JP2005050232A - Wireless communication type data input terminal and method for simulating installation place of access point device using same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a computer program for easily evaluating a communication available range in a wireless communication system by using computer simulation. <P>SOLUTION: A wireless communication type data input device comprises a wireless communication part for wireless communication type data communication to/from an access point device, a processor, an input part having a plurality of key switches and a display part. The wireless communication type data input device provides, as a processing mode for the processor, an access point simulation mode performing according to the program in simulating a wireless communication function of the access point device. In the access point simulation mode, the wireless communication type data input device performs wireless communication type data communication to/from other wireless communication type data input device, in response to requests for authentication and for connection from other wireless communication type data input device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless communication type data input terminal and an installation location simulation method for an access point device using the same.

  As this type of wireless communication type data input terminal, for example, there is a barcode reading terminal used for inventory management of goods. One or a plurality of wireless communication type bar code reading (data input) terminals are used indoors such as a store or a warehouse, and bar codes of products placed on display shelves or storage shelves are read. The read barcode data is transmitted to the management computer via the access point device (AP).

  The access point device and the management computer are connected by wire through a serial interface or a LAN (local area network). The access point device and the wireless communication type data input terminal are connected by wireless communication conforming to, for example, IEEE 802.11b. Bidirectional data communication is performed between the wireless communication type data input terminal and the management computer by wireless communication via such an access point device.

  In order to enable wireless communication throughout an indoor area such as a store or a warehouse, normally, a plurality of access point devices are arranged so as to be distributed at appropriate locations (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Conventionally, when deciding where to install an access point device, the temporarily installed access point device and the management computer are connected via a serial interface or LAN, and the management computer and the wireless communication type data are actually input via the access point device. While transferring data to and from the terminal, the throughput and the like were measured to estimate the radio wave condition.

  As described above, conventionally, an appropriate installation location of the access point device has been determined based on the measurement result of the temporary installation of the access point device. In addition, the radio wave condition is sometimes measured using an expensive radio wave measurement system such as a spectrum analyzer.

However, there are cases where it is difficult to introduce an expensive measurement system due to cost constraints, or where necessary measurement equipment is not available. In addition, even if necessary measurement equipment is prepared, there is a problem that it takes time and effort to temporarily install an access point and temporarily connect a management computer.
JP-A-9-237310

  In view of the above-described conventional problems, an object of the present invention is to realize an operation for determining an installation location of an access point easily and at low cost. It is another object of the present invention to provide a wireless communication type data input terminal having an additional function therefor.

  A wireless communication data input device according to the present invention includes a wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication data communication with an access point device, a processing device, an input unit including a plurality of key switches, and a display unit. A wireless communication type data input device comprising: an access point simulation mode for simulating a wireless communication function of the access point device as a processing mode executed by the processing device according to a program, the access point simulation mode Is configured to execute wireless communication data communication with the other wireless communication data input device in response to the authentication request and connection request from the other wireless communication data input device. It is characterized by.

  By using a wireless communication type data input device equipped with such an access point simulation mode instead of an actual access point device and performing wireless communication with other wireless communication type data input devices, it is possible to It is possible to find a suitable installation place with less labor and at low cost. That is, the trouble of temporarily installing the access point device and connecting it to the host computer can be saved. In addition, without using an expensive measurement system, the radio wave status can be determined from the measurement results of response time and throughput of wireless communication between the wireless communication data input device that is executing the access point simulation mode and other wireless communication data input devices. Can be evaluated.

  In a preferred embodiment, when the power switch is turned on while pressing one or more predetermined key switches among the key switches included in the input unit, the processing device executes the access point simulation mode. It is configured as follows. Alternatively, when the power switch is turned on while pressing one or more predetermined key switches among the key switches included in the input unit, the processing device displays the system menu including the access point simulation mode as described above. The access point simulation mode is displayed when the user selects the access point simulation mode from the system menu.

