MXPA98008972A - Dual-mode satellite/terrestrial mobile communication unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention seeks to provide a dual mode mobile satellite communication unit, which requires low communication cost and very little battery power, does not require always carrying a large unit frame and does not always provide great weight burden on the user. A terrestrial communication portable unit (B) is detachably mounted in the mobile satellite communication unit (A). The mobile satellite communication unit (A) as base unit does not include a key operating section, a display section and a speech transducer section having a microphone and a loudspeaker, and utilizes those mechanically assembled on the portable unit (B) side for keying and other operations. In an interlocked relation to the removal of the portable unit, the stand-by state of the base unit is turned off. It is thus possible to avoid wasteful battery power consumption on the base unit side.

Description

MOBILE COMMUNICATION UNIT VIA SATELLITE / TERRESTRIAL, DUAL MODE FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 This invention relates to the so-called mobile satellite communication units that use the satellites that orbit the earth as the network switching nodes, more particularly, to mobile satellite communication units so ? ^ 10 dual, which can be used as mobile satellite communication units, for PHS or cellular communication systems that use land radio stations, as well as mobile satellite communication units.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As an example of the mobile communication system ^ J by satellite within the technology is known an iridium plan communication system of Motoroller Inc., in USA- Fig. 11 illustrates the communication system of iridium plan, shown as an example. Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 6-181456. A constellation 100 consists of, for example, 66 satellites 200 that move along orbits around the earth at a relatively low level, (not shown). The communication in the observation line can be done 02325. 0001 from specific points on the surface of the earth with obstructed vision towards one or more satellite. The constellation and the satellites that move along orbits at a relatively low level always move relative to the earth. For example, a satellite that moves along a distant orbit 765 km from the earth, moves at a speed of approximately 25,000 km in relation to a point on the surface of the earth. This satellite is within the visual field of the point on the surface of the earth for a period of at most approximately 9 minutes. In each country or area of the earth's surface there are a number of switching offices (SO), for the communication of data with satellites among others adjacent to them through 102 communication links jr-f main. The satellites are also forming communication with each other through major communication links. A communication office 101 in any area of the earth can control the communication (or calls) sent to certain points by the constellation 100. Each switching office 101 is coupled to a usual telephone switching network 103 through a number of PSTN lines and can also receive calls sent from the PSTN lines to the mobile line subscribers 104 02325. 0001 satellite communication. The PSTN lines 103 can send calls transmitted by the subscriber 104 of the mobile line of satellite communication. Since several million mobile units of MV satellite communication are coupled to each mobile satellite communication line. Mobile MV communication satellite units can communicate to any part of the land area covered by the mobile satellite communication network. Fig. 12 shows a personal telephone system (PHS) of the mobile communication system belonging to the present invention (shown as an example in Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 7-187866). The system comprises a control center PHS 140 and a plurality of base stations 120 linked to each of the relay stations 132. The relay stations 132 produce position data based on the position registration requests sent from the base stations 120. In the position register of this system, a unit 110 receives the reported position data from the base station 120 and reviews the data. When the data is different from the position registration data stored in it, the 110 PHS unit sends a position registration signal to the station 02325. 0001 120 base in the radio zone (or the position registration area 134) in which the user is present. The position registration signal is awaited at the relay station 132 and arrives at the control center PHS 140 in a converted form necessary for switching. In this way, the present position data of the 110 PHS unit is stored in the control center PHS 140. The above operation is executed each time the position registration area 134 is changed by the movement of the 110 PHS unit. When the number of the general unit 110 is dialed from a general telephone of the subscriber, the digital switching office 131 of the transmission side interrogates the control center PHS through the common network 130 of the on-line signal over the registration area 134 of position, in which the unit 110 PHS of the dialed number is present, that is, on the necessary data of position registration, for its switching. Based on this position registration data, the tracking connection is made and the base stations 120 in the relevant position registration area 134 make a general terrestrial radio wave call. When a 110 PHS unit dials the general telephone number of the subscriber, the subscriber certification data number of the PHS 110 unit is 02325. 0001 transmits together with the telephone number via the base station 120 to the relay station 132. The relay station 132 identifies the 110 PHS unit and confirms that the transmitter is a subscriber. Then a line is connected concerning the subscriber's general telephone. As can be seen from the description of the previous technology, the mobile satellite communication unit is capable of communicating anywhere on the earth under the mobile satellite communication network. However, one problem is that high power is needed for the electromagnetic waves to reach the constellation that is used as network switching nodes, since the constellation is located along the orbits separated by 765 km from the earth. Therefore, in the mobile satellite communication unit, not only the transmission circuit and also the power supply of the battery are inevitably larger. Consistently, the unit requires high communication costs and a lot of battery consumption, and also its structure is large. That is, the mobile satellite communication unit is always a large structure. Unlike the current case of loading a unit of small size, it would be a greater load for the user. 02325. 0001 The mobile ground communication unit for the PHS or cellular system, on the other hand, despite its restriction that allows communication not only in prescribed areas, serves for the communication of transmitting and receiving data to and from a nearby base station to the. In this way, unlike the mobile satellite communication unit, the transmission circuit and the power supply of the unit's battery are small and the unit also has a lower cost of communication and lower battery consumption. An advantageous mobile satellite communication unit is dual mode and can provide the functions of both units, ie those of the mobile satellite communication unit and those of a mobile ground communication unit. The dual-mode unit, however, is large and heavy. However, it should always be carried out even if the user only uses the function of a land mobile communication unit (that is, it uses only the cellular system of the PHS services). This is a user problem compared to the case of carrying cellular systems or recent PHS units. Another problem is that for the mobile satellite communication that has worldwide coverage, it is necessary to use different units of dual mode in correspondence to the mobile communication units 02325. 0001 terrestrial depending on the areas where the units are sold and used. To solve this problem, the units in which the terrestrial communication function cartridge (includes a radio section, communication system control programs and data memories) can be inserted in a detachable manner have been investigated. However, the units again force a large structure unit to load.