System, portable communication terminal, and auxiliary device

Abstract

To make it possible to avoid a situation in which a portable information terminal is held by a hand and its touch panel is operated using a finger, in information communication.SOLUTION: An auxiliary device 1 to be used with a portable communication terminal 2 comprises: a microphone; a speaker; a voice recognition section for recognizing voice captured by the microphone; a supply section for supplying a result of the recognition to the portable communication terminal 2; a reception section for receiving information received by the portable communication terminal 2 using other radio communication; a voice synthesis section for synthesizing voice corresponding to at least part of the information received by the reception section; and a speaker control section for controlling the speaker so that the voice synthesized by the voice synthesis section is generated from the speaker.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an auxiliary device, a portable communication terminal, and a portable information terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a product called "goTenna Mesh." The following Non-Patent Document 1 also discloses the following:

[0003] "goTenna Mesh" is a communications device that allows users to send and receive text messages without the need for an antenna or Wi-Fi, even in areas without signal reception. "goTenna Mesh" is a 100% off-grid, mobile, and wide-area user-operated mesh network device. "goTenna Mesh" pairs with smartphones via Bluetooth (registered trademark) and shares GPS location offline, allowing users to send and receive text messages, conduct private one-on-one or group chats, and broadcast messages to other "goTenna Mesh" devices several kilometers away without using radio towers, routers, or satellites.

[0004] "goTenna Mesh" transmits messages via a 1W UHF radio transmitter, so it does not require radio towers, routers, or satellites, and supports a range of up to 4.8km (without obstacles) and 1.6km (with obstacles). "goTenna Mesh" uses ADHOC networking:MANET protocol to relay messages point-to-point via other users. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] rakunew, "Introducing goTenna Mesh, a device that uses a mesh network to communicate even when out of range," [online], [searched February 5, 2020], Internet<URL : https: / / www.rakunew.com / items / 76194> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] With "goTenna Mesh," even when outside the range of a mobile communication network for smartphones, text messages can be sent and received between one smartphone paired to one "goTenna Mesh" via Bluetooth (registered trademark) and one or more other smartphones each paired to one or more other "goTenna Mesh," allowing for one-on-one or group private chats.

[0007] However, with the "goTenna Mesh," users must hold the smartphone in their hand and use their fingers to operate the touch panel to input text, so it cannot be used in situations where their hands are tight, such as when climbing a mountain or working at height in mountainous areas, or in situations where the user is elderly and cannot use a smartphone.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and one object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary device to be used with a portable communication terminal that can perform short-range wireless communication with a portable information terminal such as a smartphone, and can also perform wireless communication with other devices that is different from the short-range wireless communication, and that makes it possible to avoid a situation where, when communicating information, the user has to hold the portable information terminal such as a smartphone in their hand and operate its touch panel with their fingers.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile communication terminal that can perform short-range wireless communication with a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone and can also perform wireless communication with other devices other than the short-range wireless communication, and that makes it possible to avoid a situation where the mobile information terminal such as a smartphone is held in the hand and the touch panel is operated with the fingers during information communication. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary device that can be used with this mobile communication terminal.

[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a portable information terminal that can be used with a portable communication terminal that can perform short-range wireless communication with the portable information terminal and can also perform wireless communication with other devices other than the short-range wireless communication, or a portable information terminal that can be used with a portable communication terminal that can perform wireless communication with other devices, which makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the portable information terminal is held in the hand and the touch panel or the like is operated with the fingers during information communication.It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an auxiliary device that can be used with this portable information terminal and portable communication terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The following aspects are presented as means for solving the above problems. An auxiliary device according to a first aspect is an auxiliary device used with a mobile communication terminal, which is capable of performing short-range wireless communication with a mobile information terminal and wireless communication with another device separately from the short-range wireless communication. The auxiliary device includes a microphone or is connectable to a microphone, and includes a speaker or is connectable to a speaker. The auxiliary device includes a voice recognition unit that recognizes voice captured by the microphone, a supply unit that supplies the recognition result of the voice recognition unit to the mobile communication terminal, a receiving unit that receives information received by the mobile communication terminal via the separate wireless communication, a voice synthesis unit that synthesizes voice corresponding to at least a part of the information received by the receiving unit, and a speaker control unit that controls the speaker so that the voice synthesized by the voice synthesis unit is emitted from the speaker. The mobile communication terminal may be, for example, a smartphone.

[0012] According to this first aspect, the voice captured by the microphone is recognized by the voice recognition unit, the recognition result of the voice recognition unit is supplied to the mobile communication terminal by the supply unit, information received by the mobile communication terminal via the other wireless communication is received by the receiving unit, voice corresponding to at least a part of the information received by the receiving unit is synthesized by the voice synthesis unit, and the voice synthesized by the voice synthesis unit is generated from the speaker.

[0013] Therefore, according to the first aspect, the user can provide the information to be sent by voice and can receive the information to be received by voice, thereby making it possible to avoid a situation where the user has to hold the mobile information terminal in his / her hand and operate the touch panel or the like with his / her fingers.

[0014] The auxiliary device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the auxiliary device according to the first aspect, wherein the separate wireless communication is a bidirectional wireless communication using a low-power long-distance communication method. This second aspect provides examples of the separate wireless communication.

[0015] An auxiliary device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the auxiliary device of the first or second aspect, which is provided with a display unit that displays a visual display corresponding to at least a portion of the information received by the receiving unit.

[0016] According to the third aspect, the user can recognize the received information not only by voice but also by the visual display displayed on the display unit, which is more preferable. However, in the first and second aspects, the display unit does not have to be provided.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the auxiliary device of any one of the first to third aspects, the information received by the receiving section includes text information.

[0018] According to this fourth aspect, the information received by the receiving unit includes character information, which is preferable because character information requires a small amount of data, such as text information. However, the information received by the receiving unit may include, for example, image information, regardless of whether it includes character information or not.

[0019] An auxiliary device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is an auxiliary device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, which is provided with an alarm unit that notifies of an incoming call in response to the information or part of the information received by the receiving unit.

[0020] According to the fifth aspect, since the notification unit notifies the user of an incoming call, it is possible to reduce the chance of missing received information. However, the first to fourth aspects do not necessarily have to include the notification unit.

[0021] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the auxiliary device of the fifth aspect, the notification pattern by the notification unit differs depending on the type of the information or part of the information to which the notification by the notification unit corresponds.

[0022] According to the sixth aspect, the notification pattern by the notification unit is different for each type of the information or part thereof corresponding to the notification, so that the user can more easily recognize the content of the received information. However, in the fifth aspect, the same notification pattern may be used for all types of information.

[0023] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the auxiliary device of any one of the first to sixth aspects further comprises a charging unit for charging a secondary battery of the mobile communication terminal.

[0024] According to the seventh aspect, the auxiliary device includes the charging section, so there is no need to prepare a separate charger, which is convenient.

[0025] An auxiliary device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the auxiliary device is a portable device.

[0026] The assisting device according to the eighth aspect is configured as a portable type, and is therefore convenient for use in situations where hands are tight, such as when climbing mountains or working at height in mountainous areas.

[0027] An auxiliary device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the auxiliary device of any one of the first to seventh aspects, which is a tabletop or stationary device.

[0028] The auxiliary device according to the eighth aspect is configured as a tabletop or stationary type, and is therefore convenient for use in the home, for example.

