JP2008071187A - Portable information terminal and mother structure - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable information terminal, significantly reducing the burden on a user while reducing a size and thickness, and improving performance by unitizing the portable information terminal for each original function and mutually connecting the units by a mother structure, and a mother structure therefor. <P>SOLUTION: The mother structure for constituting the portable information terminal by integrating a plurality of plate-like constituting units comprises a connection part to which the plurality of constituting units is detachably connected, a plurality of connection parts electrically connected with the plurality of constituting units, respectively, and a power source part for supplying power to the connected constituting units. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable information terminal and a mother structure used for a portable information terminal.

  Cellular phones, PDAs, small personal computers, portable game machines, and other portable information terminals are associated with the increase in density, speed, and size of electronic devices included therein, and the increase in capacity and size of batteries. , The functions are broad and advanced, and the functions are overlapping each other.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-215217 JP 2005-141715 A

  As an overlap of the above-described functions, for example, there is an e-mail function in a mobile phone whose original function is a call and a communication function in a small personal computer. These are functions that overlap each other. However, in the e-mail function of the mobile phone, the user must input kana and alphabets using so-called 10 keys (keys of only numbers and symbols), which is very complicated. In a small personal computer, the size and function of a communication device that can be mounted are limited due to the size and weight restrictions, and the amount of data that can be transmitted and received is extremely limited. In addition, the addition of these additional functions often leads to restrictions on the original functions, and even if multifunctionalization can be achieved, the original functions are often not sufficient, and the viewpoint of customer satisfaction Was not preferable.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a conventional mobile phone or other portable information terminal as a unit that is limited to a minimum function corresponding to the original function, and a plurality of types of units are connected to each other through a mother structure. It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable information terminal that can improve the original functions of the mobile phone and can significantly reduce the burden on the user.

  In order to solve the above problems, a mother structure of the present invention is a mother structure for integrating a plurality of plate-shaped constituent units into a portable information terminal, and the plurality of constituent units are detachably coupled. It is characterized by comprising a connecting part, a plurality of connecting parts electrically connected to the plurality of constituent units, and a power supply part for supplying power to the connected constituent units.

  In the mother structure of the present invention, the constituent unit includes at least one of an output unit, an input unit, a communication unit, and a camera unit.

  In the mother structure of the present invention, the output unit is a display unit integrated with a speaker.

  In the mother structure of the present invention, the display unit is characterized in that the front panel includes a panel-type speaker integrated with a speaker.

  In the mother structure of the present invention, the input unit includes a control unit that controls the operation of the connected constituent unit, and a storage unit that stores information related to the operation of the constituent unit.

  In the mother structure of the present invention, the connecting portion also serves as a connecting portion.

  In the mother structure of the present invention, the output unit is a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an organic EL display.

  In the mother structure of the present invention, the communication unit is provided with a power source and can be detached from the mother structure and used as a mobile phone.

  The portable information terminal of the present invention is a portable information terminal that exhibits a predetermined information terminal function corresponding to a combination of a plurality of constituent units by detachably connecting a plurality of plate-like constituent units to the mother structure. The mother structure includes a power supply unit that supplies power to the connected constituent units.

  According to the present invention, as in the prior art, mobile information terminals that have been subdivided and whose functions overlap each other are unitized (units) for each original function, and these plural units are connected via a mother structure. Since the components are coupled to each other, the functions provided in each unit can be limited to the original functions excluding the additional functions. As a result, functions originally required for portable information terminals are pursued in each unit without many restrictions such as downsizing of devices and addition of additional functions as in the past. Capacitance, a large display screen, a full keyboard, high speed CPU, etc. are realized in each unit. Since each unit only has an original function, it can be reduced in size and thickness, and can be improved in performance as compared with the conventional unit. Further, unlike a conventional portable information terminal, many functions are not packed in one housing in order to increase added value, so that the operation becomes extremely stable. As described above, the original function of each unit can be improved, and high performance can be exhibited as a new portable information terminal combined by a mother structure, and the burden on the user can be greatly reduced.

  In addition, since each unit can be detached from the mother structure and used, it can be used as a single unit or combined with the mother structure according to the needs of the user or depending on the usage situation. It can be selected appropriately.

