KR20060113455A - Mobile communications terminal using multi-functional socket and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A mobile terminal using a multi-function socket and its method are provided to reduce the size of a mobile terminal by performing a data input/output function and a charging function by using a single socket unit. A connector(190) is connected with an external device and sets an electrical connection. A controller(140) receives or transmits at least one signal through at least one predetermined path according to at least one identification signal by interworking with the connector(190) and a switching unit(160), and generates a control signal for controlling at least one signal. At least one signal is one of a power signal and data.

Description

MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS TERMINAL USING MULTI-FUNCTIONAL SOCKET AND METHOD THEREOF}

1 is a block diagram showing a portable terminal using a multi-function socket according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a view showing a socket of a portable terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using a multi-function socket of a mobile terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating pin assignment tables of connection terminals of external devices according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

5A through 5B are views illustrating a detailed structure of a switching processing unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a block diagram illustrating a portable terminal using a multifunction socket according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

7A to 7E are diagrams illustrating a pin assignment table of the multifunction extension socket unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a view for explaining the operating principle of the switching processing unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a block diagram showing a portable terminal using a multi-function socket according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

10A to 10F are diagrams illustrating pin assignment tables of the multifunction socket unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

** Description of symbols for the main parts of the drawing **

100, 600, 900: mobile terminal 110, 610, 910: transceiver

120, 620, 920: Input unit 130, 630, 930: Memory

140, 640, 940: control unit 141, 641, 941: signal processing unit

150, 650, 950: display unit 160, 660, 960: switching unit

161: first switch 162: second switch

170, 670, 970: socket portion 190, 690, 990: connector portion

171: pin 172: cover

191, 691, 991: Arrangement 680, 980: Adapter

681, 981: first interface 682, 982: connecting cable

683, 983: second interface 984: third interface

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable terminal, and more particularly, to a portable terminal using a multifunctional socket or a female connector which can reduce the size of the portable terminal and a method thereof.

In general, a mobile communication terminal can communicate within a service area formed by a base station (BS) while instantly making a wireless call and wireless connection with the other party anytime, anywhere through switching control of a mobile switching center (MSC). Device.

The mobile communication terminal has a receptacle for a data communication interface with an external device such as a computer or a digital camera, and a socket for interfacing with a peripheral device such as an earphone or a speaker on the outer surface of the mobile communication terminal.

The data communication between the mobile communication terminal and an external device is performed by data communication between an internal or external memory in the external device and a universal serial bus (USB) or universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) of the mobile communication terminal. Here, the UART is a microchip containing a program for controlling the interface to the serial devices attached to the mobile communication terminal, the USB is a data communication between the mobile communication terminal and peripheral devices such as a mouse, printer, modem, speaker, etc. The interface that enables this.

For such data communication, a USB or UART cable is connected between the mobile communication terminal and the external device, one side of the USB or UART cable is connected to the USB or UART port of the external device and the other side is the mobile communication terminal. Is connected to the receptacle.

When the earphone / microphone is connected to the mobile communication terminal, the earphone / microphone is inserted into a socket of the mobile communication terminal, thereby inputting a voice signal to the mobile communication terminal or outputting a voice signal from the mobile communication terminal. can do.

The remote controller of the mobile communication terminal is connected to the middle of the cable of the earphone / microphone connected to the mobile communication terminal to control the call key of the mobile communication terminal, the function key of the MP3 player, and the like, thereby allowing the user to remotely operate the mobile communication terminal. Can be controlled.

The mobile communication terminal according to the related art has a data signal receptacle and a voice signal socket on the outer surface of the mobile communication terminal, respectively, and inserts a data signal connection terminal or an audio signal connection terminal to perform data communication or input / output a voice signal as necessary. . That is, functions for different interfaces of the receptacle and the socket of the mobile communication terminal are allocated.

However, the mobile communication terminal according to the related art has a receptacle for data signals and a socket for an audio signal, so that the components constituting the receptacle and the socket not only occupy a considerable area on the outer surface of the mobile communication terminal, but also have a considerable area inside the mobile communication terminal. It has a problem that it is difficult to miniaturize the size of the mobile communication terminal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a single socket unit for receiving at least one of a power signal and data from a connected external device, so that both data input / output functions and charging functions can be performed through the provided socket unit. The present invention provides a portable terminal using a multifunctional socket or a female connector and a method thereof capable of miniaturizing the size of the terminal.

In order to achieve the above object, a portable terminal using a multi-function socket or a female connector according to the present invention comprises a connector for establishing an electrical connection by connecting to at least one external device; A switching unit; And a controller configured to receive or transmit at least one signal along at least one predetermined path according to at least one identification signal in association with the connector and the switching unit and to generate a control signal for controlling at least one signal. One signal may be any one of a power signal and data.