[0029] A portable communication terminal according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is a portable communication terminal capable of performing short-range wireless communication with a portable information terminal and performing wireless communication with other devices other than the short-range wireless communication, and is equipped with a microphone or is connectable to a microphone, and is equipped with a speaker or is connectable to a speaker, and is equipped with a voice recognition unit that recognizes voice captured by the microphone, a communication unit that performs the other wireless communication with the other device based on the recognition result of the voice recognition unit, a voice synthesis unit that synthesizes voice based on at least a portion of the information received from the other device via the other wireless communication, and a speaker control unit that controls the speaker so that the voice synthesized by the voice synthesis unit is emitted from the speaker.

[0030] The portable communication terminal according to the tenth aspect also substantially has the functions of the auxiliary device according to the first aspect. Therefore, according to the tenth aspect, the user can give information to be transmitted by voice and receive information to be received by voice, which makes it possible to avoid a situation where the user has to hold the portable information terminal in his / her hand and operate the touch panel or the like with his / her fingers.

[0031] A mobile communication terminal according to an 11th aspect of the present invention is the mobile communication terminal according to the 10th aspect, wherein the separate wireless communication is a bidirectional wireless communication using a low-power long-distance communication method. This 11th aspect provides examples of the separate wireless communication.

[0032] A mobile communication terminal according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the mobile communication terminal of the tenth or eleventh aspect, further comprising a display unit that displays a visual display corresponding to at least a part of the information.

[0033] According to the twelfth aspect, the user can recognize the received information not only by voice but also by the visual display shown on the display unit, which is more preferable. However, in the tenth and eleventh aspects, the display unit does not have to be provided.

[0034] A mobile communication terminal according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the mobile communication terminal of any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects, wherein the information includes text information.

[0035] According to this thirteenth aspect, the information includes character information, which is preferable because character information requires a small amount of data, such as text information, etc. However, the information may include, for example, image information, regardless of whether it includes character information or not.

[0036] A portable communication terminal according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is any one of the tenth to thirteenth aspects, further comprising a notification unit that notifies an incoming call in response to the information or a part thereof.

[0037] According to the fourteenth aspect, since the notification unit notifies the user of an incoming call, it is possible to reduce the chance of missing received information. However, the tenth to thirteenth aspects do not necessarily have to include the notification unit.

[0038] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the fourteenth aspect, the notification pattern by the notification unit differs depending on the type of the information or a part thereof to which the notification by the notification unit corresponds.

[0039] According to the fifteenth aspect, the notification pattern by the notification unit is different for each type of the information or part thereof corresponding to the notification, so that the user can more easily recognize the content of the received information. However, in the fourteenth aspect, the same notification pattern may be used for all types of information.

[0040] A mobile communication terminal according to a 16th aspect of the present invention is a mobile communication terminal according to any one of the 10th to 15th aspects, comprising a position detection unit that detects its own position, an emergency operation unit, an acceleration sensor, an abnormal condition detection unit that detects an abnormal condition based on a detection signal from the acceleration sensor, and a communication unit that, when the emergency operation unit is operated or the abnormal condition is detected, transmits an SOS including current position information detected by the position detection unit to the other device via the separate wireless communication.

[0041] According to this 16th aspect, when the emergency operation unit is operated or the abnormal condition is detected, an SOS including the current location information detected by the location detection unit is transmitted to the other device via the separate wireless communication, thereby facilitating rescue operations and increasing the safety of the user.

[0042] An auxiliary device according to a 17th aspect of the present invention is an auxiliary device to be used together with a mobile communication terminal according to any one of the 10th to 16th aspects, and is provided with a charging unit for charging a secondary battery of the mobile communication terminal.

[0043] According to the seventeenth aspect, since the charging section is provided, the secondary battery of the mobile communication terminal can be charged.

[0044] A portable information terminal according to an 18th aspect of the present invention is a portable information terminal used together with a portable communication terminal, which is capable of performing short-range wireless communication with the portable information terminal and also performing wireless communication with other devices separate from the short-range wireless communication, and which comprises a microphone, a speaker, a voice recognition unit that recognizes voice captured by the microphone, a supply unit that supplies the recognition result of the voice recognition unit to the portable communication terminal via the short-range wireless communication or via a wired connection, a receiving unit that receives information received by the portable communication terminal via the other wireless communication via the short-range wireless communication or via a wired connection, a voice synthesis unit that synthesizes voice corresponding to at least a portion of the information received by the receiving unit, and a speaker control unit that controls the speaker so that the voice synthesized by the voice synthesis unit is emitted from the speaker.

[0045] The portable information terminal according to the 18th aspect also substantially has the functions of the auxiliary device according to the 1st aspect. Therefore, according to the 18th aspect, the user can give information to be transmitted by voice and receive information to be received by voice, which makes it possible to avoid a situation where the user has to hold the portable information terminal in his / her hand and operate the touch panel or the like with his / her fingers.

[0046] A portable information terminal according to the 19th aspect is a portable information terminal used together with a portable communication terminal, which is capable of performing short-range wireless communication with the portable information terminal and also performing wireless communication with other devices separate from the short-range wireless communication, and which comprises a speaker, a receiving unit that receives information received by the portable communication terminal via the separate wireless communication either via the short-range wireless communication or via a wired connection, a voice synthesis unit that synthesizes voice corresponding to at least a portion of the information received by the receiving unit, and a speaker control unit that controls the speaker so that the voice synthesized by the voice synthesis unit is emitted from the speaker.

[0047] According to this 19th aspect, the user can receive the information as audio, which makes it possible to avoid the situation where the user has to hold the mobile information terminal in his / her hand and operate the touch panel with his / her fingers when receiving information.

[0048] A portable information terminal according to the 20th aspect is a portable information terminal used together with a portable communication terminal, which is capable of wireless communication with other devices other than the portable information terminal, and which comprises a speaker, a receiving unit that receives information received by the portable communication terminal via the wireless communication via a wired connection, a voice synthesis unit that synthesizes voice corresponding to at least a portion of the information received by the receiving unit, and a speaker control unit that controls the speaker so that the voice synthesized by the voice synthesis unit is emitted from the speaker.

[0049] According to this 20th aspect, the user can receive the information as audio, thereby avoiding the situation where the user has to hold the mobile information terminal in his / her hand and operate the touch panel with his / her fingers when receiving the information.

[0050] In the twentieth aspect, unlike the nineteenth aspect, it is not necessary for short-distance communication to be possible between the portable information terminal and the portable communication terminal.

[0051] A portable information terminal according to a 21st aspect is a portable information terminal according to any one of the 18th to 20th aspects, which is provided with a display unit that displays a visual display corresponding to at least a portion of the information received by the receiving unit.

[0052] According to the 21st aspect, the user can recognize the received information not only through sound but also through the visual display shown on the display unit, which is more preferable.

[0053] A portable information terminal according to the 22nd aspect is a portable information terminal used together with a portable communication terminal, which is capable of performing short-range wireless communication with the portable information terminal and also capable of performing wireless communication with other devices other than the short-range wireless communication, and the portable information terminal is equipped with a receiving unit that receives information received by the portable communication terminal via the other wireless communication via the short-range wireless communication or via a wired connection, and a display unit that displays a visual display corresponding to at least a portion of the information received by the receiving unit.

[0054] According to this 22nd aspect, the user can receive the information to be received as a visual display on the display unit, thereby making it possible to avoid a situation where the user has to hold the mobile information terminal in his / her hand and operate the touch panel with his / her fingers when receiving information.

