JPS62120768A - Communication system for personal computer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To permit the communication for the user only having a prescribed external storage means while avoiding mis-dialing by applying automatic dialing based on a telephone number of a personal offering information stored in the external storage means in using an inexpensive personal computer so as to attain communication. CONSTITUTION:The information offering personnel having a host computer 62 distributes an external storage means such as a floppy disc 20 to the user. The user mounts the external storage means possessed by itself to a read means 30 and selects the communication mode, then a data stored in the external storage means is read and loaded to a temporary storage means 40. A processing means displays a picture data such as a communication procedure onto a monitor display device 1 based on the communication control program. The data inputted by the operation of an input means 12 is loaded to the temporary storage means 40 as a data to be sent. On the other hand, a communication controller 50 applies automatic dialing based on the telephone number data of the information offering personnel read from the external storage means and sends a user identification code and a transmission data when a line with the host computer is established.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to a communication system for a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer), and in particular, for example, a communication system for a low-cost personal computer (specifically, the product name M
This invention relates to a communication system for performing data communication between a gaming family computer (product name) sold by SX or the applicant of the present invention and a center.

(Prior art) Conventionally, communication between business PCs and large computers has been carried out using public telephone lines, but communication between inexpensive home PCs (such as MSX and Family Computer (product name)) has been carried out using public telephone lines. was not done.

Furthermore, an image communication system called the Captain System has been put into practical use, but it requires a personal computer and an adapter as a terminal device.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) Adapters for business PCs and captain systems are expensive, so their penetration rate is low, and they are not practical for networking. Furthermore, in the former case, the keyboard must be operated according to a predetermined procedure, making operation and handling complicated. In particular, since the users of home personal computers are children and housewives, it is desired that they be easy to use, inexpensive, and capable of communication. On the other hand, in the latter case, once the communication line is established, the information provider sends image data unilaterally and all the image data necessary for displaying on one screen, so the amount of communication increases and interactive communication is not possible. I can't do it. Furthermore, when a user accesses the center, the center is called by manual dialing, so errors in dialing operations are likely to occur, and there are cases where a person without a terminal device dials.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a personal computer that can save the trouble of dialing, can be easily operated by anyone with few dialing errors, requires less communication, and can allow only designated users to communicate. It is to provide a communication system.

(Means for Solving the Problems) The present invention provides a communication system that performs tetator communication between an inexpensive personal computer connected to a monitor display device and a host computer to which a plurality of personal computers are connected via a public telephone line. A personal computer, a host computer,
It includes an external storage means and a communication control means.

The personal computer includes mode selection means, input means, temporary storage means, processing means, and image signal generation means.

The external storage means includes a fixed data storage area that stores information provider's telephone number data, user identification code, fixed image data, and program data for communication control and display control. The communication control device includes automatic dialing means, transmitting means, and receiving means.

(Function) Information providers who have installed host computers distribute or sell external storage means such as magnetic recording media (floppy disks) and IC cards to members or users with certain qualifications. When a user wishes to communicate with an information provider, the user attaches his or her own external storage means to the reading means.
Select communication mode. Then, the data stored in the external storage means is read by the reading means and loaded into the temporary storage means. Based on the communication control program, the processing means provides the image signal generation means with image data for inputting, for example, communication procedures and communication data by moving a cursor on the screen, and causes the image signal generation means to display the image data on the monitor display device. Data input by operating the input means (moving a cursor, selecting characters, etc.) is loaded into the temporary storage means as data to be transmitted.

On the other hand, the automatic dialing means included in the communication control device automatically dials based on the information provider's telephone number data read from the external storage means.

Then, when a line with the host computer is established, the transmitting means transmits the user identification code and transmission data by, for example, half-duplex communication. Based on this transmission data, the host computer executes predetermined data processing and transmits the data resulting from the processing. The receiving means receives this data and causes it to be loaded into the temporary storage means. The processing means combines the fixed image data read from the external storage means with the received data (variable data) and provides display data to be displayed on the monitor display device to the image signal generation means. This realizes image display control with a small amount of communication.

