JP5354690B2 - Wireless communication apparatus, wireless communication apparatus control method, and control program therefor. - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To limit the use of a radio wave in a specific frequency band out of doors. <P>SOLUTION: Photographing means 15 takes a photograph of an upside of a wireless communication device 10, and indoor determining means 13 determines whether the photographed image includes a ceiling 50 or not. When it is determined that the ceiling 50 is not included in the image, frequency band limiting means 19 subjects a wireless LAN I/F17 to limitation of use of a frequency band whose use is permitted only indoors. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless communication device, and more particularly to a wireless communication device that performs communication using radio waves in a frequency band that is allowed to be used indoors.

  In recent years, when connecting to a network such as the Internet, wireless communication is often used instead of a wired cable. A wireless LAN (Local Area Network) handset built in or attached to an information terminal and a wireless LAN base unit (access point) communicate with each other using radio waves in a predetermined frequency band. As long as the radio wave reaches, there is an advantage that the information terminal can be connected to the network without worrying about the cable.

  Currently, wireless LAN data communication is 2.4 to 2.5 GHz band channel (1 ch to 13 ch), 5.15 to 5.25 GHz band channel (36 ch, 40 ch, 44 ch, 48 ch), 5.25 to 5.35 GHz. Band channels (52 ch, 56 ch, 60 ch, 64 ch) and 5.5 to 5.7 GHz band channels (100 ch, 104 ch, 108 ch 112 ch, 116 ch 120 ch, 124 ch, 128 ch, 132 ch, 136 ch, 140 ch) can be used. Thereafter, the 2.4-2.5 GHz band channel is the 2.4 GHz band, the 5.15-5.25 GHz band channel is the W52 band, the 5.25-5.35 GHz band is the W53 band, the 5.5-5.7 GHz band. The channel is abbreviated as W56 band.

  Among these, the above-mentioned W52 band and W53 band radio waves may interfere with radio waves in the frequency band used by the earth exploration satellite system, and are allowed to be used indoors only by domestic regulations.

  However, users who use a wireless LAN are often not sufficiently familiar with the above-mentioned rules, and it is a burden on the user to reset the frequency used for indoor communication and outdoor communication. There are many.

  Currently, wireless LAN devices do not have a function to forcibly use radio waves in the frequency band that can be used only indoors as described above. If radio waves in this frequency band are set, they can be used outdoors. Although it responds by displaying a warning message to the effect that it cannot be done, it is actually left to the user's morals.

  On the other hand, there are Patent Documents 1 to 8 as contents of the above technical fields that have been specifically known conventionally.

  In the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, the wireless LAN device is equipped with any one of a directional antenna, an infrared irradiation unit, and an ultrasonic irradiation unit as a ceiling detection unit. If any one of the corresponding electromagnetic waves, infrared rays, or ultrasonic waves is irradiated and the reflected wave is not received within a certain period of time, it is determined that there is no reflection from the ceiling or wall and is used outdoors. It is a technology to warn the person.

  Further, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 4 determines whether the power source of the information processing device is a battery or an AC adapter, and when the power source is a battery, the technology is highly likely to be used outdoors. This is a technology for performing communication using only radio waves in the frequency band.

  Furthermore, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 5 includes a shooting environment acquisition unit that acquires shooting environment information including position information, shooting direction, and shooting time when shooting with a digital camera. Although this is a technique for correcting a photographed image based on each piece of information acquired by the photographing environment acquisition means, the purpose is different from that of the present invention.

  Furthermore, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 6 includes a sensor that detects the inclination of the mobile terminal in a mobile terminal including an input / output unit having directivity, and the directionality of the input / output unit is within a predetermined range. However, the purpose of the present invention is different from that of the present invention.

  Furthermore, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 7 is a technique for switching to a radio wave in an indoor frequency band when a special signal (beacon) indicating indoor is transmitted from a transmission unit installed in advance. It is.

  Furthermore, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 8 is a technique for measuring the current amount of ultraviolet rays during route guidance by a car navigation system and guiding a route with the least amount of ultraviolet rays corresponding to a passenger based on the measured amount of ultraviolet rays. However, the purpose is different from the present invention.

JP 2001-136117 A JP 2003-333640 A JP2003-283509 JP 2003-318915 A JP2007-243551 JP 2006-109004 A JP 2004-153394 A JP2009-300117A

  However, the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 3 cannot accurately determine whether indoors or not because some materials absorb radio waves, infrared rays, and ultrasonic waves depending on the material of the ceiling and walls. There was an inconvenience that there was.

  In addition, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 4 has a disadvantage that it is determined to be indoors when the AC adapter is connected to an extension power cable and used outdoors.

  Furthermore, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 7 has a disadvantage in that it requires a new transmission means for transmitting an indoor signal (beacon), which is expensive.

(Object of invention)
The present invention improves the inconvenience of the related technology, and the wireless communication device itself determines whether or not the wireless communication device is installed outdoors, so that it can be used only indoors without imposing a burden on the user. An object of the present invention is to provide a wireless communication device that can restrict the use of radio waves in a certain frequency band.

In order to achieve the above object, a wireless communication device of the present invention is a wireless communication device having a device main body provided with wireless communication means for communicating with a specific information terminal using radio waves in a predetermined frequency band. Wide-area network communication means for communicating with other communication devices connected to the wide-area communication network, communication presence / absence of communication cable connection in the wide-area communication network communication means, and communication connected to the wide-area communication network communication means Communication cable length determination means for measuring the length of the cable, and communication cable length determination for determining whether the length of the communication cable measured by the communication cable length measurement means is equal to or greater than a preset reference value An indoor determination means having a function, and when the communication cable length measurement means cannot confirm the cable connection in the wide area network communication means and the indoor determination means Wherein when the length of the communication cable is one of the case where it is determined to be equal to or greater than the reference value, among radio waves of the predetermined frequency band to the radio communication means by use only indoors Frequency band limiting means for limiting the use of radio waves in an allowed frequency band.

