JP2004135181A - Equipment and method of radio communication - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily set registration information such as a group ID and a PIN code in applicable equipment even in the case it has no user interface. <P>SOLUTION: A radio wave reaching range is reduced by lowering the radio wave strength outputted from the setting equipment 20 so that the equipment 10A enters within the radio wave attainment range and ID registration is executed from the setting equipment 20 to the equipment 10A to be set at the state. After that, the setting equipment 20 is transferred so that equipment 10B to be set enters within the radio wave attainment range, the radio wave attainment range is reduced by lowering the radio wave intensity to be outputted from the equipment 10B to be set and the same ID as the one registered in the equipment 10A to be set is registered in the equipment 10B to be set from the setting device 20 at the state. After that, the equipment 10A to be set and the equipment 10B to be set restore the radio wave intensity respectively, extend the radio wave attainment range and start data communication. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a wireless communication device incorporating a low-power wireless device and a wireless communication method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Generally, data communication of a device equipped with a low-power wireless device (such as Bluetooth (TM) or wireless LAN) aims at performing data communication between devices at relatively short distances. Between the devices, data communication is possible with one-to-one or one-to-N devices, and the selection of the device to communicate with is performed by recognizing the unique ID of the device and automatically using the unique ID or by using a user interface. It is done by manual registration using
[0003]
If a plurality of wireless devices belong to the same group and communicate with each other within the group within the range of radio waves, ID registration can be automatically performed by a communication protocol. In order to communicate only within the group, communication must be performed only between devices having a group-specific ID and having the same group ID. It is up to the user to determine which group the device belongs to, and the user needs to set the group ID for each device.
[0004]
Also, even if the devices are in a group, if communication between certain devices needs to be concealed, key information or ID number (ID) (registered only for that device) between devices that need the confidential communication is required. By setting and holding a Personal Identification Number (PIN code), data communication between the devices is encrypted, decrypted, and executed. Other devices cannot intercept the communication without this key information.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-145165 A
[0006]
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-7-297786
[0007]
[Patent Document 3]
JP-A-10-285102
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in the related art, in order to perform inter-group communication or confidential communication, a user needs to perform an operation of setting setting information such as a group ID or a PIN code in each device. User interfaces to be used (for example, display devices and buttons) have been required for individual devices. Accordingly, there is a problem that the weight, size, and cost of the device itself are affected with the implementation of the user interface, and the merit of using the low-power wireless device is reduced. In addition, setting operations are required for individual devices that perform wireless communication through a user interface, which is very troublesome.
[0009]
Also, even if an attempt is made to set using the wireless interface, if there are a plurality of devices, all devices may respond, so select which device to set, for example, input a selection instruction through the user interface. It was necessary to perform a selection operation to do so.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can easily set registration information such as a group ID and a PIN code in a corresponding device even if the device does not have a user interface. It is an object to provide a wireless communication device and a wireless communication method.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention relates to a wireless communication device that performs wireless data communication, a wireless signal output unit that outputs a wireless signal by radio field intensity that is used to communicate only with a device within a limited range, and a device that includes the wireless signal output unit. A search signal output unit for outputting a search signal, and a first device that receives a device search signal output by the search signal output unit is used by the first device to communicate with a second device. Registration information transmitting means for transmitting registration information.
[0012]
Further, according to the present invention, in a wireless communication device that performs data communication by wireless, a search signal receiving unit that receives a device search signal output from another device, and a device search signal received by the search signal receiving unit is a specific device. If the signal is from a device, a radio signal output unit that outputs a radio signal by lowering the radio wave intensity to a preset level, and outputs a device information signal including identification information indicating the own device by the radio signal output unit Device information signal output means, a setting request signal receiving means for receiving a setting request signal output from the specific device in response to the device information signal output by the device information signal output means, and the setting request signal receiving means By transmitting the identification information by the wireless signal output unit in response to the setting request signal received by the Registration information receiving means for receiving registration information, registration information storage means for storing registration information received by the registration information receiving means, and returning the radio field intensity of the radio signal output by the radio signal output means to the original level Communication means for executing communication with another device based on the registration information stored by the registration information storage means.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are block diagrams showing the configuration of the wireless communication device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration when the wireless communication device according to the present embodiment is a setting target device 10, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration when the wireless communication device is the setting device 20.
