Abstract:
A portable information terminal apparatus includes a portable information terminal unit having a display surface capable of displaying the information and a cradle on which the portable information terminal unit can be detachably mounted. When the portable information terminal unit is loaded on the cradle, data can be transmitted/received to or from another electronic equipment through the cradle. The portable information terminal apparatus includes a lock mechanism for switching the portable information terminal unit between a locked state and an unlocked state when the portable information terminal unit is loaded on the cradle. The portable information terminal unit includes an information readout unit for reading out the contact information and a controlling unit for controlling the lock mechanism when the information readout unit has read out the preset contact information.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to an information display apparatus for forming a liquid crystal display surface by liquid crystal display device. More particularly, it relates to a portable information terminal apparatus that may be applied with advantage to a portable information terminal unit and a lock control system for locking the mounting of the portable information terminal unit to a cradle. This application claims priority of Japanese Patent Application No.2002-027200, filed on Feb. 4, 2002, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.  
           [0003]    2. Description of Related Art  
           [0004]    Recently, an information terminal unit convenient for transportation, such as a so called mobile computer or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), referred to below as a portable information terminal unit, is being developed extensively.  
           [0005]    These portable information terminal units use a liquid crystal display from the perspective of achieving light weight and thin thickness, as shown in FIG. 1. A portable information terminal unit  8  demonstrates the necessary information for the user through a display. This display uses a liquid crystal display device as an optical modulation element, and displays the text or a picture by reflecting the external incident light.  
           [0006]    The user executes necessary inputting operations through the liquid crystal display responsive to the text or the picture demonstrated on the liquid crystal display. Thus, the liquid crystal display is designed as a pressure-sensitive display panel which enables desired input on pressure application with a finger end or with a pen type actuating rod.  
           [0007]    [0007]FIG. 2 shows the back surface of a conventional portable information terminal unit  8 , and a cradle  9  on which is mounted the portable information terminal unit  8 .  
           [0008]    On the back surface of the portable information terminal unit  8  is mounted a cradle connection terminal  81 . This cradle connection terminal  81  is an interface for inputting/outputting data to or from the cradle  9 .  
           [0009]    This cradle  9  is a stand type docking station having a center recess in which to mount the portable information terminal unit  8 . The cradle  9  includes a terminal unit connection terminal  91  for mounting the cradle connection terminal  81  and a USB cable  92  for connecting an electronic equipment, such as a personal computer, or a power supply unit. That is, the portable information terminal unit  8  is able to co-own data with the electronic equipment on mounting the portable information terminal unit on the cradle  9 . The portable information terminal unit  8  is also supplied with power over a USB cable  92  from e.g., a charging power supply of an electronic equipment or a battery on setting the portable information terminal unit  8  on the cradle  9 .  
           [0010]    By mounting the portable information terminal unit  8  on the cradle  9  as shown in FIG. 3, the user is able to view the liquid crystal display on a table or in a motor vehicle without manually holding the portable information terminal unit  8 .  
           [0011]    Meanwhile, since the portable information terminal unit  8  is lightweight and small-sized for enhancing the portability, it tends to be disengaged from the cradle  9 , on which it is set, even under the slightest oscillations. Moreover, the portable information terminal unit  8  can be taken out readily so that it is prone to be stolen and hence stay be insufficient in security.  
           [0012]    Heretofore, in order to secure the portable information terminal  8  on the cradle  9  or to prevent burglary, a lock mechanism was provided for locking the mounting between the portable information terminal unit  8  and the cradle  9 . With this lock mechanism, a key is inserted into a burglary-proofing device mounted to the portable information terminal unit  8  and/or to the cradle  9  or a password set from user to user is entered to achieve the lock.  
           [0013]    However, if the burglary-proofing device, for example, is to be provided in the above-described lock mechanism, the user has to carry the key at all times. Moreover, the user has to insert the key into the burglary-proofing device, once locked, each time he/she is to carry the portable information terminal unit, in order to unlock the terminal unit, thus increasing the load on the part of the user.  
           [0014]    Additionally, since the Internet services and software products nowadays require various different passwords, it is cumbersome for the user to set and learn by heart a password composed of a number of digits in order to prevent burglary of the portable information terminal unit  8 .  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0015]    In view of the above depicted status of the art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable information terminal apparatus and a lock control system whereby the portable information terminal unit can readily be locked to the cradle to relieve the load on the part of the user.  
           [0016]    For accomplishing the above object, the present inventor has devised a portable information terminal apparatus, a lock controlling system and a lock method in which the loading of a portable information terminal unit on the cradle may be locked when the portable information terminal unit is mounted on the cradle.  
