JP2006217165A - Communication terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To adequately perform bidirectional communication between communication terminals without complicating peripheral constitution of light emission portions nor increasing the manufacturing cost. <P>SOLUTION: A 1st communication terminal 100 includes light reception portions 123a and 123b receiving an optical signal emitted by a 2nd communication terminal 200 and light emission portions 124a and 124b emitting optical signals to the 2nd communication terminal 200. Further, the 1st communication terminal 100 includes light reception portions 123a and 123b or light emission portions 124a and 124b and a partition wall body 121 which is disposed between the adjacent light reception portions or light emission portions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication terminal including a light emitting unit that emits an optical signal to an external terminal and a light receiving unit that receives an optical signal emitted from the external terminal.

  Conventionally, a first communication terminal including a light emitting unit and a second communication terminal including a light receiving unit corresponding to the light emitting unit are brought close to each other, and an optical signal emitted from the light emitting unit of the first communication terminal is transmitted to the second communication terminal. By receiving light at the light receiving unit, the second communication terminal receives data corresponding to the optical signal from the first communication terminal via the light receiving unit of the second communication terminal.

In addition, the first communication terminal including the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit and the second communication terminal including the corresponding light receiving unit and the light emitting unit are brought close to each other, whereby the second communication terminal becomes the light emitting unit of the second communication terminal. The optical signal is transmitted to the first communication terminal via the first communication terminal, and the optical signal is also received from the first communication terminal via the light receiving unit of the second communication terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Accordingly, the first communication terminal and the second communication terminal can simultaneously transmit and receive data corresponding to the optical signal between the second communication terminal and the first communication terminal (so-called bidirectional communication). Communication time between the two communication terminals and the first communication terminal can be shortened.
JP-A-11-186968

  However, when each of the first communication terminal and the second communication terminal is provided with a plurality of light emitting units and a plurality of light receiving units, and bidirectional communication is performed between the first communication terminal and the second communication terminal, The light receiving unit of the second communication terminal may receive not only the corresponding optical signal from the light emitting unit of the first communication terminal but also the optical signal from the light emitting unit of the other first communication terminal. The communication terminal cannot receive data corresponding to an appropriate optical signal from the first communication terminal via the light receiving unit of the second communication terminal.

  On the other hand, the optical signal from the light emitting part is emitted radially, and the optical signal does not have straightness. For this reason, the light emitting unit of the first communication terminal is provided with a lens, and the light receiving unit of the second communication terminal does not emit the optical signal from the light emitting unit in a straight line, but emits it straight. The optical signal from the light emission part of the 1st communication terminal corresponding to it can be received appropriately. However, if the thickness, position, and angle of the lens provided in the light emitting unit of the first communication terminal are not appropriate, the optical signal from the light emitting unit of the first communication terminal does not travel straight in the appropriate direction. It was difficult to manufacture the mechanism around the light emitting part.

  Further, if transmission / reception of an optical signal between the light receiving unit of the first communication terminal and the light emitting unit of the second communication terminal is performed in a specific frequency band, the light receiving unit of the first communication terminal corresponds to the second The light signal from the light emitting unit other than the light emitting unit of the communication terminal is not affected. However, in this case, each of the first communication terminal and the second communication terminal must be provided with a circuit for emitting and receiving an optical signal in a specific frequency band, which increases the manufacturing cost. It will be.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is possible to appropriately perform bidirectional communication between communication terminals without complicating the configuration around the light emitting unit and without increasing the manufacturing cost. An object of the present invention is to provide a communication terminal that can be used.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a communication terminal including a plurality of light emitting units that emit optical signals to an external terminal, and a plurality of light receiving units that receive optical signals emitted from the external terminal, It is characterized by comprising a wall body that partitions a light emitting part or light receiving part and an adjacent light receiving part or light emitting part.

  According to the present invention, the wall body separates the light emitting unit or the light receiving unit from the adjacent light receiving unit or the light emitting unit. A communication path capable of transmitting and receiving an optical signal is formed with the light emitting unit of the corresponding external terminal. Thereby, even if a lens is not used around the light emitting unit of the external terminal and the communication terminal, the light receiving unit of the external terminal and the communication terminal can appropriately receive the optical signal from the corresponding light emitting unit, and the communication The terminal can appropriately perform bidirectional communication between the communication terminal and the external terminal without complicating the configuration around the light emitting unit.

  In addition, since a communication path capable of transmitting and receiving optical signals is formed between the light receiving unit of the communication terminal and the light emitting unit of the external terminal corresponding thereto, the light receiving unit of the communication terminal is blocked by another light emitting unit that does not correspond to it. No longer occurs. As a result, the communication terminal can appropriately transmit / receive the optical signal without modulating / demodulating the optical signal between the communication terminal and the external terminal, so that the optical signal can be transmitted in a specific frequency band. Since it is not necessary to provide a circuit, the manufacturing cost for the circuit can be reduced.

