JP4819288B2 - Generated radio wave control system and wireless terminal device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable wireless terminal device such as a mobile phone or a PDA. Radio wave generation control system and radio terminal apparatus for controlling radio wave generation About.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, there has been a problem of harmful effects caused by radio waves generated by mobile phones in the use of mobile phones. As an example, there is a possibility that a mobile phone generates radio waves in a hospital, which may have an adverse effect on a medical device. In addition, malfunctions of medical devices such as pacemakers (cardiac pacemakers), malfunctions of airplane control devices due to the generation of radio waves in airplanes, and other devices that handle weak electrical signals may malfunction due to the effects of nearby radio waves. There is a problem that it exists. Another problem is the inconvenience caused by ringtones in movie theaters. Because of these problems, it is required to refrain from the generation of radio waves from a mobile phone in a predetermined area, position, or situation such as in a hospital or an airplane, but no sufficient countermeasure has been considered. In particular, there are many problems related to human life such as malfunction of medical equipment, so the problem is great.
[0003]
On the other hand, with the increase in functionality characterized by the installation of various functions / applications other than wireless communication functions in mobile phones, such as music playback functions, other installed functions / applications (music playback functions) without using the wireless communication function Etc.), there are many usage situations / requests for wanting to use. Especially in specific areas and situations where the effects of radio waves generated from mobile phones as described above must be considered, the wireless communication function is not used in consideration of the effects of the generated radio waves, but other on-board functions / applications are desired. It is convenient if such a usage is possible, and at the same time, it is effective as a countermeasure against the influence of radio wave generation.
[0004]
Conventional cellular phones always communicate with a base station for position registration processing and the like when the main power of the device is turned on (that is, radio waves are generated using a wireless communication function). Therefore, even if you use a function or application that does not use the wireless communication function directly, it will generate radio waves from your terminal, so in certain areas and situations where you need to consider the effects of radio waves May cause adverse effects.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In wireless terminal devices such as mobile phones and PDAs and communication systems therefor, the wireless communication function is restricted in a predetermined area / situation, and other on-board functions / applications that do not use the wireless communication function are controlled to be usable. This is convenient and effective as a countermeasure against the harmful effects caused by the generation of radio waves. Restricting the wireless communication function of a wireless terminal device means controlling the device's generated radio wave level to a level that does not affect equipment that may malfunction due to the effects of nearby radio waves, or a third party, etc. For example, it is controlled so as not to cause trouble.
[0006]
Even if such a radio wave control function is used, even when the wireless terminal device is in the radio wave restriction mode and there is substantially no adverse effect on other devices, this is transmitted to a third party. If not, there is a possibility that both third parties and anxieties may feel uneasy. It is also important to tell a third party that the wireless terminal device is in a safe state by suppressing the generated radio waves.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of such problems. In a wireless terminal device such as a mobile phone and a PDA and a system for controlling the wireless terminal device, influences on other devices due to generation of radio waves at the terminal, annoyance to third parties, etc. Automatically controls the wireless communication function of the terminal to a restricted state in a predetermined area / situation where there is a risk of giving a message, and automatically controls other functions / applications that do not use the wireless communication function to be usable. The main purpose is to provide a wireless terminal device that can be used with peace of mind by reducing the psychological burden of worries about adverse effects and inconveniences caused by the generation of radio waves for users and third parties, and a system for controlling the same. And
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve this object, the first aspect of the present invention provides a first wireless terminal device having a wireless unit that performs wireless communication processing with a second wireless terminal device, and a radio wave restriction execution area in which radio wave restriction is performed. Means for registering the information indicating the first wireless terminal device as the registration information, comparing the position information of the first wireless terminal device acquired by performing wireless communication with the first wireless terminal device with the registered information, so that the first wireless terminal Determining means for determining whether or not the device is in the radio wave restriction execution area. When the first wireless terminal device is in the radio wave restriction execution area, the transmission power of the radio unit is suppressed to a predetermined level or less without being turned off. And a second radio terminal device having a control signal transmission means for transmitting a suppression execution control signal to the first radio terminal device, and information specifying a predetermined level in the registration information Contains the second If the result of determination by the determining means is that the first wireless terminal apparatus is within the radio wave restriction execution area, the control signal transmitting means sends a suppression execution control signal including a specified value at a predetermined level. The first wireless terminal device transmits the transmission power of the wireless unit based on the suppression execution control signal received from the second wireless terminal device. Suppression On the other hand, if the first wireless terminal device is not in the radio wave restriction execution area as a result of the determination by the determining unit, the second wireless terminal device transmits the transmission power of the wireless unit by the control signal transmitting unit. Cancel suppression to cancel The control signal is transmitted to the first wireless terminal device, and the first wireless terminal device receives the suppression received from the second wireless terminal device. Cancel Based on the control signal, the transmission power of the radio unit Suppression The Cancel control Then, the second wireless terminal device transmits the suppression execution control signal and the suppression release control signal to the first wireless terminal device using the short-range wireless transmission standard. It is characterized by that.
