Location based setting of radio communications parameters in a Wireless LAN

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to an information processing device having a wireless communication function and a method for setting a wireless communication function.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

In recent years, many information processing devices (personal computers, personal digital assistants, etc.) equipped with wireless communication functions (wireless LAN communication function, Bluetooth communication function, etc.) have come to be seen. Some of the wireless communication functions of such an information processing device are built in the device, while others are mounted from the outside in the form of a card or the like.

【0003】

By the way, each country has its own wireless communication standard related to wireless communication. Therefore, when shipping an information processing device to a certain country, the wireless communication function must conform to the wireless communication standard of that country.

【0004】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

However, wireless communication standards differ from country to country, for example, the frequency range that can be used and the value of transmission output differ from country to country. Therefore, different settings must be applied to the wireless communication function for each country, which complicates the process before shipment and is not easy to manage.

【0005】

To deal with this problem, for example, if the wireless communication function is set to the worldwide state so as to conform to the wireless communication standard of any country, the frequency range and the transmission output value will be considerably limited, and the wireless communication will be performed. It may not be possible to fully demonstrate the operating performance of the function in that country.

【0006】

On the other hand, it is conceivable to limit the shipping destination country of the information processing device (regional limitation) so that the frequency range and the transmission output value can be set to a fixed value in the wireless communication function. However, in this case, the wireless communication standards in countries other than the limited countries will not be met, and the information processing device cannot be shipped to these countries.

【0007】

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device and a wireless communication function setting method capable of sufficiently exerting the operating performance of the wireless communication function in the country of shipment. ..

【0008】

[Means for solving problems]<u style="single">The information processing device according to the present invention is an information processing device provided with a wireless communication means capable of wireless communication by a predetermined wireless communication method, and has a frequency range and a frequency range in which wireless communication is possible in a first area using the wireless communication method. The first wireless setting value group including the wireless setting value that specifies the output power and is set as the initial setting value, and the frequency range and output that enable wireless communication in the second area using the wireless communication method. A second wireless setting value group including a wireless setting value that specifies power and is set as the initial setting value, and wireless in the first area and the second area using the wireless communication method. A storage means for designating a frequency range and output power to be communicable and storing a third radio setting value having the same value as the initial setting value, and in the first area or the second area. At the same time, the acquisition means for acquiring the information of the country in which the device exists and the third radio setting value set as the initial setting value to the storage means based on the country information acquired by the acquisition means. The stored wireless setting value group is changed to one of the first wireless setting value group and the second wireless setting value group, and the changed wireless setting value group is reflected in the operation of the wireless communication means. It is characterized by having a means for causing the communication.</u>【0009】<u style="single">The information processing device according to the present invention is an information processing device provided with wireless communication means capable of wireless communication by a predetermined wireless communication method, and the device is present at the first position or the second position. The frequency range and output power that enable the wireless communication method to be used at the first position are specified according to the means for acquiring the position information and the position information acquired by the acquisition means, and the initial setting values. The first wireless setting value group including the wireless setting value set as, and the frequency range and output power that enable wireless communication at the second position using the wireless communication method are specified, and the initial setting value is specified. A second wireless setting value group including the wireless setting value set as, and a frequency range and output power that enable wireless communication at the first position and the second position using the wireless communication method. A third storage means that is designated and stores a third radio setting value that has the same value as the initial setting value, and a third that is set as the initial setting value based on the position information acquired by the acquisition means. The wireless setting value of the above is changed to one of the first wireless setting value group and the second wireless setting value group stored in the storage means, and the changed wireless setting value group is changed. Is provided with a means for reflecting the above in the operation of the wireless communication means.</u>【0011】<u style="single">The wireless communication function setting method according to the present invention is a method for setting a wireless communication function of an information processing apparatus including a wireless communication means capable of wireless communication by a predetermined wireless communication method, at a first position using the wireless communication method. Wireless at the first wireless setting value group including the wireless setting value that specifies the frequency range and output power that enables wireless communication and is set as the initial setting value, and at the second position using the wireless communication method. A second wireless setting value group including a wireless setting value that specifies a frequency range and output power to enable communication and is set as the initial setting value, and the first position and the first position using the wireless communication method. A third wireless setting value that specifies the frequency range and output power that enable wireless communication at the second position and has the same value as the initial setting value is stored in the storage unit provided in the device. , The first position or the second position, and the information on the position where the device exists is acquired, and the third position is set as the initial setting value based on the acquired position information. The wireless setting value is changed to one of the first wireless setting value group and the second wireless setting value group stored in the storage unit, and the changed wireless setting value group is changed. It is characterized in that it is reflected in the operation of the wireless communication means.</u>【0013】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

【0014】

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a wireless communication system including an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) is adopted as an example of the information processing device.

