JP2002095047A - Equipment, system, and method for communication - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide equipment, a system, and a method for communication by which two sets of communication equipment which mutually communicate with each other can be speci fied, when a plurality of sets of communication equipment are connected to each other through radio communication for transmitting and receiving information. SOLUTION: The communication equipment is provided with a communication means (transmitting-receiving means 136) which can transmit and receive information to and from a plurality of electronic cameras 10 by radios, and at the same time, receives specific identification information of the communications equipment from the cameras 10, an inputting means 104, into which the user of the equipment inputs the specific identification information of the equipment, and a collating means (information processing means 120) which collates the received specific identification information with the inputted specific identification information. When it is confirmed, as a result of the collation, that both pieces of identification information agree with each other, the communications equipment selects the communications equipment that transmits the identification information which agrees with the inputted identification information and transmits and receives information to and from the selected communications equipment. Consequently, two sets of communications equipment, which desired to communication with each other can be readily specified at transmitting and receiving of information, by connecting a plurality of communication equipment to each other through radio communication.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication device, a communication system, and a communication method, and more particularly, to a communication device, a communication system, and a communication method for specifying a communication partner between a plurality of devices connected by wireless communication.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a recording apparatus for reading out image information from a detachable memory in which image information is stored in advance and controlling the printer to print the image information selected by a setting means has been known. No. 71327.

Further, when a digital camera and a printer are communicated via infrared communication means and an image photographed by the digital camera is printed out, print conversion software and image data are transmitted from the digital camera to the printer by infrared rays. The print data conversion software received by the printer is activated on the printer, and the received image data is converted into print data by the print data conversion software. An image printing system, an image apparatus, and a printing apparatus are disclosed in JP-A-10-191226. Is shown in

[0004]

However, in the recording apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 6-71327, image information cannot be transferred without passing through a detachable memory. In recent years, various types of recording media such as PC cards, multimedia cards, and floppy (registered trademark) disks have been used. The problem that it was difficult to use because it was necessary occurred.

Further, in the image printing system, the image apparatus and the printing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-191226, since a highly directional infrared ray is used for communication, the digital camera and the printer can communicate with each other. Since it is necessary to face the infrared transmitting and receiving units at a predetermined distance, it is difficult to use the infrared transmitting and receiving units.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and when transmitting and receiving information by connecting a plurality of communication devices by wireless communication, it is possible to easily specify devices that desire communication with each other. It is an object to provide a possible communication device, communication system and communication method.

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for transmitting and receiving information wirelessly to and from a plurality of other communication devices and transmitting the information from another communication device. Communication means for receiving the unique identification information, input means for inputting the device-specific identification information by the user, and matching means for matching the received device-specific identification information with the input device-specific identification information; If the identification result shows that the two pieces of identification information match, the communication device that transmitted the identification information that matched the input identification information is selected and the subsequent information is transmitted and received. Features.

According to the present invention, communication means capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from a plurality of other communication devices and receiving device-specific identification information from the other communication devices;
Input means for inputting device-specific identification information by a user, and matching means for matching the received device-specific identification information with the input device-specific identification information; In the case of matching, since the communication device that has transmitted the identification information that matches the input identification information is selected to transmit and receive the subsequent information,
When transmitting and receiving information by connecting a plurality of communication devices by wireless communication, it is possible to easily specify devices that want to communicate with each other.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a second aspect.
The invention described in (1) is capable of generating identification information unique to the device and displaying the generated information to a user, transmitting and receiving information to and from a plurality of other communication devices wirelessly, and enabling the user to perform other operations. A communication unit for receiving the device-specific identification information input to the communication device from another communication device; and a collation unit for collating the received device-specific identification information with the generated device-specific identification information. When both pieces of identification information match as a result of the collation, the communication device that has transmitted the identification information matching the generated identification information is selected, and the subsequent information is transmitted and received.