[0012]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a first wireless terminal device having a wireless unit that performs wireless communication processing with the second wireless terminal device; Turn on the wireless unit and control to a mode that allows wireless communication at normal transmission power level Means for registering information indicating an area as registration information, and comparing the position information of the first wireless terminal device acquired by performing wireless communication with the first wireless terminal device with the registered information, so that the first wireless Terminal device Area Determining means for determining whether or not the first wireless terminal device is Area If you are in the radio section Normal transmission power level that controls wireless communication with normal transmission power level by turning ON And a second radio terminal device having control signal transmission means for transmitting a control signal to the first radio terminal device, wherein the first radio terminal device is a second radio terminal device. Received from Normal transmit power level Radio unit based on control signal To the mode that enables wireless communication at normal transmission power level On the other hand, the registration information includes information designating a predetermined level, and the second wireless terminal device determines that the first wireless terminal device Area If not, the control signal transmitting means transmits a suppression execution control signal including a specified value of a predetermined level to suppress the transmission power of the wireless unit to a predetermined level or less without turning it OFF, to the first wireless terminal device The first wireless terminal device transmits the transmission power of the wireless unit based on the suppression execution control signal received from the second wireless terminal device. Suppression It is characterized by control.
[0020]
Third aspect of the present invention Is Of the present invention It is used as a second wireless terminal device in the generated radio wave control system.
[0021]
Fourth aspect of the present invention Is Of the present invention It is used as a first wireless terminal device in the generated radio wave control system.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a whole system 100 including a wireless terminal device 1 and a system for controlling a generated radio wave in the embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 includes a wireless terminal device 1, a wireless communication system 2, and a location information system 3. The wireless terminal device 1 is a terminal device such as a mobile phone or a PDA having a function of performing wireless communication through a wireless link with a wireless base station. In this embodiment, the wireless terminal device 1 is assumed to be a mobile phone. The wireless communication system 2 is a network that provides a service serving as a basis for communication by the wireless terminal device 1. A location information system 3 such as GPS provides the current location information of the terminal 1 to the wireless terminal device 1 or the wireless communication system 2. The wireless terminal device 1 has a generated radio wave limiting function characteristic of the present invention, and the generated radio wave limiting function is realized by processing in a system including the wireless terminal device 1.
[0026]
The wireless terminal device and system of the present invention provide a function of automatically limiting the level of radio waves generated by a terminal according to the geographical current position of the wireless terminal device. When the wireless terminal device is in a predetermined area / position, the radio wave restriction is made effective. When the wireless terminal device leaves the predetermined area / position, the radio wave restriction is made invalid and the normal mode is restored. The restriction on the generated radio wave level means that the transmission power level at the wireless communication function part (wireless part) of the terminal is set to 0 (OFF) to disable the wireless communication function completely, or the transmission power level is set to a predetermined level. The control is such that the following low level is suppressed and only wireless communication at the low level is permitted. In this embodiment, the generated radio wave level restriction mode (radio wave restriction mode) includes a mode in which the transmission power level is completely set to 0 (OFF) (OFF mode: m0), and a mode in which the transmission power level is suppressed to a predetermined level (low level). Mode: m1) (note that the normal mode that is not in the radio wave restriction state is m2). In any case, the limit level (0 to a predetermined maximum level) may be designated and controlled to that value, so the processing is the same.
[0027]
As the generated radio wave control, different control may be performed according to the area / position. For example, if it is known that radio waves of a certain level or more may cause device malfunction in equipment installed in a hospital, the radio waves generated by the wireless terminal device can be set by specifying and setting the level in this system. It can be limited to below the specified level.
[0028]
In the wireless terminal device and system of the present invention, the transmission power for radio wave generation controlled in the wireless communication function unit (wireless unit) of the wireless terminal device is controlled to an arbitrary level by the system according to the terminal current position. The terminal current position is recognized by the position information system. As a mode for limiting generated radio waves, a mode for completely controlling radio wave generation or a mode for controlling to a low level that does not adversely affect other devices or the like is realized. In addition, in this radio wave restriction mode, other functions / applications that are installed in the wireless terminal device and do not use the wireless communication function are controlled to be usable. Thus, the user can use other installed functions / applications even in the radio wave restriction mode. Further, in the mode in which the control is performed at a low level below the predetermined level, the communication function can be used at that level.
[0029]
In FIG. 1, a wireless communication system 2 is a system including known elements such as a wireless base station that communicates with the wireless terminal device 1 through a wireless link and a control station of these base stations, and is connected to other systems such as an IP network. Is possible. The position information system 3 is a system that provides the geographical current position of the wireless terminal device 1 as information at any time. The position information system 3 is a GPS (Global Positioning System) in this embodiment, but is not particularly limited. The wireless terminal device 1 includes a processing unit (a GPS reception processing unit in the case of GPS) that acquires the current location information of the terminal in cooperation with the location information system 3.
[0030]
In addition to these, there is a terminal-generated radio restriction area in the geography. The terminal-generated radio wave restricted area is an area designated to limit the radio wave level generated by the wireless terminal device 1 within the area. For example, there are areas / positions where there is a device in which the radio waves generated in the vicinity may have an influence such as malfunction, or the outgoing and incoming calls to the terminal 1 are troublesome.
