JPH09261738A - Mobile information terminal and update data transfer method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [PROBLEMS] To efficiently transmit shared data rewritten on a portable information terminal to a host device. SOLUTION: When updated shared data exists, portable information is detected until it is detected that connection with a host device via a wireless transmission path is possible. This is continuously performed by the controller 1g of the terminal 1, and when it is detected that the update is possible, the update data is automatically transmitted to the host device. Therefore, for example, it is possible to update the data on the portable information terminal 1 outside the office and automatically connect to the host device and send the updated data when returning to a place where the host device can be connected.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable information terminal and a method of transferring updated data from a portable information terminal to a host device in a mobile computing environment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various portable personal computers, such as palmtop type and notebook type, have been developed.
It is used as one of the portable information terminals together with A and the like.

Such portable information terminals often share data with a host device such as a desktop personal computer. In this case, when sending the data stored in the host device to the portable information terminal, conventionally, the data of the host device is once stored in a storage medium such as a floppy disk and then sent to the portable information terminal.
It was sent using communication such as LAN and infrared communication.

Further, for example, when the user's schedule data is copied from a personal computer at home to a portable information terminal and the schedule data is rewritten on the go, the schedule data and portable information at the personal computer at home are used. It will be different from the schedule data of the terminal. In this case, it is necessary to transfer the data from the portable information terminal to the personal computer using a storage medium such as a floppy disk or infrared communication.

As described above, it is frequently necessary to transfer the shared data between the portable information terminal and the personal computer used as its host device. However, conventionally, in order to transfer data between the portable information terminal and the host device, it is necessary for the user to copy the data to a floppy disk or the like, and when infrared communication is used, the host device is required. There was a problem such as having to move the mobile information terminal near the.

By the way, recently, PHS (Perso
2. Description of the Related Art With the spread of simple mobile phones called "nal Handy-phone System", mobile information terminals having a wireless telephone communication function have begun to be developed. When such a portable information terminal is used, even if the portable information terminal and the host device are located apart from each other, communication can be performed via a wireless transmission path. Data can be easily transferred.

However, the wireless communication of these portable information terminals is performed by the call connection method, and when data is transmitted from these information terminals, after the connection with the wireless transmission line is established, That is, the transmission is performed after confirming that the call connection is secured. Therefore, when the wireless transmission path is busy or data cannot be transmitted in the range where the radio wave does not reach, the user redials or moves to the range where the radio wave reaches, for example, until the busy state is released. There is a problem that the user needs to perform a troublesome work such as performing a similar transmission operation after that.

[0008]

As described above, conventionally, even when a portable information terminal having a wireless communication function is used, data transmission is not possible when the wireless transmission path is busy or in a range where radio waves do not reach. The user can't
It was necessary to repeat redial until the busy status was released, or to perform similar transmission operations after moving to a range where radio waves could reach.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and when the portable information terminal can connect to the host device, the portable information terminal can automatically start data transmission to the host device. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable information terminal and an update data transfer method capable of efficiently transmitting shared data rewritten on the portable information terminal to a host device.

[0010]

According to the present invention, in a portable information terminal having a wireless communication function for transmitting and receiving data via a wireless transmission path, data storage means for storing data is shared with a host device. Whether the connection between the portable information terminal and the host device via the wireless transmission path is possible when the data being updated in the shared data is included in the data storage means. It is possible to connect by detecting the means for continuously executing the detection until it becomes possible and waiting for the update data to be transmitted to the host device until it is detected that the connection is possible. When it is detected that the update data is transmitted to the host device via the wireless transmission path, the update data transmitting means is provided.

In this portable information terminal, when updated shared data exists, it is detected whether or not connection with the host device via the wireless transmission path is possible. This detection processing is continuously performed until it is detected that the connection is possible, and at the time when the connection is detected, the update data is automatically transmitted to the host device.

[0012] Therefore, for example, it is possible to update the data on the portable information terminal outside the office and automatically connect to the host device and send the updated data when returning to a place where the host device can be connected. , It is possible to automatically update the data stored in the host device without repeating user operations such as redialing until busy is canceled or moving to a range where radio waves reach and then performing transmission operation. Becomes

In this case, the power supply of the portable information terminal can be increased by making the wireless communication unit including the detection means and the update data transmission means independently operable, such as being driven by a power supply system different from other constituent units. Even when the mobile information terminal is turned off, data can be automatically transmitted when the mobile information terminal is moved to the range of radio waves.

