JP2008098893A - Wireless communication module, and wireless communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simply select and authenticate a partner apparatus by using a short-range wireless communication means other than a wireless LAN, when establishing communication by the wireless LAN. <P>SOLUTION: The system, is provided with: a first wireless communications means (wireless LAN); a second wireless communications means having shorter transmission distance than that of the first communications means (short-range wireless communication means), and a control section. When establishing communication by the first communications means, the devices to be connected by the first communication means are mutually close to each other so that they can communicate by the second wireless communication means. The MAC addresses/IDs/encryption information required for communication by the first wireless communication means are transmitted and received via the second wireless communication means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless communication module and a technology for performing notification of information necessary for performing wireless communication in a wireless communication system and selection of a wireless communication connection partner.

  In recent years, small memory cards equipped with large-capacity non-volatile memory such as flash memory and capable of high-speed data transfer have spread to the market, not only PC (Personal Computer), PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) and mobile phones, A memory card slot for inserting a memory card is mounted and used in AV equipment such as a digital movie, a digital still camera, an audio player, a digital television, and a car navigation system.

  In addition to the memory function, for example, a wireless LAN function, a network connection function such as wireless communication based on the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, a position measurement function using GPS (Global Positioning System), and a one-segment broadcasting of digital terrestrial television broadcasting An I / O card, which is a card-type input / output device equipped with an input / output function such as a broadcast receiving function, has appeared. By inserting an I / O card into a memory card slot for inserting a memory card, a wireless LAN And Bluetooth functions can be used on PCs and PDAs. (Patent Document 1)

In the future, I / O functions, especially wireless communication functions typified by wireless LAN, and large-capacity non-volatile memory cards are expected to spread, and PDA and AV devices with memory card slots Therefore, it is considered that the use of the wireless communication function further proceeds.
JP 2004-215232 A

  However, when using the wireless communication function, the same identification information (for example, a character string) is selected in both the access point and the wireless LAN client. Etc.) to set an identifier called ESS-ID (Extended Service Set IDentifier) used for the function of permitting connection only to a specific device, and MAC (Media Access Control) for ensuring the security of the wireless communication path ) Address filtering settings and WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) settings related to encryption to ensure the security of wireless communication channels are also used for PCs equipped with a keyboard for character input and a display with a large display area ( Personal computers) and PDAs are very cumbersome and inconvenient for the user.

  On the other hand, AV equipment such as a digital movie, a digital still camera, an audio player, a digital TV, and a car navigation system does not include a keyboard for inputting characters or includes only a simple key input device such as a numeric keypad. In particular, the display of portable AV devices represented by digital movies, digital still cameras, audio players, etc. is small in size, so it is possible to select the partner device to be connected for communication, settings related to this, and security of the wireless communication path. It is more inconvenient and impractical to perform filtering settings for MAC (Media Access Control) addresses and WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) settings.

  In addition, many wireless function-equipped devices (wireless LAN clients) and many devices that connect these wireless function-equipped devices (wireless LAN clients) within a distance range (generally a radius of 50 m to 100 m) in which wireless LAN communication is possible. When there is a radio wave repeater (access point), and you want to connect to a specific device or radio wave repeater (access point), you need to select the device to be connected from the list of all connectable devices There is. For this reason, portable AV devices equipped with only a small display cannot be listed, and are difficult for users to understand.

  In addition, the ID of the device is displayed in the connectable device list, and the user cannot easily know the relationship with the actual device, that is, which ID corresponds to which device. There was a problem.

  The object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and a wireless communication module and a wireless communication module that can easily select various settings and communication connection devices necessary for wireless communication even in devices that do not include a keyboard or a large display. It is to provide a communication system.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention takes the following technical means. That is, the technical means in the present invention is a wireless communication module that transmits and receives data by wireless communication, and setting information necessary for performing communication by the first wireless communication means and the first wireless communication means. A second wireless communication unit for transmitting and receiving the wireless communication, and a control unit configured to set the setting information received via the second wireless communication unit in the first wireless communication unit. To do.

