JP2008219534A - Radio communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system capable of preventing information from being leaked to a third party as far as possible even when a device which stores the information is left somewhere or lost. <P>SOLUTION: The radio communication system is constituted by providing a main communication device which stores the information and a sub communication device having a storage device and receiving the information by radio communication with the main communication device to store it in the storage device, wherein the radio communication can be executed only when the sub communication device is located within a predetermined range around the main communication device and the sub communication device erases the information stored in the storage device at predetermined timing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless communication system that performs wireless communication between a plurality of communication devices.

  In recent years, portable information terminals such as mobile phones, mobile PCs, and PDAs [Personal Digital Assistants] have become highly functional and can be easily taken out by downsizing. In addition, by increasing the capacity of a memory device included in a portable information terminal, various information can be stored and taken out.

Many portable information terminals are equipped with a wireless communication function and can exchange information with other devices. As wireless communication standards, there are wireless LAN IEEE802.11, Bluetooth (trademark), and the like. Thus, the convenience of mobile information terminals is greatly improved, and is very important in the modern information society.
JP-A-5-336104 JP 2004-310387 A JP 2006-180171 A

  As described above, the convenience of the information terminal is improved, but information leakage from the information terminal is a problem. For example, if an information terminal storing personal information is left behind or lost somewhere, such information may leak to a third party and suffer disadvantages. In preparation for these problems, for example, a method for requesting the input of a password for browsing information is adopted, but the password may be deciphered and it is difficult to say that it is perfect. In other words, as long as information remains in the information terminal, the possibility of leakage of this information cannot be denied.

  Moreover, when using several information terminals separately according to a condition, it may be difficult to unify information. For example, when schedule data is managed by an information terminal, if the data is updated at a certain information terminal and is not updated at another information terminal, it is difficult to appropriately manage the schedule.

  Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention is a wireless communication that can prevent leakage of information to a third party as much as possible even if the device that stores the information is misplaced or lost somewhere. The purpose is to provide a system. It is another object of the present invention to provide a wireless communication system that can easily unify information.

  To achieve the above object, a wireless communication system according to the present invention includes a main communication device for storing information and a storage device, and receives the information by wireless communication with the main communication device and stores the information in the storage device. The wireless communication is executable only when the sub communication device is located within a predetermined range around the main communication device, and is stored in the storage device. The information is deleted at a predetermined timing according to the reception (first configuration).

  According to this structure, the information memorize | stored in the main communication apparatus can be transmitted to a sub communication apparatus by radio | wireless communication, and can be memorize | stored. In the sub-communication device, the stored information is erased at a predetermined timing according to the reception time. Therefore, it is easy to prevent the information from leaking to a third party who has picked up the sub-communication device.

  The wireless communication can be executed only when the sub communication device is located within a predetermined range. For this reason, even when a request for information transmission can be made from the sub-communication device side to the main communication device, such a request can be blocked at a position away from the user who owns the main communication device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent as much as possible a situation where information is stolen by a third party who has acquired the sub communication device.

  The sub-communication device acquires information by receiving information from the main communication device. Therefore, even when a plurality of sub-communication devices are used in combination, for example, centralizing information can be easily realized by collectively managing information on the main communication device side.

  Further, in the first configuration, the sub-communication device includes a determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the reception, and the timing is determined by the determination unit as the predetermined time has elapsed. It is good also as a structure (2nd structure) when it is judged.

  According to this configuration, old information in the sub-communication device (information for which a longer time has elapsed since reception) is easily deleted. Therefore, such information can be deleted at a reasonable timing. For example, when the predetermined time is 1 hour, it is not hindered that the user confirms the information within 1 hour after the information is received. Further, even if the sub-communication device is lost, 1 hour has passed since the reception. If so, information leakage is avoided.

  In the second configuration, the predetermined time may be a configuration (third configuration) determined according to the type of information. According to this configuration, for example, even if the time that the sub-communication apparatus wants to hold differs for each type of information, such a request can be met.

