JP2003198407A - Wireless connecting device, wireless connecting system and wireless connecting method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wireless connecting device in which connection can be set up while designating a desired wireless connecting device without affecting the user of a wireless connecting device except for an object to be connected when a plurality of connectable wireless connecting devices exist. <P>SOLUTION: The wireless connecting device is composed of an audio signal input means 11, a detection means 12, a communication means 13, a pattern storage device 14, a display means 15, an audio signal output means and a control means 17. The audio signal input means 11 receives the input of an instruction in voice of a user. The detection means 12 detects connectable equipment within a range visually confirmable by the user. The communication means 12 communicates with the equipment detected by the detection means 12. The pattern storage device 14 saves encoded patterns. The display means 15 presents a pattern to the outside by blinking the light. The audio signal output means 16 transmits the pattern to the user by an audio signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a wireless connection device and a wireless connection device for establishing a connection by designating a desired wireless connection device when a plurality of connectable wireless connection devices exist. The present invention relates to a system and a wireless connection method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the case of a conventional wireless connection device, for example, a mobile phone, in order to establish a connection with a desired partner, a symbol unique to the partner device such as a telephone number is stored in advance by the user or the device at hand. Need to be

However, for example, in the case of a headset equipped with a wireless connection function or a mobile phone equipped with a transceiver function, there is a need to select a connection destination from an unspecified number of devices within the field of view. In such a case, the conventional method of designating a destination by a unique symbol known in advance cannot be applied.

As an example to meet such needs, there has been proposed a method of selectively connecting a plurality of headsets and one device (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-145163).
According to this method, when selecting a headset to be connected to a device, audio output is sequentially performed to each headset, and the user outputs the audio output and the display content of the device is collated / determined by the user to connect the head. You can specify a set.

[0005]

However, in this method, since the connection is confirmed by transmitting and receiving a voice signal, when another person is wearing a headset other than the intended one, unnecessary voice is transmitted to the other person's headset. It will be sent. Further, when there are a plurality of connectable devices, there is a problem that when a connection request is made from another device, the device issuing the connection request cannot be specified.

Therefore, in the present invention, when there are a plurality of connectable wireless connection devices, the desired wireless connection device can be specified without affecting the users of the wireless connection devices other than the connection target. It is an object of the present invention to provide a wireless connection device and a wireless connection method capable of establishing a connection with each other.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the first feature of the present invention is (a) a voice signal input means for inputting a voice signal, and (b) a pattern of a signal which changes with time. A pattern storage device for storing the data, (c) a detecting means for detecting another connectable device, and (d) a communication means for transmitting a pattern to the other device detected by the detecting means,
(E) An audio signal output means for outputting the pattern as an audio signal, and (e) a control means for connecting to another device via the communication means when another device performs a display based on the pattern. The gist is that it is a wireless connection device.

Here, the "pattern" is a time-varying signal format represented by two types such as ON and OFF.

According to the wireless connection device of the first feature,
When there are a plurality of connectable wireless connection devices, a desired wireless connection device can be designated and a connection can be established without affecting the users of the wireless connection devices other than the target of connection. .

The wireless connection device according to the first feature is
(G) A pattern coding means for coding the sound signal pattern inputted from the sound signal input means, and (h) a pattern matching means for matching the plurality of patterns may be further provided.

According to this wireless connection device, the user of the originating device can establish a connection with the desired receiving device for a call. Further, it is possible to inform the user of another wireless connection device whether or not each wireless connection device is in the reception waiting state by the display means.

Further, the communication means of the wireless connection device according to the first feature may utilize the ISM band of 2.4 GHz band and may utilize the frequency hopping spread spectrum system.
With this wireless connection device, efficient communication can be performed with low power consumption.

A second feature of the present invention is (a) detecting means for detecting connectable devices, communication means for communicating with the devices detected by the detecting means, and pattern of time-varying signals. And a plurality of transmitting side devices having at least a pattern storage device, an audio signal output means for outputting the pattern as an audio signal, and a control means for controlling the operation of the audio signal output means according to the pattern, and (b) communicating with the transmitting side device. A gist of the present invention is a wireless connection system including a communication unit, a display unit that expresses a pattern by blinking light, and a plurality of receiving-side devices that include at least a control unit that controls the operation of the display unit according to the pattern.

