JP2004336351A - Warning method in using wireless lan apparatus and information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a warning apparatus in using a wireless LAN apparatus for calling an attention to a user not to use a frequency band which is inhibited in use under a predetermined condition, in regard to the warning method in using the wireless LAN apparatus which can transmit or receive a signal in the frequency band inhibited in use under the predetermined condition. <P>SOLUTION: When it is detected that a wireless LAN apparatus is going to be used for communication in the frequency band inhibited in use under the predetermined condition, whether such a use is under an adhoc mode or not is determined (step S1), and a warning message indicating that a use under the inhibited frequency band is inhibited is displayed when such a use is in the adhoc mode (step S2). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a warning method issued when using a frequency band whose use is prohibited under predetermined conditions, and an information processing apparatus using the same.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, data communication by a wireless LAN (local area network) represented by, for example, the standards of the IEEE 802.11 series has become widespread. In a wireless LAN, a wireless network using radio waves can be constructed to transmit and receive data between information processing devices such as PCs (personal computers) or between a PC and peripheral devices such as a printer. Examples of the communication mode include an ad hoc mode in which data is directly transmitted and received between the transmitting and receiving apparatuses, and an infrastructure mode in which an access point is provided and data is transmitted and received via the access point. To implement a wireless LAN, a wireless LAN device or adapter is attached to each PC or peripheral device, and an access point is installed as needed.
[0003]
By the way, the IEEE 802.11 series currently adopted in Japan includes, for example, IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11b. In the current mainstream IEEE 802.11b, a radio network having an effective speed of about 4 Mbps and a distance of about several hundred meters can be constructed using radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band. In IEEE802.11b, wireless communication based on a direct spread system, which is one of the spread spectrum systems, is adopted in order to prevent noise contamination and eavesdropping.
[0004]
On the other hand, IEEE 802.11a, which has recently been adopted and has a higher data transfer rate than IEEE 802.11b, employs an OFDM modulation method (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing modulation method) using radio waves in the 5 GHz band, so that a maximum of 54 Mbps is used. Data transfer speed.
[0005]
However, radio waves in the 5 GHz band have a lower ability to penetrate obstacles such as walls and diffract at the ends of obstacles than radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band. In addition, when transmitting at the same transmission power and receiving at the same point, the radio wave in the 5 GHz band has a greater attenuation than the radio wave in the 2.4 GHz band. As described above, although the amount of information that can be transmitted in a unit time is increased when the radio wave of the 5 GHz band is used, there may be a problem that the reception performance is reduced as compared with the case where the radio wave of the 2.4 GHz band is used. Therefore, so-called combo-type or dual-type wireless LAN devices, which can support both wireless LAN standards with one device, taking advantage of both standards, have begun to be distributed on the market.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, among frequency bands used in the wireless LAN standard of IEEE802.11a, there is a frequency band whose use is prohibited in Japan, for example. FIG. 7 shows frequency limiting conditions provided in each of the wireless LAN standards of IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11b. FIG. 7A shows a restriction condition in the ad hoc mode. In the drawing, the mark “○” indicates that the use is possible, and the mark “X” indicates that the use is not possible. As shown in FIG. 7A, in the ad hoc mode, use is prohibited in the frequency band of 4.9 GHz to 5.1 GHz of IEEE802.11a, both indoors and outdoors. In addition, since the earth exploration satellite uses the frequency band from 5.15 GHz to 5.25 GHz, the use of wireless LAN devices outdoors in the frequency band is prohibited from the viewpoint of preventing radio wave interference. Note that there is no frequency band whose use is particularly restricted in IEEE 802.11b.
[0007]
FIG. 7B shows restrictions in the infrastructure mode. In the infrastructure mode, outdoor use of wireless LAN devices in the frequency band of 5.15 GHz to 5.25 GHz is prohibited for the same reason as in the ad hoc mode.
[0008]
To ensure that the user complies with the restrictions described above, the manufacturer of the wireless LAN device shall attach a label stating that it is limited to indoor use to the housing of the wireless LAN device or handle the label. The same precautionary statement is written in the instructions to draw the user's attention. However, if the user is always aware of these restrictions, it is possible to avoid the use of restricted frequency bands, but if the user is not aware of the restrictions, the restricted frequency bands will be used. Obi may be used.
