JP2008199534A - Initiation control method for electronic device, program, initiation control apparatus, and electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To speedily and appropriately perform a function restriction on an electronic device. <P>SOLUTION: In a case where a power-on operation of a PC 1 is detected, based on orbit information of GPS satellites and the present time, a GPS satellite meeting a predetermined available location condition is determined. Specifically, a GPS satellite located in the empyrean that is a preset available position of the PC 1, is determined as an estimated visible satellite whose elevation angle is not low when seen from the available location. On the basis of the number of estimated visible satellites of each of which a signal strength meets a predetermined strength condition (the number of GPS satellite signals) among GPS satellite signals received from the relevant estimated visible satellite, whether to allow the initiation of the PC 1 is then determined, and in accordance with a result of the determination, whether to stop the initiation is controlled. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device activation control method, a program, an activation control device, and an electronic device.

  Conventionally, GPS (Global Positioning System) is well known as a positioning system using an artificial satellite, and is used for a car navigation device or the like. Recently, the GPS function has also been introduced into familiar electronic devices such as personal computers, mobile phones, and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants).

As a technique to which this GPS is applied, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for performing a function restriction such as power-off or switching of a vibration mode based on the positioning position of a mobile phone having a GPS function. ing.
JP 2000-224661 A

  However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to perform positioning first when performing function restriction, there is a problem that function restriction cannot be performed until the positioning is completed. For example, in a cold start in which positioning is started with no satellite orbit information, it takes several minutes to several tens of minutes to complete positioning.

  This problem cannot be overlooked when an electronic device is stolen. When an electronic device is stolen, it is necessary to restrict the use of the electronic device quickly and appropriately from the viewpoint of protecting personal information and preventing unauthorized use, and it takes a long time to activate the function restriction. This is because there is no use at all.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems.

  A first invention for solving the above-described problems is a detection step for detecting a power-on operation by a user, and a predetermined use based on the satellite orbit information of the positioning satellite and the current time according to the detection. A satellite determination step for determining a positioning satellite that satisfies the position condition, and whether or not the satellite signal received from the determined positioning satellite is received and / or whether or not the satellite is activated is determined based on the received signal strength of the satellite signal. An electronic device activation control method includes an activation permission determination step for determining, and an activation control step for controlling whether to stop activation according to a determination result in the activation permission determination step.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a detection unit that detects a power-on operation, and a predetermined usable position condition based on satellite orbit information of the positioning satellite and the current time according to the power-on operation by the detection unit. A satellite determination unit that determines which positioning satellites are satisfied, and whether or not the satellite signals are received from the positioning satellites determined by the satellite determination unit and / or whether or not activation is permitted based on the received signal strength of the satellite signals. The activation control device may include an activation permission determination unit that determines whether the activation is permitted and an activation control unit that controls whether the activation is stopped according to the determination result of the activation permission determination unit.

  According to the first aspect of the invention, when a power-on operation of an electronic device is detected, a positioning satellite that satisfies a predetermined usable position condition is determined based on the satellite orbit information of the positioning satellite and the current time. Is done. Then, based on whether or not the satellite signal transmitted from the determined positioning satellite is received and / or whether or not the electronic device is activated is determined based on the received signal strength of the satellite signal, and according to the determination result. Whether or not to start and stop is controlled.

  Quickly control startup of electronic devices by determining whether to start electronic devices based on whether or not satellite signals transmitted from positioning satellites are received and signal strength without positioning the current location of electronic devices Can do. Further, for example, by setting a usable position of the electronic device in advance and determining a positioning satellite located in the sky of the usable position as a positioning satellite that satisfies the usable position condition, the positioning satellite If the satellite signal could not be received from the satellite, or if the signal was received but the signal strength was weak, the activation was determined not to be permitted. Use can be limited appropriately.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, in the electronic device activation control method according to the first aspect of the invention, the satellite determination step is located in the sky of a usable position set in advance as a usable position, and the usable position is a reference. The electronic apparatus activation control method is a step of determining a positioning satellite that satisfies the predetermined elevation angle condition as a positioning satellite that satisfies the predetermined usable position condition.

