WO1999039258A1

WO1999039258A1 - Portable data processing device

Info

Publication number: WO1999039258A1
Application number: PCT/JP1999/000289
Authority: WO
Inventors: Akiyoshi Nakamura; Akira Momose; Hidekazu Maezawa
Original assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
Priority date: 1998-02-02
Filing date: 1999-01-22
Publication date: 1999-08-05

Abstract

A portable data processing device comprising a portable data terminal (10, 350) and a detachable GPS unit (11, 300) that, when required, can advantageously be mounted on the back of the portable data terminal. The GPS unit (11, 300 or 650) is supplied with power only when its antenna unit (112, 500 or 613) is ready to operate, thus saving battery power.

Description

Description Portable information processing equipment Technical field

The present invention relates to a small-sized portable information processing device called a personal computer / assistance device or a mobile computer. Background art

A small portable information terminal, which is referred to as a personal, overnight, assistance, or mobile computer, has a structure in which various units are externally attached as accessory units because the device itself is small. It has become.

In addition, in small portable information processing devices, it is common to enhance the accessibility by enhancing the accessories, but in the past it was not easy to use despite the enhanced functions. There was a point.

For example, in a small portable information terminal, an antenna unit that receives a signal transmitted from a GPS satellite is mounted on the back of the portable information terminal as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-55910. It is often housed in such a form that the antenna unit is pulled out and used only when necessary. However, a portable information terminal having such a configuration has an antenna unit even when the portable information terminal is not used for GPS, so that the size of the portable information terminal is large. It is not easy to use. Also, when pulling out the antenna unit, excessive force is applied, There is a risk of damaging the tenunite, but no consideration has been given to such inconveniences. Furthermore, the antenna unit that has been pulled out has no members that support it on the back side, so the antenna unit may be damaged by a small force.

In addition, there are many opportunities to connect various accessories to connectors in portable information processing terminals, but in such a case, the connector cover that had covered the connector must be removed from the portable information terminal. The connector cover may be lost. Furthermore, when a digital information unit for input is configured in the portable information terminal, it is convenient if the portable information terminal is equipped with an input pen. However, since the input pen that can be equipped on a portable information terminal is short, it is convenient to use a pen that can be extended in two steps. However, simply providing such an input pen in a portable information terminal requires the user to remove the input pen from the portable information terminal, and then extend the input pen in a short time. C In addition to such inconvenience, conventional portable information devices with a built-in GPS unit as described above or equipped with the module have a large power consumption due to the GPS unit. In addition, if the GPS unit is operated together with the power switch of the device or the GPS unit is linked to application software that uses the current location information, etc., the battery life will be exhausted in a short time There was a problem.

On the other hand, in order to operate the GPS unit, it is necessary to capture multiple GPS signals from multiple radio sources such as artificial satellites after turning on the power, so it takes some time to acquire positioning data. Is required. Therefore, for example, while using a predetermined application software of an information device, the current location information is needed. At this point, a method of turning on the power by software operation to operate the GPS unit is conceivable, but this method requires a certain amount of waiting until the position information is obtained. This greatly restricts the functions of information devices that can be performed. Disclosure of the invention

A first object of the present invention is to realize a portable information processing device that is easy to use even when various accessories are mounted on the portable information terminal.

In order to achieve the above object, a portable information processing device according to the present invention includes a portable information terminal having a display surface on a front side, an antenna unit for receiving a signal transmitted from a GPS satellite, and an antenna unit. And a detachable mechanism that allows the portable information terminal to be attached to and detached from the portable information terminal without changing the projected area from the side of the display surface.

In the specification of the present application, the portable information processing device includes a portable information terminal and an accessory unit attached to the portable information terminal, and the portable information terminal is a terminal itself excluding the accessory unit. Means

In the present invention, the antenna unit can be removed except when the portable information terminal is used for GPS, so that it is convenient to use. Furthermore, the projected area from the display surface does not change between the state where the antenna unit is removed from the portable information terminal and the state where the antenna unit is attached to the portable information terminal. That is, even if the antenna unit is attached to the portable information terminal, the antenna unit does not protrude to the side from the portable information terminal, so that it is easy to handle even when the antenna unit is attached to the portable information terminal. In the present invention, the antenna unit is housed in a storage state overlapping the back surface side of the portable information terminal, and is pulled out to the outer peripheral side of the portable information terminal while being rotated from the storage state, so that the portable information terminal is It is preferable that the display device further includes a rotation center axis that is switched to a state in which the display surface is inclined to the back side with respect to the display surface. With this configuration, the antenna unit can be pulled out of the stored state by a simple operation of rotating the antenna unit. When the antenna unit is in the stowed state, it overlaps the back side of the portable information terminal, so that the antenna unit does not interfere. Furthermore, in the pulled-out state, the antenna unit is inclined rearward with respect to the display surface, so that the antenna unit is horizontally supported when the user tilts the portable information terminal so that the display surface can be easily viewed. Therefore, there is an advantage that the reception sensitivity of the antenna unit is improved.

In the present invention, the antenna unit is located on a rear surface side of the portable information terminal in a width direction in the storage state as viewed from a rotation center position when the antenna unit rotates between the storage state and the extraction state. On the other hand, it is preferable that the portable information terminal is in a state of protruding from the tip end side of the portable information terminal when the portable information terminal is turned 90-rotated from this state to the drawn state. With this configuration, the antenna unit can be moved in and out within an easy-to-handle angle range of 90-, which is convenient.

In this case, the rotation center axis is inclined at 45-inclination when viewed from a direction that bisects an angle range at the time of switching between the retracted state and the retracted state. It is preferable that the antenna unit is at the same height position in the width direction in any of the stored state and the drawn state. In another embodiment of the present invention, the rotating unit of the antenna unit switches the magnitude of torque during rotation between the storage state and the extraction state to set a position immediately before reaching the storage completion state and the extraction completion state. It is preferable to have a click mechanism that communicates to the user. With this configuration, it is possible to adjust the amount of force applied with a click feeling when rotating the antenna unit. Therefore, the antenna unit is not damaged because no excessive force is applied to the antenna unit.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable information terminal having a display surface on a front surface side, and transmitted from a GPS satellite supported by the portable information terminal so as to protrude from the portable information terminal to an outer peripheral side. It is preferable to have an antenna unit for receiving a signal to be transmitted, and a spring interposed between the antenna unit and the portable information terminal to allow a certain amount of play in an out-of-plane direction of the antenna unit. New With this configuration, even if a force is applied to the antenna unit, the force is absorbed by the spring, so that the antenna unit and its connection portion are not damaged. Therefore, it is easy to use, as it can be used safely outdoors.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, a portable information terminal including a display surface on a front surface side and a connector for unit connection in a side wall has a rubber connector cover for closing the opening. And the connector force bar is held by the portable information terminal even when the connector cover is removed from the opening to open the opening. With this configuration, there is no need to remove the connector cover that has covered the connector from the portable information terminal. Therefore, since various units can be attached as accessories, Even if it is frequently attached and detached, the connector cover is not lost, so it is easy to use.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the connector cover removed from the opening be sunk into a lower surface of a unit attached to the portable information terminal and electrically connected to the connector, and used as a rubber leg.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, a portable information terminal having a display surface and a digital display unit for input on a front surface side, and a portable information terminal having an input pen stored in an opening of the portable information terminal In the processing device, the input pen is configured to be detached from the portable information terminal after being extended while being held in the opening of the portable information terminal when a force for pulling out from the inside of the opening is applied. It is characterized by having been done. With such a configuration, simply pulling the input pen causes the input pen to come off the portable information terminal in a stretched state. Therefore, it is convenient because only one operation is required.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the portable information terminal includes a portable information terminal having a display surface on a front surface side, and a GPS unit detachably mounted on the back surface of the terminal so that the GPS unit is detachable from the main body. A pair of left and right arms extending forward, a support portion detachable from the back surface of the portable information terminal, and a rear end portion located between the pair of arms of the support portion; The antenna unit is rotatably mounted, and is rotatable toward the support portion and housed between the pair of arms. The antenna unit is rotatable to the opposite side and led out to the front of the support portion. When the GPS unit is configured in this way, the GPS unit can be removed except when the GPS unit is used, so that the GPS unit is easy to use. Moreover, the GPS unit almost protrudes from the portable information terminal. It is easy to handle even when the GPS unit is attached to the portable information terminal.

In this portable information processing device, when the antenna unit is rotated and led out of the support, the antenna unit is locked with a click operation at a predetermined angle with respect to the support. It is preferable to have a hook mechanism for locking. In this way, the antenna unit can be stably held at the most advantageous position in terms of reception characteristics, and can be used with maximum performance.

It is preferable that the locking mechanism releases the lock when an excessive force is applied to the antenna unit and makes the antenna unit rotatable, and further restores the locking function when the antenna unit is returned. . In this way, the antenna unit is not damaged because no excessive force is applied to the antenna unit.

In addition, when the rear end of the antenna unit and the tip of the arm are attached to each other, an insertion hole having a large diameter portion is formed in a side surface inside the tip of the arm of the support part, while the antenna unit is attached to the end of the antenna unit. A shaft is protruded from the side surface of the rear end, and a cam as a part of a locking mechanism is provided on the front end side of the shaft. However, when the antenna unit is rotated to a position not normally used, the protrusion matches the large-diameter portion, so that the shaft and the cam can be inserted into the insertion hole, and the rear end of the antenna unit Preferably, the part is rotatably mounted on the tip of the arm. In this way, mounting is easy even if there is force, and in normal use, the side of the arm is sandwiched between the projection of the cam and the side of the rear end of the antenna unit, and the shaft is It does not move in the direction (the direction of insertion into the hole or the direction of withdrawal), so that a firm mounting is possible.

Further, a connecting plate is provided between the pair of left and right arms of the support portion at the distal end side. Preferably they are linked. With this configuration, the opening of the pair of left and right arms is suppressed by the connecting piece, so that the antenna unit can be reliably held between the pair of left and right arms.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a portable information processing apparatus including a central processing unit for performing information processing and a GPS unit for receiving a GPS signal. The objective is to provide a new configuration that minimizes power consumption and does not impair the operability or function of the device.