[0009]
Furthermore, since IEEE802.11b, which has no usage restrictions, can be used in a combo-type or dual-type wireless LAN device, there is a high possibility that the wireless LAN device will be used outdoors without forgetting the restriction on the usable frequency band. Furthermore, even when a wireless LAN device dedicated to IEEE802.11a is used indoors, the wireless LAN device is used in a frequency band in which use is prohibited, without being aware of the ad hoc mode or the infrastructure mode. There is a possibility of doing it.
[0010]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a warning method when using a wireless LAN device that can call a user's attention so as not to use a frequency band whose use is prohibited under predetermined conditions, and an information processing apparatus using the same. It is in.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The above object is to detect whether or not a wireless LAN device is going to start communication using a frequency band whose use under predetermined conditions is prohibited, and to start communication using the frequency band. In this case, this is achieved by a warning method when the wireless LAN device is used, wherein a warning is issued under the predetermined condition, indicating that use of the frequency band is prohibited.
[0012]
In the warning method when using the wireless LAN device of the present invention, the wireless LAN device further detects whether or not the wireless LAN device is communicating using the frequency band, and the wireless LAN device uses the frequency band. If there is, a warning is issued indicating that the use of the frequency band is prohibited under the predetermined condition.
In the above-mentioned warning method for using a wireless LAN device according to the present invention, the predetermined condition is that the wireless LAN device is used in an ad hoc mode.
In the above-described warning method for using a wireless LAN device according to the present invention, the predetermined condition is that the wireless LAN device is used outdoors.
In the warning method when using a wireless LAN device according to the present invention, the warning is displayed on a display unit of an information processing apparatus to which the wireless LAN device is mounted.
[0013]
An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus capable of communicating via a wireless LAN device, wherein the information processing device attempts to start communication using the wireless LAN device using a frequency band which is prohibited from being used under predetermined conditions. Detection means for detecting whether or not communication is started using the wireless LAN device; and warning generation means for issuing a warning indicating that use of the frequency band is prohibited under the predetermined condition. This is achieved by an information processing apparatus characterized by comprising:
In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the detecting unit may detect whether the wireless LAN device is communicating using the frequency band, and the warning generating unit may determine whether the wireless LAN device is connected to the wireless LAN device. When a frequency band is used, a warning indicating that use of the frequency band is prohibited is issued under a predetermined condition.
In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the predetermined condition is that the wireless LAN device is used in an ad hoc mode.
In the above information processing apparatus of the present invention, the predetermined condition is that the wireless LAN device is used outdoors.
The information processing apparatus according to the present invention may further include a display unit, wherein the warning generating unit displays the warning on the display unit.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
A warning method when using a wireless LAN device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a schematic configuration of a wireless LAN device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows a circuit block diagram of a wireless LAN device 1 and an information processing device 6 such as a PC. The wireless LAN device 1 is, for example, a dual type compliant with both the wireless LAN standards IEEE802.11a and IEEE802.11b, and has an interface unit 5 having a connector structure compliant with the PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) standard. I have.
[0015]
The wireless LAN device 1 has an antenna 2 for transmitting and receiving radio waves (wireless signals) to and from another wireless LAN device (not shown) such as an access point. The radio unit 3 is connected to the antenna 2. The wireless unit 3 performs frequency conversion of a transmitted / received wireless signal. The wireless unit 3 is connected to a baseband MAC (Media Access Control) unit 4. The baseband MAC unit 4 converts a radio signal of an analog signal into a digital signal, and performs modulation processing of data to be transmitted and received. The interface unit 5 is connected to the baseband MAC unit 4. Transmission / reception data is input / output between the wireless LAN device 1 and the information processing device 6 via the interface unit 5.
[0016]
On the other hand, the information processing device 6 includes an interface unit 7 having a connector structure conforming to the PCMCIA standard that can be electrically and mechanically connected to the interface unit 5. The interface unit 7 is connected to the PCMCIA control unit 8. The PCMCIA control unit 8 is connected to the control unit 9. The display unit 10 is connected to the control unit 9. The PCMCIA control unit 8 converts transmission data into a signal format compliant with the PCMCIA standard, and converts received data into a signal format that can be processed by the control unit 9. The control unit 9 controls the PCMCIA control unit 8 that performs data conversion processing. The control unit 9 outputs a control signal and the like to the display unit 10 so that various information is displayed on the display unit 10. Further, the control unit 9 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the information processing apparatus and the overall operation of the wireless LAN device, and of grasping the operation.