In detecting whether or not the connection between the portable information terminal and the host device via the wireless transmission line is possible, the electric field strength of the radio wave radiated from the host device or the repeater to the wireless transmission line is determined. When the electric field strength is detected and is maintained at a predetermined level or more for a predetermined time, it is determined that the connection between the portable information terminal and the host device via the wireless transmission path is possible. It is preferable. As a result, data transmission can be performed in an environment where the electric field strength is stable, and the success rate of data transmission can be increased.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a network environment for mobile computing using a portable information terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a portable information terminal such as a portable computer or PDA, which has a PHS terminal function as a wireless communication function. The mobile information terminal 1 stores the schedule data A copied from the host device 3. 2 is a PHS for connecting the portable information terminal 1 and the host device 3 to a telephone network and an ISDN network in a home or office.
It is a base unit.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a host device composed of a desktop type personal computer or the like, which is provided with a PHS terminal function as a wireless communication function. Four
Is a PHS public base station, which can be connected to various PHS terminals and can be connected to a communication destination via a telephone network and an ISDN network.

Generally, a PHS terminal is called an inter-slave communication in which, in addition to an extension call via the PHS master unit, terminals registered in the same PHS master unit can directly communicate with each other. It has functions.

For example, in this example, the portable information terminal 1 having the PHS function and the host device 3 having the PHS function are
If registered in the S parent device 2, the portable information terminal 1 and the host device 3
It is possible to communicate with each other free of charge without going through the PHS master device 2. Of course, it is possible to connect to the telephone network and the ISDN network via the PHS base unit 2. Further, normally, in a service area supported by a PHS public base station installed outdoors or in an underground mall, it is possible to use the mobile information terminal 1 to communicate outside. As described above, the PHS has an advantage that it can be used outdoors and easily at home and in offices.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the portable information terminal 1. A CPU 1a controls the operation of the entire mobile information terminal 1. If the shared data designated in advance is updated on the portable information terminal 1, the CPU 1a notifies the PHS wireless unit 1c to that effect and starts the process of transmitting the updated data to the host device 3. Let 1b
Is a memory, which stores an operating system and application programs to be executed.

1c is a P built in the portable information terminal 1.
The PHS terminal unit 1c is an HS terminal unit, and
When the above notification is received from a, the detection of whether or not the connection with the host device 3 via the wireless transmission path is possible is continuously executed until the connection is detected, When it is detected that the update data is transmitted, the update data transmission is started. The PHS terminal unit 1c is driven by a power supply system different from that of the other constituent units and is configured to be independently operable. Therefore, even when the power supply of the mobile information terminal 1 is turned off, the above-described detection function and transmission function of the mobile information terminal 1 can function, and the base station 4, the PHS master device 2,
Alternatively, the update data can be automatically transmitted at the time when the radio wave reaches the host device 3 within a range.

Reference numeral 1d is a microphone and speaker of the PHS terminal unit 1c. 1e is a codec, which converts an analog signal and a digital signal. 1f is a channel codec, and PHS is controlled by the controller 1g.
The terminal unit 1c is controlled. 1g is a controller, P
The entire HS unit 1c is controlled. A wireless unit 1h establishes a wireless transmission path with a communication destination. A data link unit 1i establishes a link with a data link unit of a communication partner via a channel codec 1f and a radio unit 1h, performs error correction, and exchanges data. Controller 1
Control data for controlling the PHS terminal unit 1c is exchanged between g and the CPU 1a.

Reference numeral 1j is a storage medium such as a floppy disk or a hard disk, in which shared data is stored. For each shared data, information designating whether or not the updated content needs to be reflected in the host device 3 is managed as auxiliary information.

In the portable information terminal 1 of FIG. 2, when the data of the storage medium 1j is transmitted to the host device 3,
The CPU 1a notifies the controller 1g via the data link unit 1i that there is data to be transmitted, and makes a call request. The controller 1g determines whether or not the connection with the host device 3 is currently possible from the radio wave environment or the like, and if possible, the controller 1g causes the channel codec 1f to execute a call to the host device 3, A connection with the host device 3 is established.

The call may be direct communication between the handset units between the information processing terminal 1 and the host device 3 or normal extension communication via the PHS base unit 2. When connected to the host device 3 via a wireless transmission path, the data link unit 1i establishes a link with the same data link unit in the host device 3 on the air, and also performs error correction of transmission / reception data.

The transmission data of the storage medium 1j is the CPU 1a.
Is sent to the data link unit 1i by the data link unit 1i, and is sent from the data link unit 1i to the host device 3 via the channel codec 1f and the wireless unit 1h on the wireless transmission path. When the data transmission is completed, the CPU 1a causes the data link unit 1i to release the link and sends a disconnection request to the controller 1g via the data link unit 1i to disconnect the wireless transmission path.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
A data transmission / reception operation between the portable information terminal 1 and the host device 3 will be described. This data transmission / reception operation is performed, for example, when an explicit start instruction is given by the user, when a program that handles shared data such as a schedule management program is terminated, or when shared data to be transmitted to the host device 3 is updated. It is executed every time it is seen.

