JP2010283503A - Radio communication apparatus and radio communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To use a radio communication system concurrently with other radio communication systems which share a frequency band with it, when a radio communication system of a comparatively wide band is used. <P>SOLUTION: When the radio communication apparatus uses communication systems of a wireless LAN and of a Bluetooth (R) at the same time, the radio LAN uses 2.4 GHz. When its applicable standards are IEEE 802.11n, and an HT40 profile is used (S36: HT40); the wireless LAN is switched to a 5 GHz utilization profile and is reconnected (S42), for the case in which the wireless LAN corresponds to a 5 GHz band; but if it does nto correspond to a 5 GHz utilization profile, the utilization profile is switched to HT20 from 2.4 GHz/HT40 and is reconnected (S40). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless communication device and a wireless communication method for performing wireless communication using a plurality of different communication standards.

  Conventionally, there is known a prior art in which a wireless LAN communication system and a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication system having different communication standards coexist with each other while using a common frequency band (for example, 2.4 GHz band) (for example, (See Patent Document 1).

  In this prior art, when a use channel of a wireless LAN communication method set by a user is received, it can be used in a Bluetooth (hereinafter abbreviated as “BT”) communication method when one wireless LAN channel is used. Determine the number of channels. As a result, if the number of usable channels is equal to or greater than the minimum number of channels for the communication profile of the BT communication method, wireless communication is executed under the conditions set by the user. On the other hand, if the number of channels that can be used in the BT communication system does not reach the minimum number of channels, the number of wireless LAN unit channels (bandwidth used) is reduced, and it is determined again whether or not wireless communication is possible.

  Therefore, according to the prior art, when the number of used BT channels is compressed by the wireless LAN used channels set by the user, the used bandwidth of the wireless LAN is compressed by reducing the number of unit channels, and the corresponding amount of BT is reduced. Since it can be assigned to the number of channels used, it is considered that the coexistence of the two communication methods can be realized.

JP 2007-96447 A

  However, in recent years, with the advancement of communication technology in the ISM band represented by wireless LAN, 2 channels having a bandwidth of 20 MHz used in the conventional wireless LAN communication standard (for example, IEEE802.11a / b / g) are added. A method for realizing high-speed wireless LAN communication with a total of 2 channels (40 MHz bandwidth) has already been established. In such a situation, even if the number of wireless LAN unit channels is slightly reduced as in the above-described prior art, most of them occupy the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which is an obstacle to the BT communication standard. It becomes a wave.

In this regard, in the BT communication standard, AFH (Adaptive Frequency Hopping: Adaptive
It is possible to automatically avoid the frequency band in which the interference wave exists by the frequency hopping technique. However, when the wireless LAN performs high-speed communication using the bandwidth of two channels as described above, the number of channels left in the BT communication greatly falls below the minimum number of channels as a result of trying to avoid by AFH (extremely In such a case, the communication quality is significantly reduced.

  Therefore, the present invention intends to provide a technique for coexistence with another communication method using a common frequency band even when a wireless communication method having a relatively wide band is used.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following solutions.
The present invention is a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication using a predetermined common frequency band and is equipped with a first communication module and a second communication module having different communication standards, and includes the following: It has a configuration.

  First, the wireless communication device of the present invention includes first communication execution means and second communication execution means. Of these, the first communication execution means prioritizes the second communication band out of the first communication band and the second communication band having a wider bandwidth than the first communication band in a predetermined frequency band. The wireless communication is executed by the first communication module. The second communication execution means is configured to execute wireless communication by the second communication module using a third communication band that overlaps at least the second communication band in a predetermined frequency band.

  The wireless communication device of the present invention includes a communication band changing unit. The communication band changing unit selects the second communication band by the first communication executing unit and performs wireless communication by the first communication module. When wireless communication by the second communication module is executed by the second communication module using the third communication band while being executed, the first communication is performed when the wireless communication is executed by the first communication module. The execution means changes the selection from the second communication band to the first communication band.

  According to the wireless communication device of the present invention, in the wireless communication using the first communication module, the second communication band having a wide bandwidth can be preferentially used, so that the communication speed is kept high accordingly. be able to. However, in this case, since a large use band is occupied in the common frequency band, it is difficult to enter the second communication module using another communication standard as it is from the viewpoint of mutual interference and interference waves. .

  Therefore, in the present invention, when wireless communication is performed using the second communication module while the first communication module is performing wireless communication using the second communication band, the first communication module is used. The band is changed from the second communication band to the first communication band. Thereby, since the use band by the 2nd communication module is fully ensured, communication quality can be improved, without receiving the influence of a mutual interference and an interference wave.