In order to achieve the above object, a method of using a multi-function socket of a portable terminal according to the present invention comprises the steps of connecting at least one external device to the portable terminal and establishing an electrical connection therebetween; Determining whether to transmit or receive data between the portable terminal and the at least one external device or to receive a power signal from the at least one external device to the portable terminal; Processing the power signal when the portable terminal receives the power signal; And when the portable terminal transmits and receives the data, transmitting at least one data along at least one predetermined path according to at least one identification signal, and generating at least one control signal for controlling the transmitted data. It features.

In order to achieve the above object, an adapter for a portable terminal according to the present invention includes a main housing; A first arrangement projecting in a first direction from the first surface of the main housing, a plurality of first pins provided by the first arrangement, and recessed in a second direction from a second surface of the main housing; And a second arrangement portion and a plurality of second pins arranged along the second arrangement portion away from the first arrangement portion.

In order to achieve the above object, the system according to the present invention comprises at least one external device having a connector portion; A portable terminal comprising a connector for connecting with the at least one external device; A switching unit; And a controller configured to receive or transmit at least one signal along at least one predetermined path according to at least one identification signal in association with the connector and the switching unit, and generate a control signal for controlling the at least one signal. The at least one signal is at least one of a power signal and data.

Hereinafter, by providing at least one of the power signal and data from the connected external device by the socket unit, the data input / output function and the charging function can be performed through the provided one socket unit to increase the size of the mobile terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Embodiments of a portable terminal and a method using the multifunctional socket or female connector which can be miniaturized will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the present invention is a device used to connect two different types of external devices or to connect two types of external devices to the same power supply and to perform at least two of the data input and output functions, charging functions at the same time An adapter for a mobile terminal is provided. One socket unit capable of performing the data input / output function and the charging function described in the embodiments of the present invention may be applied to all mobile terminals including a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a notebook computer, a portable multimedia player (PMP), and the like. have. Here, the data includes at least one of an outgoing signal, an incoming signal, a control signal, a file, text data, universal serial bus (USB) data, universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) data, and multimedia data. In addition, the TV OUT function may be performed through one socket unit provided in the portable terminal.

At this time, one socket portion provided in the portable terminal is a socket portion to which existing earphones for performing data input / output functions are connected, but in the embodiments of the present invention, it is composed of 12 pins, but is not limited to 12 pins. It is desirable to have more than the minimum number of pins to perform all of the functions.

1 is a block diagram showing a portable terminal using a multi-function socket according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, a portable terminal using a multifunction socket according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a transceiver 110; An input unit 120; A display unit 150; A socket part, a female connector, or a jack 170 for transmitting or receiving at least one of power signals and data from a connected external device; A switching unit (or switching circuit) 160 for branching the received data into predetermined paths according to at least one identification signal; A controller 140 generating at least one control signal for controlling the branched data; And a memory 130 that stores information for connection terminals of the socket unit and an external device connected to the socket unit, that is, a pin mapping assignment table. Here, the socket unit 170 may be provided in any area of the portable terminal to be connected to the connector unit 190 of at least one external device among the external devices that perform data input / output functions and charging functions. It is most preferable to be provided on the left and right sides of the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the display unit of the portable terminal.

In this case, the switching unit 160 determines signals input from an external device that performs at least one of the data input / output function and the charging functions based on at least one identification signal input from the connected external device. The identification signal refers to a signal output from any pin of the socket unit 170 to which the connector of the external device is connected to distinguish the type of at least one external device.

2 is a view showing a socket of a portable terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the socket part or the connector 170 may be connected to the connector part of at least one external device among the external devices performing the data input / output function and the charging function. It may be provided in the area of, in particular may be provided on the left, right side of the upper, lower, left, right of the display unit of the portable terminal 100.

On the opposite side of the connector 170, the connector portion 190 of the external device includes an arrangement 191 for receiving the connector 170 to the connector portion 190 of the external device. The arrangement 191 extends in a vertical direction from one surface of the connector 190 and is configured to match the groove of the connector 170. Here, the connector or socket 170 and the arrangement 191 may be formed in various shapes such as rectangular or circular. In addition, the connector 170 and the arrangement unit 191 may be made using a number of materials. As mentioned above, the configuration of the connector 170 and the connector portion 190 is referred to for the description of the present invention, and those skilled in the art will understand even if other forms than those described above are used.

A number of electrical contacts or pins 171 may be provided on the inner or outer surface of the connector 170 in a series configuration, and in a parallel configuration or other various configurations include a single row arrangement or a two row arrangement. In addition, the plurality of second electrical contacts may be arranged on the inner side or the outer side of the arrangement 191 of the connector 190 to be matched with the plurality of contacts 171. For the purpose of describing the present invention and other configurations, reference is simply made to the configuration of the plurality of electrical contacts 171 arranged inside the connector 170. For example, instead of a single connector as shown in FIG. 2, two or more smaller connectors may be arranged in the portable terminal to connect at least one set of fewer electrical contacts to the two or more smaller connectors. We can install each in the field. In addition, the smaller sized connector may be configured in the form of an audio jack so that a plurality of sets of electrical contacts are arranged vertically along the connectors in the form of the audio jack. These audio jacks can accept common audio plugs for stereo headphones or speakers. Other configurations than the above-mentioned embodiments may be understood by those skilled in the art even when the connector, the plurality of electrical contacts, and the connector portion are configured.

