JP7723142B2 - Configuration System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a setting system.

Conventionally, wireless ICs used to transmit radio waves have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

It is generally known that, due to the configuration of the radio wave transmission circuit of a wireless IC, when the setting value for the radio wave strength emitted by the wireless IC set in the wireless IC is a fixed value, fluctuations in the power supply voltage applied to the wireless IC will cause the strength of the radio waves emitted by the wireless IC to fluctuate in response to fluctuations in the power supply voltage. Because the Radio Law stipulates a range for antenna power deviation, it is common for wireless ICs to be controlled so that the strength of the radio waves transmitted from the wireless IC falls within the range of antenna power deviation stipulated in the Radio Law, depending on the power supply voltage applied to the wireless IC. For example, one method for outputting transmission power within a predetermined range involves determining in advance the relationship between the fluctuation range of the power supply voltage supplied to the wireless IC, the setting value set in the wireless IC, and the actual transmitted transmission power value, and then appropriately selecting and setting the setting value of the wireless IC based on these relationships so that the strength of the transmitted radio waves remains constant.

JP 2019-30020 A

By the way, the inventors of the present application focused on the current consumption of wireless ICs and confirmed through experiments the relationship between the wireless IC settings, transmission power values, and current consumption values. They discovered that even when similar transmission power values are output, the current consumption values may differ. In other words, for example, they discovered that if the transmission power is increased by changing the wireless IC settings, the current consumption value may decrease.

However, conventional control methods for setting settings in wireless ICs did not take into account current consumption, which could result in increased power consumption by the wireless IC.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a setting system that makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of wireless circuits.

To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the setting system described in claim 1 is a setting system that sets a setting value in a radio circuit that outputs transmission power for radio transmission according to a setting value set in the setting system and a power supply voltage supplied to the setting system, and includes: storage means for storing setting information that correlates multiple setting values, multiple power supply voltage values, transmission power values corresponding to at least multiple setting values and multiple power supply voltage values, and current consumption values of the radio circuit corresponding to multiple setting values and multiple power supply voltage values; measurement means for measuring at least the power supply voltage supplied to the radio circuit; selection means for selecting the setting value that brings the transmission power value into a reference range based on the setting information stored in the storage means and the power supply voltage value measured by the measurement means; and setting means for setting the setting value selected by the selection means in the radio circuit.

The setting system described in claim 1 makes it possible to solve the problem of the present application, for example.

1 is a block diagram of a circuit system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of transmission power setting information. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining reference information. 10 is a flowchart of a setting process. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating temperature-adaptive transmission power setting information.

Below, an embodiment of the setting system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[Basic Concept of the Embodiment]
First, the basic concept of the embodiment will be described. The embodiment generally relates to a setting system.

A "setting system" is a system that sets setting values in a wireless circuit, and is a concept that includes, for example, a system realized with a single integrated circuit or multiple integrated circuits, and includes, for example, a storage means, a measurement means, a selection means, and a setting means.

A "wireless circuit" is a circuit used to communicate using radio waves. Specifically, it is a circuit that outputs transmission power for wireless transmission according to a set value set for itself and a power supply voltage supplied to itself. For example, the concept includes wireless transmission/reception circuits, which are circuits for wireless transmission and reception, and dedicated wireless transmission circuits, which are circuits used exclusively for wireless transmission. Furthermore, the concept of "wireless circuit" also includes, for example, circuits that receive power supply voltage from either a battery or a commercial power source.

The "wireless circuit" can be applied to any device, including, for example, disaster prevention equipment including residential fire alarms, sensor transmitters, and lock confirmation sensor devices, or security equipment, or any device other than those intended for disaster prevention or security purposes.

"Set value" refers to a value used to set the transmission power output from a radio circuit, and is a concept that includes, for example, multiple values defined based on the specifications of the radio circuit. "Transmission power" refers to the power output from a radio circuit to output radio waves, and is a concept that includes, for example, the power output from a radio circuit to the antenna.

