JP2008022146A - Wireless communication method, wireless communication system, and wireless communication apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology of excellently maintaining the communication quality of wireless communication during execution by simply and efficiently preventing radio wave interference between a plurality of wireless communication systems even when a plurality of wireless communication systems in which the available frequency bands of the communication systems are duplicated are present in the same area. <P>SOLUTION: A multi-functional machine provided with a digital cordless (CL) system and a wireless LAN system includes: a mode "A1" wherein the digital CL system is always active (wireless communication possible) and the wireless LAN system is always in a sleep state (wireless communication stop); and modes "A2", "A3", wherein both the systems are alternately switched between the active state and the sleep state. In any mode, the digital CL system and the wireless LAN system can execute the wireless communication while they are active. However, when the wireless communication is started during the active state, the active state is maintained until the wireless communication is terminated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention has two wireless communication systems with different communication methods, and a wireless communication system in which frequency bands used in each wireless communication system overlap each other, and a wireless communication method and wireless communication used in this wireless communication system Relates to the device.

  In recent years, various wireless communication systems for wirelessly connecting electronic devices at relatively short distances have been developed. For example, IEEE802.11b / g typified by wireless LAN, Bluetooth used in short-range communication, and the like are examples.

  Among them, IEEE802.11b / g uses a direct spread spectrum (DSSS) modulation scheme, and Bluetooth uses a frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) modulation scheme. Is used. This FHSS system is also used for wireless communication (transmission / reception of audio signals, various control signals, etc.) between a parent device and a child device in a cordless telephone apparatus that has been digitized in recent years.

With the recent practical application and spread of short-range wireless communication, there have been cases where a plurality of wireless communication systems using the above-described communication methods (modulation methods) exist in the same area. For example, there is a case where a wireless LAN and a cordless telephone device or a wireless LAN and Bluetooth are used in the same room in a home (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-198867 A

  However, since each of the communication methods uses a 2.4 GHz band frequency band called an ISM band (Industry Science Medical band), a plurality of wireless communication systems using the communication methods are in the same area. If they exist, the radio waves interfere with each other between different wireless communication systems, and there is a problem in that the communication performance of both of them deteriorates.

  That is, for example, in the wireless LAN of IEEE802.11b, the 2.4 GHz band is divided into 14 channels (the bandwidth of one channel is approximately 25 MHz), and wireless communication is performed using one of these channels. On the other hand, in the cordless telephone device using the FHSS system, the 2.4 GHz band is divided into, for example, 89 channels (the bandwidth of one channel is about 1 MHz), and every extremely short time (about 0.1 second). Wireless communication is performed while changing (hopping) the use channel. Therefore, if both exist in the same area, when the channel hopped in the FHSS system overlaps the band of the channel being used in the wireless LAN, they interfere with each other.

  In recent years, as represented by so-called multifunction devices, devices equipped with both a network (LAN) function and a cordless telephone function are becoming widespread, and it is assumed that a multifunction device equipped with both a wireless LAN function and a digital cordless telephone function. If the configuration is attempted, since the DSSS wireless LAN module and the FHSS digital cordless telephone module are present in the same housing, the above problem (radio wave interference) becomes remarkable.

  When radio wave interference occurs in a multi-function device having a digital cordless telephone function, there is a possibility that a large practical problem may occur particularly with respect to the digital cordless function. That is, the digital cordless telephone function is to convert an audio signal into digital data and transmit / receive it between the slave unit and the master unit. Therefore, when this audio data is affected by radio wave interference, the call quality is degraded. Therefore, at least for the cordless telephone function, it is desired that the call quality can be kept good without receiving radio wave interference. Of course, even in the wireless LAN function, the communication speed may be reduced due to radio wave interference, and in some cases, the communication itself may be completely blocked.

  In order to solve such a problem of radio wave interference, the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses that when a wireless LAN and Bluetooth are used in the same area, each channel has a bit error rate (BER) for each communication method. ), And a technique is described in which the channel is not used if radio interference occurs with another communication method (that is, BER is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference value).

  However, with the above method, both the wireless LAN and Bluetooth search for each channel (BER detection) over the entire 2.4 GHz band (all channels) and determine whether or not the channel can be used. Therefore, the processing load increases on both sides. Especially when a plurality of wireless communication systems coexist in the same housing, such as a multifunction device, the processing load of BER detection processing for each channel adversely affects other processing (other functions). There is also a fear.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and even when there are a plurality of wireless communication systems having overlapping usable frequency bands in the same area, radio interference between the wireless communication systems can be simplified and reduced. The object is to efficiently prevent and maintain good communication quality of the ongoing wireless communication.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a first communication control means and a first communication control means and a first communication control means that is capable of wirelessly communicating with the first communication control means mutually. A second communication device capable of wirelessly communicating with the second communication control unit in a second communication method different from the first communication method and the second communication control unit and the first communication method. Wireless communication in which the first frequency band used in wireless communication in the first communication system overlaps with the second frequency band used in wireless communication in the second communication system. A wireless communication method used in the system.

  Then, if wireless communication is started in one of the first communication system and the second communication system, at least until the wireless communication started in one of the other communication systems ends, Wireless communication on the other side is not performed.

  That is, both the first communication system and the second communication system are basically in a state where wireless communication can be started. If wireless communication is started in any one of the communication systems, the other communication system is at least until the started wireless communication is completed in order to maintain the communication quality of the started wireless communication well. Does not perform wireless communication.

  Therefore, according to the wireless communication method of the first aspect, since one of the first communication system and the second communication system is not performing wireless communication while the other is performing wireless communication, each communication system (each communication method) Interference between radio waves can be easily and efficiently prevented, and the communication quality of the started wireless communication can be favorably maintained.

  Next, a second aspect of the present invention is a wireless communication method used in a wireless communication system having the first communication system and the second communication system as in the first aspect. In the present invention (Claim 2), the communication mode in the wireless communication system is alternately switched between the first communication mode and the second communication mode at a preset timing. Among these, the first communication mode is a state in which wireless communication in the first communication system is possible and wireless communication in the second communication system is stopped, and the second communication mode is wireless in the second communication system. Communication is possible and wireless communication in the first communication system is stopped.

  As a result, while the communication mode is set to the first communication mode, only the first communication system can perform wireless communication, and the second communication system cannot perform wireless communication. Conversely, while the communication mode is set to the second communication mode, only the second communication system can perform wireless communication, and the first communication system cannot perform wireless communication. That is, the state in which only the first communication system can perform wireless communication and the state in which only the second communication system can perform wireless communication are alternately switched. Each communication system can perform wireless communication while switching to a communication mode in which the communication system can perform wireless communication.

  Therefore, according to the wireless communication method of the second aspect, both communication systems do not become wirelessly communicable, so that radio wave interference between the communication systems can be easily and efficiently prevented. The communication quality of each communication system can be maintained well.

  In this case, for example, when wireless communication is started in the first communication system during the first communication mode, the second communication mode is switched at a preset timing regardless of whether or not the wireless communication is ended. Then, the ongoing wireless communication is interrupted.

  Therefore, as described in claim 3, when wireless communication is started in any communication system capable of wireless communication in the currently set communication mode (first communication mode or second communication mode), at least It is preferable not to switch the communication mode until the started wireless communication is completed.

  In this way, the communication mode is not switched unconditionally according to the preset timing, but if the wireless communication is being executed, the communication mode is not switched until the completion (that is, the wireless mode being executed). Since the communication mode in which communication is possible is continued), the started wireless communication can be reliably terminated.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first communication device comprising a first communication control means and a first communication device capable of wirelessly communicating with the first communication control means by a predetermined first communication method. A second communication system having a first communication system, a second communication control unit, and a second communication device capable of wirelessly communicating with the second communication control unit using a second communication method different from the first communication method. And the first frequency band used in the wireless communication in the first communication system and the second frequency band used in the wireless communication in the second communication system overlap.

  Then, the notification means notifies the other of the fact that the wireless communication is started when the wireless communication is started in any one of the first communication system and the second communication system. In addition, each of the first communication system and the second communication system includes wireless communication stop means for preventing the wireless communication from being executed at least until the started wireless communication is completed when the notification by the notification means is received. ing.

  According to the wireless communication system configured as described above, when one of the first communication system and the second communication system starts wireless communication, the other is notified to the other, and the other is the started wireless communication. Since wireless communication is not performed until the process is completed, the same effect as that of the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.

  The invention according to claim 5 is a wireless communication system having the first communication system and the second communication system, as in the case of claim 4. And in this invention (Claim 5), it has a 1st communication mode and a 2nd communication mode as a communication mode in a radio | wireless communications system.

  Of these, the first communication mode is an active state in which both the first communication control means and the first communication device in the first communication system can transmit and receive radio waves for wireless communication within the first communication system. In addition, in the second communication system, at least the second communication control unit of the second communication control unit and the second communication device is in a sleep state in which radio wave transmission / reception for wireless communication in the second communication system is stopped Is the mode.

  On the other hand, the second communication mode is an active state in which the second communication control means and the second communication device can both transmit and receive radio waves for wireless communication in the second communication system in the second communication system. At the same time, in the first communication system, both the first communication control means and the first communication device are in a sleep mode in which radio transmission and reception for wireless communication in the first communication system is stopped.

Then, the communication mode switching means switches the communication mode alternately at a preset timing between the first communication mode and the second communication mode.
Thereby, while the communication mode is set to the first communication mode, wireless communication in the first communication system is possible, and in the second communication system, at least the second communication control means is stopped from transmitting and receiving radio waves. Therefore, the first communication system is not subject to radio wave interference by the second communication control means. Therefore, as long as the radio wave from the second communication device does not adversely affect the first communication system, good radio communication is possible in the first communication system.

  Conversely, while the communication mode is set to the second communication mode, wireless communication in the second communication system is possible, and wireless communication cannot be performed in the first communication system. Wireless communication becomes possible. That is, the state in which only the first communication system can perform wireless communication (at least the second communication control means stops transmitting / receiving in the second communication system) and the state in which only the second communication system can perform wireless communication are alternately switched. is there. Each communication system can perform wireless communication while switching to a communication mode in which the communication system can perform wireless communication.

  Therefore, according to the wireless communication system of the fifth aspect, since both of the communication systems are not in a state where wireless communication is possible, the same effect as that of the second aspect of the invention can be obtained.