Means taken by the present invention to achieve the above object is to provide a central processing unit and an antenna for receiving a GPS signal, receive a GPS signal controlled by the central processing unit, and perform positioning. A GPS unit for acquiring data, a power supply means for supplying and disconnecting power to the GPS unit, and an interrupt signal to the central processing unit when the antenna is operated in a predetermined state. An interrupt signal generating means for starting power supply to the GPS unit by the power supply / discharge means by generating the interrupt signal, and a GPS control means for operating the GPS unit. It is a portable information processing device characterized by having a.

According to this means, since the interrupt signal of the central processing unit is generated by operating the antenna, the power supply is started to operate the GPS unit by operating the antenna. By operating the antenna independently of the operation of the main unit (portable information terminal), the GPS unit is started in advance, positioning data is obtained, and location information is used when necessary. Power consumption in the GPS unit can be reduced when it is not needed, and power consumption can be reduced.In addition, when necessary, the GPS unit can be operated in anticipation of a time irrespective of the operation of the main unit. The waiting time until obtaining the position information can be shortened.

Here, it is preferable that the predetermined state is a state in which the antenna can receive the GPS signal. According to this means, when the antenna is ready to receive signals, power is supplied to the GPS unit by the GPS control means, and the GPS unit starts operating. Since the GPS control means can be activated only by operating the antenna, operability can be improved. Note that the antenna is configured to be able to protrude and retract relatively to the apparatus main body, and it is desirable that the above-mentioned predetermined state is a state in which the antenna is extended to the apparatus main body in order to properly receive the GPS signal.

In the above means, when the GPS unit does not capture the GPS signal, the GPS control means causes the GPS unit to repeatedly try to capture the GPS signal once or a plurality of times. It is preferable that it is comprised as follows. According to this means, if the GPS signal cannot be captured by the GPS unit for some reason, the possibility of signal capture can be increased by repeating the capture operation. In this case, after repeatedly performing the acquisition operation of the GPS signal a predetermined number of times, it is possible to shift to the power saving mode or cut off the power supply as described in claim 18, It is more desirable to increase the possibility of power consumption and reduce power consumption.

In the above means, the GPS control means shifts the GPS unit from a normal mode to a power saving mode when the GPS signal is not captured by the GPS unit, or Or, it is configured to cut off the power supply to the GPS unit. Is preferred. According to this method, when the GPS signal cannot be acquired due to, for example, an environment where the GPS signal cannot be acquired, the mode automatically shifts to the power saving mode or the power to the GPS unit is reduced. Since the supply can be cut off, wasteful power consumption can be avoided.

In these cases, it is also preferable that the GPS control means is configured to display the fact that the GPS unit cannot capture the GPS signal when the GPS unit cannot capture the GPS signal. According to this means, when the GPS signal cannot be acquired, the fact is displayed so that the operator can immediately know that the GPS signal cannot be acquired, so that the operator can easily respond to it. .

Further, the GPS control means may display a transition operation of the GPS unit to the power saving mode or a halt of the GPS unit in connection with interruption of power supply to the GPS unit. It is desirable to be constituted. In this case, the operator can know the power saving mode or the power cutoff of the GPS unit on the spot, so that it is possible to easily cope with the situation.

Further, it is preferable that the GPS control means is configured to be able to identify the presence or absence of power supply to the GPS unit at least at any time during operation of the apparatus body. According to this means, the operator can easily know whether or not the antenna needs to be re-operated by checking whether or not power is supplied to the GPS unit. In this case, it is more desirable to always display the presence or absence of the power supply in parallel with the display of the apparatus main body in order to improve operability.

Still further, the GPS control means may include the GPS unit at least at any time during the operation of the GPS unit. Is preferably configured to display the operating state of the device. According to this means, by displaying the operation state of the GPS unit, the operator can arbitrarily know the possibility of acquiring the position information. Also in this case, it is more desirable that the above-mentioned operation state is always displayed in parallel with the display of the apparatus main body in order to improve operability.

In this case, the GPS control unit may further include, as an operation state of the GPS unit, a state in which the GPS unit is operating in a power saving mode, a state in which the GPS signal is being captured, and the GPS unit by the GPS unit. It is preferable that a state in which a signal is captured or a state in which the positioning data or the position information is obtained be displayed so as to be identifiable.

In the above three means, the GPS control means includes a predetermined area independent of the processing content or processing result in a display area configured to display the processing content or processing result by the central processing unit. It is preferable that the display unit is configured to perform the above-mentioned display on the GPS unit in a display section. As a result, the GPS unit can be displayed independently in the display area for displaying the processing contents or processing results of the central processing unit. The user can know information about the various states of the unit, and can perform processing in accordance with the various states of the GPS unit at the appropriate evening that the user faces.

Further, the GPS unit is configured as an additional unit detachably attached to the main body, and the GPS control means is controlled by the central processing unit only when the GPS unit is mounted. Preferably, it is operable. In this case, it is desirable to provide a unit detecting means for detecting the mounting of the GPS unit, and the GPS controlling means executed by the central processing unit is determined according to the detection state of the unit detecting means. It is more desirable to set whether to start. In this case, if the GPS unit is not detected by the unit detecting means, the GPS control means does not operate even if the interrupt signal is generated. Further, a central processing unit and an antenna for receiving a GPS signal, a GPS unit controlled by the central processing unit to receive a GPS signal and obtain a positioning data, Power supply / discharge means for supplying / disconnecting power to / from the GPS unit, interrupt signal generation means for generating an interrupt signal to the central processing unit when the antenna is operated in a predetermined state, and the GPS unit A power saving means for stopping or lowering the internal clock of the GPS unit to set a power saving state, and releasing the power saving state of the GPS unit by generating the interrupt signal, and operating the GPS unit. A portable information processing apparatus characterized by comprising a GPS control means.

According to this means, power consumption can be reduced by putting the GPS unit into the power save state by the power save means, and the power save state is released by the GPS control means when the GPS antenna is operated. Therefore, the GPS unit can be operated at an appropriate timing independently of the state of the device main body. At this time, the GPS unit is in a power saving state by the power saving means in a normal state, that is, for example, when the GPS unit is not used immediately after the startup or for a predetermined time. Only when the power save mode is activated and the antenna is operated

It is further desirable from the viewpoint of power saving that the power saving state is canceled by the GPS control means. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handy type portable information terminal to which the present invention is applied when viewed from the front side.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable information terminal shown in FIG. 1 when viewed from the back side.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the portable information terminal shown in FIG. 1 and an accessory unit that can be attached to the portable information terminal.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the portable information terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of software in the portable information terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view from above showing a state in which the antenna unit is stored in the GP unit mounted on the portable information terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view from below showing a state in which the antenna unit is stored in the GP unit mounted on the portable information terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view from below showing a state in which a GP unit is mounted on the portable information terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view from the top showing a state in which the antenna unit is pulled out of the GP unit mounted on the portable information terminal shown in FIG.

Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the GPS unit mounted on the portable information terminal shown in Fig. 1, showing the antenna unit pulled out. FIG.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view from below showing a state in which the antenna unit is pulled out of the GP unit mounted on the portable information terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a state in which the antenna unit is pulled out of the GP unit mounted on the portable information terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a side view showing a state in which the antenna unit is pulled out of the GP unit mounted on the portable information terminal shown in FIG.

Fig. 14 is a plan view of the antenna unit of the GPS unit attached to the portable information terminal shown in Fig. 1, (A), (B), (C), (D), and (E). , A rear view, a front view, a right side view, and a Q-Q 'cross-sectional view.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a GP Sunit to be mounted on the portable information terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a rotating unit used for the GP unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the antenna unit of the GP Sunit to be mounted on the portable information terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view around the communication connector configured in the portable information terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a connector cover covering an opening to the communication connector shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an opening to a communication connector configured in the portable information terminal shown in FIG. 1 is opened.

Fig. 21 shows the communication information attached to the portable information terminal shown in Fig. 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above of a PHS unit connected to the station connector.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view from below of the PHS unit attached to the portable information terminal shown in FIG. 1 and connected to the communication connector.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view from above showing a state in which the PHS unit is attached to the portable information terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the PHS unit is mounted on the portable information terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the portable information terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing the portable information terminal shown in FIG. 1 in a state where a side cover is opened in order to attach a flash card.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the portable information terminal shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which a side cover is opened to attach a flash head, and a knob plate of a card detachable member is turned outward. .

Fig. 28 shows the portable information terminal shown in Fig. 1, after opening the side cover to attach the flash force, and then turning the knob detaching plate of the card attaching / detaching member to the outside. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the flash card is pulled out with the flash.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a card attaching / detaching member used to attach / detach a flash card in the portable information terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a board unit that receives a flash force in the portable information terminal shown in FIG.

Fig. 31 shows the portable information terminal shown in Fig. 1 with the card detachable member attached to the board unit that receives the flash card. FIG.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing a GPS unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing the GP unit of FIG. 32 in an antenna unit stored state.

FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view showing the support part of the GPS unit in FIG.

FIG. 35 is a plan view showing the inside of the support part of the GP unit of FIG.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the GPS unit of FIG. 32 as viewed from the back side.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing a state in which the GP unit of FIG. 32 is attached to the portable information terminal in a state where the antenna unit is stored.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing a state in which the GP unit of FIG. 32 is attached to a portable information terminal using an antenna unit.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view showing in detail the support unit of the GPS unit and the mounting unit of the antenna unit in FIG. 32.

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the mounting portion of FIG. 39 in detail. C FIG. 41 is a perspective view showing the lock mechanism of the GP unit of FIG. 32 in detail. FIG. 42 is a perspective view for explaining the operation of the lock mechanism of FIG.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view for explaining the operation of the lock mechanism of FIG. 41, similarly to FIG.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view for explaining the operation of the lock mechanism of FIG. 41, similarly to FIGS. 42 and 43. FIG. 45 is a schematic configuration block diagram showing the overall configuration of still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 46 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration of the GPS unit in FIG. 45 and a connection portion to the GPS unit.

FIG. 47 is a schematic flowchart showing the flow of the operation of the main body in FIG.

FIG. 48 is a schematic flowchart showing the main part of the procedure for acquiring position information by the GPS unit and the CPU of the main body in FIG. 45.

FIG. 49 is a schematic flowchart showing the contents of a portion related to power management in the procedure for acquiring position information by the GP unit and the CPU of the main body in FIG. 45.

