JP2001306464A - Device for reporting electronic mail incoming and device for reporting designating information in computer unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic mail incoming reporting device capable of displaying that an electronic mail is received in an electronic unit comprising a computer, and to provide a designating information reporting device capable of reporting that designating information to be reported exists and displaying it. SOLUTION: The device for reporting electronic mail incoming consists of the electronic unit for receiving the electronic mail and master and slave sets provided with a function for mutually performing exchange by radio communication or IR communication. The electronic unit is provided with an electronic mail incoming recognizing means, a display information generating means for generating a control information signal to control the operation of the electronic mail incoming display means in the slave set and a pop-up menu signal, a pop-up menu display control means and a means for transmitting the control information signal to the master set. The master set is provided with a wireless transmission control means for transmitting the control information signal of the incoming display means to the slave set. The slave set is provided with a wireless receiving means for receiving the control information signal and an electronic mail incoming display means for operating the electronic mail incoming display means of the slave set and performing display.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention notifies an electronic device, including a computer, that can receive an electronic mail, that the electronic mail has arrived at a place distant from the electronic device by wireless communication or infrared communication. An e-mail arrival notification device that can easily recognize that an e-mail has arrived in an electronic device such as the computer by displaying an incoming call there, or a wireless system indicating that there is designated information to be notified in the computer device By transmitting to the remote device located far from the computer, the received remote device indicates that the parent device has the designated information to be notified in the computer device, so that the receiver can easily enter the computer device. The present invention relates to a designated information notifying device capable of alerting that there is designated information to be notified.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, there has been a means for notifying the arrival of an e-mail in a device capable of receiving an e-mail including a computer by a visual display or an audible display. For example, JP-A-11-265332, JP-A-10-013
No. 569 and so on. However, in the former, the indication that the e-mail has arrived is the computer itself or is attached to the computer device, and in the latter, the receiving means is a facsimile, and the notification of the arrival is obtained from the e-mail server. This is performed by operating the facsimile receiving means. Therefore, incoming e-mail
Unless you were near the computer or by a facsimile via the public telephone network, you could not tell that you had incoming mail.

[0003]

In addition, with the spread of computers in recent years, information transmission such as notices, communication items, business instructions and instructions, business reports, and the like is performed using electronic mail in schools and businesses. More things. As a result, the information transmission function has become much easier and faster, but on the other hand, it is necessary to keep the computer close at all times, and whether the recipient actively and frequently receives e-mails. And to check if there is any communication. However, depending on the type and content of the work, a computer is often not used, and it is troublesome for the recipient to always keep close to him or check the presence / absence of transmission information several times a day.
In particular, in the case of urgent notices or instructions, there has been no method of promptly and promptly notifying the recipient that an e-mail has arrived or that a notice has been received.

[0004] The present invention solves such a problem, and makes it possible to use a wireless communication method such as wireless communication or infrared communication even when electronic equipment or computer equipment is not used or when they are not close to them. Is transmitted to a child device located at a location distant from the parent device, and displays an incoming electronic mail at the child device so that it can be easily recognized visually, audibly, or by physical means. That is, the electronic mail arrival display can be recognized in a wider area than the conventional one, which is far from the electronic device.

In another aspect of the present invention, the fact that there is designated information to be notified in a computer device is transmitted to a slave device located away from the computer by a wireless method, and the slave device visually, audibly and physically transmits the information. This is a device that displays a notification so that it can be easily recognized. A new method in which a user of a computer device notifies a specified person in a remote location of the specified information to be notified in the computer device, and the receiver can easily be alerted. It is a designated information notification device in a computer device.

[0006] The two inventions of the present invention, when transmitting information between users using electronic devices such as a computer device, a mobile phone, and a device having a communication function, can be performed visually without operating the devices. Alerts with the five senses of humans, such as physical, auditory, and physical means, so that it is easy to recognize that there is information to be informed, to improve the efficiency of information transmission and facilitate the communication between sender and receiver. It is a device that enables you to plan.

[0007]

The first invention for which a patent is to be granted comprises an electronic device capable of receiving an electronic mail, a master unit and a slave unit having mutual transmission / reception functions by wireless communication or infrared communication. The electronic device constantly monitors the arrival of an e-mail to the mail server regardless of the use state of the electronic device, and confirms the arrival of the e-mail by confirming the arrival of the e-mail. Then, a control information signal for designating the address of the slave unit to be used in advance and controlling the e-mail arrival display unit of the designated slave unit, a display information generating unit for generating a hop-up menu signal for the electronic device, Hop-up menu display control means for displaying or canceling an up menu, and means for opening a base unit connection interface circuit and transmitting a control information signal for controlling operation of the incoming call display unit of the designated slave unit to the base unit Are provided. Further, the master unit has a wireless transmission means for transmitting or ending the control information signal for controlling the operation of the incoming display means to the slave unit by wireless communication or infrared communication. Further, the slave unit is a wireless receiving unit that receives a control information signal for controlling the operation of the e-mail incoming display unit by wireless communication or infrared communication, and is activated when the received control signal specifies its own address. By operating the e-mail incoming display means prepared in advance in the slave unit, a signal indicating that an e-mail is received is displayed by a lamp or an electronic display, a ring tone is displayed, or an output sound is displayed. An e-mail arrival notification device characterized by comprising e-mail arrival display means for displaying by means of vibration, other physical means, or a combination thereof.

The second invention for which a patent is sought is that the slave unit stops transmission of an information signal indicating the contents (text, sender, etc.) of the e-mail sent from the master unit to the slave unit as necessary. Means for transmitting a request signal to the parent device, and / or a request to start transmission of an information signal indicating the contents (text, sender, etc.) of the e-mail transmitted from the parent device to the child device as necessary. Means for transmitting a request signal to the master unit, such as a request to start skip transmission when there are a plurality of information signals indicating the contents of the mail (text, sender, etc.). It is an electronic mail arrival notification device described in the invention.