According to the present invention, a display means for generating identification information unique to a device and displaying the generated information to a user, and capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from a plurality of other communication devices as well as the user Communication means for receiving, from another communication device, device-specific identification information input to another communication device, and matching means for comparing the received device-specific identification information with the generated device-specific identification information In the case where both the identification information match as a result of the collation, the communication device that has transmitted the identification information matching the generated identification information is selected and the subsequent information is transmitted and received. Therefore, when transmitting and receiving information by connecting a plurality of communication devices by wireless communication, it is possible to easily specify devices that desire communication with each other.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer system comprising:
The first aspect of the present invention is a first communication device comprising: a first communication unit capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from another communication device and generating and transmitting device-specific identification information; First communication means capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from another communication device including the first communication device and receiving device-specific identification information from the other communication device;
An input unit for inputting identification information unique to the device by a user; and a matching unit for matching the received identification information unique to the device with the input identification information unique to the device. When the information matches, the second communication device is configured to select a communication device that has transmitted the identification information that matches the input identification information and to transmit and receive the subsequent information. .

According to the present invention, the first communication means capable of wirelessly transmitting / receiving information to / from another communication device and having first communication means for generating and transmitting identification information unique to the device.
A communication device, and a second communication means capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from other communication devices including the first communication device and receiving device-specific identification information from the other communication device; An input unit for a user to input device-specific identification information, and a collation unit for collating the received device-specific identification information with the input device-specific identification information,
If the two pieces of identification information match each other as a result of the collation, a communication device that has transmitted the identification information matching the input identification information is selected to perform subsequent information transmission and reception.
When transmitting and receiving information by connecting a plurality of communication devices by wireless communication, it is possible to easily specify a device that desires communication with each other.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer system comprising:
The invention described in (1) is a display means for generating identification information unique to the device and displaying it to the user, and capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from a plurality of other communication devices and transmitting the information from other communication devices. First communication means for receiving device-specific identification information input by a user, and collation for collating the generated device-specific identification information with device-specific identification information received via the first communication means Means for selecting the communication device that has transmitted the identification information matching the generated identification information, and transmitting and receiving the subsequent information when the two pieces of identification information match as a result of the comparison. A communication device, input means for a user to input device-specific identification information generated by the first communication device, and a device capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from other communication devices, and Device-specific identification entered It is characterized with a second communication device and a second communication means for transmitting the broadcast to said first communication device, that consist.

According to the present invention, a display means for generating identification information unique to a device and displaying the generated information to a user, and capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from a plurality of other communication devices and other devices. First communication means for receiving device-specific identification information input by a user from the communication device; and generating the device-specific identification information and the device-specific identification information received via the first communication means. Collating means for collating, and when both identification information match as a result of the collation,
A first communication device that selects the communication device that has transmitted the identification information that matches the generated identification information and transmits and receives the subsequent information; and a user that identifies the device-specific identification information generated by the first communication device. Input means for inputting, and second communication means capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from another communication device and transmitting device-specific identification information input by the user to the first communication device And the second communication device comprising: a plurality of communication devices that can easily identify a device that desires to communicate with each other when transmitting and receiving information by wirelessly connecting a plurality of communication devices. Becomes

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a communication device, a communication system and a communication method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an electronic camera which is an embodiment of a communication device provided with a wireless communication unit.

According to FIG. 1, an electronic camera 10 includes a photographing lens 12 for forming a subject image on an image pickup means, a display means 16 for displaying various information such as image data, a communication status and a frame number display 14, A power switch 18 for inputting activation and deactivation of functions of the electronic camera 10, a release button 20 for a user to instruct shooting, a mode switching dial 22 for switching and setting various modes provided in the electronic camera 10, An erasing button 24 to be designated when erasing a desired item from the items displayed on the display means 16
A setting button 26 for registering a desired item from the items displayed on the display means 16, an increment button 28 operated when incrementing a frame number or the like displayed on the display means 16, A decrement button 30 that is operated when decrementing the frame number and the like displayed on the display 16 is provided.

When transmitting and receiving information such as image data and audio data to and from an external device by wireless communication, an antenna 32 for transmitting and receiving a carrier wave and data, a communication connector 34 used for performing wired communication, A recording medium mounting unit 38 used when exchanging information via a possible recording medium 36 is provided.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display of various setting modes provided on the mode switching dial 22.