【0015】

The PC1 is an information processing device shipped to any region (country), and has, for example, a wireless LAN communication function as a wireless communication function. Prior to shipment, this PC1 stores setting information for conforming to all wireless communication standards in the region (country) to which the PC1 is shipped in a storage medium. The setting information referred to here is the used frequency of the radio wave output from the PC1 and the value of the transmission power.

【0016】

In addition, after shipment, the PC1 rewrites the setting information stored in the storage medium so as to conform to the wireless communication standard of the area (country) to which the position (latitude / longitude) of the PC1 exists. Reflect the rewritten setting information in the operation of the wireless LAN communication function.

【0017】

On the other hand, the access point 2 can perform wireless communication with a PC 1 or the like equipped with a wireless LAN communication function, and can also be connected to a wired LAN. The access point 2 transmits to the PC1 the position information indicating the position where the PC1 exists or the setting information conforming to the wireless communication standard of the area (country) to which the position where the PC1 exists belongs as necessary. ..

【0018】

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state of information communication performed after the shipment of the information processing apparatus (PC1).

【0019】

In the shipping destination area (country), PC1 needs to conform the frequency range and radio wave output used for wireless communication to the wireless communication standard of that area. In this case, there are several methods for processing as follows. Can be mentioned.

【0020】

(1) The access point 2 acquires its own position information (latitude, longitude information, etc.) by receiving radio waves from the GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite 3, and currently this access is based on the acquired position information. Create setting information that conforms to the wireless communication standard of the area (country) in which point 2 is operating, and send the created setting information to PC1 via wireless LAN using a command. The PC1 acquires the setting information from the access point 2, rewrites the setting information in the storage medium to the acquired setting information, and reflects the rewritten setting information in the operation of the wireless communication function.

【0021】

The process of acquiring the position information from the GPS satellite 3 may be omitted, and the setting information to be transmitted to the PC 1 may be stored in the access point 2 in advance.

【0022】

(2) The access point 2 acquires its own position information by receiving radio waves from the GPS satellite 3, and transmits the acquired position information to the PC1 by wireless LAN. The PC1 acquires the location information from the access point 2, rewrites the setting information in the storage medium so as to conform to the wireless communication standard of the area (country) to which the location indicated in the acquired location information belongs, and writes the location information. Reflect the changed setting information in the operation of the wireless communication function.

【0023】

The process of acquiring the position information from the GPS satellite 3 may be omitted, and the position information to be transmitted to the PC 1 may be stored in the access point 2 in advance.

【0024】

(3) If the access point 2 does not have a function to transmit setting information and location information, the PC1 itself acquires its own location information by receiving radio waves from GPS satellite 3, and shows it in the acquired location information. The setting information in the storage medium is rewritten so as to conform to the wireless communication standard of the area (country) to which the location belongs, and the rewritten setting information is reflected in the operation of the wireless communication function.

【0025】

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a list of frequency ranges (channels) defined by wireless communication standards of each country.

【0026】

As shown, the available frequency range (channel) varies from country to country. For example, in Japan you can use ch.1 ~ 14, but in Spain you can only use ch.10 ~ 11. According to this list, the channels that can be used worldwide are ch.10 to 11, and the setting information indicating these ch.10 to 11 is registered in the storage medium in the PC1 before shipment. In other words, PC1 is initially set up with only channels that can be used without problems in any country. In the PC1 after shipment, the above setting information is rewritten with setting information indicating a channel conforming to the wireless communication standard of the country of shipment.

【0027】

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a list of maximum transmission powers specified by wireless communication standards of each country.

