Abstract:
A mobile communication terminal  10  is assembled by a user incorporating an arbitrary desired function module  31, 32, 33  into a core module  20.  When assembling the terminal, it is not possible for the core module  20  to know what type of function module is being incorporated in advance, but it is possible to ascertain the type of function module that has been incorporated by using identification information notified to the connection module control means of the core module  20  via the core module communication processing section of the function module  31, 32, 33  and the inter-module communication processing section of the core module  20.  The core module  20  therefore implements a function appropriate to the users needs by appropriately controlling that function module. Therefore, it is possible to make effective use of resources, as well as reducing the burden placed on a user when upgrading or adding functions, to meet the diverse needs of the user.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This is a continuation application of the international patent application No. PCT/JP2004/016105 filed with Application date Oct. 29, 2004.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal, and to a core module and function module for a mobile communication terminal, and in more detail, relates to a mobile communication terminal, having a core module and a plurality of function modules connected in a detachable manner, for carrying out wireless communication between base stations of a mobile communication network, and to the core module and function module that are components of the mobile communication terminal.  
       BACKGROUND ART  
       [0003]     Mobile communication terminals such as cellular phones have become widespread in recent years. Such mobile communication terminals generally have an e-mail function (create e-mail, transceive e-mail, display content of received e-mail, etc.) and a browsing function, in addition to voice communication functions.  
         [0004]     Also, in a mobile communication terminal, a user of games created by using an object oriented language (such as JAVA™) or music applications or the like, enjoys performing downloads and the like from a server via a base station. Another recent introduction has been a camera function built in to the mobile communication terminal.  
         [0005]     In response to these various functions, providers of portable communication terminals have been preparing models incorporating many of these functions to meet the needs of users.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
     Problems to be Solved by the Invention  
       [0006]     As has been described above, with a conventional portable communication terminal, the functions that can be used vary according the model made available by the provider. Such models are provided from the point of view of satisfying the most common requirements, and it is difficult for them to perfectly meet the diverse needs of users.  
         [0007]     There have also been remarkable advances in the technology relating to portable communication terminals, and new models incorporating the latest functions are continually being announced. In order to use such new functions, it is necessary for the user to purchase a new model of portable communication terminal, even if they are not dissatisfied with the current model of portable communication terminal they have been using thus far, apart from the new functions. There is therefore a lot for the user to do in order to use the new functions.  
         [0008]     If a new model is purchased, the user has no choice but to dispose of the portable communication device they have been using up to now, even if they are not dissatisfied with the current model, apart from the new functions. Therefore, regardless of whether or not there are parts that can still be made sufficient use of, it is not possible to make efficient use of those resources.  
         [0009]     The present invention has been conceived with the above described problems in mind, and an object of the invention is to meet the various needs of users by providing a mobile communication terminal that makes effective use of sources, as well as reducing the burden placed on a user when upgrading or adding functions.  
       Means for Solving the Problem  
       [0010]     A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a communication terminal, having a core module and a function module connected in an attachable and detachable manner, for performing wireless communication with base stations in a mobile communication network, the function module comprising: core module communication processing means, for transceiving data, including transmission of own module identity information, to and from the core module, the core module comprising wireless communication control means, for controlling the base station; a wireless transceive data processing section for carrying out transceiving data processing by using the wireless communication; inter module communication processing means, for transceiving data, including receipt of the module identity information, to and from the function module; and connection module control means for controlling the function module based on the identity information.  
         [0011]     With this mobile communication terminal, it is possible to build a mobile communication terminal having the functions a user wants by having the user arbitrarily combine a desired function module with a core module. When building the terminal, it is not possible for the core module to know what type of function module is being incorporated in advance, but it is possible to ascertain the type of function module that has been incorporated by using module identification information notified to the connection module control means of the core module via the core module communication processing means of the function module and the inter module communication processing means of the core module. The core module therefore implements the function of appropriately controlling the function module according to the users needs.  
         [0012]     Also, the construction of this mobile communication terminal is such that the core module and the function module may be easily attached or removed for connection. Therefore, in order to change to new functions or add functions, even if the existing core module or functional module is updated to a new core module or functional module, or a new function module is added, the only requirement is to purchase a new core module or function module.  
         [0013]     Therefore, with the mobile communication terminal of the present invention, it is possible to make effective use of resources, as well as reducing the burden placed on a user when upgrading or adding functions.  
