JP3641934B2 - Electronics - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention restricts a part of function selection display and function execution of an electronic device having a display device such as an imaging device, an information device (or information terminal), or a television device depending on time or place conditions. The present invention relates to a function restriction technology to be performed and a function restriction release technique that enables execution of restricted selection display and functions.
[0002]
[Prior art]
An imaging device such as a digital camera, an information device such as a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer), or an information terminal such as a mobile phone or a mobile device is provided in such a device in order to facilitate user function selection and operation. On the monitor screen of the display device, a function selection menu, a function selection icon, and the like for selecting functions provided in those devices are displayed.
In addition, guidance displays such as graphic display and channel display for volume adjustment, brightness, and color adjustment on a television device or the like are provided.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Some of the devices provided with the display device as described above include a function that cannot be used at the present time (cannot be executed) and can be used in the near future. In such a case, conventionally, all functions incorporated in the device have been displayed as a function selection menu.
However, in the method that displays all the built-in functions as a function selection menu, even if the catalog or instruction manual has an explanation such as `` Can be used from what month '' or `` Can not be used until what month '', There has been a problem that the user often selects a function that cannot be used at the present time and activates the function.
In addition, there are cases where the owner inadvertently uses the mobile phone in places where restrictions on the use of the mobile phone are desirable, such as hospitals, theaters, laboratories, etc., or the reception function works while the switch is turned on.
[0004]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and functions (for example, a menu display function and a communication function) provided in an electronic device are limited by time or place conditions, and vice versa. The purpose is to provide an electronic device that can lift the restriction.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the electronic device of the first invention isSelf-position acquisition means for acquiring self-position, storage means for storing position data and location data in association with each other, self-position acquired by the self-position acquisition means, and position data stored in the storage means; As a result of comparison by the first comparison means for comparing the first and second comparison means, the corresponding position data is stored in association with each other.Location data acquisition means for acquiring location data, information registration means for registering function data and location data of an electronic device in association with each other, location data acquired by the location data acquisition means, and information registration means Compare with location dataSecondComparison means and thisSecondControl means for prohibiting or permitting the execution of the function related to the function data registered in the information registering means in association with the matching location data as a result of comparison by the comparing means.
  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device comprising: a self-position obtaining unit that obtains a self-position; a storage unit that associates and stores position data and location data; and a self-position obtained by the self-position obtaining unit. A place where the first comparison means for comparing the position data stored in the storage means and the place data stored in association with the position data matched as a result of comparison by the first comparison means Data acquisition means, information registration means for registering function data and location data of an electronic device in association with each other, comparison of location data acquired by the location data acquisition means and location data registered in the information registration means The second comparison means, the display means for displaying the function menu of the electronic device, and the information in association with the location data matched as a result of comparison by the second comparison means. And a control unit that executes a menu display prohibition, a menu display method change, or a menu display permission for the function data registered in the registration unit.
[0006]
  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the first or second aspect, the information registration unit registers a plurality of sets of function data and location data associated with the electronic device, and the second comparison unit. Is characterized by sequentially comparing the location data acquired by the location data acquisition means and a plurality of location data registered in the information registration means.
  According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the electronic device according to any one of the first to third aspects of the invention, the information registration unit is a recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electronic device.
  According to a fifth invention, in any one of the electronic devices according to the first to fourth inventions,  The electronic device is a mobile phone, and the information registration unit registers function data and location data related to the mobile phone in association with each other.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an electronic device to which the present invention can be applied. The electronic device 100 includes a control unit 10, a comparison data generation unit 15, a condition table registration unit 18, an operation unit 20, a data input unit 30, An internal memory 40 and a display unit 50 are provided. Further, a recording unit 60 for writing / reading data to / from a removable memory such as a flash memory or a magnetic disk may be provided as a data recording memory, and an output unit 70 such as a printer for outputting processing results or an external unit. An input / output interface 80 for exchanging data with the apparatus may be provided. Although not shown, a circuit and / or a program for performing a specific process depending on the type of electronic device 100 is provided.
[0014]
The control unit 10 includes a processor including a CPU and a ROM. The control unit 10 controls the operation of the entire electronic device 100 based on a control program stored in the ROM, and the application unit stored in the ROM or the recording unit 60. Controls operations and processes specific to electronic devices.
[0015]
The comparison data generation unit 15 generates comparison data for comparison with restriction condition information of each function described later. When the restriction condition is a time element such as a time limit, a timer (clock) corresponds to the comparison data generation unit 15.