According to FIG. 2, a mode switching dial 22 has a communication mode for performing wireless communication with another communication device (indicated as “Wireless” in FIG. 2) and a photographing mode for performing photographing (see FIG. 2). Is described as Cam) and a reproduction mode for reproducing the recorded image (Pl in FIG. 2).
ay) and a setup mode for setting a date, a shooting mode, the number of shooting pixels, a power-off time, a volume of a warning sound, and the like. Thus, each mode of the electronic camera 10 can be set.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the electronic camera 10.

The electronic camera 10 includes an imaging unit 60 that forms an image of a subject on a light receiving surface, performs photoelectric conversion and outputs the image data, and controls the entire electronic camera 10 and controls sampling timing of image data. Information for controlling image data recording control, image data graphic recognition, image data blinking recognition, reading processing of the model information or identification information of the electronic camera 10, generation processing of identification random numbers, communication control, display control, and the like. A processing unit 62, an image processing unit 64 for performing processing such as image size change, sharpness correction, gamma correction, contrast correction, and white balance correction, and a frame memory 66 for temporarily storing image data are provided. ing.

The electronic camera 10 has an input means 68 provided with a release button, a communication button, a transmission button, a function switch, a cross key, a decision switch, a mode switch, and the like. Compression / decompression means 70 for performing compression control by a method typified by JPEG or Motion JPEG, or performing expansion / decompression control of compressed data, and data for recording / reading image data to / from the removable recording medium 36. And a recording medium interface 74 for converting the data. The recording medium 36 is a removable recording medium represented by a semiconductor such as a memory card or MO, magnetic recording, and optical recording.

The information processing means 62 is a ROM in which a unique number such as a model name and a serial number of the electronic camera 10, an operation program, and each constant are stored, and a storage means serving as a work area when executing the program. A memory 72 constituted by a RAM is connected.

The wireless communication means of the electronic camera 10 used when transmitting and receiving image data and the like to and from an external device by communication is a transmitting / receiving means 76 (for transmitting or receiving image data on a carrier wave in accordance with a command from the information processing means 62 ( Communication means) and an antenna 32 for transmitting and receiving a carrier wave and data.

The electronic camera 10 has a D for displaying information on the connection device and image data on the display means 16.
A / A converter 78 and a character generator 80 for converting identification information instructed by the information processing means 62 into data of characters or messages to be displayed.

The photographing process of the electronic camera 10 configured as described above will be described.

The image to be photographed is formed on the light receiving surface of the imaging means 60, and the formed subject image is subjected to photoelectric conversion and output to the image processing means 64. The image data thus obtained is subjected to amplification and noise reduction processing by the image processing means 64, and is temporarily stored in the frame memory 66. The information processing means 62 sequentially transmits the image data stored in the frame memory 66 to the D / A converter 78, and
6.

When a release button provided on the input means 68 is pressed, a mode for photographing a subject is entered. Then, the information processing means 62 transfers the image data stored in the frame memory 66 to the compression / decompression means 70, and outputs a command to execute the compression processing of the image data under predetermined conditions. Then, a process for sequentially recording the image data on the recording medium 36 is performed on the recording medium interface 74.

When communication with another connection device is established and the transmission button provided on the input means 68 is pressed, the information processing means 62 sequentially transmits the designated image data to the recording medium 36.
And converts the data into a predetermined data format, and then transmits the data to an external communication terminal via the transmission / reception means 76 and the antenna 32.

FIG. 4 shows a state in which the electronic camera and the vending machine are executing wireless communication.

As shown in the figure, the over-the-counter vending machine 90 can transmit and receive information to and from the electronic camera 10 by wireless communication, and a user (not shown) brings the electronic camera 10 which is one form of a portable communication device. To operate the over-the-counter vending machine 90 to transfer information such as images from the electronic camera 10 to the over-the-counter vending machine 90.
And print it.