         [0014]     With the mobile communication terminal of the present invention, the function module further comprises control information storage means for storing control information for self-control, and the core module further comprises control information download means for downloading new control information from control information storage means for storing the new control information in the event that it is decided, from the module identity information, to be necessary to download new control information, and control information install means for integrating the downloaded control information into the connection module control means.  
         [0015]     In this case, the control information download means downloads control information that is stored in the control information storage means of that function module, when there is a function module that is not capable of being controlled by the core module because it does not have predetermined control information, among function modules fitted to the core module. Subsequently, the control information install means installs the downloaded control information into connection module control means. As a result, it is possible to automatically carry out control in an installation step by using the core module, even if the function module cannot be controlled by the core module, when it is fitted to the core module.  
         [0016]     Herein, the control information may be a control program. In this case, new connection does not involve the need to install control programs for all anticipated function modules into the core module, or download a control program by users from another device via a network.  
         [0017]     A second aspect of the present invention is directed to a core module for a mobile communication terminal that is capable of connecting a function module in an attachable and detachable manner, comprising wireless communication control means, for controlling wireless communications with the base stations of a mobile communication network; a wireless transceive data processing section for carrying out transceive data processing by using the wireless communication; inter-module communication processing means, for transceiving data, including receipt of module identity information for identifying the function module, to the function module; and connection module control means for controlling the function module based on the module identity information.  
         [0018]     With this core module for a mobile communication terminal, when the user arbitrarily fits a desired function module into the core module, it is not possible to know what type of function module is being incorporated in advance. However, it is possible to ascertain what type of function module has been combined, by means of module identification information notified to the connection module control means via the inter module communication processing means. It is therefore possible for the core module for the mobile communication terminal to appropriately control the function module. As a result, it is possible to construct the above described mobile communication terminal of the present invention by using the core module for a mobile communication terminal of the present invention.  
         [0019]     With the core module for a mobile communication terminal of the present invention, it is possible to have a structure further comprising control information download means for downloading the new control information from a function module storing the new control information in the event that it is decided from the module identity information to be necessary to download new control information, and the control information install means for integrating the control information, which is downloaded by using the control information download means, into the connection module control means.  
         [0020]     In this case, among function modules fitted to the core module for the mobile communication terminal, even if there is a function module that is not capable of being controlled by a core module for the mobile communication terminal because predetermined control information is not given to the core module, the control information download means downloads control information that is stored in the control information storage means of that function module. The control information install means then installs the downloaded control information into connection module control means. As a result, it is possible to automatically carry out control in an installation step by using the core module for the mobile communication terminal, even if the function module can not be controlled by the core module for the mobile communication terminal, when it is fitted to the core module.  
         [0021]     It is also possible for the core module for the mobile communication terminal of the present invention to be further provided with operation input means for carrying out operation input, and display output means for performing display output. In this case, minimum functions of the portable communication terminal, such as transceiving of e-mail via a communication network in response to instruction by the user, may be accomplished with only the core module for the mobile communication terminal.  
         [0022]     A third aspect of the present invention is a function module for a mobile communication terminal that is capable of connecting to a core module for a mobile communication terminal in an attachable and detachable manner, comprising core module communication processing means for transceiving data, including transmission of own module identity information, to the core module for a mobile communication terminal.  
         [0023]     With this function module for the mobile communication terminal, when it is combined into the core module for the mobile communication terminal, it is possible to transmit own-module identification information to the core module for the mobile communication terminal by using the core module communication processing means. Therefore, the core module for a mobile communication terminal may ascertain what type of function module for the mobile communication terminal has been incorporated by analyzing the module identification information, and it is possible to appropriately control the incorporated function module. As a result, it is possible to construct the above described mobile communication terminal of the present invention by using the function module for a mobile communication terminal of the present invention.  
         [0024]     With the function module for a mobile communication terminal of the present invention, it is possible to have a structure where there is further provided control information storage means for storing control information that is exploited by core module for a mobile communication terminal, and the control information is transmitted via the core module communication processing means to the core module for a mobile communication terminal, when it is necessary to download new control information from the core module for a mobile communication terminal.  
         [0025]     In this case, among function modules for a mobile communication terminal fitted to the core module for the mobile communication terminal, even if there is a function module for a mobile communication terminal that is not capable of being controlled by the core module for the mobile communication terminal because the predetermined control information is given to the core module, it is possible for the core module for a mobile communication terminal to automatically download and install the control information that is stored in the control information storage means of that function module for a mobile communication terminal. As a result, it is possible to automatically carry out control in the installation step by using the core module for the mobile communication terminal, even if the function module for a mobile communication terminal can not be controlled by the core module for the mobile communication terminal, when it is just fitted to the core module.  