  As a ninth invention, the satellite determination unit in the activation control device of the eighth invention is located in the sky at a usable position set in advance as a usable position, and the usable position is used as a reference. The activation control device that determines the positioning satellite that satisfies the predetermined elevation angle as the positioning satellite that satisfies the predetermined usable position condition may be configured.

  According to the second invention and the like, a positioning satellite that is located in the sky at a preset usable position and satisfies a predetermined elevation angle with reference to the usable position is used for positioning that satisfies the usable position condition. It is determined as a satellite. Therefore, for example, a positioning satellite having a low elevation angle that is difficult to receive a satellite signal is excluded from positioning satellites that are located in the sky at the usable position, so that it is more appropriately determined whether or not the position is a usable position. It becomes possible.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the activation control method of the electronic device activation control method of the first or second aspect, the signal strength of the satellite signal received from the positioning satellite determined in the satellite determination step is predetermined. The electronic device activation control method is a step of determining whether to permit activation based on whether an intensity condition is satisfied or based on the number of satellite signals satisfying the predetermined intensity condition.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the activation control device of the eighth or ninth aspect, the activation permission determination unit has a predetermined signal intensity of a satellite signal received from the positioning satellite determined by the satellite determination unit. An activation control device may be configured to determine whether activation is permitted based on whether the condition is satisfied or the number of satellite signals satisfying the predetermined intensity condition.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, based on whether or not the signal strength of the satellite signal received from the determined positioning satellite satisfies the predetermined strength condition, or the number of satellite signals satisfying the strength condition. Then, it is determined whether or not activation is permitted. Therefore, for example, when the signal strength of the satellite signal received from the determined positioning satellite is less than a predetermined threshold strength, or when the number of satellite signals exceeding the threshold strength is less than a predetermined number, etc. It is possible to determine that the activation of the electronic device is not permitted.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the activation permission determination step in the electronic device activation control method according to the first or second aspect includes a predetermined intensity among the satellite signals received from the positioning satellites determined in the satellite determination step. Based on whether the number of satellite signals satisfying the condition is N or more and the number of satellite signals satisfying the intensity condition where the signal intensity is stronger than the predetermined intensity condition is M (M <N) or more. This is an electronic device activation control method that is a step of determining whether or not activation is permitted.

  Further, as an eleventh aspect of the invention, the start permission determination unit in the start control device of the eighth or ninth aspect includes a predetermined intensity condition among the satellite signals received from the positioning satellites determined by the satellite determination unit. Based on whether the number of satellite signals satisfying the condition is N or more and the number of satellite signals satisfying an intensity condition with a signal strength stronger than the predetermined intensity condition is M (M <N) or more. An activation control device that determines whether or not activation is permitted may be configured.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the number of satellite signals satisfying a predetermined intensity condition among the satellite signals received from the determined positioning satellites is N or more, and the signal intensity is higher than the intensity condition. Based on whether or not the number of satellite signals satisfying the strong intensity condition is greater than or equal to M (M <N), whether or not activation is permitted is determined. Thereby, the accuracy of determination of whether it is a usable position can be improved.

  A fifth invention is an activation control method for an electronic device according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, and performs authentication according to a user operation when it is determined that activation is not permitted in the activation permission determination step. An authentication process execution control step for executing a predetermined authentication process is further included, and the activation control step is determined not to be permitted without performing activation stop when it is determined that activation is permitted in the activation permission determination step. In this case, the electronic device activation control method is a step in which activation is not stopped when the authentication process executed in the authentication process execution control step is successful, and activation is stopped when the authentication process is unsuccessful.

  A twelfth aspect of the invention is the activation control device according to any of the eighth to eleventh aspects of the invention, in which authentication is performed in accordance with a user operation when the activation permission determination unit determines that activation is not permitted. An authentication process execution control unit for executing the authentication process, and the activation control unit does not perform activation stop when it is determined that the activation is permitted by the activation permission determination unit, and is determined to be disapproved Even so, it is possible to configure a start control device that does not stop the start when the authentication process executed by the authentication process execution control unit is successful, and stops the start when the authentication process fails.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention and the like, when it is determined that the activation of the electronic device is not permitted, the predetermined authentication process is executed according to the user operation. If the activation permission is determined, the activation is not stopped. Even if it is determined that the activation is not permitted, if the authentication process is successful, the activation is not stopped, and the authentication process has failed. In this case, start / stop is performed. Therefore, even if it is determined that the activation of the electronic device is mistakenly disallowed, the activation is continued if it is authenticated as an authorized user by the authentication process.