[0055] The portable information terminal according to the 23rd aspect is a portable information terminal used together with a portable communication terminal, which is capable of wireless communication with other devices other than the portable information terminal, and which comprises a receiving unit that receives information received by the portable communication terminal via the wireless communication via a wired connection, and a display unit that displays a visual display corresponding to at least a portion of the information received by the receiving unit.

[0056] According to this 23rd aspect, the user can receive the information to be received as a visual display on the display unit, thereby making it possible to avoid a situation where the user has to hold the mobile information terminal in his / her hand and operate the touch panel with his / her fingers when receiving information.

[0057] In the 23rd aspect, unlike the 22nd aspect, it is not necessary for short-distance communication to be possible between the portable information terminal and the portable communication terminal.

[0058] A portable information terminal according to a 24th aspect is the portable information terminal of any one of the 18th to 23rd aspects, wherein the information received by the receiving unit includes text information.

[0059] According to this 24th aspect, the information received by the receiving unit includes character information, which is preferable because character information requires a small amount of data, such as text information, etc. However, the information received by the receiving unit may include, for example, image information, regardless of whether it includes character information or not.

[0060] A mobile information terminal according to a 25th aspect is any one of the 18th to 24th aspects, and further comprises a notification unit that notifies of an incoming call in response to the information or part of the information received by the receiving unit.

[0061] According to the 25th aspect, since the notification unit notifies the user of an incoming call, it is possible to reduce the chance of missing received information. However, the 18th to 24th aspects do not necessarily have to include the notification unit.

[0062] The auxiliary device according to the 26th aspect is an auxiliary device to be used together with a mobile information terminal according to any one of the 18th to 25th aspects and the mobile communication terminal, and is equipped with a connection part for establishing a wired connection between the mobile information terminal and the mobile communication terminal.

[0063] The auxiliary device according to the 26th aspect includes the connection section, and therefore can establish a wired connection between the portable information terminal and the portable communication terminal.

[0064] The auxiliary device according to the 27th aspect is the 26th aspect, and is equipped with a first charging unit that charges the secondary battery of the mobile communication terminal, and a second charging unit that charges the secondary battery of the mobile information terminal.

[0065] According to the 27th aspect, since the auxiliary device includes the first and second charging units, there is no need to prepare a separate charger, which is convenient. [Effects of the Invention]

[0066] According to the present invention, an auxiliary device can be provided that is used with a portable communication terminal that can perform short-range wireless communication with a portable information terminal such as a smartphone, and can also perform wireless communication with other devices that is different from the short-range wireless communication, and that makes it possible to avoid a situation where, when communicating information, the user has to hold the portable information terminal such as a smartphone in their hand and operate its touch panel with their fingers.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mobile communication terminal that can perform short-range wireless communication with a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone and can also perform wireless communication with other devices other than the short-range wireless communication, and that makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the mobile information terminal such as a smartphone is held in the hand and the touch panel is operated with the fingers during information communication. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an auxiliary device that can be used with this mobile communication terminal.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a portable information terminal that can be used together with a portable communication terminal that can perform short-range wireless communication with the portable information terminal and can also perform wireless communication with other devices other than the short-range wireless communication, or a portable information terminal that can be used together with a portable communication terminal that can perform wireless communication with other devices, which makes it possible to avoid a situation where the portable information terminal is held in the hand and the touch panel or the like is operated with the fingers during information communication. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an auxiliary device that can be used together with this portable information terminal and portable communication terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0069] [Figure 1] This is a schematic oblique view showing an auxiliary device according to the first embodiment of the present invention together with a mobile communication terminal used therewith, showing the state in which the mobile communication terminal is detached from the auxiliary device. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the mobile communication terminal in FIG. 1 is attached to the auxiliary device in FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. [Figure 3]3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which the mobile communication terminal in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is connected to a mobile information terminal via short-range wireless communication. [Figure 4] 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the mobile communication terminal in FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the portable information terminal in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the auxiliary device in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 7] 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of use of the mobile communication terminal, the mobile information terminal, and the auxiliary device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an auxiliary device according to a second embodiment of the present invention together with a mobile communication terminal used therewith; FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram showing the auxiliary device in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a mobile communication terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 11 is a schematic block diagram showing the mobile communication terminal in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] This is a schematic oblique view showing the mobile communication terminal in Figure 10 and an auxiliary device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention used therewith, showing the state in which the mobile communication terminal is attached to the auxiliary device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram showing the auxiliary device in FIG. [Figure 14] This is a schematic oblique view showing the mobile communication terminal in Figure 10 and an auxiliary device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention used therewith, showing the state in which the mobile communication terminal is attached to the auxiliary device. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing a portable information terminal according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16]This is a schematic perspective view showing a portable information terminal according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention together with a portable communication terminal and an auxiliary device used therewith, showing the portable information terminal and the portable communication terminal detached from the auxiliary device. [Figure 17] 17 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the portable information terminal in FIG. 16 and the portable communication terminal in FIG. 16 are attached to the auxiliary device in FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram showing the portable information terminal in FIGS. 16 and 17. [Figure 19] FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram showing the auxiliary device in FIGS. 16 and 17. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0070] Hereinafter, an auxiliary device, a portable communication terminal, and a portable information terminal according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0071] [First embodiment]

[0072] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an auxiliary device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention together with a mobile communication terminal 2 used therewith, in a state where the mobile communication terminal 2 is detached from the auxiliary device 1. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a state where the mobile communication terminal 2 in Fig. 1 is attached to the auxiliary device 1 in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a state where the mobile communication terminal 2 in Figs. 1 and 2 is connected to a mobile information terminal 3 via short-range wireless communication.

[0073] The auxiliary device 1 is used together with a mobile communication terminal 2. The mobile communication terminal 2 can perform short-range wireless communication with a mobile information terminal 3, and can also perform wireless communication with another device other than the short-range wireless communication. Examples of the "other device" include another mobile communication terminal 2, a repeater or a base station (described later), etc. In this embodiment, Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used as the short-range wireless communication, but the present invention is not limited to this. Also, in this embodiment, two-way wireless communication using a low-power long-distance communication method, such as LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) two-way wireless communication, is used as the other wireless communication, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0074] Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the mobile communication terminal 2 in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. The mobile communication terminal 2 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a storage device 14 such as a flash memory, a GPS receiver 15 as a position detection unit that detects its own position, a short-range wireless communication unit 16 that performs the short-range wireless communication, an LPWA communication unit that performs two-way LPWA wireless communication, a status display unit 18 consisting of an LED or the like that displays the LPWA communication status, radio wave intensity, and other statuses using blinking patterns, luminous colors, etc., a power switch 19, an emergency switch (SOS switch) 20 as an emergency operation unit, a USB interface 22, a charge / discharge circuit 23, an acceleration sensor 26 such as a three-dimensional acceleration sensor, and a bus 25 that interconnects these components.

[0075] The mobile communication terminal 2 also includes a USB Type-C receptacle 21 connected to a USB interface 22, and a secondary battery 24 such as a lithium-ion battery that is charged and discharged by a charge / discharge circuit 23. Power supplied to the receptacle 21 is charged into the secondary battery 24 by the charge / discharge circuit 23 via the USB interface 22. The charge / discharge circuit 23 also supplies the power supplied to the receptacle 21 or the power from the secondary battery 24 to the aforementioned components. When the power switch 19 is on, power is supplied from the charge / discharge circuit 23 to the components, whereas when the power switch 19 is off, power supply from the charge / discharge circuit 23 to the components is cut off.