  In the above invention, when the distance specifying unit that specifies the distance between the external terminal and the communication terminal and the distance specified by the distance specifying unit is within the reference value, the light signal is transmitted to the external terminal by the plurality of light emitting units. A communication state setting unit that sets a communication state to a communicable state that is a state in which light can be emitted or a communicable state that is a state in which an optical signal can be received from an external terminal by a plurality of light receiving units may be provided.

  In this case, if the distance between the external terminal and the communication terminal exceeds the reference value, the light receiving unit of the communication terminal may receive an optical signal from the light emitting unit of the external terminal that does not correspond to the distance. Only when the distance between the external terminal and the communication terminal is within the reference value, the communication terminal sets the communication state to be in a communicable state, so that the communication terminal can reduce the crosstalk generated between the communication terminal and the external terminal. Can be reduced.

  In the above invention, when a voltage is supplied from the external terminal, the communication unit is in a state in which an optical signal can be emitted to the external terminal by a plurality of light emitting units, or the optical signal is received from the external terminal by a plurality of light receiving units. A communication state setting unit that sets a communication state to a communicable state that is a possible state may be provided.

  In this case, when a voltage is supplied from the external terminal to the communication terminal, the communication terminal can communicate when the communication terminal is in contact with the external terminal by setting the communication state to be communicable. Since the communication state can be set in the state, the communication terminal can perform two-way communication with the external terminal while being in contact with the external terminal, and the crosstalk generated between the communication terminal and the external terminal can be prevented. Can be reduced.

  In the above invention, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit provided in the external terminal are provided with a support unit that supports the external terminal on the communication terminal in a state of facing the light receiving unit and the light emitting unit provided on the communication terminal side. May be.

  In this case, the support unit supports the external terminal on the communication terminal while the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit provided in the external terminal face each of the light receiving unit and the light emitting unit provided on the communication terminal side. Since the position of the external terminal with respect to the communication terminal is determined early, the communication terminal can improve the convenience for the user.

  In the above invention, a distance specifying unit that specifies the distance between the external terminal and the communication terminal is provided, the support unit is provided with an electromagnet and a metal material that is magnetically attracted, and the distance specified by the distance specifying unit If is less than or equal to the reference value, an electromagnet control unit that sets the strength of the electromagnet to be greater than or equal to the reference value may be provided.

  In this case, when the distance between the external terminal and the communication terminal is less than or equal to the reference value, that is, when the external terminal is close to the communication terminal, the strength of the electromagnet of the support portion is greater than or equal to the reference value. Since the magnetic attraction force of the support portion is improved and the force increases in the direction in which the external terminal and the communication terminal face each other, the position of the external terminal with respect to the communication terminal is determined earlier, and the communication terminal , User convenience can be further improved.

  In the above invention, the communication state is in a communicable state in which an optical signal can be emitted to an external terminal by a plurality of light emitting units, or in a communicable state in which an optical signal can be received from an external terminal by a plurality of light receiving units. The electromagnet controller may set the strength of the electromagnet to a reference value or more when the communicable state is set by the communication state setting unit.

  In this case, when the communication state is set to the communicable state, the strength of the electromagnet of the support part is equal to or higher than the reference value, so that the communication terminal is not easily removed from the external terminal. The communication terminal can more appropriately perform bidirectional communication between the communication terminal and the external terminal.

  In the above invention, the distance specifying unit that specifies the distance between the external terminal and the communication terminal, the selection unit that selects any one of the light emitting unit or the light receiving unit according to the distance specified by the distance specifying unit, and the selection unit A light amount adjustment unit that adjusts the light amount of the selected light emitting unit may be provided. More preferably, the selection unit selects light emitting units or light receiving units arranged at a periodic interval according to the distance specified by the distance specifying unit.

  In this case, as the distance between the communication terminal and the external terminal increases, it becomes easy to generate a cross line between the communication terminal and the external terminal. Since the number of light emitting units and the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit can be reduced, the communication terminal can reduce the occurrence of crosstalk between the communication terminal and the external terminal as much as the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are reduced. At the same time, the transmission of the optical signal from the communication terminal to the external terminal can be ensured by the increase in the light amount of the light emitting unit.

  On the other hand, as the distance between the communication terminal and the external terminal becomes smaller, it becomes difficult to generate crosstalk between the communication terminal and the external terminal, and the communication terminal increases the number of light emitting units and light receiving units accordingly. Therefore, the communication terminal can shorten the time for bidirectional communication between the communication terminal and the external terminal.

