JP2008022214A - Communicating system, wireless alarm apparatus, and its program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce current consumption in a search mode, and also to rapidly perform transition to an authentication mode when an opposite party enters an area to be authenticated. <P>SOLUTION: An authentication signal 202 is normally transmitted from a second communication apparatus 1 to a first communication apparatus 3. When the authentication signal 202 is received from the second communication apparatus 1, the first communication apparatus 3 performs authentication communication by returning an authentication reply 203 to the second communication apparatus 1. In the case of the search mode, a search signal 207 is transmitted from the first communication apparatus 3 to the second communication apparatus 1. When the search signal 202 is received from the first communication apparatus 3, the second communication apparatus 1 performs communication by returning a search reply 209 to the second communication apparatus 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention confirms the existence of each other by performing radio transmission / reception periodically or irregularly between radio transceivers, and when the distance between the radio transceivers exceeds a predetermined communication range, The present invention relates to a communication system, a radio alarm device, and a program thereof used for limiting functions or generating alarms.

  In recent years, security systems have been put into practical use in which an operation lock of an electronic device such as a mobile phone or a personal computer is wirelessly controlled in consideration of security.

  As one form of such a security system, in order to prevent the mobile phone from being stolen, a user of the mobile phone possesses an identification signal transmitter in the form of a card, and the mobile phone and the identification signal transmitter are previously connected. There is a mobile phone that can be used when a predetermined identification code is communicated with each other and the identification code is confirmed by both parties (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In Patent Literature 1 of such a wireless bidirectional communication system, in the first communication device mounted on the main body side of an electronic device or the like, the operation of detecting a signal periodically emitted from the second communication device is continued. It is configured to be performed.

  When there is a response from the first communication device on the main body side to the signal from the second communication device in the search mode, the authentication mode is set. A configuration is shown in which the electronic device can be operated by shifting and periodically performing authentication confirmation communication, and restricting the operation of the electronic device in the search mode.

  As shown in the transmission / reception signal sequence of FIG. 15, the search signal 207 is periodically transmitted from the second communication device 1 in the search mode. When the first communication device 3 receives the search signal 207 and confirms that the signal is from the second communication device 1, the first communication device 3 transmits a search response 209 to the second communication device 1, and performs authentication mode. Migrate to

  When the second communication device 1 receives the search response 209, the second communication device 1 shifts to the authentication mode, and continues to perform authentication by periodically performing authentication confirmation communication with the first communication device 3.

  In the search mode, the current consumption is reduced by shortening the transmission signal length from the second communication device 1 side (see [0053] of Patent Document 1).

  Further, as can be seen in Patent Document 2, there is an example relating to reduction of current consumption in the search mode. In Patent Document 2, if there is no response from the first communication device for a predetermined time in the search mode, the second communication device may gradually shorten the search signal transmission time and finally enter the intermittent reception state. (See [0073] and [0074] of Patent Document 2).

Further, it is also described that the second communication device repeatedly performs intermittent reception and intermittent transmission when there is no response from the first communication device for a predetermined time in the search mode (see [0093] of Patent Document 2). ]reference).
JP 2004-143806 A JP 2006-20005 A

  However, in the system of Patent Document 1, the current consumption is reduced by shortening the transmission signal length from the second communication device side in the search mode, but the first communication device mounted on the electronic device is stopped. Even in such a case, since the transmission from the second communication device side is always repeated in the search mode, the second communication device consumes meaningless power.

  In addition, if the second communication device is set in a reception state or stopped as in the system of Patent Document 2, it is necessary to start up both the first communication device and the second communication device at the next start-up. is there. Furthermore, even if the second communication device repeatedly performs intermittent reception and intermittent transmission, it is not possible to quickly shift to the authentication mode unless intermittent reception and intermittent transmission are indicated in the first communication device. .

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and can reduce current consumption in a search mode and can promptly shift to an authentication mode when a partner enters a state where authentication is possible, and a wireless alarm device And to provide the program.

A search mode in which the first communication device and the second communication device synchronize communication timing, and the first communication device and the second communication device perform communication periodically in synchronization. A communication mode with an authentication mode, and in the search mode, a search signal is transmitted from the first communication device to the second communication device, and the second communication device performs a reception operation; When the search signal is received from the first communication device, the communication timing is synchronized by returning a search response to the second communication device.