[0014]
The device to be set 10 is realized by mounting a low-power wireless device on an information device such as a personal computer, a peripheral device thereof, or a home electric appliance. It is assumed that the low-power wireless device uses a communication method such as Bluetooth (TM) or wireless LAN.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 1, a device to be set 10 includes a link management data input / output unit 12, a link control unit 13, a wireless RF module 14, a radio field intensity control unit 15, an antenna 16, and the like that constitute a configuration of a low power wireless device. The apparatus host unit 18 having the original function of the above is provided.
[0016]
The link management data input / output unit 12 manages control of a wireless link with a communication partner through which data is transmitted / received via the wireless RF module 14, and has a group ID that is the same as the group ID registered in its own device. It controls communication with the other party, manages the group, or encrypts or decrypts data based on key information or a PIN code. The link management data input / output unit 12 manages registration information including a group ID or a PIN code received from the setting device 20. Further, the link management data input / output unit 12 outputs an instruction to the radio wave intensity control unit 15 to control the radio wave intensity transmitted from the wireless RF module 14 through the antenna 16. That is, when the device search signal from the setting device 20 is received, the link management data input / output unit 12 outputs an instruction to lower the radio field intensity to a level lower than a preset normal time. When the setting of the registration information is completed, an instruction to return to the normal radio wave intensity is output.
[0017]
The link control unit 13 performs transmission / reception of a wireless signal to / from the wireless RF module 14, control of transmission, control of a communication channel, and the like.
[0018]
The wireless RF module 14 encodes the digital bit data from the link control unit 13, modulates the digital bit data into a radio signal, transmits the radio signal, demodulates the radio signal received by the antenna 16, decodes the radio signal into digital bit data, and performs link control. Output to the unit 13.
[0019]
The radio wave intensity controller 15 controls the radio wave intensity of a signal transmitted from the wireless RF module 14 according to an instruction from the link management data input / output unit 12.
[0020]
The device host unit 18 executes processing according to the purpose of the own device for data transmitted and received through the wireless communication interface by the low power wireless device.
[0021]
The setting device 20 illustrated in FIG. 2 is configured as, for example, a dedicated device for registering setting information in the device to be set 10, and is realized by mounting a low-power wireless device.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 2, the setting device 20 includes a link management data input / output unit 22, a link control unit 23, a wireless RF module 24, and an antenna 26 corresponding to the configuration of the low power wireless device. It should be noted that a configuration in which a user interface 28 is provided may be provided as necessary.
[0023]
The link management data input / output unit 22 manages control of a wireless link with a communication partner through which data is transmitted / received via the wireless RF module 24. The link management data input / output unit 22 communicates with the same group ID as the group ID registered in the own device. It controls communication with the other party, manages the group, or encrypts or decrypts data based on key information or a PIN code. The link management data input / output unit 22 manages a group ID or a PIN code transmitted as registration information to the device to be set 10, and can be registered in advance or automatically generated. Further, the user can input a group ID or a PIN code through the user interface 28.
[0024]
The link control unit 23 performs transmission / reception of a radio signal to / from the radio RF module 24, control of transmission, control of a communication channel, and the like.
[0025]
The wireless RF module 24 encodes the digital bit data from the link control unit 23, modulates it into a radio signal and transmits it, and demodulates the radio signal received by the antenna 26 and decodes it into digital bit data to perform link control. Output to the unit 23. The radio field intensity of the signal output by the wireless RF module 24 prevents leakage to the unset target device 10 when registering the setting information to the set target device 10, and sets the set target to be set. The communication range (radio wave reach range) is set to a limited range (extremely narrow range) so that the device 10 can be specified. The level of the radio wave intensity is determined in advance, for example, assuming the use condition of the set device 10. For example, when a plurality of set devices 10 are used at a distance of about several tens of cm, the registration information In order to be able to specify the target device 10 to be set, the radio wave range of the setting device 20 is set to about several centimeters (for example, such that communication is possible while the target device 10 and the setting device 20 are in contact with each other). . Further, for example, when the device to be set 10 is used at a distance of about several meters, the radio wave reach of the setting device 20 can be set to about several tens of cm.
