JP2006186940A - Wireless communication system and wireless communication apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wireless communication system capable of reducing unwanted power consumption in the wireless communication system using a plurality of wireless communication apparatuses. <P>SOLUTION: A wireless communication apparatus 11 for the wireless communication system comprises a second bus 18 for directly connecting a data storage unit 15 and a communication control unit 16, and the communication control unit 16 can control the data storage unit 15 and a wireless communication unit 17 separately from control by a control unit 12. Thus, if there is an access request as a data storage apparatus from a host machine, the communication control unit 16 controls the data storage unit 15 and the wireless communication unit 17, so that it is enough only to feed power for a minimum configuration to enable data transmission/reception by wireless communication, thereby suppressing an increase in power consumption. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless communication system and a wireless communication apparatus, and more particularly to a wireless communication system and a wireless communication apparatus that can easily use a desired function possessed by a device without increasing power consumption.

  In recent years, with the development of electronic devices, various products are connected by communication. For example, it is possible to make a video reservation from the outside using a mobile phone or to input power to a rice cooker.

  In addition, each electronic device has a data storage section, and data can be shared. For example, sharing of TV broadcast data recorded between a PC (Personal Computer) and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) recorder, sharing of an address book between a mobile phone and a PC, and the like.

  When sharing such data via wireless communication, the electronic device on the side that stores the shared data is used as a data storage device for other electronic devices. However, the other electronic device is not limited to a simple data storage device, but has a function as an original device, for example, a function as a notebook PC or a DVD recorder, so that the original operation is executed. Sometimes. In such a case, if two processes are executed simultaneously, data and control signals for a plurality of processes are sent through one system bus, the processing speed is lowered, and sufficient performance cannot be maintained.

  There is a PC system in which a dedicated bus is provided separately from a main system bus to execute a plurality of processes simultaneously and smoothly (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In the invention described in Patent Document 1, in the PC system, when an existing card is connected to the card connection port, the switching control circuit of the card controller selectively selects between the card connection port and the system bus. It is possible to extend functions such as communication, which are unique to the card connected to the card connection port.
JP 7-334456 A

  However, according to the invention described in Patent Document 1, when the PC is not started and the power is not turned on, an operation for starting the PC is required again. There is a problem that it takes time and effort. For example, when it is used as a data storage unit of another PC or the like, it takes time until data can actually be transferred, so that it is not easy. In addition, if the PC is activated in advance in order to save such time and effort, an internal circuit unnecessary for data transmission is also activated, which causes a problem that power is wasted.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a wireless communication system and a wireless communication apparatus that can easily use a desired function possessed by a device without increasing power consumption.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a second communication terminal that establishes a signal transmission system necessary for data transmission / reception based on a connection request by wireless communication from the first communication terminal. A wireless communication system is provided.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a first operation mode that is activated as a normal activation mode, and a second operation that activates a predetermined internal circuit as a data transfer mode based on a connection request by wireless communication. A wireless communication device characterized by having a mode is provided.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a data storage unit that stores data such as characters, images, sounds, and moving images, and inputs or outputs the data from an external communication terminal to the data storage unit. When receiving a connection request by wireless communication, a communication control unit connected to the data storage unit via a predetermined transmission path, a wireless communication unit controlled by the communication control unit to transmit and receive the data, There is provided a wireless communication device comprising: a power storage unit that supplies power to the data storage unit, the communication control unit, and the wireless communication unit based on the connection request.

  According to the present invention, a desired function possessed by a device can be easily used without increasing power consumption.

(Embodiment of the Invention)
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, “standby” is assumed to be in a non-operating state as a device while the main power is on.

(Configuration of wireless communication system)
1 (a) and 1 (b) are schematic diagrams showing a configuration of a radio communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1A includes a notebook PC 1 as a host machine, a notebook PC 2 as a client machine, a DVD recorder 3, and a mobile HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 4 having a portable size. Data is transmitted and received wirelessly. FIG. 1B shows wireless data transmission / reception between a DVD recorder 5 serving as a host machine and a DVD recorder 6 serving as a client machine between terminals having the same function.

  1A and 1B, the wireless communication device on the client machine side has a data storage unit such as an HDD. Originally, each host machine is used to store data based on its own operation, but if there is still enough storable area, data for other devices can be stored. Therefore, data transmitted from another wireless communication device is stored via wireless communication.

