JP2009278160A - Data synchronization system, charger, portable charger unit, and synchronization program - Google Patents

Abstract

A data synchronization system capable of easily synchronizing data of a portable information terminal with data of an information storage device, a charger used in the data synchronization system, a portable charging unit, and a synchronization program.
A data synchronization system includes a mobile phone 100 capable of storing various data, a PC 1 having a power line communication function, and a charger 101 for charging the mobile phone 100. The charger 101 includes a PLC modem 20 for power line communication with the PC 1 by connecting to the power line 12, and when the mobile phone 100 is electrically connected to the charger 101, a specific type of memory stored therein is stored. A baseband module 22 for outputting data to the PLC modem 20 is included. The PC 1 synchronizes the specific type of data transmitted from the PLC modem 20 with the data stored in the storage device 32.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a data synchronization system, a charger, a portable charging unit, and a synchronization program, and in particular, a data synchronization system, a charger, and a portable device that can store data and programs stored in a portable information terminal in an information storage device. It relates to a charging unit and a synchronization program.

  Conventionally, physical means such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable is used as a means for synchronizing data of a mobile phone device with an information processing device such as a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”). I used it. A mobile phone device and a PC are connected by a USB cable, and synchronization is performed manually by a user operating software on the PC. In the conventional method, it is possible to charge the mobile phone at the same time, but it is troublesome to connect the connector of the mobile phone device and the USB connector of the PC using a dedicated cable for connecting the USB cable. There are also frequent breakage of connectors.

  In general, a battery built in a mobile phone device is charged by using a dedicated charging stand. There is no restriction on the installation location of the dedicated charging stand as long as it has power supply means. However, the dedicated charging stand has no data communication function. Connection is required. For this reason, there is a restriction that the USB cable must be connected within a limited range from the PC.

There have been proposals for connecting a mobile phone and a PC without using a USB cable. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for connecting a mobile phone and a PC via a power line. In this technology, PLC (Power Line Communications) is mentioned as an alternative means of connection with a conventional PC. Patent Document 2 discloses an enrollment management system using a PLC and a mobile phone.
JP 2003-169004 A JP 2007-79654 A

  The connection using the conventional USB cable is very troublesome and complicated because the user needs to manually connect the cable and manually execute the data synchronization software on the PC. Further, since the connector is used for connection, the connector is easily damaged.

  Conventionally, a dedicated charging stand does not have a connector for cable connection and is not equipped with a means for performing data communication. Therefore, data cannot be synchronized using the charging stand. In addition, when performing data communication, since the PC and the mobile phone must be connected using a USB cable in the vicinity of the PC, the installation location is greatly restricted.

  Conventional data synchronization software has been determined to be unusable for each model of mobile phone, and in order to synchronize data using a USB cable for a new model, the software version must be updated frequently. Don't be.

  The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 refers to a method of mounting a PLC on a terminal, but does not describe a specific data synchronization method.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a data synchronization system and data synchronization that can easily synchronize data in a portable information terminal with data in an information storage device. It is to provide a charger, a portable charging unit, and a synchronization program used in the system.

  A data synchronization system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a portable information terminal capable of storing various data, an information storage device having a power line communication function, and a charger for charging the portable information terminal. Including a first communication means for power line communication with the information storage terminal by connecting to the power line, and when the portable information terminal is electrically connected to the charger, the stored specific type of data, The information storage device includes output means for outputting to the first communication means, and synchronizes the specific type of data transmitted from the first communication means with the data stored in the information storage device.

  Preferably, each of the portable information terminal and the information storage device includes first and second storage means for storing various data in association with data identification information, and first and second for performing control for synchronization. The second storage means further stores, as synchronization setting information, data identification information about the synchronization target data instructed by the user, and the second control means stores the second storage means. Based on the synchronization setting information stored in the means, control for synchronization with the data stored in the portable information terminal is performed.

  Preferably, the first control unit includes a detection unit for detecting whether or not the charger is connected, and when the connection is detected by the detection unit, the first control unit performs power line communication to the information processing apparatus via the output unit. First request means for requesting the start.

  Preferably, the information storage device further includes a timing unit that performs a timing operation, the synchronization setting information further includes a synchronization schedule indicating a synchronization timing for each data identification information, and the second control unit includes the first request. A determination means for determining whether the current timing is a synchronization timing based on the synchronization schedule when a start request is received from the means, and a second for requesting a synchronization start when the synchronization timing is determined Request means.

  Preferably, when the second control means receives an instruction to start synchronization from the user, the second control means inquires of the portable information terminal whether or not the portable information terminal is connected to the charger; And a third requesting means for requesting the start of synchronization regardless of whether or not the current timing is the synchronization timing.

  Preferably, the first control unit further includes an encryption unit for encrypting data to be synchronized, and the portable information terminal processes the data encrypted by the encryption unit via the charger. The information storage device further includes a receiving unit for receiving the encrypted data, and the second control unit is a decryption unit for decrypting the encrypted data. And further comprising a conversion means.