A third invention for which a patent is sought is that, when there are a plurality of communicable slave units in a communicable area with a master unit connected to an electronic device capable of receiving e-mail, the plurality of master units are connected to each other. Each of the slave units receiving the control information signal transmitted from any of them activates the e-mail incoming display means when the control information signal specifies its own address,
The electronic mail arrival notification device according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein an indication is made that an electronic mail has arrived at a specific parent device transmitted by the child device.

A fourth invention for which a patent is sought is that, when a single parent device is connected to an electronic device capable of receiving an e-mail and a plurality of child devices are present in the communicable area, the parent device receives the electronic device. Each slave receiving the transmitted control information signal activates the e-mail arrival display means when the control information signal specifies its own address, and an e-mail arrives at the master at the slave. The electronic mail arrival notification device according to the first aspect, wherein the notification is provided.

A fifth invention for which a patent is sought is that, when there are a plurality of master units connected to an electronic device capable of receiving e-mail and one slave unit is within the communicable area, the slave unit is When a plurality of master units share the control information signal transmitted from each master unit and receives the control information signal from the slave unit, the master unit identifies which master unit has been transmitted, activates the e-mail arrival display means, and starts transmission. The electronic mail arrival notification device according to the first invention, characterized in that it is displayed that an electronic mail has arrived at a specific master unit.

Each of the first to fifth inventions is an electronic mail arrival notification device. It is used by attaching it to an electronic device such as a personal computer, a television, a game machine, and a telephone capable of receiving an e-mail. This is a notification that an electronic mail has arrived at a child device further away from the device that has received the electronic mail, and the display is characterized in that it can be recognized by the five senses of human beings. Therefore, the present invention is an apparatus that exhibits a function of supporting communication between a machine and a human.

A sixth invention for which a patent is to be granted comprises a computer device, and a master unit and a slave unit having a transmission / reception function by wireless communication or infrared communication with each other. The computer device has means for designating or reserving information or a file stored in the computer device to designate the information, and automatically confirming the designated information regardless of the use state of the computer device, A designated information confirming means by a method of confirming or manually confirming, a control information signal and a computer device for designating an address of a slave unit to be transmitted in advance when confirming the designated information and controlling operation of a notification display unit of the designated slave unit Display information generating means for generating a hop-up menu signal, a hop-up menu display control means for displaying or canceling the hop-up menu on a computer device, and a parent device connection interface circuit opened to open the designated slave device For transmitting a control information signal for controlling the operation of the notification display means to the master unit It is equipped with. The master unit includes a wireless transmission unit that transmits a control information signal for controlling the operation of the notification display unit to a slave unit having a reception function by wireless communication or infrared communication. The slave unit is a wireless reception unit that receives a control information signal for controlling the operation of the notification display unit by wireless communication or infrared communication, and is activated when the received control information signal specifies its own address, In the slave unit, a notification display means prepared in advance is operated to display the presence of the designated information by a lamp or an electronic display, by displaying a notification sound, by an output sound, by vibration or other physical A designated information notification device in a computer device, comprising: a notification display unit configured to display the information by a means or a combination thereof.

[0014] A seventh invention for which a patent is sought is a means for transmitting to the base unit a request signal requesting the slave unit to stop transmitting designated information to be transmitted from the base unit to the slave unit as necessary. And / or a means for transmitting a request signal to the master unit, such as a request to start transmission of designation information to be transmitted from the master unit to the slave unit as needed, or a request to start skip transmission when there are a plurality of the designation information. 7. A designated information notification device in a computer device according to claim 6, wherein:

According to an eighth invention for which a patent is to be obtained, when there are a plurality of communicable slave units in a communicable area with a master unit connected to a computer device, the communication is transmitted from any of the plurality of master units. Each slave unit that has received the incoming control information signal activates the notification display means when the control information signal specifies its own address, and the computer connected to the specific master unit transmitted by the slave unit. 7. The designated information notifying device in a computer device according to claim 6, wherein information indicating that designated information is present in the device is displayed.

A ninth invention for which a patent is to be granted is a control transmitted from the master unit when only one master unit is connected to the computer device and there are a plurality of slave units in the communicable area. Each slave that has received the information signal activates the notification display means when the control information signal specifies its own address, and informs the slave that the designated information is present in the computer connected to the master. 7. The designated information notification device in the computer device according to claim 6, wherein the designated information notification device displays the information.

In a tenth invention for which a patent is to be granted, in the case where a plurality of master units are connected to a computer device and one slave unit exists in the communicable area, the slave unit is connected to a plurality of master units. When the child device receives the control information signal transmitted from each of the parent devices, the notification device is started by specifying which parent device is transmitted, and the specific information transmitted from the child device is transmitted. 7. The designated information notifying device in a computer device according to claim 6, wherein the fact that designated information is present on the parent device is displayed.

An eleventh invention for which a patent is sought is that the computer device constantly monitors the arrival of an e-mail to a mail server regardless of the use state of the computer device to confirm the arrival of the e-mail, Means for storing the received e-mail information to make designated information, means for designating or reserving information or files stored in the computer device to make designated information, and Designated information confirmation means such as automatic confirmation, reservation automatic confirmation, or manual confirmation regardless of the usage status of the device, and designation of the address of the slave unit to be sent in advance when the e-mail is received or the designated information is confirmed Generates a control information signal for operation control of the notification display means of the slave unit and a hop-up menu signal for the computer device A display information generation unit that, the popup menu display control means for or cancel display the popup menu in the computer equipment,
Means for opening a master unit connection interface circuit and transmitting to the master unit a control information signal for controlling the operation of the notification display means of the designated slave unit.
It is a designated information notification device in a computer device described in the invention.