Here, the "source device" refers to the wireless connection device on the side where one wireless connection device is connected to the other wireless connection device, and the "reception device" is
Refers to the wireless connection device on the side waiting for a connection request.

According to the wireless connection system of the second feature, when there are a plurality of connectable wireless connection devices, a desired wireless connection device is not affected and does not affect the users of the wireless connection device other than the target. The wireless connection device can be specified to establish a connection.

The transmitting side device of the wireless connection system according to the second feature further comprises display means for expressing the pattern by blinking light, and the receiving side device further comprises audio signal output means for outputting the pattern as an audio signal. Is also good.

According to this wireless connection system, the user of the originating device can make a connection request for a call to the desired receiving device, and the user of the receiving device requests the connection. The connection can be permitted or disconnected after confirming the originating device or user.

The communication means of the wireless connection system according to the second feature uses the 2.4 GHz band ISM band,
A frequency hopping spread spectrum method may be used. According to this wireless connection system, it is possible to perform efficient communication with low power consumption.

A third feature of the present invention is (a) voice signal input means for receiving an input of a voice signal pattern, detecting means for detecting connectable equipment, and communication for communicating with equipment detected by the detecting means. Means, a pattern encoding means for encoding a voice signal pattern, a pattern collating means for collating a plurality of patterns for coincidence, a plurality of transmitting side devices including at least a control means for controlling the operation of the pattern encoding means and the pattern collating means, , (B) communication means for communicating with the originating device,
A wireless connection including a pattern storage device that stores a pattern of a signal that changes with time, a display unit that expresses the pattern by blinking light, and a plurality of receiving-side devices that include at least a control unit that controls the operation of the display unit according to the pattern The point is that it is a system.

According to this wireless connection system, the user of the originating device can establish a connection with the desired receiving device for a call. Further, it is possible to inform the user of another wireless connection device whether or not each wireless connection device is in the reception waiting state by the display means.

Further, the communication means of the wireless connection system according to the third feature uses the 2.4 GHz band ISM band,
A frequency hopping spread spectrum method may be used. According to this wireless connection system, it is possible to perform efficient communication with low power consumption.

A fourth feature of the present invention is that (a) a step of taking out a pattern from a pattern storage device in which the transmitting side device saves a pattern of a signal that changes with time, and (b) the transmitting side device is connectable. Detecting the receiving device,
(C) The transmitting side device transmits a pattern to the receiving side device, (d) the receiving side device blinks light according to the pattern, and (e) the transmitting side device outputs an audio signal according to the pattern. , (To) when the instruction is input to the transmitting side device, the transmitting side device makes a connection with the receiving side device.

According to the wireless connection method of the fourth feature,
When there are a plurality of connectable wireless connection devices, a desired wireless connection device can be designated and a connection can be established without affecting the users of the wireless connection devices other than the target of connection. .

Further, in the wireless connection method according to the fourth feature, it is also possible to use the 2.4 GHz band ISM band and use the frequency hopping spread spectrum method for the connection between the transmitting side device and the receiving side device. According to this wireless connection method, low power and efficient communication can be performed.

A fifth feature of the present invention is that (a) a step of taking out a pattern from a pattern storage device in which the transmitting side device saves a pattern of a signal that changes with time, and (b) the transmitting side device is connectable. Detecting the receiving device,
(C) The transmitting side device transmits a pattern to the receiving side device, (d) the receiving side device blinks light according to the pattern, and (e) the transmitting side device outputs an audio signal according to the pattern. , (To) the step of the transmitting side device blinking light according to the pattern, (g) the step of outputting the audio signal according to the pattern of the receiving side device, and (h)
It is a gist of the present invention to provide a wireless connection method including a step of connecting a receiving side device to a transmitting side device when an instruction is input to the receiving side device.