  Preferably, the information storage device is a personal computer, and further includes second communication means for performing power line communication by connecting the personal computer and the power line.

  Preferably, the information storage device is a synchronization dedicated terminal, and the synchronization dedicated terminal includes second communication means for performing power line communication by connecting to the power line.

  Preferably, the charger further includes third storage means, and when the first control means is placed on the charger, the synchronization target data stored in the first storage means is stored in the third storage means. The second control means performs control to synchronize the synchronization target data stored in the third storage means with the data stored in the second storage means.

  A charger according to another aspect of the present invention is a charger for charging a portable information terminal used in a data synchronization system for synchronizing data stored in a portable information terminal with data stored in an information storage device. The communication means includes communication means for communicating with the information storage device by power line by connecting to the power line, and the communication means communicates with the portable information terminal via the power line communication means connected to or built in the information storage device. It relays communication for data synchronization with the processing device.

  A portable charging unit according to still another aspect of the present invention includes a portable information terminal and a portable information terminal that are used in a data synchronization system for synchronizing data stored in a portable information terminal with data stored in an information storage device. A portable charging unit including a charger for charging the information storage terminal, and the charger includes a communication unit for power line communication with the information storage terminal by connecting to the power line. The control means requests the start of power line communication via the first communication means when it is detected that it is connected to the charger.

  A synchronization program according to still another aspect of the present invention is a synchronization program for synchronizing data stored in a portable information terminal with data stored in an information storage device by power line communication, wherein the portable information terminal is a charger. Receiving a connection notification indicating that the connection has been established, a step of notifying the mobile information terminal of data identification information of data to be synchronized when a connection notification is received, and a specific type of data received from the mobile information terminal Is synchronized with the data associated with the identification information.

  A synchronization program according to still another aspect of the present invention is a synchronization program for synchronizing data stored in a portable information terminal with data stored in an information storage device through power line communication, and connected to a charger. A step of detecting whether or not, a step of transmitting a connection notification to the information processing device when it is detected that the charger is connected, a step of receiving data identification information of data to be synchronized, and data identification information The mobile information terminal is caused to execute a step of reading out a specific type of data associated with the information and transmitting it to the information storage device.

  According to the present invention, data can be automatically synchronized when charging the portable information terminal. Therefore, the user can easily synchronize the data in the portable information terminal with the data in the information storage device.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

<Configuration of data synchronization system>
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a data synchronization system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the data synchronization system according to the present embodiment includes software (synchronization program) that operates on PC 1 having a PLC function for synchronizing data, mobile phone 100 compatible with the system, And a charger 101 of the mobile phone 100. The charger 101 has a PLC function, detects the placement (connection) of the mobile phone 100, and automatically starts the synchronization process.

  The PC 1 performs a process of synchronizing specific types of data (including programs) stored in the mobile phone 100 with data stored in the PC 1. That is, a process for storing specific types of data stored in the mobile phone 100 in the PC 1 is performed. The “specific type of data” represents a type of data or program designated (set) as a synchronization target by the user. More specifically, it represents data or a program that has been updated and added after the previous synchronization processing, among the types of data or programs specified as synchronization targets by the user.

  The PC 1 is connected to a PLC modem 10 that is a power line communication device via a LAN cable 11. The charger 101 includes a PLC modem 20. A configuration example of the PLC modem 20 will be described later.

  A PLC modem 10 and a charger 101 are connected to the power line 12. The power line 12 may be connected to a dedicated synchronization device (electronic device) 2 having a built-in PLC modem instead of the PC 1.

  The PC 1 includes a communication unit 30, a control unit 31, and a storage device 32 in order to realize the function of data synchronization processing. The communication unit 30 is electrically connected to the PLC modem 10 and communicates with the mobile phone 100. The control unit 31 is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs various arithmetic processes. The storage device 32 stores various data in a nonvolatile manner. The storage device 32 may be, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a removable storage medium (for example, an optical storage medium), or the like.

A hardware block diagram of the PC 1 is shown in FIG.
Referring to FIG. 2, in addition to the communication unit 30, the control unit 31, and the storage device 32, the PC 1 includes an operation unit 33 for receiving instructions from the user, a display unit 34 for displaying various types of information, A clock 35 for performing a timing operation and a CD-ROM drive 36 for reading data and programs recorded on an optical recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory) 36a are provided. The operation unit 33 is configured by a keyboard, for example. The display part 34 is comprised, for example with a liquid crystal. Here, the CD-ROM drive 36 is provided, but in addition to / instead of this, a reading unit for reading data and programs recorded on other recording media such as a flexible disk is provided. Also good.

  Referring to FIG. 1 again, mobile phone 100 includes a charging circuit 21, a baseband module 22, a nonvolatile memory (for example, flash memory) 23, a rechargeable battery 24, a control circuit 25, and a reading unit 26. Including. The control circuit 25 is constituted by, for example, a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes. The reading unit 26 reads data and programs recorded on an external storage medium such as the memory card 26a.

