JP2003338821A - Wireless network system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily connect a new entry device to an existent network without requiring complicated setting work or the like. <P>SOLUTION: In the wireless network system wherein a plurality of devices 10a and 10b are connected by radio to communicate with each other, the respective devices 10a and 10b are provided with: wireless LAN processing parts 20a and 20b for performing wireless communication processing with the other device; CPUs 11a and 11b for controlling the wireless LAN processing parts based upon prescribed network setting; and memories 12a and 12b for setting and storing setting information showing the prescribed network setting. Then, the memories 12a and 12b store setting information showing prescribed default setting different from the prescribed network setting, and the default setting is set as network setting between the respective devices 12a and 12b by operating a switch 14a and a display part 14b. Thus, the respective devices 12a and 12b are connected by radio to communicate with each other by the default setting. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a wireless network system in which a plurality of devices and devices are wirelessly connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other based on a predetermined network setting. In particular, the present invention, when connecting a new device that is not connected (new entry device) to a connected device that is set in a predetermined network setting environment, wirelessly connects the devices based on predetermined default settings. By doing so, a new entry device can be easily connected to the existing network without the need for complicated setting work, and without changing the configuration of the transmission frame, etc. By wirelessly transmitting the setting information indicating the network setting to the new entry device, it is possible to easily and surely acquire and set the network setting information required by the new entry device side, which is a wireless local area network (LAN). The present invention relates to a wireless network system suitable for devices and equipment connected in the ad hoc mode.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, when wireless communication is performed between devices and devices communicatively connected to each other wirelessly, basically, the network settings of both devices and devices to be connected are set to a predetermined standard. The connection environment must be set according to. For example, IEEE802.11b or IEEE8
Wireless LAN (Local Area) based on standards such as 02.11a
In the case of Network: local area network, at least a communication channel (frequency band used) or WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy:
The contents of the encryption key), SSID (Service Set ID), and the like must match the contents of the network settings between the devices that perform wireless communication. That is, in the wireless network system, the wireless communication between the devices cannot be performed unless the set values of the predetermined network settings match each other.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of network settings between devices wirelessly connected in a conventional wireless network system. The wireless network system shown in the figure includes a terminal device 110a such as a projector and a PC.
(Personal Computer) 110b is connected by communication via a wireless LAN, and each device (terminal device 110a and PC 110b) performs wireless communication processing with each other.
The AN processing units 120a and 120b are provided. And
In these respective devices 110a and 110b, predetermined setting values are set in items such as operation mode, channel, WEP, IP address, subnet mask, etc. as network settings. In the example shown in FIG. The channel and WEP set values are the same in both devices 110a and 110b (channel: 1 channel, WEP: ABC).
DE). In this way, the terminal device 110 whose setting contents match
a, the PC 110b can perform wireless communication based on the network setting information, and in the case of the device shown in FIG. 7, the device is connected in the ad hoc mode by the wireless LAN of the IEEE802.11 (802.11b / a) standard. become.

On the other hand, if the setting values of the network settings do not match between the devices to be wirelessly connected, the devices cannot be wirelessly connected. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the setting value on the terminal device 110a side is "channel: channel 1, WEP: ABCDE", PC1
The setting value on the 10b side is "Channel: 6, WEP: None"
In this case, the setting values of both devices 110a and 110b do not match, and wireless connection cannot be established. Therefore, if the network settings do not match between the devices in this way, for each device to be wirelessly connected,
It is necessary to set again so that the setting values of the respective items of the network setting match (see FIG. 7).

[0005]

However, in the conventional wireless network system, the setting work of the network connection environment is performed individually for each device, and each setting item of the network setting is manually performed. It was supposed to be entered individually. Therefore, the input work and the setting work become extremely complicated, and the setting work performed manually may have an error in the set value. In particular, when there are many wirelessly connected devices and devices, or when an arbitrary number of new entrants are connected to the network later, the work load of such setting work becomes enormous and erroneous input of setting values, etc. The possibility of occurrence of the problem also increases, and a problem that a great amount of labor and time are required to build the system arises.