According to the wireless connection method of the fifth feature,
The user of the originating device can make a connection request for a call to the desired receiving device, and the user of the receiving device identifies the originating device or user who has requested the connection. After confirmation, the connection can be permitted or disconnected.

Further, in the wireless connection method according to the fifth feature, the transmission side device and the reception side device may be connected by using the 2.4 GHz band ISM band and the frequency hopping spread spectrum method. According to this wireless connection method, low power and efficient communication can be performed.

A sixth feature of the present invention is: (a) a step in which the receiving side device retrieves a pattern from a pattern storage device that stores a pattern of a signal that changes with time; and (b) the receiving side device follows the optical pattern. Blinking, (c) step of the calling side device to encode the voice pattern input by voice, (d) step of the calling side device to inquire the pattern of the receiving side device, and (e) reception The device on the side transmits the pattern to the device on the transmission side, and (e) the device on the transmission side collates the pattern with the voice pattern.
(G) In the collating step, when the pattern and the voice pattern match, the calling side device connects to the receiving side device.

According to the wireless connection method of the sixth feature,
The user of the originating device can establish a connection with the desired receiving device for a call. Further, it is possible to inform the user of another wireless connection device whether or not each wireless connection device is in the reception waiting state by the display means.

In the wireless connection method according to the sixth feature, the transmission side device and the reception side device may be connected using the 2.4 GHz band ISM band and the frequency hopping spread spectrum method. According to this wireless connection method, low power and efficient communication can be performed.

[0031]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, first and second embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic.

(First Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1, a wireless connection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention has a voice signal input means 11, a detection means 12, a communication means 13, and a pattern storage. Device 14, display means 15, audio signal output means 1
6 and control means 17. This wireless connection device is a headset device in which headphones and a microphone are integrated, a mobile phone, a PDC, a PHS, a transceiver, or the like.

The voice signal input means 11 is a microphone or the like for inputting a voice signal during a call, and accepts the input of an instruction by the voice of the user. The detection unit 12 detects a connectable device within a range visually recognizable by the user according to the user's instruction input to the audio signal input unit 11.

The communication means 13 communicates with the equipment detected by the detection means 12. Here, the communication means 13
Is different from the communication means that an ordinary mobile phone has to connect to a public network, and refers to an accessory communication means for directly communicating with a device in the vicinity of the range of the user's field of view.
As a method of performing such short-distance wireless communication, there is a method of using the frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) method using the 2.4 GHz band ISM band which can be handled without a license. With this method, 1 MHz wide 79
Interference with other wireless communication is prevented by randomly switching channels (frequency hopping) up to 1600 times per second.

The pattern storage device 14 stores the coded patterns. The “pattern” is a time-varying signal format represented by two types such as ON and OFF. An example of this coded pattern is shown in FIG. The pattern shown in FIG. 4 is an ON / OFF pattern for 3 seconds, where 1 unit is a time obtained by dividing 1 second into 4 parts. One pattern consists of 12 bits. In the case of this example, when the coded pattern is expressed by a binary number, "01011011010"
01 ”, which is expressed as a hexadecimal number becomes“ 0x5B9 ”.

The display means 15 is a means for expressing a pattern to the outside by blinking light, and it is conceivable to use, for example, an LED light emitter or the like. The voice signal output means 16 is a headphone or the like that outputs the voice received during a call, and can also transmit the pattern to the user by a voice signal. The control means 17 is the pattern storage device 1.
The pattern is read from 4, and the display means 15 or the audio signal output means 16 is driven based on the read pattern.
Further, the read pattern is transmitted to another device by using the communication means 13. Furthermore, the voice signal output means 16 can be controlled to output a voice signal for inquiries to the user.

According to the wireless connection device of the first embodiment, when there are a plurality of connectable wireless connection devices,
It is possible to specify a desired wireless connection device and establish a connection without affecting the users of the wireless connection devices other than the target of connection.

Next, a method of making a wireless connection by the wireless connection device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The wireless connection method according to the first embodiment is
This is a method in which when a direct call is started in the vicinity of being visible to each other, the other party of the call can be designated without connecting to an unintended device.