[0031]
As a restriction type when restricting the radio wave generated by the wireless terminal device 1, it is forcibly turned off by the system, allowed if it is below the specified level, and executed after the user's recognition / confirmation is performed for restriction execution. Some can be provided, such as just notifying the user of the power, and control can be executed according to the character and designation of the area where radio wave restriction is desired.
[0032]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the wireless terminal device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The wireless terminal device 1 includes a control unit 11, a power restriction register 12, a wireless unit 13, a display unit 14, a position detection unit 15, a restricted area information management unit 16, and a determination unit 17. Further, it also includes a processing unit 19 that performs processing of functions and applications that can be used without using the wireless communication function in the wireless unit 12.
[0033]
The control unit 11 is a circuit including a processor and a memory, and controls the entire apparatus based on program control.
[0034]
The power limiting register 12 is a register that the control unit 11 refers to when a wireless unit ON / OFF trigger signal (referred to as s1) having a role of triggering the radio wave limiting function is given to the control unit 11. Is the level at which the maximum transmission power of the wireless unit 13 is controlled when the radio wave is restricted, that is, when the radio unit transmission power is limited (radio wave restriction mode: m0 or m1). The setting information (including the maximum transmission power setting value c) is determined.
[0035]
The wireless unit 13 is a circuit that controls a wireless communication function, and processes wireless communication with a base station in the wireless communication system 2. In addition to voice communication, data communication is also processed. The radio unit 13 performs known processing such as modulation / demodulation processing, transmission power control, and location registration processing in the radio link as low layer processing. Also, known processing such as outgoing / incoming control is performed as high layer processing. When the main power is turned on, communication with the base station is always performed for location registration processing and the like. The wireless unit 13 is further composed of several functional blocks.
[0036]
The display unit 14 is a part having a function of displaying information about the radio wave state and mode of the device 1 to the outside. The radio wave condition is conveyed by displaying colored lights, letters, signs, etc. The display unit 14 may be configured by various means such as an LED or a liquid crystal display. As a radio wave restriction state (mode), a state where no radio wave is emitted (OFF mode m0), a state where a generated radio wave is suppressed to a weak radio wave having a predetermined level or less (low level mode m1), and radio wave generation is permitted as usual. There are states (normal mode m2). The display unit 14 performs display processing according to such various modes.
[0037]
The position detection unit 15 is a processing unit that functionally forms part of the position information system 3 and performs processing in the terminal 1 and has a function of detecting the geographical current position of the terminal 1 as information. The wireless terminal device 1 recognizes the geographical current position of the terminal itself (acquisition of position information) at any time by the processing in the position detection unit 15. In this embodiment, the position information system 3 is a system based on GPS, and the position detection unit 15 is a GPS reception processing unit (GPS receiver). The position detection unit 15 acquires geographical current position information (L) based on a radio signal from the position information system 3. Specifically, the GPS reception processing unit receives a side signal from a GPS satellite and analyzes it to obtain current position information. The current position information L is composed of data such as latitude / longitude and current time, for example.
[0038]
In the case of the present embodiment, an example of GPS is used as the position information system 3. However, the position information system 3 is not limited to GPS, and may be any system that can recognize the geographical current position of the terminal 1 at any time. A configuration is also conceivable in which position information is exchanged via a radio base station with a signal. However, in the radio wave restriction mode, the transmission power level in the radio communication with the radio base station is restricted and controlled so that the communication for recognizing the current position of the terminal is not restricted and no adverse effect is given. Is a condition.
[0039]
The restricted area information management unit 16 is a processing unit that manages information (referred to as restricted area information r) related to the terminal-generated radio wave restricted area and the method of restriction there. The restricted area information r is terminal registration information including information specifying the position and range of the restricted area, and may be a plurality of information depending on the number of restricted areas.
[0040]
FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the restricted area information r. The restricted area information r is composed of an information expression r1 related to the position / range of the area subject to radio wave restriction, a restriction type r2, more detailed restriction designation information r3, and the like. In the case of the wireless terminal device 1 of the present embodiment, the registration information r is stored and managed in a memory inside the terminal 1 by the restricted area information management unit 16. As a processing configuration, the content of the registration information (restricted area information r) group may be updated as needed through communication with the radio base station.
[0041]
The position / range designation information r1 of the radio wave restriction area designates a certain area of the coordinate expression by latitude / longitude, the circle area determined by the center coordinate and the radius, or the geographical area division predetermined by the system. -It is expressed by identifying identifier information. In the restriction type information r2, the generated radio wave must be set to 0 (radio wave generation prohibited (→ m0)), the generated radio wave must be suppressed to a certain level (suppressed to a low level (→ m1)), etc. It is a specification. The system and the wireless terminal device 1 perform radio wave restriction processing based on the restriction type information r2. The restriction designation information r3 is, for example, designation of a transmission power level maximum value in the m1 mode.
[0042]
The radio wave restricted area management unit updates restricted area information r held in the terminal device by acquiring restricted area information r from the system (wireless communication system 2) using wireless communication means during communication in the normal mode. You may perform the process to do. User settings or default settings at the time of product shipment may be performed.
