Configuration System

Abstract

To provide a setting system that can reduce electric power consumption by a radio circuit.SOLUTION: The setting system, which is an IC3 for controlling that sets setting values on an IC2 for radio communication, comprises: a recording part 31 that stores information for setting transmitted electric power in which a plurality of setting values, values of a plurality of power supply voltage values, values of transmission electric power corresponding at least to the plurality of setting values and the values of the plurality of power supply voltages, and values of consumption currents consumed by the IC2 for radio communication corresponding to the plurality of setting values and the values of the plurality of power supply voltages are associated with one another; a measuring part 321 that measures power supply voltages that are supplied at least to the IC2 for radio communication; a selecting part 322 that selects setting values at which the values of the transmission electric power are within a reference range, on the basis of the information for setting transmission electric power and the measured value of the power supply voltages; and a setting part 323 that sets the selected setting values.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a setting system. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, wireless ICs used for transmitting radio waves have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] It is generally known that, due to the configuration of the radio wave transmission circuit of a wireless IC, when the setting value of the radio wave strength set in the wireless IC to emit a radio wave is fixed, fluctuations in the power supply voltage applied to the wireless IC cause fluctuations in the radio wave strength emitted by the wireless IC. Because the Radio Law stipulates a range of deviations in antenna power, it is common to control the wireless IC so that the strength of the radio wave transmitted from the wireless IC falls within the range of deviations in antenna power set by the Radio Law, depending on the power supply voltage applied to the wireless IC. For example, as a method for outputting transmission power within a predetermined range, 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 is determined in advance, and the setting value of the wireless IC is appropriately selected and set based on these relationships so that the strength of the transmitted radio wave is constant. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-30020 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The inventors of the present application focused on the current consumption of wireless ICs and confirmed through experiments the relationship between the setting value of the wireless IC, the value of transmission power, and the value of current consumption. As a result, they discovered that even when the same value of transmission power is output, the current consumption value may differ. That is, for example, they discovered that if the setting value of the wireless IC is changed to increase the transmission power, the value of current consumption may decrease.

[0006] However, conventional control methods for setting values in wireless ICs do not take into consideration current consumption, which can result in increased power consumption by the wireless IC.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an object to provide a setting system that makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of a wireless circuit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, 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 system and a power supply voltage supplied to the system, and includes: a storage means that stores 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; a measurement means that measures at least the power supply voltage supplied to the radio circuit; a selection means that selects 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 power supply voltage value measured by the measurement means; and a setting means that sets the setting value selected by the selection means to the radio circuit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the setting system described in claim 1, for example, it is possible to solve the problem of the present application. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a circuit system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of transmission power setting information. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining reference information. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart of a setting process. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating temperature-adaptive transmission power setting information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a setting system according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0013] [Basic Concept of the Embodiment] First, the basic concept of the embodiment will be described. The embodiment generally relates to a setting system.

[0014] A "setting system" is a system that sets a setting value in a wireless circuit, and is a concept that includes, for example, a system realized by one integrated circuit or multiple integrated circuits, and as an example, includes a storage means, a measurement means, a selection means, and a setting means.

[0015] A "wireless circuit" is a circuit used to communicate using radio waves, and more specifically, a circuit that outputs transmission power for wireless transmission according to a set value set therein and a power supply voltage supplied thereto, and is a concept that includes, for example, a wireless transmission / reception circuit that is a circuit for wireless transmission and reception, and a dedicated wireless transmission circuit that is a circuit dedicated to wireless transmission, etc. Also, a "wireless circuit" is a concept that includes, for example, a circuit that receives a power supply voltage from either a battery or a commercial power source.

[0016] The "wireless circuit" can be applied to any device, but can also be applied to disaster prevention devices including residential fire alarms, sensor transmitters, and lock confirmation sensor devices, or security devices, or any devices other than those for disaster prevention or security purposes.

[0017] The "set value" is a value for setting the transmission power output from the radio circuit, and is a concept that includes, for example, multiple values defined based on the specifications of the radio circuit. The "transmission power" is the power output from the radio circuit to output radio waves, and is a concept that includes, for example, the power output from the radio circuit to the antenna side.

[0018] The "storage means" is a means for storing setting information. The "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 the multiple setting values and the multiple power supply voltage values, and current consumption values of the radio circuit corresponding to the multiple setting values and the multiple power supply voltage values. The "setting information" is also 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 the multiple setting values, multiple power supply voltage values, and multiple ambient temperature values, and current consumption values of the radio circuit corresponding to the multiple setting values, multiple power supply voltage values, and multiple ambient temperature values.