[0016]
Further, when the condition is a position condition (geographic coordinates), the position detection device corresponds. As the position detecting device, a GPS device that receives radio waves from a US military satellite GPS (General Pupouse Satellite) and calculates the current position from the earth coordinates can be used. Further, a navigation device that calculates a current position from a moving distance (speed × time) and a direction (angular acceleration) used in a part of the car navigation system may be used as a position detection device.
[0017]
The condition table registration unit 18 includes a nonvolatile memory, and stores a condition table 90 as shown in FIG. When the recording unit 60 is provided, the condition table 90 may be stored in the recording unit 60 without providing the condition table registration unit 18.
[0018]
The operation unit 20 includes a power input switch, a cursor movement button (a channel selection button in the case of a television), a function selection button, a keyboard, and the like, and is specific to the electronic device 100 with respect to the control unit 10 by a user operation. A command (instruction signal) for performing the processing operation is transmitted. In addition, the user selects a function selection menu, an icon, or the like displayed on the display unit 50 using a cursor movement button or the like of the operation unit 20 and sends the selected menu number to the control unit 10. Note that a pointing device such as an input pen or a mouse may be provided as one element of the operation unit 20 so that the user can select a menu or an icon using the pointing device. Moreover, you may make it provide a remote control apparatus (remote operation apparatus) as a 2nd operation part like a television.
[0019]
The data input unit 30 includes a data input system for inputting data to the electronic device 100. For example, when the electronic device 100 is an imaging device, an imaging unit including an optical system that obtains an optical image of a subject and a signal conversion unit that obtains an image signal by converting the optical image into an electrical signal corresponds to the data input unit. When the electronic device is a mobile phone, an antenna, a reception processing unit, a telephone number input keyboard, and the like correspond to the electronic device. When the electronic device is a television receiver, an antenna, a reception processing circuit, and a channel instruction unit correspond to the electronic device.
[0020]
The internal memory 40 includes a RAM, stores a control program read from the ROM when the electronic device 100 is started up, and is read from the ROM or the recording unit 60 based on an instruction signal from the control program or the operation unit 30. Temporarily store the corresponding application program.
[0021]
The display unit 50 includes a display device such as a CRT or LCD (liquid crystal display), and displays data and processing results including characters, symbols, figures, images, etc. on the screen, and also allows the user to select and operate functions of the electronic device. In order to facilitate this, a function selection menu, a function selection icon, or the like can be displayed on the screen.
[0022]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a condition table. The condition table 90 includes a function column 91, a condition column 92 that stores information on restriction conditions (restriction release conditions or restriction start conditions) for each function, and whether a condition is established / not established. It consists of a flag field 93 for writing a flag (code) to be shown. In the example of FIG. 2, functions 1, 2 and n are written with flag “2” (= condition is satisfied), and functions 3 and 4 are written with flag “0” (= condition is not satisfied). The flag column 93 is not necessarily provided (FIG. 11).
[0023]
In the function column 91, an address of a switch constant that determines the flow of whether to execute a function execution program (application program) that realizes a function or to limit its execution, or an entry point of an execution program (usually an execution program or an execution program) (The first address of the routine) is stored.
It should be noted that the function program itself for realizing the function may be stored in the function column 91.
[0024]
The condition table 90 may register one type (for example, only one of the function restriction release condition table and the function restriction start condition table) in the electronic device 100. Depending on the situation, a plurality (for example, two function restriction release condition tables and one function restriction start condition table) may be provided.
Further, the condition table may be shared by including the restriction release condition and the restriction start condition in the restriction condition information without providing the function restriction release condition table and the function restriction start condition table separately.
[0025]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a means (program) for executing function restriction release and function restriction start of the electronic device of the present invention, (a) is a configuration example of the function restriction release means 110, and (b) is a configuration example. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a restriction start unit 120. FIG.
The function restriction release unit 110 includes a comparison data acquisition unit 111, a condition comparison unit 112, and a restriction release unit 113.
[0026]
In FIG. 3A, the comparison data acquisition unit 111 acquires the comparison data from the comparison data generation unit 15 and converts it into a format that can be compared with the conditions registered in the condition table 90.
The condition comparison unit 112 searches the flag column 93 of the condition table 90. If there is a function whose flag is a specific value (for example, “0”), each condition in the condition column 92 and the comparison data acquisition unit 111 For a function that satisfies the condition by sequentially comparing the output comparison data, another specific value (for example, “1”) is written in the flag column 93, and a flag “0” is written in the flag column 93 for a function that does not satisfy the condition. Write '.