In addition, the wireless communication device control method according to the present invention communicates with wireless communication means for communicating with a specific information terminal using radio waves in a predetermined frequency band and other communication devices connected to a wide area communication network. A wireless communication apparatus having a device body with a wide area network communication means, wherein the communication cable in the wide area network communication means is connected or not and the length of the communication cable connected to the wide area network communication means is An indoor determination means determines whether the length of the communication cable measured by the communication cable length measurement means and measured by the communication cable length measurement means is equal to or greater than a preset reference value, and the communication cable length When the measuring means cannot confirm the cable connection in the wide area network communication means and the length of the communication cable is greater than or equal to the reference value by the indoor determination means If either of the case where it is a constant, the radio of the radio wave of the predetermined frequency band to the communication means, the frequency band limiting means radio waves used in frequency band being allowed only indoors Is characterized in that it is restricted.

Furthermore, the wireless communication device control program according to the present invention communicates with wireless communication means for communicating with a specific information terminal using radio waves in a predetermined frequency band and with other communication devices connected to a wide area communication network. A wireless communication apparatus having a device body with a wide area network communication means for performing communication cable connection in the wide area network communication means and a length of the communication cable connected to the wide area network communication means measuring a function, indoor determination function determines whether or not the length of the communication cable, which is measured by the communication cable length measurement function is a preset reference value or more, the communication cable length measuring function is the wide When the cable connection in the communication network communication means could not be confirmed and the indoor determination function determined that the length of the communication cable was equal to or greater than the reference value If either of the cases, the out of radio waves in a predetermined frequency band, the frequency band limiting function for limiting the radio wave use of the band that are acceptable for use only indoors to the radio communication means, Is made to be executable and is realized by a computer.

Since the present invention is configured as described above, according to this, the communication cable length measuring means determines whether or not the communication cable is connected in the wide area network communication means and the length of the communication cable connected to the wide area network communication means. The indoor determination means determines whether or not the length of the communication cable measured by the communication cable length measurement means is equal to or greater than a preset reference value, and the communication cable length measurement means When the cable connection in the communication means cannot be confirmed and when the length of the communication cable is determined by the indoor determination means to be equal to or greater than the reference value , the wireless communication means indoors The frequency band limiting means can limit the use of radio waves in the frequency band that is only allowed to be used, and when using the wireless communication device outdoors, It is a wireless communication device excellent can limit the use of the indoor radio wave above without imposing a burden, to provide a radio communication apparatus control method and a radio communication apparatus control program that the.

1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a wireless LAN device 10 according to the present invention. FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing a configuration of the wireless LAN device 10, and FIG. 1B is a block diagram of FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless LAN I / F 17 of the illustrated wireless LAN device 10. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing second and third embodiments of the wireless LAN device 10 according to the present invention, FIG. 2 (A) is a block diagram showing the second embodiment, and FIG. 2 (B) shows the third embodiment. It is a block diagram. It is a block diagram which shows 4th Embodiment of the wireless LAN apparatus 10 concerning this invention. 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams showing an appearance of the wireless LAN device 10 disclosed in FIG. 1A, FIG. 4A is a diagram when the wireless LAN device 10 is installed by a regular installation method, and FIG. 4B is a diagram. 4A is a diagram when the wireless communication device 4A is installed by being rotated by 90 ° from a + Y axis to a + Z axis. FIG. FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram showing an appearance of the wireless LAN device 10 disclosed in FIG. 2A, FIG. 5A is a diagram when the wireless LAN device 10 is installed by a regular installation method, and FIG. It is a figure at the time of installing the radio | wireless communication apparatus of 5 (A) by rotating 90 degrees from + Y axis to + Z axis. 2 is a flowchart showing an overview of the overall operation in the wireless LAN device 10 disclosed in FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of overall operation in the wireless LAN device 10 disclosed in FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in which the ultraviolet ray amount reference data acquisition unit 21 in the wireless LAN device 10 disclosed in FIG. 2B acquires ultraviolet ray amount reference data from a network resource 40. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of overall operation in the wireless LAN device 10 disclosed in FIG. 3.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a wireless LAN device 10 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4.

  First, a wireless LAN device 10 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a wireless LAN interface (communication using a radio wave of a predetermined frequency band) with an information terminal 30 connected to a local area network (LAN). I / F) 17, a wired WAN interface (I / F) 18 that performs wired communication with a network resource 40 such as a server via a wide area network (WAN), and the wireless LAN device 10 operate. Storage means 12 for temporarily or permanently storing setting information necessary for the information and information received from the information terminal 30 and the network resource 40, and an operation control means 11 for controlling the operation of each of these means. .

  Furthermore, the wireless LAN device 10 is provided so that the gyro sensor 14 that detects the inclination of the wireless LAN device 10 with respect to the horizontal plane and the upper direction of the wireless communication device main body 10 can be photographed as shown in FIG. The photographing means 15, the indoor determination means 13 that analyzes the image photographed by the photographing means 15 and determines whether the ceiling 50 is reflected in the image, and the ceiling 50 is not reflected by the indoor determination means 13. When it is determined, the wireless LAN I / F 17 is provided with frequency band limiting means 19 for limiting the use of radio waves in a frequency band that is allowed to be used indoors only.

  Here, the installation method of the wireless LAN device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 4A. One point on the installation surface where the wireless LAN device 10 is installed is set as the origin, the X axis is set in the right direction with respect to the origin, and the origin is set. On the other hand, it is assumed that the Y-axis is defined as the vertical axis in the vertical direction and the Z-axis is defined in the forward direction with respect to the origin, and the case where the wireless LAN device 10 is installed as shown in FIG. .

  Further, the gyro sensor 14 detects how much the wireless LAN 10 shown in FIG. 4A described above is inclined with respect to the XY plane from the reference orientation, with the installation orientation of the wireless LAN 10 shown in FIG. It has a function of transmitting the tilt information.

  Here, the outdoor determination means 13 described above has a function of acquiring the tilt information transmitted from the gyro sensor 14 to the operation control means 11, and a state in which the photographing means 15 can photograph the upper side as shown in FIG. The installation direction determination function for determining whether or not the wireless LAN device 10 is installed and the installation direction determination function, and when it is determined that the wireless LAN device 10 is installed in a direction other than FIG. And a warning function (not shown) for warning that the projector should be installed in the direction.