In this case, first, of the shared data stored in a storage medium such as a floppy disk or a hard disk, whether or not there is data designated to be transmitted to the host device 3 when the data is updated is checked by the CPU 1a.
Examines the data in the storage medium 1j (step S1
1). If the designated data has not been updated, the process ends.

If the designated data has been updated, the CPU 1
a notifies the controller 1g that there is data to be transmitted via the data link unit 1i, and the controller 1g
g is made to detect whether or not the communication with the host device 3 is currently possible (step S12). The detection processing by the controller 1g is until the communication is detected.
Even if the portable information terminal 1 is powered off, it is continuously executed. If it is not in the communicable state, the data transmission process is on standby (step S13).

When communication is possible, the controller 1
g notifies the CPU 1a of that fact. If the portable information terminal 1 is in the power-off state, the power supply circuit first restarts power supply to the CPU 1a and the like according to an instruction from the controller 1g, and then the controller 1g sends the CPU to the CPU.
1a is notified that communication is possible.

The controller 1g starts the call immediately after receiving the instruction from the CPU 1a or without waiting for the instruction (step S14). After connecting to the host device 3 via the wireless transmission path, the controller 1g receives the updated designated data from the CPU 1a, and under the control of the CPU 1a,
Data is transmitted to the host device 3 (step S15).
Then, if the data transmission is successful, the update of the designated data is recorded in the storage medium 1j (step S16), and the process ends.

When the host device 3 receives a call from the portable information terminal 1, the host device 3 shifts from the standby state (step S21) to the incoming state (step S22) to connect the wireless transmission line,
Data is received (step S23). As a result, even if the data shared between the mobile information terminal 1 and the host device 3 is updated on the mobile information terminal 1 on the go, the communication with the host device 3 can be performed via the wireless transmission path. The update data can be transmitted to the host device 3 at this point. Also,
If the PHS system is used as in this example, 1.9
Since the radio waves in the GHz band are used, the communication can be performed even if the wall is separated, so that the communication can be performed even if the host device 3 is in another room. Communication can be performed even when the portable information terminal 3 is in the bag.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
A specific procedure for determining whether or not communication is possible will be described. The controller 1g is a channel codec 1
It is monitored whether the electric field strength of the communication partner in the wireless unit 1h is equal to or higher than a specified level via f (step S31). If the electric field strength is equal to or higher than the specified level, the controller 1g starts time measurement (step S32), and measures time while monitoring whether the electric field strength is equal to or higher than the specified level (step S33) (step S34). When the electric field strength equal to or higher than the specified value continues for the specified time, the controller 1g determines that communication is possible (step S35).

In mobile communication such as PHS, since the mobile communication is used, the electric field strength also changes. Communication is possible even when the electric field strength of the received radio wave is comparatively weak, but the wireless transmission line is not stable and errors are likely to occur, and there are also times when disconnection occurs. If data communication is performed when the electric field strength is strong and stable, there are few errors and the risk of disconnection is also reduced. Therefore, it is preferable to adopt the condition that the electric field strength equal to or higher than the specified value continues for the specified time as a reference for ensuring a stable wireless transmission path.

For example, the electric field strength is the average RSSI value + 36.
It is possible to secure a fairly stable wireless transmission path by determining that communication is possible when the level of dB μV or more continues for 1 minute. Next, a second example of the data transmission / reception operation between the portable information terminal 1 and the host device 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

This is an example of the case where the portable information terminal 1 has a power save function of automatically shifting to the low power consumption mode under a certain condition, and a key input from the user is performed for a certain period of time. If there is no connection, or if only the process of detecting whether or not connection is possible is continuously performed for a certain period of time, the low power consumption mode is entered after saving the system status at that time. In this low-cost power mode, the operation of almost all other units except the PHS terminal 1c is stopped. At this time, except the CPU 1a,
The power to these stop units may be turned off.

First, of the shared data stored in a storage medium such as a floppy disk or hard disk, the CPU 1a stores whether or not there is data designated to be transmitted to the host device 3 when the data is updated. The data of the medium 1j is checked (step S41). If the designated data has not been updated, the process ends.

If the designated data has been updated, the CPU 1
The a notifies the controller 1g that there is data to be transmitted via the data link unit 1i (step S4).
2) The controller 1g is caused to detect whether communication with the host device 3 is currently possible (step S43). The detection process by the controller 1g is continuously executed until the portable information terminal 1 is powered off until it is detected that communication is possible. If the communication is not possible, the data transmission process is on standby (step S4).
4). Then, if this state continues for a certain time or longer, the portable information terminal 1 shifts to the low power consumption mode (step S4).
5).

When communication is possible, the controller 1
g notifies the CPU 1a of that fact. If the portable information terminal 1 is in the low power consumption mode, the CPU 1a executes the processing for canceling the low power consumption mode in response to an interrupt signal from the controller 1g or the like (step S46).