[0043]
The determination unit 17 performs radio wave restriction by comparing with the restricted area information r managed by the restricted area management unit 16 based on the terminal current position information L that can be acquired from the position detecting unit 15 or the base station. It is a processing unit that determines whether or not the timing is to be reached. When it is determined that the terminal has entered the restricted area, radio wave restriction is executed. Conversely, if it is determined that the restricted area has been exited, the radio wave restriction is released. The determination unit 17 outputs a control signal (wireless unit ON / OFF trigger signal s0) that is a trigger for turning on / off the radio wave restriction function to the control unit 11 based on the determination process. Note that since the process of the determination unit 17 is a software process, it is the same even if it is considered that the control unit 11 actually executes the process.
[0044]
The function unit / application processing unit 19 that does not use the wireless communication function is controlled by the control unit 11 to be usable even in the radio wave restriction mode (m0, m1).
[0045]
[Operation Overview] The operation of the wireless terminal device 1 will be described. In the apparatus 1, the current position of the terminal is acquired as information L at any time by the processing in the position information system 3 and the position detection unit 15. The current position information L is output to the determination unit 17 and the like.
[0046]
When the determination unit 17 acquires the position information L, the determination unit 17 refers to the restricted area information r managed by the restricted area management unit 16 and performs a determination process of the timing at which radio wave restriction should be performed in comparison with the current position information L. . The restricted area information r is data structured in a predetermined format. For example, more detailed information specifying a two-dimensional coordinate position (x, y) or an identifier of a predetermined area section, and further, a method of restricting radio waves. (Information such as designation of radio wave restriction type and designation of maximum transmission power level at the time of restriction).
[0047]
As a result of the above determination process, if it is determined that the terminal is in or enters the area where the generated radio wave should be restricted (terminal generated radio wave restricted area), the radio unit is turned on to turn on (enable) the radio wave restriction. The / OFF trigger signal s1 is output to the control unit 11. Conversely, when it is determined that the vehicle is outside the restricted area or has entered, a wireless ON / OFF trigger signal s1 for turning off (invalidating or releasing) the radio wave restriction is output to the control unit 11.
[0048]
When the wireless unit ON / OFF trigger signal s1 instructing ON of radio wave restriction is given to the control unit 11, the control unit 11 refers to the power restriction register 12 to read the maximum transmission power value c, and the wireless unit 13 In response to this, a radio unit control signal s2 that is an instruction to limit the transmission power to the set value c or less is sent.
[0049]
When receiving the wireless unit control signal s2 from the control unit 11, the wireless unit 13 executes transmission power control processing based on the content of the signal s2. When the content of the signal s2 is a radio wave restriction ON instruction based on the set value c, control is performed to limit and suppress the transmission power in the wireless unit 13 to the maximum transmission power level based on the setting of the maximum transmission power value c. Do not perform wireless communication at level c or higher = switch to a state / mode (m0 or m1) that permits wireless communication at level c or lower. Further, when the content of the signal s2 is an instruction to turn off the radio wave restriction, control is performed to return the transmission power in the wireless unit 13 to the normal level, and the mode is switched to the normal mode m2.
[0050]
It should be noted that the radio wave restriction modes m0 and m1 may be provided as different ones with different main points, and may be configured to issue instructions separately, or only one mode may be configured as a restriction function.
[0051]
The wireless unit control signal s2 controls the transmission power of the wireless unit to control the device mode, and the control unit 11 instructs the display unit 14 to display according to the radio wave state and mode of the device. The display unit control signal s3 is output. In response to this, the display unit 14 performs a display indicating the radio wave generation state / mode in the device 1 to the outside based on the instruction in the signal s3. For example, when the device 1 is in the radio wave restriction mode (m0, m1), information indicating that there is no radio wave that may cause adverse effects or inconveniences in the corresponding radio wave restriction area is displayed as colored light, text, Displayed by means such as a signature.
[0052]
As described above, depending on the position of the wireless terminal device 1, the transmission power of the wireless unit is automatically limited when the user is in or enters the radio wave restricted area, and vice versa. Control to automatically return to the normal mode is performed, and at the same time, a display indicating the radio wave state / mode is displayed on the display unit, and this is shown to the third party (and the user himself / herself).
[0053]
[Mode of Device 1] FIG. 4 shows modes that the wireless terminal device 1 can take in this embodiment. When the main power is off, both the wireless unit 13 and the other function unit 19 are off. When the main power supply is turned on, the normal mode m2 is entered, the wireless unit 13 is turned on, and the other function unit 19 is also turned on (usable). In the apparatus 1 or the system 100, the radio wave restriction execution timing determination process is performed at any time, and when it is determined that the radio wave is within the restricted area or has entered, the radio wave restriction mode m0 or m1 is switched. When it is determined that the vehicle is outside the restricted area or has exited, the normal mode m2 is restored. In the radio wave restriction mode (OFF mode) m0, the wireless unit 13 is OFF and the other function unit 19 is ON. In the radio wave restriction mode (low level mode) m1, the wireless unit 13 performs control at a low transmission power level, and the other function unit 19 is ON.
