Abstract:
A portable electronic device includes a transmitting circuit, an X-ray detector, and a controller. The transmitting circuit includes a power amplifier for amplifying radio waves. The detector is arranged to detect X-rays radiated from an installation arranged on a passageway to an area where radiation of electromagnetic waves is restricted. When X-rays with a certain intensity or more are detected by the detector, a controller recognizes that the device is about to enter the area, and reduce the gain of the power amplifier, so that the transmitting circuit is set to be unable to radiate radio waves.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 11-196701, filed Jul. 9, 1999, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a compact information-processing device, i.e., a portable electronic device, such as a portable terminal device, or a portable computer. More specifically, the present invention relates to a technique of controlling such an electronic device, when the device is carried into an area where radiation of electromagnetic waves is restricted, such as an airplane, air traffic control facilities, or medial treatment facilities. 
     For example, in an airplane and air traffic control facilities, radiation of electromagnetic waves from electronic devices carried therein from outside is strictly restricted to guarantee safe service. 
     Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 10-320668 directed to an electromagnetic wave alarm apparatus discloses a conventional technique of restricting radiation of electromagnetic waves. This apparatus has a function of detecting and reporting that a person carrying a device, which radiates electromagnetic waves, comes within a certain distance. In other words, the apparatus can detect radiation of electromagnetic waves and report it as a warning, before a person carrying a device, which radiates electromagnetic waves, comes to a position where the device disturbs various facilities to be protected. 
     With the above described technique, it is possible to check, at the entrance gate of facilities, each device to be carried therein, whether it should be subjected to restriction of radiation of electromagnetic waves. However, once they are carried into the facilities, it is impossible to restrict their operation, and thus is difficult to obtain a sufficient check. Furthermore, the devices do not have any function of restraining themselves from radiating electromagnetic waves in areas where radiation of electromagnetic waves is restricted. Accordingly, with the above described technique, although it is possible to detect and report radiation of electromagnetic waves coming closer, it is impossible to shut down the radiation of electromagnetic waves. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a portable electronic device with a function of restraining itself from radiating electromagnetic waves in areas where radiation of electromagnetic waves is restricted, so that a reliable environment without any unnecessary electromagnetic waves is created in the areas. 
     According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable electronic device comprising: 
     a main body which is changeable between a first state where the main body is able to generate a first electromagnetic wave at a first intensity or more, and a second state where the main body is unable to generate the first electromagnetic wave at the first intensity or more; 
     a detector configured to detect a second electromagnetic wave having a frequency different from that of the first electromagnetic wave; and 
     a controller configured to set the main body at the second state on the basis of detection by the detector. 
     According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable electronic device having a communicating unit for communicating with another device by using an electro magnetic wave, comprising: 
     a main body which is changeable between a first state where the main body is able to generate a first electromagnetic wave at a first intensity or more, and a second state where the main body is unable to generate the first electromagnetic wave at the first intensity or more; 
     a detector configured to detect a second electromagnetic wave radiated from an installation arranged on a passageway to an area where radiation of electromagnetic waves is restricted, the second electromagnetic wave having a frequency different from that of the first electromagnetic wave; and 
     a controller configured to set the main body at the second state on the basis of detection by the detector. 
     According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a portable electronic device including a main body which is changeable between a first state where the main body is able to generate a first electromagnetic wave at a first intensity or more, and a second state where the main body is unable to generate the first electromagnetic wave at the first intensity or more, the method comprising the steps of: 
     detecting by a detector a second electromagnetic wave radiated from an installation arranged on a passageway to an area where radiation of electromagnetic waves is restricted, the second electromagnetic wave having a frequency different from that of the first electromagnetic wave; and 
     causing a controller to set the main body at the second state on the basis of detection by the detector. 
     Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
     FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of the main part of an electronic device according to a first embodiment; 
     FIGS. 2A and 2B are signal wave diagrams showing an X-ray count signal and a detection signal, respectively, to explain operations of an X-ray counter and a comparator, according to the first embodiment; 
     FIGS. 3A and 3B are signal wave diagrams showing detection pulse signals and a circuit control signal, respectively, to explain an operation of a control signal generator, according to the first embodiment; 
     FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a change in the power gain on the basis of the circuit control signal of the control signal generator, to explain an operation of a power amplifier arranged in a transmitting circuit, according to the first embodiment; 
     FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the structure of the main part of an electronic device according to a second embodiment; 
     FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the structure of the main part of an electronic device according to a third embodiment; and 
     FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a change in the supply voltage of a circuit power supply on the basis of the control voltage (circuit control signal) inputted into a voltage stabilizer, according to the third embodiment. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     At first, the first embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG.  1 . In the first embodiment, when external X-rays with a certain intensity or more are detected, the gain of the power amplifier of a transmitting circuit, i.e., a circuit capable of radiating radio waves, arranged in the device is reduced. As a result, radio waves to be radiated from the antenna of the device are suppressed at a certain intensity or less. 
     FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of the main part of an electronic device according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, there is shown an X-ray counter  11 , a comparator  12 , a control signal generator  13 , a transceiver antenna (aerial)  15 , a transceiver  16 , and an antenna sharing unit  17 . 
     The transceiver  16  includes a transmitter  16 A and a receiver  16 B so as to perform data-communication with another device through the antenna  15 . The transmitter  16 A includes a power amplifier  14  as well as a signal processing unit (not shown) for packetizing data, etc., and a modulating circuit (not shown) for hopping frequencies, etc. The receiver  16 B includes a demodulating circuit (not shown) for demodulating hopping-data, etc., and a signal processing unit (not shown) for depacketizing data, etc. Note that this constitution of the transceiver is common to the other embodiments described later. 
     The X-ray counter  11  counts the amount of X-rays per unit of time, and outputs the counted value as an X-ray count signal S 1 . The X-ray count signal S 1  obtained by the X-ray counter  11  is inputted into the comparator  12 . 
     The comparator  12  compares the counted value of the X-ray count signal S 1  inputted from the X-ray counter  11  with a predetermined threshold value S 2 . When the counted value of the X-ray count signal S 1  inputted from the X-ray counter  11  is larger than the threshold value S 2 , the comparator  12  outputs a detection pulse signal S 3 . The detection pulse signal S 3  outputted from the comparator  12  is inputted into the control signal generator  13 . 
     As the control signal generator  13 , this embodiment utilizes a half-divider formed of a flip-flop. Accordingly, detection pulse signals S 3  from the comparator  12  are subjected to a half-dividing process over their frequency by the control signal generator  13 , and outputted as a circuit control signal S 4 . More specifically, when the control signal generator  13  receives a detection pulse signal S 3  from the comparator  12 , the generator  13  is triggered at the front edge or rising edge of the pulse signal to change into a set state and hold this state. Then, when the control signal generator  13  receives a detection pulse signal S 3  again, the generator  13  is triggered at the front edge or rising edge of the pulse signal to change back into a reset state. 
     The circuit control signal S 4  is inputted into the power amplifier  14  of the transmitting circuit. When the power amplifier  14  of the transmitting circuit receives the circuit control signal S 4  from the control signal generator  13 , it reduces the power gain down to a level at which transmission is impossible, in order to prevent radio waves from being radiated. 
     FIGS. 2A and 2B are signal wave diagrams showing an X-ray count signal S 1  and a detection signal S 3 , respectively, to explain operations of the X-ray counter  11  and the comparator  12  shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIGS. 3A and 3B are signal wave diagrams showing detection pulse signals S 3  and a circuit control signal S 4 , respectively, to explain an operation of the control signal generator  13  shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a change in the power gain on the basis of the circuit control signal S 4  of the control signal generator  13 , to explain an operation of the power amplifier  14  arranged in the transmitting circuit shown in FIG.  1 . 
     An explanation will be given of an operation of the electronic device according to the first embodiment with reference to FIGS. 1 to  4 . 
     First, operations of the X-ray counter  11  and the comparator  12  will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B. In FIG. 2A, there is shown the signal wave shape of a X-ray count signal S 1  along with a threshold value S 2 , where the vertical and horizontal axes indicate X-ray intensity and time, respectively. In FIG. 2B, there is shown the signal wave shape of a detection pulse signal S 3 , where the vertical and horizontal axes indicate voltage amplitude and time, respectively. 
     It is supposed that X-rays of a certain intensity or more are radiated from an installation arranged on a passageway to an area where radiation of electromagnetic waves is restricted, e.g., an X-ray baggage examining machine arranged near a departure gate. When a passenger passes through the gate along with the electronic device, the amount of X-rays that the X-ray counter  11  receives gradually increases, then remains constant for a while, and then gradually decreases, with a lapse of time. As a result, an X-ray count signal S 1  is outputted from the X-ray counter  11 , as shown in FIG.  2 A. 
     The X-ray count signal S 1  having a wave shape shown in FIG. 2A from the X-ray counter  11  is inputted into the comparator  12 , and compared with the threshold value  2  having a predetermined level. Then, that part of the X-ray count signal S 1  which exceeds the threshold value S 2  is outputted as a voltage wave shape of a pulse, i.e., a detection pulse signal S 3 . 