  Thereby, the installation direction of the wireless LAN device 10 can be detected. For example, when the wireless LAN device 10 is installed in an installation direction other than upward when the photographing unit 15 as shown in FIG. Can determine that the installation orientation is not correct, and based on this determination, the warning function can warn the user to install in the proper orientation.

  The above-mentioned photographing means 15 includes an optical camera 15A that captures reflection by visible light as a still image of digital data, and the optical camera 15A so that sufficient brightness can be obtained even in a dark place when photographing with the optical camera 15A. Light irradiating means 15B for irradiating light toward the photographing direction.

  Further, the operation control unit 11 controls the operation of the optical camera 15A to store the captured image in the storage unit 12, and controls the operation of the light irradiation unit 15B based on the brightness information transmitted from the optical camera 15A. It has a function.

  Thereby, even in places where the brightness is not sufficient, such as in a dark room, the optical camera 15A can easily shoot the ceiling by irradiating light from the light irradiation means 15B in the shooting direction of the optical camera 15A.

  The indoor determination means 13 described above has a function of analyzing the photographed image taken by the photographing means 15 and judging whether or not a ceiling or something similar to the ceiling is reflected. Thereby, the indoor determination means 13 can determine whether the ceiling is reflected in the captured image captured by the imaging means 15.

  As a result, the photographing unit 15 photographs the upper side of the wireless LAN device 10, and the indoor determining unit 13 determines whether or not the ceiling 50 is reflected in the image captured by the photographing unit 15. As a result of the determination, when the ceiling 50 is not reflected, the frequency limiting unit 19 can limit the use of radio waves in a frequency band that is allowed to be used indoors only for the wireless LAN I / F 17.

  Here, the above-described photographing unit 15 has a regular photographing function for photographing regularly at a preset time interval when the indoor judging unit 13 determines that the ceiling is reflected.

  The indoor determination means 13 is configured to perform the above-described ceiling presence / absence determination for each captured image periodically captured by the periodic capturing function.

  As a result, even if it is determined that the ceiling has been captured, the presence / absence determination of the ceiling can be performed periodically. Therefore, after it is determined that the ceiling is once indoors, the wireless LAN device 10 is taken outside and indoors. It is possible to prevent unauthorized use of radio waves that are allowed to be used only on the Internet.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the wireless LAN I / F 17 described above transmits and receives communication data via a radio frequency (RF) baseband 17A that modulates and demodulates communication data and a wireless LAN antenna 17C. And an RF front end 17B for performing.

  The RF front end 17B described above transmits the communication data transmitted from the RF baseband 17A to the wireless LAN antenna 17C, and the RF transmission unit 17B1 transmits the communication data received by the wireless LAN antenna 17C to the RF baseband 17A. A receiving unit 17B2 and an RF switch unit 17B3 for switching between transmission and reception paths of communication data signals are provided.

[Operation of First Embodiment]
Next, the overall operation of the wireless communication device will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4 and 6.

  First, when the operation control unit 11 detects that the power of the wireless LAN device 10 is turned on (FIG. 6: step S101 / power-on process), the gyro sensor 14 is operated, and the gyro sensor 14 is connected to the wireless LAN device 10. Tilt information is detected (FIG. 6: step S102 / installation direction detection step).

  Subsequently, the installation direction determination function of the indoor determination unit 13 is based on the inclination information of the wireless LAN device 10 acquired from the gyro sensor 14, and the wireless LAN device 10 has the photographing unit 15 as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the camera is installed by a regular installation method facing (FIG. 6: Step S103 / shooting direction determination step).

  As a result of the determination by the installation direction determination function described above, when the imaging unit 15 is upward as shown in FIG. 4A (FIG. 6: Y in step S103), the operation control unit 11 captures the image. The operation is controlled as described above (FIG. 6: Step S105 / shooting process), and the captured image is stored in the storage unit 12 and the captured image is transmitted to the indoor determination unit 13 for analysis (FIG. 6: Step S106 / shooting). Image analysis process).

  As a result of analyzing the captured image, the indoor determination means 13 determines whether or not the ceiling is reflected (FIG. 6: step S107 / indoor determination step). If the ceiling is reflected (FIG. 6: Y in step S107), The wireless LAN device 10 is determined to be indoors (FIG. 6: step S108), and the frequency limiting means 19 does not limit the frequency (FIG. 6: step S109).

  The above-described photographing means 15 periodically shoots at a time interval set in advance by the periodic photographing function, and the indoor determination means 13 determines the presence / absence of the ceiling for each of the periodically photographed images. .

  On the other hand, if the ceiling is not shown as a result of the analysis by the indoor determination means 13 (FIG. 6: N in step S107), it is determined that the wireless LAN device 10 is outdoors (FIG. 6: step S111), and the frequency limiting means 19 Determines whether the wireless LAN I / F 17 is performing data communication and uses the W52 band or the W53 band (FIG. 6: step S112 / restricted frequency band use determination step).

  As a result of determining whether or not radio waves in the restricted frequency band are used, when data communication is in progress and the W52 band or W53 band is used (FIG. 6: Y in step S112), the W52 band, The user is warned that the W53 band is a radio wave that is permitted to be used only indoors, and prompts the user to immediately interrupt communication (FIG. 6: step S113 / use warning process).

  On the other hand, as a result of determining whether or not radio waves in the restricted frequency band are used, the case where the W52 band and the W53 band are not used or the communication in the W52 band and the W53 band is terminated (FIG. 6). : N in step S112), the use frequency limiting means 19 can use the wireless LAN I / F 17 by limiting the use of the W52 band and the W53 band (FIG. 6: step S114 / frequency limiting process). The frequency bands are the 2.4 GHz band and the W56 band (FIG. 6: Step S115 / indoor frequency setting step).

  Here, when the W52 band and the W53 band are already limited and the radio waves permitted to be used are set to the 2.4 GHz band and the W56 band, it is not necessary to set again.