  In the second configuration, the predetermined time may be determined according to the free space in the storage device (fourth configuration). According to this configuration, for example, by shortening the predetermined time as the free space becomes smaller, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the situation where new information cannot be additionally stored due to insufficient storage capacity.

  In the second configuration, the predetermined time may be changed through a predetermined operation by the user (fifth configuration). According to this configuration, it is possible to make the timing of erasing information more in line with the user's intention.

  In any of the first to fifth configurations, the main communication device transmits the information to the sub-communication device when a request for transmission of the information is received from the sub-communication device (sixth). It is good also as a structure.

  According to this configuration, the timing for transmitting information to the main communication device can be set when there is a transmission request from the sub communication device. Therefore, for example, when a user who has a sub-communication device tries to acquire information, it is possible to easily obtain information by making a transmission request to the sub-communication device.

  In the sixth configuration, the sub-communication device transmits its own ID information to the main communication device when the transmission request is made, and the main communication device prior to the transmission of the information. Further, a configuration (seventh configuration) for determining whether to permit transmission of the information based on the ID information may be adopted.

  According to this configuration, prior to transmission of information by the main communication device, a transmission rejection determination based on the ID information is performed. For this reason, for example, it is possible to avoid information transmission to a sub-communication device that does not wish to permit transmission of information, and to prevent information leakage as much as possible.

  In any of the first to seventh configurations, the information may be personal information (eighth configuration). According to this configuration, it is possible to manage and browse the personal information with relatively high confidentiality while avoiding the risk of information leakage as much as possible. The personal information here is information that leads to identification of an individual such as an individual's name, address, and telephone number, and includes information that represents an individual's schedule.

  In any one of the first to eighth configurations, a configuration (9th configuration) may be provided that includes an adjusting unit that adjusts the size of the predetermined range. As the predetermined range is larger, wireless communication between the main communication device and the sub communication device is possible even at a relatively remote location from the main communication device, and convenience is improved. On the other hand, the smaller this predetermined range, the easier it is for example to prevent a third party from accessing the main communication device without permission using the sub-communication device. According to this configuration, since the predetermined range can be adjusted, it is possible to appropriately cope with the situation at that time.

  In the first to ninth configurations, the wireless communication method is any one of a wireless LAN method, a Bluetooth standard method, and an infrared communication method (tenth configuration). In the first to tenth configurations, the sub-communication device may be any one of a mobile phone, a PDA, and a mobile PC (eleventh configuration).

  In the first to eleventh configurations, the main communication device may be a configuration that can be worn on a human body (a twelfth configuration), or a configuration that is attached to a product attached to a human body (a thirteenth configuration). ). According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the user from leaving the main communication device somewhere or losing it as much as possible.

  Also, a communication device that performs wireless communication with another device, a storage unit that stores information received from the other device through the wireless communication, and a determination that determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the reception If the communication device has a configuration (fourteenth configuration), and a erasing unit that erases the stored information when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, It becomes easy to use as a communication device.

  As described above, according to the wireless communication system of the present invention, the information stored in the main communication device can be transmitted to the sub communication device by wireless communication and stored. In the sub-communication device, the stored information is erased at a predetermined timing according to the reception time. Therefore, it is easy to prevent the information from leaking to a third party who has picked up the sub-communication device.

  The wireless communication can be executed only when the sub communication device is located within a predetermined range. For this reason, even when a request for information transmission can be made from the sub-communication device side to the main communication device, such a request can be blocked at a position away from the user who owns the main communication device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent as much as possible a situation where information is stolen by a third party who has acquired the sub communication device.

  The sub-communication device acquires information by receiving information from the main communication device. Therefore, even when a plurality of sub-communication devices are used in combination, for example, centralizing information can be easily realized by collectively managing information on the main communication device side.

  As an embodiment of the present invention, a communication system having a main communication device and a plurality of sub communication devices will be described below.