In the following description, when connecting from one wireless connection device to the other wireless connection device, the device on the connection side is referred to as an originating device, and the device waiting for a connection request is referred to as a receiving device. First, with reference to FIG. 2, an operation when the wireless connection device is used as a transmitting side device will be described.

(A) First, in step S101,
The originating device waits for a connection processing start instruction from the user. The user issues the start instruction to the voice signal input means 11
The input may be a voice "Start connection", an operation to turn on the power source (not shown) of the calling side device, a push signal by a button type input means (not shown), or the like. When there is a connection start instruction, the control means 17 causes the pattern storage device 14 to operate in step S102.
The encoded pattern is extracted from.

(B) Next, in step S103,
The detection means 12 detects the connectable devices one by one.
In step S104, the communication unit 13 makes a temporary connection to the detected device. Here, the temporary connection is a connection for selecting a connection destination or inquiring about connection permission, not for actually making a call.

(C) When the temporary connection is completed, the control means 17
Notifies the communication unit 13 of the pattern taken out in step S102, and in step S105, the communication unit 13 transmits the pattern to the temporary connection destination device. The operation of the receiving side device after the temporary connection is shown in FIG. 3 (details will be described later with respect to FIG. 3). The receiving side device is step S2.
In 04, the display means 15 is blinked according to the pattern.

(D) Next, in step S106,
The control means 17 drives the audio signal output means 16 in accordance with this pattern to output the audio signal pattern. At this time, the pattern of the audio signal should be heard only by the user of the transmitting side device. Further, in order to facilitate recognition, an interval of about 0.1 seconds may be inserted between continuous ON partial patterns, and an interval of about 1.5 seconds may be inserted at the end of the entire pattern to repeatedly output. In order to avoid erroneous recognition of the trailing 1.5 second blank and continuous OFF in the pattern, for example, 1 as shown in FIG.
In the case of a 2-bit pattern, it may be possible to set a constraint that at least 1 bit is on for every 3 bits obtained by dividing 12 bits into four. The pattern in the form of FIG. 4 can express 4096 patterns,
Even with this constraint, about 2000 patterns can be expressed.

(E) Next, the user of the transmitting side device visually recognizes the blinking pattern of the display means 15 of the receiving side device to be connected, and this blinking pattern matches the pattern of the audio signal heard from the audio signal output means 16. If so, it is understood that the receiving device temporarily connected at that time is the desired connection partner. Therefore, in step S107, the voice signal input means 11 is instructed to make a call connection. If they do not match, it instructs not to connect.

Here, when the patterns do not match, specifically, the display device of the desired connection partner does not blink, or even if it blinks, the pattern different from the output of the audio signal output means 16. It is when it is blinking. It is conceivable that the desired connection destination may accidentally blink the display means 15 in the same pattern by a temporary connection with a device different from the transmission-side device assumed here. However, since the pattern shown in FIG. 4 is about 2000 to 4000 as described above, the probability that a source having the same pattern simultaneously makes a temporary connection to a desired destination is practically sufficient. It can be said to be small.

(V) In step S107, when the calling side device inputs the connection instruction to the voice signal input device 11, the process proceeds to step S108, and the calling side device makes a connection with the receiving side device that is temporarily connected. If an instruction not to connect is input in step S107, the process proceeds to step S109 to disconnect the temporary connection. Then, the process returns to step S103, and a new connection destination is detected again.

Next, the operation of the receiving side device will be described with reference to FIG.

(A) First, in step S201,
The receiving device waits for a temporary connection request from the transmitting device. If there is a temporary connection request from the calling device, step S2
In 02, the communication means 13 makes a temporary connection. And
In step S203, the control means 17 receives the pattern data from the transmitting side device via the communication means 13.

(B) Next, in step S204,
The control means 17 blinks the display means 15 based on the pattern. This blinking continues until the temporary connection is disconnected or the connection for the call is established.

(C) Next, in step S205,
If there is no connection request from the originating device, the temporary connection is disconnected from the originating device, and in step S208, the receiving device also disconnects the temporary connection. Then, step S20
At 1, the terminal waits for a temporary connection request again.