[0054]
[Method of Controlling from Outside of Device (System)] Not only the processing in the wireless terminal device 1 but also the transmission power control of the wireless unit of the device 1 is performed based on the signal from the outside of the device 1 as shown in FIG. . As a signal means at this time, a wireless signal by Bluetooth (Bluetooth: one of short-range wireless transmission standards) or a specific signal from a wireless base station of a mobile phone can be used. The apparatus 1 receives a control signal (radio unit ON / OFF trigger signal s1 or a radio signal including the designation thereof) from the outside (this system 100), decodes it by the decode unit, and based on this, decodes the radio unit ON / OFF trigger The signal s1 is output to the control unit 11. Thereafter, similarly, the wireless unit control signal s2 is issued from the control unit 11 to control the transmission power of the wireless unit 13, and the mode of the apparatus is switched. In the case of this configuration, on the outside of the device 1, the timing for turning ON / OFF the generated radio wave limit (= wireless communication function limit = wireless unit transmission power limit) of the device 1 is determined. For example, in the wireless communication system 2, the position information L of the terminal 1 is acquired, and based on this, the determination is performed by comparing with the restricted area information r held by the wireless communication system 2. A control signal such as a wireless unit ON / OFF trigger signal s1 is transmitted.
[0055]
[Registration / Management of Terminal-Generated Radio Wave Restricted Area Information] Areas where radio waves generated by the wireless terminal device 1 should be restricted should be registered in the system 100 as information (r), such as airfields and hospitals. This registration is performed for the wireless communication system 2 in the system 100 and the like. For example, in a hospital that handles medical devices, registration processing to the system is performed using a predetermined area in the hospital or the hospital area itself as a radio wave restricted area. In the present system 100, each registration information related to the radio wave restricted area and more detailed restriction method is collectively managed in the equipment provided in the wireless communication system 2 and provided to the wireless terminal device 1. In the restricted area management unit 16, the wireless terminal device 1 inputs and sets the registration information (r) in the device and holds it (either before or after purchase by the user). With reference to the registration information (restricted area information r), a process for determining the execution timing of radio wave restriction is performed. A processing configuration in which determination / control is performed with reference to the registration information r held on the wireless communication system 2 side without holding the registration information r in the terminal 1 may be adopted.
[0056]
[Determination Processing Regarding Radio Wave Restriction Execution] As shown in FIG. 6, for example, information registered as restricted area information management unit 16 in apparatus 1 or restricted area information r outside the apparatus, and position information system 3 such as GPS And the terminal current position information L acquired by the position detector 14, and the distance between the radio wave restricted area and the terminal current position is calculated and compared with a predetermined distance threshold value to determine whether or not the value is within the threshold value. This is realized by a method such as a distance determination process to be performed or a position determination process for determining whether or not the terminal current position L is within the radio wave restricted area (representation by a predetermined area segment identifier).
[0057]
[Example of Transmission Power Control of Radio Unit 13] FIG. The radio unit 13 is roughly divided into a receiving unit 131, a synthesizer unit 132, a transmitting unit 133, and a baseband unit 134. In particular, the transmitter 133 generally generates radio waves that may affect medical devices, aircraft precision machines, and the like.
[0058]
The wireless unit transmission power control process when performing radio wave restriction can be realized by ON / OFF control of the power supply of the entire transmission unit 133, turning ON / OFF the power of the device corresponding to the signal path of the transmission unit 133, and the like. From the viewpoint of reducing current consumption, it is ideal to turn off all the power sources of the transmission unit 133, the baseband unit 134, the synthesizer unit 132, and the reception unit 131. By turning it off, it is possible to prevent generation of radio waves that may affect medical equipment, aircraft precision machines, and the like.
[0059]
In general, the mechanism for determining the transmission power of a mobile phone during a closed-loop operation is configured as shown in FIG. The base station that has received the mobile device wave transmitted from the mobile phone determines whether to raise or lower the level of this mobile device wave, and codes and transmits the TPC signal to the base station wave to be transmitted to the mobile phone. The TPC signal is a Transmission Power Control signal, and includes a signal that determines whether a predetermined mobile phone increases / decreases / maintains transmission power. When the mobile phone receives the base station wave including the TPC signal, the mobile phone decodes the base station wave (reception unit + decoding unit), extracts the TPC signal, and sends it to the transmission power control unit. The transmission power control unit refers to the maximum power register in which the maximum power setting value related to transmission power is recorded, and prevents the transmission unit from exceeding the setting value of the maximum power register even if the TPC signal indicates a power increase instruction. Send a transmit power signal. The transmission unit performs transmission processing at the power value indicated by the transmission power signal.
[0060]
As shown in FIG. 9, the wireless terminal device 1 and the system according to the present embodiment are configured such that the maximum transmission power setting value in the maximum power register of the wireless unit 13 can be arbitrarily set by the system. The maximum transmission power in the transmission unit 133 is automatically limited and controlled by rewriting the maximum transmission power setting value in the maximum power register based on a control signal given from the determination unit 17 in the device 1 or the outside of the device. . In the figure, a setting value (setting information for designating a maximum transmission power level value in the radio wave restriction mode) c in the power restriction register 12 is set by the maximum power register setting value from the inside of the apparatus 1 or from the outside. The control unit 11 refers to the set value c in the power limit register 12 and rewrites the setting of the maximum transmission power value in the maximum power register of the radio unit 13. The transmission power control unit sends a transmission power signal to the transmission unit 133 with reference to the maximum transmission power setting value in the maximum power register. The transmission unit 133 performs transmission processing with a transmission power value specified by the transmission power signal.