[0026]
The user interface 28 is for receiving control from a user, and controls display on a display device or control of input from an input device. This is used when a user inputs a group ID or PIN code to be transmitted to the set device 10. However, the user interface 28 can be omitted if no input from the user is required.
[0027]
Next, an outline of an operation of setting registration information (here, a group ID) for the setting target device 10 (first device and second device) by the setting device 20 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0028]
Here, the setting device 20 registers a group ID common to both the set device 10A and the set device 10B so that data communication becomes possible. In the setting device 20, it is assumed that a group ID to be set for the devices to be set 10A and 10B is prepared in advance by the link management data input / output unit 22.
[0029]
First, by bringing the setting device 20 closer to the setting device 10A so as to enter the radio wave reaching range, the radio wave intensity output from the setting device 10A is reduced to reduce the radio wave reaching range. The ID registration is performed on the device to be set 10A (FIG. 3A). Thereafter, the setting device 20 is moved so that the device to be set 10B enters the range of the radio wave (FIG. 3 (2)), and the radio wave intensity output from the device to be set 10B is reduced to reduce the range of the radio wave. In this state, the same ID registered in the setting device 10A is registered from the setting device 20 to the setting device 10B (FIG. 3 (3)).
[0030]
Thereafter, the set device 10A and the set device 10B return the radio wave intensity to the original and expand the radio wave reach, respectively, and mutually recognize the group ID registered by the setting device 20 to determine that they are in the same group. Communication is started (FIG. 3 (4)).
[0031]
Next, a method of controlling the radio wave intensity in the device to be set 10 and a sequence of a registration procedure in the device to be set 10 and the setting device 20 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the control of the radio wave intensity in the set device 10, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a sequence of a registration procedure in the set device 10 and the setting device 20.
[0032]
Normally, the devices to be set 10A and 10B have a maximum communication range (radio wave reach) using 100% power of the wireless RF module 14. On the other hand, since the setting device 20 has a very narrow range of radio waves as compared with the device to be set 10, the setting device 20 cannot communicate without approaching another device. At the initial stage, it is assumed that the set devices 10A and 10B have no registration information (such as a group ID) for enabling communication with the set device 10A or the set device 10B.
[0033]
Here, as shown in FIG. 4A, the user sets the setting device 20 close to the setting device 10A so as to set the group ID so that communication with the setting device 10B is possible. Suppose (FIG. 5A).
[0034]
As a result, when the set target device 10A enters the radio wave range of the setting device 20, the set target device 10A receives a device search signal transmitted from the setting device 20 periodically or when a user performs a registration operation. (FIG. 5 (2) -1, FIG. 5 (2) -2, FIG. 5 (2) -3).
[0035]
Upon receiving the device search signal transmitted from the setting device 20, the set target device 10A weakens the radio field intensity to a preset predetermined level, for example, a settable minimum level (FIG. 5 (3)). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 4B, radio waves from both the setting device 20 and the set device 10A do not reach the set device 10B. Note that the device search signal includes identification information (setting device ID) unique to the setting device 20 (see FIG. 7 (d1)), and the device to be set 10 uses the setting device ID based on the setting device ID. It is possible to identify that the received signal is a device search signal transmitted from the setting device 20. The set device 10 holds the set device ID acquired by the device search signal under the management of the link management data input / output unit 12.
[0036]
Next, in response to a device search signal from the setting device 20, the set device 10A transmits to the setting device 20 a device information signal including device description information describing its own device ID and information on the device itself (FIG. 5 (4)) (see FIG. 7 (d2)). The device description information includes, for example, information that can identify the type of the device to be set 10A (a personal computer, a home electric appliance, or the like). At this time, since the device to be set 10A has the minimum radio field intensity, the device information signal from the device to be set 10A can be received only by the setting device 20 that is in proximity. That is, signal transmission and reception are performed between the setting device 20 that narrows the radio wave reach and the set device 10 that minimizes the radio wave intensity in response to the reception of the device search signal. The target device 10 to which information is to be set can be specified, and signal leakage to other devices can be prevented.
