WO2015037129A1

WO2015037129A1 - Electronic device and connection method for electronic device

Info

Publication number: WO2015037129A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/074853
Authority: WO
Inventors: 茶木　宏之; 光寺田; 英大川本
Original assignee: 株式会社東芝
Priority date: 2013-09-13
Filing date: 2013-09-13
Publication date: 2015-03-19

Abstract

Provided are an electronic device and a connection method for electronic devices, whereby user operability can be improved by providing a configuration whereby functions usable by being connected to a network are made explicit and are directly moved. This electronic device comprises: a near-field communications means; a communications group setting means; a mutual connection control means; a service detection means; and a startup control means. The near-field communications means outputs a search signal that searches for connection partner devices positioned within the communications area, receives a response signal responding to the search signal, and specifies that the connection partner device is positioned within the communications area. When the near-field communications means has specified that a connection partner device is positioned within the communications area, the communications group setting means sets the communications group between the electronic device and the connection partner device, executes authentication with the connection partner device, and shares a preparatory shared key by correct user operation. The mutual connection control means sets an address used within the communications group to the connection partner device. The service detection means uses the address and obtains information about services to be used, from the connection partner device. The startup control means provides an input reception means capable of instructing the execution of a function corresponding to the service information provided from the service detection means.

Description

Electronic device and method for connecting electronic device

The present invention relates to an electronic device and a method for connecting the electronic device.

Various methods for transferring contents (video / audio / data) between electronic devices have been proposed and put into practical use.

Wi Wi-Fi Direct (Wi-Fi Direct), which uses short-range wireless communication, is known as one of content delivery methods.

JP 2011-249960 A

In the delivery of content between electronic devices including Wi-Fi 通常 Direct, a connection procedure screen is usually displayed for each interconnection, and a playback procedure corresponding to the type of content is required after connection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device and a method for connecting an electronic device that can improve user operability by clearly showing the functions that can be used by connecting to a network between electronic devices and providing a mechanism for direct transition. Is to provide.

The electronic device according to the embodiment includes short-range communication means, communication group setting means, interconnection control means, service detection means, and activation control means. The short-range communication means outputs a search signal for searching that the connection counterpart device is located in the communication area, receives a response signal in response to the search signal, and the connection counterpart device is located in the communication area. Identify that. The communication group setting unit sets a communication group with the connection partner device when the short-range communication unit specifies that the connection partner device is located in the communication area, and the connection partner device And the pre-shared key is shared by an authorized user operation. The interconnection control means sets an address used in the communication group in the connection counterpart device. The service detecting means acquires service information to be used from the connection counterpart device using the address. The activation control means presents an input receiving means capable of instructing execution of a function corresponding to the service information provided from the service detection means.

An example of signal transmission (Wi-Fi Direct) between devices according to the embodiment is shown. An example of signal transfer (mutual authentication) between devices according to the embodiment is shown. An example of signal transfer (mutual authentication) between devices according to the embodiment is shown. An example of the display at the time of the first authentication between the apparatuses which concern on embodiment is shown. An example of the display at the time of the authentication after the 2nd time between the apparatuses which concern on embodiment is shown. An example of holding | maintenance of the authentication result table between apparatuses which concerns on embodiment is shown. 2 shows how signals are transmitted between devices according to the embodiment in software. An example of an electronic apparatus applicable to the embodiment will be described. An example of an electronic apparatus applicable to the embodiment will be described.

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

FIG. 1 illustrates a second electronic device (group owner) 101 that can communicate directly with the first electronic device 101 according to short-range wireless communication (Wi-Fi Direct). A concept of signal (data) exchange with the client 201 is shown.

An example of the first electronic device 101 is shown in FIG. 6. For example, the first electronic device 101 is a television device that reproduces a broadcast signal or content (video / sound), and the second electronic device 201 is shown in FIG. 7 as an example. A tablet device that is portable and mainly plays content (video / sound), for example. Note that the tablet device (electronic device) 201 requires individual authentication, but may be plural (two or more). The first electronic device 101 may be a combination of a monitor device (display) and a recorder device connected to the monitor device, for example.

The television device 101 and the tablet device 201 illustrated in FIG. 1 can perform short-range wireless communication compliant with the Wi-Fi Direct standard, for example, the Wi-Fi of the television device 101 in a state where the power is on. When the tablet device 201 moves to the Direct reception area (a user holding the tablet device 201 enters a room where the television device 101 is turned on), wireless communication is performed. That is, after mutual authentication (establishment of communication between each other), for example, a recording is recorded by the user holding the tablet device 201 by the television device 101 while someone at home is already watching the program on the television device 101. The completed program can be reproduced (viewed) on the tablet device 201.