  In the above invention, the surface on the communication terminal side provided with the light emitting part and the light receiving part may have an uneven shape according to the shape of the surface on the external terminal side provided with the light emitting part and the light receiving part. Good. In this case, the surface on the communication terminal side provided with the light emitting part and the light receiving part has an uneven shape according to the shape of the surface on the external terminal side provided with the light emitting part and the light receiving part. Since the communication terminal is arranged at a more appropriate position with respect to the external terminal, the communication terminal can make the cross line generated between the communication terminal and the external terminal less likely to occur, and the communication terminal to the external terminal. Transmission of the optical signal can be made more reliable.

  In the said invention, a light emission part and a light-receiving part may be arrange | positioned alternately at 1 row. In this case, since no other light receiving unit is arranged next to the light receiving unit, the light receiving unit is not easily affected by the optical signal from the light emitting unit corresponding to the other light receiving unit, and the communication terminal is connected to the communication terminal. It is possible to make it more difficult for the cross line generated between the external terminals to occur.

  In the said invention, you may be located in the height from which the surface in which the light emission part is provided, and the surface in which the light-receiving part is provided among the surfaces by the side of a communication terminal are different. In this case, the surface on which the light emitting unit is provided and the surface on which the light receiving unit is provided are located at different heights on the surface on the communication terminal side, so that the light receiving unit is arranged next to the surface. This makes it less likely to be affected by the optical signal from the light emitting unit, so that the communication terminal can make it more difficult for the communication line to be generated between the communication terminal and the external terminal.

  According to the present invention, bidirectional communication between communication terminals can be appropriately performed without complicating the configuration around the light emitting unit and without further increasing the manufacturing cost.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first communication terminal 100 (communication terminal) and a second communication terminal 200 (external terminal) in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the transmission / reception unit 120 included in the first communication terminal 100 and the transmission / reception unit 220 included in the second communication terminal 200 can both transmit and receive optical signals. Specifically, the transmission / reception unit 120 transmits an optical signal to the transmission / reception unit 220 according to an instruction from the control unit 110, and the transmission / reception unit 220 transmits an optical signal to the transmission / reception unit 120 according to an instruction from the control unit 210.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the transmission / reception unit 120 and the transmission / reception unit 220 in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, since both the transmission / reception unit 120 and the transmission / reception unit 220 have the same configuration, the detailed description of the configuration of the transmission / reception unit is only the transmission / reception unit 120, and the detailed description of the configuration of the transmission / reception unit 220 is not provided. Omitted.

  The transmission / reception unit 120 includes a wall body 121, light receiving units 123a and 123b, and light emitting units 124a and 124b. The wall body 121 partitions the light emitting unit or the light receiving unit from the adjacent light receiving unit or the light emitting unit. The wall body 121 includes concave portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d on the surface A facing the second communication terminal 200. A light receiving portion 123a, a light emitting portion 124a, a light receiving portion 123b, and a light emitting portion 124b, which will be described later, are sequentially provided at the bottoms of the recesses 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d.

  The light receiving units 123a and 123b receive optical signals emitted from the light emitting units 224a and 224b on the second communication terminal 200 side facing each other. The light receiving parts 123a and 123b are configured by, for example, photodiodes. In the present embodiment, the light receiving portions 123a and 123b are provided on the bottom surfaces of the recesses 122a and 122c, respectively.

  The light emitting units 124a and 124b emit optical signals to the light receiving units 223a and 223b on the second communication terminal 200 side facing each other. The light emitting units 124a and 124b are configured by, for example, light emitting diodes. The light emitting portions 124a and 124b in the present embodiment are provided on the bottom surfaces of the recesses 122b and 122d, respectively.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the first communication terminal 100 in the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first communication terminal 100 includes the above-described light receiving units 123 a and 123 b, the above-described light emitting units 124 a and 124 b, the control unit 110, the display unit 130, the speaker unit 140, and the input unit 150. And an information storage unit 160 and a power supply unit 170.

  The control unit 110 controls the entire first communication terminal 100. The control unit 110 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like in this embodiment. The display unit 130 displays an image corresponding to information stored in the information storage unit 160. The speaker unit 140 outputs sound corresponding to information stored in the information storage unit 160. The input unit 150 prompts input of predetermined information. The power supply unit 170 supplies power to the first communication terminal 100.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the control unit 110 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 110 includes a distance specifying unit 111 and a communication state setting unit 112.

  The distance specifying unit 111 is a distance specifying unit that specifies the distance between the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200, and includes a light amount specifying unit 111-1 in the present embodiment. The light quantity specifying unit 111-1 specifies the distance between the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 in accordance with the light quantity received by the light receiving parts 123 a and 123 b.