[0019] The sixth to eleventh inventions relate to a designated information notification device in a computer device. Various information can be stored in the computer device. Also, a plurality of computer devices can be connected via a LAN to share information. Therefore, when communicating information between people who use many computers,
Various methods are conceivable, such as a method of sharing information not only by e-mail but also by using a LAN, and transmitting the information by confirming the information. As described above, there are various methods of information transmission between computers,
Close communication is relatively easy. However, when it is very convenient to use the computer device to transmit the information from one person to another, it is very convenient. However, there is still insufficient communication between the computer and the person. There is a problem. For example, there is a great difference in how to use a computer between a person who is good at operating a computer and an inexperienced person, and there is a great difference in the efficiency of information transmission. The present invention provides a lamp or an electronic display to indicate that there is designated information that the caller wants to know, even if the receiver is away from the computer equipment and does not actively operate the computer. , Display by sounding notification sound, display by output sound, display by vibration or other physical means, or display in combination, so it is easily alerted by human senses And can be quickly and easily recognized. That is, the present invention is an apparatus capable of supporting a communication between a computer and a human when information is transmitted using a computer device, and exhibiting a function of smoothing the communication. In particular, the eleventh invention is a multifunction device which is a designated information notifying device in a computer device, and is also configured to function as an electronic mail arrival notifying device at the same time.

[0020]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration outline of an electronic mail arrival notification device according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing constituent units of the electronic mail arrival notification device according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the basic configuration of the electronic mail arrival notification device according to the present invention is as follows: an electronic device 1 capable of receiving an electronic mail, and a base unit 2 having a transmission / reception function by wireless communication or infrared communication with each other. And a slave unit 3. The configuration of the electronic mail arrival notification device according to the present invention will be described in detail based on the illustrated embodiment. First, a specific hardware configuration in the embodiment of the present invention will be described. The electronic device 1 in the illustrated embodiment will be described as a case of a computer.
Any electronic device 1 that can receive an e-mail may be, for example, a computer, a game console, a television, or the like.
Of course, it is not necessary to limit to a computer. It is assumed that the electronic device 1 includes an interface circuit such as a serial port or a UBS port.

The base unit 2 includes, as a transmitter, a wireless transmission circuit or wireless modem for wireless communication or infrared communication, an interface circuit such as a serial port or a UBS port, a power supply (battery), and the like.

Next, the slave unit 3 includes, as receivers, a wireless receiving circuit or wireless modem for wireless communication or infrared communication, an interface circuit such as a serial port or a UBS port, a lamp (LED) circuit, a notification sound output circuit, It is composed of a power supply (battery), a character display unit, an audio output unit, and a control computer as required. The handset 3 may be a portable wireless communication device having a receiving function such as a receiver built in a character doll or a key ring, a mobile phone, a PHF, a pager, or the like.

Next, the configuration of the means of the electronic mail arrival notification device according to the present invention will be described. Although the electronic device 1 of the illustrated embodiment is a computer, it includes an electronic device 1 for receiving an incoming electronic mail to a mail server B of the Internet A.
E-mail arrival confirmation means 4 for constantly monitoring and confirming the arrival of an e-mail regardless of the use state of the e-mail, and specifying the address of the slave unit 3 to be used in advance when confirming the arrival of the e-mail and e-mailing the designated slave unit 3 A control information signal for controlling the operation of the incoming call display means 5 and a display information generating means 6 for generating a hop-up menu signal for the computer device; a hop-up menu display control means 8 for displaying and canceling the hop-up menu; Means 7 for opening a serial port or USB port which is a device connection interface, and transmitting a control information signal for controlling the operation of the electronic mail incoming display means 5 of the designated slave unit 3 to the master unit.

The base unit 2 includes a wireless transmission unit 9 for transmitting or ending the transmission of a control information signal for controlling the operation of the electronic mail arrival display unit 5 of the child unit 2 by radio communication or infrared communication. are doing.

Further, the slave unit 2 has a wireless receiving unit 10 for receiving a control information signal for controlling the operation of the electronic mail arrival display unit 5 by wireless communication or infrared communication, and the received control signal specifies its own address. Is activated, the electronic mail arrival display means 5 prepared in advance in the slave unit is operated, and the fact that the electronic mail has arrived is displayed by a lamp or an electronic display, or a ring tone is displayed. An e-mail incoming notification device, which comprises an e-mail incoming display means 5 for displaying the received e-mail, an output sound, or vibration or other physical means. The slave unit 3 of the illustrated embodiment includes a wireless receiving unit 10, an e-mail incoming display unit 5 and a request unit 1 for transmitting a request signal to the master unit in the character shape.
1 is a built-in one.

The handset 3 may be any device having at least the wireless receiving means 10 and the e-mail incoming display means 5, and the means 11 for transmitting a request signal to the master unit may be provided as necessary. Good. Moreover, the child device 3
Does not ask whether the shape is not limited and has other combined functions.

The application software for operating the electronic mail arrival notification device according to the present invention is configured as follows. Application software is broadly divided into a new e-mail confirmation program and an event program.

When the new e-mail confirmation program is started, first, the interface screen specifies an interface such as a serial port number or a USB address, specifies a device address, and sets a notification end time on a setting screen. Then, the e-mail arrival check means 4, which constantly monitors the arrival of e-mail to the mail server B regardless of the use state of the electronic device 1, automatically checks the e-mail server B at regular intervals, to download. In the case of using a LAN, the server periodically connects to the mail server B and refers to the sender, subject, and arrival date and time of the new mail. E-mail download is also possible according to user settings. In the case of dial-up automatic connection use, automatic dial-up is performed periodically and new mail is downloaded. Automatically disconnect after download. The interval of the automatic confirmation connection can be set by the user. A copy of the newly arrived e-mail is left on the mail server B so that it can be confirmed later using already used e-mail software. For attached files, only the presence or absence of attachments is referenced. The e-mail referenced or downloaded is compared with the previous e-mail to determine whether it is a new e-mail. The user can change the settings of the mail server B and the account. In addition, it resides in the task tray.

