JP2003234920A - Radio system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate the troublesome input operations required for verification between apparatuses which make first connection and to eliminate troublesomeness, in which a user must move although using radio communication, in a radio system. <P>SOLUTION: A first radio apparatus 17, such as a digital still camera has an input device 11 having a simple structure such as a switch, and is so constructed that it generates a state change, when obtaining a prescribed signal. A second radio apparatus 24, such as a printer has a state change command transmitting means 23 for transmitting a state change command as the prescribed signal to the apparatus 17 in order to make radio connection. The apparatus 17 outputs information on the state change to the outside by radio, only when the device 11 is operated, and the apparatus 17 receives the command from the apparatus 24 to establish radio connection with the apparatus 24. <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 system for performing wireless connection by low power and high frequency in place of a connection cable.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the rapid progress of electronic devices such as mobile phones has made wireless communication technology familiar.
Bl as a short-distance wireless communication technology that has received particular attention
uetooth. Bluetooth is
2.4 GHz band without license (ISM band: Industr
It is a wireless interface that uses the ial Science Medical band) as a carrier frequency. More than 2000 companies around the world have Bluetooth SI
G (Special Interest Group)
Have participated in.

When Bluetooth is installed in a mobile phone, it is expected that the cost will be drastically reduced. Furthermore, since it has a low output of 1 mW, it is one of the features that it has little effect on health such as pacemakers, and it is expected as a network to be used for the last 10 m of household use in the future.

Here, a conventional wireless connection operation using Bluetooth will be described.

When two electronic devices each having a built-in wireless device make a wireless connection for the first time, the host electronic device uses the input device to identify the target electronic device to the software section. Issue the target confirmation command.

[0006] The software section that receives the information controls the wireless hardware section to emit a wireless radio wave for checking whether or not there is an electronic device capable of wireless connection.

Upon receiving the radio wave, the electronic device within the connectable area returns unique information such as its device address to the host.

Then, the wireless hardware unit on the host side which has received the information transmits information to the software unit. Information on electronic devices that can be wirelessly connected is made into a database by some sort in the software section.

Next, by using an output device such as a liquid crystal monitor, it is confirmed by the user that there is a desired target electronic device among the connectable electronic devices, and the device address of the desired electronic device is confirmed. If information such as the above is instructed by the user, wireless connection can be established based on the instructed information.

[0010]

By the way, as described above, the wireless device including the hardware and the communication protocol can be used for electronic devices in various fields, such as a digital still camera (DSC).

However, electronic devices that are becoming smaller in size do not always have an interface for selecting and instructing a communication destination device as described above. For example, even though a liquid crystal monitor exists in a digital still camera, it is difficult to obtain an input means for designating a specific device, and particularly complicated password input is impossible.

[0012] Therefore, when confirming the control states of electronic devices and making a reliable wireless connection, it is possible to make a reliable wireless connection by operating an input device, for example, a simple input such as turning on or off an input switch. The technology to do is required.

In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a wireless system for simply and reliably realizing wireless connection between electronic devices.

Another object of the present invention is to eliminate the complexity of a user moving to a data transmission destination and operating the device when using the wireless communication device.

[0015]

The present invention solves the above problems by taking the following means. That is, a state change command is sent to the first wireless device that has an input device and causes a state change when a predetermined signal is obtained, to the first wireless device to establish a wireless connection. And a second wireless device having a state change command transmitting means. The first wireless device wirelessly outputs the state change information to the outside only when the input device is operated and the state change command is received from the second wireless device. It is configured to establish a wireless connection with a second wireless device.

According to this structure, the state change command transmitting means of the second wireless device constantly transmits the state change command, but when the user of the first wireless device uses the second wireless device for the first time. In addition, there is no need to perform complicated operations such as password input after checking on the monitor, just by operating the input device (for example, turning on the input switch,
A reliable wireless connection between the first wireless device and the second wireless device can be easily realized by a simple input such as off. Then, in this case, the user of the first wireless device can escape from the complexity of moving to the side of the second wireless device that is the data transmission destination and operating the device, despite the wireless communication. it can.