  Wireless communication between terminals is performed by wireless USB (WUSB) based on UWB (Ultra Wide Band). The UWB system realizes high-speed wireless communication by transmitting and receiving data by spreading it over a wide frequency band of about 1 GHz. Various types of wireless communication have been put into practical use, and if the main purpose is data sharing, a higher communication speed is preferable. With the USB (Universal Serial Bus) system, high-speed communication of 480 Mbps is possible, and even data with a very large amount of data such as video can be transmitted and received in a relatively short time. However, the present invention is not limited to wireless USB (WUSB) using UWB, and may be based on other systems such as Bluetooth (TM) and wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b).

(Configuration of wireless communication device)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a wireless communication apparatus in the wireless communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, various electronic devices are used for the wireless communication device, and a mechanism unique to each electronic device is provided, but only a common part is shown in each of the wireless communication devices. The parts related to the specific mechanism are omitted.

  The wireless communication device 11 includes a control unit 12, a memory 13, a first bus 14 as a signal transmission path connecting the control unit 12 and the memory 13, a data storage unit 15 connected to the first bus 14, and communication control. Unit 16, wireless communication unit 17 connected to communication control unit 16, second bus 18 as a signal transmission path directly connecting data storage unit 15 and communication control unit 16, switching unit 19, and switching unit 19 And a power supply control unit 20 connected to the.

  The control unit 12 controls the operation of each unit of the wireless communication device 11, and specifically, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like is used.

  The memory 13 temporarily stores parameters and the like required by the control unit 12 when driving the wireless communication device 11, and a volatile memory such as a RAM is mainly used.

  The first bus 14 is used for electrically connecting the components of the wireless communication device 11 and for the controller 12 to access the components. Specifically, PCI, PCI express, or the like.

  The data storage unit 15 stores a program executed by the control unit 12 when driving the wireless communication device 11, various data generated as a result of driving the wireless communication device 11, and the like (I / F ) 151 and HDD 152. The I / F 151 selects a bus to be used according to the case where the wireless communication device 11 normally operates and the case where the wireless communication device 11 operates as a data storage device for another wireless communication device. The HDD 152 actually stores various data and programs such as images, sounds and characters. The HDD 152 stores a WUSB host driver 153 that is a program for controlling the wireless communication unit 17.

  The communication control unit 16 includes a control unit 161 and a ROM 162. The control unit 161 controls the operation of each unit of the wireless communication unit 17. The ROM 162 stores programs and data for operating the control unit 161. The ROM 162 stores a WUSB device driver 163 and an HDD driver 164. The WUSB device driver 163 is a program for controlling the wireless communication unit 17 when operating as a data storage device of another wireless communication device, and is used by the control unit 161. The HDD driver 164 is a program for controlling the second bus 18 and the data storage unit 15 when operating as a data storage device of another wireless communication device, and is used by the control unit 161.

  The wireless communication unit 17 controls the wireless communication of the wireless communication device 11, and specifically performs wireless communication based on the UWB system.

  The second bus 18 directly connects the data storage unit 15 and the communication control unit 16 without going through the first bus 14, and the wireless communication device 11g operates as a data storage device of another wireless communication device. At this time, it is used when data communication is performed only between the data storage unit 15 and the wireless communication unit 17. Specifically, it is IDE (Integrated Device Electronica) or the like.

  The switching unit 19 switches whether the wireless communication device 11 operates normally or operates as a data storage device for other wireless communication devices.

  The power control unit 20 selects and supplies a power supply destination depending on whether the wireless communication device 11 is in a normal activation mode or a data transfer mode as a data storage device of another wireless communication device.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram in which only the components necessary for the operation are extracted in a state where the wireless communication device 11 is activated in the normal activation mode.

  In the wireless communication device 11, the control unit 12, the memory 13, the first bus 14, the data storage unit 15, the wireless communication unit 17, and a part relating to a specific mechanism as an original device (not shown) are activated as a host device. Controls each part via the first bus 14. In addition, signal transmission is performed between the units via the first bus 14.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram in which only the components that are activated and powered are extracted when the wireless communication device 11 is activated in the data transfer mode.

