JP4215193B2 - Software defined radio and software information processing method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a software defined radio used in a wireless communication system for a mobile object such as an automobile, and executes an arbitrary service function based on software information set in a signal processing unit, and a software information processing method thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, as for services for automobiles, in addition to navigation services using GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites, services such as ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) that automates toll collection on toll roads have also started. .
By the way, in order to use each service, a dedicated device for each service is required. In such a case, conventionally, a dedicated device for each service is purchased and used.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the future, a wide variety of services will be provided, and in order to use each service, it is necessary to purchase a dedicated device for each service, and if you want to delete the service, you must remove the dedicated device. Therefore, it takes a lot of work and costs.
[0004]
Further, when the number of desired services increases, installation space for dedicated devices corresponding to the number of services is required in the automobile. For this reason, a dedicated device could not be mounted due to space restrictions, resulting in significant inconvenience for the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is a software radio apparatus that is greatly useful for improving user convenience and that can use a plurality of available service functions at the same time, and that is highly space-effective in situations where space is limited. And providing a software information processing method thereof.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.
(1) Software information of an arbitrary service function is selectively set in the signal processing unit from among a plurality of pieces of software information for executing different service functions, and processing is performed based on the software information set in the signal processing unit A software defined radio that executes a selected service function, manages information storage means for storing a plurality of pieces of software information and software information functions set in the signal processing unit, and software information for the signal processing unit And a control means for reading out the software information to be added from the information storage means in accordance with the requested service function and additionally setting it in the signal processing section.
[0006]
According to the invention of (1), a plurality of software information for executing different service functions is stored in a recording medium, and the function of the software information in the recording medium set in the signal processing unit is managed. Thus, any service function can be executed by one device, and the software information to be added is read from the recording medium according to the requested service function and added to the signal processing unit in the software information set state for the signal processing unit. Therefore, it is possible to execute other service functions while using one service function, which can greatly improve the convenience for the user.
[0007]
(2) The information storage means is a memory capable of updating or adding software information.
According to the invention of (2), a single memory can be physically divided and shared for storing existing software information and for storing new software information. There is no need to prepare separately, and a new service function can be used with an existing apparatus.
[0008]
(3) The control means additionally sets software information to be added in accordance with a predetermined condition set in advance in the signal processing unit.
According to the invention of (3), it is possible to automatically execute other service functions in a state where one service function is being executed according to the surrounding situation without a user specifying operation.
[0009]
(4) When the control means approaches the toll gate on the toll road while the signal processing unit is executing at least one of the FM radio, AM radio function and GPS function as a service function as a predetermined condition The signal processing unit is caused to execute an ETC function.
According to the invention of (4), when the user always listens to FM radio broadcast or AM radio broadcast or navigates to the destination by the GPS function and approaches the toll gate on the toll road, the ETC function operates and is non-stop. You can pass through the toll gate.
[0010]
(5) The control means processes a plurality of pieces of software information set in the signal processing unit in a time division manner.
[0011]
According to the invention of (5), when a large number of service functions are to be processed in parallel by one apparatus, a large number of service functions can be executed simultaneously by processing in a time division manner.
[0012]
(6) The control means is measured by the GPS function using DGPS (Differential GPS) information broadcast by FM radio broadcasting in a state where the GPS function and the FM radio function are executed as a service function in the signal processing unit. It is characterized by correcting an error occurring in the position information.
[0013]
According to the invention of (6), the GPS positioning accuracy can be improved by using the DGPS information multiplexed in the FM radio broadcast.
[0014]
(7) The control means automatically sets the software information of the service function designated by the user in the signal processing unit.
According to the invention of (7), since the software information preferred by the user is automatically set in the signal processing unit at the time of activation, the user selects the software information he / she wants to use manually and signals You can immediately use your favorite service without setting it in the processing unit.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a software defined radio according to an embodiment of the present invention. This software defined radio includes, for example, an ETC antenna 1, an FM / AM radio antenna 2, and a GPS antenna 3.