  In other words, when the wireless communication data input device is operated in the normal mode by providing the access point simulation mode (or a system menu including the access point simulation mode) as a hidden mode different from the normal mode, the access point simulation mode is Since it is invisible to the user, it does not complicate the operation and is preferable in terms of system security.

  In a further preferred embodiment, a channel number used in an actual access point device can be set on the initial screen of the access point simulation mode. Thereby, the effect of increasing the flexibility (degree of freedom) of the work for finding an appropriate installation location of the access point device can be obtained.

  Further, the access point device installation location simulation method of the present invention using the wireless communication type data input device having the access point simulation mode as described above is an access point simulation at a place where an actual access point device is to be installed. Wireless communication between the wireless communication type data input device that is executing the mode and the wireless communication type data input device that is executing the response measurement function in the normal mode and the wireless communication type data input device that is executing the access point simulation mode The measurement of the wireless condition is performed, and the measurement result of the wireless condition is checked on the display screen of the wireless communication data input device that is executing the response measurement function.

  In accordance with the access point device installation location simulation method as described above, by repeatedly measuring the radio conditions while moving the installation location of the wireless communication data input device that is executing the access point simulation mode, It is possible to find a suitable installation place with low labor and low cost. That is, by comparing the measurement results, for example, a position where the response time is short and the throughput is high can be determined as an appropriate installation location of the access point device.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system using a handy terminal with a barcode scanner which is a kind of wireless communication type data input terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. The basic configuration of this system includes one host computer (management computer) 1, a plurality of access point devices 2, and a plurality of handy terminals 3. The host computer 1 is connected to a plurality of access point apparatuses 2 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 4 using Ethernet (registered trademark). In this system, the access point device 2 corresponds to a fixed station (master station) for wireless communication, and the handy terminal 3 corresponds to a mobile station (slave station).

  The host computer 1 includes a display device 11 such as a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display), and an input device 12 such as a keyboard and a mouse, which are connected to an internal bus 14 via a user interface 13. An MPU (microprocessor) 15, a storage device (including a main memory and an auxiliary storage device) 16, a LAN control unit 17, and the like are also connected to the internal bus 14. As such a host computer 1, a personal computer is usually used. In addition, one or a plurality of other computers 1 ′ are usually connected to the LAN 4 and can exchange data files with each other.

  The access point device 2 includes a LAN control unit 21 and is connected to the host computer 1 via the LAN 4. Moreover, the wireless communication part 22 is provided and it communicates with the several handy terminal 3 by wireless communication. Accordingly, each handy terminal 3 can perform data communication with the host computer 1 via the access point device 2.

  In addition to the system configuration of FIG. 1, there is a system configuration in which the host computer 1 and the access point apparatus 2 are connected using serial communication (USB or the like). Further, it is possible to use a general-purpose device that is commercially available as the access point device 2 by adopting a wireless LAN system compliant with IEEE802.11b as a wireless communication protocol.

  Usually, a plurality of access point devices 2 are installed so that communication between the host computer 1 and the handy terminal 3 can be performed without any trouble within a predetermined range such as a store or a warehouse. In consideration of the positions of partitions, shelves, desks, and the like that may be obstacles for wireless communication, a plurality of access point devices 2 are installed at appropriate locations. A method for determining an appropriate installation location will be described later.

  The handy terminal 3 is a wireless communication unit 31 for performing wireless communication with the host computer 1 via the access point device 2, a microprocessor (MPU, corresponding to a processing device) 32, and a memory for storing programs. A ROM 33, a RAM 34 that is a memory for storing data, and a user interface 35 are provided, and these are connected to each other via a bus 36. An input unit 37 including a barcode input unit (data input unit) and a key input unit and a liquid crystal display (LCD, corresponding to a display unit) 38 are connected to the user interface 35.

  FIG. 2 shows the appearance of the handy terminal 3. The handy terminal 3 includes an antenna (not shown) used for wireless communication with the access point device 2. A bar code scanner for reading a bar code is built in the front end side of the handy terminal 3, and a window 40 for irradiating the reading light and receiving the reflected light is provided. A display screen of the LCD 38 is provided on the substantially upper surface of the center. Further, an LED indicator 41 indicating the operating state of the handy terminal 3 is provided above the LCD 38.

