WO2007026819A1

WO2007026819A1 - Mobile wireless apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2007026819A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/317216
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hideo Nakanisi; Haruhiko Kakitsu; Takahiro Ochi; Hiroyuki Uejima
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-08-31
Filing date: 2006-08-31
Publication date: 2007-03-08

Abstract

To reduce the number of antenna elements in a mobile wireless apparatus that can use a plurality of wireless functions having different wireless communication forms. A first antenna element (11) is connected by a switch circuit (15) to a first wireless part (13), which has functions of mobile wireless communication, such as telephone and emails, for performing a mobile wireless communication. At this moment, a second antenna element (12), which is not connected to the first wireless part (13), is connected by the switch circuit (15) to a second wireless part (14) and used for application functions of a mobile wireless apparatus (1) other than the mobile wireless communication, such as receptions of radio waves of GPS system, RF authentication wireless communication and short distance wireless communication. On the other hand, when it is determined that the characteristic of the second antenna element (12) is better because of the closing and opening states of the casings of the mobile wireless apparatus (1), the attitude of the mobile wireless apparatus (1) being used, the reception state or the like, the switch circuit (15) connects the second antenna element (12) to the first wireless part (13), while connecting the first antenna element (11) to the second wireless part (14).

Description

Specification

Portable wireless device

Technical field

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a radio circuit having a plurality of antennas, and more particularly to a portable radio apparatus that includes the radio circuit and uses the plurality of antennas depending on the purpose of radio communication. Background art

[0002] In general, a mobile phone has a drawback in that the antenna characteristics deteriorate when the mobile phone is close to the user of the mobile phone during a call, that is, when the antenna and the human body provided in the mobile phone are close to each other. In order to overcome this drawback, a cellular phone antenna switching circuit shown in Patent Document 1 has been proposed.

[0003] This mobile phone antenna switching circuit is used in a mobile phone equipped with a plurality of built-in antennas, measures the reception level of the plurality of antenna elements, and uses an antenna element with a high reception level. A telephone call is made by portable wireless communication. As a result, even if an antenna element built into a mobile phone approaches a human body during a call, wireless communication can be performed using another antenna element with good reception characteristics. It is possible to make a comfortable call in a always good wireless communication environment.

[0004] Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an antenna switching circuit in which an antenna is shared in a communication device that combines a plurality of communication systems using different frequency bands, and the plurality of communication systems can be independently performed by antenna diversity. Proposed. Thereby, signal loss in wireless communication by a plurality of communication systems can be reduced.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-201188

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-7162

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, the cellular phone antenna switching circuit described in Patent Document 1 and the antenna switching circuit described in Patent Document 2 use one antenna element having a high reception level among a plurality of built-in antennas. The remaining antennas with low reception level. The device is not used for any wireless communication including portable wireless communication. Because of this, simply

In the above, only one of the plurality of antenna elements is selectively used for portable wireless communication, and the remaining unused antenna elements are used for another function having different wireless communication forms. In terms of use, it has been stated.

[0006] In addition, mobile terminal devices including mobile phones in recent years have various wireless functions, in particular, wireless functions that use wireless communication other than mobile wireless communication used for sending and receiving calls and e-mails, such as televisions. Broadcast reception functions, GPS functions, wireless communication functions with non-contact ICs, short-range wireless communication functions with external devices using short-range wireless (such as Bluetooth), etc. are becoming available. In order to implement these wireless functions simultaneously, it is necessary to provide a separate antenna element for each wireless function in the mobile terminal device.

[0007] Current mobile terminal devices are equipped with only two or three types of these wireless functions having different wireless communication forms, so that the mobile terminal devices are being made smaller and lighter. Even if it is a device, a separate antenna element can be provided for each wireless function. However, it is anticipated that more and more wireless functions with different wireless communication modes will be installed in mobile terminal devices in the future. Obviously, it would be difficult to keep the mobile terminal device small and light if separate antenna elements are provided. For this reason, there is a demand for a portable terminal device that can effectively implement a plurality of wireless functions with different wireless communication modes, using a limited number of antenna elements and more than the number of antenna elements.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can use a limited number of antenna elements to simultaneously implement a plurality of wireless functions having different wireless communication modes. An object is to provide a wireless device.

[0009] Further, according to the present invention, in a portable wireless device that can use a plurality of wireless functions with different wireless communication modes, the number of antenna elements can be suppressed by sharing the antenna elements with a plurality of wireless functions. An object is to provide a portable wireless device.