The present invention solves the above problems by taking the following means. That is the case where there are multiple first wireless devices. That is, all or some of the plurality of first wireless devices that have an input device and that change state when a predetermined signal is obtained, and the plurality of first wireless devices for wireless connection. And a second wireless device having a state change command transmitting means for sequentially transmitting a state change command as the predetermined signal. Then, each of the first wireless device, the input device is operated, and wirelessly outputs the information of the state change to the outside only when receiving the state change command from the second wireless device, It is configured to establish a wireless connection with the second wireless device.

This is so that when there are a plurality of first wireless devices, each first wireless device is determined as a target of wireless connection based on the operation of the input device.

Also in this case, similarly to the above, the user of each first wireless device does not need to perform a complicated operation such as password input after confirming on the monitor when using the second wireless device. It is possible to easily establish a reliable wireless connection with the second wireless device simply by operating the input device. Further, the user of the first wireless device can be spared from the complexity of moving to the side of the second wireless device and operating the device, despite the wireless communication.

To describe the above configuration at a more specific level, the first wireless device permits the connection request from the second wireless device only when the input device is operated, and the first wireless device allows the connection request from the second wireless device. When the information is off, the connection request is not responded to. By operating the input device of the first wireless device, it is possible to directly control the validity / invalidity of the wireless connection with the second wireless device.

Alternatively, if the above configuration is described at a more specific level, the first wireless device permits the connection request from the second wireless device only when the input device is operated, and the input is performed. When the information from the device is off, it does not respond to the connection request, and when the second wireless device does not respond from a part of the first wireless device for a predetermined time, the second wireless device does not respond to the first wireless device. It is configured to stop the connection procedure with a part of the device or try to connect with a first wireless device different from the part of the first wireless device.

This means that when there are a plurality of first wireless devices, the second wireless device searches for the first wireless device which will not use the second wireless device.

In the above, as another preferable aspect, the second wireless device has a connection state display section, and the second wireless device is provided with a part or all of the first wireless device. After establishing the wireless connection, the wireless connection establishment signal is generated, and the display of the connection state display unit is controlled by the wireless connection establishment signal.

In this case, on the side of the second wireless device,
When the second wireless device is used by any one of the first wireless devices, the fact can be notified to the user by the display on the connection state display unit. It is possible to reduce congestion of a plurality of users.

As another preferred mode, the second wireless device establishes a wireless connection with a part of the first wireless device, and then the remaining parts other than a part of the first wireless device. Of the first wireless device is disabled, and after the wireless connection is canceled, connection with the remaining first wireless device other than a part of the first wireless device is enabled. Can be mentioned.

In this case, even if the connection status display section is not provided, the usage status of the second wireless device by any one of the first wireless devices can be indirectly notified to another user, and the usage status can be improved. After the end, the other first wireless device is allowed to be used and the second wireless device is effectively used.

Furthermore, in the above, as a preferred mode, the second wireless device once establishes a wireless connection with a part of the first wireless device, and then temporarily sets the second wireless device. The operation disables connection with a wireless device other than the first wireless device, and after the wireless connection is canceled, it becomes possible to connect with a wireless device other than the first wireless device. Can be mentioned.

[0028] In another preferred aspect, when the second wireless device is connected to a part of the first wireless device, the second wireless device is different from a part of the first wireless device. That is, no connection is made with the first wireless device.

Further, in the above, as a preferable mode, the first wireless device may use the information from the input device as a device authentication signal at the time of wireless connection.

In this case, the information from the input device can be used as a device authentication code called PIN code, for example. Since the PIN code can be 1 bit, for example, you can turn the switch on and off with the P
It can also be used as an IN code. With a simple configuration, it is possible to realize distinguishability in the plurality of first wireless devices.