  Thereafter, the indoor determination unit 13 determines whether or not the wireless LAN device 10 has moved from the gyro sensor 14 (FIG. 6: Step S110 / movement determination step), and detects the movement of the wireless LAN device 10 (FIG. 6). : Y of step S110), it is determined again whether or not the photographing means 15 is installed so as to face upward (FIG. 6: step S103 / photographing direction determining step), and the photographing means 15 takes a picture (FIG. 6: step S105). / Photographing process), and the photographed image is analyzed (FIG. 6: step S106 / photographed image analysis process) to determine whether or not the ceiling is visible (FIG. 6: step S107 / outdoor judgment process).

  Here, when the wireless communication device is tilted 90 ° toward the near side as shown in FIG. 4B from the state where the wireless LAN device 10 is installed as shown in FIG. 4A, the gyro sensor 14 is It is assumed that the direction of the device has changed and it is determined that the wireless LAN device 10 has been moved.

  In addition, as described above, the number of times of photographing by the photographing means 15 is set to one time, but it may be photographed regularly a plurality of times at a preset time interval. In this case, in addition to the determination as to whether or not the wireless LAN device 10 is indoor, the indoor determination means 13 indicates that the wireless LAN device 10 has moved when a difference occurs in the image compared to the image captured immediately before. It can also be determined.

  Furthermore, as to the timing at which the frequency limiting unit 19 functions, when the indoor determination unit 13 determines that it is outdoors as described above, the frequency that can be used immediately is limited, but the indoor determination unit 13 for a plurality of photographed images. When the number of times determined that the ceiling is not reflected reaches a predetermined number, the frequency may be limited.

  In the first embodiment, the photographing unit 15 includes the optical camera 15A and the light irradiating unit 15B. However, in order to easily allow photographing above the apparatus even in a dark environment, an infrared ray is used instead of the photographing unit 15. The same effect can be obtained using a camera.

  Further, when a plurality of installation directions of the wireless LAN device 10 are possible, it is not necessary to provide only one imaging unit 15 on the upper side, but to use an imaging unit that is mounted on each surface of the apparatus and shoots according to the installation direction of the device. It may be acceptable. In addition, drive-type photographing means may be used so that the photographing direction is always directed to the ceiling so that the ceiling direction of the device can be photographed regardless of the orientation of the device.

  As described above, by providing a plurality of photographing means 15 or making the photographing means 15 movable, it is possible to perform photographing for determining whether there is a ceiling even when there are a plurality of installation directions.

  Here, in the operation in the first embodiment described above, each execution content executed in the above steps may be programmed, and this may be configured to function on a computer. In this case, the program may be recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a DVD, a CD, or a flash memory. In this case, the program is read from the recording medium by a computer and executed.

(Effect of 1st Embodiment)
As described above, in the first embodiment, based on the installation direction of the wireless LAN device 10 acquired from the gyro sensor 14, it is determined whether or not the photographing unit 15 is facing the wireless LAN device 10. Is taken by the photographing means 15 when the wireless LAN device 10 is facing upward, and the indoor judging means 13 judges whether or not the ceiling is reflected in the photographed image. When the photographed image does not show the ceiling, the use frequency limiting unit 19 restricts the use of the frequencies in the W52 band and the W53 band that are allowed to be used indoors only to the wireless LAN I / F 17. If it is determined that the ceiling is not shown, the periodic shooting function periodically shoots to determine whether there is a ceiling. As a result, when the wireless LAN device 10 is used outdoors, it is possible to restrict the use of radio waves in a frequency band that is allowed to be used indoors without forcing the user to change the setting of the used frequency. Further, the provision of the gyro sensor 14 makes it possible to determine whether or not the photographing means 15 is facing upward, and it is possible to prevent the frequency limitation due to the device facing sideways and the wall as if it were a ceiling. .

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described based on FIG. 2 (A), FIG. 5 and FIG.
Here, the same code | symbol shall be used about the component same as 1st Embodiment mentioned above.

  In the first embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 1, 4, and 6, the photographing unit 15 photographs the upper side of the wireless LAN device 10 and is used outdoors when the photographed image does not have a ceiling. The case where the indoor determination means 13 determines that the image is present is illustrated.

  On the other hand, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, instead of the photographing means 15, the ultraviolet light amount measuring means 20 is provided so that the amount of ultraviolet light falling from above the wireless LAN device 10 can be measured. It is provided in the wireless LAN device 10 and is configured to determine whether or not the indoor determination means 13 is indoors based on the amount of ultraviolet rays measured by the ultraviolet ray amount measurement means 20.

  The indoor determination means 13 has an ultraviolet ray amount determination function for determining whether or not the ultraviolet ray amount measured by the ultraviolet ray amount measuring means 20 is equal to or greater than a preset indoor ultraviolet ray amount.

Further, when the amount of ultraviolet rays measured by the ultraviolet ray amount determination function is equal to or greater than a preset amount of ultraviolet rays, the frequency limiting unit 19 is allowed to use the wireless LAN I / F 17 only indoors. It has a function to limit the use of radio waves.
About another structure, it is the same as 1st Embodiment mentioned above.

[Operation of Second Embodiment]

  Next, the operation of the wireless communication apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2 (A), FIG. 5 and FIG.

  First, when the operation control means 11 detects that the power of the wireless LAN device 10 is turned on (FIG. 7: step S201 / power-on process), the gyro sensor 14 is operated. The inclination of the main body is detected (FIG. 7: step S202 / installation direction detection step).

  Subsequently, the installation direction determination function of the indoor determination unit 13 is based on the information regarding the inclination of the wireless LAN device 10 acquired from the gyro sensor 14, and the wireless LAN device 10 measures the amount of ultraviolet rays as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not 20 is installed by a regular installation method facing upward (FIG. 7: step S203 / direction determination step).

  As a result of the determination by the installation direction determination function described above, when the ultraviolet ray amount measuring means 20 is upward (FIG. 7: Y in step S203), the ultraviolet ray amount is measured by the ultraviolet ray amount measuring means 20 (FIG. 7: step S205 / UV amount measurement step), the indoor determination means 13 analyzes the measured UV amount information (FIG. 7: Step S206 / UV amount analysis step).