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above technical problems, the present invention has the objective of providing a dual mode satellite mobile communication unit, which requires a low communication cost and as little battery power as possible, and neither It requires carrying a large structure unit, nor does it need the user to carry the weight of it. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a mobile satellite communication unit that can be easily carried and allows for volume reduction. The above and other objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention. To solve the problems described above, it is 02325. 0001 s a preamble of the present invention, a mobile dual mode satellite communication unit, which provides the function of the mobile ground communication unit in addition to the function of a mobile satellite communication unit, using satellites orbiting the earth. The mobile dual-mode satellite communication unit is characterized in that: it consists of a base unit that does not include at least one screen operating section, a screen section and a voice transducer section having a microphone and a loudspeaker and It is capable of providing the function of mobile satellite communication unit and a portable terrestrial communication unit including a keyboard operating section, a screen section and a voice transducer section having a microphone and a loudspeaker and is capable of provide the relevant mobile land communication unit function; wherein the recesses and projections are provided as mechanical couplings in the two units for mechanically coupling the two units together, and electrical connectors are provided in the two units for electrically connecting the keyboard operation section, the screen and the 02325. 0001 voice transducer section has a microphone and a speaker on the side of the portable ground communication unit and a mobile satellite communication unit function section on the side of a base unit of the two, when the two units are coupled mechanically with each other. With this construction an independent power of battery power can be provided in the portable terrestrial communication unit and the mobile unit function of satellite communication is provided in the base unit, and in the ground service areas, the small portable unit Terrestrial communication can be used alone. In this case, in an intertwined relationship when dismantling the portable ground communication unit, a standby state of the base unit is turned off and it is possible to avoid the useless consumption of battery power on the side of the base unit. When it is envisaged that the user carrying the portable unit leaves the ground service area, the portable unit is mechanically coupled to the base unit, wherein the keyboard operation section, the screen section and the transducer section of voice on the side of the portable unit and the function section of the mobile satellite communication unit on the side of the 02325. 0001 base unit are electrically connected to each other. In this state, the unit can be used anywhere on earth since the mobile satellite communication unit uses the keyboard operation section and the screen section of the portable unit. The provision of the keyboard operation section and the speech transducer section on the side of the portable land communication unit makes it possible, in the case where a memory of a telephone number is provided for the transmission of a call in the unit portable for satellite communication, make common use of functions (such as a tone transmission call) provided in the portable unit and also when making common use of a telephone book registered in an internal memory. In this way, it is not necessary to register the independent telephone directory on the sides of the two units. In a preferred form of the present invention, a single electrical connector is provided for making the electrical connection above and plural mechanical couplings are provided capable of being kept spaced by different distances for the mechanical coupling of the two units. With this construction, a plurality of portable units having different shapes (i.e., coupling widths) can be assembled in a manner 02325. 0001 selective as long as its electrical connectors are in the normal connection position. In this way, it is possible to select the desired portable units, such as those of the cellular system or PHS. Also the portable units of different communication systems can be assembled in different countries where you are visiting for business trips or similar. In another preferred form of the present invention, a movable rail type mechanical coupling is provided in a predetermined axial direction for the mechanical coupling, and an electrical connector for the electrical connection is located at the end of the movement in the axial direction of the mechanical coupling and the a fixed plane containing the path of the movement axis of the mechanical coupling. With this construction, a portable unit having any shape and having a rail-like recess formed in the rear surface can be assembled, as long as its electrical connector is in the normal connection position. In addition, since the electrical connector is located in the fixed plane that contains the movement path of the mechanical coupling, a reliable electrical connection is ensured. In addition, the knocks generated when the portable unit is disassembled are received in the plane of the movement path, thus eliminating the possibility of breakage of the electrical connector. () 2325.0001 The mobile dual mode satellite communication unit has the following circuit construction. The present invention is characterized in that the base unit which does not include at least the keyboard operating section, the screen section and the voice transducer section has the microphone and the loudspeaker and is capable of providing the mobile unit function of satellite communication, includes a signal transceiver section for transmitting and receiving signals, preferably PCM data, from and to the separate terrestrial communication unit. Particularly, the present invention is characterized in that the mobile base unit for satellite communication and the portable ground communication unit have the following characteristics: a mobile satellite communication unit as the base unit that does not include at least the operating section of keyboard, the screen sections and the voice transducer section, which has a microphone and a loudspeaker, capable of providing the mobile unit function of satellite communication and includes a first transceiver section of converted wave to transmit and receive the converted waves of transmission and reception signals to and from the signal transceiver section of the separate land mobile communication unit; Y 02325. 0001 a terrestrial communication unit as a portable unit including a keyboard operating section, a screen section and a voice transducer section having a microphone and a loudspeaker, which provides a relevant function of terrestrial communication unit and includes the second wave transceiver section converted as described above, for transmitting and receiving the converted waves of the transmit and receive signals to and from the signal transceiver section of the mobile base communication satellite unit; For short distance transmission and reception, the first and second transceiver sections of converted waves use appropriately infrared transceivers or modulators / demodulators r-f, which can transmit infrared rays or electromagnetic weak waves. As an alternative, it is possible to allow wire transmission and reception instead of radio reception and transmission. With this construction, the user within the terrestrial service areas can receive • terrestrial services by carrying only the portable small-sized terrestrial communication unit. When the satellite and terrestrial communication units are located near localities in a terrestrial service area and in a distance limit that 02325. 