JP2006229654A - Portable communication apparatus, and communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To limit the function of a portable communication apparatus such as a portable telephone in a specified area through the use of existing equipment without arranging the new equipment. <P>SOLUTION: The portable telephones 108, 109 positioned inside the areas 105, 106 respectively do not receive a signal with a frequency C being the frequency of a function limit signal but only receive a signal with a frequency B not being the frequency of the function limit signal. Thus, the function in the portable telephones 108, 109 is not limited. When the portable telephone 110 positioned in a camera function limited area receives the signal with the frequency C being the frequency of the function limit signal from a PHS base station 104, its camera function is limited to be unused. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable communication device that is carried by a user and communicates with another communication device, and a communication system using the portable communication device.

With the proliferation of mobile phones with camera functions, there are an increasing number of scenes where users enjoy taking pictures using the camera functions in town.
However, frequent voyeurism and information leakage using the camera function of mobile phones have become problems. In order to prevent such actions, there is a need for a function for limiting the camera function in a limited area so that the camera is automatically disabled only at a specific place (station, venue, etc.) without any user operation.

Functions other than the camera function may also be annoying to the surroundings by ringing a mobile phone ringtone in a movie theater or the like.
Conversely, contactless IC cards that are used instead of commuter passes at station automatic ticket gates are not used outside the station, so their use is restricted at locations other than the station and can only be used when you are at the station. There is a case where such control becomes necessary.
Various methods for specifying an area that restricts the functions of such a mobile phone have been developed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 6).

  For example, as described in Patent Document 5, as a method for specifying an area for restricting a function of a mobile phone, a mobile phone capable of receiving a signal by installing a specific signal transmission device in the area for restricting the function is provided. There is a method of recognizing a function restriction area and restricting a function by receiving a signal. Patent Document 6 discloses a method in which the function is similarly limited using Bluetooth.

However, these methods have the following problems.
First, when setting an area, it is necessary to newly install a signal transmission device as a signal transmission source. It is expensive to prepare a signal transmission device that can cover a certain range, and a place to install it is also necessary.
Secondly, in order to set a correct range, it is necessary to examine in advance before practical use the measurement of which area the signal transmission device can cover, and it is not easy to set easily.
Third, it is necessary to add a component for receiving a signal from the signal transmission device to the mobile phone. It is necessary to incorporate a circuit that receives a signal transmitted from a signal transmission device and analyzes the received signal into a mobile phone that is becoming smaller and less expensive.

JP 2000-295656 A JP 2000-324539 A JP 2001-148654 A JP 2004-96406 A JP 2004-153324 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-23692

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and enables the function of a portable communication device such as a mobile phone in a specific area to be limited using existing equipment without installing new equipment. It is an issue.
In addition, the present invention specifies an area that restricts the functions of a portable communication device such as a cellular phone by using a PHS base station that is already installed in units of several tens to several hundreds of meters. The challenge is to be able to limit.

According to the present invention, when the function exhibiting means that exhibits a predetermined function, the receiving means that receives a signal from the PHS base station, and the signal received by the receiving means is a predetermined signal, There is provided a portable communication device comprising a control means for restricting a predetermined function.
The control means limits a predetermined function of the function exhibiting means when the signal received by the receiving means from the PHS base station is a predetermined signal.

Here, the control means may be configured to limit a predetermined function of the function exhibiting means when detecting that a signal from the PHS base station has a predetermined frequency.
The predetermined function of the function exhibiting means includes a plurality of functions, and the control means restricts a function corresponding to the frequency of the signal from the PHS base station among the plurality of functions of the function exhibiting means. You may comprise.
Moreover, it has a memory | storage means which memorize | stores the table which matched each function of the said function exhibiting means, and the said frequency, The said control means refers to the said table, Among the several functions of the said function exhibiting means, You may comprise so that the function corresponding to the frequency of the signal from the said PHS base station may be restrict | limited.

The control means may be configured to limit a predetermined function of the function exhibiting means when an RSSI of a signal received by the receiving means from the PHS base station exceeds a predetermined value.
Further, the control means may be configured to exhibit a function instead of the function restriction of the function exhibiting means when the signal from the PHS base station is a predetermined signal.
The control means may be configured to release the function restriction of the function exhibiting means when the signal from the PHS base station is not a predetermined signal.

