JP2001028614A - Communication auxiliary unit for information processor, communication equipment, communication method and medium storing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a user to easily use a plurality of radio communication networks according to the purpose. SOLUTION: A PC card 10 loaded to a PC is provided with a PHS communication module 64 and a radio LAN communication module 66 and the PC attains message communication using a plurality of radio communication networks. When a destination subscribes to a plurality of the radio communication networks, a control module 62 in the inside of the card 10 automatically selects the communication module to be in use on the basis of respective radio states of the communication networks or an attribute of a transmission message. The PC card informs the PC of radio states to urge selection by a PC user.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device which is attached to an information processing device and assists communication between the information processing device and another device. The present invention also relates to a communication device, a communication method, and a medium recording a program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Demand for message communication using a wireless communication network such as a wireless LAN, a cordless telephone network, and a mobile telephone network has been increasing in recent years. Furthermore, with the new construction of wireless LANs and the increase in the number of subscribers to commercial wireless communication networks, the number of terminal devices capable of using a plurality of wireless communication networks is increasing.

[0003] Terminal devices for performing wireless communication include not only communication-dedicated devices such as cordless telephone mobile devices and mobile phone mobile devices, but also information processing devices such as PCs (personal computers) and PDAs (personal digital assistants). It is. In order to perform wireless communication with such an information processing device, a device that is attached to the information processing device and assists communication between the information processing device and another device is required. As such a communication auxiliary device, a PC card for wireless communication has recently been developed. Notebook type personal computers and other information processing devices include JEIDA (Japan Electronic Industry Development Association) or PMC
IA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association)
In some cases, a card slot conforming to the standard is provided. This card slot is originally for inserting a PC card such as a LAN card or a modem card, but recently, by inserting a PC card for wireless communication into the card slot, information has been inserted. The processing device can be used as a wireless communication device.

[0004]

A conventional wireless communication PC card has a built-in circuit corresponding to a communication network to be used, such as a wireless LAN, a cordless telephone network, or a mobile telephone network. In other words, each wireless communication PC card is adapted for use in only one communication network. Therefore, in the case of an information processing apparatus subscribed to a plurality of wireless communication networks, in order to perform message communication, a user selects a wireless communication PC card corresponding to a communication network to be used and mounts it on the information processing apparatus. There is a need to. If another wireless communication PC card is mounted, it must be replaced with a new card to be used. Further, with the replacement of the card, a setting operation for adapting the internal function of the information processing apparatus to a new card is also required. This setting work requires specialized knowledge of the information processing apparatus, and if performed by a person without this knowledge, a malfunction may occur.

In order for a terminal device subscribing to a plurality of wireless communication networks to perform communication, a user selects and activates a program corresponding to a wireless communication network to be used at a transmission source terminal device. It is common. Alternatively, it is necessary to perform a setting operation adapted to the network in which the terminal device program is to be used. In either case, the user of the terminal must select or adjust it himself.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a communication auxiliary device for an information processing device, a communication device, a communication method, and a medium recording a program, which enable a user to easily use a plurality of wireless communication networks.

[0007]

According to one aspect of the present invention, a communication assisting device for assisting wireless communication between an information processing device and another communication device transmits a message transmitted from the information processing device to a first terminal. To the other information processing device via the wireless communication network, and receives a message transmitted from the other communication device to the information processing device via the first wireless communication network and transmits the message to the information processing device. A first wireless communication module for transferring, and a message transmitted from the information processing device is transmitted to another communication device via a second wireless communication network, and the second wireless communication network is transmitted from the other communication device. And a second wireless communication module for receiving a message transmitted to the information processing device via the communication device and transferring the message to the information processing device, and selecting the first and second wireless communication modules. The and a selection module which enables the operation of the wireless communication module. By attaching such a communication auxiliary device to the information processing device, the information processing device can use any wireless communication network using at least one of the plurality of wireless communication modules.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a communication device comprises:
A first wireless communication module that sends a message to another communication device via the first wireless communication network and receives a message sent from the other communication device from the first wireless communication network; A second wireless communication module that sends a message to another communication device via the wireless communication network and receives a message sent from the other communication device from the second wireless communication network; A first measurement module that measures a first wireless communication state related to communication between a wireless communication network and the first wireless communication module; and a second measurement module that measures a second wireless communication network and the second wireless communication module. A second measurement module for measuring a second wireless communication state related to communication; and a first and second wireless communication states based on the first and second wireless communication states when a transmission message is transmitted. Selecting at least one of the second wireless communication module, and a selection module that controls to deliver the transmission message by the wireless communication module is selected. According to such a communication device,
It is possible to automatically select a wireless communication module in a good wireless communication state and transmit a message.

According to another aspect of the invention, a communication device comprises:
A first wireless communication module that sends a message to another communication device via the first wireless communication network and receives a message sent from the other communication device from the first wireless communication network; A second wireless communication module that sends a message to another communication device via the wireless communication network and receives a message sent from the other communication device from the second wireless communication network; A first measurement module that measures a first wireless communication state related to communication between a wireless communication network and the first wireless communication module; and a second measurement module that measures a second wireless communication network and the second wireless communication module. A second measurement module for measuring a second wireless communication state related to communication;
A notification module for notifying the wireless communication status of
And a human interface that allows the user to select at least one of the second wireless communication module and control to transmit a transmission message using the wireless communication module selected by the human interface. And a transmission control module. According to such a communication device, it is possible to notify the user of the wireless state of the wireless communication network and prompt the user to make a selection.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Various embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1. First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows a usage mode of a wireless communication PC card 10 which is a wireless communication auxiliary device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Card 1
0 is an information processing device such as a workstation or a PC (a portable notebook PC 12 in the illustrated embodiment)
And fixed here. The PC 12 includes a main body cabinet 16, a display panel 18, a keyboard 20, a touch pad 22, and left and right buttons 24 and 26. The display panel 18 can be opened and closed with respect to the main body cabinet 16, and includes a keyboard 20, a touch pad 22,
The left and right buttons 24 and 26 are provided on the main body cabinet 16, and these are used as a human interface. Although not shown, a known mouse may be used as the human interface.

The card 10 has a communication function with a plurality of wireless communication networks such as a wireless LAN, a cordless telephone network, and a mobile telephone network. Insert the card 10 into the information processing device,
If the setting work for adapting the internal function of C12 to the card is completed, the PC 12 can communicate with these networks.
Specifically, the card 10 according to this embodiment is a PHS (personal handy-phone) which is a kind of cordless telephone network.
system) and communication with a wireless LAN network. However, there is no intention to limit the types and number of available wireless communication networks to the embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 2, the wireless LAN 30 has a plurality of access points, that is, LAN base stations 32a, 32
2b and a central control station 36. LAN base station 32
The hubs 34a, 34b, 38 to which the central control stations 36a, 32b are connected are connected to each other by a wired circuit, and data can be exchanged between the LAN base stations 32a, 32b. . Among the plurality of terminals shown in FIG.
They can communicate with each other using the AN 30. That is, even if each terminal 50a, 50b or 52 moves, any of the LAN base stations 32a or 32
As long as it is located in the cell b, it is possible to transmit and receive signals to and from the LAN base station 32a or 32b corresponding to that cell.