[0006] In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-278280, a slot for a new entry signal is provided in a frame of a wireless transmission signal in order to facilitate new entry of a new device into an existing wireless network. Newly assigned,
A "wireless transmission method and wireless transmission device" has been proposed in which, when a signal including a new entry signal is transmitted, the transmission source of the signal enters the network. However, according to this method, it is necessary to provide a new slot in the frame of the wireless transmission signal, and the configuration of the existing transmission frame must be changed. Therefore, the wireless LAN standard (IEEE802.11) which is currently widespread is used. etc)
Could not be applied to and was unrealistic. Further, in this method, a signal indicating a new entry is transmitted from the new entry device side to the existing network. For example, if predetermined setting information such as WEP or channel in the wireless LAN is different, new The wireless signal from the entry device is not received on the existing network side. Therefore, in this method, it is not clear how to obtain and set the predetermined setting information between the new entry device and the existing network, and it is a concrete means for solving the above-mentioned conventional problems. I didn't get it.

The present invention has been proposed in order to solve the problem of the conventional technique as described above, and a new unconnected device (new entry) can be added to a connected device set in a predetermined network setting environment. When connecting (devices), wireless connection is made between each device based on a predetermined default setting, so that complicated configuration work is not required and the configuration of the transmission frame etc. can be changed. The new entry device can be easily connected to the existing network without further operation, and the new entry device is required by wirelessly transmitting the setting information indicating the network settings already set in the connected device to the new entry device. Which can easily and surely obtain and set the setting information of the network, which is connected to the wireless LAN in the ad hoc mode,
An object is to provide a wireless network system suitable for a device.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to a wireless network system in which a plurality of devices are wirelessly connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. A plurality of devices, wireless network processing means for performing wireless communication processing with other devices,
The storage device includes control means for controlling the wireless network processing means based on predetermined network settings, and storage means for setting and storing setting information indicating the predetermined network settings. Setting information indicating a predetermined default setting different from the setting is stored, and the default setting indicated by the setting information stored in the storage means is set as the network setting of the device, so that each device is set to the default setting. Based on the above, it is configured to be wirelessly connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other.

According to the wireless network system of the present invention having such a configuration, a predetermined default setting environment is set in advance for each device wirelessly connected in a predetermined network setting environment, and settings indicating the contents of this default setting are set. By storing the information, each device to be wirelessly connected can be wirelessly connected by operating in the default setting environment. That is, in the present invention,
It is possible to establish wireless connection based on a predetermined default setting without setting the same network setting between devices having different network setting environments or a new entry device trying to connect to an existing network. Therefore, according to the present invention, a wireless network can be easily and reliably established between desired devices without requiring complicated setting work and without changing the existing network configuration such as a transmission frame. be able to.

The wireless network system of the present invention may be any system as long as it is a system for constructing a network by using wireless communication, and is a system that is wirelessly connected regardless of the size of the network. If so, the present invention can be applied. Further, the term “wireless” in the present invention is a paired concept of “wired”, and generally refers to communication performed using radio waves, but may be communication using light. Further, the wireless network of the present invention includes
A communication function by a mobile phone or the like may be included, and a wired network (including a wired communication function) may be connected to a part of the wireless network.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the control means of each device includes a trigger means for setting the setting information indicating the default setting stored in the storage means as a network setting of the device at an arbitrary timing. It is as a configuration.

According to the wireless network system of the present invention having such a configuration, the provision of the trigger means for setting the setting information indicating the default setting allows the devices to be wirelessly connected to each other only by operating the trigger means. Further, the default setting environment according to the present invention can be easily set. Further, by operating the trigger means at an arbitrary timing, the wireless connection can be established between the devices to be wirelessly connected at any time at a desired timing by default setting. With this, for example, even when trying to connect a new entry device to an existing network,
The wireless connection between the new entry device and the connected device can be established at any time with extremely simple operation.

Here, the trigger means according to the present invention can be constituted by, for example, a switch which is turned ON / OFF as shown in claim 3. Further, the trigger means may be constituted by a program for executing the setting operation as described in claim 4.

As described above, the trigger means in the wireless network system of the present invention has an arbitrary configuration such as a mechanical switch, a program operable on a monitor screen, a key input from a keyboard, etc. It can be an aspect. For example, for a terminal device such as a projector, the trigger means can be configured by a switch that does not require an input device such as a monitor screen or a mouse, and for an information processing device such as a PC, a trigger screen can be displayed on the monitor screen. The trigger means can be configured by a program that allows on-screen setting operations. That is, in the present invention, it is possible to selectively employ the optimum trigger means corresponding to each device, the form, the configuration, etc. of the equipment,
It is possible to provide a wireless network system that is easy to operate, and has excellent versatility and expandability.

