Portable communicator Number:7,064,749 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent This communicator makes it possible for the user to do telephone, facsimile, and data communication at any location. On a pen input device, a space eye 2, a telephone control system, a facsimile control system, and a data transmission system are mounted. All of them are operated by an input pen 55 or the space eye 2. The pen input device is connected to a wireless telephone equipment 7, and can be connected to a desired party through the public communication channel. In order to make the most of the equipment of a GPS user, the GPS user device 8 is connected to the pen input device 3. The current location of the GPS user is found through the GPS user device 8, and the data on the current location is transmitted to the party. Further, to make this communicator usable in any country, it is provided with means to connect it to a wireless telephone network of an individual service area of the country.<H communicator, Portable, Portable, commun, 7064749.html, Patent, pto, 7064749

Title: Portable communicator

Abstract: This communicator makes it possible for the user to do telephone, facsimile, and data communication at any location. On a pen input device, a space eye 2, a telephone control system, a facsimile control system, and a data transmission system are mounted. All of them are operated by an input pen 55 or the space eye 2. The pen input device is connected to a wireless telephone equipment 7, and can be connected to a desired party through the public communication channel. In order to make the most of the equipment of a GPS user, the GPS user device 8 is connected to the pen input device 3. The current location of the GPS user is found through the GPS user device 8, and the data on the current location is transmitted to the party. Further, to make this communicator usable in any country, it is provided with means to connect it to a wireless telephone network of an individual service area of the country.

Patent Number: 7,064,749 Issued on 06/20/2006 to Enmei

Inventors: Enmei; Toshiharu (Nagoya, JP)
Assignee: ADC Technology Inc. (Nagoya, JP)

Appl. No.: 061937

Filed: October 1, 1999

Related U.S. Patent Documents


Application Number	Filing Date	Patent Number	Issue Date
08424430		6067082
PCT/JP93/01615	Nov., 1993

Foreign Application Priority Data


Nov 09, 1992 [JP]			4-298630
Dec 11, 1992 [JP]			4-331788
Jan 20, 1993 [JP]			5-7785
Mar 30, 1993 [JP]			5-72367
Apr 30, 1993 [JP]			5-104151

Current U.S. Class: 345/174 ; 178/18.01; 178/18.03; 178/19.01; 178/19.03; 345/169

Current International Class: G08C 21/00 (20060101); G09G 5/00 (20060101)

Field of Search: 345/173,174,169,175,176,179 178/18.01,18.03,18.07,19.01,19.03,19.05 455/403,404,422,456,457,556,557

References Cited [Referenced By]

U.S. Patent Documents


2004/0119702	June 2004	Enmei

Foreign Patent Documents


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Other References

Nikkei Byte No. 103, dated Sep. 01, 1992, pp. 254-265. cited by other .
ASCII vol. 15, No. Sep. 01, 1991, pp. 297-299. cited by other.

Primary Examiner: Shankar; Vijay
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Davis & Bujold, P.L.L.C.

Parent Case Text

This is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/424,430 filed Apr. 21, 1995, U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,082, which is a 371 of PCT/JP93/01615 filed Nov. 8, 1993.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A portable communicator provided with: wireless communication means wirelessly connected to a public communication channel for transmitting or receiving via said public communication channel; a portable computer for directing control command to said wireless communication means, entering data via said wireless communication means through said public communication channel, or transmitting data via said wireless communication means through said public communication channel; and a housing for holding said wireless communication means combined with said portable computer, in which said portable computer is provided with: display means for displaying information regarding the item to be selected by people's countenance; image data base for storing a plurality of prepared image information regarding people's countenance as well as specified codes corresponding to respective image information; image detection means for detecting image; image retrieval means for retrieving from said image date base the information regarding the people's countenance of the image similar to the image detected by said image detection means and transmitting the code corresponding to the image information; display control means for displaying identification marker on the item displayed by said display means, based on the code transmitted from said image retrieval means; and data transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving the data regarding the item selected via said wireless communication means, based on the code transmitted from said image retrieval means.

2. A communication system composed of a center unit and a terminal unit that can wirelessly communicate with said center unit, in which said terminal unit is provided with: instruction input means for instructing said center unit to provide a place which a user of said terminal unit has to drop in; communication means for transmitting to said center unit the instruction from said instruction input means and the identification information by which the terminal unit or the user of said terminal unit is identified, and for receiving transmission from said center unit; display means for displaying the information regarding the place to drop in received via said communication means; and transmission control means for transmitting to said center unit the order information obtained at the place to drop in, and said center unit is provided with: set memory means for storing the information of a route to the place to drop in and the map information indicating said route, both information being set for each said identification information; retrieval means for retrieving the route information and the map information corresponding to the identification information from said set memory means, in response to receipt from said terminal unit of the instruction of said place to drop in and of the identification information; transmission means for transmitting to said terminal unit the route information and the map information retrieved by said retrieval means for display on said display means of said terminal unit; and order process means for processing order based on the order information from said terminal unit.