  In this case, as described in claim 6, when the communication mode is switched from the first communication mode to the second communication mode, if the communication mode is being executed in the first communication system, the communication mode switching means is at least executing the communication mode. Until the wireless communication ends, the first communication mode may be maintained without switching to the second communication mode.

  In this way, when wireless communication is started in the first communication system during the first communication mode, switching to the second communication mode is not performed until the wireless communication is completed. The wireless communication started in the communication system can be reliably terminated.

  Further, as described in claim 7, when the communication mode is switched from the second communication mode to the first communication mode, if the wireless communication is being performed in the second communication system, the communication mode switching means is at least executing the communication mode. Until the wireless communication is completed, the second communication mode may be maintained without switching to the first communication mode.

  By doing in this way, when wireless communication is started in the second communication system during the second communication mode, switching to the first communication mode is not performed until the wireless communication ends, so the second communication The wireless communication started in the system can be reliably terminated.

  Further, in the configuration of the wireless communication system according to claim 7, when the second communication device can execute wireless communication with another communication device different from the second communication control means, In the first communication mode, in addition to the second communication control means in the second communication system, the second communication device also enters the sleep state, and the communication mode switching means changes the communication mode from the second communication mode to the first communication mode. At the time of switching, even if the second communication control means is not performing wireless communication in the second communication system, if the second communication device is performing wireless communication with the other communication device, at least the wireless communication being performed. The second communication mode may be maintained without switching to the first communication mode until the process ends.

  In other words, in a configuration in which the second communication device can wirelessly communicate with other communication devices, the second communication device is configured so that the second communication device does not perform wireless communication between the second communication control unit and the second communication device. It is also expected that the communication device is performing wireless communication with other communication devices. Therefore, when switching from the second communication mode to the first communication mode, even if the second communication control means is not performing wireless communication, the second communication device may be in wireless communication with another communication device. In this case, the second communication mode is continuously maintained.

  Therefore, according to the wireless communication system of the eighth aspect, it is possible to reliably end the wireless communication being performed by the second communication device in the second communication system. In addition, in the first communication mode, the second communication device in addition to the second communication control means is also in the sleep state, so that the communication quality of wireless communication in the first communication system becomes better.

By the way, more specifically, the communication mode switching means in the invention described in claim 5 may be configured as described in claim 9, for example.
That is, in the wireless communication system according to claim 9, the communication mode switching unit includes a first main sleep unit, a first sub sleep unit, a first sub activation unit, a first main activation unit, The second main sleep unit and the second main activation unit are provided.

  The first main sleep unit is provided in the first communication system, and transmits a sleep instruction to the first communication device via the first communication control unit when receiving a sleep instruction from the second communication system. 1 communication control means is switched from the active state to the sleep state.

  The first auxiliary sleep unit is provided in the first communication device, and switches the first communication device from the active state to the sleep state when receiving a sleep instruction from the first communication control unit.

  The first sub-activation means is provided in the first communication device, and after the first sleep period set in advance after the first communication device is put into the sleep state by the first sub-sleeping means, The first communication device is returned to the active state.

  The first main activation means is provided in the first communication system, and after the first sleep period has elapsed since the first communication control means was put into the sleep state by the first main sleep means, the first communication control means The means is returned to the active state and a sleep release notification is transmitted to the second communication system.

  The second main sleep unit is provided in the second communication system, and switches the second communication control unit from the active state to the sleep state when receiving a sleep release notification from the first communication system.

  The second main activation means is provided in the second communication system, and after the second sleep period preset after the second communication control means is put into the sleep state by the second main sleep making means, the second main activation means The communication control unit 2 is returned to the active state and the sleep instruction is transmitted to the first communication system.

  That is, the first communication system (the first communication control unit and the first communication device) switches from the active state to the sleep state when a sleep instruction is received from the second communication system. When the sleep instruction is received, the first communication control unit is switched to the sleep state and the first communication device is also switched to the sleep state as a result. Conversely, the first communication system is switched from the sleep state to the active state after the first sleep period has elapsed since the first communication system was switched to the sleep state. Note that after the elapse of the first sleep period, a sleep release notification is transmitted to the second communication system.

  The second communication system (second communication control means) switches from the active state to the sleep state when it receives the sleep release notification from the first communication system, and conversely switches from the sleep state to the active state. Is after the second sleep period has elapsed since switching to the sleep state. Note that a sleep instruction is transmitted to the first communication system after the elapse of the second sleep period.

According to the wireless communication system including the communication mode switching unit configured as described above, it is possible to surely switch between the active state and the sleep state of each communication system.
In the radio communication system having the above-described configuration, for example, as described in claim 10, when the second main sleep unit receives a sleep release notification from the first communication system, the second communication control unit passes the second communication control unit through the second communication control unit. The 2 sleep instruction may be wirelessly transmitted, and the communication mode switching unit may further include a second sub sleep unit and a second sub activation unit.

  The second auxiliary sleep unit is provided in the second communication system, receives the second sleep instruction from the second communication control unit, and sets the second communication device when receiving the second sleep instruction. Switch from active state to sleep state.

  The second secondary activation means is provided in the second communication system, and after the second sleep period has elapsed since the second communication device was put into the sleep state by the second secondary sleep means, the second communication Return the device to the active state.

  That is, also in the second communication system, when switching to the sleep state, both the second communication control means and the second communication device are switched to the sleep state. Also when switching to the active state, each of the second communication control means and the second communication device switches to the active state after the second sleep period has elapsed since switching to the sleep state.

  As described above, when the first communication system is switched to the active state and the second communication system is switched to the sleep state, both the second communication control means and the second communication device are switched to the sleep state in the second communication system. Therefore, radio wave interference from the second communication system can be more reliably prevented during wireless communication in the first communication system.

  In the wireless communication system according to claim 9 or 10, as described in claim 11, the presence or absence of a sleep instruction from the second communication system is performed when the first main sleep unit is executing wireless communication in the first communication system. Regardless of this, it is preferable that the sleep instruction is not transmitted to the first communication device and the first communication control means is held in the active state without switching to the sleep state. Then, when the second communication control means is returned to the active state by the second main activation means, if the wireless communication is being executed in the first communication system, the second main sleep making means changes the second communication control means. It is better to return to the sleep state again.

  According to the wireless communication system configured as described above, even when the second sleep period elapses in the second communication system during execution of wireless communication in the first communication system (that is, the second communication system is in the sleep state) The first communication system is maintained in the active state until the wireless communication being executed is completed, and the second communication system that has once been activated by the elapse of the second sleep period also switches back to the sleep state. The ongoing wireless communication can be terminated reliably and satisfactorily.

  In particular, in the wireless communication system according to claim 10, as in claim 12, the first main sleep setting means determines whether there is a sleep instruction from the second communication system while wireless communication is being performed in the first communication system. Regardless of whether or not the sleep instruction is transmitted to the first communication device and the first communication control means is kept in the active state without switching to the sleep state, the second communication control means is the second main activation means. And when the second communication device is returned to the active state by the second sub-activating means, if the wireless communication is being performed in the first communication system, the second main sleep making means The second sleep instruction is wirelessly transmitted via the communication control means, and the second communication control means is returned to the sleep state again, so that the second sub-sleep setting process is performed. There may be adapted to perform its operation (sleep state of the second communication device based on the second sleep instruction).

  According to the wireless communication system configured as described above, even when the second sleep period elapses in the second communication system during execution of wireless communication in the first communication system (that is, the second communication system is in the sleep state) The second communication system (second communication control means and second communication device) which is maintained in the active state until the wireless communication in progress is completed and is once activated after the second sleep period has elapsed. Since both of them are again switched to the sleep state, the wireless communication being executed in the first communication system can be terminated more reliably and satisfactorily.

  On the other hand, also in the second communication system, it is desirable to keep the second communication system in an active state at least until the wireless communication is completed during the execution of the wireless communication. Therefore, in the wireless communication system according to any one of claims 9 to 12, as described in claim 13, the second main sleep unit is configured to perform the first communication while wireless communication is being performed in the second communication system. Regardless of whether there is a sleep release notification from the system, the second communication control means may be held in the active state without switching to the sleep state. When the first communication control unit is returned to the active state by the first main activation unit and the first communication device is returned to the active state by the first sub-activation unit, wireless communication is performed in the second communication system. If it is being executed, the first main sleep setting means wirelessly transmits a sleep instruction to the first communication device via the first communication control means, and returns the first communication control means to the sleep state again, and The sleep unit may perform the operation (the sleep state of the first communication device based on the sleep instruction).

  According to the wireless communication system configured as described above, even if the first sleep period elapses in the first communication system during execution of wireless communication in the second communication system (that is, the first communication system is in the sleep state) The second communication system is maintained in the active state until the wireless communication being executed is completed, and the first communication system that has once been activated by the elapse of the first sleep period also switches back to the sleep state. The ongoing wireless communication can be terminated reliably and satisfactorily.

  Here, when the second communication system is configured such that the second communication device can execute wireless communication with another communication device different from the second communication control unit, the first communication system Even when the second communication control means is not performing wireless communication in the second communication system when switching from the sleep state to the active state, the second communication device may be executing wireless communication. In such a case, if the first communication system is switched to the active state, the communication quality of the first communication system may be deteriorated due to the influence of radio waves from the second communication device.

  Therefore, in the wireless communication system according to claim 10 or 12, when the second communication device is configured to be able to perform wireless communication with another communication device other than the second communication control means. In addition, as described in claim 14, the second main sleep unit is configured so that the second communication device wirelessly communicates with the other communication device even when wireless communication is not performed in the second communication system. If communication is being executed, the second sleep instruction is not transmitted to the second communication device and the second communication control means is not switched to the sleep state and active regardless of whether there is a sleep release notification from the first communication system. It is good to keep it in a state. When the first communication control means is returned to the active state by the first main activation means and the first communication device is returned to the active state by the first sub-activation means, at least the second communication system If the second communication device is executing wireless communication, the first main sleep unit wirelessly transmits a sleep instruction to the first communication device via the first communication control unit and sleeps the first communication control unit again. It is good to return to a state and to perform the operation | movement (the sleep state of the 1st communication apparatus based on the said sleep instruction | indication) for a 1st sub sleep setting means.

  According to the wireless communication system configured as described above, if at least the second communication device is performing wireless communication in the second communication system, the second communication is not performed by the second communication control unit. The system is maintained in the active state, and the first communication system that has been once activated after the first sleep period is switched to the sleep state again, so that the wireless communication being executed by the second communication device is reliably and satisfactorily terminated. Can be made.