[0061]
When there is a carrier wave including the maximum power register setting value from the outside of the device using communication means such as Bluetooth, local area LAN, etc., the decoding unit decodes this carrier wave to obtain the maximum power register setting value, and the decoded setting A value is set in the power limit register 12. The user can also set a value (maximum transmission power setting value) in the power limit register 12 using MMI (Man Machine Interface) or MT (Maintenance Tool). When the wireless unit ON / OFF trigger signal s1 is issued from the determination unit 17 through the processing in the position information system 3 and the position detection unit 15, or the wireless unit ON / OFF from the outside through determination processing outside the device 1 When a control signal such as the trigger signal s1 is received, or when the user generates a control signal using an MMI such as a power limit key provided in the apparatus 1, the wireless unit ON / OFF trigger signal s1 is publish. In particular, when a transmission power OFF trigger is generated as the wireless unit ON / OFF trigger signal s1, the device value c in the power limit register 12 is written in the maximum power register of the wireless unit 13, so that the wireless terminal device is also used in closed-loop transmission power control. The transmission power of 1 is processed at a level that does not exceed the level of the set value c written in the power limit register 12. If the set value is 0, it is completely OFF, and if the set value is a predetermined level value, the transmission process is performed with the transmission power below that level. In addition, when the transmission power ON trigger is generated as the wireless unit ON / OFF trigger signal s1, the original maximum transmission power setting value that is held is written from the control unit 11 to the maximum power register, so that the wireless unit 13 The maximum transmission power value can be returned to the normal state.
[0062]
By providing the user with an interface for turning on / off the wireless communication function (radio wave restriction mode) of the wireless terminal device 1 and an interface for setting the maximum transmission power level when radio wave is restricted, the system automatically turns on radio wave restriction. In addition to / OFF, it is possible to flexibly cope with an emergency situation or when the condition of radio wave generation in a restricted area changes.
[0063]
[Processing Flow of Radio Wave Restriction Control] FIG. 10 shows a flow of processing relating to radio wave restriction control in the wireless terminal device 1. First, the current position of the wireless terminal device 1 is recognized in the form of position information L at any time by processing in the position information system 3 and the position detection unit 15 of the terminal 1 (step S1).
[0064]
In the wireless terminal device 1 (or on the wireless communication system 2 side), a determination process is performed as to whether or not the terminal 1 is in the radio wave restricted area based on the position information L. The position information L and the registration information r are compared, and it is determined whether the vehicle is in or out of the restricted area or not (step S2).
[0065]
When it is determined that it is within the restricted area (step S2— “within restricted area”), a control signal instructing radio wave restriction is issued as the wireless unit ON / OFF trigger signal s1. Further, if there is information such as the restriction type r2 and restriction designation r3 from the registered information r, it is confirmed, and thereafter processing based on the designation is executed (step S3). Based on the issued control signal, control of the transmission power level of the wireless unit 13 is executed, and the mode is switched to the radio wave restriction mode (step S4). When shifting to the OFF mode m0 as the radio wave restriction mode, the power supply of the wireless unit 13 (particularly the transmission unit 133) is turned off. In particular, when shifting to the low-level mode m1, the set value is read from the maximum transmission power register, the maximum transmission power of the radio unit 13 is controlled based on the value, and only transmission processing at a level below the specified level is performed. It will be allowed. As the mode is switched, the display process on the display unit 14 is also updated according to the radio wave state / mode of the device 1 (step S5). In this case, the display indicates that the device 1 is in the radio wave restriction mode.
[0066]
If it is determined in step S2 that it is outside the restricted area (step S2- "outside restricted area"), a control signal for instructing cancellation of the radio wave restriction is issued as the wireless unit ON / OFF trigger signal s1. Based on the issued control signal, control of the transmission power level of the wireless unit 13 is executed, and the mode is switched to the normal mode (step S6). As the mode is switched, the display process on the display unit 14 is also updated according to the radio wave state / mode of the device 1 (step S5). The above processing is repeatedly executed as needed as the terminal 1 moves.
[0067]
[Example of MMI Provided in Device 1] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration in which a folding-type mobile phone is taken as an example of the wireless terminal device 1, and an MMI related to the radio wave limiting function of the present invention is provided. is there. The upper left of FIG. 11 shows a configuration in which a main power key / wireless unit ON / OFF key is provided as one of various keys for operation input on the front surface of the apparatus 1. By inputting with this key, the wireless unit ON / OFF trigger signal s1 is issued, and based on this, the radio wave limiting function / mode is turned ON / OFF. For example, when this key is pressed for a long time, the power of the apparatus 1 is turned on / off, and when the key is pressed for a short time, the wireless unit ON / OFF trigger s1 is output to the control unit 11. The upper right of FIG. 11 shows a configuration in which a wireless unit ON / OFF dedicated key is provided on the front surface of the apparatus 1 in addition to the main power key. Similarly, the wireless unit ON / OFF trigger signal s1 is issued by turning on / off the wireless unit ON / OFF dedicated key. In addition, the setting value c in the power limit register 12 can be set by the user using such a key and other function keys.