"Storage means" refers to means for storing setting information. "Setting information" is, for example, information used to set setting values for a radio circuit, and is a concept that includes, for example, information that correlates multiple setting values, multiple power supply voltage values, transmission power values corresponding to at least multiple setting values and multiple power supply voltage values, and current consumption values of the radio circuit corresponding to multiple setting values and multiple power supply voltage values. Also, "setting information" is a concept that includes, for example, information that correlates multiple setting values, multiple power supply voltage values, multiple ambient temperature values, transmission power values corresponding to multiple setting values, multiple power supply voltage values, and multiple ambient temperature values, and current consumption values of the radio circuit corresponding to multiple setting values, multiple power supply voltage values, and multiple ambient temperature values.

"Measurement means" refers to a means for measuring at least the power supply voltage supplied to the wireless circuit, and is a concept that also includes, for example, a means for measuring the ambient temperature of the wireless circuit.

The "selection means" refers to a means for selecting a setting value that will bring the transmission power value within a reference range based on the setting information stored in the storage means and the power supply voltage value measured by the measurement means. Specifically, when there are multiple setting values that bring the transmission power value within the reference range, the selection means refers to a means for selecting one setting value based on the current consumption values corresponding to the multiple setting values.

The term "selecting means" also includes, for example, a means for selecting a setting value that brings the transmission power value within a reference range based on the setting information stored in the storage means and the power supply voltage and ambient temperature measured by the measurement means.

The concept of "selection means" also includes, for example, means for selecting one setting value based on the current consumption values corresponding to multiple setting values when power supply voltage is supplied to the wireless circuit from a battery and there are multiple setting values that result in the transmission power value being within a reference range; and means for selecting one setting value regardless of the current consumption values corresponding to multiple setting values when power supply voltage is supplied to the wireless circuit from a commercial power source and there are multiple setting values that result in the transmission power value being within a reference range.

A "reference range" is a predetermined range of transmission power values; specifically, a range based on a single reference value, for example, a range determined based on laws and regulations, or determined based on other than laws and regulations.

A "battery" is, for example, a supply means that supplies stored electricity. A "commercial power source" is, for example, a supply means that supplies electricity sent from an electric power company.

In the following embodiment, we will explain the case where the setting system sets the setting value without taking the ambient temperature into consideration, and in the modified example, we will explain the case where the ambient temperature is taken into consideration.

[Specific Contents of the Embodiment]
Next, specific details of the embodiment will be described.

(composition)
First, the configuration of the circuit system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the circuit system according to the present embodiment.

The circuit system 100 is, for example, an electrical circuit system implemented in disaster prevention equipment, and includes, for example, a battery 11, an antenna 12, electrical resistors 13 and 14, a wireless communication integrated circuit (hereinafter, the integrated circuit will also be referred to as "IC") 2, and a control IC 3.

(Configuration - Battery)
The battery 11 is the aforementioned supply means. The specific type and configuration of the battery 11 are arbitrary, but for example, the battery 11 supplies power supply voltage to at least the wireless communication IC 2 and the control IC 3, and may be configured using a secondary battery or the like. Note that the value of the power supply voltage supplied from the battery 11 may vary depending on the operating conditions of components (not shown) provided in the circuit system 100 that operate using the power supply voltage from the battery 11, the remaining charge amount of the battery 11, etc.

(Configuration - Antenna)
The antenna 12 outputs radio waves based on the transmission power output from the wireless communication IC 2. The specific type and configuration of the antenna 12 are arbitrary, but for example, a loop antenna or the like can be used.

(Configuration - Electrical Resistance)
The electrical resistors 13 and 14 are voltage dividing means for dividing the power supply voltage. The specific type and configuration of the electrical resistors 13 and 14 are arbitrary, but for example, chip resistors or the like can be used.