[0016]
A radio frequency signal arriving from the outside is received by at least one of the ETC antenna 1, the FM / AM radio antenna 2, and the GPS antenna 3, and then converted into an intermediate frequency signal or a baseband signal by the radio unit 4. Converted.
[0017]
The received intermediate frequency signal or baseband signal is input to the signal processing unit 5. The signal processing unit 5 reproduces received digital data from the input received intermediate frequency signal or baseband signal. The received digital data is supplied to the control unit 6. In addition, the signal processing unit 5 executes a service function based on software information set by the control unit 6.
[0018]
The control unit 6 stores the received digital data in the information storage unit 7 and causes the display unit 8 to display the received digital data.
[0019]
In addition, when the received digital data is an AM / FM radio broadcast program, the signal processing unit 5 performs analog demodulation on the received digital data to reproduce an analog received signal. The analog received signal is amplified by the amplifier 9 and then output from the speaker 10 as a loud voice.
[0020]
On the other hand, when transmitting ETC data, the signal processing unit 5 modulates digital data to be transmitted into a transmission signal and outputs the transmission signal to the radio unit 4.
[0021]
The radio unit 4 converts the input transmission signal into a radio frequency signal. Then, the radio unit 4 amplifies only the effective portion of the radio frequency signal based on the transmission data rate notified by the control unit 6 and outputs it as a transmission radio frequency signal. The transmission radio frequency signal output from the radio unit 4 is transmitted via the ETC antenna 1.
[0022]
The operation unit 11 is provided with a key group such as a dial key, a power key, an end key, a volume adjustment key, and a mode designation key.
[0023]
By the way, the control unit 6 executes a basic control function based on a program stored in the information storage unit 7. As the basic control function, the wireless connection control is executed according to outgoing / incoming calls, It has a communication control function that enables data communication, a system selection control function, a location registration control function, and the like. The control unit 6 reads various software stored in the information storage unit 7 and sets the software in the signal processing unit 5 to cause the signal processing unit 5 to execute a service function according to the set software information. Examples of the service function include an ETC function, an AM / FM radio function, and a GPS function.
[0024]
In addition to these basic control functions, a service execution control function 6a and a software management control function 6b are provided as new functions according to the present invention. The service execution control function 6 a selectively reads out the software information from the information storage unit 7 according to the request information input from the operation unit 11 and sets it in the signal processing unit 5.
[0025]
The software management control function 6b manages the function of the software information set in the signal processing unit 5, and is added from the information storage unit 7 according to the requested service function in the software information set state for the signal processing unit 5. The software information to be read is read out and additionally set in the signal processing unit 5.
The software management control function 6b automatically sets the software information of the service function designated by the user in the signal processing unit 5 at the time of activation. In this case, a flag representing software information corresponding to the service function designated by the user is written in a buffer (not shown) in the control unit 6.
[0026]
Further, the software management control function 6b displays the function of the software information set in the signal processing unit 5 and the function of each of the plurality of software information stored in the information storage unit 7 on the display unit 8. .
[0027]
Next, the operation of the software defined radio configured as described above will be described. When the power key is turned on and power supply is started from a power supply unit (not shown), the control unit 6 starts control processing as shown in FIG.
[0028]
When this control process is started, the control unit 6 first executes a start process (step ST2a). At the time of activation, based on the flag written in the buffer, software information designated by the user is read from the information storage unit 7 and set in the signal processing unit 5 (step ST2b).
[0029]
Subsequently, the control unit 6 determines whether or not a software information switching request is input by the operation unit 11, that is, whether or not a new service function has been selected (step ST2c). If a switching request is input (Yes), the control unit 6 reads the requested software information from the information storage unit 7, and sets the read software information in the signal processing unit 5 (step ST2d).
[0030]
Subsequently, the control unit 6 determines whether there is a request for starting another service function in a state where the service function based on the software information set for the signal processing unit 5 is being executed based on the following conditions. Perform (step ST2e).