3. A communication system composed of a center unit and a terminal unit that can wirelessly communicate with said center unit, in which said terminal unit is provided with: instruction input means for instructing said center unit to provide place and time at which a user of said terminal unit has to drop in; communication means for transmitting to said center unit the instruction from said instruction input means and the identification information by which the terminal unit or the user of said terminal unit is identified, and for receiving transmission from said center unit; and display means for displaying the information regarding the place and time to drop in received via said communication means, and said center unit is provided with: set memory means for storing the information indicating a route to the place and the time to drop in and the map information indicating said route, both information being set for each said identification information; retrieval means for retrieving the route information and the map information corresponding to the identification information from said set memory means, in response to receipt from said terminal unit of the instruction of said place and time to drop in and of the identification information; and transmission means for transmitting to said terminal unit the route information and the map information retrieved by said retrieval means for display on said display means of said terminal unit.

4. The communication system according to claim 3 in which said rout information includes the information of temporary waiting or parking places.

5. A communication system composed of a center unit and a terminal unit that can wirelessly communicate with said center unit, in which said terminal unit is provided with: input means for entering a plurality of places which a user of said terminal unit has to drop in; communication means for transmitting to said center unit the information entered by said input means and receiving transmission from said center unit; and display means for displaying the information received via said communication means, and said center unit is provided with: map information memory means for storing map information; route set means for setting a route for efficiently traveling places in response to receipt of the information of a plurality of places to drop in from said terminal unit; retrieval means for retrieving the map information corresponding to the route set by said route set means from said map information memory means; and transmission means for transmitting to said terminal unit the route information set by said route set means and the map information retrieved by said retrieval means for display on said display means of said terminal unit.

6. An information process unit for executing various processes in response to the people's countenance, provided with: a housing; display means provided in a surface of said housing and having a display surface for displaying the data to process; image pickup means having a light receiving part provided on the surface of said housing adjacent to said display surface for picking up the image of the countenance of an operator, the forward part of said display surface being the image pick-up range; image data base for storing a plurality of image information of prepared people's countenance as well as codes corresponding to respective image information; image retrieval means for retrieving from said image data base the information of people's countenance of the image similar to the image picked up by said image pickup means; and retrieval signal output means for transmitting the code corresponding to the information of people's countenance of the similar image.

7. An image information transmission unit provided with: pen input means able to enter character or drawing information by operating a pen; conversion means for converting the character information entered by said pen input means into a specified code; designation means for designating that the information entered by said pen input means is a facsimile number; and transmission means for transmitting the character or drawing information entered by said pen input means or the code converted by said conversion means, based on the facsimile number of an addressee designated by said designation means.

8. The portable communicator according to claim 1 in which said portable computer is provided with mark change display control means for displaying the mark indicating execution replacing said identification marker when the code transmitted from said image retrieval means is the code indicating execution of the selected item.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a portable wireless telephone or a portable wireless data communicator.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, as a portable data transmission unit or a data utilizing unit, a wireless calling unit, a wireless telephone unit, GPS user unit or other is used. Alternatively, a computer unit connectable to such data transmission unit or other has been reduced in size and improved to have high performance. Thus, recently, as the electronic technique was advanced, the portable computer unit has been developed.

The wireless calling unit receives calling signals or message, beeps, or displays the message.

The wireless telephone unit transmits or receives message via the public communication channel. The wireless telephone is used for communication, or connected to a facsimile unit or a portable personal computer.

The GPS user unit is for use of NAVSTAR GPS (navigation satellite time and ranging positioning system) and provides the positional or height data on the earth.

The portable computer is connected to the wireless telephone unit. Where the computer is ported, data is transmitted, document is prepared or accountancy is carried out.

By the conventional data transmission unit, however, the received data cannot be effectively used. For example, if the wireless telephone unit is ported, you can talk over the unit. The data on the word processor or the facsimile unit cannot be transmitted, received or printed out. If the wireless telephone unit, the portable computer, the portable facsimile unit and their accessories are ported, different from the aforementioned, you can transmit or print out the data. This is not practically feasible.

Conventionally, the coordinate data transferred from the GPS user unit and the guide data indicating the attention of delivery or other cannot be displayed at the same time for navigation.

Since the computer gained compact size and high performance, an operator has come to demand almost the human response from the computer. The keyboard, mouse or other conventional input unit is annoying for the operator.