  The contents of the overall configuration of the communication system are shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the communication system 100 includes a single main communication device 200 and a plurality of sub communication devices (300A to 300C that can perform wireless communication with the main communication device 200). 300). The main communication device 200 can record user personal information (for example, the user's name, address, telephone number, schedule, etc.). Wireless transmission to the communication device 300 is possible.

  In addition, since communication between the main communication device 200 and the sub communication device 300 is wireless communication (for example, wireless LAN, Bluetooth, and infrared communication standards), if the distance between the two exceeds a predetermined value, Communication is not possible due to attenuation or restrictions due to communication standards. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, when the main communication device 200 has a communication range (range in which wireless communication is possible) as indicated by the broken line 101, the sub communication devices (300A, 300B) located within this range are Wireless communication with the main communication device 200 can be performed, but the sub communication device 300C is located outside the range, so that wireless communication with the main communication device 200 cannot be performed.

  Next, the configuration of the main communication device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the main communication device 200 includes a wireless data transmission / reception unit 201, an information processing unit 202, an input unit 203, a recording unit 204, and the like.

  The wireless data transmission / reception unit 201 includes an antenna or the like, and enables transmission / reception of information by wireless communication with the sub communication device 300.

  The information processing unit 202 performs predetermined processing on information transmitted by wireless communication and information input through the input unit 203. Further, when the contents of the information processing unit 202 are functionally classified, as shown in FIG. 2, each of the authentication processing unit 221, the data discrimination / synchronization confirmation unit 222, the data update processing unit 223, and the data reading unit 224 is provided. Will be.

  The authentication processing unit 221 determines whether the data received by the wireless data transmission / reception unit 201 is transmitted from the sub communication device 300 that is permitted to communicate. This determination is made, for example, by identifying the ID information of the transmission source included in the transmitted data, and the sub-communication device 300 specified by this ID information has been previously approved for communication (a plurality It is done by determining whether or not it is registered.

  The data discriminating / synchronizing confirmation unit 222 is one in which the received data is a request for updating personal information data (hereinafter referred to as “update instruction information”) or a request for transmitting personal information data ( Hereinafter, it is determined as “transmission instruction information”. In addition to this, it also plays a role of synchronizing so that a personal information reading process and an updating process described later are not performed simultaneously.

  Here, the update instruction information is generated in response to a user input, and is information that can specify the type of personal information whose contents are updated, the contents after the update, and the like. The transmission instruction information is generated in response to a user input, and is information that can specify the type of personal information to be transmitted.

  The data update processing unit 223 updates the content of the personal information stored in the storage unit 204 based on the update instruction information transmitted from the data determination / synchronization confirmation unit 222 or the input unit 203.

  The data reading unit 224 reads the personal information stored in the storage unit 204 based on the transmission instruction information transmitted from the data determination / synchronization confirmation unit 222 and transmits this information to the wireless data transmission / reception unit 201.

  The input unit 203 functions as an interface for the user to input information to the main communication device 200. Accordingly, it is possible to acquire update instruction information through an input operation by the user.

  The storage unit 204 functions as a memory for recording personal information and the like input as needed. The recorded personal information is updated in accordance with an update process performed as needed.

  Next, the configuration of the sub communication device 300 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the sub communication apparatus 300 includes a wireless data transmission / reception unit 301, an information processing unit 302, an input unit 303, a recording unit 304, a storage time management unit 305, a display unit 306, and the like.

  The wireless data transmission / reception unit 301 includes an antenna or the like, and enables transmission / reception of information by wireless communication with the main communication device 200. If wireless communication with the main communication device 200 is not possible for some reason, the fact that the wireless communication has failed may be displayed on the display unit 306 or the like to notify the user.

  The information processing unit 302 performs predetermined processing on information transmitted by wireless communication or information input through the input unit 303. Further, when the contents of the information processing unit 302 are functionally classified, as shown in FIG. 3, an input data determination unit 321, a data update processing unit 322, a transmission data processing unit 323, a request data processing unit 324, an authentication processing unit 325, The received data processing unit 326 is included.

