Mobile communication terminal, and core module and function module for mobile communication terminal
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.
1. A communication terminal, having a core module and a plurality of function modules connected in an attachable and detachable manner, for performing wireless communication with base stations in a mobile communication network, each of the plurality of function modules comprising:
core module communication processing means, for transceiving data, including transmission of own module identity information, to the core module, the core module comprising:
wireless communication control means, for controlling wireless communication between the base station;
a wireless transceive data processing section for carrying out transceive data processing by using the wireless communication;
means for transmitting information indicating function of the core module, and the type of each function module already connected to the core module, to each function module;
function module communication processing means, for transceiving data, including receipt of the module identity information, to the plurality of function modules; and
connection module control means for controlling the function modules based on the identity information, wherein both the core module and the plurality of function modules are contained in the mobile communication terminal.
2. The mobile communication terminal of claim 1 , wherein the function module further comprises control information storage means storing control information for self-control, and the core module further comprises:
control information download means for downloading the new control information from control information storage means 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.
3. The mobile communication terminal of claim 2 , wherein the control information is a control program.
4. The communication terminal recited in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of function modules comprises:
an operation section module;
a display module; and
a camera module.
5. A core module for a mobile communication terminal that is capable of connecting a plurality of function modules in an attachable and detachable manner, comprising:
wireless communication control means, for controlling wireless communication between base stations of a mobile communication network;
a wireless transceive data processing section for carrying out transceive data processing by using the wireless communication;
means for transmitting information indicating function of the core module, and a type of each function module already connected to the core module, to each function module;
function module communication processing means, for transceiving data, including receipt of module identity information for identifying the function module, to and from the plurality of function modules; and
connection module control means for controlling the plurality of function modules based on the module identity information,
wherein both the core module and the plurality of function modules are contained in the mobile communication terminal.
6. The core module for a mobile communication terminal of claim 5 , 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 control information install means, for integrating the control information, downloaded by using the control information download means, into the connection module control means.
7. The core module for a mobile communication terminal of claim 6 , further comprising:
operation input means for performing operation input; and
display output means for performing display output.
8. The core module for a mobile communication terminal of claim 5 , further comprising:
operation input means for performing operation input; and
display output means for performing display output.
9. The core module recited in claim 5 , wherein the plurality of function modules comprises:
an operation section module;
a display module; and
a camera module.
10. A plurality of function modules 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:
means for sending control information to the core module in dependence on function of the core module, and the type of each function module already connected to the core module, transmitted by the core module, and
core module communication processing means for transceiving data, including transmission of own module identity information, to and from the core module for a mobile communication terminal,
wherein both the core module and the plurality of function modules are contained in the mobile communication terminal.
11. The function module for a mobile communication terminal of claim 10 , further provided with control information storage means for storing control information for use of the core module for a mobile communication terminal, wherein
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 the control information from the core module for a mobile communication terminal.
12. The plurality of function modules recited in claim 10 , wherein the plurality of function modules comprises:
an operation section module;
a display module; and
a camera module.