  The mobile phone 100 has two sets of terminals. When the mobile phone 100 is connected to the charger 101 (for example, plugged in, fitted, etc.), one set of terminals is directly connected to the charging circuit 21 and the other One set of terminals is directly connected to the baseband module 22.

  With this configuration, when the mobile phone 100 is connected to the charger 101, the charger 101 starts charging the rechargeable battery 24 via the charging circuit 21, and the power line between the mobile phone 100 and the PC 1 Communication is started. That is, the baseband module 22 built in the mobile phone 100 starts power line communication with the PC 1 via the PLC modem 20 built in the charger 101.

The mobile phone 100 and the charger (cradle) 101 constitute a mobile charging unit.
In addition to the above configuration, the mobile phone 100 further includes various devices (such as an operation unit, a display unit, and an audio output unit) for functioning as a mobile phone.

  Moreover, although this Embodiment demonstrates as a portable information terminal being a mobile phone, if it is a portable information terminal with a built-in rechargeable battery, it will not be limited to a mobile phone. For example, it may be a portable notebook personal computer (laptop computer), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like.

  The PC 1 is typically assumed to be a stationary desktop personal computer, but if it is a computer (information storage device) used only in a limited indoor space such as a home, it is a notebook personal computer or the like. Also good.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the PLC modem 20 built in the charger 101.

  Referring to FIG. 3, PLC modem 20 is coupled to baseband processor 201 that mainly processes wireless communication, nonvolatile memory (for example, flash memory) 202, D / A circuit 203, A / D circuit 204, and power line 12. The coupling circuit 205 is included.

  The transmission data is generated by the control circuit 25 in the mobile phone 100 and transferred to the baseband processor 201 of the charger 101 via the baseband module 22. The digital transmission data is modulated by the baseband processor 201, converted to an analog signal (PLC transmission data) by the D / A circuit 203, sent to the coupling circuit 205, and sent from the coupling circuit 205 to the power line 12.

  The coupling circuit 205 also receives an analog signal (received data by power line carrier communication) transmitted from the power line 12. The analog signal is converted into digital reception data by the A / D circuit 204, demodulated by the baseband processor 201 of the charger 101, and then transferred to the baseband module 22 of the mobile phone 100.

  Thus, the charger 101 becomes a communication interface between the mobile phone 100 and the power line 12 by being connected to the mobile phone 100 and the power line 12, and PLC communication between the mobile phone 100 and the power line 12 is performed. Perform relay processing.

  Here, the data to be synchronized in this system is arbitrary data that the user can save in the mobile phone 100, for example, text data such as address book, schedule and memo pad, music data, image data, etc. It may be. Information that cannot be read and used by the PC 1 can also be a target of synchronization. The information that cannot be used by the PC 1 includes, for example, a mobile phone-dedicated application downloaded by the user, data associated therewith, and the like. Normally, an application dedicated to a mobile phone cannot move data when the terminal is changed, but the application and data dedicated to a mobile phone can be ported to another mobile phone using this system. As a result, the corresponding application can be used in another mobile phone.

  Data synchronization by this system is performed by automatic synchronization software resident on the PC 1 side, and the user can arbitrarily select data to be synchronized. Of the data that can be synchronized, the user can arbitrarily select the synchronization schedule and the data to be synchronized (type), for example, the schedule is daily and the address book is once a week. The synchronization schedule set by the user and the data identification information of the data to be synchronized are stored in the storage device 32 of the PC 1 as synchronization setting information.

  In data synchronization between the PC 1 and the mobile phone 100, it is possible to transmit only data with a difference. When only differential data is transmitted, high speed synchronization is possible.

  The PC 1 incorporates dedicated software for synchronization that is compatible with the mobile phone 100, and the data included in the mobile phone 100 is introduced by introducing unique security when establishing communication between the PC 1 and the mobile phone 100. Can be prevented in advance.

  The security of this system will be specifically described. Arbitrary data automatically saved using this system is transferred to the PC 1 as it is. Therefore, in order to prevent the data of the mobile phone 100 from being wiretapped / falsified, the automatic synchronization system can be encrypted using a public key / private key method such as PGP (Pretty Good Privacy). For example, the production company of the mobile phone 100 encrypts the file using the public key provided by the system in response to the synchronization request of the system and transmits the file. When receiving data in this system, the data is decrypted using the secret key stored in the synchronization software on the PC 1 side and then stored in the PC 1.

  It is assumed that the public key in this system is disclosed to the manufacturer of the mobile phone 100 that has expressed support for this system when the synchronization software on the PC 1 side is produced. It is assumed that the public key is included in the encryption software encryption mechanism on the mobile phone 100 side.

  Similarly, when producing the synchronization software on the PC 1 side in this system, the public key provided by the mobile phone manufacturer is incorporated in the synchronization software. Also, in order to be able to respond flexibly to later models, by creating software so that a public key can be added later as a plug-in or configuration file, the public key provided by the manufacturer can be used at any time until just before use. Can be incorporated.