Each time data to be transmitted is input by the input means, or if a large amount of data to be transmitted has been input in advance, it is divided into predetermined data units and transmitted between the communication control device and the host computer. Data communication is performed.

(Embodiment) Figures 1 to 3 are system configuration diagrams of an embodiment of the present invention, in particular, Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram thereof, and Figure 2 is an external perspective view of equipment provided on the user side. , FIG. 3 shows a detailed block diagram of FIG.

First, the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. In this invention, a plurality of users (IDs)
If you become a member of P), the information provider will sell you a floppy disk (FD) 20, which is an example of an external storage device that serves as a kind of key when communicating with the information provider, for a fee. or distributed free of charge in exchange for payment of membership fees. The user has a personal computer (personal computer), such as a video game machine (for example, a product name sold by the applicant of the present application; Family Computer) 10, and
A magnetic disk drive device (hereinafter referred to as FD) is an example of a reading means.
(abbreviated as D) 30 and a communication control device 50 are prepared. Also, in relation to the video game machine 10 and the FDD 30,
A RAM adapter 40 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) is provided. And a video game machine (hereinafter referred to as a game machine)
10, a television receiver l which is an example of a monitor display device is R
It is connected via F switch 2. This RF switch 2
gives the RF signal to the television receiver 1 when the RF signal is given from the game machine 10, and gives it the television signal received by the antenna 3 when the RF signal is not given. Furthermore, the game machine 10 includes
A printer 4 and/or a tablet 5 are connected as necessary.

When the user wants to talk to the information provider, the user uses the FD20. For that purpose, the communication control device 50 is connected to a communication control device 61 on the information provider side via a public telephone line (or circuit diagram) 6. This communication control device 61 is capable of communicating with multiple users at once, and includes a modem and a communication control processor (CCP). In addition to this, the information provider side has a host computer 6 with high processing speed.
2 and a file memory 63 are installed.

This communication system can, for example, communicate data to support cram school preparation and review at home (checking the accuracy of homework and grade rankings), searching various character databases such as Captain, and communicating products. Used for sales, etc.

Next, details of the equipment provided on the user side will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The game machine 10 has a housing 11
including. The housing 11 includes two controllers 12.12.
′ is connected. One controller 12 has an A button 12a, a B button 12b, a cross switch 12C,
It includes a select switch 12d and a start switch 12e.

The A button 12a or the B button 12b is used to instruct the input of characters and numbers selected by the cross switch 12c in the communication data input mode, and is used to input the character's action state (for example, jumping, firing a gun, etc.) in the game mode. used for directives. cross switch 1
2C is used to select letters or numbers by moving the cursor on the screen in input mode, and
It is used to specify the movement direction of the character (for example, four directions (up, down, left, and right) in the game mode.

The select switch 12d is used to select the mode displayed on the mode selection screen and to select the game type M (necessary or for two players) in the game mode. The start switch 12e is used for a start command. The other controller 12' is configured similarly to the controller 12, except that the select switch 12d and the start switch 126 are not provided.

Note that a switch may be used for both mode selection and data input, and a keyboard may be provided in addition to the controller 12, 12'.

Further, the upper surface of the housing 11 is provided with an insertion opening (not shown) into which a ROM cartridge (not shown) is inserted. An edge connector 13 is built inside this insertion opening. The edge connector 13 has input/output (Ilo)
Interface 14 is connected. Controllers 12 and 12' are connected to the I10 interface 14, as well as a CPU (central processing unit) 15 and a PP
U (image processing device) 16 is connected. And the signal from controller 12.12'! 10 interface 14 to the CPU 15.

Data read from an external memory (eg, ROM cartridge or RAM adapter 40) attached to edge connector 13 is provided to CPU 15 and PPU 16 via I10 interface 14. CPU15
The video R is used to store one screen worth of image data.
AM17V, and working RAM1 for temporarily storing score data during the game and various other processing data.
7W is connected.