  The wireless communication device 11 does not activate the control unit 12, the memory 13, and the first bus 14 illustrated in FIG. 2 as a client machine, and the control unit 161 of the communication control unit 16 replaces the control unit 12 with the wireless communication device 11. Take control. Then, it functions as a data storage device that is practically specialized in data wireless communication.

(Wireless communication device operation switching)
Next, the operation of the wireless communication apparatus according to the present invention will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart regarding a case where the wireless communication device is activated in the data transfer mode and a case where the wireless communication device is activated in the normal activation mode.

(1. Startup in data transfer mode)
When receiving a communication request signal during standby, the wireless communication device 11 outputs an operation request from the switching unit 19 to the power supply control unit 20 (step S11). Here, when it is an operation request as a data storage device (step S12: YES), the power supply control unit 20 supplies power to a portion necessary to operate in the operation mode as the data storage device. Next, power is supplied to the data storage unit 15, the communication control unit 16, and the wireless communication unit 17 based on the setting of the operation mode (step S13). Next, the second bus 18 is established between the data storage unit 15 and the communication control unit 16 (step S14). Next, the wireless communication unit 17 is initialized (step S15). The control unit 161 of the communication control unit 16 reads and executes the WUSB device driver 163 stored in the ROM 162, whereby the wireless communication unit 17 operates as a wireless communication unit of the data storage device. Next, the data storage unit 15 is initialized (step S16). The control unit 161 of the communication control unit 16 reads and executes the HDD driver 164 stored in the ROM 162, so that the data storage unit 15 operates as a data storage device of the data storage device. Next, the control unit 161 of the communication control unit 16 starts control so as to function as a data storage device (step S17). As a result, the wireless communication device 11 starts operation as a data storage device (step S18).

(2. Startup in normal startup mode)
When receiving the operation request signal during standby, the wireless communication device 11 outputs an operation request from the switching unit 19 to the power supply control unit 20 (step S11). Here, when it is an operation request as a normal wireless communication device 11 (step S12: NO), the power supply control unit 20 supplies power to each component of the wireless communication device 11 (step S19). Next, the I / F 151 of the data storage unit 15 enables the connection between the first bus 14 and the data storage unit 15 by enabling the connection with the first bus 14 based on the switching request from the switching unit 19. Communication is established (step S20). Subsequently, communication between the first bus 14 and the communication control unit 16 is established by enabling the connection between the communication control unit 16 and the first bus 14 (step 21). Next, the wireless communication unit 17 is initialized (step 22). The control unit 161 of the communication control unit 16 reads and executes the WUSB device driver 163 stored in the ROM 162, so that the wireless communication device 11 starts an operation as a normal wireless communication device. Next, the control unit 12 starts control so as to function as a normal wireless communication device (step S23). As a result, the wireless communication device 11 starts operation as a normal wireless communication device 11 (step S24).

(Data transmission / reception between wireless communication devices)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating data transmission / reception between wireless communication devices. The flow of data transmission / reception from the wireless communication apparatus as the client machine to the wireless communication apparatus as the host machine will be described below.

  First, the client-side wireless communication device 11 (hereinafter referred to as client machine 11C) is placed in a standby state (step S31). Next, when a communication request signal for requesting wireless communication is transmitted from the host-side wireless communication device 11 (hereinafter referred to as the host device 11H) (step S32), the client device 11C that has received the signal transmits the data transfer mode. (Step S33).

  Next, the client machine 11C transmits an activation completion signal indicating that activation has been completed (step S34). When the host device 11H receives the wireless signal, wireless communication is established between the host device 11H and the client device 11C.

  Next, the host machine 11H sends a stored data transmission request radio signal to the client machine 11C (step S35). Receiving the wireless signal, the client machine 11C retrieves data from the data storage unit 15 shown in FIG. 4 (step S36), and transmits the corresponding data from the wireless communication unit 17 to the host machine 11H as a wireless signal (step S37). ).

  Here, the user operating the host machine corrects the contents of the data received from the client machine 11C and performs overwrite storage processing. When this overwritten storage processed data is stored again in the client machine 11C, the host machine 11H issues a wireless signal to the client machine 11C to request storage of the storage processed data and the data (step). S38). Upon receiving the wireless signal and data, the client machine 11C stores the data that has been stored in the data storage unit 15 (step S39), and transmits a storage completion signal to the host machine 11H (step S40).