     The detection pulse signal S 3  from the comparator  12  is inputted into the control signal generator  13  formed of a half-divider. It is supposed that the initial value of the control signal generator  13  is set at a “0” level output state. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the control signal generator  13  outputs a voltage signal of the “0” level as the circuit control signal S 4  during “t≦t1”, i.e., before the first pulse of “t1&lt;t≦t2” is inputted. Then, the control signal generator  13  outputs a voltage signal of a “Vf” or “1” level as the circuit control signal S 4  during “t1&lt;t≦t3”, i.e., before the next pulse of “t3&lt;t≦t4” is inputted. 
     As described above, the output of the control signal generator  13  is inverted at every rising edge of inputted pulses, whereby the output takes the form of a signal including pulses with a half of the frequency of the inputted pulses. More specifically, when the control signal generator  13  receives the detection pulse signal S 3  shown in FIG. 2B as the pulse of “t1&lt;t≦t2” shown in FIG. 3A, it is triggered at the front edge “t1” of the pulse. As a result, the control signal generator  13  changes from the initial reset state, i.e., the “0” level output state, to the set state, i.e., the “1” or “Vf” level output state, and maintains the latter state, as shown in FIG.  3 B. Then, when the control signal generator  13  again receives the detection pulse signal S 3  shown in FIG. 2B as the pulse of “t3&lt;t≦t4” shown in FIG. 3A, it is triggered at the front edge “t3” of the pulse. As a result, the control signal generator  13  changes from the set state, i.e., the “1” or “Vf” level output state, back to the initial reset state, i.e., the “0” level output state, as shown in FIG.  3 B. 
     The circuit control signal S 4  of two values thus generated in the control signal generator  13  is supplied to the power amplifier  14  of the transmitting circuit, whereby the operation of the power amplifier  14  is controlled in accordance with the signal. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the power gain characteristic relative to the control voltage or circuit control signal S 4  inputted in the power amplifier  14 . In FIG. 4, there is shown a threshold value VPth (0&lt;VPth&lt;Vf) of the control voltage, where the vertical and horizontal axes indicate the power gain and the control voltage, respectively. The power amplifier  14  is arranged such that, while the control voltage is lower than the threshold value, i.e., within the periods of time of “t≦t1” and “t3&lt;t”, the power gain becomes larger, and on the other hand, while the control voltage is higher than the threshold value, i.e., within the period of time of “t1&lt;t≦t3”, the power gain becomes smaller. 
     The input terminal of the power amplifier  14  is supplied with a transmitting signal of an RF band outputted from the transceiver  16 . The transmitting signal is changed of its power gain on the basis of the voltage of the circuit control signal S 4 , i.e., the “0” and “1 or Vf” levels, outputted from the control signal generator  13 , and fed to the antenna  15  connected to the output terminal of the power amplifier  14 . 
     As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the device passes by an X-ray radiating installation, an X-ray detection pulse is outputted, thereby changing power gain of an RF signal to be transmitted from the antenna  15 . Accordingly, it is possible to prevent electromagnetic waves from being radiated from the antenna  15  during the Vf level period of time of the circuit control signal S 4 . 
     Next, the second embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG.  5 . In the second embodiment, when external X-rays with a certain intensity or more are detected, a transceiver circuit arranged in the device is forcedly switched from a transmitting mode to a receiving mode. As a result, radio waves to be radiated from the antenna of the device are suppressed at a certain intensity or less. 
     FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the structure of the main part of an electronic device according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 5, there is shown an X-ray counter  21 , a comparator  22 , a control signal generator  23 , a transceiver antenna  25 , a switch  27  for switching between transmitting and receiving modes, a transmitting unit  28 , and a receiving unit  29 . Among them, the X-ray counter  21 , comparator  22 , and control signal generator  23  correspond to the X-ray counter  11 , comparator  12 , and control signal generator  13  of the first embodiment shown FIG. 1, respectively. 
     The X-ray counter  21  counts the amount of X-rays per unit of time, and outputs the counted value as an X-ray count signal. The X-ray count signal obtained by the X-ray counter  21  is inputted into the comparator  22 . 
     The comparator  22  compares the counted value of the X-ray count signal inputted from the X-ray counter  21  with a predetermined threshold value. When the counted value of the X-ray count signal inputted from the X-ray counter  21  is larger than the threshold value, the comparator  22  outputs a detection pulse signal. The detection pulse signal outputted from the comparator  22  is inputted into the control signal generator  23 . 