Next, a description will be given of an event program which is started when it is determined that a new electronic mail has been received. The event program is composed of “type only for incoming call display”, “type with incoming mail content display / speech function”, and “mobile device notification type”. Hereinafter, event programs will be described for each type.

First, the case of the "only incoming call display type" will be described with reference to FIG. When it is determined that there is a new electronic mail and the event program is started, the display information generating means 6 designates the address of the slave unit 3 to be used in advance, and the control information for controlling the operation of the electronic mail arrival display means 5 of the designated slave unit 3 Display hop-up menus on signals and electronic devices such as computers. The control information signal specifies, for example, a lamp blinking interval and the number of times, a notification sound output interval and a number of times, and a device address for identification when a plurality of slaves 3 are used in the same area. As a hop-up menu, for example, there is a new mail, a mail sender, a mail subject, a mail arrival date and time, and the like, which are output and displayed on the electronic device 1 via the hop-up menu display means 8 as a hop-up menu screen.

Serial port or USB almost simultaneously
The control information signal is transmitted to the base unit 2 by means for transmitting to the base unit 2 through an interface such as a boat. When there are a plurality of output ports such as a serial port, the setting of the output port number can be changed.

Next, it is determined whether or not to cancel the hop-up menu screen displayed on the electronic device 1. If the user cancels the hop-up menu screen manually or automatically according to the notification end time, the interface circuit is closed and the hop-up menu screen is closed.
When the hop-up menu screen is not canceled, the control information signal is transmitted to the base unit 2 and the output of the hop-up menu signal through the electronic device 1 is continued.

On the other hand, in the base unit 2, the interface circuit is opened by the wireless transmission unit 9 provided therein, and a control information signal for controlling the operation of the incoming call display unit 5 is transmitted to the sub unit 3 by wireless communication or infrared communication. . The control information signal to be transmitted is “the lamp blinking interval and the number of times, the notification sound output interval and the number of times, the device address designation for identification when using a plurality of the slaves in the same area” in the slave 3.
And so on.

Next, the slave unit 2 receives, by wireless communication or infrared communication, a control information signal for controlling the operation of the electronic mail incoming display means 5 by the wireless receiving means 9 provided. The received control signal is roughly classified into a control flag for determining whether or not the device address specifies its own address and for determining whether to start or end the operation control of the e-mail receiving means 5. And a control pattern for instructing how the electronic mail arrival display means 5 is operated. When the event program is started, the judgment in the control flag becomes “start”, and when the own address is designated, the electronic mail incoming display means 5 prepared in advance in the child device 3 is started. The e-mail arrival display means 5 displays that an e-mail has arrived by a lamp or an electronic display, sounds a ringtone, displays an output sound, vibrates or other physical means. There are various modes such as displaying, combining and displaying them. In the control pattern according to the present embodiment, the interval and the number of times are controlled when the lamp is blinking, and the interval and the number of times are controlled when the notification sound is output. If the determination in the control flag is “end”, the lamp stops blinking or the notification sound output is stopped. The slave unit 3 of the illustrated embodiment includes a wireless receiving unit 10, an e-mail incoming display unit 5, and a unit 11 for transmitting a request signal to the master unit in a character shape. When the e-mail arrives, a cute character as shown in the drawing, which is located away from the electronic device 1, makes a voice saying "Email is attached!"

In the electronic mail arrival notification device according to the illustrated embodiment, when there are a plurality of slave units 3 communicable with the master unit 2 connected to the electronic device 1 capable of receiving the electronic mail in the communicable area, In each of the slave units 3 receiving the control information signal transmitted from any of the plurality of master units 2,
When the control information signal specifies its own address, the electronic mail arrival display means 5 is activated to display that the electronic mail has arrived at the specific master unit 2 transmitted by the slave unit 3. You may.

Further, in the electronic mail arrival notification device according to the illustrated embodiment, one master unit is connected to the electronic device 1 capable of receiving an electronic mail, and a plurality of slave units 3, 3 are provided in the communicable area. In some cases, each of the slave units 3 and 3 receiving the control information signal transmitted from the master unit 2 activates the e-mail incoming display unit 5 when the control information signal specifies its own address. Alternatively, the fact that an e-mail has arrived at the parent device 2 may be displayed on the child devices 3 and 3.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the electronic mail arrival notification device according to the present invention includes a plurality of master units 2 connected to an electronic device 1 capable of receiving an electronic mail, and one main unit 2 in the communicable area. When there is a slave unit 3, the slave unit 3 is shared by a plurality of master units 2, and when a control information signal transmitted from each master unit 3 is received by the slave unit 2, which slave unit 2 transmits the control information signal. It is also possible to specify whether the e-mail has arrived and activate the e-mail arrival display means 5 to display that the e-mail has arrived at the specific parent device 2 that has transmitted the e-mail.

Second, the case of the "type with incoming mail contents display / read-out function" will be described. In the case of this type, the hardware configuration is such that the base unit 2 includes a wireless modem, an interface circuit, and a battery, and the slave unit 3 includes a wireless modem, an interface circuit, a lamp (LED) circuit, and a notification sound output. It is desirable to be composed of a circuit, a power supply (battery) character display unit, an audio output unit, a control computer and the like.

The basic configuration of the means and its operating method by a program are basically the same. That is, when it is determined that there is a new e-mail and the event program is started, the display information generating means 6 causes the child device 3 to be used in advance.
And a control information signal for controlling the operation of the electronic mail arrival display means 5 of the designated slave unit 3 and a hop-up menu signal for the master unit. Display the hop-up menu screen. Next, the control information signal is transmitted to the base unit 2 by means for transmitting to the base unit 7 through an interface such as a serial port or a USB boat. Next, in the slave unit 2, the wireless receiving means 10
When the control information signal for controlling the operation of the incoming call display means 5 is received, the slave unit 2 determines whether to start or end the control flag among the received control signals. In step 2, the incoming call display means 5 prepared in advance is started. Then, the electronic mail arrival display means 5 displays characters indicating that an electronic mail has arrived by electronic display, displays aloud by an output voice, sounds a ringtone in combination with these, displays a lamp, It is displayed by vibration or other physical means.