Means for solving the problem

[0010] A portable radio apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of antenna elements including at least a first antenna element and a second antenna element, and a plurality of radio units, wherein the first antenna element A child is connected to any one of the plurality of radio units, and the second antenna element is one of the plurality of radio units excluding the radio unit connected to the first antenna element. It is equipped with a radio circuit that connects to one displacement force.

[0011] With this configuration, by connecting the wireless unit to the remaining antenna elements that have not been used conventionally, wireless communication can be performed by a plurality of wireless units at the same time. By performing wireless communication using a broadband antenna element, it is possible to suppress an increase in antenna elements that accompanies an increase in the radio section. In addition, since this connection relationship is variable, the efficiency of wireless communication can be increased by connecting the wireless unit and an antenna element optimal for wireless communication by the wireless unit.

[0012] Further, as one aspect of the present invention, the radio circuit may include the antenna element according to antenna characteristics evaluated in advance for the antenna element and priority set in advance in the radio unit. The thing connected to a radio part is also included.

[0013] With this configuration, an antenna element whose antenna characteristics are assumed in advance and a priority set in advance (in the case of a mobile phone, for example, the priority order of mobile radio communication used for calls and e-mails is the highest). Wireless communication for RF authentication and wireless communication for non-contact ICs, which are often used next for authentication, followed by wireless communication for TV broadcasting that can determine the start and end of wireless communication through user input operations. By appropriately switching the connection with the radio unit used for various types of radio communication based on the antenna characteristics for each antenna element and the priority for each radio unit. In addition, it is possible to effectively perform communication processing of a plurality of radio units having different radio communication modes using a limited number of antenna elements.

[0014] Further, as one aspect of the present invention, the wireless circuit evaluates the antenna characteristics of the antenna element connected to the wireless unit based on the wireless communication status of the wireless unit! A performance evaluation unit, and after connecting the antenna element to the radio unit, depending on the antenna characteristics of the antenna element evaluated by the performance evaluation unit and the priority set in advance in the radio unit Reconnecting is also included.

[0015] With this configuration, the connection between the antenna element and the wireless unit used for various types of wireless communication with priorities set in advance, the antenna characteristics for each antenna element measured in real time, By switching based on the priority for each radio unit, it is possible to always connect a plurality of radio units having different radio communication modes to the limited number of antenna elements in an optimal combination.

[0016] Also, as one aspect of the present invention, an open / close detection unit that detects an open / close state of two openable / closable casings included in the portable wireless device is provided, and the antenna element is provided for each open / closed state of the two casings. Antenna characteristics are different from each other, and the radio circuit identifies the antenna characteristics of the antenna element according to the open / closed state detected by the open / close detection section, and the antenna characteristics of the identified antenna element and the priority of the radio section Depending on the degree, the antenna element may be connected to the radio unit.

[0017] With this configuration, the antenna element whose antenna characteristics are preliminarily assumed for each of the open state and the closed state of the two-chassis portable wireless device, and a wireless unit used for various types of wireless communication with priorities set in advance Are switched based on the open / closed state of the mobile radio device and the priority of each radio unit, so that the antenna elements having different antenna characteristics can be changed depending on the usage status of the mobile radio device user. The most suitable part can be connected.

[0018] Further, as an aspect of the present invention, an inclination detection unit that detects an orientation of the portable wireless device with respect to a vertical direction is provided, and the antenna element has an antenna characteristic according to the orientation of the portable wireless device with respect to the vertical direction. And the radio circuit identifies the antenna characteristic of the antenna element according to the direction detected by the tilt detection unit, and depends on the antenna characteristic of the identified antenna element and the priority of the radio unit And connecting the antenna element to the radio unit.

[0019] With this configuration, the antenna element whose antenna characteristics are assumed in advance according to the orientation of the portable wireless device with respect to the vertical direction is connected to the wireless unit used for various types of wireless communication in which priorities are set in advance. Are switched based on the orientation of the portable wireless device with respect to the vertical direction and the priority of each wireless unit, so that wireless devices with different wireless communication modes can be connected to antenna elements having different antenna characteristics according to the usage status of the user in the portable wireless device. The most suitable part can be connected.

The invention's effect [0020] According to the portable radio apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of radio functions having different radio communication modes can be implemented at the same time using a limited number of antenna elements.