     When the control signal generator  23  receives detection pulse signals from the comparator  22 , the generator  23  subjects the detection pulse signals to a half-dividing process over their frequency, and outputs a divided signal as a circuit control signal. More specifically, when the control signal generator  23  receives a detection pulse signal from the comparator  22 , the generator  23  is triggered at the front edge or rising edge of the pulse signal to change into a set state and hold this state. Then, when the control signal generator  23  receives a detection pulse signal again, the generator  23  is triggered at the front edge or rising edge of the pulse signal to change back into a reset state. With the circuit control signal, the switch  27  for switching between transmitting and receiving modes is controlled and switched. 
     The switch  27  for switching between transmitting and receiving modes is arranged to selectively switch circuits to be connected to the transceiver antenna  25 . In this embodiment, the switch  27  is arranged to alternatively select either the transmitting unit  28  or the receiving unit  29  to be connected to the transceiver antenna  25 . The circuit control signal outputted from the control signal generator  23  has a voltage wave shape of a pulse, and the switch  27  for switching between transmitting and receiving modes is controlled to be switched by the voltage amplitude. 
     An explanation will be given of an operation of the second embodiment shown in FIG.  5 . In this embodiment, that part of the operation which is performed up to a circuit control signal being outputted from the control signal generator  23  is easily understood from the first embodiment, and thus no explanation will be given of this part. 
     A half-divided signal obtained by the control signal generator  23 , i.e., a control signal S 4  shown in FIG. 3B, is used as a switching control signal to the switch  27  for switching between transmitting and receiving modes. Note that, however, the control signal is designed to control the switch  27  only when the circuit control signal S 4  outputted from the control signal generator  23  has a signal voltage higher than a threshold value VCth (0&lt;VCth&lt;Vf). 
     While the outputted voltage from the control signal generator  23  is at the Vf level (t1&lt;t≦t3), the switch  27  is fixed to a position for selecting the receiving unit  29 . Even if the transceiver antenna  25  has been connected to the transmitting unit  28  beforehand, the transceiver antenna  25  is forcedly switched and connected to the receiving unit  29  in the period of time (t1&lt;t≦t3). Accordingly, an RF transmitting signal outputted from the transmitting unit  28  is prevented from being radiated, and thus no electromagnetic waves are radiated from the transceiver antenna  25 . 
     As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the device passes by an X-ray radiating installation, an X-ray detection pulse is outputted, thereby controlling the switch  27  for switching between transmitting and receiving modes. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent radio waves from being radiated from the transceiver antenna  25  during the Vf level period of time of the circuit control signal S 4  shown in FIG.  3 B. 
     Next, the third embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG.  6 . In the third embodiment, when external X-rays with a certain intensity or more are detected, a power supply for driving circuits arranged in the device is shut down. As a result, electromagnetic waves to be radiated from the internal circuit, which can be an electromagnetic wave source, of the device is suppressed at a certain intensity or less. 
     FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the structure of the main part of an electronic device according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 3, there is shown an X-ray counter  31 , a comparator  32 , a control signal generator  33 , a voltage stabilizer  34 , and a circuit  35  which can be an electromagnetic wave source. Among them, the X-ray counter  31 , comparator  32 , and control signal generator  23  correspond to the X-ray counter  11 , comparator  12 , and control signal generator  13  of the first embodiment shown FIG. 1, respectively. Note that the circuit  35  may be any circuit except the X-ray counter  31 , comparator  32 , control signal generator  33 , and voltage stabilizer  34 , or may be a specific circuit which can radiate electromagnetic waves at a certain intensity. 
     The X-ray counter  31  counts the amount of X-rays per unit of time, and outputs the counted value as an X-ray count signal. The X-ray count signal obtained by the X-ray counter  31  is inputted into the comparator  32 . 
     The comparator  32  compares the counted value of the X-ray count signal inputted from the X-ray counter  31  with a predetermined threshold value. When the counted value of the X-ray count signal inputted from the X-ray counter  31  is larger than the threshold value, the comparator  32  outputs a detection pulse signal. The detection pulse signal outputted from the comparator  32  is inputted into the control signal generator  33 . 
     When the control signal generator  33  receives detection pulse signals from the comparator  32 , the generator  33  subjects the detection pulse signals to a half-dividing process over their frequency, and outputs a divided signal as a circuit control signal. More specifically when the control signal generator  33  receives a detection pulse signal from the comparator  32 , the generator  33  is triggered at the front edge or rising edge of the pulse signal to change into a set state and hold this state. Then, when the control signal generator  33  receives a detection pulse signal again, the generator  33  is triggered at the front edge or rising edge of the pulse signal to change back into a reset state. With the circuit control signal, the voltage stabilizer  34  is controlled. 