(Configuration - Wireless communication IC)
The wireless communication IC 2 is the wireless circuit described above. The specific type and configuration of the wireless communication IC 2 are arbitrary, but for example, it is a circuit dedicated to wireless transmission, operates using a power supply voltage supplied from the battery 11, outputs a transmission power value corresponding to a setting value for the transmission power set therein and the value of the power supply voltage, and includes a first wireless-side terminal T21, a second wireless-side terminal T22, and a third wireless-side terminal T23.

(Configuration - Wireless communication IC - Terminal)
The first wireless terminal T21 is a terminal to which a power supply voltage is input from the battery 11. The second wireless terminal T22 is a terminal for communication with the control IC 3. The third wireless terminal T23 is a terminal for outputting transmission power to the antenna 12.

(Configuration - Control IC)
The control IC 3 is the setting system described above. The specific type and configuration of the control IC 3 are arbitrary, but for example, it may be a microcomputer for controlling disaster prevention equipment, operate using the power supply voltage supplied from the battery 11, and communicate with the wireless communication IC 2. The control IC 3 includes, for example, a first control terminal T31, a second control terminal T32, a third control terminal T33, a recording unit 31, and a control unit 32. The control IC 3 may include various configurations in addition to those illustrated in FIG. 1 , but only the configurations characteristic of the present application will be illustrated and described here.

(Configuration - Control IC - Terminal)
The first control terminal T31 is a terminal to which the power supply voltage from the battery 11 is input. The second control terminal T32 is a terminal for communicating with the wireless communication IC 2. The third control terminal T33 is a terminal for measuring the value of the power supply voltage from the battery 11, and is a measurement terminal to which the power supply voltage divided by the electrical resistors 13 and 14 is input.

(Configuration - Control IC - Recording unit)
The recording unit 31 is the aforementioned storage means, specifically, a recording means for recording programs and various data required for the operation of the control IC 3, and can be configured using, for example, a flash memory, etc. The recording unit 31 records transmission power setting information and reference information.

(Configuration—Control IC—Recording unit—Transmission power setting information)
The "transmission power setting information" is the setting information described above. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the transmission power setting information. As shown in FIG. 2, the transmission power setting information includes an item "setting value information," an item "power supply voltage information," and information corresponding to each item. The information corresponding to the item "setting value information" is setting value information specifying the setting value of the transmission power of the wireless communication IC 2 (shown in hexadecimal notation, such as "C" or "D" in FIG. 2). The information corresponding to the item "power supply voltage information" is power supply voltage information specifying the value of the power supply voltage supplied from the battery 11 to the wireless communication IC 2 (such as "3.6" specifying 3.6V in FIG. 2). Note that for convenience of explanation, the power supply voltage information is illustrated in 0.2V increments, such as "3.6" and "3.4," in FIG. 2. Furthermore, the power supply voltage information is associated with an item "power information," an item "current consumption information," and information corresponding to each item. The information corresponding to the item "power information" is power information specifying the value of the transmission power output from the wireless communication IC 2 (e.g., "4.2" indicating 4.2 dBm in FIG. 2 ). The information corresponding to the item "current consumption information" is current consumption information specifying the value of the current consumption in the wireless communication IC 2 (e.g., "14" specifying 14 mA in FIG. 2 ). The power information and current consumption information are associated with each piece of power supply voltage information and each piece of setting value information. Note that the specific method for storing the transmission power setting information here is arbitrary. For example, the transmission power and current consumption for each setting value and each power supply voltage may be determined based on experiments or simulations of the wireless communication IC 2, and the determined information may then be input into the control IC 3 by any method and stored.