           [0017]    The present invention provides a portable information terminal apparatus in which the information is displayed on a liquid crystal display surface formed by a liquid crystal display device and in which data is transmitted/received with other electronic equipment through the cradle on which the portable information terminal unit is mounted. The portable information terminal apparatus includes a loading lock mechanism for locking the loading of the portable information terminal unit on the cradle, controlling means operating based on a control program for controlling the loading lock mechanism, and detection means for transmitting the loading detection signal to the controlling means when the portable information terminal unit is loaded on the cradle. The controlling means is responsive to the loading detection signal to control the loading lock mechanism to lock the loading of the portable information terminal unit on the cradle.  
           [0018]    The present invention also provides a lock controlling system including a cradle connected to an electronic equipment, a portable information terminal unit for transmitting/receiving data with other electronic equipment through a cradle on which the portable information terminal unit is loaded, and a loading lock mechanism for locking the loading of the portable information terminal unit on the cradle. When the portable information terminal unit is loaded on the cradle, the loading lock mechanism is controlled for locking the loading of the portable information terminal unit on the cradle.  
           [0019]    According troche present invention the loading of a portable information terminal unit on a cradle may be locked when the portable information terminal unit is loaded on the cradle. On the other hand, the loading of the portable information terminal unit on the cradle, may be locked responsive to a user&#39;s input through a pressure-sensitive panel. Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the portable information terminal unit from being disengaged from the cradle under trifling vibrations, and security may be protected smoothly, while use&#39;s load is relieved. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]    [0020]FIG. 1 illustrates the appearance of a conventional portable information terminal unit.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 2 illustrates the conventional portable information terminal unit fitted with a cover.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 3 illustrates the conventional portable information terminal loaded on a cradle.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 4 illustrates an outer structure of a portable information terminal unit embodying the present invention.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 5 shows the back surface of the portable information terminal unit: embodying the present invention and a cradle on which to set the portable information terminal unit.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 6 shows the portable information terminal unit loaded on the cradle.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 7 illustrates a typical inner structure of the portable information terminal unit according to the present invention.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 8 illustrates the mechanism of a lock driving unit.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a first processing sequence of a portable information terminal unit embodying the present invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a second processing sequence of a portable information terminal unit embodying the present invention. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0030]    Referring to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained in detail.  
         [0031]    The present invention is applied to a portable information terminal unit  1  shown for example in FIG. 4. The portable information terminal unit  1  is an information terminal unit that may be conveniently carried along by a user, such as a mobile computer or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The terminal unit makes use of a liquid crystal display  2  fi on the perspective of achieving light weight and thin thickness.  
         [0032]    The portable information terminal unit  1  displays the necessary information to the user by for example a liquid crystal display  2 . The user performs necessary input operations responsive to the information displayed on the display  2 . The display  2  is a pressure-sensitive type display panel for achieving a desired input on pressing with finger end or with an actuating bar. The user is able to perform various setting operations through a user input button  3 , from outside the portable information terminal unit  1 , in addition to the aforementioned pressure-sensitive type display panel.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 5 shows the back side of the portable information terminal unit  1  embodying the present invention, and a cradle  4 , on which is loaded the portable information terminal unit  1 .  
         [0034]    On the back side of the portable information terminal unit  1  is mounted a cradle connection unit  26 . This cradle connection unit  26  is an interface for inputting/outputting data to or from the cradle  4 . Meanwhile, the cradle  4  is secured in a preset stationary location.  
         [0035]    The cradle  4  is a stand-type docking station having a center recess in which to mount the portable information terminal unit  1 . The cradle  4  includes a terminal unit connection terminal  41  for mounting the cradle connection unit  26  and a USB cable  42  for connecting an electronic equipment such as a personal computer or a power supply. That is, when mounted to the cradle  4 , the portable information terminal unit  1  is able to co-own data with the electronic equipment. Additionally, when mounted on the cradle  4 , the portable information terminal unit  1  is supplied with power over USB cable  42  from e.g., a charging power supply of an electronic equipment or battery.  
         [0036]    When the portable information terminal unit  1  is mounted on the cradle  4  as shown in FIG. 6, the user is able to view the liquid crystal display on a table or in a motor-vehicle without having to hand hold the portable information terminal unit  1 .  
         [0037]    Referring to FIG. 7, an illustrative inner structure of the portable information terminal unit  1  embodying the present invention is explained in detail.  
