WO2014103091A1 - Portable terminal, module apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To perform optimum power supply with respect to each of removably attached module apparatuses having an additional function. [Solution] This portable terminal is provided with: a wireless unit (50) for expanding the functions of the portable terminal, said wireless unit communicating with a removably attached module apparatus; a power supply unit (51) that supplies power to each of units of the portable terminal; and a power managing unit (52) that controls the power supply from the power supply unit (51) to the module apparatus, on the basis of power consumption information received from the module apparatus via the wireless unit (50) when initially setting the module apparatus.

Description

Mobile terminal, module device, and program

The present invention relates to a portable terminal, a module device, and a program.

In recent years, by attaching an exterior cover (dressing cover) to the casing of a mobile terminal (smart phone, mobile phone, PHS), the user can differentiate from other users who are using the same model. You can see many. In this case, there are many users who try to differentiate mainly in design by attaching an exterior cover.

On the other hand, a sensor module (hereinafter referred to as a module device) that can be easily mounted on a portable terminal has been proposed. A module device is a detachable device having an additional function. A user can change a desired function or expand a function only by changing a module device to be mounted.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an exterior panel that is detachably attached to the back surface of a mobile terminal, and a plurality of electronic circuits (corresponding to module devices) that are detachably attached to the exterior panel and have a predetermined function. A technology for executing various functions with one exterior panel has been proposed.

Further, in Patent Document 2, a module device having a sensor element and a sensor data processing unit is detachably mounted on the back surface of a mobile phone, and power is supplied in a non-contact manner from the main body. Techniques for transmitting and receiving data by communication have been proposed.

Patent Documents 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 also propose a technique for providing an additional function by providing a module device for function expansion on an exterior cover that is detachably attached to a portable terminal. .

JP 2006-173729 A JP 2012-049846 A JP 2002-271460 A JP 2007-228275 A Japanese Patent No. 4821542 JP 2008-061125 A JP 2007-116375 A

Incidentally, in Patent Documents 1 to 7 described above, power is supplied from the mobile terminal body to the module device mounted for function expansion on the front and back surfaces of the terminal or the terminal exterior cover. Since the power consumption differs for each module device, it is necessary to supply an optimum power for each module device. On the other hand, in recent mobile terminals, for power saving, each function circuit in the mobile terminal, such as reducing the brightness in the display unit, reducing the communication speed in the communication unit, or reducing the processing speed in the control unit, is supported. Power management. However, in Patent Documents 1 to 7 described above, there is no consideration for a module device that is mounted for function expansion later, and there is a problem that power saving of the mobile terminal is hindered.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a portable terminal, a module device, and a program that can perform optimal power supply for each detachably mounted module device having an additional function.

The mobile terminal of the present invention includes a wireless unit that communicates with a detachably mounted module device for extending the function of the mobile terminal, a power supply unit that supplies power to each unit of the mobile terminal, and the module device And a power management unit that controls power supplied from the power supply unit to the module device based on power consumption information received from the module device via the wireless unit at the time of initial setting. It is a terminal.

The module device according to the present invention includes a wireless unit that performs data communication with a mobile terminal, a functional circuit unit that expands functions of the mobile terminal, and supply power received from the mobile terminal when attached to the mobile terminal. Is provided to each part of the module device, and when attached to the portable terminal, a control unit that transmits power consumption information of the module device to the portable terminal via the wireless unit. This is a module device.

The program according to the present invention includes a wireless function that communicates with a detachably mounted module device for extending the functions of the mobile terminal to a computer of the mobile terminal, and a power supply function that supplies power to each unit of the mobile terminal And executing a power management function for controlling power supplied from the power supply function to the module device based on power consumption information received from the module device via the wireless function during initial setting of the module device. Is a program characterized by

The program of the present invention includes a wireless function for performing data communication with a mobile terminal, a function expansion function for extending the function of the mobile terminal, and power reception from the mobile terminal when installed in the mobile terminal. A power control function for supplying the supplied power to each part of the module device, and a control function for transmitting power consumption information of the module device to the mobile terminal via the wireless function when attached to the mobile terminal. A program characterized by being executed.

According to the present invention, it is possible to perform optimal power supply for each detachably mounted module device having an additional function.