  As a result, even when communication with the partner in the search mode cannot be established and communication is not possible, the second communicator does not transmit, so the current consumption can be reduced, and the power of the first communicator can be turned off. It is possible to prevent the system from transmitting radio waves.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a communication system and a wireless alarm device that can reduce the current consumption in the search mode and can quickly shift to the authentication mode when the other party enters an authenticating state.

  The first invention comprises a first communication device connected to a main body of an electronic device, and a second communication device that performs wireless communication with the first communication device, and the first communication device and the first communication device In a communication system for restricting the function of the electronic device according to a communication state with a second communication device, a search mode for synchronizing the communication timing between the first communication device and the second communication device And a communication mode with an authentication mode in which the first communication device and the second communication device are synchronized and periodically communicate with each other, and a partner side for synchronizing communication timing in the search mode If there is a communication response, a transition is made to the authentication mode to perform function restriction control of the device to which the first communication device is connected according to the communication state, and in the authentication mode, from the second communication device Sending an authentication signal to the first communication device The first communication device performs authentication communication by returning an authentication response to the second communication device upon receiving the authentication signal from the second communication device, and in the search mode, the first communication device performs the first communication. When the search signal is transmitted from the communication device to the second communication device, the second communication device performs a reception operation, and when the search signal is received from the first communication device, the second communication device performs the reception operation. The communication timing is synchronized by returning a search response to the communication device.

  As a result, even when communication with the partner in the search mode cannot be established and communication is not possible, the second communicator does not perform transmission, so that current consumption can be reduced, and for example, the first communicator is turned off. This prevents the system from transmitting radio waves.

  In the second invention, when the authentication mode is changed to the search mode, the search signal is transmitted from the second communication device to the first communication device within the first period, and the first communication device transmits the search signal. When the communication device receives the search signal from the second communication device, the communication timing is synchronized by returning the search response to the second communication device, and the communication timing is synchronized within the first period. If not, the first communication device transmits the search signal to the second communication device, and the second communication device receives the search signal from the first communication device and then transmits the search signal. The communication timing is synchronized by returning the search response to the second communication device.

  Thereby, when the second communication device and the first communication device are clearly separated, the current consumption in the second communication device 1 can be reduced. For example, the transmission from the second communication device 1 can be stopped in a certain time by turning off the power of the first communication device 3.

  In a third aspect of the present invention, in the search mode, the search signal is transmitted from the second communication device to the first communication device, and the first communication device transmits the search from the second communication device. When the signal is received, the search timing is synchronized by returning the search response to the second communication device, and the search signal is transmitted from the first communication device to the second communication device, When the second communication device receives the search signal from the first communication device, it returns the search response to the second communication device until the communication timing is synchronized until the communication timing is synchronized. It repeats alternately.

  Thereby, it is possible to operate only one of the communication devices without burdening the power consumption due to transmission in the search mode.

  In a fourth aspect, when the authentication mode is changed to the search mode, the search signal is transmitted from the second communication device to the first communication device during the first period, and the first communication device When receiving the search signal from the second communication device, the communication timing is synchronized by returning the search response to the second communication device, and the communication timing must be synchronized within the first period. For example, the second communication period is entered, the search signal is transmitted from the first communication device to the second communication device, and then the reception is performed to receive the search signal from the second communication device. Then, communication timing is synchronized by returning the search response to the second communication device, and the second communication device performs a reception operation and receives the search signal from the first communication device. Said second communication The communication timing is synchronized by returning the search response to the terminal, and if the search signal is not received from the first communication device within a predetermined time, the search signal is transmitted to the first communication device, If the communication timing is not synchronized within the second period, the process proceeds to a third period, the search signal is transmitted from the first communication device to the second communication device, and the second communication is performed. When the search signal is received from the first communication device, the communication device synchronizes the communication timing by returning the search response to the second communication device.

  Thus, in the search mode, the search response is waited and the search response is received when the search signal is received and the timing of the search signal from the other party is met, so that the authentication mode can be shifted more quickly.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, at least one of the first communication device and the second communication device does not receive the search signal from the other party during the first to third periods. In response to this, the transmission or reception time interval is sequentially extended.

  Thus, if the other party does not respond in the search mode, the current consumed for transmission can be reduced by extending the transmission interval after a certain time.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the first communication device includes, based on the reception level value, reception level measurement means for measuring a reception level value during communication between the first communication device and the second communication device. And a distance estimating means for estimating a distance between the first communication device and the second communication device from a predetermined table or relational expression, and in the authentication mode, When the distance estimated by the distance estimating means is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance by confirming the distance between each other by performing wireless transmission and reception periodically or irregularly with the second communication device, In this configuration, the function of the main unit connected to the first communication device is limited or an alarm is generated.