Note that the portable communication device is not limited to the electronic camera, but any communication device having wireless communication means such as a personal computer, a mobile phone, and an audio device can achieve the object of the present invention. It becomes possible.

An over-the-counter vending machine 90 has an antenna 92 that can wirelessly communicate with a communication device such as the electronic camera 10.
And a charge insertion port 94 for inputting a usage fee for using the over-the-counter vending machine 90; a print discharge port 98 for printing images and the like printed on printing paper 96; A tray 100 for guiding the paper 96 is provided.

The display unit 102 for displaying the communication status, the identification information and the image specific to the electronic camera 10 connected by communication, and the input device for the user to input the identification information, etc. Input means 10 composed of keys
4 are provided.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the information processing system of the store vending machine 90.

As shown in the figure, the information processing system of the over-the-counter vending machine 90, which is an embodiment of the communication device according to the present invention, includes an information processing means 120 for controlling the entire over-the-counter vending machine 90; A memory 122 composed of a ROM in which a program for operating the program 120 and various constants are written, and a RAM serving as a work area when the information processing means 120 executes processing, and displays information to a user. A display unit 102 and an input unit 104 for a user to input an identification code and various information are provided.

The image signal processing system of the over-the-counter vending machine 90 temporarily stores a print engine 128 which is a printing means including a mechanism for printing the acquired image and character information, and information to be displayed on a display means such as an external monitor. Frame memory 1
The frame memory 132 sequentially transmits image data to the display controller 134 at a predetermined frame rate. The display controller 134 converts the image data to be displayed into a video signal suitable for display by the display unit 102 and transmits the video signal to the display unit 102, and images and characters are displayed on the display unit 102.

The communication means of the over-the-counter vending machine 90 used for transmitting and receiving image data and the like to and from an external device by communication includes:
The transmission / reception unit 136 (communication unit) transmits or receives image data according to a command from the information processing unit 120, and the antenna 92 transmits / receives a carrier wave and data.

Information processing means 120 in over-the-counter vending machine 90
, Memory 122, display controller 134, input means 104, print engine 128, frame memory 13
2. Each peripheral circuit including the transmission / reception means 136 is connected to the bus 124
And the information processing means 120 can control each peripheral circuit.

The communication means when the electronic camera 10 and the over-the-counter vending machine 90 perform wireless communication is a communication means using radio waves, ultrasonic waves, infrared rays or the like as carrier waves. In the case of using infrared rays as the communication means, operability is improved by using communication means using diffused light capable of performing a wide range of communication.

When the user wants to print an image, which is a kind of content of the service provided by the point-of-sale vending machine 90, and specifies and transmits the image to be printed, first, the input means of the electronic camera 10 By operating 68, the processing mode is set to the communication mode. After that, the electronic camera 10
Communication is established between the vending machine 90 and the over-the-counter vending machine 90. For example, when a plurality of users carry other communication devices near the over-the-counter vending machine 90, one
There is a possibility that a plurality of communication devices are connected to enable wireless communication. Wireless communication has a feature that it is possible to easily connect a plurality of communication devices,
In this case, the over-the-counter vending machine 90 has a problem that the electronic camera 10 of the actual user who is operating with paying the fee cannot be specified from the plurality of communication devices connected for communication.

According to the present invention, even when a plurality of communication devices are present in an area where wireless communication is possible and a plurality of communication devices are wirelessly connected, a specific user carries the communication device. It is possible to correctly specify the communication device that is performing the communication, and thereafter transmit and receive information between the specified devices.

In specifying this communication device, a common code (identification information such as numerals and alphabetical characters) is set between communication devices that desire communication with each other, and the devices having the set common code are set. Only perform communication. This specification of the communication device is called pairing. As the common code, for example, the electronic camera 10 issues (generates) a code corresponding to the ID unique to the device and displays the code on the display unit 16 of the electronic camera 10, and the user reads the code and reads the code. The input is made through the input means 104 of the input unit 90.