       Effect of the Invention  
       [0026]     As has been described above, the mobile communication terminal of the present invention is advantageous in that it is possible to make effective use of resources, as well as reducing the burden placed on a user when upgrading or adding functions.  
         [0027]     Also, with the core module and function module for a mobile communication terminal of the present invention, there is the advantage that the mobile communication terminal of the present invention can be easily assembled. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0028]      FIG. 1  shows the external structure of a mobile communication terminal of one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 2A  shows the external structure of a right side of the core module of  FIG. 1  in an opened up state;  
         [0030]      FIG. 2B  shows the external structure of the front of the core module of  FIG. 1  in the opened up state;  
         [0031]      FIG. 2C  shows the external structure of the left of the core module of  FIG. 1  in the opened up state;  
         [0032]      FIG. 3A  shows the external structure of the rear of the first part of  FIG. 2B .  
         [0033]      FIG. 3B  shows the external structure of the rear of the second part of  FIG. 2B ;  
         [0034]      FIG. 4  is functional block diagram showing the internal structure of the left of the core module of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0035]      FIG. 5A  shows the external structure of the first example of an operating section module;  
         [0036]      FIG. 5B  shows the external structure of the second example of the operating section module;  
         [0037]      FIG. 6A  shows the external structure of the first example of the display section module;  
         [0038]      FIG. 6B  shows the external structure of the second example of the display section module;  
         [0039]      FIG. 7  is a functional block diagram showing the internal structure of the operating section module and the display section module;  
         [0040]      FIG. 8A  shows the external structure of the camera module;  
         [0041]      FIG. 8B  shows the external structure of the flash lamp module;  
         [0042]      FIG. 8C  shows the external structure of the radio tuner module;  
         [0043]      FIG. 9A  shows the external structure of the television tuner module;  
         [0044]      FIG. 9B  shows the external structure of the speaker module;  
         [0045]      FIG. 9C  shows the external structure of GPS module;  
         [0046]      FIG. 10  is a functional block diagram showing the internal structure of each of the function modules of  FIG. 8A  to  FIG. 9C ;  
         [0047]      FIG. 11  is a sequence chart for describing acquisition of information for controlling a connected module by using a core module;  
         [0048]      FIG. 12  is a drawing for describing the first embodiment;  
         [0049]      FIG. 13A  is a drawing for describing the second embodiment; and  
         [0050]      FIG. 13B  is a drawing for describing the third embodiment. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0051]     One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to  FIG. 1 - FIG. 11 .  
         [0052]      FIG. 1  shows the external structure of a mobile communication terminal  10  of one embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the mobile communication terminal  10  is a cellular phone having a camera function, and comprises a core module  20 , and an operation section module  31 , display module  32  and camera module  33  that are connected in a detachable and attachable manner to this core module  20 .  
         [0053]     The structure of the core module  20  is shown synthetically in  FIG. 2A - FIG. 4 . Here, the external structure of the core module  20  is shown in  FIG. 2A - FIG. 3B , while the internal structure of the core module  20  is shown in the functional block diagram of  FIG. 4 .  
         [0054]     As synthetically shown in a right view  FIG. 2A , front view  FIG. 2B  and a left view  FIG. 2C  of the mobile communication terminal  10  in an opened state, the core module  20  comprises a first section  21 , and a second section  22  that is connected to the first section in such a manner as to be rotatable about an axis AX. Here, the first section  21  is comprised of an operation section where operation input keys are laid out, a module connection section  23 L having connection terminals  24 L, and a module connection section  23 R having connection terminals  24 R. The module connection section  23 L and the module connection section  23 R have the same mechanical structure, and the connection terminal  24 L and the connection terminal  24 R have the similar shape. The second section  22  is provided with a display section for displaying characters, and so forth.  
         [0055]     Note that small operation keys that are as small as possible while being capable of respectively being pressed down by a fingertip or the like are arranged on the operation section of the first section  21 . A display device that is capable of displaying one or two lines is mounted on the display section of the second section  22 .  
         [0056]     A +X direction view of the second section  22  in a state of being folded on to the first section  21  is shown in  FIG. 3A . As shown in  FIG. 3A , terminals  24 D for operation section module connection are arranged on the rear surface of the first section  21  in  FIG. 2B . A-X direction view of the second section  22  in a state of being folded on to the first section  21  is shown in  FIG. 3B . As shown in  FIG. 3B , terminals  24 U for display section module connection are arranged on the rear surface of the second section  22  in  FIG. 2B .  