[0019] The "measuring means" is 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.

[0020] The "selecting means" is 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 storing means and the value of the power supply voltage measured by the measuring means. Specifically, when there are multiple setting values that bring the transmission power value within the reference range, the "selecting means" is a means for selecting one setting value based on the values of current consumption corresponding to the multiple setting values.

[0021] Furthermore, the "selecting means" is a concept that includes, for example, 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 value and ambient temperature value measured by the measurement means.

[0022] Furthermore, the concept of "selection means" includes, for example, means for selecting one setting value based on the values of current consumption corresponding to the multiple setting values when a 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 values of current consumption corresponding to the multiple setting values when a 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.

[0023] A "reference range" is a predetermined range for the value of transmission power; specifically, a range based on one reference value, for example, a range determined based on laws and regulations, or determined based on other than laws and regulations.

[0024] A "battery" is, for example, a supply means that supplies stored power. A "commercial power source" is, for example, a supply means that supplies power sent from a power company.

[0025] In the following embodiment, a case where the setting system sets a setting value without taking the ambient temperature into consideration will be described, and a case where the ambient temperature is taken into consideration will be described in a modified example.

[0026] [Specific details of the embodiment] Next, specific details of the embodiment will be described.

[0027] (composition) First, the configuration of the circuit system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the circuit system according to this embodiment.

[0028] The circuit system 100 is, for example, a system of electrical circuits implemented in disaster prevention equipment, and includes, as an 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.

[0029] (Configuration - Battery) The battery 11 is the supply means described above. 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.

[0030] (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.

[0031] (Composition - 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.

[0032] (Configuration - Wireless communication IC) The wireless communication IC2 is the wireless circuit described above. The specific type and configuration of the wireless communication IC2 are arbitrary, but for example, it is a circuit dedicated to wireless transmission, operates using a power supply voltage supplied from a battery 11, outputs a transmission power value corresponding to a set 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.

[0033] (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.

[0034] (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 power supply voltage supplied from a 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.

[0035] (Configuration - Control IC - Terminal) The first control-side terminal T31 is a terminal to which the power supply voltage from the battery 11 is input. The second control-side terminal T32 is a terminal for communicating with the wireless communication IC 2. The third control-side 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.

[0036] (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.

[0037] (Configuration - Control IC - Recording section - 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). For ease of explanation, the power supply voltage information is illustrated in 0.2V increments, such as "3.6" and "3.4," in FIG. 2. The power supply voltage information is also included in the 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 IC2 (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 IC2 (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 can be determined based on experiments or simulations of the wireless communication IC2, and then the determined information can be input into the control IC3 by any method and stored.

[0038] (Configuration - Control IC - Recording unit - Reference information) The "reference information" in Fig. 1 is the reference information that specifies the reference range mentioned 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 defines 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 for dividing the reference range into multiple ranges. The specific values of these reference value and the first to sixth thresholds are arbitrary, but here we will explain an example in which, for example, 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, 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 thresholds. As shown in FIG. 3, the reference range is divided into five ranges, namely, a first range, a second upper range, a third upper range, a second lower range, and a third lower range, by these first to sixth threshold values.

[0039] (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 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 to the wireless communication IC 2. The processing performed by each unit of the control unit 32 will be described later.

[0040] (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 (in the following description of each process, steps will be abbreviated as "S"). The "setting process" is generally a process executed by the control IC 3, and is, 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 for example, the process will be described from the start of execution, assuming that it starts repeatedly 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.

[0041] 4, the measurement unit 321 of the control IC 3 measures the power supply voltage supplied to the wireless communication IC 2. While the specific details are arbitrary, for example, the following process 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 to convert 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 the electrical resistors 13 and 14), thereby calculating 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.

[0042] In the following description, it is assumed that the power supply voltage supplied to the wireless communication IC2 is 2.6V.

[0043] In SA2 of Fig. 4, the selector 322 of the control IC 3 selects a set value. Specifically, although this is optional, after acquiring the power supply voltage value measured in SA1 and the reference information of the recording unit 31 of Fig. 1, the selector 322 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 of Fig. 2 to identify set value information that brings the power information into a reference range identified by the acquired reference information. More 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"), and priorities are set for the first to third ranges in this 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.

