary, data is continuously taken in (2205).
If unnecessary, data acquisition is stopped.

The fetched data is compressed as necessary according to a compression necessary flag for which compression is set. Here, when already captured data is compressed, the data is not further compressed.

By performing such processing, data is fetched using communication only at the minimum necessary time, and unnecessary communication can be reduced. In addition, by displaying the message indicating that the data is being captured, the old data can be referred to for reference while the operator is conscious.

FIG. 14 shows a connection to the Internet 40 via a telephone line (public network). Internet terminals 1410, 1411, connection devices 1420, 1421, 14 possessed by an Internet connection provider (provider)
22, 1430, equipment 144 of various information providers
0, 1441, 1450, 1451, and 1452 are appropriately connected via a telephone line (public network) and the Internet network. Provider A 1420 has at least two types of telephone lines, channel (1) 1421 and channel
(2) It has 1422. Channel (1) 1421 is a route for an information provider who bears the line usage fee on behalf of the user, and includes sponsor A 1440 and sponsor B
A device such as 1441 is connected. Channel (2) 14
Reference numeral 22 provides a route for connecting to other general information providers. Provider B is another internet service provider. Internet terminal 1410 is owned by user A registered as a member, and internet terminal 1411 is owned by non-member user B.

The provider A provides the channel (1) 1421 as a route for an information provider that bears the line usage fee on the user's side, and is connected to the user's terminal in the form of a line usage fee receiver burden. , Provider A pays on behalf of. Channel (1) 1421 is charging control mechanism 14
23, and measures the degree of connection to each information provider (such as the sponsor server A1440, B1441) and charges each information provider a reasonable burden. The amount of the connection fee is determined according to the connection time or connection frequency from the terminal user to each information provider.

On the other hand, the channel (2) 1422 or the provider B 1430 is an access route to general information, and the line usage fee and connection fee via this route are borne by the user.

For example, when realizing electronic commerce utilizing the mechanism of the channel (1) 1421, if members are recruited including a mechanism for renting the Internet terminal 1410 for free or at a low price, the burden on the terminal user is reduced. There are few, so recruiting members is easy. For a user who wants only free access, it is set so that only the channel (1) 1421 can be accessed. For a user who wants to access other information (for example, the general servers 1450, 1451, 1452, etc.), the channel (2) 1422 is used. What is necessary is just to make the setting that can be accessed through and to pay for the service. If a connection to another provider B1430 is desired due to regional characteristics, such a setting may be permitted.

It is also possible to allow non-member users to access through channel 1 in the same manner. It is easy to settle payment information for members by pre-registering settlement information for commercial transactions, while nonmembers are individually settled.

FIG. 15 shows an example of information management in which a terminal selects a plurality of channels or providers. The network channel correspondence table 1510 stores a correspondence between a location (URL) where information is stored on the Internet and a channel, and selects which channel to use each time information is accessed. The designation of the URL can be grouped to some extent and stored. The channel attribute details 1520 store detailed information of each channel such as a telephone number and a network address, and are referred to when connecting to each channel. Here, the Internet terminal 1410 stores the information in the form of a table by dividing it into the following two types of information. However, it is also possible to store the information as one integrated table.

As described above, according to this method, especially for information that the information provider wants to show to the user, such as various types of advertisement information, the terminal user does not need to bear the line usage fee for accessing the information. , Access increases.

FIG. 16 shows a processing procedure from the transmission on the terminal side to the data transfer. The caller's telephone number sent after the terminal has made a call is determined, and the process is changed depending on whether or not the user is a registered user. If the caller phone number is not a registered user or the caller phone number is not sent,
As a general processing procedure, information exchange such as confirmation of a communication procedure and confirmation of user information is performed at the beginning of communication, and then actual data transfer is started. On the other hand, if it is known from the caller telephone number that the user is a registered user, there is information registered in advance, so that data transfer can be started immediately by passing a process such as a communication procedure check and a user information check. . Especially, in order to reduce line usage fee, frequently connect,
Even in the case where disconnection is repeated, the connection procedure can be speeded up and the waiting time of the user can be reduced.

FIG. 17 shows another embodiment for reducing the burden on the terminal user. Here, the provider A1720 is a telephone company that also serves as an Internet connection provider.
Since the line usage fee on the telephone line (public network) and the information of each connection destination information provider can be managed collectively, the line usage fee and connection fee are charged to the information provider serving as a sponsor and to the terminal user. Can be allocated to billing. Therefore, from the Internet terminal 1410, one of the providers A1720
When accessing information with a sponsor while accessing the two routes, the access can be made free of charge including the line usage fee, and only the line usage fee and connection fee for accessing general information need to be borne. In addition, when the information with sponsors is switched to the general information, there is no need to switch the line on the terminal side, so that there is an advantage that the access speed is increased.