0001 allows the transmission of infrared rays and electromagnetic weak waves, a call received by the mobile satellite communication unit for a line of the communication system of the iridium plan, is transmitted through the first and second wave transceiver sections converted to the voice transducer section, on the side of the mobile land mobile communication unit, to make the predetermined transmission and reception by operating the loudspeaker or the vibrator. mtk 10 Appropriately, when the user carries the small size land mobile communication unit alone and moves it increases the distance between the two units and goes outside the limit allowing transmission between the first and second wave transceiver sections After the conversion has been made, a waiting state of the mobile base unit for satellite communication is switched on. In this way, the waiting state is also appropriately switched off in an interlaced relationship when the portable unit is disassembled. In these forms, it is possible to avoid the useless consumption of battery power on the side of the mobile satellite communication unit. When the user is expected to leave the land service area, the portable land communication unit is electrically coupled to the base unit of satellite communication. By doing this, it is possible 02325. 0001 send a call from the side of the mobile base unit of satellite communication to the satellites, by using the keyboard operation section and the screen section next to the portable ground communication unit. In this way, it is possible to use the unit in any location on earth. By providing the keyboard operation section and the speech transducer section on the side of the portable land communication unit, it is possible, in the case where a telephone number memory is provided for the transmission of a call, in the unit portable for satellite communication, to use these functions in common fashion according to the call tone transmission provided in the portable unit and also to use in common a telephone directory registered in an internal memory. In this way it is not necessary to register an independent telephone directory on the sides of the two units. Since the mobile satellite communication unit does not have a keyboard operation section, screen section or voice transducer section with microphone and loudspeaker, its weight can be correspondingly reduced. In addition, because this unit can be formed integrally with the portable unit by an electrical coupling, the user can carry the 02325. 0001 portable unit, which is much lighter in weight, in the bag of the suit while previously kept the heavy mobile unit of satellite communication in the portfolio, as long as the user is within the area that allows transmission between the first and second wave transceiver sections converted. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to selectively use the portable terrestrial communication unit for short distance communication, and the mobile satellite communication unit for long distance communication. In this way, the cost of communication can be reduced logically. Further, . because only the keyboard operation section and the speech transducer section on the side of the portable land communication unit are provided, the weight of the mobile satellite communication unit can be correspondingly reduced. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to selectively mount a plurality of different portable units in the silhouette and the terrestrial communication specifications, as long as they have the second wave transceiver converted. In this way, it is possible to select the desired portable units, such as PHS or cellular systems. It is also possible to select the different portable units of 02325. 0001 different countries that are visited on business trips or similar. It is also possible to obtain an electrical coupling. The mobile satellite communication unit has another problem, which must have a large space for the arrangement of the battery. Because this unit requires high power so that the transmitted waves can reach the constellation, the battery that is used is inevitably of large size, which forces to have a large size and thickness walls in the structure, which gives as a result a very inconvenient structure to sustain from the ergonomic point of view. The present invention is presented in the so-called mobile satellite communication unit that uses satellites orbiting the earth as network switching nodes, which forms an antenna section that includes a flat antenna with a microscopic strip at one end , such that it has a cylindrical hollow shape and a space is formed for the insertion of the battery into the cylindrical hollow space below the flat antenna of the microscopic strip. The antenna section is capable of being lengthened, contracted, tilted or rotated with respect to the structure of the unit, or can be secured thereto. The antenna can be mounted in any way. However, so 02325. 0001 appropriate, the antenna is able to control its angle so that it can be pulled out for use, since the mobile satellite communication unit transmits and receives weak signals highly directive with respect to satellites. The antenna can be a single flat antenna with a microscopic strip or it can be a composite antenna obtained by axially arranging a flat antenna with a microscopic strip and a helical antenna. The present invention also proposes, as a preferred silhouette of the unit accommodating the anterior antenna, one constituted by an elongated structure having a thick thickness portion formed on one side, the cylindrical hollow antenna is inserted into the thick thickness portion. This unit can be used as a single mobile satellite communication unit, which independently allows the operation of the keyboard and also the transmission and reception. However, appropriately, the unit is used as a mobile dual-mode satellite communication unit, in which keyboard operation can be performed as well as transmission and reception by using a keyboard operation section, a section of screen and a voice transducer section that has a microphone and a speaker of a mobile unit 02325. 0001 separate communication for terrestrial communication or PHS. When the present invention is applied in a simple mobile satellite communication unit, it is independently capable of performing the keyboard operation and also the transmission and reception. Suitably, the structure of the unit has an asymmetric cross-sectional profile with respect to its front face having a keyboard operation section and a screen section, such that the portion of thick thickness is formed on one side and a thin-thickness portion on the other side behind the front face, a cylindrical hollow antenna is inserted into the thick-thickness portion, the cylindrical inner space of the antenna is used as the space for insertion of the battery. When the present invention is applied to a mobile dual mode satellite communication unit that uses, for keyboard operation and for transmission and reception, a keyboard operating section and a voice transducer section of a terrestrial communication unit , suitably the structure of the unit has a front mounting section for mounting the separate land mobile communication unit, a thick thickness portion is formed on one side behind the mounting section, a cylindrical hollow antenna is 02325. 0001 inserted into the thick thickness portion, the cylindrical internal space of the antenna is used as a space for the insertion of the battery. As described above, appropriately, the mobile satellite communication unit does not include at least one keyboard operating section, a screen section and a voice transducer section with a microphone and a loudspeaker and is capable of performing the keyboard operation and also transmission and reception by use of the keyboard operating section and the voice transducer section of a mobile ground communication unit removably mounted in the mounting section. Since the antenna has a hollow cylindrical shape in such a way that the internal cylindrical space is used as a space for the insertion of the battery, an independent battery mounting space is not necessary. In this way, it is possible to achieve a large space saving particularly in the mobile satellite communication unit which requires high power and, therefore, a power supply of a large battery. In this case, it is necessary that the side antenna of the portable unit maintain sensitivity for communication in all directions around an axis, in order to be able to maintain a line quality, 02325. 