  Note that the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit preferably perform wireless communication using different communication methods.

  The first wireless communication unit preferably has a longer transmission distance than the second wireless communication unit.

  The second wireless communication unit may include at least one of MAC address, ID, and information related to encryption of the wireless communication path as setting information necessary for performing communication by the first wireless communication unit. It is preferable to send and receive one piece of information.

  More preferably, the control unit receives setting information necessary for performing communication by the first wireless communication unit received through the wireless communication unit of the title 2, and sends the setting information to the first wireless communication unit. It is good to set.

  The technical means in the present invention is a wireless communication system that transmits and receives data by wireless communication, and setting information necessary for performing communication by the first wireless communication means and the first wireless communication means. A second wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving the wireless communication, a control unit for setting the setting information received via the second wireless communication means in the first wireless communication means, and the second wireless communication Power supply command output means for giving a command for supplying power to the means.

  The technical means in the present invention is a wireless communication system that transmits and receives data by wireless communication, and setting information necessary for performing communication by the first wireless communication means and the first wireless communication means. A second wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving the wireless communication, a control unit for setting the setting information received via the second wireless communication means in the first wireless communication means, and the second wireless communication Communication start command output means for giving a communication start command to the means.

  The technical means in the present invention is a wireless communication system that transmits and receives data by wireless communication, and setting information necessary for performing communication by the first wireless communication means and the first wireless communication means. A second wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving the wireless communication, a control unit for setting the setting information received via the second wireless communication means in the first wireless communication means, and the second wireless communication The light is turned on when normal communication with the communication connection destination is started by the means, and the light is turned off when the second wireless communication means completes the transmission and reception of the setting information necessary for communication by the first wireless communication means. And display means.

  The second wireless communication means starts wireless communication when power supply is started based on a command from the power supply command output means, and searches for a wireless communication module or a wireless communication system capable of communication connection. Preferably it is done.

  More preferably, when the second wireless communication unit receives a communication start command from the communication start command output unit, the second wireless communication unit performs communication by the first wireless communication unit with respect to the communication communication destination communication system. It is preferable that the setting information necessary for this is transmitted wirelessly, and a request signal for requesting transmission of the setting information is transmitted from the wireless communication system of the communication connection destination.

  According to the wireless communication module and the wireless communication system according to the present invention, when using the wireless communication function, selection / determination of a counterpart device for wireless communication connection, settings necessary for performing wireless communication, for example, access Setting an identifier called ESS-ID (Extended Service Set IDentifier) used for the function of permitting connection only to a specific device by registering the same identification information (for example, a character string) in both the point and the wireless LAN client, The MAC (Media Access Control) address filtering setting for ensuring the security of the wireless communication channel and the WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) setting related to encryption for ensuring the security of the wireless communication channel are also ensured. It can be done easily.

  Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing configurations of radio communication systems 130 and 170 and radio communication modules 110 and 150 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 111 is a control unit that controls the wireless communication module 110 and / or the wireless communication system 130, 112 is a close proximity wireless communication unit that has a short communication distance compared to the wireless LAN, 113 is a wireless LAN communication unit, 120 Is a memory card with a wireless function in which a wireless communication function and a nonvolatile memory are built in the same housing, 121 is a nonvolatile memory, 122 is a display means (indicator), 130 is a wireless communication system, 131 is a power supply command output means, 132 is a communication start command output means, and 133 is a wireless LAN adapter. Next, 151 is a control unit that controls the wireless communication module 150 and / or the wireless communication system 170, 152 is a close proximity wireless communication unit that has a short communication distance compared to the wireless LAN, 153 is a wireless LAN communication unit, and 160 is wireless. A memory card with a wireless function in which a communication function and a nonvolatile memory are built in the same housing, 161 is a nonvolatile memory, 162 is a display means (indicator), 170 is a wireless communication system, 171 is a power supply command output means, and 172 is A communication start command output means 173 is a wireless LAN adapter.