In addition, according to the present invention, a function exhibiting unit that performs a predetermined function, a receiving unit that receives a signal from a PHS base station, a notification unit, and a signal that the receiving unit receives from the PHS base station are predetermined. In the case of the above signal, there is provided a portable communication device comprising control means for informing by the informing means so as to restrict use of a predetermined function of the function exhibiting means.
When the signal received by the receiving means from the PHS base station is a predetermined signal, the control means notifies the notification means so as to limit the use of the predetermined function of the function exhibiting means.

Here, when the control means detects that the signal from the PHS base station has a predetermined frequency, the control means notifies the notification means so as to limit the use of the predetermined function of the function exhibiting means. You may comprise.
The predetermined function of the function exhibiting means includes a plurality of functions, and the control means uses a function corresponding to the frequency of the signal from the PHS base station among the plurality of functions of the function exhibiting means. You may comprise so that it may alert | report by the said alerting | reporting means to restrict | limit.

Moreover, it has a memory | storage means which memorize | stores the table which matched each function of the said function exhibiting means, and the said frequency, The said control means refers to the said table, Among the several functions of the said function exhibiting means, You may comprise so that the alerting | reporting means may alert | report so that use of the function corresponding to the frequency of the signal from the said PHS base station may be restrict | limited.
Further, the control means is configured to notify the notification means so as to limit the use of the function exhibiting means when the RSSI of the signal received from the PHS base station by the receiving means exceeds a predetermined value. May be.

Further, the control means is configured to notify the notification means so that the function is performed instead of the notification of the function restriction of the function exhibiting means when the signal from the PHS base station is a predetermined signal. May be.
Further, the control means may be configured to cancel the notification that the use of the function exhibiting means is restricted when the signal from the PHS base station is not a predetermined signal.

  According to the present invention, in a communication system that performs communication using a portable communication device, the portable communication device according to any one of the above is used as the portable communication device. A system is provided.

According to the present invention, since the PHS base station is used for specifying the function restriction area, it becomes possible to easily and finely control the area for restricting the function of the portable communication device or reporting the use restriction. Generally, since the PHS base station is installed in units of several tens of meters to several hundreds of meters, the control area can be made finer.
In addition, PHS base stations are already installed indoors and outdoors in various parts of the country, and the function restriction area of the portable communication device can be set only by setting the frequency, so the venue where shooting is prohibited or the company that does not want to ring the ringtone, etc. Areas where functions are to be restricted can be easily set using existing equipment.

In addition, since it is only necessary to add a function capable of detecting the frequency of the radio wave emitted from the PHS base station to the radio unit, the mounting on the portable communication device can be made small and inexpensive.
In addition, since the functions, software, and modules that can be controlled by the CPU can be restricted based on the judgment of the CPU, the restricted functions can be freely set.

Hereinafter, a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention and a portable communication device used therefor will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which a mobile phone with a camera module is used as the portable communication device and the camera function as the function exhibiting means is limited.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Several types of frequencies for the camera function restriction area are prepared in advance. The frequency for the camera function restriction area 107 is set with the frequency C of the signal transmitted from the PHS (Personal Handyphone System) base station 104 in the place 107 where the camera function is desired to be restricted.

A frequency of a signal transmitted from a PDC (Personal Digital Cellular) mobile phone base station 101 is a frequency A, a frequency of a signal transmitted from a PHS base station 102 and a PHS base station 103 is a frequency B, and a frequency of a signal transmitted from a PHS base station 104 Is a frequency C, and different frequencies A, B, and C are used.
Further, in the mobile phone 108, the mobile phone 109, and the mobile phone 110, the frequency C transmitted from the PHS base station 104 is registered in advance in the camera function limit frequency table (table) in the storage unit of each mobile phone 108-110. deep.