[0076] In this embodiment, a program (application software) is pre-installed in storage device 14, and CPU 11 executes the program to realize the functions described below of portable communication terminal 2. For example, the program can be downloaded from a predetermined location such as the Internet by portable information terminal 3, and the program can be supplied to portable communication terminal 2 by portable information terminal 3 via short-range wireless communication and pre-installed in storage device 14.

[0077] The CPU 11 functions as an abnormal condition detection unit that detects an abnormal condition based on the detection signal of the acceleration sensor 26. This abnormal condition is, for example, a fall from a high place, a tumble, or a slip and fall. When the emergency switch 20 is pressed or when the CPU 11 detects the abnormal condition, the CPU 11 controls the LPWA communication unit 17 to transmit an SOS including the current location information acquired by the GPS receiver 15 to the other party of communication via the LPWA communication unit 17.

[0078] Fig. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing the mobile information terminal 3 in Fig. 3. In this embodiment, a smartphone is used as the mobile information terminal 3. The mobile information terminal 3 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a storage device 34 such as a flash memory, a speaker 35, a microphone 36, a mobile communication communication unit 37 that performs mobile communication (mobile communication for smartphones, mobile phones, etc., so-called mobile phone communication), a short-range wireless communication communication unit 38 that performs the short-range wireless communication, a touch panel that doubles as a display unit 39 and an operation unit 40, and a bus 41 that interconnects these units.

[0079] Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram showing the auxiliary device 1 in Figures 1 and 2. The auxiliary device 1 includes a CPU 51, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, a storage device 54 such as a flash memory, a speaker 55, a microphone 56, a voice recognition unit 57, a voice synthesis unit 58, an LED 59 as a light-emitting lamp, a power switch 60, a display unit 61 such as a liquid crystal panel, a USB interface 63, a charge / discharge circuit 64, and a bus 66 interconnecting these components.

[0080] The auxiliary device 1 also includes a USB Type-C plug 62 that is compatible with the receptacle 21 of the mobile communication terminal 2, and a secondary battery 65, such as a lithium-ion battery, that is charged and discharged by a charge / discharge circuit 64. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the auxiliary device 1 includes a power cable 68 with an AC plug 67 at its tip. When the power cable 68 is connected to the charge / discharge circuit 64 and the AC plug 67 is inserted into an AC 100 V outlet, AC 100 V is supplied to the charge / discharge circuit 64. Power based on the AC 100 V is supplied from the charge / discharge circuit 64 to the plug 62 via the USB interface 63. Therefore, when the plug 62 is inserted into the receptacle 21 of the mobile communication terminal 2, the power supplied to the plug 62 charges the secondary battery 24 of the mobile communication terminal 2. In this embodiment, the charge / discharge circuit 64, the USB interface 63, and the plug 62 constitute a charging unit that charges the secondary battery 24 of the mobile communication terminal 2.

[0081] Furthermore, power based on AC 100V is also supplied to secondary battery 65 by charge / discharge circuit 64, thereby charging secondary battery 65. Furthermore, power based on AC 100V or power from secondary battery 65 is supplied to each of the above-mentioned components by charge / discharge circuit 64. When power switch 60 is on, power is supplied from charge / discharge circuit 64 to each component and AC 100V is supplied to charge / discharge circuit 64, whereas when power switch 60 is off, power supply from charge / discharge circuit 64 to each component is cut off and the supply of AC 100V to charge / discharge circuit 64 is cut off.

[0082] In this embodiment, auxiliary device 1 is configured as a desktop or stationary device, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . As shown in FIG. 1 , auxiliary device 1 has a recess 69 into which the lower portion of mobile communication terminal 2 fits. A plug 62 protrudes from recess 69. When the lower portion of mobile communication terminal 2 is inserted into recess 69 as shown in FIG. 2 , plug 62 is inserted into receptacle 21 located at the bottom of mobile communication terminal 2. When plug 62 is inserted into receptacle 21, power is exchanged via plug 62 as described above. Data and information can also be exchanged between auxiliary device 1 and mobile communication terminal 2 via USB interface 63, plug 62, receptacle 21, and USB interface 22. While this embodiment uses USB Type-C for power exchange and data and information exchange, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, these exchanges may be performed contactlessly using a coil or other connector standard.

[0083] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, four LEDs 59 are provided above the display unit 61. In FIGS. 1 and 2, speaker holes 55a are formed on both the left and right sides of the housing of the auxiliary device 1. Two speakers 35 are provided inside the holes 55a, one on the left side and one on the right side. A microphone hole 56a is formed above the display unit 61 in the housing of the auxiliary device 1, and the microphone 56 is disposed inside the microphone hole 56a. If necessary, the display unit 39 may be configured as a touch panel, and the touch panel may serve as both the display unit 39 and the operation unit.

[0084] In this embodiment, a program (application software) is pre-installed in the storage device 54, and the CPU 51 executes the program when the plug 62 is inserted into the receptacle 21, etc., thereby realizing the functions of the auxiliary device 1 described below.

[0085] The voice recognition unit 57 recognizes the voice captured by the microphone 56. The voice recognition unit 57 may be configured as hardware, or may be configured as a voice recognition function realized by the CPU 51 executing voice recognition software pre-installed in the storage device 54. The CPU 51 supplies the recognition result of the voice recognition unit 57 to the mobile communication terminal 2 via the USB interface 63 and the plug 62. This function of the CPU 51, the USB interface 63, and the plug 62, correspond to a supply unit that supplies the recognition result of the voice recognition unit 57 to the mobile communication terminal 2. Information received by the LPWA communication unit 17 via LPWA wireless communication is received by the plug 62 and the USB interface 22 of the auxiliary device 1 via the USB interface 22 and the receptacle 21. The plug 62 and the USB interface 22 of the auxiliary device 1 correspond to a receiving unit that receives information received by the mobile communication terminal 2 via LPWA communication. The voice synthesis unit 58, under the control of the CPU 51, synthesizes voice corresponding to at least a part of the received information. The voice synthesis unit 58 may be configured as hardware, or may be configured as a voice synthesis function that is realized by the CPU 51 executing voice recognition software pre-installed in the storage device 54. The CPU 51 functions as a speaker control unit that controls the speaker 55 so that the voice synthesized by the voice synthesis unit 58 is emitted from the speaker 55.

[0086] Furthermore, the CPU 51 causes the display unit 61 to display a visual display (for example, a text display) according to at least a part of the information received by the LPWA communication unit 17 via LPWA wireless communication.

[0087] The information received by the LPWA communication unit 17 via LPWA wireless communication may include text information.

[0088] In response to the information or a part of the information received by the LPWA communication unit 17 via LPWA wireless communication, the CPU 51 causes the LED 59 and the speaker 55 to notify of an incoming call. For example, as this notification, the LED 59 flashes and the speaker 55 emits a siren sound. It is preferable that this notification pattern differs depending on the type of the information or a part of the information to which the notification by the notification unit corresponds.

[0089] FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of use of the mobile communication terminals 2 (2a-2h), mobile information terminals 3 (3a-3g), and auxiliary device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. For ease of explanation, in FIG. 7, the individual mobile communication terminals 2 are distinguished and labeled with reference numerals 2a-2h, and the individual mobile information terminals 3 are distinguished and labeled with reference numerals 3a-3g. Among these, those labeled with the same lowercase alphabet, for example, mobile communication terminal 2b and mobile information terminal 3b, are connected via short-range wireless communication and paired one-to-one, and both are carried by the same person. In the following description, the reference numeral 2 may remain the same when the individual mobile communication terminals 2 are not distinguished, and the reference numeral 3 may remain the same when the individual mobile information terminals 3 are not distinguished.