  In addition, in response to a synchronization request from the mobile phone 100, the present system encrypts using a public key provided by the production company of the mobile phone 100 and transmits data to the mobile phone 100. When the cellular phone 100 receives the difference data, the cellular phone 100 decrypts the difference data using the private key provided inside the cellular phone 100 and provided by the production company of the cellular phone 100 and stores it in the internal nonvolatile memory 23. .

  By implementing the above procedure, it is possible to reduce the possibility of electrical data flowing between the mobile phone 100 and the PC 1 being wiretapped and altered by a third party as much as possible.

  In order to make the synchronization system according to the present embodiment function, it is assumed that the synchronization software downloaded to the PC 1 and the mobile phone 100 are associated in advance by the user. For the association between the synchronization software and the mobile phone 100, for example, an IP address assigned to the charger 101 of the mobile phone 100 is used. The user operates the operation unit 33 in advance to store the IP address of the mobile phone charger to be synchronized with the PC 1 in a predetermined area of the storage device 32. Thereby, the synchronization software can associate the mobile phone 100 to be synchronized with the PC 1.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an image of association between synchronization software and a mobile phone in the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, the IP address of each charger of mobile phones A, B, and C to be synchronized is associated with the synchronization software of PC1. As described above, by associating the synchronization software with the IP address of the charger of the mobile phone, the synchronization processing can be performed between one PC and a plurality of mobile phones A, B, and C. Similarly, synchronization processing can be performed between a plurality of PCs and one mobile phone.

<About data structure>
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a data structure example of the synchronization setting information 50 stored in the storage device 32 of the PC 1. Referring to FIG. 5, synchronization setting information 50 includes two items, a genre ID and a synchronization schedule, which are associated with each other. The genre ID is data identification information (file identification information) for identifying the type of data (file) to be synchronized. For example, a genre ID assigned in advance to an address book, mail, or the like is stored. The synchronization schedule is data for specifying the timing (hereinafter referred to as “synchronization timing”) for executing the synchronization processing for each genre (data type). For example, “daily”, “every 3 days”, “1” “Every week” is stored.

  The genre ID included in the synchronization setting information 50 does not necessarily need to be identification information of data (file) stored in the storage device 32 of the PC 1, and data and programs that can be stored in the nonvolatile memory 23 of the mobile phone 100 are not necessarily included. It may be identification information. That is, the user can select a predetermined plurality of types of data and programs stored in the mobile phone 100 as synchronization targets via the operation unit 33 of the PC 1.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a data structure example of the genre information 60 stored in the storage device 32 of the PC 1.

  Referring to FIG. 6, genre information 60 includes three items, ie, a genre ID, a genre name (such as an address book), and one or more files, each of which is stored in association with each other. Each file includes a file ID, a synchronized flag, an update date and time, and a plurality of contents data.

  The file ID is data for uniquely identifying files in the same genre. The synchronized flag is data for identifying whether or not the synchronization is completed, and 1 is recorded if the synchronization is completed, and 0 is recorded if the synchronization is not performed. The synchronized flag of the newly added / updated file is set to 0 as unsynchronized. The update date / time records the date / time when the file was added / updated. The “plural content data” is data that can be synchronized, and includes, for example, name data, telephone number data, mail address data, etc. when the genre is an address book.

  In the present embodiment, synchronization is performed in units of files, but it is also possible to synchronize in units of content data in files. In that case, for each content data, the synchronized flag and the update date and time are stored in association with each other.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a data structure example of genre information 70 stored in the nonvolatile memory 23 of the mobile phone 100.

  Referring to FIG. 7, in mobile phone 100 as well, genre information 70 includes genre ID, genre name (such as an address book), and one or more files. Each item is stored in association with each other. Each file includes a file ID, a synchronized flag, a non-synchronized flag, an update date and time, and a plurality of contents data. The only difference from the genre information 60 is that each file includes a non-synchronization flag. The non-synchronization flag identifies whether or not it is registered in the secret data. If the file is registered in the secret data by the user, 1 is set; otherwise, 0 is set.

  The synchronized flag is referred to when a synchronization start request is exchanged between the PC 1 and the mobile phone 100, and synchronization is performed on data for which either synchronized flag is cancelled.

  The synchronized flag on the PC 1 side is canceled (updated from 1 to 0) for the data for which forced synchronization is set by the setting of the synchronization software. By setting in this way, it becomes possible to forcibly synchronize even synchronized data.

  Since the synchronized flag on the mobile phone 100 side is canceled (updated from 1 to 0) at the timing when the data is updated even after synchronization, a simple sequence is prevented by preventing the file from being updated or added. Can be synchronized.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that PC 1 and mobile phone 100 each set the synchronized flag to 1 when stored data such as mail and address is updated or added.