Since the mobile phone 108 in the area 105 of the PHS base station 102 detects the frequency B transmitted from the PHS base station 102 and compares it with the camera function limit frequency table, the frequency of the received signal is not the frequency C. , Do not limit the camera function.
Similarly, the mobile phone 109 in the area 106 of the PHS base station 103 detects the frequency B transmitted by the PHS base station 103 and compares it with the camera function limit frequency table, thereby not limiting the camera function.

On the other hand, the mobile phone 110 in the area 107 of the PHS base station 104 detects the frequency C transmitted by the PHS base station 104 and compares it with the camera function limit frequency table, so that the frequency of the received signal is the frequency C. There are limited camera functions.
In this way, by using the PHS base station which is an existing device, it becomes possible to easily limit the functions of the mobile phone without adding special equipment.

  The mobile phone has a storage unit that stores a table in which each function of the function display unit included in the mobile phone is associated with a frequency, and the control unit refers to the table to determine the PHS among the plurality of functions of the function display unit. By configuring so as to limit the function corresponding to the frequency of the signal from the base station, it may be configured to limit the function that requires function limitation in the area. In addition, the control means may positively exert the function of the function exhibiting means when the signal from the PHS base station is a predetermined signal, or when the signal from the PHS base station is not the predetermined signal. You may comprise so that a specific function may be exhibited by canceling | releasing the function restriction | limiting of the said function exhibiting means.

FIG. 2 is an example of a standard cell configuration diagram of the PHS base station used in the communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Circle A, circle B and circle C are cells using different frequencies A, B and C, respectively. Before the frequency change, a PHS call area is configured by repeatedly using at least three frequencies.
Assuming that cells using different frequencies for the camera function restricted area are circle E, circle F and circle G, after changing the frequency, an arbitrary number of cells using these three frequencies E, F and G can be arranged. An area that restricts the camera function can be configured only in an arbitrary area.

Therefore, it is sufficient to prepare at least three types of frequencies for the camera function restricted area. In this way, the camera function can be limited only in a specific area.
The interval at which the PHS base stations are arranged is about several tens to several hundreds of meters, and if it is indoors, it may be installed in units of floors. . In addition, since it is known in advance which range each base station occupies, the intended correct range can be set. As described above, it is possible to easily set an area that restricts the functions of the mobile phone.

Originally, in order to receive radio waves from a PHS base station, a radio unit for a mobile phone requires a radio unit for a carrier used for communication and a PHS radio unit for detecting a restricted area.
FIG. 3 shows a general configuration example of a radio unit of a PDC (FIG. 3 shows radio units such as PDC, FOMA, GSM, etc.) and a PHS dual mobile phone.
The PDC side radio unit includes a transmission / reception demultiplexing circuit unit 304 and a signal transmission circuit unit 303 which are configured by an integrated circuit (LSI), a digital processor (DSP), or the like. The signal transmission circuit unit 303 includes a reception system RF circuit unit 305, a demodulation circuit unit (DEM) 306, a transmission system RF circuit unit 307, a modulation circuit unit (MOD) 308, and a channel control unit 309, and controls them. There is a central processing unit (CPU) 302.

Similarly, the PHS-side radio unit includes a transmission / reception demultiplexing circuit unit 310 and a signal transmission circuit unit 301. The signal transmission circuit unit 301 includes a reception system RF circuit unit 311, a demodulation circuit unit (DEM) 312, a transmission system RF circuit unit 313, a modulation circuit unit (MOD) 314, and a channel control unit 315. Control the components.
With the configuration as described above, the circuit scale becomes large and expensive.
Therefore, the portable communication device according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured as shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a radio unit of a mobile phone which is a kind of portable communication apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 4, the carrier (for example, PDC) side radio unit includes a transmission / reception demultiplexing circuit unit 404 and a signal transmission circuit unit 402 as in FIG. 3. Similar to FIG. 3, the signal transmission circuit unit 402 includes a reception system RF circuit unit 405, a demodulation circuit unit (DEM) 406, a transmission system RF circuit unit 407, a modulation circuit unit (MOD) 408, and a channel control unit 409. In addition, there is a CPU 403 that controls them. The CPU 403 constitutes a control unit, and controls the PHS frequency detection circuit unit 401, the signal transmission circuit unit 402, and the transmission / reception demultiplexing circuit unit 404. The PHS frequency detection circuit unit 401 constitutes reception means and frequency detection means.