FIG. 19 shows a hardware configuration in which a GPS (global positioning system) capable of confirming position information and a portable telephone function are added to the Internet terminal. GPS card 190 in PCMCIA card slot
2 is attached. CPU 20 via system bus 217
The control is performed in step 4.

A liquid crystal display output from the CPU 204 is connected to a portable liquid crystal display 404.

Also, a microphone 1904 and a speaker 1905
The ADPCM 1901 encodes an audio waveform and transmits / receives data to / from the modem controller 215.

FIG. 20 shows a method of updating position-dependent contents. Check the current location information (200
1) It is determined whether or not the location-dependent content needs to be updated based on the location information (2002). If necessary, the location-dependent content is obtained by communication and updated (200).
3).

FIG. 21 shows an example of updating the position-dependent contents in the configuration shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. Blocks A2101 to G2107 indicate blocks that are addresses separated by roads or the like. A house, a store, and the like exist in each block (not shown).

The range of the map information A 2110 is the whole of blocks A, B, C and D, and a part of blocks E and F. Similarly, the range of the map information B2111 is the block E
And part of F, and the whole block G.

It is shown that the operator 2108 having the Internet terminal 80 shown in FIG. 19 moves with the operators 2108-t1 and 2108-t2 at times t1 and t2.

At the time of the operator 2108-t 1, the Internet terminal 80 holds map information A 2110. Then, when the operator 2108-T2 is reached, it becomes the boundary position of the map information (the area where the map information 2110 and the map information 2111 overlap). The recognition module operating on the Internet terminal recognizes by GPS that the current position is at the boundary position of the map information and that the map information is moving from A to B.

Then, the update module automatically requests the map information center from the map information center and updates the map information data.

These recognition modules and update modules are processed by the CPU 204 shown in FIG. 19 on the multitask OS.

As described above, by updating the information depending on the position optimal for the current position by the position confirmation module,
By using the Internet, the Internet terminal 80 can perform processing as if it holds all information without having a huge capacity to hold all information.

[0116]

According to the present invention, it is possible for the Internet connection company to pay for the line usage between the user having the Internet terminal and the Internet connection company, and the information provider to bear the charge. become. In particular, information that the information provider wants to show to the user, such as various types of advertisement information, can be easily accessed because the user does not need to pay a line usage fee for accessing the information.

When the telephone company can control the billing of the telephone line as in the case where the telephone company operates the Internet connection business, the burden on the user having the Internet terminal and the burden on the connection destination information provider depends on the connection destination. Can be sorted.

Further, by pre-registering information on the communication procedure between the user having the Internet terminal and the Internet service provider, the user registered in advance based on the caller telephone number sent after the call from the Internet terminal is registered. Is determined, and in the case of a call from a user registered in advance, actual data transfer can be started immediately according to a predetermined communication procedure registered in advance, and the time required for switching the line connection can be reduced. .

Further, according to the present invention, the user can operate the contents to be displayed on the external display on the terminal screen at hand, so that when displaying over a plurality of pages, the target page is displayed directly. Is possible, and operability can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an internal block diagram of the Internet terminal.

FIG. 3 is a software configuration diagram of the Internet terminal.

FIG. 4 is an example in which a display of an Internet terminal is used for controlling a television screen.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an Internet terminal equipped with a liquid crystal screen with a tablet and displaying images on an external television.

FIG. 6 shows an example in which the present invention is applied to a general household.

FIG. 7 is a screen display example of a television 90.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a communication protocol in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a connection example of an Internet terminal with a mobile phone charging function.

FIG. 10 is a connection diagram between a mobile phone and an Internet terminal.

FIG. 11 is a system configuration diagram of an Internet terminal with a mobile phone charging function.

FIG. 12 is an algorithm for automatically switching between tone and pulse on a telephone line.

FIG. 13 shows a procedure in which the Internet terminal captures data by communication.

FIG. 14 is a connection to the Internet 40 via a telephone line (public network).

FIG. 15 shows an example of information management in which a terminal selects a plurality of channels or providers.

FIG. 16 is a processing procedure from transmission from a terminal to data transfer.

FIG. 17 is an example of reducing the burden on the terminal user.

FIG. 18 shows a procedure in which the Internet terminal performs drawing.

FIG. 19 is a hardware configuration in which a GPS and a mobile phone function are added to an Internet terminal.

FIG. 20 is a method of updating position-dependent content.