  In the wireless communication device of the present invention, the first communication module can perform wireless communication using a specified frequency band different from the predetermined frequency band. In addition to the selection of the first communication band or the second communication band in the frequency band, it may be possible to select a specified frequency band and execute wireless communication by the first communication module. In this case, the communication band changing unit has a prescribed frequency band rather than causing the first communication executing unit to change the selection from the second communication band to the first communication band when performing the wireless communication by the first communication module. Priority can be given to changing the selection.

  In this case, wireless communication is being performed by the first communication module and the second communication module using a predetermined frequency band that is originally common, but the first communication module has different specified frequency bands. Since it can be used, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of interference and disturbance by shifting the use frequency band. Therefore, since the second communication module can occupy a predetermined frequency band, the communication quality can be improved, and the first communication module can also occupy a specified frequency band and execute communication. It is not affected by interference or interference.

  In the wireless communication device of the present invention, the second communication execution unit temporarily ends the wireless communication by the second communication module when the communication band changing unit changes the selection to the first communication execution unit. It is preferable to resume the wireless communication later.

  If it is said aspect, even if it is a case where the use band of the 2nd communication module was pressed until then, the use band of the 1st communication module changes (from the 2nd communication band to the 1st communication band) (Or change from a predetermined frequency band to a specified frequency band), and reconnect the second communication module to the communication partner, making effective use of the usable bandwidth after the change. A state can be established.

  The wireless communication device of the present invention may have the following independent configuration. That is, the present invention is a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication using a predetermined frequency band common to each other and is equipped with a first communication module and a second communication module having different communication standards. The first communication module is used to select one of the first communication band and the second communication band having a wider bandwidth than the first communication band, and execute the wireless communication by the first communication module. The communication execution means and a first communication profile that uses a third communication band that overlaps at least the second communication band in a predetermined frequency band and that has a relatively large communication data capacity per unit time, or A second communication execution unit that selects one of the second communication protocols having a communication data capacity smaller than that of the first communication profile and executes wireless communication by the second communication module. And when at least the first communication module and the second communication module perform wireless communication at the same time and the first communication profile is selected by the second communication execution unit, the first communication execution unit Communication band changing means for causing the first communication execution means to select the second communication band when the second communication profile is selected by the second communication execution means. Are provided.

  In the case of having the above configuration, the communication band used by the first communication module can be dynamically switched according to the communication profile used by the second communication module. That is, when the second communication module uses the first communication profile having a relatively large data capacity, the first communication module uses the first communication band having a narrow bandwidth. Thereby, both can coexist without deteriorating the communication quality by the second communication module. On the other hand, when the second communication module uses the second communication profile having a relatively small data capacity, the first communication module uses the second communication band having a wide bandwidth. As a result, the communication speed of the first communication module can be improved and the coexistence of both can be achieved.

  In the wireless communication device having the above-described independent configuration, the communication band changing unit is configured such that when the first communication module can communicate using the first communication band, the second communication execution unit performs the second communication profile. Even if is selected, the first communication execution unit may be made to select the first communication band.

  If it is said aspect, even if it is a case where a 2nd communication module uses a 2nd communication profile with comparatively small data capacity, the use band of a 1st communication module is switched to a 1st communication band. Thus, the communication quality by the second communication module can be maintained satisfactorily.

  Alternatively, the first communication module can perform wireless communication using a specified frequency band that is different from the predetermined frequency band, and the first communication execution unit can perform the first communication in the predetermined frequency band. In addition to the selection of the communication band or the second communication band, it is possible to select a specified frequency band and execute wireless communication by the first communication module, and the communication band changing means executes the second communication. When the first communication profile is selected by the means, the first communication execution means may select a specified frequency band.

  Similarly, in this case, the wireless communication is being performed by the first communication module and the second communication module using a predetermined frequency band that is originally common, but the first communication module is different from the specified one. Since the frequency band can be used, the occurrence of interference and interference can be avoided by shifting the use frequency band. Therefore, since the second communication module can occupy a predetermined frequency band, the communication quality can be further improved even when the first communication profile having a relatively large data capacity is used. The first communication module also has the advantage that it is not affected by interference and disturbance because it can occupy a specified frequency band and execute communication.

  The present invention also provides the following wireless communication method. That is, the present invention selects a first communication band and a second communication band having a wider bandwidth than the first communication band in a predetermined frequency band, and performs wireless communication. A first communication profile that uses a communication method and a third communication band that overlaps at least the second communication band in a predetermined frequency band and has a relatively large communication data capacity per unit time, or the first communication profile A wireless communication method using a second communication method for executing wireless communication by selecting one of the second communication protocols having a communication data capacity smaller than that of the communication profile, and has the following characteristics.

  The wireless communication method of the present invention executes any one of the following steps when performing wireless communication using at least the first communication method and the second communication method at the same time.