  A sixth invention is an activation control method for an electronic device according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, and a positioning step of positioning the current position of the own device based on a satellite signal transmitted from the positioning satellite. And a positioning result transmission control step of transmitting the result of positioning in the positioning step to a predetermined server, and the activation control step includes the positioning step and the positioning result transmission control step when performing the activation stop. This is a method for controlling the activation of an electronic device, which is a step of performing activation and deactivation control after execution of.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided an activation control device according to any of the eighth to twelfth aspects of the invention, a positioning unit that measures the current position of the own device based on a satellite signal transmitted from the positioning satellite; A positioning result transmission control unit that transmits a result of positioning by the positioning unit to a predetermined server, and the activation control unit functions as the positioning unit and the positioning result transmission control unit when performing activation stop. Then, a start control device that controls start and stop later may be configured.

  According to the sixth invention and the like, before the electronic device is started and stopped, the current position of the own device is determined based on the satellite signal transmitted from the positioning satellite, and the positioning result is stored in a predetermined server. Sent. Therefore, when the electronic device is about to be used at a position other than the usable position, it is possible not only to restrict the use but also to notify the server of the position about to be used.

  Further, as a seventh invention, a program for causing the computer of the electronic device including the computer to execute the startup control method of the electronic device according to any one of the first to sixth inventions may be configured, Furthermore, as a fourteenth invention, an electronic apparatus including the activation control device according to any of the eighth to thirteenth inventions may be configured.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC (Personal Computer)”) which is a kind of electronic apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. However, embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to this.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the PC 1 in the present embodiment. The PC 1 includes a CPU 10, an operation unit 20, a display unit 30, a communication unit 40, a GPS antenna 45, a GPS reception unit 50, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 60, a hard disk 70, a RAM (Random Access Memory). ) 80, and each part is connected to each other via a bus 90 so that data communication is possible.

  The CPU 10 is a processor that comprehensively controls each unit of the PC 1 according to a system program or the like stored in the ROM 60. In particular, the CPU 10 performs processing for controlling activation of the PC 1 according to the activation control program 61 stored in the ROM 60. The activation control program 61 is a kind of IPL (Initial Program Loader) program.

  The operation unit 20 is an input device that receives an operation instruction from the user of the PC 1 and outputs a signal corresponding to the operation to the CPU 10. This function is realized by, for example, a keyboard, buttons, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like.

  The display unit 30 is a display device that performs various displays based on a display signal input from the CPU 10. This function is realized by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an ELD (Electro Luminescence Display), or the like.

  The communication unit 40 is a communication device that performs data communication with an external device (another PC or server) based on the control of the CPU 10. This function is realized by a wireless communication module such as wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) based on IEEE802.11, as well as a router, modem, TA, jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. Is done.

  The GPS antenna 45 is an antenna that receives an RF (Radio Frequency) signal including a GPS satellite signal that is transmitted (transmitted) from a GPS satellite that is a positioning satellite, and outputs the received signal to the GPS receiver 50. The GPS satellite signal is a spread spectrum modulated signal called a C / A (Coarse and Acquisition) code, and is superimposed on an L1 band carrier wave having a frequency of 1.57542 [GHz].

  The GPS receiving unit 50 is a positioning unit that measures the current position of the PC 1 based on a signal output from the GPS antenna 45, and is a functional block corresponding to a so-called GPS receiver. The GPS receiving unit 50 converts the signal output from the GPS antenna 45 into an intermediate frequency signal (hereinafter referred to as “IF (Intermediate Frequency) signal”), and is converted by the RF receiving circuit unit. A baseband processing circuit unit that captures and tracks a GPS satellite signal from the IF signal, decodes the data to extract a navigation message and time information, and performs pseudorange calculation and positioning calculation.

  In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the GPS antenna 45 and the GPS receiving unit 50 are described as separate functional units, but the GPS antenna may be considered as an integral GPS receiving unit as a partial function of the GPS receiving unit. Of course it is good.