[0017]
Next, a method of transmitting data from the information processing device 6 to another wireless LAN device using the wireless LAN device 1 will be described. The transmission data created by the information processing device 6 is output to the baseband MAC unit 4 via the interface unit 7 and the interface unit 5. The baseband MAC unit 4 adds control information necessary for wireless LAN communication to the transmission data. Further, the baseband MAC unit 4 performs a modulation process on transmission data based on the wireless LAN standard selected by the information processing device 6. For example, when transmitting data according to the IEEE 802.11a standard, OFDM modulation processing is performed. The transmission data that has been subjected to the above processing is subjected to digital / analog conversion by the baseband MAC unit 4 and output to the wireless unit 3. The frequency of the transmission data converted to an analog signal is converted to a 5 GHz band by the radio unit 3. The transmission data is transmitted from the antenna 2 to another wireless LAN device as a 5 GHz band radio wave. The method of receiving a radio wave transmitted from another wireless LAN device is performed in a procedure substantially reverse to the above transmission processing. Although data is transmitted and received in the wireless LAN network in this manner, a user determines which wireless LAN standard to transmit and receive using an operation unit (not shown).
[0018]
Next, when deciding a wireless LAN standard to be used, a warning method at the time of using a wireless LAN device that alerts a user not to use a frequency band whose use is prohibited is described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6. Will be explained. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure for calling attention to a user when connecting the information processing device 6 to a wireless network via the wireless LAN device 1. When the power of the information processing apparatus 6 is turned on, the utility program is registered as, for example, a start-up program, and a wireless LAN setting utility program (hereinafter abbreviated as a setting program) for performing various settings on the wireless LAN device 1 starts. The setting program detects a wireless communication standard operable by the wireless LAN device 1 attached to the information processing device 6. The user of the information processing device 6 equipped with the wireless LAN device 1 can check the list of the connection destinations such as the access points, the communication speed, the strength of the radio wave of the connection destination, and the like on the display unit 10 by the setting program. Further, the user can easily confirm or change the connection state of the information processing device 6 to the wireless network by using the setting program. It should be noted that the setting program may be set so as to be started by the user as necessary without being registered as a startup program.
[0019]
When connecting the information processing device 6 to a wireless network via the wireless LAN device 1, the control unit 9 of the information processing device 6 can transmit and receive even in a frequency band where use under predetermined conditions is prohibited by a setting program. When the wireless LAN device 1 is detected, it is determined whether the ad hoc mode or the infrastructure mode has been selected (step S1). When the ad hoc mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S2, and the control unit 9 displays, for example, a warning message “a frequency band from 4.1 GHz to 5.1 GHz is prohibited” on the display unit 10 for a predetermined time. The process proceeds to the ad hoc mode processing routine (step S3). On the other hand, when the infrastructure mode is selected (step S1), the process proceeds to the infrastructure mode processing routine without displaying the above (step S4).
[0020]
First, the processing routine for the ad hoc mode will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the ad hoc mode processing. When the process is started, a window 11 showing available wireless LAN standards is displayed on the display unit 10 (step S11). FIG. 4A shows an example of the window 11, in which usable wireless LAN standards are shown in order from the top. In this example, words indicating two wireless LAN standards of “IEEE802.11a (5.2 GHz) indoor only” and “IEEE802.11b (2.4 GHz) indoor / outdoor” are displayed. On the left side of each displayed wireless LAN standard, a check box for switching between a selected state and a non-selected state is provided. In this example, in the initial state, IEEE802.11a is selected and IEEE802.11b is not selected. For example, to select IEEE 802.11b, the user moves the mouse cursor to a check box on the left side of a word indicating IEEE 802.11b and clicks the mouse.