For example, with the interactive software, we can almost only respond to the calling from the computer. In this case, the operator, who is bothered with the operation of keyboard and mouse, comes to murmur "I wish the computer could understand me when I say just yes".

Consequently, an object of the invention is to provide a portable communicator with which telephone calling, facsimile sending and data transmitting can be carried out anywhere.

Another object of the invention is to provide a portable communicator that can effectively use the GPS user unit.

Another object of the invention is to provide a portable communicator which can be directly and wirelessly connected to the public communication channels of a plurality of countries.

Further object of the invention is to provide a portable communicator having an enhanced operability.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The portable communicator of the first invention is provided with a wireless communication means wirelessly connected to a public communication channel for transmitting or receiving via the public communication channel, a portable computer for transmitting a control command to the wireless communication means, receiving data from the public communication channel via the wireless communication means or sending data via the wireless communication means to the public communication channel, and a housing for holding the combination of the wireless communication means and the portable computer.

The portable computer is provided with a printing data output means held in the housing or provided outside the housing for sending print data to an external print means.

The portable computer is provided with a facsimile number storage means which can store plural facsimile numbers, a selection means for selecting the facsimile number of destination from the facsimile numbers stored in the facsimile number storage means and image data transmission means for calling the destination corresponding to the facsimile number selected by the selection means via the wireless communication means and sending a specified image data.

In the portable communicator of the first invention, the portable computer sends out the control command to the wireless communication means and the wireless communication means transmits or receives data via the public communication channel.

Alternatively, the portable computer sends out data via the wireless communication means and the public communication channel.

Alternatively, the portable computer receives data via the public communication channel and the wireless communication means.

The aforementioned wireless communication means and the portable computer are combined to each other and held in the housing.

Furthermore, the data in the portable computer can be sent out to the print means by the print data output means.

According to the aforementioned structure, for example, the sound data prepared or received with the portable computer, facsimile data, word processor data or other data can be sent to the desired destination connected to the public communication channel, received from a sender or printed out.

Such transmission of data can be conducted anywhere in the communication range of the wireless communication means where the portable communicator can be ported.

The portable communicator of the second invention is provided with a wireless communication means connected wirelessly to a public communication channel for transmitting or receiving data via the public communication channel, a portable computer for sending out a control command to the wireless communication means, receiving data from the public communication channel via the wireless communication means or sending out data via the wireless communication means to the public communication channel, a housing for holding the wireless communication means and the portable computer in a combined condition, and a positional coordinate data input means for receiving positional coordinate from the GPS user unit held inside or outside the housing.

Said portable computer is further provided with a positional coordinate data use means for using the data obtained with the positional coordinate data received from said positional coordinate data input means.

In addition to the structure of the first invention, the portable computer of the second invention has the positional coordinate data input means. Therefore, since the positional coordinate data can be fed from the GPS user unit, data can be processed in a desired manner based on the present positional data.

The portable communicator of the third invention is provided with a wireless communication means connected wirelessly to a public communication channel for transmitting or receiving data via the public communication channel, a connection specification storage means for storing the connection specification to said public communication channel, a communication control means for sending out the control command to said wireless communication means, receiving data from said public communication channel via said wireless communication means and sending out data via said wireless communication means to said public communication channel, a connection specification signal output means for sending the signals relating to the connection specification to said wireless communication means or said communication control means based on the storage content of said connection specification storage means, and a housing for holding said wireless communication means, said communication control means, said connection specification storage means and said connection specification output means in a combined condition.

As aforementioned, the portable communicator is connected wirelessly to the public communication channel having a specified connection specification. Furthermore, the portable communicator is connected to the designation of communication connected to the public communication channel and having a specified connection specification.

The portable communicator of the fourth invention is provided with a wireless communication means connected wirelessly to a public communication channel for transmitting or receiving data via said public communication channel, a portable computer for sending out a control command to said wireless communication means, receiving data from said public communication channel via said wireless communication means and sending out data via said wireless communication means to said public communication channel, a housing for holding said wireless communication means and said portable computer in a combined condition, an image data base for storing plural image data relating to the prepared image, an image detection means for detecting an image, an image search means for searching the data similar to that of the detected image from said image data base, and a data transmitting and receiving means for transmitting or receiving data via said wireless communication means based on the signal corresponding to the searched data of the similar image.

According to the aforementioned structure, by storing facial, hand and other image features and patterns, command can be directed to the computer with hand signs and countenance.