In the case of the illustrated embodiment, the slave 3
Means 7 for transmitting a request signal such as a signal requesting that transmission of the contents (text, sender, etc.) of the e-mail transmitted from base unit 2 to handset 3 to base unit 3 to base unit 2 if necessary Request to start transmission of the content (text, sender, etc.) of the e-mail sent from the base unit 2 to the slave unit 3 in response to the request, or start skip transmission when there are a plurality of contents (text, sender, etc.) of the e-mail And a means for transmitting a request signal such as a request to the master unit.

Next, it is determined whether or not to cancel the hop-up menu screen. When the hop-up menu screen is canceled, the interface circuit is closed and the hop-up menu screen is closed.

The difference between the second type and the first type is that the contents of the mail (text, sender, presence / absence of mail attachment, reception date and time, mail attachment (E.g., the presence or absence of a file) to the slave unit in a wireless manner, and the slave unit displays the contents of the mail in character display or voice-to-speech. It is desirable that the audio information and the display information are transmitted at the same timing.

Third, the case of the "portable device type" will be described. This is a case where a portable device is used as the child device 3, and in this case, a case where a mobile phone, a pager (registered trademark), or the like is used as the child device 3 is also included.

Also in the case of the "portable device type", the basic means configuration and the operation method by the program are the first.
Is basically the same as A predetermined mobile phone or pager is called through a modem provided in the electronic device 1 and a message to the effect that there is a new mail is transmitted to the electronic device 1. The message indicating that there is a new mail is transmitted as a text message or a voice message. Specifically, it should be appropriately set according to the device of the portable device 3 to be transmitted, and used properly.

Next, an embodiment of a designated information notification device in a computer device will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a designated information notifying device in a computer device according to the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing components of the designated information notifying device according to the present invention.

The designated information notification device in a computer device according to the present invention functions as a device that supports communication between a computer and a person who uses the computer. That is, the computer device can start various application software under the operating system, input various information,
It can be memorized. Therefore, it is used in various ways. Actively communicate information entered or stored in the computer device as a notice, instruction, instruction, report, notice, etc., to people who are away from the area, and be aware that there is a matter to be communicated immediately. Often, you want to be recognized. However, depending on the characteristics of the people who use the computer, the environment and the situation where the recipient is located, it is not possible to immediately recognize the information, and the timing is often missed or delayed. The present invention is a notification device for alerting a recipient that there is designated information to be confirmed in a computer in such a case.

As shown in FIG. 3, the designated information notification device in the computer device according to the present invention comprises a computer device 21, a master device 22 having a transmission / reception function by wireless communication or infrared communication, and a slave device. 23. The hardware configuration of the designated information notification device in the computer device is almost the same as that of the electronic mail arrival notification device. The only difference is that the former electronic device 1 is limited to the computer device 21 of the present invention.

The configuration of the designated information notifying device in the computer device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the computer device 21 has a means 24 for designating or reserving information or a file stored in the computer device 21 to make the designated information, and using the designated information by the computer device 21. Designated information confirmation means 25 by a method such as automatic confirmation, reservation automatic confirmation, or manual confirmation irrespective of the state
When the specified information is confirmed, the address of the slave unit 23 to be transmitted is designated in advance, and the notification display means 26 of the designated slave unit 23 is designated.
Display information generating means 27 for generating a control information signal for controlling the operation of the computer and a hop-up menu signal for the computer equipment 21, a hop-up menu display control means for displaying a hop-up menu for the computer equipment 21, and an interface circuit for master unit connection Open the designated slave unit 2
3 is provided with a means 28 for transmitting a control information signal for controlling the operation of the notification display means 26 to the master unit.

The master unit 22 includes a wireless transmission unit 30 for transmitting a control information signal for controlling the operation of the notification display unit 26 to the slave unit 23.

Further, the slave unit 23 is provided with a notification display unit 26.
A wireless receiving means 31 for receiving a control information signal for controlling the operation by wireless communication or infrared communication, and starting when the received control information signal specifies its own address, and preparing in advance in the slave unit 23 in advance. The notified display means 26 is operated to display the presence of the designated information by a lamp or an electronic display, by displaying a notification sound, by an output sound, or by vibration or other physical means. And a notification display unit 26.

The designated information notification device in the computer device according to the present invention has substantially the same means configuration as the electronic mail arrival notification device as described above, but the difference lies in the information notified by the former. Is the designated information in the computer device, whereas the information notified by the latter is information indicating that there is an incoming mail.

Therefore, the only difference in the configuration of the means is that the means 24 for designating the information to be notified to be the designated information is different from the means 25 for confirming the specified information to be notified. For example, new information may be created by inputting designation information to be notified, or may be designated directly while another application software is running. Alternatively, the designated information may be automatically or manually confirmed from information on another application periodically or whenever necessary.
That is, the designated information confirmation program is significantly different from the newly arrived e-mail program.

When the specified information is confirmed, the event program is activated to generate display information and transmit it to the master unit. While the pop-up menu is output in the computer device, the display information is transmitted from the parent device to the child device in a wireless manner. The slave unit receives the display information transmitted in this way, and based on the received information, displays that there is information to be notified by the notification display unit by visual, auditory, physical means, or the like. Such a series of operations is almost the same as in the case of the electronic mail arrival notification device.

However, the difference is that the designated information to be notified is
The party to be notified and the date and time to be notified are reserved, and when the reserved time comes, the event program is automatically started, and the fact that there is designated information to be notified to the child device is transmitted to the child device, and the notification display means is provided. The notification is made by displaying at 26.

When the designation information is designated, the degree of urgency of the call is designated, and the control pattern (blinking of the lamp and the output pattern of the notification sound) of the slave unit is changed in accordance with the degree of urgency of the call, and The time interval and the number of times of notification to a pager or the like, the notification message, and the like can be changed.