In FIG. 1, the television apparatus 101 is described as a group owner, and the tablet apparatus 201 is a client. However, as will be described below with reference to FIG. 2, which apparatus is the owner depends on the connected counterpart device. Different.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a mutual authentication process (negotiation between devices capable of Wi-Fi Direct connection) between the television device (first electronic device) 101 and the tablet device (second electronic device) 201. .

[1] Device detection
From one device, a beacon 301 for searching (scanning) that the counterpart device is located in the area is output. Note that either device may output the beacon first.

For example, assuming that the television device 101 is a group owner and the television device 101 outputs a beacon, the tablet device 201 scans, for example, channels 1, 6, and 11 in order (302). Note that the group owner is actually described below in [2], but is assigned to a device with a high Internet Value (0-15) （(Internet Value (0-15)) [Group Owner] Become).

[2] Group creation and operating channel determination
When the tablet device 201 returns a connection request 303 (transmits GO Nagosiation Request) to the beacon 301 output from the television device 101, a response (GO Nagosiation) is generated from the television device 101 to the tablet device 201. Response) 304 is transmitted. Hereinafter, a response 305 (from the tablet device 201 to the television device 101) for setting the above-described device having a high Internet Value (0-15) as the group owner (in FIG. 2, setting as the television device 101 [group owner]). Send GO Nagosiation Response).

[3] Construction of wireless network
Next, network information and group ID are supplied by WPS.

First, an authentication 306 is transmitted from the group owner (television device 101) to the client (tablet device 201).

Subsequently, in response to Authentication 306, an association request 307 is returned from the client to the group owner.

Subsequently, as a response to Association Request 307, AssociationAsResponce 308 is supplied (returned) from the group owner to the client.

That is, in [2] and [3], an authentication process is executed between the first and second electronic devices, and a pre-shared key is shared by an authorized user operation.

[4] Service Detection Next, client-side service information is acquired (309).

Here, the group owner notifies the client that it will accept a request for a program / application or the like that has a playback request (in the client).

Hereafter, in response to the request, the file format (type) of the stored video, still image, music file, for example, is returned from the client to the group owner.

[5] Establishing a communication path Hereinafter, an IP address is set (310) according to, for example, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). In addition, for example, a MAC (Media Access Control) address is used to specify each device.

Also, following [5] or at any timing in [4] and [5], service information to be used using the address is acquired from the connected counterpart device.

More specifically, the above-described [1] to [5] in FIG. 2 will be described focusing on the first electronic device (the television device shown as an example in FIG. 6).
A short-range communication means (communication unit 191) outputs a search signal (Beacon) for searching that the connection partner device (second electronic device) is located in the communication area, and receives a response signal in response to the search signal To identify that the connected device is located within the communication area,
When the short-range communication means specifies that the connection partner device is located in the communication area by the communication group setting means (processing unit 190), a communication group is set between the connection partner device and the connection partner device. Authenticate with and share the pre-shared key by authorized user operation,
By the interconnection control means (processing unit 190 / control part 150), an address to be used in the communication group is set in the connection partner device connected by the communication group setting means,
The service detection means (authentication / service information holding unit 192 / control unit 150) acquires service information to be used from the connection partner device using the address,
The start control means (control unit 150 / OSD 132) presents an input receiving means capable of instructing execution of a function corresponding to service information provided from service determination.
Can be realized.

Similarly, the above-described [1] to [5] in FIG. 2 will be described focusing on the second electronic device (tablet device shown in FIG. 7 as an example).
The short-range communication means (processing unit 273) detects a search signal from the connection counterpart device (first electronic device), and outputs a response signal in response to the search signal,
The communication setting unit (processing unit 273) performs authentication processing with the connection partner device via the communication group set by the connection partner device through the short-range communication unit, and shares the pre-supplied key by a regular user operation. ,
By using the interconnection control means (processing unit 273 / control unit 250), an address used in the communication group set by the connection partner device is acquired,
The service notification means (processing unit 273 / control unit 250) notifies the connection partner device of service information that can be used via the address,
The activation control means (control unit 250) receives an instruction to execute the function corresponding to the service information from the connection counterpart device side for the address, and activates the function corresponding to the service information.
Can be realized.

FIG. 3 shows service expansion after mutual authentication between the television device (first electronic device) 101 and the tablet device (second electronic device) 201 (Wi-Fi Direct service detection function (Service Discovery)). An example is shown.

[11] GAS Initial Request
First, set GAS Initial Request Action Frame.
Query data <query data>
Specify 255 for Service Protocol Type, and describe in the query data a command that requests information about services that can be provided in cooperation with the television device, such as DLNA device class and list of owned content files.

