System for limiting the transmitted power of a mobile communication means

• US 6,195,562 B1
• Filed: 11/12/1997
• Issued: 02/27/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 11/13/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones UK Limited (Nokia Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones UK Limited (Nokia Corporation)
• Inventors: Ojanperä, Tero, Pirhonen, Riku
• Primary Examiner(s): VO, NGUYEN THANH
• Application Number:
  US08/968,645
• Time in Patent Office: 1,203 Days
• Field of Search: 455/522, 455/550, 455/552, 455/553, 455/557, 455/575, 455/90, 455/559, 455/127, 455/125, 455/574
• US Class Current: 455/553.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/3838 Arrangements for reducing RF exposure to the user, e.g. by changing the shape of the transceiver while in use
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2001/0416 having gain or transmission power control
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0209 in terminal devices terminal devices per se H04W88/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/282 taking into account the speed of the mobile
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/283 Power depending on the position of the mobile
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/288 taking into account the usage mode, e.g. hands-free, data transmission, telephone
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

The aim of the invention is to restrict the maximum transmitted power used by a mobile communication device. In most countries there are regulations in force which impose certain maximum limits on the power of electromagnetic radiation directed towards humans. These limits vary from country to country and will most probably be tightened in the future. In the system according to the invention, the upper limit of transmitted power is varied according to the mode of usage of the mobile communication device. A mobile communication device according to such a system meets the requirements made on a device operating close to the user'"'"'s head, but the same mobile communication means may still be used in applications demanding greater transmitted power in a situation where the power limits placed on the radio set are less strict.

Claims

1. A system for limiting the transmitted power of a mobile communication means having at least one connection having a connection type comprising

at least one means for producing an indication of the mode of usage of the mobile communication means, one mode of usage being for voice transmission and another mode of usage being for data transmission;

and

a control unit for controlling the functions of the mobile communication means and for controlling the magnitude of the transmitting power of the mobile communication means as a response to said means for producing an indication of the mode of usage thereof and the connection type of the at least one connection;

wherein the control unit is operable for limiting the number of time slots used for transmission in one frame of a time division mobile communication means system as a response to an indication produced by said means for identification and the connection type of the at least one connection, transmitted power being a function of the number of time slots transmitted in one frame of the time division mobile communication means system.

2. A system according to claim 1 comprising

a connector for connecting an external cable,

and in which system at least one of said at least one means for producing an indication is a switch indicating whether or not there is a cable connected to said connector.

3. A system in according to claim 1 comprising

a first part, a second part, and at least one hinge for rotatably attaching said first part to said second part,

and in which system at least one of said at least one means for producing an indication is a means for producing an indication of the relative position of said first and second parts of the mobile communication means.

4. A system in according to claim 1 wherein

at least one of said at least one means for producing an indication is a position sensing device.

5. A mobile communication means having at least one connection having a connection type comprising

at least one means for producing an indication of the mode of usage of the mobile communication means, one mode of usage being for voice transmission and another mode of usage being for data transmission,

a control unit for controlling the functions of the mobile communication means and for controlling the transmitting power of the mobile communication means as a response to an indication produced by said means for identification and the connection type of the at least one connection;

wherein the control unit is operable for limiting the number of time slots used for transmission in one frame of a time division mobile communication means system as a response to an indication produced by said means for identification and the connection type of the at least one connection, transmitted power being a function of the number of time slots transmitted in one frame of the time division mobile communication means system.