  Here, the wireless LAN adapter 133 includes a first wireless communication means (wireless LAN communication means) 113, a power supply command output means 131, a communication start command output means 132, and a memory in which a memory card 120 with a wireless function can be inserted. It is a device (card adapter) having a card slot, and constitutes the wireless communication system 130 in combination with the inserted wireless card 120 with a wireless function.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless function-equipped memory card 120 includes a second wireless communication unit (proximity wireless communication unit) 112, a control unit 111, and a nonvolatile memory 121.

  Similarly, the wireless LAN adapter 173 can insert the first wireless communication means (wireless LAN communication means) 153, the power supply command output means 171, the communication start command output means 172, and the memory card 160 with wireless function. This is a device (card adapter) having a memory card slot, and constitutes a wireless communication system 170 in combination with the inserted memory card 160 with a wireless function.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless function-equipped memory card 160 includes a second wireless communication unit (proximity wireless communication unit) 152, a control unit 151, and a nonvolatile memory 161.

  The wireless communication system configured as described above can communicate with a wide range of devices using the first wireless communication means (wireless LAN communication means) 113 and 153, for example, to the Internet via a wireless LAN. Connect and exchange data.

  On the other hand, by using the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 112, 152, data can be exchanged at high speed between nearby devices (for example, within a radius of 5 cm). For example, by bringing the digital still cameras (hereinafter referred to as DSCs) on which the second wireless communication units (proximity wireless communication units) 112 and 152 are mounted close to each other, it is possible to exchange photographic data taken by the DSC.

  FIG. 2 shows the setting information necessary for the second wireless communication means 112 and 152 of the wireless communication systems 130 and 170 according to the embodiment of the present invention to perform communication by the first wireless communication means 113 and 153. It is a sequence diagram at the time of giving / receiving by communication.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the communicable range of the first wireless communication unit (wireless LAN communication unit) 113 and the communicable range of the second wireless communication unit (proximity wireless communication unit) 112. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 300 denotes a communicable range of the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 112, 301 denotes a communicable range of the first wireless communication means (wireless LAN communication means) 113, and 310 denotes a wireless communication system ( 311 is a DSC, 320 is a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), 321 is a mobile phone, 322 is a notebook PC, 323 is a notebook PC, 324 is a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), 325 is Notebook PC, 326 is a wireless LAN radio relay device (access point), 327 is a mobile phone, 330 is a notebook PC, 331 is a DSC, 332 is a desktop PC, 333 is a smartphone, 334 is a mobile phone, 335 is a smartphone, 336 is digital Movie 337 is a smartphone.

  Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the wireless communication system of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 3, a wireless communication system (a wireless function-equipped memory card and a wireless LAN adapter) 310 corresponds to the wireless communication system 130 shown in FIG. 1, and a DSC 311 corresponds to the wireless communication system 170 shown in FIG.

  The DSC 311 includes at least the wireless communication module 150 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless communication module 150 includes a first wireless communication unit (wireless LAN communication unit) 153, a second wireless communication unit (proximity wireless communication unit) 152, and a control unit 151. The

  The devices 320 to 327 and the devices 330 to 337 also include the wireless communication module 150 shown in FIG. 1. The wireless communication module 150 includes a first wireless communication unit (wireless LAN) as shown in FIG. (Communication means) 153, second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 152, and control unit 151.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a communicable range of the first wireless communication means (wireless LAN communication means). For example, this range has a radius of about 100 m. That is, when the wireless communication system (the wireless function-equipped memory card 120 and the wireless LAN adapter 133) 310 tries to perform wireless communication by the first wireless communication means (wireless LAN communication means) 113, the DSC 311 and the PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) 320, mobile phone 321, notebook PC 322, notebook PC 323, PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) 324, notebook PC 325, wireless LAN radio wave relay (access point) 326, mobile phone 327, notebook PC 330, DSC 331, desktop PC 332, smartphone 333, mobile phone Wireless communication connection with a total of 17 units including the telephone 334, the smartphone 335, the digital movie 336, and the smartphone 337 becomes possible.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 300 denotes a communicable range of the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 112. For example, this range is a radius of about 5 cm. That is, when the wireless communication system (the wireless function-equipped memory card 120 and the wireless LAN adapter 133) 310 tries to perform wireless communication by the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 112, the DSC 311 and the devices 320 to 327 Of the total 17 devices including the devices 330 to 337, wireless communication connection is possible with only one DSC 311.