[0037]
The setting device 20 waits for a certain period of time (about several hundred millimeters) while transmitting the device search signal (FIG. 5 (5) -1, (5) -2), and the received device information signal (set device ID) is 1 If there is more than one (a plurality of cases will be described later), search for registration information appropriate for the set device 10 indicated by the set device ID, and if there is registration information suitable for the set device 10, Using the description information, the detection device information is notified to the user (FIG. 5 (6)), and a setting request signal is transmitted to the set target device 10A (FIG. 5 (7)) (FIG. 7 ( d3)). It is assumed that the registration information includes a group ID or PIN code prepared in advance, and information necessary for communication with the set device 10 acquired from another set device 10 described later.
[0038]
Upon receiving the setting request signal, the set target device 10A transmits a setting acknowledgment signal (see FIG. 7 (d4)) to the setting device 20 to prepare for registration (FIG. 5 (8)).
[0039]
When receiving the setting acknowledgment signal from the set target device 10A, the setting device 20 confirms that the setting acknowledgment signal is correct, the set device ID included in the setting acknowledgment signal, and the previously received device information signal or the previously received device information signal. It is checked whether the setting device ID included in the setting request signal transmitted to the device matches the setting device ID. If the setting request signal is not invalid, a registration information signal including registration information (see FIG. 7 (d5)) is transmitted to the setting device 10A. (FIG. 5 (10)).
[0040]
The set target device 10A stores the registration information received from the setting device 20 in a storage unit (not shown) under the control of the link management data input / output unit 12 (FIG. 5 (11)), and a registration completion signal ( 7 (d6)) is transmitted to the setting device 20 (FIG. 5 (12)).
[0041]
When receiving the registration completion signal, the setting device 20 notifies the user of the setting completion (FIG. 5 (13)).
[0042]
The set target device 10A starts operation according to the registration information set by the setting device 20, and sets the radio wave intensity output from the wireless RF module 14 by the radio wave intensity control unit 15 to a normal state (receives a device search signal). (Previous level), that is, return to the maximum level (FIG. 5 (14)).
[0043]
Next, the user performs a setting operation on the set target device 10A in the same manner as described above. That is, the same group ID or PIN code as the registration information set in the target device 10A is set by moving the setting device 20 closer to the target device 10B within the radio wave reach range.
[0044]
The devices to be set 10A and 10B start data communication when the setting device 20 holds the group ID and PIN code required for communication between them.
[0045]
FIG. 6 shows a method in which a communication partner device among a plurality of setting target devices 10 (setting target devices 10A, 10B, 10C) is specified by setting registration information by setting device 20, and data communication is performed between the devices. Is shown.
[0046]
First, the setting device 20 approaches the set device 10A (FIG. 6A) and registers the ID of the group (FIG. 6B). After the registration of the group ID for the set device 10A, the setting device 20 approaches the set device 10B and registers the same group ID as that of the set device 10A (FIG. 6C). The set devices 10A and 10B form a communication group by registering the same group ID, and start data communication in this communication group. At this time, the set device 10C does not belong to the communication group of the set devices 10A and 10B because the group ID is not set or a group ID different from those of the set devices 10A and 10B is set. Therefore, it is not possible to participate in the data communication assumed to be in the radio wave range mutually with the set devices 10A and 10B.
[0047]
In this way, by setting the group ID for the device to be set 10 by the setting device 20, it is possible to specify each of the devices that perform data communication.
[0048]
In this manner, by bringing the setting device 20 closer to the set devices 10A and 10B that are to execute data communication (being within the radio wave reach range), the user interface or the like to the set device 10 is achieved. A group ID, a PIN code, and the like necessary for performing data communication between the two can be set without performing a setting operation through the Internet. Further, when setting information, the radio wave intensity of the set target device 10 is reduced, so that the setting target of the information by the setting device 20 can be reliably specified, and the leakage of the information to another device that is not intended to set the information can be prevented. Can be.
[0049]
In the above description, the setting device 20 is described as a device information signal is returned from one set target device 10 in response to the device search signal. When there are a plurality of devices to be set 10 within the radio wave range of the setting device 20, for example, when the device is installed, the device information signals can be returned from the plurality of devices to be set 10.
[0050]
In this case, the setting device 20 may select a registration information setting target from the plurality of set target devices 10. For example, the setting device 20 can set the device to be set 10, which transmitted the device information signal received first, as the setting target.
