JPH0879344A - Adaptable radiotelephony equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable communication equipment incorporating various communication protocols by constituting the equipment of two removable modules which individually give radio frequencies or communication protocols under the control of a common user interface. SOLUTION: An adaptable radio telephone handset 100 is provided with an enclosure 102, a display device 104, a key pad 106, a loudspeaker 108, a microphone 110, and an antenna 112. Attachable/detachable modules 116 and 118 respectively have radio controllers and radio frequency(RF) functions for different communication protocol systems. The modules 116 and 118 are inserted into the handset 110 through an opening 114 and matched to an electric circuit in the enclosure 102. Interconnections 126 and 128 respectively positioned in the modules 116 and 118 provide electrical interconnection and are matched to the internal circuit of the handset 100.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to communication devices, and more particularly to portable communication devices.

[0002]

[Prior art]

[0003]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] With the increasing use population of personal communication devices such as cordless phones and cellular phones, there is a need to reduce the weight and size of these devices so that they can be easily carried. , Higher priority is placed. While users may be able to enjoy the portability of these devices, they can carry several devices at the same time and use two-way communication at different geographical locations using different communication protocol systems. You may also need to do it. Having to carry separate handsets for independent protocol systems, and having separate user interfaces, respectively, is cumbersome for the user. In addition, these devices generally require separate accessories such as a charger, battery pack, carrying case, etc., which creates additional inconvenience to the user when traveling. Either option for potential users is limited to system packages of a particular protocol that cannot meet all requirements. Similarly, if a user upgrades to a new system, they will have to reprogram the phone numbers commonly used by the new phones to learn the new interface (ie how the new phone works). .

Currently implemented cellular telephones and planned personal communication system (PCS) cell phones have either a single protocol or a dual-mode protocol.
Both protocols are difficult to encode inside the handset.

GSM (Global System for Mob), which is a European protocol system
Subscriber Information Module (SIM: Subscriber Inf) for ile communications
The information module card provides the current subscriber information (for example, the subscriber's telephone number and service provider), connects to the GSM telephone, and sets the subscriber as a subscriber. However, these cards only reference subscriber data and do not include radio frequency (RF) circuitry or protocol information.

Therefore, a need arises for a single portable communication device that incorporates a variety of communication protocols and provides a common user interface.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1, a portable communication device, ie, a compatible radiotelephone handset 100, according to the present invention.
Indicates. The handset 100 includes a housing 102, a display device 104, a keypad 106, a speaker 108, a microphone 110 and an antenna 112. The attachable / detachable modules 116/118, each having a radio controller and radio frequency (RF) capability for a separate communication protocol system, are shown external to the handset 100. These modules 1
16, 118 are handset 10 through the opening 114
0, and matches the electrical circuit in housing 102 (discussed below). Each module 116, 118
Internally located interconnects 126, 128 provide electrical interconnects and mate with the internal circuitry of handset 100. When one or more modules are inserted inside the handset 100, the first slot 122 (primar).
yslot) and the second slot 124 (secondar)
y slot) is defined inside the handset 100. In FIG. 1, the first slot 122 is a module 1
16 and accommodates the second slot 124 in the second module 1
18, but these modules can be swapped into the opposite slot if desired. 1 each
The 16,118 modules include protocol specific hardware and protocol related software for the design. Once in handset 100,
Modules 116 and 118 provide different communication protocols to access different communication systems. The handset 100 can be programmed with a single or multiple identification numbers. The handset 100 includes a keypad 106 and a display device 1 regardless of the communication protocol used.
A common user interface is provided via 04. Frequently dialed numbers / names and lock codes (lo
User-specific information such as ck code) can be programmed into the handset 100 by the user. This user-specific information is programmed into the handset regardless of whether the module is inserted. The battery member 120 not only supplies power to the internal circuits of the handset 100, but also the modules 116, 11
Power is also supplied to 8. All modules and internal circuits preferably operate at 3.0 VDC. Therefore,
A common charger and battery can be used regardless of the protocol set on the handset.

As an example of user operation, the user can program the handset 100 with user-specific information such as a lock code or a frequently dialed number without inserting any modules. Next is 1
900 megahertz (MHz) personal communication system (PACS: Personal Access Com)
time division multiple access (TDMA) of the communication system.
A module such as an Idle Access module is inserted into the first slot 122. 800MHz AMP
S (Advanced Mobile Phone S)
A second module, such as a module of a system) can be inserted into the second slot 124. User-specific information is automatically downloaded or both modules are enabled. The handset is 190 in this case
Communication is first established using the first slot in a 0 MHz PACS-TDMA system. Second slot 124
Will automatically take over when the first system fails, eg the handset is out of range of the first system. Alternatively, the user can use the keypad and send commands to change from one communication protocol to another and establish a communication link.

The modules 116, 118 are all designed with a standardized, common size to fit into the slots 122, 124 of the handset 100. If the user moves to an area that employs a completely different protocol system, the inserted module can be removed and replaced manually with another module or set of modules. For example, 1900 MHz code division multiple access (CDMA: C
ode Division Multiple Acc
ess) module is inserted and used as the first module, 800MHz TDMA module is inserted, the second
Can be used as a module. The various modules can be carried by users and provide connectivity to various communication systems wherever they go. If the currently inserted module no longer covers a particular area, the user can easily change the module if a protocol change is needed. By using the adaptable radiotelephone handset described by the present invention,
The user can use one user for various handsets.
It is possible to hold one communication device having an interface.