According to a fifth aspect of the wireless network system of the present invention, each of the plurality of devices has a connected device to which a specific network setting is set, and is not connected to the connected device. In the case of including an unconnected device, the connected device and the unconnected device are wirelessly connected based on the default setting, the control means of the unconnected device, via the wireless network processing means, To the connected device connected based on the default setting, a request signal for requesting setting information indicating the specific network setting held by the connected device is transmitted, and the control unit of the connected device By receiving the request signal via the wireless network processing means, the connected device is protected by the unconnected device that is the transmission source of the request signal. Said certain setting information indicating a specific network configuration configured so as to transmit to.

According to the wireless network system of the present invention having such a configuration, the default setting according to the present invention is used for the connected device that is connected to the existing network with the predetermined network setting information set. The unconnected device (new entry device) can be wirelessly connected. Then, by transmitting a request signal from the unconnected device via the wireless connection by this default setting,
The setting information of the existing network held by the connected device can be transmitted to the unconnected device side. As a result, the new entry device side can easily and reliably obtain the setting information indicating the connection environment of the existing network by simply wirelessly connecting to the existing network to be connected with the default setting information. New entry into the network will become extremely easy, and the work load when constructing the system will be greatly reduced.

Further, in claim 6, the control means of the unconnected device sets the default setting set in the storage unit to
While changing to the specific network setting indicated by the setting information transmitted from the connected device, the control means of the connected device, after transmitting the setting information indicating the specific network setting to the unconnected device, The configuration is such that the default setting set in the storage unit is restored to the specific network setting.

According to the wireless network system of the present invention having such a configuration, when the setting information of the existing network is transmitted and received between the connected device and the unconnected device wirelessly connected by the default setting, both devices are connected. , The setting contents of the network setting can be automatically set. As a result, the process of new entry of a new device into the existing network can be automatically performed from the establishment of the wireless connection based on the default settings to the setting and change to the original network setting information.
This will make it easier and more reliable to perform new entry processing into an existing network.

Further, in claim 7, the control means of the unconnected device transmits a reception completion signal to the connected device after receiving the setting information indicating the specific network setting transmitted from the connected device. At the same time, the control means of the connected device is configured to restore the default setting to the specific network setting after receiving the reception completion signal from the unconnected device.

According to the wireless network system of the present invention having such a configuration, when the setting information of the existing network is transmitted and received between the connected device and the unconnected device wirelessly connected by the default setting, both devices are connected. , A reception completion signal of the setting information is transmitted and received. Then, in the connected device, after receiving the reception completion signal from the unconnected device, the default setting is restored to the original network setting. That is, on the connected device side, after the setting information of the predetermined network setting is securely transmitted and received to and from the unconnected device, the default setting is returned to the original network setting environment. When the setting information of the network setting is not reliably received by the unconnected device side, the wireless connection based on the default setting information is maintained. As a result, when the reception completion signal from the unconnected device side is not received, for example, it becomes possible to retransmit the network setting information or the error signal from the connected device side, and to make a new entry process to the existing network. It becomes possible to perform the operation more reliably, and it is possible to realize a more reliable wireless network system.

Further, in the present invention, the control means of the connected device restores the default setting to the specific network setting after a lapse of a predetermined time after the setting of the default setting.

According to the wireless network system of the present invention having such a configuration, after the wireless connection by the default setting is established between the connected device and the unconnected device,
When the predetermined time has elapsed, the connected device side resets the original network setting information so that the existing network can be restored. As a result, the connected device is restored to the original state after a certain period of time, regardless of the processing status of the newly connected unconnected device side. It is possible to prevent the network from becoming unstable and to realize a more reliable wireless network system. The predetermined time until the connected device is restored to the original state can be set arbitrarily by providing a timer unit, and for example, the optimum time required for the new entry process of the unconnected device. Can be set.

In the wireless network system of the present invention as described above, as described in claim 9, the respective devices can be connected in the ad hoc mode of the local area network.

As described above, the wireless network system of the present invention includes a terminal device such as a projector and a printer and a PC.
Can be applied to a wireless LAN ad hoc mode network in which information processing apparatuses such as the above are directly peer-to-peer connected to each other. In the ad hoc mode of the wireless LAN, if the connected devices have different network settings such as channels and WEP, wireless connection cannot be established, and troubles such as complexity of setting work and erroneous settings are likely to occur. Therefore, the wireless network system of the present invention that can easily and reliably wirelessly connect unconnected devices based on predetermined default setting information is a wireless connection means between devices connected in such a wireless LAN ad hoc mode. Is suitable as However, the present invention is not limited to the case where each device is connected in the ad hoc mode of the wireless LAN, and as long as the devices having different network setting information can be wirelessly connected based on the same default setting information, Even wireless networks with various standards, connection modes, and network settings do not prevent application.