The PHS side radio unit only needs to detect the frequency, so no transmission side circuit is required, and only the frequency detection circuit unit 401 is required as a reception side circuit, and no signal analysis or PHS side CPU is required. The price is also cheap.
With this configuration, not only the PDC but also the FOMA, GSM, and other existing carrier radio unit configurations can limit the functions of the mobile phone only by mounting small and inexpensive components. Therefore, it is possible to design a mobile phone capable of limiting functions at a low cost.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a communication system using a mobile phone with a camera function, which is a kind of portable communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mobile phone 108, the mobile phone 109, and the mobile phone in FIG. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing extracted main circuit elements of a mobile phone capable of limiting the camera function shown by a telephone 110;
A mobile phone capable of limiting camera functions includes a CPU 501 that controls the operation of each component, a wireless unit 502 that transmits and receives wireless signals, a camera module 503 that has the same functions as a digital camera, and a camera function limited frequency table (table) 507. Is stored in the memory 504. The memory 504 stores a program executed by the CPU in advance. Here, the CPU 501 constitutes a control means, the wireless unit 502 constitutes a reception means, the camera module 503 constitutes a function exhibiting means, and the memory 504 constitutes a storage means.

The radio unit 502 corresponds to detection of frequency bands of signals of both the mobile phone base station 505 and the PHS base station 506. The function of the camera module 503 can be restricted by the CPU 501.
FIG. 6 is a detailed configuration diagram of the wireless unit 502 in FIG. 5, and the same reference numerals are given to the same parts. A simple and inexpensive RF circuit unit 602 and frequency counter 603 for receiving radio waves from a PHS base station are attached to an existing baseband unit 601 such as PDC or FOMA, thereby realizing a small and inexpensive circuit. Each component is controlled by the CPU 501. The receiving RF circuit unit 602 and the frequency counter 603 constitute a receiving unit. The frequency counter 603 constitutes a frequency detection means.

5 and 6, the CPU 501 compares the frequency of the signal received from the PHS base station 506 received by the wireless unit 502 with the camera function control frequency table 507 in the memory 504, and the received signal frequency is stored in the table 507. The camera function 503 is limited if the frequency is the same as the selected frequency.
In addition, by storing a plurality of functions to be restricted in the frequency table 507 and different frequencies in association with the respective functions, it is possible to configure the function according to the frequency of the received signal. become.

By adopting such a configuration, any module, function, or software that can be controlled by the CPU other than the example of FIG. 5 can be restricted.
In addition, even in areas and places where there is no PHS base station, by installing a device that can easily transmit radio waves of the same frequency as the PHS base station, it is possible to restrict areas in places such as trains and local cities. Can be set.

By the way, when a user carrying a mobile phone and using the camera function, for example, enters the camera function restricted area from the normal area, the camera function may suddenly become unusable and may cause discomfort.
In such a case, if the restricting method is only for prohibiting the entire function, there is a possibility that it may become a subject of complaint from the user, so it is necessary to restrict the function step by step.
In the embodiment of the present invention, by preparing a plurality of frequencies and displaying a warning for prohibiting the use of the function, the prohibition of the entire function, the partial prohibition of the function for each frequency, and the like on the liquid crystal display device (LCD). It is possible to change the response such as notification.

  For example, a frequency for the function restriction area and a frequency for the function warning area for notifying the user that the function restriction area has been approached are prepared, and a camera function warning area is set around the camera function restriction area. In addition, by storing different frequencies in association with each function in the frequency table 507, a function to be restricted or a function to be notified of a warning, the function is restricted according to the frequency of the received signal, It can be configured to notify that the function cannot be used.