[0021] Further, according to the portable wireless device of the present invention, in a portable wireless device that can use a plurality of wireless functions with different wireless communication modes, the antenna element is shared by the plurality of wireless functions, thereby The number can be suppressed.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0022] [FIG. 1] (a) Schematic configuration of a portable radio apparatus including two antenna elements and two radio units according to an embodiment of the present invention. (B) Reverse connection of antenna elements and radio units. Fig. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a portable radio device

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the mobile wireless device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the mobile radio apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the mobile radio apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of a portable radio apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of the portable radio apparatus according to the third embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of a portable radio apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of the portable radio apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the invention. [FIG. 9] (a) A diagram showing a schematic configuration of a portable radio apparatus in which a plurality of antenna elements are arranged close to each other. (B) A diagram showing a schematic configuration of a portable radio apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. c) Schematic configuration of another portable radio apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

[0023] 1-9 portable wireless device

11, 21, 31 First antenna element

12, 22, 32 Second antenna element

23 Third antenna element

13, 33 First radio unit

14, 34 Second radio section

24-27 radio section

15, 28, 35 switch 36 Enclosure open / close detector

46 Geomagnetic sensor

56, 66 Control rod

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0024] In the present embodiment, a portable radio apparatus including a plurality of antenna elements and a plurality of radio units, and a switching unit that connects the antenna elements and the radio units one to one is illustrated. First, an outline of the portable wireless device according to the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention that includes two antenna elements and two radio units.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a portable radio apparatus that selectively connects an antenna element and a radio unit. The portable wireless device 1 has a configuration including a first antenna element 11, a second antenna element 12, a first radio unit 13, a second radio unit 14, and a switching circuit 15.

[0026] The first wireless unit 13 is a wireless unit having a function of portable wireless communication such as a call or an e-mail, and the second wireless unit 14 is a GPS system or a LAN system other than the portable wireless communication. A wireless unit used in applications such as a wireless system.

In FIG. 1 (a), the first antenna element 11 is connected to the first radio unit 13 by the switching circuit 15 to perform portable radio communication. At this time, the second antenna element 12 that is not connected to the first wireless unit 13 is connected to the second wireless unit 14 by the switching circuit 15 and receives radio waves of, for example, the GPS system other than the portable wireless communication. Used to do.

[0028] FIG. 1 (b) is a diagram illustrating a case where the second antenna element 12 is preferably used in terms of antenna characteristics for portable wireless communication. The first wireless unit 13 having a portable wireless communication function is shown in FIG. The first antenna element 11 that is connected to the second antenna element 12 by the switching circuit 15 and does not function as an antenna for portable wireless communication is connected to the second wireless unit 14 having a function other than portable wireless communication.

[0029] Thus, when a portable radio apparatus including two antenna elements is connected to a radio unit having a function of portable radio communication, the remaining one selected antenna element remains. By connecting the antenna element to a wireless unit having a function other than portable wireless communication, the antenna element can be effectively used. In addition, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of antenna elements due to the additional application function in the portable wireless device. [0030] Next, some specific examples of a portable wireless device that includes a plurality of antenna elements and a plurality of wireless units and switches the connection state thereof by the switching unit will be described.

[0031] (First embodiment)

The portable wireless device of the present embodiment has a reception state for each antenna element (the reception state is assumed antenna characteristics of the antenna element such as directivity and frequency characteristics, radio wave propagation status, radio wave received by the antenna element) Depending on the electric field strength of the signal, the error rate of the data demodulated from the radio wave, etc.) and the priority set in advance for each radio unit, the priority is high and the bandwidth from the radio unit is wide. This is an example of connecting antenna elements in order.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a foldable type that includes the same number of antenna elements and radio units (two antenna elements and two radio units) and selectively connects the antenna elements and radio units in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of a portable radio | wireless apparatus.

[0033] The portable wireless device 2 includes a first antenna element 21 built in the hinge feeding case, a second antenna element 22 built in the lower end of the lower case, and portable wireless communication such as a call and email. CDMA radio unit 24 that performs communication processing, TDMA radio unit 25 that performs digital portable radio communication processing, WLAN radio unit 26 that performs communication processing in a wireless LAN system, connection between antenna elements 21 and 22 and radio units 24, 25, and 26 This is a configuration having a switching circuit 28 for switching between.