(D) When the calling user gives a connection instruction after visually recognizing the blinking pattern, in step S205, the receiving device considers that there is a connection request, and in step S206, the communication means 13 Accept the connection. Next, in step S207, the audio signal output means 16 notifies the user of the receiving side device that the connection has been established.

Here, for ease of explanation, the processes of the transmitting side device and the receiving side device are described separately, but in reality, the standby process of S101 and S201 may be processed in parallel. In this case, if there is a connection instruction from the user during standby, the processing flow will be processed as a transmitting side device, or if a temporary connection request is made from another device, the processing flow will proceed as a receiving side device.

Although only the call connection between the two wireless connection devices has been described here, one transmitting side device and a plurality of receiving side devices can be connected by repeating the same processing flow.

According to the wireless connection method according to the first embodiment, the user of the originating device specifies the connection destination, and the confirmation operation of the destination is also a voice signal pattern and reception that can be heard only by the user of the originating device. Since this is performed by collating with the blinking pattern of the display means 15 of the side device, which wireless connection device is the calling side device or which wireless connection device pair is for the user other than the wireless connection device pair to be connected. The call connection can be established without the third party knowing whether the connection is being made. (Modification of First Embodiment) As a modification of the first embodiment, the user of the receiving device confirms the temporary connection with the desired receiving device, and then the user of the receiving device A case will be described in which the originating device that is making a connection request to the own device is confirmed, and it is possible to instruct whether to permit or deny the connection.

The configuration of the wireless connection device according to the modification of the first embodiment is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 1, and therefore its explanation is omitted here.

In the following description of the wireless connection method, when connecting from one wireless connection device to the other wireless connection device, the device on the connection side is the originating device and the device on the side waiting for a connection request is the reception side device. Call it a device. First, the operation when the wireless connection device is used as a reception side device will be described with reference to FIG. Since steps S301 to S305 and step S312 are the same as steps S201 to S205 and step S208 of the operation of the receiving side apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, description thereof will be omitted here.

(A) In step S305, when a connection request is received from the source device, the control means 1 of the receiver device 1
In step S306, the 7 drives the audio output means 16 according to the received pattern and outputs an audio signal pattern.

(B) The user of the receiving side device listens to the voice signal pattern and, while listening to the voice signal pattern, step S40 of FIG.
By using the same pattern, the device on the sending side, which blinks the display means 15, is visually confirmed by 8.

(C) In step S307, when the connection is permitted as a result of visual recognition, the receiving user instructs the audio signal input means 11 of the receiving device to permit the connection. When the permission of connection is instructed, the control means 17 on the receiving side stops the audio signal pattern output from the audio signal output means 16 in step S308. And step S
In 309, the communication unit 13 establishes a call connection with the calling side and notifies the calling side of the connection permission.

(D) If the user does not permit the connection in step S307, the control means 17 on the receiving side outputs the audio signal output means 16 in step S310.
The output of the audio signal pattern from is stopped, and in step S311, the communication means 13 is controlled to disconnect the temporary connection.

Next, the operation of the transmitting side device will be described with reference to FIG. Since steps S401 to S407 and step S414 are the same as steps S101 to S107 and step S109 of the operation of the calling side device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, description thereof will be omitted here.

(A) In step S408, if there is a connection instruction from the calling user, step S408.
At, the control means 17 blinks the display means 15 of the originating device according to the pattern data. This is as mentioned above
This is to allow the user of the receiving side device to visually recognize the transmitting side device.

(B) After that, the communication means 13 on the transmission side waits for a reply of connection permission from the receiving side device. If the connection is permitted in step S409, step S409
Proceeding to 410, the control means 17 establishes a connection for a call using the communication means 13. Then, step S411
At, the voice signal output means 16 notifies the calling side user that the call connection has been established.

(C) If the connection is not permitted by the receiving device in step S409, step S41
In step 2, the control means 17 of the originating device uses the communication means 13 to perform temporary connection disconnection processing. And step S4
At 13, the voice signal output means 16 notifies the calling side user that the call connection could not be established.