0001 for the variations of the relative position in relation to the antenna of the unit and the satellites. Accordingly, the antenna is formed of a composite antenna consisting of a flat antenna with a microscopic strip and a helical antenna in coaxial arrangement, thus improving the directivity at a low angle of elevation and also the axial ratio with the same In the mobile satellite communication unit, a plurality of large batteries are used in series connection. Therefore, the cylindrical antenna inevitably tends to be larger in diameter and length. According to the present invention, this is achieved with a longitudinally elongated unit structure as set forth above, having a portion of coarse thickness formed on one side, the hollow cylindrical antenna being inserted into the coarse thickness portion. When this structure silhouette is adopted, the problem is the side on which the thick thickness portion is formed. In accordance with the present invention, the location in which the thick thickness portion for the insertion of the antenna is formed is specified. The portable unit is held with one hand while the keyboard operation is performed with the 02325. 0001 another. In this way, the unit is held in a space defined by the thumb and index finger. This space is similar to a wedge, it opens from the root to the tip of the thumb. In order for the portable unit to remain in this space having a wedge-shaped triangular section profile, the unit also appropriately has a wedge-shaped triangular section profile. This is appropriate from the ergonomic point of view. Appropriately, the unit has a flat front face to provide the keyboard operating section, the screen section and so on. According to the present invention, in a unit that independently allows keyboard operation, transmission and reception, the structure of the unit has an asymmetric cross section profile with respect to the front face having the keyboard operating section and the screen section, such that the coarse thickness portion is formed on one side and the thin thickness portion on the other side behind the front face, a hollow cylindrical antenna is inserted into the coarse thickness portion. Mobile satellite communication units can be used for short distance communication as well as for long distance communication and at sea. However, when it is used for 02325. 0001 short distance communication, the cost of communication is increased. Therefore, appropriately, a unit • Dual mode satellite communication mobile is used in combination with a mobile land communication unit 5 for PHS or cellular system communication. The present invention is applied, accordingly, to a unit which is suitable as a dual mode satellite communication unit for keyboard operation, transmission and reception, a keyboard operating section and a voice transducer section of a mobile land communication unit. Specifically, the structure of the unit has a front mounting section for mounting a separate mobile land communication unit, and a portion of Thick thickness formed on one side behind the mounting section, a hollow cylindrical antenna that is inserted into the thick thick portion H, the cylindrical internal space of the antenna is used for the insertion space of the battery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figs 1 (A) through a (B) show a dual-mode mobile satellite communication unit as a first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 1 (A) shows the unit with an electrical connector of a base unit for the 02325. 0001 iridium plan satellite communication that is kept in an off state, Fig (B) shows the unit with the electrical connector in an elevated state, Fig. 1 (C) shows the unit with a portable unit mounted on a unit base; Fig. 2 (A) is a front view in partial section showing the unit shown in Fig. 1 (C), and Fig. 2 (B) is a sectional view taken along the line aa of Fig. (C), which omits the internal construction; Fig. 3 is a front view showing the mobile satellite communication unit as a different embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along line b-b of Fig. 3, which does not show the internal construction of the unit with a portable unit mounted therein; Figs. 5 (A) to Fig. 5 (C) show a dual-mode mobile satellite communication unit as another embodiment of the invention, Fig. 5 (A) is a perspective view showing a base unit for communication by satellite of the iridium plan, Fig. 5 (B) is a partial section perspective view showing the unit shown in Fig. 5 (A), Fig. 5 (C) is a perspective view showing the unit with a unit 02325. 0001 portable mounted on the base unit; ^ - Fig. 6 (A) is a front view in partial section showing the unit of Fig. 5 (C), and Fig. 6 (B) is a sectional view taken along line 5 AA shown in Fig. 6 (A); that omits the internal construction; Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the composite antenna shown in Fig. 4; jflfc 10 Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the internal construction of circuits of portable unit B and a base unit A for satellite communication of the iridium plan in each of the above modes, the two units are coupled between yes in such a way that the signals are transmitted and received in a mutual way by infrared transducers; Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the internal circuit construction of the portable unit B and the base unit B for the satellite communication of the plan In each of the above modalities, the two units are coupled together, in such a way that the signals are mutually transmitted and received by the demodulators / modulators r-f to generate and demodulate the low-directivity carrier waves; 25 Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing 02325. 0001 the internal circuit construction of the portable unit B and the base unit A for the satellite communication of the iridium plan in each of the above modes, the two units are coupled together, so that the signals are transmitted and receive each other by electro-optical transducers and an optical fiber between them; Fig. 11 is a view illustrating the mobile satellite communication system of the iridium plan using a constellation arranged along the orbits around the earth, such as the network linker nodes; Fig 12 is a view illustrating a well-known communication PHS system; and Figs. 13 (A) to 13 (C) a mobile communication unit by satellite of simple iridium plan communication mode, which is different from the previous modes, Fig. 13 (A) is a front view, Fig 13 ( B) is a top plan view, Fig. 13 (C) is a sectional view taken along line AA of Fig. 13 (A), which omits the internal construction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of 02325. 0001 examples, with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that unless otherwise specified, sizes, materials, shapes, locations, etc. of the components described in connection with the modalities are not limiting but merely exemplary. Figs. 1 (A) through 1 (C), 2 (A) and 2 (B) show a dual-mode mobile satellite communication unit embodying the invention. The base unit is designated with the letter A, which excludes at least the keyboard operation section, a screen section and a voice transducer section having a microphone and a speaker and is necessary to provide the communication unit function satellite plan iridium. The portable unit is designated B, which is used for cellular or PHS system communication and provides the well-known mobile land mobile unit function. The base unit A has a substantially rectangular silhouette, elongated in vertical form and has a substantially rectangular recess 1 in the front and extends substantially over the entire vertical dimension thereof. The portable unit B for cellular system communication or PHS etc. can be accommodated in the recess 1. In the recess 1, an electrical connector 3 is 02325. 0001 located in such a way that it can be raised or lowered towards the bottom of the recess 1 by a vertical sliding of the sliding button 2, which is provided in a side wall of the unit A and also serves as an ignition switch thereof. A pair of internal mechanical coupling projections 4 are on the right and left side of the internal walls of the unit defining the recess 1. The mechanical coupling projections 4 are pushed together by the forces of a spring. As shown in Fig. 2 (B), each of the mechanical coupling projections 4 has a substantially straight triangular section profile with a wedge-like end. The end of the mechanical coupling projection 4 can be connected and secured to an associated mechanical coupling recess 11 on the side of the portable unit B by the thrust spring 15A located within the mechanical coupling projection 4. The dimension of the mechanical coupling projection 4 to the wedge end thereof is adjusted as desired; for example, it is adjusted in such a way as to allow the selective assembly of a plurality of PHS system and cell communication units with different silhouettes (ie thicknesses) as the portable unit B.