[0034] The first antenna element 21 is an antenna arranged at or near the hinge, and can share a wide-band radio wave such as a radio wave for CDMA, TDMA, and WLAN. The second antenna element 22 can also share radio waves for CDMA, TDMA, and WLAN. The first antenna element 21 and the second antenna element 22 each have a frequency band of, for example, 300 MHz to 2.4 GHz, and are wireless such as a CDMA radio unit 24, a TDMA radio unit 25, and a WLAN radio unit 26. Parts are assigned.

The radio units 24 to 26 are classified into two priority levels “high” and “low”. In the case of the portable wireless device shown in Fig. 2, the priority of portable wireless communication such as CDMA and TDMA used for calls and e-mails is set high, and then the priority of wireless communication by wireless LAN is set low. ing. The reason why the priority of mobile radio communication such as CDMA and TDMA is set high is that mobile radio communication is considered to be most frequently used in the device. This excellent The priorities are not limited to this setting, and are preferably set as appropriate according to the usage environment of the wireless communication by the device and the usage frequency of the wireless communication by the user.

[0036] Switching circuit 28 selects CDMA radio unit 24, TDMA radio unit 25 with higher priority, and WLAN radio unit 26 with lower priority as first antenna element 21 and second antenna element 22. And connect to each other at the same time. It is conceivable that the switching circuit 28 performs a switching process according to the reception state of the antenna elements 21 and 22 when connecting the radio unit and the antenna element. That is, when the antenna element 21 has a better reception state than the antenna element 22, the CDMA radio unit 24 and the TDMA radio unit 25 with higher priority are connected to the antenna element 21, and the WLAN radio unit 26 with lower priority is connected to the antenna. Connect to element 22 (connection to 1 of switching circuit 28 in Fig. 2). Conversely, when the antenna element 22 is in a better receiving state than the antenna element 21, the higher priority CDMA radio unit 24 and the TDMA radio unit 25 are connected to the antenna element 22, and the lower priority WLAN radio unit. 26 is connected to the antenna element 21 (connection to the switching circuit 28 2 in FIG. 2). In order to simplify the description of the portable wireless device of the present invention, it is assumed that the switching circuit 28 has a function of determining the reception state.

[0037] According to the above configuration, even if a portable wireless device equipped with various applications has a plurality of wireless functions, the plurality of wireless functions can be realized simultaneously.

[0038] FIG. 3 shows another example of the embodiment of the present invention. The folding portable radio apparatus includes two antenna elements and three radio units, and selectively connects the antenna elements and the radio units. It is a figure which shows schematic structure. In FIG. 3, components having the same functions as those constituting the portable radio apparatus of FIG. 2 are assigned the same reference numerals as in FIG. Note that the description of the parts given the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 is omitted.

[0039] The portable radio apparatus 2 further includes an RF authentication radio unit 27 that performs transmission / reception processing of a signal for RF authentication.

[0040] The radio units 24 to 27 are classified into three priority levels "high, medium, and low". In the case of the portable wireless device in Fig. 3, the priority of portable wireless communication such as CDMA and TDMA used for calls and emails is set high, and then the priority of wireless communication by wireless LAN is set to medium. Next, set a lower priority for wireless communication for RF authentication. [0041] The switching circuit 28 is connected to the high priority CDMA radio unit 24, the TDMA radio unit 25, the medium priority WLAN radio unit 26, and the low priority RF authentication radio unit 27! These two are selectively connected to the first antenna element 21 and the second antenna element 22 and are connected at the same time. It is also conceivable that the switching circuit 28 performs a switching process according to the reception state of the antenna elements 21 and 22 when connecting the radio unit and the antenna element. As an example, when antenna element 21 is in a better reception state than antenna element 22, CDMA radio unit 24 and TDMA radio unit 25 with higher priority are connected to antenna element 21 and WL with medium priority. AN radio unit 26 is connected to antenna element 22 (connection to switching circuit 28 1 in Fig. 3). Conversely, when the antenna element 22 is in a better reception state than the antenna element 21, the higher priority CDMA radio unit 24 and TDMA radio unit 25 are connected to the antenna element 22, and the medium priority WLAN radio unit 26. Is connected to the antenna element 21 (connection to 2 of the switching circuit 28 in FIG. 3). In addition, when RF authentication is performed by the portable wireless device 2, the CDMA radio unit 24 and the TDMA radio unit 25 having higher priority are connected to the antenna element having a good reception state, and the reception state is bad! Connect the low-priority RF authentication radio unit 27 (connection to the switching circuit 28 in Fig. 3). Here, it is assumed that the antenna element 21 has a better reception state than the antenna element 22. ). The reason why mobile radio communications such as CDMA and TDMA are always set to be performed using antenna elements with good reception is because mobile radio communications are considered to be the most frequently used in such devices.