The groove of the connector 170 is in contact with the outer surface of the portable terminal 100. The connector 170 extends from the bottom of the outer surface of the portable terminal to mate with the arrangement 191 shown in FIG. 2. However, the arrangement of the connector 170 accommodating the arrangement unit 191 may be converted in such a manner that the connector unit 190 of the external device accommodates the arrangement unit of the connector 170. The configuration is not shown.

In addition, the connector 190 may be formed in many configurations, as shown in FIGS. For example, the arrangement 191 may extend from the side of the connector 190 as shown in FIG. 2, or may extend from the top surface of the connector 190 as shown in FIG. 1. have. Here, the arrangement unit 191 is disposed on the upper side of the connector unit 190, as shown in Figure 1 is a cable connected to the external device is shown in the lower side of the connector unit 190 shown in FIG. And the term 'top and side' can be used to describe the direction of generation of 2.

In addition, the socket unit 170 may be implemented in various forms such as a square or a circle, and in accordance with the various forms such as one or two rows as well as in series or parallel to the outside or inside of the socket unit 170. Pins may be arranged in the form. The portable terminal 100 may include various types of covers or protection devices 172 to protect the pins arranged outside or inside the socket unit 170. The socket 170 may be mounted or formed inside the portable terminal 100 so that it can be easily replaced for repair.

A method of using the multifunctional socket of the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using a multi-function socket of a mobile terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the method of using the multi-function socket of the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes receiving at least one of a power signal and data from a connected external device (S310); Determining whether the power signal or data has been received (S320); Branching the received data along a path determined according to at least one identification signal when receiving the data (S330); Generating at least one control signal for controlling the branched data (S340); And processing the branched data based on the generated control signal (S350).

Here, when receiving the power signal, the mobile terminal 100 may process the received power signal (S350).

A method of using the multifunctional socket of the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention made as described above will be described in detail.

First, the portable terminal 100 includes one socket unit 170 having the same number of pins as the connector unit 190 of the external device. The external device includes an earphone, a USB (Universal Serial Bus), a UART ( Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter) Means devices that perform data input / output functions such as data communication and devices that perform charging functions.

In this case, the connector unit 190 of at least one external device that performs at least one of the data input / output function and the charging function is connected to one socket unit 170 provided in the portable terminal 100 (S310). The pin mapping assignment table configured differently according to these different types of external devices will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C.

4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating pin assignment tables of connection terminals of external devices according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4A, a pin assignment table of a socket unit for a connector unit of a device for performing a data input / output function, particularly a user device, among the external devices according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, the EAR_L + (5) and the EAR_R + (4) are the audio signals output to the left and the right of the earphones in the connector unit 190 of the external device, and the HOOK DETECT (7) is a signal indicating whether the earphone switch is pressed. It can be seen that EAR_M- (8) can be assigned for the audio signal input through the earphone microphone, SELECT_1 (11) for the signal indicating whether the earphone is inserted.

As shown in FIG. 4B, a pin assignment table of a socket unit for a connector unit of a device for performing a data input / output function, particularly a user device, among the connector units of external devices according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, in the connector unit 190 of the external device, VPWR 1 is a current for charging a battery, USB_POWER 3 is a power supplied through USB, and USB_D + (4) and USB_D- (5) are respectively USB. Data transmission and reception, TXD (6) and RXD (9) transmit and receive UART data, CTS (Clear To Send) (7) sends CTS signal, RTS (Ready To Send (8) on pin 8) RTS It can be seen that the signal, SELECT_2 (10) can be allocated for a signal indicating whether the user equipment is connected.

As shown in FIG. 4C, a pin assignment table of a connector unit of a device for performing a data input / output function, particularly a developer device, among the connector units of external devices according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, in the connector unit 190 of the external device, the battery line 2 supplies power to the battery, the power on 3 supplies power to the mobile terminal, and the TXD 4 and RXD 5 each have UART data. TDO_ARM (6), TMS (7), TCK (8), and TDI (9) indicate JTAG (Joint Test Action Group) mode for verification, and SELECT_3 (11) indicates whether the developer device is connected. It can be seen that can be allocated for the signal.

Since the SELECT_2 (11) of the user device and the SELECT_3 (10) of the developer device are assigned to the same pin, not only the signal '0' or '1' of the signal can be distinguished, but also the first embodiment of the present invention. The pin mapping assignment table for the socket unit 170 and the connector unit 190 of the external device connected to the socket unit 170 provided in the example may be variously changed according to methods used.