  The ROM 60 is a read-only storage device, and stores a start control program 61 as an IPL program that is read by the CPU 10 and executed as a start control process (see FIG. 4).

  The activation control process is a process that is first executed when a power-on operation is performed from the operation unit 20. The CPU 10 determines a GPS satellite that satisfies a predetermined usable position condition after starting the activation process, This is a process for controlling the continuation / stop of the activation process by determining whether the activation is permitted or not based on the signal strength of the signal received from the GPS satellite.

  Specifically, the CPU 10 is located in the sky at the usable position of the PC 1 that has been set and registered in advance at the start time of the activation process, and is assumed to be observable from the usable position. The satellite is determined as an assumed visible satellite. Then, of the assumed visible satellites, an assumed visible satellite that is not at a low elevation angle is determined on the basis of the usable position, and activation permission is determined based on the signal intensity of the signal received from the assumed visible satellite. The activation control process will be described later in detail using a flowchart.

  The hard disk 70 is a storage device that reads and writes data using a magnetic head or the like, and stores programs, data, and the like for realizing various functions of the PC 1, similar to the ROM 60. In particular, the hard disk 70 stores satellite orbit data 71 and usable position data 73.

  The satellite orbit data 71 is data in which orbit information (hereinafter referred to as “satellite orbit information”) of each GPS satellite is stored, and is data corresponding to so-called almanac data and ephemeris data. The user needs to update (update) the satellite orbit information by causing the PC 1 to periodically access the server. Once updated, the user can use the satellite orbit information for a predetermined period.

  The usable position data 73 is data in which the usable position of the PC 1 is stored. For example, if the PC 1 is a desktop PC for home or office use, the position coordinates of the house or company are set and registered in advance, and if the PC 1 is a notebook PC, the PC 1 is mainly used. The position coordinates of the center position of the area (for example, a municipality) to be set are set and registered in advance. Further, the positioning position measured by the GPS receiving unit 50 may be set and registered.

  The RAM 80 is a readable / writable storage device, and forms a work area for temporarily storing a system program executed by the CPU 10, various processing programs, data being processed in various processing, processing results, and the like. In particular, the RAM 80 stores satellite sky position data 81 and signal intensity data 83.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the satellite sky position data 81. In the satellite sky position data 81, a satellite number 811 and an azimuth angle 813 and an elevation angle 815 that are the sky positions of the satellite with respect to the usable position of the PC 1 are stored in association with each other. The azimuth angle 813 is expressed, for example, as an angle where true north is “0 °” and clockwise is positive, and the elevation angle 815 is expressed as an angle where the horizon is “0 °” and the zenith is “90 °”. .

  In the activation control process, the CPU 10 calculates the azimuth angle 813 and the elevation angle 815 of each assumed visible satellite based on the usable position stored in the usable position data 73 as the sky position, and the number 811 of the assumed visible satellite. And is stored in the satellite sky position data 81.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the signal strength data 83. In the signal strength data 83, a satellite number 831 and a signal strength 833 of a signal received from the satellite are stored in association with each other.

  In the activation control process, the CPU 10 tries to receive a signal from each assumed visible satellite excluding the satellite having a low elevation angle, calculates the signal strength 833 of the received signal, and associates the signal strength with the number 831 of the assumed visible satellite. The data 83 is stored.

2. Process Flow FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of a start control process executed in the PC 1 when the start control program 61 stored in the ROM 60 is read and executed by the CPU 10.

  When it is detected that a power-on operation has been performed from the operation unit 20, the CPU 10 starts an activation process such as an operating system (OS) (step A1). Next, the CPU 10 calculates the current position of each GPS satellite (hereinafter referred to as “satellite current position”) based on the satellite orbit information stored in the satellite orbit data 71 of the hard disk 70 and the current time (step “satellite current position” hereinafter). A3).

  Thereafter, the CPU 10 performs an assumed visible satellite determination process based on the current satellite position calculated in step A3 and the available position stored in the available position data 73 of the hard disk 70 (step A5). Specifically, based on the positional relationship between the current position of each GPS satellite and the usable position, a GPS satellite that can be observed from the usable position (located in the sky of the usable position) is obtained, and the GPS satellite is determined. Judged as an assumed visible satellite.