[0042] According to the above-described configuration, even if the portable wireless device having various applications has a plurality of wireless functions, the increase in the number of antenna elements is suppressed to a minimum, and the plurality of the plurality of wireless functions are suppressed. High priority of wireless functions (This priority is determined by, for example, the frequency of use, the strength of radio waves used for these wireless functions, and the settings of the device user) It can be realized at the same time. In addition, by executing a high-priority wireless function with an antenna element having good reception conditions, it is possible to use a high-priority wireless function always in a good wireless communication environment.

[0043] FIG. 4 shows another example of the embodiment of the present invention, which is a foldable portable wireless device that includes three antenna elements and two radio units, and selectively connects the antenna elements and the radio units. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of a device. In FIG. 4, the components constituting the portable wireless device of FIG. Those having the same function are given the same reference numerals as in FIG. Note that the description of the parts given the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 is omitted.

[0044] The portable radio apparatus 2 includes a third antenna element 23 that can share broadband radio waves such as Sarakuko, CDMA, TDMA, and WLAN radio waves. For example, the third antenna element is an antenna capable of receiving a radio wave having a frequency band of 470 MHz to l.5 GHz, and the bandwidth is the reception of the first antenna element 21 and the second antenna element 22. The wireless function is implemented by the wireless unit with a lower priority than the possible frequency band.

[0045] The radio units 24 to 26 are classified into two priority levels "high, low". In the case of the portable wireless device shown in Fig. 4, the priority of portable wireless communication such as CDMA and TDMA used for calls and emails is set higher, and then the priority of wireless communication via wireless LAN is set lower. ing. The reason why the priority of mobile radio communication such as CDMA and TDMA is set high is that mobile radio communication is considered to be most frequently used in the device. The priority is not limited to this setting, and is preferably set as appropriate according to the usage environment of the wireless communication by the device and the frequency of wireless communication usage by the user.

[0046] The switching circuit 28 includes a CDMA radio unit 24 and a TDMA radio unit 25 having a high priority, a WLAN radio unit 26 having a low priority, a first antenna element 21, a second antenna element 22 and a first antenna element 22. Selectively connect to one of the three antenna elements, and make a connection state at the same time. It is also conceivable that the switching circuit 28 performs a switching process according to the reception state of the antenna elements 21 and 22 when connecting the radio unit and the antenna element. As an example, the bandwidth from the high-priority radio unit depends on the antenna characteristics that are preliminarily assumed for each antenna element, for example, determined by the frequency characteristics, and the priority that is preset for each radio unit. It is conceivable to connect antenna elements with wide antennas in order.

[0047] When the antenna element 21 has the best reception state, the antenna element 23 has the worst reception state (in the portable wireless device of FIG. 4, this case may be applicable based on the frequency characteristics of each antenna element). Connect the higher-level CDMA radio unit 24 and TDMA radio unit 25 to the antenna element 21 and connect the lower-priority WLAN radio unit 26 to the antenna element 22 (connection to 1 in the switching circuit 28 in Fig. 4). . In addition, when the antenna element 22 is the best antenna element 23 and the reception state is the worst (in the portable wireless device of FIG. This may be the case due to the frequency characteristics of the element), and the higher priority CDMA radio unit 24 and TDMA radio unit 25 are connected to the antenna element 22, and the lower priority WLAN radio unit 26 is connected to the antenna element. Connect to 21 (connection of switching circuit 28 to 2 in Fig. 4). Furthermore, when antenna element 21 has the best reception state, antenna element 22 has the lowest reception state, CDMA radio unit 24 and TDMA radio unit 25 with high priority are connected to antenna element 21 and the priority is low. Is connected to the antenna element 23 (connection to the switching circuit 28 3 in FIG. 4).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the connection between the antenna and the radio unit used for various radio communications is appropriately switched based on the antenna characteristics for each antenna element and the priority for each radio unit. By switching, communication processing of a plurality of radio units having different radio communication modes can be effectively performed using a limited number of antenna elements. In addition, antenna elements other than those used by high-priority radio units can be used effectively, so the number of antenna elements is reduced compared to the case where multiple radio units are individually equipped with antennas. can do.

