JP2004015567A - Generated-radio-wave control system and radio terminal unit equipped with generated-radio-wave controlling function - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radio terminal unit that can be used by reducing the mental burden imposed upon the user and third persons by avoiding such an abuse that the unit gives an influence to other equipment with generated radio waves or a trouble to the third persons, and so on, in a prescribed area or under a prescribed condition, and to provide a system which controls the terminal unit. <P>SOLUTION: The radio terminal unit is provided with a registering means which registers the information on radio wave restriction, a location detecting means which detects the geographical location of the radio terminal unit any time, and a discriminating means which discriminates whether or not the terminal unit is in a radio wave-restricted area by comparing the present location of the unit with the registered information. The terminal unit is also provided with a transmission power control means which restricts radio waves by controlling the transmission power of a radio section when the discriminating means discriminates that the terminal unit enters the radio wave-restricted area, and, conversely, releases radio wave restriction by returning the transmission power of the radio section to a normal level when the discriminating means discriminates that the unit is out of the radio wave-restricted area. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable wireless terminal device such as a mobile phone and a PDA and a communication system thereof, and more particularly, to a wireless terminal device for controlling generated radio waves and a communication system thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
BACKGROUND ART In recent years, when using a mobile phone, there has been a problem of the adverse effect of a radio wave generated by the mobile phone. For example, the generation of radio waves from a mobile phone in a hospital may affect medical equipment such as malfunction. In addition, malfunctions of medical equipment such as pacemakers (heart 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 radio waves nearby. There is a problem that there is. In addition, there is a problem of annoyance due to a ring tone in a movie theater or the like. Due to such a problem, it is required to suppress 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 measures have been considered. In particular, there are many cases that are related to human life such as malfunction of medical equipment, so the problem is serious.
[0003]
On the other hand, with the development of various functions and applications other than the wireless communication function in the mobile phone, such as a music playback function, the mobile phone does not use the wireless communication function but uses other installed functions and applications (music playback function). ), Etc., are increasing. In particular, in a specific area or situation where the influence of radio waves generated from a mobile phone as described above must be considered, do not use the wireless communication function in consideration of the influence of the generated radio waves, but want to use other installed functions and applications. It is convenient if such usage is possible, and at the same time it is effective as a measure against the influence of radio wave generation.
[0004]
Conventional mobile phones always communicate with a base station for location registration processing or the like when the main power of the apparatus is turned on (that is, generate radio waves using a wireless communication function). Therefore, even if you use a function or application that does not directly use the wireless communication function, it will generate radio waves from its own terminal, so in a specific area / situation where the influence of radio waves must be considered There is a risk of causing adverse effects.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In a wireless terminal device such as a mobile phone or a PDA and a communication system therefor, a wireless communication function is restricted in a predetermined area and situation, and other mounted functions and applications that do not use the wireless communication function are controlled to be usable. This is convenient and effective as a countermeasure against the problem of adverse effects caused by radio waves. Restriction of the wireless communication function of the wireless terminal device means that the level of the radio wave generated by the device is controlled to a level that does not affect equipment that may malfunction due to the effects of radio waves nearby, or a third party Control so as not to cause trouble.
[0006]
Also, even if the wireless terminal device is in the radio wave limiting mode due to the use of such a radio wave control function and there is substantially no adverse effect on other devices, this is transmitted to a third party or the like. If not, there is a possibility that both the third party and oneself may feel uneasy. It is also important to inform a third party or the like 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 a problem, and in a wireless terminal device such as a mobile phone or a PDA and a system for controlling the same, influence of other devices due to radio wave generation at the terminal or inconvenience to a third party. Automatically controls the wireless communication function of the terminal to a restricted state in a predetermined area or situation where there is a possibility that the wireless communication function may be given, and automatically controls other functions or applications that do not use the wireless communication function so that they can be used A main object of the present invention is to provide a wireless terminal device which has a function to perform the control, and which can reduce a psychological burden for a user and a third party to worry about an adverse effect or annoyance caused by radio wave generation and which can be used with security and a system for controlling the wireless terminal device. And
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is a system for controlling a radio wave generated by a wireless terminal device having a radio unit for performing a radio communication process, wherein a registration unit for registering information on an area to be radio-restricted. And a position detecting means for detecting the geographical current position of the wireless terminal device at any time, and determining means for comparing the current position of the wireless terminal device with the registration information to determine whether the terminal has entered the radio wave restricted area. When it is determined that the terminal has entered the radio restricted area, the transmission power of the radio unit is controlled to be OFF to restrict the radio wave, and when it is determined that the terminal has left the restricted area, the transmission power of the radio unit is reduced. Transmission power control means for returning to the normal level and canceling the radio wave restriction.
[0009]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for controlling a radio wave generated by a wireless terminal device having a wireless unit for performing a wireless communication process, comprising: a registration unit for registering information on an area to be subjected to radio wave restriction; Position detecting means for detecting the current position of the wireless terminal device at any time; determining means for comparing the current position of the wireless terminal device with the registration information to determine whether or not the terminal has entered the radio restricted area; If it is determined that the signal has entered, the transmission power of the radio unit is suppressed to a predetermined level or less and radio waves are limited.If it is determined that the radio unit is out of the restricted area, the transmission power of the radio unit is returned to the normal level and radio waves are returned. Transmission power control means for canceling the restriction.