Similarly, the control pattern of the slave unit (blinking of the lamp and the output pattern of the notification sound) can be changed, the time interval of notification to a mobile phone, a pager, etc. The number of times, the notification message, etc. can be changed.

Further, it is possible to preliminarily register a plurality of persons to be notified, predetermined notification messages, and the like, and to easily input and set them.

Further, in the case of the designated information notifying device in the computer device according to the present invention, similarly to the case of the electronic mail notifying device, the event program includes “incoming display only type” and “incoming mail”. It is possible to create three types of patterns consisting of a "content display / sales function type" and a "mobile device notification type".

As another embodiment, also in the case of the designated information notifying device in the computer device according to the present invention, the contents of the e-mail transmitted from the master unit 22 to the slave unit are transmitted to the slave unit 23 as necessary. Means for transmitting a request signal on the receiver side, such as a signal for requesting a transmission stop, to the master unit, and / or a request to start transmission of the content of the e-mail transmitted from the master unit 22 to the slave unit 23 as necessary. Means for transmitting a request signal, such as a request for starting skip transmission when there are a plurality of contents of the e-mail, to the master unit.

In the case of the designated information notifying device in the computer device according to the present invention, when there are a plurality of slave units 23 communicable with the master unit 22 connected to the computer unit 21 in the communicable area, Each slave unit 2 that has received the control information signal transmitted from any of the plurality of master units 22
In steps 3 and 23, when the control information signal specifies its own address, the notification display means 26 is activated, and the slave device 23 displays that the computer device 21 connected to the parent device has the specified information. be able to.

In the case of the designated information notification device in the computer device according to the present invention, there is one master device 22 connected to the computer device 21 and there are a plurality of slave devices 23 in the communicable area. In this case, each of the slave units 23, 23 that has received the control signal transmitted from the master unit 23 activates the notification display unit 26 when the control signal specifies its own address, and the slave unit 23, The fact that the designated information is present on the computer device 21 to which the master device 22 is connected can also be displayed.

Further, when there are a plurality of master units 22, 22 connected to the computer unit 21 of the designated information notification device in the computer unit according to the present invention, and there is one slave unit 23 in the communicable area, As shown in FIG.
3 is shared by a plurality of base units 22, 22, and when the control information signal transmitted from each base unit 22, 22 is received by the slave unit 23, which base unit 22, 22 is specified is identified. Alternatively, the notification display unit 26 may be activated to display that there is designation information in the specific parent device 22 transmitted from the child device 23.

Further, the designated information notification device in the computer device according to the present invention can be combined so that it can be used as an electronic mail arrival notification device. In this case, the design information may be doubled as follows. That is, the computer device 21 constantly monitors the arrival of an e-mail to the mail server B regardless of the use state of the computer device 21, confirms the arrival of the e-mail, and stores the received e-mail information. Thus, there is provided a means 24 for specifying information and a means 24 for specifying information or a file stored in the computer device 21 to specify or make a reservation to specify the information. Since it is possible to confirm that an e-mail has arrived by the former means, if this is used, it functions as an e-mail arrival notification device,
When the latter means is used, it functions as a designated information notification device in a computer device.

In the designated information notifying device in such a composite type computer device, the components other than the means for making the designated information are the same as the designated information notifying device in the dedicated computer device. That is, the designated information is used in advance by the designated information confirming means 23 by a method such as automatic confirmation, reservation automatic confirmation, or manual confirmation irrespective of the use state of the computer device 21, and when the e-mail is received or the designated information is confirmed. A control information signal for specifying the address of the slave unit 23 to be operated and controlling the operation of the notification display unit 25 of the designated slave unit 23; a display information generating unit 27 for generating a hop-up menu signal for the computer unit 21; A hop-up menu display control means 29 for displaying and canceling a hop-up menu, and a control information signal for opening a parent device connection interface circuit and controlling operation of the notification display means 26 of the designated child device 23 to the parent device. Means 28 for transmitting.

The master unit 22 includes a wireless transmission unit 30 for transmitting a control information signal for controlling the operation of the notification display unit 26 to the slave unit 23.
Is activated when the control information signal for controlling the operation of the notification display means 26 is received by wireless communication or infrared communication, and when the received control information signal specifies its own address, In the slave unit 23, the notification display means 26 prepared in advance is operated to display the presence of the designated information by a lamp or an electronic display, by displaying a notification sound, by an output sound, by vibration or the like. A notification display unit 26 is provided for displaying by physical means or displaying them in combination.

[0067]

As described above, in the case of the electronic mail arrival notification device according to the present invention and the case of the designated information notification device in the computer device, the reception is performed by a wireless method such as wireless communication or infrared communication even at a remote place. The user can be notified by e-mail or that there is designated information to be notified in the computer. As a result, even if you are not near an electronic device or computer, or even when you are not using a computer, it will actively notify you that incoming mail is coming or that you have information to notify. Communication with those who use it has been supported, and it has become possible to use it more closely and effectively than ever.

When many computers are used in the same area, such as in an office, a plurality of master units can share and use one slave unit. A single master unit can notify a plurality of slave units, or both the master unit and the slave units can notify that there is information to be notified by coexistence of a plurality of combinations. In this way, various communications between the computer and the user using the computer are supported, and communication between the electronic device and the user using the computer is facilitated.

Further, in the case of an electronic mail arrival notification device,
Even in the case of the designated information notification device in the computer device, there is no need to use the Internet, so there is no need to pay for the provider or register with a third party, and there is no telephone charge unless you use a mobile phone . Therefore,
It is simple, economical and very practical.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a configuration of an electronic mail arrival notification device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing constituent means of an electronic mail arrival notification device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a designated information notification device in a computer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing constituent means of a designated information notification device in a computer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of an electronic mail arrival notification device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation state of the electronic mail arrival notification device according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation state of the designated information notification device in a computer device according to the present invention.