[0031]
That is, as a condition, the control unit 6 causes the signal storage unit 5 to execute the FM radio or AM radio function as a service function, and from the information storage unit 7 to the ETC function when approaching the toll gate on the toll road. Is read (step ST2f), and the software information corresponding to the ETC function is set in the signal processor 5 to execute the ETC function (step ST2g). In this way, the ETC function operates when the user approaches the toll gate on the toll road while listening to FM radio broadcasting or AM radio broadcasting at all times, and can pass through the toll gate non-stop.
[0032]
In addition, as a condition, the control unit 6 has a software corresponding to the ETC function from the information storage unit 7 when the signal processing unit 5 is executing the GPS function as a service function and approaches the toll gate on the toll road. Information is read and software information corresponding to the ETC function is set in the signal processing unit 5 to execute the ETC function. In this way, the ETC function operates when the user approaches the toll gate on the toll road while the position information for navigation to the destination is always displayed on the display unit 8 by GPS, and the non-stop operation is performed. You can pass through the toll gate.
[0033]
On the other hand, if the above condition is not satisfied (No), the control unit 6 executes the service function based on the software information set in the signal processing unit 5 as it is (step ST2h). Thereafter, the control unit 6 repeatedly executes the processes of steps ST2c to ST2h until the power is turned off.
In the above process, when software information corresponding to the function selected by the user is not stored in the information storage unit 7, a message “service is not available” is displayed.
[0034]
In the above processing, the example in which one service function is being executed and the other service function is executed according to a predetermined condition has been described. However, two or more pieces of software information are set in the signal processing unit 5. In the case where it is detected, the control unit 6 executes the control process shown in FIG.
[0035]
When the FM radio function and the GPS function are selected by an operation by the user, the control unit 6 reads software information corresponding to each of the FM radio function and the GPS function from the information storage unit 7 and sets the software information in the signal processing unit 5. Then, the software information is processed in a time-sharing manner to cause the signal processing unit 5 to simultaneously execute the FM radio function and the GPS function (step ST3b).
[0036]
Then, the control unit 6 determines whether or not noise is generated in the selected FM broadcast wave (step ST3c). If noise is generated (Yes), the position information of the own device measured by the GPS function is determined. Is selected so that FM broadcasts can be received (step ST3d).
[0037]
Further, the control unit 6 determines whether or not DGPS information has been received by the FM broadcast being selected (step ST3e). If received (Yes), the control unit 6 uses the DGPS information to obtain the GPS function. The position information of the apparatus is corrected (step ST3f). Thereafter, unless another service function is selected, the control unit 6 repeatedly executes the processes of steps ST3b to ST3f.
[0038]
In this way, the user can navigate to the destination while confirming and displaying his / her position with the GPS function while always listening to the FM radio broadcast, and using the position information measured by the GPS function. As a result, it is possible to satisfactorily receive FM radio broadcasts. Furthermore, FM broadcast programs can also be received according to position information measured by the GPS function. As this FM broadcast program, for example, a program provided in close contact with the region can be cited.
[0039]
In addition, when DGPS information multiplexed with FM radio broadcasting is received in a state where the GPS function is being executed, an error in position information measured by the GPS function using the DGPS information multiplexed with FM radio broadcasting is reduced. By correcting, the GPS positioning accuracy can be improved.
[0040]
As described above, in the above embodiment, the control unit 6 manages the function of the software information set in the signal processing unit 5 and the function of each of the plurality of software information stored in the information storage unit 7, and While the service function is being executed in the signal processing unit 5, software information corresponding to the other service function is read from the information storage unit 7 and set in the signal processing unit 5 in response to a request for the other service function. The signal processing unit 5 is caused to execute a plurality of service functions in parallel.
[0041]
Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, any service function can be executed by one device, and another service function can be executed while one service function is being executed. It can be improved. Further, when listening to AM radio broadcast or FM radio broadcast, the ETC function can be automatically executed when approaching a toll gate on a toll road without a user specifying operation.
[0042]
Further, according to the above-described embodiment, by using a memory capable of updating or adding software information in the information storage unit 7, for example, a single memory is physically divided into areas for storing existing software information and new information. Can be shared for storing software information, so that it is not necessary to prepare each memory element separately, and a new service function can be used in an existing apparatus.