Further, in the above, as a preferred mode, the first wireless device has an output device, and controls the output device only when receiving the state change command from the second wireless device. I can mention that. Here, the output device may be a display type or an audio output type.

In this case, the user can clearly confirm that the first wireless device is in a wireless connection state with the second wireless device.

[0033]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of a radio system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a radio system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure
1, 1 is a first wireless device, 16 is a wireless hardware unit for transmitting and receiving wireless radio waves including an antenna, 14 is a software unit for controlling the wireless hardware unit 16, and as an interface between them, There is a hardware control interface (HCI) 15. In addition, the software unit 14 uses the man-machine interface (MMI) 13 to input the input devices 11 such as switches and buttons and the light emitting diode (LE).
D) and other output devices 12. Although the example of FIG. 1 shows one first wireless device, a plurality of first wireless devices may exist.

Reference numeral 24 is a second wireless device, 22 is a wireless hardware section for transmitting and receiving wireless radio waves including an antenna and the like, 20 is a software section for controlling the wireless hardware section 22, and as an interface between them, There is a hardware control interface 21. In addition, the software unit 20 has a man-machine interface 1
It is connected to the state change command transmission means 23 via 9.

Here, an example of a printer as the second wireless device 24 and an example of a digital still camera as the first wireless device 17 will be described. Here, the first wireless device 2
4 and the first wireless device 17 are extremely small wireless devices that do not have a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor.

The state change command transmitting means 23 transmits a state change command at a predetermined timing, and is transmitted from the second wireless device 24 as a radio wave via the software section 20 and the wireless hardware section 22.

This radio wave is received by the first radio apparatus 17 and reaches the man-machine interface 13 via the radio hardware section 16 and the software section 14.

Here, when the information from the input device 11 formed of, for example, a switch is off, the first wireless device 17 does not connect to the second wireless device 24, and the output of the output device 12 For example, the LED is not turned on.

On the other hand, when the information from the input device 11 is turned on, the first wireless device 17 operates as the second wireless device 24.
Connection to the output device 12, for example, L
Turn on the ED.

That is, by operating the input device 11, communication between devices is permitted and the output device 12 is displayed. The display of the output device 12 allows visual confirmation of wireless connection. The output from the output device 12 may be sound.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a second radio apparatus in the radio system of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

In FIG. 2A, the second wireless device 24
The device address of each of the plurality of first wireless devices 17, for example, device address 1, device address 2, device address 3 and the like is stored in the software unit 20 of FIG.
This is information collected based on the response from the first wireless device 17 to the inquiry from the second wireless device 24 to the plurality of first wireless devices 17 at the start of the communication procedure. The plurality of device addresses correspond to the respective devices of the plurality of first wireless devices 17.

The signal from the state change command transmitting means 23 is input to the software section 20 via the switching means 25. The switching means 25 sequentially and cyclically switches the device address 1, the device address 2, the device address 3, etc. at a predetermined timing. As a result, only the unique device address is output to the hardware control interface 21, and the first wireless device 1 to be connected is connected.
It becomes possible to select 7.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the first wireless device 17 is, for example, a wireless device 17.1, 17.2, 17.3.
And so on. By the switching operation of the switching means 25 included in the second wireless device 24, the wireless device 17.
It is possible to switch between 1, 17.2, 17.3, etc.

In this case, if the input device information of a part of the first wireless device 17, for example, the wireless device 17.1, is on, the connection request from the second wireless device 24 is permitted, and the wireless device 17.1 is enabled. When the input device information held by is off, do not respond to the connection request. As a result, the success or failure of the connection can be controlled only by the operation on the side of the first wireless device 17, so that, for example, a user having a digital still camera can reach the printer side despite the wireless connection. It is possible to avoid the annoyance of performing a communication connection operation after moving.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing the connection timing of the wireless system of the present invention. In FIG. 3, (a)
Is a connection request pulse train transmitted from the second wireless device 24. In (a), T1, T2, and T3 are respectively
Wireless device 17.1, wireless device 17.2, wireless device 17.
It corresponds to 3. This pulse train repeats T1 and T2 after outputting T3 at intervals of time t. In the present embodiment, an example in which there are three first wireless devices 17 is shown, but there may be one or two, and of course four or more.