  In addition, by distributing the functions as a portable information terminal to each unit without duplication so as to achieve optimum characteristics, optimum performance, and optimum functions according to the assumed usage scene, restrictions on dimensional conditions given to each function Can be greatly reduced, so that each function can be developed efficiently and to a high level. Moreover, since each unit can be improved sequentially according to technological progress and diversification of user demand, the user can obtain a portable information terminal in which desired units are combined.

  Further, by integrating the speaker with the display panel, the display and the speaker can be made full size without being reduced in size in the unit, and can be integrated into one unit.

  Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  The portable information terminal according to the present embodiment is formed by detachably connecting a plurality of constituent units exemplified below to the mother structure 10 and integrating them, and a plurality of components connected to the mother structure 10. The information terminal function according to the combination of units can be exhibited.

  The mother structure 10 shown in FIG. 1 has a shape in which a book cover (upper surface portion 11), spine cover (binding portion 12), and back cover (bottom surface portion 13) are connected to each other, and a plurality of inner structures 10 are provided inside these. Arrange the configuration units. The mother structure 10 incorporates a large battery (power supply unit) 19 that can supply power to a plurality of constituent units when they are connected. This eliminates the need for frequent charging of a small battery provided under limited dimensional conditions as in conventional portable information terminals. Moreover, since the role of the battery in each component unit can be transferred to the mother structure 10, the unit can be made thinner, lighter, and flat (carded). Furthermore, the structural strength requirement required for the unit can be relaxed by making the component unit into a card. Here, FIG. 1 is a perspective view seen from above showing the structure of the mother structure according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The mother structure 10 includes a plurality of connecting portions to which a plurality of constituent units are detachably coupled, and a plurality of connecting portions to be electrically connected to the plurality of constituent units, respectively. Specifically, the bottom surface portion 13 is provided with a locking hole portion (connection portion) 15 into which a locking portion 25 (FIG. 5) protruding from the back surface 21 of the keyboard unit 20 (FIG. 2) is inserted. In the coupling portion 12, a first connection portion 16 and a display unit 30 (see FIG. 5) that are pushed into a connection recess 26 (FIG. 5) provided on the rear side surface 22 of the keyboard unit 20 in order from the bottom surface portion 13 side to the top surface portion 11 side. 3) of the second connection portion 17 pushed into the connection concave portion 37 provided on the front side surface 33, and the third connection pushed into the connection concave portion (not shown) provided on the rear side surface 42 of the communication unit (FIG. 4). A portion 18 is provided. The connecting portion 12 connects two rod-like members 12a and 12b extending in parallel along the longitudinal direction thereof, and has a hinge shape that can swing in the opening direction of the main mother structure 10 around the connecting portion 12c. There is no. Here, FIG. 2 is a perspective view seen from above showing the configuration of the keyboard unit according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view seen from below showing the configuration of the display unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the communication unit according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the keyboard unit is coupled to the mother structure according to the embodiment of the present invention. is there.

  By providing the above-mentioned connecting part and connecting part in the mother structure 10, the interface parts for each unit can be greatly reduced. In addition, the functions, circuits, systems, and software required for personal digital assistants are rearranged without duplication in each component unit, enabling optimal placement of mounted components and flat mounting that greatly improves volume mounting rate. In addition, the circuit scale and the number of component elements can be greatly reduced.

  The keyboard unit 20 can be attached to and detached from the bottom surface portion 13 by inserting the locking portion 25 on the side far from the coupling portion 12 of the locking hole portion 15 of the mother structure 10 and then moving to the coupling portion 12 side. The first connecting portion 16 is pushed into the connecting concave portion of the rear side surface 22 and the mother structure 10 and the keyboard unit 20 are thereby electrically connected (FIG. 5). The display unit 30 can be attached to and detached from the coupling portion 12 by pressing the second connection portion 17 into the connection recess 37 of the front side surface 33 with the screen 36 facing the bottom surface portion 13 of the mother structure 10. It is mounted and electrically connected to the mother structure 10 (FIG. 6). The communication unit 40 is detachably attached to the coupling portion 12 by pushing the third connection portion 18 into the connection recess of the rear side surface 42 with the operation surface 46 facing the upper surface portion 11 side, and Are electrically connected to the mother structure 10 (FIG. 7). Thus, when the main mother structure 10 is closed, the keyboard unit 20, the display unit 30, and the communication unit 40 are stacked in this order from the bottom surface 13 side to the top surface 11 side.