  Then, the CPU 10 calculates the azimuth angle 813 and elevation angle 815 of each assumed visible satellite with respect to the usable position as a sky position (step A7), and associates it with the number 811 of the assumed visible satellite so as to correspond to the satellite sky in the RAM 80. The position data 81 is stored.

  Next, the CPU 10 determines a satellite having a low elevation angle in which the elevation angle 815 calculated in step A7 is less than “30 °” from all the assumed visible satellites, and determines from the remaining assumed visible satellites excluding the satellites having the low elevation angle. Attempt to receive a signal (step A9). The reason for excluding low elevation satellites is that it is generally difficult to receive signals from low elevation satellites. Note that “30 °”, which is a threshold value for the low elevation angle, is a value determined by design and can be changed as appropriate.

  Thereafter, the CPU 10 calculates the signal strength 833 of the received signal for each assumed visible satellite for which signal reception was attempted in step A9 (step A11), and associates it with the number 831 of the assumed visible satellite so as to match the signal strength data in the RAM 80. 83. However, the signal intensity 833 is set to “0” for the assumed visible satellite that could not receive the signal.

  Next, the CPU 10 determines whether the activation of the PC 1 is permitted by determining whether or not there is one or more assumed visible satellites in which the signal intensity 833 calculated in step A11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold intensity (step A13). The threshold strength in this case is set based on the signal strength when the signal is received from the visible satellite in an environment where the PC 1 is located outdoors (hereinafter referred to as “outdoor environment”), It can be set based on the signal intensity when a signal is received from a visible satellite in an environment located indoors (hereinafter referred to as “indoor environment”).

  In Step A13, when it is determined that there is one or more assumed visible satellites whose signal intensity 833 is equal to or higher than the threshold intensity (Step A13; Yes), the CPU 10 continues the activation process started in Step A1 as it is. (Step A15), the activation control process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step A13 that there is no assumed visible satellite whose signal intensity 833 is equal to or greater than the threshold intensity (step A13; No), the CPU 10 performs a predetermined authentication process according to the user operation (step A13). A17). The authentication process is performed based on known authentication techniques such as password authentication and fingerprint authentication.

  If the authentication process is successful (step A19; Yes), the CPU 10 shifts the process to step A15. If the authentication process fails (step A19; No), the activation process is stopped and the PC 1 After performing the power-off process for turning off the power (step A21), the activation control process is terminated.

3. According to the present embodiment, when a power-on operation of the PC 1 is detected, a GPS satellite that satisfies a predetermined usable position condition is determined based on the orbit information of the GPS satellite and the current time. Specifically, a GPS satellite positioned in the sky at a preset usable position of the PC 1 is determined as an assumed visible satellite, and an assumed visible satellite that is not at a low elevation angle is determined based on the usable position. Then, based on the number of assumed visible satellites (number of GPS satellite signals) whose signal intensity satisfies a predetermined intensity among the GPS satellite signals received from the assumed visible satellite, whether to start the PC 1 is determined. Whether to stop the activation is controlled according to the result.

  By determining whether or not to activate the PC 1 based on the signal strength of the GPS satellite signal transmitted from the assumed visible satellite without measuring the current position of the PC 1, the activation control of the PC 1 can be performed quickly. In addition, when there is no assumed visible satellite (GPS satellite signal) whose signal strength satisfies a predetermined strength condition, it is determined that the activation is not permitted, so that the position is not set at a preset usable position. Use of PC1 can be restricted appropriately.

  In the present embodiment, when it is determined that the activation is not permitted, a predetermined authentication process is performed according to the user operation. If the activation permission is determined, the activation is not stopped. Even if it is determined that the activation is not permitted, if the authentication process is successful, the activation is not stopped, and the authentication process has failed. In this case, start / stop is performed. Therefore, even if it is determined that the activation of the PC 1 is mistakenly disallowed, the activation is continued if it is authenticated as an authorized user by the authentication process.

4). Modified example 4-1. The present invention can be applied to electronic devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, projectors, and printers in addition to personal computers.

4-2. Satellite positioning system In the above-described embodiment, the GPS has been described as an example of the satellite positioning system. The same applies to other satellite positioning systems.