Now, the input device 11 of the wireless device 17.1.
Is operated. As shown in FIG. 3B,
Only when the input device 11 of the wireless device 17.1 is in the ON state at the timing of the T1 pulse from the second wireless device 24, the wireless device 17.1 operates as the second wireless device 24.
Connection is performed in response to the connection request from.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 3 (c), the second wireless device 24 suspends the transmission of the connection request pulse and maintains the connection with the wireless device 17.1.

The input device 11 of the wireless device 17.1 is O
In the case of FF, the connection request pulse is repeated as shown in FIG.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a second radio apparatus in the radio system of Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second wireless device 24 has a connection status display section 26. The connection status display unit 26
After establishing a wireless connection with the wireless device 17.1 or 17.2, 17.3, a wireless connection establishment signal is generated from the software units 14, 20, and the connection state display unit 26 displays the wireless connection establishment signal. Is controlled. After establishing the connection
When the connection status display unit 26 is, for example, an LED, it lights up.

Looking at the entire wireless system, for example, the LED of the connection state display section 26 of the second wireless device 24 and the LED of the output device 12 of the wireless device 17.1 of the first wireless devices 17 are lit. Other wireless devices 17.2, 1
7.3 is in a non-illuminated state. As a result, the device being wirelessly connected becomes clear.

(Fourth Embodiment) In addition, the input device 11
Is OFF at a predetermined time, as shown in (a) of FIG.
When it changes to, the connection with the next wireless device 17.2 or later device is tried by the T2 pulse of FIG. 5B. In this way, among the first wireless devices, a predetermined wireless device occupies the connection.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 6 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6B shows the re-transmission of the connection request pulse. When the connection occupation of the wireless device 17.1 is completed as shown in FIG. 6A, another wireless device 1
Opportunities for connection are provided by T2, T3 pulses at 7.2, 17.3, etc. That is, since the connection request pulse is repeated and transmission is started, the wireless device 1 will continue.
In 7.1, there are repeated connection opportunities.

(Embodiment 6) FIG. 7 shows a first wireless device 1.
Only the wireless device 17.1 of 7 is connected to the second wireless device 24. In this case, the wireless device 17.
No connection is made with 2 and 17.3.

(Embodiment 7) FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram in a radio system according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. Figure 8
As shown in (a), after the first wireless device 17 returns a device address response to the device address request from the second wireless device 24, there is a connection request from the second wireless device 24. And Next, if the input device information is ON based on the input device information, the connection response is returned from the first wireless device 17 to the second wireless device 24, and the connection is started.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8B, the input device information may be input before the connection request. In this case, for example, the input device information is used as a device authentication code called PIN code. PIN code is 1b
Since it is also possible with it, for example, switch ON, OF
F will be used as it is as the PIN code. When the input device information as the PIN code is given to the first wireless device 17, a connection response is returned to the connection request from the second wireless device 24, and the connection is started.

In this embodiment, the printer is used as the second wireless device and the digital still camera is used as the first wireless device. However, the printer is used as the first wireless device.
A digital still camera may be used as the second wireless device.

In each of the above embodiments, an example in which the Bluetooth technology is used as the wireless communication means has been shown, but IEEE 802.11a or IEEE 8 is used.
02.11b, a wireless communication means known as HomeRF, and a wireless communication means using another ISM band may be used.

Further, in the above description, the configuration of each part is shown in a block diagram and described as a circuit configuration, but it may be realized as a function on software installed in a personal computer or a video camera.