  As a result of the analysis by the indoor determination means 13 described above, it is determined whether or not the ultraviolet light amount measured by the ultraviolet light amount measurement means 20 is equal to or less than a preset indoor ultraviolet light amount (FIG. 7: Step S207 / UV light amount determination step). ), When the measured ultraviolet light amount is equal to or less than the reference value of the indoor ultraviolet light amount (FIG. 7: Y in step S207), it is determined that the wireless LAN device 10 is indoors (FIG. 7: step S208), and the frequency restriction is performed. Not performed (FIG. 7: Step S209).

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination by the indoor determination means 13, if the measured ultraviolet ray amount is equal to or greater than the reference value (FIG. 7: N in step S207), it is determined that the wireless LAN device 10 is outdoors (FIG. 7: step S211). The frequency limiting unit 19 determines whether the wireless LAN I / F 17 is performing data communication and uses the W52 band or the W53 band (FIG. 7: step S212 / restricted frequency band use determination step).

  As a result of the determination by the frequency limiting means 19, when data communication is in progress and the W52 band or W53 band is used (FIG. 7: Y in step S212), the use of the W52 band and the W53 band is permitted only indoors. Is urged to immediately interrupt the communication (FIG. 7: step S213 / use warning process).

  As a result of the determination by the frequency limiting means 19, when the W52 band and W53 band are not used or when communication in the W52 band and W53 band is terminated (FIG. 7: N in step S213), the wireless LAN I / F 17 is By limiting the use of the W52 band and the W53 band (FIG. 7: Step S215 / frequency limiting step), the usable frequency bands become the 2.4 GHz band and the W56 band (FIG. 7: Step S216 / indoor use). Frequency setting step).

  Here, when the 2.4 GHz band and the W56 band have already been set, there is no need to set again.

  Thereafter, the indoor determination means 13 determines whether or not the wireless LAN device 10 has moved based on the tilt information transmitted from the gyro sensor 14 (FIG. 7: Step S210 / movement determination step), and determines whether the wireless LAN device 10 has moved. If it is detected (FIG. 7: Y in step S210), it is determined again whether the ultraviolet ray amount measuring means 20 is installed so as to face upward (FIG. 7: step S203 / apparatus direction determining step), and the ultraviolet ray amount measuring means. The amount of ultraviolet rays is measured at 20 (FIG. 7: step S205 / ultraviolet ray amount measuring step), and the measured amount of ultraviolet rays is analyzed (FIG. 7: step S206 / ultraviolet ray amount analyzing step). (FIG. 7: Step S207 / ultraviolet ray amount determination step).

(Effect of 2nd Embodiment)
Thus, the ultraviolet ray amount measuring means 20 for measuring the ultraviolet ray amount is installed in the wireless LAN device 10 so as to measure the ultraviolet ray amount irradiated from above the wireless LAN device 10, and this ultraviolet ray amount measuring means. It is determined whether the amount of ultraviolet rays measured by 20 is equal to or greater than a reference value of indoor ultraviolet rays measured in advance. If the measured value is equal to or greater than the reference value, it is determined that the wireless LAN device 10 is installed outdoors. It is possible to limit the use of radio waves in a frequency band that is allowed to be used indoors without forcing the user to change the frequency used. About another structure and its effect, it is the same as 1st Embodiment mentioned above.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
Here, the same code | symbol shall be used about the component same as 2nd Embodiment mentioned above.

  In the second embodiment disclosed in FIG. 2 (A), FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, a reference value of the amount of ultraviolet rays for determining that it is outdoors is stored in advance in the storage means 12, and this reference The case where it was determined whether it was outdoors based on the value was illustrated.

  However, since the amount of ultraviolet rays outdoors changes depending on weather conditions and seasons, when the reference value of the amount of ultraviolet rays is a fixed value, the determination accuracy by the indoor determination means 13 may be poor.

  For this reason, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 (B), a network resource 40 holding ultraviolet light amount information for each time zone at each point is connected in advance to the WAN, and the ultraviolet light is transmitted from the network resource 40 to the ultraviolet light. The wireless LAN device 10 includes an ultraviolet ray amount reference data acquisition unit 21 that acquires amount information via the wired WAN I / F 18, and the indoor determination unit 13 uses the ultraviolet ray amount acquired by the ultraviolet ray amount reference data acquisition unit 21 as a reference value. It is characterized in that it is configured to determine whether it is indoor.

As described above, the accuracy of determination can be improved by acquiring not the fixed amount of ultraviolet rays stored in the storage unit 12 but the amount of ultraviolet rays on the day of determining whether indoors or not.
[Operation of Third Embodiment]

  Next, an operation in which the ultraviolet ray amount reference data obtaining unit 21 in the third embodiment of the wireless communication apparatus obtains ultraviolet ray amount information from the network resource 40 will be described with reference to FIG. 2B and FIG.

  First, when the ultraviolet ray reference data acquisition unit 21 detects that the power of the wireless LAN device 10 is turned on via the operation control unit 11, the ultraviolet ray amount reference data acquisition unit 21 of the wireless LAN device 10 connected to the WAN via the wired WAN I / F 18. Connect to another communication device (not shown) having a function of providing location information (FIG. 8: step S301 / network connection step), and acquire the location information of the wireless LAN device 10 from this other communication device (FIG. 8). 8: Step S302 / Position information acquisition step).

  At this time, the location information of the wireless LAN device 10 obtained from another communication device may be obtained with accuracy in units of cities, such as XX prefecturexx city, and detailed location information is not necessary.

  Further, as a method of acquiring the position information, it is assumed that the position information may be acquired from a wireless LAN access point connected near the wireless LAN device 10 on the WAN. Further, the wireless LAN device 10 may be equipped with GPS (Global Positioning System) receiving means, and position information may be acquired by the GPS receiving means. Alternatively, the user who uses the wireless LAN device 10 may directly specify the position information.

  Based on the acquired position information, the UV amount data of the nearest place where the wireless LAN device 10 is installed is acquired from the network resource 40 (FIG. 8: step S303 / point UV amount acquiring step).