The central control station 36 has a TDMA (time divisi
On multiple access), the access of a plurality of terminals is controlled. That is, prior to the message communication between the terminals, the central control station 36 receives a link establishment request signal from the source terminal, and the central control station 36 transmits a link between the terminals (for example, from the terminal 50a to the LAN base station 32a). , And a link to the terminal 50b via the terminal 32b. However, the present invention is not limited to such a centralized control system, and a distributed control system, that is, the terminals 50a, 50b, and 52 may directly communicate with each other. The carrier wave in the wireless LAN 30 may be a radio wave or an infrared ray. In an embodiment described later, radio waves are employed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the PHS network 40 includes a public line telephone network 42 and a plurality of PHS base stations 44a and 44b connected thereto, and the PHS base stations 44a and 44b.
b can exchange data with each other. Among the plurality of terminals shown in FIG. 2, terminals 50a, 50b, 5
4 can communicate with each other using the PHS network 40. That is, even if each terminal 50a, 50b or 54 moves, any of the PHS base stations 44a
Or, as long as it is located in the cell of 44b, it is possible to transmit a signal to the PHS base station 44a or 44b corresponding to that cell, and the signal from the same base station or another base station is transmitted to the destination terminal. The access method is TDMA.

As is apparent from the above description, the terminal 52
Can communicate using only the wireless LAN 30, and the terminal 54 can communicate using only the PHS network 40. On the other hand, the terminals 50a and 50b can communicate with the PHS network and the wireless LAN network. In this embodiment, the terminals 50a and 50b are the PCs 12 on which the cards 10 are mounted.

When transmitting a message to another communication terminal, the PC 12 transmits to the card 10 destination name information indicating the name of the user of the destination terminal device and the like in the message. This message transmission to the card 10 is a transmission request to the card 10. The PC receives a message from another terminal device via the card 10.

To use two communication networks, the card 10
Are configured as shown in FIG. That is, the card 10 includes an interface 60 also serving as a connector connected to the PC 12, a control module 62 for performing various controls such as selecting a communication network to be used, a PHS communication module 64, and a wireless LAN communication module 66. And

The interface 60 is attached to the end of the case, which is the exterior of the card, and protrudes outward.
The components of the control module 62, the PHS communication module 64, and the wireless LAN communication module 66 are all housed in a case that is the exterior of the card. In this card, the antennas 86, 96 of the communication modules 64, 66
Is preferably buried near the end opposite the interface 60. In this position, the antenna 8
6, 96 may protrude out of the card, or may be extendable or movable so as to be exposed outside the card.

The control module 62 includes a communication control unit 68,
ROM (read-only memory) 69, transmission buffer 70,
A PHS reception buffer 72, a LAN reception buffer 73, an address management unit 74, and an address memory 76 are provided.
The PHS communication module 64 includes a PHS protocol converter 78, a frame processor 80, a modem 82, an RF (radio
o frequency) circuit 84 and an antenna 86.
The wireless LAN communication module 66 includes a LAN protocol converter 88, a frame processor 90, a modem 92, an RF circuit 94, and an antenna 96.

The communication controller 68 reads out and executes a program stored in the ROM 69. The functions of the communication control unit 68 based on this program include (a) monitoring of the carrier wave state of the PHS and the wireless LAN, (b) determination of a wireless communication network to be used for message transmission from the PC 12, (c).
A command for establishing a data communication link using a wireless communication network, monitoring and release of the establishment state, (d) call processing and call disconnection when using a PHS network, and (e) completion of message transmission to the PC 12 Report, (f) Includes a report to PC 12 of a message received from another device. Details of these functions will be described later.

In the transmission buffer 70, when a message is transmitted from the PC 12, the message MT transmitted by the PC 12 is transferred via the interface 60 and temporarily stored. The communication control unit 68 reads out the transmission message MT from the transmission buffer 70, and reads the transmission message MT from the PHS protocol conversion unit 78 or the wireless L
LAN protocol converter 88 of AN communication module 66
By transmitting the transmission message MT to the wireless LA
A message is transmitted to another terminal device using one of the N30 and the PHS network 40.

In the PHS receiving buffer 72, the PHS protocol conversion unit 78 of the PHS communication module 64
The S reception message MR1 is transferred and temporarily stored. On the other hand, in the LAN reception buffer 73, the LAN protocol conversion unit 88 of the wireless LAN communication module 66 sends
The AN reception message MR2 is transferred and temporarily stored. The communication control unit 68 reads the received message in each reception buffer, and transfers the received message MR1 or MR2 to the PC 12 through the interface 60, thereby reporting the received message to the PC user.

The address memory 76 stores a list in which information on a plurality of terminals to which a user of the PC 12 may transmit a message using the wireless LAN 30 or the PHS network 40 is input. In this list, name information (for example, the name of the owner of the destination terminal) and
The wireless network information to which the terminal has subscribed is associated with the address information of the terminal. The destination terminal is, for example, a wireless LA
If the terminal 52 subscribes only to the N30, the list includes information indicating that the destination terminal has subscribed to the wireless LAN 30 and the address of the destination terminal on the wireless LAN 30. If the destination terminal is the terminal 54 subscribing only to the PHS network 40, the list includes information indicating that the destination terminal subscribes to the PHS network 40 and the address of the destination terminal on the PHS network 40. ing. If the destination terminal is the terminal 50a or 50b subscribed to the wireless LAN 30 and the PHS network 40, the destination terminal is included in the list in the wireless LAN 30 and the PHS network.
It contains information indicating that it has joined the network 40 and addresses of destination terminals on both communication networks.

This list is updated according to an address update signal supplied from the PC 12. For example, when the address book data is updated by the address book management program running on the PC 12 when transmission / reception is not performed, the PC
Preferably, an address update signal is supplied to the address memory 76 from 12.

In transmitting a message from the PC 12, an address management unit 74 is controlled under the control of the communication control unit 68.
Reads the destination name information DN contained in the transmission message in the transmission buffer 70, and reads the destination name information D
Data corresponding to N (subscribed wireless network information and address information) is read from the address memory 76 and transferred to the communication control unit 68. If the destination joins two networks and has two addresses, both wireless network information and both address information are read from the address memory 76 and transferred to the communication control unit 68. The data is useful for the communication control unit 68 to determine a wireless communication network to be used for message transmission. In addition, the communication control unit 68 controls the destination of the transmission message so that the destination is identified in the wireless communication network.
After adding address information to the transmission message MT instead of the destination name information DN, the transmission message MT is transferred to the PHS protocol conversion unit 78 or the LAN protocol conversion unit 88.