[0021]
Below the window 11, an "Apply" button for determining the use of the selected wireless LAN standard and a "Cancel" button for canceling the ad hoc mode process are arranged in parallel. The control unit 9 determines whether or not the “apply” button has been clicked (step S12). If the control unit 9 determines that the “apply” button has been clicked, the process proceeds to step S13, where “IEEE802.11a (5.2 GHz)” is selected. It is determined whether the check box for “indoor use only” is in a selected state. When determining that the “apply” button has not been clicked (step S12), the control unit 9 proceeds to step S18 and determines whether the “cancel” button has been clicked. If the control unit 9 determines that the “cancel” button has been clicked in step S18, the control unit 9 ends the processing for the ad hoc mode. If it is determined that the “cancel” button has not been clicked, the process returns to step S12.
[0022]
If the control unit 9 determines in step S13 that the check box for “IEEE802.11a (5.2 GHz) indoor only” is in a selected state, the control unit 9 displays a warning window 12 as shown in FIG. (Step S14). In the window 12, a warning sentence such as "IEEE 802.11a is for indoor use only. For outdoor use, select IEEE 802.11b" is written, and this warning alerts the user. .
[0023]
If the control unit 9 determines in step S13 that the “IEEE802.11a (5.2 GHz) indoor only” check box is in a non-selected state, the control unit 9 does not display the warning window 12 of FIG. The processing for the ad hoc mode ends.
[0024]
Below the window 12, a "use indoors" button for confirming use indoors and a "return" button for returning to the window 11 are arranged in parallel. Next, the control unit 9 determines whether the “use indoors” button has been clicked (step S15), and when it is determined that the user who has confirmed the warning content has clicked the “use indoors” button, A process of setting the window 12 to the icon 13 as shown in FIG. 4C and displaying it on a part of the display unit 10 is performed (step S16), and the process for the ad hoc mode is ended.
[0025]
In step S15, when the control unit 9 determines that the “use indoors” button has not been clicked, the process proceeds to step S17, and determines whether the “return” button has been clicked. When the control unit 9 determines that the “return” button has been clicked in step S17, the control unit 9 returns to step S12. If it is determined that the "return" button has not been clicked, the process returns to step S15.
[0026]
When the processing routine for the ad hoc mode ends, the control unit 9 sets the wireless LAN device 1 to the ad hoc mode by using the setting program and connects to the wireless network using the selected standard. Thereafter, for example, when IEEE802.11a is selected, the setting program causes the icon 13 to blink and the window 12 to be displayed every time a predetermined time elapses. Each time such an event occurs, the user becomes aware of the connection state of the information processing device 6 to the wireless network. Therefore, even during use of the information processing device 6, attention to the use conditions of the wireless LAN device 1 is maintained at predetermined time intervals.
[0027]
In this way, the user is alerted to the usage conditions of the wireless LAN device 1 both during the work of connecting the information processing device 6 to the wireless network via the wireless LAN device 1 and during the use of the information processing device 6. Can be.
[0028]
Next, the processing routine for the infrastructure mode will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the infrastructure mode processing. When the processing is started, the information processing device 6 searches for a wireless network connectable via the wireless LAN device 1 (step S21). The wireless LAN device 1 receives radio waves (beacon signals) including various control signals transmitted from an access point (not shown) that constructs a wireless network, and acquires information on a wireless network to connect to (step S22).
[0029]
When the search and acquisition of the connectable wireless networks are completed, the control unit 9 displays a window 14 on which a list of available wireless networks and notes on the selected wireless network are described on the display unit 10 (step S23). . FIG. 6A shows an example of the window 14, in which a list of connectable wireless networks is displayed. At the bottom of the list of wireless networks in the window 14, notes regarding the selected wireless network are displayed. This example shows a state in which three types of networks A, B, and C have been acquired as available wireless networks. In the initial state, an indoor-only network A is selected, and the others are not selected. The selected wireless network name has a different color tone from the non-selected network name. In addition, the symbol of the house shown on the left side of the wireless network name indicates a wireless network dedicated to indoor use, and the symbol of the sun indicates that the wireless network is for indoor / outdoor use.
[0030]
In the lower part of the window 14, a “connection” button for determining connection to the selected wireless network and a “cancel” button for canceling infrastructure processing are arranged in parallel.
[0031]
The control unit 9 determines whether or not the “connect” button has been clicked (step S24). If it is determined that the “connect” button has been clicked, the process proceeds to step S25, where the indoor dedicated network is selected. It is determined whether or not there is. If the control unit 9 determines that the “connect” button has not been clicked (step S24), the process proceeds to step S30, and determines whether the “cancel” button has been clicked. If the control unit 9 determines in step S30 that the "cancel" button has been clicked, the control unit 9 ends the infrastructure mode processing. If it is determined that the “cancel” button has not been clicked, the process returns to step S24.