FIG. 50 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing display contents of a GPS display section in a display panel provided on the front of the main body of the embodiment of FIG. 45 for each of different operation states of the GPS module. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A portable information processing device to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handy type portable information terminal to which the present invention is applied, as viewed from the front side, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view, as viewed from the back side.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a handy type portable information terminal to which the present invention is applied and an accessory unit that can be attached to the portable information terminal.

1 to 3, a portable information terminal 10 of the present embodiment has a flat box-type main body housing 9, 9 On the side of a, an LCD unit (display unit) 8 for display output and a digitizing unit (digital panel) 7 for input are arranged to overlap. In addition, an aperture 2 21 for the camera is arranged on the surface 9 a of the main body housing 9.

An infrared communication unit 6 that can exchange data with other portable information terminals is arranged on the upper side 9 c of the main body housing 9, and an RS232C or USB is mounted on the lower side 9 in the main body housing 9. (Communication-Section connector 5) according to a predetermined standard such as (Univa-Sal-Serial-Bus). Therefore, it is possible to connect the mobile phone 12 to the communication connector 5 via the adapter 13 and exchange data with another personal computer via the public telephone network. You can do it. In addition, a dial-up connection can be made to connect to a computer network such as an in-network. Similarly, it is possible to connect to the PHS telephone 14 via the connector 15. In addition, if a PHS unit 16 dedicated to the device with PHS function is attached, the portable information terminal of this embodiment can be used by using the speakers 4 and microphones 3 arranged above and below the LCD unit 8. 10 itself can be used as a PHS communication device, or data can be transmitted and received via a PHS network. It is also possible to connect the PC connector cable 17 to the communication connector 5 to exchange data locally with another PC, and to connect the modem connector cable 18 to connect via a modem. It is also possible to perform data communication by using Further, in the portable information terminal 10 of the present embodiment, a unit 2 that can be exchanged wirelessly as a communication unit is also built in the main body housing 9, and data can be exchanged while moving only by the main body. Like ο On the right side surface 9 e of the main body housing 9, a mounting port 21 into which a flash card 20 can be mounted is arranged inside the side cover 91. In addition, a camera lens 22 is arranged alongside the mounting opening 21 of the flash card 20 so that the surrounding scenery and people can be photographed by the CCD through the lens 22. Has become.

A power port 1 for charging the built-in battery from the charger 19 is disposed on the left side 9 f of the main body housing 9. Further, on the left side surface 9f of the main body housing 9, a part switch 101 is arranged, and a multi-controller 102 is arranged next to it. By turning the multi-controller 102, menu selection and parameter input can be performed on the screen displayed on the LCD unit 8 by turning the multi-controller 102.

You can do this by pressing 10 2. That is, the multi-controller 102 is also used as the enter button. Further, a camera finder 222 is arranged alongside the multi-controller 102.

The back 9g of the body housing 9 has a detachable GPS unit 11 that can capture the radio waves from the GPS (global 'positioning' system) and locate your current location, as will be described in detail later. I'm sorry. In addition, a back end 9 g of the main body housing 9 accommodates the battery 501. 103 is the surface of the notch knock itself. The rear surface 9 g of the main housing 9 has projections 104, 1, 1, and 1, which make the rear surface 9 g of the main body housing 9 slightly float from the desk when the portable information terminal 10 is placed on a desk or the like. 0 5 is formed in two places.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of the portable information terminal of the present embodiment. The portable information terminal 10 loads an R0M32 capable of storing an operating system (OS), a shell system, an application, and the like, and loads a program stored in the R0M32. It has an executable CPU 31, a RAM 33 as a storage area at the time of execution, and an internal storage device (flash memory) 34 as a storage area for documents or image files created by the application. These are connected by the internal bus 35. Further, an LCD unit 8 as a display device and a digital unit 7 as an input device are connected via an internal bus 35. In addition to these, as described above, the portable information terminal 10 of the present embodiment is a communication unit 36 that communicates with other personal computers and the like using infrared communication, serial communication, and wireless communication. GPS unit 11 that can determine its own position by capturing the radio wave of the camera, camera unit 37 that can acquire image information by camera, and voice or other sound using microphone 3 and speaker 4 A voice unit 38 which functions as a voice memo for recording is provided, and these are connected to the CPU 31 via the internal bus 35 and controlled.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a software system configuration of the portable information terminal according to the present embodiment. 0S50 of the portable information terminal of the present embodiment includes a controller and a driver for controlling each unit described above, and the application 60 and the shell system 70 are connected via the OS50. Each unit can be controlled. In other words, the OS 50 processes the display input from the display dry line 51 and the display unit 7 capable of displaying an image on the LCD unit 8 and supplies the processed data to the application 60 and the seal system 70. Possible evening Touch panel content Control the communication unit 36 including the roller 52, the infrared interface 6, the serial interface 5 and the wireless interface 2, and perform Appropriate image data obtained using a GPS controller 54 and a camera unit 37 that can perform radio positioning by controlling the exchangeable communication controller 53 and GPS unit 11 The power meter controller 55 that can be supplied to the application 60 or the shell system 70 in a simple data format, and the voice unit 38 that uses the microphone 3 and the speaker 4 for voice data It has an audio controller 56 that can input, output, and record. The shell system 70 and the application 60 operate on 0S50 that supports such basic functions of the portable information terminal 10.

The portable information terminal 10 of the present embodiment is an application 60, which includes a navigator 61, a browser 62, a memo and e-mail creation software 63, a scheduler 64, and an address book. 65 Five softwares are installed. The navigation 61 is a map view, which is capable of displaying the current position measured by the GPS unit 11 on a map, as well as location-related information near the current position, for example, restaurants, shops, and toilets. And various other information can be displayed. The browser 62 can display information provided from a WWW server opened on the Internet, and accesses the Internet via the communication unit 36. Information can be obtained. The memo and e-mail creation software 63 is software that has the function of a word processor. The memo and mail creation software 63 of this embodiment can handle not only text data, but also image data, audio data, and the like. It can be exchanged with other users via the evening network. The scheduler 64 has a function of registering a user's schedule and announcing to the user by an appropriate method such as voice or display at the registered time. The address book 65 can manage the telephone numbers or Internet addresses of other users. When using the address book 65 of the present embodiment to supply the address of the other party when sending mail via the Internet from the mail software 63, or when making a call using the PHS function Used to enter the telephone number of the other party in the field. (Attaching GPS unit to portable information terminal)

6 and 7 are a perspective view from the upper side and a perspective view from the lower side, respectively, showing a state in which the antenna unit is stored in the GP unit 11.

In FIGS. 6 and 7, the GPS unit 11 attached to and detached from the back surface 9 g of the portable information terminal 10 is generally composed of a circuit unit 11 1 having a built-in receiving circuit and this circuit unit. An antenna unit 112 is connected to the antenna unit 111 so as to be rotatable with respect to the antenna unit 111. The antenna unit 112 includes a built-in antenna. The circuit unit 111 has a rectangular portion 113 for accommodating a receiving circuit and the like, and a protruding portion 111 protruding from the end portion and forming a connection portion 110 with the antenna unit 112 at the end portion. The antenna unit 112 enters the space formed by the overhang portion 114 and the rectangular portion 113, and the GPS unit 11 has a rectangular planar shape as a whole. Become.

In the GPS unit 11, the circuit unit 111 is attached to and detached from the back surface 9g side of the main body housing 9 of the portable information terminal of the present embodiment. That is, the circuit unit 1 1 1 A cover material 116 serving also as a metal shield plate is put on the shield plate 112, and two claws 121, 122 project from a side edge of the shield plate 116. A hand screw 123 protrudes from the opposite end of the shield plate 116, and the large-diameter head of the hand screw 123 is attached to the side of the circuit unit 111. It protrudes from the opening 1 1 7 of the part. Further, from the shield plate 116, a connector 131 electrically connected to a receiving circuit built in the circuit unit 111 protrudes.

On the other hand, as can be seen from Fig. 2, on the 9g side of the back surface of the main body housing 9 of the portable information terminal 10, two pieces protruding from the circuit unit 11 1 1 of the GPS unit 11 Engagement holes 1 2 4 and 1 2 5 into which the claws 1 2 1 and 1 2 respectively fit are formed, and the opposite end has a handwheel protruding from the circuit unit 1 1 1 A screw hole 1 26 into which the shaft of the screw 1 2 3 fits is formed. A connector hole 132 is formed on the back surface 9g of the body housing 9 at a position corresponding to the connector 131 formed on the circuit unit 111. Therefore, the GPS unit 11 is connected to the portable information terminal while the antenna unit 112 is housed in the space defined by the overhang portion 114 and the rectangular portion 113 of the circuit unit 111. When attached to the back surface 9 g of the body housing 9 of 10, the GPS unit 11 is mounted on the back surface of the body housing 9 of the portable information terminal 10 in a completely hidden state. In order to carry out such mounting, the two claws 1 2 1 and 1 2 2 protruding from the upper surface of the circuit unit 1 11 of the GPS unit 11 are connected to the portable information terminal 10. On the back surface 9e of the body housing 9 so as to fit into the engagement holes 124, 125 formed on the back surface 9g side of the body housing 9 The connector 13 1 fits into the connector hole 13 2 so that the side of the circuit unit 1 1 1 Turn the large-diameter part of the screw 1 2 3 protruding from the outside with your fingertip and screw the screw 1 2 3 into the screw hole 1 2 6 .The circuit unit 1 1 1 of the GPS unit 11 is As shown in the figure, it is in a state of being completely fixed to the back surface 9 g of the main body housing 9. In this state, the GPS unit 11 is in a state where the antenna unit 112 as well as the circuit unit 111 is completely attached to the back surface 9 g of the main body housing 9. When the antenna unit 112 is in the stowed state, it overlaps with the back surface 9 g of the main body housing 9 in the width direction when viewed from the connecting portion 110 (center of rotation) with the circuit unit 111. ing. Therefore, even when only the main body of the portable information terminal 10 is used without using the GP Sunit 11 for a while, the GP Sunit 11 does not interfere. Also, by loosening the thumbscrews 1 2 3, the GPS unit 11 can be easily removed from the back 9 g of the housing 9. That is, in this embodiment, the GPS unit 1 1 (antenna unit 1 1 2) is used by using the screw 1 2 3, the two claws 1 2 1 and 1 2 2, and the engagement holes 1 24 and 1 2 5. ) Can be attached to and detached from the housing 9. Therefore, since the portable information terminal 10 of the present embodiment is equipped with the GPS unit 11 only when necessary, the portable information terminal 10 can take advantage of its small size and light weight when it is used daily. be able to.

