WIRELESS COMMUNICATION AND PAYMENT METHOD FOR PORTABLE TERMINAL

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention, hereof, relates to communication and payment method as well as semiconductor storage devices which are applicable to a portable terminal for wireless communication system.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0002] Key driving forces of information technology innovation in contemporary human life have been a personal computer (PC) for internet access and a wireless telephone (cellular phone), which are capable of wireless communication in mobile circumstance.

The PC was used as an equipment for calculation, data processing and controlling at an early stage of its usage.

In addition to those applications, at present, a role of the PC as an internet terminal has significantly increased. Internet communication using the PC has a feature that cost per information in communication is much cheaper than that using the wireless telephone (cellular phone). Furthermore, the PC as the terminal has much more capability than the cellular phone, especially, in making and sending a text data such as

e-mail.

[0003] In general, one in contemporary human life has both his own PC used in wired or wireless network environment and his own portable terminal used in either cellar phone system or wireless LAN( Local Area Network) environment.

Here, the clear difference between the PC and the portable terminal is denned as not only with or only with a battery as a power source, respectively.

[0004] As for wireless LAN environment, it is further categorized by (l) system which one uses his own wireless LAN device in his residence or by (2) system which wireless LAN devices are located in places so- called hot spots founded at coffee shops, hotels, and airport lobbies, so on. One can communicate with the other one apart from base stations when using the cellular phone system. On the contrary , when using the wireless LAN system, one can only communicate with the other one within about 100 meters from the wireless LAN devices founded at the places above mentioned, that is, his residence or hot spots.

[0005] Therefore, wireless systems available for one to communicate very far away from his residence are limited to either cellular phone system or wireless LAN system at hotspots.

Up to present, known is a terminal, which is applicable both to cellular phone system and to wireless LAN system (reference l). reference 1- JAPAN Patent Application, Yamaji et al, communication terminal, method and program, Pub. No. JP 2004-182112, June 21,2004

However, it is not known that payment data mentioned below are informed by means of those devices themselves to one who has his own PC and his own portable terminal above mentioned.

Here, payment data are as follows, (l) usage amount (packet), usage time, duration, and usage fee as result of usage as internet communication;

(2)usage amount (packet), usage time, duration, and usage fee as a result of as usage as cellular phone communication.

[0006] It is also not known that selection and procedure which will be described as follows.

When one is making a wireless phone to the other one, IP phone (using wireless LAN system) is firstly tried whether or not it is able to be applied to his terminal. And then, the same sequence is tried to the recipient terminal.

Cellular phone is automatically taken over IP phone only if IP phone is not available.

[0007] The record of the usage time and fee for each communication system used (IP phone, and cellular phone) is classifiably stored in a semiconductor storage device of the terminal.

It is also not known that selection and procedure which will be described as follows.

[0008] When one is making a wireless phone to the other one at a hot spot, the recording and displaying of the time and the fee per system (IP phone or cellular phone) so as for one to make clear payment to an internet provider or a hotspot company who will also pay a part of the charge for an internet provider and/or for a cellular phone carrier in place of the one above mentioned. [0009] As for storage devices for mobile communication terminals,

semiconductor non-volatile memories are being use. They, however, are inferior to hard disks in terms of storage capacity and /or price per bit. This is because semiconductor storage devices are superior over hard disks .especially, for mobile communication terminals in terms of size, weight, and power consumption as compared to hard disks.

Drawback of conventional semiconductor storage devices, however , is its much more expensive price due to that it is not standardized as compared to hard disks and /or optical films.

Excess amount of testing for shipping the devices to guarantee quality level of rewrite cycle of the devices up to as if the device might be eternally used, also gives rise to its higher expense of the devices.