  Next, a wireless communication system according to a fifteenth aspect is the wireless communication system according to any one of the tenth, twelfth, and fourteenth aspects, wherein the second communication device communicates with the information processing device via a communication line. The communication between the second communication control means and the information processing apparatus is relayed by being connected to be communicable with each other, and processing according to a command from the information processing apparatus can be executed. In this information processing apparatus, second sub-sleeping means and second sub-activating means are provided. Then, the second auxiliary sleep means switches the second communication apparatus to the sleep state by sending a sleep command to the second communication apparatus, and the second auxiliary activation means The communication device is switched to the active state by sending an active command to the second communication device. The second communication device switches itself to the sleep state when receiving the sleep command from the information processing device, and switches itself to the active state when receiving the active command from the information processing device.

  That is, the second communication control means does not directly switch the second communication device to the sleep state or the active state while performing the one-to-one wireless communication with the second communication device, but relays the second communication device. By performing wireless communication with the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus causes the second communication apparatus to switch to the sleep state or the active state.

  According to the wireless communication system configured as described above, even when it is difficult to directly control the second communication device by wireless communication from the second communication control unit, the information processing device is used. Since the second communication device can be indirectly controlled (switching between the active state and the sleep state), the second communication device can be controlled relatively easily.

  Here, in the wireless communication system according to any one of claims 10, 12, 14, and 15, when the second communication system is switched to the sleep state, depending on the communication environment and the overall configuration and arrangement of the wireless communication system, the first communication system is not necessarily used. There may be a case where it is not necessary to put the sleep state up to two communication devices. Therefore, when switching the second communication system to the sleep state, for example, as described in claim 16, only the second communication control means is switched to the sleep state, or in addition to the second communication control means, You may enable it to select whether a communication apparatus is also switched to a sleep state.

  That is, as an operation mode in the second communication system, a limited operation mode in which the second main sleep setting unit does not perform wireless transmission of the second sleep instruction when the second main sleep unit receives a sleep release notification from the first communication system, and the second main sleep And a general operation mode for wirelessly transmitting a second sleep instruction when receiving a sleep release notification from the first communication system, and selectively switching between the limited operation mode and the overall operation mode The operation mode switching means is provided.

  Thus, if the limited operation mode is selected, only the second communication control means is switched to the sleep state when the second communication system is in the sleep state, and if the overall operation mode is selected, the second communication system is when the second communication system is in the sleep state. Both the second communication control means and the second communication device are switched to the sleep state.

  Therefore, according to the radio communication system having the above-described configuration, it is possible to selectively set whether or not to put the sleep state up to the second communication device according to the radio wave environment or the like. A corresponding wireless communication system can be constructed.

  By the way, in the wireless communication system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, the duration of the first communication mode and the duration of the second communication mode can be determined as appropriate. A plurality of combinations of the duration of the first communication mode and the duration of the second communication mode are set, and sleep period selection means for selecting one of the combinations of the plurality of types may be provided. Good. In this case, the communication mode switching unit may switch the communication mode alternately according to the duration period corresponding to the combination selected by the sleep period selection unit.

  In this way, for example, a combination in which the duration of the second communication mode is longer than that in the first communication mode and a combination in which the duration of the first communication mode is longer than that in the second communication mode are prepared. One can be selected. And when the usage frequency of a 1st communication system is high, the usage of selecting the latter combination is attained.

Therefore, according to the wireless communication system having the above-described configuration, it is possible to perform an appropriate switching timing setting according to the user's application, preference, usage frequency, and the like.
The same applies to the wireless communication system according to any one of claims 9 to 16, and as described in claim 18, a plurality of combinations of the first sleep period and the second sleep period are set, and the plurality of types are set. Sleep period selection means for selecting any one of the combinations may be provided. In this case, the communication mode switching unit may use a combination corresponding to the combination selected by the sleep period selection unit as the first sleep period and the second sleep period.

According to the wireless communication system configured as described above, the same effect as that of the 17th aspect can be obtained.
In the radio communication system according to any one of claims 5 to 18, the first communication method is a spread spectrum communication method based on a frequency hopping method as described in claim 19, and the second communication The present invention can be applied when the system is a spread spectrum communication system using a direct spreading system, and in this case, both communication systems can coexist well.

  Further, in this case, it is particularly effective that the first communication system is a digital cordless telephone system and the second communication system is a wireless LAN system. The digital cordless telephone system here realizes a voice call with a telephone terminal connected to an external telephone line network, and connects the first communication device and the telephone line network via the first communication control means. Having a call control means for connection, and when the first communication device is connected to the telephone network via the call control means, digital data is generated between the first communication device and the first communication control means. In this system, the transmitted audio signal is transmitted and received. In addition, the wireless LAN system referred to here is wireless communication between the second communication control means and the second communication device, or communication that is communicably connected to the second communication device in a wireless or wired manner. This is a system in which the terminal can communicate with the second communication control means via the second communication device.

  In a digital cordless telephone system using a spread spectrum communication system using a frequency hopping system, if the frequency channel used for wireless communication (the frequency channel to be hopped) overlaps the frequency channel being used in the wireless LAN, both interfere with each other. The call quality at the handset of the digital cordless telephone system will deteriorate. Therefore, if the present invention is applied to a wireless communication system having a wireless LAN and a digital cordless telephone system, it is possible to maintain good call quality at the handset.

  If the present invention is applied to a configuration in which the first communication control means and the second communication control means are provided in the same housing as described in claim 21, radio wave interference is prevented. Since both sides can perform good communication, it is particularly effective.

  A twenty-second aspect of the present invention is a wireless communication apparatus used in the wireless communication system according to any of the fifth to twenty-first aspects, wherein at least the first communication control means and the second communication control means are in the same housing. It is prepared for.

  Thus, in the wireless communication device in which the first communication control unit and the second communication control unit are provided in the same housing, different communication methods with overlapping frequency bands coexist in the same housing. Although radio wave interference between the two communication systems becomes a problem, as described above (claims 5 to 21), when one communication control means is in an active state, the other communication control means is in a sleep state. ing. Therefore, even when both communication control means are in the same housing, mutual radio wave interference is prevented, and it is possible to provide a wireless communication apparatus capable of coexistence of both communication methods.

  In particular, as a wireless communication device used in the wireless communication system according to any one of claims 9 to 16 and 18, as described in claim 23, the first communication control means, the second communication control means, The first main sleep unit, the first main activation unit, the second main sleep unit, and the second main activation unit may be provided in the same housing, and in that case, the above claims The effect equivalent to 22 is obtained.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
(1) Overall Configuration of Radio Communication System FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a radio communication system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a wireless communication system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a multifunction device 2 having a wireless LAN function and a digital cordless (CL) telephone function, and the multifunction device 2 and another wireless LAN terminal 5 or wired. An access point 3 that relays communication with the LAN terminal 7 and the like, and a digital cordless (CL) handset 4 that functions as a handset in the digital CL telephone function that wirelessly transmits and receives voice signals and the like with the multifunction device 2. It has.

  The multi-function device 2 includes two base boards 20 and a main board 30 in the same housing. The multi-function machines such as a digital CL telephone function, a wireless LAN function, a printer, a scanner, etc. are provided on each of the boards 20 and 30. Various circuits for realizing various functions included in 2 are formed.

  Among them, the base board 20 is formed with a circuit (digital CL control unit) for realizing a digital CL telephone function, and the main board 30 is equipped with a circuit for realizing a wireless LAN function and an outside line call. Circuits (main control units) for realizing various functions such as a function (a function as a so-called master in the digital CL telephone function) and a printer, a scanner, and the like are formed. A telephone line network (outside line) 9 is connected to the main board 30, so that an external line call can be made from the multi-function device 2 through the telephone line network 9.

  An analog audio signal and various control commands are input / output between the base substrate 20 and the main substrate 30 as necessary (details will be described later). Therefore, at the time of an outside line call using the digital CL slave unit 4, an analog voice signal between the telephone line network 9 and the base board 20 (and between the telephone line network 9 and the digital CL slave unit 4) is converted into the main board 30. Will be relayed.

  Of the entire wireless communication system 1, the base board 20 and the digital CL handset 4 for realizing the digital CL telephone function, and the part (the part functioning as the base phone) that bears the external line call function in the main board 30. The system including this is hereinafter referred to as a digital CL system. This digital CL system corresponds to the first communication system of the present invention. On the other hand, in the entire wireless communication system 1, the main board 30 (specifically, the part responsible for the wireless LAN function) and the access point 3 for realizing the wireless LAN function and the access point 3 are relayed to the main communication system. A system including another communication device (here, the wireless LAN terminal 5) with which the board 30 can perform wireless communication is referred to as a wireless LAN system. This wireless LAN system corresponds to the second communication system of the present invention.

  The base substrate 20 performs wireless communication with the digital CL slave device 4 via the antenna 20a. A wireless communication method between the base substrate 20 and the digital CL slave device 4, that is, a wireless communication method used in the digital CL system is a spread spectrum communication method (FHSS) based on a frequency hopping method.

  Wireless communication by this FHSS method is performed in a 2.4 GHz frequency band (ISM band). Specifically, 89 channels from ch1 to ch89 are set in the band of 2.40 GHz to 2.48 GHz. The bandwidth of each channel is about 1 MHz. Then, a predetermined plurality of channels among 89 channels are hopped at regular intervals (for example, approximately every 0.1 seconds) according to a preset hopping sequence. The channel to be hopped is set on the base substrate 20, and the set channel is transmitted to the digital CL slave unit 4. Therefore, the digital CL slave device 4 sets its own hopping channel according to the hopping channel data transmitted from the base board 20.

  On the other hand, the main board 30 performs radio communication with the access point 3 through the antenna 30a using a spread spectrum communication system (DSSS) based on a direct spread system. This DSSS wireless communication is also performed in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. Specifically, 14 channels from ch1 to ch14 are set in the band of 2.40 GHz to 2.48 GHz. The bandwidth of each channel is about 25 MHz.

  The access point 3 that functions as a relay device in the wireless LAN system is connected to a wired LAN terminal 7 and an external Internet network 8 via a router 6. As a result, the main board 30 can communicate with other wireless LAN terminals 5 via the access point 3 and connect to a wired LAN (wired LAN terminal 7 or the like) via the access point 3. As a result, connection to the Internet network 8 becomes possible.