[Step 1]
In this step, when the first communication profile is selected in the second communication method, the first communication band is selected in the first communication method. Thereby, the data throughput in a 2nd communication system can be raised and the communication quality can be improved.

[Step 2]
On the other hand, in this step, when the second communication profile is selected in the second communication method, the second communication band is selected in the first communication method. Thereby, when the high data throughput is not required in the second communication method, the communication speed can be improved by securing a large use band in the first communication method.

  In the wireless communication method of the present invention, the second communication band has twice the bandwidth of the first communication band or twice the number of channels.

  As a result, even when the first communication method realizes high-speed communication using twice the number of channels (= 2 times the bandwidth) as described above, the coexistence with the second communication method can be achieved. Can be realized. That is, when the first communication profile having a relatively large data capacity is used in the second communication method, the number of channels can be suppressed to one in the first communication method. Thereby, the use band which a 1st communication system occupies for a common frequency band can be reduced, and the communication quality by a 2nd communication system can be maintained.

  On the contrary, when the second communication profile having a relatively small data capacity is used in the second communication method, the number of channels can be expanded to two in the first communication method. Thereby, it is possible to maintain the communication quality according to the second communication method while sufficiently securing the use band of the first communication method to improve the communication speed.

  In the wireless communication method of the present invention, when wireless communication is performed using the first communication method, a communication protocol corresponding to both the first communication band and the second communication band is used. In this case, since the selection of the communication band to be used in the first communication method can be changed smoothly, the proper use of the above steps 1 and 2 can be easily realized.

  In the wireless communication method of the present invention, a wireless LAN communication standard is used as the first communication method, and a specific short-range wireless communication standard is used as the second communication method.

  In particular, it is preferable that the wireless LAN communication standard conforms to IEEE802.11n, and in this case, it uses two 2.4 GHz band channels used in the conventional IEEE802.11b / g and has a wider bandwidth. In addition, high-speed communication can be realized by effectively using the second communication band.

  Further, a specific short-range wireless communication standard is BT (Bluetooth: registered trademark), and this communication standard can avoid interference by AFH (adaptive frequency hopping). In this case, the use channel can be automatically optimized by changing the use band in the wireless communication using the first communication module.

  Therefore, the communication state is automatically optimized in the second communication method by simply changing the selection in the first communication method as appropriate, so that both coexistence can be easily realized.

  The wireless communication device and the wireless communication method of the present invention can allow two different communication methods (communication standards) to coexist in an optimal state.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an embodiment of a wireless communication device. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a functional configuration of a wireless communication device 20. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary procedure of a communication management routine executed in a control application 30. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of BT use start processing. It is the figure which showed the 1st example of a change of the use band accompanying execution of BT use start processing. It is the figure which showed the 2nd example of change of the use band accompanying execution of BT use start processing. It is a flowchart (1/2) which shows the application example of BT use start processing. It is a flowchart (2/2) which shows the application example of BT use start processing.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an embodiment of a wireless communication device. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication device is built in, for example, a mobile personal computer (notebook personal computer) 10.

  The mobile personal computer 10 can perform wireless communication with, for example, the wireless LAN access point 12 using a built-in wireless communication device. Communication with the wireless LAN access point 12 is mainly performed by TCP / IP. The mobile personal computer 10 can also perform wireless communication with other BT devices 14 and 16. Of these, one BT device 14 is a human interface device such as a mouse. Communication with such a BT device 14 is performed using a communication profile (for example, an HID profile) compliant with the BT communication standard. The BT device 16 is an audio / video playback device such as a portable information terminal. Communication with such a BT device 16 is performed according to another communication profile (for example, an A2DP profile) based on the BT communication standard.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a functional configuration of the wireless communication device 20. As described above, the wireless communication device 20 is built in the mobile personal computer 10 (shown as a block element in FIG. 2). The wireless communication device 20 includes a wireless LAN module 22 (first communication module) and a BT module 24 (second communication module) as communication modules. Among them, the wireless LAN module 22 performs wireless communication based on the wireless LAN communication standard as described above, and here, for example, conforms to the IEEE802.11a / b / g / n standard. . The wireless LAN module 22 performs wireless communication with the wireless LAN access point 12 (shown as a block element in FIG. 2) through the wireless LAN antenna 22a.

  The BT module 24 performs wireless communication based on the Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication standard which is a general-purpose specific short-range wireless communication standard. The BT module 24 performs wireless communication with the BT devices 14 and 16 (shown as one block element in FIG. 2) through the BT antenna 24a.

  Individual firmware corresponding to the wireless LAN module 22 and the BT module 24 is installed in the wireless communication device 20. The firmware is stored in a memory device such as an EEPROM attached to the wireless LAN module 22 and the BT module 24, for example.