[0090] 7 illustrates a situation in which mobile information terminals 3a-3e are outside the so-called mobile service area and communication via their mobile communication units 37 is impossible, and communication via LPWA communication units 17 of mobile communication terminals 2a-2d with devices other than mobile communication terminals 2a-2d, including LPWA communication repeaters 101a-101c and base unit 102, is impossible. A mesh network is thus established through communication via LPWA communication units 17 of mobile communication terminals 2a-2d that have been registered in the group. Therefore, within the group, members can engage in group chats, share location information acquired by GPS receivers 15 of mobile communication terminals 2a-2d, share low-resolution images, and share SOS messages issued from LPWA communication units 17 of any of mobile communication terminals 2a-2d. It is preferable to transmit SOS messages to mobile communication terminals 2 outside the group, base unit 102, and the like, if possible.

[0091] Under such circumstances, when any of the mobile information terminals 3a to 3e enters the mobile communication range, not only can the mobile information terminal that has entered be connected to the Internet, etc. via the mobile communication network, but other mobile information terminals 3a to 3e can also be connected to the Internet, etc. via the mesh network and the mobile information terminal that has entered. Note that it is preferable that the mobile communication terminal 2 has a multi-hop function for LPWA communication.

[0092] Base unit 102 is capable of performing LPWA communication not only with repeaters but also directly with mobile communication terminal 2. Base unit 102 is installed, for example, in a local government office building 105, and is connected to a server 103 installed in the office building and to a network 104 including the Internet, etc. Server 103 stores management information for the network via LPWA communication. Although not shown in the drawing, a personal computer or the like in office 105 is also connected to base unit 102 and server 103, and can be used to perform predetermined processing based on information obtained via base unit 102, or to distribute disaster information or the like via base unit 102 via LPWA communication.

[0093] In the example shown in Figure 7, mobile communication terminal 2f is connected to repeater 101a via LPWA communication, and mobile communication terminals 2g and 2h are connected to repeater 101b via LPWA communication, and are ultimately connected to base unit 102 via wireless communication.

[0094] The mobile communication terminal 2h is attached to the auxiliary device 1. Therefore, for example, if a user of the mobile communication terminal 2h and the auxiliary device 1 shouts "Help me!" into the microphone 56 of the auxiliary device 1, the voice is recognized by the voice recognition unit 57 of the auxiliary device 1, and the recognition result reaches the base unit 102 via, for example, the repeater 101b. A staff member who checks the recognition result on a personal computer (not shown) connected to the base unit 102 can then call the police. If, before calling the police, the staff member sends back text information such as "What's the matter?" via LPWA communication, the text information is received by the LPWA communication unit 17 of the mobile communication terminal 2h via the repeater 101b, and then by the plug 62 and USB interface 22 of the auxiliary device 1 via the USB interface 22 and the receptacle 21. In response to this reception (incoming call), the above-mentioned incoming call notification is made, and the received text information "What's wrong?" is visually displayed on the display unit 61, and is also synthesized by the voice synthesis unit 58 into a voice "What's wrong?" that is output from the speaker 55. In response to this, the user can reply by voice input, just as in the case of "Help me."

[0095] Similarly, users of the mobile communication terminal 2h and the auxiliary device 1 can also enjoy chatting with users of other mobile communication terminals 2 connected via LPWA communication using voice input and voice output.

[0096] Furthermore, local government officials can use a personal computer (not shown) connected to the base unit 102 to communicate local government announcements, disaster information, etc. by voice to the users of the mobile communication terminal 2h and auxiliary device 1 using the same procedures as described above.

[0097] According to the auxiliary device 1 of this embodiment, the user can provide the information to be sent by voice and can receive the information to be received by voice, thereby making it possible to avoid situations where the user has to hold the mobile information terminal 3 in his / her hand and operate its touch panel with his / her fingers.

[0098] Furthermore, the auxiliary device 1 according to this embodiment has the secondary battery 65, so it can continue to operate even if the AC 100V power supply is stopped due to a power outage. At this time, if the LED 59 is turned on, it can be used as an emergency light.

[0099] [Second embodiment]

[0100] 8 is a schematic perspective view showing an auxiliary device 201 according to a second embodiment of the present invention together with a mobile communication terminal 2 used therewith. FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram showing auxiliary device 201 in FIG. 8.

[0101] 8 and 9, elements that are the same as or correspond to elements in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6 are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0102] The mobile communication terminal 2 in Fig. 8 is basically the same as the mobile communication terminal 2 in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 4. However, in the mobile communication terminal 2 in Fig. 8, the short-range wireless communication communication unit 16 performs short-range wireless communication with the short-range wireless communication communication unit 202 of the auxiliary device 201, rather than with the short-range wireless communication communication unit 38 of the mobile information terminal 3, and is paired with it. However, it may be possible to switch between the mobile information terminal 3 and the auxiliary device 201 to be used.

[0103] The auxiliary device 201 according to this embodiment differs from the auxiliary device 1 according to the first embodiment in the points described below.

[0104] While the auxiliary device 1 is configured as a tabletop or stationary device, the auxiliary device 201 according to this embodiment is configured as a portable device.

[0105] Information that was previously exchanged via the receptacle 21 and the plug 62 in the auxiliary device 1 is now exchanged by short-range wireless communication between the short-range wireless communication unit 202 and the short-range wireless communication unit 16.

[0106] The auxiliary device 201 according to this embodiment can be used in place of, for example, each of the mobile information terminals 3a to 3e in Fig. 7. In this case, chatting and the like can be carried out using voice input and voice output.

[0107] According to the auxiliary device 201 of this embodiment, the user can provide the information to be sent by voice and can receive the information to be received by voice, thereby making it possible to avoid situations where the user has to hold the mobile information terminal in his / her hand and operate the touch panel or the like with his / her fingers.

[0108] In addition, instead of transmitting and receiving information between the mobile communication terminal 2 and the auxiliary device 201 via short-range wireless communication between the short-range wireless communication unit 202 and the short-range wireless communication unit 16, the mobile communication terminal 2 and the auxiliary device 201 may be connected via a cable via a wired connection, and information may be transmitted and received through this connection.

[0109] The auxiliary device 201 may be provided with a wristband to form a wristwatch. In this case, it may be configured as a smartwatch by incorporating a clock function and a vital sensor.

[0110] [Third embodiment]

[0111] Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a mobile communication terminal 301 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 11 is a schematic block diagram showing mobile communication terminal 301 in Fig. 10.

[0112] 10 and 11, elements that are the same as or correspond to elements in FIGS. 4, 8 and 9 are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0113] A mobile communication terminal 301 according to the third embodiment of the present invention incorporates an auxiliary device 201 into a mobile communication terminal 2 while eliminating redundancy by sharing overlapping components such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM.

[0114] The mobile communication terminal 301 according to this embodiment can be used in place of the mobile information terminal 3a and the mobile communication terminal 2 in Fig. 7, for example. In this case, chatting and the like can be carried out using voice input and voice output.

[0115] According to the portable communication terminal 301 of this embodiment, the user can give the information to be sent by voice and can receive the information to be received by voice, so that it is possible to avoid a situation where the user has to hold the portable information terminal in his / her hand and operate the touch panel or the like with his / her fingers.