  When performing wireless communication by the first wireless communication means (wireless LAN communication means) 113 and 153 between the wireless communication system (memory card 120 with wireless function and wireless LAN adapter 133) 310 and DSC 311, the first wireless When searching for communicable devices using the communication means 113 and 153, in general, a large number of devices are detected, and the user needs to select and determine a device to which a wireless communication connection is desired from the detected devices. is there. For example, in the example of FIG. 3, since 17 devices are detected, the user selects and determines a device for wireless communication connection.

  However, since the displays of portable AV devices represented by digital movies, digital still cameras, audio players, etc. are small, when a large number of devices capable of wireless communication connection are detected, they cannot be displayed at one time. It is necessary for the user to scroll the display screen (moving the display contents up, down, left, and right), which makes the operation cumbersome and difficult to select a connected device.

  In addition, the detected device is usually identified by a device-specific ID, such as a device serial number or a MAC (Media Access Control) address, and the device-specific ID is displayed as a wirelessly connectable device. The user needs to check and determine which ID is associated with which device, and the selection / determination of a device for wireless communication connection is further inconvenient and difficult to understand.

  Therefore, in the wireless communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention, when wireless communication is performed by the first wireless communication unit (wireless LAN communication unit) 113, 153, the second wireless communication unit (proximity wireless communication unit) 112, 152 is used to select / determine a connection partner device that performs wireless communication using the first wireless communication means (wireless LAN communication means) 113 and 153.

  This procedure will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. When wireless communication is performed by the first wireless communication means (wireless LAN communication means) 113 and 153 between the wireless communication system (the wireless function-equipped memory card 120 and the wireless LAN adapter 133) 310 and the DSC 311 in FIG. The communication system 310 and the DSC 311 are brought close to the communicable range of the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 112 and 152, and the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 112 and 152 are turned on. . Alternatively, after the power of the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 112 and 152 is turned on, the wireless communication system 310 and the DSC 311 can communicate with the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 112 and 152. Approach even inside.

  In FIG. 2, reference numerals 220 to 227 denote steps in which the wireless communication system (the wireless function-equipped memory card 120 and the wireless LAN adapter 133) 310 operates, and 221 denotes the power supply of the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 112. This is a processing step to turn ON. Reference numerals 240 to 247 are steps indicating the operation of the DSC 311, and reference numeral 241 is a processing step for turning on the power of the second wireless communication means (close proximity wireless communication means) 152.

  Here, on the wireless communication system 310 side, for example, when the user presses a button (power supply command output means 131), a power supply command is issued, and the control unit 111 presses the button (power supply command output means 131). Is instructed to supply power to the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 112.

  Similarly, on the DSC 311 side, for example, when the user presses a button (power supply command output means 171), a power supply command is issued, and the control unit 151 outputs it by pressing the button (power supply command output means 171). In response to the received power supply command, the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 152 is instructed to supply power.

  In the present embodiment, as an example, power supply to the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 112 and 152 is started based on pressing of a button (power supply command output means 131 and 171). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the wireless communication modules 110 and 150 may detect that the wireless communication modules 110 and 150 are close to each other in a wireless communication range and start supplying power based on the detection result. .

  Alternatively, a separate optical communication unit (for example, IrDA) is provided, the optical communication unit detects that the wireless communication modules 110 and 150 are close to each other in a wireless communication range, and the second wireless communication unit is based on the detection result. The power supply to the (proximity wireless communication means) 112 and 152 may be started.