     An explanation will be given of an operation of the third embodiment shown in FIG.  6 . In this embodiment, that part of the operation which is performed up to a circuit control signal being outputted from the control signal generator  33  is easily understood from the first embodiment, and thus no explanation will be given of this part. 
     A half-divided signal obtained by the control signal generator  33 , i.e., a control signal S 4  shown in FIG. 3B, is used as a control signal to the voltage stabilizer  34 . FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a change in the supply voltage of a circuit power supply on the basis of the control voltage (circuit control signal S 4 ) inputted into the voltage stabilizer  34 . In FIG. 7, there is shown a threshold value VSth (0&lt;VSth&lt;Vf) of the control voltage, where the vertical and horizontal axes indicate the supply voltage to the circuit  35 , and the control voltage, respectively. 
     Where the inputted control voltage (the circuit control signal S 4  shown in FIG. 3B) is lower than the threshold value of VSth (t≦t1 and t3&lt;t), the voltage stabilizer  34  causes the supply voltage to the circuit  35  to be increased up to the ordinary operation level. On the other hand, the control voltage is higher than the threshold value of VSth (t1t≦t3), the voltage stabilizer  34  causes the supply voltage to the circuit  35  to be reduced or shut out. 
     Accordingly, on the basis of the voltage of the control signal inputted into the voltage stabilizer  34 , the voltage to be supplied to all the circuits (or specific circuits) connected to the voltage output terminal of the voltage stabilizer  34  is varied. 
     As described above, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, when the device passes by an X-ray radiating installation, an X-ray detection pulse is outputted, thereby controlling the supply voltage to the circuit  35  from the voltage stabilizer  34 , so that the power supply of the device is controlled to be turned on/off. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent electromagnetic waves from being radiated from the internal circuit of the device during the Vf level period of time of the circuit control signal S 4  shown in FIG.  3 B. 
     In the first to third embodiments, the circuits on which radiation of electromagnetic waves is restricted are re-enabled to operate when X-rays with a certain intensity or more are detected again. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. For example, the circuits on which radiation of electromagnetic waves is restricted may be re-enabled to operate by a predetermined operation, such as an input operation through a specific key, or an operation through a switch dedicated to a re-enabling operation. 
     An example of an additional structure necessary for such a modification is shown with the broken lines in FIG.  1 . Specifically, the additional structure includes a pulse generator  18  connected to the control signal generator  13  and configured to generate a dummy pulse signal S 3 ′ similar to a detection signal S 3  outputted from the comparator  12 . The pulse generator  18  is turned on/off by an operation switch  19 . An operation of this modification is as follows. 
     As described above, when the device passes by an X-ray radiating installation, a detection pulse signal S 3  is inputted from the comparator  12  into the control signal generator  13 . The control signal generator  13  is triggered at the front edge, corresponding to t 1  shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, of the detection signal S 3 , whereby the control signal generator  13  changes from the initial reset state, i.e., the “0” level output state, to the set state, i.e., the “1” or “Vf” level output state, and maintains the latter state. Then, when the pulse generator  18  is turned on, e.g., manually, by the operation switch  19 , a dummy signal S 3 ′ similar to the detection signal S 3  is inputted from the pulse generator  18  into the control signal generator  13 . The control signal generator  13  is triggered at the front edge, corresponding to t 3  shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, of the dummy signal S 3 ′, whereby the control signal generator  13  changes from the set state, i.e., the “1” or “Vf” level output state back to the initial reset state, i.e., the “0” level output state. 
     In place of the above described design, the device may be designed such that it can be turned back to an ordinary operation state by operating a power switch after a predetermined period of time, such as 12 hours, or 24 hours. As in the modifications described above, a circuit on which radiation of electromagnetic waves is restricted may be re-enabled to operate by a mechanism other than the mechanisms adopted in the first to third embodiments. 
     In the embodiments, the operation of the internal circuits are controlled by measuring the intensity of external X rays, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the operation of the internal circuits may be controlled by measuring the intensity of external electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves. Furthermore, different electromagnetic waves may be used as detection targets (if necessary, different threshold values are set for the different electromagnetic waves), so that the operation of the internal circuits can be controlled even when electromagnetic waves to be detected differ between the entrance and exit of an area where radiation of electromagnetic waves is restricted. In any case, external electromagnetic waves used as detection targets should have a frequency different from that of electromagnetic waves generated from the internal circuits. 
     As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a portable electronic device with a function of restraining itself from radiating electromagnetic waves in areas where radiation of electromagnetic waves is restricted. As a result, a reliable environment without any unnecessary electromagnetic waves is created in the areas. 
     Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.