The PPUI 6 generates an image signal for the game based on the image data from the CPU 15 and supplies it to the RF modulation circuit 18 . The RF modulation circuit 18 includes, for example, the edge connector 1
It is activated when a ROM cartridge or RAM adapter 40 is connected to the PPUI 3, and converts the image signal given from the PPUI 6 into, for example, an NTSC TV signal. This TV signal is applied to an antenna terminal of a home TV receiver 1 via an RF switch 2 and a coaxial cable. Therefore, the CPU 15, the PPUI 6, and the RF modulation circuit 18 constitute an image distortion generating means.

The RAM adapter 40 includes a T-shaped case 42 that houses a board 41. The board 41 includes a RAM 43. 43' is implemented. and,
By inserting the substrate 41 into the edge connector 13, the plurality of electrodes formed on the edge portion of the substrate 41 are electrically connected to the edge connector 13.

The RAM adapter 40 is connected to the FDD 30 via a cable.
is connected. FDD 30 includes a housing 31. Housing 31
An insertion opening 32 for inserting the FD 20 is formed on the front surface of the FD 20 . Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the FD 20 is constructed by housing a disk-shaped magnetic disk 22 in a case 23, with a hub 21 formed in the center. The case 23 is chosen to be larger than the disc 22.

That is, the width a of the case 23 is selected to be less than or equal to the width of the insertion opening 32, and the length b of the case 23 in the insertion direction (depth direction) is selected to be larger than the diameter of the disk 22 (2r<, b).

The tip of the case 23 in the insertion direction from the center (upper side of Figure 4A)
The length b2 to the rear end (lower side) in the insertion direction is selected to be longer than the length bl (b2>bl). A head insertion hole 24 is formed in one main surface of the case 23.

A write protection claw 25 is formed at one end of the case 23 on the leading end side in the insertion direction. Furthermore, a first identification mark portion 26 is provided on at least one main surface of the case 23 along the width direction at the rear end in the insertion direction. This identification symbol part 2
6, an identification symbol consisting of a combination of a plurality of characters such as alphabets, kana, or numbers is formed in the shape of an indentation.

Note that the identification symbol is not limited to characters as shown in the figure, but may also be a combination of symbols such as a circle, triangle, or square, or a meaningless symbol such as a zigzag pattern. Furthermore, one of the plurality of identification symbols may be formed with a deeper recess than the other characters. Furthermore, if the FD 20 is for double-sided recording, the identification symbol portions 26 are formed on both sides of the case 23.

Then, inside the insertion opening 32, there is a first identification symbol section 26.
The second identification symbol portion 31 shown in FIG.
1 is formed in an embossed shape. Therefore, the identification symbol section 26
When the FD 20 with the
11 fits together and is installed normally, but the identification symbol part 2
If 6 is not formed or if the symbol is not a predetermined symbol, it will not fit into the identification symbol portion 311 and will not be properly installed and cannot be used.

Furthermore, inside the insertion/entrance 32, a disk drive system 33 is provided.
and a magnetic head 34 are installed. The disk drive system 33 and magnetic helad 34 are connected to the I10 interface 35
connected to. Then, the disk drive system 33 is an FD20.
While rotating the FD 20, the magnetic helad 34 reads various programs and other data recorded in advance on the FD 20, or writes new data. Among the data read by the magnetic head 34, audio data is provided to the sound source circuit 36 via the I10 interface 35.

The sound source circuit 36 synthesizes audio data (digital data) and generates an audio signal (analog signal). This audio signal is amplified by the audio amplification circuit and provided to the RF modulation circuit 18 via the board 41 and edge connector 13.

The I10 interface 51 of the communication control device 50 is connected to the I10 interface 35 of the FDD 30 via the connector 38. A communication control processor (CCP) 52 having an automatic dialing function and other communication control functions is connected to the I10 interface 51, and a modem 53 is also connected thereto. This modem 53 includes a modulation/demodulation function, an error control function, etc. in addition to transmitting and receiving functions. The communication control bag W61 is connected to this modem 53 via the public telephone line 6.

FIG. 6A is a diagram schematically showing the storage area of the FD.