[0010]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the wireless terminal device obtains the current position of the own terminal by the position information system and notifies the wireless communication system of the current position. When the information is obtained, it is compared with the registration information to determine whether or not the vehicle has entered the radio restricted area, and when it is determined that the vehicle has entered the restricted area, a control signal for instructing the radio terminal device to perform the radio restriction is transmitted, Conversely, when it is determined that the vehicle is out of the restricted area, a control signal for instructing release of radio wave restriction is transmitted, and the wireless terminal device controls the transmission power of the wireless unit based on the control signal from the wireless communication system. Features.
[0011]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the wireless terminal device has a restricted area information management unit for registering and managing the information of the radio restricted area in its own terminal. The device obtains the current position of the terminal by the position information system, compares the position information with the registration information and determines whether or not the terminal has entered the radio restricted area. The restriction control is performed, and when it is determined that the user has gone out of the restricted area, the control of releasing the radio wave restriction is performed.
[0012]
The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the function is provided in the terminal at the time of radio wave restriction in the wireless terminal device and can be used without using the wireless communication function. It is characterized in that the application is controlled to be usable.
[0013]
The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the registration information of the radio restricted area includes the type of restriction and the maximum transmission power level when the radio terminal device restricts radio waves. Information to be specified is described, and based on this information, restriction control of the terminal and control of the transmission power of the radio unit at the maximum transmission power level specified value are performed.
[0014]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for controlling a radio wave generated by a wireless terminal device having a wireless unit for performing a wireless communication process, comprising: a registration unit for registering information on an area where a wireless communication function is effectively controlled; Position detecting means for occasionally detecting the current geographical position of the terminal device, and determining means for comparing the current position of the wireless terminal device with the registration information to determine whether the terminal has entered the wireless communication function effective area. When it is determined that the terminal has entered the wireless communication function effective area, it is determined that the transmission power of the wireless unit is controlled to ON to enable the wireless communication function, and conversely, the terminal has moved out of the wireless communication function effective area. Transmission power control means for restricting the wireless communication function by controlling the transmission power of the radio unit to OFF or to a low level in this case.
[0015]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless unit for performing wireless communication processing, a position detecting unit for detecting a geographical current position of the own terminal, and notifying the wireless communication system of the current position information to limit the radio wave of the own terminal. In order to determine whether or not the vehicle has entered the area to be controlled, and to receive a control signal for instructing radio wave restriction from the wireless communication system, control the transmission power of the radio unit to perform radio wave restriction, and conversely, control to instruct release of radio wave restriction. And a transmission power control means for returning the transmission power of the radio unit to a normal level and canceling the radio wave restriction when receiving the signal.
[0016]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless unit for performing wireless communication processing, a position detecting unit for detecting a geographical current position of the own terminal, and a restricted area information managing unit for registering and managing information on an area to be subjected to radio wave restriction. A determination unit that compares the position information acquired by the position detection unit with the registration information managed by the restricted area management unit to determine whether the own terminal has entered the radio wave restricted area; When it is determined that the vehicle has entered the radio restricted area, the transmission power of the radio unit is controlled to restrict the radio wave, and when it is determined that the vehicle has left the restricted area, the transmission power of the radio unit is returned to the normal level and the radio wave is returned. Transmission power control means for canceling the restriction.
[0017]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the eighth or ninth aspect, the transmission power control means controls the transmission power of the radio unit to be OFF when the radio wave is restricted.
[0018]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the eighth or ninth aspect, the transmission power control means controls the transmission power of the radio unit to be equal to or lower than a predetermined level based on the maximum transmission power setting value when the radio wave is restricted. Features.
[0019]
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects, at the time of radio wave restriction, a function / application that is mounted on the own terminal and can be used without using a wireless communication function is used. It is characterized in that it is controlled to a possible state.
[0020]
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the eighth to twelfth aspects of the present invention, the mobile terminal further includes a display unit for displaying a state / mode of radio wave generation in the own terminal.
[0021]
According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the eighth to thirteenth aspects, at the time of radio wave limitation, the control of the power supply is performed for the transmitting part of the wireless part.
[0022]
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the eighth to fourteenth aspects of the present invention, there is further provided means for turning on / off a wireless communication function (radio-frequency limiting mode) by a user operation. I have.
[0023]
According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the eighth to fifteenth aspects of the present invention, there is further provided a means for setting a maximum value of a transmission power level in the wireless unit by a user operation. .
[0024]
The invention according to claim 17 is the invention according to any one of claims 8 to 16, further comprising means for displaying when radio wave restriction is performed or when radio wave restriction is performed. I have.