[0049] (Second Embodiment)

In the foldable portable wireless device capable of opening and closing the upper and lower housings, the second embodiment detects the opening and closing of the upper and lower housings, specifies the antenna characteristics of the antenna element according to the detected opening and closing states of the housing, The antenna element and the radio unit are connected according to the preset priority of the radio unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of the mobile wireless device according to the present embodiment. The portable radio apparatus 3 includes a first antenna element 31, a second antenna element 32, a first radio unit 33, a second radio unit 34, a switching switch unit 35, and a case opening / closing detection unit 36. Composed.

[0051] The first antenna element 31 and the second antenna element 32 are incorporated in different positions of the upper casing or the lower casing in the portable radio apparatus 3, and each has a frequency of 300 MHz to 2.4 GHz for portable radio communication. The antenna element has a band, and the antenna characteristics change according to the open / closed state of the upper and lower casings based on the usage status of the user.

[0052] In addition, the first wireless unit 33 has a portable wireless communication function capable of, for example, making calls and sending / receiving emails, and the second wireless unit 34 has a function other than the portable wireless communication function, For example It has wireless communication functions such as GPS system, RF authentication wireless communication, and short-range wireless communication.

The case open / close detection unit 36 includes a magnetic sensor such as a magnetoresistive effect element (MR) or a Hall element, and detects the open / close state of the upper and lower cases in the foldable portable radio apparatus. The detected information is sent to the switching switch unit 35 to control it.

[0054] The switching switch unit 35 forcibly switches the connection between the antenna elements 31 and 32 and the radio units 32 and 33 according to the open / close state information of the upper and lower cases detected by the case open / close detection unit 36. Yeah. For example, the first antenna element 31 having the best antenna characteristics with the upper and lower housings opened is connected to the first radio unit 33 having a mobile radio communication function with a high priority, and the priority is low. The second radio unit 34 is connected to the second antenna element 32. On the other hand, when the upper and lower casings are closed, the second antenna element 32 having the best antenna characteristics is connected to the first radio unit 33 having the highest priority, and the first antenna element 31 and the second antenna element 32 are connected to each other. Connect the radio unit 34.

[0055] According to the present embodiment as described above, according to the usage status of the portable wireless device by the user, the radio unit having a different radio communication mode is optimized according to the priority for the antenna element having different antenna characteristics. Can be connected.

[0056] (Third embodiment)

The third embodiment includes a geomagnetic sensor instead of the casing open / close detection unit that detects the opening / closing of the upper and lower casings in the second embodiment, thereby detecting the attitude of the portable radio apparatus and detecting the detected portable radio apparatus. The antenna characteristics of the antenna element are specified according to the attitude of the antenna element, and the antenna element and the radio part are connected according to the preset priority of the radio part.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of the mobile radio apparatus according to the present embodiment. The same components as those in FIG. 5 shown in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

The portable wireless device 4 includes a first antenna element 31, a second antenna element 32, a first wireless unit 33, a second wireless unit 34, a switching switch unit 35, and a geomagnetic sensor unit 46. Composed.

[0059] The geomagnetic sensor unit 46 is composed of a magnetic sensor such as a magnetoresistive effect element (MR). Is used to detect the attitude of the portable wireless device in use, for example, whether the portable wireless device is in a vertical direction or a horizontal direction with respect to the user. The detected information is sent to the switching switch unit 35 to control it.

The switching switch unit 35 forcibly switches the connection between the antenna elements 31 and 32 and the wireless units 32 and 33 in accordance with the attitude information of the portable wireless device 4 detected by the geomagnetic sensor unit 46. For example, the first antenna element 31 having the best antenna characteristics when the portable wireless device 4 is in the vertical orientation is connected to the first wireless unit 33 that performs portable wireless communication with high priority, and the priority is set. Is connected to the second antenna element 32. On the other hand, in the state where the portable radio apparatus 4 is in the horizontal direction, the second antenna element 32 having the best antenna characteristics is connected to the first radio unit 33 having a high priority, and the first antenna element 31 and Connect the second radio unit 34.

Further, as a modification of the present embodiment, the polarization can be optimized by arranging the antenna elements 31 and 32 in a direction perpendicular to each other. For example, when the geomagnetic sensor unit 46 detects the attitude of the portable wireless device 4 such that the first antenna element 31 is vertical and the second antenna element 32 is horizontal, the first antenna element 31 is The second antenna element 32 is suitable for receiving horizontally polarized waves such as television broadcasting. For this reason, the switch antenna 35 connects the first antenna element 31 to the first radio unit ₃₃ that performs mobile radio communication, and connects the second antenna element 32 to the second radio unit 34.