The disk 22 of the FD 20 has multiple recording areas 223 to 22.
Contains e. The recording areas 22a to 22d are fixed data recording areas that are determined by the information provider and written at the time of distribution of the FD 20, and cannot be rewritten by the user. Among these, data for determining the authenticity of the FD 20, data for initializing the FDD 30, etc. are recorded (stored) in the recording area 22a. The information provider's telephone number data and user identification code are recorded in the recording area 22b. This telephone number data is used to perform automatic dialing. The user identification code is a different number assigned to each member, and is used to determine who is calling when a call is received from a member.

Program data for image display control and communication control is recorded in the recording area 22c. Fixed image data is recorded in the recording area 22d. Data for variable display (variable data) is recorded in the recording area 22e.

Here, fixed image data is data of an image that is always displayed among image patterns determined by the purpose of communication between an information provider and a user (member). For example, if the communication purpose is to be used for cram school and student learning, the problem text and answer options (0.1 to 9 if the answer is a number, kana character pattern if the answer is kana, etc.), product information, etc. When used for mail-order sales, the fixed image data includes a product catalog (menu) including product names, product codes, prices, etc. for each product, and instructions for application procedures. On the other hand, variable display data is
In the former example, it is data indicating answers, correct answers, and grades, and in the latter example, it is data indicating the code of the ordered product, its quantity, and payment terms. However, it goes without saying that fixed image data and variable display data are not limited to these, and may be modified or determined depending on the purpose of use.

Then, part or all of the data recorded in these recording areas 22a to 22e is read out and stored in the RAM 43.
43'.

FIG. 6B is a diagram schematically showing the storage area of the file memory. The file memory 63 includes an area 63a that stores user codes of all members.

Corresponding to each user code, there is an area 63b for storing a password, an area 63C1 for storing address book data such as the user's name, address, and telephone number, and an area 63d for storing communication data, processing results, etc. included.

FIGS. 7A to 7C are diagrams showing an example of a display screen of a television receiver.

8A and 8B are flowcharts for explaining the operation of each part on the user side, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of each part on the information provider side (particularly the communication control device and the host computer). It is a flowchart.

Next, the specific operation of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9.

Prior to operations such as inputting communication data, the user connects each device as shown in FIG. 2. Then, when the power is turned on, the CPUI 5 starts the next operation (however, the 81
7-S26 are operations of the communication control device 50, 350-S63
shall indicate the operation on the host side). That is, in step S1, it is determined whether or not the FD 20 has been inserted. If the FD 20 is inserted and installed normally, this is determined according to the output of a switch (not shown) that detects that it is installed normally, and step S2
Proceed to. In step S2, a drive command signal is given to the disk drive system 33, and the magnetic head 34 reads data from the disk 22. This data is temporarily stored in the RAM 43, 43' of the RAM adapter 40. Next step S
In step 3, it is determined whether the FD20 is a genuine FD20 distributed to members based on the authenticity determination data.

If the authenticity determination data is not the predetermined one, a message indicating that it cannot be used is displayed in step S4, and then the communication control device 50 is disabled to prohibit communication with the information provider. Eliminate communication.

On the other hand, after it is determined at step knob S1 that the FD 20 is not inserted or at step $3 that the FD 20 is recorded with predetermined authenticity determination data, the process advances to step S6. In this way, it is determined whether the FD is a specified FD based on the shape of the FD 20 and recorded data, and communication is permitted only if the external storage medium is the specified one, so that non-members can This has the advantage that the user can eliminate communication using similar FDs.

In step S6, a mode selection screen as shown in FIG. 7A is displayed on the television receiver 1 based on the fixed image data loaded into the RAM 43.43°. At this time, if the user wants to communicate with the information provider, look at this screen and select switch 12d (cross switch 12c).
) to move the cursor,
Select communication data input mode. Accordingly, step S
In step s7, it is determined that one of the switches included in the controller 12 has been operated, and in step s8, it is determined that the mode is data input mode for communication. ). In step S9, a fixed image used for inputting communication data is displayed based on the fixed image data.

Specifically, at first, a message instructing the user to enter the password is displayed along with a pattern of numbers or alphanumeric characters that make up the password. When the user views this image and enters a password, it is determined in step s10 that the password has been entered, and in step S11 the entered password is loaded into a part of the RAM 43.43'. In the following step 312, it is determined that no transmission data has been input, and the process returns to step S9.