[0025]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT 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 an entire system 100 including a wireless terminal device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a system for controlling generated radio waves. The system 100 includes a wireless terminal device 1, a wireless communication system 2, and a position 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, it is assumed that the wireless terminal device 1 is 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 position information system 3 such as a GPS provides the geographical current position 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 according to the present invention provide a function of automatically limiting the level of the radio wave generated by the 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 enabled, and when the wireless terminal device leaves the predetermined area / position, the radio wave restriction is invalidated and the mode returns to the normal mode. The restriction of the generated radio wave level means that the transmission power level in the wireless communication function unit (wireless unit) of the terminal is set to 0 (OFF) to completely disable the wireless communication function, or the transmission power level is set to a predetermined level. This is control such as restricting to the following low level and permitting only wireless communication at that low level. In the present embodiment, the mode for limiting the generated radio wave level (radio-frequency limiting mode) is a mode in which the transmission power level is completely 0 (OFF) (OFF mode: m0), and a mode in which the transmission power level is suppressed to a predetermined level or lower (low level). Mode: m1) (m2 is used in the normal mode in which the radio wave is not restricted). In any case, it is only necessary to specify a limit level (0 to a predetermined maximum level) and control it to that value, so that the processing is the same.
[0027]
As this 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 higher may cause device malfunction in equipment installed in a hospital, the radio wave generated by the wireless terminal device can be specified and set by using this system. It can be restricted below that specified level.
[0028]
In the wireless terminal device and system according to the present invention, the transmission power for generating radio waves controlled by the wireless communication function unit (wireless unit) of the wireless terminal device is controlled by the system to an arbitrary level according to the current terminal 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 the generation of radio waves to OFF or a mode for controlling the generation of radio waves to a low level that does not adversely affect other devices or the like is realized. In this radio wave restriction mode, other functions and applications that do not use the wireless communication function and are mounted on the wireless terminal device are controlled to be usable. This allows the user to use other installed functions and applications even in the radio wave restriction mode. In the mode in which the control is performed at a low level equal to or lower than 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 via a wireless link and a control station of the base station, and is connected to another system such as an IP network. It 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. In the present embodiment, the position information system 3 is a GPS (Global Positioning System), but is not particularly limited. The wireless terminal device 1 includes a processing unit (in the case of GPS, a GPS reception processing unit) that acquires the current position information of the terminal in cooperation with the position information system 3.
[0030]
In addition to these, there is a terminal-generated radio restricted area on geography. The terminal-generated radio wave restriction area is an area designated to limit the radio wave level generated by the wireless terminal device 1 in the area. For example, there is an area or position where there is a device in which a radio wave generated in the vicinity may have an adverse effect such as a malfunction or an incoming / outgoing call to the terminal 1 is troublesome.
[0031]
As a type of restriction when the radio wave generated by the wireless terminal device 1 is to be restricted, the system is forcibly turned off, if it is below a specified level, it is permitted, the restriction is executed after the recognition and confirmation of the user is interposed, and the restriction is performed. Some of them can be provided, for example, only to notify the user of the necessity, and the control can be executed in accordance with the characteristics and designation of the area where radio waves are to be restricted.
[0032]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating 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 limitation 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, a processing unit 19 for processing functions and applications that can be used without using the wireless communication function of the wireless unit 12 is also provided.
[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 limit register 12 is a register to which the control unit 11 refers when a wireless unit ON / OFF trigger signal (s1) having a role of triggering the radio wave restriction function is given to the control unit 11. What level should the maximum transmission power of the radio unit 13 be controlled at the time of radio wave restriction, that is, at the time of radio transmission power restriction (radio wave restriction mode: m0 or m1)? (Including the control that does not occur in the first transmission power) is stored.
[0035]
The wireless unit 13 is a circuit that performs a wireless communication function, and processes wireless communication with a base station in the wireless communication system 2. It processes not only voice communication but also data communication. The wireless unit 13 performs known processing such as modulation / demodulation processing, transmission power control, and location registration processing in a wireless link as low-layer processing. Known processing such as outgoing / incoming call control is performed as higher layer processing. When the main power is turned on, communication with the base station is constantly performed for location registration processing and the like. The radio unit 13 is further composed of several functional blocks.
[0036]
The display unit 14 is a part having a function of displaying information to the outside about the radio wave state and mode of the own device 1 to inform the outside. The state of the radio wave is conveyed by displaying colored light, characters, signs, and the like. The display unit 14 may be configured by various means such as an LED and a liquid crystal display. As the radio wave restriction state (mode), no radio wave is emitted (OFF mode m0), the generated radio wave is suppressed to a weak radio wave below a predetermined level (low level mode m1), and radio wave generation is normally permitted. State (normal mode m2). The display unit 14 performs a display process according to such various modes.
[0037]
The position detection unit 15 is a processing unit that functions as a part of the position information system 3 and performs processing in the terminal 1, and has a function of detecting the current geographical position of the terminal 1 as information. The wireless terminal device 1 recognizes the current geographical position of its own terminal (acquires position information) at any time by the processing of the position detecting 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 wireless signal from the position information system 3. Specifically, the GPS reception processing unit receives a side position signal from a GPS satellite, analyzes the side position signal, and obtains current position information. The current position information L includes, for example, data such as latitude / longitude and current time.