Conversely, when the geomagnetic sensor unit 46 detects the attitude of the portable wireless device 4 such that the first antenna element 31 is horizontal and the second antenna element 32 is vertical, the switching switch unit 35 Thus, the first antenna element 31 is connected to the second radio unit 34, and the second antenna element 32 is connected to the first radio unit 33.

[0063] According to the second embodiment described above, according to the state of the portable wireless device depending on the usage situation of the user, the optimum one of the wireless units having different antenna characteristics and the antenna elements having different antenna characteristics is used. Can be connected.

[0064] (Fourth embodiment)

In the fourth embodiment, antenna characteristics during communication are evaluated. The antenna element and the radio unit are connected in accordance with the preset priority of the unit.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of the mobile radio apparatus according to the present embodiment. The same components as those in FIG. 5 shown in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

[0066] The portable radio apparatus 5 includes a first antenna element 31, a second antenna element 32, a first radio unit 33, a second radio unit 34, a switching switch unit 35, and a control unit 56. Is done.

When the control unit 56 receives a signal “out of service area or incapable of receiving” from the first radio unit 33 or the second radio unit 34, the control unit 56 transmits a switch signal to the switch switch unit 35. To do.

[0068] When receiving the switching signal from the control unit 56, the switching switch unit 35 switches the connection between the current antenna element and the radio unit in reverse. As a result, the antenna element and the radio unit can always be connected in an optimal combination.

[0069] The control unit 56 detects the current connection between the antenna element and the radio unit, and each reception level when the connection is temporarily reversed by the switching switch unit 35. If the reception level when the connection is reversed is high, a switching signal may be sent to the switching switch 35.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of a mobile radio apparatus that is a modification of the present embodiment. The same components as those in FIG. 5 shown in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

[0071] The portable wireless device 6 includes a first antenna element 31, a second antenna element 32, and a first wireless unit.

33, second radio unit 34, switching switch unit 35 having a lower priority than the first radio unit 33

The control unit 66 is configured.

[0072] The control unit 66 receives the reception level of the first radio unit 33 based on the current connection between the antenna element and the radio unit, and the first radio unit when the connection is temporarily reversed by the switching switch unit 35. Each of the 33 reception levels is detected, and when the reception level of the current connection is higher than the reception level when the connection is temporarily reversed, a switching signal is transmitted to the switching switch unit 35.

[0073] Upon receiving the switching signal from the control unit 66, the switching switch unit 35 receives the current antenna element. Switch the connection of the radio unit in reverse. As a result, the antenna element and the radio unit can be connected in an optimal combination.

[0074] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the connection between the antenna element and the wireless unit used for various types of wireless communication in which priorities are set in advance can be measured in real time. By switching on the basis of the antenna characteristics for each antenna element and the priority for each radio unit, a plurality of radio units with different radio communication modes are always connected in an optimal combination to a limited number of antenna elements. Can do.

[0075] (Fifth embodiment)

In the fifth embodiment, the arrangement of the switching element that switches the connection between the antenna element or the antenna element and the radio unit in the portable radio apparatus is specified.

FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of the mobile radio apparatus according to the present embodiment. The same components as those in FIG. 5 shown in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

In FIG. 9 (a), when the first antenna element 31 and the second antenna element 32 of the mobile radio apparatus 9 are arranged at a short distance, the antenna characteristics are deteriorated due to mutual interference. In FIG. 9 (b), in order to avoid the deterioration of the antenna characteristics, the first antenna element 31 is arranged on the upper part of the portable radio device 9 and the second antenna element 32 is arranged on the lower part of the case. Thus, they are separated from each other.

Thereby, the isolation between the first antenna element 31 and the second antenna element 32 can be ensured, and mutual interference can be suppressed. The distance between the first antenna element 31 and the second antenna element 32 is λ 素子 4 or more with respect to the wavelength λ of the lowest frequency used in the first radio unit 33 and the second radio unit 34. I prefer to be there.

[0079] At this time, it is desirable that the second antenna element 32 has a higher gain than the first antenna element 31 because the routing loss during mounting increases with respect to the first antenna element 31. . As a result, the gains of the first antenna element 31 and the second antenna element 32 viewed from the switching switch 35 can be made equal.