[0043]
Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, user-preferred software information is automatically set in the signal processing unit 5 at the time of start-up, so that the user manually selects the software information that he / she wants to use. Without setting in the signal processing unit 5, the user's favorite service can be used immediately.
[0044]
Further, according to the above-described embodiment, when a large number of service functions are to be processed in parallel by one apparatus, a large number of service functions can be executed simultaneously by performing processing in a time division manner.
Note that the present invention is not limited to the scope of the above embodiment, and the type and configuration of the software defined radio, the type of software information, the conditions for simultaneously executing a plurality of services, and the plurality of service functions are simultaneously executed. Various control procedures, control contents, and the like can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the gist of the present invention.
[0045]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is greatly useful for improving the convenience of the user, and a plurality of available service functions can be used at the same time. A high software defined radio and its software information processing method can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a software defined radio according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure and processing contents when another service is executed according to a predetermined condition in a state where one service is executed in the control unit shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure and processing contents when a plurality of services are simultaneously executed in the control unit shown in FIG. 1;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Antenna for ETC,
2 ... FM / AM radio antenna,
3 ... GPS antenna,
4 ... Radio section,
5 ... Signal processing unit,
6 ... control part,
7 ... Information storage unit,
8 ... display part,
9 ... Amplifier,
10 ... Speaker,
11 ... operation part,
6a ... Service execution control function,
6b: Software management control function.

Claims (9)

By selectively setting software information of an arbitrary service function from a plurality of pieces of software information for executing different service functions in the signal processing unit and processing based on the software information set in the signal processing unit A software defined radio that performs a selected service function,
Information storage means for storing the plurality of software information;
The function of software information set in the signal processing unit is managed, and the first software information of the plurality of software information is set in the signal processing unit according to the requested service function. Control means for reading out the second software information to be added from the information storage means and additionally setting it in the signal processing unit,
The control means corrects information obtained by the service function based on the second software information based on information obtained by the service function based on the first software information, or obtains the service function based on the second software information. A software defined radio that corrects information obtained by the service function based on the first software information based on the information obtained .   2. The software defined radio according to claim 1, wherein the information storage means is a memory capable of updating or adding the software information.   2. The software information is information for executing one of an ETC (Electric Toll Collection) function, an FM radio function, an AM radio function, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) function. Software radio. Wherein, prior Symbol FM radio signal processing unit as the service function, in a state in which to execute the at least one of the AM radio function and GPS function, when close to the tollgate of a toll road, the signal processing 2. The software defined radio according to claim 1 , wherein said software radio unit is caused to execute an ETC function.   The software defined radio according to claim 1, wherein the control means processes a plurality of pieces of software information set in the signal processing unit in a time division manner. The control means is measured by the GPS function using DGPS (Differential GPS) information broadcast by FM radio broadcasting in a state where the signal processing unit is executing the GPS function and the FM radio function as the service function. software defined radio according to claim 1, wherein the correcting the errors occurring in the position information. The control means determines whether or not noise is generated in the selected FM broadcast wave in a state where the signal processing unit is executing the GPS function and the FM radio function as the service function, and the noise is generated. 2. The software defined radio according to claim 1, wherein FM broadcast channel selection is performed based on position information measured by the GPS function.   2. The software defined radio according to claim 1, wherein the control unit automatically sets software information of a service function designated by a user in the signal processing unit. By selectively setting software information of an arbitrary service function from a plurality of pieces of software information for executing different service functions in the signal processing unit and processing based on the software information set in the signal processing unit A software radio information processing method for a software defined radio that executes a selected service function,
An information storage step of storing the plurality of software information in a recording medium;
The function of software information set in the signal processing unit is managed, and the first software information of the plurality of software information is set in the signal processing unit according to the requested service function. A control step of reading second software information to be added from the information storage means and additionally setting the second software information in the signal processing unit,
The control step corrects information obtained by the service function based on the second software information based on information obtained by the service function based on the first software information, or obtains the service function based on the second software information. A software information processing method for a software defined radio, wherein information obtained by the service function based on the first software information is corrected based on the information obtained .

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