When receiving a message from another terminal device, under the control of the communication control unit 68, the address management unit 74
Is the received message M in the receive buffer 72 or 73
Source address information S included in R1 or MR2
A is read, and it is determined whether or not data corresponding to the source address information SA is stored in the address memory 76. If this determination is affirmative, the address management unit 7
4 notifies the communication control unit 68 of the source name information corresponding to the source address information. Upon receiving this notification, the communication control unit 68 adds the name information of the transmission source to the reception message MR1 or MR2 instead of the transmission source address information SA, and then adds the reception message MR1 or MR2.
2 to the PC 12. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the address management unit 74 notifies the communication control unit 68 that the determination is negative. Upon receiving this notification, the communication control unit 68 transfers the received message MR1 or MR2 with the source address information added thereto to the PC 12.

In the PHS communication module 64, the PH
The S protocol conversion unit 78 converts the transmission signal into a format suitable for transmission to the PHS network, and transfers the signal to the frame processing unit 80. The frame processing unit 80 generates a plurality of frames by decomposing the converted transmission signal into a plurality of fragments and adding a code such as an original signal type identifier, a sequence number, and an error detection code to each fragment. , To the modem 82. The modulator / demodulator 82 modulates the carrier signal with these frames, and obtains the resulting R
The F signal is supplied to the RF circuit 84. The RF circuit 84 uses R
The F signal is amplified and transmitted from the antenna 86. By this processing, the signal transmitted from the PHS communication module 64 is not only the transmission message MT from the PC 12 but also
It includes control signals (for example, a call acceptance signal, a link establishment request signal, and a call disconnection request signal) generated by the communication control unit 68 and transmitted to the PHS base station 44a or 44b via various control channels.

The signal from the PHS network 40 is transmitted to the antenna 86
Are received by the RF circuit 84 via the
Supplied to The modulator / demodulator 82 demodulates the frame from the received signal, and then transfers it to the frame processor 80. The frame processing unit 80 extracts codes such as a type identifier, a sequence number, and an error detection code of the original signal from each frame, assembles a received signal based on these, and transfers the received signal to the PHS protocol conversion unit 78. The PHS protocol converter 78 converts the received signal into a format suitable for processing inside the control module 62 and supplies the converted signal to the PHS reception buffer 72. The reception signal supplied to the PHS reception buffer 72 is read by the communication control unit 68. By such processing,
The signal received by the PHS communication module 64 is PC1
2 as well as a control signal (for example, a paging signal indicating an incoming call from another terminal device, a broadcast signal indicating control information) received from the PHS base station 44a or 44b via various control channels. Including.

In the wireless LAN communication module 66,
The LAN protocol converter 88 converts the transmission signal into a wireless LAN signal.
To a format suitable for transmission to the
Transfer to The frame processing unit 90 generates a plurality of frames by decomposing the converted transmission signal into a plurality of fragments and adding a code such as an original signal type identifier, a sequence number, and an error detection code to each fragment. , To the modem 92. The modulator / demodulator 92 modulates the carrier signal with these frames, and supplies the resulting RF signal to the RF circuit 94. RF circuit 94
Amplifies the RF signal and transmits it from the antenna 96. With this processing, the signal transmitted from the wireless LAN communication module 66 is generated not only by the transmission message MT from the PC 12 but also by the communication control unit 68 and transmitted to the LAN base station 3.
Various control signals (for example, a link establishment request signal and a link release request signal) sent to 2a or 32b are included.

The signal from the wireless LAN 30 is transmitted to the antenna 9
6 and received by the RF circuit 94 through the modem 9
2 is supplied. The modulator / demodulator 92 demodulates the frame from the received signal, and then transfers the demodulated frame to the frame processor 90.
The frame processing unit 90 extracts codes such as a type identifier, a sequence number, and an error detection code of the original signal from each frame, assembles a received signal based on these, and transfers the received signal to the LAN protocol conversion unit 88. The LAN protocol conversion unit 88 converts the received signal into a format suitable for processing inside the control module 62 and supplies the format to the LAN reception buffer 73. With this processing, the wireless LAN communication module 66
Is a received message MR to the PC 12.
2 and control signals (eg, a link establishment request signal from another terminal device) received from the LAN base station 32a or 32b via various control channels. In addition,
If the carrier wave in the wireless LAN 30 is infrared, in the wireless LAN communication module 66, instead of the antenna 96, a light emitting diode or a semiconductor laser is used for transmission, and a photodiode is used for reception.

The RF circuit 84 of the PHS communication module 64
Can be measured by the communication control unit 68. The communication control unit 68 measures this voltage at a time corresponding to the reception of a broadcast signal, which is a type of control channel signal broadcast from the PHS base station 44a or 44b via the broadcast channel on a regular basis. This voltage indicates the electric field strength of the carrier of the broadcast signal from the PHS base station 44a or 44b, and is used as an index indicating whether or not the card 10 can easily communicate using the PHS network 40.
The voltage in the RF circuit 94 of the wireless LAN communication module 66 is measured by the communication control unit 68. This voltage indicates the intensity of the carrier wave from the LAN base station 32a or 32b, and is used as an index indicating whether or not the card 10 can easily communicate using the wireless LAN 30.

Next, the operation of the communication control section 68 in the PC 12 will be described in more detail. FIG. 4 shows the operation of the main program executed by the communication control unit 68. In this main program, first, in step SM1,
The communication control unit 68 determines whether or not there is an incoming call specifying the address of the PC 12 from the PHS network 40. If this determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SM2. Conversely, if the determination is affirmative, the program shifts to a PHS reception program as a subroutine. The presence or absence of an incoming PHS
The determination is made by the communication control unit 68 based on the type of the received signal supplied from the S communication module 64. That is,
The PHS reception signal is transmitted to the PHS
If it is a paging signal from the PHS base station 44a or 44b specifying an address on the network 40, it is determined that there is an incoming call.

In step SM2, the communication control unit 68
It is determined whether there is an incoming call specifying the address of the PC 12 from the wireless LAN 30. If this determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SM3. Conversely, if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to a LAN reception program as a subroutine. The presence / absence of an incoming wireless LAN is determined by the communication control unit 68 based on the received signal supplied from the wireless LAN communication module 66. The carrier in the wireless LAN 30 is always received by the wireless LAN communication module 66, and the wireless LAN 30
If a link establishment request signal from another terminal device specifying the above address is detected, it is determined that there is an incoming call.

In step SM3, the communication control section 68
It is determined whether a transmission request has been made from the PC 12. More specifically, if any transmission message is transferred to the transmission buffer 70, the communication control unit 68 determines that a transmission request has been made. If this determination is negative, the process returns to step SM1. Conversely, if the determination is affirmative, the program shifts to a transmission program as a subroutine. Thus, the processing of steps SM1 to SM3 is repeated.