[0025]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of a wireless network system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
Will be described with reference to. The wireless network system shown in the following embodiments is executed by information processing means such as a computer controlled by a program. This program is provided, for example, by a recording medium. As the recording medium, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or any other computer-readable means can be used. Further, the program recorded on the recording medium may be loaded into the computer by directly mounting the recording medium in the computer, or may be loaded into the computer via a communication line.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view schematically showing each device wirelessly connected by the wireless network system according to the present embodiment. The present embodiment is a wireless network system in which a plurality of devices are wirelessly connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, a terminal device 10a including a projector and a PC (an information processing device) Pe
rsonal Computer) 10b is communicatively connected by a wireless LAN. The terminal device 10a is a device that is connected to other devices (terminal device, peripheral device, PC, etc.) not shown via a wireless LAN to form a predetermined wireless network, and newly enters the wireless network system according to the present embodiment. It is a connected device to which the device is connected. Therefore, in this terminal device 10a, a specific network setting environment for wireless connection with another device is set. On the other hand, the PC 10b is a device that is not connected to the wireless network including the terminal device 10a, and is a new entry device (unconnected device) that is connected to the existing network via the wireless network according to the present embodiment. Therefore, the setting information of the existing network to which the terminal device 10a is wirelessly connected is not set in the PC 10b.

Here, in the present embodiment, the terminal device 10a
Other devices not shown in the drawing are IEEE 802.11 (80
2.11b, 802.11a, etc.) wirelessly connected to the terminal device 10a by a wireless LAN compliant with a standard protocol.
Is connected to other devices in ad hoc mode. In wireless LAN ad hoc mode, each device that makes up the network is connected directly via a peer-to-peer, not via an access point. Therefore, the specified setting information such as channel and WEP must match between the connected devices. I have to. That is, if the setting contents differ between the respective devices, wireless connection cannot be established, and troubles such as complexity of setting work and erroneous setting are likely to occur. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a wireless LA is set as a target of the present wireless system capable of automatically wirelessly connecting unconnected devices based on a predetermined default setting.
It employs a device connected in N ad hoc modes.

However, the object of the present invention is not limited to the case of connecting in the ad hoc mode of the wireless LAN, and it is necessary to establish the wireless connection by matching the setting contents between the devices having different network settings. As long as it is a network of a certain device, equipment, etc., it does not prevent the application of the wireless network of any standard and connection environment.
Also, with respect to the device 10 to be the target of the wireless network of the present embodiment, the terminal device 10a and the PC 10b each including the projector shown in FIG. The peripheral device, the information processing device, and the like are not particularly limited in their types and forms. Also, the number of devices 10a to 10n is arbitrary as long as they can be connected via a wireless network.
Can be provided.

Details of each device (terminal device 10a, PC 10b) according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of each device wirelessly connected by the wireless network system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2A is a terminal device 10 including a projector.
a and (b) show the PC 10b. As shown in the figure, the plurality of devices 10 (10a, 10b) constituting the wireless network system of the present embodiment have substantially the same configuration. Specifically, each device 10 (10a,
Reference numeral 10b) denotes a wireless LA that serves as a wireless network processing unit that mutually performs wireless communication processing with other devices.
N processing unit 20 (20a, 20b), CPU 11 (11a, 11b) as a control means for controlling the wireless LAN processing unit 20 based on predetermined network setting information, and for setting and storing predetermined network setting information The memory 12 (12a, 12b) serving as a storage unit of the above is provided.

The wireless LAN processing unit 20 is provided with an antenna 21 for transmitting and receiving signals, transmits the data generated and processed in each device 10 to another device, and transmits the data transmitted from another device. Is performed. CPU
Reference numeral 11 controls the wireless LAN processing unit 20 according to a predetermined network setting set and stored in the memory 12.
The memory 12 stores and stores predetermined network settings necessary for the wireless network. In addition, in the present embodiment, the CPU 11 and the memory 12 include the respective devices 10a,
The wireless LAN processing unit 2 is provided for controlling 10b.
It is also used for controlling 0. Therefore, for example, the CPU 11a of the terminal device 10a is
The projector that constitutes a is driven and controlled, the CPU 11b of the PC 10b controls arithmetic processing, input / output processing, and the like in the PC, and the data processed in each device is stored in the memory 12 (12
Read / write processing is performed for a and 12b). Of course, it is possible to provide the CPU 11 and the memory 12 exclusively for the wireless LAN processing unit 20.