  The second connection portion 17 and the third connection portion 18 are used not only for electrical connection to the mother structure 10 but also for mechanical connection between the display unit 30 and the communication unit 40 and the mother structure 10. If the upper surface portion 11 has a structure that can be folded back on the back surface of the coupling portion 12, the communication unit 40 can be exposed by folding the upper surface portion 11 until it contacts the back surface of the bottom surface portion 13, as shown in FIG. Thus, the communication unit 40 can be held and used in the same manner as a conventional mobile phone. This loading order can be arbitrarily changed according to the user's needs, design specifications, and the like. Here, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the display unit and the keyboard unit are opened and the portable information terminal is used as a personal computer, FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a process of opening the communication unit, and FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which opens the upper surface part of a structure and uses a communication unit.

  The mother structure 10 can be provided with an interface for connection with an external device other than the constituent unit, an external storage device, and an external storage medium according to the design specifications.

  Examples of the flat (card-like) constituent unit connected to the mother structure 10 include at least one of an input unit, an output unit, a communication unit, and a camera unit. In the above example, the input unit is the keyboard unit 20, the output unit is the display unit 30, and the communication unit is the communication unit 40.

  In addition to the keyboard described above, the input unit can be any of a track pad, a track ball, and a tablet. In addition, a CPU (control unit) that controls the operation of the constituent units connected to the mother structure 10 and a memory (storage unit) that stores data related to the operation are provided. In this memory, software necessary for exhibiting the functions of the constituent units connected to the mother structure 10 is stored. For example, when the input unit is the keyboard unit 20, a key can be formed on the entire upper surface 24, so that a full keyboard can be obtained. The CPU and the memory may be built in the mother structure 10 or a dedicated unit may be provided.

  The output unit may be, for example, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an organic EL display, and a printer may be employed in addition to or instead of these. In the case of a display, a larger screen than before can be realized by using many portions of the flat plate-like upper surface, thereby reducing the burden on the user during work.

  The front panel of the display as the output unit can be a touch panel. This touch panel can be realized by a known configuration such as a pressure-sensitive type or an optical type.

  Furthermore, the front panel or the rear panel of the display as the output unit can be a panel-type speaker integrated with a speaker. For example, taking the display unit 30 as an example, a substantially entire surface of the upper surface 35 of the display unit 30 is covered with a panel (for example, a glass plate) that also serves as a front panel of the display. An actuator (not shown) is disposed between the two. When bending vibration is excited in the panel by driving the actuator, a dense layer is excited in the air in contact with the panel to generate sound.

  In addition, an actuator may be disposed on the back surface of the back panel of the display unit 30, and driving the actuator may excite flexural vibrations on the back panel to generate sound. In this way, by integrating the panel and the speaker, the size condition of the display is not restricted, and a large display and a large speaker can be realized simultaneously. For example, the speaker can be provided in the mother structure 10 or as a new component unit. However, by integrating with the display panel, the speaker can be easily heard during operation using the display or powerful. I can hear the sound.

  An example of the communication unit is the communication unit 40 described above. The communication unit 40 not only functions as a mobile phone by operating the key 48 while looking at the screen 47 on the operation surface 46, but also operates the keyboard unit 20 under the control of the CPU built in the keyboard unit 20. It is responsible for the transmission / reception function in the communication performed. The communication unit 40 includes a small battery (power source) (for example, a film type battery), and can be detached from the mother structure 10 and used as a mobile phone.

  The camera unit can be used in either a state connected to the mother structure 10 or a state detached from the mother structure 10. It is preferable to provide a small battery so that it can be detached and used.

  Furthermore, an additional power supply unit, an additional storage unit, and an additional connection unit can be provided.

  It is preferable to include a sensor that detects which component unit is open because the user can start working smoothly and avoid malfunctions. For example, the sensor may be a contact sensor provided on an appropriate surface and position on the upper surface portion 11 and the upper and lower surfaces of each unit, but may be a sensor based on another principle. Alternatively, it may be detected that the user has performed some operation on the unit (for example, touching the keyboard), and the unit may be put into use. Further, the mother structure 10 may be provided with a selection switch as to which unit is used.