It is a perspective view which shows the mounting condition of the module apparatus 10, the exterior cover 20, and the portable terminal 30 by this 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the module apparatus 10 and the portable terminal 30 of this 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the module apparatus 10 by this 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement with the portable terminal 30 by this 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the mounting condition of the module apparatus 10, the exterior cover 20, and the portable terminal 30 by this 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the module apparatus 10 and the portable terminal 30 of this 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the module apparatus 10 by this 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement with the portable terminal 30 by this 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the mounting condition of the module apparatus 10, the exterior covers 20, 40, the portable terminal 30, and the tablet terminal 42 by this 3rd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the mounting condition of the module apparatus 10, the exterior cover 20, and the portable terminal 30 by this 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the module apparatus 10 and the portable terminal 30 of this 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the module apparatus 10 by this 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement with the portable terminal 30 by this 4th Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the mounting condition of the module apparatus 10a, the exterior cover 20, and the portable terminal 30 by the modification of this 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the module apparatus 10 by the modification of this 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement with the portable terminal 30 by the modification of this 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of Additional remark 1.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

A. 1st Embodiment FIG. 1 (a), (b) is a perspective view which shows the mounting condition of the module apparatus 10, the exterior cover 20, and the portable terminal 30 by this 1st Embodiment. In FIG. 1A, the module device 10 is equipped with an electronic circuit for realizing a predetermined additional function, a wireless communication circuit, and the like. Further, the module device 10 includes a terminal portion 11 exposed to the outside in order to receive power from a portable terminal 30 described later. The module device 10 is detachably mounted on a module mounting portion 21 provided on the exterior cover 20. The exterior cover 20 is provided with a module mounting portion 21 for mounting the module device 10. The module device 10 is fixed so as to be fitted into the module mounting portion 21. The exterior cover 20 is detachably attached to the mobile terminal 30. As shown in FIG. 1A, the mobile terminal 30 includes a terminal portion 31 for supplying power to the module device 10 at a position where the terminal portion 11 of the module device 10 mounted on the exterior cover 20 contacts. .

As shown in FIG. 1B, by attaching the exterior cover 20 to which the module device 10 is attached to the mobile terminal 30, the terminal portion 11 of the module device 10 and the terminal portion 31 of the mobile terminal 30 come into contact with each other. Power is supplied from the portable terminal 30 to the module device 10. However, it is not a means for connection by contact with the terminal portions 11 and 31 as shown, but a means for connection by fitting a so-called male connector and female connector. Also good. By attaching the module device 10 to the exterior cover 20 to obtain a function-equipped exterior cover and attaching the module device 10 to the mobile terminal 30, the function of the module device 10 can be added to the mobile terminal 30. Furthermore, by exchanging the module device 10, the additional function of the portable terminal 30 can be changed, and expandability can be provided.

In the first embodiment, the mounting mechanism for mounting the outer cover 20 on the module mounting portion 21 of the module device 10 and the mounting mechanism for mounting the outer cover 20 on the mobile terminal 30 may be of any type as long as the mechanism is removable. Does not matter. In particular, the reason why the module device 10 is detachable is that (1) the module device 10 can be replaced to change the additional function of the mobile terminal 30, and (2) the exterior cover of the mobile terminal having a different shape. This is because the same module device 10 can be used if the module mounting portion 21 has the same mechanism. By adopting such a mechanism configuration, in addition to the functions of the mobile terminal 30, it is possible to have the additional function of the module device 10 and to expand the expandability.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the module device 10 and the mobile terminal 30 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, it is assumed that the module device 10 is mounted on the portable terminal 30 in a state where the module device 10 is a function-equipped outer cover mounted on the outer cover 20. The module device 10 includes a terminal unit 11, a power supply control unit 12, a wireless unit 13, a functional circuit 14, and a CPU 15. The power supply control unit 12 supplies the power supplied from the mobile terminal 30 via the terminal unit 11 to each unit. The wireless unit 13 performs data communication with the portable terminal 30 (module wireless unit 37) and wireless (short-range wireless communication such as WiFi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark)) under the control of the CPU 15 described later. . The functional circuit 14 is a circuit for realizing an additional function by the module device 10.

CPU 15 controls the operation of each unit according to a program (not shown). In particular, in this embodiment, when the CPU 15 is attached to the mobile terminal 30, the power consumption information is transmitted to the mobile terminal 30 via the wireless unit 13. The power consumption information indicates the power (appropriate power) required by the module device 10. Based on the power consumption information received from the module device 10, the mobile terminal 30 can supply power to the module device 10 so as to perform optimal power supply without hindering power saving of the mobile terminal 30. It becomes possible.