As such, the portable terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention provides pin mapping assignment tables for devices that perform one data input / output function, that is, a user device and a developer device. The input signals may be switched by an identification signal input from an arbitrary pin of the connector unit 190 of the connected external device, that is, pins 10 and 11.

Thereafter, it is determined whether the data has been received (S320), and when the data is received, the switching unit 160 may branch the data input from the connected external device into predetermined paths according to the at least one identification signal. There is (S330), the principle of branching the data output as described above with reference to Figures 5a to 5b.

5A through 5B are views illustrating a detailed structure of a switching unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the switching unit 160 according to the first embodiment of the present invention performs a data input / output function based on at least one identification signal for data input from twelve pins of the socket unit 170. It can be seen that each branch to the path corresponding to the devices.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the switching unit 160 according to the first embodiment of the present invention transmits data input from the twelve pins of the socket unit 170 to the first identification signal at the first switch 161. According to the present invention, the devices for branching the paths corresponding to the devices performing the data input / output function and performing the data input / output function according to the signals identified from the first switch 161 according to the second identification signal at the second switch 162. It can be seen that each branch into the corresponding paths.

The switching unit 160 transmits data input from at least one external device performing a data input / output function to a predetermined path through first and second switches, and the portable terminal 100 receives the type of the input data. Depending on the number of switches can be provided.

As a result, the controller 140 generates at least one control signal for controlling the branched data (S340), and the signal processor 141 processes the branched data based on the generated control signal. The received power signal is processed (S350). The signal processing unit 141 refers to a plurality of functional blocks for processing a transmission / reception signal with an external device that can be connected to the socket unit 170. For example, the signal processing unit 141 of the external device connected to the socket unit 170. Depending on the type, the audio processing unit, the video processing unit, the USB data processing unit, the UART data processing unit, and the battery processing unit can be configured by hardware or software.

As described above, at least one external device that performs at least one function is connected through one socket part provided in the mobile terminal to perform a corresponding function, which is a pin of the connector unit 190 of the at least one external device connected thereto. The number may be the same as the number of pins of the socket 170.

On the other hand, when the number of pins of the connection terminal of the external device which performs at least one of the data input / output function and the charging function is not configured to be the same as the number of pins of the socket part, connecting the connection terminal of the external device and the socket part. A configuration of a portable terminal using a multifunction socket according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

6 is a block diagram illustrating a portable terminal using a multifunction socket according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, the portable terminal 600 using the multifunction socket according to the second embodiment of the present invention is connected to a connection terminal of an external device that performs at least one of a data input / output function and a charging function. An adapter 680; A socket part 670 provided in the portable terminal to be connected to the connector of the adapter 680; A switching unit 660 for branching data input from an external device connected to the socket unit 670 into corresponding paths according to at least one identification signal; A controller 640 for generating at least one control signal for controlling the branched data; And a memory 630 for storing information for the connector 690 of the external device connected to the socket 670 and the socket 670, that is, a pin mapping assignment table.

At this time, the adapter 680 is connected to the socket portion 670 provided in the mobile terminal 600 and the first interface 681 is arranged in the first direction pins; A second interface 683 connected to the first interface 681 and having pins arranged in a second direction; The connection cable 682 connects the first interface 681 and the second interface 683, and the connection cable 682 may be flexible. The first direction may be a horizontal direction or a vertical direction with respect to the socket 670 provided in the portable terminal 600, and the second direction may be a right angle direction of the first direction.

For example, the adapter 580 is the first of the adapter 680 that connects the connector portion 690 of an external device having a 24-pin to the socket portion 670 to connect to the socket portion 670. The connector 681 may be configured as 12 pins, and the second connector 683 of the adapter 680 connecting the connector 690 of the external device may be configured as 24 pins.

The portable terminal using the multifunction socket according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a second type of adapter 680A as shown in FIG. 5. The second type of adapter 680A may connect the socket portion 670 to the connector portion 690 of the external device. The second type of adapter 680A may be connected to a socket provided at another unique location of the portable terminal 600. For example, when provided on the side of the portable terminal, the first interface 681A of the adapter 680A is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the adapter 680A, that is, as shown in FIG. 5. The adapter 680A may be connected to the socket 670 with a new arrangement because the adapter 680A may be arranged to directly face the socket 670 provided at the side of the socket 670. Since the connection cable 682A and the second interface 683A of the adapter 680A of the second type may be generally coincident with or similar to the connection cable 682 and the second interface 683 of the adapter 680. Detailed description thereof will be omitted. As described above, the claims of the present invention are not limited to specific elements such as external devices or connectors. Moreover, the claims of the present invention are not limited to a particular kind of external device or adapter, and various other interfaces may be considered.