In this embodiment, each device 10 (1
0a, 10b) wireless LAN processing unit 20 (20a, 20b)
b) operates in a normal network setting environment and in a predetermined default setting environment different from the normal network setting environment, and the setting information indicating the setting contents of the predetermined default setting is stored in the memory 12
It is designed to be stored in (12a, 12b). The setting information indicating the default setting stored in the memory 12 is read by the CPU 11 (11a, 11b),
It is adapted to be set as a network setting of each device 10a, 10b.

Specifically, in the memory 12 of each device 10, a setting value different from the setting value used in another network setting environment is stored as setting information for default setting. As will be described later, “channel: channel 11, WEP: none” is stored as default setting information (see FIG. 4). The setting information for the default setting is read by the CPU 11 and set as the network setting of each device 10, so that the devices 10 are wirelessly connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other based on the set default setting. Will be.
Then, in the wireless connection state by the default setting, in the present embodiment, the terminal device 10a that is the connected device
The original setting information of the network setting on the side is transmitted to the PCb side which is an unconnected device.

Here, the CPU 11 of each device 10 reads the default setting information stored in the memory 12 at an arbitrary timing and sets it as the network setting information of the device 10. In this embodiment, C
Trigger means 14 (14a, 14) connected to the PU 11
By including b), the default setting information can be set at any desired timing. By thus providing the trigger unit 14 for setting the default setting information at an arbitrary timing, it is possible to set the connection environment by default setting between the devices to be wirelessly connected only by operating the trigger unit 14. Further, by operating the trigger means 14 at an arbitrary timing,
It is possible to establish a wireless connection based on the default setting at any desired timing between the devices to be wirelessly connected.

Here, the trigger means 14 according to the present embodiment.
Is 0 for the terminal device 10a as shown in FIG.
It consists of a setting switch 14a that is operated N / OFF and P
About C10b, it is comprised by the program which can perform setting operation from the menu screen of the display part 14b. As described above, the trigger means 14 has an arbitrary configuration, such as a mechanical switch, a program operable on the monitor screen, a key input from the keyboard, etc., depending on the installed device.
It can be an aspect. In the present embodiment, a trigger means (setting switch) having a switch structure that does not require a monitor screen or an input device such as a mouse is adopted for the terminal device 10a composed of a projector, and a monitor screen is displayed for the PC 10b. The trigger means that consists of a program that allows on-screen setting operation is adopted. Therefore, the trigger unit 14 is not limited to the program operated by inputting from the setting switch 14a or the display unit 14b in the present embodiment, and the optimum trigger unit corresponding to each installed device, the form of the equipment, the configuration, etc. is selectively selected. It is possible to prepare.

When the setting switch 14a is turned on and the program is started on the menu screen of the display unit 14b, the network state of each of the devices 10a and 10b becomes the default setting mode, and the default setting information is set. The connection environment is changed to the setting contents based on the above, and in this connection environment, the original transmission and acquisition processing of the network setting information on the connected device (terminal device 10a) side is performed. This connected device (terminal device 10
The transmission and acquisition processing (setting information acquisition processing) of the network setting information on the side a) is performed by the CPU 11 of each of the devices 10a and 10b.
Under the control of a and 11b, the wireless LAN processing units 20a and 2
Via 0b.

Specifically, first, when the default setting mode is set by the trigger means 14 (setting switches 14a and 14b), the CPU 11 of each device 10 changes the network setting information set in the memory 12 to the default setting information. To do. At this time, the original network setting information is saved and stored at a predetermined address in the memory 12, and the information is retained so that it can be reset later. Then, between the devices 10a and 10b wirelessly connected by the default setting, a request signal requesting network setting information on the connected device (terminal device 10a) side is first transmitted from the unconnected device (PC 10b) side. This request signal is, for example,
It can be transmitted to a desired partner device (terminal device 10a) by a broadcast address or SSID search.