Now, it is assumed that a paging signal indicating an incoming call request addressed to the card 10 is transmitted from the PHS network 40. This paging signal is transmitted to the PHS communication module 6 of the card 10.
4, the communication control unit 68 detects that there is an incoming call request from the PHS network. As a result, the determination result of step SM1 in the main program (FIG. 4) becomes “YES”, and the communication control unit 68 sets the PH shown in FIG.
Execute the S receiving program. In this PHS receiving program, first, in step SP1, an incoming call process is performed, and a call between the terminal of the message transmission source and the card 10 is established. Specifically, the communication control unit 68 generates an incoming call reception signal, and the PHS communication module 64
By replying to S base station 44a or 44b, P
The HS network 40 establishes the call. Next, step SP
At 2, a data communication link is established from the source terminal to the card 10 via the PHS network 40. Specifically, upon receiving a link establishment request signal from the transmission source terminal, the communication control unit 68 generates a link establishment response signal, and returns this signal to the PHS network 40 by the PHS communication module 64, so that the PHS network 40 Network 40 establishes a data communication link. Further, the communication control unit 68 adjusts the PHS communication module 64 and the PHS reception buffer 72 so that a message can be received.

Thereafter, reception of the PHS message is started in step SP3. That is, according to the above procedure,
The received message MR1 is received from the PHS network 40 by the PHS communication module 64, and the PHS reception buffer 72
Is transferred to the communication control unit 68. Not limited to such one-way communication, two-way message communication may be performed in step SP3 using the established data communication link.

Thereafter, the received message is reported to the PC 12 in step SP4. That is, the communication control unit 68
Sends the received message MR1 to which the address information of the sender or the name information of the sender has been added in accordance with the above-described procedure.
Transfer to C12. When receiving the received message MR1, the PC 12 processes the received message MR1, and displays the contents and the transmission source on the display panel 18.

Next, the data communication link is released in step SP5. Specifically, the communication control unit 68 generates a link release request signal, and transmits this to the PHS base station 44a or 44b by the PHS communication module 64, thereby causing the PHS network 40 to release the link.

Next, the call is disconnected at step SP6. Specifically, the communication control unit 68 generates a call disconnection request signal, and the PHS communication module 64 generates the call disconnection request signal.
By transmitting to the base station 44a or 44b, the PH
The S network 40 disconnects the call. Then, the PHS receiving program ends, and the process returns to the main program.

Now, it is assumed that a link establishment request signal addressed to the card 10 is transmitted from the wireless LAN 30. This link establishment request signal is transmitted to the wireless LAN communication module 6 of the card 10.
6 is received by the communication controller 68.
It detects that there is an incoming request from 30. As a result,
The determination result of step SM2 in the main program (FIG. 4) is “YES”, and the communication control unit 68 executes the LAN reception program shown in FIG. In this LAN reception program, first, at step SL1, a data communication link from the transmission source terminal to the card 10 via the wireless LAN 30 is established. Specifically, upon receiving a link establishment request signal from the transmission source terminal device, the communication control unit 68
Generates a link establishment response signal and returns it to the wireless LAN 30 by the wireless LAN communication module 66, thereby causing the wireless LAN 30 to establish a data communication link. Further, the communication control unit 68 adjusts the wireless LAN communication module 66 and the LAN reception buffer 73 so that messages can be received.

Thereafter, the reception of the wireless LAN message is started in step SL2. That is, the wireless LAN communication module 66 makes the wireless LAN 3
0, the received message MR2 is received and transferred to the communication control unit 68 via the LAN reception buffer 73. Not limited to such one-way communication, two-way message communication may be performed in step SL2 using the established data communication link.

Thereafter, the received message is reported to the PC 12 at step SL3. That is, the communication control unit 68
Sends the received message MR2 to which the address information of the sender or the name information of the sender is added in accordance with the above-described procedure.
Transfer to C12. When receiving the received message MR2, the PC 12 processes the received message MR2 and displays the contents and the source on the display panel 18.

Next, the data communication link is released in step SL4. Specifically, the communication control unit 68 generates a link release request signal, and
By transmitting the link to the LAN base station 32a or 32b, the wireless LAN 30 releases the link.
Then, the LAN reception program ends, and the process returns to the main program.

FIG. 7 shows the processing of the above transmission program. When the message with the destination name information is transmitted from the PC 12 to the card 10, the determination result in step SM3 of the main program shown in FIG.
And the communication control unit 68 executes the transmission program. In this transmission program, first, as described above, the communication control unit 68 controls the address management unit 74, and the address management unit 74 causes the communication control unit 68 to transfer data corresponding to the name information of the destination. Then, in step ST1, the communication control unit 68 determines whether the destination of the transmission message MT is a subscriber of the PHS network 40. If this determination is negative (if the destination is a subscriber of only wireless LAN 30), the process proceeds to step ST2.

In step ST2, a data communication link from the card 10 to the destination terminal via the wireless LAN 30 is established. Specifically, the communication control unit 68 generates a link establishment request signal, and
This is transmitted to the wireless LAN 30 by 6. After the destination terminal device returns a link establishment response signal to the wireless LAN 30, a wireless LAN data communication link is established. The communication control unit 68 includes a wireless LAN communication module 66.
Is adjusted so that messages can be sent.

Thereafter, transmission of a wireless LAN message is started in step ST3. That is, the transmission message MT is read out of the transmission buffer 70 by the communication control unit 68 and transmitted by the wireless LAN communication module 66 to the wireless LAN 30 according to the above-described procedure. Not limited to such one-way communication, two-way message communication may be performed in step ST3 using the established data communication link.

Thereafter, in step ST4, the completion of the message transmission is reported. That is, the communication control unit 68 generates a transmission completion signal corresponding to the transmission message, and transfers this to the PC 12. When receiving the transmission completion signal, the PC 12 displays the fact on the display panel 18 or performs other appropriate processing.

Next, the data communication link is released in step ST5. Specifically, the communication control unit 68 generates a link release request signal, and
By transmitting the link to the LAN base station 32a or 32b, the wireless LAN 30 releases the link.
Then, the transmission program ends, and the process returns to the main program.

When the determination in step ST1 is affirmative (when the destination is a subscriber of the PHS network 40), the process proceeds to step ST6. In step ST6, it is determined whether or not the destination of the transmission message MT is a subscriber of the wireless LAN 30. If this judgment is negative (the destination is PHS
If the subscriber is only the network 40), the process proceeds to step ST
Go to 7.

In step ST7, a calling process is performed, and a call is established between the card 10 and the terminal to which the message is to be sent. Specifically, the communication control unit 68 generates a call request signal, and the PHS communication module 64 transmits the generated signal to the PHS base station 44a or 44b. After the destination terminal device returns an incoming call reception signal to the PHS base station 44a or 44b, the call is established.

Next, at step ST8, P
A data communication link to the destination terminal device via the HS network 40 is established. Specifically, the communication control unit 68 generates a link establishment request signal, and transmits this to the PHS base station 44a or 44b by the PHS communication module 64. After the destination terminal device returns a link establishment response signal to the PHS base station 44a or 44b, a PHS data communication link is established. Further, the communication control unit 68
The S communication module 64 is adjusted so that a message can be transmitted.