[0062]

According to the wireless system of the present invention, when the user of the first wireless device uses the second wireless device for the first time, he or she must perform a complicated operation such as password input after confirming it on the monitor. There is no need to do it, just by operating the input device (for example, simple input such as turning on and off the input switch), you can easily realize reliable wireless connection between the first wireless device and the second wireless device. can do. Further, by utilizing the merit of wireless communication, when the first wireless device and the second wireless device are separated from each other by wireless, the first wireless device can be used even though the wireless communication is performed. There is an extremely great effect that the user can be released from the complexity of performing the device authentication operation and other connection procedures after the user moves to the side of the second wireless device to be connected.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a timing diagram showing an example of connection timing of the wireless system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a second wireless device of the wireless system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a timing diagram showing an example of connection timing of the wireless system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an example of connection timing of the wireless system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing a connection sequence of a wireless system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 ... Input device 12 ... Output device 13. Man-machine interface 14 ... Software Department 15 ... Hardware control interface 16 ... Wireless hardware 17 ... First wireless device 19. Man-machine interface 20 ... Software Department 21 ... Hardware control interface 22 ... Wireless hardware 23 .. State change command transmission means 24. Second wireless device

Continued front page    F term (reference) 5C056 FA03 GA20 HA01 HA04                 5K048 AA04 BA10 CA16 DA02 DB01                       DC01 EA01 EB13 FB10 FB11                       HA01 HA02                 5K067 AA21 BB04 BB21 DD11 EE02                       EE12

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A first wireless device having an input device, which changes a state when a predetermined signal is obtained, and a state change command to the first wireless device to establish a wireless connection. And a second wireless device having a state change command transmitting means for transmitting as a predetermined signal, the first wireless device, the input device is operated,
And, when the status change command is received from the second wireless device, the status change information is wirelessly output to the outside, and a wireless connection with the second wireless device is established. system. 2. A plurality of first wireless devices that have an input device and change state when a predetermined signal is obtained, and all of the plurality of first wireless devices for wireless connection. Or a second wireless device having a state change command transmitting means for sequentially transmitting a state change command to a part as the predetermined signal, wherein each of the first wireless devices is operated by the input device. And, when only the status change command from the second wireless device is received, the status change information is wirelessly output to the outside, and a wireless connection with the second wireless device is established. Wireless system. 3. The first wireless device permits a connection request from the second wireless device only when the input device is operated, and when the information from the input device is off, the first wireless device sends the connection request. The wireless system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless system does not respond. 4. The first wireless device permits the connection request from the second wireless device only when the input device is operated, and the connection request is sent when the information from the input device is off. Not responding, the second wireless device, if there is no response from the part of the first wireless device for a predetermined time, cancel the connection procedure with the part of the first wireless device, or The wireless system according to claim 2, wherein a connection with a first wireless device different from a part of the first wireless device is attempted. 5. The second wireless device has a connection status display unit, and after the second wireless device establishes a wireless connection with a part or all of the first wireless device, The wireless system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a connection establishment signal is generated, and the display of the connection state display unit is controlled by the wireless connection establishment signal. 6. The second wireless device, after establishing a wireless connection with a part of the first wireless device, the remaining first wireless device other than a part of the first wireless device. The connection with the other first wireless device other than a part of the first wireless device is enabled after the wireless connection is canceled. The wireless system according to claim 5. 7. The second wireless device, after establishing a wireless connection with a part of the first wireless device, temporarily performs the first setting operation on the second wireless device side. The connection with a wireless device other than the wireless device is disabled, and after the wireless connection is canceled, connection with a wireless device other than the first wireless device becomes possible. The wireless system according to claim 5. 8. The second wireless device, when connected to a part of the first wireless device, is connected to the first wireless device different from a part of the first wireless device. The wireless system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the wireless connection is not performed. 9. The wireless device according to claim 1, wherein the first wireless device uses information from the input device as a device authentication signal during wireless connection. system. 10. The first wireless device has an output device, and controls the output device only when receiving the state change command from the second wireless device. The wireless system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.