  Reference numerals 222 and 242 in FIG. 2 denote processing steps for lighting the indicators 122 and 162 during authentication. In a state where the power of the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 112 and 152 is ON, the user brings the devices closer to each other within 5 cm, and the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) ) When the wireless communication by 112, 152 is possible, the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 112 on the wireless communication system (wireless communication memory card 120 and wireless LAN adapter 133) 310 side is In response to this, the control unit 111 outputs a lighting instruction for the in-authentication indicator 122, and the in-authentication indicator 122 starts lighting in response to this.

  Similarly, when wireless communication by the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 112 and 152 becomes possible, on the DSC 311 side, the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 152 controls the control unit 151. In response to this, the control unit 151 outputs an instruction to turn on the in-authentication indicator 162, and the in-authentication indicator 162 starts to turn on.

  As a result, the user can easily and clearly know that the wireless communication between the devices performing the wireless communication connection has been normally established.

  In the present embodiment, the communicable range of the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 112 and 152 is 5 cm as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the first wireless communication means ( Wireless LAN communication means) 113 and 153 may be narrower than the communicable range.

  223 in FIG. 2 is a step of issuing a communication start command. For example, when the user presses a button (communication start command output means 132), the communication start command is issued.

  The control unit 111 receives the communication start command output by pressing the button (communication start command output unit 132), and instructs the second wireless communication unit (proximity wireless communication unit) 112 to start communication.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 261 denotes a second wireless communication system (proximity wireless communication means) 112 of the wireless communication system (wireless function-equipped memory card 120 and wireless LAN adapter 133) 310 that is the second wireless communication device of the DSC 311. This is a sequence for transmitting the own ID and / or MAC (Media Access Control) address and / or encryption key to the wireless communication means (close proximity wireless communication means) 152 and a wireless communication request.

  2 indicates the ID and / or MAC (Media Access Control) address and / or encryption key of the counterpart device (wireless communication system 310) received by the second wireless communication means (close proximity wireless communication means) 152 of the DSC 311. These are processing steps that are received by the controller 151 and set and registered in the first wireless communication means (wireless LAN communication means) 153.

  The controller 151 receives the ID and / or MAC (Media Access Control) address and / or encryption key of the counterpart device (wireless communication system 310) received via the second wireless communication means (close proximity wireless communication means) 152. May be stored in the non-volatile memory 161 based on the above command.

  Accordingly, when the devices (wireless communication system 310, DSC 311) perform wireless communication by the first wireless communication means (wireless LAN communication means) 113, 153, the data is stored in the nonvolatile memory 161. By setting the first wireless communication means (wireless LAN communication means) 153 based on the information, the first wireless communication means (wireless LAN communication means) 113 is immediately performed without performing the processing shown in FIG. Wireless communication by 153 can be performed.

  In addition, the controller 151 receives the ID and / or MAC (Media Access Control) address and / or encryption key of the counterpart device (wireless communication system 310) received via the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 152. When storing in the non-volatile memory 161 based on the above command, the ID and / or MAC (Media Access Control) address and / or encryption key are encrypted and stored in the non-volatile memory 161 from the viewpoint of ensuring security. You may do it.

  244 in FIG. 2 is used to register the ID and / or MAC (Media Access Control) address of the DSC 311 side, and the ID and / or MAC (Media Access Control) address and / or encryption key of the counterpart device (wireless communication system 310). This is a processing step of transmitting an acknowledgment indicating completion through the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 152.

  2 includes a second wireless communication unit (close proximity wireless communication unit) 152 of the DSC 311 to a second wireless communication unit (proximity wireless communication unit) of the wireless communication system (memory card with wireless function and wireless LAN adapter) 310. ) 112, the ID and / or MAC (Media Access Control) address on the DSC 311 side and the ID and / or MAC (Media Access Control) address and / or encryption key of the counterpart device (wireless communication system 310) are registered. This is a sequence for transmitting an acknowledgment indicating completion.

  224 in FIG. 2 indicates the ID and / or MAC (Media) on the DSC 311 side received by the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 112 of the wireless communication system (memory card 120 with wireless function and wireless LAN adapter 133) 310. Access Control) is a processing step in which the control unit 111 receives the address and sets and registers it in the first wireless communication means (wireless LAN communication means) 113.