[0027]
After the comparison operation by the condition comparison unit 112 is performed for all the functions registered in the condition table 90, the restriction release unit 113 sequentially checks the flags in the condition table 90, and if there is a function whose flag is “1”. To switch to the program that executes the function or change the processing of the function execution program to the normal mode, change the switch constant (switch switching constant (FIG. 6)) of the program to the normal mode. Then, the flag is rewritten to a specific value (for example, “2”) meaning release of the function restriction.
If the flag is '0', change the switch constant of the program to the restricted mode so as not to branch to the program that executes the function or to change the processing of the function executing program to the restricted mode. To do.
[0028]
In FIG. 3B, the function restriction start unit 120 includes a comparison data acquisition unit 121, a condition comparison unit 122, and a restriction start unit 123. Note that the function and operation of the comparison data acquisition unit 121 are the same as those of the comparison data acquisition unit 111 in FIG.
The condition comparison unit 122 searches the condition column 92 of the condition table 90, and sequentially compares the condition in each condition column with the data output from the comparison data generation unit 15.
The restriction start means 123 is based on the result of the condition comparison by the condition comparison means 122.
Change the program constant (such as a switch change comparison constant) so that the program does not branch to the program that executes the function or change the processing of the function execution program to the normal mode, and then set the flag to 0 Rewrite to '.
[0029]
<Example 1> Time limit display of function selection menu and release of function restriction
In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a digital camera.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a digital camera. The digital camera 100 ′ includes a control unit 10 ′, a timer (clock) 15 ′ corresponding to a comparison data generation unit, an operation unit 20 ′, an optical system 31 ′, and An imaging unit 30 ′ including a signal conversion unit 32 ′, a signal processing unit 35 ′, a DRAM 40 ′, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 50 ′, a flash memory 60 ′, and an input / output (I / O) interface 70 ′ are provided. In this example, the condition table 90 'is stored in the flash memory 60'.
[0030]
In FIG. 4, the control unit 10 ′ has a microprocessor configuration including a CPU, a ROM, and the like. The CPU is connected to the above-described circuits and a power supply switch (not shown) via a bus line, and is connected to the ROM. The entire digital camera 100 ′ is controlled by the stored control program, and the execution control of the program stored in the ROM or the flash memory 60 ′ is performed in response to the status signal from the operation unit 20 ′. Each processing function of 100 'is realized.
The operation unit 20 ′ includes a process mode switching switch, a function selection button, a switch such as a shutter button, a button (not shown), and the like. When these switches or buttons are operated, a status signal is sent to the control unit 10 ′. Sent out.
The imaging unit 30 'converts the subject light image obtained by the optical system 31' into an electric signal by the signal conversion unit 32 ', and further converts it into an image signal (digital data).
The signal processing unit 35 ′ processes the A / D conversion output from the imaging unit 30 ′ to generate image data and transfer it to the DRAM 40 ′, or the image data written in the DRAM 40 ′ at the time of recording and storage. The data is read and subjected to JPEG compression processing and recorded in the flash memory 60 ′, and the data stored and recorded in 60 ′ at the time of reproduction is decompressed to reproduce the image data.
The liquid crystal display 50 ′ displays a function selection menu, icons, and the like in addition to a subject image display at the time of imaging and a playback image display at the time of playback.
The flash memory 60 'records the compressed image data from the signal processing unit 35' and stores a condition table 90 '.
[0031]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the condition table of the digital camera 100 ′. In the function column 91 ′ of the condition table 90 ′, a menu for selection or an icon for displaying each function of the menu display program is displayed. An address of a switch constant (FIG. 6) for determining whether or not is stored. In the time limit column 92 ', a time limit for starting the function execution, that is, a time limit as a function restriction release condition is registered. Further, “2” is written in the flag field 93 ′ when the function restriction has been released (= current date ≧ deadline), and “0” is written when the restriction is being restricted (= deadline has not yet arrived). It is rare.
In the example of FIG. 5, “zoom”, “continuous shooting”, “panorama”,..., “Print” are shown as typical examples of functions. In this example, the current date is April 1, 1998. Accordingly, since “Zoom”, “Burst”, and “Panorama” have already expired, the function restriction has been released and the flag is “2”. On the other hand, the function restriction release deadline of “Print” is June 1, 1998, and the flag is “0” because the deadline has not yet come.
[0032]
6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams showing examples of switch constants. FIG. 6A shows an example of the switch constant setting state at the present time, and FIG. 6B shows an example of the switch constant setting state after June 1, 1998.
The switch constant is a switching constant that changes the flow of processing of the program, and the program or the execution routine in the program is configured to change the flow of processing by itself depending on the value of the switch constant. Each switch constant may be configured by 1 bit and stored in a register, or may be configured by 1 byte and incorporated in the program itself.