The GPS unit 11 configured in this way starts from the state where the antenna unit 112 is housed in the space formed by the overhanging portion 114 and the rectangular portion 113 of the circuit unit 111. As shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, it is possible to pull out the antenna unit 112 by rotating it at an angle of about 90- around the connection part 110 with the circuit unit 111. .

Here, on the side of the circuit unit 111, the antenna unit 111 The opening and closing of the antenna unit 1 1 2 by the protrusions 1 4 1 formed on the side of the unit 2 entering and exiting from the opening 1 4 2 of the circuit unit 1 1 1 1 in conjunction with the opening and closing of the antenna unit 1 1 2 There is a built-in micro switch (not shown) that monitors the situation. Therefore, since the receiving circuit in the circuit unit 111 is turned on at the same time as the antenna unit 112 is opened, the radio wave from the satellite can be received immediately.

In this manner, when the antenna unit 112 is pulled out, as shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 13, the antenna unit 112 is used for housing the main body of the portable information terminal 10. 9 protrudes from the upper side 9c. When the antenna unit 112 is deployed outside the upper side surface 9c of the main body housing 9, the antenna unit 112 is mounted on the surface 9a of the main body housing 9 (the display surface of the LCD unit 8). On the other hand, it is inclined about 20-towards the back side. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, when the user holds the portable information terminal 10 and lifts the portable information terminal 10 at an angle so that the display surface of the LCD unit 8 is easy to see, the antenna unit 112 is just horizontal. Therefore, the attitude is suitable for receiving radio waves (signals) from satellites.

In order to perform such rotation, in the GPS unit 11 of the present embodiment, the rotation center axis L of the antenna unit 112 is inclined as described with reference to FIG. In other words, the rotation center axis L of the antenna unit 112 can be viewed from the side (see FIGS. 14 (A), (B) and (C)), or from the front (FIG. 14 (A; ), (D).) With the GPS unit 11 attached to the back 9g of the housing 9, the antenna unit 112 is parallel to the back 9g of the housing 9. It is inclined with respect to the normal. Therefore, the rotation center axis L is in the retracted state (Fig. 6, Fig. 7, See FIG. ) And the drawn-out state (see Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13). It is inclined by the inclination of. Therefore, the antenna unit 112 is in the same height position in the width direction regardless of the stored state or the drawn-out state, and does not tilt in the width direction. That is, unlike the present embodiment, the GPS unit 11 (antenna unit 112) can be attached to the rear surface 9 of the main unit housing 9 simply by tilting the rotation center axis of the antenna unit 112 directly to the side or to the front. g can be overlaid, but if the antenna unit 112 is pulled out while rotating it to the right, the antenna unit 112 is pulled out from the right side, and the antenna unit 112 is directly above. Can't turn to

In order to set such a rotation center axis L, in this embodiment, the GP unit 11 is designed as follows.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the GP unit 11. In Fig. 15, the antenna unit 112 side is assembled from an aluminum reflector lid 151, a rotating unit 160, an antenna body 152, and an antenna case 1553. The side of the circuit unit 111 is composed of a circuit case 115, a circuit board 157, and a lid member 116 serving also as an aluminum shield plate.

To assemble the GPS unit 11 using such members, the rotating unit 160 shown in Fig. 16 must be replaced with two screws inside the antenna unit 112 shown in Fig. 17. Stop with The rotating unit 160 includes a plate 164 fixed to the antenna unit 112 side and a circular cap 165 fixed to the circuit unit 111 side. The space between the cap 165 and the plate 1664 is a rotating part, and the antenna unit 112 and the circuit unit are connected. 1 and 1 are connected rotatably. Here, the plate 16 4 has two connecting portions 16 1 and 16 2 projecting in parallel from the rotating portion overlapping the cap 16 5, and the connecting portions 16 1 and 16 2 Is fixed inside the antenna case 15 3 by screws. In this state, the cap 165 of the rotating unit 160 is located in the circular hole 169 formed in the antenna unit 215 and is exposed from the hole 169. is there. After the antenna body 152 and the rotating unit 160 are mounted in the antenna case 153 in this manner, the cover member 151 is attached to the antenna cap 165 with a screw. Fix it.

On the other hand, in the circuit unit 111, the circuit case 115 accommodates the circuit board 157, covers the circuit board 157, and covers the circuit board 157 with a screw. In this case, put the hand screw 1 2 3 inside the circuit unit 1 1 1 and then attach the cover 1 1 6 to the circuit unit 1 1 1.

Next, the circuit unit 111 and the antenna unit 112 are overlapped such that the overhanging portion 114 of the circuit unit 111 overlaps the hole of the antenna unit 112. Here, the circuit unit 111 is provided so that the circuit unit 111 overlaps the two screw holes of the cap 165 of the rotary unit 160 located in the hole of the antenna unit 112. Since two holes are formed in each of the lid and the lid material 1 16, the two screws are inserted through these holes and fastened to the screw holes of the cap 1 65. 1 and the antenna unit 112 can be connected. In this state, since the circuit unit 111 and the antenna unit 112 are connected via the rotating unit 160, the projecting part 114 of the circuit unit 111 and the antenna unit 112 are connected. The antenna unit is in the space defined by the rectangular The antenna unit 112 can be switched to a state in which the antenna unit 112 is retracted, and a state in which the antenna unit 112 is pulled out by rotating the antenna unit 112 by about 90-.

Also, in the antenna unit 112, the actual connection between the antenna unit 112 and the rotary unit is a screwed portion made at the tip of the two connection portions 161 and 162. On the other hand, the connection between the rotating unit 160 and the circuit unit 1111 is a portion of the cap 165, and these connecting places are separated. Moreover, these connecting places are connected by connecting portions 161, 162 functioning as leaf springs. Therefore, even though the circuit unit 111 is fixed to the main body housing 9, the antenna unit 112 has some elasticity due to the presence of the leaf spring, so that the circuit unit 111 has some elasticity. Connected to 1. Therefore, when the GPS unit 11 is used while mounted on the portable information terminal 10, even if the antenna unit 112 is loaded and changes its posture, The changes are only absorbed at the junction inside the antenna unit 112. Therefore, the antenna unit 112 is less likely to be damaged.

In this embodiment, when the antenna unit 112 is rotated between the storage position and the extraction position, the size of the torque is switched halfway, and the rotation unit 160 is set in the storage completion state and the rotation unit 160 is pulled out. A click mechanism that represents the position immediately before reaching the completion state is configured. Therefore, when the antenna unit 112 is rotated, the amount of force applied can be adjusted with a click feeling. Therefore, no excessive force is applied to the antenna unit 112, so that the antenna unit 112 is not damaged. Such a click mechanism is sandwiched between the plate 164 and the cap 165 in the rotating unit 160. This can be realized by a spring or a disk that sets the force of the spring to a predetermined size at the rotational angle position.

(Attaching a PH Sunit to a portable information terminal)

FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view of the lower side of the portable information terminal. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the connector cover.

In FIG. 18, a communication connector 5 is provided on the lower surface 9 d of the main body housing 9, and a PHS unit 16 having a PHS function and dedicated to the device can be mounted. is there. The communication connector 5 is formed in a main body housing 9, and its opening 90 is closed by a soft rubber connector cover 80. As shown in FIG. 19, the connector cover 80 has a flat plate portion 81 for closing the opening of the main body housing 9, and projects from the lower end side of the flat plate portion 81 toward the inside of the main body housing 9 to form the main body housing 9. An anchor portion 82 is formed between the lower case 901 and the frame 902 in the main body housing 9 to prevent a detachment. Here, since the flat plate portion 81 is formed slightly larger than the opening 90 of the main body housing 9, the connector cover 80 is formed by pushing the flat plate portion 81 into the frame 90. Blocking 0. Therefore, on both sides of the flat plate portion 81 of the connector cover 80, a finger or a nail is hooked on the concave portion 83 recessed on the inner surface side, and the flat plate portion 81 is pulled out from the opening 90, as shown in FIG. Since the flat plate portion 81 comes out of the opening 90 and the opening 90 is in an open state, the connector portion 260 of the PHS unit 16 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 is connected to the inner portion of the connector 90 from the opening 90. Can be plugged into communication connector 5. Also, turn the hand screw 261, formed on the PHS unit 16, to connect the screw shaft 26, 2 of the hand screw 261, with the screw hole formed on the lower surface 9d of the housing 9 of the main unit. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 24, the PHS unit 16 can be connected to the portable information terminal 10. A circuit board 85 and the like are arranged inside the main body housing 9.

Here, as shown in FIG. 22, a recessed portion 265 slightly wider than the width of the connector cover 180 is formed on the lower surface of the PHS unit 16. In this embodiment, since the connector cover 80 is made of soft rubber, the connector cover 80 is bent downward when the PHS unit 16 is connected as shown in FIG. It can be housed in the space formed by the recesses 26 of the gate 16. Therefore, the connector cover 80 pulled out from the opening 90 does not become an obstacle, so that a structure can be provided in which the connector cover 80 is held in the main body housing 9. Therefore, unlike the configuration in which the connector cover 80 is removed each time, there is no risk that the connector cover 80 will be lost. In addition, since the end of the connector cover 80 is sunk into the lower surface of the PHS unit 16, if the portable information terminal 10 is placed on a desk or the like with the PHS unit 16 connected, The connector cover 180 functions as a rubber foot between the desk and the PHS unit 16.

(Attaching an input pen to a portable information terminal)

In this embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 1, the digital information unit 10 for input is formed in the portable information terminal 10.

As shown in FIG. 18, the input pen 86 used for this is housed in an opening 87 in which the right side 9 a of the housing 9 is an outlet 88. Here, the input pen 86 is configured such that, when a force is applied to pull out from the opening 87, the input pen 86 is extended while being held in the opening 87, and then comes out of the opening 87. Thus, the user simply pulls the input pen 86 out of the opening 87 to Since the force pen 86 comes out in the stretched state, it is convenient because the trouble of pulling out and extending is unnecessary.