  As a result, the distance between the second communication device and the first communication device can be accurately estimated based on the reception level at the time of communication, so that the function restriction can be controlled naturally.

  A seventh invention is a program for causing a computer to realize at least a part of the communication system and the wireless alarm device according to any one of the first to sixth inventions. Since it is a program, at least a part of the present invention can be realized with simple hardware by cooperating hardware resources such as an electric / information device and a computer. In addition, the program can be distributed / updated and installed easily by recording on a recording medium or distributing the program using a communication line.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless alarm device using a communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the communication system 101 includes a second communication device 1 having a second communication device antenna 2 and a first communication device 3 having a first communication device antenna 4. Yes.

  The first communication device 3 is connected to the function restriction unit 5 and notifies the function restriction unit 5 of the communication result with the second communication device 1, whereby the electronic device in which the first communication device 3 is mounted. Function restriction control (not shown) is performed.

  For example, when the first communicator 3 is mounted on a mobile phone, the function restriction is performed by prohibiting key operations, prohibiting electronic money functions, or prohibiting outgoing calls. To disable some or all of the functions.

  The second communication device 1 is a key for performing authentication of the first communication device 3, and is small in size so that a person using the electronic device on which the first communication device 3 is mounted is always carried. In order to form a lightweight card, key ring, necklace, wristwatch, bracelet, ring, etc., it is driven by a small power source such as a battery.

In the search mode, the first communication device 3 or the second communication device 1 intermittently and repeatedly transmits a search signal by radio. The partner communication device periodically performs a receiving operation, and when receiving a search signal, the communication device synchronizes the communication by generating the time when the communication timing is received as a base point.

  When synchronization in the search mode is established, the first communication device 3 and the second communication device 1 shift to the authentication mode and restrict the function of the device on which the first communication device 3 is mounted according to the communication state. Control is performed, the second communication device 1 transmits to the first communication device 3, and the first communication device 3 authenticates to the second communication device 1 when receiving the authentication signal from the second communication device 1. Authentication communication is periodically performed by returning a response.

  The operation of the wireless alarm device of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 showing a transmission / reception signal sequence for shifting from the authentication mode to the search mode.

  The transmission timing from the second communication device 1 in the authentication mode is determined by the transmission interval timer 201, and the authentication signal 202 is transmitted every time the transmission interval timer 201 expires.

  When receiving the authentication signal 202 from the second communication device 1, the first communication device 3 transmits an authentication response 203 after confirming that it is a partner ID to be communicated.

  While the authentication signal 202 is normally exchanged in the authentication mode, the function of the device on which the first communication device 3 is mounted is not limited.

  The reception time in the first communication device 3 is defined by the reception interval timer 204, and after receiving the authentication signal 202 and transmitting the authentication response 203, the operation is stopped to reduce power consumption. Only the interval timer 204 is operated, and when the reception interval timer 204 expires, reception of the authentication signal 202 is started again.

  In addition, the reception waiting of the authentication signal 202 is started and the reception interval timer 204 is started. At the same time, the reception waiting timer 205 is also started (only one is shown in the figure), and the authentication is performed before the reception waiting timer 205 expires. If the signal 202 is not received, the search signal 207 is transmitted from the first communication device 3 this time.

  The second communication device 1 also activates the transmission interval timer 201 and simultaneously activates the response waiting timer 206 (only one of them is shown in the figure), and receives the authentication response 203 until the response waiting timer 206 expires. If not, the search signal 207 is received.

  The response waiting timer 206 of the second communication device 1 and the reception waiting timer 205 of the first communication device 3 expire at the same timing, and both the second communication device 1 and the first communication device 3 enter the search mode. By entering, the search signal 207 can be transmitted and received.

  The reason for not receiving the authentication signal 202 before the expiration of the reception waiting timer 205 and shifting to the search mode is that the distance between the first communication device 3 and the second communication device 1 is so far away that radio waves do not reach. When synchronization with the timer stops, or when communication is not possible due to other radio interference, it is possible to limit the function of the device in which the first communication device 3 is mounted when the mode is changed to the search mode. Perform operation restrictions such as inability to input, no screen display, no audio output.