When a user carrying a mobile phone enters the camera function warning area, the mobile phone displays on the LCD that the camera function limit area has been approached and notifies the warning. By doing so, the user can see that he is approaching the camera function restriction area, and can refrain from using the camera or move away from the area.
In addition, although it is not necessary to prohibit the entire surface, it is possible to notify the area that the user wants to refrain from using, for example, by displaying on the LCD that the user refrains from using it.
In addition, it is also possible to prohibit only some functions such as a moving image shooting prohibition area, a still image shooting prohibition area, a moving image shooting function restriction, a still image shooting function restriction, and the like. As described above, it is possible to give a stage to the restriction of functions.

7, 8, 9, and 10 are flowcharts showing processing in the communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention, and mainly show processing of the CPU 501.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for detecting the camera function restriction area and restricting the camera function. The processing of FIG. 7 is executed when the mobile phone is turned on and when intermittent reception is performed.
In FIG. 7, first, the wireless unit is turned on (step S701). Next, processing such as reception of broadcast information from the base station, location registration, and incoming call is performed (step S702). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the process has been normally performed (step S703). When it is determined that the process has been normally performed, process A described later is performed (step S704), and the process is normally performed outside the service area or the like. If not, process B described later is performed (step S705).
After the process A or the process B is completed, a power-off process for the wireless unit is performed (step S706).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process A.
In FIG. 8, the frequency of the radio signal transmitted from the PHS base station is detected by the PHS frequency detection circuit unit 401 (specifically, the frequency counter 603) (step S801).
The CPU 501 determines whether or not a radio wave signal has been detected in step S801 (step S802). If it is determined that it has been detected, the process proceeds to step S803. If it is determined that it has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S806.

The CPU 501 refers to the camera function limit frequency table (table) (step S803) and compares the frequency of the detected signal with the frequency registered in advance in the table to determine whether the camera use limit area frequency or not. Is determined (step S804).
As a result of the comparison in step S804, the CPU 501 restricts the camera function if the corresponding frequency is registered in the camera function restriction frequency table, or if the camera function has not been restricted (step S805).
As a result of the comparison in step S804, if the corresponding frequency is not registered in the camera function limit frequency table, the CPU 501 does not limit the camera function (step S806). In step S806, if the camera function has already been restricted, the restriction on the camera function is released.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process B.
In FIG. 9, the frequency of the radio signal transmitted from the PHS base station is detected (step S901). Note that the frequency detection is performed by the PHS frequency detection circuit unit 401 (specifically, the frequency counter 603), as described above.
The CPU 501 determines whether or not the radio signal can be detected in step 901 (step S902). If it is determined that the radio signal can be detected, the process proceeds to step S903, and if it is determined that the signal cannot be detected, the step is performed. The process proceeds to S905.

The CPU 501 refers to the camera function limit frequency table (table) (step S903) and compares the frequency of the detected signal with the frequency registered in advance in the table to determine whether or not the camera use limit area frequency. Is determined (step S904).
As a result of the comparison in step S904, the CPU 501 restricts the camera function if the corresponding frequency is registered in the camera function restriction frequency table, or if the camera function has not been restricted (step S905).
As a result of the comparison in step S904, if the corresponding frequency is not registered in the camera function limit frequency table, the CPU 501 does not limit the camera function (step S906). In step S906, if the camera function has already been restricted, the CPU 501 releases the restriction on the camera function.

FIG. 10 shows a procedure for restricting the camera function when the camera function is used during a call such as a videophone.
First, in order to receive the radio wave of the PHS base station, the CPU 501 compresses and thins out transmission data (for example, call data) transmitted using the wireless unit in advance to make room for using the wireless unit (step S1001). ). At this time, it is assumed that the received data from the base station is also compressed / decimated.

If there is room for using the radio unit in step S1001, then the frequency of the radio wave transmitted by the PHS base station is detected (step S1002). Frequency detection is performed by the PHS frequency detection circuit unit 401 (specifically, the frequency counter 603).
Next, the CPU 501 determines whether or not the frequency of the radio signal has been detected in step S1002, and if it is determined that the signal has been detected, the CPU 501 proceeds to step S1004 and determines that the signal frequency has not been detected. If so, the process ends (step S1003).