  When the distance specified by the distance specifying unit 111 is within the reference value, the communication state setting unit 112 is in a state where communication is possible in which the optical signal can be received from the second communication terminal 200 by the light receiving units 123a and 123b. Or a communication state setting unit that sets the communication state to a communicable state where the light signal can be emitted to the second communication terminal 200 by the light emitting units 124a and 124b.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the first communication terminal 100 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Only the case where the first communication terminal 100 receives the optical signal from the second communication terminal 200 and transmits the optical signal to the second communication terminal 200 will be described. The same applies to the reception of the optical signal from the communication terminal 100 and the transmission of the optical signal to the first communication terminal 100.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the first communication terminal 100 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, in S1, the light quantity specifying unit 111-1 specifies the distance between the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 according to the light quantity received by the light receiving parts 123a and 123b. Specifically, distance A, distance B, and distance C are associated with light quantity A, light quantity B, light quantity C... Received by light receiving parts 123a and 123b, and are received by light receiving parts 123a and 123b. When the received light amount is the light amount B, the light amount specifying unit 111-1 specifies the distance between the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 as the distance B.

  In S2, the communication state setting unit 112 determines whether or not the distance specified by the light amount specifying unit 111-1 exceeds a reference value. If the distance specified by the light quantity specifying unit 111-1 exceeds the reference value, the communication state setting unit 112 returns to the process of S4, and the distance specified by the light quantity specifying unit 111-1 exceeds the reference value. If not, the process proceeds to S3.

  In S3, the communication state setting unit 112 receives a light signal from the second communication terminal 200 by the light receiving units 123a and 123b, or allows the communication state setting unit 112 to transmit the optical signal from the second communication terminal 200 by the light emitting units 124a and 124b. The communication state is set to a communicable state where the light can be emitted.

  In S4, the communication state setting unit 112 receives the optical signal from the second communication terminal 200 by the light receiving units 123a and 123b, or the optical communication unit 200 receives the optical signal from the light emitting units 124a and 124b. The communication state is not set to the communicable state, which is a state where the light can be emitted.

  According to the present embodiment, the wall body 121 separates the light emitting unit or the light receiving unit from the adjacent light receiving unit or the light emitting unit, so that the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 are brought close to each other. The second light emitting units 224a and 224b of the first communication terminal 100 and the light emitting units 224a and 224b of the second communication terminal 200 corresponding to the light receiving units 123a and 123b of the first communication terminal 100, respectively. A communication path capable of transmitting and receiving optical signals is formed between the light emitting units 223a and 223b of the communication terminal 200. Thereby, even if the lens for giving straightness to the optical signal emitted from each light emitting part is not used around each light emitting part of the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200, Each light receiving unit of the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 can appropriately receive an optical signal from a corresponding light emitting unit, and the first communication terminal 100 has a configuration around each light emitting unit. Bidirectional communication can be appropriately performed between the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 without complication.

  Further, between the light receiving units 123a and 123b of the first communication terminal 100 and the corresponding light emitting units 224a and 224b of the second communication terminal 200, the first corresponding to the light emitting units 124a and 124b of the first communication terminal 100, respectively. 2 Since a communication path capable of transmitting and receiving optical signals is formed between the light emitting units 223a and 223b of the communication terminal 200, the light receiving unit (for example, the light receiving unit 123a) of the first communication terminal 100 does not correspond to the other light emission. The cross section is not generated by the part (for example, the light emitting part 224b). As a result, the first communication terminal 100 can appropriately transmit and receive the optical signal between the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 without modulating and demodulating the optical signal. Since it is not necessary to provide a circuit for transmitting in the frequency band, the manufacturing cost for the circuit can be reduced.

  Furthermore, when the distance between the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 exceeds the reference value, the light receiving unit (for example, the light receiving unit 123a) of the first communication terminal 100 does not correspond to the second communication terminal. Since there is a possibility of receiving an optical signal from 200 light emitting units (for example, the light emitting unit 224b), the first communication terminal 100 is only in the case where the distance between the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 is within the reference value. When the communication terminal 100 sets the communication state to the communicable state, the first communication terminal 100 can reduce crosstalk between the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200.

  Further, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are alternately arranged in a line (see FIG. 2), so that another light receiving unit (for example, the light receiving unit 123b) is arranged next to the light receiving unit (for example, the light receiving unit 123a). Therefore, the light receiving unit (for example, the light receiving unit 123a) is not easily affected by the optical signal from the light emitting unit (for example, the light emitting unit 224b) corresponding to the other light receiving unit (for example, the light receiving unit 123b). The terminal 100 can make it more difficult for the cross line generated between the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 to occur.

(Example of change)
In addition, this invention is not limited to each part in 1st Embodiment, You may add the change shown below.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 in the present modification. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating configurations of the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 in the present modification. Each unit included in the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is included in the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 shown in FIGS. The detailed description is omitted because it has the same function as each part of the same name.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first communication terminal 100 includes terminals 101 and 102 that can contact the terminals 201 and 202 included in the second communication terminal 200, and the distance specifying unit 111 specifies the voltage. Unit 111-2 may be provided.