<About operation>
FIG. 8 shows a schematic signal flow between the PC 1 and the mobile phone 100 in the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 8, when detecting that the mobile phone 100 is placed on the charger 101, the mobile phone 100 requests the PC 1 to start PLC communication (step S1). When the PC 1 receives the request in step S1, if it is a synchronization schedule set in advance by the user, the PC 1 notifies the mobile phone 100 of a synchronization start request (step S2).

  If the synchronization can be started, the mobile phone 100 notifies the synchronization start (step S3). When the PC 1 receives the notification in step S3, the PC 1 reads the synchronization setting information stored in the storage device 32, and notifies the mobile phone 100 of the genre ID of data to be synchronized (step S4).

  The mobile phone 100 transmits the file (synchronization file) of the genre ID requested in step S4 to the PC 1 via the charger 101 (step S5). At the time of transmission, update date data is also added.

  Upon receipt of the request file in step S5, the PC 1 determines whether synchronization is necessary based on the update date / time data of each file, and executes data synchronization if necessary. That is, the received data (request file) is stored in the corresponding area of the storage device 32. For files that have been synchronized, the synchronized flag is set to 1 and the identification information is updated.

  When the synchronization is completed, the PC 1 sends a message that the synchronization of the corresponding file is completed to the mobile phone 100 (steps S6 and S7). The mobile phone 100 that has received the synchronization completion message sets the synchronized flag to 1 for the corresponding file.

While the synchronization target exists, the processes in steps S4 to S6 (S7) are repeated.
When all the data that needs to be synchronized is completed, the mobile phone 100 transmits a notification of no synchronization data to the PC 1 (step S8). When the PC 1 receives the notification of no synchronization data, the PC 1 ends the synchronization process.

  Next, a specific processing procedure of the synchronization system in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagrams of FIGS.

  9 and 10 are sequence diagrams showing a flow of data synchronization processing executed by PC 1 and mobile phone 100 in the synchronization system according to the embodiment of the present invention. The processes executed by the PC 1 and the mobile phone 100 shown in the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 9 and 10 are stored in advance in the storage device 32 and the nonvolatile memory 23 as a synchronization program (application program), respectively. The control unit 31 and the control circuit 25 read out and execute this synchronization program, thereby realizing the function of data synchronization processing.

  With reference to FIG. 9, first, the mobile phone 100 detects whether or not the mobile phone 100 is placed on the charger 101 (step S102). The placement can be detected, for example, by detecting whether or not charging of the rechargeable battery 24 by the charging circuit 21 is started. More specifically, for example, it is possible to detect a change in current from the charging circuit 21 to the rechargeable battery 24. Here, the control unit 31 of the mobile phone 100 detects the connection with the charger 101, but the baseband processor 201 of the charger 101 detects the connection with the mobile phone 100. Also good.

  When the control circuit 25 of the mobile phone 100 detects that it is placed on the charger 101 (YES in step S102), charging of the mobile phone 100 is started and the baseband module 22 places the charger on the charger. Is notified to the PC 1 (step S104). That is, the placement notification is transmitted from the baseband module 22 to the communication unit 30 via the PLC modem 20, the power line 12, and the PLC modem 10 of the charger 101.

  The control unit 31 of the PC 1 determines whether or not the communication unit 30 has received the charger placement notification (step S106). When communication unit 30 receives the charger placement notification (YES in step S106), control unit 31 reads synchronization setting information 50 stored in storage device 32 (step S108). The read synchronization setting information 50 is temporarily recorded in an internal memory (not shown) of the control unit 31.

  Next, based on the read synchronization setting information 50, the control unit 31 of the PC 1 determines whether or not the present is within the synchronization schedule, that is, whether or not there is a genre (file type) of timing to be synchronized. (Step S110). Specifically, based on the synchronization schedule for each genre and the previous synchronization date and time for the genre, it is determined whether there is a file of synchronization timing. Note that the data of the previous synchronization date and time for each genre is also preferably included in the setting information 50.

  When it is determined that the current time is within the synchronization schedule (YES in step S110), the PC 1 requests the mobile phone 100 to start synchronization from the communication unit 30 (step S112). On the other hand, when it is determined that the current time is not within the synchronization schedule (NO in step S110), the data synchronization process is terminated.

  When the baseband module 22 of the mobile phone 100 receives the synchronization start request (step S114), the control circuit 25 determines whether synchronization is possible (step S116). Specifically, for example, it is determined whether or not the busy state.

  When it is determined that synchronization is possible (YES in step S116), the baseband module 22 of the mobile phone 100 notifies the PC 1 that synchronization is possible (step S118). On the other hand, when it is determined that synchronization is impossible (NO in step S116), the data synchronization process is terminated.

  Next, the control unit 31 of the PC 1 determines whether or not a synchronization possible notification has been received within a predetermined period (step S120). If no synchronization possible notification is received within a predetermined period (for example, 1 minute) (NO in step S120), the data synchronization process is terminated. When a synchronization possible notification is received within a predetermined period (YES in step S120), identification information of data to be synchronized is notified from the synchronization setting information 50 read in step S108 (step S122). Specifically, the mobile phone 100 is notified of the genre ID of the genre whose synchronization timing is now.