In this embodiment, the switch constant is set so as not to display a menu (or icon) having a selection guide display program for displaying a function selection guide (FIG. 7A) or to change the display method (FIG. 7). (A ′)). In addition, since the execution program corresponding to the menu (or icon) whose function is limited is not yet incorporated, it is used as a switching constant for changing the processing flow of the selection guide program so as to bypass the transition so as not to make a transition.
In the example of FIG. 6, the switch constant = 0 means the limit mode. When the switch constant is this value, the menu (or icon) is not displayed, and the flow of processing is changed so as not to make a transition to an unusable function execution program.
The switch constant = 1 means a normal (restriction release) mode. When the switch constant is this value, the selection menu (or icon) is displayed, and when the function is selected, the processing flow is changed so that the corresponding function execution program is transitioned to.
[0033]
In FIG. 6A, “zoom”, “continuous shooting”, “panorama”,... Switch constant = 1, and “print” has a switch constant = 0. A menu for selecting “Copy” and “Panorama” is displayed, and a menu for selecting “Print” is not displayed (FIG. 7A). Therefore, “zoom”, “continuous shooting”, “panorama”,... Transitions to the execution program but does not transition to the “print” execution program that is not incorporated, and the guide selection program does not run away. In addition, even when the menu of the function that has not been incorporated as shown in FIG. 7A is displayed by changing the display method, even if the user accidentally points (selects) the selection menu (or icon). It does not branch to the function execution program.
[0034]
FIG. 7 is a display example showing an example of the selection guide displayed on the liquid crystal display 50 ′. For the sake of explanation, it is assumed that a circle means an icon and a character in the circle means a function.
In FIG. 7, (a) shows an example in which the print function which is not yet available as of April 1, 1998 but is scheduled to be available on June 1, 1988 is not displayed as a selection guide. Selection icons such as “zoom”, “continuous shooting”, and “panorama” that can be selected as of the day are shown.
[0035]
(B) shows a selection guide displayed after June 1, 1998. When the digital camera 100 ′ is activated after June 1, 1998, a selection guide including an icon for selecting “print” is displayed. Indicated.
Although (a ′) is not yet incorporated as of April 1, 1998, the print function scheduled to be incorporated on June 1, 1998 is also displayed as a selection guide. The example is displayed in distinction from the guide. The icons for selection such as “zoom”, “continuous shooting”, “panorama”, etc. that can be selected as of April 1, 1998 are clearly indicated, and “print” is selected. The icons are displayed with reduced brightness.
[0036]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the function restriction release unit 110 ′ that performs the function restriction release of the digital camera 100 ′.
The function restriction release unit 110 'includes a date data acquisition unit 111, a time limit comparison unit 112', and a restriction release unit 113 '.
The date acquisition unit 111 'receives the time signal from the timer 15' and obtains date data. The date acquisition unit 111 'corresponds to a calendar generation unit. A well-known calendar generation program can be used as the calendar generation means. The calendar generation program can be stored in the ROM.
The due date comparing means 112 ′ searches the flag column 93 ′ of the condition table 90 ′, and when the flag has a function of “0”, each due date in the due date column 92 ′ and the date output from the date data obtaining means 111 ′. (Year / Month / Day) are sequentially compared, and “1” is written in the flag column 93 ′ for functions whose deadline has passed.
After the condition comparison operation by the condition comparison unit 112 ′ is performed for all the functions registered in the condition table 90 ′, the restriction release unit 113 ′ sequentially checks the flags in the condition table 90 ′, and the flag is “1”. When there is a function, an execution routine for displaying the icon for selecting the function of the selection guide display program provided in the digital camera 100 ′ and a routine for transitioning to the function execution program when the function is selected Set the switch constant to “1” and then rewrite the flag to “2”.
[0037]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the control unit at the time of releasing the function restriction based on the function restriction releasing unit 110 '.
When the digital camera 100 'is activated, the control unit receives a time signal from the timer 15' and obtains the date by the date acquisition unit 111 '(S1).
Next, the flag column 93 'of the condition table 90' is searched (S2). If the flag is "0", the process proceeds to S4. If not, the process returns to S2 to check the flag (S3). In the example of FIG. 5, the “zoom”, “continuous shooting”, “panorama” shooting functions, etc. are sequentially advanced because the flag is “2”.
When the flag is “0”, the acquired date is compared with the time limit registered in the time limit column 92 of the function. When the date <the time limit, the process proceeds to S6 (S4), and the date ≧ the time limit is satisfied. In this case, “1” is written in the flag column 93 ′ (S5). In the example of FIG. 5, the expiration date of the “print” function whose flag is “0” is compared with the current date, and the flag is set to “1” when the current date exceeds the expiration date.