In such a configuration, for example, a two-stage telescopic input pen 86 is used, and an elastic force is used to hold the input pen 86 in the opening 87 with a slightly larger force than the force required for this expansion and contraction. Can be realized by acting. (Attaching a memory card to a portable information terminal)

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the portable information terminal when it is cut at a position passing through a mounting opening of a flash card. As shown in FIG. 25, a mounting port 21 on which a flash card 20 can be mounted is arranged on the right side surface 9 e of the main body housing 9. Blocked by side cover 9 1. Therefore, when removing the flash card 20, the flash card 20 is pulled out after setting the side cover 91, but in this embodiment, the flash card 20 may not be drawn directly. Instead, the flash card 20 is put in and out using the card attaching / detaching member 95. That is, when the side cover 91 is opened on the right side surface 9 e of the main body housing 9, as shown in FIG. 26, the flash cover 20 appears, not the flash card 20, but the card attaching / detaching member 95. It is a picking plate 96. As described later, the knob plate 96 is connected to the main body of the card attaching / detaching member 95 via a hinge mechanism, and is mounted in the main body housing 9 in an upright state. When one considers 91, the pick plate 96 appears upright. Therefore, when taking out the flash card 20, first, as shown in FIG. 27, the knob plate 96 is tilted outward, and then the knob plate 96 is pulled out. As shown in FIG. 8, the flash card 20 is pulled out together with the pick plate 96. Therefore, the user does not have to perform an unreasonable operation such as pushing a fingertip into the narrow wearing opening 21 to perform wearing. The flash card 20 can be easily taken out from the mouth 21.

When the flash card 20 is installed, the operation opposite to the above operation is performed. That is, when the side cover 91 is set, the knob plate 96 appears in an upright state, and the knob plate 96 is turned outward, and then the knob plate 96 is pulled out. Next, after inserting the flash card 20 into the mounting opening 21, the knob plate 96 is erected, and then the card attaching / detaching member 95 is pushed into the main body housing 9. As a result, the flash card 20 is pushed into the main body housing 9 together with the card attaching / detaching member 95.

As shown in FIG. 29, the card attaching / detaching member 95 used for the attaching / detaching mechanism of the flash card 20 is formed by bending both side portions 971 in accordance with the external shape of the flash card 20. A main body part 97, a knob plate 96, and a hinge mechanism 98 connecting the knob plate 96 and the main body part 97. In this card attaching / detaching member 95, the main body portion 97 has a side portion 971 which is bent vertically to form a space inside which the memory card 20 is held. Note that a large circular hole 973 is formed in the main body portion 973 in order to reduce its weight and increase its strength.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the board unit 94 formed in the main body housing 9 has a flash card 2 attached together with a force detachable member 95. A card storage section 941 for receiving 0 is formed.In the back of the card storage section 941, a connector 942 for electrical connection to the mounted flash card 20 is arranged. Have been. Here, both card storage sections 9 4 1 On the side, guides 944 that guide both sides 971 of the force-removable member 95 that is pushed there are formed in a rail shape. As described above, in the portable information processing device, the antenna unit can be detached from the portable information terminal. Therefore, the antenna unit is detached except when the portable information terminal is used for GPS. Easy to use. Also, even if the antenna unit is attached to the portable information terminal, the antenna unit does not protrude to the side from the portable information terminal, so that it is easy to handle even when the antenna unit is attached to the portable information terminal. Furthermore, if the antenna unit is configured to be pulled out while rotating from the back side of the portable information terminal, the antenna unit can be moved in and out with a simple operation. Furthermore, when the antenna unit is in the stowed state, it overlaps the back side of the portable information terminal, so that the antenna unit does not interfere. Furthermore, in the pulled-out state, the antenna unit is inclined to the back side with respect to the display surface, so that when the user tilts the portable information terminal to make it easier to see the display surface, the antenna unit is horizontally supported. Therefore, there is an advantage that the reception sensitivity of the antenna unit is improved. Furthermore, even when the opening is opened, the connector cover is held by the portable information terminal, so that the connector cover can be prevented from being lost. Furthermore, when the user tries to pull out the input pen, it is extended while being held in the frame of the portable information terminal, and then detached from the portable information terminal. In this case, there is an advantage that only one operation is required since the mobile terminal comes off the portable information terminal.

FIG. 32 shows a GPS unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. This GPS unit 300 accommodates the receiving circuit and is the GPS unit of FIG. And a support unit 400 corresponding to the circuit unit 111 of FIG. 11 and an antenna unit 500 containing an antenna. The support portion 400 is configured by a pair of left and right arm portions 402, 403 extending forward from the front end of the rectangular plate-shaped main body 401, and the arm portions 402, 403 The tip side of is inclined to the back side. The antenna unit 500 includes a pair of left and right foot portions 502, 503 extending from the rear end of the thin box-shaped body 501 to the rear side, and the foot portions 502, 5 The tip side of 03 is inclined to the back side. The antenna unit 500 is located between the pair of arms 402, 403 of the support portion 400, and the tips of the feet 502, 503 are connected to the arms 402, 403, respectively. It is rotatably attached to the tip of 403 (the attachment structure will be described later). Therefore, the antenna unit 500 rotates toward the support portion 400 side, and as shown in FIG. 33, the concave portion 400 between the pair of arm portions 402, 400 (see FIG. 32). And can be rotated to the opposite side to support it as shown in Figure 32.

It is derived at a predetermined angle in front of 400.

As shown in FIG. 32, on the bottom surface of the concave portion 404, at the front end of the main body 401 of the support portion 400, the bottom plate is formed integrally with the main body 401 and the arm portions 402, 403. 405 is provided. Therefore, when the antenna unit 500 is stored in the concave portion 404, the front end side of the main body 501 of the antenna unit 500 is placed on the bottom plate 405. Also, a recess is provided on the front end side of the main body 501 of the antenna unit 500.

504 are provided. On the other hand, on the front end side surface of the main body 401 of the support portion 400, the protrusion 407 is led out from the opening 406. Therefore, when the antenna unit 500 is housed in the recess 404 as shown in FIG. 33, the projection 407 is formed in the recess 504 formed on the front end side surface of the main body 501 of the antenna unit 500. The antenna unit 500 is stored in the concave portion 404 by engaging the Will be retained. In addition, as shown in FIG. 32, on the front side surface of the main body 401 of the support portion 400, an operation portion 408 of the power switch is led out from the opening 421. Therefore, when the antenna unit 500 is stored in the concave portion 404, the operation section 408 is pressed by the front end of the main body 501 of the antenna unit 500, and as a result, the power switch is turned on. The switch is turned off, and the supply of power to a receiving circuit (not shown) in the support unit 400 is cut off. On the other hand, when the antenna unit 500 is rotated in front of the support unit 400 to be used, the pressing force of the operation unit 408 by the front end of the main unit 501 of the antenna unit 500 is released. Therefore, the power switch is turned on and the supply of power to the receiving circuit is started. As shown in FIG. 32, the distal ends of the pair of arms 402 and 403 are connected to each other by a connecting plate 409 at the bottom surface of the concave portion 404. In this way, the opening of the pair of left and right arms 402, 403 is suppressed by the connecting plate 409, so that the antenna unit 500 between the pair of left and right arms 402, 403 is formed. Can be reliably held. As shown in FIG. 34, the support portion 400 is composed of a front case 4110 and a back cover 411, and the connecting plate 409 is formed on the back cover 411. . Further, a shield plate 412 is attached to the inner surface of the back cover 411.

As shown in Fig. 35, inside the support part 400 (inside the front case 410), there is an L-shaped lever 414 that can slide in the front-rear direction of the support part 400 shown by arrow a. Provided. The L-shaped lever 414 is usually pulled in the direction of the front end of the support part 400 by a coil spring 413 attached to one end, but the surface of the support part 404 (front side cover 4). Operation piece 4 1 5 (see Fig. 32 and Fig. 33) ), And can be slid toward the rear end of the support portion 400 by operating the operation piece 4 15. At the other end of the L-shaped lever 414, the projection 407 for holding the antenna unit 500 in the recessed portion 404 is provided on the body. Therefore, when the operation piece 4 15 on the surface of the support portion 400 is slid and the L-shaped lever 414 is integrally slid toward the rear end of the support portion 400, the protrusion is formed. 407 is retracted into the support portion 400 and the antenna unit 500 comes off the front end recess 504 of the main body 501 of the antenna unit 500, and the antenna unit 500 is in front of the support portion 400 as described above. It is possible to rotate. When the antenna unit 500 is stored in the concave portion 404, the elasticity of the other end of the L-shaped lever 414 in the direction of arrow b allows the protrusion 407 to be able to protrude and retract. The projection 407 can be engaged with the recess 504 at the front end of the main body 501 of the antenna unit 500. That is, when the main body 501 of the antenna unit 500 comes into contact with the projection 407, the projection 407 retracts, and when the recess 504 faces the projection 407, the projection 407 comes into contact. Project and are engaged with the concave portions 504.

As shown in FIG. 36, two claws 4 16 are provided on one side of the back surface of the main body 401 of the support portion 400. On the back side of the main body 400, a hand screw 4 17 protrudes on the side opposite to the one side, and the large knob 4 18 of the hand screw 4 17 A part of the body 401 protrudes from the opening 419 on the side surface. Further, a connector 420 electrically connected to a receiving circuit in the main body 401 protrudes from the rear surface of the main body 401 near the screw 417. Therefore, the support unit 400 and the antenna unit 500 have the pair of claws 4 16 of the support unit 400 in the engagement holes of the portable information terminal, similarly to the GPS unit 11 in FIG. And screw the thumbscrews 4 1 7 into the screw holes of the portable information terminal. As shown in FIG. 37 and FIG. 38, the portable information terminal 350 similar to FIG. 1 can be detachably attached to the back of the portable information terminal 350. At this time, the connector 420 is connected to a connector (not shown) of the portable information terminal 350, and the receiving circuit in the support portion 400 is electrically connected to the circuit in the portable information terminal 350. Is done.