[0038]
In the case of the present embodiment, the example of the GPS is used as the position information system 3. However, the position information system 3 is not limited to the GPS and may be any system that can recognize the geographical current position of the terminal 1 as needed. A configuration is also conceivable in which location information is exchanged via a wireless base station with the information provided. However, in the radio wave restriction mode, the transmission power level for wireless communication with the wireless base station is limited and controlled, but the communication for recognizing the current position of the terminal is also not limited and has a level that does not adversely affect it. 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) on the terminal-generated radio restricted area and how to restrict there. The restricted area information r is terminal registration information including information for specifying the position and range of the restricted area, and is information that may exist in plurality 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 regarding the position and 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, a form in which the content of the registration information (restricted area information r) group is updated as needed through communication with the wireless base station may be adopted.
[0041]
The designation information r1 of the position and range of the radio wave restriction zone is represented by coordinates represented by latitude and longitude, represented by a circular region determined by center coordinates and a radius, or by designating a certain region among geographical regions predetermined by the system. -Expressed by identifier information to be specified. The restriction type information r2 indicates that the generated radio wave must be set to 0 (prohibition of radio wave generation (→ m0)), the generated radio wave must be suppressed to a certain level or less (suppression to a low level (→ m1)), and the like. It is specified. 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 the maximum value of the transmission power level in the m1 mode.
[0042]
The radio restricted area management unit updates the restricted area information r held in the terminal device by acquiring the restricted area information r from the system (the wireless communication system 2) using the wireless communication means at the time of communication in the normal mode or the like. May be performed. Settings by a user or default settings at the time of product shipment may be performed.
[0043]
The determination unit 17 performs radio wave restriction by comparing the current position information L obtained from the position detection unit 15 and the base station with the restricted area information r managed by the restricted area management unit 16. This is a processing unit that determines whether or not it is the right timing. If it is determined that the terminal has entered the restricted area, radio wave restriction is performed. Conversely, when it is determined that the vehicle has left the restricted area, 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 based on the determination process to the control unit 11. Note that the process of the determination unit 17 is a software process, so the same is true even if the control unit 11 actually executes the process.
[0044]
The processing unit 19 of the functional unit / application that does not use the wireless communication function is controlled by the control unit 11 so that it can be used even in the radio wave restriction mode (m0, m1).
[0045]
[Operation Overview] The operation of the wireless terminal device 1 will be described. The device 1 acquires the current position of its own terminal 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 acquiring the position information L, the determination unit 17 refers to the restricted area information r managed by the restricted area management unit 16, compares the current position information L with the current location information L, and performs a process of determining the timing at which the radio wave restriction should be executed. . The restricted area information r is data structured in a predetermined format, for example, two-dimensional coordinate position (x, y) or an identifier of a predetermined area division, and further detailed information for specifying a radio wave restriction method. (Information such as the designation of the type of radio wave restriction and the specification of the maximum transmission power level at the time of restriction).
[0047]
As a result of the above-described determination processing, when it is determined that the own terminal is in the area where the generated radio wave is to be restricted (terminal generated radio restricted area) or has entered, the wireless unit for turning on (effective) the radio wave restriction is turned on. An / OFF trigger signal s1 is output to the control unit 11. Conversely, when it is determined that the user 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 a radio ON / OFF trigger signal s1 for instructing ON of the radio wave restriction is given to the control unit 11, the control unit 11 reads the maximum transmission power value c with reference to the power restriction register 12 and Transmits a radio unit control signal s2, which is an instruction to limit the transmission power to the set value c or less.
[0049]
Upon receiving the wireless unit control signal s2 from the control unit 11, the wireless unit 13 executes a transmission power control process based on the content of the signal s2. When the content of the signal s2 is an instruction to turn on the radio wave restriction based on the set value c, control is performed to limit and suppress the transmission power in the radio unit 13 to the maximum transmission power level based on the setting of the maximum transmission power value c. Do not allow wireless communication at level c or higher = Switch to state / mode (m0 or m1) that permits wireless communication at level c or lower. 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 of the radio unit 13 to the normal level, and the mode is switched to the normal mode m2.
[0050]
Note that the radio wave restriction modes m0 and m1 may be provided as different ones having different purposes, and a command may be issued separately, or only one of the modes may be provided as a restriction function.
[0051]
The radio unit control signal s2 controls the transmission power of the radio unit to control the mode of the device, and the control unit 11 instructs the display unit 14 to perform 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 of the own device 1 to the outside based on the instruction of 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 an adverse effect or annoyance in the radio wave restriction area is colored light, text, It is displayed by means such as a sign.
[0052]
As described above, according to the position of the wireless terminal device 1, the transmission power of the wireless unit is automatically limited when the user is in the radio restricted area or enters, and conversely, when the user is outside the restricted area. Control for automatically returning to the normal mode is performed, and at the same time, a display indicating the radio wave state and the mode is performed on the display unit, and the fact is shown to a third party (and the user himself).
[0053]
[Mode of Apparatus 1] FIG. 4 shows possible modes of the radio terminal apparatus 1 in this embodiment. When the main power is off, both the radio unit 13 and the other function unit 19 are off. When the main power supply is turned on, the normal mode m2 is set, the wireless unit 13 is turned on, and the other function unit 19 is turned on (usable). At any time in the apparatus 1 or the system 100, a determination process of the timing of the execution of the radio wave restriction is performed, and if it is determined that the vehicle is in the restricted area or has entered, the mode is switched to the radio wave restricted mode m0 or m1. When it is determined that the user is outside or outside the restricted area, the mode returns to the normal mode m2. In the radio wave restriction mode (OFF mode) m0, the radio unit 13 is OFF and the other function unit 19 is ON. In the radio wave restriction mode (low-level mode) m1, the radio unit 13 controls at a low transmission power level, and the other function unit 19 is ON.