【0028】

As shown, the maximum transmit power that can be used varies from country to country. For example, in Japan it can be used up to 50mW, but in North America it can be used up to 100mW. According to this list, the transmission power that can be used worldwide is up to 50 mW, and the setting information indicating this 50 mW is registered in the storage medium in the PC1 before shipment. Here, for example, the transmission power value may be set to a value of 50 mW or less as long as it is within the wireless communication standard, so that the manufacturer can arbitrarily determine the set value. In other words, it can be set arbitrarily within the range of wireless communication standards in all countries where this PC1 is used. In the PC1 after shipment, the above setting information is rewritten as setting information indicating the transmission power conforming to the wireless communication standard of the country of the shipping destination.

【0029】

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device (PC1).

【0030】

The GPS unit 11 is installed in the PC 1 when necessary, and acquires its own position information by receiving radio waves from the GPS satellite 3.

【0031】

The PC card controller 12 complies with the specifications of PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) and controls the PC card installed in the card slot 13.

【0032】

The card slot 13 is for inserting a PC card.

【0033】

The wireless LAN card 14 is realized in the form of a PC card that conforms to the PCMCIA specifications, and is controlled by the PC card controller 12 to perform wireless LAN communication with the wireless LAN communication function provided in other devices. Is.

【0034】

The north bridge 15 performs bus bridge processing between the CPU 19 and the PCI bus, control of the main memory, control of the video controller, and the like.

【0035】

The main memory 16 stores various programs and data executed by the CPU 19, and is provided as a work area of the CPU 19.

【0036】

The video controller 17 controls the data to be displayed on the display unit 18.

【0037】

The display unit 18 can display a setting screen or the like for the user to change the setting information such as the frequency range used by the wireless communication function and the value of the transmission power.

【0038】

The CPU 19 controls the entire PC 1 and executes a program or the like for realizing the wireless communication function setting method according to the present embodiment on the main memory 16.

【0039】

The flash memory 20 collectively holds setting information such as the frequency range used for the wireless communication function and the value of the transmission power. Before the PC1 is shipped, the channel number and transmission power values that can be used worldwide are written as setting information. After the PC1 is shipped, it will be rewritten by the CPU19 to conform to the wireless communication standard of the shipping destination region (country). The information stored in the flash memory 20 may be configured to be held in the main memory 16.

【0040】

The south bridge 21 performs bus bridge processing between the PCI bus and the ISA bus, HDD control, and the like.

【0041】

HDD22 is for storing programs and data used by CPU19.

【0042】

The keyboard controller 23 is for controlling the keyboard 24.

【0043】

The keyboard 24 is used as an input device.

【0044】

Although the above configuration shows an example in which an architecture including a north bridge and a south bridge is adopted, another architecture different from this may be adopted.

【0045】

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the wireless LAN card 14 shown in FIG.

【0046】

The wireless LAN card 14 includes an RF unit 31 and a baseband unit 21 that form a wireless LAN module, an I / O interface 33, and a MAC processing unit (not shown).

【0047】

The RF unit 31 includes a frequency modulation unit 41a, a frequency demodulation unit 41b, amplifiers 42a, 42b, etc., and performs 2.4 GHz band wireless communication (based on IEEE 802.11b or IEEE 802.11g) through an antenna.

【0048】

The baseband unit 32 includes a processor 43, and in addition to controlling the RF unit 31, performs various controls such as link control, packet control, logical channel control, and security control.

【0049】

The I / O interface 33 provides an input / output interface between the wireless LAN module and the PC card controller.

【0050】

In the above configuration, the processor 43 of the baseband unit 32 sends a control signal to the frequency modulation unit 41a, the frequency demodulation unit 41b, and the amplifiers 42a, 42b of the RF unit 31. For the control signal, the frequency and power values of the transmission signal transmitted from the PC1 to the outside and the reception signal received from the outside are set and changed.

【0051】

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the access point 2.

【0052】

The GPS unit 51 acquires its own position information by receiving radio waves from the GPS satellite 3.

【0053】

The wireless LAN module 52 performs wireless LAN communication with a wireless LAN communication function controlled by the MPU 54 and provided in another device.

【0054】

The wired LAN port 53 transfers packets to and from the wired LAN.

【0055】

The MPU 54 controls the entire access point 2, and executes a program or the like for realizing the wireless communication function setting method according to the present embodiment on the main memory 57.

【0056】

The input unit 55 is for the user to perform an input operation.

【0057】

The display unit 56 is for displaying the connection status with the wireless LAN or the wired LAN.

【0058】

The main memory 57 stores various programs and data executed by the MPU 54, and is provided as a work area of the MPU 54.