  The access point 3 determines a channel used in the wireless LAN between the MFP 2 and the access point 3. The access point 3 transmits channel information indicating one channel set by itself among the channels 1 to 14 in the DSSS system to the outside by a beacon signal periodically transmitted by the access point 3. Therefore, on the main board 30 in the multifunction device 2, a channel used for communication with the access point 3 is set based on channel information included in the beacon signal transmitted from the access point 3.

  As described above, in the wireless communication system 1 of the present embodiment, the base board 20 that realizes the digital CL telephone function and the main board 30 that realizes the wireless LAN function are mounted inside the multi-function device 2. In the digital CL system and the wireless LAN system, wireless communication with the outside (cordless cordless handset 4 or access point 3) is performed using a corresponding communication method.

(2) Configuration of the MFP Next, the internal configuration of the MFP 2 will be described in more detail based on FIG. As described above, the multifunction device 2 includes the base substrate 20 on which the digital CL control unit is formed and the main substrate 30 on which the main control unit is formed. A well-known handset 42 used, a microphone 43 used when making an outside call without using the handset 42, a speaker 44 used when making an outside call without using the handset 42, or playing various messages, and various functions An LED 46 for displaying an operation state or lighting each key in the key matrix 48, an LCD 47 for specifically displaying various function types and operation states, setting contents of the multifunction device 2, and the like are provided.

  Also, a recording head 57 for ejecting ink onto the recording medium and a carriage for reciprocating the recording head 57 in the main scanning direction of the recording medium to realize the function of the printer (inkjet printer in this embodiment). A CR) motor 56 and a conveyance (LF) motor 55 for conveying the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction.

  Further, a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) 51 for reading the contents of the document and a reading motor 54 for moving the CIS 51 over the entire document for realizing the function of the scanner are provided.

  In addition, although not shown, a facsimile function is also provided. This facsimile function is not only a general function for printing received data or reading a document in the multi-function device 2 but also transmitting received data via the access point 3 to the wireless LAN terminal 5 or the wired LAN terminal 7. To each of the terminals 5 and 7, and the function of transmitting data (originals) created by these terminals 5 and 7 and transmitted wirelessly via the access point 3 by facsimile. Yes.

  Of course, the function of printing the print data wirelessly transmitted from each terminal 5, 7 etc. via the access point 3 and the function of operating the scanner function according to the instruction from each terminal 5, 7 etc. In addition, a function of wirelessly transmitting the document data read by the scanner function to each of the terminals 5 and 7 through the access point 3 is also provided.

  The base substrate 20 includes a ROM 22 that stores various control programs for realizing various functions in the digital CL system, and a CPU 21 that executes the various control programs stored in the ROM 22. Further, the CPU 21 includes a RAM 23 in which various data are temporarily stored when performing various calculations. Furthermore, various programs, data, and the like are also stored in the EEPROM 24, which is an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory, and is appropriately executed and used by the CPU 21 as necessary. The audio IC 26 is a well-known IC for setting an audio signal (analog) path.

  The base substrate 20 includes a digital CL communication module 25 that is a wireless communication module for performing wireless communication with the digital CL slave device 4. This digital CL communication module 25 (corresponding to the first communication control means of the present invention) is a baseband unit having a function of performing primary modulation of a voice signal converted into digital data by a predetermined modulation method (for example, QPSK). In addition, an RF unit that performs frequency hopping on the primary modulated data in accordance with the hopping sequence is provided, thereby realizing FHSS wireless communication.

  The CPU 21 included in the base substrate 20 includes a timer 27. The timer 27 is appropriately used when the CPU 21 executes various processes. In the present embodiment, the timer 27 is in an active state (details will be described later) particularly after the digital CL system is in a sleep state (details will be described later). It is also used when measuring the time to return to).

  The main board 30 includes a ROM 32 in which various control programs for realizing various functions such as various functions in the wireless LAN system, an outside line call function (function as a master unit), a printer, a scanner, and the like are stored. A CPU 31 for executing various stored control programs is provided. In addition, the CPU 31 includes a RAM 33 in which various data are temporarily stored when performing various calculations. Furthermore, various programs, data, and the like are also stored in the EEPROM 34, which is an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory, and is appropriately executed and used by the CPU 31 as necessary. In addition, an LCD driver 45 for driving the LED 46 and the LCD 47, and a key matrix 48 including various keys for operating the multifunction device 2 from the outside such as dial operation and various settings during a call are provided.

  The main board 30 is provided with an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 36, and controls the CIS 51, the motor driver 52, the head drive circuit 53, and the like under a command from the CPU 31. The motor driver 52 is a driver for driving each of the reading motor 54, the LF motor 55, and the CR motor 56, and the head drive circuit 53 is a drive for driving the recording head 57 (discharging ink). Circuit.

  The ASIC 36 incorporates a timer 50. The timer 50 is appropriately used when the ASIC 36 executes various processes. In the present embodiment, the timer 50 is in an active state (details will be described later) particularly after the wireless LAN system is in a sleep state (details will be described later). It is also used when measuring the time to return to).

  The ASIC 36 is connected to the CPU 21 of the base substrate 20 through a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter) 58 so as to communicate with each other. With this UART 58, the CPU 21 of the base substrate 20 transmits the operation state in the digital CL system and various requests based on the operation state (external line connection / disconnection request, etc.) to the ASIC 36 (and hence to the CPU 31). That is, transmission of various control signals and control commands between the base board 20 and the main board 30 is performed via the UART 58.

  The main board 30 includes a wireless LAN module 35 that is a wireless communication module for performing wireless communication with the access point 3. The wireless LAN module 35 (corresponding to the second communication control means of the present invention) secondarily modulates transmission data (digital data) by the DSSS method and pre-determines data after the second modulation (after spread spectrum). A baseband unit having a function of performing primary modulation with a modulation method (for example, QPSK), and an RF unit for upconverting data after primary modulation to a communication frequency of 2.4 GHz.

  In addition, the main board 30 includes a semiconductor DAA (semiconductor data access arrangement; SDAA) 40 as an interface for connecting the external telephone line network 9 and the multi-function device 2, and a modem responsible for data interface during facsimile communication. 39, a codec 38 that converts an analog audio signal into digital data (or vice versa), and an audio IC 37 that sets the path of the analog audio signal. Furthermore, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface (I / F) 41 is provided, and mutual data transmission / reception with an external device using USB is possible.

  In the MFP 2 configured as described above, when an incoming call is received via the telephone line network 9, a signal to that effect is transmitted from the main board 30 to the base board 20 via the UART 58, and the base board 20 is connected to the digital CL. It communicates with the handset 4 by radio communication to notify that there is an incoming incoming call. In response to this, the digital CL handset 4 sounds a ringtone. When the digital CL slave device 4 responds (off-hook) to an incoming call, or when an external line call is made from the digital CL slave device 4, wireless communication is performed between the digital CL slave device 4 and the base board 20. The operation contents of the digital CL slave unit 4 are transmitted from the base substrate 20 to the main substrate 30 via the UART 58. In response to this, the main board 30 makes an outside line call to the telephone line network 9 or between the telephone line network 9 and the base board 20 (as a result, between the telephone line network 9 and the digital CL slave unit 4). It relays analog audio signals.

(3) Configuration of Digital CL Slave Unit FIG. 3 shows a configuration of the digital CL slave unit 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the digital CL slave device 4 executes a ROM 62 in which various control programs for realizing various functions of the digital CL slave device 4 are stored, and various control programs stored in the ROM 62. A CPU 61 is provided. In addition, like the base substrate 20, a RAM 63 and an EEPROM 64 are provided. Further, an LED 73 for displaying the operation state of various functions in the digital CL slave unit 4 and lighting each key in the key matrix 74, the types and operation states of various functions, and the setting contents of the digital CL slave unit 4 The LCD 72 is displayed specifically, and the LED 73 and the LCD driver 71 for driving the LCD 72 are provided.

  Furthermore, a slave unit communication module 65 that is a wireless communication module for performing wireless communication with the base substrate 20 of the multifunction device 2 (specifically, with the digital CL communication module 25) is provided. Similar to the digital CL communication module 25, the slave unit communication module 65 also includes a baseband unit 67 and an RF unit 66, which realize FHSS wireless communication.

  The CPU 61 includes a timer 76. This timer 76 is used as appropriate when the CPU 61 executes various processes. In the present embodiment, the digital CL system is in the sleep state (details), as in the timer 27 built in the CPU 21 of the base substrate 20. Is also used when measuring the time from when it becomes an active state (details will be described later) until it becomes active again.

  In addition, a transmission / reception unit 70 including a speaker and a microphone (not shown) and a drive circuit for driving them, a reproduction unit 68 for reproducing sound based on various audio signals stored in advance, and audio reproduced by the reproduction unit 68 are output. And a speaker unit 69 including a driving circuit for driving the speaker.

  The digital CL slave device 4 configured as described above performs wireless communication with the multifunction device 2, thereby enabling an external line call and an extension call using the digital CL slave device 4. Various data transfers (for example, transfer of telephone directory data and ring tone data) are also possible.

(4) Configuration of Access Point FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the access point 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the access point 3
In addition to a ROM 82 that stores various control programs for realizing various functions of the access point 3, a CPU 81 that executes the various control programs stored in the ROM 82, a RAM 83 and an EEPROM 84 are also provided. In addition, a network controller 89 for connecting to a network other than the wireless LAN (for example, a wired LAN) to mutually transmit and receive data, and a user I / F 90 including a display and operation buttons (not shown) are provided. Yes. A router 6 (see FIG. 1) is connected to the network controller 89.

  Further, a wireless LAN module 85 that is a wireless communication module for performing wireless communication with the main board 30 of the multifunction device 2 (specifically, with the wireless LAN module 35) is provided. The wireless LAN module 85 also includes a baseband unit 87 and an RF unit 86, as with the wireless LAN module 35 in the multifunction machine 2, and thereby realizes DSSS wireless communication.

(5) System priority mode in wireless communication system Next, the system priority mode in the wireless communication system 1 of the present embodiment will be described. In the wireless communication system 1 according to the present embodiment, the wireless communication in the digital CL system and the wireless communication in the wireless LAN system are performed at the same time to prevent the two radio waves from interfering with each other. While the wireless communication is being executed, the other system is configured not to perform the wireless communication.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, three system priority modes “A1”, “A2”, and “A3” are provided, and any one of them can be selectively set. Yes. Among these, “A1” is a wireless LAN invalid mode, in which wireless communication in the wireless LAN system cannot be executed and only wireless communication in the digital CL system can be executed. That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, the wireless LAN system is always in the sleep state, and the digital CL system is always in the active state. Note that the sleep state refers to a state where wireless communication is stopped, and the active state refers to a state where wireless communication is possible.