[0032]
When the control unit 9 determines that the indoor-only network is in the selected state in step S25, the control unit 9 displays a warning window 15 as shown in FIG. 6B on the display unit 10 (step S26). In the window 15, a warning message such as "This network is for indoor use only. Is this PC used indoors?" Is described, and this warning alerts the user. If the control unit 9 determines in step S25 that the indoor dedicated network is in the non-selected state, the control unit 9 ends the infrastructure mode process without displaying the warning window 12 of FIG. 6B.
[0033]
Below the window 15, a "use indoors" button for confirming use indoors and a "return" button for returning to the window 14 are arranged in parallel. Next, the control unit 9 determines whether the "use indoors" button is clicked (step S27), and determines that the user who has checked the warning content has clicked the "use indoors" button. The process of changing the window 15 to the icon 16 as shown in FIG. 6C and displaying it on a part of the display unit 10 is performed (step S28), and the process for the infrastructure mode is ended.
[0034]
In step S27, when the control unit 9 determines that the “use indoors” button has not been clicked, the process proceeds to step S29, and determines whether the “return” button has been clicked. When the control unit 9 determines that the “return” button has been clicked in step S29, the process returns to step S23. If it is determined that the “return” button has not been clicked, the process returns to step S27.
[0035]
When the processing routine for the infrastructure mode ends, the control unit 9 sets the wireless LAN device 1 to the infrastructure mode and connects to the selected wireless network by the setting program. Thereafter, for example, when IEEE802.11a is selected, the setting program causes the icon 16 to flash and the window 15 to be displayed every time a predetermined time elapses. Each time such an event occurs, the user becomes aware of the connection state of the information processing device 6 to the wireless network. Therefore, even during the use of the information processing device 6, the attention to the use condition of the wireless LAN device 1 to the wireless network is maintained at predetermined time intervals.
[0036]
In this way, the user is alerted to the usage conditions of the wireless LAN device 1 both during the work of connecting the information processing device 6 to the wireless network via the wireless LAN device 1 and during the use of the information processing device 6. Can be.
[0037]
As described above, according to the warning method at the time of using the wireless LAN device according to the present embodiment, the information processing device 6 is connected to the wireless LAN device 1 via the wireless LAN device 1 regardless of the communication mode of the ad hoc mode or the infrastructure mode. During the setting work for connecting to the wireless network, the user of the information processing device 6 can be alerted to the usage conditions of the wireless LAN device 1. Further, even after the wireless connection, a warning can be issued at predetermined time intervals, so that the user's attention to the usage conditions of the wireless LAN device 1 is maintained. Therefore, it is possible to reliably reduce the possibility that the wireless LAN device 1 will be used in a frequency band whose use is prohibited under predetermined conditions.
[0038]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible.
In the above-described embodiment, the location where the wireless LAN device 1 is used is selected after obtaining a connectable wireless network, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after selecting a place where the wireless LAN device 1 is used, a connectable wireless network may be acquired. At this time, the wireless network using the frequency band whose use is prohibited for the place where the wireless LAN device 1 is used is not displayed in the window 14. By doing so, it is possible to reliably reduce the possibility that the wireless LAN device 1 will be used in a frequency band where use is prohibited under predetermined conditions.
[0039]
When a DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) for automatically selecting a channel that can be used in the wireless network is programmed in the wireless LAN device 1, a frequency band for which use of the wireless LAN device 1 is prohibited is prohibited. Set so that you cannot select the channels inside. By doing so, it is possible to reliably reduce the possibility that the wireless LAN device 1 will be used in a frequency band where use is prohibited under predetermined conditions.
[0040]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the ad hoc mode is selected in step S1, a warning message regarding the use prohibition of 4.9 GHz to 5.1 GHz is displayed and the process for the ad hoc mode is executed. The invention is not limited to this. For example, in the processing for the ad hoc mode, the frequency band from 4.9 GHz to 5.1 GHz may not be set. Alternatively, when the frequency band of 4.9 GHz to 5.1 GHz is selected, the same effect can be obtained by returning to step S1.