[Description of sign]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic equipment 2 ... Master unit 3 ... Slave unit 4 ... E-mail arrival confirmation means 5 ... E-mail arrival display means 6 ... Display information generation means 7 ... Sending means to a master unit 8 ... Popup menu display control means 9 ... Wireless Transmission means 10 ... Wireless reception means 11 ... Means for transmitting a request signal to the master unit 21 ... Computer equipment 22 ... Master unit 23 ... Slave unit 24 ... Specification information means 25 ... Specification information confirmation means 26 ... Notification display means 27 ... Display information generating means 28 ... means for transmitting to the base unit 29 ... pop-up menu display control means 30 ... wireless transmitting means 31 ... wireless receiving means 32 ... means for transmitting a request signal to the main unit

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] April 27, 2000 (200.4.2
7)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0001

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention notifies an electronic device, including a computer, that can receive an electronic mail, that the electronic mail has arrived to a place remote from the electronic device by wireless or wireless communication. An e-mail arrival notification device that can easily recognize that an e-mail has arrived in an electronic device such as the computer by displaying an incoming call there, or a wireless system indicating that there is designated information to be notified in the computer device By transmitting to the remote device located away from the computer by the, and indicating that there is specified information that the received remote device wants to notify in the computer device, the specified information that the receiver wants to easily notify in the computer device The present invention relates to a designated information notifying device that can alert the user that there is a warning.

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0023

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Next, the slave unit 3 includes, as a receiver, a wireless receiving circuit or wireless modem for wireless communication or infrared communication, an interface circuit such as a serial port or a UBS port, a lamp (LED) circuit, a notification sound output circuit, It is composed of a power supply (battery), a character display unit, an audio output unit, and a control computer as required. The handset 3 may be a portable wireless communication device having a receiving function such as a receiver built in a character doll or a key ring, a mobile phone, a PHS , a pager, or the like.

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0035

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Next, the slave unit 2 receives a control information signal for controlling the operation of the electronic mail incoming display unit 5 by wireless communication or infrared communication by the wireless reception unit 9 provided. The received control signal is roughly classified into a control flag for determining whether or not the device address specifies its own address and for determining whether to start or end the operation control of the e-mail receiving means 5. And a control pattern for instructing how the electronic mail arrival display means 5 is operated. When the event program is started, the judgment in the control flag becomes “start”, and when the own address is designated, the electronic mail incoming display means 5 prepared in advance in the child device 3 is started. The e-mail arrival display means 5 displays that an e-mail has arrived by a lamp or an electronic display, sounds a ringtone, displays an output sound, vibrates or other physical means. There are various modes such as displaying, combining and displaying them. In the control pattern according to the present embodiment, the interval and the number of times are controlled when the lamp is blinking, and the interval and the number of times are controlled when the notification sound is output. If the determination in the control flag is “end”, the lamp stops blinking or the notification sound output is stopped. The child device 3 of the illustrated embodiment has a character shape in which a wireless receiving means 10, an electronic mail incoming display means 5, and a means 11 for transmitting a request signal to the parent device are built . When the e-mail arrives, a cute character as shown in the drawing, which is located away from the electronic device 1, makes a voice saying "Email is attached!"

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0040

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The basic configuration of the means and the operation method by the program are basically the same. That is, when it is determined that there is a new electronic mail and the event program is started, the display information generating means 6 designates the address of the slave unit 3 to be used in advance and controls the operation of the electronic mail arrival display means 5 of the designated slave unit 3. An information signal and a hop-up menu signal are generated, and a hop-up menu screen is displayed on the electronic device 1 via the hop-up menu display control means 8. Next, the control information signal is transmitted to the base unit 2 by means 7 for transmitting to the base unit through an interface such as a serial port or a USB port. next,
In the slave unit 2, when a control information signal for controlling the operation of the incoming call display unit 5 is received by the wireless reception unit 10 included therein, the slave unit 2 determines whether the control flag among the received control signals is "start". End "
When it is determined to be "start", the incoming call display means 5 prepared in the slave unit 2 is activated. Then, the electronic mail arrival display means 5 displays characters indicating that an electronic mail has arrived by electronic display, displays aloud by an output voice, sounds a ringtone in combination with these, displays a lamp, It is displayed by vibration or other physical means.

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0043

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The difference between the second type and the first type is that the electronic device 1 sends the contents of the mail (text, sender, presence / absence of mail attached file, reception date and time, etc.) to the child device through the parent device 2. The point is that the content is transmitted to the child device in a wireless manner, and the content of the mail is displayed in character display or voice reading aloud on the child device. It is desirable that the audio information and the display information are transmitted at the same timing.

Continuation of the front page F term (reference) 5K027 AA11 BB01 CC08 EE15 FF22 JJ03 5K030 GA18 HA06 JL01 LD13 LD14 9A001 CC02 CC05 DD10 HH34 JJ14 KK62

Claims (11)