[0038]
The above steps S2 to S5 are repeated until the search for the function registered in the condition table 90 'is completed. When the search is completed, the process proceeds to S7 (S6).
The condition table is searched again (S7). If the flag is "1", the process proceeds to S9. If not, the process returns to S7 to check the flag (S8).
When the flag is “1”, the function selection guide is displayed on the liquid crystal display, and when the menu (or icon) is selected, the switch constant of the function guide selection program for transitioning to the selected function execution program is set. While switching to 1 (FIG. 6B), the flag is rewritten to “2” (S9).
The above steps S7 to S9 are repeated until the search for the flag registered in the condition table 90 'is completed, and if the search is completed, the process proceeds to S11 (S10).
When the flag is “2”, a function selection guide is displayed to prompt the user to select (FIG. 7) (S11), and the user moves the cursor onto a desired icon by operating the cursor key (or mouse). If a function is selected by a method such as making a determination operation or touching an icon with a touch pen (S12), the function execution program is started and execution is started (S13).
[0039]
In the first embodiment, the example of releasing the restriction on the function of the digital camera has been described. However, when the present invention is applied to a television receiver, as an example, even when the channel assignment of the cable television is determined, the opening of the station is later. The function is restricted so that the channel cannot be used before the expiration date (the channel selection menu is not displayed), and the channel can be automatically used after the expiration date (the channel selection menu is displayed). be able to.
In addition, when the present invention is applied to a personal computer, it is possible to restrict the function so that a program on the Internet homepage cannot be downloaded before the expiration date, and to automatically download the program after the expiration date.
Also, if there is a function that is planned to be incorporated in an electronic device but is not yet incorporated, register the incorporation time, and send data (including programs) by wire or wireless before the expiration date. It is possible to execute the function by incorporating the function by a method or the like and execute the function after the expiration date.
In the above embodiment, an example of canceling the function restriction has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a case where a function restriction is started that permits display of a menu or execution of a function until a certain time limit and prohibits the function after the time limit. .
In the above embodiment, the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 is executed only at the time of startup. However, the process may be executed at predetermined time intervals while the power is on.
[0040]
<Example 2> Location restrictions on functions
In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a mobile phone.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a mobile phone. The mobile phone 100 ″ is a control unit 10 ″, a GPS device 15 ″ corresponding to a comparison data generation unit, a geographic dictionary 16 ″, an operation unit 20 ″, and a RAM 40 ″. , Receiving unit 31 ″ and receiving unit 32 ″ as receiving processing system 30 ″, transmitting processing unit 35 ″ including transmitting unit 36 ″ and transmitting unit 37 ″, RAM 40 ″, liquid crystal display 50 ″, flash memory 60 ″ and input / output (I / O) interface (LCD) 70 "is provided. In this example, the condition table 90 ″ is stored in the flash memory 60 ″.
[0041]
In FIG. 10, the control unit 10 ″ has a microprocessor configuration including a CPU, a ROM, and the like. The CPU is connected to the above-described circuits and a power supply switch (not shown) via a bus line, and is connected to the ROM. The entire control and communication control of the cellular phone 100 "are performed by the stored control program and communication control program, and the program stored in the ROM or flash memory 60" is executed in response to the status signal from the operation unit 20 ". Control is performed to realize each processing function of the mobile phone 100 ″.
[0042]
The GPS device 15 ″ receives a radio wave from the GPS and obtains the current position (earth coordinates) of the mobile phone. The geographic dictionary 16 ″ includes a code that associates the coordinates of the location where the function is restricted and the type thereof.
The operation unit 20 ″ includes switches and buttons (not shown) such as a processing mode switching switch, a function selection button, a telephone number input button, and the like, and when these switches or buttons are operated, a status signal is transmitted to the control unit 10. ".
The reception system 30 ″ processes the received radio wave from the base station by the reception unit 31 ″ and converts it into an audio signal, which is output from the reception unit 32 ″ including a speaker. The transmission system 35 ″ is a transmission unit including a microphone. The voice signal output from the speech unit 36 "is signal-processed by the transmission unit 37" and transmitted to the base station.
The liquid crystal display 50 ″ displays an icon indicating a reception state, an input telephone number, contents of function settings, and the like.
In addition to setting data such as a password and a shortened dial code, a condition table 90 ″ is registered in the flash memory 60 ″.
[0043]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the condition table 90 ″ of the mobile phone 100 ″. The condition table 90 ″ includes a restricted function column 91 ″ and a restricted location column 92 ″.