4-3. Usable position condition In the above-described embodiment, a GPS satellite that is located in the sky of the usable position and that is not at a low elevation angle with the usable position as a reference is described as a satellite that satisfies the usable position condition. The usable position condition can be changed as appropriate. For example, if the satellite is located in the sky at the usable position, it may be determined that the satellite satisfies the usable position condition regardless of the elevation angle, and the azimuth angle based on the usable position is within a predetermined azimuth angle range. May be determined as satellites that satisfy the usable position condition.

4-4. In the above-described embodiment, the activation permission is determined when the number of assumed visible satellites (GPS satellite signals) satisfying a predetermined intensity condition is 1 or more in the determination of the activation permission (continuation). However, the number may be two or more, or another determination method may be used.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second activation control process in this case. Note that the same steps as those in the activation control process of FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will focus on the parts different from the activation control process of FIG.

  In the second activation control process, after calculating the signal strength of the received signal for each assumed visible satellite in step A11, the CPU 10 determines whether there are three or more assumed visible satellites whose signal strength is equal to or higher than the first threshold strength. It is determined whether or not (step A1). The first threshold intensity in this case is set based on, for example, the signal intensity when a signal is received from a visible satellite in an indoor environment.

  If the number of assumed visible satellites whose signal intensity is equal to or higher than the first threshold intensity is less than three (step B1; No), the CPU 10 shifts the processing to the authentication process of step A17, and three When it is above (step B1; Yes), it is determined whether or not there are two or more assumed visible satellites whose signal intensity is equal to or higher than the second threshold intensity (step B3).

  However, a value larger than the first threshold strength is set as the second threshold strength. For example, it is set based on the signal strength when the PC 1 receives a signal from a visible satellite in an outdoor environment. Therefore, in step B3, the determination is made with stricter conditions for the signal intensity and the number of assumed visible satellites (number of GPS satellite signals) than in step B1.

  When there are two or more assumed visible satellites whose signal intensity is equal to or higher than the second threshold intensity (step B3; Yes), the CPU 10 continues the activation process started in step A1 (step A15). If the number is less than two (step B3; No), the process proceeds to the authentication process of step A17.

  In this way, by determining whether the activation is permitted or not by double determination, it is possible to more strictly determine whether the PC 1 is being used in an appropriate location, and to enhance security against unauthorized use. Can do.

  In addition, it may be determined whether the activation is permitted based on only the availability of the GPS satellite signal transmitted from the assumed visible satellite, or the activation permission may be determined using both the availability of reception and the signal strength. A determination may be made.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the third activation control process in this case. The third activation control process is a process for determining whether activation is permitted or not based on whether or not the GPS satellite signal can be received and the signal strength. Note that the same steps as those in the activation control process of FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will focus on the parts different from the activation control process of FIG.

  In the third activation control process, after trying to receive signals from the remaining assumed visible satellites other than the low elevation satellites in step A9, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the signals from all the assumed visible satellites have been successfully received. Is determined (step C1).

  If it is determined that the signals have been successfully received from all the assumed visible satellites (step C1; Yes), the CPU 10 proceeds to step A11 to calculate the signal intensity and fails to receive the signals. If even one exists (step C1; No), the process proceeds to step A17 to perform authentication processing.

4-5. Notification of Unauthorized Use Before turning off the power of the PC 1, the current position of the PC 1 may be measured and the positioning result may be transmitted to a server or the like.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the PC management system 3 in this case.
The PC management system 3 is a network system in which a plurality of PCs 1 are connected to a PC management server 2 via a network N.

  For example, the PC 1 performs the fourth activation control process according to the fourth activation control program, and transmits the own machine ID, the current date and time, and the positioning result to the PC management server 2 as unauthorized use warning information before performing the power-off process. .

  The PC management server 2 is a management server having a database storing personal information such as the mail address of the owner of each PC 1, and is realized by a known server device or server system. When the PC management server 2 receives the unauthorized use warning information from the PC 1, the PC management server 2 sends an email with the warning information attached to the portable telephone of the owner of the PC 1, for example. To the person. Note that the administrator of the PC management server 2 may report to the owner of the PC 1 that the unauthorized use has been made by using means such as telephone or FAX.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the fourth activation control process. Note that the same steps as those in the activation control process of FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will focus on the parts different from the activation control process of FIG.