C2325.0001 More specifically, the portable unit B for communication of the cellular system or PHS has as a preamble a recess 12 for accommodating the electric connector formed in the bottom and the mechanical coupling recesses 11 receiving the wedge-like ends of the mechanical coupling projections 4, provided on the right and left side walls of the base unit A, is in a fixed connection position. With this arrangement, it is possible to mount a portable B unit and B2 with different silhouettes (namely, thicknesses) as shown in Fig. 2 (B). In this embodiment, the upper wall of the recess 1 is partially removed so that the antenna 13 of the portable unit B can penetrate the upper wall of the recess 1. The base unit A has a specific cross-sectional profile which makes its The rear surface has a convex portion on one side, a 5-cylindrical space capable of accommodating a large battery is formed on the convex portion, and a cylindrical 5A structure of the cylindrical space 5 serves as an antenna. As described above, the portable unit B of this embodiment, used for PHS or cellular communication, has a recess for accommodating the electric connector formed in the bottom and the coupling recesses 11 02325. 0001 mechanical formed on the left and right side surfaces. The portable unit B also has the antenna 13 extending upward from the left side portion of the upper portions, a call reception lamp 19 and a reception loudspeaker 33 provided at the top of its front face, and a cross section 14 screen provided in the lower portion of front face to present the different information, such as the data transmitted by the keyboard operation or its like. The lower portion of the front face also has a power switch, a call switch that transmits a call signal, service keys 15 comprised of latching switches and the like, ten keys 16 provided under the service keys, and keys 17 of function for volume control, function selection and other different functions. Together with the function keys 17, a selection key 17F having an LED is provided for selecting the iridium plan communication line. By pressing the selection key 17F, the LED is lit to notify that the iridium plan communication line has been connected. A microphone is designated at 34. + The selection key 17F is controlled electrically so that the LED lights only 02325. 0001 when the electrical connector on the side of the base unit A is connected electrically. In this mode, by pushing the relevant portable unit B towards the base unit A, in a state in which the slide button is in the low setting position so that the electrical connector 3 is kept off at the bottom (i.e. , in an "off" state of power), the wedge-like ends of the pair of projections 4 of the mechanical coupling provided on the left and right lateral inner walls of the recess 1, are pushed and separated against the spring forces pushing them, and then they are snapped into the mechanical coupling recess 11 provided in the side surfaces of the portable unit B, by the forces of the spring that pushes them. After the connection, when the sliding button 2 is raised, the electrical connector 3 rises from its position at the bottom, and enters and secures in the recess 12 to accommodate the electric connector formed at the bottom. In this way, the two units are reliably secured to each other by means of a three-point support. In addition, the slide button 2 also serves as a power switch and the power supply of the base unit A is operated on-off in an interlocked relationship to the portable unit B lock in 02325. 0001 position. In this way, it is possible to avoid wasteful use of battery power. Figs. 3 and 4 show a different mode of the dual-mode mobile satellite communication unit. Again, in this embodiment the base unit Al has a substantially rectangular silhouette, elongated in vertical form and has a substantially rectangular recess 1 open in its front and extending over substantially the entire vertical dimension thereof. However, in this embodiment, the base unit Al does not have any upper wall of the recess A, thus allowing the portable unit B to be slidably inserted from above into the recess. In addition, the base unit Al has a vertical rail-like edge 4A extending along the front surface of the rear wall defining the recess IA and having an inverted trapezoid cross section profile. An electrical connector 3 rises in the background. The portable unit B for the PHS or cellular communication has a vertical rail-type HA recess for slidably receiving a rail-like 4A rim. The recess 12 for accommodating the electrical connector is lowered at the bottom. In this embodiment, by slidingly inserting the portable unit B down into the recess 1 with the rail-like flange 4A connected in the rail type HA recess, 02325. 0001 the electrical connector 3 is received and secured in the recess 12 to accommodate the electrical connector. In the portable unit B for cellular communication or PHS in this mode, the recess 12 for accommodating the electric connector lowered in the bottom and the rail-type recess HA is connected by the rail-like edge 4A, are in a connecting socket portion each. In this way, as shown in Fig. 4, it is possible to selectively mount the portable units Bl and B2 having different silhouettes (i.e., thicknesses) and the two units A and B can be reliably secured to each other by means of a support of two surfaces, that is to say, the bottom surfaces and the back surfaces. FIGS. 5 (A) through 5 (C) and 6 show another embodiment of the dual-mode mobile satellite communication unit according to the invention. The difference of this modality with respect to the previous modalities will be described. The base unit A has an infrared transducer 12A provided at the bottom of the recess 1, and the portable unit B has an infrared transducer 3a provided at the bottom. The infrared transducers 12a and 3a can be conducted in a face-to-face relation to each other to effect electrical connection. The base unit A has a pair of mechanical coupling projections 4 on the left and right inner wall surfaces of the recess 02325. 0001 1 and are pushed by the force of a spring towards each one. The base unit A has a power switch 2 provided on a side wall. When the power switch 2 is turned on, a satellite communication arises in the waiting state. It is possible to provide, in addition to the power switch 2, second switches 11F, one in each mechanical coupling recess 4 to allow automatic switching on between the satellite communication in standby state and the "off" state in an interlaced relationship to mount the portable B unit. An LED 21 provided on the upper part of the base unit A allows to decide whether the satellite communication is in the "standby" or "off" state, and also whether a satellite communication call is received or transmitted. The LED 21 indicates the satellite communication in "off" when emitting a red light, and indicates the communication by satellite in waiting state when emitting a green light, indicates the state of transmission or reception of a call when emitting a flashing green light and indicates the state of the exhausted battery by emitting a flashing red light. As described above, the portable unit B for cellular system communication or PHS in 32325. 0001 this embodiment has the infrared transducer 12a provided on the bottom, and the mechanical coupling recesses provided on the lateral surfaces of the left and right walls and also has the permissive switches 11F, which are located in the recess 11 of mechanical coupling and allow the use of the communication line of the iridium plan. When the permissive switches 11F are depressed by the mechanical coupling recesses 11 and the power switch 2 is turned on, the presentation section 14 notifies that the communication line of the iridium plan has been connected. In this embodiment, by forcefully inserting a pertinent portable unit B downwardly into the recess 1 of the base unit A, with the power switch 2"on", the wedge-like ends of the mechanical coupling projections 4 provided in the left and right side wall surfaces are pushed apart against the forces of the spring pushing them, and then securely connected to the mechanical coupling recesses 11 provided on the side of the portable unit B, in this way the switches are depressed Permissive 11F by the mechanical coupling recesses 11. When making the above connection, the screen section 14 notifies that the communication line of the iridium plan has been connected, at the same time, the transducers 02325. 