[12] GAS Initial Response
Next, set GAS Initial Response Action Frame.
Query Response <Query response>
If GAS Comeback Delay is set to 0, information for Query is stored in this frame. Otherwise, information for Query <query> is stored in the ANQP Query Response Vender Specific Content area.

[13] GAS Commback Request
Next, GAS Comeback Request Action Frame is set.

[14] GAS Commback Response
Next, set GAS Comeback Response Action Frame.

That is, in the service detection function (Service Discovery) described above in [11] to [14], the Generic Advertisement Service (GAS) protocol and frame defined in IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Electronics) (P802.11u) are used. , Information on services that can be provided is exchanged between devices.

First, as shown in [11], 255 is specified for Service Protocol Type in GAS Initial Request Action Frame, and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance (registered trademark)) device class and owned content file are specified in the Query Data area. A command for requesting information necessary for a service that can be provided in cooperation with the television device 101, such as a list, to the tablet device 201 is described (401).

The tablet device 201 that has received the command returns a GAS Initial Response as an initial response (402). If GAS Comeback Delay in this frame is set to “0”, the request is included in the subsequent Query Response. Response information for (401) is stored.

If the GAS Comeback Delay is other than “0”, a GAS Comeback Request (403) is transmitted from the television apparatus 101 side, and a response 404 (GAS Comeback Response) to the request is acquired as the response.

In the television device 101, functions that can be provided after completion of mutual connection based on the information described in the Query Response of the GAS Initial Response or the ANQP Query Response Response Vendor Specific of the GAS initial response from the tablet device 201. A “button” that makes a direct transition to is provided (the “button display” shown below is displayed on the display unit (display) according to FIG. 4A or 4B)).

4A and 4B show the owner (television device) 101 after expansion of the service after mutual authentication between the television device (first electronic device) 101 and the tablet device (second electronic device) 201. An example of “button display” is shown.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, when the mutual authentication and the connection completion between the television apparatus 101 and the tablet apparatus 201 are completed, the tablet apparatus displays the screen display of the television apparatus 101 simultaneously with the connection completion message. By displaying a button display that allows direct access to the content held by the (connection target device) 201 (direct access to the content), it is possible to reduce the number of user operations. The button display can be displayed, for example, by the OSD 132 of the television apparatus described later with reference to FIG.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, during [first time connection], the display unit (display) 134 of the television apparatus 101 displays “A request for connection from the following device / allow connection? ? / Device name: [[XXXXX: -JB]]] etc. are displayed. At the same time, a button ("button display") in which "<< Allow >>" or "<< Reject >>" can be input may be displayed (Wi-Fi Direct connection request).

Next, for example, “Connecting ... / Please wait for a while (authenticating) / Device name: [[XXXXX: -JB]]” etc. is displayed on the display unit (display) 134 (Wi -Fi (Direct authentication).

Hereinafter, when the communication with the connection target device (client) is completed and communication is established, for example, “Connected to the next device / device name: [[○○ × □: -JB]]] etc. (Wi-Fi Direct connection completed). Here, when the Wi-Fi Direct authentication is completed, the display unit (display) 134 can instruct to directly reproduce the content on the tablet device 201 side in the television device 101 (can be directly transitioned). And a button ("button display") for starting the application. For example, a start (playback start) button corresponding to a word (for each content) such as “Please select content to be displayed <playback>”, for example, “<photo>” 601, “<video>” > ”602,“ <music> ”603, and the like are displayed.

As shown in FIG. 4B, in [when connected after the second time], connection permission held in [list of devices permitted to connect (Wi-Fi Direct authenticated device database)] shown in FIG. 4C as an example. If it is a device (device with authenticated data) and it is a connection-permitted device, the above-mentioned “Wi-Fi Direct connection request” and “Wi-Fi Direct authentication” are omitted, For example, “Connected to the next device / device name: [[XXXXX: -JB]]” or the like is directly displayed on the display unit (display) 134. In this case, in one of the process of specifying the connection permission device (device having authenticated data), that is, the service determination process, for example, the MAC (Media Access Control) address described above is used.