  When the baseband module 22 receives the data identification information (genre ID) (step S124), the control circuit 25 of the mobile phone 100 determines whether the data identified by the received data identification information has a synchronization target. Is determined (step S126). That is, the control circuit 25 searches the genre information 70 stored in the non-volatile memory 23, the synchronized flag is canceled (flag value = 0) in the file group of the notified genre ID, and is not subject to synchronization. A file with a flag of 0 (not excluded) is extracted.

  When it is determined that there is a synchronization target (YES in step S126), the control circuit 25 of the mobile phone 100 creates a synchronization target list, and transmits the created list to the PC 1 via the baseband module 22 (step). S130). Specifically, the file IDs of files searched for synchronization are sent as a list. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no synchronization target (NO in step S126), PC 1 is notified that there is no synchronization data (step S128).

  The control unit 31 of the PC 1 determines whether or not the synchronization target list has been received from the mobile phone 100 via the communication unit 30 (step S132). If it is determined that the synchronization target list has been received (YES in step S132), the PC 1 requests the mobile phone 100 to transmit one file of the received list (step S134). On the other hand, if it is determined that the synchronization target list has not been received (NO in step S132), that is, if it is notified that there is no synchronization data, the data synchronization processing is terminated.

  Referring to FIG. 10, when data transmission is requested from PC 1, control circuit 25 of mobile phone 100 reads the file with the requested file ID from nonvolatile memory 23 (step S136). The control circuit 25 of the mobile phone 100 encrypts the read file (content data) (step S138) and transmits the encrypted file to the PC 1 (step S140). Since the encryption method is as described above, description thereof will not be repeated here. When an encrypted file is transmitted, update date / time data of the corresponding file is also transmitted. Alternatively, both the content data and the update date / time data may be encrypted.

  The PC 1 determines whether or not a file has been received within a predetermined period (for example, 1 minute) (step S142). If the file is not received within the predetermined period (NO in step S142), the data synchronization process is terminated. If the file is received within the predetermined period (YES in step S142), the control unit 31 of the PC 1 decrypts the received file (step S144). Since the decoding method is also as described above, description thereof will not be repeated here.

  The control unit 31 of the PC 1 determines whether synchronization is necessary based on the received file update date / time data (step S146). That is, it is determined whether or not the update date and time of the received file is newer than the update date and time of the file stored in the storage device 32. By making such a determination, it is possible to prevent rewriting to data older than the data stored in the PC 1.

  If it is determined that synchronization is required (YES in step S146), the process proceeds to step S148. On the other hand, when it is determined that synchronization is not necessary (NO in step S146), the process proceeds to step S162.

  In step S148, the control unit 31 of the PC 1 stores the decrypted file in the storage device 32 together with the update date and time. That is, a process of synchronizing data stored in the nonvolatile memory 23 of the mobile phone 100 with data stored in the storage device 32 is performed. More specifically, the content data of the genre information 60 of the file ID requested in step S134 is rewritten with the received content data. Thereby, the data (including the program) in the PC 1 is automatically updated to the data changed by the mobile phone 100. If the genre information of the file ID requested in step S134 is not on the PC 1 side, new genre information is added to the storage device 32. Thereby, the data (including the program) added by the mobile phone 100 can also be automatically stored in the PC 1.

  When the synchronization is completed, the control unit 31 of the PC 1 sets the synchronized flag of the synchronized data to 1 (step S150). Then, the PC 1 transmits a synchronized notification to the mobile phone 100 (step S152). When the cellular phone 100 receives the synchronized notification (step S154), the control circuit 25 sets the synchronized flag of the transmitted file to 1 (step S156).

  Next, the control circuit 25 of the mobile phone 100 determines whether or not there is no synchronization target (step S158). That is, it is determined whether or not there remains a file for which the synchronized flag is canceled (flag value is 0). If it is determined that there remains a synchronization target (NO in step S158), the processes in steps S134 to S156 are repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that no synchronization target remains (YES in step S158), mobile phone 100 transmits a notification of no synchronization target to PC 1 (step S160).

  In step S162, the control unit 31 of the PC 1 determines whether the synchronization of all the files in the file list has been completed or the notification of no synchronization target has been received. If it is determined that the synchronization of all files has not been completed and the notification of no synchronization target has been received (NO in step S162), the process returns to step S134. On the other hand, when it is determined that the synchronization of all files in the file list has been completed, or when it is determined that the notification of no synchronization target has been received (YES in step S158), the data synchronization process is terminated.