  The voltage specifying unit 111-2 specifies whether or not the voltage of the power supply unit 230 of the second communication terminal 200 is supplied from the terminals 101 and 102.

  When the voltage of the power supply unit 230 of the second communication terminal 200 is supplied, that is, when the first communication terminal 100 comes into contact with the second communication terminal 200, the communication state setting unit 112 receives light from the light receiving units 123a and 123b. The communication state is set to a communicable state in which a signal can be received from the second communication terminal 200 or a communicable state in which an optical signal can be emitted to the second communication terminal 200 by the light emitting units 124a and 124b.

  According to this modified example, when a voltage is supplied from the second communication terminal 200, the first communication terminal 100 sets the communication state to the communicable state, whereby the terminal 101 of the first communication terminal 100 is set. , 102 and the terminals 201, 202 of the second communication terminal 200 are brought into contact with each other, the first communication terminal 100 can set the communication state to the communicable state. Bidirectional communication can be performed between the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 while being in contact with the second communication terminal 200, and between the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200. The generated crosstalk can be reduced.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 in the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 in the present embodiment. Note that each unit included in the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is included in the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 shown in FIGS. The detailed description is omitted because it has the same function as each part of the same name.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the first communication terminal 100 includes electromagnets 103 and 104 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. The electromagnets 103 and 104 include the light receiving units 123a and 123b and the light emitting units 124a and 124b provided in the first communication terminal 100, and the light emitting units 224a and 224b and the light receiving units 223a and 223b provided in the second communication terminal 200, respectively. It is a support part which supports the 1st communication terminal 100 to the 2nd communication terminal 200 in the state of facing. The electromagnets 103 and 104 support the first communication terminal 100 to the second communication terminal 200 by magnetically attracting the metal materials 203 and 204 provided on the second communication terminal 200 side.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 110 includes an electromagnet control unit 114 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment.

  When the distance specified by the distance specifying unit 111 is equal to or less than the reference value, the electromagnet control unit 114 increases the strength of the electromagnets 103 and 104 to the reference value or more. Alternatively, when the communicable state is set by the communication state setting unit 112, the electromagnet control unit 114 sets the strength of the electromagnets 103 and 104 to a reference value or more.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the first communication terminal 100 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the first communication terminal 100 in the present embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, in S <b> 11, the distance specifying unit 111 specifies the distance between the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200. Since this S11 is the same as the process of S1 mentioned above, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In S12, the communication state setting unit 112 determines whether or not the distance specified by the distance specifying unit 111 exceeds the reference value. When the distance specified by the distance specifying unit 111 exceeds the reference value, the communication state setting unit 112 proceeds to the process of S15, and when the distance specified by the distance specifying unit 111 does not exceed the reference value. Goes to S13.

  In S13, the communication state setting unit 112 receives the optical signal from the second communication terminal 200 by the light receiving units 123a and 123b, or the optical communication unit 200 receives the optical signal from the light emitting units 124a and 124b. The communication state is set to a communicable state where the light can be emitted.

  In S14, the electromagnet controller 114 increases the strength of the electromagnets 103 and 104 to a reference value or more.

  In S15, the communication state setting unit 112 receives the optical signal from the second communication terminal 200 by the light receiving units 123a and 123b, or the optical communication unit 200 receives the optical signal from the light emitting units 124a and 124b. The communication state is not set to the communicable state, which is a state where the light can be emitted.

  In S16, the electromagnet controller 114 sets the strength of the electromagnets 103 and 104 to the reference value.

  According to this embodiment, the light receiving units 123a and 123b and the light emitting units 124a and 124b provided in the first communication terminal 100 are the light emitting units 224a and 224b and the light receiving units 223a provided in the second communication terminal 200. When the electromagnets 103 and 104 support the first communication terminal 100 on the second communication terminal 200 in a state facing each of the 223b, the position of the second communication terminal 200 with respect to the first communication terminal 100 by the user is early. Thus, the first communication terminal 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

  When the distance between the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 is equal to or less than the reference value, that is, when the first communication terminal 100 is close to the second communication terminal 200, the electromagnets 103 and 104 When the strength is greater than or equal to the reference value, the attractive force due to the magnetism of the electromagnets 103 and 104 is improved, and the force increases in the direction in which the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 face each other. Since the position of the second communication terminal 200 with respect to the terminal 100 is determined earlier, the first communication terminal 100 can further improve the convenience for the user.

  Furthermore, when the communication state is set to the communicable state, the first communication terminal 100 is not easily detached from the second communication terminal 200 because the strength of the electromagnets 103 and 104 is equal to or higher than the reference value. Therefore, the first communication terminal 100 can more appropriately perform bidirectional communication between the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200.