In other words, the authentication information held in the Wi-Fi Direct authentication / service information holding unit 192 (or the EEPROM 154) of the television device 101 shown in FIG. 6 and the nonvolatile memory 254 of the tablet device 201 shown in FIG. When it is confirmed that the communication is already performed between the already-authenticated devices by referring to the authenticated other party information, etc., the user holding the tablet device 201 uses the Wi-Fi of the television device 101. When it is located in the Direct reception area (when it is detected that the user holding the tablet device 201 has entered the place where the television device 101 is turned on), the “next device and By displaying “connected / device name: [[XXXXX: -JB]]”, etc., the convenience of the user is improved.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the client device (tablet device) 201 enters a Wi-Fi Direct connection area that can be connected to the owner device (television device) 101, The television device (owner device) 101 has received a connection request from the tablet device (client device) 201 and has previously permitted connection with reference to the [list of devices permitted to connect] illustrated in FIG. 4C. Detects that the device is a device (determines whether it is a device that has been allowed to connect in the past), and if it is a device that has been allowed to connect in the past, the connection (in the background is completed) Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, a screen for transitioning to an available service (content selection) is displayed so that transition to an available service (content reproduction) is possible. Note that detection of a device that has been permitted to connect in the past may be performed by, for example, the partner device's DNLA / network function support status (a device capable of Wi-Fi-Direct connection / communication status is good (the radio wave strength is Confirm that they are at a practical level), and when they are confirmed, a button for transitioning to an available service is displayed.

In addition to the button display, a button ("button display") that can directly start a service or function that can be used by the P2P connection provided in the tablet device 201, such as a communication application or SNS (social network service). ) Can also be displayed. However, since there is a possibility that the display on the television apparatus 101 is not desired for the display of the incoming call when using the communication application or the SNS, the incoming call is not displayed as a subroutine, for example, in the setting described below with reference to FIG. It is also possible to add a routine for setting and select display / non-display of incoming calls.

FIG. 5 shows an example of software connection procedures between connected devices using Wi-Fi Direct described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 and operation procedures until content selection and playback.

The client (connection target) device is selected from the owner device (television device) 101 (501).

2 and 3 identify the connection target device (client) and start the connection (502).

The service information of the connected client is acquired (the owner device) (503), and the connection procedure is completed (504).

When the service related to the service information is detected ([11] to [14] in FIG. 3) when the connection procedure is completed (505-YES), the functions available for the content held by the connection target device (client) ( A button (“button display”) that enables activation of “service” on the television device (owner) side is displayed on the display unit (display) 134 of the television device (506).

Hereinafter, when the user uses any “button display (button)” to instruct the selection of a service or the activation of an application (application) (507), the reproduction of content is started or the application is activated ( 508).

In addition, when the service related to the service information cannot be detected (505-NO), an individual connection procedure according to the connection procedure of each connection target device is required (the connection procedure between the connection devices is completed).

On the other hand, the subroutines 511 to 512 for setting non-display of incoming calls in services and functions that can be used by the P2P connection prepared in the tablet device 201 (“Set presence / absence of pop-up display (511)” and display) (Setting) (511-YES) / not displaying (setting) (512 = 511-NO)) may be prepared. In other words, when a Wi-Fi Direct device (or application) with a permanent group function where the P2P group continues to exist until the group owner deletes the information, a pop-up (for example, incoming call) display at the time of reconnection is displayed. By providing a setting function to display / hide each time, it is possible to prevent message display at a timing not intended by the user.

FIG. 6 shows elements of the television device (first electronic device) that can be used for the Wi-Fi Direct interconnectable owner device shown in FIGS. 1-3, 4A, 4B, 4C, and 5. An example is shown.

A television device (first electronic device) 101 illustrated in FIG. 6 includes an input unit 111, a demodulation unit 112, a signal processing unit 113, an audio processing unit 121, a video processing unit 131, an OSD processing unit 132, a display processing unit 133, A control unit 150, a storage 160, an operation input unit 161, a reception unit 162, a network controller 171, a short-range wireless communication (Wi-Fi Direct) processing unit 190, and the like. The Wi-Fi-Direct communication unit 191 and the Wi-Fi Direct authentication / service information holding unit 192 are connected to the Wi-Fi Direct processing unit 190. Note that the television apparatus 101 includes a speaker 122 and a display 134. In addition, the television apparatus 101 receives a control input (operation instruction) from the remote controller 163 and supplies a control command corresponding to the operation instruction (control input) to the control unit 150.

The input unit 111 can receive a digital broadcast signal that can be received through the antenna ANT, for example, a terrestrial broadcast signal, a BS (Broadcasting Satellite) broadcast signal, and / or a CS (Communication Satellite) broadcast signal. The input unit 111 is also supplied via, for example, an STB (Set Top Box, for example, an external tuner corresponding to pay broadcasting or a channel selector capable of selecting a broadcast distributed by a cable distribution station) or as a direct input. Content (external input) can be received.

The input unit 111 tunes (tunes) the received digital broadcast signal. The input unit 111 supplies the tuned digital broadcast signal to the demodulation unit 112. Note that the television apparatus 101 may include a plurality of input units (tuners) 111. In that case, the television apparatus 101 can simultaneously receive a plurality of digital broadcast signals / contents. The input unit 111 supplies the external input via the STB or the like to the demodulation unit 112 as it is.