  Note that the ID and / or MAC (Media Access Control) address and / or encryption key of the counterpart device (DSC 311) received via the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 112 are used as commands of the control unit 111. Based on this, the data may be stored in the nonvolatile memory 121.

  As a result, when the devices (wireless communication system 310, DSC 311) perform wireless communication by the first wireless communication means (wireless LAN communication means) 113, 153, they are stored in the non-volatile memory 121. By setting the first wireless communication means (wireless LAN communication means) 113 based on the information, the first wireless communication means (wireless LAN communication means) 113 is immediately performed without performing the processing shown in FIG. Wireless communication by 153 can be performed.

  Further, the ID and / or MAC (Media Access Control) address and / or encryption key of the counterpart device (DSC 311) received via the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 112 is used as a command of the control unit 111. When storing in the nonvolatile memory 121 based on the above, from the viewpoint of ensuring security, the ID and / or MAC (Media Access Control) address and / or encryption key may be encrypted and stored in the nonvolatile memory 121. good.

  Reference numeral 225 in FIG. 2 is a processing step in which the control unit 111 turns off the in-authentication indicator in response to completion of acquisition and setting / registration of the ID and / or MAC (Media Access Control) address on the partner device (DSC 311) side. is there.

  Similarly, reference numeral 245 in FIG. 2 indicates that the DSC 311 side has completed the acquisition and setting / registration of the ID and / or MAC (Media Access Control) address and / or encryption key of the counterpart device (wireless communication system 310) side. In response to the fact that the acknowledgment has been transmitted, the control unit 151 turns off the in-authentication indicator.

  226 in FIG. 2 is for performing wireless communication between the first wireless communication means (wireless LAN communication means) 113 and 153 by the wireless communication by the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 112 and 152. This is a processing step in which the control unit 111 enables the wireless communication function of the first wireless communication means (wireless LAN communication means) 113 in response to completion of necessary information exchange and setting / registration.

  Similarly, reference numeral 246 in FIG. 2 performs wireless communication between the first wireless communication means (wireless LAN communication means) 113 and 153 by the wireless communication by the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 112 and 152. This is a processing step in which the control unit 151 enables the wireless communication function of the first wireless communication unit (wireless LAN communication unit) 153 in response to the completion of the transmission / reception of information and setting / registration required.

  227 and 247 in FIG. 2 perform wireless communication between the first wireless communication means (wireless LAN communication means) 113 and 153 by wireless communication by the second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 112 and 152. It shows the end of the exchange of information necessary for setting and the setting / registration process.

  As described above in detail, according to the wireless communication modules 110 and 150, the wireless communication systems 130 and 170, and their wireless communication methods according to the present embodiment, the first wireless communication means 113 and 153, The first communication means 113, 153 includes the second wireless communication means 112, 152 and the control units 111, 151 that have a shorter transmission distance than the first communication means (wireless LAN) 113, 153. When performing, the devices connected by the first communication means 113 and 153 are brought close to each other so that the second wireless communication means 112 and 152 can communicate with each other, and the first wireless communication means 113 and 153 communicate with each other. Transmission / reception of MAC (Media Access Control) address and / or ID and / or encryption information necessary for the transmission is performed via the second wireless communication means 112 and 152. As a result, when using the wireless communication function, the same identification information (for example, both the access point and the wireless LAN client, for example, selection / determination of a counterpart device for wireless communication connection and settings necessary for wireless communication) By registering an identifier called ESS-ID (Extended Service Set IDentifier) used for the function of permitting connection only to a specific device by registering a character string, etc., and MAC (Media (Access Control) Address filtering setting and WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) setting related to encryption for ensuring the security of the wireless communication path can be executed reliably and easily.