Thereafter, in step S9, a fixed image corresponding to the communication purpose, for example, the 7B image if used as a learning system.
Images of character patterns from O to 9 for selecting question sentences and answers as shown in the figure, and product codes when used for mail order sales of products.

An image of the product catalog including product name, unit price, etc. is displayed. Looking at this image, the user operates the cross switch 120, etc. to input the data to be communicated (for example, the answer enclosed in the frame in Figure 7B, or data such as the selection of the order product code and its quantity). If the password is input, it is determined in step 310 that the password is not input, and the process advances to step S12. In step S12, it is determined that transmission data has been input. In the following step S13, the input data is loaded into the RAM 43°43' in association with the fixed image data. Continuing (In step S14, for example, input data such as the answer enclosed in a frame in FIG. 7B is displayed in addition to the fixed image. In step S15, it is determined whether input of communication data has been completed. However, , if the input has not been completed, the switch instructing the end will not be operated (or the cursor will be moved), so this is determined and the process returns to step S9 to perform the above-mentioned operation (S9.SIO).

S12 to S515) are repeated.

After all the data to be transmitted has been input and an instruction to end is given, the process returns to step S6. When the mode selection screen is displayed in step S6, the user moves the cursor to select a communication mode. Then, in step S7, it is determined that the controller 12 has been operated, in step S8, it is determined that the mode is not the communication data input mode, and in step S16, it is determined that the communication mode has been selected, and then step 517 (step 517) is performed. (See Figure 8B).

In step S17, the CCP 52 provides the information provider's telephone number data read from the FD2Q to the modem 53. The modem 53 sends a dial pulse to the public telephone line 6 to call the information provider.

On the other hand, the host computer 62 performs step S50 (
(See FIG. 9), it is constantly determined whether there is a call from a user. If there is a call, the process advances to step S51, and the communication control device 61 sends out a response signal (a signal indicating that the receiver has been picked up). In response, modem 53 transmits the user code (plus password, if necessary) loaded into RAM 43, 43'.

The host side receives the user code and password in step S52, and stores the user code and password in a buffer memory (not shown).
to be loaded. In the following step S53, the host computer 62 searches the memory file 63 based on the received user code, and determines whether the user is a registered user. If the call is from a regular member, it is determined that it is a predetermined user code, and then step 35
The password received in step 4 is compared with passwords registered in advance for each user code in the memory file 63, and it is determined whether the passwords match. If the passwords match, the line connection status is maintained in step S54.

In response, the CCP 52 determines that the line link has been established, and proceeds to step 321. Step s21
Then, the transmission data stored in the RAM 43, 43' is sequentially read out, and the modem 53 divides the transmission data into sections of a certain length, adds an error detection code, and transmits it as a modulated digital signal. do. On the other hand, the host side waits until there is received data in step 356, and when it is determined that there is received data, the
At step 7, the received data is temporarily stored in a buffer memory or the like.

In the following step 358, the received data is error-detected to determine whether there is an error. If it is determined that there is an error, a retransmission request code is sent in step S59. When the modem 53 receives this, it is determined in step S22 that a retransmission request has been made, and the process returns to step S21, where the transmission data is transmitted again. vice versa,
If it is determined that there is no error, predetermined data processing is executed in step S58. Specifically, in the case of a learning system, data for determining correctness of answers, grading, and creating a report card may be registered in the area 63d of the file memory 63, and in the case of a product sales system, data for determining correctness of answers, scoring, and creating a report card may be registered in the area 63d of the file memory 63, and in the case of a product sales system, data for determining correctness of answers, scoring, and creating a report card may be registered in the area 63d of the file memory 63. This includes creating invoices, etc. After that, in step S61, the processing results (for example, for the learning system, data such as correct/incorrect judgment marks, correct answers to incorrect questions, scoring, and grade ranking, etc., and for the product sales system, data such as order product code and quantity confirmation data, etc.) Is it a correspondence system? transmitted by the ill device 61. At this time, CC
P52 continues to determine the presence or absence of received data in step S23, and waits for the arrival of received data. and,
When the transmission data from the host side is received, it is determined and the process proceeds to step S24. In step S24, the received data is loaded into the RAM 43.43'.