  The wireless communication device 20 is equipped with a higher-level control application 30 (communication band changing means). The control application 30 may be stored in a local memory device unique to the wireless communication device 20 or may depend on the function of the OS (Operating System) of the mobile personal computer 10.

  The software 26 corresponding to the wireless LAN module 22 includes a wireless LAN driver 26a (first communication execution means) and a wireless LAN connection utility 26b (second communication execution means). Among these, the wireless LAN driver 26a is a program module for operating the wireless LAN module 22 as hardware and actually controlling the operation of wireless communication. The wireless LAN connection utility 26b is utility software for providing the function (service) of the wireless LAN driver 26a to the upper control application 30 and for transmitting a control command from the control application 30 to the wireless LAN driver 26a. .

  Similarly, the software 28 corresponding to the BT module 24 includes a BT driver 28a and a BT connection utility 28b. Among them, the BT driver 28a is a program module for operating the BT module 24 as hardware and actually controlling the operation of wireless communication. The BT connection utility 28b is utility software for providing the function (service) of the BT driver 28a to the upper control application 30 and for transmitting a control command from the control application 30 to the BT driver 28a.

  The upper control application 30 transmits a control command to the wireless LAN driver 26a and the BT driver 28a through the wireless LAN connection utility 26b and the BT connection utility 28b as described above, so that wireless communication by the wireless LAN module 22 and the BT module 24 is performed. Is controlling the operation. In particular, in the present embodiment, when the wireless LAN module 22 and the BT module 24 execute communication at the same time, an optimal control method is executed in the control application 30 in order to allow them to coexist.

[Wireless communication device and wireless communication method]
Hereinafter, a control method executed in the control application 30 will be described. From the following description, the functional configuration of the wireless communication device 20 of the present embodiment is clarified, and details of a wireless communication method that can be performed using the wireless communication device 20 are also clarified.

[Communication management]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of a communication management routine executed in the control application 30. The execution subject of the control application 30 is a processor (PIC, CPU, etc.) not shown, but here, for convenience, the control application 30 will be described as the operation subject.

In the present embodiment, the following setting contents are registered in the control application 30 as a profile for connecting to the wireless LAN access point 12 in advance.
(1) 2.4 GHz / HT40 usage profile (2) 2.4 GHz / HT20 usage profile (3) 5 GHz usage profile (either HT20 / HT40 is acceptable)

  Step S10: The control application 30 monitors the communication states of the wireless LAN module 22 and the BT module 24 with the start of the communication management routine.

  Step S12: Next, the control application 30 confirms whether or not the use of the BT module 24 is started, that is, whether or not wireless communication by the BT module 24 is started. If the use of the BT module 24 has not yet started (No), the control application 30 proceeds to step S18.

  Step S18: Here, the control application 30 checks whether or not the wireless LAN module 22 is in use, that is, whether or not wireless communication by the wireless LAN module 22 is being executed. In particular, if the wireless LAN module 22 is not in use (No), the control application 30 once ends the communication management routine and waits until the next start trigger is generated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the use of the BT module 24 has started (Yes), the control application 30 next executes step S14.

  Step S14: The control application 30 makes a subroutine call and executes a BT use start process. In this processing, the control application 30 actually executes control necessary for the coexistence of the BT module 24 and the wireless LAN module 22. A specific control method will be further described later using another flowchart.

  Step S16: When returning from the BT use start process, the control application 30 determines whether or not the use of the BT module 24 is finished, that is, whether or not the wireless communication by the BT module 24 is finished. If it has not ended yet (No), the control application 30 returns to step S14 and executes the BT use start processing. Thus, the BT use start process is continuously executed while the BT module 24 is operating.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the use of the BT module 24 has ended (step S16: Yes), the control application 30 proceeds to step S18.

  Step S18: If the wireless LAN module 22 is not in use at this time (No), the control application 30 once terminates the communication management routine as described above. On the other hand, if the wireless LAN module 22 is in use (Yes), the control application 30 next executes step S20.

  Step S20: Here, the control application 30 optimizes the operation (communication state) of the wireless LAN module 22 while the BT module 24 is not operating. Thereby, the communication speed of the wireless LAN module 22 is optimized (for example, recovered to 300 Mbps or more).

[BT use start processing]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the BT use start process. Hereinafter, the contents will be described along each procedure.

  Step S30: The control application 30 confirms whether or not the wireless LAN module 22 is used (present / not present). In particular, if the wireless LAN module 22 is not used (none), the control application 30 ends the BT use start process and returns to the communication management routine. In this case, since the BT module 24 only operates independently, control necessary for coexistence with the wireless LAN module 22 is not performed.

  On the other hand, when the wireless LAN module 22 is used (present), the control application 30 next executes step S32.