[OOIO] The semiconductor storage devices mentioned above are usually composed of both flash-type non-volatile memories and a microcontroller chip (which is also a semiconductor device) , where the non-volatile memories are stacked in module structure. The semiconductor storage devices mentioned above are used in card forms (IC cards or memory cards) or connector forms (flash memories compatible with USB connectors). At present, the semiconductor storage devices have been used to record data such as simple graphic data and/or to record registered ID (personal identification) and usage information (communication fee, etc).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[OOll] The purpose of this invention is to provide some means solving the issues mentioned above. [0012] The issue on communication system in case of one making a wireless voice phone with either his own PC or his own terminal, especially with

the latter case, one is not always provided in terms of economical fee by the best service such that automatically selects sequence of connection for wireless communication.

That is, out of which system , either IP phone with wireless LAN or cellular phone ,is better for him in terms of his payment for wireless communication. Hereby, sequence of connection implies that it figures out the most economical protocol for one , depending both on of one (a user)'s and on his counter one(another user)s' environment ,on the selection of (1) wireless communication; cheaper but more limited in its service area , (2) cellular communication! more expensive but more free in its service area.

[0013] Another issue on wireless communication system through wireless LAN system in hot spots, lies in that there are few means to charge the users in accordance with usage information , which gives raise to a problem of not giving few incentive for the hot spot company to invest in the wireless LAN facility. This eventually results in that one with a mobile terminal cannot receive sufficient service because the wireless LAN ( cheaper wireless communication means) service is not sufficiently spread enough to communicate with his other one at almost any environment.

[0014] Furthermore, issue on semiconductor storage device with non-volatile memory devices ( as IC card, memory card) is its high cost as compared to hard disks and optical films. The reason why the cost of semiconductor storage device excessively becomes high lies in that they are too much tested before their shipping, to guarantee almost eternal life for them.

[0015] The inventions are carried out to solve those issues mentioned above

Firstly, the invention provides a means of sequence on wireless communication system in case of one making a wireless voice phone

with either his own PC or his own terminal, especially with the latter case.

One is able to be provided by the best service such that automatically selected sequence of connection for wireless communication , that is, which system out of either IP phone with wireless LAN or cellular phone is better for him in terms of his payment for wireless communication. That is, sequence implies that it can figure out , depending both on of one (a user)'s and on his counter one(another user)s' location or environment, selection of (l) wireless communication; cheaper but more limited in its service area , (2) cellular communication; more expensive but more free in its service area.

[0016] The invention provides a method, in a wireless LAN environment, when for example a user makes a phone call (cellular or IP phone) from a wireless LAN facility in a hot spot, to distinguish and inform to the users the duration of usage and the number of usage (such as usage packets or usage time)of each cellular system or IP phone system by wireless LAN.

[0017] The invention provides a method to implement a semiconductor storage device for electronic appliances, including mobile terminals, which is economic and which enables wider usage by setting the maximum number of rewriting for the non-volatile memory used in the storage device and by pre -noticing such limitation to the users, leading the users with their acknowledgement for renewal and to enable lower price to the users by preventing the device to be excessively tested .

[0018] The invention will provide the best service in terms of one's (user's) economy and convenience.

[0019] The invention will promote increase of the number of hot spot service operation facility equipped with wireless LAN and encourage the spread of the wireless LAN service (e.g. IP phone) and so provide the users sufficient benefit (convenience and economic benefit).

[0020] The invention enables a semiconductor storage device using non-volatile memory, which is economic as well as reliable by informing the users the maximum number of usage (rewriting) of the memory.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRWAINGS [0021]

FIG. 1 is a detail perspective view of a portable terminal with a hinge unit capable of both sliding and rotating mechanisms according to the first embodiment of the present invention in case of the portable terminal as a PC inputting text data!

FIG.2 is a detail perspective view of the portable terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention flipped over upside down from its left side toward its right side after closing the panels from FIG.

1 in case of the portable terminal in unused condition and/or as a video camera;

FIG.3 A is a detail perspective view of the portable terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention rotated by 180 degree after closing the panels from FIG.2 ;

FIG. 3 B is a detail perspective view of the portable terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention sliding from FIG.3 A in case of the portable terminal as a wireless voice telephone;

FIG.4 is a block diagram of the terminal in FIG.l.