When the host side has finished transmitting all data, this is determined in step S62, and then 1. In step S63, a line disconnection signal is sent. In parallel with this, on the user side, after determining the end of reception in step S25, a line disconnection signal is sent in step S27. As a result, the public telephone line 6 is disconnected, and communication between the two ends.

Note that if it is determined in step S53 that the user code is not a predetermined user code or that the password does not match in step S54, a line disconnection signal is sent in step S63 without performing steps S55 to S62. Ru. This has the advantage of preventing unauthorized communication using someone else's FD 20.

After completing the data communication as described above, the CPU 15
43.43” (for example, data for displaying as shown in Figure 7B) and received data sent from the host side (for example, marks indicating correctness, correct answers to incorrect questions) , grades, etc.) to display a composite image as shown in FIG. 7c, for example, is given to the PPU 16, and the composite image is displayed on the screen of the television receiver 1. To make it easier, the seventh
In Figure C, a display screen portion based on received data (variable data) is shown surrounded by a dotted line frame.

In this way, data for fixedly displayed images is recorded on the FD20, and only the minimum necessary variable data is communicated between the user side and the information provider (host) side. This has the advantage of significantly reducing the amount of information to be transmitted and reducing communication costs.

By the way, if the game mode, which is the original purpose of the game 4i 110, is selected when the mode selection screen is displayed in step S6 described above, after it is determined that it is not the communication mode in step S16 described above, In step 329, it is determined that the game mode is present. In this case, the CPU 15 executes the game program based on the game program data stored in the ROM cartridge inserted into the insertion slot or in the FD 20 installed in the FDD 30. If a mode other than this is selected, the program of the selected mode is executed in step S31.

(Other Embodiments) In the above-mentioned embodiments, various devices (10, 30,
40 and 50) are housed in separate casings and are connected by a connection cord. However, they may be housed in one casing and configured as an integrated structure. Furthermore, although we have described the case where an FD is used as an example of an external storage means, instead of (or in addition to) an IC card or a semiconductor memory or an optical card stored in a cartridge, it is also possible to apply. In that case, , a reading means suitable for the storage (or recording) medium is used. Furthermore, the control procedure for communication can be freely changed depending on the purpose of use. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the application of this invention is not limited to learning systems and product sales, but can also be used for various types of communication using relatively inexpensive personal computers (for example, communication of one character and one figure data such as the Captain System). do not have.

(Effects of the Invention) As described above, according to the present invention, when communicating using a relatively inexpensive personal computer, automatic communication is performed based on the information provider's telephone number stored in the external storage means. Since the system is dialed, it saves the user the trouble of dialing, eliminates dialing errors, and allows anyone to operate easily. Further, since only users who possess a predetermined external storage means are allowed to communicate, use by non-members can be excluded. Therefore, even if the information provider is responsible for communication costs (telephone charges), it is possible to reduce unnecessary costs for the information provider. Furthermore, fixed image data is stored in external storage means, and only the minimum necessary variable data is communicated, so it is not possible to transmit data for one screen like the conventional captain system. In comparison, it is possible to significantly reduce communication volume and communication time.

Therefore, it is possible to improve the operating rate of the host computer on the information provider side.