The restricted function column 91 ″ stores the address of the switch constant of the execution program restricted by the condition (location) in the restricted location column 92 ″. In the restricted place column 92 ″, a place condition for prohibiting (restricting) the function execution, that is, a place as a function restricting condition is coded and registered.
In the example of FIG. 11, as representative examples of prohibited places, restricted places (or facilities, etc.) such as “airport”, “airplane”, “hospital”, “theater”, “school”, “laboratory”,. ) Code is registered. In addition, the restriction function covers the entire transmission / reception function (that is, a function involving radio wave transmission).
[0044]
FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the function restriction unit 120 ″ that performs the function restriction of the mobile phone 100 ″.
The function restriction unit 120 ″ includes a place data acquisition unit 121 ″, a condition comparison unit 122 ″, and a restriction unit 123 ″.
The location data acquisition means 121 ″ receives the earth coordinates from the GPS device 15 ″ that has received the radio wave from the GPS, converts it to the coordinate system of the geographic dictionary 16 ″, and compares the converted coordinates with the coordinates of the geographic dictionary 16 ″. If there is a match, a code corresponding to the matched coordinates is extracted from the geographic dictionary 16 ″.
The condition comparison means 122 ″ searches the restricted place column 92 ″ of the condition table 90 ″ and compares the place code obtained by the place data acquisition means 121 ″ with the place code registered in the condition column 92 ″.
When the location code matches by the comparison of the condition comparison means 122 ″, the limiting means 123 ″ is a transmission / reception function provided in the mobile phone 100 ″, that is, power on / off of the reception system 30 ″ and the transmission system 35 ″. The switch constant of the execution routine that displays the function selection icon related to the program and the transmission / reception function is set to a value (eg, “0”) that means OFF.
In this embodiment, since the transmission / reception of radio waves is prohibited when a mobile phone is brought into a prohibited place, the power is turned off when the comparison result of the condition by the condition comparison means 122 ″ is matched instead of the restriction means 123 ″. A power shut-off means (program) may be provided.
In the present embodiment, the power of the transmission / reception function is turned off when the mobile phone is brought into the prohibited place. However, the power transmission is not turned off and the program does not branch to the transmission / reception function execution program simultaneously with the first embodiment. You may comprise as follows.
[0045]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the control unit at the time of function restriction based on the function restriction unit 120 ″.
(B) Transmission / reception restriction operation
When the cellular phone 100 ″ is activated, the control unit 10 ″ receives the earth coordinates (Χ, Ψ) indicating the current position from the GPS device 15 ″ and the current position coordinates (x, y) is obtained (T1), and the geographic dictionary is searched with the position coordinates (x, y) to obtain a place code (T2).
Next, the restricted place field 92 ″ of the condition table 90 ″ is searched (T3). If the acquired place code matches the place code registered in the restricted place field 92 ″, the process proceeds to T5. If they do not match, the above T1 to T3 are repeated until the search for the function registered in the condition table 90 ″ is completed (T4).
If the codes match in step T4, the switch constant of the selection guide display / transmission / reception power on / off program is rewritten to execute power off (T5), and the selection guide display / transmission power transmission / reception is turned on / off.・ Transition to the program. As a result, the selection guide display / transmission / reception power on / off program is executed, and the transmission / reception power switch is automatically cut off at the radio wave transmission / reception prohibited location, and the execution of the transmission / reception function is restricted (prohibited) (T6).
[0046]
For example, an icon as shown in FIG. 14A is displayed on the liquid crystal display 50 ″ of the mobile phone 100 ″ having the functions of “mail transmission / reception”, “phone book reference”, “voice transmission / reception (= call)”, and “calculation”. When is displayed, prohibit the transmission / reception of radio waves at a level that affects the surrounding area. Although the “phone book reference” function and the “calculation” function that do not involve transmission / reception of radio waves need not be prohibited, the reception processing system 30 ″ and the transmission processing system 35 ″ do not function. The power to the 30 ″ and transmission processing system 35 ″ is turned off, and the “mail transmission / reception” function and the “voice transmission / reception” function display icons are not displayed as shown in FIG. So as to display only the "calculation" function display for icons and phone book reference "function.
[0047]
(B) Transmission / reception restriction release operation
Even when the power to the reception processing system 30 ″ and the transmission processing system 35 ″ is turned off, the power to the GPS device 15 ″ is not cut off, so that the GPS device 15 ″ can receive weak radio waves from the GPS.