The demodulator 112 demodulates the selected digital broadcast signal / content. That is, the demodulation unit 112 acquires moving image data (hereinafter referred to as a stream) such as a transport stream (TS, Transport 、 Stream) from the digital broadcast signal / content. The demodulator 112 inputs the acquired stream to the signal processor 113. Note that the television device 101 may include a plurality of demodulation units 112. The plurality of demodulation units 112 can demodulate each of the plurality of digital broadcast signals / contents.

The signal processing unit 113 separates the stream demodulated by the demodulation unit 112 into, for example, an audio component and a video component, and data components for character information and EPG (Electric Program Guide). That is, the signal processing unit 113 separates a stream from a digital video signal, a digital audio signal, and other data signals, for example, text data including characters and codes called data broadcasting, in addition to the above-described components for EPG. Note that the signal processing unit 113 can separate a plurality of streams demodulated by the plurality of demodulation units 112.

The signal processing unit 113 also supplies the separated digital audio signal to the audio processing unit 121. The signal processing unit 113 further supplies the separated digital video signal to the video processing unit 131. Further, the signal processing unit 113 supplies the control unit 150 with a data signal such as EPG (directed) data.

Note that the signal processing unit 113 can convert the above stream into recordable data (recording stream) based on the control of the control unit 150. Further, the signal processing unit 113 can supply the recording stream to the storage 160 or other modules based on the control of the control unit 150.

Furthermore, the signal processing unit 113 can convert (transcode) the bit rate of the stream from the bit rate set in the original (broadcast signal / content) to another bit rate. That is, the signal processing unit 113 can transcode (convert) the original bit rate of the acquired broadcast signal / content to a lower bit rate than the original. Thereby, the signal processing unit 113 can record the content (program) with a smaller capacity.

The audio processing unit 121 converts the digital audio signal received from the signal processing unit 113 into a signal (audio signal) in a format that can be reproduced by the speaker 122. That is, the audio processing unit 121 includes a D / A (Digital-to-Analog) conversion unit, and converts a digital audio signal into an analog audio (sound) / audio signal. The audio processing unit 121 supplies the converted audio (sound) / audio signal to the speaker 122. The speaker 122 reproduces sound and sound from the supplied audio (sound) / sound signal.

The video processing unit 131 converts the digital video signal from the signal processing unit 113 into a video signal in a format that can be reproduced on the display 134. That is, the video processing unit 131 decodes the digital video signal received from the signal processing unit 113 into a video signal in a format that can be reproduced on the display 134. The video processing unit 131 outputs the decoded video signal to the display processing unit 133.

Based on the data signal supplied from the signal processor 113 and the control signal (control command) supplied from the controller 150, the OSD processor 132, for example, GUI (Graphical User Interface) display, caption display, time display, Notification information or the like indicating whether or not an SNS has arrived at the tablet device 201 (not displayed), or voice communication to the video and audio being played or communication data equivalent thereto, is superimposed on the display signal from the video processing unit 131. Then, an OSD (On Screen Display) signal for display is generated.

The display processing unit 133 performs, for example, color, brightness, sharpness, contrast, and other image quality adjustment processing on the received video signal based on the control from the control unit 150, for example. The display processing unit 133 supplies the video signal subjected to the image quality adjustment to the display 134. Accordingly, the display 134 displays a video based on the supplied video signal.

The display processing unit 133 also superimposes the display signal from the video processing unit 131 and the OSD signal from the OSD processing unit 132 after the image quality adjustment processing, and supplies the superimposed signal to the display 134.

The display 134 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display panel that includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix and a backlight that illuminates the liquid crystal panel. The display 134 displays a video based on the video signal supplied from the display processing unit 133.

Note that the television device 101 may be configured to include an output terminal for outputting a video signal instead of the display 134. Further, the television device 101 may be configured to include an output terminal that outputs an audio signal instead of the speaker 122. In addition, the television device 101 may include an output terminal that outputs a digital video signal and a digital audio signal.

The control unit 150 controls the operation of each unit of the television apparatus 101. The control unit 150 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 151, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 152, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 153, an EEPROM (Nonvolatile Memory) 154, and the like. The control unit 150 also performs various processes based on the operation signal supplied from the operation input unit 161.

The CPU 151 includes arithmetic elements that execute various arithmetic processes. The CPU 151 implements various functions by executing programs stored in the ROM 152, the EEPROM 154, or the like.

The ROM 152 holds a program for controlling the television device 101, a program for realizing various functions, and the like. The CPU 151 activates the program stored in the ROM 152 based on the operation signal supplied from the operation input unit 161. Thereby, the control part 150 controls operation | movement of each part.

The RAM 153 functions as a work memory for the CPU 151. That is, the RAM 153 stores the calculation result of the CPU 151, data read by the CPU 151, and the like.