FIG. 21 is an example of updating position-dependent content in the configuration shown in FIGS. 19 and 20;

FIG. 22 shows a data acquisition module.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Communication satellite, 20 ... Data broadcasting station, 30 ... Mobile data communication base station, 40 ... Internet, 50 ... Server, 60 ... Data communication service center, 70 ... Client, 80 ... Internet terminal, 90 ... TV,
100 remote control, 110 telephone line, 120 telephone network.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification symbol FI H04L 12/28 H04B 7/26 109T 12/66 H04L 11/00 310C H04M 3/00 11/20 B 3/42 (72) Invention Person Shigeru Matsuo 7-1-1, Omika-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture Inside Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Research Laboratory (72) Inventor Shin Yoshitaka 7-1-1, Omika-cho, Hitachi City, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture Inside

Claims (48)

[Claims] 1. A network terminal which obtains network service by connecting to a network connection device via a telephone line, means for managing a relationship between a plurality of connection destination telephone numbers and addresses on the network. Means for selecting an appropriate one from a plurality of connection destinations and connecting, and selecting an appropriate telephone number corresponding to an address on the network to be accessed to switch the connection. A network terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. A network connection device for receiving access from a network terminal via a telephone line and connecting to a network to provide a network service, wherein at least a calling telephone number relating to a user having the network terminal and the user Means for pre-registering information on a standard communication procedure between the user and a means for receiving a caller telephone number sent after a call from a network terminal and determining whether or not the call is from a pre-registered user It is determined whether or not the caller telephone number sent after a call from the network terminal is a pre-registered user, and in the case of a call from a pre-registered user, the Communicated according to the prescribed communication procedure and registered in advance Network-connected device in the case of calls from other than over THE characterized in that so as to communicate after performing confirmation processing of the communication procedure. 3. A network connection device which receives access from a network terminal via a telephone line and provides network services by connecting to a network, wherein charging information corresponding to a network service provider and the amount of the connection is provided. A network connection device having means for managing, wherein a predetermined charge can be given to a network service provider. 4. The network connection device according to claim 3, wherein the connection amount is an amount corresponding to time. 5. The network connection device according to claim 3, wherein the amount of the connection is an amount corresponding to an access frequency. 6. A network connection method for receiving access from a network terminal device via a telephone line and connecting to a network to provide a network service, wherein a network service provider and charging information according to the amount of the connection are provided. A network connection method, wherein the network connection is managed and a predetermined fee is charged to a network service provider. 7. The network connection method according to claim 6, wherein the amount of the connection is an amount corresponding to time. 8. The network connection method according to claim 6, wherein the amount of the connection is an amount corresponding to an access frequency. 9. A network connection device which receives an access from a network terminal via a telephone line and provides a network service by connecting to a network, wherein charging information for the network terminal and a network service provider are provided. A network connection device having means for managing the charging information for the network terminal, wherein the charging for the network terminal and the charging for the network service provider can be sorted. 10. The network connection device according to claim 9, wherein the charging to the network service provider is performed according to the amount of connection with the network service provider. 11. The network connection device according to claim 10, wherein the connection amount is an amount corresponding to time. 12. The network connection device according to claim 10, wherein the amount of the connection is an amount corresponding to an access frequency. 13. A network connection method for accepting access from a network terminal via a telephone line and connecting to a network to provide a network service, comprising the steps of: charging a network terminal; and charging a network service provider. A network connection method characterized by distributing charges. 14. A network connection method according to claim 13, wherein charging to the network service provider is performed according to the amount of connection with the network service provider. 15. The network connection method according to claim 14, wherein said connection amount is an amount corresponding to time. 16. A network connection method according to claim 14, wherein said connection amount is an amount corresponding to an access frequency. 17. A network comprising: input means, a display, an output terminal for outputting display data to an external display device for performing higher definition display than the display, and communication means for communicating with an external network. In the terminal device, when the output terminal is connected to an external display device and the information obtained by the communication means is displayed on the external display device, the display device displays a summary of the information, and the input means Wherein the details of the information of the part specified by the above are displayed using the external display. 18. The network terminal device according to claim 17, wherein the information displayed on the display device is displayed by reducing the information. 19. The network terminal device according to claim 17, wherein the information displayed on the display device displays characters indicating the contents of the information. 20. A network terminal as claimed in claim 17, wherein said input means is a tablet mounted on said display. 21. In a network environment for browsing content information by connecting to a network, communication means, means for temporarily storing information captured by the communication means, information processing means for processing the information, What is claimed is: 1. A network terminal having means for outputting a result of information processing by a processing means, comprising: means for designating information to be obtained; and means for designating acquisition of the information. 