(Example of change)
In addition, this invention is not limited to each part in 2nd Embodiment, You may add the change shown below.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 in the present modification. As shown in FIG. 11, the electromagnets 103 and 104 may be changed to magnets 105 and 106. The electromagnets 103 and 104 may be changed to metal materials, and the metal materials 203 and 204 may be changed to magnets or electromagnets.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the first communication terminal 100 in the present embodiment. In addition, since each part contained in the 1st communication terminal 100 shown in FIG. 12 has a function similar to each part of the same name contained in the 1st communication terminal 100 shown in FIG. 4, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. .

  As illustrated in FIG. 12, the control unit 110 may include a selection unit 115 and a light amount adjustment unit 116 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. The selection unit 115 selects any light emitting unit or light receiving unit according to the distance specified by the distance specifying unit 111. More preferably, the selection unit 115 selects light emitting units or light receiving units arranged at a periodic interval according to the distance specified by the distance specifying unit 111.

  The light amount adjustment unit 116 adjusts the light amount of the light emitting unit selected by the selection unit 115.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the first communication terminal 100 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the first communication terminal 100 in the present embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, in S <b> 21, the distance specifying unit 111 specifies the distance between the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200. Since this S21 is the same as the process of S1 mentioned above, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In S <b> 22, the selection unit 115 selects any light emitting unit or light receiving unit according to the distance specified by the distance specifying unit 111. In the present embodiment, when the first communication terminal 100 emits / receives an optical signal from the second communication terminal 200, when the distance specified by the distance specifying unit 111 is the distance A, the selection unit 115 More light emitting units and light receiving units are selected than when the distance specified by the distance specifying unit 111 is a distance B longer than the distance A.

  For example, when the first communication terminal 100 receives an optical signal from the second communication terminal 200 and the distance specified by the distance specifying unit 111 is the distance A, the selection unit 115 sets the distance A to the distance A. The light receiving units 123a, 123b, 123c, 123d, and 123e (see the hatched portion shown in FIG. 14A) arranged at the corresponding periodic intervals are selected.

  When the first communication terminal 100 receives an optical signal from the second communication terminal 200 and the distance specified by the distance specifying unit 111 is the distance B (distance B> distance A), the selection is made. The unit 115 selects the light receiving units 123a, 123c, and 123e (see the hatched portion shown in FIG. 14B) arranged at a periodic interval corresponding to the distance B.

  When the first communication terminal 100 emits an optical signal from the second communication terminal 200, when the distance specified by the distance specifying unit 111 is the distance A, the selection unit 115 includes, for example, the light emitting unit 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, and 124e are selected. When the first communication terminal 100 emits an optical signal from the second communication terminal 200, the selection unit 115 is also used when the distance specified by the distance specifying unit 111 is the distance B (distance B> distance A). For example, the light emitting units 124a, 124c, and 124e are selected.

  In S <b> 23, the light amount adjustment unit 116 adjusts the light amount of the light emitting unit selected by the selection unit 115. Specifically, the light amount adjusting unit 116 adjusts the light amount of the light emitting unit selected by the selecting unit 115 according to the distance specified by the distance specifying unit 111. For example, when the distance specified by the distance specifying unit 111 is the distance A, the light amount adjusting unit 116 is more than when the distance specified by the distance specifying unit 111 is the distance B (distance B> distance A). The light amount of the light emitting unit selected by the selection unit 115 is reduced.

  According to the present embodiment as described above, as the distance between the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 increases, a cross line occurs between the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200. As a result, the first communication terminal 100 can reduce the number of light emitting units and light receiving units and increase the amount of light emitted from the light emitting units. As a result of the decrease, it is possible to make it difficult for the cross line generated between the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 to occur, and from the first communication terminal 100 to the second communication terminal, the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit increases. The transmission of the optical signal to 200 can be ensured.

  On the other hand, as the distance between the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 becomes smaller, it becomes difficult to generate a cross line that occurs between the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200. Since the first communication terminal 100 can increase the number of light emitting units and light receiving units, the first communication terminal 100 increases the time for bidirectional communication between the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200. Can be shortened.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating configurations of the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 in the present embodiment. Note that the units included in the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 shown in FIG. 15 are the same as the units having the same names included in the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 shown in FIG. Detailed description will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the surface 125 on the first communication terminal 100 side where the light receiving parts 123a and 123b and the light emitting parts 124a and 124b are provided is provided with the light emitting parts 224a and 224b and the light receiving parts 223a and 223b. It has an uneven shape in accordance with the shape of the surface 225 on the second communication terminal 200 side.