The CPU 501 refers to the camera function limit frequency table (step S1004) (step S1004) and compares the frequency of the detected signal with the frequency registered in advance in the table to determine whether or not the camera use limit area frequency. Is determined (step S1005).
As a result of the comparison in step S1005, if the corresponding frequency is registered in the camera function restriction frequency table, the CPU 501 determines that the mobile phone is in the camera use restriction area, ends the camera function, and performs a normal call. The state is shifted (step S1006).
As a result of the comparison in step S1005, the CPU 501 ends the process when the corresponding frequency is not registered in the camera function limit frequency table.
In addition, it is preferable to perform the interval which starts the process sequence of FIG.

Various modifications can be made in the embodiment of the present invention.
For example, for the frequency designation method and the transmission method for setting the function restriction area, in addition to the method described above, PHS time division multiple access (TDMA (time division multiple access) -TDD (time division duplex)) is used. There is a way.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing slots in the PHS. As shown in FIG. 11, if there is an empty space for every 4 TRX slots in one frame, 3 slots are used for PHS transmission / reception, and the empty 1 slot transmits the function restriction area frequency of the mobile phone. Assign as a slot.

  By determining slots that are not used for PHS communication in advance, there is no problem with PHS communication even if adjacent cells transmit radio waves at the same frequency. With this method, the function restriction area frequency of the mobile phone need only be determined as one arbitrary frequency. However, in this case, it becomes necessary to detect the frequency of the slot determined by the mobile phone whose function is limited.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a radio unit of a portable communication apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, which is an example of a radio unit of a mobile phone that solves the above problem. The same parts as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
For frequency measurement, an RSSI measurement unit 1202 that measures the RSSI of the function restricted area frequency is provided without using a frequency counter. That is, the mobile phone includes a reception RF circuit unit 1201, an RSSI measurement unit 1202, a baseband unit 1203 having a partial integrated circuit (LSI) 1204 that constitutes the components of the baseband unit, and a CPU 501. Each component is controlled by a CPU 501 that constitutes a control means. Note that the reception RF circuit unit 1201 and the RSSI measurement unit 1202 constitute reception means. The RSSI measurement unit 1202 constitutes an RSSI measurement unit and a frequency detection unit.
The RSSI measurement unit 1202 measures the RSSI value of the radio wave from the PHS base station, and recognizes that it has entered the function restriction area when the RSSI measurement value exceeds a predetermined threshold. In this way, a method using TDMA-TDD of PHS can be realized.

It is also possible to prepare a plurality of frequencies as function-restricted area frequencies and assign a function that restricts any of the plurality of functions depending on the frequency. In this case, a table in which a plurality of functions of the function exhibiting means and a plurality of types of frequencies are associated with each other is stored in the memory 504.
For example, frequency A is the camera function restricted area frequency and frequency B is the ringtone ringing restricted area frequency. The PHS base station in the area where the use of the camera is to be restricted transmits frequency A, and the area where the ringing tone is to be restricted is transmitted in frequency B. When the mobile phone enters each area, the frequency table A is referred to. When the frequency A is received, the camera function is limited, and when the frequency B is received, the ringing tone is limited. In this way, it is possible to assign a function to be restricted for each area to a plurality of functions.

  Further, for example, a contactless IC card is frequently used in an automatic ticket gate at a station, but it is not preferable that a contactless IC card operates in a place other than a station. Contrary to the method of restricting the function within a specific area, it becomes necessary to make the function usable only within the specific area. As an operation procedure, when a predetermined frequency of the set PHS base station is detected, the function is set to be usable, and when it is not detected, the function is set to be unusable. In this way, it is possible to make the function usable only in a specific area.

As described above, the portable communication device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a function exhibiting unit that performs a predetermined function such as a camera, a receiving unit that receives a signal from a PHS base station, and the receiving unit includes: Control means (CPU 501) for restricting a predetermined function of the function exhibiting means when the received signal is a predetermined signal. The control means may be configured to limit a predetermined function of the function exhibiting means when detecting that a signal from the PHS base station has a predetermined frequency.
The predetermined function of the function exhibiting means includes a plurality of functions, and the control means restricts a function corresponding to the frequency of the signal from the PHS base station among the plurality of functions of the function exhibiting means. You may comprise.