Thereafter, in step ST9, transmission of the PHS message is started. That is, according to the above procedure,
The transmission message MT is read from the transmission buffer 70 by the communication control unit 68, and the transmission message MT is transmitted to the PHS network 40 by the PHS communication module 64.
Not limited to such one-way communication, two-way message communication may be performed in step ST9 using the established data communication link.

Thereafter, the completion of the message transmission is reported in step ST10. That is, the communication control unit 68
Generate a transmission completion signal corresponding to the transmission message,
This is transferred to the PC 12. When receiving the transmission completion signal, the PC 12 displays the fact on the display panel 18 or performs other appropriate processing.

Next, the data communication link is released in step ST11. Specifically, the communication control unit 68 generates a link release request signal, and transmits this to the PHS base station 44a or 44b by the PHS communication module 64, thereby causing the PHS network 40 to release the link.

Next, the call is disconnected in step ST12. Specifically, the communication control unit 68 generates a call disconnection request signal, and the PHS communication module 64
By transmitting to S base station 44a or 44b, P
The HS network 40 disconnects the call. Then, the transmission program ends, and the process returns to the main program.

When the determination in step ST6 is affirmative (when the destination is a subscriber of both PHS network 40 and wireless LAN 30), the process proceeds to step ST13. In step ST13, the communication control section 68 measures the voltage in the RF circuit 84 of the PHS communication module 64, that is, the electric field strength of the carrier of the PHS notification signal.

Thereafter, in step ST 14, the communication control section 68 sets the RF circuit 94 of the wireless LAN communication module 66.
, Ie, the intensity of the carrier wave of the wireless LAN.

Thereafter, in step ST15, the communication control section 68 determines the electric field strength of the carrier of the PHS notification signal and the radio L
Compare the carrier strength of the AN. In this comparison, if the former is greater than the latter, the process proceeds to step ST16; otherwise, the process proceeds to step ST17.

In step ST16, the communication control unit 68
Selects an address on the PHS from the two addresses of the destination terminal. As described above, the information of the two addresses is transmitted from the address management unit 74 to the communication control unit 6.
8 has already been transferred. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step ST7.
The message transmission using the PHS network 40 is executed as described above.

On the other hand, in step ST17, the communication control section 68 selects an address on the wireless LAN from the two addresses of the destination terminal. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST2, and the message transmission using the wireless LAN 30 is executed as described above.

According to the above-described embodiment, by mounting the card 10 on the information processing apparatus such as the PC 12, any one of the plurality of wireless communication modules 64 and 66 can be used.
Any wireless communication network can be used. Therefore, the trouble of exchanging cards according to the wireless communication network to be used is reduced. Further, once the card 10 is mounted on the information processing apparatus and the setting operation for adapting the internal function of the information processing apparatus to the card is completed, the information processing apparatus can communicate with these networks. Therefore, prior to using any of the wireless communication networks, there is no need to perform complicated internal setting work, and even a person who does not have specialized knowledge about the information processing apparatus can easily perform communication, and There is little risk of malfunction of the information processing device.

The wireless communication network to be used is the card 10
Since the selection is made by the internal communication control unit 68, the user does not need to input the information of the wireless communication network to be used for the information processing apparatus, but simply specifies the name of the destination. If the destination terminal device has joined two wireless communication networks,
Since the network to be used is determined based on the radio conditions of both radio communication networks, that is, the strength of the carrier, the reliability of message transmission is improved. This advantage is particularly effective when the information processing apparatus is carried and the intensity of the received carrier wave can be changed.

2. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. Also in this embodiment, a card 10 having the internal structure shown in FIG. 3 is mounted on an information processing device such as a notebook PC 12, and a plurality of information processing devices are provided. It is possible to communicate by selecting any of the wireless communication networks. Unlike the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, when the radio conditions of the two radio communication networks, that is, when both carrier strengths are weak, both radio communications are performed to improve the reliability of message transmission. Send a message using the network. The main program shown in FIG. 4, the PHS reception program shown in FIG. 5, and the LAN reception program shown in FIG. 6 are also used in this embodiment, but a transmission program different from that shown in FIG. 7 is used in this embodiment. .

Referring to FIG. 8, the transmission program of this embodiment will be described. In FIG. 8, steps common to those in FIG. 7 are given the same reference numerals to simplify the description. When the main program in FIG. 4 determines that a transmission request has been made, the transmission program is started. If the destination is a subscriber of both the PHS network 40 and the wireless LAN 30, the process goes through steps ST1 and ST6 and goes to step S6.
At T13, the electric field strength of the carrier of the PHS broadcast signal is measured, and at step ST14, the strength of the LAN carrier is measured.

Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST18,
It is determined whether or not the electric field strength of the carrier of the PHS notification signal is greater than a first threshold. The first threshold is predetermined through experiments, and it is predicted that a message error is large for a carrier having a strength lower than this. First
Is stored in the ROM 69, for example.
The data is read by the communication control unit 68.

If the determination in step ST18 is negative (if the strength of the PHS carrier is small), the process proceeds to step ST19 to determine whether the strength of the wireless LAN carrier is greater than a second threshold. . The second threshold value is also determined in advance through experiments, and it is predicted that a message error is large for a carrier having a strength lower than this. The information of the second threshold value is also stored in, for example, the ROM 69 and is read by the communication control unit 68.

If the determination in step ST19 is negative (the strength of the carrier wave of the wireless LAN is small), the process proceeds to step ST20, and the communication control unit 68 sets the internal flag F to 1. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST16.
And further proceeds to steps ST7 to ST12. Thereby, the transmission message is transmitted to the PHS network 40. After step ST12, the process proceeds to step ST2.
Proceed to 1 to determine whether the flag is 0 or not. Step ST1
If the determination of step 2 is negative, the process proceeds to step ST
Then, the process proceeds to steps ST2 to ST5. Thereby, the transmission message is transmitted to the wireless LAN 30. After step ST5, the communication control unit 68 resets the internal flag to 0 in step ST22. Then, the transmission program ends, and the process returns to the main program.

On the other hand, if the determination in step ST18 is affirmative (if the strength of the PHS carrier is large), the process proceeds to step ST16, and further proceeds to steps ST7 to ST12. If the destination is a subscriber only of the PHS network 40, the determination at step ST6 is negative, and the process proceeds to steps ST7 to ST12. In any case, the transmission message is transmitted to the PHS network 40. In these cases, after step ST12, the determination in step ST21 is affirmative, and step ST21
Thereafter, the transmission program ends, and the process returns to the main program.

On the other hand, if the determination in step ST19 is affirmative (if the strength of the carrier wave of the wireless LAN is large), the process proceeds to step ST17, and further proceeds to steps ST2 to ST5. If the destination is a subscriber of only the wireless LAN 30, the determination in step ST1 is negative, and the process proceeds to steps ST2 to ST5. In any case, the transmission message is transmitted to the wireless LAN 30. After step ST5, the communication control unit 68 resets the internal flag to 0 in step ST22. Then, the transmission program ends, and the process returns to the main program.