The EEPROM 154 is a non-volatile memory that stores various setting information, programs, and the like. Note that information on the client device authenticated by the Wi-Fi Direct processing unit 190 is retained as required (in accordance with the control of the control unit 150).

The storage 160 has a storage medium for storing content. The storage 160 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a semiconductor memory. The storage 160 can store the recording stream supplied from the signal processing unit 113, text data, and the like.

The operation input unit 161 includes an operation key that generates an operation signal in response to an operation input by a user, for example. The operation input unit 161 may be configured to receive an operation signal from a keyboard, a mouse, or another input device that can generate an operation signal. The operation input unit 161 supplies an operation signal to the control unit 150.

Note that the display 134 of the television apparatus 101 may have a touch panel function that can realize a part of the functions of the operation input unit 161.

The receiving unit 162 includes a sensor that receives an operation signal from the remote controller 163 supplied by, for example, an infrared (Ir) method. The receiving unit 162 supplies the received signal to the control unit 150. The control unit 150 receives the signal supplied from the reception unit 162, amplifies the received signal, and performs A / D (Analog-to-Digital) conversion, thereby decoding the original operation signal transmitted from the remote controller 163. To do.

The remote controller 163 generates an operation signal based on a user operation input. The remote controller 163 transmits the generated operation signal to the receiving unit 162 by infrared communication. Note that the receiving unit 162 and the remote controller 163 may be configured to transmit and receive operation signals by other wireless communication such as radio waves (RF).

The network controller 171 is connected to the Internet (network) 1 that can be connected by, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a wireless LAN, and can communicate with other devices on the network 1. Thereby, the television apparatus 101 can exchange information between an arbitrary device connectable via the network 1 and a content supply source or various data servers. Thereby, the television apparatus 101 can acquire and reproduce the content (stream) held by the content supply source, the data server, or any device including the home connected via the network controller 171.

The HDMI processing unit 181 transfers control signals, video (Video) data, and audio (sound / audio) data in accordance with the HDMI (registered trademark) standard (that is, HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface)). The HDMI processing unit 181 can transmit and receive content (stream) including video and audio between an external device having an HDMI terminal or a large-capacity memory (external HDD). As an external device, for example, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) recorder, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) recorder, a hard disk (HDD) recorder, or another device and a device compatible with the HDMI standard (HDMI device), or NAS (Network Attached Storage) Etc. Note that the television apparatus 101 may include other interfaces such as a LAN terminal that can be connected to, for example, Serial-ATA (Serial-Advanced Technology Attachment) and HDMI-HEC (HDMI Ethernet Channel).

The short-range wireless communication (Wi-Fi Direct) processing unit 190 transmits / receives data to / from a client device (tablet device 201) connected via the short-range wireless communication (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit 191 or the other party ( Responsible for mutual authentication and data processing with client devices. It is to be noted that information of individual client devices such as non-display of incoming calls in the authenticated counterparty (client) device and services and functions available by the P2P connection prepared in the client device (tablet device) 201 are displayed. Wi-Fi Direct authentication / service information holding unit 192 (or EEPROM 154). In addition, although the Wi-Fi 近 Direct (short-range wireless communication) communication unit 191 and the Wi-Fi Direct (short-range wireless communication) processing unit 190 are illustrated independently of the network controller 171 in FIG. The network controller 171 may be integrated (or partially shared). When the network controller 171, the Wi-Fi Direct communication unit 191, and the Wi-Fi Direct processing unit 190 are integrated, the Wi-Fi Direct authentication / service information holding unit 192 connects to the network controller 171.

FIG. 7 shows the elements of the tablet device (second electronic device) that can be used for the Wi-Fi Direct-interconnectable owner device shown in FIGS. 1-3, 4A, 4B, 4C, and 5. An example is shown.

A tablet device (client device) 201 illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a control unit 250, an operation input unit 264, a communication unit 271, a short-range wireless communication (Wi-Fi Direct) processing unit 273, and a storage device 274. . The tablet device 201 also includes a speaker 222, a microphone 223, a display 234, and a touch sensor 235 (integrated with the display 234).

The control unit 250 controls the operation of each unit of the tablet device 201. The control unit 250 includes a CPU 251, a ROM 252, a RAM 253, a nonvolatile memory 254, and the like.

The control unit 250 performs various processes based on operation signals supplied from the operation input unit 264 or the touch sensor 235. The control unit 250 also controls each unit corresponding to a control command supplied from the television apparatus 101 through the Wi-Fi Direct processing (short-range wireless communication) unit 273, starts an application, and processes (functions of functions) provided by the application. (The CPU 251 may take charge).