  The first communication device 3 starts the search response waiting timer 208 after transmitting the search signal 207, and transmits the search signal 207 again if the search response is not received before the search response waiting timer 208 expires. This is the same as the conventional example (see the search response 209 in FIG. 15).

The reception waiting of the search signal 207 on the second communication device 1 side may be continuously waiting, or the power consumption can be further reduced by intermittently waiting using a timer.

  Further, when the electronic device in which the first communication device 3 is mounted is turned off and the operation of the first communication device 3 is stopped, the second communication device 1 causes the authentication response 203 to expire before the response waiting timer 206 expires. Is not received, the search signal 207 is received, and transmission is not performed.

  When the electronic device on which the first communication device 3 is mounted is turned on again, the first communication device 3 performs intermittent transmission of the search signal 207, and the second receiver 1 receives the search signal 207. When the second receiver 1 receives the search signal 207, it returns a search response 209 and enters the authentication mode.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the authentication mode, communication is performed by responding the authentication response 203 from the first communication device 3 to the authentication signal 202 from the second communication device 1. However, when the search mode is entered, the search response 209 is sent back from the second communication device 1 to the search signal 207 from the first communication device 3, thereby shifting to the authentication mode again.

  Therefore, in the search mode, even when the search signal 207 from the first communication device 3 is not received, transmission from the second communication device 1 is not performed, so that current consumption in the second communication device 1 is reduced. be able to.

  Further, by turning off the power of the first communication device 3 itself, the search signal 207 is not transmitted, so that radio waves can be easily transmitted when unnecessary. For example, when the first communication device 3 is mounted on a mobile phone, the search signal 207 can be prevented from being transmitted when the mobile phone is turned off on an airplane or at home.

  In the present embodiment, after the first communication device 3 transmits the authentication response 203, the first communication device 3 is set in the operation stop state to reduce power consumption. If it is provided and the operation is stopped after confirming that retransmission will not come for a while, communication failure due to a communication error can be reduced and communication quality can be further improved.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a transmission / reception signal sequence for shifting from the authentication mode to the search mode of the wireless alarm device using the communication system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment in FIG. It is shown.

  In FIG. 3, the difference from FIG. 2 is that the search signal 207 is transmitted from the second communication device 1 in the first period during the search transition, as in the conventional example (FIG. 15). The timer 211 is provided, and when the search mode continues for a predetermined time, the transmission and reception between the second communication device 1 and the first communication device 3 are switched into the second period.

  For example, if the first period is 5 minutes and the search mode continues without synchronization for 5 minutes after the search transition, the second period is entered and transmission / reception between the second communication device 1 and the first communication device 3 is performed. Will be switched.

  The operation of the wireless alarm device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3 showing a transmission / reception signal sequence for shifting from the authentication mode to the search mode.

  Communication in the authentication mode is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  In the second communication device 1, the response interval timer 206 is activated simultaneously with the activation of the transmission interval timer 201, and the search signal 207 is transmitted if the authentication response 203 is not received by the expiration of the response wait timer 206.

  In the first communication device 3, when the reception of the authentication signal 202 is started, the reception interval timer 204 is started and at the same time the reception wait timer 205 is started, and the authentication signal 202 must be received before the reception wait timer 205 expires. Then, it waits for reception of the search signal 206.

  The response waiting timer 206 of the second communication device 1 and the reception waiting timer 205 of the first communication device 3 expire at the same timing, and both the second communication device 1 and the first communication device 3 enter the search mode. By entering, the search signal 207 can be transmitted and received.

  The second communication device 1 starts the search response waiting timer 208 after transmitting the search signal 207, and transmits the search signal 207 again if the search response 209 is not received before the search response waiting timer 208 expires.

  Further, the second communication device 1 and the first communication device 3 start the search switching timer 211 at the same time as entering the search mode, and the second communication device 1 starts the search response 209 until the search switching timer 211 expires. Is not received, the search signal 207 is received. If the first communication device 3 does not receive the search signal 207 before the search switching timer 211 expires, the first communication device 3 enters the transmission state of the search signal 207.

  When shifting to the search mode, the function of the device on which the first communication device 3 is mounted is restricted, and operation restrictions such as inability to input, no screen display, no audio output are performed as in the first embodiment. It is.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the search response from the first communication device 3 to the search signal 207 from the second communication device 1 until the search switching timer 211 expires in the search mode. When the search switching timer 211 expires, the search response 209 is returned from the second communication device 1 to the search signal 207 from the first communication device 3. As a result, the authentication mode is entered again.