  According to the present embodiment, the surface 125 on the first communication terminal 100 side where the light receiving portions 123a and 123b and the light emitting portions 124a and 124b are provided is provided with the light emitting portions 224a and 224b and the light receiving portions 223a and 223b. Since the first communication terminal 100 is arranged at a more appropriate position with respect to the second communication terminal 200 by having an uneven shape according to the shape of the surface 225 on the second communication terminal 200 side, The first communication terminal 100 can make the crosstalk generated between the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 less likely to occur, and can transmit an optical signal from the first communication terminal 100 to the second communication terminal 200. Can be made more reliable.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating configurations of the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 in the present embodiment. In addition, each part included in the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 shown in FIG. 16 is the same as each part of the same name included in the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 shown in FIG. Detailed description will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 16, among the surfaces on the first communication terminal 100 side, the surface 126 provided with the light receiving portions 123a and 123b and the surface 127 provided with the light emitting portions 124a and 124b are located at different heights. is doing.

  According to the present embodiment, the surface 126 on which the light receiving portions 123a and 123b are provided and the surface 127 on which the light emitting portions 124a and 124b are provided are located at different heights. The parts 123a and 123b are not easily affected by the optical signals from the light emitting parts 124a and 124b arranged next to the parts 123a and 123b, and the first communication terminal 100 is connected between the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200. It is possible to make it more difficult for the generated crosstalk to occur.

(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 in the present embodiment. In addition, since each part contained in the 1st communication terminal 100 shown in FIG. 17 and the 2nd communication terminal 200 has the same function as each part of the same name contained in the 1st communication terminal 100 shown in FIG. Detailed description is omitted.

  As shown to Fig.17 (a), in addition to the structure of 1st Embodiment, the direction switching part 180 may be provided. The direction switching unit 180 emits an optical signal from the first communication terminal 100 to the second communication terminal 200 or emits an optical signal from the second communication terminal 200 to the first communication terminal 100 according to an instruction from the control unit 110. Decide which one to do. Note that a plurality of units U1-2 are provided that are the same as the unit U1-1 including the light receiving unit 123a and the light emitting unit 124a. Similarly, a plurality of units U2-2, which are the same as the unit U2-1 including the light receiving unit 223a and the light emitting unit 224a, are also provided.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 17B, when the H signal is input from the control unit 110, the direction switching unit 180 emits an optical signal from the direction switching unit 180 to the light receiving unit 270, thereby causing the light emitting unit 124a. The optical signal can be emitted from the light emitting unit 223a to the light receiving unit 223a, and the optical signal cannot be emitted from the light emitting unit 224a to the light receiving unit 123a. When the L signal is input from the control unit 110, the direction switching unit 180 can emit an optical signal from the light emitting unit 224a to the light receiving unit 123a and cannot emit an optical signal from the light emitting unit 124a to the light receiving unit 223a. To.

  According to the present embodiment, the designer can use a general-purpose circuit (for example, the bus transceiver 245) for connecting the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 with a wire as shown in FIG. The first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 can be wirelessly communicated (infrared communication here) simply by changing to the circuit shown in FIG. As a result, the designer does not need to make a large change to the general-purpose circuit, so that the design time can be shortened.

(Seventh embodiment)
FIG. 18 is a view of the wall body 121 in this embodiment as viewed from above. 18 have the same functions as the components having the same names shown in FIG. 2, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the wall bodies 121 are formed in a honeycomb shape, and each of the wall bodies 121 is provided at a position close to the surface of the other wall body 121. The wall body 121 is provided with recesses 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, and 122g, respectively, and the bottom surfaces of the recesses 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, and 122g have a light receiving portion 123a and light emission. The unit 124a, the light receiving unit 123b, the light emitting unit 124b, the light receiving unit 123c, the light emitting unit 124c, and the light receiving unit 123d are provided.

  In this case, since the plurality of wall bodies 121 are formed in a honeycomb shape, more wall bodies 121 can be arranged per unit area, and the first communication terminal 100 can be made smaller.

  Note that one communication terminal of the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 in each of the above embodiments and each of the above modifications may be connected by wire, and the other communication terminal may be portable. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the first communication terminal 100 and the second communication terminal 200 in the present modification. As shown in FIG. 19, the second communication terminal 200 is connected with a cord 300. The second communication terminal 200 may be connected to a cord (not shown) connected to a communication network (not shown).

  In the present embodiment, the first communication terminal 100 is a communication terminal, and the second communication terminal 200 is an external terminal. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first communication terminal 100 is an external terminal. The second communication terminal 200 may be a communication terminal. That is, the 2nd communication terminal 200 may be provided with the function similar to the 1st communication terminal 100 in each embodiment and each modification.

  As mentioned above, although an example of the present invention has been described, it is merely a specific example, and the present invention is not particularly limited, and the specific configuration and the like of each part can be appropriately changed in design. In addition, the configurations of the embodiments can be combined, and the configurations of the modified examples can also be combined. Furthermore, the configuration of each embodiment and the configuration of each modified example can be combined. In addition, the operation and effect of each embodiment and each modification are merely a list of the most preferable operations and effects resulting from the present invention, and the operation and effect according to the present invention are described in each embodiment and each modification. It is not limited to the ones.