In addition, the memory 504 stores a table 507 in which each function of the function exhibiting unit is associated with the frequency, and the control unit refers to the table 507 and performs a plurality of functions of the function exhibiting unit. Of these, the function corresponding to the frequency of the signal from the PHS base station may be limited.
The control unit may be configured to limit a predetermined function of the function exhibiting unit when an RSSI value of a signal received by the receiving unit from the PHS base station exceeds a predetermined value. . Further, the control means may be configured to exhibit a function instead of limiting the function of the function exhibiting means when the signal from the PHS base station is a predetermined signal. The control means may be configured to release the function restriction of the function exhibiting means when the signal from the PHS base station is not a predetermined signal.

Further, the portable communication device according to the embodiment of the present invention has a notification means (for example, a display device) such as a display device, and the control means functions when the signal from the PHS base station is a predetermined signal. In addition to the function restriction or function display of the exhibiting means, or in place of the function limitation or function display of the function exhibiting means, the use of the predetermined function of the function exhibiting means is restricted, or the predetermined function of the function exhibiting means is determined. The notification means notifies the user so that the function is exhibited. In addition, when the signal from the PHS base station is not a predetermined signal, the control means cancels the notification that the use of the function exhibiting means is restricted, or notifies the active function to be exhibited. To do.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the communication system that performs communication using a portable communication device such as a mobile phone or a PHS, the portable communication device according to any one of the above is used as the portable communication device. There is provided a communication system characterized by comprising.

Therefore, since the PHS base station is used for specifying the function restriction area, it is possible to easily and finely control the area for restricting the function of the portable communication device or reporting the use restriction. Generally, since the PHS base station is installed in units of several tens of meters to several hundreds of meters, the control area can be made finer.
In addition, PHS base stations are already installed indoors and outdoors in various parts of the country, and the function restriction area of the portable communication device can be set only by setting the frequency. Areas where functions are to be restricted can be easily set using existing equipment.

In addition, since it is only necessary to add a function capable of detecting the frequency of the radio wave emitted from the PHS base station to the radio unit, the mounting on the portable communication device can be made small and inexpensive.
In addition, since the functions, software, and modules that can be controlled by the CPU can be restricted by the judgment of the CPU, the restricted functions can be freely set.
In addition, if the device can transmit the same frequency as that of the PHS base station, an area for restricting the function can be set in the same procedure. Therefore, the device for setting the restricted area is not limited to the PHS base station. Other devices may be used. However, if a PHS base station is used, there is an effect that no additional equipment is required.

In addition, when using Bluetooth, it is necessary to newly prepare a Bluetooth signal source when performing function restriction, which causes a large cost. However, when using PHS, the base station of PHS currently It has already been installed in various parts of the country (even in China and other countries), and there is no need for re-installation.
In addition, when receiving Bluetooth signals, it is necessary to analyze the signal protocol, which costs the development of an analysis LSI and software, but in the case of PHS, whether or not the function is restricted by the frequency of the radio wave transmitted from the base station. Therefore, there is an effect that a special analysis unit is not necessary and development cost is not required (as Bluetooth uses an unlicensed frequency band, it is impossible to determine a region only by frequency).

  Also, the effective range of Bluetooth is about 10 m, and it is difficult to generate a use restricted area if the range is as small as 10 m. On the other hand, PHS has a wide range of 100 m to 500 m, and has an effect that it is possible to set an area for appropriate use restriction.

  The present invention can be applied to a portable communication device that a user carries and communicates such as a mobile phone, a PHS, and a portable information terminal having a communication function.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a standard cell block diagram of the PHS base station utilized with the communication system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the radio | wireless part of the dual mobile phone of general PDC etc. and PHS. It is a block diagram of the radio | wireless part of the mobile telephone which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the communication system using the mobile phone with a camera function which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a partial detailed block diagram of the mobile phone with a camera function according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the communication system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the communication system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the communication system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the communication system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the general slot in PHS. It is a block diagram which shows the radio | wireless part of the portable communication apparatus which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