  Step S32: Here, the control application 30 confirms the used frequency band of the wireless LAN module 22. As a result, when it is confirmed that the wireless LAN module 22 is using the 5 GHz band, the control application 30 ends the BT use start processing here, and returns to the communication management routine. This means that the use frequency band of the wireless LAN module 22 does not overlap with the use frequency band of the BT module 24, so that it can coexist with the wireless LAN module 22 as it is.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the wireless LAN module 22 is currently using the 2.4 GHz band, the control application 30 next executes step S34.

  Step S34: The control application 30 checks the compliant standard of the wireless LAN module 22 currently used in the wireless communication device 20. Specifically, it is confirmed whether it complies with any of IEEE802.11a, IEEE802.11b, or IEEE802.11g, or conforms to IEEE802.11n.

  As a result, if the communication standard currently in use conforms to any one of IEEE802.11a, IEEE802.11b, and IEEE802.11g, the control application 30 ends the BT use start processing here, and also performs the above communication management. Return to routine. This means that, in conformity with any of the above standards, the communication band is basically one channel (20 MHz), so that coexistence with the BT module 24 can be sufficiently realized.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the currently used communication standard conforms to IEEE 802.11n, the control application 30 next executes step S36.

  Step S36: The control application 30 checks whether the profile currently used in the IEEE 802.11n standard is “HT20” or “HT40”. Note that “HT20” in the usage profile means that the bandwidth for one channel (= 20 MHz) is used, and “HT40” uses the bandwidth for two channels (= 40 MHz). Means that.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the current usage profile is “HT20”, the control application 30 ends the BT usage start processing here and returns to the communication management routine. This is because even if it complies with the IEEE802.11n standard, when the usage profile is “HT20”, the usage band is only for one channel (20 MHz), so the coexistence with the BT module 24 is sufficient. It means that it is feasible.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the current usage profile is “HT40”, the control application 30 next executes step S38.

  Step S38: The control application 30 checks whether or not the communication band of the wireless LAN module 22 is compatible with the 5 GHz band, that is, whether or not it can be switched to the 5 GHz band. As a result, when switching to the 5 GHz band is possible, the control application 30 executes Step S42.

  Step S42: In this case, the control application 30 switches the usage profile of the wireless LAN module 22 to the 5 GHz band (changes the selection from the 2.4 GHz band to the 5 GHz band), and reconnects the wireless LAN module 22. As a result, subsequent communication by the wireless LAN module 22 is performed in the 5 GHz band.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the wireless LAN module 22 does not support switching to the 5 GHz band (impossible), the control application 30 executes step S40.

  Step S40: The control application 30 switches the current usage profile from 2.4 GHz / HT40 to 2.4 GHz / HT20 (changes the communication band selection from HT40 to HT20), and reconnects the wireless LAN module 22. . As a result, the subsequent communication by the wireless LAN module 22 is performed using the 2.4 GHz band HT20 (communication band for one channel).

  Step S44: In any case, when the reconnection of the wireless LAN module 22 (steps S40 and S42) is executed, the control application 30 executes the reconnection of the BT module 24 (or resetting the used channel) after that. To do. As a result, the channel used by the BT module 24 is optimized by the AFH function in a state after the communication band of the wireless LAN module 22 is changed.

  When the above procedure is completed, the control application 30 once ends the BT use start process and returns to the communication management routine.

[First change example of used bandwidth]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a first change example of the use band accompanying the execution of the above-described BT use start process.

[Before BT use start processing execution]
In FIG. 5, (A): When the communication standard used by the wireless LAN module 22 is IEEE802.11n and the current usage profile is HT40 before the execution of the BT use start process, the wireless LAN is used as described above. The module 22 uses a communication band for two channels. As a result, the wireless LAN module 22 occupies a considerable band in the 2.4 GHz band, and the band in which the BT module 24 can be used is compressed accordingly.

[After BT use start processing execution]
In FIG. 5B, the wireless LAN module 22 is changed to the usage profile of “HT20” in the same 2.4 GHz band, for example, by executing the BT use start process (step S40 in FIG. 4). The usable bandwidth is for one channel, and the usable bandwidth of the BT module 24 is sufficiently secured accordingly. Thereby, the communication quality by the BT module 24 is improved, and a sufficient data throughput can be realized.

[Second example of change in bandwidth usage]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a second change example of the use band accompanying the execution of the BT use start process.

[Before BT use start processing execution]
6A: Similarly, when the communication standard used by the wireless LAN module 22 is IEEE802.11n and the current usage profile is HT40 before executing the BT use start process, the wireless communication is performed as described above. The LAN module 22 uses a communication band for two channels. As a result, the wireless LAN module 22 occupies a considerable band in the 2.4 GHz band, and the band in which the BT module 24 can be used is compressed accordingly.