  The rechargeable battery 24 built in the mobile phone 100 is charged on a daily basis. In general, the mobile phone 100 is charged by being placed on the dedicated charger 101. In the present embodiment, when the user charges mobile phone 100, the difference in data in mobile phone 100 can be automatically synchronized with PC1. Therefore, it is not necessary to newly connect a separate cable at the time of data synchronization, and there is no need for troublesome operations related to synchronization. In addition, since there is no cable insertion / extraction, there is no risk of connector damage.

  In the present embodiment, placing the mobile phone 100 on the charger 101 is used as a trigger for starting communication, but a user operation may be used as a trigger for starting communication. FIG. 11 shows a schematic signal flow between the PC 1 and the mobile phone 100 in such a case.

  Referring to FIG. 11, when the user instructs the start of synchronization via operation unit 33 of PC 1, PC 1 confirms whether mobile phone 100 is placed on charger 101 (charging holder placement confirmation). ) Request is transmitted to the PLC modem 20 (step S0). If so, the request is transferred from the PLC modem 20 to the control circuit 25 via the baseband module 22, and the control circuit 25 notifies the PC 1 that the charging holder has been placed (step S1 ′). . Then, the PC 1 reads the synchronization setting information 50, outputs a synchronization start request (without confirming the schedule) (step S2), and thereafter the same processing as described above is executed.

  On the other hand, if the mobile phone 100 is not placed, the notification that the charging holder is placed is not transmitted to the PC 1, and the subsequent processing ends without being executed.

  As described above, by enabling the data synchronization process to be started by the user's operation, the user can store the data stored in the mobile phone 100 at an arbitrary timing without being conscious of how the schedule is set. It can be synchronized with the data in the PC 1. Therefore, for example, when replacing the mobile phone 100, all desired data (including programs) stored in the mobile phone 100 can be stored in the PC 1 in a single process.

  In the above flowchart, only the case where the data of the mobile phone 100 is synchronized with the data of the PC 1 is shown. However, the data of the PC 1 can also be synchronized with the data of the mobile phone 100.

  Further, the charger 101 may further incorporate a nonvolatile storage device (not shown). That is, the charger 101 may have a function as an external storage medium. In this case, when the mobile phone 100 is placed on the charger 101, the mobile phone 100 transmits synchronization target data (data for which the synchronized flag is released and the synchronization target non-set flag is not set) to the charger 101. The data is stored in a storage device (not shown). Thereby, when a user starts a synchronization request by this system, it is possible to perform synchronization on data in the charger 101 even when the mobile phone 100 is not placed. The memory measure (not shown) of the charger 101 can be implemented by reading and writing from the system of the mobile phone 100 and the PC 1.

  By standardizing the communication start method, synchronization method, synchronization sequence, etc. in the present embodiment as described above, it is possible to eliminate the dependence on the mobile phone model, and between mobile phones that comply with the standard. Data synchronization and data migration operations can be performed easily.

  Note that the information storage device that is a storage destination of data synchronized with the data in the mobile phone 100 is not limited to the PC 1, and can be realized using the dedicated synchronization terminal 2. The dedicated synchronization terminal 2 incorporates a PLC modem 3, a processor such as a CPU (not shown), and a nonvolatile storage device, and stores automatic synchronization software resident in the PC 1 in the storage device. That is, the storage device (not shown) of the synchronization dedicated terminal 2 only needs to have a data storage area and a synchronization dedicated program area, and the mobile phone 100 can be placed on the charger 101 via the PLC modem 20. As described above, the data synchronization processing as described above can be performed. Note that the dedicated synchronization terminal 2 is preferably provided with an operation unit and a clock necessary for setting the synchronization setting information in advance.

  As described above, by using the dedicated synchronization terminal 2 compliant with the above-mentioned standard, even a user who does not have a PC can easily synchronize data between mobile phones of different models and manufacturers.

  In addition, the data synchronization method performed by the information storage device (PC or dedicated synchronization terminal) of the present invention and the data synchronization method performed by the portable information terminal (for example, a mobile phone) may be provided as programs (data synchronization programs), respectively. it can. Such a program can be recorded on an optical medium such as a CD-ROM or a computer-readable recording medium such as a memory card and provided as a program product. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  The program according to the present invention is a program module that is provided as a part of a computer operating system (OS) and calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. Also good. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. Note that the program product includes the program itself and a storage medium in which the program is stored.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 is a conceptual diagram of a data synchronization system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a hardware block diagram of PC in the data synchronization system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the PLC modem built in the charger in the data synchronous system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the image of the correlation with the synchronization software and mobile telephone in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of the synchronous setting information memorize | stored in the memory | storage device of PC. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of the genre information memorize | stored in the memory | storage device of PC. It is a figure which shows the data structural example of the genre information memorize | stored in the non-volatile memory of a mobile telephone. It is a sequence diagram which shows the schematic signal flow between PC and a mobile telephone. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of the data synchronous process which PC and a mobile telephone perform in the synchronous system in embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of the data synchronous process which PC and a mobile telephone perform in the synchronous system in embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the other flow of the schematic signal between PC and a mobile telephone.