According to the wireless connection method according to the modification of the first embodiment, the user of the calling side device makes a call to the desired receiving side device by the processing of the calling side device and the receiving side device. A connection request can be issued, and the user of the receiving side device can permit or disconnect the connection after confirming the calling side device or the user requesting the connection. In addition, as in the first embodiment, for a user other than the wireless connection device pair to be connected, which wireless connection device is the originating device, or which wireless connection device pair is connecting. The call connection can be established without the knowledge of a third party.

(Second Embodiment) The wireless connection device according to the second embodiment is, like the wireless connection device according to the first embodiment, specifically, a headphone and a microphone are integrated. Headset device, mobile phone, PDC, PH
S, transceiver, etc.

The wireless connection device according to the second embodiment is
As shown in FIG. 7, the audio signal input means 11 and the detection means 1
2, communication means 13, pattern storage device 14, display means 1
5, audio signal output means 16, control means 17, pattern coding means 18, pattern matching means 19. The voice signal input means 11, the detection means 12, the communication means 13, the pattern storage device 14, the display means 15, the voice signal output means 16, and the control means 17 are the wireless connection device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Since it is the same, the description is omitted here.

The pattern coding means 18 codes the voice signal pattern inputted from the voice signal input means 11.
An example of a pattern coded by the pattern coding means 18 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 10, the part to which the tongue tapping is input as a voice pattern on the time series is shown as “tsu”. Timing cannot be expected to be strict with such a voice input by the user, but the shortest unit of the pattern is standardized to 0.25 seconds as in the coding pattern shown in FIG. As shown in, it is possible to standardize a minute shift in timing to this shortest unit. In the case of the example in FIG. 10, when the coded pattern is represented by a binary number, “1
[00110111001], which is expressed as a hexadecimal number is “0x9B9”.

In the coding pattern in the first embodiment, limiting the number of consecutive 0 bits was considered as an example of a method for discriminating the beginning of the pattern, but in the second embodiment, Furthermore, for example, by providing a restriction that the head bit is always 1, the head of the pattern can be recognized. When such a limitation is set, the number of types of patterns to be expressed is further reduced, but it can be avoided by expanding the pattern length to 4 seconds or more, that is, 16 bits or more on the same principle.

The pattern collating means 19 collates a plurality of patterns for coincidence. For example, the pattern coded by the pattern coding unit 18 is compared with the pattern stored in the pattern storage device 14.

According to the wireless connection device of the second embodiment, when there are a plurality of connectable wireless connection devices,
It is possible to specify a desired wireless connection device and establish a connection without affecting the users of the wireless connection devices other than the target of connection.

Next, a method of making a wireless connection by the wireless connection device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. The wireless connection method according to the second embodiment is
Similar to the wireless connection method according to the first embodiment, when a direct call is started in the vicinity where they can be visually recognized from each other, it is possible to specify a call destination without connecting to an unintended device. It is a possible method.

In the following description, when one wireless connection device is connected to the other wireless connection device, the device on the side of connection is called a transmitting side device, and the device on the side waiting for a connection request is called a receiving side device. First, with reference to FIG. 8, an operation when the wireless connection device is used as a reception side device will be described.

(A) In step S501, when the connection standby start instruction is received from the user and the standby input is instructed from the voice input means 11, the control means 17 is stored in the pattern storage device 14 in advance in step S502. Take out the pattern.

At this time, the method by which the user inputs the connection standby start instruction may not depend on the voice input. For example, it is conceivable that the standby start instruction is given by an operation of turning on the power source device (not shown) or a push-down signal from a button type input means (not shown).

(B) Next, in step S503,
The control means 17 blinks the display means 15 according to the pattern. Then, in step S504, a standby state is entered, and a pattern inquiry from the originating device is awaited.

(C) If there is a pattern inquiry in step S504, the process proceeds to step S505.
Establishes a temporary connection for pattern transmission. Control means 17 of the receiving side device which has received a pattern inquiry from the transmitting side device
Communicates the pattern extracted in step S502 to the communication means 1
Then, in step S506, the data is transmitted to the originating device. As will be described in detail later, this transmitted pattern is processed by the originating device. Then, the calling side device makes a call connection request to the receiving side device if necessary.