The portable terminal 30 includes a terminal unit 31, a power supply unit 32, a display unit 33, a memory 34, an application 35, a key input unit 36, a module radio unit 37, a power management unit 38, and a CPU 39. The power supply unit 32 includes a rechargeable secondary battery and the like, supplies power to each unit, and supplies power to the module device 10 through the terminal unit 31 under the control of the CPU 39. The display unit 33 includes a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, and the like, and displays various information. The memory 34 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, and stores a control program executed by the CPU 39, various parameters, various data generated by executing the program, and the like. In particular, in the present embodiment, the CPU 39 registers the power consumption information received from the module device 10 in the power management unit 38 of the memory 34. The memory 34 may be a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory.

The application 35 is an application program executed on the mobile terminal 30. For example, the additional function of the module device 10 may be realized as an additional function that cooperates with the function of the application 35. The key input unit 36 is a hardware key such as a power switch or a volume switch. The module radio unit 37 performs data communication with the module device 10 (the radio unit 13 thereof) attached by the exterior cover 20 by radio (near-field radio communication such as WiFi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.). The power management unit 38 controls power supply from the power supply unit 32 to the module device 10 in accordance with the registered power consumption information. Thereby, it is possible to perform optimal power supply without hindering power saving of the mobile terminal 30. The CPU 39 executes the control program in the memory 34 and controls the operation of each unit.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the module device 10 according to the first embodiment. In the module device 10, power is supplied to each part including the CPU 15 by being attached to the mobile terminal 30 via the exterior cover 20, so that power is supplied to the terminal part 31 of the mobile terminal 30 and the terminal part 11 of the mobile terminal 30. (Step S10). CPU15 transmits power consumption information via the radio | wireless part 13 after starting (step S12).

Next, the CPU 15 determines whether or not an ACK indicating that the power consumption information has been received from the mobile terminal 30 has been received (step S14), and transmits the power consumption information in step S12 until the ACK is received. repeat. On the other hand, if CPU15 receives ACK from the portable terminal 30 (step S14 YES), the said process will be complete | finished. Thereafter, the module device 10 operates to provide an additional function by the functional circuit 14.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation with the mobile terminal 30 according to the first embodiment. In the portable terminal 30, the CPU 39 first determines whether or not the module device 10 is mounted (step S20). Whether the module device 10 is not mounted / mounted may be determined, for example, by detecting that the terminal portion 11 of the module device 10 is electrically connected (contacted) to the terminal portion 31 of the mobile terminal 30. And when the module apparatus 10 is not mounted | worn (NO of step S20), the said process is complete | finished.

On the other hand, when the module device 10 is mounted (YES in step S20), the power consumption information transmitted from the module device 10 is received via the module radio unit 37 (step S22). Next, the CPU 39 transmits an ACK notifying that the power consumption information has been received (step S24). Then, the CPU 39 registers the received power consumption information in the power management unit 38 (step S26). Thereafter, the power management unit 38 controls power supply from the power supply unit 32 to the module device 10 according to the registered power consumption information.

According to the above-described first embodiment, when the module device 10 is attached to the mobile terminal 30 via the exterior cover 20, the power management unit 38 of the mobile terminal 30 according to the power consumption information transmitted from the module device 10. Since power supply to the module device 10 by the power supply unit 32 is controlled, optimal power supply can be performed without hindering power saving of the mobile terminal 30.

In the first embodiment described above, one module device 10 has been described. However, even when the module device 10 is replaced with another module device having another additional function, the module device 10 is replaced each time. By acquiring the power consumption information of the other module device, it is possible to supply power appropriate for the other module device.

B. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The second embodiment is characterized in that the module device 10 and the portable terminal 30 perform data communication and power supply / reception by non-contact power feeding through their wireless means. When power is supplied from the mobile terminal 30 to the module device 10 by non-contact power supply (wireless power supply), it is important to match the power consumption of the module device 10 and the transmission power of the mobile terminal 30. The power consumption information delivery / power feeding control as in the first embodiment is required more than in the first embodiment.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views showing a mounting state of the module device 10, the exterior cover 20, and the mobile terminal 30 according to the second embodiment. It should be noted that portions corresponding to those in FIG. The difference from the first embodiment is that the module device 10 and the portable terminal 30 supply and receive power through data communication and non-contact power feeding through their respective radio units as shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b). Therefore, the module device 10 does not include the terminal unit 11, and the mobile terminal 30 does not include the terminal unit 31. Of course, one or both of the module device 10 and the portable terminal 30 may be provided with the terminal portions 11 and 31, but they are not used in the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the module device 10 and the mobile terminal 30 according to the second embodiment. It should be noted that parts corresponding to those in FIG. In FIG. 5, the wireless unit 13 a of the module device 10 performs non-contact power reception with the mobile terminal 30 and performs wireless communication (short-range wireless communication such as Felica (registered trademark) and Suica (registered trademark)). . The power control unit 12a supplies the power received by the wireless unit 13a to each unit.