[0044] 2, it is determined whether or not there is power information belonging to a first range. If it is determined that there is power information belonging to the first range, the setting value information corresponding to the power information belonging to the first range is identified, regardless of whether there is power information belonging to the second and third ranges. If it is determined that there is no power information belonging to the first range, it is determined whether or not there is power information belonging to a second range. If it is determined that there is power information belonging to the second range, the setting value information corresponding to the power information belonging to the second range is identified, regardless of whether there is power information belonging to the third range. If it is determined that there is no power information belonging to the second range, the setting value information corresponding to the power information belonging to the third range is identified.

[0045] If only one piece of setting value information is identified, the setting value indicated by the identified setting value information is selected. On the other hand, if two or more pieces of setting value information (i.e., a plurality of 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 that minimizes the referenced current consumption information is selected. Note that it is also possible that two or more pieces of setting information that minimize the current consumption information exist, and in this 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 value, or a method of selecting the one closest to the setting value currently set in the wireless communication IC2, etc.).

[0046] Here, for example, the power supply voltage value measured by SA1, 2.6V, and the reference information in the recording unit 31 in Fig. 1 are acquired, and then, in the transmission power setting information in Fig. 2, "power information" = "3.7," "4.5," "8.6," etc., corresponding to the power supply voltage information corresponding to the acquired power supply voltage value of 2.6V are referenced to identify setting value information in which the power information falls within the reference range identified by the acquired reference information. Here, the power information belonging to the first range (6.8 or more to less than 7.0) is "7.0" and "7.1." The power information belonging to the second range (7.2 or more to less than 7.4 or 5.7 or more 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 or more to less than 7.8 or 4.0 or more to less than 5.7) is "4.5," "5.0," "5.6," and "7.7." Therefore, according to the above-mentioned priority, there are two pieces of power information belonging to the first range: "7.0" and "7.1." Since the current consumption information corresponding to these values "7.0" and "7.1" is "13.9" and "13.8", "14" is selected as the setting value indicated by the setting value information corresponding to the smaller "current consumption information" = "13.8".

[0047] In SA3 in Fig. 4, the setting unit 323 of the control IC 3 sets a setting value for the wireless communication IC 2. While specific details are arbitrary, for example, the setting value selected in 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 Fig. 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 therein to the antenna 12 via the wireless-side third terminal T23, thereby outputting radio waves.

[0048] Here, for example, the setting unit 323 of the control IC3 acquires the setting value "14" selected by SA2, and sets the selected setting value "14" by outputting a signal indicating the selected setting value to the wireless communication IC2 via the control-side second terminal T32 in Fig. 1. In this case, "14" is set as the setting value for outputting transmission power in the wireless communication IC2, and the wireless communication IC2 outputs, for example, 7.1 dBm of power to the antenna 12 as the transmission power corresponding to 14. This ends the setting process.

[0049] (Transmission power and power consumption) In the aforementioned 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.

[0050] (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. This makes 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 communication IC2.

[0051] [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.

[0052] (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.

[0053] (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.

[0054] (About 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 voltage applied to the control-side third terminal T33 may be measured after recording the value obtained by dividing the voltage by the electrical resistors 13 and 14 as the power supply voltage information in FIG. 2, 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.

[0055] (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 value to less than the first threshold value), and processing may be performed without considering the above-mentioned priority, or 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.

[0056] (Regarding priority) Furthermore, 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 the priority may be set in any other order without being limited to this.

[0057] (Regarding ambient temperature) Furthermore, temperature information may be associated with the transmission power setting information of FIG. 2 in the above embodiment, and a setting value may be selected taking into consideration the ambient temperature of 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 the transmission power information of FIG. 2 is associated with temperature information. The "temperature information" is temperature information that specifies the ambient temperature of the wireless communication IC 2 (e.g., "34" in FIG. 5 specifies 34 degrees Celsius).

[0058] The specific implementation method is arbitrary, but for example, temperature-adaptive transmission power setting information is recorded in the recording unit 31 in place of the transmission power setting information of Figure 2 using a method similar to that of the transmission power setting information.

[0059] 4, first, the measurement unit 321 measures the temperature around the wireless communication IC2. While any specific method may be used, for example, the wireless communication IC2 may be equipped with a temperature measurement function, and communication may be performed between the wireless communication IC2 and the measurement unit 321, using the temperature measurement function to measure the temperature around the wireless communication IC2. Note that a temperature measurement element (not shown) may be equipped for temperature measurement, and the temperature may be measured using the element. Here, an example of measuring 34 degrees will be described.

[0060] 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 referring to information corresponding to the acquired temperature value in the temperature-adaptive transmission power setting information in Fig. 5. Here, for example, the setting value is selected by acquiring 34 degrees measured by the measurement unit 321 and referring to information corresponding to "temperature information"="34" in Fig. 5.