The CPU 251 executes various arithmetic processes. The CPU 251 also realizes various functions by executing programs stored in the ROM 252 or the nonvolatile memory 254.

Further, the PU 251 can execute various processes such as applications / programs stored in the storage device 274. The CPU 251 also controls each unit corresponding to a control command supplied to the television apparatus 101 through the Wi-Fi Direct processing unit 273, starts an application (program), and processes (execution of functions) provided by the application (program). I do.

The ROM 252 holds a program for controlling the television device 101, a program for realizing various functions, and the like. The CPU 251 activates a program stored in the ROM 252 based on an operation signal from the operation input unit 264. Thereby, the control part 250 controls operation | movement of each part.

The RAM 253 functions as a work memory for the CPU 251. That is, the RAM 253 stores a calculation result by the CPU 251, data read via the CPU 251, data necessary for authentication with the television apparatus 101 by the Wi-Fi Direct processing unit 273, and the like.

The nonvolatile memory 254 stores various setting information, programs, an authentication result with the television apparatus 101 by the Wi-Fi Direct processing unit 273, an IP address assigned by the television apparatus 101, and the like.

Further, the control unit 250 can generate video signals for display for displaying various screen displays according to the application being executed by the CPU 251, and can display them on the display 234. Accordingly, the display 234 reproduces a moving image (graphic), a still image, character information, or the like based on the supplied moving image signal (Video). The control unit 250 can also generate audio signals for reproduction such as various audios according to the application being executed by the CPU 251 and output the audio signals through the speaker 222. Accordingly, the speaker 222 reproduces sound (sound / voice) based on the supplied audio signal (Audio).

The microphone 223 collects sounds around the tablet device 201 and generates an acoustic signal. The acoustic signal is converted into acoustic data by the control unit 250 after A / D conversion, and temporarily stored in the RAM 253. The acoustic data is converted (reproduced) into voice / acoustic sound by the speaker 222 after D / A conversion as necessary. The acoustic data is also used as a control command by voice recognition processing after A / D conversion.

The display 234 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display panel including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix and a backlight for illuminating the liquid crystal panel.

The touch sensor 235 generates an operation signal based on an operation on the screen displayed on the display 234 (user input corresponding to the screen display), and supplies the operation signal to the control unit 250.

The operation input unit 264 includes a key that generates an operation signal in response to an operation input by a user, for example. The operation input unit 264 includes, for example, a volume adjustment key for adjusting the volume, a brightness adjustment key for adjusting the display brightness of the display 234, and a power key for switching (turning on / off) the power state of the tablet device 201. Etc. The operation input unit 264 may be configured to receive an operation signal from a keyboard, a mouse, or another input device that can generate an operation signal. For example, when the tablet device 201 includes a USB terminal or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) module, the operation input unit 264 receives an operation signal from an input device connected by USB or Bluetooth and supplies the operation signal to the control unit 250. .

The communication unit 271 can communicate with other devices on the network 1 by a LAN or a wireless LAN. Thereby, the tablet device 201 can acquire and play back the content (stream) held by the content supply source or data server connected via the network 1 or any device including home.

The short-range wireless communication (Wi-Fi Direct) processing unit 273 delivers data to and from the Wi-Fi Direct processing unit 190 (of the television apparatus 101) through the Wi-Fi Direct communication unit 191 of the television apparatus 101. And mutual authentication and data processing with the counterpart device (television device 101). That is, the tablet device 201 can reproduce content held by the television device 101 (storage 160 thereof), for example, by mutual communication compliant with Wi-Fi Direct (short-range wireless communication). Further, for example, the data held by the tablet device 201 can be reproduced on the television device 101. 7 shows an example in which the short-range wireless communication (Wi-Fi 部 Direct) processing unit 273 is provided independently of the communication unit 271 in FIG. 7, but the communication unit 271 is integrated (or partly shared). ).

If there is an item set as non-display at the time of mutual authentication between the television device 101 and the tablet device 201, for example, an application having a permanent group function in which the P2P group continues to exist in the tablet device 201 is prepared. When the non-display of the incoming call is set, even if the incoming call is received at the tablet device 201, it is not displayed on the television device 101.

The power supply unit 290 includes a battery (rechargeable battery) 292 and a terminal (for example, a DC jack) for connecting to an adapter that receives power from a commercial power source or the like. The power supply unit 290 charges the battery 292 with the power received from the commercial power supply. Further, the power supply unit 290 supplies the power charged in the battery 292 to each unit of the tablet device 201.

The storage device 274 includes a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a semiconductor memory. The storage device 274 can store programs executed by the CPU 251 of the control unit 250, applications, contents such as moving images, various data, and the like.