0001 3a and 12a infrared of the two units are conducted in a face-to-face relationship to make the electrical connection. The silhouette of the antenna in the base unit A used in the satellite communication in each of the modalities will be described with reference to Figs. 5 (A) through 5 (B) and 7. As shown in Figs. 1 to 7, specifically in Fig. 2 (B), the base unit A has a cross section profile which, on its rear surface, has a convex portion formed on one side, namely, on the right side (this is the left side in the front view of the base unit A) of the vertical center. In the convex portion a cylindrical space 5A is formed capable of accommodating a large battery 45 and a cylindrical structure of the cylindrical space 5A serves as protection for a composite antenna. The composite antenna 5, as shown in Fig. 7, consists of a flat antenna with a microscopic strip and a helical antenna, these antennas are coaxial with each other. In the figure, designated at 51 is a flat antenna with a microscopic strip (hereinafter abbreviated as MSA) of a single-point rear-side power supply system, and at 53 there is a disk conductor that serves to make land with the MSA 02325. 0001 51 and also provide power to the helical antenna 52. Designated at number 51a, there is a power supply point, a star-like radial element of the MSA, at 51c a dielectric basis of the MSA, at 52a a dielectric station supporting the helical antenna, at 52b a linear radial element of the helical antenna, 52c is an insulator to prevent mutual contact of the radial element at the intersection of the bottom of the helical antenna. At point 52d, there is the intersection of the radial element at the bottom of the helical antenna 52. The power supply point 51a is located in a position deviated from the diagonal center of the star-like radial element 51b. A power supply line 51d is connected to the power supply point 51a from the rear side of the MSA 51 and is conducted through the dielectric station 52a and on the outside of the battery 45. The linear radial element 52b is formed along the periphery of the dielectric station 52a, and its upper ends are connected DC or capacitively to the conductor 53 for supplying power. In antenna 51 MSA, the desired frequency for circular polarization operation can be obtained at 02325. 0001 control the diameter and length of the cylindrical part, the dielectric constant and thickness of the dielectric base 51c and so on. The frequency varies from ten in ten MHz depending on the thickness and size of the helical antennas 52, and it is necessary to take the variations into consideration previously. By making the helical antenna 52 and the MSA 51 to be identical in shape (ie, section profile and size) as in this embodiment, the substantially uniform directivity can be obtained substantially in all directions of the axis from low elevation angles . A plurality of single phase dry cells 45 can be provided in series as a power supply of the battery inside the composite antenna when removing the MSA 51 (including the disk conductor 53), then the removed MSA 51 (including the disk driver 53) can be mounted on the open top of the antenna, and a cover 55 can be adjusted. When the MSA 51 is mounted, the power supply line 51d guided along the surface of the The inner wall of the composite antenna 5 is connected to the power supply point 51a. Figs. 13 (a) to 13 (C) show another embodiment of the invention, which is a mobile unit of 02325. 0001 simple mode satellite communication constituted by the base unit A alone for the iridium plan communication system without being combined with the portable unit B for the terrestrial communication system. The base unit A has a cylindrical space 5A capable of accommodating a large battery 45, and a structure 5 of the cylindrical space 5A functions as an antenna. This base unit A has a wedge-shaped triangular cross section profile so that it can be easily held. This is appropriate from the ergonomic point of view. The base unit A has a substantially rectangular silhouette, vertically elongated, and its front face has a voice transducer section and other different circuits. The front face also has a receiver speaker 33a and a screen section 14A located below it to present different information, such as data transmitted by keyboard operation or their peers. The front face also has the function keys 17A, for volume control, selection of the desired function and other functions and ten keys 16A provided in a lower portion. A power switch, a call switch and service keys provided in another lower portion and constituted by latching switches, are provided in another portion. 02325. 0001 bottom. A microphone is found with the number 34A. For the rest of the construction, the antenna 5 and the cross section profile of the structure of this base unit is the same as in the previous modalities. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the internal circuit construction of the base unit A for the iridium plan communication system and the portable unit B used in the previous modes shown in Figs. 1 to 7, particularly the embodiment shown in Figs. 5 (A) to 5 (C), 6 (A) and 6 (B). With reference to the figure, on the side of the portable unit B there is a microphone 34, a loudspeaker 33, a controller / section key 34 (which includes a telephone directory memory), a screen section 14, a cordiac 37 for convert the analog voice signal into PCM data and vice versa, and an MMI (man-machine interface) 38 that executes the user interface processes as a key control and control of the screen section. A function circuit of the iridium plan communication unit, which is necessary to transmit and receive the PCM data from the cordiac 37 through the communication system line of the iridium plan, is provided on the side of the base unit A . A 02325. 0001 function circuit for the terrestrial communication unit, which is necessary to transmit and receive the PCM data from the cordiac 37 to and from the base stations, is provided on the side of the portable unit B. A bocoder 39, a link layer 40, a cordiac 41 of channel, a section 42 of radius and a demodulator / modulator 43 are provided in each of the two units. The bocoder 39 compresses and expands the PCM data. The link layer 40 is a radio controller for radio communication and is divided into layers dependent on the control function. The channel cordiac 41 converts the data of the link layer 40 or the bocoder 39 into an iridium plan structure format or terrestrial communication line by adding a preamble, unique words, error correction, detection code, etc. The radio section 42 has a function of adjusting the radio channel of the iridium plan or the terrestrial communication line and executes the frequency conversion at a predetermined radio frequency. The modulator / demodulator 43 demodulates the analog signal of the radio section 42 into digital data and extracts the desired wave data through a band-limiting filter and an AGC, and also modulates the digital data from the channel cordiac 41 and limits the modulated data to a minimum necessary band through ion cells of 02325. 0001 lithium. In this way, batteries 44 and 45, dry cells, lithium ion cells, hydrogen-nickel cells, and so forth are used and accommodated in their respective units. The functions of the above circuit construction will now be described in connection with the embodiment shown in Figs. 5 (A) to 5 (C), 6 (A) and 6 (B). When mounting the portable unit B in the base unit A, the switches 11F are switched on automatically. Then, when turning on the power switch 2, the infrared transducers 3 and 12 of the units A and B are brought into a face-to-face relationship and electronically coupled together. The LEDs 17F and 21 of the portable and base units B and A, light up to notify that the communication system line of the iridium plan has been connected. To make a call in this state, a call signal is transmitted from the side of the portable unit B when using the call switch or the ten keys 13 provided below. The call signal is coupled through the MMI 38 to the infrared transducer 12 in the portable unit B. The infrared transducer 12 converts the input signal of a call into infrared rays which are transmitted to the infrared transducer 3 on the side of the base unit A. The infrared transducer 3 demodulates the infrared rays received in the 02325. 