  Accordingly, in the search mode, the transmission from the second communication device 1 is not performed after a certain period of time or longer. Therefore, when the second communication device 1 and the first communication device 3 are clearly separated from each other, The current consumption in the communication device 1 can be reduced. Moreover, the transmission from the second communication device 1 can be stopped in a certain time by turning off the power of the first communication device 3.

  For example, if the first period is set to 5 minutes as described above, the search signal 207 will not be transmitted in 5 minutes when the mobile phone is turned off when boarding the aircraft. You can avoid sending.

  In the present embodiment, when the search switching timer 211 expires, the second communication device 1 is in the reception state of the search signal 207 and the first communication device 3 is in the transmission state of the search signal 207. 4, whenever the search switching timer 211 expires, the search switching timer 211 is further activated to transmit and receive the search signal 207 at the time interval when the search switching timer 211 expires. If one of the communication devices is switched, it is possible to operate without burdening the power consumption due to transmission in the search mode.

(Embodiment 3)
The configuration of the wireless alarm device using the communication system according to the third embodiment of the present invention is as shown in FIG. 1, and FIGS. 5 and 6 show the transmission / reception timing charts of the respective communication devices when the mode is changed to the search mode. Indicates.

  The second embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that both the first communication device 3 and the second communication device 1 perform search signal transmission and reception operations in the second period. When the period 3 is reached, the search signal is transmitted from the second communication device 1 to the first communication device 3, and when the first communication device 3 receives the search signal from the second communication device 1, the second communication device 1 transmits the search signal. The communication timing is synchronized by returning a response to the communication device 1.

  For example, if the first period is 5 minutes and the second period is 10 minutes, if the search mode continues without being synchronized for 5 minutes after the search transition, the second period is entered and synchronization is not possible for another 10 minutes. When the search mode continues, the third period starts.

  The operation will be described below together with the operation flowchart of each communication device when the search mode is shifted from FIG. 7 to FIG.

  First, when the second communication device 1 shifts to the search mode, the following operation is performed.

  (A1) The timer K1 for measuring the first period 501 is started (S701), the timer W1 for measuring the transmission interval is started (S702), the search signal 207 is transmitted for T1 time (S703), and the search is performed after transmission. During the response waiting timer 208 (that is, the timer R1 is started S704), a reception operation for waiting for the search response 209 is performed (S705 and S706). When the search response 209 is received, the mode shifts to the authentication mode (YES in S705).

  (A2) If the search response 209 is not received (NO in S705), the search signal 207 is transmitted again in the T1 time after the lapse of W1 (YES in S707) (S703). A reception operation for waiting for the search response 209 is performed at (start timer R1 S704) (S705 and S706).

  (A3) If the search response 209 is not received, this is repeated during the first period 501 (NO in S708), and when the first period 501 has passed (YES in S708), a timer that measures the second period 502 K2 is started (S801), the timer W2 for measuring the second transmission interval is started (S802), the search signal 207 is transmitted in T1 time (S803), and after the search response waiting timer 208 (that is, the timer) R2 is activated (S804), and a reception operation for waiting for the search response 209 is performed (S805 and S806). When the search response 209 is received, the mode shifts to the authentication mode (YES in S805).

  (A4) If the search response 209 is not received (NO in S805), the second communication device 1 transmits the search signal 207 again after the lapse of W2 (YES in S807) (S803), and waits for the search response after transmission. A reception operation for waiting for the search response 209 is performed during the timer 208 (timer R2 is started S804) (S805 to S807). However, the time-out time (that is, R2 time) of the search response waiting timer 208 at this time is set longer than the time-out time (that is, R1 time) of the search response waiting timer 208 in the first period 501. When the search response 209 is received, the mode shifts to the authentication mode (YES in S805).

  (A5) When the search signal 207 from the first communication device 3 is received during this R2 time (YES in S806), a search response 209 is transmitted (S810), and the mode is shifted to the authentication mode.

  (A6) If nothing is received, this is repeated during the second period 502 (NO in S809). When the second period 502 is over (YES in S809), the third period 503 is entered, and the second period The communication apparatus 1 enters a reception operation for waiting for the search signal 207.