  “A2” is a wireless LAN effective & digital CL priority mode, and is a mode in which wireless communication in the digital CL system is prioritized although wireless communication in the wireless LAN system is possible. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5B, the digital CL system and the wireless LAN system are alternately switched between a sleep state and an active state. That is, when one is in the active state, the other is in the sleep state. The period during which the digital CL system is in the active state (which is also the period during which the wireless LAN system is in the sleep state) is 12 sec (seconds) (corresponding to the second sleep period of the present invention), whereas the wireless LAN system is The period during which the active state (the digital CL system enters the sleep state) is 3 sec (the first sleep period according to the present invention).

  “A3” is a wireless LAN valid & wireless LAN priority mode. This mode is the same as “A2” in that the digital CL system and the wireless LAN system are alternately switched between the sleep state and the active state, but the wireless LAN system is longer than the period in which the digital CL system is in the active state. The period during which is active is longer. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5C, the period during which the digital CL system is in the active state (also the period during which the wireless LAN system is in the sleep state) is 3 seconds, whereas the wireless LAN system is active. The period for entering the state (which is also the period during which the digital CL system is in the sleep state) is 12 sec.

  In the present embodiment, the sleep state in the digital CL system is a state in which the digital CL slave device 4 and the base substrate 20 (specifically, the digital CL communication module 25) in the multifunction device 2 are stopped from transmitting and receiving radio waves. . On the other hand, the sleep state in the wireless LAN system is a state in which the main board 30 (specifically, the wireless LAN module 35) in the multifunction device 2 is stopped from transmitting and receiving radio waves. In other words, in the present embodiment, even when the wireless LAN system is in the sleep state, radio wave transmission / reception is only stopped in the wireless LAN module 35 in the multifunction device 2, and the operation of the access point 3 is not limited at all. .

  In the present embodiment in which the system priority mode is set to three types as shown in FIG. 5, in any mode, wireless communication can be executed only during the active state, and during the sleep state. Wireless communication cannot be performed. However, when wireless communication is started during the active state, the active state is maintained until the wireless communication is completed.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 6A, when a call using the digital CL slave unit 4 is started in the digital CL system when the digital CL system is in an active state and the wireless LAN system is in a sleep state, The digital CL system is kept in an active state until the call ends. For this reason, the wireless LAN system should normally shift to the active state (if no wireless communication is being performed in the digital CL system) when 12 seconds have passed since the transition to the sleep state. Since the communication with the digital CL handset 4 in the system is being executed, the system continues to transition to the 12-second sleep state. Then, when 12 sec elapses again, an attempt is made to shift to the active state. However, since wireless communication is still being executed in the digital CL system, the shift to the 12 sec sleep state is made again. Then, during the sleep state, wireless communication in the digital CL system (call using the digital CL handset 4) is terminated, and if wireless communication is not being performed in the digital CL system at the end of the sleep state, wireless communication is performed. The LAN system shifts to the active state. At this time, the digital CL system shifts to a sleep state.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the wireless LAN system is in an active state and the digital CL system is in a sleep state, wireless communication (wireless communication with the access point 3) in the wireless LAN system is started. The wireless LAN system is kept in an active state until the wireless communication is completed. Therefore, the digital CL system should normally shift to the active state of 12 sec (if wireless communication is not being performed in the wireless LAN system) when 3 sec have passed since the sleep mode is entered. Since wireless communication in the wireless LAN system is being executed, the state continues to enter a sleep state of 3 seconds. At this time, the digital CL system temporarily enters an active state in order to confirm the communication state of the wireless LAN system, but immediately returns to the sleep state if the wireless LAN system is executing communication. Since the temporary activation state is very short, the influence (radio wave interference) on the wireless communication of the wireless LAN system being executed is almost negligible.

  Then, when 3 sec elapses again, the state is temporarily switched to the active state and the operation state on the wireless LAN system side is confirmed. However, again, wireless communication in the wireless LAN system is still being executed. Transition to a sleep state of 3 sec. Then, wireless communication in the wireless LAN system ends during the sleep state, and the digital CL system shifts to an active state if wireless communication is not being executed in the wireless LAN system at the end of the sleep state. At this time, the wireless LAN system shifts to a sleep state.

(5) Communication operation in the wireless communication system Next, as an example of the communication operation of the wireless communication system 1, the system priority mode is set to “A2” (wireless LAN valid & digital CL priority mode). This will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the operation when the digital CL system shifts from the sleep state (the wireless LAN system is in the active state) to the active state will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 7, the operation content related to the “digital CL slave device” is specifically executed by the CPU 61 of the digital CL slave device 4, and the operation content related to “base” is specifically determined by the CPU 21 of the base substrate 20. The operation content related to “main” is executed in detail by the CPU 31 of the main board 30.

  When the sleep state of the handset communication module 65 in the digital CL handset 4 is started, the timer 76 in the digital CL handset 4 starts measuring 3 seconds. The same applies to the base substrate 20, and when the sleep state of the digital CL communication module 25 in the base substrate 20 is started, the timer 27 in the base substrate 20 starts measuring 3 seconds. Note that the sleep start timings of the digital CL slave device 4 and the base substrate 20 are substantially the same by the synchronization processing described later. While the digital CL slave device 4 and the base board 20 are in the sleep state, the main board 30 (specifically, the wireless LAN module 35) is in the active state (this state corresponds to the second communication mode of the present invention).

Each of the timers 76 and 27 has a function of measuring 3 seconds after going into the sleep state, and hence is denoted as “3 sec timer” in FIGS.
In both of the slave communication module 65 of the digital CL slave unit 4 and the digital CL communication module 25 of the base substrate 20, when 3 seconds have elapsed from the start of sleep, the sleep state is canceled by the corresponding CPU and returned to the active state. The digital CL slave device 4 wirelessly transmits a sleep release notification to the base substrate 20 after a predetermined time α has elapsed since the release of the sleep state. Receiving this, the base board 20 outputs a sleep release notification to the main board 30 via the UART 58 to notify that the digital CL system is in an active state. Here, the release of the sleep state in the digital CL slave device 4 corresponds to the processing executed by the first sub-activation means of the present invention, and the release of the sleep state and the output of the sleep release notification in the base substrate 20 are the first in the present invention. This corresponds to the processing executed by one main activation means.

  The main board (CPU 31) that has received the sleep release notification from the base board 20 (CPU 21) checks the communication state of the wireless LAN system. That is, the wireless LAN module 35 confirms whether or not wireless communication is being executed. At this time, if wireless communication of the wireless LAN system is not performed (when wireless LAN is not communicating), ACK (sleep release permission) is output to the base substrate 20 and the wireless LAN module 35 is set to the sleep state. At the time of transition to the sleep state (sleep start), the timer 50 in the ASIC 36 starts measuring 12 seconds. Note that the timer 50 in the ASIC 36 has a function of measuring 12 seconds after going into the sleep state, and therefore is denoted as “12 sec timer” in FIGS. 7 and 8.

  The base board 20 (CPU 21) that has received the ACK (sleep release permission) from the main board 30 wirelessly transmits ACK (sleep release permission) to the digital CL slave unit 4, and also the digital CL slave unit 4 from the multifunction device 2. Is set to a state in which a communication operation (CL communication operation) is possible. Also in the digital CL slave device 4, when ACK (sleep release permission) transmitted from the base substrate 20 is received, the digital CL slave device 4 is set in a state in which a communication operation (CL communication operation) with respect to the multifunction device 2 is possible. The state in which the wireless LAN module 35 of the main board 30 is in the sleep state and both the base board 20 and the digital CL handset 4 in the digital CL system are in the active state is the first communication of the present invention. Corresponds to the mode. In addition, the operation of the CPU 31 of the main board 30 to set the wireless LAN module 35 to the sleep state upon receiving the sleep release notification from the base board 20 corresponds to the process executed by the second main sleep setting means of the present invention.

  On the other hand, if the main board (CPU 31) that has received the sleep release notification from the base board 20 (CPU 21) confirms the communication state of the wireless LAN system, if wireless communication of the wireless LAN system is being executed (during wireless LAN communication) , NACK (cannot cancel sleep) is output to the base substrate 20.

  The base board 20 (CPU 21) that has received the above NACK (cannot be released from sleep) from the main board 30 wirelessly transmits NACK (cannot be released from sleep) to the digital CL slave unit 4 and puts the digital CL communication module 25 into the sleep state again. To migrate. When the sleep starts, the timer 27 in the base substrate 20 starts measuring 3 seconds. Also in the digital CL slave device 4, when receiving NACK (cannot be released from sleep) transmitted from the base board 20, the digital CL slave device 4 again shifts itself (slave device communication module 65) to the sleep state, and starts measuring 3 seconds by the timer 76. Let

  The operation in which the CPU 21 of the base substrate 20 shifts the digital CL communication module 25 to the sleep state again upon receiving NACK (cannot cancel sleep) from the main substrate 30 is the first main sleep mode of the present invention (claim 13). This operation corresponds to the processing executed by the means, and the operation to shift the digital CL slave device 4 to the sleep state again in response to NACK (cannot be released from sleep) from the base board 20 is the first sub sleep of the present invention (claim 13). This corresponds to the processing executed by the converting means.

Next, the operation when the wireless LAN system shifts from the sleep state (the digital CL system is in the active state) to the active state will be described with reference to FIG.
When the sleep state of the wireless LAN module 35 on the main board 30 is started, the timer 50 in the ASIC 36 starts measuring 12 seconds. Then, after 12 seconds have elapsed, the main board 30 (CPU 31) confirms the operating state of wireless communication in the digital CL system. That is, it is confirmed whether or not wireless communication is being executed between the digital CL slave device 4 and the base board 20 in the digital CL system.

  At this time, if the wireless communication of the digital CL system is not being performed (when the digital CL is not communicating), the sleep instruction is output to the base substrate 20 and the sleep state of itself (wireless LAN module 35) is canceled and activated. Transition to the state. The sleep instruction output and the transition of the wireless LAN module 35 to the active state correspond to the processing executed by the second main activation means of the present invention.