Furthermore, in a preferred example, since the authenticity of the external storage means is determined, strict management of member usage becomes possible.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 to 3 are system configuration diagrams of an embodiment of the present invention, in particular, FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram thereof, FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of equipment provided on the user side, and FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. shows a detailed block diagram of FIG. 4A and 4B are detailed views of the floppy disk applied to this embodiment, in particular, FIG. 4A is a plan view thereof, and FIG. 4B is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 4A. . FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second identification mark section provided inside the insertion slot of the magnetic disk drive device. FIG. 6A is a diagram schematically showing a recording area of a floppy disk, and FIG. 6B is a diagram schematically showing a storage area of a file memory. 7A to 7C are diagrams showing examples of display screens, in particular, FIG. 7A shows a mode selection screen, FIG. 7B shows a fixed image display screen, and FIG. 7C shows a composite image display screen. FIGS. 8A and 8B are flowcharts for explaining the operation of each part on the user side. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of each part on the host computer side. In the figure, 10 is a video game machine (personal computer), 12.12'' is a controller (mode selection means, input means), 15 is a CPU (processing means), 20 is a floppy disk (FD; external storage means), and 30 is a Magnetic disk drive device t (FDD, reading means), 40
denotes a RAM adapter (temporary storage means), 50 a communication control device, and 61 a host computer. Figure 1 210-1 (within, ;; +, p change 1) procedural amendment written form) January 24, 1985 Patent Application No. 262.153, 1985, Title of Invention Personal Computer Communication System 3, Relationship with the amendment person case Patent applicant address ■605 60 Fukuinakami Takamatsu-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture
Address 4, date of amendment order spontaneously

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) A communication system that performs data communication between a personal computer connected to a monitor display device and a host computer installed on the information provider side, in which multiple personal computers are connected via a public telephone line. an external storage means configured to be detachably attached to the personal computer and possessed by a user who desires data communication with an information provider; When installed, a reading means for reading the stored data and a personal computer of a user who desires data communication with the information provider are provided, and the information is transmitted via the public telephone line. The external storage means includes a communication control device connected to the host computer, and the external storage means stores at least telephone number data of the information provider, a user identification code for identifying the user, and information provided by the information provider to the user. The personal computer includes a fixed data storage area that stores in advance fixed image data for multiple screens determined by the purpose of use among the information to be provided, and program data for communication control and image display control, and the personal computer has a communication mode. or mode selection means for selecting a mode other than communication; input means for inputting desired data; temporary storage means for temporarily storing input data or transmitted/received data from said input means; and said mode. a processing means that operates in response to the operation of the selection means and the input means and executes processing based on a predetermined program; and displaying a desired image on the screen of the monitor display device in accordance with the output of the processing means. and an image signal generation means for generating an image signal for the purpose of displaying the telephone number, and the communication control device includes: automatic dialing means for automatically dialing based on the telephone number data read by the reading means; and the automatic dialing means. a transmission means for transmitting the user identification code and the data to be transmitted stored in the temporary storage means after a line connection is established with the host computer by the host computer; receiving means for receiving the data when processing result data is transmitted after receiving the data and executing predetermined data processing, and the processing means receives the fixed image data read from the external storage means. and the data received by the receiving means to create display data to be displayed on the monitor display device, and supplying the display data to the image signal generating means. (2) The fixed data storage area of the external storage means presets and stores authenticity determination data for determining whether the external storage means is compatible with the personal computer, and the processing means: determining means for determining whether or not the authenticity determination data read from the external storage means is predetermined; and disabling the communication control device when it is determined that the authenticity determination data is not predetermined. 2. A communication system for a personal computer according to claim 1, further comprising: means for causing a personal computer to communicate with a personal computer. (3) The external storage means is a magnetic recording medium formed by housing a sheet-like magnetic disk in a case, and the case includes a first identification symbol portion formed in an indented shape on at least one main surface. , the reading means is a magnetic disk drive device for reading data recorded in a fixed data storage area of the magnetic recording medium or writing data to be recorded to an area other than the fixed data storage area; The disk drive device includes an insertion opening for inserting the magnetic recording medium, and an embossed second identification symbol provided near the inner side of the insertion opening and selected to have a predetermined relationship with the first identification symbol part. A communication system for a personal computer according to claim 1, further comprising a symbol section. (4) The personal computer communication system according to claim 1, wherein the host computer includes a file for storing data indicating the content of communication with each user for each of a plurality of user identification codes. (5) The personal computer is a home video game machine having a removably installed game program storage means, and the mode selection means and the input means are also used,
2. The communication system for a personal computer according to claim 1, wherein a desired mode is selected or data is input by selecting characters on a screen displayed on the monitor display device.