  If the information input through the input unit 303 is information for causing the main communication device 200 to update the personal information, the input data determination unit 321 transmits the information to the data update processing unit 322. On the other hand, if it is information for causing the main communication device 200 to transmit personal information, the information is transmitted to the request data processing unit 324.

  The data update processing unit 322 generates update instruction information based on the information transmitted from the input data determination unit 321. The transmission data processing unit 323 converts various information transmitted from the data update processing unit 322 and the request data processing unit 324 into a format that can be wirelessly transmitted, and transmits the information to the wireless data transmission / reception unit 301.

  The request data processing unit 324 generates transmission instruction information based on the information transmitted from the input data determination unit 321. Also, it plays a role of monitoring whether the personal information sent from the main communication device 200 side corresponds to the transmission instruction information (in accordance with the instruction).

  The authentication processing unit 325 determines whether the data received by the wireless data transmission / reception unit 301 is transmitted from the main communication device 200 that is permitted to communicate. This determination is made, for example, by identifying the ID information of the transmission source included in the transmitted data, and whether the main communication device 200 specified by this ID information is registered in advance as being permitted to communicate. It is done by judging whether or not.

  The reception data processing unit 326 extracts personal information from the received information and stores it in the storage unit, determines the type of the personal information, and notifies the storage time management unit 305 of the determination result.

  The input unit 303 functions as an interface for a user to input information to the sub communication device 300. Thereby, the update instruction information and the transmission instruction information described above can be acquired through an input operation by the user.

  The storage unit 304 functions as a memory for storing personal information received at any time. The storage time management unit 305 includes a timer device and manages the time during which personal information is stored in the storage unit. More specifically, every time personal information is received, the timing at which a predetermined time elapses from the time of reception is monitored. When this fixed time has elapsed, the personal information is erased from the storage unit 304.

  This fixed time is set according to the type of personal information (notified from the reception data processing unit 326 as described above). For example, it is 1 hour for personal names and addresses, and 2 hours for schedules.

  The display unit 306 has a display device such as an LCD, and displays personal information stored in the storage unit 304.

  Next, the main processing flow executed in the wireless communication system 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In addition, the broken line in FIG. 4 has shown the flow of the data (wireless data) transmitted by radio | wireless communication.

  First, processing performed by the sub communication apparatus 300 will be described. The sub-communication device 300 constantly monitors whether or not wireless data has been received and whether or not an input has been made by the user through the input unit 303 (steps S11 and S12). When wireless data is received, the process proceeds to step S17. When an input is made by the user, the process proceeds to step S13.

  In the process of step S13, it is determined whether or not the input content relates to a personal information update request. As a result, if it is related to the update request (Y in step S13), the update instruction information is transmitted to the main communication device 200 (step S14). Thereafter, the process returns to step S11.

  On the other hand, if it is not related to the update request (N in step S13), it is determined whether or not the input content is related to a transmission request for personal information (step S15). As a result, if it is related to the transmission request (Y in step S15), the transmission instruction information is transmitted to the main communication device 200 (step S16). Thereafter, the process returns to step S11. If it is not related to a transmission request (N in step S15), the input information is discarded and the process returns to step S11.

  In the process of step S17, the authentication processing unit 325 determines whether or not the received data is transmitted from the main communication device 200 that is permitted to communicate, that is, whether or not it is valid data. As a result, when it is determined that the data is not valid, the received data is discarded (step S18), and the process returns to step S11.

  On the other hand, if the received data is determined to be valid data (Y in step S17), in the request data processing unit 324, does the received data correspond to the transmission request (transmitted transmission instruction information)? It is determined whether or not (step S19). As a result, if not supported, the received data is discarded and the transmission instruction information is transmitted again (step S20).