         [0057]     As shown in  FIG. 4 , inside the core module  20  there are provided (a) a unified control section  25  for controlling the entire core module  20  and all kinds of modules connected to the core module  20 , (b) a storage section  26  for storing programs and data for the unified control section  25 , (c) an antenna  27  for carrying out transceiving of wireless signals between bases stations of a mobile communication network, and (d) a wireless signal processing section  28  for processing high frequency wireless signals being transceived.  
         [0058]     The unified control section  25  comprises (i) a wireless communication control section  61 , connected to the wireless signal processing section  28 , for controlling wireless signals between base stations via the antenna  27  and the wireless signal processing section  28 , (ii) an inter function module communication processing section  62 , connected to the above described connection terminal  24 L, connection terminal  24 R, terminal for operations module connection  24 D, and terminals for display module connection  24 U, for processing signals respectively passed between the connected function modules  31 ,  32 ,  33 , and (iii) a module control section  63  for respectively controlling connected function modules  31 ,  32 ,  33  (refer to  FIG. 1 ), via the inter module communication processing section  62 . The unified control section  25  comprises (iv) a download section  64  for downloading control information (including control programs) from connected function modules  31 ,  32 ,  33  via the inter module communication processing section  62 , and (v) an install section  65  for incorporating control information acquired by the download section  64  into the module control section  63 .  
         [0059]     Note that the unified control section  25  is constructed comprising a central processing unit (CPU) and a digital signal processing unit (DSP), and can also realize functions of each of the above described sections  61 - 65  by using programs.  
         [0060]     As shown in  FIG. 5A , the operation section module  31  is comprised of operation keys similarly arranged in the form of a numerical keypad, a connection terminal  41  for connection to the above described operation section module connection terminal  24 D, and a microphone  43  for recording voice at the time of a voice communication. As shown in  FIG. 5B , it is also possible to connect an operation module  31  to the core module  20  that as well as having an operation key layout that is the same as a full keyboard arrangement, is provided with the connection terminal  41  for connecting to the operation module connection terminal  24 D, similar to the operation module  31 .  
         [0061]     As shown in  FIG. 6A , the display section module  32  comprises a main display for displaying characters and images during communication operation, a connection terminal  42  for connecting to the above described display section module connection terminal  24 U, and a speaker for voice communication  44  for outputting voice at the time of a voice communication. Alternatively, the display section module  32  also has a subdisplay for display of characters and images during standby operation, and a guidance speaker for outputting guidance sounds such as a ringing tone, arranged on a rear surface side of  FIG. 6A . As shown in  FIG. 6B , it is also possible to connect a display module  32 ′ to the core module  20  that, as well as having a large display arranged, is provided with the connection terminal  42  for connecting to the display section module connection terminal  24 U, similar to the display section module  32 .  
         [0062]     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the operation section modules  31 ,  31 ′ and the display section modules  32 ,  32 ′ are respectively comprised internally of (a) a control section  45  for controlling operation of each function module, (b) a storage section  46  for storing programs for the control section  45 , control information for the core module  20  to control each function module, various types of data and so forth, and (c) an inherent function device section  47  having devices corresponding to the function inherent to each function module. The control section  45  is provided with a core module communication processing section  48  for processing communication with the core module  20 .  
         [0063]     Note that the control section  45  is constructed comprising the central processing unit (CPU), and can also realize functions of the above described core module communication processing section  48  by using programs.  
         [0064]     As shown in  FIG. 8A , a camera module  33  comprises a connection section  51  having a mechanical structure that is capable of connecting to the module connection section  23 L or the module connection section  23 R of the core module  20 , and a connection section  52  having a similar mechanical structure to the module connection section  23 L and the connection module  23 R. A connection terminal  53  that is capable of connection to the connection terminal  24 L of the module connection section  23 L or the connection terminal  24 R of the module connection section  23 R is provided in the connection section  51 , and a connection terminal  54  having the same shape as the connection terminal  24 L or the connection terminal  24 R is provided in the connection section  52 . It is also possible to connect the flash lamp module  34  of  FIG. 8B , the radio tuner module  35  shown in  FIG. 8C , the television tuner  36  shown in  FIG. 9A , the speaker module  37  shown in  FIG. 9B  or the GPS (Global Positioning System) module  38  shown in  FIG. 9C , each provided with the connection section  51  and the connection section  52 , to the core module  20 .  