As described above, the GPS unit 300 of this embodiment can be attached to the portable information terminal 350 only when the unit 300 is used, and when the unit is not used. Easy to use because it can be removed from the information terminal 350. Moreover, when the unit 030 is mounted on the portable information terminal 350, the antenna unit 500 is now connected between the pair of arms 402, 403 of the support unit 400. As shown in Fig. 37, only the tips of the arms 402 and 403 and the tips of the feet 502 and 503 are transferred from the portable information terminal 350 as shown in Fig. 37. Since it only protrudes, it is easy to handle even when the GPS unit 300 is attached to the portable information terminal 350. On the other hand, when the antenna unit 500 is rotated in front of the support unit 400 for use, the antenna unit 500 is led out of the portable information terminal 350 as shown in FIG. And is located in an advantageous position in terms of reception characteristics. At this time, the antenna unit 500 is in a posture inclined about 20-to the rear surface side with respect to the front surface of the portable information terminal 350 by the locking mechanism described later. Therefore, when the user holds the portable information terminal 350 in his hand and lifts it obliquely so that the display surface 351 of the LCD unit is easy to see, the antenna unit 500 becomes just horizontal, and The posture is suitable for receiving radio waves (signals).

As shown in FIG. 39, an insertion hole 422 is formed in one side of the arm portion 402 of the support portion 400 on the inner side surface of the tip. Meanwhile, the antenna One leg portion 502 of the unit 500 has a tubular portion 505 formed on the outer side surface of the tip, and this tubular portion 505 is inserted into the insertion hole 422. Accordingly, one foot portion 502 of the antenna unit 500 is rotatably attached to one arm portion 402 of the support portion 400.

As shown in the figure, the other arm portion 400 of the support portion 400 is formed with an insertion hole 424 having a large-diameter portion 423 in a part of the inner side surface of the front end. You. On the other hand, the other foot 503 of the antenna unit 500 has a shaft 506 projecting from the outer side surface of the tip, and a part of the locking mechanism is provided on the tip of the shaft 506. A cam 507 is provided, and the cam 507 has a first projection 508 and a second projection 509 for locking on a part of the outer periphery. The shaft 506 having the cam 507 is rotated in a position where the antenna unit 500 is not normally used, and the first and second projections 508, 509 of the cam 507 are rotated. The shaft 506 and the cam 507 can be inserted into the insertion hole 424 in accordance with the large diameter portion 423 of the insertion hole 424, and the other end of the antenna unit 504 can be inserted. Of the support portion 400 is rotatably attached to the other arm portion 4003 of the support portion 400.

After inserting the shaft 506 having the cam 507 into the insertion hole 424 in this manner, the antenna unit 500 is rotated to a position where it is normally used, and the shaft 506 and the cam 5 are integrally formed. When 0 7 rotates, the first and second projections 5 0 8 and 5 0 9 of the cam 5 0 7 are inserted into the large diameter portion of the insertion hole 4 2 4

Deviating from the position of 4 23, as shown in FIG. 40, the first and second projections 508 and 509 of the cam 507 and the foot of the antenna unit 509

The side of the arm 403 is now pinched by the side of the arm 403, and the shaft 506 moves in the axial direction (the direction of insertion into the hole 424 or the direction of withdrawal). Stiff feet 5 0 3 And the arm portion 403 can be attached.

As shown in FIG. 41, an L-shaped metal elastic piece 4 25 near the cam 507 inserted therein is provided in the other arm 400 3 of the support section 400. Fixed. The elastic piece 425 constitutes a locking mechanism of the antenna unit 500 together with the cam 507, and the elastic unit 425 is now in a state where the antenna unit 500 is housed in the concave portion 404. When rotated forward of the support 400, the cam 507 rotates integrally just before the antenna unit 500 is at a predetermined angle with respect to the support 400 as shown in FIG. The first projection 508 abuts on the U-shaped tip of the elastic piece 425. However, since the contact surface of the first protrusion 508 is a gentle inclined surface, if a slightly strong rotational force is applied to the antenna unit 500, the first protrusion 508 becomes inflexible. The tip of No. 5 gets over, the cam 507 rotates, and the antenna unit 509 rotates integrally. As soon as the first projection 508 gets over the tip of the elastic piece 425, the second projection 509 of the cam 507 becomes the tip of the elastic piece 425 as shown in FIG. Abut. The contact surface of the second projection 509 is a relatively steep inclined surface. Therefore, when the second projection 509 abuts against the tip of the elastic piece 425, the cam 507 does not rotate any more, and the first projection 508 becomes a resistance in the returning direction. The rotation is prevented, and the antenna unit 500 is integrally fixed at a predetermined angle with respect to the support unit 400. That is, the locking mechanism supports the antenna unit 500 with a click operation when the first projection 508 of the cam 507 gets over the tip of the elastic piece 425. It can be held at a predetermined angle with respect to the part 400.

The second protrusion 509 of the cam 507 has a steep angled contact surface with the tip of the elastic piece 425, but the slope is inclined, so that the recess 404 is accommodated in the antenna unit 500. When a large rotational force is applied in the opposite direction, As shown in FIG. 44, the second projection 509 gets over the tip of the elastic piece 425, and the cam 507 and the antenna unit 500 are free to rotate. As a result, no excessive force is applied to the antenna unit 500, so that damage to the antenna unit 500 can be prevented. When the antenna unit 500 is rotated from this state to the storage recessed portion 404 side and returned, the tip of the elastic piece 425 returns to the second and first positions of the cam 507 as shown in FIG. 43. The engagement between the protrusions 509 and 508 allows the antenna unit 500 to be fixed at a predetermined angle with respect to the support unit 400.

As described above, according to the GPS unit in FIG. 32, the GPS unit can be detached except when the GPS unit is used, so that it is convenient to use. Moreover, since the GPS unit hardly protrudes from the portable information terminal, it is easy to handle even when the GPS unit is attached to the portable information terminal. In addition, the antenna unit is stably held at the most advantageous position in terms of reception characteristics by having a click mechanism for clicking with a click operation, so that the antenna unit can be used with maximum performance. Further, the locking mechanism can release the lock when an excessive force is applied to the antenna unit and prevent the antenna unit from being damaged, and restore the locking function when the antenna unit is returned. Can be In addition, the cam of the locking mechanism is fitted to the large diameter of the insertion hole, so that the foot of the antenna unit and the tip of the arm can be easily attached even if the cam of the locking mechanism is present. In addition, during normal use, the side of the arm is sandwiched between the protrusion of the cam and the side of the foot of the antenna unit, and the shaft moves in the axial direction (the direction of insertion into the hole or the direction of pull-out). This eliminates the need for secure mounting. Further, the antenna unit can be reliably held between the pair of left and right arms by suppressing the pair of left and right arms with the connecting plate. FIG. 45 is a schematic block diagram showing an overall functional block of another embodiment. A central processing unit (CPU) 620 for performing logical operation processing is housed inside the portable information terminal. The CPU 620 has a real-time clock 621 and a program storage unit. ROM 622, execution memory 623 consisting of SRAM or DRAM for program execution, flash memory 624 for data storage, operation panel (or touch panel, mouse pad) -Input circuit 6 25 connected to the board), serial port 6 26 (communication devices such as the personal handy phone (PHS) 6 47 shown in the figure are connected.), And an ASIC The face-to-face integrated circuit 630 is connected. Also, a battery pack 627 is housed inside the portable information terminal, and is configured to supply power to various parts inside the portable information terminal.

The interface interface circuit 630 is used to connect a CCD camera 641, etc. The CCD interface circuit 631, and the PCMCIA is used to connect a PCMCIA card 642. LCD controller 633 connected to the LCD interface circuit 632, the video RAM 643, the liquid crystal display device 644 including the display panel, etc., and the IrDA (infrared communication) unit 6 A serial multiplexer 634 is provided to connect the CPU 45 to the serial line connected to the CPU 62 alternatively.

The GP unit 650 is connected to the GPS connector 646. In the GP unit 650, the digital signal processing circuit 651 and the receiving circuit 652 are connected to each other, and the receiving circuit 652 is connected to the antenna 613.

FIG. 46 is a schematic circuit diagram showing the GPS unit 650 connected to the GPS connector 646 and its peripheral circuits. Illustrated two points The area on the right side of the chain line shows the internal configuration of the GPS unit 650, and the area on the left side of the two-dot chain line shows the GPS connector between the GPS unit and the CPU. 3 shows an equivalent circuit system in the interface integrated circuit 630.

The digital signal processing circuit 651 includes a predetermined internal clock and a built-in CPU operated by the internal clock, and the built-in CPU is connected to the CPU 6 via a serial line X. Various command signals, status signals, data signals, etc., are exchanged with 20. The digital signal processing circuit 651 is connected to the receiving circuit 652 to constitute a GPS signal receiving device. The digital signal processing circuit 651 receives the GPS signal sent from the receiving circuit 652, and performs positioning. The data is converted to data overnight and sent to the CPU 620.

An interlocking switch 653 that interlocks with the movement of the GPS antenna 613 is provided inside the GPS unit 650. When the GPS antenna 613 is in use, the terminals between the terminals are closed, and when the GPS antenna 613 is in the retracted state, the terminals between the terminals are opened. .

The two signal lines Y and Z connected to this interlock switch 653 are also connected to CPU620. The signal line Y is connected to the high resistance Rb connected to the power supply potential Vcc formed by the power supply circuit (not shown) by the power supply from the battery pack 627, thereby pulling the line potential. Has been up. The signal line Z is connected to the ground potential GND and to the high resistance Rc connected to the power supply potential Vcc as described above.

A GPS power supply circuit 654 is built in the GPS unit 650. This GPS power supply circuit 654 is supplied with power from a switch circuit to which the signal line W connected to the CPU 62 is input. The source potential Vcc is turned off. In this switch circuit, a control transistor Ta and a power transistor Tb which are connected to each other are provided. The signal line W is connected to the gate of the control transistor Ta, the source of the control transistor Ta is connected to the ground potential GND, and the drain of the control transistor Ta is connected via the resistor Ra. Connected to the gate of the power transistor Tb. The source and the drain of the non-range transistor Tb are connected between the power supply voltage Vcc and the GPS power supply circuit 654. The GPS power supply circuit 654 supplies power to the digital signal processing circuit 651 and the receiving circuit 652.