[0054]
[Method of Performing Control from Outside Device (System)] In addition to the processing in the wireless terminal device 1, as shown in FIG. 5, the wireless unit transmission power of the device 1 is controlled based on a signal from outside the device 1. . As the signal means at this time, a wireless signal such as 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 device 1 receives a control signal (radio unit ON / OFF trigger signal s1 or a radio signal including the designation thereof) from the outside (the system 100), decodes the signal by a decoding 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 control unit 11 issues a wireless unit control signal s2 and the like to control the transmission power of the wireless unit 13 and switch the mode of the device. In the case of this configuration, 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 outside the device 1. For example, in the wireless communication system 2, the position information L of the terminal 1 is obtained, and based on the obtained information, the position information L is compared with the restricted area information r held by the wireless communication system 2, and a determination is made. 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] An area, such as an airfield or a hospital, where radio waves generated by the wireless terminal device 1 are to be restricted / should be registered as information (r) in the system 100. 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 equipment, a predetermined area in the hospital or the hospital area itself is registered in the system as a radio wave restricted area. In the present system 100, each piece of registration information relating to the radio wave restricted area and the more detailed restriction method is collectively managed in facilities provided in the wireless communication system 2 and provided to the wireless terminal device 1. The wireless terminal device 1 inputs and sets the registration information (r) in the restricted area management unit 16 in the device, and holds the information (either before or after the purchase of the user.). With reference to the registration information (restricted area information r), a determination process of the execution timing of the radio wave restriction is performed. The processing configuration may be such that the terminal 1 does not hold the registration information r but performs the determination / control with reference to the registration information r held by the wireless communication system 2.
[0056]
[Determination Process Regarding Radio Wave Restriction Execution] As shown in FIG. 6, for example, information registered as the restricted area information r in the restricted area information management unit 16 in the apparatus 1 or outside the apparatus and the position information system 3 such as GPS And the terminal current position information L obtained by the position detection unit 14, and calculates the distance between the radio wave restricted zone and the terminal current position, and compares it with a predetermined distance threshold to determine whether or not the distance is within the threshold. This is realized by a method such as distance determination processing to determine whether the terminal current position L is in a radio wave restricted area (expressed by a predetermined area division identifier) or the like.
[0057]
[Example of Transmission Power Control of Radio Unit 13] FIG. The wireless unit 13 is roughly divided into a receiving unit 131, a synthesizer unit 132, a transmitting unit 133, and a baseband unit 134. Above all, the transmitting unit 133 generally generates radio waves that may affect medical equipment, precision machinery of an aircraft, and the like.
[0058]
The transmission power control processing of the wireless unit when the radio wave restriction is performed can be realized by controlling ON / OFF of the supply power of the entire transmission unit 133, ON / OFF of a power supply of a device corresponding to a signal path of the transmission unit 133, and the like. From the viewpoint of current consumption reduction, it is ideal to turn off all the power supplies of the transmitting unit 133, the baseband unit 134, the synthesizer unit 132, and the receiving unit 131. By turning OFF, it is possible to prevent generation of radio waves that may affect medical equipment, precision equipment of aircraft, and the like.
[0059]
Generally, the mechanism for determining the transmission power of the mobile phone during the closed loop operation has a configuration as shown in FIG. The base station that has received the mobile station wave transmitted by the mobile phone determines whether to increase or decrease the level of the mobile station wave, and codes and transmits a TPC signal to the base station wave transmitted to the mobile phone. The TPC signal is a Transmission Power Control signal, which includes a signal for determining whether a predetermined mobile phone increases / decreases / maintains transmission power. Upon receiving the base station wave including the TPC signal, the mobile phone decodes the base station wave (receiving unit + decoding unit), extracts the TPC signal, and sends the TPC signal to the transmission power control unit. The transmission power control unit refers to the maximum power register in which the maximum power setting value relating to the transmission power is recorded, and instructs the transmission unit not to exceed the set value of the maximum power register even if the TPC signal indicates a power increase instruction. Send the transmission power signal. The transmission unit performs transmission processing at the power value indicated by the transmission power signal.
[0060]
In the wireless terminal device 1 and the system according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the maximum transmission power set 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 set value in the maximum power register based on a control signal given from the determination unit 17 in the device 1 or from the outside of the device. . In the figure, a set value c in the power limit register 12 (setting information for specifying the maximum value of the transmission power level in the radio wave limit mode) is set by the maximum power register set value from inside or outside the device 1. The control unit 11 rewrites the setting of the maximum transmission power value in the maximum power register of the wireless unit 13 with reference to the set value c in the power limit register 12. The transmission power control unit sends a transmission power signal to the transmission unit 133 with reference to the maximum transmission power set value in the maximum power register. The transmission unit 133 performs transmission processing at a transmission power value specified by the transmission power signal.