[After BT use start processing execution]
In FIG. 6, (B): Due to the execution of the BT use start processing, for example, the use band of the wireless LAN module 22 has been changed from the 2.4 GHz band to the 5 GHz band (step S42 in FIG. 4), and the entire 2.4 GHz band The BT module 24 can be used. Thereby, the communication quality by the BT module 24 is further improved, and a sufficiently large data throughput can be realized at high speed.

[Application example of BT use start processing]
Next, an application example of the BT use start process will be described. 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing application examples of the BT use start process. Hereinafter, the contents will be described along the procedure of the application example.

  Step S50: First, the control application 30 checks whether or not simultaneous use of the BT module 24 and the wireless LAN module 22 is started. When a subroutine call is made from the communication management routine of FIG. 3, this step S50 may have the same logic as the above-described step S30 (FIG. 4). In this case, (Yes) is determined as (Yes), and (No) is determined as (No).

  In particular, if there is no simultaneous use with the wireless LAN module 22 (No), the control application 30 ends the BT use start process of the application example and returns to the communication management routine. In this case, since the BT module 24 only operates independently, control necessary for coexistence with the wireless LAN module 22 is not performed.

    On the other hand, when there is simultaneous use with the wireless LAN module 22 (Yes), the control application 30 next executes step S52.

  Step S52: Next, the control application 30 checks whether the communication data capacity by the BT module 24 is relatively large or small. This confirmation can be performed based on the communication profile to be used. For example, when the communication profile of the BT module 24 is an HID profile (for communication with the BT device 14 such as a mouse (small)), the control application 30 proceeds to step S68 in FIG. 8 (connection symbol a → a).

[When BT communication data capacity is small]
Step S <b> 68: The control application 30 confirms the use frequency band of the wireless LAN module 22. As a result, when it is confirmed that the wireless LAN module 22 uses the 5 GHz band, the control application 30 returns to step S52 in FIG. 7 again (connection symbol b → b) and repeats the same procedure. This means that as long as the use frequency band of the wireless LAN module 22 does not overlap with the use frequency band of the BT module 24, step S68 and step S52 are continuously looped.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S68 that the wireless LAN module 22 is currently using the 2.4 GHz band, the control application 30 next executes step S70.

  Step S70: The control application 30 checks the compliant standard of the wireless LAN module 22 currently used in the wireless communication device 20. That is, it is confirmed whether it complies with any one of IEEE802.11a, IEEE802.11b, or IEEE802.11g, or whether it complies with IEEE802.11n.

  As a result, when the currently used communication standard conforms to any one of IEEE802.11a, IEEE802.11b, and IEEE802.11g, the control application 30 returns to step S52 in FIG. 7 again (connection symbol b → b). Repeat the same procedure as before. This means that, in conformity with any of the above standards, the communication band is basically one channel (20 MHz), so that coexistence with the BT module 24 can be sufficiently realized as it is. In this case, the control application 30 loops through step S68, step S70, and step S52.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the currently used communication standard conforms to IEEE 802.11n, the control application 30 next executes step S72.

  Step S72: The control application 30 checks whether the profile currently used in the IEEE 802.11n standard is “HT20” or “HT40”.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the current usage profile is “HT40”, the control application 30 returns to step S52 in FIG. 7 again (connection symbol b → b), and repeats the same procedure as before. This means that even if the wireless LAN module 22 uses two channels (wide communication band), the communication profile (HID profile) of the BT module 24 does not require a very wide band, so the BT module 24 can be used as it is. Coexistence with is fully feasible. In this case, the control application 30 loops through step S68, step S70, step S72, and step S52.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the current usage profile is “HT20”, the control application 30 next executes step S74.

  Step S74: The control application 30 switches the current usage profile from 2.4 GHz / HT20 to 2.4 GHz / HT40 (changes the communication band selection from HT20 to HT40), and reconnects the wireless LAN module 22. . As a result, communication by the wireless LAN module 22 thereafter is performed using the 2.4 GHz band HT 40 (wide communication band for two channels) (step 2), and the communication speed is improved more than before. be able to.

  Step S76: When the reconnection of the wireless LAN module 22 (step S74) is executed, the control application 30 executes the reconnection of the BT module 24 (or resetting the used channel) after that. As a result, the channel used by the BT module 24 is optimized by the AFH function in a state after the communication band of the wireless LAN module 22 is changed.

  When the above procedure is completed, the control application 30 returns to step S52 in FIG. 7 again (connection symbol b → b). As described above, when simultaneous use of the BT module 24 and the wireless LAN module 22 is started and the communication profile of the BT module 24 has a relatively small data capacity, the above procedure is executed. It will be.

[When BT communication data capacity is large]
On the other hand, when simultaneous use of the BT module 24 and the wireless LAN module 22 is started and the communication profile of the BT module 24 has a relatively large data capacity, the following procedure is executed. .