  On the other hand, when it corresponds, the received personal information is stored in the storage unit 304 as it is, and the content of the personal information is displayed through the display unit 306 (step S21). Thereafter, the process returns to step S11. The personal information stored in the storage unit is deleted after a certain time by the storage time management unit 305.

  Next, processing performed by the main communication device 200 will be described. The main communication device 200 constantly monitors whether or not wireless data (transmitted by the processes of steps S14, S16, and S20) has been received from the sub communication device 300 (step S31).

  If wireless data is received (Y in step S31), the authentication processing unit 221 determines whether or not the received data is transmitted from the sub communication device 300 that is permitted to communicate, that is, valid data. It is determined whether or not. As a result, when it is determined that the data is not valid, the received data is discarded (step S33), and the process returns to step S31.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the data is valid, it is determined whether or not the received data is a request for updating personal information (update instruction information) (step S34). As a result, if it is update instruction information, the personal information stored in the storage unit 204 is updated based on the information (step S35), and the process returns to step S31.

  If it is not update instruction information in the process of step S34, it is next determined whether or not the received data is transmission instruction information (step S36). As a result, if it is transmission instruction information, the personal information stored in the storage unit is read based on the information, and transmitted to the sub-communication device 300 (step S37), and the process returns to step S31.

  Next, an application example of the wireless communication system 100 will be specifically described.

  The main communication device 200 is assumed to be almost always carried by the user (as far as possible from the user himself) and used. For this reason, the main communication device has a shape that can be worn on the human body (for example, a shape such as a belt or a necklace), is integrated with a product that is worn on the human body (for example, a belt, a hat, a wristwatch, etc.), or It is preferable to be attached to these.

  Here, first, assume a situation where the user wants to browse his / her personal information. At this time, the user picks up the nearby sub communication device 300. The type of the sub communication device 300 is not limited as long as it can execute each process in the sub communication device 300 described above, such as a mobile phone, a PDA, and a mobile PC.

  Then, the type of personal information desired to be browsed is specified through the input unit 303 of the sub-communication device 300 picked up. Then, this input content is transmitted from the sub communication device 300 to the main communication device 200 as transmission instruction information. In response to this, the main communication device 200 transmits personal information as instructed to the sub communication device 300, and the sub communication device 300 displays the contents of this personal information. Thereby, the user's request is satisfied.

  If it is desired to update the personal information stored in the main communication device 200, the update instruction information is transmitted to the main communication device 200 by specifying the type and update contents of the personal information updated through the input unit 303. By executing the update, the user's request is satisfied. The personal information can be updated through the input unit 203 on the main communication device 200 side.

  Here, focusing on the distance between the main communication device 200 and the sub communication device 300, in the above situation, the main communication device 200 and the sub communication device 300 are both located in the vicinity of the user. Shorter. Therefore, wireless communication between both sides can be realized, and transmission or updating of information is not hindered.

  Next, it is assumed that after the personal information is stored in the sub communication device 300, the user forgets or loses the sub communication device 300 somewhere. In this case, there is a possibility that personal information may be leaked to a third party who has acquired the sub communication device.

  However, in the sub-communication device 300, the personal information stored in the storage unit 306 is erased after a certain time. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the risk of leakage of personal information to a third party who has acquired the sub communication device 300.

  Further, even if a third party who has picked up the sub communication device 300 tries to transmit personal information to the main communication device 200 using the sub communication device 300, the place where the user is relatively far away (out of the communication range) In this case, wireless communication between the two communication devices is not realized. Therefore, a situation in which personal information is stolen from the main communication device 200 by such a third party is avoided.

  As described above, according to the wireless communication system 100, personal information can be freely viewed, but personal information can be protected at a high level. The personal information input or updated as needed is managed collectively on the main communication device 200 side. For this reason, unification of personal information is realized, and for example, it is possible to save the trouble of updating the information one by one for each different sub-communication device 300.