Next, the function and operation of the GPS unit 65 shown in FIG. 46 will be described. In this GPS unit 650, when the GPS antenna 613 is stored, the interlocking switch 653 is open, so that the signal line Y is at a high potential close to the power supply potential Vcc. , And the signal line Z is held at a low potential close to the ground potential GND. Here, the signal line Z is a signal line for detecting the GPS unit 650, and if the GPS unit 650 is connected as shown in the figure, it is connected to the ground potential GND. Although the potential is close to low, if the GPS unit 650 is not connected, the potential becomes high near the power supply potential Vcc. Therefore, CPU 620 can know the presence or absence of the GPS unit from the potential of signal line Z.

When the GPS antenna 613 is turned to a use state, the interlocking switch 653 is closed, and the signal line Y conducts with the signal line Z to become low potential. This allows the CPU 620 to know that the antenna 613 is in the operating posture.

Then, the CPU 620 outputs a control output to the signal line W, and When the signal line W becomes high potential due to the control output from the CPU 620 of the CPU, the control transistor Ta conducts, the gate signal of the power transistor Tb decreases, and the power transistor Tb conducts. A power supply circuit Vcc is supplied with a power supply potential Vcc. When the power supply potential is supplied, the GPS power supply circuit 654 supplies power to the digital signal processing circuit 651 and the reception circuit 652 based on the supplied power.

Next, the functions and operations of the entire embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 47 to 50. FIG. First, as shown in Fig. 47, when the power switch of the main unit (portable information terminal as shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 37) is turned on, the CPU 620 reads the program from the mask ROM 622. Whether the GPS unit 650 is connected or not is detected by the potential of the signal line Z. If the GPS unit 650 is connected, it is recorded in the mask ROM 622. It reads out the GPS application program and registers it on the operation system, and also registers it with other general-purpose application programs as necessary, and adds a GPS program startup menu to each. If the GPS unit 650 is not detected, the above registration is not performed, and the GPS application program does not operate. However, even when the GPS unit is attached at any time during the operation of the device, it is possible to detect this and load the GPS application program.

Next, the operation menu for starting the general-purpose application program is displayed. Here, when a predetermined general-purpose application program, for example, a mail software is selected by the operator, the mail software is started. On this software, operator data input (menu When a GPS application program is registered, the system detects whether or not the GPS application program has been registered. Make an acquisition request. As a result, as described later, a positioning data is transmitted from the GPS unit 650, and when the position information is obtained, the position information is passed to the mail software and selected by the operator. Attached to the email that was sent, activate PHS 647 and send. If the GPS application program is not registered, start the PHS and send it. If the GPS unit is not operating, for example, a message to that effect is displayed, and a new GPS unit is activated and the system waits until the position information is obtained. So that you can choose to cancel.

FIG. 48 and FIG. 49 show the operation of the GPS unit 650 executed in parallel with the execution of the general-purpose application program by the CPU 620 described above. In the GPS unit 650, even if the power switch of the main unit is turned on, power is not supplied to the GPS power supply circuit 654 shown in Fig. 46 by itself, so that it does not operate. ing. When the power switch of the main unit is turned on, when the GPS antenna 613 is turned to use, the interlock switch 653 is closed and the signal line Y is low. The potential becomes the potential, an interrupt signal is sent to the CPU 620, and the above-mentioned GPS application program is executed by interrupt processing.

In this interrupt processing, the GPS application program first sets the potential of the signal line W to a high potential, supplies power to the GPS power supply circuit 654, and operates the GPS unit 650. To I do. At the same time, the CPU 620 activates the GPS utility program and reads the initial data stored in the flash memory 624. The initials include the orbital calendar for the artificial satellite, the satellite calendar, etc., together with the time and position information of the last positioning. The CPU 620 sends a GPS signal capture command to the digital signal processing circuit 651, and transmits the initial data to the digital signal processing circuit 651 via the serial line X in an appropriate data format. I do.

In the digital signal processing circuit 651, which has received the GPS signal capturing instruction, upon receiving the above initial data, the digital signal processing circuit 651 starts the GPS signal capturing operation with reference to the initial data, that is, the previous position. Uses information, orbital calendar, satellite calendar, etc. to capture GPS signals. As a result, when one GPS signal is detected, another GPS signal is detected, and if three or four GPS signals can be finally captured, the positioning data is determined based on these GPS signals. Is sent to the CPU 620 via the serial line X. The CPU 620 stores the position information obtained based on the positioning data as the initial data on the flash memory 624. Then, as shown in Fig. 47, when the position information request is made by the general-purpose application program (mail software), the position information is passed to the mail software.

By turning the GPS antenna 6 13, the GPS abbreviated program usually runs concurrently (or in the background) with other application programs. Alternatively, after issuing an instruction to the digital signal processing circuit 651, the program immediately returns to the original application program. Therefore, the user only sees the indication that GPS has been activated, Then, other application programs can be operated, and various operations can be performed with almost no interruption.

Note that the flowchart of FIG. 48 shows the interrupt processing of the CPU 620 and the positioning processing by the digital signal processing circuit 651 of the GP unit 650 together. In this case, the processing sharing between the CPU 620 and the GPS unit 650 (the digital signal processing circuit 655 1) is not limited to the case described above, but may be applied to the CPU 620 interrupt processing. The design can be made appropriately in consideration of the accompanying processing load and the function settings of the GPS unit 650. For example, the function of the GPS unit 650 may be limited to the GPS signal acquisition function and the transfer function to the main unit, and the positioning data may be obtained by the CPU 620, or the interrupt processing of the CPU 620 may be performed. May control the entire process shown in FIG.

FIG. 49 shows a processing portion relating to power management when the digital signal processing circuit 651 shown in FIG. 48 described above acquires positioning data. Here, the symbols A to F in FIG. 48 correspond to the symbols A to F in FIG. As shown in Fig. 48, if the GPS signal is not detected for a predetermined time (1 millisecond to several 10 seconds) (symbol B), it is determined that positioning is impossible as shown in Fig. 49. The digital signal processing circuit 651 sends a signal indicating the occurrence of a non-positionable event to the CPU 62. Upon receiving this, the CPU 620 checks the number of occurrences of the event (accumulated for the current positioning process).

If the number of event occurrences is equal to or less than the predetermined number, an error message is displayed on the display panel for a predetermined time (for example, several seconds), then the operation status of the timer in the CPU 620 is checked, and the timer is operating. If the timer is not running, start the timer and return to Fig. 48 (symbol A) and re-execute the GPS signal acquisition command. To the digital signal processing circuit 651.

If the timer is up after the display of the error message, the CPU 620 shifts the digital signal processing circuit 651 to the power saving mode. This power save mode is a mode for minimizing the power consumption of the digital signal processing circuit 651 and the receiving circuit 652, and the internal clock of the digital signal processing circuit 651. It performs processing such as stopping power supply, reducing the speed of the internal clock, and stopping power supply to the amplifier circuit in the receiving circuit 652. At the same time as the shift to the power save mode, the CPU 620 resets the timer.

After shifting to the page save mode, check the timer operation status, start the timer when the timer is not running in the reset state, and start the timer when the timer is already running. Maintain the power save mode and wait until the evening is up. During this time, if the GPS antenna 613 is reset by the operator (returned to the stowed state and then used again), the capturing operation is performed again as in the case of the symbol A described above. Return to When the timer comes up, the CPU 620 displays on the display panel a message indicating that the GPS unit is to be stopped for a predetermined time, and stops supplying power to the GPS power supply circuit 654. Alternatively, for example, if the number of event occurrences does not exceed the predetermined number of times, the power save mode described above is activated until the timer is activated and the timer expires. You may return to the capturing operation again.

If the number of occurrences of the event has already exceeded the predetermined number of times when the above-mentioned positioning impossible event has occurred, the CPU 620 displays the message indicating that the GPS unit is stopped on the display panel for a predetermined time. Power supply to the GPS power supply circuit 654 is stopped. Next, as shown in FIG. 48, when three or four types of GPS signals cannot be acquired (symbol D), as shown in FIG. In the same way as the enclosed part, the power management process is executed for the non-positionable event. If the event has already occurred more than the specified number of times for the positioning process, the GPS unit 6 An indication to stop 50 is displayed, and the power supply to the GPS power circuit 654 is stopped. If the number of events is equal to or less than the predetermined number, re-acquisition is attempted again in the same manner as described above, or the mode shifts to the power save mode. As shown in FIG. 48, even if the positioning data is acquired, if it is confirmed by the timer 1 that there is no request for the position information from the general-purpose application program for a predetermined time, the same as described above, FIG. A process almost the same as the process described in the portion surrounded by the dotted line of the symbol B shown in Fig. 9 is performed. However, in this case, a positioning impossible event does not occur, and instead, a process shift operation is performed because position information is not requested for a predetermined time due to the expiration of the timer shown in FIG. 48. In this case, since 3 or 4 GPS signals have already been acquired, reacquisition is not performed, and the positioning data acquisition operation is performed again, the mode is shifted to the power save mode, or the same as described above. In this case, the power supply to the GPS power supply circuit 654 is stopped. In these cases, when the power supply is finally stopped, the position information is stored in the flash memory 624 as initial data based on the last acquired positioning data.

In this embodiment, the opening and closing of the GPS antenna has been described as a method of restarting after stopping the power supply to the GPS power supply circuit. However, there are other methods as follows. For example, the GPS power supply circuit turns on at the same time as the main unit to which the GPS unit is connected, and immediately enters the power save state. When the GPS antenna is turned, an accident occurs, the power save state is released, and the GPS unit starts operating. Alternatively, when the GPS antenna is rotated and the GPS signal can be received, the restart icon displayed on the display panel is displayed, and the restart icon is pressed. Means for starting supply or releasing the power save state may be provided.

FIG. 50 shows an independent GPS display section 6 1 on the display panel, which is performed in parallel with the processing operation related to the GPS unit 65, to display the positioning data acquisition status of the GPS unit 65. 1B shows an example of the display contents of FIG. When the GPS unit 650 is attached, but the power supply to the GPS power supply circuit 654 is cut off or the power save mode is set, as shown in Fig. 1 An antenna-shaped GPS unit mark appears faintly in the GPS display section 6 1 1B. On the other hand, when power is supplied to the GPS power supply circuit 654 and the GPS unit 650 can operate as it is, the GPS unit 650 is operated as shown in FIG. 50 (a). Mark is displayed dark. In addition, when the GPS unit 650 is performing a GPS signal acquisition operation, a satellite mark is displayed next to the GPS unit 650 mark as shown in FIG. 50 (b). appear. Then, when the GPS unit 650 captures the GPS signals of 3 to 4 and the positioning data can be obtained, as shown in Fig. 50 (c), the satellite mark is replaced with "ο" instead of the satellite mark. The display “κ” appears.