  In step S52, when the communication profile of the BT module 24 is an A2DP profile with a relatively large data capacity (for communication with the BT device 16 such as a portable information terminal) (large), the control application 30 proceeds to step S54.

  Step S54: The control application 30 confirms the frequency band used for the wireless LAN module 22. As a result, when it can be confirmed that the wireless LAN module 22 is using the 5 GHz band, the control application 30 ends the BT use start process and returns to the communication management routine (FIG. 3). This means that the use frequency band of the wireless LAN module 22 does not overlap with the use frequency band of the BT module 24, so that it can coexist with the wireless LAN module 22 as it is.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the wireless LAN module 22 is currently using the 2.4 GHz band, the control application 30 next executes step S56.

  Step S56: The control application 30 checks the compliant standard of the wireless LAN module 22 currently used in the wireless communication device 20. Specifically, it is confirmed whether it complies with any of IEEE802.11a, IEEE802.11b, or IEEE802.11g, or conforms to IEEE802.11n.

  As a result, if the communication standard currently in use conforms to any one of IEEE802.11a, IEEE802.11b, and IEEE802.11g, the control application 30 ends the BT use start processing here, and also performs the above communication management. Return to the routine (FIG. 3). That is, when conforming to any of the above standards, the communication band is basically one channel (20 MHz), which means that coexistence with the BT module 24 can be sufficiently realized even without any change.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the currently used communication standard conforms to IEEE 802.11n, the control application 30 next executes step S58.

  Step S58: The control application 30 checks whether the profile currently used in the IEEE 802.11n standard is “HT20” or “HT40”.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the current usage profile is “HT20”, the control application 30 ends the BT usage start processing here and returns to the communication management routine (FIG. 3). This is because, even if it conforms to the IEEE 802.11n standard, if the usage profile is “HT20”, the usage band is only for one channel (20 MHz), so the coexistence with the BT module 24 is sufficient. It means that it is feasible.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the current usage profile is “HT40”, the control application 30 next executes step S60.

  Step S60: The control application 30 checks whether or not the communication band of the wireless LAN module 22 is compatible with the 5 GHz band, that is, whether or not it can be switched to the 5 GHz band. As a result, when switching to the 5 GHz band is possible, the control application 30 executes step S64.

  Step S64: In this case, the control application 30 switches the usage profile of the wireless LAN module 22 to the 5 GHz band (changes the selection from the 2.4 GHz band to the 5 GHz band), and reconnects the wireless LAN module 22. As a result, subsequent communication by the wireless LAN module 22 is performed in the 5 GHz band.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the wireless LAN module 22 does not support switching to the 5 GHz band (impossible), the control application 30 executes step S62.

  Step S62: The control application 30 switches the current usage profile from 2.4 GHz / HT40 to 2.4 GHz / HT20 (changes the communication band selection from HT40 to HT20), and reconnects the wireless LAN module 22. . As a result, subsequent communication by the wireless LAN module 22 is performed using the 2.4 GHz band HT20 (communication band for one channel) (step 1).

  Step S66: In any case, when reconnection of the wireless LAN module 22 (steps S62 and S64) is executed, the control application 30 subsequently executes reconnection of the BT module 24 (or resetting of the used channel). To do. As a result, the channel used by the BT module 24 is optimized by the AFH function in a state after the communication band of the wireless LAN module 22 is changed.

  When the above procedure is completed in the application example, the control application 30 once ends the BT use start processing and returns to the communication management routine.

  In the application example described above, after the simultaneous use of the wireless LAN module 22 and the BT module 24 is started, the communication profile of the BT module 24 is monitored, and subsequent processing is dynamically performed according to the size of the communication data capacity. Can be changed. That is, when the BT module 24 currently uses a communication profile with a small data capacity, the use band of the wireless LAN module 22 can be maintained or improved to “HT40” in the 2.4 GHz band if possible. (Step S74). For this reason, the communication performance (for example, communication speed 300Mbps or more) by wireless LAN can be exhibited to the maximum.

  On the other hand, when the BT module 24 uses a communication profile with a large data capacity, the use band of the wireless LAN module 22 is switched from the 2.5 GHz band to the 5 GHz band if possible (step S64), or in the same 2.4 GHz band. Even in such a case, the communication performance by the BT module 24 can be optimized (step S66) by switching the use band from HT40 to HT20 (step S62). For this reason, the wireless LAN module 22 and the BT module 24 can coexist in a well-balanced manner, and these simultaneous connections can be realized well.

  The present invention can be implemented with various modifications without being limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the wireless communication device 20 is not limited to a device mounted on the mobile personal computer 10, but may be a device mounted on another portable electronic device or a desktop personal computer, or a vehicle-mounted device.