FIG.5 is a flowchart that describes how selection of wireless communication system is carried out and is noticed to one( the user) data ^such as usage fee per call and/or per month of usage information comprised of the portable terminal itself as well as the user's PC .

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a first semiconductor storage device;

FIG. 7 is a drawing which describes (1) the terminal device which calculates the amount of usage and usage fee, and (2) the device that combines, sends and receives the wireless signal wirelessly connected from terminal devices 120 and/or 120A with outside terminal;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart that describes how the user uses and pays the usage fee when the user uses the hot spot service operation facility by using the device described in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a sample of message shown in the display of the terminal device indicating the usage information recorded in the first semiconductor storage device when the user used the hot sot service operation facility;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a second semiconductor storage device!

FIG. His a sample of message indicating the usage information and the maximum number of usage of the semiconductor storage device (FIG.

10) shown in the display of the terminal device;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart describing the process of the semiconductor storage device (FIG. 10).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MARK

[0022] 1,2— panel, 3, 3 A— display, 4, —keyboard ,4A,4Bl,4B2,4C,4Dl,4D2— key ,5- "speaker, 6- ^■ -microphone,

7— power switch, 8- -antenna, 9A- -RF, 9B- "AV LSI, 10, 10A- -camera unit, 11A,11B,11C,12A,12B— hinge, 13— cushion, 14— shutter, 15, 16— card slot, 15A,16A- -semiconductor storage device, 17— hook slot, 17A- "hook ,

40, 40A- --micro processor, 41— memory,50A,50B— -bus line, , 30A, 30B, 30C— message,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[Embodiment l]

[0023] The following explains a first embodiment of the invention by use of FIG.1 through FIG.5.

FIG. 1 is a drawing that shows a status of a portable terminal 120 making and sending text data like a PC when used for internet access by means of wireless LAN such as for sending emails. FIG. 2 describes a status of the terminal 120 when not in use or used as a video camera. FIG.3 A is a drawing when FIG. 2 is turned upside down turning from the left to the right.

FIG. 3 B describes a status of the terminal 120 when a first 1 and a second panel 2 in FIG. 3 A are slid each other and the terminall20 is used as a wireless voice telephone. The invention, specifically, is related with this case(either IP phone or cellar phone).

[0024] In FIG. 1 to 3 B , 1 represents the first panel. On the panel 1, there are a display device 3 and a speaker 5, which outputs audio signal , acting as

a component of a wireless voice telephone function.

In FIG. 1, 2 represents the second panel. On the panel 2, there are character keys 4A comprising 26 alphabet character for English, 10 numerical keys (0-9) 4B l , 10 numerical convertible keys 4B2, mark keys 4C such as period mark, function keys 4D, totaling 60 keys that consist the keyboard 4.

In FIG. 1, under the keyboard 4 in the panel 2, there are main electronic components of the portable terminal 120, e.g., microprocessor (MPU) 40, special microprocessor 4OA , memory 41mounted on a printed board as its block diagram will be shown in FIG. 4. Also on the panel 2 are a microphone 6, which is a component of a wireless voice telephone and a power switch 7, an antenna 8, and a slot 15 to comply with a semiconductor storage card 15A or 16A, as shown in a block diagram of the panel 2 in FIG. 4.

Also as shown in FIG. 2 , on the panel 2, there are a camera unit 10 and cushions 13 on a surface opposite to the surface where the keyboard 4 is arranged. In FIG. 3 A and FIG. 3 B , on the panel 1, at the surface on an opposite side of the display device 3, is a camera unit 1OA, which is used as a video camera for inner scenery , and also a display device 3A and the speaker 5. The display 3A is smaller in size than the display device 3 and is used to display dialed phone numbers with simple messages when the terminal 120 is used as a wireless voice telephone. Simple messages are displayed just when a power of the portable terminal 120 turns on.

The display 3A is used as well to display a picture of a target as a finder when the terminal 120 is used as a video camera.

In FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B , a scroll dial 16 is placed at a side edge of the panel 2. The scroll dial 16 is used at least for a selection of simple messages displayed on the display 3A in case of the terminal 120 used as a wireless voice telephone.