In the embodiment described above, the operator operates the GPS antenna 6 By rotating 13, the GPS application program is executed, power is supplied to the GPS power supply circuit 654, the GPS signal is captured by the GPS unit 650, and positioning data based on the GPS signal is Acquisition is performed sequentially, during which the operator can see the display of the GPS display section 611B sequentially changing as shown in (a) to (c) of FIG. Therefore, the power is not supplied to the GPS unit 650 unless the operator rotates the GPS antenna 613, so that the GPS unit 650 can be used no matter how other application programs are used. Does not work, and the life of the built-in battery pack 27 can be kept long.

On the other hand, the GPS antenna 613 is separate from the operation members on the operation panel of the main unit, and can be operated independently regardless of the operation status of the main unit. Regardless, the GPS antenna 610 can be activated at any time by rotating the GPS antenna 613. That is, if the operator turns the GPS antenna 613 in anticipation of time, there is an advantage that the positioning data or the position information can be used immediately when needed.

Also, once the GPS antenna 613 has been rotated to activate the GPS unit 610, the GPS signal cannot be obtained (for example, if you are in a place where the signal cannot be received), or If data is not needed (such as when positioning data or location information is not required), the GPS can acquire the GPS signal by re-starting and retrying as appropriate to increase the possibility of positioning. If capture is not possible or position information is not required, useless power consumption can be suppressed by shifting to power save mode or stopping power supply to the GPS power supply circuit.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A portable information terminal (10) having a display surface on the front side, an antenna unit (112) for receiving a signal transmitted from a GPS satellite, and the antenna unit (112) are connected to the portable type A portable information processing apparatus, comprising: an attachment / detachment mechanism capable of attaching / detaching to / from an information terminal (10) without changing a projection area from the display surface side.

2. In claim 1, the antenna unit (112) is in a storage state overlapping the back side of the portable information terminal (10), and the portable information terminal (1) is rotated from the storage state. The portable information terminal (10) is provided with a rotation center axis (L) that is drawn out to the outer peripheral side of the portable information terminal (10) and can be switched to a drawn-out state inclined to the back side with respect to the display surface of the portable information terminal (10). Characteristic portable information processing device.

3. The portable unit according to claim 2, wherein the antenna unit (112) faces the width direction in the storage state when viewed from a rotation center position when the antenna unit rotates between the storage state and the pulled-out state. While it overlaps the back side of the information terminal (10), when it is rotated 90-from this state to the drawn-out state, it is in a state of protruding from the tip side of the portable information terminal (10). A portable information processing device, characterized in that:

4. In claim 3, the rotation center axis (L) has a slope of 45- when viewed from a direction that bisects an angle range at the time of switching between the storage state and the extraction state. Due to the inclination, the antenna unit (112) has the same height position in the width direction in both the retracted state and the retracted state. A portable information processing apparatus characterized in that:

5. The storage unit according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the rotating unit of the antenna unit (112) switches the magnitude of torque during rotation between the storage state and the pulled-out state to complete the storage state. And a click mechanism that indicates a position immediately before reaching a drawer completed state.

6. A portable information terminal (10) having a display surface on the front side, and supported by the portable information terminal (10) so as to protrude outward from the portable information terminal (10), An antenna unit (111) for receiving a signal transmitted from a GPS satellite, and the antenna unit

A spring interposed between the portable information terminal (11) and the portable information terminal (10) to allow a certain amount of play in an out-of-plane direction of the antenna unit (111). Portable information processing device.

7. In a portable information terminal (10) having a display surface on the front side and a connector (5) for unit connection in an opening (90) on the side surface, the opening (90) is provided. A rubber connection bar (80) is attached to close the opening, and the connection cover (80) is removed from the opening (90) to open the opening (90). The portable information processing device characterized in that the connector cover (80) is held in the portable information terminal (10) at any time.

8. In claim 7, the connector cover (80) removed from the opening (90) is attached to the portable information terminal (10) and is electrically connected to the connector (5). Unit

(16) A portable information processing apparatus characterized in that it is configured to be sunk into the lower surface side of (16) and used as a rubber leg.

9. Digital display unit for display and input on front side

A portable information terminal (10) having (7); and a portable information terminal (1). In the portable information processing device having the input pen (86) housed in the opening (87) of (0), the input pen (86) tries to be pulled out of the opening (87). When a force is applied, the portable information terminal (10) is configured to be detached from the portable information terminal (10) after being extended while being held in the opening (87) of the portable information terminal (10). Characteristic portable information processing device.

10. A portable information terminal (350) having a display surface on the front side, and a GPS unit (300) that is detachably mounted on the back of the terminal (350) so as to be detachable. The GPS unit (300) has a pair of left and right arms (402, 403) extending forward from the main body (401), and is provided with the portable information terminal (350). A support portion (400) detachable on the back side,

The support (400) is located between the pair of arms (402, 403), and the rear end is rotatable at the tip of the arm (402, 403). It is attached, and it rotates to the said support part (400) side and is accommodated between the said pair of arm parts (402, 403), and rotates to the opposite side and it becomes the front of the support part (400). The derived antenna unit (500) and

A portable information processing device, comprising:

11. The portable information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein when the antenna unit (500) is rotated and led out of the support portion (400), the antenna unit (500) is rotated. A portable information processing apparatus comprising: a locking mechanism for locking the device (500) with a click operation at a predetermined angle with respect to the support portion (400).

12. The portable information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the hook mechanism releases the lock when an excessive force is applied to the antenna unit (500), and unlocks the antenna unit (500). (500) can be turned, and the antenna unit (500) can be returned to lock function. A portable information processing device characterized by recovering the information.

1 3. The portable information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein an insertion hole (424) having a large-diameter portion (432) is formed in an arm portion (400) of the support portion (400). 403) The shaft (506) is formed on the inner side surface of the front end, while a shaft (506) protrudes from the rear end side surface of the antenna unit (500). Is provided with a cam (507) as a part of the locking mechanism, and this cam (507) has a locking projection (508, 509) on a part of the outer periphery. However, when the antenna unit (500) is rotated to a position not normally used, the protrusions (508, 509) match the large-diameter portion (424), The shaft (506) and the cam (507) can be inserted into the insertion holes (424), and the rear end of the antenna unit (500) is the tip of the arm (430). It is characterized by being rotatably attached to Portable information processing equipment.

1 4. The portable information processing device according to claim 10, wherein the pair of left and right arms (402, 403) of the support portion (400) has a connecting plate (44) between the distal ends thereof. A portable information processing device, characterized in that the portable information processing device is connected to the portable information processing device.

15. Central processing unit (620) and antenna for GPS signal reception (613), receive GPS signal controlled by the central processing unit (620), and measure positioning A GPS unit (650) for acquiring data, power supply / discharge means for supplying / disconnecting power to / from the GPS unit (650), and the antenna (613) in a predetermined state. When operated, an interrupt signal generating means for generating an interrupt signal for the central processing unit (620), and the GPS unit (65) is generated by the power supply / discharge means by the generation of the interrupt signal. 0) is started and the GPS unit (650) is operated. A portable information processing device comprising: a GPS control unit.

16. The portable information processing device according to claim 15, wherein the predetermined state is a state in which the antenna (613) can receive the GPS signal.

17. The GPS control means according to claim 15, wherein the GPS signal from the GPS unit (650) is provided when the GPS signal is not captured by the GPS unit (650). A portable information processing apparatus characterized in that it is configured to repeatedly try to capture the information once or a plurality of times.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein the GPS control unit switches the GPS unit (650) from the normal mode when the GPS signal is not captured by the GPS unit (650). A portable information processing apparatus characterized in that it is configured to shift to a power saving mode or to cut off power supply to the GPS unit (650).

19. The claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the GPS control means is configured to display an operation error when the GPS unit (650) cannot capture the GPS signal. A portable information processing device characterized by the above-mentioned.

20. The claim 18, wherein the GPS control means is configured to perform an operation of shifting the GPS unit (650) to the power saving mode, or to switch to the GPS unit (650). A portable information processing apparatus characterized by displaying a pause of the GPS unit (650) in connection with interruption of power supply.

21. The GPS control unit according to claim 15, wherein at least at any time during operation of the apparatus main body, the GPS control means is configured to operate the GPS unit. A portable information processing apparatus characterized in that the presence or absence of power supply to the socket (650) is configured to be identifiably displayed.

2 2. The method according to claim 15, wherein the GPS control means displays an operation state of the GPS unit (650) at least at any time when the GPS unit (650) is operating. A portable information processing apparatus characterized in that:

23. In Claim 22, the GPS control means is operating the power-saving mode as the operation state of the Gps unit (650), and is capturing the GPS signal. A state, and a state in which the GPS signal is captured or a state in which the positioning data or the position information is obtained by the GPS unit (650) are displayed so as to be identifiable. A portable information processing device characterized in that:

2 4. In any one of claims 21 to 23, the GPS control means is configured to display processing contents or processing results by the central processing unit (620). In the specified display area, the display relating to the GPS unit (650) is performed in a predetermined display section (61 lb) independent of the processing content or the processing result. A portable information processing device characterized by the following.

25. In Claim 15, the GPS unit (650) is configured as an additional unit detachably attached to a main body, and the GPS control means includes the GPS unit (6). The portable information processing device is configured to be operable by the central processing unit (620) only when the device (50) is mounted.

2 6. Central processing unit (620) and GPS signal reception A GPS unit (650) for receiving an GPS signal and obtaining positioning data, which is controlled by the central processing unit (620), comprising an antenna (613); A power supply / discharge means for supplying / disconnecting power to / from the unit (650), and an interrupt signal to the central processing unit (620) when the antenna (613) is operated in a predetermined state. Interrupt signal generating means for generating a clock signal; power saving means for stopping or reducing the internal clock of the GPS unit (650) to a power saving state; and A portable information processing apparatus comprising: a GPS control unit that releases the power save state of the GPS unit (650) and operates the GPS unit (650).