  When the base board 20 (CPU 21) receives a sleep instruction from the main board 30, the base board 20 wirelessly transmits the sleep instruction to the digital CL slave unit 4 and activates itself upon receipt of a response (ACK) to the transmitted sleep instruction. To go to sleep. At this time, the timer 27 starts measuring 3 seconds. Upon receiving the sleep instruction from the base board 20, the digital CL slave device 4 responds to the base board 20 (ACK is wirelessly transmitted) and shifts itself from the active state to the sleep state. At this time, the timer 76 starts measuring 3 seconds. Here, the operation in which the base board 20 wirelessly transmits a sleep instruction to the digital CL slave device 4 in response to the sleep instruction from the main board 30 and shifts the digital CL communication module 25 of the base board 20 to the sleep state is described in the present invention. This corresponds to the processing executed by the first main sleep unit. In addition, the operation in which the digital CL slave device 4 shifts itself to the sleep state by receiving the sleep instruction from the base substrate 20 corresponds to the processing executed by the first auxiliary sleep unit of the present invention.

  On the other hand, if the main board 30 (CPU 31) confirms the operation state of wireless communication in the digital CL system after 12 seconds from the start of sleep, if the wireless communication of the digital CL system is being executed (during digital CL communication), the main board 30 The CPU 31 restarts the 12 sec time measurement by the timer 50 and continues the sleep state of the wireless LAN module 35. At this time, the digital CL system is kept in the active state, and the ongoing wireless communication is continued as it is.

  Up to this point, the communication operation of the wireless communication system 1 has been described by taking the case where the system priority mode is set to “A2” (wireless LAN valid & digital CL priority mode) as an example (FIGS. 7 and 8). ) Even when the system priority mode is set to “A3”, only the time measured by each timer is different, and the other operations are basically the same. When the system priority mode is set to “A1” (wireless LAN invalid mode), wireless communication in the wireless LAN system (always sleep state) cannot be executed, and wireless communication in the digital CL system (always active state). Is always in a state that can be executed, and the sleep state and the active state are not switched.

(6) Priority setting processing and synchronization processing in the digital CL system Next, priority setting processing executed by the CPU 31 of the main board 30, and the CPU 21 of the base board 20 and the CPU 61 of the digital CL slave device 4 in the digital CL system. The synchronization process executed in step 1 will be described.

  First, priority setting processing executed by the CPU 31 of the main board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is started by a predetermined input operation (operation by the key matrix 48) by the user. When this process is started, first, the above-described three system priority modes “A1,” “A2,” and “A3” are displayed on the LCD 47 as system priority mode selection menus (S110).

  When the user selects any one of the system priority modes from the display and performs a predetermined input operation to confirm the selection (S120: YES), the CPU 21 of the base board 20 is requested to start the synchronization process. Is output (S130). As a result, the system priority mode in the wireless communication system is set to any one of “A1” to “A3”, and a synchronization process described later is started in the digital CL system.

In addition, the process of S110-S120 in this priority setting process is corresponded to the process which the sleep period selection means of this invention performs.
Next, synchronization processing executed by the CPU 21 of the base board 20 and the CPU 61 of the digital CL slave device 4 in the digital CL system will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 10, “base CPU” means a process executed by the CPU 21 of the base substrate 20. The synchronization process of FIG. 10 is performed when the above-described priority setting process of FIG. 9 is executed (specifically, when the synchronization process start request of S130 is made), or when the multifunction machine 2 is turned on and turned on. Will start when. Even when the synchronization process is not completed (synchronization is not possible) even though the power is turned on, the process is executed at a predetermined cycle until synchronization is established.

  When this synchronization processing is started, first, the base substrate 20 (base CPU) transmits a synchronization signal to the digital CL slave device 4 (S210). When receiving the synchronization signal from the base substrate 20 (S260: YES), the digital CL slave device 4 transmits a response signal to the base substrate 20 (S270). Then, it starts to sleep (shifts to the sleep state) and starts measuring 3 seconds by the timer 76 (S280).

  After transmitting the synchronization signal, the base CPU waits for a response signal from the digital CL slave unit 4 and receives the response signal (S220: YES), starts sleep of the digital CL communication module 25 of the base substrate 20 (shifts to the sleep state). And the timer 27 starts measuring 3 seconds (S240).

  If the state in which there is no response signal from the digital CL slave unit 4 continues (timeout) for a certain period of time (S230: YES), this synchronization process is terminated as it is. As a reason that the response signal from the digital CL slave unit 4 cannot be received and cannot be synchronized, for example, the battery of the digital CL slave unit 4 is insufficient or the digital CL slave unit 4 is connected to the digital CL communication module 25 of the base board 20. It is expected that it is placed outside the communication range. In such a case, switching between the active state and the sleep state according to the set system priority mode (that is, the normal operation illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8) is not executed.

(7) Effect of First Embodiment In the wireless communication system 1 of the present embodiment described above, neither the digital CL system nor the wireless LAN system is in an active state, and when one is in an active state, the other is in a sleep state. Become. Note that, as described with reference to FIG. 6B, when the device itself switches from the sleep state to the active state, it is allowed to temporarily enter the active state in order to confirm the other communication operation state (substantially). Does not treat both systems as active).

Therefore, radio wave interference between the digital CL system and the wireless LAN system can be easily and efficiently prevented, and the communication quality of each system can be maintained well.
In addition, if wireless communication is started while in the active state, the active state is maintained until the started wireless communication ends, and even if the other system becomes active, it is prevented. Thus, the started wireless communication can be reliably terminated.

  In addition, since the system priority mode is configured so that any one of “A1” to “A3” can be selected, the user can select a mode according to his / her preference, surrounding radio wave environment, usage, and the like. This makes it possible to construct a user-friendly system.

  Furthermore, if a digital CL system using a spread spectrum communication method using a frequency hopping method and a wireless LAN system using a direct spread method spread spectrum communication method exist in the same area, the radio wave interference between the two is assumed. However, in this embodiment, when one of the systems is in the active state as described above, the other system is inactive in the digital CL system. The sleep state is set so that both do not perform wireless communication. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the quality of the voice call by the digital CL handset 4 favorably. This is particularly effective when the digital CL system and the wireless LAN system are present in the same casing as in the multifunction machine 2 of the present embodiment.

[Second Embodiment]
(1) Configuration of Entire Radio Communication System Next, a radio communication system according to the second embodiment will be described. First, FIG. 11 shows a wireless communication system 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the wireless communication system 100 of the present embodiment differs from the wireless communication system of the first embodiment mainly by an access point 3 and a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”. This corresponds to the information processing apparatus of the present invention. ) 10 are connected to each other via the communication line 11, and the main board 30 relays the access point 3 to communicate with the PC 10 so that various control signals can be output from the PC 10 to the access point 3. It has been done.

  In the first embodiment, when the wireless LAN system is set to the sleep state, only the wireless LAN module 35 of the main board 30 is set to the sleep state. However, in the present embodiment, the wireless LAN module 35 of the main board 30 is changed to the sleep state. In addition, the access point 3 is also shifted to the sleep state. In order to realize this, application software for controlling an access point in accordance with various commands from the main board 30 of the multifunction machine 2 is installed in the PC 10. Thereby, the CPU 31 of the main board 30 can switch the access point 3 to the active state or the sleep state in cooperation with the application software installed in the PC 10. Hereinafter, when the operation of the PC 10 is described, it means an operation based on the application software unless otherwise specified.

(2) Communication Operation in Wireless Communication System An example of the case where the system priority mode is set to “A2” (wireless LAN valid & digital CL priority mode) is set as a specific communication operation in the wireless communication system 100 of the present embodiment. Will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the operation when the digital CL system shifts from the sleep state (the wireless LAN system is in the active state) to the active state will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 12, the operation content related to “AP” is specifically executed by the CPU 81 of the access point (AP) 3, and the operation content related to “PC” is specifically determined by the CPU (not shown) of the PC 10. Is to be executed.

  In the communication operation of FIG. 12, the process until the sleep release notification is output from the base board 20 to the main board 30 when the sleep state of the digital CL system is released is the same as FIG. 7 of the first embodiment.

  The main board 30 (CPU 31) that has received the sleep release notification from the base board 20 wirelessly transmits a sleep release enable / disable inquiry (corresponding to the second sleep instruction of the present invention) to the PC 10 via the AP3. The PC 10 that has received this sleep cancelability query outputs a sleep cancelability query to the AP 3 via the communication line 11.

  At this time, the CPU 81 of the AP 3 checks whether or not it is performing wireless communication. If the wireless communication is not being performed (when the AP is not communicating), an ACK (sleep) is transmitted to the PC 10 via the communication line 11. (Release permission) is output. Upon receiving this ACK, the PC 10 wirelessly transmits ACK (sleep release permission) to the main board 30 via the AP 3 and also sends a sleep instruction to the AP 3 via the communication line 11 (corresponding to the sleep command of the present invention). Is output to start measuring 12 seconds by the timer. Although not shown, this timer is built in the PC 10. The AP 3 receives the sleep instruction from the PC 10 and shifts itself to the sleep state.

  The operation of the main board 30 (sleep state) and the operation of the digital CL system (active state) after the ACK (sleep release permission) from the PC 10 is received by the main board 30 are shown in the first embodiment. 7, the operation is the same as that of “during wireless LAN non-communication” surrounded by an alternate long and short dash line, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  On the other hand, if the AP 3 (CPU 81) that has received the inquiry about whether or not to cancel the sleep from the PC 10 confirms its wireless communication execution state, and is performing wireless communication (during AP communication), the AP 3 (CPU communication) is connected to the PC 10 via the communication line 11. Outputs NACK (cannot cancel sleep). Upon receiving this NACK, the PC 10 wirelessly transmits NACK (sleep release permission) to the main board 30 via the AP 3.

  As described above, the operation of the main board 30 (continuation of the active state) and the operation of the digital CL system (sleep state) after the NACK (cannot be released from sleep) from the PC 10 is received by the main board 30 are the first. Since the operation is the same as the “wireless LAN communication” operation surrounded by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 7 of the embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

Next, an operation when the wireless LAN system shifts from the sleep state (the digital CL system is in the active state) to the active state will be described with reference to FIG.
When the sleep state of the wireless LAN module 35 on the main board 30 is started, the timer 50 in the ASIC 36 starts measuring 12 seconds. Then, after 12 seconds have elapsed, the main board 30 (CPU 31) once activates the wireless LAN module 35.