On the side of the device to be connected (terminal device 10a) that has received this request signal, a response signal is transmitted, and at the same time, data indicating the network setting information held in the memory 12 of the device 10a is transmitted. Then, when the transmitted network setting information is received by the unconnected device (PC 10b) side, the CPU 11b on the PC 10b side sets and changes the set default setting to the network setting indicated by the transmitted setting information. . Similarly, the CPU 11a on the terminal device 10a side also returns the set default setting to the original network setting indicated by the setting information saved in the memory 12 after transmitting the network setting information to the PC 10b side. Thereby, the terminal device 1
0a and PC10b have the same connection environment, PC1
0b means that the network connection environment to which the terminal device 10a is connected has been set. That is, the PC 10b, which is a new entry device, has only one terminal, which is a device to be connected.
0a will be connected by the same wireless network.

As described above, in this embodiment, the connected device (the terminal device 10) wirelessly connected in the default setting mode is used.
When the original network setting information is transmitted and received between a) and the unconnected device (PC 10b), the setting contents of the network setting are automatically set in both devices. Here, in the present embodiment, when the CPU 11b on the PC 10b (unconnected device) side receives the setting information data indicating the network settings transmitted from the terminal device 10a (connected device), the reception is completed for the terminal device 10a. It is designed to send signals. And the terminal device 10a
On the side, the CPU 11a restores the default setting to the original network setting after receiving the reception completion signal from the PC 10b side.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the terminal device 10a
On the side, after the network setting information is surely transmitted / received to / from the PC 10b, the default setting can be returned to the original network setting environment. For example, the setting information of the predetermined network setting can be surely set on the PC 10b side. If not received, the wireless connection based on the default setting information can be maintained. By doing so, for example, when the reception completion signal from the PC 10b side is not received, it becomes possible to retransmit the network setting information or the error signal from the terminal device 10a side, thereby making a new entry into the existing network. Processing can be performed more reliably. In addition, after transmitting the network setting information to the PC 10b on the terminal device 10a side, P
Of course, the default setting can be immediately restored to the original network setting without waiting for the reception completion signal from C10b.

Further, in this embodiment, the C of each device 10 is
When the timer 15 (15a, 15b) is connected to the PU 11 and the default setting is made by the CPU 11 on the connected device side, it is monitored whether or not a predetermined predetermined time has elapsed after setting the default setting information. You can do it. When the timer 15 detects that a predetermined time has elapsed, the CPU 11 can restore the set default setting information to the original network setting information. That is, in the present embodiment, after the wireless connection based on the default setting is established between the connected device (terminal device 10a) and the unconnected device (PC 10b),
When a predetermined time has elapsed, the connected device (terminal device 10
On the side a), the original network settings are automatically reset, and the device can be restored to the existing network.

As a result, the connected device (terminal device 10a) is restored to its original state after a certain period of time, irrespective of the processing status on the unconnected device (PC 10b) side.
It is possible to prevent the existing network from becoming unstable due to the existence of an undetermined new entry device. Here, the predetermined time for which the connected device (terminal device 10a) is restored to the original state in this way can be arbitrarily set and changed by setting the timer 15. So, for example,
It is possible to set an appropriate time that is usually required in the process of newly joining an unconnected device (PC 10b). The timer 15 is also provided on the unconnected device (PC 10b) side, but this is in consideration of the case where the PC 10b is the connected device side, and when the PC 10b is the unconnected device side. , It is not necessary to operate the timer 15, so the timer 15 can be omitted. Further, when the time limit is not set for the connection state by the default setting, the timer 15 can be omitted for all the devices 10.

Next, the operation (wireless connection method) when each device is wirelessly connected by the wireless network system according to the present embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. . 3 to 5 are explanatory diagrams showing the setting contents of the network setting between the devices wirelessly connected in the wireless network system according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 does not show the same setting contents between the devices. In this case, FIG. 4 shows a case where default settings are made between the devices, and FIG. 5 shows a case where predetermined network settings are made between the devices. Further, FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram when the new entry device is wirelessly connected to the connected device of the existing network in the wireless network system according to the present embodiment.