  In the fourth activation control process, when the authentication process fails in step A17 (step A19; No), the CPU 10 performs a positioning process to determine the current position of the own device (step D1). Specifically, trying to receive a signal from a GPS satellite that can receive the current GPS satellite signal, based on the reception time of the received signal and the transmission time from the GPS satellite, and the satellite current position calculated in step A3, The GPS receiving unit 50 is caused to perform a positioning calculation. And the positioning result by positioning calculation is taken in from the GPS receiving part 50. FIG.

  In this case, the current satellite position has already been calculated based on the satellite orbit information stored in the satellite orbit data 71, and positioning calculation can be performed using the current satellite position. The positioning does not take a long time as in the case of a cold start.

  After performing the positioning process (step D1), the CPU 10 transmits its own ID, the current date and time, and the positioning result as unauthorized use warning information to the PC management server 2 (step D3), and then performs the power-off process. (Step A21).

  As a result, for example, when the PC 1 is stolen, not only the use thereof is restricted, but also information such as the positioning result of the PC 1 is transmitted to the PC management server 2. It can be used for identification. Of course, the processes of steps D1 and D3 may be performed between the processes of steps A19 and A21 of the second activation control process and the third activation control process.

4-6. Start Control Device In the above-described embodiment, the CPU 10 of the PC 1 has been described as performing the start control by software. However, the start control device for performing the start control of the electronic device is built in as a separate body, and is performed by hardware. You may decide.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic appearance of a notebook PC 5 which is a kind of electronic apparatus. The notebook PC 5 incorporates an activation control device 100, and is configured to operate in conjunction with the power supply circuit of the notebook PC 5. The activation control device 100 starts executing the activation control process in conjunction with the power-on operation from the operation unit 20 of the notebook PC 5.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the activation control device 100.
The activation device 100 includes a processor 110, an I / F unit 120, a communication unit 140, a GPS reception unit 150, and a memory 160.

  The processor 110 is a processor that comprehensively controls each unit of the activation control device 100, and this function is realized by a CPU, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like.

  The I / F unit 120 is an interface unit that inputs and outputs signals to and from the operation unit 20 and the display unit 30 of the notebook PC 5.

  The communication unit 140 is a communication device that performs wireless communication in accordance with a communication standard of PHS (Personal Handyphone System) or a portable phone, and has a function of performing data communication with a predetermined server, for example.

  The GPS receiver 150 is a positioning device that measures the current position of the activation control device 100 (notebook PC 5) based on a GPS satellite signal received from a GPS satellite.

  The memory 160 is a readable / writable storage device, and includes a flash ROM or the like. The processor 110 performs activation control of the notebook PC 5 according to the activation control program stored in the memory 160.

  According to such a configuration, it is not necessary to store a program and data related to activation control in the storage device of the electronic device, and it is possible to simplify activation control of the electronic device simply by incorporating the activation control device as a module in the electronic device. Can be realized.

The block diagram which shows the function structure of PC. The figure which shows the data structural example of satellite sky position data. The figure which shows the data structural example of signal strength data. The flowchart which shows the flow of a starting control process. The flowchart which shows the flow of a 2nd starting control process. The flowchart which shows the flow of a 3rd starting control process. The figure which shows schematic structure of PC management system. The flowchart which shows the flow of a 4th starting control process. 1 is a schematic external view of a notebook computer with a built-in activation control device. The block diagram which shows the function structure of a starting control apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1 PC, 3 PC management server, 10 CPU, 20 operation unit, 30 display unit, 40 communication unit, 45 GPS antenna, 50 GPS reception unit, 60 ROM, 70 hard disk, 80 RAM, 90 bus, 100 start control device, 110 Processor, 120 I / F unit, 140 communication unit, 150 GPS receiving unit, 160 memory

Claims (14)