[0051]
Further, based on the device description information included in the device information signal, the types of the plurality of set target devices 10 are displayed, and the user can select one of them by referring to this. In response to an instruction from the user input from the input device to select the device to be set 10, the device to be set 10 is selected as a target for setting the registration information.
[0052]
In the case where the user interface 28 is provided, it may be possible to set in advance whether one or a plurality of setting target devices 10 are to be set as registration information. When one set target device 10 is set as a setting target, one set target device 10 is selected as described above. When a plurality of set target devices 10 are set to be set, the sequence illustrated in FIG. 5 is applied to each set target device 10 that has returned the device information signal in response to the device search signal. By repeatedly executing the same, it is possible to sequentially specify registration information setting targets and collectively set the same registration information for each of them.
[0053]
The setting target device 10 stores a setting device ID unique to the setting device 20, which is included in the device search signal from the setting device 20 when the setting information is set by the setting device 20. When the device to be set 10 receives the device search signal from the setting device 20 after the setting of the registration information, the device to be set 10 includes the setting device ID included in the device search signal and the setting device ID stored earlier. Are compared, it is determined whether the signal is from the setting device 20 that has set the currently stored registration information. If the set device IDs match, the following processing shown in the sequence of FIG. 5 is executed in response to the device search signal, and the registration information is reproduced.
[0054]
On the other hand, if the setting device IDs do not match, it is determined that the signal is from another setting device 20 different from the setting device 20 that has set the currently stored registration information. The search signal is invalidated so that the registration information is not reset or changed without performing the subsequent processing operation.
Thereby, the registration information such as the group ID and the PIN code can be prevented from being changed by using another setting device 20.
[0055]
Also, in the above description, when receiving the device search signal from the setting device 20, the set target device 10 sets the radio wave intensity to a predetermined level, for example, the minimum level that can be set, and sets the radio wave reach range. Although the level is narrowed, this level can be changed by the setting device 20.
[0056]
For example, when the setting device 10 is not used in a state of being close to another setting device 10 as the usage status, the registration information can be set without narrowing the radio wave reach to the minimum level as in the initial state. There is no problem in specifying the setting target of the password or leaking information. By raising the level at which the set target device 10 narrows the radio wave reach range above the minimum level, the setting device 20 can be moved closer to set the registration information, thereby facilitating the setting operation. it can.
[0057]
In the device to be set 10, a plurality of radio wave intensity levels are managed as radio wave intensity control data 12a by the link management data input / output unit 12. The setting device 20 includes, in the registration information set for the device to be set 10, designation information for designating a plurality of levels of the radio field intensity level in the radio field intensity control data 12a. The link management data input / output unit 12 refers to the designated information in the registration information, and sets a level for lowering the radio field intensity when receiving the device search information.
[0058]
Thus, the setting device 20 can be controlled to the radio wave intensity level in accordance with the use condition of the setting device 10 without performing the setting operation through the user interface. become.
[0059]
FIG. 7 shows an example of the format of a setting signal transmitted and received in the sequence of the registration procedure between the setting target device 10 and the setting device 20 described above.
FIG. 7A shows a basic data format. The basic data format includes “Length” (16 bits) indicating a data length, “Channel ID” (16 bits), and “Payload” (0 to 65535 bytes) as a data body.
[0060]
FIG. 7B shows a setting signal format based on the basic data format. As the setting signal format, “Opecode / InformationField” is assigned to “Payload”.
[0061]
As shown in FIG. 7C, PSM (16 bits), “Opecode” (16 bits), and “Information Field” are assigned to “Opcode / Information Field”. In the “Information Field”, data (d1) to (d6) is described according to a signal transmitted from the device to be set 10 or the setting device 20.
[0062]
The device search signal from the setting device 20 uses the device search format shown in (d1), and includes a setting device ID unique to the setting device 20. The device information signal from the device to be set 10 uses the device information format shown in (d2), and includes a device to be set ID and device description information unique to the device to be set 10. The setting request signal from the setting device 20 uses the setting request format shown in (d3), and includes the setting device ID and the set device ID. The setting acknowledgment signal from the set device 10 uses the setting acknowledgment format shown in (d4) and includes the set device ID. The registration information signal from the setting device 20 uses the registration information format shown in (d5), and includes a setting device ID, a set device ID, and registration information. The registration completion signal from the set device 10 uses the registration completion format shown in (d6) and includes the set device ID.