[0061]
When a carrier including the maximum power register setting value is received from the outside of the apparatus using communication means such as Bluetooth or a local LAN, the decoding unit decodes the carrier and obtains the maximum power register setting value, and the decoded setting is obtained. The value is set in the power limit register 12. Further, the user can set a value (maximum transmission power setting value) in the power limit register 12 using an MMI (man-machine interface) or an MT (maintenance tool). When the radio 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 radio unit is turned on / off from outside through the determination process outside the device 1. When a control signal such as a trigger signal s1 is received, or when a user generates a control signal using an MMI such as a power limit key provided in the device 1, the wireless unit ON / OFF trigger signal s1 is generated. 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 limiting register 12 is written to the maximum power register of the wireless unit 13, so that the wireless terminal device is also used in the 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 turned off. If the set value is a predetermined level value, the transmission processing is performed with the transmission power at or below that level. In addition, when the transmission power ON trigger is generated as the wireless unit ON / OFF trigger signal s1, the stored original maximum transmission power setting value is written from the control unit 11 to the maximum power register. The maximum transmission power value can be returned to a normal state.
[0062]
By providing an interface for turning on / off a wireless communication function (radio-restriction mode) of the wireless terminal device 1 by a user and an interface for setting a maximum transmission power level at the time of radio-restriction, the system automatically turns on radio-restriction. In addition to / OFF, it is possible to flexibly cope with an emergency situation or a case where the condition of radio wave generation in a restricted area is changed.
[0063]
[Processing Flow of Radio Wave Restriction Control] FIG. 10 shows a flow of processing related to radio wave restriction control in the wireless terminal device 1. First, the current position of the wireless terminal device 1 is recognized as needed in the form of the position information L by the 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 side of the wireless communication system 2), a process of determining whether or not the terminal 1 is in the radio wave restricted area is performed based on the position information L. The position information L is compared with the registration information r, and it is determined whether the vehicle is in the restricted area or has entered the vehicle, or conversely, is outside the restricted area or has exited the vehicle (step S2).
[0065]
When it is determined that the vehicle is within the restricted area (step S2- “within the restricted area”), a control signal for instructing radio wave restriction is issued as the radio unit ON / OFF trigger signal s1. Further, if there is information such as the restriction type r2 and the restriction specification r3 from the registration information r, the information is confirmed, and thereafter, processing based on the specification is executed (step S3). Based on the issued control signal, the control of the transmission power level of the radio 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 the transmission processing at a level lower than the specified level is performed. It will be in a permitted state. Also, with the mode switching, the display processing on the display unit 14 is also updated according to the radio wave state and 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 the vehicle is out of the restricted area (step S2- "out of restricted area"), a control signal for instructing release of the radio wave restriction is issued as the radio ON / OFF trigger signal s1. Based on the issued control signal, the control of the transmission power level of the radio unit 13 is executed, and the mode is switched to the normal mode (step S6). Also, with the mode switching, the display processing on the display unit 14 is also updated according to the radio wave state and 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 Apparatus 1] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration in which an MMI related to the radio wave limiting function of the present invention is provided as an example of a foldable mobile phone as the wireless terminal apparatus 1. is there. The upper left part of FIG. 11 shows a configuration in which a main power key and a wireless unit ON / OFF key are provided as one of various keys for operation input on the front surface of the apparatus 1. By inputting with this key, the radio section ON / OFF trigger signal s1 is issued, and based on this, the radio wave restriction function / mode is turned ON / OFF. For example, when this key is pressed for a long time, the power supply 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 part of FIG. 11 shows a configuration in which a radio section ON / OFF dedicated key is provided separately from the main power key on the front surface of the apparatus 1. Similarly, the wireless unit ON / OFF trigger signal s1 is issued by ON / OFF of the wireless unit ON / OFF dedicated key. Further, the user can set the set value c in the power limit register 12 using such keys and other function keys.
[0068]
The lower part of FIG. 11 shows a configuration in which a back display unit is provided as the display unit 14 on the back of the device 1. The rear display unit is constituted by a light emitting diode or a liquid crystal display, and displays the radio wave state / mode of the device 1 by a color light, a character, a sign, or the like to indicate to a third party (and the user himself / herself). As described above, the display unit 14 (rear display unit) is provided at a position that is easy for a third party to see in the mobile phone, and the mobile phone is in a state in which radio waves are not generated or in a radio wave limiting mode in which radio waves that may cause adverse effects or inconvenience are not performed. Show. For example, when the device 1 is in a mode (m0) in which no radio wave is generated on the rear display unit, a display such as "No Transmission" or "While radio wave is stopped" is displayed, and the terminal is completely generated by a third party. Show clearly what they do and do not do. In addition, 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 “under radio wave restriction” may be performed. In particular, in a mobile phone that cannot output characters to the rear display unit, the color of the rear display unit is changed according to the state / mode by changing the color of the color liquid crystal or the light emitting diode of the rear display unit, For example, red indicates a state in which radio waves are not generated, and green indicates a state in which radio waves are generated.