A detection step for detecting a power-on operation by a user;
A satellite determination step of determining a positioning satellite that satisfies a predetermined usable position condition based on the satellite orbit information of the positioning satellite and the current time according to the detection;
An activation permission determination step for determining permission of activation based on whether or not the satellite signal transmitted from the determined positioning satellite is received and / or the signal strength of the received satellite signal;
A start control step for controlling whether to stop or start according to the determination result in the start permission determination step;
A startup control method for an electronic device including   In the satellite determination step, a positioning satellite that is located in the sky at a usable position set in advance as a usable position and satisfies a predetermined elevation angle based on the usable position can be used as the predetermined usable position. The electronic apparatus activation control method according to claim 1, wherein the electronic apparatus activation control method is a step of determining as a positioning satellite satisfying a position condition.   In the activation permission determination step, whether or not the signal strength of the satellite signal received from the positioning satellite determined in the satellite determination step satisfies a predetermined strength condition, or the satellite signal satisfying the predetermined strength condition The electronic device activation control method according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device activation control method is a step of determining whether the activation is permitted or not based on the number.   In the activation permission determination step, the number of satellite signals satisfying a predetermined intensity condition among the satellite signals received from the positioning satellites determined in the satellite determination step is N or more, and the predetermined intensity condition 3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a step of determining whether to permit activation based on whether or not the number of satellite signals satisfying an intensity condition with stronger signal intensity is M (M <N) or more. Start control method. An authentication process execution control step for executing a predetermined authentication process for performing authentication in accordance with a user operation when activation is determined not to be permitted in the activation permission determination step;
The activation control step is executed in the authentication process execution control step even when it is determined that the activation is not permitted, and the activation is not stopped when it is determined that the activation is permitted in the activation permission determination step. This is a step that does not stop when the authentication process is successful, and stops when the authentication process fails.
The start-up control method of the electronic device as described in any one of Claims 1-4. A positioning step of positioning the current position of the aircraft based on the satellite signal transmitted from the positioning satellite;
A positioning result transmission control step of transmitting the result of positioning in the positioning step to a predetermined server;
Further including
The activation control step is a step of performing activation stop control after execution of the positioning step and the positioning result transmission control step when performing activation stop.
The start control method of the electronic device as described in any one of Claims 1-5.   The program for making the said computer of the electronic device which comprises a computer perform the starting control method of the electronic device as described in any one of Claims 1-6. A detection unit for detecting a power-on operation;
A satellite determination unit that determines a positioning satellite that satisfies a predetermined usable position condition based on satellite orbit information of the positioning satellite and the current time according to a power-on operation by the detection unit;
An activation permission determination unit that determines whether or not activation is possible based on whether or not the satellite signal transmitted from the positioning satellite determined by the satellite determination unit is received and / or the signal strength of the received satellite signal;
A start control unit for controlling whether to stop or start according to the determination result of the start permission determination unit;
A startup control device comprising:   The satellite determination unit can use a positioning satellite that is located in the sky at a usable position set as a usable position in advance and satisfies a predetermined elevation angle with reference to the usable position. The activation control device according to claim 8, wherein the activation control device is determined as a positioning satellite that satisfies a position condition.   The activation permission determination unit determines whether or not the signal strength of the satellite signal received from the positioning satellite determined by the satellite determination unit satisfies a predetermined strength condition, or of the satellite signal that satisfies the predetermined strength condition The activation control device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein whether or not activation is permitted is determined based on the number.   The activation permission determination unit includes a satellite signal received from the positioning satellite determined by the satellite determination unit, the number of satellite signals satisfying a predetermined intensity condition is N or more, and the predetermined intensity condition The activation control device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein whether or not activation is permitted is determined based on whether or not the number of satellite signals satisfying an intensity condition with a stronger signal intensity is M (M <N) or more. An authentication process execution control unit that executes a predetermined authentication process for performing authentication according to a user operation when the activation permission determination unit determines that activation is not permitted;
The activation control unit does not stop activation when the activation permission determination unit determines that the activation is permitted, and is executed by the authentication process execution control unit even when it is determined not to be permitted. When the authentication process is successful, it is not stopped and when the authentication process is failed, it is stopped.
The start-up control device according to any one of claims 8 to 11. A positioning unit for positioning the current position of the aircraft based on the satellite signal transmitted from the positioning satellite;
A positioning result transmission control unit for transmitting a result of positioning by the positioning unit to a predetermined server;
With
The activation control unit, when performing activation / deactivation, controls the activation / deactivation later by causing the positioning unit and the positioning result transmission control unit to function.
The start-up control device according to any one of claims 8 to 12.   An electronic apparatus comprising the activation control device according to any one of claims 8 to 13.

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