(Configuration - Control IC - Recording unit - Reference information)
The "reference information" in FIG. 1 is the reference information that specifies the reference range described above. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the reference information. The reference information in FIG. 1 will be described below assuming that, for example, information that specifies the first to sixth thresholds in FIG. 3 is recorded based on laws and regulations. The first to sixth thresholds are information that specifies a reference range based on a reference value that serves as a reference for the transmission power to be output. Specifically, the first threshold is the upper limit of the reference range, the sixth threshold is the lower limit of the reference range, and the second to fifth thresholds are thresholds that divide the reference range into multiple ranges. The specific values of these reference value and the first to sixth threshold values are arbitrary, but here, for example, a case will be described in which 7 dBm (i.e., 5.0 mW) is recorded as the reference value, 7.8 dBm (i.e., 6.0 mW) corresponding to +20% of the reference value is recorded as the first value, 4.0 dBm (i.e., 2.5 mW) corresponding to -50% of the reference value is recorded as the sixth threshold value, and 7.4 dBm (i.e., 5.5 mW), 7.2 dBm (i.e., 5.3 mW), 6.8 dBm (i.e., 4.8 mW), and 5.7 dBm (i.e., 4.0 mW), corresponding to +10%, +5%, -5%, and -25% of the reference value, are recorded as the second to fifth threshold values. As shown in Figure 3, these first to sixth threshold values divide the reference range into five ranges: the first range, the second upper range, the third upper range, the second lower range, and the third lower range.

(Configuration - Control IC - Control Unit)
The control unit 32 in FIG. 1 is a control unit that controls the control IC 3. The specific type and configuration of the control unit 32 are arbitrary, but it can be configured using, for example, an arithmetic circuit, a memory, etc. Functionally, the control unit 32 includes a measurement unit 321, a selection unit 322, and a setting unit 323. The measurement unit 321 is a measurement unit that measures the power supply voltage supplied to the wireless communication IC 2. The selection unit 322 is a selection unit that selects a setting value that brings the transmission power value into a reference range based on the transmission power setting information stored in the recording unit 31 and the power supply voltage value measured by the measurement unit 321. Specifically, when there are multiple setting values that bring the transmission power value into the reference range, the selection unit 322 is a unit that selects one setting value based on the current consumption values corresponding to the multiple setting values. The setting unit 323 is a setting unit that sets the setting value selected by the selection unit 322 into the wireless communication IC 2. The processing performed by each unit of the control unit 32 will be described later.

(process)
Next, a setting process executed by the circuit system 100 configured as described above will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart of the setting process (steps will be abbreviated as "S" in the following description of each process). The "setting process" is generally a process executed by the control IC 3, for example, a process for setting a setting value in the wireless communication IC 2. This setting process can be executed at any timing, but the following description will begin with the start of the process, assuming that the process is repeatedly executed when radio waves are output after the power supply voltage from the battery 11 in Fig. 1 is supplied to the wireless communication IC 2 and the control IC 3.

In SA1 of FIG. 4, the measurement unit 321 of the control IC 3 measures the power supply voltage supplied to the wireless communication IC 2. While specific details are arbitrary, for example, the following processing is performed assuming that the same power supply voltage is supplied to the wireless communication IC 2 and the control IC 3. More specifically, the voltage applied to the control-side third terminal T33 is measured, and a predetermined calculation is performed on the measured voltage value (for example, a calculation that converts the measured voltage into the voltage applied to the control-side first terminal T31 (i.e., the wireless-side first terminal T21 of the wireless communication IC 2) taking into account the resistance values of electrical resistors 13 and 14) to calculate the value of the power supply voltage supplied to the control IC 3, and the result of this calculation is used as the power supply voltage supplied to the wireless communication IC 2.

In the following explanation, we will assume that the power supply voltage supplied to the wireless communication IC2 is measured at 2.6V.