[0069]
Also, as a setting means for the user to set the power limit register 12, an item of wireless unit ON / OFF (= ON / OFF of the radio wave limiting mode) is provided in a menu provided by the apparatus 1 to the user as software. The device 1 receives the setting of the wireless unit ON / OFF or the setting value c of the power limiting register 12 by the user through such a user interface, and based on the setting, sets the wireless unit ON / OFF control trigger s1 to the control unit 11. Or the maximum transmission power setting value is set.
[0070]
Further, when or after executing the restriction of the wireless communication function of the wireless terminal device 1 by the system, the user is informed of the restriction (why the restriction of the wireless communication function is executed or how the restriction is performed). The processing configuration may be such that information such as whether or not it has been displayed) is displayed in characters or the like. For example, the processing is performed by display processing on a display provided as a standard in the terminal 1.
[0071]
In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the control is performed such that the generated radio wave level of the wireless terminal device 1 is restricted in the terminal generated radio wave restricted area, and the mode returns to the normal mode when the terminal leaves the restricted area. On the contrary, as another embodiment, when the terminal 1 is in a predetermined area or has entered, the wireless unit 13 is turned on to control to a mode in which wireless communication at a normal transmission power level is possible, Conversely, when the vehicle leaves this area, the processing unit may be configured to turn off (restrict) the wireless unit 13 and control to the radio wave restriction mode. This may be the case, for example, when the user owns a plurality of wireless terminal devices (mobile phones), and wants to use the wireless communication function using radio waves only in a certain specific place. Using the automatic wireless communication function ON / OFF function depending on the position, control is performed so that the wireless unit is turned on at a predetermined place and turned off when leaving the place.
[0072]
The embodiment of the invention has been described above. The embodiment described above is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, 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, a terminal-generated radio wave is automatically restricted in a predetermined restricted area according to the current position of the terminal. The radio wave restriction state can be released when the user goes out of the restricted area, so that adverse effects and annoyance caused by generating a radio wave in a predetermined area can be avoided, and a user or a third party feels about the radio wave generation. The psychological burden such as anxiety can be reduced. For example, a malfunction of a medical device in a hospital, a malfunction of a pacemaker or the like, a malfunction of an airplane control device in an airplane, and the like can be avoided.
[0074]
In addition, even when the radio wave generated by the wireless terminal device is limited, various other built-in functions and applications (music playback function, etc.) that do not use the radio communication function involving radio wave generation are controlled to be usable. It is convenient because the user can use the application with peace of mind. Also, when the user wants to use another installed function / application without receiving a call to the wireless terminal device, the user can use the device using this function.
[0075]
In addition, in places such as movie theaters where a call arrives at a terminal and a ringtone sounds to annoy others, the radio wave restriction function from the outside (system) is used to limit the radio waves generated by the wireless terminal device. By performing the above control, a usage method such as automatically prohibiting the generation of radio waves in a specific prohibited area when a wireless terminal device enters a specific prohibited area by a movie theater manager or the like becomes possible.
[0076]
Further, the radio wave restriction state / mode of the wireless terminal device can be notified to a third party (and the user himself / herself) on the display unit. It is possible to use on-board 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, and to use the communication function in the low-level mode. At the same time, even if a third party recognizes the display by the above display function even if there is a user using the wireless terminal device, it can recognize that the wireless terminal device is in a state where no radio wave is generated or not. It can reduce 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 illustrating a configuration of a wireless terminal device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of restricted area information r.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing each mode of the wireless terminal device 1;
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing radio wave restriction control from outside the device 1;
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a determination regarding execution of radio wave restriction.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a wireless unit 13;
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 radio wave restriction control processing in the wireless terminal device 1;
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of various interfaces provided in the wireless terminal device 1;
[Explanation of symbols]