[0063]
Next, the state transition of the set device 10 and the setting device 20 when executing the sequence shown in FIG. 5 will be described.
[0064]
FIG. 8 shows a state transition of the setting device 20. In FIG. 8, a T1 timer is an interval time for retransmitting the device search signal, a T2 timer is a time from when the device information signal is received until a setting request signal is transmitted, a T3 timer is an interval time for retransmitting the setting request signal, The T4 timer indicates an interval time for retransmitting registration information, and the T5 timer indicates a time from when each request signal is transmitted to when it is determined that setting has failed.
[0065]
When a setting operation is performed in the initial state (INIT, S1) (1), a device search signal is transmitted (T1 timer starts), and a transition is made to a device searching state (DISCOVER, S2). Here, when the T1 timer expires (2), the device search signal is retransmitted (T1 timer starts). This state is repeatedly executed until the device information signal is received.
[0066]
Here, when the device information signal is received (T1, T2 timer starts), the state shifts to the device selection state (SELECTING, S3), and when the T1 timer expires (4), the device search signal is retransmitted (T1 timer starts). ). This state is repeatedly executed until the device information signal is received. In the device selection state, if device information signals can be received from the plurality of set target devices 10 until the T2 timer expires, they are received (5).
[0067]
When the T2 timer expires, a setting request signal is transmitted (T3 and T5 timers start), and the state shifts to a setting requesting state (REQESTING, S4). In the setting requesting state, when the T3 timer expires (7), a setting request signal is transmitted (T3 timer starts). This is repeated until the T5 timer expires or until a set acknowledgment signal is received.
[0068]
If the T5 timer has expired, it is determined that the setting has failed, and a setting failure notification is output (8).
[0069]
On the other hand, if the setting acknowledgment signal is received (9), the registration information is transmitted (T4 and T5 timers start), and the state shifts to the setting state (SETTING, S5). In the setting state, when the T4 timer expires (10), a registration information signal is transmitted (T4 timer starts). This is repeated until the T5 timer expires or a registration completion signal is received.
[0070]
If the T5 timer has expired, it is determined that the setting has failed, and a setting failure notification is output (11).
[0071]
On the other hand, when the registration completion signal is received (12), the completion of the setting is notified, and the process shifts to the initial state.
[0072]
FIG. 9 shows a state transition of the set device 10. In FIG. 9, a T1 timer indicates a waiting time when a setting request signal is not received after receiving a device detection signal, and a T2 timer indicates a waiting time when no registration information is received after receiving a setting request signal. ing.
[0073]
When an unconfigured state in which registration information is not set is detected in the initial state (INIT, S1) (1), reception of a signal is started and a transition is made to a request waiting state (LISTEN, S2). Here, when the device search signal is received, the radio wave intensity is set to, for example, the minimum level (T1 timer starts), and the process shifts to a selection waiting state (BINDING, S3). Here, the device information signal is repeatedly transmitted until the T1 timer expires (3).
[0074]
Here, when the T1 timer expires without receiving the setting request signal, the state transits to a request waiting state (4).
[0075]
On the other hand, when the setting request signal is received (5), a setting acknowledgment signal is transmitted (T2 timer starts), and the state shifts to a setting reception waiting state (BOUND, S4). In the setting waiting state, when a setting request signal is received (6), a setting acknowledgment signal is transmitted (T2 timer starts). This is repeated until the T2 timer expires (7) or until the registration information signal is received (8).
[0076]
Here, when the T2 timer has expired, it is determined that the setting has failed, and the process shifts to the initial state (7).
[0077]
On the other hand, when the registration information signal is received, a registration completion signal is transmitted (8), the registration information is stored, and a transition is made to the reconfiguration state (RECONFIGURE, S5). When the reconfiguration is completed (9), the radio wave intensity is returned to the original state (maximum level), and the state shifts to the initial state.
[0078]
In the above description, the registration information prepared in the setting device 20 is set for the device to be set 10. However, the device to be set 10 that first performed the setting operation of the registration information is sent to the device to be set. It is also possible to acquire information necessary for the ten communication partners to execute data communication and set the information for the set target device 10 as the communication partner.
[0079]
FIG. 10 shows a procedure for setting information acquired from the set device 10A in the set device 10B which is a communication partner of the set device 10A.