As described above, when the strength of the carrier wave in both wireless communication networks is weak, the message is transmitted using both wireless communication networks, so that the reliability of message transmission is improved.

In FIG. 8, when the determination in step ST18 is negative, the process proceeds to step ST19. That is, the transmission by the PHS has a higher priority. However, depending on the situation, transmission by wireless LAN may have higher priority. That is, when the transport strength of the LAN is weak, the PH
You may make it compare the conveyance intensity of S with a threshold value.

In the first and second embodiments, when the destination is subscribed to both wireless communication networks, the measurement of the carrier intensity is started in steps ST13 and ST14, and the measurement is performed instantaneously or in a short time. The strength of the carrier is referred to for selecting a wireless communication network. However, as a modification, the strength of the carrier may be measured and stored before that, and the temporal stability of the strength of the carrier may be used as a criterion for selecting a wireless communication network. For example, a wireless communication network in which the temporal change in the carrier wave intensity is small may be used.

As another modification, the error rate of one of the control signals received by the card 10 may be used as a criterion for selecting a wireless communication network, instead of the electric field strength of the carrier wave. Specifically, the error rate of any of the control signals of the PHS and the error rate of any of the control signals of the wireless LAN may be calculated in the control module 62, and the wireless communication network having the lower error rate may be used. Also in this case, if both error rates are inappropriate, both wireless communication networks may be used.

3. Third Embodiment In addition to the above-described strength of the carrier and the stability of the strength of the carrier, various factors can be adopted as a judgment material for selecting the wireless communication network. In the transmission program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the length of the transmission message is used as a judgment material.

Specifically, when the determination in step ST6 is affirmative (when the destination is a subscriber of both PHS network 40 and wireless LAN 30), the process proceeds to step ST23. In step ST23, the communication control unit 68 refers to the length of the transmission message MT in the transmission buffer 70. The communication control unit 68 may measure the length of the transmission message. Alternatively, the PC 12 may add the length information to the transmission message in advance, and the communication control unit 68 may detect this.

Thereafter, in step ST24, the communication control section 68 determines whether or not the length of the transmission message MT is larger than a predetermined threshold. If this determination is negative, the process proceeds to step ST16, and thereafter, the message is transmitted to PHS network 40. On the other hand, if the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step ST17, and thereafter, the message is transmitted to the wireless LAN 30.

4. Fourth Embodiment As a modification, there may be a transmission program shown in FIG. This transmission program is similar to the transmission program shown in FIG. 8, and common steps are denoted by the same reference numerals to simplify the description. In this transmission program, if the determination in step ST6 is affirmative (if the destination is a subscriber of both the PHS network 40 and the wireless LAN 30), the process proceeds to step ST25, and the communication control unit 68 sets the transmission buffer 70 Reference the length of the internal transmission message MT.

Thereafter, in step ST26, the communication control section 68 determines whether or not the length of the transmission message MT is larger than the first threshold. The information of the first threshold is, for example, R
It is stored in the OM 69 and is read by the communication control unit 68.

If the determination in step ST26 is negative (if the length is equal to or less than the first threshold), the process proceeds to step S26.
Proceeding to T16, the message is transmitted to the PHS network 40 thereafter.

On the other hand, if the determination in step ST26 is affirmative (if the length is greater than the first threshold), the process proceeds to step ST27, where the communication control unit 68 determines that the length of the transmission message MT is the second It is determined whether or not it is larger than the threshold value. The second threshold is greater than the second threshold. The information of the second threshold value is also stored in, for example, the ROM 69 and is read by the communication control unit 68.

If the determination in step ST27 is negative (if the length is equal to or less than the second threshold), the process proceeds to step S27.
Proceeding to T17, the message is transmitted to the wireless LAN 30 thereafter.

On the other hand, if the determination in step ST27 is affirmative (if the length is very large), the process proceeds to step S27.
Proceeding to T20, the communication control unit 68 sets the internal flag F to 1. Thereafter, the message is transmitted to the PHS network 40 and further transmitted to the wireless LAN 30.

As described above, in the third and fourth embodiments, the length of a transmission message is used as a criterion for selecting a wireless communication network. However, other attributes of the transmission message, such as importance and The format may be adopted as a judgment material.
Regarding the importance of the transmission message, the user of the PC 12 can specify the rank of the importance when creating the message in the message creation program on the PC 12, and the PC 12 adds the importance information indicating this rank to the transmission message. , The importance information can be used as a judgment material. Regarding the format of the transmission message, in the message creation program on the PC 12,
If the user of the PC 12 can create a message in various formats, and if the PC 12 adds format information indicating this format to the transmission message, the format information can be used as a judgment material. Also in these modified examples, when the rank of importance is higher than a predetermined reference or when the message format is a predetermined format, both wireless communication networks may be used.

5. Fifth Embodiment In the above embodiment, the wireless communication network used for message transmission is selected by the communication control unit 68 inside the card 10. However, a signal serving as a judgment material for selection may be supplied to the PC 12 and selected by the wireless communication network PC 12 used for message transmission.

The internal structure of the card 10 for implementing this method may be the same as that shown in FIG. However, the communication control unit 68 determines whether the electric field strength of the carrier of the
The measurement notification signal indicating the measurement result of the carrier intensity is transmitted to the PC 12.
And a selection command signal indicating the result of the selection of the wireless communication network by the user of the PC 12 can be supplied from the PC 12 to the communication control unit 68.

FIG. 11 shows a transmission program according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. This transmission program is similar to the transmission program shown in FIG. 8, and common steps are denoted by the same reference numerals to simplify the description. In this transmission program, if the destination subscribes to two wireless communication networks, step ST13 and step ST14
Then, the communication control unit 68 measures the electric field strength of the carrier of the PHS broadcast signal and the strength of the LAN carrier. Thereafter, in step ST30, the communication control unit 68 supplies a measurement notification signal indicating the measurement result to the PC 12.

When receiving the measurement notification signal, the PC 12
Displays the dialog box shown in FIG. In this dialog box, the PHS carrier strength chart 100 and the wireless LAN
Carrier intensity chart 102 and PHS transmission button 10
4, LAN send button 106, and both send button 10
8 is displayed. PHS carrier intensity chart 100
And the carrier intensity chart 102 of the wireless LAN indicate the intensity of the corresponding carrier in accordance with the measurement notification signal.

The user of the PC selects one or both wireless communication networks with reference to these charts.
That is, one of the PHS transmission button 104, the LAN transmission button 106, and the both transmission button 108 is selected and clicked using the human interface of the PC 12. Then, the PC 12 generates a selection command signal indicating the selection result, and supplies this to the communication control unit 68.