First, each device 10a, 10b wirelessly connected in this wireless network system includes a connected device (terminal device 10a) connected to a certain network and an unconnected device (PC 10b) which is a new entry device. Therefore, the setting values of the network settings set in the memories 12a and 12b are different. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the setting value on the side of the terminal device 10a is “channel: channel 1, WEP: ABCDE”, whereas
The setting value on the PC 10b side is “channel: 6, WEP: none”, and in this state, both devices 10a, 10
Since the set values of b do not match, wireless connection cannot be established between both devices. Therefore, in this state, each device 10a, 10b
By operating the trigger means 14 (14a, 14b), the network setting of each device 10a, 10b is changed to the default setting.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, on the terminal device 10a side, by turning on the setting switch 14a, the default setting mode is set, and the CPU 11a reads the default setting information stored in the memory 12a,
The set value is set as network setting information. In this state, the terminal device 10a enters a standby state for waiting for a request signal from the PC 10b. At this time, the content of the original network setting information is stored in a predetermined address of the memory 12a. Further, on the PC 10b side, as shown in FIG. 6, the default setting mode is set by activating the program displayed on the display unit 14b, and the CPU 11b
Sets the default setting information stored in the memory 12b as the network setting information. The PC 10b also stores the setting information indicating the original network setting in the memory 1
It can be stored in 2b, but becomes a new entry device P
In C10b, the original setting information is unnecessary. Therefore, P
The original network setting information on the C10b side is the memory 12b.
May be omitted.

By setting the default setting information in this way, the network setting environment of both devices 10a and 10b becomes "channel: 11 channels, WEP: none" and the same setting, as shown in FIG. Both devices 1
0a and 10b are wirelessly connected in the set default setting mode. At this time, when a time limit is set for the connection state in the default setting mode, time measurement by the timer 15 starts. In this state, as shown in FIG. 6, the PC 10b which is an unconnected device transmits a request signal requesting the network setting information held by the terminal device 10a to the terminal device 10a which is a connected device. The request signal from the PC 10b can be transmitted to the terminal device 10a by designating a broadcast address, for example.

As shown in FIG. 6, the request signal from the PC 10b is received by the terminal device 10a which is wirelessly connected by default. In the terminal device 10a receiving the request signal from the PC 10b, the CPU 11a reads the original network setting information stored in the memory 12a. As shown in FIG. 6, the read network setting information is attached to a response signal and transmitted to the PC 10b that is the transmission source of the request signal. PC that received the response signal
On the side of 10b, as shown in FIG. 6, the network setting information attached to the response signal is obtained and the setting information is stored in the memory 12b. Then, the PC 10b that has obtained the network setting information transmits a reception completion signal to the terminal device 10a as shown in FIG. 6, and sets the default setting to the network indicated by the setting information transmitted from the terminal device 10a. Change to settings.

In the terminal device 10a, as shown in FIG.
When the reception completion signal from the PC 10b side is received, the CPU
11a restores the set default settings to the original network settings. As a result, both devices 1
The connection environment of 0a is the same as the connection environment of the network to which the terminal device 10a is connected, and is "channel: 1 channel, WEP: ABCDE" as shown in FIG. As described above, the terminal device 10a and the PC 10b whose setting contents match each other perform wireless communication based on the network setting, and as shown in FIG.
The connection of 0a and 10b is started. In this embodiment, I
A wireless LAN of the EEE 802.11 (802.11b / a) standard is used to connect in an ad hoc mode. In the terminal device 10a, when the timer 15 measures the time after the default setting mode is activated, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the setting of the default setting, the presence or absence of the reception completion signal from the PC 10b. However, the default settings that have been set will be restored to the original network settings.

As described above, according to the wireless network system of this embodiment, the devices 10a and 10b that are wirelessly connected based on the predetermined network settings.
By setting a predetermined default setting, the respective devices 10a and 10b to be wirelessly connected are
It can be operated in the default setting mode and wirelessly connected. As a result, it is possible to establish network connection based on the default settings without setting the same network setting information between devices having different network setting contents or for a newly joining device trying to connect to an existing network. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a wireless network can be easily and surely established between the desired devices 10a and 10b without requiring complicated setting work and without changing the existing network configuration such as a transmission frame. Can be established.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the new entry device (PC 10b) is wirelessly connected to the connected device (terminal device 10a), which is connected to the existing network with predetermined network settings, by default. Thus, the request signal is transmitted from the PC 10b via the wireless connection by the default setting, and the terminal device 10
The setting information of the existing network held by a is stored in the PC 10b.
It can be obtained on the side. As a result, the PC 10b, which is a new entry device, wirelessly connects to any one connected device (the terminal device 10a in this embodiment) connected to the existing network to be connected, based on the default setting. Only by doing so, the environment setting information of the existing network can be easily and surely acquired. Therefore, according to the wireless network system of the present embodiment,
New entry into the existing network will become extremely easy, and the work load during system construction will be greatly reduced.