The device-specific code issued by the electronic camera 10 includes, for example, the manufacturer name, model name,
It may be a code such as a serial number or a code combining these pieces of information, or a code issued as a random number every time. In addition, when the user uses the electronic camera 1
In the case where the code unique to 0 is stored in advance, the user may directly input the code into the input unit 104 of the vending machine 90 without intentionally displaying the code in the electronic camera 10. The over-the-counter vending machine 90 performs the pairing by specifying the electronic camera 10 having the code input by the user and thereafter transmitting and receiving information.

When pairing is completed, the electronic camera 10
The display means 16 displays a directory (including a path name and a directory name) in which information such as an image is recorded and image file information in a character display or a tree display. Then, when the user operates the increment button 28 or the decrement button 30 provided on the input means 68 to select a desired image file, and selects the content to be used as necessary, the destination Sends the specified image file to the server.

The contents provided by the store vending machine 90 include a service for uploading an image or sound to a specific site, and a method of downloading an image or sound from a specific site or a store vending machine 90, in addition to printing of an image. It may be a service or a service for purchasing goods.

FIG. 6 shows a display example of the issued code displayed on the display means 16 of the electronic camera 10.

According to the drawing, the display means 16 displays mode information 140 indicating that the mode set in the electronic camera 10 is the communication mode, and code information 142 (PIN code: 193) issued by the electronic camera 10. −513) and operation information 144 for displaying the current processing content of the electronic camera 10. In addition, code information 1
The “PIN code” described in part 42 is Pe
The code of the rsonal Identification Number is shown.

When the electronic camera 10 establishes communication with the over-the-counter vending machine 90 in the state shown in FIG. 6, the display on the display means changes to the display shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 shows a display example of the connection destination device displayed on the display means 16 of the electronic camera 10.

According to the figure, in addition to the display shown in FIG. 6, the connection destination information 146 "Setsukusaki: Okigal Print" is displayed. The “Okigal print” displayed here is a name of the content of the over-the-counter vending machine 90, and provides a service of printing and outputting an image based on the image data recorded in the electronic camera 10. Indicates that it is a print machine.

FIG. 8 shows the display means 102 of the vending machine 90.
Indicates the information displayed first.

According to the figure, the display means 102 displays mode information 150 "Easy print" indicating that the processing mode set in the store vending machine 90 is the print mode.
An operation instruction 152 for requesting the user to make some input is displayed.

FIG. 9 shows the display means 102 of the vending machine 90.
Shows information displayed when a PIN code is input.

According to the figure, the display means 102 displays an operation instruction 152 for requesting a user to input a PIN code, and an input frame 154.

FIG. 10 shows the display means 10 of the vending machine 90.
2 shows information displayed during communication connection.

According to the figure, on the display means 102, the operation information 156 for notifying the user that the connection process for the wireless communication with the electronic camera 10 is being performed and the input PIN code are displayed on the monitor for the user. Code information 158 is displayed.

FIG. 11 shows the display means 10 of the store vending machine 90.
2 shows information displayed after the communication connection is completed.

According to the figure, the display means 102 displays, to the user, operation information 156 indicating that the connection processing of the wireless communication with the electronic camera 10 and the identification of the electronic camera 10 have been completed and the pairing has been completed. And code information 158 for displaying the inputted PIN code on the monitor of the user.

FIG. 12 shows the electronic camera 10 and the store vending machine 90.
Shows a flowchart of a process for specifying a communication device.

When the setting mode of the electronic camera 10 is set to the communication mode, the processing program of the information processing means 62 of the electronic camera 10 calls the processing routine of S100 "communication mode", and the next S102 "PIN code generation (PI
N)].

In S102, the electronic camera 10 transmits the PIN code “PI” composed of identification information unique to the device or a random number.
N ”. In the next S104 “PIN code display & connected display”, the display shown in FIG. 6 is performed, and the communication connection with the store vending machine 90 is started.
The process proceeds to the next step S106 “Synchronization wait”. In S106, a determination is made as to whether or not the transmission and reception timings of the other communication devices have coincided with each other and communication has become possible, and a process of waiting until synchronization is established is performed.