【0059】

The flash memory 58 is for storing position information or setting information to be transmitted to the PC1.

【0060】

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the wireless LAN module 52 shown in FIG. 7.

【0061】

Since the wireless LAN module 52 has the same components as the wireless LAN module (including the RF unit 31 and the baseband unit 32) shown in FIG. 8, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

【0062】

Also in this wireless LAN module 52, a control signal is sent from the processor 73 of the baseband unit 62 to the frequency modulation unit 71a, the frequency demodulation unit 71b, and the amplifiers 72a and 72b of the RF unit 61. For the control signal, the frequency and power values of the transmission signal transmitted from the access point 2 to the outside and the reception signal received from the outside are set and changed.

【0063】

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a setting table of the frequency range (channel) before shipment of PC1 registered in the flash memory 20 shown in FIG.

【0064】

As explained in Fig. 3, channels that can be used worldwide are ch.10 ~ 11. Therefore, in PC1 before shipment, the flags corresponding to these ch.10 to 11 are represented by 1, and the other channels are represented by 0. This setting information is reflected in the operation of the wireless LAN card 14 by the CPU 19.

【0065】

If PC1 is shipped to North America, the flags corresponding to ch.1 to 11 conforming to the North American wireless communication standard are represented by 1 as shown in Fig. 10, and the other flags are represented by 0. The setting is changed so that it is done. When PC1 is shipped to Japan, the flags corresponding to ch.1 to 13 conforming to Japanese wireless communication standards are represented by 1 as shown in Fig. 11, and the other flags are 0. The settings are changed as shown. These setting changes are reflected in the operation of the wireless LAN card 14 by the CPU 19.

【0066】

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a setting table of the maximum transmission output before shipment of PC1 registered in the flash memory 20 shown in FIG.

【0067】

As explained in Fig. 4, the maximum transmission power that can be used worldwide is 50 mW. Therefore, in PC1 before shipment, the flag corresponding to this 50 mW is represented by 1, and the other transmission power is represented by 0. This setting information is reflected in the operation of the wireless LAN card 14 by the CPU 19.

【0068】

If the PC1 is shipped to North America, the settings will be changed so that the flags corresponding to 50mW and 100mW conforming to the North American wireless communication standard are represented by 1. When PC1 is shipped to Japan, the flag corresponding to 50mW conforming to the Japanese wireless communication standard is represented by 1 and the other flags are represented by 0 as shown in Fig. 14. Remains.

【0069】

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a setting screen for the user to change the setting information on the display unit 18.

【0070】

By specifying "automatic" as the default on the setting screen of PC1, you do not need to be aware of the wireless communication standard of the shipping destination region (country), but the wireless communication standard of that country under the control of CPU19. The settings will be made automatically to match. On the other hand, in the shipping destination country, when the location information cannot be acquired, the user may need to individually set the frequency range used, the value of the transmission power, and the like. You may also want to customize the setting information. In such a case, these can be set freely by specifying "manual" on the setting screen.

【0071】

By designating the "target country" shown in the figure, it is possible to display the setting contents of the "channel" and "transmission power" conforming to the wireless communication standard of that country. Of course, the settings of "channel" and "transmission power" can be manually changed individually.

【0072】

Next, with reference to FIG. 16, an example of an operation for realizing the wireless communication function setting method according to the present embodiment will be described.

【0073】

When the wireless communication between the access point 2 and the client PC1 is started, the PC1 enters the reception standby mode and waits for the beacon signal to be sent from the access point 2.

【0074】

When the access point 2 acquires its own position information by receiving radio waves from the GPS satellite 3 (step A1), the access point 2 includes the acquired position information in the beacon signal and transmits it to the PC1 via wireless LAN (step A2). ..

【0075】

When the PC1 receives the beacon signal including the location information sent from the access point 2, the initial setting of the wireless LAN function of the PC1 is started.

【0076】

That is, the PC1 decodes the location information sent from the access point 2, derives the country to which the location indicated in the location information belongs (step A3), and conforms to the wireless communication standard of the derived country. The setting information of the setting table in the flash memory 20 is rewritten (step A4), and at the same time, the rewritten setting information is reflected in the operation (frequency range / transmission power) of the wireless LAN card 14 (step A5).