  In the present embodiment, the timing for erasing the personal information stored in the storage unit 304 is determined in advance for each type of personal information, and is erased when the certain time elapses from the time of reception. It was supposed to be. However, in addition to this, or alternatively, the timing may be determined in consideration of some factor.

  As an example, the user may be able to input information specifying the erasure timing through an input interface in the main communication device 200 or the sub communication device 300. For example, if “30 minutes” is specified for personal information stored in or stored in the storage unit 304, the personal information is deleted from the storage unit 304 30 minutes after the personal information is received by the sub-communication device 300. It is such a condition. Further, when an input such as “long” or “short” is input, the erase timing may be delayed or advanced by a predetermined amount from the normal time. In this way, it is possible to make the erase timing more in line with the user's intention.

  As another example, the storage time management unit 305 or the like may monitor the free space of the storage unit 304, and the erasure timing may be determined according to this free space. For example, the erasure timing is advanced as the free space in the storage unit 304 decreases. In this way, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the situation where personal information cannot be additionally stored due to a lack of storage capacity.

  In addition, as described above, depending on the communication limit of wireless communication itself (communication is inevitably impossible due to electromagnetic wave attenuation, etc. if the distance between communication devices is too far or there is an obstacle) and communication standards The restriction may be used as it is as the communication range, but this communication range may be adjusted intentionally. For example, in the main communication device 200 and the sub communication device 300, by changing the intensity of the transmission wave, the communication limit can be changed and the communication range can be adjusted. In addition, if the receiving side detects the strength of the received wave, and if the strength is not more than a predetermined value, it is possible to adjust the communication range by adjusting the predetermined value if data is not received. it can.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this content, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, as the information to be stored in the storage unit 304, various personal information is given as an example, but other information may be used. The above-described technical contents can be combined as long as there is no contradiction.

  The present invention can be used in the field of portable information terminals using wireless communication.

It is a block diagram of the radio | wireless communications system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the main communication apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the sub communication apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the main processes made in the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Wireless communication system 200 Main communication apparatus 201 Wireless data transmission / reception part 202 Information processing part 203 Input part 204 Storage part 300 Sub communication apparatus 301 Wireless data transmission / reception part 302 Information processing part 303 Input part 304 Storage part 305 Storage time management part 306 Display part

Claims (14)

A main communication device for storing information;
A sub-communication device comprising a storage device and receiving the information by wireless communication with the main communication device and storing the information in the storage device,
The wireless communication is
It can be executed only when the sub communication device is located within a predetermined range around the main communication device,
The information stored in the storage device is
A communication system, wherein the communication system is deleted at a predetermined timing according to the reception. The sub-communication device is
A determination means for determining whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the reception;
The timing is
The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that the predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined time is
The communication system according to claim 2, wherein the communication system is determined according to a type of the information.   The communication system according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined time is determined according to a free space in the storage device.   The communication system according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined time can be changed through a predetermined operation by a user. The main communication device is
The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when there is a transmission request for the information from the sub-communication device, the information is transmitted to the sub-communication device. The sub-communication device is
At the time of the transmission request, the self ID information is also transmitted to the main communication device,
The main communication device is
7. The communication system according to claim 6, wherein prior to transmission of the information, whether to permit transmission of the information is determined based on the ID information.   The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the information is personal information.   The communication system according to claim 1, further comprising an adjusting unit that adjusts the size of the predetermined range. The wireless communication method is:
10. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the communication system is any one of a wireless LAN, a Bluetooth standard, and an infrared communication. The sub-communication device is
The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the communication system is any one of a mobile phone, a PDA, and a mobile PC. The main communication device is
The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the communication system can be attached to a human body. The main communication device is
The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the communication system is attached to a product attached to a human body. A communication device that performs wireless communication with another device,
Storage means for storing information received by the wireless communication from the other device;
Determining means for determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the reception;
A communication apparatus comprising: erasure means for erasing the stored information when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed.

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