0001 original signal. This signal is sent out through the radio section 42. After the transmission of the call, the base unit receives the call response received from the opposite side, and then the off-hook of the opposite side unit is confirmed visually on the side of the portable unit B in the reverse signal flow to that described above. Then, the default service starts. The voice signal from the microphone on the side of the portable unit B becomes, in the cordiac 37, in PCM data, the cordiac which is coupled by the infrared transducers 12 and 3 to the bocoder 39 in the base unit A. In this way , the PCM data can be sent out via the channel cordiac 41 and the radio unit 42 to the communication system line of the iridium plan. The received call and the reception operations are executed in the same way as before, through the transducers 12 and 3. Where the highly directive infrared transducers 12 and 3 are used as in the previous mode, these transducers 3 and 12 infrared they must be kept in direct relation face to face for electrical coupling. Appropriately, electric coupling 02325. 0001 can be obtained with low directivity and with a narrow limit of transmission distance of 1 to 5m. In this case, the electrical coupling can be obtained by carrying the base and portable units A and B separately, for example by placing the portable unit B in an appropriate bag and placing the base unit A in a briefcase. Fig. 9 shows a block diagram of that mode. In this mode, antennas are provided and 26 flat to transmit and receive weak electromagnetic waves. The flat antennas 25 and 26 may be provided in a location in units A and B. In addition, the demodulators / modulators rf 22 and 23 for modulating the previous PCM data or their like in the carrier waves and also demodulating the received carrier waves in PCM data and its like are provided in predetermined positions thereof. Weak electromagnetic waves (hereinafter called carrier waves) which are obtained as a result of modulation in the modulators / demodulators r-f 22 and 23, can be transmitted and received between the antennas 25 and 26 flat with low directivity in a narrow limit of 1 to 5 m. With the previous construction, the functions established above can be obtained by modulating the PCM data or its like to the carrier waves in the 02325. 0001 units A and B and transmit the carrier waves through the flat antennas 25 and 26 and also demodulate the carrier waves received in the modulators / demodulators rf of the other units A and B. In particular, unlike the previous modes, the Carrier waves can be received through the flat antennas 25 and 26 of the A and B units even when the portable unit B is not mounted in the base unit A, for example when the portable unit B is placed in the bag of a suit while unit A is in a portfolio. When the user is in a region in which the carrier waves can be received, the electric coupling controllers 27 and 28 provided in units A and B detect them, and as a result the LED key 17F of the portable unit B and the LED 21 of the base unit A lights up, in this way it notifies that the line in waiting state of the communication system of the iridium plan prevails. Even with the base unit A within a portfolio, the user can confirm that the LED key 17F on the side of the portable unit B is "on", and enters iridium plan communication. When the portable unit B is carried alone, the user can leave the region in which the carrier waves of units A and B can be received. 02325. 0001 result, the LED key 17F of Part B of the portable unit and the LED 21 of the base unit A turn off or emit a red light, which notifies that the communication system line of the iridium plan is no longer connected. Also, the electric coupling controller 27 on the side of the base unit A shuts off the power switch 29, thereby entering a wait or "off" state. With the LED 17F of the portable unit B in the "off" state, the user visually confirms that the communication of the iridium plan can not be made and that it is possible to use only the terrestrial communication line. When the user carrying the portable unit B enters the region in which the carrier waves can be received again, the controllers 27 and 28 of the electric coupling units A and B detect this. As a result, the power switch 29 of the base unit A is turned on again and the LEDs 17F and 21 of the units B and A turn on to notify that the communication system line of the iridium plan prevails. Fig. 10 shows another embodiment in which the electro / optical transducers 46 and 47 are provided for the transmission and reception of signals by the optical fiber. 02325. 0001 EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION As described above, according to the present invention it is possible to selectively use two different unit functions, ie function of the mobile satellite communication unit and the function of the communication unit land. When the function of the terrestrial communication unit is used alone, unlike the dual mode unit of the previous technology, it is not necessary to carry a large and heavy structure and the user gets rid of this problem. In accordance with the present invention, in addition to the provision of a unit that is ergonomically appropriate, it is possible to provide a dual mode satellite mobile communication unit using an operation keypad and also transmission and reception, a key operation section and a voice transducer section of a mobile land communication unit. Since it is possible to selectively use the land mobile communication unit for short distance communication and the mobile satellite communication unit for long distance communication, the logical reduction in the cost of communication can be obtained. Further, because the keyboard operation section and the speech transducer section are provided on the side of the land mobile communication unit alone, the 02325. 0001 weight problem of the mobile satellite communication unit can decrease correspondingly. In accordance with the present invention, for global communication such as iridium plan communication, a plurality of different terrestrial communication units for cellular system communication or PHS, can be used selectively, depending on the areas in which sell and use these units. That is, it is possible to easily replace the terrestrial communication unit with those prescribed in the different countries or areas. According to the present invention, the provision of the cylindrical hollow antenna, the cylindrical internal space of which is used as a space for the insertion of the battery, allows to have any independent mounting space for the battery. This allows a very large space saving, particularly in the mobile satellite communication unit, which requires a high power and large battery for power supply. By building the antenna as a composite antenna consisting of a flat antenna with a microscopic strip and a helical antenna in coaxial arrangement, it is possible to maintain the line quality and also maintain the sensitivity of communication in all directions 02325. 0001 around the axis regardless of variations in the positional relationship between the satellite and the antenna. 02325.0001

Claims (13)