It is a figure which shows the 1st communication terminal and 2nd communication terminal in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 1st communication terminal and 2nd communication terminal in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 1st communication terminal in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control part in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the 1st communication terminal in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 1st communication terminal and 2nd communication terminal in a modification. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 1st communication terminal in the example of a change. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 1st communication terminal and 2nd communication terminal in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 1st communication terminal and 2nd communication terminal in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the 1st communication terminal in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 1st communication terminal and 2nd communication terminal in this example of a change. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 1st communication terminal in 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the 1st communication terminal in 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | sequence of the light emission part in 3rd Embodiment, and a light-receiving part. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 1st communication terminal and 2nd communication terminal in 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 1st communication terminal and 2nd communication terminal in 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 1st communication terminal and 2nd communication terminal in 6th Embodiment. It is the figure which looked at the wall body 121 in 7th this embodiment from upper direction. It is a figure which shows the 1st communication terminal and 2nd communication terminal in the example of a change.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... 1st communication terminal, 101, 102 ... Terminal, 103, 104 ... Electromagnet, 105, 106 ... Magnet, 110 ... Control part, 111 ... Distance specific | specification part, 111-1 ... Light quantity specific | specification part, 111-2 ... Voltage specific 112: Communication state setting unit, 114 ... Electromagnet control unit, 115 ... Selection unit, 116 ... Light quantity adjustment unit, 120 ... Transmission / reception unit, 121 ... Wall body, 122 ... Recess, 123 ... Light receiving unit, 124 ... Light emitting unit, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 130 ... Display part, 140 ... Speaker part, 150 ... Input part, 160 ... Information storage part, 170 ... Power supply part, 180 ... Direction switching part, 200 ... 2nd communication terminal, 201, 202 ... Terminal, 203, 204 ... Metal Material: 210 ... Control unit, 220 ... Transmission / reception unit, 223 ... Light receiving unit, 224 ... Light emitting unit, 230 ... Power supply unit, 270 ... Light receiving unit, 300 ... Code

Claims (11)

A communication terminal comprising a plurality of light emitting units that emit optical signals to an external terminal, and a plurality of light receiving units that receive optical signals emitted from the external terminal,
A communication terminal comprising a wall that partitions the light emitting unit or the light receiving unit and the adjacent light receiving unit or the light emitting unit. A distance specifying unit for specifying a distance between the external terminal and the communication terminal;
When the distance specified by the distance specifying unit is within a reference value, the plurality of light emitting units can emit an optical signal to the external terminal, or the plurality of light receiving units emit light. The communication terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a communication state setting unit that sets a communication state to a communicable state in which a signal can be received from the external terminal.   When a voltage is supplied from the external terminal, the plurality of light emitting units can emit an optical signal to the external terminal, or the optical receiving unit receives the optical signal from the external terminal. The communication terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a communication state setting unit that sets a communication state to a communicable state that is a possible state.   A light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit provided in the external terminal are provided with a support unit that supports the external terminal on the communication terminal in a state of facing the light-receiving unit and the light-emitting unit provided on the communication terminal side. The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein: A distance specifying unit for specifying a distance between the external terminal and the communication terminal;
The support portion includes an electromagnet and a metal material that is magnetically adsorbed,
5. The communication terminal according to claim 4, further comprising an electromagnet controller configured to set the strength of the electromagnet to a reference value or more when the distance specified by the distance specifying unit is equal to or less than a reference value. The communication state is changed to a communicable state in which an optical signal can be emitted to the external terminal by the plurality of light emitting units, or a communicable state in which the optical signal can be received from the external terminal by the plurality of light receiving units. It has a communication state setting part to set,
The communication terminal according to claim 5, wherein the electromagnet control unit sets the strength of the electromagnet to a reference value or more when a communicable state is set by the communication state setting unit. A distance identifying unit that identifies a distance between the external terminal and the communication terminal;
A selection unit that selects one of the light emitting units or the light receiving unit according to the distance specified by the distance specifying unit;
The communication terminal according to claim 1, further comprising: a light amount adjustment unit that adjusts a light amount of the light emitting unit selected by the selection unit.   The communication terminal according to claim 7, wherein the selection unit selects a light emitting unit or a light receiving unit arranged at a periodic interval according to the distance specified by the distance specifying unit.   The surface on the communication terminal side where the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are provided has an uneven shape according to the shape of the surface on the external terminal side where the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are provided. The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein:   The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting units and the light receiving units are alternately arranged in a line.   11. The communication terminal according to claim 10, wherein the surface on which the light emitting unit is provided and the surface on which the light receiving unit is provided are located at different heights among the surfaces on the communication terminal side. .

Images