[0041]
In the above-described embodiment, the warning message is displayed when IEEE802.11a is selected (steps S14 and S26), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a communication method that includes a frequency band with usage restrictions or a channel with usage restrictions is grayed out so that it cannot be selected, and the above-mentioned warning message is generated when the user moves the cursor to the grayed portion. Even if it does, the same effect as the above case can be obtained.
[0042]
In the above-described embodiment, while the information processing apparatus 6 is being used, the windows 12 and 15 are displayed and the icons 13 and 16 are flashed to issue a warning about the connection state of the wireless LAN device 1 to the wireless network at predetermined time intervals. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a warning sound may be emitted at predetermined time intervals. Alternatively, a warning may be issued by blinking a light emitting element provided in the information processing device 6 or the like. Alternatively, the same effect can be obtained even if warning is made by a plurality of means such as displaying the windows 12 and 15 and a warning sound.
[0043]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, a warning regarding the connection state of the wireless LAN device 1 to the wireless network is issued at predetermined time intervals during use of the information processing device 6, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when DFS is programmed in the wireless LAN device 1, a similar warning may be issued when the connection frequency of the wireless LAN device 1 to the wireless network is switched to a channel in a frequency band in which use is prohibited. The effect can be obtained.
[0044]
In the above-described embodiment, the wireless LAN standards IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11b have been described as examples, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if a new frequency band that can be used in a wireless network is adopted in the future and the use prohibition under the predetermined condition is defined in the frequency band, use of the same method is prohibited under the predetermined condition. It is possible to sufficiently reduce the possibility that the wireless LAN device 1 is used in a certain frequency band.
[0045]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the user can be alerted not to use the wireless LAN device in the frequency band where the use is prohibited under the predetermined condition.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram of a wireless LAN device 1 and an information processing device 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a method for calling a user's attention performed when connecting the wireless LAN device 1 to a wireless network according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a flowchart of processing for an ad hoc mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of windows and icons displayed on the display unit 10 when an ad hoc mode process according to an embodiment of the present invention is being executed.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flowchart of processing for an infrastructure mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of windows and icons displayed on the display unit 10 when an infrastructure mode process according to an embodiment of the present invention is being executed.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing restrictions when using each wireless LAN standard.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Wireless LAN equipment
2 Antenna
3 Radio section
4 Baseband MAC unit
5, 7 interface
6 Information processing device
8 PCMCIA control unit
9 Control unit
10 Display
11, 12, 14, 15 windows
13, 16 icons

Claims (10)

Utilizing a frequency band whose use under predetermined conditions is prohibited, detecting whether or not the wireless LAN device is going to start communication,
When communication is to be started using the frequency band, a warning indicating that use of the frequency band is prohibited under the predetermined condition is issued. Method. The warning method when the wireless LAN device is used according to claim 1,
Further, detecting whether the wireless LAN device is communicating using the frequency band,
When the wireless LAN device uses the frequency band, a warning indicating that use of the frequency band is prohibited under the predetermined condition is issued. Method. The warning method at the time of using a wireless LAN device according to claim 1 or 2,
The method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is to use the wireless LAN device in an ad hoc mode. The warning method at the time of using a wireless LAN device according to claim 1 or 2,
The warning method when the wireless LAN device is used, wherein the predetermined condition is that the wireless LAN device is used outdoors. The warning method at the time of using a wireless LAN device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The warning method when the wireless LAN device is used, wherein the warning is displayed on a display unit of an information processing apparatus to which the wireless LAN device is attached. An information processing device capable of communicating via a wireless LAN device,
Detecting means for detecting whether or not communication is to be started using the wireless LAN device by using a frequency band whose use under predetermined conditions is prohibited;
And information generating means for issuing a warning indicating that use of the frequency band is prohibited under the predetermined condition when communication is to be started using the wireless LAN device. Processing equipment. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6,
Further, the detecting means detects whether the wireless LAN device is communicating using the frequency band,
When the wireless LAN device uses the frequency band, the warning generation unit issues a warning indicating that use of the frequency band is prohibited under predetermined conditions. apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is to use the wireless LAN device in an ad hoc mode. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is that the wireless LAN device is used outdoors. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9,
It also has a display,
The information processing apparatus, wherein the warning generating means displays the warning on the display unit.

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