[Claims] An electronic device capable of receiving e-mail, a master unit and a slave unit having a mutual transmission / reception function by wireless communication or infrared communication, and receiving the e-mail to a mail server. E-mail arrival confirmation means for constantly monitoring and confirming the arrival of e-mail, regardless of the use state of the electronic device, and e-mail of the designated sub-device by specifying the address of the sub-device to be used in advance when confirming the reception of the e-mail A control information signal for controlling the operation of the incoming call display means, a display information generating means for generating a hop-up menu signal for the electronic device, a hop-up menu display control means for displaying or canceling the hop-up menu; Opening a connection interface circuit and transmitting a control information signal for controlling operation of the electronic mail arrival display means of the designated slave unit to the master unit Means for transmitting, and the master unit includes a wireless transmission control unit for transmitting or ending the transmission of a control information signal for controlling the operation of the incoming call display unit to the slave unit by wireless communication or infrared communication. The slave unit has a wireless reception unit that receives a control information signal for controlling the operation of the e-mail arrival display unit by wireless communication or infrared communication, and a wireless reception unit that receives the control signal and specifies the own address. When the electronic device is started, the electronic mail arrival display means prepared in advance is operated in the child device to display the arrival of the electronic mail by a lamp or an electronic display, a ring tone is displayed, and the output sound is output. , Display by vibration or other physical means, or an electronic mail arrival display means for displaying these in combination. Incoming e-mail notification device, characterized in that was. 2. A request signal for requesting the child device to stop transmitting an information signal indicating the contents (text, sender, etc.) of the e-mail sent from the parent device to the child device as necessary. And / or a request to start transmitting an information signal indicating the content (text, sender, etc.) of the e-mail transmitted from the parent device to the child device as necessary, or the content of the e-mail (text, sender, etc.) 2. An e-mail arrival notification device according to claim 1, further comprising means for transmitting a request signal to the master unit, such as a request to start skip transmission when there are a plurality of information signals. . 3. When there are a plurality of slave units communicable with a master unit connected to an electronic device capable of receiving e-mail in a communicable area, control information transmitted from any of the plurality of master units. Each child device that has received the signal activates the e-mail arrival display means when the control information signal specifies its own address, and the e-mail arrives at the specific parent device transmitted by the child device. 2. The electronic mail arrival notification device according to claim 1, wherein the message is displayed. 4. When only one master unit is connected to an electronic device capable of receiving an e-mail and there are a plurality of slave units in the communicable area, a control information signal transmitted from the master unit is received. In each of the slave units, when the control information signal specifies its own address, the electronic mail arrival display unit is activated, and the fact that an electronic mail has arrived at the master unit is displayed on the slave unit. The electronic mail arrival notification device according to claim 1, wherein: 5. When there are a plurality of master units connected to an electronic device capable of receiving e-mail and one slave unit exists in the communicable area, the slave unit is shared by a plurality of master units, and When the control information signal transmitted from the master unit is received by the slave unit,
The electronic mail reception display means is activated by specifying which master unit has been transmitted, and it is displayed that an electronic mail has arrived at the specific master unit that has transmitted the electronic mail. An electronic mail arrival notification device according to 1. 6. A computer device, comprising a parent device and a child device having mutual transmission / reception functions by wireless communication or infrared communication, wherein the computer device designates information and files stored in the computer device. Or a means for designating reservations to make designated information, a means for automatically confirming the designated information regardless of the use state of the computer device, a method for automatically confirming reservations, or a method for manually confirming the designated information; Upon confirmation, a control information signal for designating an address of the slave unit to be transmitted in advance and controlling the notification display unit of the designated slave unit, a display information generating unit for generating a hop-up menu signal for the computer device, and a hop-up menu for the computer device Hop-up menu display control means for displaying and canceling menus, and connection to master unit Means for opening an interface circuit and transmitting a control information signal for controlling the operation of the notification display means of the designated slave unit to the master unit, wherein the master unit provides a notification display unit to the slave unit having a reception function. Wireless communication means for transmitting a control information signal for controlling the operation by wireless communication or infrared communication, wherein the slave unit receives the control information signal for controlling the operation of the notification display means by wireless communication or infrared communication; Means, and starts when the received control information signal specifies its own address, and operates the notification display means prepared in advance in the slave unit to use a lamp or an electronic display to indicate that the specified information is present. Display, sound notification sound, sound output, vibration or other physical means, or a combination of these. That the the to and a notification display means adapted to specify information broadcasting device in the computer equipment, characterized in. 7. A means for transmitting to said base unit a request signal for requesting said base unit to stop transmitting designated information to be transmitted to said base unit as required, and / or as required, said base unit A means for transmitting a request signal to the parent device, such as a request to start transmission of specification information to be transmitted to the child device or a request to start skip transmission when there is a plurality of the specification information, is provided. 6. A designated information notification device in a computer device described in 6. 8. When there are a plurality of slave units capable of communicating with a master unit connected to a computer device within a communicable area, each of the slave units receiving a control information signal transmitted from any of the plurality of master units. The slave activates the notification display means when the control information signal specifies its own address, and informs that the designated information is present in the computer connected to the specific master transmitted from the slave. 7. The designated information notifying device in a computer device according to claim 6, wherein the designated information is displayed. 9. When only one master unit is connected to the computer device and there are a plurality of slave units in the communicable area, each slave unit that has received the control information signal transmitted from the master unit. In the case where the control information signal designates its own address, the notification display means is activated, and the fact that the designated information is present in the computer connected to the master unit is displayed in the slave unit. 7. The designated information notification device in a computer device according to claim 6, wherein 10. When there are a plurality of master units connected to a computer device and one slave unit exists in the communicable area,
When the slave unit is shared by a plurality of master units, and the control information signal transmitted from each master unit is received by the slave unit, the master unit identifies which master unit has been transmitted and activates the notification display means,
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a display is provided to the effect that there is designation information in a specific master unit transmitted from said slave unit.
The designated information notification device in the computer device described in. 11. The computer device constantly monitors the arrival of an e-mail to a mail server regardless of the use state of the computer device, confirms the arrival of the e-mail, and stores the received e-mail information. Means for making specified information, means for specifying or reserving information or files stored in the computer device to make specified information, and automatic confirmation of the specified information regardless of the use state of the computer device. And operation control of the designated information confirmation means by a method such as automatic reservation confirmation or manual confirmation, and designation of the address of the child device to be transmitted in advance when the e-mail is received or the specified information is confirmed, and the notification display means of the designated child device Display information generating means for generating a control information signal to be transmitted and a hop-up menu signal to a computer device; A hop-up menu display control means for displaying or canceling the hop-up menu on the communication device, and a control information signal for opening a base unit connection interface circuit and controlling operation of the notification display unit of the designated slave unit. 7. The designated information notifying apparatus for computer equipment according to claim 6, further comprising means for transmitting the information to a computer device.