  According to the portable information terminal and the mother structure 10 that configures the portable information terminal according to the present embodiment, as in the conventional case, the portable information terminals that are subdivided and whose functions are mutually duplicated are configured for each original function. For example, the keyboard unit 20, the display unit 30, and the communication unit 40) are configured such that these plural constituent units are coupled to each other via the mother structure 10, so that the functions provided in each unit are the original functions excluding additional functions. Can only be suppressed. As a result, the functions originally required for the portable information terminal are pursued in each unit without many restrictions such as the miniaturization of devices and the addition of additional functions as in the prior art. Therefore, for example, the capacity of the battery is increased by consolidating the large battery 19, the display is enlarged by unitizing the display, the full keyboard is formed by unitizing the keyboard, and the CPU is consolidated. Etc. are realized in each unit.

  Since each unit only has an original function, it can be reduced in size and thickness (a card), and can have higher performance than the conventional unit. Further, unlike a conventional portable information terminal, many functions are not packed in one housing in order to increase added value, so that the operation becomes extremely stable. Therefore, the original function of each unit can be improved, high performance can be exhibited as a new portable information terminal combined by the mother structure 10, and the burden on the user can be greatly reduced.

  Moreover, since each unit can be detached from the mother structure 10 and used, it is combined with the use of the unit alone and the mother structure 10 according to the needs of the user or according to the use situation. The state can be selected as appropriate.

  Furthermore, by distributing the functions as a portable information terminal to each unit without duplication so as to obtain optimum characteristics, optimum performance, and optimum functions according to the assumed usage scene, the size conditions given to each function can be reduced. The restrictions are greatly reduced, so that each function can be developed efficiently and to a high level. In addition, it can be used as a PDA, game terminal, palmtop PC, etc. by combining a keyboard unit, display unit, etc., and it has the necessary functions and performance through efficient use and combination of each unit. The system can be secured flexibly. Furthermore, since each unit can be improved sequentially according to technological progress and diversification of user demand, the user can obtain a portable information terminal in which desired units are combined.

  Further, by integrating the speaker with the display panel, both the display and the speaker can be made full size in the unit, and can be integrated into one unit.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be improved or changed within the scope of the purpose of the improvement or the idea of the present invention.

It is the perspective view seen from the upper part which shows the structure of the mother structure which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view seen from the upper part which shows the structure of the keyboard unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view seen from the lower part which shows the structure of the display unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view seen from the upper side which shows the structure of the communication unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state which couple | bonds a keyboard unit with the mother structure which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state which opens a display unit and a keyboard unit, and uses a portable information terminal as a personal computer. It is a perspective view which shows the process of opening a communication unit. It is a perspective view which shows the state which opens the upper surface part of a mother structure and uses a communication unit.

Explanation of symbols

10 Mother structure 15 Locking hole (connecting part)
16 1st connection part (connection part)
17 Second connection part (connection part)
18 3rd connection part (connection part)
19 Battery (power supply)
20 Keyboard unit (input unit)
30 Display unit (output unit)
40 Communication unit (communication unit)

Claims (9)

A mother structure for integrating a plurality of plate-shaped constituent units into a portable information terminal,
A connecting portion to which the plurality of constituent units are detachably coupled;
A plurality of connection portions electrically connected to the plurality of constituent units, respectively;
A mother structure comprising: a power supply unit that supplies electric power to the connected constituent units.   The mother structure according to claim 1, wherein the constituent unit includes at least one of an output unit, an input unit, a communication unit, and a camera unit.   The mother structure according to claim 2, wherein the output unit is a speaker-integrated display unit.   The mother structure according to claim 3, wherein the display unit includes a panel-type speaker with a front panel integrated with a speaker.   The said input unit is provided with the control part which controls operation | movement of the said structural unit connected, and the memory | storage part which memorize | stores information in connection with operation | movement of the said structural unit. 4. The mother structure according to any one of four.   The mother structure according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion also serves as a connecting portion.   The mother structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the output unit is a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an organic EL display.   The mother structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the communication unit includes a power source and can be detached from the mother structure and used as a mobile phone. A mobile information terminal that exhibits a predetermined information terminal function according to a combination of the plurality of constituent units by detachably connecting a plurality of plate-shaped constituent units to the mother structure,
The portable information terminal, wherein the mother structure includes a power supply unit that supplies power to the connected constituent units.

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