The computer data output unit of the fifth invention sends out data. At the same time, the unit sends out a specified signal to the computer which response signals of the data is entered. The unit is provided with an image data base for storing plural image data relating to the prepared image, an image detection means for detecting image, an image search means for searching the data of the image similar to the detected image from said image data base, and a, search signal output means for sending out the signal corresponding to the similar image data to said computer.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a personal communicator 1 in the first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the personal communicator 1 in a closed condition.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the personal communicator 1.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of a display 15.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the control over display.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the processing routine for the display control.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the processing routine for the monitor control.

FIG. 8 shows the personal communicator 1 on standby and being charged.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the processing routine for communicator control.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of the image plane of status report.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of facsimile processing routine.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of the image plane for the input of document.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of facsimile menu processing routine.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view of the image plane of facsimile menu.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of facsimile transmission processing routine.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view of the image plane for facsimile transmission.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the processing routine for the display of received facsimile.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory of the image plane showing a list of received facsimile.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of deletion processing routine.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of telephone processing routine.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory view of the image plane of telephone menu.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory view of the image plane for the selection of message.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the processing routine for setting.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of the processing routine for the display of recording by the telephone answering machine.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of data processing routine.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory view of the image plane for the input of data.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of the processing routine for setting the transmission condition.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart of the processing routine for data transmission.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart of application processing routine.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory view of the image plane for the selection of application.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart of the processing routine for registering the application menu.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart of the processing routine for registering the communicator center menu.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart of the processing routine for calling a communicator center.

FIGS. 34, 35 and 36 are explanatory views of the processing routine for calling the communicator center.

FIG. 37 is an explanatory view of communicator center 391.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart of the processing routine for setting.

FIG. 39 is an explanatory view of the image plane for the selection of the object to be set.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart of the processing routine for monitoring facsimile transmission time.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart of the processing routine for monitoring data transmission time.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the personal communicator 1 in the second embodiment.

FIG. 43 is a block diagram of the personal communicator 1.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart of the processing routine for communicator control.

FIG. 45 is an explanatory view of the image place of status report.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart of facsimile menu processing routine.

FIG. 47 is an explanatory view of the image plane showing facsimile menu.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart of telephone processing routine.

FIGS. 49A, B and 50 are explanatory views of the image plane of telephone menu.

FIG. 51A is a flowchart of data processing routine, and FIG. 51B is an explanatory view of the image plane for the input of data.

FIG. 52 is a flowchart of navigation processing routine.

FIG. 53 is a flowchart of the processing routine for setting.

FIG. 54 is an explanatory view of the image plane for the selection of the object to be set.

FIG. 55 is a flowchart of the processing routine for GPS setting.

FIG. 56 is an explanatory view of the image plane for GPS setting.

FIG. 57 is a flowchart of the processing routine for GPS automatic response.

FIG. 58 is a flowchart of the processing routine for GPS telephone announcement response.

FIG. 59 is a flowchart of the processing routine for GPS/FAX response.

FIG. 60 is a flowchart of the processing routine for GPS response.

FIG. 61 is an explanatory view of the operation condition of GPS user unit 109 connected to the personal communicator.

FIG. 62 is an explanatory view of navigator menu.

FIG. 63 is an explanatory view of the image plane of internal map guide.

FIG. 64 is a flowchart of the processing routine for displaying navigation on the image plane.

FIG. 65 is an explanatory view when the upper part 541A of map image plane 541 is set as north.

FIG. 66 is a flowchart of the processing routine for guiding.

FIGS. 67A, B are explanatory views of the frame for displaying the input of guide route.

FIG. 68 is an explanatory view of the display of entire guide map.

FIG. 69 is an explanatory view of the display of neighborhood.

FIG. 70 is a flowchart of map display.

FIG. 71 is a flowchart of the display of the present position.

FIG. 72 is a flowchart of the display of target position.

FIG. 73 is a flowchart of the display of guide route.

FIGS. 74-76 are explanatory views for the use of navigation center.

FIGS. 77-79 are explanatory views for the use of satellite center.

FIG. 80 is a flowchart for the use of satellite center.

FIG. 81 is a flowchart of internal processing.

FIG. 82 is an explanatory view of internal processing.

FIG. 83 is a flowchart of the processing at the satellite center.

FIGS. 84A, B, C and FIGS. 85-88 are explanatory views for the use of satellite center.

FIG. 89 is a sketch drawing of printer 107.

FIG. 90 is an explanatory view of the structure of printer 107.

FIG. 91 is a flowchart of bank officers' on-line cashing service.

FIG. 92 is a flowchart of the processing of normal deposit.

FIG. 93 is a flowchart of depositing.

FIG. 94 is a flowchart of the printing on a bankbook.

FIG. 95 is a block diagram of the personal communicator 1 in the third embodiment.

FIG. 96 is an explanatory view of the image plane of status report.

FIG. 97 is an explanatory view of the image plane of facsimile transmission.

FIG. 98 is an explanatory view of the image plane displaying a list of received facsimile.

FIG. 99 is a flowchart of the processing routine of telephone.

FIGS. 100 and 101 are explanatory views of the image plane showing a telephone menu.

FIG. 102 is a flowchart of the routine for determining a transmission number.

FIGS. 103A, B are explanatory views of the image plane showing a number input.

FIG. 104 is an explanatory view of the image plane showing the international subscriber dialing on direct lines.

FIG. 105 is an explanatory view of the image plane showing international operator-assisted calls.

FIG. 106 is an explanatory view of the image plane showing a telephone menu.

FIG. 107 is a flowchart of the processing routine for setting.

FIG. 108 is an explanatory view of the image plane for selecting the object to be set.

FIG. 109 is a flowchart of the processing routine for global pertinent setting.

FIG. 110 is an explanatory view of the image plane for selecting a wireless telephone service area.

FIG. 111 is an explanatory view of service areas.

FIG. 112 is a flowchart of the processing routine for selecting the service area.

FIG. 113 is a flowchart of the processing routine for changing the service area.

FIG. 114 is a flowchart of the processing routine for controlling the service area.

FIG. 115 is an explanatory view of the image plane showing a list of wireless telephone registration areas.

FIG. 116 is a perspective view of the personal communicator 1 in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 117 is a perspective view of the personal communicator 1 in a closed condition.

FIG. 118 is a block diagram of the personal communicator 1.

FIG. 119 is an explanatory view of the personal communicator 1 being operated.

FIG. 120 is an explanatory view of a space eye 2.

FIG. 121 is an explanatory view of the image plane of status report.

FIGS. 122A, B are explanatory views of a space eye starting mark and a space eye stopping mark, respectively.

FIGS. 123A, B, C and FIGS. 124A, B are explanatory views of a space eye code mark.

FIG. 125 is an explanatory view of the execution mark for selecting the space eye.

FIG. 126 is a flowchart of the processing routine for setting the space eye.

FIG. 127 is an explanatory view of the space eye setting menu.

FIG. 128 is a flowchart of the processing routine for extracting sampling data features.

FIG. 129 is a flowchart of the processing routine for providing a space eye code.

FIG. 130 is a flowchart of the processing routine for starting the space eye.

FIG. 131 is a flowchart of the processing routine for stopping the space eye.

FIG. 132 is a flowchart of the processing routine for space monitoring.

FIG. 133 is a flowchart of the processing routine for controlling the space eye.

FIG. 134 is a flowchart of the processing routine for determining the space eye code.

FIG. 135 is a flowchart of the processing routine for defining the space eye code.

FIG. 136 is an explanatory view showing the operation condition.

FIGS. 137A, B are explanatory views of the image plane showing the input of document.

FIG. 138 is an explanatory view of the image plane of a facsimile menu.

FIGS. 139A, B are explanatory views of the image plane of facsimile transmission.

FIG. 140 is an explanatory view of the image plane showing a list of received facsimile.

FIG. 141 is an explanatory view of the image plane showing a telephone menu.

FIG. 142 is an explanatory view of the image plane for selecting message.

FIG. 143 is an explanatory view of the image plane for the input of data.

FIG. 144 is an explanatory view of the image plane for the selection of application.

BEST MODES FOR PRACTICING THE INVENTION

FIRST EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are the perspective views of a personal communicator 1, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram thereof.

The personal communicator 1 is provided with a pen input device 3, a main body 5 and a wireless telephone set 7. The pen input device 3 is held in a housing frame 9. The housing frame 9 and the main body 5 are connected by a hinge 11 on which they open and close in the direction of arrow YY. A not-shown holding mechanism is provided between the housing frame 9 and the main body 5 so as to maintain the open condition shown in FIG. 1 and the closed condition shown in FIG. 2.

Adjacent to the pen input device 3 on the housing frame 9 are provided a microphone 13, a display 15, ON switch 17 and OFF switch 19. The microphone 13 is marked with adjoining letters MICROPHONE 13A. The ON switch 17 is marked with adjoining letters 17A "ON" and the OFF switch 19 is marked with adjoining letters 19A "OFF". The ON and OFF switches 17, 19 are provided with panels 17AA, 17BB and 19AA, 19BB, respectively. These panels are indented 3mm from the surface of the housing frame 9. When ON switch panels 17AA and 17BB are operated almost coincidentally, ON signal is issued. Similarly, when OFF switch panels 19AA and 19BB are operated almost coincidentally, OFF signal is issued. Therefore, the switches are prevented from being inadvertently touched when the personal communicator 1 is carried by hand, thereby avoiding the wrong operation. The provision of the switch panels make possible the attachment of switches onto the surface of the housing frame 9.

The wireless telephone set 7 and the main body 5 are housed in a housing 21. In the housing 21 are provided CPU 23, a phonetic analyzing processor 24, ROM 25, RAM 27, EEPROM 29, a pen input controller 31, an input interface 33, a storage battery 35, power sockets 37,39, a telephone controller 41, a phonetic signal generator 43, an input/output controller 45, an earphone controller 47, an earphone 49, a loudspeaker 51, a loudspeaker ON switch 52, a display controller 53 and an input pen 55. A hole 57 for receiving and holding the input pen 55 and a push button 59 for pushing the input pen 55 out of the hole 57 are provided on the housing 21. In the housing 21 further provided are an output interface 61, a monitor lamp 63, a monitor loudspeaker 65, an attenuator 66, a telephone output controller 67, a telephone output connector 69, a data input/output controller 71, a data input/output connector 73, a built-in application connector 74, card connectors 75, 77, a storage space 79 for holding cards, a power controller 81, a storage space 83 for holding the loudspeaker 51, a winder 85 for winding the earphone 49 for storage, feet 87 on which the housing 21 stands, a wireless telephone unit 89, an antenna 91 and a storage space 93 for storing the antenna 91.

The built-in application connector 74 can be connected to an application software ROM 94, which stores word processor, data base and communication center software as detailed later.

The card holder 79 can hold application software cards 95, 97, which are connected to the card connectors 75, 77, respectively. The telephone output connector 69 is connected to a telephone cable 99, which is connected to a facsimile terminal equipment 101. The data input/output connector 73 is connected to a data output cable 103, which is connected to a personal computer 105, a printer 107 or to a GPS user device 109.

The wireless telephone set 7 is constituted by the wireless telephone unit 89, the earphone controller 47, the input/output controller 45, the earphone 49, the loudspeaker 51, the microphone 13 and the antenna 91. The wireless telephone set 7 transmits and receives message to and from a not-shown wireless telephone network. Based on the instruction from the CPU 41, the telephone controller 41 controls the input/output controller 45 and the wireless telephone unit 89. The phonetic signal generator 43 receives the instruction from the CPU 23, synthesizes the specified sounds, and sends them via the input/output controller 45 to the wireless telephone unit 89.

The voltage, consumption current and charged current of the storage battery 35 are detected by the input interface 33. When ON switch 17 is operated, electric power is supplied by the power controller 81 to the entire personal communicator 1, which is put into an active condition. When OFF switch 19 is operated, electric power is supplied to the stand-by system of the personal communicator 1, thereby causing it to be on standby.

As shown in FIG. 3, the pen input device 3 is provided with a liquid crystal display 3A and a sensor layer 3B. The liquid crystal display 3A is connected to the pen input controller 31, and an screen 3C presents a specified image data. The sensor layer 3B is also connected to the pen input controller 31, is provided under the liquid crystal display 3A, and detects the position of a point 55A the input pen 55 has. The input pen 55 has a not-shown coil on the vicinity of its point 55A, and also has a clicking and dragging button 55B. The pen input position is detected by a known electromagnetic system in the pen input device 3 and the input pen 55. The pen input device 3, replacing a keyboard, performs a function of entering and plotting data, based on the pen input software stored in ROM 25.

As shown in FIG. 1, the loudspeaker 51 is composed of a body 51A, a support 51B and a joint 51C. The loudspeaker body 51A and the support 51B are connected to each other by the joint 51C, such that the body 51A can be rotated in the direction shown by arrows YA and YB. By pushing the body 51A and the support 51B toward the direction shown by arrow YC, the loudspeaker 51 is stored into the storage space 83. The loudspeaker 51 is connected to a loudspeaker ON switch 52. Therefore, when the body 51A is pulled out of the space 83 in the direction shown by arrow YD, the loudspeaker 51 turns on. The support 51B is connected to a not-shown ejecting mechanism. When the loudspeaker 51 is in the storage space 83, by pressing the marked portion 51D bearing letters "PUSH" in the direction of arrow YC, the body 51A is ejected from the space 83 to its operating position. A not-shown operating link for the loudspeaker ON switch 52 is attached to the not-shown ejecting mechanism.

The earphone 49 is stored in the winder 85 while not in use. In use, the earphone 49 is pulled out of the winder 85. After use, by rotating the winder 85 in the direction of an arrow 85A with a finger tip in a fingering hole 85B, the earphone 49 is wound into the winder 85 for storage.

While not in use, the antenna 91 is stored in the storage space 93. To enhance the sending and receiving condition of the antenna 91, it is pulled out of the space 93 for use. For that purpose, the antenna 91 is adapted to move in the direction of arrow YE, YF and to rotate in the direction of arrow YH, YG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the input pen 55 is stored in the hole 57 while not in use. The push button 59 is connected to a not-shown ejecting mechanism. Therefore, when the push button 59 is depressed, the input pen 55 is ejected from the hole 57.

The control program and parameter table are stored in ROM 25, and preset and designated values are stored in EEPROM 29.

The process steps executed by CPU 23 are now explained.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of the display 15, FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of display control, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart of display control routine.

As shown in FIG. 4(A), a display 15A is provided with a remainder power display 15B and an operation status display 15C. The remainder power display 15B is composed of a POWER display 15D, 0% display 15E, 100% display 15F and a remainder display 15G. On the remainder display 15G, the remainder power in the storage battery 35 is represented by the bar graph. Either of data (A)-(K) shown in FIG. 5 is shown on the operation status display 15C.

The display control process steps shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 are executed by CPU 23 at a predetermined timing. First, power capacity is detected at Step 100 (Step is hereinafter referred to as S). At a not-shown power capacity calculation process step, the power capacity is estimated from the integral values of the voltage received via the input interface 33, consumption current and charged current of the storage battery 35. Subsequently, at S110 the power capacity is displayed on the remainder display 15G. For example, when the power capacity is 100%, the display 15A is in the display condition shown in FIG. 4(A). When the power capacity is 80%, the display 15A is in the display condition shown in FIG. 4(B).

Subsequently, it is determined at S120 whether or not the personal communicator 1 is on standby for reception. It is determined by the indication of the standby flag set in the specified area of RAM 27. When the personal communicator 1 is not on standby, the process step goes to the next. When the communicator 1 is on standby, it is displayed at S130 that the communicator is waiting for receipt, where either of display data (A), (I), (J) and (K) shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on display 15C.

It is determined at S140 whether or not facsimile transmission is being received, by detecting the facsimile receiving flag. When the answer to S140 is affirmative, at S150 the message of FIG. 5(B) is displayed.

Subsequently, in the same way, it is determined at S160 whether or not data is being received. If the answer to S160 is affirmative, the message of FIG. 5(C) is displayed at S170. After S170 or if the answer to S160 is negative, it is determined at S180 whether or not facsimile transmission is being made. If the answer to S180 is affirmative, the message of FIG. 5(D) is displayed at S190. After S190 or if the answer to S180 is negative, it is determined at S200 whether or not a call is being made. If the answer to S200 is affirmative, the message of FIG. 5(E) is displayed at S210. After S210 or if the answer to S200 is negative, it is determined at S220 whether or not data is being transmitted. If the answer to S220 is affirmative, the message of FIG. 5(F) is displayed at S230. After S230 or if the answer to S220 is negative, it is determined at S240 whether or not telephoning is done. If the answer to S240 is affirmative, the message of FIG. 5(G) is displayed at S250. After S250 or if the answer to S240 is negative, it is determined at S260 whether or not the telephone answering machine is recording the received message. If the answer to S260 is affirmative, the message of FIG. 5(H) is displayed at S270. Subsequent to S270 or if the answer to S260 is negative, the data storage amount is detected at S280.

At S280 the storage amount of the data recorded in the answering machine, the received facsimile transmission and the received data is detected. Subsequently, the data storage amount is displayed at S290. The storage amount of the data recorded in the answering machine is displayed as shown in FIG. 5(I), that of the received facsimile transmission is displayed as shown in FIG. 5(J) and that of the received data is displayed as shown in FIG. 5(K).

The aforementioned display control is normally conducted regardless of the operation of ON and OFF switches 17, 19.

Therefore, the operation of personal communicator 1 can be normally monitored.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of monitor control process routine. The routine is executed by CPU 23 at predetermined intervals. First, it is determined at S300 whether or not the personal communicator 1 is receiving signals. If the answer to S300 is affirmative, at S310 the receipt is indicated by lighting the monitor lamp 63 green and causing the monitor loudspeaker 65 to sound the receipt. The volume of the sound is adjusted by the attenuator 66.

Subsequently, it is determined at S320 whether or not the personal communicator 1 is transmitting signals. If the answer to S320 is affirmative, at S330 the transmission is indicated by lighting the monitor lamp 63 red and causing the monitor speaker 65 to sound the transmission.

Subsequently, it is determined at S340 whether or not the personal communicator 1 is unusual. If the answer to S340 is affirmative, the unusual condition is indicated at S350. Specifically, the full memory, the decrease in the voltage of storage battery 35 and other various unusual conditions are indicated by lighting the monitor lamp 63 green and red alternately and causing the monitor loudspeaker 65 to make an alarming sound.

At the aforementioned monitor control process steps, the operation condition of the personal communicator 1 can be monitored.

FIG. 8 shows the personal communicator 1 being on standby and being charged. In this case the condition of personal communicator 1 can be instantly grasped by the monitor lamp 63 and the monitor loudspeaker 65. As shown in FIG. 8 the personal communicator 1 stands upright on feet 87 on table 110, being charged from external power source 111.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the process routine for communicator control, and FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of the image plane of status report.

When an on signal is sent from ON switch 17, the communicator control process routine is started by CPU 23 and is repeatedly executed until an off signal is sent from OFF switch 19. First, at S400 the current status is investigated and at S410 the image plane of status report is displayed. FIG. 10 illustrates the image plane of status report displayed on the display 3C of pen input device 3. On the image plane of status report, STATUS REPORT 121, operation condition 123, residual memory 125, facsimile amount 127, data amount 129, record amount 131, FACSIMILE MENU 133, DATA MENU 135, TELEPHONE MENU 137, APPLICATION MENU 139 and SETTING MENU 141 are displayed. In the area of operation condition 123, either one of "WAITING FOR RECEIPT", "RECEIVING FAX", "RECEIVING DATA", "TRANSMITTING FAX", "CALLING", "TRANSMITTING DATA", "TELEPHONING" and "RECORDING" is displayed.

In the area of the residual memory 125, the residual storage amount of facsimile, data and record is displayed in percentage.

Subsequently, at S420 the process step to be executed next is determined, awaiting the selection of the input pen 55. The display of the menu of the next process step is selected by touching the corresponding area of display 3C with the input pen 55.

When FACSIMILE MENU 133 is selected with the input pen 55, at S430 the facsimile process is executed. In the same way, when TELEPHONE MENU 137 is selected, the process step goes to S440, at which the telephone process is executed. When DATA MENU 135 is selected, the process step goes to S450, at which the data process is executed. When APPLICATION MENU 139 is selected, the process goes to S460, at which the application process is executed. When SETTING MENU 141 is selected, the process step goes to S470, at which the setting process is executed. These processes are detailed later.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of facsimile process routine, and FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of the image plane for the input of document.

The flowchart of facsimile process routine in FIG. 11 details the step S430 shown in FIG. 9. When facsimile process routine is started, at S500 the image plane of document input is displayed. As shown in FIG. 12, the image plane of document input is divided into menu area 151 and document input area 153. On the menu area 151 FACSIMILE MENU 155, FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION 157, RECEIVED FACSIMILE DISPLAY 159 and STOP 161 are displayed. At first nothing is displayed on the document input area 153.

After the image plane of document input is displayed, it is determined at S510 that the input of characters, FACSIMILE MENU 155, FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION 157, RECEIVED FACSIMILE DISPLAY 159 or STOP 161 is selected. The input of characters is selected, as shown in FIG. 12, by touching the document input area 153 with the input pen 55.

After the input of characters is selected, the document process is carried out at S520. This document process step forms the main part of the document input function of pen input device 3. First, at point 162 touched or designated by the input pen 55 a cursor 163 appears. Subsequently, pen input frame 165 is displayed, preparing for pen input. As shown in FIG. 12, when Hirakana or Japanese phonographic characters are written with the input pen 55 in the pen input frame 165, the characters corresponding to the traces of the pen are displayed. When Kanji characters are written with the pen 55, they are displayed corresponding to the traces of the pen. By selecting CONVERSION 167 with the input pen 55, the Hirakana characters written in the pen input frame 165 are converted into the corresponding Kanji characters based on the conversion table. The converted characters are displayed on the cursor 163. If the converted characters are different from the desired ones, CONVERSION 167 is again selected, and the second selection from the conversion table is displayed on the cursor 163. The subsequent input of pen 55 determines the previous input of the characters. When DELETION 169 is selected, the characters or the traces of the input pen 55 are deleted from the document input area 153. When TRACE 171 is selected, the traces of input pen 55 on document input area 153 are entered as they are. The image displayed on the document input area 153 is stored into the facsimile data memory 27A of RAM 27.

When FACSIMILE MENU 155 in menu area 151 is selected or determined at S510, the step goes to S530 at which facsimile menu process is carried out. When FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION 157 is selected, the step goes to S540 of facsimile transmission process. When RECEIVED FACSIMILE DISPLAY 159 is selected, the step goes to S550 of received facsimile display process. These processes are detailed later. When STOP 161 is selected at S510, the facsimile process routine once ends.

FIG. 13 is the flow