【0077】

On the access point 2 side as well, the setting information in the flash memory 58 is rewritten so as to conform to the wireless communication standard of the country to which the position indicated in the acquired location information belongs, and at the same time, the rewritten setting information is transferred to the wireless LAN. It shall be reflected in the operation (frequency range / transmission power) of the module 52.

【0078】

By the way, instead of transmitting the "location information" to the PC1 in step A2, the access point 2 creates "setting information" that conforms to the wireless communication standard of the country to which the location indicated in the location information belongs, and creates the "setting information". The setting information may be sent to PC1 by a command. In this way, on the PC1 side, it is only necessary to rewrite the setting information in the flash memory 20 to the setting information transmitted from the access point 2 and reflect the rewritten setting information in the operation of the wireless communication function. ..

【0079】

Next, another example of the operation for realizing the wireless communication function setting method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

【0080】

Here, a case where the access point 2 does not have a function of transmitting "location information" or "setting information" to the PC 1 will be described.

【0081】

In this case, the PC1 acquires its own position information by receiving radio waves from the GPS satellite 3 (step B1), derives the country to which the position indicated in the acquired position information belongs (step B2), and that country. Rewrite the setting information in the setting table in the flash memory 20 (step B3) so that it conforms to the wireless communication standard of the above, and at the same time reflect the rewritten setting information in the operation (frequency range / transmission power) of the wireless communication function. (Step B4).

【0082】

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the wireless communication function of the information processing device is automatically set so as to conform to the wireless communication standard of the shipping destination country, so that the user should be aware of the wireless communication standard of each country. It is possible to easily maximize the wireless communication function in the country.

【0083】

In addition, by using GPS satellites to acquire position information, it is possible to correctly set the information processing device so that it always conforms to the wireless communication standard of that country no matter which country the information processing device is moved to.

【0084】

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the setting information can be changed manually, it is effective when the position information cannot be acquired or when the setting information is desired to be customized.

【0085】

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified and implemented within a range that does not deviate from the gist thereof.

【0086】

For example, the wireless communication function of the information processing device may be built in the device or may be mounted on the device from the outside in the form of a card or the like.

【0087】

Further, in the above embodiment, the wireless LAN communication function is applied as the wireless communication function, but it is also possible to replace the wireless LAN communication function with, for example, the Bluetooth communication function.

【0088】

[Effect of the invention]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device and a wireless communication function setting method capable of sufficiently exerting the operating performance of the wireless communication function in the country of shipment.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a wireless communication system including an information processing device (PC) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state of information communication performed after shipment of the information processing device (PC).

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a list of frequency ranges (channels) defined by wireless communication standards of each country.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a list of maximum transmission powers specified by wireless communication standards of each country.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device (PC).

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the wireless LAN card shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the access point shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the wireless LAN module shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a setting table of a frequency range (channel) before shipment from a PC registered in the flash memory shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a setting table of a frequency range (channel) conforming to a North American wireless communication standard.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a setting table of a frequency range (channel) conforming to Japanese wireless communication standards.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a setting table of the maximum transmission output before shipment of a PC registered in the flash memory shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a transmission output setting table conforming to the North American wireless communication standard.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a transmission output setting table conforming to Japanese wireless communication standards.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a setting screen for a user to change a setting of setting information on a display unit.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation for realizing the wireless communication function setting method according to the embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining another example of an operation for realizing the wireless communication function setting method according to the same embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Personal Computer (PC) 2 ... Access Point 11 ... GPS Unit 12 ... PC Card Controller 13 ... Card Slot 14 ... Wireless LAN Card 15 ... North Bridge 16.. .Main memory 17 ... Video controller 18 ... Display 19 ... CPU 20 ... Flash memory 21 ... South bridge 22 ... HDD 23 ... Keyboard controller 24 ... Keyboard 31 ... RF section 32 ... Base band section 33 ... I / O interface 41a ... Frequency modulation section 41b ... Frequency demodulation section 42a, 42b ... Amplifier 43 ... Processor 51 ... GPS unit 52 ... Wireless LAN module 53 ... Wired LAN port 54 ... MPU 55 ... Input section 56 ... Display section 57 ... Main memory 58 ... Flash memory 61 ... RF section 62 .. .Baseband section 71a ... Frequency modulation section 71b ... Frequency demodulation section 72a, 72b ... Amplifier 73 ... Processor