[0026] In FIG. 1 to 3B, a hinge unit 11 is composed of 11A, HB, HC, 12A and 12B. 11A is a part of the hinge unit fixed to the panel l; HB, HC are also parts of the hinge unit, the axis of which is the same as HA. Diameters of HB, HC are a little bit smaller than HA . HB and HC rotate with HA.

The parts HA, HB and HC of the hinge unit 11 are covered with covers HAl, HBl and HCl as shown in FIG. 1, but for simplicity, those covers are omitted in other figures.

In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , a hook 17A attached at the panel 1 can slide through a sliding hook slot 17 engraved at the panel 2. They are placed at a counter side of the hinge unit 11 composed of HA, HB, HC, 12A and 12B. It will be explained by using FIG. 3 A and FIG. 3 B as follows. In FIG. 3 A and FIG. 3 B, when the terminal 120 is used as a wireless voice telephone, the panels 1, 2 are slid from FIG. 3 A position to FIG. 3 B position and then used by the user's holding the panel 2 by his single hand.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a drawing explaining block diagram of the terminal 120 , specifically, explaining the special micro processor 4OA which selects communication system; IP communication based on wireless LAN or cellular communication based on cellular system ,and which records usage information in communication mentioned above into storage device 15 A through 4OA, 41, and 40. FIG.5 is a flowchart that describes how selection of sequence in wireless

communication system is carried out and is noticed to one( the user) usage information such as usage fee per call and/or per month of the terminal 120 itself , comprising usage information of his own PC (not shown) , as well.

[0028] The procedure of the invention will be explained by the flow chart in FIG. 5. In step S501, one (user) starts wireless communication. In step S502, one (user) makes a wireless voice telephone call dialing the numerical key 4D.

In step S503, the special micro processor 4OA judges whether or not IP phone system with wireless LAN will be available all the way to a phone of the other one (recipient).

If it is OK, then IP phone system is applied in step S504, and then usage information (amount of packet, etc.) is recorded in step S505 both at semiconductor storage device 15A in the portable terminal 120 and at a storage device (not shown) in a server.

If it is not , proceed to step S506 where the special micro processor 4OA judges whether or not IP phone system will be partially available! from sender to internet main line via wireless LAN but either from where to the recipient via base station of cellular phone system connected to internet main line or from where to the sender via base station of cellular phone system connected to internet main line. If it is OK, then proceed to step S507, connection mentioned above is applied ,and usage data is logged in the storage mentioned above in step S507.

If it is not, then wireless communication is specifically performed by cellular phone system, and usage data is logged in the storage mentioned above in step S508.

Lastly, no matter which S505, S507 or S508 is used by the portable terminal 120 for a month , for example, usage information recorded are displayed or submitted to one (the user) in step S509 . In this situation, other usage information by other device such as his own PC is added to what is described to the portable terminal 120.

[Embodiment 2]

[0028] The following explains a second embodiment of the invention by use of FIG.6 to FIG.9.

FIG.6 is a block diagram of a first semiconductor storage device 16A. FIG.7 shows the devices installed in hot spot service operation facility, that is, (l) a device 031 to calculate amount of usage and usage fee, and (2) a device 032 to combine wireless signals sent from two user terminals 120 and 120A.

FIG.8 is a flowchart describing how to make payment of the usage fee when a user uses the terminal 120 at the hot spot service operation facility.

FIG.9 is a sample of usage information recorded in the first semiconductor storage device 16A when the terminal 120 is used at the hot spot service operation facility.

[0029] In FIG.6, 2OA represents a micro controller LSI chip; 22B is an input/ output portion of 16A; 20AB is a CPU block in 20A; 20 EB is a ROM/RAM block that records ordinary process of 20AB; 20FB is a non-volatile memory block that records the data that relates to ordinary process of 20AB.

20GBC and 20HBC are element blocks that consist a number of usage monitor for cellular telephone system.

20GBC represents a ROM/RAM block that records the procedure to record in 20HBC such as a duration of usage, a number of usage, and usage fee when the user makes a wireless voice phone by cellular phone system.