Therefore, even after the transmission / reception is prohibited, the control unit 10 ″ receives the earth coordinates (Χ, Ψ) indicating the current position from the GPS device 15 ″, and obtains the current position coordinates (x, y) by the location data acquisition unit 121 ″. (T7), the location code can be obtained by searching the geographic dictionary with the position coordinates (x, y) (T8).
Next, the restricted place field 92 ″ of the condition table 90 ″ is searched (T9). If the obtained place code and the place code registered in the restricted place field 92 ″ are compared and do not match, the process proceeds to T11. If they match, T7 to T9 are repeated (T10).
[0048]
If the codes match at step T10, the switch constant of the selection guide display / transmission / reception power on / off program is rewritten to execute power on (T11), and the selection guide display / transmission / reception power on / off・ Transition to the program. As a result, the selection guide display / transmission / reception power on / off program is executed, the transmission / reception power switch is automatically turned on in the place where radio wave transmission / reception is prohibited, the execution of the transmission / reception function is canceled, and T1 returns (T12).
That is, when the mobile phone 100 ″ is taken out of the restricted use area from the restricted use area, the restricted function is restored and can be used.
For example, in the example of FIG. 14, among the “mail transmission / reception”, “phone book reference”, “voice transmission / reception”, and “calculation” functions in the restricted use area, as shown in FIG. Since only the function and the “calculate” function display icon are displayed, other functions cannot be selected and executed. However, when the mobile phone 100 ″ is taken out of the restricted use area, it is automatically displayed as shown in FIG. In addition, icons for selecting the “mail transmission / reception” function and the “voice transmission / reception” function are also displayed, and the “mail transmission / reception” function and the “voice transmission / reception” function can be selected and executed.
The cellular phone 100 ″ repeats the local function limitation / cancellation by such a loop (T1 to T6, T7 to T12 to T1).
[0049]
In the second embodiment, all functions are restricted when the mobile phone is brought into the prohibited area. However, other electronic devices may be provided with restriction conditions other than location restrictions, Functions and conditions can also be registered in the condition table so as to prohibit execution of some of them. In this case, when the electronic device 100 ″ goes out of the use prohibition (restriction) area, the switch constant of the function execution program is returned to the original value.
[0050]
In the second embodiment, the function restriction is described. However, a certain function can be executed depending on the location of the electronic device. For example, a function that is incorporated in an electronic device but cannot be used in a normal place can be configured to release the restriction so that the function can be used in a specific place. According to the present invention, it is possible to control whether or not function restriction (prohibition of use or prohibition of part of functions) is possible depending on the location. .
In the second embodiment, the function restriction is described. However, the guide display program controls the switch constant of the guide display program so as to display a certain guide depending on the location (location) of the electronic device, or does not display the guide. It is also possible to configure so as to control the switch constant. Thus, taking an electronic notebook as an example, a guide for selecting necessary items at a specific location, for example, a guide map display at an airport, a timetable display guide for means of transportation with an airport, and a peripheral guide menu at a terminal station, etc. Display can be performed.
In the second embodiment, the function restriction / function restriction release is performed based on the current position obtained by the GPS. However, the function restriction / function restriction release (menu) depends on whether or not radio waves from the base station can be received. Display restriction / display restriction release) may be performed.
In the second embodiment, the transmission / reception function is restricted / canceled. However, for example, a function that requires audio output or a function that requires light emission may be restricted / canceled.
[0051]
In the first and second embodiments, the condition table (which may include a function program) may be recorded on a recording medium that can be mounted on the apparatus main body.
Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made.
[0052]
【The invention's effect】
As explained aboveAnd electricThe start time of the function incorporated in the slave device is registered, the function execution is prohibited before the start time, and the function can be automatically executed after the start time elapses.
In addition, functions that cannot be used at the present time, but will be available in the near future, such as cable TV channel opening permission, but the opening start date is still ahead, so the opening date is not available. If the channel is registered and the channel is selected, the program can be viewed.
In addition, even when there is a function that is not built in, it is possible to register the built-in time and execute the function after the deadline has arrived. You can
[0053]
AlsoMessengerFor selection guides such as selection menus and icons displayed for the user to select functions of electronic devices, the display of individual menus and icons is not displayed until the expiration date and is automatically displayed after the expiration date. You can Thus, for the type that executes the function execution program corresponding to the selected selection guide, whether or not to execute the function according to the deadline depends on whether or not the selection guide that enables selection of the function is displayed. Can be controlled.
Therefore, when there is a function that cannot be used at the present time, display restrictions should be set so that the corresponding guide is not displayed before the expiration date, and it will be automatically displayed after the expiration date, and will be executed if there is a selection. Can do.