[0068]
The lower part of FIG. 11 shows a configuration in which a rear display unit is provided as the display unit 14 on the rear surface of the apparatus 1. The rear display unit is composed of a light emitting diode or a liquid crystal type display, and displays the radio wave state / mode of the device 1 with colored light, characters / signs, etc. to indicate to a third party (and the user himself / herself). In this manner, the display unit 14 (rear display unit) is provided at a position that is easy to see for a third party in the mobile phone, and the radio wave generation mode in which radio waves that may cause adverse effects or inconveniences are not generated or in a radio wave restriction mode that is not performed. Show. For example, when the device 1 is in a mode (m0) in which radio waves are not generated on the rear display unit, a display such as “No Transmission” or “Radio is stopped” is displayed, and the terminal is completely generating radio waves to a third party. Indicate clearly what is / is not. When the apparatus 1 is in the mode (m1) in which the transmission power is suppressed to a low level, a display such as “Low Power Transmission” or “Radio wave restricted” may be performed. In particular, in mobile phones that cannot output characters on the rear display unit, the color of the rear display unit can be changed according to the state and mode by changing the color of the color liquid crystal or light emitting diode of the rear display unit. For example, the radio wave state / mode is transmitted by controlling such that red does not generate radio waves and green controls radio waves.
[0069]
In addition, as a setting means for the power restriction register 12 by the user, an item of wireless unit ON / OFF (= ON / OFF of the radio wave restriction mode) is provided in a menu that the apparatus 1 provides to the user as software. The apparatus 1 accepts the setting of the wireless unit ON / OFF or the setting value c of the power limit register 12 by the user via such a user interface, and based on this, the wireless unit ON / OFF control trigger s1 is set to the control unit 11. Or set the maximum transmission power setting value.
[0070]
In addition, when the system tries to execute the restriction of the wireless communication function of the wireless terminal device 1 or after the execution, the user is notified of this (whether or not the restriction of the wireless communication function is executed / how to be restricted). The information may be displayed as characters or the like. For example, it is performed by a display process on a display provided in the terminal 1 as a standard.
[0071]
In the embodiment described above, it has been described that the generated radio wave level of the wireless terminal device 1 is limited in the terminal generated radio wave restricted area, and control is performed so as to return to the normal mode when leaving the restricted area. On the other hand, as another embodiment, when the terminal 1 is in or enters a predetermined area, the wireless unit 13 is turned on to control the wireless communication at a normal transmission power level. On the contrary, when leaving this area, the radio unit 13 can be turned off (restricted) to control the radio wave restriction mode. This is the case, for example, when the user owns a plurality of wireless terminal devices (cell phones), and there is a case where the user wants to use the wireless communication function using the radio wave only in a specific place. Using the automatic wireless communication function ON / OFF function according to the position, the wireless unit is turned on at a predetermined location, and is controlled to be turned off when leaving the location.
[0072]
The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. The above-described embodiment shows an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. .
[0073]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, in a portable wireless terminal device such as a mobile phone or a PDA, the terminal-generated radio wave is automatically restricted in a predetermined restricted area according to the current position of the terminal. If you go out of the restricted area, you can cancel the restricted radio wave state, so you can avoid adverse effects and inconveniences caused by generating radio waves in the specified area, and users and third parties feel about the generation of radio waves. Psychological burden such as anxiety can be reduced. For example, it is possible to avoid malfunctions of medical equipment in hospitals, malfunctions of pacemakers, malfunctions of airplane control devices in airplanes, and the like.
[0074]
In addition, even when radio waves generated by wireless terminal devices are limited, other built-in functions and applications (such as music playback functions) that do not use radio communication functions that generate radio waves are controlled to be usable. Users can use the application with peace of mind, which is convenient. In addition, when the user wants to use other functions / applications without receiving a call to the wireless terminal device, the user can use the device by using this function.
[0075]
Also, in places such as movie theaters where incoming calls to the terminal and ringing sounds may cause inconvenience to others, use of the external (system) radio wave restriction function will limit the radio waves generated by the wireless terminal device. By performing this control, it is possible to use a method such as automatically prohibiting the generation of radio waves in a specific prohibited area when a radio terminal apparatus enters the specific prohibited area by a movie theater administrator or the like.
[0076]
In addition, it is possible to notify the third party (and the user himself / herself) of the radio wave restriction status / mode of the wireless terminal device by the display unit, and the user is also able to perform the operation in places where radio wave generation may cause adverse effects or inconveniences. You can use built-in functions and applications that can be used without generating radio waves in the wireless terminal device without worrying about the eyes of the three parties, or you can use the communication function in the low-level mode. At the same time, even if there is a user using the wireless terminal device, a third party may recognize that the wireless terminal device is not generating or not generating radio waves by recognizing the display by the display function. This reduces the psychological burden of worrying about the effects of radio waves.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an entire system 100 including a wireless terminal device 1 and a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless terminal device 1 in an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of restricted area information r.