On the other hand, unlike the first embodiment, the power supply unit 32 a of the mobile terminal 30 supplies power to each unit of the mobile terminal 30 and does not supply power directly to the module device 10. The module wireless unit 37a performs data communication by wireless communication with the module device 10 and performs non-contact power feeding. At this time, the power management unit 38a controls the transmission power of the module radio unit 37a so as to achieve the minimum power consumption according to the power consumption information received from the module device 10. Thereby, optimal power supply by non-contact power feeding to the module device 10 is performed without hindering power saving of the mobile terminal 30.

Note that, here, FeliCa (registered trademark) and Suica (registered trademark) are used as examples, but the wireless communication is not limited to the specification as long as wireless capable of non-contact power supply is used. For example, WiFi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the like can be used, and a wireless function of an existing portable terminal can be used. Moreover, you may prepare a communication function and a non-contact electric power feeding function separately.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the module device 10 according to the second embodiment. When the module device 10 is attached to the mobile terminal 30 via the exterior cover 20, the wireless unit 13a receives radio waves transmitted from the module wireless unit 37a of the mobile terminal 30, so that each unit from the power supply control unit 12a. The power is supplied to the CPU 15 and the respective units including the CPU 15 are activated (step S30). CPU15 transmits power consumption information via the radio | wireless part 13 after starting (step S32).

Next, the CPU 15 determines whether or not an ACK indicating that the power consumption information has been received from the mobile terminal 30 is received (step S34), and transmits the power consumption information in step S32 until the ACK is received. repeat. On the other hand, when receiving an ACK from the portable terminal 30 (YES in step S34), the CPU 15 ends the process. Thereafter, the module device 10 operates to provide an additional function by the functional circuit 14.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation with the portable terminal 30 according to the second embodiment. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is executed at predetermined time intervals. In the portable terminal 30, the CPU 39 first transmits a predetermined radio wave by the module communication unit 37a (step S40). The initial data communication does not necessarily have the minimum power consumption, but it is desirable to reduce it as much as possible. Next, the CPU 39 determines whether or not the power consumption information transmitted from the module device 10 is received via the module communication unit 37a (step S42). If the module device 10 is not mounted, the power consumption information is not transmitted from the module device 10 (no response) even if a predetermined radio wave is transmitted. On the other hand, when the module device 10 is mounted, the power consumption information is transmitted from the module device 10 by transmitting a predetermined radio wave.

And CPU39 complete | finishes the said process, when not receiving power consumption information (NO of step S42). On the other hand, when the power consumption information is received (YES in step S42), the CPU 39 transmits an ACK notifying that the power consumption information has been received (step S44). Next, the CPU 39 registers the received power consumption information in the 9 power management unit 38a (step S46). Thereafter, in the portable terminal 30, the power management unit 38a controls the transmission power of the module radio unit 37a so as to achieve the minimum power consumption according to the registered power consumption information.

According to the second embodiment described above, when the module device 10 is attached to the mobile terminal 30 via the exterior cover 20, the power management unit 38a of the mobile terminal 30 according to the power consumption information transmitted from the module device 10. Since the non-contact power supply to the module device 10 is controlled by controlling the transmission power of the module wireless unit 37a, optimal power supply is performed without hindering the power saving of the portable terminal 30. be able to.

C. Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the third embodiment, for example, even when the shape and size of the housing are different, such as 4 inches (smartphone) and 7 inches (tablet terminal), the module mounting portion of the exterior cover is shared. Thus, the same module device 10 can be shared.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a mounting state of the module device 10, the exterior covers 20, 40, the mobile terminal 30, and the tablet terminal 42 according to the third embodiment. It should be noted that portions corresponding to those in FIG. In the third embodiment, for a portable terminal 30 such as a 4-inch (smartphone with a screen size of 4 inches), an exterior cover 20 is prepared according to the size of the casing, and the 7-inch (screen size is For the tablet terminal 42 such as 7 inches), an exterior cover 40 is prepared according to the size of the casing. The outer covers 20 and 40 are provided with module mounting portions 21 and 41 to which the same module device 10 can be mounted, respectively. That is, the module mounting units 21 and 41 can mount the module device 10 having the same size.