  A power switch 42, a function switch 43, and the like are provided below the LCD 38, and a bar code scanner start switch (bar code reading switch) 45 is provided therebelow. In addition to these switches, a key input unit 44 including a numeric keypad and various function keys is provided.

  In the wireless communication system configured as described above, as described above, it is necessary to appropriately determine the number of installed access point devices 2 and the installation location according to the location (room) where the system is installed and used. For example, taking into consideration the size of the room, the presence or absence of radio wave obstructions, etc., a plurality of access point devices 2 are distributed and arranged at appropriate locations so that the handy terminal 3 can be used without any obstacles throughout the room. There is a need.

  Depending on the usage environment, there may be an area in which communication between the handy terminal 3 and the access point device 2 becomes impossible due to the influence of walls, shelves, and the like that are radio wave obstacles. Or, even if communication is possible, the throughput may be extremely poor. In order to avoid such a communication failure, it is necessary to disperse and arrange a plurality of access point devices 2 at appropriate locations.

  In the system using the handy terminal (wireless communication type data input terminal) 3 of the present invention, as a method of determining an appropriate installation location of the access point device 2, the access point device 2 is temporarily installed and the radio wave is transmitted from the wireless communication throughput or the like. Instead of evaluating the situation, the handy terminal 3 is placed in that place and the same evaluation is performed.

  That is, the handy terminal 3 is provided with an access point simulation (hereinafter abbreviated as AP simulation) function for simulating the wireless communication function of the access point device 2, and as shown in FIG. The installation location simulation of the access point device is executed using a handy terminal (referred to as an AP simulation terminal) 3 'that executes the simulation function. In the schematic diagram of FIG. 3, three AP simulation terminals 3 ′ surrounded by a rectangle are installed, and four handy terminals 3 that execute normal functions perform wireless communication with the nearest AP simulation terminal 3 ′. The situation is shown.

  By doing so, the trouble of temporarily installing the access point device 2 and connecting it to the host computer 1 can be saved. In addition, it is possible to easily evaluate the radio wave condition from the throughput of wireless communication without using an expensive measurement system and determine an appropriate installation location of the access point device 2.

  FIG. 4 is a communication diagram illustrating an example of a communication procedure between the handy terminal (HT) 3 and the AP simulation terminal 3 ′ (AP). As can be seen from this communication diagram, a procedure for communication is started by a probe request (scan of the access point device) from the handy terminal 3 side. When the AP simulation terminal 3 ′ that has received the probe request returns a probe response, the handy terminal 3 that has received the probe response transmits an authentication request. In the same manner, through the authentication response transmitted from the AP simulated terminal 3 ′, the connection request transmitted from the handy terminal 3, and the connection response transmitted from the AP simulated terminal 3 ′, the handy terminal 3 and the AP simulated terminal 3 ′ are transmitted. Data communication with is possible.

  Whether the handy terminal 3 executes the normal mode or the AP simulation mode (becomes the AP simulation terminal 3 ′) is controlled by a program executed by the microprocessor 32. When the power is turned on by a normal operation, that is, when the power switch 42 is simply turned on, the microprocessor 32 executes the normal mode and functions as the normal handy terminal 3.

  On the other hand, for example, when the power switch 42 is turned on while pressing one or more predetermined key switches among the plurality of keys of the function switch 43 or the key input unit 44, the microprocessor 32 performs the AP operation. A system menu including a simulation mode is displayed on the LCD 38. When the user selects the AP simulation mode from the system menu, the AP simulation mode is activated and functions as the AP simulation terminal 3 ′.