In this case, the detailed description of the portable terminal using the multi-function socket according to the second embodiment of the present invention is omitted because it is the same as the portable terminal using the multi-function socket according to the first embodiment of the present invention. However, since the use of the adapter is different when the pin number of the socket of the portable terminal and the pin number of the connector of the external device are not the same, the pin mapping allocation table of the adapter will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7E. do.

7A to 7E are diagrams illustrating a pin assignment table of the multifunction extension socket unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the portable terminal 600 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention does not use the adapter 680 and the identification signal from the socket 670 to which the external device is connected, that is, EAR_SENSE (2). You can see that the device that performs the data input / output function is connected when) is input. Here, it can be seen that the connector 690 of the external device performs the data input / output function through pins 3, 4, and 5, where EAR_M- is an audio signal input through a microphone and EAR_L + and EAR_R + are the earphones. The audio signal is output to the left and right. In addition, it can be seen that the connector unit 690 of the external device performs a remote control function through pins 6, 9, and 10. REM_VCC is the power of the remote controller, and REM_INT is the interrupt method. REM_ADC means that the remote control is done using ADC (Analog Digital Converter).

As illustrated in FIG. 7B, the mobile terminal 600 according to the second embodiment of the present invention uses an adapter 680 to identify an identification signal, that is, a battery ID (from the socket 670 to which the external device is connected). When LATCH) is inputted, the device performing the charging function is connected. Here, it can be seen that the connector unit 690 of the external device performs the charging function through the VPWRs 11 and 12.

Here, the LATCH pin may be separately provided outside the first interface 681 of the adapter 680 as a pin for identifying a power signal input from a device that performs the charging function.

As shown in FIG. 7C, the portable terminal 600 according to the second embodiment of the present invention uses the adapter 680 to identify the identification signal, that is, ON_SWITCH 8 from the socket 670 to which the external device is connected. When is input, it can be seen that a device for performing data input / output functions, in particular, a developer device is connected. Here, it can be seen that the connector 690 of the external device recognizes the level converter insertion through the ON_SWITCH 8. A device for UART or USB data communication can be connected to the developer device.

As shown in FIG. 7D, in the portable terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the identification signal, that is, the USB_POWER 7, is input from the socket 670 to which the external device is connected using the adapter 680. When the data input / output function, that is, the device performing the USB data communication can be seen that the connection. Here, in the connector unit 690 of the external device, the USB_D + (9) and the USB_D- (10) may be allocated for USB data communication. The USB_POWER (7) may be configured to charge the battery through the identification signal or the USB. USB_D + means transmission of USB data, and USB_D- means reception of USB data. Since the adapter 680 assigns the same pin number for the USB communication or the UART communication, a separate switch may be provided to switch the corresponding paths according to the identification signal USB_POWER 7.

In this case, the adapter 680 may charge the battery of the portable terminal 600 through USB power, and may be provided with a separate charger IC for converting the USB power into battery power of the portable terminal 600. have.

As shown in FIG. 7E, the portable terminal according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention uses the adapter 680 when the identification signal is not input from any pin of the socket 670 to which the external device is connected. It can be seen that the data input / output function set by default, that is, a device that performs UART data communication is connected. Here, in the connector 690 of the external device, the TXD 9 and the RXD 10 may be allocated for UART communication, where the TXD means transmission of UART data and the RXD means reception of UART data.

As such, the portable terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention basically provides a pin assignment table for a device that performs a data input / output function connected to the socket unit 670, and provides the adapter to the socket unit 670. And a pin mapping assignment table for a device performing a data input / output function connected to the second interface 683 of the adapter 680 and a device performing a charging function. The principle of branching the signals output from 670 will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

8 is a view for explaining the operating principle of the switching processor according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 8, the switching unit 660 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention transmits and outputs signals inputted from the socket unit 670 based on the EAR_SENSE signal at the first switch 661. Paths corresponding to UART and USB data communication based on the USB_POWER signal at the second switch 662 by branching data from the first switch 661 to the paths corresponding to the devices that perform the operation. It can be seen that each branch to.

In addition, when the number of pins of the connector unit 690 of the external device that performs at least one of the data input / output function and the charging functions is not configured to be the same as the number of pins of the socket unit 670, the adapter 680 The connector 690 of the external device is connected to the socket 670. In addition, the first external device performing the data input / output function and the second external device performing the charging function may be simultaneously connected to the adapter. To this end, the adapter 680 further includes a third interface having pins arranged in the first direction or the second direction as well as the first and second interfaces 681 and 683. A configuration of a portable terminal using a multifunction socket according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

9 is a block diagram showing a portable terminal using a multi-function socket according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 9, the portable terminal 900 using the multifunction socket according to the third embodiment of the present invention has a connector of at least two external devices that perform at least one of a data input / output function and a charging function. Adapter 980 is connected to the parts 990. Here, the adapter 980 includes at least two interfaces 983 and 984 connected to the connector parts 990 of at least two external devices and one interface 981 connected to the socket part. Is made of.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, the adapter 980 may have other arrangements of female interfaces. For example, another type of adapter 980A may include a third female interface 984A having a direction perpendicular to the direction of the second female interface 983A in accordance with the present invention. This arrangement can prevent the two external devices from interfering with each other when connected to the adapter 980A.