At SA2 in FIG. 4, the selector 322 of the control IC 3 selects a set value. Specifically, although this is optional, the selector 322 acquires the power supply voltage value measured at SA1 and the reference information from the recording unit 31 in FIG. 1, and then references the power information associated with the power supply voltage information corresponding to the acquired power supply voltage value in the transmission power setting information in FIG. 2 to identify set value information that brings the power information into the reference range identified by the acquired reference information. Specifically, in FIG. 3, considering that it is preferable to output transmission power closer to the reference value, the ranges are divided into three groups: a first range, a second upper range and a second lower range (hereinafter also referred to as the "second range"), and a third upper range and a third lower range (hereinafter also referred to as the "third range"). Priorities are set for the first, second, and third ranges in that order (i.e., the first range has the highest priority and the third range has the lowest priority), and set value information corresponding to the range with the higher priority is identified.

More specifically, in the power information in Figure 2 referenced above, it is determined whether or not power information belonging to the first range exists, and if it is determined that power information exists, the setting value information corresponding to the power information belonging to the first range is identified, regardless of whether or not power information belonging to the second and third ranges exists. Furthermore, if it is determined that power information belonging to the first range does not exist, it is determined whether or not power information belonging to the second range exists, and if it is determined that power information exists, the setting value information corresponding to the power information belonging to the second range is identified, regardless of whether or not power information belonging to the third range exists. Furthermore, if it is determined that power information belonging to the second range does not exist, the setting value information corresponding to the power information belonging to the third range is identified.

If only one piece of setting value information is identified, the setting value indicated by that identified setting value information is selected. On the other hand, if two or more pieces of setting value information (i.e., multiple pieces) exist, the current consumption information corresponding to the two or more pieces of setting value information identified is referenced, and the setting value indicated by the setting information with the referenced minimum current consumption information is selected. Note that it is also possible that two or more pieces of setting information with the minimum current consumption information exist, in which case the setting value indicated by only one piece of setting information is selected using any method (for example, a method of selecting the one with the smallest numerical value, or a method of selecting the one closest to the setting value currently set for the wireless communication IC 2, etc.).

For example, the power supply voltage value measured by SA1, 2.6V, and the reference information from the recording unit 31 in Figure 1 are acquired. Then, in the transmission power setting information in Figure 2, the "power information" (e.g., "3.7," "4.5," ... "8.6") corresponding to the acquired power supply voltage value of 2.6V are referenced to identify setting value information that places the power information within the reference range identified by the acquired reference information. Here, the power information belonging to the first range (6.8 to less than 7.0) is "7.0" and "7.1." The power information belonging to the second range (7.2 to less than 7.4 or 5.7 to less than 6.8) is "5.9," "6.1," "6.4," and "7.3." The power information belonging to the third range (7.4 to less than 7.8 or 4.0 to less than 5.7) is "4.5," "5.0," "5.6," and "7.7." Therefore, in accordance with the priorities described above, there are two pieces of power information belonging to the first range: "7.0" and "7.1." The current consumption information corresponding to these values "7.0" and "7.1" is "13.9" and "13.8", respectively, so "14" is selected as the setting value indicated by the setting value information corresponding to the smaller "current consumption information" = "13.8".

At SA3 in Figure 4, the setting unit 323 of the control IC 3 sets a setting value for the wireless communication IC 2. While specific methods are optional, for example, the setting value selected at SA2 is acquired and a signal indicating the selected setting value is output to the wireless communication IC 2 via the control-side second terminal T32 in Figure 1. In this case, the signal output from the control IC 3 is input to the wireless communication IC 2 via the wireless-side second terminal T22, and the setting value indicated by the input signal is set in the wireless communication IC 2. The wireless communication IC 2 then outputs transmission power corresponding to the setting value set for itself to the antenna 12 via the wireless-side third terminal T23, thereby outputting radio waves.

Here, for example, the setting unit 323 of the control IC 3 acquires the setting value "14" selected in SA2, and sets it by outputting a signal indicating the selected setting value "14" to the wireless communication IC 2 via the control-side second terminal T32 in Figure 1. In this case, "14" is set as the setting value for outputting transmission power in the wireless communication IC 2, and a power of, for example, 7.1 dBm is output to the antenna 12 as the transmission power corresponding to 14. This completes the setting process.