Referring now to FIG. 2 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown an electrical block diagram of internal circuitry for a handset according to the present invention. The circuit 200 is preferably included on a printed circuit board, referred to as a common substrate, and associated storage device (m
microprocessor 2 with memory, peripherals and display driver 204
02 is included in the control means. A bus line 208 controls the communication between the microprocessor 202 and the display driver 204 and also extends to the keypad / display interface 206 through a flexible interconnect (fl).
ex) etc. The keypad / display interface 206 provides not only the interconnection between the keypad 106 of the handset 100 and the microprocessor 202, but also
Interconnection between the display device 104 and the display device driver 204 is also provided. A user can program the handset 100 with user-specific information via the keypad 106 and store it in the microprocessor 202. Information specific to this type of user is stored and made available to any authorized module inserted into the handset 100.

Also included in common board 200 is a module interface 212 that provides standardized interconnection for reception of modules 116, 118. bus·
Line 210, once inserted, downloads programmed user-specific information from microprocessor 202 to modules 116, 118. Information regarding the communication status of the inserted modules 116, 118 is also provided via the bus line 210 to the microprocessor 2
02 to control switching between the two modules 116, 118. The microprocessor 202 preferably causes one module to sleep while the other module is using the communication link.
mode) to keep the current flow constant.

The module interface 212 is preferably a dual head dual connection.
ad multi-contact, multiple pin (mu)
lti-pin), that is, the corresponding module 116,
A connector designed to mate with the interconnects 126, 128 of 118, providing electrical connection between the common board 200 and the module to be inserted. Included within the connector are two RF contacts that preferably provide RF connections with the appropriate impedances for modules 116 and 118. These RF contacts are preferably separate R
The F paths 218 and 220 are provided on a common substrate and are connected to modules having different paths. RF path 218,
220 couples to an RF switch 216, preferably under the control of microprocessor 202. The RF switch 216 switches the RF path of the currently allowed module to the RF trace 214. Therefore, the only RF path is the RF trace 21 of the handset 100.
4 and electrical interconnection. RF trace 214
Preferably, the tuning of the antenna 112 is interconnected with a tuning circuit 222 under the control of the microprocessor 202 which automatically controls the tuning to a suitable frequency with a properly matched impedance.

Referring next to FIG. 3 attached, an electrical block diagram of a circuit connecting to one module 116.
Indicates 0. A similar schematic applies to the second module 118. Included within the module circuit 300 is a module interface 302 including portions corresponding to mating contacts that provide interconnection between the module and the interface 212 of the circuit 200. Microprocessor 3
04 is a protocol (protocol) / voice (au)
dio) cooperates with control circuit 306 to provide control of all specific protocols for a specific communication system.
The control line 312 not only transfers certain information derived from the common substrate 300 to the user to the microprocessor 304, but also controls other controller functions to the rest of the module circuit 3.
00 to provide. An RF section 308, which further includes a transmitter and receiver for a particular communication system, is included in the module circuit 300 and provides an RF path 310 to the module interface 302.

The module interface 302 contains the RF interconnect for the module's RF path 310. The module interface 302 enables the relaying of RF signals of appropriate impedance matching onto the corresponding RF path 218 of the common board 200 via the corresponding mating contacts of the module interface 212.
Includes F contact. The second module 118 contains similar circuitry for another particular protocol that can be inserted into the interface 212 and, if permitted, the common board R.
An RF path corresponding to the F path 220 is also provided.

By adopting the adaptable radiotelephone handset described by the present invention, the user not only keeps a similar user control interface, but also provides a definition for the operation of the user's handset. Can be programmed. By incorporating different modules in the handset, the user is provided with access to a variety of protocols and systems.
1900 MHz DCTU (Digital C), including other types of communication protocols that can be implemented.
ordless Telephone US), 90
0MHz TACS (Total Access Co)
mmunication System) and 190
0MHz DECT (Digital Europea)
n Cordless Telephone). The preferred embodiment has two handset inserts.
Although described in two modules, one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to apply the invention to design as a larger number of modules compatible with the handset. Common accessories such as carrying cases, battery packs and chargers can be used with the handsets described by the present invention, providing significant cost savings to the end user.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not so limited. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims, one of ordinary skill
Changes, changes, substitutions, and equivalents could be created.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a mobile communication device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an internal electrical block diagram of a mobile communication device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an electrical block diagram of a module according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 Handset 102 Housing 104 Display Device 106 Keypad 108 Speaker 110 Microphone 112 Antenna 114 Openings 116, 118 Module 120 Battery Member 122, 124 Slots 126, 128 Interconnect 202 Microprocessor 204 Display Device Driver 206 Keypad / Display Device Interface 208, 210 Bus line 212 Module interface 214 RF trace 216 RF switch 218, 220 RF path 222 Tuning circuit 300 Module circuit 302 Module interface 304 Microprocessor 306 Protocol / voice control circuit 308 RF section 310 RF path 312 Control line

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. In a communication device: a housing including a speaker, a microphone, a keypad, and a controller for programming specific information in the communication device, the opening for accessing the interior of the housing. A housing further comprising a part; and communication comprising first and second removable modules that individually provide a radio frequency and a communication protocol under the control of a common user interface, respectively. apparatus. 2. The first and second removable modules separate radio frequency and communication protocol respectively into the first and second removable modules under control of the same common user interface. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is constituted by a module replaceable by the provided third and fourth removable modules. 3. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the communication device is constituted by the keypad and the control device that provide the common user interface for the different communication protocols. 4. A communication device further comprising first and second removable modules, respectively: a protocol control circuit for providing a communication protocol; and for receiving and transmitting radio frequency (RF) signals. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device comprises a receiver circuit and a transmitter circuit. 5. The communication device according to claim 4, further comprising a switcher for controlling the path of the RF signal.