         [0038]    In FIG. 7, the portable information terminal unit  1  includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit)  11 , a data bus  12 , a ROM  13 , a DRAM  14 , a graphics controller  15 , a display unit  16  having a pressure-sensitive panel, a PWM driver  17 , a converter for the display unit  18 , a power supply button  19 , a battery  20 , a DC/DC converter  21 , an actuating button  22 , an LED  23 , a regulator  24 , an IR-ray communication controller  25 , a cradle connecting unit  26  and a lock driving unit  27 .  
         [0039]    The CPU  11  is a central operating unit controlling the portable information terminal unit  1  in its entirety, and is connected over the data bus  12  to the ROM  13  for storage of a control program to be executed and to the DRAM  14  as a work area used for data storage or expansion. The CPU  11  controls the lock driving unit  27  based on the response of the contact information from the user through the display unit  16 . The CPU  11  also sends the information to be disclosed to the user through e.g., the graphics controller  15  to the display unit  16 .  
         [0040]    The ROM  13  holds not only the control program but also a database for calculating the longitude and the latitude based on map data or addresses. In addition, the DRAM  14  perpetually holds input patters or recognition portions of passwords for lock driving or unlock, and personal management data, without regard to the on/off state of the main power supply.  
         [0041]    The graphics controller  15  executes picture processing to the display unit  16  under control by the CPU  11 . This graphics controller  15  controls the contrast and luminance in the display unit  16  via PWM driver  17 .  
         [0042]    The display unit  16 , made up by a liquid crystal display element  161 , a back light  162  and a transparent pressure-sensitive panel  163  arranged on the liquid crystal display element  161 , is an interface for a user to have a dialog with the portable information terminal unit  1 .  
         [0043]    The liquid crystal display element  161  is an optical modulation element, comprised of a reflection type liquid crystal display element, or a hybrid liquid crystal display element, employing both the reflected light and the transmitted back light, and forms a liquid crystal display for demonstrating the information for the user. On the liquid crystal display, there is displayed an icon for command input, in addition to a display object, such as map information, for making disclosure for the user. It should be noted that, if the light volume of the external incident light to the liquid crystal display element  161  is not sufficient, the reflected light volume may sometimes be decreased, thereby detracting from the viewability.  
         [0044]    The back light  162  illuminates the light form the backside or the lateral side of the liquid crystal display device to maintain the viewability of the liquid crystal display.  
         [0045]    The pressure-sensitive panel  163  is a resistance film type panel, the output voltage of which is changed depending on the area pressed, that is on the contact information.  
         [0046]    The converter for the display unit  18  is connected to the CPU  11  and to the pressure-sensitive panel  163  and detects the output voltage from the pressure-sensitive panel  163  to convert the detected output voltage into digital data which is routed to the CPU  11 .  
         [0047]    The power supply button  19  is arranged externally of the portable information terminal unit  1  and, when pressed by the user, notifies the CPU  11  of the effect that the power supply will be turned on.  
         [0048]    The battery  20  is an enclosed unit designed to supply the driving current to the overall portable information terminal unit  1 . This battery may, for example, be formed by a lithium secondary battery. The power supply from the battery  20  is controlled by the CPU  11  detecting the pressing operation to the power supply button  19 .  
         [0049]    The DC/DC converter  21  operates under control by the CPU  11  to convert the power supplied from the battery  20  into the power supply voltage required for respective devices forming the portable information terminal unit  1 . This DC/DC converter  21  sends the power for illumination to the back light  162 .  
         [0050]    The actuating button  22  is pressed for input when the display content by the display unit  16  is to be changed, and is equivalent to the user input button described above. That is, by pressing this actuating button  22  for input, a change may be made to the pre-defined display state, for example, from the state of demonstrating a schedule table to the state of displaying a map.  
         [0051]    The LED  23  is a light emitting element for advising the user of the state of the portable information terminal unit  1 , and is turned on or off on power up or power down of the power supply, respectively.  
         [0052]    In the power down state, the regulator  24  sends the power to the devices in need of backup, such as CPU  11  or DRAM  14 .  
         [0053]    The IR-ray communication controller  25  is a controller for transmitting/receiving data by optical communication to or from the external devices. This IR-ray communication controller  25  inputs/outputs data, transmitted to or received from external devices, over the data bus  12 , connected thereto, in cooperation with e.g., the CPU  11 .  
         [0054]    When the loading on the cradle  4  is detected, the cradle connecting unit  26  sends a loading detection signal to the CPU  11 . The cradle connecting unit  26  outputs data input from the cradle  4  to the CPU  11 , while outputting data input from the CPU  11  to the cradle  4 . The cradle connecting unit  26  also receives the power from the cradle  4 .  