  Although the system menu is not shown, a plurality of modes including the AP simulation mode are displayed on the LCD 38 so as to be selectable, and the user selectively selects the AP simulation mode or any other mode using a numeric keypad or the like. It only has to be able to do it. If there is no mode to be selected and executed in the system menu in addition to the AP simulation mode, the AP menu is simulated when the power switch 42 is turned on while pressing one or more key switches without displaying the system menu. The mode may be activated directly.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the normal mode executed by the microprocessor 32 of the handy terminal 3. In step # 101, the wireless communication unit 31 is activated, and in step # 102, scanning of the access point device 2 (here, the AP simulation terminal 3 ', which may be abbreviated as an access point hereinafter) is started.

  If it is determined in step # 103 that the detection of the access point has been completed, an access point authentication request is made in the next step # 104. If it is determined in step # 105 that the access point has been authenticated, a connection request to the access point is made in step # 106. If it is determined in step # 107 that the connection is complete, data communication with the access point becomes possible, and data transmission / reception is executed in step # 108.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the AP simulation mode executed by the microprocessor 32 of the handy terminal 3 (AP simulation terminal 3 '). In step # 201, the wireless communication unit 31 is activated, and in step # 202, waiting for scanning from the handy terminal 3 in the normal mode is executed.

  When scanning from the handy terminal 3 is detected (Yes in step # 203), a scan response is made in step # 204, and authentication waiting from the handy terminal 3 is executed in the subsequent step # 205. If authentication detection is determined in step # 206, an authentication response is executed in step # 207, and a connection wait from the handy terminal 3 is executed in the subsequent step # 208.

  When connection detection is determined in step # 209, a connection response is made in step # 210. Thereafter, data communication with the handy terminal 3 becomes possible, and data transmission / reception is executed in step # 211.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example on the LCD 38 of the handy terminal 3 in the AP simulation mode and the response measurement function. (A) is a display example when activated in the AP simulation mode, and (b) is a display example when the response measurement function is selected in the normal mode.

  As shown on the left side of FIG. 7A, when the handy terminal 3 is activated in the AP simulation mode by the above-described operation, the user is required to input a channel number. The user inputs the IEEE802.11b channel number (“14” in the illustrated example) used in the actual access point device 2. If the ENT key is pressed, the display example shown on the right side of FIG.

  In the display example on the right side of FIG. 7A, “SER:” is the device number of the handy terminal 3, and “MAC:” is the MAC address of Ethernet (registered trademark). In addition, the display of “CH:” indicating the channel number of IEEE802.11b changes from “00” to “14” input, and the character string “in operation” is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the handy terminal 3 (AP simulated terminal 3 ′) that has entered the operation mode of the AP simulation mode as described above is placed at the place where the actual access point device 2 is planned to be installed and accessed. The point device 2 is used for a simulation for determining an appropriate installation location. That is, data communication is performed between the handy terminal 3 activated in the normal mode and the AP simulation terminal 3 ′, and the wireless state is measured.

  At this time, in the handy terminal 3 activated in the normal mode, the response measurement function is selected and operated as shown in the display example of FIG. In the display on the left side of FIG. 7B (response measurement start screen), response measurement starts by pressing the R key, and when the measurement is completed, the measurement result screen is displayed as shown on the right side of FIG. 7B. Is done.

  In the display example of the measurement result screen, the meanings of “SER:” and “MAC:” are as described in the display of the AP simulation mode in FIG. “AP:” indicates the number of access points (AP simulated terminal 3 ′) detected (communicable) by the handy terminal 3 (three in the illustrated example). The handy terminal 3 selects the one having the highest electric field strength from the plurality of detected access points and executes the above-described authentication and connection procedures. In the illustrated display example, it is indicated that the access point (AP simulated terminal 3 ') of CH14 is selected. “LOC:” indicates a location counter. When the measurement is repeated while changing the position of the access point (AP simulation terminal 3 ') to find the optimum installation location, this counter is incremented for each measurement.

  “SIGNAL:” indicates a signal level (signal electric field strength) in the measurement result. For example, it is displayed as a numerical value of 6 levels from 0 to 5. “NOISE:” indicates a noise level (noise electric field strength) in the measurement result. The noise level is also displayed as a numerical value in six stages, for example, 0-5. In the illustrated example, the signal level is 5 and the noise level is 3. “ResponseTime” indicates a response time until a certain command is transmitted from the handy terminal 3 and a response to the command is returned from the access point (AP simulated terminal 3 ′). “Throughput” indicates the amount of data that can be communicated per unit time (throughput), and corresponds to the average of the reciprocal of the response time.