According to 3rd Embodiment mentioned above, the portable terminal 30 from which the design (a magnitude | size, thickness, aspect ratio etc.) differs by using the module mounting parts 21 and 41 of the exterior covers 20 and 40, and a tablet terminal 42 and the like, the same module device 10 can be shared. In the third embodiment described above, the power supply from the mobile terminal 30 to the module device 10 may be a non-contact power supply.

D. Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the fourth embodiment, the module device 10 is provided with a switch unit 16 that can be operated by a user operation from the outside. When the switch unit (SW) 16 is operated after the module device 10 is mounted on the portable terminal 30, the module unit 10 It is characterized in that the function / characteristics of the apparatus 10 are restricted and the power consumption information can be changed by reducing the power consumption accompanying the function / characteristic restriction.

10 (a) and 10 (b) are perspective views showing mounting states of the module device 10, the exterior cover 20, and the portable terminal 30 according to the fourth embodiment. It should be noted that portions corresponding to those in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10A, the module device 10 is provided with a switch unit 16 that can be operated by a user operation from the outside. Further, a hole 22 is formed in the exterior cover 20 so that when the module device 10 is mounted on the module mounting portion 21, the switch portion 16 can be operated from the outside. As shown in FIG. 10B, when the exterior cover 20 with the module device 10 attached is attached to the portable terminal 30, the switch unit 16 provided in the module device 10 is formed at a predetermined position of the exterior cover 20. The exposed hole portion 22 is operably exposed. However, when the exterior cover 20 has a moderate flexibility so that the switch section 16 can be operated (pressed) by pushing the portion where the switch section 16 is located from the outside of the exterior cover 20, There is no need to provide the portion 22.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the module device 10 and the mobile terminal 30 according to the fourth embodiment. It should be noted that parts corresponding to those in FIG. The difference from the first embodiment is that the module device 10 includes a switch unit 16. When the switch unit 16 is operated by the user, the CPU 15 restricts the function and characteristics of the module device 10 (for example, the function of the module device 10 is reduced to 0% or the function of the module device 10 is reduced by 50%). It is supposed to be applied. A decrease in the function of the module device 10 means a decrease in power consumption. The CPU 15 reduces the power consumption by restricting the function / characteristics. Therefore, the CPU 15 prompts the portable terminal 30 to change the power consumption information, and sends the new power consumption information to the portable terminal 30 via the wireless unit 11. Send.

The CPU 39 of the portable terminal 30 rewrites (updates) the power consumption information registered in the power management unit 38 at the time of mounting with the new power consumption information received from the module device 10. Thereby, after the switch part 16 is operated, the power management part 38 controls the power supply to the module apparatus 10 by the power supply part 32 according to the registered new power consumption information.

Next, the operation of the fourth embodiment will be described.
The operation at the time when the exterior cover 20 is attached to the portable terminal 30 is the same as that in the first embodiment described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, an operation when the switch unit 16 of the module device 10 is operated after the exterior cover 20 is mounted will be described.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the module device 10 according to the fourth embodiment. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 is executed at predetermined time intervals. In the module device 10, the CPU 15 determines whether or not the switch unit 16 has been pressed (step S50). If the switch unit 16 has not been pressed (NO in step S50), the process ends. Thereafter, since the switch unit 16 is not pressed, the module device 10 operates to provide an additional function without restricting the functions and characteristics of the module device 10.

On the other hand, when the switch unit 16 is operated by the user (YES in step S50), the CPU 15 instructs the portable terminal 30 to change the power consumption information via the wireless unit 13, and transmits new power consumption information. (Step S52), the process ends. Thereafter, in response to the switch unit 16 being pressed, the module device 10 operates to provide an additional function in a state where the functions and characteristics of the module device 10 are restricted.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation with the mobile terminal 30 according to the fourth embodiment. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is executed at predetermined time intervals. In the mobile terminal 30, the CPU 39 first determines whether or not a power consumption information change instruction has been received from the module device 10 (step S60). And when the change instruction | indication of power consumption information is not received (NO of step S60), the said process is complete | finished. In this case, the power management unit 38 controls power supply to the module device 10 by the power supply unit 32 according to the power consumption information received when the module device 10 is mounted via the exterior cover 20.