(Transmission power and power consumption)
In the above-mentioned SA2, the setting value indicated by the setting value information is selected so that the power information is within the reference range and the current consumption information is at a minimum. Therefore, even if the value of the power supply voltage fluctuates due to any factor, by repeatedly executing the setting process, it is possible to output an appropriate value of transmission power in accordance with laws and regulations with low power consumption.

(Effects of the embodiment)
Thus, according to this embodiment, when there are multiple setting values that place the transmission power value within the reference range, one setting value can be selected based on the current consumption values corresponding to the multiple setting values, thereby making it possible to select an appropriate setting value taking into account the current consumption value, for example, and thereby reducing the power consumption of the wireless communication IC 2.

[Modifications to the embodiment]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the specific configurations and means of the present invention can be modified and improved as desired within the scope of the technical ideas of the inventions set forth in the claims. Such modifications will be described below.

(About the problem to be solved and the effects of the invention)
First, the problems that the invention aims to solve and the effects of the invention are not limited to those described above, and may vary depending on the implementation environment of the invention and the details of the configuration, and may solve only some of the problems described above or achieve only some of the effects described above.

(Regarding decentralization and integration)
Furthermore, the above-described configuration is a functional concept and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the drawings. In other words, the specific form of distribution or integration of each part is not limited to that shown in the drawings, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in any unit. Furthermore, the term "device" in this application is not limited to a single device, but includes a device configured by multiple devices.

(Regarding measurements)
4 in the above embodiment, the case has been described in which the voltage applied to the control-side third terminal T33 in FIG. 1 is measured and the value of the measured voltage is converted into the voltage applied to the control-side first terminal T31 taking into account the resistance values of the electrical resistors 13 and 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the value obtained by dividing the voltage by the electrical resistors 13 and 14 may be recorded as the power supply voltage information in FIG. 2, and then the voltage applied to the control-side third terminal T33 may be measured and the measured voltage value may be used as the value of the power supply voltage supplied to the wireless communication IC 2 without conversion.

(Regarding reference range)
4 in the above embodiment, the reference range is divided into five ranges as shown in FIG. 3. However, this is not limiting. The reference range may be set to only one range (for example, any range such as a range from equal to or greater than the sixth threshold to less than the first threshold), and processing may be performed without considering the above-mentioned priority. Alternatively, the reference range may be set to two to four ranges, or six or more ranges, and processing may be performed with consideration of the above-mentioned priority.

(Regarding priority)
In addition, in SA2 of FIG. 4 in the above embodiment, the case where the priority is set in the order of the first to third ranges has been described, but this is not limiting and the priority may be set in any other order.

(Regarding ambient temperature)
Furthermore, the transmission power setting information of Fig. 2 in the above embodiment may be associated with temperature information, and the setting value may be selected taking into consideration the temperature around the wireless communication IC 2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of temperature-dependent transmission power setting information. The "temperature-dependent transmission power setting information" is the setting information described above, and is, for example, information in which each piece of transmission power information of Fig. 2 is associated with temperature information. The "temperature information" is temperature information that specifies the temperature around the wireless communication IC 2 (e.g., "34" in Fig. 5 specifies 34 degrees Celsius).

The specific implementation method is arbitrary, but for example, instead of the transmission power setting information in Figure 2, the temperature-responsive transmission power setting information is recorded in the recording unit 31 in a similar manner to the transmission power setting information.

In SA2 of FIG. 4, the measurement unit 321 first measures the temperature around the wireless communication IC 2. While any specific method can be used, for example, the wireless communication IC 2 may be equipped with a temperature measurement function, and communication may be performed between the wireless communication IC 2 and the measurement unit 321 to measure the temperature around the wireless communication IC 2 using this temperature measurement function. It is also possible to use a temperature measurement element (not shown) for temperature measurement, and measure the temperature using this element. Here, an example of measuring 34 degrees will be described.