(D) In step S507, the receiving side device waits for a call connection request from the calling side device.
If there is a connection request, in step S508, a connection is established with the calling side device.

(E) If there is no connection request in step S507, the temporary connection with the originating device is disconnected in step S509. Then, step S50
Returning to step 3, the display device blinks again and waits for a pattern inquiry from another transmitting side device.

Next, the operation of the transmitting side device will be described with reference to FIG.

(A) In step S601, the voice input means 11 of the calling side device waits for a voice pattern input from the user. This voice pattern is input by the user's tongue tapping as the display means 15 of the receiving side device to be connected blinks.

(B) The voice pattern input in step S601 is sent to the pattern coding means 18 via the control means 17. Then, in step S602, the pattern coding means 18 codes the coding pattern shown in FIG.

(C) Next, in step S603,
The transmitting side device detects the connectable receiving side device within the range that the user of the transmitting side device can visually confirm by the detecting means 12. Then, each time a connectable receiving side device is detected, in step S604, the transmitting side device establishes a temporary connection with the detected receiving side device. Next, in step S605, the coded blinking pattern of the display means 15 of the receiving side device is inquired.

(D) Next, the transmitting side device receives the blinking pattern of the display means 15 from the receiving side device. The blinking pattern received here may be stored in the pattern storage device 14.
Then, in step S606, the pattern matching unit 1
9, the received blinking pattern is compared with the voice pattern of the originating device encoded in S602.

(E) If these patterns match in step S606, it means that the user of the originating device is in the tentative connection with the device to which the user of the originating device is trying to connect. Therefore, in step S607, the originating device is connected. Makes a call connection request to the receiving device. And step S
At 608, a connection is made.

(V) If the patterns do not match in step S606, it means that the temporarily connected device is different from the device that the calling side user tried to connect to. Therefore, in step S608, The calling device disconnects the temporary connection. Then, the process returns to step S603 to detect the next connectable reception side device.

According to the wireless connection method according to the second embodiment, the user of the originating device can establish a connection with the desired receiving device for a call. Further, the display means 15 can inform the user of another wireless connection device whether or not each wireless connection device is in the reception waiting state. Furthermore, in the case of the second embodiment, since each wireless connection device blinks the display device in a different pattern, which wireless connection device transmits to the user other than the pair of wireless connection devices to be connected. The call connection can be established without the third party being aware of the side device or which wireless connection device pair is making the connection.

Also in the wireless connection method according to the second embodiment, as in the modification of the first embodiment, the user of the receiving-side device confirms the calling-side device requesting the connection. After that, it is possible to decide whether or not to connect. (Other Embodiments) Although the present invention has been described by the above embodiments, it should not be understood that the description and drawings forming a part of this disclosure limit the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

For example, although one pattern is described in each of the first and second embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of patterns are stored in the pattern storage device 14,
The pattern may be selected randomly or according to the preference of the user.

Also, in the first and second embodiments of the present invention, it has been described that patterns are transmitted and received between the wireless connection devices. At this time, each wireless connection device may store the received pattern in the pattern storage device 14 and perform the subsequent processing.

As described above, it goes without saying that the present invention includes various embodiments and the like not described here. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is defined only by the matters specifying the invention according to the scope of claims appropriate from the above description.

[0092]

According to the present invention, when there are a plurality of connectable wireless connection devices, the desired wireless connection device can be obtained without affecting the users of the wireless connection devices other than the connection target. It is possible to provide a wireless connection device and a wireless connection method capable of establishing a connection by designating.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless connection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation of the calling side device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the receiving-side device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an example of an encoding pattern according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of a receiving side device according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of a calling side device according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless connection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of the receiving side apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation of the calling side device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an example of an encoding pattern according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 Audio signal input means 12 Detection means 13 Communication means 14 Pattern storage device 15 Display means 16 Audio signal output means 17 Control means 18 Pattern Coding Means 19 Pattern verification means