On the other hand, when a power consumption information change instruction is received from the module device 10 (YES in step S60), the CPU 39 receives new power consumption information from the module device 10 via the module communication unit 37 (step S60). S62). Next, the CPU 39 registers the received new power consumption information in the power management unit 38 (step S64). Thereafter, in the mobile terminal 30, the power management unit 38 controls power supply to the module device 10 by the power supply unit 32 according to the registered new power consumption information.

According to the fourth embodiment described above, when the function of the module device 10 is changed by a user operation after the module device 10 is mounted on the mobile terminal 30 via the exterior cover 20, the power management unit 38 of the mobile terminal 30. Thus, since the power supply to the module device 10 is controlled by the power supply unit 32 according to the new power consumption information corresponding to the changed function / characteristic, the function / characteristic of the module apparatus 10 can be easily changed. At the same time, optimal power supply can be performed without hindering power saving of the mobile terminal 30. In the fourth embodiment described above, the power supply from the mobile terminal 30 to the module device 10 may be a non-contact power supply.

E. Modified Example of Fourth Embodiment Next, a modified example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the modification of the fourth embodiment, a plurality of module mounting portions 21 having different shapes are provided on the exterior cover 20, and the switch portion 16 of the module device 10 is changed according to the shape of the module mounting portion 21 to which the module device 10 is mounted. Is physically in a non-operating / operating state. That is, depending on which module mounting portion (described later) the module device 10 is mounted, it is determined whether or not the switch unit 16 of the module device 10 is pressed, and the functions and characteristics of the module device 10 are determined. become.

14 (a), (b), and (c) are perspective views showing mounting states of the module device 10a, the exterior cover 20, and the portable terminal 30 according to a modification of the fourth embodiment. It should be noted that portions corresponding to those in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14A, the module device 10 is provided with a switch unit 16. The exterior cover 20 is provided with module mounting portions 21a and 21b to which the module device 10 is detachably mounted. The module mounting portion 21 a has a flat contact surface with the module device 10. For this reason, even if the module device 10 is mounted on the module mounting portion 21a (mounting A), the switch portion 16 cannot be operated (physically pressed) as shown in FIG. 14B. When the switch unit 16 is not pressed, the function and characteristics of the module device 10 are not restricted, and the power consumption is 100% as usual.

On the other hand, the module mounting portion 21b includes a protruding portion 23 at a part of the contact surface with the module device 10, just at the position where the switch portion 16 abuts. Therefore, when the module device 10 is mounted on the module mounting portion 21b (mounting B), as shown in FIG. 14C, the switch portion 16 is pushed down by the protrusion 23. When the switch unit 16 is pressed, the function and characteristics of the module device 10 are restricted, and the power consumption is also reduced.

That is, when one function provided by the module device 10 (for example, 100% of function / characteristics and no reduction in power consumption) is to be used, the user mounts the module device 10 on the module mounting portion 21 a of the exterior cover 20. . On the other hand, when the user wants to use another function provided by the module device 10 (for example, 50% of the function / characteristic and power consumption is reduced), the user mounts the module device 10 on the module mounting portion 21b of the outer cover 20. do it.

Next, the operation of a modification of the fourth embodiment will be described.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the module device 10 according to the modification of the fourth embodiment. First, when the user wants to use one function (for example, 100% of function / characteristics and no reduction in power consumption) by the module device 10, the user mounts the module device 10 on the module mounting portion 21 a of the exterior cover 20. When it is desired to use other functions (for example, 50% of function / characteristics and power consumption is reduced) by the module device 10, the module device 10 is mounted on the module mounting portion 21 b of the exterior cover 20.

In the module device 10, power is supplied to each part including the CPU 15 by being attached to the mobile terminal 30 via the exterior cover 20, so that power is supplied to the terminal part 31 of the mobile terminal 30 and the terminal part 11 of the mobile terminal 30. (Step S70). The CPU 15 determines whether or not the switch unit (SW) 16 has been pressed after activation (step S72). When the module device 10 is mounted on the module mounting portion 21a of the exterior cover 20, the switch portion 16 is not pressed (NO in step S72), so the CPU 15 performs the first consumption via the wireless portion 13. The power information is transmitted (step S74), and the process ends. Thereafter, since the switch unit 16 is not pressed, the module device 10 operates to provide an additional function without restricting the functions and characteristics of the module device 10.