101, 505 ... mobile phone base stations 102-104, 506 ... PHS base stations 105-107 ... area 108-110 ... mobile phones 301, 303, 402 ... signal transmission circuit unit 302, 403, 501 ... CPU constituting the control means
304, 310, 404 ... transmission / reception demultiplexing circuit units 305, 311, 405 ... reception unit RF circuit units 306, 312, 406 ... demodulation circuit units 307, 313, 407 ... transmission unit RF circuit units 308, 314, 408 ... modulation circuit units 309, 315, 409 ... channel control unit 401 ... PHS frequency detecting circuit unit 502 constituting receiving means and frequency detecting means ... radio constituting constituent receiving means 503... Camera module 504 constituting the function exhibiting means 504. Memory 507 constituting the storage means 507. Camera function limiting frequency table 601, 1203 constituting the table. Baseband part 602, 1201. Reception RF circuit unit 603 constituting reception means Frequency counters 604 and 12 constituting reception means and frequency detection means 4 ··· LSI
1202... RSSI measuring unit constituting receiving means, frequency detecting means, RSSI measuring means

Claims (15)

  A function exhibiting unit that exhibits a predetermined function, a receiving unit that receives a signal from a PHS base station, and a predetermined function of the function exhibiting unit when the signal received by the receiving unit is a predetermined signal A portable communication device comprising a control means.   2. The portable communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit limits a predetermined function of the function exhibiting unit when detecting that a signal from the PHS base station has a predetermined frequency. . The predetermined function of the function exhibiting means includes a plurality of functions,
3. The portable communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit limits a function corresponding to a frequency of a signal from the PHS base station among a plurality of functions of the function exhibiting unit. Storage means for storing a table in which each function of the function exhibiting means is associated with the frequency;
4. The portable device according to claim 3, wherein the control means limits the function corresponding to the frequency of the signal from the PHS base station among a plurality of functions of the function exhibiting means with reference to the table. Type communication device.   2. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the control means limits a predetermined function of the function exhibiting means when an RSSI of a signal received by the receiving means from the PHS base station exceeds a predetermined value. Type communication device.   6. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the signal from the PHS base station is a predetermined signal, the control unit performs a function instead of the function limitation of the function exhibiting unit. Portable communication device.   The portable communication according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when the signal from the PHS base station is not a predetermined signal, the control means releases the function restriction of the function exhibiting means. apparatus.   A function exhibiting unit that exhibits a predetermined function; a receiving unit that receives a signal from a PHS base station; a notification unit; and a function that is received when the signal received by the receiving unit from the PHS base station is a predetermined signal. A portable communication device comprising: a control means for informing by the informing means so as to limit use of a predetermined function of the exhibiting means.   When the control means detects that the signal from the PHS base station has a predetermined frequency, the control means notifies the notification means so as to limit the use of the predetermined function of the function exhibiting means. The portable communication device according to claim 8. The predetermined function of the function exhibiting means includes a plurality of functions,
The said control means alert | reports by the said alerting | reporting means so that use of the function corresponding to the frequency of the signal from the said PHS base station among the several functions of the said function exhibiting means may be restrict | limited. Or the portable communication apparatus of 9. Storage means for storing a table in which each function of the function exhibiting means is associated with the frequency;
The control means refers to the table and notifies the notification means so as to limit use of a function corresponding to a frequency of a signal from the PHS base station among a plurality of functions of the function exhibiting means. The portable communication device according to claim 10.   The control means, when the RSSI of the signal received from the PHS base station by the receiving means exceeds a predetermined value, notifies the control means so as to limit the use of the function exhibiting means. The portable communication device according to claim 8.   The control means, when the signal from the PHS base station is a predetermined signal, informs the notification means so as to exhibit a function instead of notifying the function restriction of the function exhibiting means. Item 13. The portable communication device according to any one of Items 8 to 12.   14. The control unit according to claim 8, wherein when the signal from the PHS base station is not a predetermined signal, the control unit cancels the notification that the use of the function exhibiting unit is restricted. The portable communication device described. In a communication system that performs communication using a portable communication device,
A communication system comprising the portable communication device according to claim 1 as the portable communication device.

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