If the electronic device 101 is a device having, for example, a user interface, a communication function, a function for receiving a broadcast, a processing function for processing a received broadcast, that is, a program, a program output function for outputting a program, or a storage function, Any device may be used. An example of the device is a digital recorder. Also, it can be applied to a personal computer (PC) having a broadcast receiving function, a video display device (monitoring device) connected to a video recording device having a broadcast receiving device, or a portable terminal device having a broadcast receiving function. Is possible. Note that broadcasting includes, for example, those provided by broadcasters (broadcast stations) as radio waves propagating in space, or those delivered by distributors over networks such as cables and IP (Internet Protocol) networks. Broadcasting includes video and audio and / or music, and provides a program in units of a certain time (broadcasting time) continuously or for a certain period (time). A program may be referred to as a content or a stream. In addition, the video includes a moving image and a still image, text (information represented by characters and symbols indicated by a coded code string), and an arbitrary combination thereof.

This proposal improves the user operability by clearly indicating the functions that can be used by connecting to the network after connecting to the device using Wi-Fi Direct, and making a direct transition to that function. In other words, there are many operations until the target function is realized, and it is difficult to understand the current short-range wireless communication (connection), reducing the burden on the user after connecting, and connecting with Wi-Fi Direct directly with few steps Content can be played and services can be accessed (service activation). In addition, in the list of connected devices, it is possible to suppress pop-up display at the time of interconnection (can be set to non-display), thereby suppressing the inadvertent pop-up display at the timing that the user did not intend it can.

In addition, in this proposal, since connection is possible even while viewing on-air (broadcast program) and various recorded contents, and connection is possible without hindering viewing, for example, one person can use a television device, While watching on-air, it enables smooth sharing of television equipment among multiple people, such as a family member watching content recorded on a television device via a Wi-Fi Direct connection using a tablet device. it can.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

A short distance that outputs a search signal for searching that the connection partner device is located in the communication area, receives a response signal in response to the search signal, and identifies that the connection partner device is located in the communication area Communication means;
When the short-range communication means specifies that the connection partner device is located within the communication area, a communication group is set with the connection partner device, and authentication processing with the connection partner device is executed. Communication group setting means for sharing a pre-shared key by a regular user operation;
Interconnection control means for setting an address to be used in the communication group to the connection counterpart device connected by the communication group setting means;
Service detection means for obtaining service information to be used from the connection counterpart device using the address;
An activation control means for presenting an input receiving means capable of instructing execution of a function corresponding to the service information provided from the service determination;
An electronic device comprising:
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the service detecting means acquires service information on the connected counterpart device side using the communication group setting means before the interconnection means operates.
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the service detecting means acquires service information on the connected counterpart device side using the communication group setting means before the interconnection means operates or at the previous connection time.
The display unit further includes a display unit capable of displaying an image reproduced content and an input screen according to a program being executed, and the display unit executes a function corresponding to the service information on the connection counterpart device side in the activation control unit. 4. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an input receiving means capable of instructing is displayed.
The input receiving means outputs a control signal instructing the connection counterpart device to execute a function corresponding to the service information in response to an input of a control instruction corresponding to a button display image displayed by the display unit. 4 electronic devices.
Short-range communication means for detecting a search signal from a connected counterpart device and outputting a response signal in response to the search signal;
A communication setting unit that performs authentication processing with the connection partner device via a communication group set by the connection partner device through the short-range communication unit, and shares a pre-supplied key by a regular user operation;
An interconnection control means for acquiring an address used in the communication group set by the connection counterpart device;
Service notification means for notifying the connection counterpart device of service information that can be used via the address;
An activation control means for accepting an instruction to execute the function corresponding to the service information from the connection counterpart device side with respect to the address and activating the function corresponding to the service information;
An electronic device comprising:
The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the service notification unit notifies the connection partner device side of service information using the communication setting unit before the interconnection control unit operates.
Outputs a detection signal for exploring that the counterpart device is located within the area,
Detect connection request in response to detection signal,
Set up a communication group with the other device, share a pre-shared key through authentication processing in response to a connection request,
Get the service information of the counterpart device,
An electronic device connection method for generating an instruction input mechanism capable of directly starting a reproduction function corresponding to acquired service information when connection with a counterpart device is completed.
The connection method according to claim 8, wherein the service information is acquired by using a GAS protocol and a frame formulated in IEEE P802.11u for mutual authentication with a counterpart device.
10. The connection method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein information necessary for a service that can be provided by the counterpart device after the previous connection is completed is acquired and used at the next connection in order to directly activate the requested playback function to the counterpart device.
11. The connection method according to claim 10, wherein an input mechanism that accepts an activation instruction is set in order to directly activate the playback function requested based on information necessary for a service that can be provided by the counterpart device.