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Shinichi Tanaka             1st Komukai Toshiba-cho, Sachi-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa             Inside the Toshiba Research and Development Center F term (reference) 5K011 DA26 GA03 HA06 HA07 JA01                       KA12                 5K067 AA33 BB04 BB21 EE33 FF23                       FF40 GG01 HH23

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A voice signal input means for inputting a voice signal, a pattern storage device for storing a pattern of a signal that changes with time, a detection means for detecting another connectable device, and a detection means for detecting the other device. Communication means for transmitting the pattern to another device that has been performed, an audio signal output means for outputting the pattern as an audio signal, and when the other device performs display based on the pattern,
A wireless connection device, comprising: a control unit that connects to the other device via the communication unit. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising pattern coding means for coding a voice signal pattern input from the voice signal input means, and pattern collating means for collating a plurality of patterns. The wireless connection device according to. 3. The communication means is a 2.4 GHz band ISM.
The wireless connection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a band is used and a frequency hopping spread spectrum system is used. 4. Detecting means for detecting a connectable device, communication means for communicating with the device detected by the detecting means, pattern storage device for storing a pattern of a signal which changes with time, and a voice for the pattern. Audio signal output means for outputting as a signal, a plurality of transmitting side devices equipped with a control means for controlling the operation of the audio signal output means according to the pattern, communication means for communicating with the transmitting side device, and blinking of light in the pattern A wireless connection system comprising: a display unit represented by the expression; 5. The transmitting side device further comprises a display means for expressing the pattern by blinking light, and the receiving side device further comprises an audio signal output means for outputting the pattern as an audio signal. The wireless connection system according to claim 4. 6. A voice signal input means for receiving an input of a voice signal pattern, a detecting means for detecting a connectable device, a communication means for communicating with a device detected by the detecting means, and an encoding of the voice signal pattern. A plurality of transmitting side devices, each of which has a pattern encoding means, a pattern collating means for collating a plurality of patterns, a control means for controlling the operation of the pattern encoding means and the pattern collating means, and a communication with the transmitting side equipment. A plurality of receiving units each including a communication unit for performing the above, a pattern storage device for storing a pattern of a signal that changes with time, a display unit for expressing the pattern by blinking light, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the display unit according to the pattern. A wireless connection system comprising: a side device. 7. The communication means is a 2.4 GHz band ISM.
7. The wireless connection system according to claim 4, wherein a band is used and a frequency hopping spread spectrum system is used. 8. A step of extracting the pattern from a pattern storage device in which the calling side device stores a pattern of a signal that changes with time, a step of detecting a receiving side device to which the calling side device is connectable, A side device transmits the pattern to the reception side device, a step in which the reception side device blinks light according to the pattern, a step in which the transmission side device outputs an audio signal according to the pattern, and the transmission side The wireless connection method, comprising: a step of connecting the transmitting side device to the receiving side device when an instruction is input to the device. 9. A step of extracting the pattern from a pattern storage device in which the calling side device stores a pattern of a signal that changes with time; a step of detecting a receiving side device to which the calling side device can connect; A side device transmits the pattern to the reception side device, a step in which the reception side device blinks light according to the pattern, a step in which the transmission side device outputs an audio signal according to the pattern, and the transmission side The device blinks light according to the pattern; the receiving device outputs an audio signal according to the pattern; and when the receiving device receives an instruction input, the receiving device transmits a signal. A wireless connection method comprising: connecting to a side device. 10. The receiving device retrieves the pattern from a pattern storage device that stores a pattern of time-varying signals, the receiving device blinks light according to the pattern, and the transmitting device A step of encoding a voice pattern inputted by voice; a step of making a call from the sending side device to the receiving side device; a step of causing the receiving side device to send the pattern to the sending side device; , The calling side device checks whether the pattern and the voice pattern match each other, and in the checking step, when the pattern and the voice pattern match, the calling side device connects to the receiving side device. A wireless connection method comprising: performing. 11. The connection between the device on the transmitting side and the device on the receiving side uses an ISM band of the 2.4 GHz band and uses a frequency hopping spread spectrum system. The wireless connection method according to item 1.