The same role and function are assigned to 20GBI and 20HBI when the user makes a wireless voice phone by IP phone system as well as internet use such as download .

[0030] In FIG.9, 3OC is a sample of message that is shown on the display 3 of the terminal 120 when he uses the terminal 120 at the hot spot service operation facility.

In FIG.7, 031A is a slot in the device 0315 032 also acts as a hot spot wireless base station to and from the outside base station; 033 and 033A represent electronic waves between the terminals 120 and 120A held by different users,; 08C is an antenna that sends and receives electronic waves between 032 and outside; 033B represents electronic wave to and from the outside base station.

016A and 016AA represent the first semiconductor storage device, which record usage fee information, etc., for his usage within the hot spot service operation facility.

[0031] The following illustrates a procedure of how the hot spot service operation facility receives usage fee from the user, using the flowchart in FIG.8 referring to the case where the user firstly to try make a wireless voice phone call using wireless LAN( no matter whether or not he notices IP phone system is attempted at first) .

In step S601, he goes to a hot spot facility.

In step S602, he hands the first semiconductor storage device 16A to a

hot spot operator when using the hot spot service operating facility. In step S603, the hot spot operator inserts 16A to a slot 03 IA of usage fee calculation terminal device 031,for setting its initial condition. In step S604, he pushes an IP phone button (not shown) and initiates an IP phone call from the terminal 120.

In step S605, 032 determines whether or not the recipient of the call is in a different hot spot facility. If the recipient is in a different hot spot service operation facility, move on to step S606 and in step S606, both amount of packets of communication between the IP phones, and usage fee are also recorded in 16A. Then move to step S608. [0032]

In step S605, if the recipient of the phone call is not in a hot spot facility, move to step S607! communication to be made between IP phone (sender) and cellular phone (recipient); both amount of packet , duration of usage, and usage fee are also recorded in 16A. Then move to step S608.

In step S608, when he has completed usage of phone call at the hot spot service operation facility, he submits 16A to the hot spot operator. The hot spot operator inserts 16A into the slot 03 IA of the usage fee calculation terminal device 031, then, usage fee is calculated and shown as a message

30C in FIG.9 . He( the user) pays usage fee to the hot spot operator, and in step S609, leaves the facility. 033] As above mentioned, the embodiment 1 only describes a case of IP phone communication as an example of wireless LAN usage in a hot spot service operation facility. It should be noted that the forms of wireless LAN usage in a hot spot service operation facility are not limited to this example. The same concept can be applied to such case as internet download, email and /or video communication, use of the terminal 120 as a video camera.

[Embodiment 3]

[0034] The following describes a third embodiment of the invention by use of FIG.l,10,ll and l2 .

FIG.10 is a block diagram of a second semiconductor storage device, using semiconductor non-volatile memory device 15A, which the invention covers.

FIG.11 is a sample screen shown on the display 3 of the terminal 120 that indicates usage information and limit of usage of the semiconductor storage device 15A.

FIG.12 is a flowchart that describes an action of the subject semiconductor storage device 15A that the invention covers. [0035] In FIG.10, 15A represents the second semiconductor storage device; 2OA represents a microcontroller LSI chip; 21 represents a group of non-volatile memory LSI chips to store data for 15A; 22 is an input output portion of 15A; 2OD is a CPU block within 20A; 2OE is a ROM/RAM block to record ordinary procedure of 20A; 20 F is a non-volatile memory to record data relating to ordinary process of 2OA; 20G and 2OH are element blocks that consist a monitor that monitors number of usage.

The ROM/RAM block 2OG, which records the operational procedure of the monitor, and the non-volatile memory block 2OH which records a number of usage for the group of non-volatile memory 21. Usage calculation is done on the basis of operational procedure of the monitor. Such operational procedure comprises calculation such as the number of

usage (re witing), number of resetting as to the storage device 15A, specifically, the group of non- volatile memory 21 .