[0080]
For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, when setting the registration information for the set target device 10A, information necessary for data communication set in the set target device 10A, for example, an IP address is extracted to the setting device 20.
[0081]
Next, as shown in FIG. 10B, when setting information is set in the set device 10B by the setting device 20, the IP address acquired from the set device 10A is indicated.
[0082]
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10C, the set device 10B transmits its own IP address to the set device 10A based on the IP address acquired from the setting device 20. This allows the set device 10A to know the source IP address of the set device 10B, and thus enables communication between the set devices 10A and 10B.
[0083]
In this way, since the setting device 20 can notify the information necessary for data communication between the set devices 10A and 10B via the set devices 10A and 10B, data communication can be performed without a user interface. Becomes possible.
[0084]
In the above description, the setting device 20 is described as a dedicated device for registering setting information such as an ID with respect to the set device 10. Functions can also be performed.
[0085]
In the above description, the wireless communication device of the present invention is described as being configured as the device to be set 10 or the setting device 20. It may be realized.
[0086]
The wireless communication method according to the present embodiment can be applied to a usage example specifically described below.
[0087]
(1) Connection configuration of personal computer (PC) and peripheral devices.
[0088]
It is assumed that there are a PC and a peripheral device equipped with a wireless interface using a low-power wireless device, and that there are some PC main units and peripheral devices. The peripheral device functions by communicating with the PC main body, but it is necessary to set a PIN code to which PC main body the communication can be performed. At this time, the control by the setting target device 10 and the setting device 20 in the above-described embodiment is applied to the peripheral device and the PC main body, the peripheral device is operated as the setting device 20, the peripheral device is brought closer to the PC main body, and If the PIN code determined by the device is set in the PC main unit, it is possible to specify which peripheral device the PC main unit should communicate with by simply bringing the peripheral device close to the PC main unit without performing any special setting operation. Is completed.
[0089]
(2) Home appliances equipped with a wireless interface using a low-power wireless device.
[0090]
In the case of home appliances, it is necessary to communicate separately from home appliances of other households. Even with low power, radio waves can reach other households, so communication must be kept secret for security reasons. At the time of initial installation, there is no setting with which household group device to communicate. At that time, the setting device 20 having the unique ID of the household is brought closer to the device to be communicated, and the PIN code is set, so that the household electric appliances of the household can be distinguished without a setting operation. Can communicate only with In addition, it is cut off from equipment of other households.
[0091]
(3) Data sharing.
[0092]
The installation device is brought closer to the terminal of the partner who wants to share data, the address information of the terminal is taken out, the setting device 20 is brought closer to the terminal itself, the address information of the terminal of the partner is known, and a communication path is established with the terminal. , So that the other party's data file can be viewed.
[0093]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified in an implementation stage without departing from the gist of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, in a case where an effect can be obtained even if some components are deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment, a configuration in which the components are deleted can be extracted as an invention.
[0094]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to set information necessary for communication to a device that performs wireless communication using a wireless interface without a user interface.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration in a case where a wireless communication device according to an embodiment is a set device 10;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration in a case where a wireless communication device according to the present embodiment is used as a setting device 20;
FIG. 3 is an exemplary view for explaining an outline of an operation of setting registration information for a set target device 10 by a setting device 20 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a view for explaining control of radio wave intensity in the set device 10 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a sequence of a registration procedure in the set device 10 and the setting device 20 in the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a view showing a method of specifying a communication partner device among a plurality of set target devices 10 in the present embodiment by setting registration information by a setting device 20, and performing data communication between the devices.
FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of a format of a setting signal transmitted and received in a sequence of a registration procedure between the set device 10 and the setting device 20 in the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state transition of the setting device 20 in the embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state transition of the set device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a procedure for setting information acquired from the set target device 10A in the present embodiment to a set target device 10B which is a communication partner of the set target device 10A.