  The client machine 11C determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after the completion of communication with the host machine (step S41). If the predetermined time has not passed (S41: NO), this process is repeated again. When the predetermined time has elapsed (S41: YES), the communication with the host machine 11H is completed and the process shifts to a standby state (step S42).

(Effect of Embodiment of Invention)
According to the embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained. (1) When an access request is made as a data storage device from the host machine, the communication control unit 16 does not operate the control unit 12 and the data storage unit 15 and Since the wireless communication unit 17 is controlled, it is only necessary to supply power for a minimum configuration for realizing data transmission / reception by wireless communication, and an increase in power consumption can be suppressed.

(2) By establishing the second bus 18 based on the reception of the operation request signal, the data storage device can be activated when necessary without the user performing an activation operation. In addition, since data can be transmitted and received among the data storage unit 15, the communication control unit 16, and the wireless communication unit 17 without going through the first bus 14, the data storage device can be activated quickly.

(3) By performing wireless communication using UWB with a high data transfer rate, even large data such as images and sounds can be received and transmitted at high speed and easily.

  In the above-described embodiment, the operation in which the user operating the host machine performs the overwrite storage process by correcting the contents of the data received from the client machine 11C has been described. It is also possible to perform remote operations such as storage, correction, reproduction, movement, and deletion of data on the client machine 11C without transferring them to the host machine.

(A) And (b) is the schematic which shows the structure of the radio | wireless communications system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the radio | wireless communication apparatus in the radio | wireless communications system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the block diagram which extracted only the component required for operation | movement in the state which the radio | wireless communication apparatus concerning this invention started in normal starting mode. FIG. 3 is a block diagram in which only components that are powered and activated are extracted in a state where the wireless communication device according to the present invention is activated in a data transfer mode. 5 is a flowchart for a case where the wireless communication device is activated in a data transfer mode and a case where the wireless communication device is activated in a normal activation mode. It is a flowchart which shows the data transmission / reception between radio | wireless communication apparatuses.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Notebook PC, 2 ... Notebook PC, 3 ... DVD recorder, 4 ... Mobile HDD, 5 ... DVD recorder, 6 ... DVD recorder, 11 ... Wireless communication apparatus, 11C ... Client machine, 11H ... Host machine, 12 ... Control part , 13 ... Memory, 14 ... First bus, 15 ... Data storage unit, 16 ... Communication control unit, 17 ... Wireless communication unit, 18 ... Second bus, 19 ... Switching unit, 20 ... Power supply control unit, 153 ... Host driver 161: Control unit 163: Device driver 164: HDD driver

Claims (9)

  A wireless communication system comprising: a second communication terminal that establishes a signal transmission system necessary for data transmission / reception based on a connection request by wireless communication from a first communication terminal. The signal transmission system includes a data storage unit that stores the data;
A communication control unit for controlling wireless communication of the data;
A wireless communication unit that transmits and receives wireless radio waves based on the data;
The wireless communication system according to claim 1, further comprising a bus provided between the data storage unit and the communication control unit based on the connection request.   2. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the second communication terminal allows remote operation of the data held by the first communication terminal.   The wireless communication system according to claim 3, wherein the remote operation is storage, correction, reproduction, movement, and deletion of the data.   The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication is performed based on a wireless USB system.   The wireless communication system according to claim 5, wherein the wireless communication is performed based on a UWB system. A first operation mode that is activated as a normal activation mode;
A wireless communication apparatus comprising: a second operation mode in which a predetermined internal circuit is activated as a data transfer mode based on a connection request by wireless communication. A data storage unit for storing data such as characters, images, sounds and moving images;
A communication control unit connected to the data storage unit via a predetermined transmission path when receiving a connection request by wireless communication related to input or output of the data from an external communication terminal to the data storage unit;
A wireless communication unit controlled by the communication control unit to transmit and receive the data;
A wireless communication apparatus comprising: a power storage unit that supplies power to the data storage unit, the communication control unit, and the wireless communication unit based on the connection request.   9. The communication control unit, when receiving the connection request by wireless communication from the communication terminal, activates a predetermined internal circuit of the wireless communication device to operate as a data storage device. The wireless communication device described.

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