On the other hand, when the module device 10 is mounted on the module mounting portion 21b of the exterior cover 20, the switch portion 16 is pressed by the projection 23 (YES in step S72), so the CPU 15 2nd power consumption information is transmitted via 13 (step S76), and the said process is complete | finished. Thereafter, in response to the switch unit 16 being pressed, the module device 10 operates to provide an additional function in a state where the functions and characteristics of the module device 10 are restricted.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the operation with the mobile terminal 30 according to the modification of the fourth embodiment. In the mobile terminal 30, the CPU 39 first determines whether or not the module device 10 is mounted (step S80). Whether the module device 10 is not mounted / mounted may be determined, for example, by detecting that the terminal portion 11 of the module device 10 is electrically connected (contacted) to the terminal portion 31 of the mobile terminal 30. And when the module apparatus 10 is not mounted | worn (NO of step S80), the said process is complete | finished.

On the other hand, when the module device 10 is mounted (YES in step S80), the CPU 39 receives the first or second power consumption information transmitted from the module device 10 via the module radio unit 37. (Step S82). Next, the CPU 39 registers the received first or second power consumption information in the power management unit 38 (step S26). Thereafter, the power management unit 38 controls power supply to the module device 10 by the power supply unit 32 in accordance with the registered first or second power consumption information.

According to the modification of the fourth embodiment described above, the functions and characteristics of the module device 10 determined by whether the module device 10 is mounted on one of the module mounting portions 21a and 21b having different shapes provided on the exterior cover 20. Since the power management unit 38 of the mobile terminal 30 controls the power supply to the module device 10 by the power management unit 38 according to the new power consumption information corresponding to the power consumption, the function / characteristic of the module device 10 can be easily selected. In addition, optimal power supply can be performed without hindering power saving of the mobile terminal 30. In the modification of the fourth embodiment described above, the power supply from the mobile terminal 30 to the module device 10 may be a non-contact power supply.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device is an example applied to a mobile phone, a smart phone, or a tablet terminal. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the terminal device operates by supplying power from the main body. As long as the electronic device uses the module device 10 for adding functions, it is not limited to a mobile phone / smartphone, but other devices (for example, game machines, tablet PCs (Personal Computers), notebook PCs, PDAs (Personal Data Assistants: It can also be applied to portable information terminals) and digital cameras.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the module device 10 can be mounted on the portable terminal 30 via the exterior cover 20 to enjoy the merits such as sharing of the module device 10. However, it is not always necessary to use the exterior cover 20, and some common interface may be used.

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-282369 filed on December 26, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein.

The features of the present invention will be described below.
A part or all of the above-described embodiment can be described as in the following supplementary notes, but is not limited thereto.
(Appendix 1)
FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of Supplementary Note 1. As shown in this figure, the invention described in Appendix 1 is
A wireless unit 50 that communicates with a detachably mounted module device for extending the function of the mobile terminal;
A power supply unit 51 for supplying power to each unit of the mobile terminal;
A power management unit 52 that controls power supplied from the power supply unit 51 to the module device based on power consumption information received from the module device via the wireless unit 50 at the time of initial setting of the module device. It is the portable terminal characterized by this.

(Appendix 2)
When the power management unit receives new power consumption information from the module device via the wireless unit other than at the time of initial setting of the module device, the module device is based on the received new power consumption information. The mobile terminal according to appendix 1, wherein power supplied to the mobile phone is controlled.

(Appendix 3)
The power management unit further includes connection means for electrically connecting to the module device, and the power management unit controls supply power supplied via the connection means based on the power consumption information or the new power consumption information. The mobile terminal according to appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that:

(Appendix 4)
The wireless unit supplies power to the module device by contactless power supply, and the power management unit determines transmission power of the wireless unit based on the power consumption information or the new power consumption information. The mobile terminal according to appendix 1 or 2, wherein the mobile terminal is controlled.

(Appendix 5)
A wireless unit that performs data communication with a mobile terminal, a functional circuit unit for extending the functions of the mobile terminal, and a power supplied from the mobile terminal when mounted on the mobile terminal, A module device comprising: a power control unit that supplies power to the mobile terminal; and a control unit that, when attached to the mobile terminal, transmits power consumption information of the module device to the mobile terminal via the radio unit It is.