  By repeating the measurement performed between the handy terminal 3 and the AP simulation terminal 3 'as described above, an appropriate installation location of the access point device 2 can be found. That is, by comparing the measurement results, the position where the response time is short and the throughput is particularly high is the appropriate installation location of the access point device 2.

  As described above, when the handy terminal 3 for measuring the radio wave condition selects the one having the highest electric field strength from the plurality of detected AP simulated terminals 3 ′, each AP simulated terminal 3 ′ is identified. There is a need to. The handy terminal 3 activated as the AP simulation terminal 3 'sets an identifier generated from the MAC address, which is unique information, to IEEE 802.11b ESSID (a network identifier for avoiding interference). By doing so, the handy terminal 3 for measuring the radio wave condition can identify each AP simulation terminal 3 ′ while saving the user's setting work.

  As described above, a system using a handy terminal with a barcode scanner has been described as an embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and a wireless communication type data input terminal other than the handy terminal with a barcode scanner is used. It can also be applied to systems that have been.

1 is a block diagram of a system using a handy terminal with a barcode scanner which is a kind of wireless communication type data input terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of a handy terminal. It is a schematic diagram which shows a mode that the several handy terminal which functions as an access point simulation terminal and the several handy terminal which functions in normal mode perform radio | wireless communication. It is a communication diagram which shows the example of the communication procedure between a handy terminal and an access point simulation terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the process in the normal mode which the microprocessor of a handy terminal performs. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the process in the access point simulation mode which the microprocessor of a handy terminal performs. It is a figure which shows the example of a display by LCD of the handy terminal in an access point simulation mode and a response measurement function.

Explanation of symbols

1 Host computer 2 Access point device 3 Handy terminal (wireless communication type data input device)
3 'access point simulation terminal (wireless communication data input device executing access point simulation mode)
31 Wireless Communication Unit 32 Microprocessor (Processor)
38 LCD (display unit)
42 Power switch

Claims (6)

A wireless communication data input device including a wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication data communication with an access point device, a processing device, an input unit including a plurality of key switches, and a display unit. And
As a processing mode executed by the processing device according to a program, an access point simulation mode for simulating a wireless communication function of the access point device is provided, and another wireless communication type data input device is running while the access point simulation mode is being executed. A wireless communication type data input device configured to execute wireless communication type data communication with the other wireless communication type data input device in response to an authentication request and a connection request from . The processing device is configured to execute the access point simulation mode when a power switch is turned on while pressing one or more predetermined key switches among the key switches included in the input unit. The wireless communication type data input device according to claim 1. The display unit displays a system menu including the access point simulation mode when the power switch is turned on while pressing one or more predetermined key switches among the key switches included in the input unit. The wireless communication type data input device according to claim 1, wherein the access point simulation mode is executed when a user selects the access point simulation mode from the system menu. . 4. The wireless communication type data input device according to claim 1, wherein a channel number used in an actual access point device can be set on an initial screen of the access point simulation mode. A response measurement function is included in the normal mode that is activated when the power switch is simply turned on. 5. The wireless communication type data input device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication type data input device executes communication and displays a measurement result of a wireless state including a response time and a throughput. A method of simulating an installation location of an access point device using a wireless communication type data input device having the access point simulation mode according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Place the wireless communication type data input device that is executing the access point simulation mode in the place where the actual access point device is planned to be installed,
Measure the wireless situation by wireless communication between the wireless communication type data input device that is executing the response measurement function in the normal mode and the wireless communication type data input device that is executing the access point simulation mode,
A method of simulating an installation location of an access point device, comprising: checking a measurement result of the wireless state on a display screen of a wireless communication type data input device that is executing the response measurement function.

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