100 whole system
1 Mobile terminal device (mobile phone, PDA, etc.)
2 Wireless communication system
3 Position information system such as GPS
11 Control part
12 Power limit register
13 Radio section
14 Display
15 Position detector
16 Restricted Area Information Management Department
17 Judgment unit
19 Other built-in functions and application processing units that do not use wireless communication functions
131 Receiver
132 Synthesizer section
133 transmission unit
134 Baseband section
L Geographic current position information of terminal 1
s1 Radio section ON / OFF control trigger signal
s2 Radio control signal
s3 Display control signal
c Maximum transmission power setting
r Registration information of the terminal restricted area
r1 Representation of position and range of restricted area
r2 Restriction type information
r3 Restriction designation information
m0 Radio wave restriction mode (OFF mode)
m1 Radio restriction mode (low level mode)
m2 Normal mode

Claims (17)

A system for controlling radio waves generated by a wireless terminal device having a wireless unit that performs wireless communication processing,
A registration unit for registering information on an area to be restricted;
Position detecting means for detecting the geographical current position of the wireless terminal device at any time,
Determining means for comparing the current position of the wireless terminal device with the registration information to determine whether the terminal has entered the radio wave restricted area,
When it is determined that the terminal has entered the radio restricted area, the transmission power of the radio unit is controlled to be OFF to restrict radio waves, and when it is determined that the terminal has gone out of the restricted area, A transmission power control unit for returning the transmission power to a normal level and canceling the radio wave restriction; A system for controlling radio waves generated by a wireless terminal device having a wireless unit that performs wireless communication processing,
A registration unit for registering information on an area to be restricted;
Position detecting means for detecting the geographical current position of the wireless terminal device at any time,
Determining means for comparing the current position of the wireless terminal device with the registration information to determine whether the terminal has entered the radio wave restricted area,
When it is determined that the terminal has entered the radio restricted area, the transmission power of the radio unit is suppressed to a predetermined level or less to restrict radio waves, and when it is determined that the terminal has gone out of the restricted area, the radio A transmission power control unit for returning the transmission power of the unit to a normal level to release the radio wave restriction. The wireless terminal device obtains the current position of its own terminal by the position information system and notifies the wireless communication system,
Upon acquiring the location information, the wireless communication system determines whether the vehicle has entered the radio restricted area by comparing the registered information with the registration information. Transmit a control signal instructing radio wave restriction to, and conversely transmit a control signal instructing radio wave restriction release when it is determined that it has gone out of the restricted area,
The generated radio wave control system according to claim 1, wherein the radio terminal device controls transmission power of the radio unit based on the control signal from the radio communication system. The wireless terminal device has a restricted area information management unit that registers and manages information on the radio restricted area in its own terminal,
The wireless terminal device obtains the current position of its own terminal by the position information system, compares the position information with the registration information to determine whether or not the wireless terminal device has entered the radio restricted area, and enters the restricted area. The control according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control of the radio wave restriction is performed when it is determined that the radio wave restriction has been reached, and the control of the release of the radio wave restriction is performed when it is determined that the vehicle has left the restricted area. Radio control system. 5. The wireless terminal device according to claim 1, wherein a function / application mounted on the terminal and usable without using a wireless communication function is controlled to be usable when radio waves are restricted by the wireless terminal device. 2. The generated radio wave control system according to claim 1. In the registration information of the radio restricted area, information specifying a type of restriction and a maximum transmission power level at the time of radio restriction in the wireless terminal device is described, and based on the information, restriction control of the terminal and the maximum transmission power level are performed. The generated radio wave control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the transmission power of the radio unit is controlled at a designated value. A system for controlling radio waves generated by a wireless terminal device having a wireless unit that performs wireless communication processing,
Registration means for registering information of an area for effectively controlling the wireless communication function;
Position detecting means for detecting the geographical current position of the wireless terminal device at any time,
Determining means for comparing the current position of the wireless terminal device with the registration information to determine whether the terminal has entered the wireless communication function effective area,
When it is determined that the terminal has entered the wireless communication function effective area, the transmission power of the wireless unit is controlled to be ON to enable the wireless communication function, and conversely, when the terminal has gone out of the wireless communication function effective area. And a transmission power control unit that controls the transmission power of the radio unit to OFF or to a low level when the determination is made to limit the radio communication function. A wireless unit that performs wireless communication processing;
A position detection unit for detecting the geographical current position of the terminal,
Notify the wireless communication system of the current position information and determine whether the terminal itself has entered the area to be radio-restricted,
When receiving a control signal instructing radio wave restriction from the wireless communication system, the radio power is controlled by controlling the transmission power of the radio unit, and conversely, when a control signal instructing cancellation of radio wave restriction is received, the radio unit is controlled. A wireless terminal device comprising transmission power control means for returning transmission power to a normal level and canceling radio wave restriction. A wireless unit that performs wireless communication processing;
A position detection unit for detecting the geographical current position of the terminal,
A restricted area information management unit that registers and manages information on areas where radio waves are restricted,
A determination unit that compares the position information acquired by the position detection unit with the registration information managed by the restricted area management unit to determine whether the own terminal has entered the radio restricted area;
When it is determined by the determination unit that the terminal has entered the radio restricted area, the radio power is controlled by controlling the transmission power of the radio unit, and when the radio terminal is determined to have left the restricted area, A transmission power control unit for returning the transmission power to a normal level and canceling the radio wave restriction, the radio terminal device comprising: The wireless terminal device according to claim 8, wherein the transmission power control unit controls the transmission power of the wireless unit to be OFF when a radio wave is limited. 10. The wireless terminal device according to claim 8, wherein the transmission power control unit controls the transmission power of the wireless unit to a predetermined level or less based on a maximum transmission power setting value when radio waves are restricted. 12. The radio communication apparatus according to claim 8, wherein at the time of the radio wave restriction, a function / application mounted on the own terminal and usable without using a wireless communication function is controlled to be usable. Wireless terminal device. The wireless terminal device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, further comprising a display unit that displays a state / mode of radio wave generation in the own terminal. The wireless terminal device according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein at the time of the radio wave restriction, a power supply is controlled for a transmission unit of the wireless unit. The wireless terminal device according to any one of claims 8 to 14, further comprising means for turning on / off a wireless communication function (radio-frequency limiting mode) by a user operation. The wireless terminal device according to any one of claims 8 to 15, further comprising a unit configured to set a maximum value of a transmission power level in the wireless unit by a user operation. 17. The wireless terminal device according to claim 8, further comprising a unit that displays when or when the radio wave restriction is performed.

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