(Appendix 6)
The controller further includes a switch unit operable from the outside, and the control unit changes a function provided by the module device when the switch unit is operated, and new power consumption information corresponding to the changed function. Is a module device according to appendix 5, wherein the module device is transmitted to the mobile terminal via the wireless unit.

(Appendix 7)
The power supply control unit further includes power receiving means for receiving power supplied from the portable terminal through an electrical connection with the portable terminal or by non-contact power feeding from the portable terminal. The module device according to Appendix 5 or 6.

(Appendix 8)
A module mounting portion for detachably mounting the module device; and the portable device through an exterior cover that is detachably mounted on the housing of the mobile terminal in a state where the module device is mounted on the module mounting portion. The module device according to any one of appendices 5 to 7, which is mounted on a terminal.

(Appendix 9)
A wireless function for extending a function of the portable terminal to a computer of the portable terminal to communicate with a detachably mounted module device, a power supply function for supplying power to each part of the portable terminal, an initial of the module device A program for executing a power management function for controlling power supplied from the power supply function to the module device based on power consumption information received from the module device via the wireless function at the time of setting. is there.

(Appendix 10)
A wireless function for performing data communication with a mobile terminal, a function expansion function for extending the function of the mobile terminal, and a power supply received from the mobile terminal when attached to the mobile terminal, A power control function that supplies power to each unit of the module device, and when mounted on the portable terminal, executes a control function that transmits power consumption information of the module device to the portable terminal via the wireless function It is a program to do.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Module apparatus 11 Terminal part 12, 12a Power supply control part 13, 13a Radio | wireless part 14 Functional circuit 15 CPU
16 Switch part 20, 40 Exterior cover 21, 41, 21a, 21b Module mounting part 22 Hole part 23 Projection part 30 Mobile terminal 31 Terminal part 32, 32a Power supply part 33 Display part 34 Memory 35 Application 36 Key input part 37, 37a Module Wireless unit 38, 38a Power management unit 39 CPU
42 Tablet devices

Claims (10)

A wireless unit that communicates with a detachably mounted module device for extending the function of the mobile terminal;
A power supply unit for supplying power to each unit of the mobile terminal;
A power management unit that controls power supplied from the power supply unit to the module device based on power consumption information received from the module device via the wireless unit at the time of initial setting of the module device. Mobile terminal. When the power management unit receives new power consumption information from the module device via the wireless unit other than at the time of initial setting of the module device, the module device is based on the received new power consumption information. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein power supplied to the mobile phone is controlled. Further comprising a connection means for electrically connecting to the module device,
3. The mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein the power management unit controls power supplied through the connection unit based on the power consumption information or the new power consumption information. Terminal. The wireless unit supplies power to the module device by non-contact power supply,
The mobile terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power management unit controls transmission power of the radio unit based on the power consumption information or the new power consumption information. A wireless unit for data communication with a mobile terminal;
A functional circuit unit for extending the function of the mobile terminal;
When mounted on the mobile terminal, a power supply control unit that supplies power supplied from the mobile terminal to each unit of the module device;
A module device comprising: a control unit that, when attached to the portable terminal, transmits power consumption information of the module device to the portable terminal via the wireless unit. A switch part that can be operated from the outside is further provided.
The control unit changes a function provided by the module device when the switch unit is operated, and sends new power consumption information corresponding to the changed function to the portable terminal via the radio unit. The module device according to claim 5, wherein The power control unit further includes power receiving means for receiving power supplied from the portable terminal through an electrical connection with the portable terminal or by non-contact power feeding from the portable terminal. The module device according to claim 5 or 6. A module mounting portion for detachably mounting the module device; and the portable device through an exterior cover that is detachably mounted on the housing of the mobile terminal in a state where the module device is mounted on the module mounting portion. The module device according to claim 5, wherein the module device is attached to a terminal. On the computer of the mobile device,
A wireless function for communicating with a detachably mounted module device for extending the function of the mobile terminal;
A power supply function for supplying power to each part of the mobile terminal;
A power management function for controlling power supplied from the power supply function to the module device based on power consumption information received from the module device via the wireless function at the time of initial setting of the module device; A featured program. To the computer of the module device,
Wireless function for data communication with mobile devices,
A function expansion function for extending the function of the mobile terminal;
When mounted on the mobile terminal, a power control function for supplying the power supplied from the mobile terminal to each unit of the module device;
A program that, when mounted on the portable terminal, causes a control function to transmit power consumption information of the module device to the portable terminal via the wireless function.

Images