On the other hand, when the gains of the first antenna element 31 and the second antenna element 32 are substantially the same, the arrangement of the switching switch unit 35 in the portable wireless device 9 is as shown in FIG. 9 (c). In addition, It is preferable that the distance between the antenna elements 31, 32 and the switching switch unit 35 be made equal between the first antenna element 31 and the second antenna element 32.

[0081] According to the sixth embodiment as described above, in a portable radio apparatus including a plurality of antenna elements, the antenna characteristics are deteriorated due to mutual interference by arranging the plurality of antenna elements apart from each other. It can be avoided. In addition, the gain of the plurality of antennas can be made substantially equal by increasing the antenna element arranged far from the switching switch. Furthermore, the gains of the plurality of antennas may be made substantially equal by disposing the switching switch portion at a position where the distances of the antenna element forces are almost equal.

[0082] Note that, with respect to the priority set in advance for each radio unit, in addition to the priority setting described above, the priority setting may be dynamically changed as follows.

For example, in the case of a two-case portable wireless device, the priority setting is changed according to the open / close state of the case. In other words, when open, the mobile radio communication priority such as CDMA and TDMA used for calls and e-mails is set high, and the radio communication priority for RF authentication is set low. On the other hand, in the closed state, the priority of mobile radio communications such as CDMA and TDM A used for calls and emails is set low, and the radio communication priority for RF authentication is set high. In general, two-chassis portable wireless devices use calls and e-mails in the open state, and RF authentication is used in the closed state, so changing the priority setting in this way changes the usage mode. A portable wireless device that operates along the line can be provided

[0083] For example, in the case of a portable wireless device having an IP telephone function using a wireless LAN, the priority setting is changed according to the operating state of the IP telephone function. In other words, when the IP phone function is in operation, the priority of wireless LAN portable wireless communication is set high, and the priority of portable wireless communication such as CDMA and TDMA used for line-type calls is set low. On the other hand, when the IP telephony function is stopped, the priority of mobile wireless communication on the wireless LAN is set low, and the priority of mobile wireless communication such as CDMA and TDMA used for line-type calls is set high. In general, IP phone services using wireless LAN are inexpensive, and users of portable wireless devices may want to preferentially use inexpensive IP phones. Change the priority setting like this Accordingly, it is possible to provide a portable wireless device that operates in accordance with a change in usage mode.

[0084] Although the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. is there.

[0085] This application is based on a Japanese patent application filed on August 31, 2005 (Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-252276), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Industrial applicability

[0086] The present invention can reduce the number of antenna elements and effectively use a limited number of antenna elements in a portable wireless device that can use a plurality of wireless functions with different wireless communication modes. The wireless circuit can effectively implement a plurality of wireless functions with different wireless communication modes, and a portable wireless device including the wireless circuit can be provided. Useful.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] a plurality of antenna elements including at least a first antenna element and a second antenna element;

A plurality of radio units, and

The first antenna element is connected to any one of the plurality of radio units, and the second antenna element is excluded from the radio units connected to the first antenna element. A radio circuit connected to any one of the radio units,

A portable wireless device.

[2] The portable wireless device according to claim 1,

The radio circuit connects the antenna element to the radio unit according to an antenna characteristic evaluated in advance for the antenna element and a priority preset in the radio unit.

Portable wireless device.

[3] The portable wireless device according to claim 1 or 2,

The radio circuit includes a performance evaluation unit that evaluates antenna characteristics of the antenna element connected to the radio unit based on a radio communication status of the radio unit, and the antenna element is connected to the radio unit. After the connection, the antenna element of the antenna element evaluated by the performance evaluation unit is connected again according to the priority set in advance in the radio unit.

Portable wireless device.

[4] The portable wireless device according to claim 2,

An open / close detection unit that detects an open / closed state of the two housings that can be opened / closed of the portable wireless device, wherein the antenna element has different antenna characteristics for each open / closed state of the two housings; The antenna element of the antenna element is identified according to the open / closed state detected by the detection unit, and the antenna element is assigned to the radio unit according to the antenna characteristic of the identified antenna element and the priority of the radio unit. A portable wireless device to be connected.

[5] The portable wireless device according to claim 2,

An inclination detector that detects the orientation of the portable wireless device relative to the vertical direction; The antenna element has different antenna characteristics depending on the orientation of the portable wireless device with respect to the vertical direction.

The radio circuit identifies the antenna characteristic of the antenna element according to the direction detected by the tilt detection unit, and the antenna characteristic according to the identified antenna characteristic of the antenna element and the priority of the radio unit A portable wireless device that connects an element to the wireless unit.