22. The network terminal according to claim 21, wherein the processing of obtaining the specified information is performed at a specific time or after a predetermined time. 23. The method according to claim 21, wherein a time for performing the processing of obtaining the specified information at a specific time is held, or the processing of obtaining the specified information is performed immediately or after a predetermined time. A network terminal device having means for instructing whether or not the network terminal is in use. 24. In a network environment for browsing content information by connecting to a network, communication means, means for temporarily storing information captured by the communication means, information processing means for processing the information, In a network terminal device having a means for outputting a result of information processing by a processing means, when temporarily storing information captured by a communication means, a means for instructing whether to compress and hold the information is provided. Network terminal to do. 25. In a network environment in which content information is browsed by connecting to a network, communication means, means for temporarily holding information captured by the communication means, information processing means for processing the information, In a network terminal having means for outputting the result of information processing by the processing means, when content information instructed to be drawn by an operator of the network terminal is held in the network terminal, and re-import is necessary, A browser system for displaying temporarily held content information while capturing the content information by communication. 26. The network terminal according to claim 25, wherein it is determined whether or not recapture is necessary based on content validity information contained in the content information. 27. A network terminal according to claim 25, wherein a data header is obtained by communication to determine whether re-capture is necessary and the information of the header is used to determine. 28. The network terminal according to claim 25, wherein when re-capturing the content information, a message indicating that the latest data has been captured is displayed. 29. In a network environment for browsing content information by connecting to a network, a communication means, a means for temporarily storing information taken in by the communication means, an information processing means for processing the information, A means for outputting the result of information processing by the processing means, a means for displaying map information, and a means for recognizing a current position; a means for automatically updating content information optimal for the current position in a network terminal. A network terminal having: 30. A network terminal for obtaining a network service by connecting to a network connection device via a telephone line of a mobile phone, wherein a function of charging the mobile phone and a function of connecting to the network via the mobile phone are provided in the same case. A network terminal device that is held by the body. 31. A function for charging a mobile phone, a function for connecting to a network via a mobile phone, and a display in a network terminal for obtaining a network service by connecting to a network connection device via a mobile phone telephone line. A network terminal device having a function of displaying information on a device in the same housing. 32. A mobile phone charger having a function of charging a mobile phone and a function of displaying information on a display device in the same housing. 33. A network terminal according to claim 30, wherein a program is started on the network terminal by connecting a portable telephone. 34. A network terminal according to claim 30, wherein the availability or non-availability of data communication or voice communication can be controlled in accordance with connection of a mobile phone. 35. The network terminal according to claim 31, wherein information held in the mobile phone is displayed on a television screen. 36. The mobile phone charger according to claim 32, wherein information held in the mobile phone is displayed on a television screen. 37. The network terminal according to claim 31, wherein information stored in the mobile phone can be edited using an infrared remote control or a button of the mobile phone. 38. The mobile phone charger according to claim 32, wherein information held in the mobile phone can be edited using an infrared remote control or a button of the mobile phone. 39. A network terminal connected to a network via a telephone line, wherein the network terminal has a mechanism for automatically determining whether the telephone line is a tone or a pulse. 40. A network terminal according to claim 39, wherein the result of tone pulse determination is stored and this information is used at the next connection. 41. A network terminal device comprising a communication means, an information processing means, and an output means, comprising a power supply line, connecting the power supply line to a power line, and connecting to the power line. A network terminal device having a function of obtaining information about another device and displaying the information on a display device. 42. A network terminal comprising communication means, information processing means, and output means, comprising a power line, connecting the power line to a power line, and connecting to the power line. A network terminal having a function of obtaining information about another device and transmitting the information by sound. 43. The network terminal according to claim 42, wherein said sound is synthesized by said information processing means. 44. A network terminal according to claim 41, wherein said information is a time until the operation of said device is completed. 45. A network terminal device comprising a communication means, an information processing means, and an output means, which receives a signal from a communication device and uses the signal to communicate with another device connected to a power line. A network terminal device having a function of issuing a command to the network terminal. 46. A network terminal comprising communication means, information processing means, and output means, wherein a function of displaying a time until an operation of a device connected to the power line is completed is displayed on the display device. A network terminal, comprising: 47. A network terminal comprising communication means, information processing means, and output means, having a power line, connecting the power line to a power line, and connecting to the power line. A network terminal device having a function of converting a communication protocol with another device to that of the terminal device. 48. The network terminal according to claim 1, wherein the network is the Internet, a network system and a network connection method using the network terminal.