As a result, there is no inconvenience that a user who views the selection guide as in the past selects a guide having a function that is not incorporated. In addition, it is no longer necessary to update the function selection menu when adding a function that was planned such as a method of displaying only functions that can be used at present, so that it is easy to add a function by data communication or the like.
[0054]
Also, ThroughSince the restriction or cancellation of the function execution of the electronic device or the permission or non-permission can be controlled according to the communication environment, the function can be executed or restricted depending on whether or not communication with the base station is possible. Therefore, an information processing apparatus having a communication function can execute a normal function when communication is possible, and can perform recovery processing such as data maintenance when communication is interrupted.
[0055]
Also, ElectricThe child device itself can detect the location and control whether to execute all or a part of the functions of the electronic device according to the type of the location. Thus, taking a mobile phone as an example, the owner may inadvertently use the mobile phone in a place where prohibition of use of the mobile phone is requested, such as a hospital, theater, or laboratory, or the reception function may remain switched on. It can prevent you from working.
[0056]
Also, ThroughSince the display restriction or restriction release of the function selection guide of the electronic device can be controlled according to the communication environment, the function selection guide can be displayed or restricted depending on whether or not communication with the base station is possible. Therefore, an information processing device with a communication function displays a menu including a wireless processing selection menu when communication is possible, and displays a recovery processing menu such as data integrity when communication is interrupted. It can also be done.
[0057]
Also, ElectricThe child device itself can detect the location and control whether to display the guide according to the type of the location. Thereby, taking an electronic notebook as an example, it is possible to display a selection guide (for example, a guide map display at an airport, a timetable display of means of transportation with an airport, etc.) for necessary items at a specific place.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an electronic device to which the present invention is applicable.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a structure example of a condition table.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of means (program) for executing a function restriction releasing method and a function restriction method for an electronic device according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a digital camera to which the present invention can be applied.
5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a condition table of the digital camera in FIG. 4. FIG.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of switch constants.
FIG. 7 is a display example showing an embodiment of a selection guide displayed on the liquid crystal display.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a function restriction releasing unit of the digital camera.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a control unit when a function restriction is released.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a mobile phone to which the present invention can be applied.
11 is a diagram showing an example of a condition table of the mobile phone shown in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a function restriction unit of a mobile phone.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a control unit at the time of function restriction / function restriction release.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display example of a function selection menu (icon).
[Explanation of symbols]
15 'timer (function restriction release means; display restriction release means)
15 "GSP device (self-location detection means)
16 "Geographic dictionary (self-location detection means)
90, 90 ', 90 "condition table (information registration means; function execution restriction means; display restriction means)
100 electronic equipment
100 'digital camera (electronic equipment)
100 "mobile phone (electronic equipment)
110, 110 'function restriction release means; display restriction release means (control means)
120 Limit start means (control means)
120 "Limiting means (control means)
121 "Location data acquisition means (self-location detection means)
122 "condition comparison means (self-location detection means)

Claims (5)

Self-position acquisition means for acquiring the self-position;
Storage means for storing location data and location data in association with each other;
First comparison means for comparing the self position acquired by the self position acquisition means with the position data stored in the storage means;
As a result of comparison by the first comparison means, location data acquisition means for acquiring location data stored in association with matched location data;
Information registration means for registering function data and location data of an electronic device in association with each other;
Second comparison means for comparing the place data acquired by the place data acquisition means with the place data registered in the information registration means;
As a result of the comparison by the second comparison means, it comprises control means for prohibiting or permitting the execution of the function relating to the function data registered in the information registration means in association with the matched location data. Electronic equipment. Self-position acquisition means for acquiring the self-position;
Storage means for storing location data and location data in association with each other;
First comparison means for comparing the self position acquired by the self position acquisition means with the position data stored in the storage means;
As a result of comparison by the first comparison means, location data acquisition means for acquiring location data stored in association with matched location data;
Information registration means for registering function data and location data of an electronic device in association with each other;
Second comparison means for comparing the place data acquired by the place data acquisition means with the place data registered in the information registration means;
Display means for displaying a function menu of the electronic device;
As a result of comparison by the second comparison unit, prohibition of menu display or change of menu display method or permission of menu display related to function data registered in the information registration unit is executed in association with matching location data. And an electronic device. The information registration means registers a plurality of sets of function data and location data of an electronic device in association with each other,
3. The second comparison unit according to claim 1, wherein the second comparison unit sequentially compares the location data acquired by the location data acquisition unit and a plurality of location data registered in the information registration unit. Electronics.   The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information registration unit is a recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the electronic apparatus main body. The electronic device is a mobile phone,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the information registration unit registers function data and location data related to the mobile phone in association with each other.

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