  The wireless communication system according to the present invention proposes a method capable of safely performing wireless LAN communication between specific devices without leaking information by a simple procedure, such as DSC and digital movie. This is useful in AV equipment or communication equipment such as a mobile phone.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the radio | wireless communications system 130 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. Sequence diagram when second wireless communication means of wireless communication system 130 according to the embodiment of the present invention transmits / receives setting information necessary for communication by the first wireless communication means by wireless communication The figure which shows each transmission distance (communication range) of a 1st wireless communication means and a 2nd wireless communication means, and the relationship of a wireless communication connection apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

120, 160 Wireless function equipped memory card 121, 161 Non-volatile memory 122, 162 Display means (indicator)
130, 170 Wireless communication system 131, 171 Power supply command output means 132, 172 Communication start command output means 220 Start of authentication sequence 221 Processing to turn on power of second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 222 Authentication in progress Processing for turning on indicator 223 Processing for instructing selection of wireless communication connection partner device (system) 224 Setting processing for information related to encryption of wireless communication path 225 Processing for turning off indicator during authentication 226 First wireless communication means (wireless Process for enabling LAN communication means) 227 End of authentication sequence 240 Start of authentication sequence 241 Process for turning on power of second wireless communication means (proximity wireless communication means) 242 Process for turning on indicator during authentication 243 MAC address And / or processing for registering an ID 244 Processing for transmitting information related to encryption of wireless communication path 245 Processing for turning off indicator during authentication 246 Processing for enabling first wireless communication means (wireless LAN communication means) 247 End of authentication sequence 300 Second wireless communication Communication range of means (proximity wireless communication means) 301 Communication range of first wireless communication means (wireless LAN communication means) 310 Wireless communication system (wireless function equipped memory card and wireless LAN adapter)
311 Digital Still Camera 320 PDA (Personal Digital Assistants)
321 Mobile phone 322 Notebook PC
323 notebook PC
324 PDA (Personal Digital Assistants)
325 notebook PC
326 Wireless LAN radio wave repeater (access point)
327 Mobile phone 330 Notebook PC
331 Digital Still Camera 332 Desktop PC
333 Smartphone 334 Mobile phone 335 Smartphone 336 Digital movie 337 Smartphone

Claims (10)

A wireless communication module that transmits and receives data by wireless communication,
First wireless communication means;
Second wireless communication means for exchanging setting information necessary for performing communication by the first wireless communication means by wireless communication;
A wireless communication module, comprising: a control unit configured to set the setting information received via the second wireless communication unit in the first wireless communication unit.   The wireless communication module according to claim 1, wherein the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit perform wireless communication using different communication methods.   The wireless communication module according to claim 1, wherein the first wireless communication unit has a longer transmission distance than the second wireless communication unit.   The second wireless communication means has at least one information of MAC address, ID, and information related to encryption of the wireless communication path as setting information necessary for performing communication by the first wireless communication means The wireless communication module according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit receives setting information necessary for performing communication by the first wireless communication unit received via the wireless communication unit of the title 2,
The wireless communication module according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication module is set in the first wireless communication unit. A wireless communication system for transmitting and receiving data by wireless communication,
A wireless communication module according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
And a power supply command output means for giving a command for supplying power to the second wireless communication means. A wireless communication system for transmitting and receiving data by wireless communication,
A wireless communication module according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A wireless communication system comprising: a communication start command output means for giving a communication start command to the second wireless communication means. A wireless communication system for transmitting and receiving data by wireless communication,
A wireless communication module according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Lights when normal communication with the communication destination is started by the second wireless communication means,
A wireless communication system, comprising: a display unit that turns off when setting information necessary for performing communication by the first wireless communication unit is completed by the second wireless communication unit.   The second radio communication unit starts radio communication when power supply is started based on a command from the power supply command output unit, and searches for a radio communication module or a radio communication system capable of communication connection. The wireless communication system according to claim 6. When the second wireless communication unit receives a communication start command from the communication start command output unit,
To the wireless communication system of the communication connection destination, setting information necessary for performing communication by the first wireless communication means is transmitted wirelessly,
8. The wireless communication system according to claim 7, wherein a request signal for requesting transmission of the setting information is transmitted from the wireless communication system of the communication connection destination.

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