Next, the selection unit 322 acquires the measured temperature value and selects a setting value in the same manner as described in the embodiment, by referencing the information corresponding to the acquired temperature value from the temperature-dependent transmission power setting information in Figure 5. Here, for example, the temperature measured by the measurement unit 321 is acquired as 34 degrees, and the setting value is selected by referencing the information corresponding to "Temperature Information" = "34" in Figure 5.

This configuration allows the setting value to be selected based on the measured power supply voltage and ambient temperature values, so that the transmission power value falls within a standard range. For example, this allows the setting value to be selected taking into account the ambient temperature, ensuring that the transmission power value remains within the standard range even when temperature changes occur.

(Regarding commercial power sources)
Alternatively, the control IC 3 and the wireless communication IC 2 of the circuit system 100 shown in FIG. 1 according to the embodiment may be configured to receive power supply voltage from either the battery 11 or a commercial power source (not shown), and the set value may be selected based on the source of the power supply voltage. While any specific implementation method may be used, for example, a switching circuit (any circuit for switching the connection destination) may be provided closer to the battery 11 than the connection point between the battery 11 and the electrical resistor 13 shown in FIG. 1 , and an AC-DC converter circuit for converting AC voltage from the commercial power source to DC voltage may be connected to the switching circuit. The control unit 32 of the control IC 3 may then control the switching circuit to switch between the power supply voltage from the battery 11 and the commercial power source. Then, in step SA2 of FIG. 4 , the selection unit 322 first determines, based on the switching state of the switching circuit, whether the power supply voltage is being supplied to the wireless communication IC 2 from the battery 11 or the commercial power source. When it is determined that the power supply voltage is supplied to the wireless communication IC 2 from the battery 11, one set value is selected by appropriately using the current consumption information in Fig. 2 in the same manner as described in the embodiment, whereas when it is determined that the power supply voltage is supplied to the wireless communication IC 2 from a commercial power source, one set value is selected without using the current consumption information in Fig. 2. Note that when selecting one set value without using the current consumption information, for example, if there are multiple pieces of set value information identified as being within the reference range in Fig. 2, only one piece of set value information may be identified by any method (for example, a method of selecting the one with the smallest value, or a method of selecting the one closest to the set value currently set for the wireless communication IC 2), and the set value indicated by the identified set value information may be selected.

By configuring it in this way, when power supply voltage is supplied from battery 11, one setting value is selected based on the current consumption values corresponding to multiple setting values. Also, when power supply voltage is supplied from a commercial power source, one setting value is selected regardless of the current consumption values corresponding to multiple setting values. For example, current consumption can be taken into consideration only when operating on power supply voltage from battery 11 and low power consumption is particularly necessary. This simplifies the process of selecting a setting value when power supply voltage is supplied from commercial current.

(Features)
Furthermore, the features of the embodiments and the features of the modifications may be combined in any manner.

(Additional Note)
The setting system of Appendix 1 is a setting system that sets a setting value in a radio circuit that outputs transmission power for radio transmission according to a setting value set in the system and a power supply voltage supplied to the system, and comprises: storage means for storing setting information that correlates a plurality of the setting values, a plurality of power supply voltage values, the transmission power values corresponding to at least a plurality of the setting values and a plurality of the power supply voltage values, and the current consumption values of the radio circuit corresponding to a plurality of the setting values and a plurality of the power supply voltage values; measurement means for measuring at least the power supply voltage supplied to the radio circuit; selection means for selecting the setting value that will bring the value of the transmission power into a reference range based on the setting information stored in the storage means and the power supply voltage value measured by the measurement means; and setting means for setting the setting value selected by the selection means to the radio circuit, and when there are a plurality of setting values that will bring the value of the transmission power into the reference range, the selection means selects one of the setting values based on the current consumption values corresponding to the plurality of the setting values.