20GL is a RAM/ROM block, which records a calculation procedure of the number of usage (rewriting), resetting ,and the cumulative number of usage(rewriting) for group of the non- volatile memory 21. 20HL block

(not shown) records the maximum number of usage.

2OD, 2OE, 2OF, 2OG, 20H, 20GL, and 20HL are simultaneously made on a single silicon chip. [0036] In FIG.11, 3OA is a sample of message indicated on the display 3 of the terminal 120 when the number of usage reached the reset value, and 30B when the number of usage (rewriting) reached the limit value. [0037] The following explains operational procedure in the semiconductor storage device 15A in detail by using the flowchart of FIG.12 and using the case where terminal 120 is used only for usage as a video camera as shown in FIG. IB, for example.

First in step S701, before shipping the semiconductor storage device 15A, set the value of the number of usage counter and reset counter to 0 in 2OH, , and to zero, as well, a data of the group of the non-volatile memory group 21. Simultaneously, set the reset value Ll and the maximum number of usage(rewriting) L2. The manufacturer then sells 15A to a retailer.

Next in step S702, when the retailer sells 15A to the user, the retailer confirms that the usage counter in 2OH and the data of 21 is set 0. Then, in step S703, the user purchases the card 15A and sets it into the slot 15 of the terminal 120 and turn the power switch 7 of the terminal 120 on.

In step S 704, when he makes the terminal 120 video camera mode and take picture of a subject, the processor 4OA that consists the terminal 120 and the CPU 2OD of 15A co-operate and record the graphic data,

corresponding to the picture taken, into 21 of 15A.

The volume of the above data shall be referred to as x. CPU 2OD will add to the volume of the graphic data stored until then. The total cumulative data shall be called X.

In step S 705, CPU 2OD reads out the number of resetting and the cumulative number of usage (rewriting) from the number of usage counter 2OH and sets the data to the register in 20D.

In step S706, CPU 2OD calculates the cumulative amount of graphic data of the pictures taken X and compares the amount with the storage capacity Y of 21.

In step S707, if X<Y, return to step S704. If X>Y, go to step S708.

In step S708, CPU 2OD adds 1 to the number of reset counter and the cumulative number of usage (rewriting) counter in the register .respectively.

These numbers are denned as LOl and L02. In step S709; compare LOl and L02 with the reset value Ll and maximum number of usage(rewriting) L02 that are preset in step S701 .

In step S709, if LOl is less than Ll, record the LOl value to 2OH and return to S704. If LOl reached the Ll value, go to step S710.

In step S710; indicate in display 3 that the LOl value reached the reset value Ll.

In step S711, he decides whether to have the semiconductor storage device 15A reset at the retailer or to continue usage.

In step S711, if the user renews 15A or have it reset, return to S704 after setting the reset counter to 0.

In step S711, if the user chooses not to have 15A reset, go to S712 and make indication on the display 3 and stop any more rewriting process.

In step S709, if the value L02 reaches the maximum number of usage L2, the step moves on to S712, semiconductor storage device 15A indicates on the display 3 of the terminal 120 that 15A has reached its maximum number of usage (rewriting) and at the same time if the terminal 120 is still set to video mode to take graphic image, the graphic data taken by the terminal 120 shall not be recorded in the group of non- volatile memory 21. In FIG.7, 3A is a sample message indicated on the display 3 of the terminal 120 when it reached to the reset value ^3OA, and when it reached to the cumulative limit of usage (rewriting) :30B as an example of the description above. The third embodiment referring to the example when the terminal 120 is operated at video mode, however, the concept of the invention is not limited to this example. That is, the example illustrates the process by using graphic image data recorded in the group of non- volatile memory 21, however, the data can also be text data, various data downloaded from the internet (music data, etc.) and also can be operating systems and application programs.

In addition, the concept of the invention not only refers to the number of rewriting , but also applies to number of reading or combination of rewriting and reading .

Although the invention has been illustrated and described with respect to exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and various other changes, omission and additions may be made therein and thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, in embodiment 2 usage information as a result of use of the terminal 120 in a hot spot service facility may be noticed to its facility by wireless means.