  (A7) The reception operation starts timer W3 which is twice as long as W1 (S901), starts timer W12 as search wait timer 208 (S902), and performs a reception operation to wait for search signal 207 (S903 and S904). When the search signal 207 is received from the first communication device 3 (YES in S903), a search response 209 is transmitted (S906), and the mode is shifted to the authentication mode. Since the first communication device 3 transmits the search signal 207 at intervals of W1, the time of W12 is set to be longer than that interval so that the search signal 207 from the first communication device 3 can be reliably received.

  Moreover, the 1st communication apparatus 3 will perform the following operation | movement, if it transfers to search mode.

  (B1) The timer K1 for measuring the first period 501 is started (S1001), the timer W3 for measuring the reception interval is started (S1002), and the timer W12 is started as the search wait timer 208 (S1003). A reception operation for waiting for the search signal 207 is performed (S1004 and S1005). Since the second communication device 1 transmits the search signal 207 at intervals of W1, the time of W12 is set to be longer than that interval so that the search signal 207 from the second communication device 1 can be reliably received. When the search signal 207 is received (YES in S1004), a search response 209 is transmitted (S1008), and the mode is changed to the authentication mode.

  (B2) If the search signal 207 is not received during W12 (YES in S1005), after W3 has elapsed (YES in S1006), the first communication device 3 again waits for the search signal 207 during W12. Is received (S1004). This is repeated during the first period 501 (NO in S1007).

  (B3) When the first period 501 passes without receiving the search signal 207 (S1007), the timer K2 for measuring the second period 502 is started (S1101), and the timer W4 for measuring the reception interval is started. (S1102) Further, the timer W23 is activated as the search wait timer 208 (S1103), and a reception operation for waiting for the search signal 207 is performed (S1104 and S1105). When the search signal 207 is received (YES in S1104), a search response 209 is transmitted (S1112), and the mode is changed to the authentication mode. Since the second communication device 1 transmits the search signal 207 at intervals of W2, the time of W23 is set to be longer than that interval so that the search signal 207 from the second communication device 1 can be reliably received. The timer W4 is a time obtained by adding W1 and W2.

  (B4) Further, when the search signal 207 is not received (YES in S1105), the search signal 207 is transmitted in T1 time after the reception operation is completed (S1106). After the transmission, a reception operation for waiting for the search response 209 is performed during the search response waiting timer 208 (that is, the timer R1 is started S1107) (S1108 and S1109). When the search response 209 is received, the mode shifts to the authentication mode (YES in S1108).

  (B5) If the search response signal 209 is not received during R1 (YES in S1009), after W4 has elapsed (YES in S1110), the first communication device 3 again waits for the search signal 207 during W23. The receiving operation is performed (S1104). This is repeated during the second period 502 (NO in S1111).

(B6) This is repeated during the second period 502, and when the second period 502 passes (YES in S1111), the third communication unit 3 enters the third period 503 and the first communication device 3 transmits the search signal 207. enter.

  (B7) In the transmission operation, the timer W1 for measuring the transmission interval is started (S1201), the search signal 207 is transmitted in the T1 time (S1202), and after the search response waiting timer 208 is started (that is, the timer R1 is started S1203). ) Performs a reception operation for waiting for the search response 209 (S1204 and S1205). When the search response 209 is received, the mode shifts to the authentication mode (YES in S1204).

  (B8) If the search response 209 is not received (NO in S1205), after W1 has elapsed (YES in S1206), the search signal 207 is again transmitted in T1 time (S1202).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the search mode, the search signal 207 is transmitted from the second communication device 1 to wait for reception of the search response 209. After that, the current consumed for transmission can be reduced by extending the transmission interval.

  It is also possible to send the search signal 207 and wait for the search response 209 and to receive the search signal 207 from the other party, thereby returning the search response 209 and immediately shifting to the authentication mode.

  In the search mode, the second communication device 1 receives the search signal 207 after a certain period of time has passed without the other party responding. It is possible to prevent transmission radio waves from being emitted from the present system by turning off the communication device 3.

  In this embodiment, an example in which the first period is 5 minutes and the second period is 10 minutes is shown, but the length of each period may be set as appropriate depending on the frequency and usage of communication. .

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a wireless alarm device using a communication system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  13 differs from FIG. 1 in that the reception level determination means 6 determines the reception level based on the RSSI of the signal received by the first communication device 3, and the second depends on the reception level by the reception level determination means 6. It is the point provided with the distance estimation means 7 which estimates the distance of the communication apparatus 1 of this and the 1st communication apparatus 3. FIG.

  RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) is an intensity display value of a received signal, which is obtained by converting received power into a DC voltage level, and can be handled as data that can be processed by a microcomputer or the like by performing AD conversion.

  The sequence for shifting from the search mode to the authentication mode is the same as that shown in the first embodiment.

  The operation from the state in which the wireless alarm device of FIG. 13 first enters the authentication mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  At the start of operation, the function restricting means 5 is in a state with function restriction (S01).

When receiving the signal (YES in S02), the first communication device 3 measures RSSI (S03).
), If reception is not completed (NO in S04), RSSI measurement is repeated every 100 microseconds (YES in S05).

  When reception ends (YES in S04), the reception level determination means 6 sets the largest value among the RSSIs measured by the first communication device 3 as the reception level selection value (S06).

Then, the distance estimation means 7 determines a threshold value determined in advance from the value determined as the selection value of the reception level, a table of the relationship between the value stored in the table or the like in advance, or “reception level = A × distance” ^The distance is estimated from the relational expression " ^B " (S07). Here, A and B are certain constants and may be appropriately determined depending on the application.

  If the distance estimation means 7 determines that the distance between the second communication device 1 and the first communication device 3 corresponds to, for example, within 1 m (YES in S08), the function for the function restriction means 8 It is assumed that no restriction request is made (S09).

  If it is determined by the distance estimation means 7 that the distance between the second communication device 1 and the first communication device 3 is a distance of 1.5 m (NO in S08), the function restriction means 8 A function restriction request is made (S10).

  Even if the second communication device 1 and the first communication device 3 are able to communicate in the authentication mode, the RSSI is timed by fading or multipath by estimating the distance using the maximum RSSI value during communication as a reception level. It is possible to ignore the low RSSI due to fading and multipath effects that suddenly limit the function during use of the electronic device, without causing the function to be restricted until communication is disabled. Therefore, it is possible to naturally control the function restriction by accurately calculating the relationship between the reception level and the distance without being affected by fading or multipath.

  In addition, when communication between the second communication device 1 and the first communication device 3 is disabled, the search mode is entered, but the sequence for shifting to the search mode can be performed as described in the first or second embodiment. Good.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the distance between the second communication device 1 and the first communication device 3 can be accurately estimated based on the reception level at the time of communication. Can do.

  In addition, if the wireless communication used in the embodiments described so far is a specific low power wireless, it is possible to communicate at a distance of about one house with low power, so by adjusting the antenna and the transmission level It is relatively easy to change functions such as using functions that are restricted by a few meters, and function restrictions for each house.

  The means used in the embodiments described so far cooperate with hardware resources such as a CPU (or microcomputer), a RAM, a ROM, a storage / recording device, an electrical / information device equipped with an I / O, a computer, a server, and the like. You may implement in the form of the program to work. In the form of a program, new functions can be easily distributed / updated and installed by recording them on a recording medium such as magnetic media or optical media or distributing them via a communication line such as the Internet.

As described above, the present invention is a mobile phone, a camera, a video camera, a laptop computer, a PDA, a portable audio device and other portable devices, and a vehicle, a motorcycle, Suddenly function restrictions occur while using electronic devices and instruments, such as car navigation, ETC, car audio equipment, other audio equipment, personal computers, telephones, air conditioners, and devices with high heat hazard such as gas tables and ovens. Thus, it is possible to provide an electronic device that can quickly perform an alarm operation and a function restriction operation when left unattended.

Block diagram of the wireless alarm device in the first embodiment of the present invention Sequence diagram at the time of transition to search mode according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention Sequence diagram at the time of transition to search mode according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention The figure which shows an example of the sequence at the time of the search mode of Embodiment 2 of this invention First transmission / reception timing chart at the time of transition to search mode according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention Second transmission / reception timing chart at the time of transition to search mode according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention The flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the 1st period of the 2nd communication apparatus at the time of search mode in Embodiment 3 of this invention. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the 2nd period of the 2nd communication apparatus at the time of search mode in Embodiment 3 of this invention. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the 3rd period of the 2nd communication apparatus at the time of search mode in Embodiment 3 of this invention. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the 1st period of the 1st communication apparatus at the time of search mode in Embodiment 3 of this invention. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the 2nd period of the 1st communication apparatus at the time of search mode in Embodiment 3 of this invention. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the 3rd period of the 1st communication apparatus at the time of search mode in Embodiment 3 of this invention. Block diagram of a wireless alarm device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention Flow chart of device control in Embodiment 4 of the present invention Sequence diagram of transmission and reception signals in a conventional system