In the transmission program, after step ST30, the process stands by until a selection command signal is supplied in step ST31. When the selection command signal is supplied, it is determined in step ST32 whether the selection command signal indicates selection of PHS transmission. If the decision result in the step ST32 is affirmative, the process proceeds to a step ST16.
The message is transmitted only to the HS network 40.

If the decision result in the step ST32 is negative, in a step ST33, it is determined whether or not the selection command signal indicates the selection of the LAN transmission. If the determination result in step ST33 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step ST17, and thereafter, the message is transmitted only to the wireless LAN 30.

If the result of the determination in step ST33 is also negative (when the user clicks the send both button 108), the process proceeds to step ST20, and the flag is set to 1. Thereafter, the message is transmitted to the PHS network 40 and further transmitted to the wireless LAN 30.

As described above, according to this embodiment, P
It is possible to provide the user of C with information on the radio status. However, the wireless communication network to be used may be automatically selected by the internal processing of the PC 12 by using the internal determination function of the PC 12.

6. Sixth Embodiment In the above embodiment, the PC card 10 is
, Communication is possible, but there is no intention to limit the present invention to the above embodiment. The present invention is also applicable to a device capable of performing communication by itself. FIG.
14 shows an internal structure of a communication device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The internal structure of this communication device is the card 10 shown in FIG.
, The common components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will be simplified.

As shown in FIG. 13, the communication device 110 according to the sixth embodiment includes a control module 62, a PHS communication module 64, and a wireless LAN communication module 66 similar to those shown in FIG. You can use the net. Further, the communication device 110
Is the human interface 112, the signal generator 1
14, display control unit 116 and display 1
18 is provided. The communication device 110 is preferably in a form similar to, for example, a mobile phone or a palmtop computer.

[0095] The human interface 112 is, for example, a keyboard or a microphone. The user can input a message to be transmitted, a destination of the message, or a command to the communication device to the human interface 112. Human interface 11
2 based on the signal output from
Generates a signal in a format suitable for processing inside the control module 62.

The message signal output from signal generation section 114 is supplied to transmission buffer 70. Various signals output from the signal generation unit 114 are supplied to the communication control unit 68 and the display control unit 116.

[0097] Display 118 displays a message to be transmitted by the user, a received message, and an internal state of communication device 110 under the control of display control unit 116. The display controller 116 controls the display 118 based on the output signal of the signal generator 114.
, A message to be transmitted by the user, a destination, a transmission state, and the like are displayed. Also, the display control unit 116
Is supplied with an output signal of the communication control unit 68. The display control unit 116 displays a transmission completion report of the transmission message, a received message, and the like based on the output signal of the communication control unit 68.

The communication control section 68 of the communication device 110 according to this embodiment can also execute the programs shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. However, each method is modified as follows due to the difference in structure.

In the main program shown in FIG. 4, if the transmission message MT generated by the signal generation section 114 is transferred to the transmission buffer 70 in step SM3, it is determined that a transmission request has been made.

In the PHS receiving program shown in FIG. 5, in step SP4, the communication control unit 68 transfers the received message MR1 to which the address information of the transmission source or the destination name information of the transmission source is added to the display control unit 116. . In the LAN reception program shown in FIG. 6, in step SL3, the communication control unit 68 transfers the reception message MR2 to which the address information of the transmission source or the destination name information of the transmission source is added to the display control unit 116. When receiving the received message MR1 or MR2, the display control unit 116 processes the received message and displays the content and the source on the display panel 118.

In each of the transmission programs shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, at steps ST4 and ST10,
The communication control unit 6 sends a transmission completion signal corresponding to the transmission message.
8 is transmitted to the display control unit 116. Upon receiving the transmission completion signal, the display control unit 116 displays the completion of the message transmission.

Further, in the transmission program shown in FIG. 11, in step ST30, the communication control unit 68 transmits the measurement notification signal indicating the measurement result of the electric field strength of the carrier of the PHS broadcast signal and the strength of the LAN carrier to the display control unit 11.
6 Upon receiving the measurement notification signal, the display control unit 116 displays a dialog box shown in FIG. 12 on the display 118 to urge the user to make a selection. When the user makes a selection using the human interface 112, the signal generation unit 114 generates a selection command signal indicating the result of the selection, and supplies this to the communication control unit 68.

7. Other Changes / Modifications As described above, various embodiments according to the present invention have been described.
It is not intended that the present invention be limited to the embodiments described above, but the changes and modifications described below are also within the scope of the present invention.

In the first to fifth embodiments, the communication card 10 is employed as the communication auxiliary device. However, the shape of the communication auxiliary device is not limited to the card, but may be a box shape or any other suitable shape. Further, in the first to fifth embodiments, the card is directly mounted on the information processing device with a connector, but the communication auxiliary device and the information processing device may be connected via a cable.

In the first to fifth embodiments, the card 10
The wireless communication network for transmitting the transmission message is selected by the control module 62, and information useful for selecting the wireless communication network is transmitted to the PC 12 by the control module 62.
Or to be supplied. However, from the card 10 to the PC 12
The user may simply select the wireless communication network on the PC 12 without supplying such information to the PC 12, and the card 10 may transmit the message according to the selection.

In each of the above embodiments, the communication control section 68 operates in accordance with the communication program stored in the ROM 69. However, as the medium storing the program, a hard disk, an optical disk, a floppy disk, or another suitable recording medium is used. sell.

In each of the above embodiments, the card 10 or the communication device 11
A data communication link is established between 0 and the destination terminal, and after the transmission is completed, the data communication link is released. However, the above communication program may be executed while maintaining the data communication link. For example, in each of the transmission programs shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, when transmitting a message transmission to a destination different from the last transmission of the message, disconnection of an existing call, release of an existing communication link, and release of a new call Establish and establish a new communication link. This modification is advantageous when the communication assistant device or the communication device according to the present invention and the destination terminal are subscribed to a plurality of common wireless communication networks, and frequent communication is performed between them.

In each of the above embodiments, a message is transmitted or received after a data communication link is established in wireless LAN 30. However, the device according to the invention,
Other types of wireless LANs may be used. For example, many distributed control wireless LANs are based on MAC (media acce
ss control) layer protocol is CSMA / CA
(Carrier sense multiple access with collision avo
idance). According to CSMA / CA, each communication terminal constantly measures a carrier wave, and frequently determines whether a message addressed to itself is being carried. Also, CS
According to MA / CA, based on the measurement of the carrier wave, each communication terminal frequently determines whether or not the other communication terminals are communicating with each other. Send outgoing message. When the device according to the present invention is employed in this type of LAN, the establishment and release of the data link is not necessary for the reception by the LAN (steps SL1 and SL4 in FIG. 6), and the establishment of the data link is also possible for the transmission by the LAN. And release (steps ST2 and ST5 in FIGS. 7 to 11) is not required.