[Explanation of symbols]
10: Device to be set
12: Link management data input / output unit
12a: Radio field intensity control data
13. Link control unit
14. Wireless RF module
15 Radio wave intensity control unit
16 ... Antenna
18 Device host
20 setting device
22: Link management data input / output unit
23 ... Link control unit
24 ... Wireless RF module
26 ... antenna
28 ... User interface

Claims (14)

In a wireless communication device that performs data communication wirelessly,
Wireless signal output means for outputting a wireless signal by radio field intensity capable of communicating only with a device within a limited range,
Search signal output means for outputting a device search signal by the wireless signal output means,
Registration information transmitting means for transmitting registration information used by the first device to communicate with a second device, to a first device having received the device search signal output by the search signal output means; A wireless communication device comprising: A device information signal receiving unit that receives a device information signal including information for identifying the first device from the first device that has received the device search signal output by the search signal output unit;
Based on a device information signal received by the device information receiving means, comprising a specifying means for specifying the first device as a destination of the registration information,
The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the registration information transmitting unit transmits registration information to the first device specified by the specifying unit. When receiving the device information signal from a plurality of first devices by the device information receiving means, the apparatus further comprises a selecting means for selecting any of the plurality of first devices,
3. The wireless communication device according to claim 2, wherein the specifying unit sets the first device selected by the selecting unit as a transmission destination of the registration information. When the device information receiving unit receives device information signals from a plurality of first devices, the specifying unit sequentially specifies the first device as a transmission destination of the registration information, and specifies the registration information. 3. The wireless communication device according to claim 2, wherein the registration information is transmitted by a transmission unit. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the registration information includes setting information for allowing the first device and the second device to mutually identify a communication partner. Generating means for generating the registration information,
The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the registration information transmitting unit transmits the registration information generated by the generation unit. An information acquisition unit that acquires information necessary for the second device to communicate with the first device from the first device;
The registration information transmitting unit transmits registration information including information obtained by the information obtaining unit to the second device that has received the device search signal output by the search signal output unit. Item 2. The wireless communication device according to Item 1. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the registration information includes identification information unique to the own device. In a wireless communication device that performs data communication wirelessly,
Search signal receiving means for receiving a device search signal output from another device,
When the device search signal received by the search signal receiving unit is a signal from a specific device, a wireless signal output unit that outputs a wireless signal by lowering the radio wave intensity to a preset level,
A device information signal output unit that outputs a device information signal including identification information indicating the own device by the wireless signal output unit,
Setting request signal receiving means for receiving a setting request signal output from the specific device with respect to the device information signal output by the device information signal output means,
For a setting request signal received by the setting request signal receiving means, by transmitting the identification information by the wireless signal output means, registration information receiving means to receive registration information transmitted from the specific device,
Registration information storage means for storing the registration information received by the registration information receiving means,
Communication for returning the radio wave intensity of the wireless signal output by the wireless signal output unit to the original level and performing communication with another device based on the registration information stored by the registration information storage unit And a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device according to claim 9, wherein the registration information includes setting information for identifying the other device as a communication partner. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: a providing unit configured to provide the specific apparatus with information necessary for the other apparatus to communicate with the specific apparatus. The registration information received by the registration information receiving means includes identification information unique to the specific device,
Determining means for determining whether the device search signal received by the search signal receiving means is a signal output from the specific device indicated by the identification information,
10. The device search signal received by the search signal receiving unit is invalidated when the device search signal is determined not to be a signal output from the specific device by the determination unit. Wireless communication device. The registration information received by the registration information receiving unit includes radio field intensity control information indicating a radio field intensity level at which a radio signal is output by the radio signal output unit,
10. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the wireless signal output unit reduces the signal strength to a level according to the signal strength control information. A wireless communication method for executing wireless communication between a first device and a second device,
By outputting a device search signal from a setting device that outputs a radio signal with a radio field intensity capable of communicating only with devices within a limited range, the setting device is brought closer to the first device to within the range, When the device search signal is received by the first device, the first device lowers the radio wave intensity at which the first device outputs a radio signal to a preset level, and in this state, the setting device can identify the first device. In the case, the registration information is transmitted from the setting device to the first device and stored,
When the setting device is brought closer to the second device within the range, when the device search signal is received by the second device, a radio field intensity at which the second device outputs a radio signal is set in advance. If the setting device can specify the second device in this state, the registration information is transmitted from the setting device to the second device and stored,
Wireless communication between the first device and the second device, wherein the radio wave intensity for outputting a wireless signal is returned to an original level, and wireless communication is performed based on the registration information. Method.

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