  Also, the communication management routine and the BT use start processing procedure given as examples of the control method can be changed as appropriate, and the communication control method is not limited to these.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Mobile personal computer 12 Wireless LAN access point 14, 16 BT device 20 Wireless communication apparatus 22 Wireless LAN module (1st communication module)
24 BT module (second communication module)
26a Wireless LAN driver (first communication execution means)
28a BT driver (second communication execution means)
30 Control application (communication band changing means)

Claims (10)

A wireless communication device that performs wireless communication using a predetermined frequency band common to each other, and includes a first communication module and a second communication module having different communication standards,
The first communication band is preferentially selected from the first communication band and the second communication band having a wider bandwidth than the first communication band in the predetermined frequency band, and the first communication band is selected. First communication execution means for executing wireless communication by the communication module;
Second communication execution means for performing wireless communication by the second communication module using a third communication band that overlaps at least the second communication band in the predetermined frequency band;
The third communication band is used by the second communication module while the second communication band is selected by the first communication execution means and wireless communication is being performed by the first communication module. When the wireless communication by the second communication module is executed, the first communication execution unit changes the second communication band from the second communication band to the first communication band when executing the wireless communication by the first communication module. A wireless communication device comprising communication band changing means for changing selection. The wireless communication device according to claim 1,
The first communication module includes:
It is possible to perform wireless communication using a specified frequency band different from the predetermined frequency band,
The first communication execution means includes:
Apart from the selection of the first communication band or the second communication band in the predetermined frequency band, it is possible to select the specified frequency band and execute wireless communication by the first communication module. Yes,
The communication band changing means is
Changing the selection to the specified frequency band rather than causing the first communication execution unit to change the selection from the second communication band to the first communication band when performing wireless communication by the first communication module. A wireless communication device characterized in that priority is given to the operation. The wireless communication device according to claim 1 or 2,
The second communication execution means includes:
When the selection change is made to the first communication execution unit by the communication band changing unit, the wireless communication is resumed after the wireless communication by the second communication module is once ended. machine. A wireless communication device that performs wireless communication using a predetermined frequency band common to each other, and includes a first communication module and a second communication module having different communication standards,
The first communication module executes wireless communication by selecting either the first communication band or the second communication band having a wider bandwidth than the first communication band in the predetermined frequency band. First communication execution means;
A first communication profile that uses a third communication band that overlaps at least the second communication band in the predetermined frequency band and has a relatively large communication data capacity per unit time, or the first communication profile Second communication execution means for selecting one of the second communication protocols having a communication data capacity smaller than that of the communication profile and executing wireless communication by the second communication module;
When the first communication profile is selected by the second communication execution means when at least the first communication module and the second communication module perform wireless communication at the same time, the first communication execution is performed. When the second communication profile is selected by the second communication execution unit while the second communication execution unit selects the first communication band, the second communication is performed by the second communication execution unit. A wireless communication device comprising communication band changing means for selecting a band. The wireless communication device according to claim 4, wherein
The communication band changing means is
When the first communication module is communicable using the first communication band, even if the second communication profile is selected by the second communication execution unit, A wireless communication device that causes the communication execution means to select the first communication band. The wireless communication device according to claim 4 or 5,
The first communication module includes:
It is possible to perform wireless communication using a specified frequency band different from the predetermined frequency band,
The first communication execution means includes:
Apart from the selection of the first communication band or the second communication band in the predetermined frequency band, it is possible to select the specified frequency band and execute wireless communication by the first communication module. Yes,
The communication band changing means is
A wireless communication device, wherein when the first communication profile is selected by the second communication execution unit, the first communication execution unit selects the specified frequency band. A first communication method for performing wireless communication by selecting one of a first communication band and a second communication band having a wider bandwidth than the first communication band in a predetermined frequency band; A first communication profile that uses a third communication band that overlaps at least the second communication band in a predetermined frequency band and has a relatively large communication data capacity per unit time, or the first communication A wireless communication method using a second communication method for selecting one of the second communication protocols having a smaller communication data capacity compared to a profile and executing wireless communication,
When performing wireless communication using at least the first communication method and the second communication method at the same time,
When the first communication profile is selected in the second communication scheme, selecting the first communication band in the first communication scheme;
And a step of selecting the second communication band in the first communication method when the second communication profile is selected in the second communication method. The wireless communication method according to claim 7, wherein
The wireless communication method, wherein the second communication band has a bandwidth twice as large as the first communication band or twice the number of channels. The wireless communication method according to claim 7 or 8,
A wireless communication method using a communication protocol corresponding to both the first communication band and the second communication band when performing wireless communication using the first communication method. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 7 to 9,
A wireless communication method, wherein a wireless LAN communication standard is used as the first communication method, and a specific short-range wireless communication standard is used as the second communication method.

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