[0116] [Fourth embodiment]

[0117] 12 is a schematic perspective view showing the mobile communication terminal 301 in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 and the auxiliary device 401 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention used therewith, and shows the state in which the mobile communication terminal 301 is attached to the auxiliary device 401. FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram showing the auxiliary device 401 in FIG. 12.

[0118] 12 and 13, elements that are the same as or correspond to elements in FIGS. 1, 2 and 11 are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0119] The auxiliary device 401 according to this embodiment is the same as the auxiliary device 1 in FIGS. 1 and 2 except that only the left side portion remains and only the function of charging the secondary battery 24 of the mobile communication terminal 301 remains.

[0120] AC 100V is supplied to power supply circuit 402 via power cable 68, and is converted into DC power of a predetermined voltage by power supply circuit 402, which then supplies this to plug 62 via USB interface 63. This charges secondary battery 24 of mobile communication terminal 301.

[0121] As shown in Figure 12, when auxiliary device 401 according to this embodiment is used together with mobile communication terminal 301, it is possible to achieve almost the same operation as when mobile communication terminal 2 is used together with auxiliary device 1 as shown in Figure 2.

[0122] [Fifth embodiment]

[0123] Figure 14 is a schematic oblique view showing the mobile communication terminal 301 in Figure 10 and the auxiliary device 501 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention used therewith, showing the state in which the mobile communication terminal 301 is attached to the auxiliary device 501.

[0124] In this embodiment, the auxiliary device 501 has substantially the same configuration as the auxiliary device 1 in FIGS.

[0125] As shown in Figure 14, when auxiliary device 501 according to this embodiment is used together with mobile communication terminal 301, the same operation as when mobile communication terminal 2 is used together with auxiliary device 1 as shown in Figure 2 can be achieved.

[0126] In the state shown in FIG. 14, the display on the display unit 61 and the sound output from the speaker on the auxiliary device 501 side may be stopped.

[0127] [Sixth embodiment]

[0128] FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram showing a portable information terminal 601 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] In FIG. 15, elements that are the same as or correspond to elements in FIGS. 5 and 9 are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0130] 5 in that a voice recognition unit 57 and a voice synthesis unit 58 are added, and the voice recognition unit 57 and the voice synthesis unit 58 are configured so that the voice recognition unit 601 functions substantially the same as the auxiliary device 201 in FIGS. 8 and 9 in a predetermined operation mode. The voice recognition unit 57 may be configured as hardware, or may be configured as a voice recognition function that is realized by the CPU 51 executing voice recognition software that is pre-installed in the storage device 34. The voice synthesis unit 58 may be configured as hardware, or may be configured as a voice synthesis function that is realized by the CPU 51 executing voice recognition software that is pre-installed in the storage device 34.

[0131] The mobile information terminal 601 according to this embodiment may be configured to operate in exactly the same way as the mobile information terminal 3 in FIG. 5 in another predetermined operation mode, and may be configured to be able to switch between both operation modes.

[0132] [Seventh embodiment]

[0133] FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing a portable information terminal 701 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention together with a portable communication terminal 2 and an auxiliary device 801 used therewith, in which the portable information terminal 701 and the portable communication terminal 2 are detached from the auxiliary device 801. FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the portable information terminal 2 in FIG. 16 and the portable communication terminal 2 in FIG. 16 are attached to the auxiliary device 8 in FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram showing the portable information terminal 701 in FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram showing the auxiliary device 8 in FIGS. 16 and 17. The auxiliary device 8 in FIGS. 16 and 17 is an auxiliary device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0134] The mobile communication terminal 2 in FIGS. 16 and 17 is configured similarly to the mobile communication terminal 2 in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, except for some operations that will be described later.

[0135] 16 to 18, elements that are the same as or correspond to elements in FIGS. 3 and 5 are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0136] 5 in that it further includes a voice recognition unit 57, a voice synthesis unit 58, a USB Type-C receptacle 702, a USB interface 703, a charge / discharge circuit 704, and a secondary battery 705 such as a lithium-ion battery, and in that, in a predetermined operation mode, the mobile information terminal 601 functions substantially identically to the auxiliary device 201 in FIGS. 8 and 9. However, whereas the mobile communication terminal 2 and the auxiliary device 201 are connected by short-range wireless communication in FIG. 8, the mobile information terminal 701 according to the present embodiment is wired to the mobile communication terminal 2 via the auxiliary device 801. The voice recognition unit 57 may be configured as hardware, or may be configured as a voice recognition function implemented by the CPU 31 executing voice recognition software pre-installed in the storage device 34, for example. Furthermore, the voice synthesis unit 58 may be configured as hardware, or may be configured as a voice synthesis function that is realized by the CPU 31 executing voice synthesis software that is pre-installed in the storage device .

[0137] In portable information terminal 701 according to this embodiment, power supplied to receptacle 702 is charged into secondary battery 705 by charge / discharge circuit 704 via USB interface 703. Furthermore, power supplied to receptacle 702 or power from secondary battery 705 is supplied to each unit of portable information terminal 701 by charge / discharge circuit 705.

[0138] 19 , auxiliary device 801 is used together with mobile communication terminal 2 and mobile information terminal 701. As shown in FIG. 19 , auxiliary device 801 includes a USB Type-C plug 802 that is compatible with receptacle 21 of mobile communication terminal 2, a USB interface 803 connected to plug 802, a USB Type-C plug 804 that is compatible with receptacle 702 of mobile information terminal 701, a USB interface 805 connected to plug 804, a connection path 806 that connects USB interface 803 and USB interface 805, a charge / discharge circuit 807, and a secondary battery 808 such as a lithium ion battery that is charged and discharged by charge / discharge circuit 807.

[0139] In this embodiment, auxiliary device 801 is configured as a tabletop or stationary device, as shown in Figures 16 and 17. As shown in Figure 16, auxiliary device 801 has a recess 809 into which the lower part of portable communication terminal 2 fits perfectly. A plug 802 protrudes from recess 809, and when the lower part of portable communication terminal 2 is inserted into recess 809 as shown in Figure 17, plug 802 is inserted into receptacle 21 arranged at the bottom of portable communication terminal 2. As shown in Figure 16, auxiliary device 801 also has recess 810 into which the lower part of portable information terminal 701 fits perfectly, and back support 811 that supports the back of portable information terminal 701 so that display unit 39 of portable information terminal 701 is at an angle that makes it easy to view when the lower part of portable information terminal 701 is inserted into recess 810.

[0140] 17, when the bottom of portable information terminal 701 is inserted into recess 810, plug 804 is inserted into receptacle 702 arranged at the bottom of portable information terminal 701. When plug 802 is inserted into receptacle 21 and plug 804 is inserted into receptacle 702, a wired connection is made between receptacle 21 of portable communication terminal 2 and receptacle 702 of portable information terminal 701 via plugs 802 and 804, USB interfaces 803 and 805, and connection path 806. This enables data and information to be exchanged between portable information terminal 701 and portable communication terminal 2. In this embodiment, plugs 802 and 804, USB interfaces 803 and 805, and connection path 806 constitute a connection unit that makes a wired connection between portable information terminal 3 and portable communication terminal 2. In this embodiment, the transmission and reception of such data and information and the transmission and reception of power, which will be described later, are performed using USB Type-C, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, connectors of other standards may be used. Note that in this embodiment, when plug 802 is inserted into receptacle 21, short-range wireless communication communication unit 16 of mobile communication terminal 2 does not operate, and when plug 804 is inserted into receptacle 702, short-range wireless communication communication unit 38 of mobile information terminal 701 does not operate.