  The indoor determination means 13 registers the acquired ultraviolet ray amount data as a reference value (FIG. 8: Step S304 / ultraviolet ray amount reference value registration step), and if the ultraviolet ray amount measured by the ultraviolet ray amount measuring means 20 is equal to or greater than this reference value, it is wireless. It is determined that the LAN device 10 is installed outdoors.

  Further, the series of steps described above may be periodically repeated at a preset time interval to periodically update the reference value of the amount of ultraviolet rays.

(Effect of the third embodiment)
Thus, in order to acquire the location information of the wireless LAN device 10, it connects to another communication device, acquires the location information of the wireless LAN device 10 from this other communication device, and network resources based on the acquired location information The UV amount reference value is a reference for determining whether or not the wireless LAN device 10 is installed outdoors by acquiring the UV amount reference value from 40 and registering and determining the acquired UV amount reference value as a determination reference. Can be set to a value corresponding to the weather and the season, and it can be determined whether or not it is outdoors more accurately. About another structure and its effect, it is the same as 2nd Embodiment mentioned above.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment, which is the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, will be described with reference to FIGS.
Here, the same code | symbol shall be used about the component same as 1st Embodiment mentioned above.

  In the first embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 1, 4, and 6, the photographing unit 15 photographs the upper side of the wireless LAN device 10 and is used outdoors when the photographed image does not have a ceiling. The case where the indoor determination means 13 determines that the image is present is illustrated.

  However, when the wireless LAN device 10 has a function of connecting via a 3G line or WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) which is a wireless communication network for a portable information terminal instead of a wired cable when connecting to the WAN, the wireless LAN device 10 Can be used outdoors because there are no cable movement restrictions.

  In the case of a wireless LAN access point that connects to the WAN in two ways, wired and wireless, it can be installed outdoors if it is wireless, but within the cable length range if wired. The possibility of being used outdoors is reduced.

  In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a wired cable is connected to the wired WAN I / F 18 instead of the photographing means 15 and the gyro sensor 14 in the wireless LAN device 10 (link up). Whether or not it is outdoors based on the cable length specified by the cable length acquisition unit 23. The cable length acquisition unit 23 measures the cable length when a wired cable is connected. It is characterized by determining whether or not.

  The cable length acquisition means 23 described above has a function of transmitting a specific pulse signal to a communication cable connected to the wired WAN I / F 22 and a pulse reflected by an end opposite to the wired WAN I / F 22 of the communication cable. A function of receiving a signal, a function of calculating the degree of attenuation based on the transmission level and reception level of the pulse signal, and a function of specifying the length of the communication cable based on the degree of attenuation. Yes.

  In addition, the storage unit 12 stores in advance the cable length information serving as a reference value, and the indoor determination unit 13 stores the cable length specified by the cable length acquisition unit 23 in the storage unit 12. It has a function of determining whether the length is less than the reference value of the cable length.

  Further, as a result of the determination by the indoor determination means 13, the frequency limiting means 19 is allowed to be used indoors only for the wireless LAN I / F 17 when the length of the specified cable is equal to or greater than the reference value. It has a function to control to limit the use of radio waves of a certain frequency.

  As a result, the cable length acquisition means 23 identifies the length of the cable connected to the wired WAN I / F 18, and based on this result, the indoor determination means 13 determines whether or not the installation location of the wireless LAN device 10 is outdoors. The frequency limiting means 19 can limit the use of radio waves in a frequency band that is allowed to be used indoors only with respect to the wireless LAN I / F 17 when it is determined that this is outdoor. .

  In addition, when the result of determination by the indoor determination unit 13 is that the measured value is equal to or less than the reference value, the frequency limiting unit 19 has a function of canceling the limitation of the frequency band to be used for the wireless LAN I / F 17. have.

  As a result, when a cable below the reference value is connected to the wired WAN I / F 18 in a state where the use of radio waves in a frequency band that is allowed to be used indoors is restricted, the restriction on the use frequency band should be lifted. Can do. About another structure, it is the same as 1st Embodiment mentioned above.

[Operation of Fourth Embodiment]
Next, the operation of the wireless communication apparatus according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, when the operation control means 11 detects that the power of the wireless LAN device 10 is turned on (FIG. 9: step S401 / power-on process), the cable length acquisition means 23 sends a wired cable to the wired WAN I / F 18. It is determined whether or not they are connected (FIG. 9: Step S402 / cable connection determination step).

  Accordingly, the cable length acquisition unit 23 can determine whether the connection method of the wireless LAN device 10 to the WAN is wireless or wired.

  Subsequently, when the cable length acquisition unit 23 determines that the wired cable is connected to the wired WAN I / F 18 (FIG. 9: Y in step S402), the cable length acquisition unit 23 is connected to the wired WAN I / F 18 and connected. The length of the cable is specified (FIG. 9: step S403 / cable length specifying step).

  The indoor determination means 13 acquires the cable length reference value from the storage means 12, and determines whether or not the cable length specified by the cable length acquisition means 23 is equal to or less than the reference value (FIG. 9: step). S404 / Cable length determination process)

  The indoor determination unit 13 determines that the wireless LAN device 10 is indoors if the length of the specified cable is equal to or less than the reference value as a result of the determination of the cable length (FIG. 9: Y in step S404). (FIG. 9: step S405 / indoor use specifying step), the use frequency band is not restricted for the wireless LAN I / F 17, or when the use frequency band is restricted, the use frequency band restriction means 19 is wireless. The LAN I / F 17 is controlled to release the restriction (FIG. 9: Step S406 / usage frequency band non-restriction process).

  As a result, when a frequency band that can be used by wirelessly connecting the wireless LAN device 10 to the WAN is limited and a cable having a length equal to or less than a reference value is connected to the wired WAN I / F 18, the frequency band that can be used is The restriction can be lifted.

  Here, the indoor determination means 13 determines whether or not the cable connected to the wired WAN I / F 18 has been disconnected (FIG. 9: step S407 / cable disconnection determination step).