The description of the mobile terminal using the multifunction socket according to the third embodiment of the present invention made as described above is the same as that described in the mobile terminal using the multifunction socket according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Descriptions are omitted and a pin assignment table of the extension socket unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A to 10F.

10A to 10F are diagrams illustrating pin assignment tables of the multifunction socket unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 10A to 10B, the mobile terminal 900 according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include an identification signal EAR_SENSE 2 input from a socket 970 to which the at least two external devices are connected. When the battery IDs are detected, it can be seen that the device performing the data input / output function and the device performing the charging function are connected together. Here, data input / output is performed through EAR_M- (3), EAR_L + (4), and EAR_R + (5) at the connection terminal of the external device that performs the data input / output function, REM_VCC (6), REM_INT (9), and REM_ADC (10). Through the remote control and the charging terminal through the VPWR (11, 12) at the connection terminal of the external device that performs the charging function can be performed at the same time.

At this time, the connection terminal GND (1) of the device performing the charging function, the connection terminal GND (1) of the device performing the data input / output function, and the interface BATTERY ID (LATCH) of the adapter 980 as shown in the bold line. They must all be in the OPEN state. This is because when the adapter 980 is connected to the socket 970 of the portable terminal 900 after the device that performs the charging function is connected to the adapter 980, charging that may occur due to failure of recognizing a battery may occur. This is to remove the error that should not occur.

For example, the user connects the charger and the earphone to the interfaces 983 and 984 of the adapter 980 to charge the mobile terminal 900 through the charger while making a phone call or music through the earphone. I can hear it.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10C to 10D, the portable terminal 900 according to the third embodiment of the present invention may identify an identification signal input from the socket 970 to which the external devices are connected, that is, the EAR_SENSE 2 and the USB_POWER. When (7) is detected, it can be seen that the devices performing the data input / output function are connected together. Here, the data input and output through the EAR_M- (3), EAR_L + (4), EAR_R + (5) at the connection terminal of the first external device performing the data input / output function, of the second external device performing the data input / output function At the connection terminal, either USB or UART data communication functions can be simultaneously performed through the USB_D + / TXD (9) and the USB_D- / RXD (10). Pins 9 and 10 in the socket 970 may be selected through a separate switch because they are allocated equally for either remote control or USB and UART data communication.

As shown in FIGS. 10E to 10F, the portable terminal 900 according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include an identification signal input from a socket 970 to which the external devices are connected, that is, a battery ID (LATCH). When the USB_POWER 7 is detected, it can be seen that the device performing the charging function and the device performing the data input / output function are connected together. Here, a function of charging through the VPWRs 11 and 12 at a connection terminal of an external device that performs a charging function, and USB_D + / TXD (9), USB_D- / RXD at a connection terminal of an external device that performs the data input / output function. The 10 may simultaneously perform any one of the USB and UART data communication functions.

The mobile terminal according to the present invention includes a display unit; A connector for establishing an electrical connection by connecting to at least one external device; A switching unit; And a controller configured to receive or transmit at least one signal along at least one predetermined path according to at least one identification signal in association with the connector and the switching unit and to generate a control signal for controlling at least one signal. One signal may include any one of a power signal and data. The connector may include a plurality of first pins, and the at least one external device may include an interface unit including a plurality of second pins that may be connected to the plurality of first pins.

The portable terminal may further include a memory configured to store a pin mapping assignment table for the first pins and the second pins and an identification signal of the at least one external device. The switching unit transmits a part of data corresponding to a first external device that performs the data input / output function to a first path determined according to a first identification signal, and a second external device that performs the data input / output function. And a second switch for transmitting a part of the data corresponding to the second path according to the second identification signal, wherein the data includes an outgoing signal, an incoming signal, a control signal, a file, a text data, and a universal serial bus. At least one of (USB) data, Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART) data, and multimedia data.

The portable terminal may further include a signal processing unit including a plurality of functional blocks for processing the transmitted data according to the generated control signal and for transmitting or receiving the data to the external device. The connector may be connected to the external device through an adapter including a first interface connected to the connector and a second interface connected to a connector of the external device. In addition, the connector may be connected via two adapters including a first interface unit connected to the connector, a second interface unit connected to the connector unit of the first external device, and a third interface unit connected to the connector unit of the second external device. Can be connected to external devices. Here, the identification signal may include a signal generated from at least one pin of a connector connected to a connector of the external device to identify the at least one external device. The first interface unit may include at least one pin for identifying a power signal from at least one external device capable of providing a power signal to the portable terminal. The portable terminal may include one of a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a notebook computer, and a portable multimedia player (PMP).