         [0055]    Under control by the CPU  11 , the lock driving unit  27  locks or unlocks the loading of the portable information terminal unit  1  to or from the cradle  4 , respectively. The lock driving unit  27  causes a rod provided for emerging and receding movement to the cradle  4 , to be protruded at the time of lock driving into engagement in a recess provided in the portable information terminal unit  1 , to establish a locked state, while causing the rod of the cradle  4  to be receded to enable the portable information terminal unit  1  to be taken out from the cradle  4 , to establish the unlocked state, as shown for example in FIG. 8.  
         [0056]    The first processing sequence of the portable information terminal unit  1 , embodying the present invention, is now explained with reference to FIG. 9.  
         [0057]    When the user sets the portable information terminal unit  1  on the cradle  4 , the cradle connecting unit  26  detects the loading to the cradle  4  and transmits a loading detection signal to the CPU  11 . Responsive to this loading detection signal, the CPU  11  controls the lock driving unit  27  to lock the loading of the portable information terminal unit to the cradle  4  (step S 11 ).  
         [0058]    On receipt of the user&#39;s input through the pressure-sensitive panel  163 , that is the contact information (step S  12 ), at the time of the lock driving, the CPU  11  verifies whether or not the input coincides with the input pattern already registered by the user in the DRAM  14 . If, as a result, the input coincides with the registered input pattern, the input is determined to be that from the owner of the portable information terminal unit  1 . So, processing transfers to a step S 13  to unlock the loading.  
         [0059]    That is, by the portable information terminal unit  1  carrying out the above-described first processing sequence, the loading of the portable information terminal unit on the cradle  4  automatically locks the loading. In this manner, it is possible to prevent the portable information terminal unit  1  from becoming disengaged from the cradle  4  under trifling vibrations, as the user&#39;s load is relieved. Moreover, security may be protected smoothly.  
         [0060]    The pre-registered input pattern is not limited to a password of several digits but may also be a simple figure, such as ◯ or Δ, or a specified curved pattern. Thus, it suffices for the user to draw only simple figures on the pressure-sensitive panel, without inputting a password of several digits, thus further relieving the user&#39;s load.  
         [0061]    Referring to FIG. 10, the second processing sequence of the portable information terminal unit  1  embodying the present invention is explained in detail.  
         [0062]    When the portable information terminal unit  1  is loaded on the cradle  4 , the cradle connecting unit  26  detects the loading of the portable information terminal unit on the cradle  4  and sends a loading detection signal to the CPU  11 . When the user&#39;s input through the pressure-sensitive panel  163  is accepted (step S 21 ), the CPU  11  checks whether or not the input coincides with the input pattern already registered by the user in the DRAM  14 . If the input coincides with the registered input pattern, the input is determined to be the input from the owner of the portable information terminal unit  1 , such that the CPU  11  controls the lock driving unit  27  to lock the loading on the cradle  4  (step S 22 ). The CPU  11  causes the input pattern, input from the pressure-sensitive panel, to be stored in the DRAM  14  (step S 23 ).  
         [0063]    If, after loading the lock on the cradle  4 , the user&#39;s input through the pressure-sensitive panel  163  is accepted (step S 24 ), the CPU  11  in the step S 23  checks whether or not the input coincides with the input pattern stored in the DRAM  14 . If the input in question coincides with the input pattern stored in the DRAM  14 , it is determined that the input in question is that from the party who locked the loading of the portable information terminal unit  1  on the cradle  4 . This, the CPU  11  transfers to a step S 25  to unlock the loading.  
         [0064]    That is, since the input pattern, input in this second processing sequence at the time of locking the loading of the portable information terminal unit  1  on the cradle  4 , is known only to the party who previously registered the input pattern on the DRAM  14 , it is impossible for a third party to unlock the loading. Moreover, since the input pattern input at the time of locking is known only to the person who made the input, it is not possible for a third party to unlock the loading to carry away the portable information terminal unit.  
         [0065]    In addition, since the pre-registered input pattern or the input pattern input when the user locks the loading is not limited to a password of several digits, but may also be a simple figure such as ◯ or Δ or a specified curved pattern. Thus, it suffices for the user to draw only a simple figure on a pressure-sensitive panel, each time the loading is locked or unlocked, without the necessity of inputting a password of several digits, thus relieving the user&#39;s load as in the first processing sequence described above.  
         [0066]    While the invention has been described in accordance with certain preferred embodiments thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the description in detail, it should be understood by those ordinarily skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments, but various modifications, alternative constructions or equivalents can be implemented without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth and defined in the appended claims.