[0141] 16 and 17 , auxiliary device 801 has power cable 813 with AC plug 812 at its tip. Power cable 813 is connected to charge / discharge circuit 807, and AC plug 812 is plugged into an AC 100V outlet to supply AC 100V to charge / discharge circuit 807. Power based on AC 100V is supplied from charge / discharge circuit 807 to plug 802 via USB interface 803. Therefore, when plug 802 is inserted into receptacle 21 of mobile communication terminal 2, secondary battery 24 of mobile communication terminal 2 is charged by the power supplied to plug 802. In this embodiment, charge / discharge circuit 807, USB interface 803, and plug 802 constitute a first charging unit that charges secondary battery 24 of mobile communication terminal 2. Power based on AC 100V is also supplied from charge / discharge circuit 807 to plug 804 via USB interface 805. Therefore, when plug 804 is inserted into receptacle 702 of mobile information terminal 701, secondary battery 705 of mobile information terminal 701 is charged by the power supplied to plug 804. In this embodiment, charge / discharge circuit 807, USB interface 805, and plug 804 constitute a second charging unit that charges secondary battery 705 of mobile information terminal 701.

[0142] The auxiliary device 801 may be provided with a power receiving connector (not shown) for connecting and disconnecting the power cable 813, so that the power cable 813 can be connected and disconnected to the auxiliary device 801. This also applies to the power cable 68 described above.

[0143] The CPU 31 receives the information received by the LPWA communication unit 17 via the LPWA wireless communication via the wired connection, and causes a visual display (for example, a text display) corresponding to at least a part of the information to be displayed on the display unit 39. The information received by the LPWA communication unit 17 via the LPWA wireless communication may include text information.

[0144] It is also preferable that the portable information terminal 701 has a notification function that notifies the user through the speaker 35 of the arrival of information such as disaster information.

[0145] The mobile communication terminal 2, mobile information terminal 701, and auxiliary device 801 shown in Figures 16 to 19 described above can basically be used in the same way as the mobile communication terminal 2 and auxiliary device 801 shown in Figures 1 to 7, and can provide the same advantages.

[0146] Note that the mobile information terminal 701 according to this embodiment may be configured to operate in exactly the same way as the mobile information terminal 3 in FIG. 5 in another predetermined operation mode, and may be configured to be able to switch between both operation modes.

[0147] In the present invention, the mobile communication terminal 2, the mobile information terminal 701 and the auxiliary device 801 shown in FIGS. 16 to 19 may be modified in various ways, for example, as described below.

[0148] First, when the mobile communication terminal 2 and the mobile information terminal 701 are detached from the auxiliary device 801, the transmission of data and information between the mobile communication terminal 701 and the mobile communication terminal 2 may be automatically switched from the wired connection described above to short-range wireless communication between the short-range wireless communication unit 16 and the short-range wireless communication unit 38. This is effective, for example, when a user who has received disaster information detaches the mobile communication terminal 2 and the mobile information terminal 701 from the auxiliary device 801 and flees with the mobile communication terminal 2 and the mobile information terminal 701. Even if such automatic switching is not implemented, the user who has received the disaster information can evacuate by carrying the auxiliary device 801 in the state shown in FIG. 17 . In this case, it is preferable to configure the auxiliary device 801 so that it can be easily carried. This also applies to the auxiliary device 1 in FIGS. 1 and 2 . For example, after disaster information is sent from the local government to mobile information terminal 701 via mobile communication terminal 2 (detection of carrying (evacuation) based on a signal from acceleration sensor 26 of mobile communication terminal 2 may also be a condition), if current location information of GPS receiver 15 of mobile communication terminal 2 is automatically and periodically sent back from mobile communication terminal 2 to the server of the local government, the local government etc. will be able to know the evacuation location of the user etc. This also applies to the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0149] Secondly, without using auxiliary device 801, a wired connection may be made between USB Type-C receptacle 21 of mobile communication terminal 2 and USB Type-C receptacle 702 of mobile information terminal 701 using a USB cable, and data and information may be exchanged between mobile information terminal 701 and mobile communication terminal 2 via the USB cable.

[0150] Thirdly, the connection path 806 may be cut off in the auxiliary device 801. In this case, the transmission and reception of data and information between the portable information terminal 701 and the portable communication terminal 2 may be performed by short-range wireless communication between the short-range wireless communication unit 16 and the short-range wireless communication unit 38.

[0151] Fourth, the secondary battery 808 may be removed from the auxiliary device 801. In this case, a power supply circuit similar to the power supply circuit 402 in FIG.

[0152] Fifth, the voice recognition unit 57 may be removed from the portable information terminal 701. Even in this case, for example, received disaster information can be learned by voice.

[0153] Sixth, the voice recognition unit 57 and the voice synthesis unit 58 may be removed from the portable information terminal 701. In this case, it is preferable to display the information on the display unit 39 and emit a ringtone from the speaker 35 as a notification of the information, for example.

[0154] Although the embodiments of the present invention and their modifications have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these.

[0155] For example, although certain of the embodiments described above may include a microphone, the auxiliary device may not include a microphone itself but may be connectable to a microphone. Similarly, although certain of the embodiments described above may include a speaker, the auxiliary device may not include a speaker itself but may be connectable to a speaker.

[0156] Furthermore, a transmitter that transmits a signal from any sensor as a wireless signal that can be received by the LPWA communication unit 17 of the mobile communication terminal 2 may be used, and the mobile communication terminal 2 may be provided with a relay function that sends the wireless signal from the transmitter to any destination (for example, a server of a local government). In this case, for example, if a sensor signal indicating the operating status of an electricity meter or a sensor signal indicating the operating status of a water meter is used as the sensor signal, it becomes possible for local governments and the like to easily monitor users such as elderly people who are installed with the device shown in Fig. 2 or the device shown in Fig. 17. [Explanation of symbols]

[0157] 1 Auxiliary equipment 2. Mobile communication devices 3. Mobile Information Terminals

Claims

1. A system including a mobile communication terminal that does not have an operation unit for inputting text by finger operation, and an auxiliary device used together with the mobile communication terminal, The mobile communication terminal can perform short-range wireless communication with a mobile information terminal and can also perform wireless communication with other devices other than the short-range wireless communication, the auxiliary device is provided with a microphone or is connectable to a microphone; the auxiliary device has a speaker or is connectable to a speaker; The auxiliary device includes a voice recognition unit that recognizes voice captured by the microphone, a supply unit that supplies the recognition result of the voice recognition unit to the mobile communication terminal, a reception unit that receives information received by the mobile communication terminal through the separate wireless communication, a voice synthesis unit that synthesizes voice corresponding to at least a part of the information received by the reception unit, and a speaker control unit that controls the speaker so that the voice synthesized by the voice synthesis unit is emitted from the speaker. A system characterized by:

2. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the other wireless communication is a bidirectional wireless communication using a low-power long-distance communication method.

3. 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary device includes a display unit that displays a visual indication according to at least a part of the information received by the receiving unit.

4. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the information received by the receiving unit includes text information.

5. 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary device includes a notification unit that notifies an incoming call in response to the information or a part of the information received by the receiving unit.

6. 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the notification pattern by the notification unit differs depending on the type of the information or a part of the information to which the notification by the notification unit corresponds.

7. 7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary device includes a charging unit for charging a secondary battery of the portable communication terminal.

8. 7. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the auxiliary device is a portable device.

9. 8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary device is a tabletop or stationary device.

10. A system including a mobile communication terminal that does not have an operation unit for inputting text by finger operation, and a mobile information terminal that is used together with the mobile communication terminal, the mobile communication terminal is capable of performing short-range wireless communication with the mobile information terminal and performing wireless communication with another device other than the short-range wireless communication; The mobile information terminal includes: A microphone and A speaker and a voice recognition unit that recognizes the voice captured by the microphone; a supply unit that supplies the recognition result of the voice recognition unit to the mobile communication terminal via the short-range wireless communication or a wired connection; a receiving unit configured to receive the information received by the mobile communication terminal through the other wireless communication via the short-range wireless communication or via a wired connection; a voice synthesis unit that synthesizes a voice corresponding to at least a part of the information received by the receiving unit; a speaker control unit that controls the speaker so that the voice synthesized by the voice synthesis unit is emitted from the speaker; A system comprising:

11. A system including a mobile communication terminal that does not have an operation unit for inputting text by finger operation, and a mobile information terminal that is used together with the mobile communication terminal, the mobile communication terminal is capable of performing short-range wireless communication with the mobile information terminal and performing wireless communication with another device other than the short-range wireless communication; The mobile information terminal includes: A speaker and a receiving unit configured to receive the information received by the mobile communication terminal through the other wireless communication via the short-range wireless communication or via a wired connection; a voice synthesis unit that synthesizes a voice corresponding to at least a part of the information received by the receiving unit; a speaker control unit that controls the speaker so that the voice synthesized by the voice synthesis unit is emitted from the speaker; A system comprising:

12. A system including a mobile communication terminal that does not have an operation unit for inputting text by finger operation, and a mobile information terminal that is used together with the mobile communication terminal, The mobile communication terminal is capable of wireless communication with other devices other than the mobile information terminal, The mobile information terminal includes: A speaker and a receiving unit for receiving the information received by the mobile communication terminal through the wireless communication via a wired connection; a voice synthesis unit that synthesizes a voice corresponding to at least a part of the information received by the receiving unit; a speaker control unit that controls the speaker so that the voice synthesized by the voice synthesis unit is emitted from the speaker; A system comprising:

13. 13. The system according to claim 10, wherein the portable information terminal comprises a display unit that displays a visual indication according to at least a part of the information received by the receiving unit.

14. A system including a mobile communication terminal that does not have an operation unit for inputting text by finger operation, and a mobile information terminal that is used together with the mobile communication terminal, the mobile communication terminal is capable of performing short-range wireless communication with the mobile information terminal and performing wireless communication with another device other than the short-range wireless communication; The mobile information terminal includes: a receiving unit configured to receive the information received by the mobile communication terminal through the short-range wireless communication or through a wired connection; a display unit that displays a visual display according to at least a portion of the information received by the receiving unit; A system comprising:

15. A system including a mobile communication terminal that does not have an operation unit for inputting text by finger operation, and a mobile information terminal that is used together with the mobile communication terminal, The mobile communication terminal is capable of wireless communication with other devices other than the mobile information terminal, The mobile information terminal includes: a receiving unit for receiving the information received by the mobile communication terminal through the wireless communication via a wired connection; a display unit that displays a visual display according to at least a portion of the information received by the receiving unit; A system comprising:

16. 16. The system according to claim 10, wherein the information received by the receiving unit includes text information.

17. 17. The system according to claim 10, wherein the portable information terminal comprises a notification unit that notifies an incoming call in response to the information or a part of the information received by the receiving unit.

18. an auxiliary device used together with the portable information terminal and the portable communication terminal, 18. The system according to claim 10, wherein the auxiliary device comprises a connection unit for connecting the portable information terminal and the portable communication terminal by wire.

19. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the auxiliary device comprises a first charging unit for charging a secondary battery of the portable communication terminal, and a second charging unit for charging a secondary battery of the portable information terminal.

20. A mobile communication terminal capable of performing short-distance wireless communication with a mobile information terminal and performing wireless communication with another device other than the short-distance wireless communication, It has a microphone or can be connected to a microphone, It has a speaker or can be connected to a speaker, a voice recognition unit that recognizes the voice captured by the microphone; a communication unit that performs the other wireless communication with the other device in accordance with a recognition result of the voice recognition unit; a voice synthesis unit that synthesizes a voice corresponding to at least a part of the information received from the other device via the separate wireless communication; a speaker control unit that controls the speaker so that the voice synthesized by the voice synthesis unit is emitted from the speaker; A mobile communication terminal comprising:

21. 21. The mobile communication terminal of claim 20, wherein the other wireless communication is a bidirectional wireless communication using a low-power long-distance communication method.

22. 22. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 20, further comprising a display unit that displays a visual indication corresponding to at least a part of the information.

23. 23. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 20, wherein the information includes text information.

24. 24. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 20, further comprising a notification unit that notifies an incoming call in response to the information or a part of the information.

25. 25. The mobile communication terminal of claim 24, wherein the notification pattern by the notification unit differs depending on the type of the information or a part thereof to which the notification by the notification unit corresponds.

26. a position detection unit that detects its own position; An emergency operation unit; An acceleration sensor; an abnormal state detection unit that detects an abnormal state based on a detection signal from the acceleration sensor; a communication unit that, when an emergency operation unit is operated or the abnormal state is detected, transmits an SOS including current location information detected by the location detection unit to the other device via the separate wireless communication; 26. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 20, further comprising:

27. An auxiliary device for use with a mobile communication terminal according to any one of claims 20 to 26, comprising: The auxiliary device further comprises a charging unit for charging a secondary battery of the portable communication terminal.

28. A system including a portable information terminal and a portable communication terminal capable of performing short-range wireless communication with the portable information terminal and performing wireless communication with another device other than the short-range wireless communication, The mobile communication terminal is equipped with a microphone or is connectable to a microphone, The mobile communication terminal is provided with a speaker or is connectable to a speaker, The mobile communication terminal a voice recognition unit that recognizes the voice captured by the microphone; a communication unit that performs the other wireless communication with the other device in accordance with a recognition result of the voice recognition unit; a voice synthesis unit that synthesizes a voice corresponding to at least a part of the information received from the other device via the separate wireless communication; a speaker control unit that controls the speaker so that the voice synthesized by the voice synthesis unit is emitted from the speaker; A system comprising:

29. 29. The system of claim 28, wherein the other wireless communication is a two-way wireless communication using a low-power long-range communication method.

30. 30. The system according to claim 28, wherein the mobile communication terminal comprises a display unit that displays a visual indication corresponding to at least a part of the information.

31. 31. A system according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the information comprises textual information.

32. 32. The system according to claim 28, wherein the mobile communication terminal comprises a notification unit that notifies an incoming call in response to the information or a part thereof.

33. 33. The system according to claim 32, wherein the notification pattern by said notification unit differs depending on the type of the information or a part of the information to which the notification by said notification unit corresponds.

34. The mobile communication terminal a position detection unit that detects its own position; An emergency operation unit; An acceleration sensor; an abnormal state detection unit that detects an abnormal state based on a detection signal from the acceleration sensor; a communication unit that, when an emergency operation unit is operated or the abnormal state is detected, transmits an SOS including current location information detected by the location detection unit to the other device via the separate wireless communication; 34. The system according to any one of claims 28 to 33, comprising:

35. an auxiliary device used together with the mobile communication terminal; 35. The system according to claim 28, wherein the auxiliary device comprises a charging unit for charging a secondary battery of the portable communication terminal.

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