After returning to the normal operation mode, the controller 1g notifies the CPU 1a that communication is possible. The controller 1g starts the call immediately after receiving the instruction from the CPU 1a or without waiting for the instruction (step S47). After connecting to the host device 3 via the wireless transmission path, the controller 1g sends the updated designated data to the CP.
It receives from U1a, and transmits data to the host device 3 under the control of the CPU 1a (step S48). And
If the data transmission is successful, the update of the designated data is recorded in the storage medium 1j (step S49), and the process is ended.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when the updated shared data exists, it is possible to detect whether or not the connection with the host device 3 via the wireless transmission path is possible. The controller 1g continuously performs the connection until the connection is detected, and when the connection is detected, the update data is automatically updated.
Sent to. Therefore, for example, it is possible to update the data on the portable information terminal 1 outside the office and automatically connect to the host device 3 and send the updated data when returning to a place where the host device 3 can be connected. , The data stored in the host device 3 can be automatically updated without performing a user operation such as redialing until the busy state is released, or performing a transmission operation after moving to a range where radio waves reach. It will be possible.

The PHS terminal unit 1c of the portable information terminal 1
Is configured to be independently operable, such as being driven by a power supply system different from that of the other constituent units, and therefore, when the power supply of the portable information terminal 1 is turned off or when the mobile information terminal 1 shifts to a low power consumption mode, Data can be automatically transmitted at the time when the portable information terminal 1 is moved to the range where radio waves can reach.

[0042]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the portable information terminal can automatically start data transmission to the host device when the portable information terminal can connect to the host device. As a result, the shared data rewritten on the portable information terminal can be efficiently transmitted to the host device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a network environment to which a portable information terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram showing the configuration of the portable information terminal of the same embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary flowchart showing a procedure of data transmission / reception processing between the portable information terminal and the host device of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a specific procedure for determining whether or not connection with a host device is possible, which is executed by the portable information terminal of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a second procedure of data transmission / reception processing between the portable information terminal and the host device of the same embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Portable information terminal, 2 ... PHS master unit, 3 ... Host device,
4 ... PHS public base station, 1a ... CPU, 1b ... memory,
1c ... PHS terminal, 1i ... Data link part, 1g ... Controller.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. In a portable information terminal having a wireless communication function for transmitting and receiving data via a wireless transmission path, updating is performed in a data storage means for storing data and shared data shared with a host device. When the stored data is contained in the data storage means, it becomes possible to detect whether or not the connection between the portable information terminal and the host device via the wireless transmission path is possible. Until the connection is detected by the detection means, the transmission of the update data to the host device is waited until the connection is detected by the detection means. A portable information terminal, comprising: update data transmitting means for transmitting update data to the host device via the wireless transmission path. 2. The detecting means detects the electric field strength of a radio wave radiated from the host device or the repeater to the wireless transmission path, and the electric field strength is maintained at a predetermined level or higher for a predetermined time. The mobile information terminal according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that connection between the mobile information terminal and the host device via the wireless transmission path is possible. 3. The portable information terminal includes a data processing unit that executes data processing and a wireless communication unit that can operate independently of the data processing unit, and the detecting unit and the update data transmitting unit. The mobile information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the mobile information terminal is included in the wireless communication unit and is operable even when the power of the mobile information terminal is turned off. 4. A portable information terminal having a wireless communication function for transmitting and receiving data via a wireless transmission path, for storing data in a data storage means, and for communicating with the host device via the wireless transmission path. When the data storage means includes updated data in the wireless communication unit and the designated data whose update contents should be reflected in the host device, the wireless communication unit should be transmitted to the host device. Control means for notifying that there is update data and controlling the wireless communication unit to execute communication, and other devices in the portable information terminal other than the wireless communication unit stop operating the portable information terminal. Power saving means for setting the low power consumption mode to be set, wherein the wireless communication unit responds to the notification that the update data exists. Detecting means for continuously detecting whether or not the connection between the portable information terminal and the host device via the wireless transmission path is possible, and the detecting means. Waits until it is detected that connection is possible, and when it is detected that connection is possible, causes the power save means to cancel the setting of the low power consumption mode, and updates the update data under the control of the control means. And an update data transmitting unit that transmits the data to the host device via the wireless transmission path. 5. An update data transfer method used in a mobile computing environment, comprising: a host device; and a mobile information terminal having a wireless communication function for transmitting and receiving data to and from the host device via a wireless transmission path. When the designated data whose update content should be reflected in the host device is updated on the portable information terminal, whether the connection between the portable information terminal and the host device via the wireless transmission path is possible is determined. , The portable information terminal is continuously detected until it is detected that it is possible, and the portable information terminal is made to wait for the transmission of the update data to the host device until it is detected that connection is possible, When it is detected that connection is possible, the update data is transmitted from the portable information terminal to the host device via the wireless transmission path. Update data transfer method that.