  The indoor determination unit 13 determines that the cable is not connected as a result of the cable connection determination (FIG. 9: N in step S402), and the length of the cable specified by the result of the cable length determination is greater than or equal to the reference value. (FIG. 9: N in step S405) When the cable is disconnected (FIG. 9: Y in step S407), it is determined that the wireless LAN device 10 is outdoors (FIG. 9: step S408 / outdoor use specifying step), and wireless It is determined whether the LAN I / F 17 is performing data communication and is using radio waves in the W52 band or W53 band frequency band (FIG. 9: Step S409 / Used frequency band determination step).

  When the wireless LAN I / F 17 is performing data communication and uses radio waves in the W52 band or W53 band frequency band (FIG. 9: Y in step S409), the operation control unit 11 uses the W52 band and W53 band frequency bands. The user is warned that the use of the radio wave is prohibited outdoors and prompts the user to immediately interrupt the communication (FIG. 9: Step S410 / warning process).

  Here, as a warning method for the above-described user, the operation control means 11 controls the information terminal 30 connected to the wireless LAN I / F 17 to output a sound or light to warn the user. Alternatively, warning means (not shown) for warning the user by sound or light may be provided in advance in the wireless LAN device 10, and the warning may be given by this warning means.

  As a result, the radio WAN I / F 18 uses radio waves in the W52 band or W53 band frequency band, and the wired WAN I / F 18 is connected even if the cable is not connected or is connected. When the length of the cable is equal to or greater than the reference value, the user can be warned that use of radio waves in the W52 band and W53 band frequency bands is prohibited outdoors.

  When the wireless LAN I / F 17 does not use radio waves in the W52 band or W53 band frequency band or terminates communication using radio waves in the W52 band or W53 band frequency band (FIG. 9: N in step S409) The use frequency band limiting means 19 controls the wireless LAN I / F 17 to limit the use of radio waves in the W52 band and W53 band (FIG. 9: step S411 / use frequency band restriction step). At the same time, the usable frequency bands are set to the 2.4 GHz band and the W56 band (FIG. 9: Step S412 / usable frequency band setting step).

  As a result, it is possible to limit the use of radio waves in the frequency bands of the W52 band and the W53 band that are allowed to be used indoors.

  Here, the indoor determination means 13 determines whether or not a cable is connected to the wired WAN I / F 18 (FIG. 9: step S413 / cable connection determination step), and when the cable is connected (FIG. 9: step S413). Y), and the length of the connected cable is measured (FIG. 9: step S403 / cable length measurement step), and thereafter, each step described above is performed.

As a result, when a cable is connected to the wired WAN I / F 18 in a state where the usable frequency band is restricted, and the length of the connected cable is equal to or greater than the reference value, the restriction on the frequency band can be released. .
The

Here, in the operation in the above-described fourth embodiment, each execution content executed in the above steps may be programmed and the computer may function. In this case, the program may be recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a DVD, a CD, or a flash memory. In this case, the program is read from the recording medium by a computer and executed.
(Effect of 4th Embodiment)

  As described above, the cable length acquisition unit 23 determines whether or not a cable is connected to the wired WAN I / F 18, and if it is determined that the cable is connected as a result of the determination, the length of the connected cable is determined. If the length is equal to or greater than the specified cable length reference value, it is determined that the wireless LAN device 10 is installed outdoors. In response to this determination, the frequency limiting unit 19 controls the wireless WAN I / F 17 to limit the use of radio waves in a frequency band that is allowed to be used indoors. Thereby, it is possible to limit the use of the indoor frequency band without forcing the user to change the setting of the used frequency band. Even if it does in this way, the effect equivalent to 1st Embodiment mentioned above can be acquired.

About the embodiment mentioned above, if the summary of the novel technical content is put together, it will become as the following additional remarks.
In addition, although one part or all part of the said embodiment is put together as follows as a novel technique, this invention is not necessarily limited to this.

(Supplementary note 1) In a wireless communication apparatus having an apparatus main body provided with wireless communication means for communicating with a specific information terminal using radio waves in a predetermined frequency band,
Photographing means provided so as to photograph the upper direction of the apparatus body;
Indoor determination means for analyzing an image captured by the imaging means and determining whether or not a ceiling is reflected in the image;
When the indoor determination means determines that the ceiling is not visible, the wireless communication means is restricted from using radio waves in a frequency band that is allowed to be used indoors only within the predetermined frequency band. A wireless communication apparatus comprising: a frequency band limiting unit that

(Supplementary note 2) In the wireless communication apparatus according to supplementary note 1,
The photographing means is composed of an optical camera and a light irradiation means for irradiating light in the photographing direction of the optical camera so that sufficient sensitivity can be obtained even in a dark place when photographing with the optical camera. A wireless communication device.

(Supplementary note 3) In the wireless communication device according to supplementary note 1,
A wireless communication apparatus, wherein the photographing means is a night vision camera.

(Supplementary note 4) In the wireless communication device according to supplementary note 1,
The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing unit has a regular photographing function for periodically photographing at a preset time interval when the indoor judging unit determines that the ceiling is reflected.

(Supplementary note 5) In the wireless communication apparatus according to supplementary note 1,
In place of the photographing means, with an ultraviolet ray amount measuring means for measuring the amount of ultraviolet light that pours down from above the apparatus body,
The indoor determination means has an ultraviolet ray amount determination function for determining whether or not the ultraviolet ray amount measured by the ultraviolet ray amount measuring means is equal to or greater than a preset indoor ultraviolet ray amount reference value,
The wireless communication apparatus, wherein the frequency limiting unit functions when the measured ultraviolet ray amount is determined to be equal to or greater than the reference value by the ultraviolet ray amount determining function.

(Supplementary note 6) In the wireless communication device according to supplementary note 5,
An ultraviolet ray amount reference value server that holds the ultraviolet ray amount reference value in advance is provided so as to be able to communicate with the apparatus main body,
The apparatus main body includes an ultraviolet ray amount reference value acquisition unit that acquires the reference value of the ultraviolet ray amount from the ultraviolet ray amount reference value server.