[0109]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible for a user to easily use a plurality of wireless communication networks properly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a PC card as a communication auxiliary device according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a PC as an information processing device to which the PC card is attached.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an environment in which the PC is used as a communication terminal.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal structure of the PC card.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a main program executed by the PC card.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a PHS receiving program executed by the PC card.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a LAN reception program executed by the PC card.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a transmission program executed by the PC card.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a transmission program corresponding to a communication method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a transmission program corresponding to a communication method according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a transmission program corresponding to a communication method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a transmission program corresponding to a communication method according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a dialog box displayed on the information processing device in the communication method according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an internal structure of a communication device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10: PC card (communication auxiliary device) 12: PC (information processing device) 30: Wireless LAN 40: PHS network 60: Control module (selection module, first and second measurement modules, transmission message attribute detection module, notification module) , Selection module, transmission control module, destination reference module) 69: ROM (medium recording the program) 64: PHS communication module 66: wireless LAN communication module 110: communication device 112: human interface

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A communication assisting device for assisting wireless communication between an information processing device and another communication device, wherein a message transmitted from the information processing device is transmitted to another communication device via a first wireless communication network. And a first wireless communication module for receiving a message transmitted from another communication device to the information processing device via the first wireless communication network and transferring the message to the information processing device; A message transmitted from the information processing device is transmitted to another communication device via the second wireless communication network, and is transmitted from the other communication device to the information processing device via the second wireless communication network. A second wireless communication module for receiving the received message and transferring the message to the information processing apparatus; and selecting the first and second wireless communication modules.
A communication module for an information processing apparatus, comprising: a selection module that enables an operation of the selected wireless communication module. 2. A first measuring module for measuring a first wireless communication state related to communication between the first wireless communication network and the first wireless communication module; and a second wireless communication network. Measuring a second wireless communication state related to the communication with the second wireless communication module;
The selection module further includes a measurement module, based on the first and second wireless communication states, when the transmission message is transmitted from the information processing device. The communication auxiliary device for an information processing device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the communication modules is selected. 3. A transmission message attribute detection module for detecting an attribute of the transmission message when a transmission message is transmitted from the information processing device, wherein the selection module is detected by the transmission message attribute detection module. The communication assisting apparatus for an information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second wireless communication modules is selected based on an attribute of the transmitted message. 4. A first measuring module for measuring a first wireless communication state related to communication between the first wireless communication network and the first wireless communication module; and a second wireless communication network. Measuring a second wireless communication state related to the communication with the second wireless communication module;
And a notifying module for notifying the information processing device of the first and second wireless communication states, wherein the selecting module is configured to transmit a transmission message from the information processing device. The communication assisting device for an information processing device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second wireless communication modules is selected based on a command from the information processing device. 5. The information processing apparatus further comprises: a destination reference module for referring to a destination of the transmission message when the transmission message is transmitted from the information processing apparatus. The communication assistant device for an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the selection module selects at least one of a first wireless communication module and a second wireless communication module. 6. The communication auxiliary device for an information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the communication auxiliary device has a form of a card that can be inserted into a card slot of the information processing device. 7. A communication assisting device for assisting wireless communication between an information processing device and another communication device, comprising: a plurality of wireless communication modules corresponding to a plurality of wireless communication networks; A message transmitted from the information processing device to another communication device via the corresponding wireless communication network, and a message transmitted from the other communication device to the information processing device via the corresponding wireless communication network. A communication assistance device for an information processing device, which receives the information and transfers the received information to the information processing device. 8. A first wireless communication for sending a message to another communication device via a first wireless communication network and receiving a message sent from the other communication device from the first wireless communication network. A second wireless communication module that sends a message to another communication device via the second wireless communication network and receives a message sent from the other communication device from the second wireless communication network. Measuring a first wireless communication state related to communication between the first wireless communication network and the first wireless communication module;
A second measuring module for measuring a second wireless communication state related to communication between the second wireless communication network and the second wireless communication module.
And when the transmission message is transmitted, based on the first and second wireless communication states, the first and second measurement modules
Select at least one of the wireless communication modules,
A communication module comprising: a selection module that controls the selected wireless communication module to transmit the transmission message. 9. A first wireless communication that sends a message to another communication device via a first wireless communication network and receives a message sent from the other communication device from the first wireless communication network. A second wireless communication module that sends a message to another communication device via the second wireless communication network and receives a message sent from the other communication device from the second wireless communication network. Measuring a first wireless communication state related to communication between the first wireless communication network and the first wireless communication module;
And a second module for measuring a second wireless communication state related to communication between the second wireless communication network and the second wireless communication module.
A measurement module, a notification module for notifying a user of the first and second wireless communication states, and a human capable of selecting at least one of the first and second wireless communication modules by the user A communication device, comprising: an interface; and a transmission control module configured to control the wireless communication module selected by the human interface to transmit a transmission message. 10. A first wireless communication network, comprising: measuring a first wireless communication state associated with a first wireless communication network; measuring a second wireless communication state associated with a second wireless communication network; At least one of a first wireless transmitter capable of transmitting a message via the second wireless communication network and a second wireless transmitter capable of transmitting a message via the second wireless communication network. A communication method comprising selecting based on a wireless communication state, and transmitting a transmission message by the selected wireless transmitter. 11. The communication method according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the first and second wireless communication states is an electric field strength of a carrier of a corresponding wireless communication network. 12. The communication method according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the first and second wireless communication states is a temporal change in carrier intensity of a corresponding wireless communication network. 13. The communication method according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the first and second wireless communication states is an error rate of a control signal of a corresponding wireless communication network. 14. The first wireless communication state is inferior to a first level and the second wireless communication state is a second level.
14. The communication method according to claim 10, wherein both the first and second wireless transmitters are selected when the level is lower than the first level. 15. A first device capable of detecting an attribute of a transmission message and transmitting the message via a first wireless communication network.
And / or a second wireless transmitter capable of transmitting a message via the second wireless communication network, based on the detection, and the transmission message is selected by the selected wireless transmitter. Communication method. 16. The communication method according to claim 15, wherein the attribute is a length of the transmission message. 17. The communication method according to claim 15, wherein the attribute is the importance of the transmission message. 18. The communication method according to claim 15, wherein the attribute is a format of the transmission message. 19. The communication according to claim 15, wherein when the detection result of the attribute is a predetermined result, both the first and second wireless transmitters are selected. Method. 20. A first wireless communication network, comprising: measuring a first wireless communication state related to a first wireless communication network; measuring a second wireless communication state related to a second wireless communication network; At least one of a first wireless transmitter capable of transmitting a message via the second wireless communication network and a second wireless transmitter capable of transmitting a message via the second wireless communication network. A medium in which a program for executing a process of transmitting a transmission message by the selected wireless transmitter is selected based on a wireless communication state. 21. A first device capable of detecting an attribute of a transmission message and transmitting the message via a first wireless communication network.
And / or a second wireless transmitter capable of transmitting a message via the second wireless communication network, based on the detection, and the transmission message is selected by the selected wireless transmitter. On which a program for executing a process of sending a program is recorded.