  On the other hand, in the PC 10, when AP3 sleep starts, the timer starts counting 12 seconds. The 12 sec timing start timing by the PC 10 is substantially the same as the 12 sec timing start timing in the main board 30 of the multifunction machine 2 as described with reference to FIG. When the PC 10 measures 12 seconds, the PC 10 outputs a sleep release command (corresponding to an active command of the present invention) to the AP 3 via the communication line 11. Upon receiving this sleep cancel instruction, AP 3 cancels its sleep state and shifts to the active state, and responds (transmits ACK) to the PC 10. Upon receiving this ACK, the PC 10 wirelessly transmits a sleep release notification to the main board 30 of the multifunction device 2 via the AP 3.

  When the CPU 31 of the main board 30 cancels the sleep state due to the end of timing of the 12 sec timer and then receives the sleep release notification from the PC 10, it confirms the operation state of wireless communication in the digital CL system. That is, it is confirmed whether or not wireless communication is being executed between the digital CL slave device 4 and the base board 20 in the digital CL system.

  At this time, if wireless communication of the digital CL system is not being performed (when digital CL is not communicating), an ACK (sleep release permission) is wirelessly transmitted to the PC 10 via the AP 3 and a sleep instruction is output to the base board 20. To do. Thereby, execution and operation of various functions using the wireless LAN by the main board 30 are possible.

  Regarding the operation (transition to the sleep state) on the digital CL system side when the sleep instruction is received from the main board 30, “during digital CL non-communication” surrounded by an alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment. Since the operation is the same, the description thereof is omitted here.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 31 of the main board 30 that has received the sleep release notification from the PC 10 confirms the operation state of the wireless communication in the digital CL system, if the wireless communication is being performed (during the digital CL communication), the CPU 31 passes through the AP 3. Then, NACK (cannot cancel sleep) is wirelessly transmitted to the PC 10, and the wireless LAN module 35 is shifted to the sleep state, and the timer 50 starts measuring 3 seconds. Further, when the PC 10 receives this NACK, the PC 10 outputs a sleep instruction to the AP 3 via the communication line 11 and starts measuring 12 seconds by the timer. Thereby, AP3 will transfer to a sleep state.

Note that the PC 10 of the present embodiment corresponds to the second secondary sleep unit and the second secondary activation unit of the present invention.
(3) Effects of Second Embodiment In the wireless communication system 100 of the present embodiment described above, as in the first embodiment, neither the digital CL system nor the wireless LAN system is in an active state, and one of them is in an active state. Sometimes the other goes to sleep. It should be noted that when the device itself switches from the sleep state to the active state, it is allowed to temporarily enter the active state in order to confirm the other communication operation state (substantially both systems are in the active state). Are not treated as being).

  Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, radio wave interference between the digital CL system and the wireless LAN system can be easily and efficiently prevented, and the communication quality of each system can be maintained satisfactorily.

  In addition to this, in the present embodiment, as the sleep state of the wireless LAN system, not only the wireless LAN module 35 of the main board 30 in the MFP 2 is put into the sleep state, but the AP 3 is also put into the sleep state, The digital CL system is not affected by radio waves. Therefore, compared to the wireless communication system 1 according to the first embodiment in which the AP 3 is not in the sleep state, it is possible to maintain the communication quality in the digital CL system better.

  In the present embodiment, the activation state or sleep state of the AP 3 is realized by controlling the PC 10 via the communication line 11. In other words, the AP 3 is not directly controlled by wireless transmission from the multifunction device 2, but the AP 3 is only used as a relay device in the wireless LAN system as viewed from the multifunction device 2, and the practical control of the AP 3 is as follows. It is left to PC10. Therefore, even when direct control of the AP 3 by wireless communication from the multifunction device 2 is impossible, the AP 3 can be indirectly controlled using the PC 10, so a wide variety of access points can be installed. It can be used as AP3 in the wireless communication system 100.

[Third Embodiment]
In each of the above embodiments, the digital CL system and the wireless LAN system are alternately switched to the active state or the sleep state so that only one of the two systems can perform wireless communication. Basically both systems are active. Then, when wireless communication is actually started in either one, the other system is shifted to the sleep state. This will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 14A, both the digital CL system and the wireless LAN system are maintained in an active state unless wireless communication is performed.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14B, for example, when wireless communication is started in the digital CL system, the wireless LAN system that has been in an active state shifts to a sleep state. When the wireless communication in the digital CL system ends, the wireless LAN system returns to the active state again.

  Conversely, when wireless communication in the wireless LAN system is started when both systems are in the active state, the digital CL system that has been in the active state shifts to the sleep state. When the wireless communication in the wireless LAN system ends, the digital CL system returns to the active state again.

  According to the wireless communication system of the present embodiment configured as described above, although both the digital CL system and the wireless LAN system are normally in an active state, when wireless communication is started on one side, the wireless communication is terminated. Since the other shifts to the sleep state, wireless communication between both systems is not performed simultaneously. For this reason, it is possible to maintain the communication quality of the wireless communication being executed satisfactorily.

  In realizing the wireless communication system of the present embodiment, if wireless communication is started on either side, the CPU on the side where the wireless communication is started starts wireless communication with the other CPU. It is sufficient to notify that. Then, the CPU that has received the notification may shift itself to the sleep state until the started wireless communication is completed.

  That is, for example, when wireless communication is started in the digital CL system, the CPU 21 of the base substrate 20 notifies the main substrate 30 that wireless communication is started. Upon receiving this notification, the CPU 31 of the main board 30 puts the wireless LAN module 35 of the main board 30 in the sleep state until the wireless communication in the digital CL system is completed. In this case, the CPU 21 of the base substrate 20 corresponds to the notification unit of the present invention, and the CPU 31 of the main substrate 30 corresponds to the wireless communication stop unit of the present invention.

[Modification]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various forms can be adopted as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

  For example, as the sleep state of the wireless LAN system, as described in the first embodiment, when only the wireless LAN module 35 on the main board 30 of the multifunction machine 2 is put into the sleep state (corresponding to the limited operation mode of the present invention). As described in the second embodiment, the case where the AP 3 is set to the sleep state in addition to the wireless LAN module 35 of the main board 30 (corresponding to the overall operation mode of the present invention) has been described. May be configured to be selectively set by a user operation.

  With this configuration, a user who uses the wireless communication system can selectively set whether or not to sleep until the AP 3 according to the radio wave environment or the like. A wireless communication system can be constructed.

  In the second embodiment, the PC 10 connected to the AP 3 via the communication line 11 is used to set the AP 3 to the active state or the sleep state. However, the main board 30 and the AP 3 of the multifunction machine 2 communicate with each other. You may make it control AP3 from the main board | substrate 30 via the communication line by connecting with a line. The communication line in this case may be, for example, a wired LAN or USB, and the type is not particularly limited.

  That is, in the second embodiment, application software for switching the AP 3 to the active state or the sleep state is installed in the PC 10 and the AP 3 is controlled from the PC 10. The board 30 (CPU 31) is provided, and the main board 30 and the AP 3 are connected by wire. According to such a configuration, it is not necessary to prepare a separate PC 10 for controlling the AP 3, so that a wireless communication system can be constructed more simply.

  In the above-described embodiment, any one of the three types “A1” to “A3” can be selected as the system priority mode. However, these three types are merely examples, and are used in each system. The timer time can be determined as appropriate. Further, as a reverse pattern of “A1”, a digital CL invalid mode in which the digital CL is always in a sleep state and the wireless LAN system is always in an active state may be set.

  Furthermore, in all of the above embodiments, the case where a wireless LAN is configured using an access point (ie, the infrastructure mode) has been described as an example. However, application of the present invention is limited to application to the infrastructure mode. Needless to say, the present invention is also applicable to an ad hoc mode wireless LAN system.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the radio | wireless communications system of 1st Embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a digital cordless subunit | mobile_unit. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an access point. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating three types of system priority modes in the radio | wireless communications system of embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the switching timing of an active state and a sleep state when radio | wireless communication is performed. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a communication operation when the digital CL system shifts from a sleep state to an active state in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating a communication operation when the wireless LAN system shifts from a sleep state to an active state in the first embodiment. It is a flowchart showing a priority setting process. It is a flowchart showing a synchronous process. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the radio | wireless communications system of 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a communication operation when the digital CL system shifts from a sleep state to an active state in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a communication operation when the wireless LAN system shifts from a sleep state to an active state in the second embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the switching timing of the active state and sleep state in 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,100 ... Wireless communication system, 2 ... Multifunction machine, 3 ... Access point, 4 ... Digital CL handset, 5 ... Wireless LAN terminal, 6 ... Router, 7 ... Wired LAN terminal, 8 ... Internet network, 9 ... Telephone line Network, 10 ... PC, 11 ... communication line, 20 ... base substrate, 20a, 30a ... antenna, 21, 31, 61, 81 ... CPU, 22, 32, 62, 82 ... ROM, 23, 33, 63, 83 ... RAM, 24, 34, 64, 84 ... EEPROM, 25 ... Digital CL communication module, 27, 50, 76 ... Timer, 30 ... Main board, 35, 85 ... Wireless LAN module, 36 ... ASIC, 48, 74 ... Key matrix 65 ... Slave unit communication module, 66, 86 ... RF unit, 67, 87 ... Baseband unit, 89 ... Network controller

Claims (23)