A method of using a multifunctional socket of a portable terminal according to the present invention comprises the steps of: connecting at least one external device to the portable terminal and establishing an electrical connection therebetween; Determining whether to transmit or receive data between the portable terminal and the at least one external device or to receive a power signal from the at least one external device to the portable terminal; Processing the power signal when the portable terminal receives the power signal; And when the mobile terminal transmits and receives the data, transmitting at least one data along at least one predetermined path according to at least one identification signal, and generating at least one control signal for controlling the transmitted data. have. The method further comprises receiving at least one identification signal for identifying the at least one external device, wherein the at least one identification signal is connected to at least one of the connectors connected with a connector portion of the at least one external device. It may include a signal generated from the pin.

The method includes transmitting a portion of the data for a first external device having a data input / output function to a first path determined according to a first identification signal; And transmitting a portion of the data for a second external device having a data input / output function to a second path determined according to a second identification signal, wherein the data is an outgoing signal, an incoming signal, a control signal, a file, or text data. It may include at least one of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) data, Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART) data and multimedia data.

The method processes the power signal after detecting that it is connected to a first external device that provides the power signal and to a second external device that performs a data input / output function, and simultaneously processes the power signal according to at least one identification signal. The method may further include transmitting a predetermined path. The method may further include storing a pin mapping assignment table for one of a first external device providing the power signal to the portable terminal and a second external device performing an input / output function of the data. 2 may include storing at least one identification signal of the external device.

In addition, at least one of the plurality of electrical pins charges the battery of the mobile terminal, provides power via USB, sends and receives USB data, sends and receives UART data, sends and receives Clear to Send (CTS) signals, and Ready to Send ( RTS) may be allocated for one of the functions of transmitting and receiving a signal and indicating whether the at least one external device is connected to the portable terminal.

An adapter for a portable terminal according to the present invention includes a main housing; A first arrangement portion protruding in a first direction from the first surface of the main housing; A plurality of first pins provided by the first arrangement; A second array portion recessed in a second direction from a second surface of the main housing; It may include a plurality of second pins arranged along the second arrangement spaced apart from the first arrangement. The first array portion includes an inside and an outside, and the plurality of pins may be arranged in at least one of the inside and the outside.

The adapter includes a third arrangement recessed in the third direction from the third surface of the main housing; The apparatus may further include a plurality of third pins arranged in a third arrangement portion spaced apart from the first arrangement portion and the second arrangement portion. At least one of the plurality of first, second, and third pins may be connected to a connector of at least one external device. Here, the first, second, and third directions may all be the same direction or different directions. In addition, the adapter may further include an indicator showing that at least one of the portable terminal and the external device is connected to the adapter. At least one of the plurality of first, second, and third pins may be connected to a connector of the portable terminal.

The system according to the invention comprises at least one external device having a connector portion; A portable terminal comprising a connector for connecting with the at least one external device; A switching unit; And a controller configured to receive or transmit at least one signal along at least one predetermined path according to at least one identification signal in association with the connector and the switching unit, and generate a control signal for controlling the at least one signal. The at least one signal may be at least one of a power signal and data.

The system includes a main housing and a first arrangement projecting in a first direction from a first surface of the main housing; A plurality of first pins provided by said first arrangement; A second array portion recessed in a second direction from a second surface of the main housing; An adapter comprising a plurality of second pins arranged along the second arrangement spaced apart from the first arrangement, wherein at least some of the plurality of first and second pins are the at least one; The connector of the external device and the connector of the portable terminal can be connected.

As described in detail above, the portable terminal and the method using the multi-function socket according to the present invention comprises one socket provided by receiving at least one of the power signal and data from the connected external device, Since the data input / output function and the charging function can all be performed through the unit, the size of the portable terminal can be reduced.

Claims (26)