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 2nd communication apparatus 2 2nd communication apparatus antenna 3 1st communication apparatus 4 1st communication apparatus antenna 5 Function restriction means 6 Reception level determination means 7 Distance estimation means 101 Communication system 202 Authentication signal 203 Authentication response 207 Search signal 209 Search response 501 First period 502 Second period 503 Third period

Claims (7)

A first communication device connected to the main body of the electronic device, and a second communication device that performs wireless communication with the first communication device, the first communication device and the second communication device, In a communication system for limiting the function of the electronic device according to the communication state of
A search mode in which the first communication device and the second communication device synchronize communication timing, and the first communication device and the second communication device perform communication periodically in synchronization. It has a communication mode with the authentication mode,
If there is a communication response of the other party to synchronize the communication timing in the search mode, the function shifts to the authentication mode and the function restriction control of the device to which the first communication device is connected is performed according to the communication state. Done
In the authentication mode, an authentication signal is transmitted from the second communication device to the first communication device. When the first communication device receives the authentication signal from the second communication device, the first communication device transmits the authentication signal. Authentication communication is performed by returning an authentication response to the communication device 2
In the search mode, a search signal is transmitted from the first communication device to the second communication device, the second communication device performs a reception operation, and the search from the first communication device is performed. A communication system that synchronizes the communication timing by returning a search response to the second communication device when a signal is received. When transitioning from the authentication mode to the search mode, the search signal is transmitted from the second communication device to the first communication device within the first period, and the first communication device transmits the second communication device to the second communication device. Upon receiving the search signal from the communication device, the communication timing is synchronized by returning the search response to the second communication device,
If the communication timing is not synchronized within the first period, the first communication device transmits the search signal to the second communication device, and the second communication device transmits the first communication signal to the first communication device. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein when the search signal is received from a communication device, communication timing is synchronized by returning the search response to the second communication device. In the search mode, the search signal is transmitted from the second communication device to the first communication device, and when the first communication device receives the search signal from the second communication device, the first communication device transmits the search signal. A period for synchronizing the communication timing by returning the search response to the two communication devices;
The search signal is transmitted from the first communication device to the second communication device. When the second communication device receives the search signal from the first communication device, the search signal is transmitted to the second communication device. The communication system according to claim 2, wherein the communication timing synchronization period is alternately repeated until communication timing synchronization is achieved by returning the search response. When the authentication mode is changed to the search mode, the search signal is transmitted from the second communication device to the first communication device in the first period, and the first communication device transmits the second communication. Upon receiving the search signal from the machine, the communication timing is synchronized by returning the search response to the second communication machine,
If the communication timing is not synchronized within the first period, the process proceeds to the second period, the search signal is transmitted from the first communication device to the second communication device, and then received. When receiving the search signal from the second communication device, the communication timing is synchronized by returning the search response to the second communication device,
The second communicator performs a receiving operation, and upon receiving the search signal from the first communicator, synchronizes communication timing by returning the search response to the second communicator. If the search signal is not received from the first communication device in time, the search signal is transmitted to the first communication device,
If the communication timing is not synchronized within the second period, the process proceeds to the third period, and the first period
The search signal is transmitted from the communication device to the second communication device, and when the second communication device receives the search signal from the first communication device, the search response is sent to the second communication device. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein communication timing is synchronized by returning. At least one of the first communicator and the second communicator transmits or receives in accordance with a time during which the search signal from the other party is not received during the first period to the third period. The communication system according to claim 4, wherein the time interval is gradually extended. In the radio alarm device using the communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
In the first communication device,
A reception level measuring means for measuring a reception level value at the time of communication between the first communication device and the second communication device;
Based on the reception level value, a distance estimation means for estimating a distance between the first communication device and the second communication device from a predetermined table or relational expression is connected,
In the authentication mode, the distance estimation unit confirms the distance between the first communication device and the second communication device by performing wireless transmission / reception periodically or irregularly, and estimated by the distance estimation unit. A wireless alarm device that restricts the function of the main unit connected to the first communication device or generates an alarm when the distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance. The program for making a computer implement | achieve at least one part of the communication system or wireless alarm device of any one of Claims 1-6.

Images