The initial state of the over-the-counter vending machine 90 is S2
00 "coin insertion waiting display", the display shown in FIG.
A process of waiting for the user to insert a coin is performed in “coin insertion?”. Here, when a coin is inserted, the next S20
4 While proceeding to “PIN code input request display”, the display shown in FIG.
06, "PIN code input?", And waits for the input of a PIN code.

The user operates the input means 104 while looking at the input frame 154 displayed on the display means 102,
The PIN code shown on the code display on the display means 16 of the electronic camera 10 is input. When the input of the PIN code is completed, the display shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the display means 102, the input PIN code is stored as "PIN", and the process proceeds to the next step S208 "Synchronization".

In the next step S208, the over-the-counter vending machine 90 transmits a wireless communication synchronization establishment request to the electronic camera 10,
The process proceeds to the next step S210: “waiting for connection request packet”.
If the electronic camera 10 receives the synchronization establishment request and determines in step S106 that communication synchronization has been established, the electronic camera 10 issues a connection request to the over-the-counter vending machine 90 in step S108 “Send connection request packet”. Send a packet (including PIN). Then, the process proceeds to the next S110 “Wait for connection completion packet” to perform processing for waiting for arrival of a connection completion packet. If the connection completion packet has not arrived in S110, the process branches back to S108.

The store vending machine 90 determines whether the PI
When the connection request packet including the N code is received, the flow proceeds to the next step S212 “PIN code collation PIN = PIN?” In response to the arrival of the packet, and the PIN code received from the electronic camera 10 and the store vending machine 90 It is determined whether or not the input PIN code is the same. If the PIN codes do not match each other, it is determined that the communication device connected for communication is not the electronic camera 10 of the actual user, and the processing program branches back to S208 and returns to the PIN code of another communication device. Perform the process of investigating.

If it is determined that the PIN code input in S212 matches the PIN code received from the electronic camera 10, it is determined that the communication device connected for communication is the electronic camera 10 of the actual user. And S214
Proceed to “transmission of connection completion packet” to transmit a connection completion packet including the input PIN code to the electronic camera 10, and proceed to the next S216 “connection completion” and display the display means 102 as shown in FIG. Then, the connection process is completed and a communication path is secured.

When the electronic camera 10 receives the connection completion packet, the electronic camera 10 proceeds from S110 to S112 “PIN code collation P
IN = PIN? The PIN code arrived from the store vending machine 90 and the P issued by the electronic camera 10
It is determined whether or not the IN code is equal. If the PIN codes do not match each other, it is determined that the electronic camera 10 is not a real user from the over-the-counter vending machine 90, and the processing program branches back to S108 to return to the current real user. Operation of the store vending machine 90 is completed, and the store vending machine 90 is renewed with a new PIN code.
Performs a process of waiting for a state in which a connection is started.

If the PIN code issued by the electronic camera 10 in S112 and the PI code received from the
If it is determined that the N code matches, the electronic camera 10 is determined to be regarded as an actual user by the over-the-counter vending machine 90, and the process proceeds to S114 “connection completed”. Then, the display shown in FIG. 7 is performed on the display means 16, and the connection processing is completed.

In the above embodiment, the electronic camera 10 generates identification information unique to the device and transmits it to the over-the-counter vending machine 90, and the user inputs the identification information to the input means 104 of the over-the-counter vending machine 90. The over-the-counter vending machine 90 collates the identification information received from the electronic camera 10 with the identification information input by the user, and as a result of the collation, if the two identification information match, the input identification The example in which the electronic camera 10 that has transmitted the identification information that matches the information is selected and transmission and reception of the information are performed has been described above. However, even if the verification is performed based on the identification information obtained as follows, The object of the invention is achieved.

The over-the-counter vending machine 90 is a device-specific random number or ID.
The identification information such as a code is generated and displayed on the display means 102, and the user inputs the identification information displayed on the display means via the input means 68 of the electronic camera 10. The identification information input by the user is transmitted from the electronic camera 10 to the vending machine 90. The store vending machine 90 includes the electronic camera 1
The identification information received from 0 is compared with the identification information generated and displayed in the over-the-counter vending machine 90. If the two identification information match as a result of the comparison, the matching identification information is transmitted. The communication device may be selected to transmit and receive information thereafter.