A first communication system having a first communication control means and a first communication device capable of wirelessly communicating with the first communication control means in a first communication method determined in advance; and a second communication control means And a second communication system having a second communication device capable of wirelessly communicating with the second communication control means in a second communication method different from the first communication method, the first communication A wireless communication method used in a wireless communication system in which a first frequency band used in wireless communication in the system and a second frequency band used in wireless communication in the second communication system overlap,
If the wireless communication is started in any one of the first communication system and the second communication system, the other communication system is at least until the wireless communication started in the one end The wireless communication method is characterized in that the wireless communication on the other side is not performed. A first communication system having a first communication control means and a first communication device capable of wirelessly communicating with the first communication control means in a first communication method determined in advance; and a second communication control means And a second communication system having a second communication device capable of wirelessly communicating with the second communication control means in a second communication method different from the first communication method, the first communication A wireless communication method used in a wireless communication system in which a first frequency band used in wireless communication in the system and a second frequency band used in wireless communication in the second communication system overlap,
The communication mode in the wireless communication system includes a first communication mode in which the wireless communication in the first communication system is possible and the wireless communication in the second communication system is stopped, and the second communication system. Wireless communication in which the wireless communication in the first communication system and the second communication mode in which the wireless communication in the first communication system is stopped are alternately switched at a preset timing. Method. The wireless communication method according to claim 2,
When the wireless communication is started in any one of the communication systems capable of the wireless communication in the currently set communication mode, the communication mode is switched at least until the started wireless communication ends. A wireless communication method characterized by not performing. A first communication system comprising a first communication control means and a first communication device capable of wirelessly communicating with the first communication control means in a predetermined first communication method;
A second communication system having a second communication device capable of wirelessly communicating with the second communication control means in a second communication method different from the second communication control means and the first communication method;
A first frequency band used in wireless communication in the first communication system and a second frequency band used in wireless communication in the second communication system,
When the wireless communication is started in any one of the first communication system and the second communication system, a notification means for notifying the other of the start of the wireless communication is provided,
Each of the first communication system and the second communication system is a wireless communication stop unit that prevents wireless communication from being performed at least until the started wireless communication is completed when the notification by the notification unit is received. A wireless communication system comprising: A first communication system comprising a first communication control means and a first communication device capable of wirelessly communicating with the first communication control means in a predetermined first communication method;
A second communication system having a second communication device capable of wirelessly communicating with the second communication control means in a second communication method different from the second communication control means and the first communication method;
A first frequency band used in wireless communication in the first communication system and a second frequency band used in wireless communication in the second communication system,
As a communication mode in the wireless communication system,
In the first communication system, the first communication control means and the first communication device are both in an active state capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves for the wireless communication in the first communication system, and the second communication device. In the communication system, at least the second communication control unit of the second communication control unit and the second communication device is in a sleep state in which radio wave transmission / reception for the wireless communication in the second communication system is stopped A first communication mode,
In the second communication system, both the second communication control means and the second communication device are in an active state capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves for the wireless communication in the second communication system, and the first communication. In the system, the first communication control means and the first communication device both have a second communication mode in which the radio communication in the first communication system is stopped and radio wave transmission and reception for the wireless communication is stopped. And
A wireless communication system, comprising: communication mode switching means for alternately switching the communication mode between the first communication mode and the second communication mode at a preset timing. The wireless communication system according to claim 5, wherein
When the communication mode switching means switches the communication mode from the first communication mode to the second communication mode, if the wireless communication is being executed in the first communication system, at least the wireless communication being executed ends. Until then, the first communication mode is maintained without switching to the second communication mode. The wireless communication system according to claim 5 or 6,
When the communication mode switching means switches the communication mode from the second communication mode to the first communication mode, if the wireless communication is being executed in the second communication system, at least the wireless communication being executed ends. Until then, the second communication mode is maintained without switching to the first communication mode. The wireless communication system according to claim 7,
The second communication device can execute wireless communication with another communication device different from the second communication control means,
In the first communication mode, in addition to the second communication control means in the second communication system, the second communication device also enters the sleep state,
When the communication mode switching means switches the communication mode from the second communication mode to the first communication mode, the second communication control means does not perform the wireless communication in the second communication system. If the second communication device is performing wireless communication with the other communication device, the second communication mode is not switched to the first communication mode at least until the wireless communication being performed is terminated. The wireless communication system characterized by holding. The wireless communication system according to claim 5, wherein
The communication mode switching means is
The first communication system is provided in the first communication system and transmits a sleep instruction to the first communication device via the first communication control means when receiving a sleep instruction from the second communication system. First main sleep setting means for switching the control means from the active state to the sleep state;
A first auxiliary sleep unit that is provided in the first communication device and switches the first communication device from the active state to the sleep state when the sleep instruction is received from the first communication control unit; ,
The first communication device is provided in the first communication device, and after the first sleep period preset after the first communication device is put into the sleep state by the first auxiliary sleep unit, the first communication device. First subactivating means for returning the active state to the active state;
The first communication control unit is provided in the first communication system, and after the first sleep period has elapsed since the first communication control unit was put into the sleep state by the first main sleep unit, First main activation means for returning to the active state and transmitting a sleep release notification to the second communication system;
A second main sleep unit that is provided in the second communication system and switches the second communication control unit from the active state to the sleep state when receiving the sleep release notification from the first communication system;
The second communication control is provided after the elapse of a second sleep period set in advance after the second communication control unit is set in the sleep state by the second main sleep unit and provided in the second communication system. A second main activation means for returning the means to the active state and transmitting the sleep instruction to the first communication system;
A wireless communication system comprising: The wireless communication system according to claim 9, wherein
When the second main sleep unit receives the sleep release notification from the first communication system, the second main sleep unit wirelessly transmits a second sleep instruction via the second communication control unit,
The communication mode switching means further includes
The second communication system is provided in the second communication system and receives the second sleep instruction from the second communication control means, and when the second sleep instruction is received, the second communication apparatus is brought out of the active state. Second sub-sleeping means for switching to the sleep state;
The second communication device is provided in the second communication system, and the second communication device is made active after the second sleep period has elapsed since the second communication device was put into the sleep state by the second auxiliary sleep unit. And a second sub-activation means for returning to a state. The wireless communication system according to claim 9 or 10,
The first main sleep unit sends the sleep instruction to the first communication device during execution of the wireless communication in the first communication system regardless of the presence or absence of the sleep instruction from the second communication system. Do not transmit and hold the first communication control means in the active state without switching to the sleep state,
When the second communication control means is returned to the active state by the second main activating means, if the wireless communication is being executed in the first communication system, the second main sleep activating means A wireless communication system, wherein the communication control means is returned to the sleep state again. The wireless communication system according to claim 10, wherein
The first main sleep unit sends the sleep instruction to the first communication device during execution of the wireless communication in the first communication system regardless of the presence or absence of the sleep instruction from the second communication system. Do not transmit and hold the first communication control means in the active state without switching to the sleep state,
When the second communication control means is returned to the active state by the second main activation means and the second communication device is returned to the active state by the second sub-activation means, the first communication control means If wireless communication is being executed in the communication system, the second main sleep setting means wirelessly transmits the second sleep instruction via the second communication control means, and sets the second communication control means to the sleep state again. The wireless communication system is characterized in that the second auxiliary sleep unit executes the operation. The wireless communication system according to any one of claims 9 to 12,
The second main sleep setting unit sets the second communication control unit to the sleep mode during the execution of the wireless communication in the second communication system regardless of the presence or absence of the sleep release notification from the first communication system. Hold in the active state without switching to the state,
When the first communication control means is returned to the active state by the first main activation means and the first communication device is returned to the active state by the first sub-activation means, the second If wireless communication is being executed in the communication system,
The first main sleep setting means wirelessly transmits the sleep instruction to the first communication device via the first communication control means, and returns the first communication control means to the sleep state again. A wireless communication system characterized in that one sub-sleeping unit executes the operation. The wireless communication system according to claim 10 or 12,
The second communication device can execute wireless communication with another communication device different from the second communication control means,
If the second communication device is executing wireless communication with the other communication device even if the second communication device is not performing the wireless communication in the second communication system, For example, regardless of the presence or absence of the sleep cancellation notification from the first communication system, the second sleep instruction is not transmitted to the second communication device and the second communication control unit is not switched to the sleep state. Hold in the active state,
When the first communication control means is returned to the active state by the first main activation means and the first communication device is returned to the active state by the first sub-activation means, the second If at least the second communication device is executing wireless communication in the communication system,
The first main sleep setting means wirelessly transmits the sleep instruction to the first communication device via the first communication control means, and returns the first communication control means to the sleep state again. A wireless communication system characterized in that one sub-sleeping unit executes the operation. The wireless communication system according to any one of claims 10, 12, and 14,
The second communication device relays communication between the second communication control means and the information processing device by being connected to the information processing device via a communication line so as to be able to communicate with each other. Processing according to instructions from the information processing device can be executed,
The second secondary sleep unit and the second secondary activation unit are both provided in the information processing apparatus,
The second auxiliary sleep unit performs switching of the second communication device to the sleep state by sending a sleep command to the second communication device,
The second sub-activating means performs switching to the active state of the second communication device by sending an active command to the second communication device,
The second communication device switches itself to a sleep state when receiving the sleep command from the information processing device, and switches itself to an active state when receiving the active command from the information processing device. A wireless communication system. The wireless communication system according to any one of claims 10, 12, 14, and 15,
As the operation mode in the second communication system, a limited operation mode in which the second main sleep unit does not wirelessly transmit the second sleep instruction when receiving the sleep release notification from the first communication system; A main operation mode for performing wireless transmission of the second sleep instruction when the second main sleep unit receives the sleep release notification from the first communication system;
An wireless communication system, comprising: an operation mode switching unit capable of selectively switching either the limited operation mode or the overall operation mode. A wireless communication system according to any one of claims 5 to 8,
A plurality of combinations of the duration of the first communication mode and the duration of the second communication mode are set,
Comprising a sleep period selection means for selecting any one of the plurality of types of combinations,
The wireless communication system, wherein the communication mode switching unit switches the communication mode alternately according to the continuation periods corresponding to the combination selected by the sleep period selection unit. The wireless communication system according to any one of claims 9 to 16,
A plurality of combinations of the first sleep period and the second sleep period are set,
Comprising a sleep period selection means for selecting any one of the plurality of types of combinations,
The wireless communication system, wherein the communication mode switching unit uses a combination corresponding to the combination selected by the sleep period selection unit as the first sleep period and the second sleep period. The wireless communication system according to any one of claims 5 to 18,
The first communication method is a spread spectrum communication method by a frequency hopping method,
The wireless communication system, wherein the second communication method is a spread spectrum communication method based on a direct spreading method. The wireless communication system according to claim 19, wherein
The first communication system realizes a voice call with a telephone terminal connected to an external telephone line network, and the first communication device and the telephone line network via the first communication control means. Call control means for connecting the first communication apparatus and the first communication control means when the first communication apparatus is connected to the telephone network via the call control means. Is a digital cordless telephone system in which audio signals converted into digital data are transmitted and received between
The second communication system is a wireless communication between the second communication control means and the second communication device, or a communication connected to be communicable with the second communication device in a wireless or wired manner. A wireless communication system, characterized in that a terminal is a wireless LAN system capable of communicating with the second communication control means via the second communication device. The wireless communication system according to any one of claims 5 to 20,
The wireless communication system, wherein the first communication control means and the second communication control means are provided in the same casing.
A wireless communication system. A wireless communication device used in the wireless communication system according to claim 5,
A wireless communication apparatus, wherein at least the first communication control means and the second communication control means are provided in the same casing. A wireless communication device used in the wireless communication system according to any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein
At least the first communication control means, the second communication control means, the first main sleep setting means, the first main activation means, the second main sleep setting means, and the second main activation means. Is provided in the same housing.

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