(Supplementary note 7) In the wireless communication device according to supplementary note 1,
A gyro sensor for detecting the inclination of the apparatus body,
The indoor determination means determines whether or not the apparatus main body is installed in a state where the photographing means can photograph the upward direction of the apparatus main body based on information on the tilt detected by the gyro sensor. A wireless communication apparatus having a determination function.

(Supplementary note 8) In the wireless communication apparatus according to supplementary note 1,
The apparatus body includes a wide-area communication network communication unit that performs communication with other communication apparatuses connected to a wide-area communication network in advance.
In place of the photographing means, a communication cable length measuring means for measuring the length of a communication cable connected to the wide area network communication means,
The indoor determination means has a communication cable length determination function for determining whether or not the length of the communication cable measured by the communication cable length measurement means is equal to or greater than a preset reference value;
The wireless communication apparatus, wherein the frequency band limiting unit functions when the communication cable length determination function determines that the length of the communication cable is equal to or greater than the reference value.

(Supplementary note 9) In the wireless communication device according to supplementary note 8,
The communication cable length measuring means includes
While transmitting a predetermined pulse signal from one end of the communication cable,
A wireless communication apparatus characterized in that the length of the communication cable is specified based on the degree of attenuation of the pulse signal reflected by the other end of the communication cable.

(Supplementary note 10) In a wireless communication apparatus having an apparatus main body provided with wireless communication means for communicating with a specific information terminal using radio waves of a predetermined frequency band,
The photographing means photographs the upward direction of the apparatus body,
Analyzing the image taken by the photographing means and determining whether or not the ceiling is reflected in the image, the indoor determination means,
When it is determined by the indoor determination means that the ceiling is not reflected, the frequency of use of radio waves in a frequency band that is allowed to be used only indoors among the radio waves in the predetermined frequency band for the wireless communication means A wireless communication apparatus control method characterized in that the band restriction means restricts.

(Supplementary note 11) In a wireless communication device having a device body provided with wireless communication means for communicating with a specific information terminal using radio waves in a predetermined frequency band,
An imaging means operation control function for controlling the operation of the imaging means provided so as to be capable of imaging the upper direction of the apparatus body;
An indoor determination function for analyzing an image captured by the imaging means and determining whether a ceiling is reflected in the image;
When the indoor determination function determines that the ceiling is not reflected, the radio communication means restricts the use of radio waves in a frequency band that is allowed to be used indoors only, in the predetermined frequency band. Frequency band limiting function,
A program for controlling a wireless communication apparatus, wherein the program is implemented to be executable and is realized by a computer.

  The present invention can be applied to a wireless LAN access point that can perform communication using radio waves in a frequency band that is allowed to be used indoors.

10 Wireless LAN device (wireless communication device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Indoor determination means 14 Gyro sensor 15 Image | photographing means 15A Optical camera 15B Light irradiation means 17 Wireless LAN I / F (wireless communication means)
18 Wired WAN I / F (Wide area network communication means)
19 Frequency limiting means 20 Ultraviolet light quantity measuring means 21 Ultraviolet light quantity reference value obtaining means 23 Cable length obtaining means 30 Information terminal 40 Network resource (ultraviolet light quantity reference value server)

Claims (4)

In a wireless communication device having a device body provided with wireless communication means for communicating with a specific information terminal using radio waves of a predetermined frequency band,
The device body is
Wide area network communication means for communicating with other communication devices connected to the wide area network,
Communication cable length measuring means for measuring presence / absence of connection of a communication cable in the wide area network communication means and a length of the communication cable connected to the wide area network communication means,
Indoor determination means having a communication cable length determination function for determining whether or not the length of the communication cable measured by the communication cable length measurement means is equal to or greater than a preset reference value;
Either the case where the communication cable length measuring unit cannot confirm the cable connection in the wide area network communication unit or the case where the indoor determination unit determines that the length of the communication cable is greater than or equal to the reference value . The radio communication means includes a frequency band restriction means for restricting use of radio waves in a frequency band that is allowed to be used indoors only, among radio waves in the predetermined frequency band. A wireless communication device. The wireless communication device according to claim 1,
The communication cable length measuring means includes
While transmitting a predetermined pulse signal from one end of the communication cable,
A wireless communication apparatus characterized in that the length of the communication cable is specified based on the degree of attenuation of the pulse signal reflected by the other end of the communication cable. An apparatus main body having wireless communication means for communicating with a specific information terminal using radio waves of a predetermined frequency band and wide area communication network communication means for communicating with other communication apparatuses connected to a wide area communication network In a wireless communication device,
The communication cable length measuring means measures the presence or absence of connection of the communication cable in the wide area network communication means and the length of the communication cable connected to the wide area network communication means,
The indoor determination means determines whether or not the length of the communication cable measured by the communication cable length measurement means is greater than or equal to a preset reference value,
Either the case where the communication cable length measuring unit cannot confirm the cable connection in the wide area network communication unit or the case where the indoor determination unit determines that the length of the communication cable is greater than or equal to the reference value . The frequency band limiting means restricts the use of radio waves in a frequency band that is allowed to be used only indoors among radio waves in the predetermined frequency band to the wireless communication means. A method of controlling a wireless communication device. An apparatus main body having wireless communication means for communicating with a specific information terminal using radio waves of a predetermined frequency band and wide area communication network communication means for communicating with other communication apparatuses connected to a wide area communication network In a wireless communication device,
A function of measuring the presence or absence of connection of a communication cable in the wide area communication network communication means and the length of the communication cable connected to the wide area network communication means;
An indoor determination function for determining whether the length of the communication cable measured by the communication cable length measurement function is equal to or greater than a preset reference value;
Either of the case where the communication cable length measurement function cannot confirm the cable connection in the wide area network communication means and the case where the indoor determination function determines that the length of the communication cable is equal to or greater than the reference value . If it is, the of the radio wave in a predetermined frequency band, the frequency band limiting function for limiting the radio wave use of the band that are acceptable for use only indoors to the radio communication means,
A program for controlling a wireless communication apparatus, wherein the program is implemented to be executable and is realized by a computer.

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