A connector for establishing an electrical connection by connecting to at least one external device; A switching unit; And a controller configured to receive or transmit at least one signal along at least one predetermined path according to at least one identification signal in association with the connector and the switching unit and to generate a control signal for controlling at least one signal. One signal is a portable terminal, characterized in that any one of the power signal and data. The method of claim 1, And the connector includes a plurality of first pins and the at least one external device includes an interface unit including a plurality of second pins that may be connected to the plurality of first pins. The method of claim 2, And a memory storing a pin mapping assignment table for the first pins and the second pins and an identification signal of the at least one external device. The method of claim 1, The at least one external device includes a first external device and a second external device, the switching unit A first switch configured to transmit a part of data corresponding to a first external device that performs the data input / output function to a first path determined according to a first identification signal; And a second switch configured to transmit a part of data corresponding to a second external device that performs the data input / output function to a second path determined according to a second identification signal, wherein the data includes an outgoing signal, an incoming signal, and a control. And at least one of signal, file, text data, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) data, Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART) data, and multimedia data. The method of claim 4, wherein And a signal processing unit for processing the transmitted data according to the generated control signal and including a plurality of function modules for transmitting or receiving the data to the external device. The method of claim 1, The connector And a first interface unit connected to the connector and a second interface unit connected to the connector unit of the external device. The method of claim 1, The connector Two external devices through an adapter including a first interface connected to the connector, a second interface connected to a connector of a first external device, and a third interface connected to a connector of a second external device; Portable terminal, characterized in that connected. The method of claim 1, The identification signal, And a signal generated from at least one pin of a connector connected to a connector of the external device to identify the at least one external device. The method of claim 7, wherein The first interface unit And at least one pin for identifying a power signal from at least one external device capable of providing a power signal to the portable terminal. The method of claim 1, The mobile terminal, A mobile terminal characterized by one of a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a notebook computer, and a portable multimedia player (PMP). Connecting at least one external device to the portable terminal and establishing an electrical connection therebetween; Determining whether to transmit or receive data between the portable terminal and the at least one external device or to receive a power signal from the at least one external device to the portable terminal; Processing the power signal when the portable terminal receives the power signal; And when the mobile terminal transmits and receives the data, transmitting at least one data along at least one predetermined path according to at least one identification signal, and generating at least one control signal for controlling the transmitted data. Method of using a multi-function socket of a mobile terminal, characterized in that. The method of claim 11, Receiving at least one identification signal for identifying the at least one external device, wherein the at least one identification signal is a signal generated from at least one pin of a socket portion connected to a connector of the at least one external device; Method of using a multi-function socket of a mobile terminal, characterized in that. The method of claim 11, Transmitting a portion of the data for a first external device having a data input / output function to a first path determined according to a first identification signal; And transmitting a portion of the data for a second external device having a data input / output function to a second path determined according to a second identification signal, wherein the data is an outgoing signal, an incoming signal, a control signal, a file, or text data. and a universal serial bus (USB) data, universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) data, and multimedia data. The method of claim 11, After detecting that it is connected to a first external device that provides the power signal and connected to a second external device that performs a data input / output function, the power signal is processed and at the same time, the data is routed to at least one predetermined path according to at least one identification signal. The method of using a multi-function socket of a mobile terminal, characterized in that it further comprises the step of transmitting. The method of claim 11, The mobile terminal, And a connector for connecting the portable terminal to a connector of the at least one external device to establish an electrical connection between the portable terminal and the at least one external device, wherein the connector and the connector part each comprise a plurality of connectors. A method of using a multifunction socket of a mobile terminal, characterized in that it comprises an electrical pin. The method of claim 15, The mobile terminal Storing a pin mapping table for one of a first external device providing the power signal to the portable terminal and a second external device performing an input / output function of the data, and storing the first external device and the second external device And storing at least one identification signal of the mobile terminal. The method of claim 16, At least one of the plurality of electrical pins charges the battery of the mobile terminal, provides power via USB, sends and receives USB data, sends and receives UART data, sends and receives Clear to Send (CTS) signals, and Ready to Send (RTS). And a signal is allocated for one of functions for transmitting and receiving a signal and for indicating whether the at least one external device is connected to the portable terminal. Main housing; A first arrangement portion protruding in a first direction from the first surface of the main housing, A plurality of first pins provided by the first arrangement; A second array portion recessed in a second direction from a second surface of the main housing, And a plurality of second pins arranged along the second arrangement away from the first arrangement. The method of claim 18, The first array unit, An adapter for a portable terminal comprising an interior and an exterior, wherein the plurality of pins are arranged in at least one of the interior and exterior. The method of claim 18, A third arrangement portion recessed in a third direction from a third surface of the main housing; And a plurality of third pins arranged in a third arrangement portion away from the first arrangement portion and the second arrangement portion. The method of claim 20, At least one of the plurality of first, second, and third pins is connected to a connector of at least one external device. The method of claim 20, And the first, second, and third directions are all in the same direction or in different directions. The method of claim 18, And an indicator showing at least one of a portable terminal and an external device connected to the adapter. The method of claim 21, At least one of the plurality of first, second, and third pins is connected to a connector of the portable terminal. At least one external device having a connector portion; The mobile terminal comprises a mobile terminal A connector connecting the at least one external device; A switching unit; And a controller configured to receive or transmit at least one signal along at least one predetermined path according to at least one identification signal in association with the connector and the switching unit, and generate a control signal for controlling the at least one signal. The at least one signal is at least one of a power signal and data. The method of claim 25, Main housing, A first arrangement protruding in a first direction from the first surface of the main housing; A plurality of first pins provided by the first arrangement; A second array portion recessed in a second direction from a second surface of the main housing; Further comprising an adapter comprising a plurality of second pins arranged along the second arrangement away from the first arrangement, And at least some of the plurality of first and second pins are connected to a connector of the at least one external device and a connector of the portable terminal.

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