Apparatus and method for controlling data transfer transmitted via radio communication applicable to electronic equipment and electronic equipment communication system

A method for communicating data between a communication terminal and a computer that includes a data processing unit and a radio communication unit that is powered independent from the data processing unit, comprising the steps of:

• detecting receipt of data transmitted via radio communication;
• storing the received data in a memory provided in the communication terminal;
• inquiring by the communication terminal via radio communication as to a state of the data processing unit;
• determining a state of the data processing unit when the inquiry is received in the computer;
• requesting start up of the data processing unit if it is determined to be in a non-operating state;
• sending a notice of completion of the start up of the data processing unit when the start up is complete;
• transmitting the received data stored in the memory to a radio communication unit of the computer via radio communication when the communication terminal receives the completion notice;
• and
• transferring the transmitted received data from the radio communication unit to the data processing unit in the computer.

Apparatus for controlling transfer of data to electronic equipment that includes a data processing unit and a radio communication unit that is powered independent from the data processing unit, comprising:

• means for detecting receipt of data transmitted via radio communication;
• a memory for storing the received data in the radio communication unit;
• means for determining a state of the data processing unit when the data receipt is detected by the detecting means;
• means for requesting start up of the data processing unit if it is determined to be in a non-operating state;
• and
• means for transferring the received data stored in the memory to the data processing unit when start up of the data processing unit is complete.

Apparatus for controlling transfer of data between a communication terminal and a computer that includes a data processing unit and a radio communication unit that is powered independent from the data processing unit, comprising:

• means for detecting receipt of data transmitted via radio communication in the communication terminal;
• a first memory provided in the communication terminal for storing the received data;
• means for inquiring as to a state of the data processing unit from the communication terminal via radio communication;
• means for determining a state of the data processing unit when the inquiry is received in the computer;
• means for requesting start up of the data processing unit if it is determined to be in a non-operating state;
• means for sending a notice of completion of the start up of the data processing unit when the start up is complete;
• means for transmitting the stored data in the first memory to the computer via radio communication when the communication terminal receives the completion notice;
• and
• means for transferring the transmitted received data from the radio communication unit to the data processing unit in the computer.

In a portable computer including a data processing unit and a continually powered radio communication unit, the radio communication unit comprising:

• a device for transmitting/receiving data via radio communication;
• a memory for storing the data;
• a USB ON/OFF controller for determining an operating state of the data processing unit and requesting start up of the data processing unit when the data processing unit is determined to be in a non-operating state;
• a memory controller for controlling writing/reading the data in the memory;
• and
• a bus transfer controller for controlling transfer of the data from the radio communication unit to the data processing unit based on the determination of the USB ON/OFF controller.

A radio communication unit for data transfer to electronic equipment, comprising:

• means for receiving data transmitted via radio communication;
• means for determining a state of the electronic equipment when the data is received by the data receiving means;
• and
• a memory for storing the received data when the electronic equipment is determined to be in a non-operating state.