The wireless network system of the present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments, but the wireless network system according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and is within the scope of the present invention. It goes without saying that various modifications can be made. For example, in the above embodiment, the device wirelessly connected based on the predetermined default setting is configured to change and restore the default setting to the network setting when the original network setting information of one device is acquired. However, it is of course possible to use the default setting as it is as the network setting without using the original network setting information of one device.

[0051]

As described above, according to the wireless network system of the present invention, when an unconnected device (new entry device) is newly connected to a connected device connected to the network, the devices are connected to each other. The wireless connection can be made by the predetermined default setting. This allows
The new entry device can be easily connected to the existing network without requiring complicated setting work and without changing the configuration of the transmission frame or the like. Also,
By wirelessly transmitting the network setting information already set in the connected device to the new entry device via the wireless connection by default setting, the network entry information required by the new entry device can be easily and surely acquired and set. It is also possible to provide a wireless network system suitable for an apparatus and a device connected in an ad hoc mode of a wireless LAN.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing each device wirelessly connected by a wireless network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of each device wirelessly connected by the wireless network system according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a terminal device including a projector,
(B) shows a PC (Personal Computer).

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing setting contents of network settings between devices wirelessly connected in the wireless network system according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a case where the setting contents of the devices do not match. .

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing setting contents of network settings between devices wirelessly connected in the wireless network system according to the embodiment of the present invention, and showing a case where default setting information is set between the devices.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing setting contents of network settings between devices wirelessly connected to each other in the wireless network system according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a case where setting information of an existing network is set between the devices. There is.

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram when a new entry device is wirelessly connected to a connected device of an existing network in the wireless network system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing setting contents of network settings between devices wirelessly connected in a conventional wireless network system, and shows a case where the setting contents of the devices match.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing setting contents of network settings between devices wirelessly connected in a conventional wireless network system, showing a case where the setting contents do not match between the devices.

[Explanation of symbols]

10a Terminal device (connected device) 10b PC (new entry device) 11a, 11b CPU 12a, 12b memory 14a Setting switch 14b Display (menu screen) 15a, 15b timer 20a, 20b wireless LAN processing unit

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A wireless network system in which a plurality of devices are wirelessly connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other, and the plurality of devices perform a wireless communication process with each of the other devices. A control unit that controls the wireless network processing unit based on a predetermined network setting; and a storage unit in which setting information indicating the predetermined network setting is set and stored. By storing setting information indicating a predetermined default setting different from the network setting, and setting the default setting indicated by the setting information stored in the storage means as the network setting of the device, A wireless network system that is wirelessly connected to each other based on settings so that they can communicate with each other. 2. The control means of each device comprises a trigger means for setting the setting information indicating the default setting stored in the storage means as a network setting of the device at an arbitrary timing. Wireless network system. 3. The wireless network system according to claim 2, wherein the trigger means is a switch that is turned on / off. 4. The wireless network system according to claim 2, wherein the trigger means is a program that executes a setting operation. 5. When each of the plurality of devices includes a connected device to which a specific network setting is set and an unconnected device that is not connected to the connected device, the connected device and the unconnected device And, while being wirelessly connected based on the default setting, the control means of the unconnected device, via the wireless network processing means, to the connected device connected based on the default setting, By transmitting a request signal requesting setting information indicating the specific network setting held by the connected device, the control means of the connected device receives the request signal via the wireless network processing means, The setting information indicating the specific network setting held by the connected device is transmitted to an unconnected device that is a transmission source of the request signal. , 3 or 4 wireless network system. 6. The control unit of the unconnected device changes the default setting set in the storage unit to the specific network setting indicated by the setting information transmitted from the connected device, and The wireless device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit of the device restores the default setting set in the storage unit to the specific network setting after transmitting the setting information indicating the specific network setting to the unconnected device. Network system. 7. The control means of the unconnected device transmits a reception completion signal to the connected device after receiving the setting information indicating the specific network setting transmitted from the connected device, and 7. The wireless network system according to claim 6, wherein the control means of the connected device restores the default setting to the specific network setting after receiving the reception completion signal from the unconnected device. 8. The wireless network system according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the control means of the connected device restores the default setting to the specific network setting after a lapse of a predetermined time after setting the default setting. 9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the devices are connected in an ad hoc mode of a local area network.
The wireless network system according to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8.