Explanation of symbols

  1 PC (personal computer), 2 dedicated synchronization terminal, 3 PLC modem, 10 PLC modem, 11 LAN cable, 12 power line, 20 PLC modem, 21 charging circuit, 22 baseband module, 23 nonvolatile memory, 24 rechargeable battery, 25 control Circuit, 26a memory card, 26 reading unit, 30 communication unit, 31 control unit, 32 storage device, 33 operation unit, 34 display unit, 35 clock, 36 CD-ROM drive, 50 synchronization setting information, 60, 70 genre information, 100 cellular phone, 101 charger, 201 baseband processor, 203 D / A circuit, 204 A / D circuit, 205 coupling circuit.

Claims (13)

A portable information terminal capable of storing various data;
An information storage device having a power line communication function;
A charger for charging the portable information terminal,
The charger includes a first communication means for performing power line communication with the information storage terminal by connecting to a power line,
The portable information terminal includes output means for outputting the stored specific type of data to the first communication means when electrically connected to the charger.
The data storage system, wherein the information storage device synchronizes the specific type of data transmitted from the first communication means with data stored in the information storage device. The portable information terminal and the information storage device are respectively
First and second storage means for storing various data in association with data identification information;
First and second control means for performing control for synchronization,
The second storage means further stores data identification information about synchronization target data instructed by the user as synchronization setting information,
The said 2nd control means performs control for the synchronization with the data memorize | stored in the said portable information terminal based on the said synchronization setting information memorize | stored in the said 2nd memory | storage means. Data synchronization system. The first control means includes
Detecting means for detecting whether or not connected to the charger;
3. The data synchronization system according to claim 2, further comprising: a first request unit configured to request the information processing apparatus to start power line communication via the output unit when a connection is detected by the detection unit. . The information storage device further includes timing means for performing a timing operation,
The synchronization setting information further includes a synchronization schedule representing a synchronization timing for each data identification information,
The second control means includes
When receiving a start request from the first request means, based on the synchronization schedule, a determination means for determining whether or not the current timing is synchronization;
4. The data synchronization system according to claim 3, further comprising second request means for requesting the start of synchronization when the synchronization timing is determined. The second control means includes
Means for inquiring of the portable information terminal whether or not the portable information terminal is connected to the charger when receiving an instruction to start synchronization from the user;
When receiving a reply that the portable information terminal and the charger are connected, a third request means for requesting the start of synchronization regardless of whether or not the present timing is a synchronization timing; The data synchronization system according to claim 4, further comprising: The first control unit further includes an encryption unit for encrypting data to be synchronized,
The portable information terminal further includes transmission means for transmitting the data encrypted by the encryption means to the information processing apparatus via the charger,
The information storage device further includes receiving means for receiving the encrypted data,
The data synchronization system according to claim 2, wherein the second control unit further includes a decryption unit for decrypting the encrypted data. The information storage device is a personal computer,
The data synchronization system according to claim 1, further comprising second communication means for performing power line communication by connecting the personal computer and the power line. The information storage device is a dedicated synchronization terminal;
The data synchronization system according to claim 1, wherein the synchronization dedicated terminal includes a second communication unit for performing power line communication by connecting to the power line. The charger further includes third storage means,
When the first control unit is placed on the charger, the synchronization target data stored in the first storage unit is stored in the third storage unit,
8. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the second control unit performs control to synchronize data to be synchronized stored in the third storage unit with data stored in the second storage unit. The data synchronization system described in 1. A charger for charging the portable information terminal used in a data synchronization system for synchronizing data stored in a portable information terminal with data stored in an information storage device,
Including communication means for communicating with the information storage device by power line by connecting to the power line;
The charger is a charger that relays communication for data synchronization between the portable information terminal and the information processing device via a power line communication unit connected to or built in the information storage device. The portable information terminal used in a data synchronization system for synchronizing data stored in a portable information terminal with data stored in an information storage device, and a charger for charging the portable information terminal A portable charging unit,
The charger includes communication means for performing power line communication with the information storage terminal by connecting to a power line,
The portable information terminal includes control means for performing control for synchronization,
The portable charging unit that requests the start of power line communication via the first communication unit when the control unit detects that it is connected to the charger. A synchronization program for synchronizing data stored in a portable information terminal with power line communication with data stored in an information storage device,
Receiving a connection notification that the portable information terminal is connected to a charger;
Notifying the mobile information terminal of data identification information of data to be synchronized when the connection notification is received;
A synchronization program for causing an information storage device to execute a step of synchronizing a specific type of data received from the portable information terminal with data associated with the identification information. A synchronization program for synchronizing data stored in a portable information terminal with power line communication with data stored in an information storage device,
Detecting whether or not connected to the charger;
A step of transmitting a connection notification to the information processing device when it is detected that the charger is connected;
Receiving data identification information of data to be synchronized;
A synchronization program that causes a portable information terminal to execute a step of reading a specific type of data associated with the data identification information and transmitting the data to the information storage device.

Images