After this pairing, the user selects an image to be printed and transmits the image to the vending machine 90. The over-the-counter vending machine 90 displays the received image on the display unit 102, and executes a print process according to information such as print size information, number of prints, and print start information designated by the user.

[0074]

As described above, according to the communication device of the present invention, it is possible to wirelessly transmit and receive information to and from a plurality of other communication devices and to transmit identification information unique to the device from the other communication devices. A communication means for receiving, an input means for a user to input identification information unique to the device, and a collation means for collating the received identification information unique to the device with the input identification information unique to the device, As a result, if both pieces of identification information match, the communication device that has transmitted the identification information that matches the input identification information is selected and the subsequent information is transmitted and received. When transmitting and receiving information by connecting the devices by wireless communication, it is possible to easily specify the devices that desire to communicate with each other.

According to another aspect of the present invention, it is possible to generate identification information unique to a device and display it to a user, and to wirelessly transmit and receive information to and from a plurality of other communication devices. Communication means for receiving, from another communication device, device-specific identification information that the user has input to another communication device, and the received device-specific identification information and the generated device-specific identification information. And when the two identification information match, the communication device that transmitted the identification information matching the generated identification information is selected to transmit and receive subsequent information. Is performed, when transmitting and receiving information by connecting a plurality of communication devices by wireless communication, it is possible to easily specify devices that desire communication with each other.

Further, according to the communication system of the present invention, it is possible to transmit / receive information to / from another communication device by radio, and to provide first communication means for generating and transmitting identification information unique to the device. A second communication that is capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from another communication device including the first communication device and the first communication device, and receiving device-specific identification information from the other communication device. Means, input means for a user to input device-specific identification information, and verification means for verifying the received device-specific identification information and the input device-specific identification information, If the identification information matches, the communication device that has transmitted the identification information matching the input identification information is selected, and the second communication device transmits and receives the subsequent information. So multiple messages When transmitting and receiving information by connecting between devices in the wireless communication, it is possible to easily specify the device that wishes to communicate with each other.

According to another aspect of the present invention, it is possible to generate identification information unique to a device and display it to a user, and to wirelessly transmit and receive information to and from a plurality of other communication devices. First communication means for receiving device-specific identification information input by a user from another communication device, and the generated device-specific identification information and the device-specific information received via the first communication means. Collating means for collating with the identification information of the communication device, and when the two identification information match as a result of the collation, the communication device that transmitted the identification information matching the generated identification information is selected. A first communication device that transmits and receives the information of the first communication device, an input unit that allows a user to input identification information unique to the device generated by the first communication device, and wirelessly transmits and receives information to and from another communication device. Possible and said use And a second communication device including second communication means for transmitting the device-specific identification information input to the first communication device, so that a plurality of communication devices can be connected by wireless communication. When transmitting and receiving information, devices that want to communicate with each other can be easily specified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an electronic camera which is an embodiment of a communication device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing various setting modes provided on a mode switching dial.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic camera.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which an electronic camera and a vending machine are performing wireless communication.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of an over-the-counter vending machine.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of a code displayed on a display unit of the electronic camera.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of a connection destination device displayed on a display unit of the electronic camera.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing information initially displayed on a display unit of a store vending machine.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing information displayed when a PIN code is input to a display unit of a store vending machine.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing information displayed during communication connection on a display unit of a vending machine.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing information displayed on a display unit of a store vending machine after communication connection is completed.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a process in which an electronic camera and an over-the-counter vending machine specify a communication device;

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10: electronic camera, 12: photographing lens, 16: display means, 22: mode switching dial, 32: antenna, 34
... communication connector, 36 ... recording medium, 62 ... information processing means, 68 ... input means, 76 ... transmission / reception means, 90 ... store vending machine, 92 ... antenna, 98 ... print outlet, 102
... display means, 104 input means, 120 information processing means, 128 print engine, 136 transmission / reception means
140 ... mode information, 142 ... code information, 144 ... operation information, 146 ... connection destination information, 150 ... mode information, 1
52: operation instruction, 154: input frame, 156: operation information,
158 ... Code information

Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5J104 AA07 KA01 KA02 NA05 5K027 AA12 BB02 CC08 FF01 FF22 HH23 HH29 KK02 MM03 MM17 5K067 AA34 BB04 BB21 CC08 DD17 DD52 DD53 EE02 EE12 FF23 NN15 NN15 NN15 NN15 NN15

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A communication means capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from a plurality of other communication devices and receiving device-specific identification information from the other communication devices; Input means for inputting, and collating means for collating the received device-specific identification information with the inputted device-specific identification information.If the two pieces of identification information match as a result of the collation, Is a communication device that selects a communication device that has transmitted identification information that matches the input identification information, and transmits and receives subsequent information. 2. A display means for generating identification information unique to a device and displaying the generated information to a user, and capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from a plurality of other communication devices and allowing the user to perform other communication. Communication means for receiving, from another communication device, device-specific identification information input to the device; and collation means for collating the received device-specific identification information with the generated device-specific identification information. If the two pieces of identification information match as a result of the collation, the communication device that has transmitted the identification information matching the generated identification information is selected and the subsequent information is transmitted and received. Communication equipment. 3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein as a result of the collation, when the two pieces of identification information match, the service is performed using the content. 4. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is identification information such as a random number or a serial number unique to the communication device. 5. A first communication device capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from another communication device and comprising first communication means for generating and transmitting device-specific identification information; A second communication unit capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from other communication devices including the one communication device and receiving device-specific identification information from the other communication device; and using the device-specific identification information. Input means input by a user, and matching means for matching the received device-specific identification information with the input device-specific identification information, and as a result of the matching, when both identification information match. And a second communication device that selects a communication device that has transmitted the identification information that matches the input identification information and performs transmission and reception of subsequent information. 6. The communication system according to claim 5, wherein said first communication device includes display means for displaying identification information unique to said first communication device to a user. 7. A display means for generating identification information unique to a device and displaying the generated information to a user, and capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from a plurality of other communication devices and using the information from another communication device. First communication means for receiving device-specific identification information input by a user, and matching means for matching the generated device-specific identification information with device-specific identification information received via the first communication means And the result of the matching,
When the two pieces of identification information match, a first communication device that selects the communication device that has transmitted the identification information that matches the generated identification information and transmits and receives the subsequent information, An input means for a user to input device-specific identification information generated by a communication device, and the device is capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from another communication device and transmits the device-specific identification information input by the user to the communication device. A second communication device comprising: a second communication means for transmitting to the first communication device; and a second communication device. 8. The communication system according to claim 5, wherein if the two pieces of identification information match as a result of the collation, the service is implemented using the content. 9. When pairing is established between any one of the plurality of first communication devices of the user and the second communication device, the first communication device with which the pairing has been established is subsequently communicated with the first communication device. A communication method for wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from a second communication device, comprising: wirelessly transmitting identification information unique to the device from the first communication device; Operating the device to input the identification information to the second communication device; collating the device-specific identification information received wirelessly with the device-specific identification information input by the input means; The first that transmitted the identification information when
Establishing a pairing with the communication device. 10. When pairing is established between one of a plurality of first communication devices of a user and a second communication device, the first communication device with which the pairing has been established is subsequently connected to the first communication device. A communication method for wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from a second communication device, wherein the second communication device generates identification information unique to the second communication device; By operating the input means, the second
Inputting the identification information generated by the communication device to the first communication device; wirelessly transmitting the input identification information generated by the second communication device from the first communication device; The input identification information wirelessly received from the first communication device is compared with the identification information generated by the second communication device, and the first identification information is transmitted when both identification information match. Establishing a pairing with another communication device. 11. The communication method according to claim 9, wherein the service is implemented using the content when the two pieces of identification information match as a result of the comparison.