4 is a diagram illustrating each mode of the wireless terminal device 1. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing radio wave restriction control from the outside of the apparatus 1;
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing determination regarding execution of radio wave restriction.
7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a wireless unit 13. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating general closed-loop transmission power control.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating closed-loop transmission power control in the present embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of radio wave restriction control in the wireless terminal device 1;
11 is a diagram showing examples of various interfaces provided in the wireless terminal device 1. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 whole system
1 Mobile terminal devices (cell phones, PDAs, etc.)
2 Wireless communication system
3 Positional information system such as GPS
11 Control unit
12 Power limit register
13 Radio section
14 Display section
15 Position detector
16 Restricted area information management department
17 Judgment part
19 Other built-in functions and application processing units that do not use the wireless communication function
131 Receiver
132 Synthesizer
133 Transmitter
134 Baseband part
L Location information of terminal 1
s1 Wireless unit ON / OFF control trigger signal
s2 Radio unit control signal
s3 Display control signal
c Maximum transmission power setting value
r Terminal-generated radio wave restricted area registration information
r1 Restricted area position / range representation
r2 restriction type information
r3 restriction specification information
m0 Radio wave restriction mode (OFF mode)
m1 Radio restriction mode (low level mode)
m2 Normal mode

Claims (9)

A first wireless terminal device having a wireless unit that performs wireless communication processing with the second wireless terminal device;
Means for registering information indicating a radio wave restriction execution area where radio wave restriction is performed as registration information, and the location information of the first wireless terminal device acquired by performing wireless communication with the first wireless terminal device, A determination means for determining whether or not the first wireless terminal device is in the radio wave restriction execution area by comparing with information, and when the first wireless terminal device is in the radio wave restriction execution area And a second wireless terminal device having a control signal transmission means for transmitting a suppression execution control signal for suppressing the transmission power of the wireless unit to a predetermined level or less without turning it off, to the first wireless terminal device. A radio wave control system,
The registration information includes information specifying the predetermined level,
The second wireless terminal device is:
If the result of determination by the determination means is that the first wireless terminal device is within the radio wave restriction execution area, the control signal transmission means sends the suppression execution control signal including the specified value of the predetermined level. To the first wireless terminal device,
The first wireless terminal device is:
Based on the suppression execution control signal received from the second wireless terminal device, while suppressing the transmission power of the wireless unit,
The second wireless terminal device is:
As a result of determination by the determination means, when the first wireless terminal device is not in the radio wave restriction execution area, suppression release control for releasing suppression of transmission power of the wireless unit by the control signal transmission means Transmitting a signal to the first wireless terminal device;
The first wireless terminal device is:
Based on the derepression control signal received from the second wireless terminal apparatus, and release control suppression of transmission power of the radio unit,
The second wireless terminal device is:
A generated radio wave control system , wherein the suppression execution control signal and the suppression cancellation control signal are transmitted to the first wireless terminal device using a short-range wireless transmission standard . A first wireless terminal device having a wireless unit that performs wireless communication processing with the second wireless terminal device;
Means for registering information indicating an area for controlling to a mode capable of wireless communication at a normal transmission power level by turning on the wireless unit as registration information, acquired by performing wireless communication with the first wireless terminal device Determining means for comparing the position information of the first wireless terminal device with the registration information to determine whether or not the first wireless terminal device is in the area ; and the first wireless terminal When the device is in the area , the wireless unit is turned on to transmit a normal transmission power level control signal for controlling to a mode capable of wireless communication at a normal transmission power level to the first wireless terminal device. A generated radio wave control system having a second wireless terminal device having a control signal transmission means,
The first wireless terminal device is:
On the basis of the normal transmission power level control signal received from the second wireless terminal device, the wireless unit is turned on and controlled to a mode capable of wireless communication at a normal transmission power level ,
The registration information includes information specifying the predetermined level,
The second wireless terminal device is:
If the result of determination by the determination means is that the first wireless terminal device is not within the area , the control signal transmission means turns off the transmission power of the wireless unit including the specified value of the predetermined level. Transmitting a suppression execution control signal to be suppressed to the predetermined level or less to the first wireless terminal device,
The first wireless terminal device is:
The generated radio wave control system, wherein the transmission power of the radio unit is suppressed based on the suppression execution control signal received from the second wireless terminal device. The first wireless terminal device is:
3. The generated radio wave control system according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays a state of radio wave generation in the terminal itself and whether the suppression is currently being performed. The first wireless terminal device is:
When execution of the suppression, generation radio wave control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that for controlling the power supply as a target transmission section of the radio section. The first wireless terminal device is:
Generation radio wave control system according to any one of claims 1 4, characterized in that it further comprises means for performing ON / OFF of the execution function of the suppression by the user's operation. The first wireless terminal device is:
The generated radio wave control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , further comprising means for setting the specified value at the predetermined level by a user operation. The first wireless terminal device is:
The generated radio wave control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , further comprising means for displaying when the suppression is performed or when the suppression is performed. A wireless terminal device used as the second wireless terminal device in the generated radio wave control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . The wireless terminal device, characterized by being used as the first wireless terminal apparatus generates radio wave control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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