[0061] By configuring in this manner, a setting value that will bring the transmission power value within a standard range can be selected based on the measured power supply voltage value and ambient temperature value, thereby making it possible to select an appropriate setting value taking into account, for example, the ambient temperature, and therefore ensuring that the transmission power value remains within the standard range even if a temperature change occurs.

[0062] (Commercial power supply) 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 switching circuit may be controlled by the control unit 32 of the control IC 3 to switch between the supply of power supply voltage from the battery 11 side and the supply of power supply voltage from the commercial power source. In SA2 shown in FIG. 4, the selection unit 322 first determines whether the power supply voltage is being supplied to the wireless communication IC 2 from the battery 11 or the commercial power source based on the switching state of the switching circuit. If it is determined that the wireless communication IC2 is receiving power 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 if it is determined that the wireless communication IC2 is receiving power 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 may be identified by any method (for example, a method of selecting the smallest value, or a method of selecting the value closest to the set value currently set for the wireless communication IC2), and the set value indicated by the identified set value information may be selected.

[0063] By configuring in this manner, when the power supply voltage is supplied from the battery 11, one set value is selected based on the value of the current consumption corresponding to a plurality of set values, and when the power supply voltage is supplied from a commercial power source, one set value is selected regardless of the value of the current consumption corresponding to a plurality of set values.This makes it possible to take current consumption into consideration only when, for example, the device is operating on the power supply voltage from the battery 11 and low power consumption is particularly necessary, and therefore makes it possible to simplify the process of selecting the set value when the power supply voltage is supplied from a commercial current.

[0064] (Features) Furthermore, the features of the embodiments and the features of the modifications may be combined in any manner.

[0065] (Addendum) The setting system of Supplementary Note 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 brings 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 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.

[0066] The setting system of Supplementary Note 2 is the setting system described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein the setting information correlates the plurality of setting values, the plurality of power supply voltage values, the plurality of ambient temperature values, the transmission power values corresponding to the plurality of setting values, the plurality of power supply voltage values, and the plurality of ambient temperature values, and the current consumption values of the wireless circuit corresponding to the plurality of setting values, the plurality of power supply voltage values, and the plurality of ambient temperature values, and the measuring means further measures the ambient temperature of the wireless circuit, and the selecting means selects the setting value that brings the value of the transmission power within a reference range based on the setting information stored in the storage means and the power supply voltage values and the ambient temperature values measured by the measuring means.

[0067] 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 set values at which the value of the transmission power is within a reference range, selects one set value based on the values of the current consumption corresponding to the multiple set values, and when the power supply voltage is supplied to the radio circuit from the commercial power source and there are multiple set values at which the value of the transmission power is within a reference range, selects one set value regardless of the values of the current consumption corresponding to the multiple set values.

[0068] The setting system of Supplementary Note 4 is the setting system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the wireless circuit includes a wireless transmitting / receiving circuit or a circuit dedicated to wireless transmission.

[0069] (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. This makes 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.

[0070] According to the setting system described in Appendix 2, a setting value that will bring the transmission power value within a standard range is selected based on the measured power supply voltage value and ambient temperature value. This makes it possible to select an appropriate setting value taking into account the ambient temperature, for example, and therefore ensure that the transmission power value falls within the standard range even if a temperature change occurs.

[0071] According to the setting system described in Appendix 3, when the power supply voltage is supplied from a battery, one setting value is selected based on the value of current consumption corresponding to multiple setting values, and when the power supply voltage is supplied from a commercial power source, one setting value is selected regardless of the value of current consumption corresponding to multiple setting values.This makes it possible to take current consumption into consideration only when, for example, the device is operating on power supply voltage from a battery and low power consumption is particularly necessary, and therefore makes it possible to simplify the process of selecting a setting value when the power supply voltage is supplied from commercial current.

[0072] According to the setting system described in Supplementary Note 4, the wireless circuit includes a wireless transceiver circuit or a circuit dedicated to wireless transmission, thereby making it possible to reduce the power consumption of the wireless transceiver circuit or the circuit dedicated to wireless transmission, for example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 2. Wireless communication integrated circuits 3 Control IC 11 Battery 12 Antenna 13 Electrical Resistance 14 Electrical Resistance 31 Recording Section 32 Control section 100 Circuit System 321 Measuring part 322 Selection Section 323 Settings T21 Wireless side 1st terminal T22 Wireless side second terminal T23 Wireless side third terminal T31 Control side terminal 1 T32 Control side second terminal T33 Control side third terminal

Claims

[Claim 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:

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