         [0065]     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the respective function modules  33 - 38  comprised internally of (a) a control section  55  for control operation of each function module, (b) a storage section  56  for storing programs for the control section  55 , control information for the core module  20  to control each function module, various types of data and so forth, and (c) an inherent function device section  57  having devices corresponding to the function inherent to each function module. The control section  55  is provided with a core module communication processing section  58 , connected to the connection terminals  53 ,  54 , for processing communication with the core module  20 . Note that the core module communication processing section  58  is configured so that if a control code and data from the core module  20  input via the connection terminal  53  are not for its own module, the command and data are passed through to the connection terminal  54 . Alternatively, the core module communication processing section  58  is configured so that if data and so forth is received via the connection terminal  54 , the data or the like are passed through to the connection terminal  53 .  
         [0066]     Note that the control section  55  is constructed comprising a central processing unit (CPU), and can also realize functions of the above described core module communication processing section  58  by using programs.  
         [0067]     With the mobile communication terminal  10  constructed as described above, when an initialization instruction is executed as a result of power being turned on, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the module control section  63  of the core module  20  transmits, via the inter module communication processing section  62 , an identification information request to each function module  31 ,  32 ,  33  in turn to request notification of identification information for identifying what type of function module each of the function modules  31 ,  32 ,  33  is. The control section  45  or control section  55  of each function module  31 ,  32 ,  33  that has received the identification information request at the core module communication processing section  48  or the core module communication processing section  58  then reads out identification information from the storage section  46  or storage section  56 . The control section  45  or the control section  55  then transmits the identification information from the core module communication processing section  48  or the core module communication processing section  58  to the core module  20 .  
         [0068]     When the module control section  63  of the core module  20  receives identification information from each function module  31 ,  32 , and  33 , it is decided whether control information, such as a control program for a function module specified by the identification information, has already been incorporated, that is, whether or not it is installed. If the decision is negative, the module control section  63  requests download of control information to the download section  64 . The download section  64  that has received this request transmits a control information request for requesting notification of control information to the module which is not installed with the control information, via the inter-module communication processing section  62 . In this way, the module control section  62  of the core module  20  recognizes what type of module is connected.  
         [0069]     The control section  45  or control section  55  of the function module that has received the control information request at the core module communication processing section  48  or the core module communication processing section  58  then reads out control information from the storage section  46  or storage section  56 . The control section  45  or the control section  55  then transmits the control information from the core module communication processing section  48  or the core module communication processing section  58  to the core module  20 .  
         [0070]     The download section  64  receives control information, and notifies the install section  65  of the control information. The install section  65  incorporates, that is installs, the control information to the module control section  63 .  
         [0071]     In this embodiment, it is also possible to have a structure where identification information for each function module is made up of overall identification information showing type of module, and individual identification information showing detailed functions of the module. For example, when a camera module such as the camera module  33  is connected, as well as first of all making identification information showing that it is a camera module overall identification information, it is possible to make information showing the number of images taken by the camera module and the type of input keys required individual identification information.  
         [0072]     By receiving the individual identification information in addition to the overall identification information, it is possible for the core module  20  to carry out more detailed settings when changing its own function settings and installing control information from another function module. For example, when individual identification information showing the number of pictures taken by a camera mounted on the camera module  33  but not shown in the drawings has been received, it is possible change settings of the wireless communication processing section  28  inside the core module  20 , equipped when attaching data, such as the picture taken by the camera, to an electronic e-mail message, and transmitting via a mobile communication network. Specifically, since attached data size generally becomes large when the number of pictures taken is large, if a size of data such as photographs predicted from the number of photographs taken by the camera becomes larger than a range limit for data size that can be transmitted by using the mobile communication network, it is possible to restrict data attachment at the time of e-mail transmission, and to change settings for memory management of a temporary saving region, not shown, inside the core module  20 .  
         [0073]     By performing the above described procedure, when it becomes possible for the core module  20  to control each of the function modules  31 ,  32 , and  33 , it is then possible for the core module to exchange control codes or data, and control each of the function modules in response to a user instruction, and to exhibit a function as the mobile communication terminal  10 . Note that with the mobile communication terminal  10 , when the operation section module  31  becomes controllable, the operation section function of the core module  20  is suspended. Also, when the display section module  32  becomes controllable, the display section function of the core module  20  is suspended.  
         [0074]     As has been described above, the mobile communication terminal  10  of this embodiment is assembled by the user incorporating an arbitrary specified function module into the core module  20 . When assembling the terminal, it is not possible for the core module  20  to know what type of function module is being incorporated in advance. However, it is possible to ascertain the type of function module that has been incorporated by using identification information notified to the connection module control means  63  of the core module  20  via the core module communication processing section  48 , and  58  of the function module and the inter module communication processing section  62  of the core module  20 . The core module  20  therefore implements the function of appropriately controlling a function module according to the user&#39;s preference.  
         [0075]     Also, the construction of the mobile communication terminal  10  is such that the core module  20  and the function module may be attached or removed for connection. Therefore, in order to change to new functions or add functions, even if the existing function module is updated to a new function module, or a new function module is added, the only requirement is to purchase a new function module.  
         [0076]     Also, when a function module exists, among function modules fitted to the core module  20 , that the core module  20  can not control because it does not have control information in advance, such as a control program, the download section  64  downloads control information that is stored in the storage section ( 46  or  56 ) of that function module. Then, the install section  65  then installs the downloaded control information into the connection module control section  63 . As a result, it is possible to automatically carry out control by using the core module  20 , even if the function module can not be controlled by the core module  20  in an incorporation step.  
         [0077]     It is further possible for the core module  20  to transmit information indicating its own function to each function module, and to transmit identification information for a function module that is already connected to a newly connected function module. In this case, the fact that a newly connected function module provides a plurality of types of control information is not a prerequisite, but it is possible for the newly connected function module to send optimum control information, depending on the function of the core module  20  and the type of each function module already connected to the core module  20 , to the core module  20 . In other words, a newly connected function module can cause installation of optimum control information for controlling itself into the core module  20 .  
         [0078]     Specifically, when there is a plurality of types of core module  20 , due to version upgrades and so forth, the newly connected function module can send control information that is optimum for the core module  20  to the core module  20 , based on version information etc. received from the core module  20 . As a result, the core module  20  can install control information for a newly connected function module that is optimum for the core module  20 .  
         [0079]     Furthermore, in the case where a newly connected function module can be controlled by using key input, it is predicted that different key input receive processing will be necessary, depending on the following information, for example, whether an operation section module is connected or not, and further whether the type of operation section module connected is the operation section module  31  or the operation section module  31 ′. In such cases, as the result of the core module  20  sending this information to the function module, the newly connected function module can send to the core module  20  control information according to the type of operation section module currently connected to the core module. It is therefore possible for the core module to install control information for carrying out optimized function module control.  
         [0080]     Furthermore, since the core module  20  is provided with a operation section for carrying out operation input, and a display section for carrying out display output, it is possible e-mail transceiving via mobile communication network in response to user instruction can achieve minimum functions as a mobile communication terminal with only the core module  20 .  
         [0081]     Note that, with the above-described embodiment, description has been given for a mobile communication terminal  10  that is a mobile telephone having a camera function. On the other hand, the function modules shown in  FIG. 5A - FIG. 6B  and  FIG. 8A - FIG. 9C  may be arbitrarily built into the core module  20 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the mobile communication terminal  10  used for entertainment may be constructed by incorporating an operation section module  31 ′, display section module  32 ′, television module  36  and speaker module  37  into the core module  20 .  
         [0082]     Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 13A , it is possible to build a mobile communication terminal  10 B that is compact and used for intelligence gathering by building the camera module  33  and flash lamp module  34  into the core module  20 . As shown in  FIG. 13B , it is also possible to build a mobile communication terminal  10 C provided with functions that are ideal for when being used outdoors, by incorporating a speaker module  37 , radio module  35  and GPS module  38  into the core module  20 .  
         [0083]     Also, as shown in  FIG. 13A , it is possible for each of the function modules shown in  FIG. 8A - FIG. 9C  to be directly connected to the core module  20 , or as shown in  FIG. 13B , to be connected to the core module  20  via another function module.  
         [0084]     In the above-described embodiment, the core module  20  is provided with an operation section and a display section. On the other hand, as the core module, it is not necessary to provide an operation section and display section, and to provide only one of them, or to have a structure with neither provided.  
         [0085]     Furthermore, in the above described embodiment, the structure is such that a further function module can not be connected by means of the operation section module  31  and the display section module  32 . However, it is also possible to provide a connection section on the operation section  31  and the display section module  32 , and to connect another function module via these connection sections.  
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY  
       [0086]     As has been described above, the mobile communication terminal of the present invention can be applied to assembly of a mobile communication terminal having various functions.