1. CLAIMS: 1. A dual mode satellite mobile communication unit that provides a mobile land mobile unit function in addition to the mobile satellite communication unit function, comprising: a base unit that does not include at least one section of keyboard operation, a screen section and a voice transducer section with a microphone and loudspeaker and which is capable of providing the function of mobile satellite communication unit; and a portable terrestrial communication unit including a keyboard operation section, a screen section and a voice transducer section with a microphone and a loudspeaker and provides a relevant function of a land mobile communication unit; wherein the recesses and projections are provided as mechanical couplings in the two units for mechanically coupling the two units together, and electrical connectors are provided in the two units for electrically connecting the operation section of the keyboard to each other, the section screen and the voice transducer section having a microphone and a loudspeaker, on the side of the portable terrestrial communication unit and the function section of a mobile satellite communication unit on the side of the base unit, when both 02325. 0001 units are mechanically coupled together. The dual-mode mobile communication satellite unit according to claim 1, wherein a single electrical connector is provided for making the electrical connection and a plurality of mechanical couplings capable of being kept separated by different distances are provided for the mechanical coupling of the two units. The dual-mode mobile communication satellite unit according to claim 1, wherein a mechanical, rail-type mechanical coupling is provided in a predetermined axial direction for mechanical coupling, and an electrical connector for the electrical connection it is located at the end of the direction of axial movement of the mechanical coupling and in a fixed plane containing the path of the movement axis of the mechanical coupling. 4. A mobile satellite communication unit that does not include at least the keyboard operating section, a screen section and a voice transducer section that has a microphone and a speaker and that is capable of providing the mobile unit function of satellite communication and includes a signal transceiver section to transmit and receive the converted waves of the transmission and reception signals, 02325. 0001 preference, PCM data, from and to the separate terrestrial communication unit. A dual-mode mobile satellite communication unit comprising: a mobile satellite communication unit that does not include at least the keyboard operating section, a screen section and a voice transducer section having a microphone and a loudspeaker, is capable of providing the mobile satellite communication unit function and includes a first signal transceiver section for transmitting and receiving the converted waves of the transmit and receive signals to and from the transceiver section of a separate portable unit of terrestrial communication; the terrestrial communication unit provided as a portable unit includes the keyboard operation section, the screen section and a voice transducer section having a microphone and a loudspeaker, which provides a relevant terrestrial communication function and includes the second transceiver section of converted waves for transmitting and receiving the converted waves of the transmission and reception signals from and to the signal transceiver section of the mobile base communication unit by satellite; where: 02325. 0001 the portable unit is used for terrestrial communication; the mobile satellite communication unit can be used as a base unit for transmission and reception, by means of the first and second wave transceiver sections converted by using the keyboard operating section and the voice transducer section having a microphone and a loudspeaker of the portable unit, during mobile satellite communication. 6. The dual-mode mobile communication satellite unit according to claim 5, wherein the user carries only the portable ground communication unit, where by increasing the distance between the two units and leaving the limit that allows transmission between the first and second transceiver sections of converted waves, a standby state of the mobile base unit of satellite communication is turned on. 7. A mobile satellite communication unit that uses satellites orbiting the earth as network switching nodes or a dual-mode mobile satellite communication unit that provides the function of a land mobile communication unit, in addition to the Function of mobile satellite communication unit, where: the unit consists of an antenna section that 02325. 0001 includes a flat antenna of microscopic strip formed at one end, the antenna section having a hollow cylindrical silhouette defining a space for the insertion of the battery as its cylindrical hollow space below the microscopic strip antenna. The mobile satellite communication unit according to claim 7, wherein the unit has an elongated structure in vertical form having an thick thickness portion formed on one side, the hollow cylindrical antenna is inserted into the portion of thickness thick. 9. The mobile satellite communication unit according to claim 7, wherein the antenna section is capable of elongating and contracting, tilting or rotating in relation to the structure of the unit or secured to the structure of the unit. 10. The mobile satellite communication unit according to claim 7, wherein the antenna section is a composite antenna that includes a flat antenna of a microscopic strip and a helical antenna in a coaxial arrangement. 11. A mobile satellite communication unit that uses satellites orbiting the earth as network switching nodes or a dual mode satellite communication unit, which 02325. 0001 provides the function of land mobile communication unit in addition to the function of mobile satellite communication unit, wherein: the structure of the unit has a profile, in cross section, asymmetric with respect to the front face having a section of keyboard operation, a screen section, such that the thick-thickness portion is formed on one side and a thin-thickness portion on the other side, behind the front face, a hollow cylindrical antenna is inserted into the portion of thick thickness, the internal cylindrical space of the antenna is the space for the insertion of the battery. 12. A mobile satellite communication unit that uses satellites orbiting the earth as network switching nodes or a dual-mode mobile satellite communication unit, which provides the function of a land mobile communication unit in addition to the function of mobile satellite communication unit, where: the unit has a front mounting section, a separate mobile ground communication unit and also a thick thickness portion formed on one side behind the mounting section, a hollow cylindrical antenna is inserted into the thick thickness portion, the internal cylindrical space of the antenna is the space for 02325. 0001 the insertion of the battery. The mobile satellite communication unit according to claim 12, which does not include at least one keyboard operation section, screen section and voice transducer section having a microphone and a speaker and is capable of performing a keyboard operation and also transmitting and receiving operation using a keyboard operating section and a voice transducer section of a mobile land communication unit 10 removably mounted in the mounting section. • 02325. 0001 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention aims to provide a mobile dual-mode satellite communication unit, which requires low communication cost and very low battery power, does not require carrying a large structure for the unit and does not mean a load for the user. A portable terrestrial communication unit (B) is removably mounted in the mobile satellite communication unit (A). The mobile satellite communication unit (A) as the base unit does not include a keyboard operation section, screen section or voice transducer section having a microphone and a loudspeaker and uses those that are assembled mechanically on the the portable unit (B), to press the keys and perform other operations. In an intertwined relationship when removing the portable unit, a waiting status of the base unit lights up. In this way, it is possible to avoid the useless consumption of battery power. When using a hollow cylindrical antenna, the internal cylindrical space of the same is used as space for the insertion of the battery, in this way it is provided with a space for the insertion of the battery. Thus, a great saving of space is achieved, particularly in the mobile satellite communication unit, which requires high power and a supply 02325. 0001 power of a large battery. 02325. 0001