The setting system of Appendix 2 is the setting system described in Appendix 1, wherein the setting information correlates the multiple setting values, the multiple power supply voltage values, the multiple ambient temperature values, the transmission power values corresponding to the multiple setting values, the multiple power supply voltage values, and the multiple ambient temperature values, and the current consumption values of the wireless circuit corresponding to the multiple setting values, the multiple power supply voltage values, and the multiple ambient temperature values; the measuring means further measures the ambient temperature of the wireless circuit; and the selecting means selects the setting value that brings the transmission power value within a reference range based on the setting information stored in the storage means and the power supply voltage values and ambient temperature values measured by the measuring means.

The setting system of Supplementary Note 3 is the setting system described in Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the power supply voltage is supplied to the radio circuit from either a battery or a commercial power source, and the selection means, when the power supply voltage is supplied to the radio circuit from the battery and there are multiple setting values at which the transmission power value falls within a reference range, selects one setting value based on the current consumption values corresponding to the multiple setting values, and when the power supply voltage is supplied to the radio circuit from the commercial power source and there are multiple setting values at which the transmission power value falls within a reference range, selects one setting value regardless of the current consumption values corresponding to the multiple setting values.

The setting system of Supplementary Note 4 is the setting system described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the wireless circuit includes a wireless transceiver circuit or a circuit dedicated to wireless transmission.

(Effect of supplementary notes)
According to the setting system described in Appendix 1, when there are multiple setting values that result in a transmission power value within a reference range, one setting value can be selected based on the current consumption values corresponding to the multiple setting values, thereby making it possible to select an appropriate setting value taking into account the current consumption value, for example, thereby reducing the power consumption of the wireless circuit.

The setting system described in Appendix 2 selects a setting value that will keep the transmission power value within a standard range based on the measured power supply voltage and ambient temperature. This allows for the selection of an appropriate setting value, taking into account the ambient temperature, for example, and ensures that the transmission power value remains within the standard range even when temperature changes occur.

According to the setting system described in Appendix 3, when power supply voltage is supplied from a battery, one setting value is selected based on the current consumption values corresponding to multiple setting values. Also, when power supply voltage is supplied from a commercial power source, one setting value is selected regardless of the current consumption values corresponding to multiple setting values. This allows current consumption to be taken into consideration only when, for example, the device is operating on power supply voltage from a battery and low power consumption is particularly necessary, thereby simplifying the process of selecting a setting value when power supply voltage is supplied from a commercial current.

In the setting system described in Appendix 4, the wireless circuit includes a wireless transceiver circuit or a circuit dedicated to wireless transmission, which makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the wireless transceiver circuit or the circuit dedicated to wireless transmission, for example.

2 Wireless communication integrated circuit 3 Control IC
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 11 Battery 12 Antenna 13 Electrical resistance 14 Electrical resistance 31 Recording unit 32 Control unit 100 Circuit system 321 Measuring unit 322 Selecting unit 323 Setting unit T21 Wireless side first terminal T22 Wireless side second terminal T23 Wireless side third terminal T31 Control side first terminal T32 Control side second terminal T33 Control side third terminal

Claims (1)

A setting system that sets a setting value in a wireless circuit that outputs transmission power for wireless transmission according to a setting value set in the system and a power supply voltage supplied to the system,
a storage means for storing setting information that correlates the plurality of setting values, the plurality of power supply voltage values, the transmission power values corresponding to at least the plurality of setting values and the plurality of power supply voltage values, and the current consumption values of the radio circuit corresponding to the plurality of setting values and the plurality of power supply voltage values;
a measuring means for measuring the power supply voltage supplied to at least the radio circuit;
a selection means for selecting the setting value that brings the value of the transmission power into a reference range based on the setting information stored in the storage means and the value of the power supply voltage measured by the measurement means;
a setting means for setting the setting value selected by the selection means in the radio circuit;
A configuration system comprising: