JP2009060526A - Communication apparatus, communication system and communication connection method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow simple connection between communication apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: An external apparatus 10a includes: a main communication part 104 for carrying out communication by using Bluetooth (R); a storage part 102 storing apparatus information (a BD address and a link key) necessary for the communication; an auxiliary communication part 103 for transmitting the apparatus information to a cellular phone 20a by noncontact IC technology; and an authentication part 104a for authenticating the cellular phone 20a by using the apparatus information with the transmission as an opportunity. The cellular phone 20a includes: a main communication part 203 for connecting it to the external apparatus 10a by using Bluetooth (R); an auxiliary communication part 201 for receiving the apparatus information by noncontact IC technology; and a request part 203a for requesting connection to the external apparatus 10a by using the apparatus information with the reception as an opportunity. When the request is authenticated, the connection between the cellular phone 20a and the external apparatus 10a is established. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device, a communication system, and a communication connection method for communication connection with a counterpart communication device by a communication method including authentication processing.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a method of performing data communication by connecting to a partner communication device (communication partner device) by a communication method including authentication processing is known. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a communication system that performs data communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark, the same applies hereinafter), which is a method of short-range wireless communication. In order for a communication device to connect to a communication partner device using Bluetooth, device information such as a passcode (password) is exchanged between the communication devices, and the partner is authenticated (device authentication) based on the device information. There is a need.
JP 2002-271318 A

  However, since the passcode needs to be input in each of the communication device requesting the communication connection and the communication device authenticating the request, both the requesting user and the authenticating user are burdened and the device authentication is performed. It takes time to establish a communication connection via. If the establishment of the communication connection is complicated as in this example, there is a possibility that the user may refrain from using a troublesome communication method.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a communication device, a communication system, and a communication connection method capable of easily connecting communication devices.

  The communication device of the present invention includes a communication unit that communicates with a communication partner device using a first communication method, and an auxiliary communication unit that communicates with a communication partner device using a second communication method. Then, when information necessary for communication by the communication means is transmitted to the communication counterpart device by the auxiliary communication means, a connection with the communication counterpart device is established based on the information.

  According to such a communication device, information necessary for communication according to the first communication method is transmitted to the communication partner device using the second communication method, and based on the information, the information according to the first communication method is transmitted. A connection with a communication partner device is established. This eliminates the need for the user of the communication device to input information necessary for communication using the first communication method, so that the communication devices can be easily connected. In addition, since the connection according to the first communication method is established when information necessary for communication according to the first communication method is transmitted to the communication partner device, the communication connection can be quickly established.

  The communication device of the present invention further comprises storage means for preliminarily storing information as device information, and authentication means for authenticating the communication counterpart device, and the auxiliary communication means transmits the device information stored in the storage means to the communication counterpart. And the authentication unit authenticates the communication partner device using the device information stored in the storage unit triggered by the transmission of the device information by the auxiliary communication unit, and the communication unit uses the authentication unit to communicate with the communication partner device. It is preferable to establish a connection with the communication partner device when the authentication is authenticated.

  In this case, the communication partner device is authenticated using the device information stored in advance, and the connection by the first communication means is established with the communication partner device, so it is necessary for communication by the first communication method. It is possible to establish authentication and connection without allowing the user of the communication device to input various device information. In addition, since authentication and connection establishment are performed when the device information is transmitted to the communication partner device, communication connection can be quickly established.

  In the communication device of the present invention, it is preferable that the authentication unit is activated and triggered by transmission of device information by the auxiliary communication unit.

  In this case, since the authentication unit is activated only after the device information is transmitted, it is possible to save power necessary for executing authentication and establishing a communication connection performed after the authentication. Therefore, for example, when the communication device operates on a battery, it is possible to suppress battery consumption.

  In the communication device of the present invention, the auxiliary communication means receives the other device information necessary for connection by the communication means and stored in advance in the communication counterpart device from the communication counterpart device, and the authentication means uses the auxiliary communication means. It is preferable that authentication is further performed using the counterpart device information triggered by transmission of the device information and reception of the counterpart device information.

  In this case, not only the transmission of the device information but also the reception of the counterpart device information from the counterpart device information is authenticated and a communication connection is established. As a result, the existence of the communication partner device is guaranteed at the time of authentication, so that the communication partner device can be more reliably connected.

  In the communication device of the present invention, it is preferable that the authentication unit is activated and triggered by the transmission of the device information and the reception of the counterpart device information by the auxiliary communication unit.

  In this case, since the authentication means is activated only after the transmission of the device information and the reception of the counterpart device information, the power necessary for executing the authentication and establishing the communication connection after the authentication can be saved. Therefore, for example, when the communication device operates on a battery, it is possible to suppress battery consumption.

  In the communication device of the present invention, it is preferable that the authentication unit performs authentication via the communication unit.

  In this case, since authentication is performed using the first communication method, power required for using the second communication method can be saved. For example, this method is effective when the unit power amount necessary for using the second communication method is larger than the unit power amount required for using the first communication method.

  In the device of the present invention, it is preferable that the authentication unit performs authentication via the auxiliary communication unit.

  In this case, since the authentication is performed using the second communication method, it is possible to save power necessary for using the first communication method. For example, this method is effective when the unit power amount required for using the first communication method is larger than the unit power amount required for using the second communication method.

  In the device of the present invention, the storage unit stores the counterpart device information used when the communication counterpart device is authenticated by the authentication unit, and the authentication unit stores the counterpart device information received by the auxiliary communication unit and the storage unit. It is preferable to omit the authentication process for the communication counterpart device when the counterpart device information is compared and the counterpart device information matches.

  In this case, when the counterpart device information used when the communication counterpart device is authenticated matches the received counterpart device information, the process of authenticating the communication counterpart device is omitted. As a result, when connecting again to a communication partner device that has once established a connection, it is only necessary to compare the partner device information that was previously used when authentication was successful and the received partner device information. Therefore, it is possible to establish a connection with the communication counterpart device more easily and quickly.

  The communication device of the present invention further comprises request means for requesting the communication counterpart device to connect to the communication counterpart device, and the auxiliary communication means receives the information transmitted from the communication counterpart device as counterpart device information, and the request means However, when receiving the counterpart device information by the auxiliary communication means, the communication counterpart device is requested to connect using the counterpart device information, and the communication means is authenticated by the communication counterpart device based on the request by the request means. It is preferable to establish a connection with the communication counterpart device.

  In this case, a connection request is made to the communication partner device using the partner device information received from the communication partner device, and the connection with the communication partner device is established based on this connection request. It is possible to establish a connection request and connection without allowing the user of the communication device to input device information necessary for the communication. In addition, since the connection request and the connection establishment are performed in response to the reception of the counterpart device information, the communication connection can be quickly established.

  In the communication device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the requesting unit is activated upon reception of the counterpart device information by the auxiliary communication unit and requests connection.

  In this case, since the requesting unit is activated only after the partner device information is received, it is possible to save power necessary for executing the connection request and the establishment of the communication connection performed after the request. Therefore, for example, when the communication device operates on a battery, it is possible to suppress battery consumption.

  The communication device of the present invention further comprises storage means for storing device information necessary for connection by the communication means in advance, and the auxiliary communication means transmits the device information stored in the storage means to the communication counterpart device, and request means However, it is preferable to request a connection in response to transmission of device information and reception of counterpart device information by auxiliary communication means.

  In this case, since the connection request is made and the communication connection is established with the reception of the counterpart device information and the transmission of the device information, the communication connection can be quickly established.

  In the communication device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the requesting unit is activated to request connection by transmitting the device information and receiving the counterpart device information by the auxiliary communication unit.

  In this case, since the request means is activated only after the device information is transmitted and the counterpart device information is received, the power necessary for executing the connection request and establishing the communication connection after the request is saved. it can. Therefore, for example, when the communication device operates on a battery, it is possible to suppress battery consumption.

  In the communication device of the present invention, it is preferable that the requesting unit requests connection via the communication unit.

  In this case, since the connection request is made using the first communication method, it is possible to save power necessary for using the second communication method. For example, this method is effective when the unit power amount necessary for using the second communication method is larger than the unit power amount required for using the first communication method.

  In the communication device of the present invention, it is preferable that the requesting unit requests connection via the auxiliary communication unit.

  In this case, since the connection request is made using the second communication method, power necessary for using the first communication method can be saved. For example, this method is effective when the unit power amount required for using the first communication method is larger than the unit power amount required for using the second communication method.

  In the communication device of the present invention, the storage unit stores the counterpart device information used when authenticated by the communication counterpart device based on the request by the request unit, and the request unit receives the counterpart device information received by the auxiliary communication unit. And the counterpart device information stored in the storage means, and if the counterpart device information matches, the connection request is made without generating the device information used for the authentication process in the communication counterpart device. Is preferred.

  In this case, if the counterpart device information used when authenticated by the communication counterpart device matches the received counterpart device information, a connection request is made without generating authentication information. As a result, when a connection request is made again to a communication partner device that has once established a connection, it is only necessary to compare the partner device information that was used when authentication was successful and the received partner device information. Therefore, it becomes possible to request and establish connection to the communication counterpart device more easily and quickly.

  The communication system of the present invention is a communication system including a communication device and a communication partner device that is a communication partner of the communication device, and the communication device communicates with the communication partner device using the first communication method. A storage unit that stores in advance device information necessary for communication by the communication unit, an auxiliary communication unit that transmits the device information stored in the storage unit to the communication partner device using the second communication method, and an auxiliary communication Authentication means for authenticating the communication counterpart device using the device information stored in the storage means, triggered by transmission of the device information by the means, and the communication counterpart device uses the first communication method to communicate with the communication device The other party communication means for connecting to the other party, the other party auxiliary communication means for receiving the device information transmitted by the auxiliary communication means using the second communication method, and the reception of the device information by the other party auxiliary communication means And a request unit that requests connection to the communication device using the device information. When the request by the request unit is authenticated by the authentication unit, the communication unit and the communication partner and the communication partner A connection with a device is established.

  The communication connection method of the present invention is a communication connection method in which a communication device and a communication partner device that is a communication partner of the communication device communicate with each other using the first communication method, and the communication device communicates with the communication device. A storage step for preliminarily storing device information necessary for communication in the step, a transmission step for the communication device to transmit the device information stored in the storage step to the communication partner device using the second communication method, and a communication partner A reception step in which the device receives the device information transmitted in the transmission step using the second communication method, and a communication partner device uses the device information as a trigger when receiving the device information in the reception step. The requesting step for requesting connection to the device and the device information stored in the storing step triggered by the transmission of the device information in the transmitting step. And an authentication step for authenticating the communication counterpart device based on the request in the request step, and when the communication counterpart device is authenticated in the authentication step, the communication device and the communication counterpart device use the first communication method. And a connecting step for connecting to each other.

  According to such a communication system and communication connection method, the device information stored in advance in the communication device is transmitted to the communication partner device using the second communication method, and the device information is received in the communication partner device. . Subsequently, with the reception as a trigger, a connection is requested from the communication partner device to the communication device using the received device information. In response to the transmission of the device information, the request from the communication partner device is authenticated by the communication device using the device information. Then, when the request is authenticated, the connection by the first communication method is established between the communication device and the communication partner device. Thereby, the connection of communication apparatuses can be established simply and rapidly, without making the apparatus information required for the communication by a 1st communication system input into the user of a communication apparatus, and the user of a communicating party apparatus.

  According to the communication device, the communication system, and the communication connection method, the connection using the first communication method is triggered when the information necessary for communication using the first communication method is transmitted using the second communication method. Since it is established, communication devices can be easily connected.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

(First embodiment)
First, the communication system 1a according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the communication system 1a. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the external device 10a illustrated in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the mobile phone 20a shown in FIG.

  The communication system 1a includes an external device 10a and a mobile phone 20a. The external device 10a and the mobile phone 20a can be connected to each other and perform data communication using two kinds of communication methods, Bluetooth (first communication method) and non-contact IC technology (second communication method). is there. Examples of the external device 10a include a car navigation system, a portable information terminal (Personal Digital Assistant), a wireless earphone, a personal computer, and a speaker.

  The external device 10a includes a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, an auxiliary communication unit 103, and a main communication unit 104 in order to establish a communication connection with the mobile phone 20a.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the external device 10a includes a CPU 11 that executes an operating system, an application program, and the like, a main storage device 12 that includes a ROM and a RAM, an auxiliary storage device 13 that includes a hard disk, and predetermined communication. It comprises a communication control device 14 for performing communication in a system, an input device 15 such as a button, and an output device 16 such as a monitor. The communication control device 14 includes a Bluetooth module 14a and a non-contact IC module 14b. Each function shown in FIG. 1 reads predetermined software on the CPU 11 and the main storage device 12 shown in FIG. 2 and operates the communication control device 14 under the control of the CPU 11, as well as the main storage device 12 and the auxiliary storage. This is realized by reading and writing data in the device 13.

  The control unit 101 receives an instruction signal indicating that a connection with the mobile phone 20 a is instructed, generates an activation signal for activating the auxiliary communication unit 103, and outputs the activation signal to the auxiliary communication unit 103. In addition, when a link key is input from the auxiliary communication unit 103, the control unit 101 transfers the link key to the main communication unit 104 in order to activate the main communication unit 104. The method for outputting the instruction signal to the control unit 101 is not limited. For example, the non-contact IC technology (auxiliary communication units 103 and 201 described later) detects that the external device 10a and the mobile phone 20a are within a predetermined distance, and outputs an instruction signal at the detection timing. An application program (not shown) executed by the external device 10a may output an instruction signal.

  The storage unit 102 is a storage unit that stores two types of device information such as a BD address (Bluetooth Device Address) of the external device 10a and a link key. The BD address is information for identifying a device that can communicate with Bluetooth, and is set in advance for each device. The link key is information for authenticating a communication partner device when establishing a connection with another communication device, and is set in advance based on the BD address and a passcode input in advance by the user of the external device 10a. Has been. For example, the storage unit 102 stores a BD address “ADD1” and a link key “KEY_A” in advance.

  When the activation signal is input from the control unit 101, the auxiliary communication unit 103 reads the BD address and the link key stored in the storage unit 102, and carries these two types of device information using the non-contact IC technology. Auxiliary communication means for transmitting to the telephone 20a. The auxiliary communication unit 103 is realized by a non-contact IC module 14b (more specifically, a non-contact IC reader / writer). Further, the auxiliary communication unit 103 outputs a link key to the control unit 101 at the timing when the device information is transmitted. For example, the auxiliary communication unit 103 reads out the BD address “ADD1” and the link key “KEY_A”, transmits them to the mobile phone 20a, and outputs the link key “KEY_A” to the control unit 101.

  The main communication unit 104 is a communication unit that establishes a connection with the mobile phone 20a, which is a communication counterpart device, using Bluetooth technology and performs data communication with the mobile phone 20a. The main communication unit 104 is realized by the Bluetooth module 14a. The main communication unit 104 includes an authentication unit 104a in order to establish a connection with the mobile phone 20a. The main communication unit 104 is activated when a link key is input from the control unit 101, and enters a waiting state (Page_Scan state) waiting for a signal from the mobile phone 20a. Thereafter, the main communication unit 104 establishes a communication connection with the mobile phone 20a based on an instruction from the authentication unit 104a.

  The authentication unit 104a authenticates the mobile phone 20a using the device information when the device information (BD address and link key) necessary for communication by the main communication unit 104 is transmitted by the auxiliary communication unit 103. Means.

  Specifically, the authentication unit 104a is activated when a link key (link key stored in the storage unit 102) is input from the control unit 101, and receives the link key transmitted from the mobile phone 20a. Subsequently, the authentication unit 104a determines whether or not the received link key matches the input link key. If the two link keys match, the authentication unit 104a determines that the connection request from the mobile phone 20a is permitted. This means that the pairing between the external device 10a and the mobile phone 20a is successful. On the other hand, when the two link keys are different, the authentication unit 104a determines to reject the connection request from the mobile phone 20a. For example, when the two keys are both “KEY_A”, the authentication unit 104a permits the connection request.

  When the authentication unit 104a determines that the connection request from the mobile phone 20a is permitted, the main communication unit 104 establishes a communication connection with the mobile phone 20a based on the Bluetooth standard, and the authentication unit rejects the request. If it is determined, the connection request is rejected. That is, the main communication unit 104 establishes a communication connection with the mobile phone 20a when the mobile phone 20a is authenticated by the authentication unit 104a.

  The cellular phone 20a includes an auxiliary communication unit 201, a control unit 202, and a main communication unit 203 in order to establish a communication connection with the external device 10a.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the cellular phone 20a includes a CPU 21 that executes an operating system, application programs, and the like, a main storage unit 22 that includes ROM and RAM, an auxiliary storage unit 23 that includes memory, and predetermined communication. The communication control unit 24 performs data communication using a method, the display unit 25 includes a liquid crystal monitor, and the operation unit 26 includes keys for inputting characters and numbers and executing instructions. The communication control unit 24 includes a Bluetooth module 24a and a non-contact IC module 24b. Each function shown in FIG. 1 reads predetermined software on the CPU 21 and the main storage unit 22 shown in FIG. 3 and operates the communication control unit 24 under the control of the CPU 21, as well as the main storage unit 22 and the auxiliary storage. This is realized by reading and writing data in the unit 23.

  The auxiliary communication unit 201 is auxiliary communication means for receiving a BD address and a link key from the external device 10a, that is, partner device information. The auxiliary communication unit 201 is realized by a non-contact IC module 24b (more specifically, a non-contact IC chip), and receives information from the external device 10a using a non-contact IC technique. Subsequently, the auxiliary communication unit 201 outputs the received BD address and link key to the control unit 202. For example, the auxiliary communication unit 201 receives the BD address “ADD1” and the link key “KEY_A” and outputs them to the control unit 202.

  The control unit 202 is activated when a BD address and a link key are input from the auxiliary communication unit 201, and transfers the counterpart device information to the main communication unit 203 to activate the main communication unit 203.

  The main communication unit 203 is a communication unit that establishes a connection with the external device 10a, which is a communication partner device, using Bluetooth technology, and performs data communication with the external device 10a. The main communication unit 203 is realized by the Bluetooth module 24a. The main communication unit 203 includes a request unit 203a in order to establish a connection with the external device 10a. The main communication unit 203 is activated by the BD address and link key input from the control unit 202. Thereafter, the main communication unit 203 establishes a communication connection with the external device 10a based on the connection request from the request unit 203a.

  The request unit 203a is connected to the external device 10a using the partner device information when the partner device information (BD address and link key) necessary for communication by the main communication unit 203 is received by the auxiliary communication unit 201. Is a request means for requesting. Specifically, the request unit 203a is activated by the BD address and link key received by the auxiliary communication unit 201 and input via the control unit 202, and the link is made to the external device 10a identified by the BD address. By transmitting the key, a connection request is made to the external device 10a. For example, the request unit 203a transmits the link key “KEY_A” to the external device 10a identified by the BD address “ADD1”.

  When the connection request by the request unit 203a is permitted by the external device 10a, the main communication unit 203 establishes a communication connection with the external device 10a based on the Bluetooth standard, and the connection request is rejected by the external device 10a. If the communication connection is established, the process is terminated without establishing the communication connection. That is, the main communication unit 203 establishes a communication connection with the external device 10a when authenticated by the external device 10a based on the connection request from the request unit 203a.

  Next, the processing of the communication system 1a shown in FIG. 1 will be described using FIG. 4 and the communication connection method according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing processing of the communication system 1a.

  In the external device 10a, the storage unit 102 stores a BD address and a link key in advance (storage step). Thereafter, when the control unit 101 of the external device 10a receives an instruction signal indicating that the connection with the mobile phone 20a is instructed, the auxiliary communication unit 103 reads the BD address and the link key from the storage unit 102 (step S101). The device information is transmitted to the mobile phone 20a (step S102, transmission step). Further, the auxiliary communication unit 103 outputs the link key to the control unit 101, and the control unit 101 transfers the link key to the main communication unit 104, whereby the main communication unit 104 and the authentication unit 104a are activated (step S103).

  In the mobile phone 20a, the auxiliary communication unit 201 receives the BD address and the link key (reception step), and outputs the device information to the control unit 202. As a result, the control unit 202 is activated and transfers the BD address and the link key to the main communication unit 203. By this transfer, the main communication unit 203 and the request unit 203a are activated (step S104). Subsequently, the request unit 203a makes a connection request to the external device 10a by transmitting a link key to the external device 10a (step S105, request step).

  Subsequently, the authentication unit 104a of the external device 10a compares the link key received from the mobile phone 20a with the link key input from the control unit 101 (step S106). If the two link keys match at this time (step S107; YES), the authentication unit 104a determines that the connection request from the mobile phone 20a is permitted (step S108, authentication step). As a result, pairing between the mobile phone 20a and the external device 10a is successful, and a communication connection is established between the main communication unit 104 of the external device 10a and the main communication unit 203 of the mobile phone 20a (step S109, connection step). . On the other hand, if the two link keys are different (step S107; NO), the authentication unit 104a determines that the connection request from the mobile phone 20a is rejected, and the external device 10a and the mobile phone 20a are connected. The process ends.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the connection between these communication devices can be established without causing the user of the external device 10a and the user of the mobile phone 20a to input the passcode necessary for generating the link key. It can be established easily and quickly.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the main communication unit 104 and the authentication unit 104a are activated only after the auxiliary communication unit 103 transmits the device information, so that it is necessary for the external device 10a to execute authentication and establish a communication connection. Power can be saved. In addition, since the main communication unit 203 and the request unit 203a are activated only after the auxiliary communication unit 201 receives the device information, the mobile phone 20a saves the power necessary for executing the connection request and communication connection establishment. can do.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a communication system 1b according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing processing of the communication system 1b shown in FIG.

  The communication system 1b includes an external device 10b and a mobile phone 20b. The external device 10b includes a control unit 111, a storage unit 112, an auxiliary communication unit 113, and a main communication unit 114 including an authentication unit 114a. The cellular phone 20b includes an auxiliary communication unit 211, a control unit 212, a main communication unit 213 including a request unit 213a, and a storage unit 214. The hardware configurations of the external device 10b and the mobile phone 20b are the same as the configurations of the external device 10a and the mobile phone 20a in the first embodiment, respectively.

  The control unit 111, storage unit 112, auxiliary communication unit 113, main communication unit 114, and authentication unit 114a are the same as the control unit 101, storage unit 102, auxiliary communication unit 103, main communication unit 104, and authentication unit 104a in the first embodiment. Each corresponds. The auxiliary communication unit 211, the control unit 212, the main communication unit 213, and the request unit 213a correspond to the auxiliary communication unit 201, the control unit 202, the main communication unit 203, and the request unit 203a in the first embodiment, respectively. Below, a different point from 1st Embodiment is demonstrated.

  The storage unit 112 of the external device 10b stores a pass code (password) that is a type of device information instead of the link key. For example, the storage unit 112 stores in advance the BD address “ADD1” and the passcode “PIN1” of the external device 10b.

  The auxiliary communication unit 113 of the external device 10b reads the BD address and passcode stored in the storage unit 112, and transmits the device information to the mobile phone 20b. Subsequently, the auxiliary communication unit 113 waits for the BD address (partner device information) of the mobile phone 20b transmitted from the auxiliary communication unit 211 of the mobile phone 20b. Thereafter, the auxiliary communication unit 113 receives the BD address of the mobile phone 20b, and outputs the received BD address and the read passcode to the control unit 111. For example, the auxiliary communication unit 113 reads out the BD address “ADD1” and the passcode “PIN1”, receives the BD address “ADD2”, and outputs the BD address “ADD2” and the passcode “PIN1” to the control unit 111. To do.

  The authentication unit 114a of the external device 10b notifies the control unit 111 that transmission of device information (BD address and passcode of the external device 10b) and reception of counterpart device information (BD address of the mobile phone 20b) are executed. The mobile phone 20b is activated when the notification is received and authenticates the mobile phone 20b.

  Specifically, the authentication unit 114a is activated by first receiving a passcode and a BD address of the mobile phone 20b from the control unit 111. Subsequently, the authentication unit 114a generates a link key by giving the passcode and the BD address of the mobile phone 20b input from the control unit 111 to a predetermined link key generation algorithm. Subsequently, the authentication unit 114a receives the link key transmitted from the mobile phone 20a. Subsequently, the authentication unit 114a determines whether or not the received link key matches the generated link key. And the authentication part 114a judges whether the connection request | requirement from the mobile telephone 20b is permitted based on this determination result.

  The storage unit 214 of the mobile phone 20b is a storage unit that stores the BD address (device information) of the mobile phone 20b. For example, the storage unit 214 stores a BD address “ADD2” in advance.

  When receiving the BD address and passcode from the auxiliary communication unit 113 of the external device 10b, the auxiliary communication unit 211 of the mobile phone 20b reads the BD address of the mobile phone 20b from the storage unit 214 and transmits it to the external device 10b. Subsequently, the auxiliary communication unit 211 outputs the BD address of the mobile phone 20b, the BD address of the external device 10b, and the passcode to the control unit 212. For example, the auxiliary communication unit 211 receives the BD address “ADD1” and the passcode “PIN1”, transmits the BD address “ADD2”, and then transmits the BD addresses “ADD1”, “ADD2”, and the passcode “PIN1” to the control unit. It outputs to 212.

  The request unit 213a notifies the control unit 212 that transmission of device information (BD address of the mobile phone 20b) and reception of counterpart device information (BD address and passcode of the external device 10b) are executed by the auxiliary communication unit 211. In response to this, the external device 10b is requested to connect.

  Specifically, when a BD address and a passcode are input from the control unit 212, the main communication unit 213 and the request unit 213a are activated. Subsequently, the main communication unit 213 searches for the external device 10b based on the input BD address of the external device 10b. When the external device 10b can be searched, the request unit 213a gives the passcode input from the control unit 212 and the BD address of the mobile phone 20b to a predetermined link key generation algorithm, so that the link key Is generated. Subsequently, the request unit 213a transmits a generated link key to the external device 10b to make a connection request to the external device 10b. For example, the request unit 213a transmits the link key “KEY_A” generated based on the BD address “ADD2” and the passcode “PIN1” to the external device 10b.

  In such a case, the processing of the communication system 1b is performed as shown in FIG. First, in the external device 10b, the auxiliary communication unit 113 reads the BD address and passcode of the external device 10b (step S201), and transmits the device information to the mobile phone 20b (step S202).

  Thereafter, the auxiliary communication unit 211 of the mobile phone 20b receives device information from the external device 10b. Subsequently, the auxiliary communication unit 211 reads the BD address of the mobile phone 20b from the storage unit 214 (step S203), and transmits the BD address to the external device 10b (step S204). Subsequently, the auxiliary communication unit 211 outputs the BD address and passcode to the control unit 212, and the control unit 212 transfers the device information to the main communication unit 213, whereby the main communication unit 213 and the request unit 213a are activated. (Step S205). The main communication unit 213 searches for the external device 10b when activated. Subsequently, the request unit 213a generates a link key based on the BD address and passcode of the mobile phone 20b (step S206).

  On the other hand, in the external device 10b, the auxiliary communication unit 113 receives the BD address from the mobile phone 20b, and outputs the BD address and the read passcode to the control unit 111. Subsequently, the control unit 111 transfers the BD address and pass code to the main communication unit 114, whereby the main communication unit 114 and the authentication unit 114a are activated (step S207). Subsequently, the authentication unit 114a generates a link key based on the BD address and passcode of the mobile phone 20b (step S208). Subsequent steps S209 to S213 are the same as those shown in steps S105 to S109 shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, since the presence of the mobile phone 20b is guaranteed at the time of authentication in the external device 10b, the mobile phone 20b can be connected more reliably. On the other hand, in the cellular phone 20b, a connection request is made and a communication connection is established when the reception of the BD address and passcode and the transmission of the BD address are notified from the control unit 212, so the communication connection is quickly established. it can.

  Further, according to the second embodiment, the main communication unit 114 and the authentication unit 114a are activated only after the auxiliary communication unit 113 transmits / receives the device information, so that it is necessary for the external device 10b to execute authentication and establish a communication connection. Power can be saved. In addition, since the main communication unit 213 and the request unit 213a are activated only after the auxiliary communication unit 211 transmits / receives the device information, the mobile phone 20b saves the power necessary for executing the connection request and communication connection establishment. can do.

  Further, according to the second embodiment, since authentication is performed using Bluetooth, it is possible to save power necessary for using the non-contact IC technology. When the unit power consumed by the auxiliary communication unit 113 and the auxiliary communication unit 211 using the non-contact IC technology is larger than the unit power consumed by the main communication unit 114 and the main communication unit 213 using Bluetooth. As a whole, power consumption of the external device 10b and the mobile phone 20b can be suppressed.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a communication system 1c according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing processing of the communication system 1c shown in FIG.

  The communication system 1c includes an external device 10c and a mobile phone 20c. The external device 10c includes a control unit 121, a storage unit 122, an auxiliary communication unit 123, and a main communication unit 124. The cellular phone 20 c includes an auxiliary communication unit 221, a control unit 222, a main communication unit 223, and a storage unit 224. The hardware configurations of the external device 10c and the mobile phone 20c are the same as the configurations of the external device 10a and the mobile phone 20a in the first embodiment, respectively.

  The control unit 121, the storage unit 122, the auxiliary communication unit 123, and the main communication unit 124 correspond to the control unit 111, the storage unit 112, the auxiliary communication unit 113, and the main communication unit 114 in the second embodiment, respectively. The auxiliary communication unit 221, the control unit 222, the main communication unit 223, and the storage unit 224 correspond to the auxiliary communication unit 211, the control unit 212, the main communication unit 213, and the storage unit 214 in the second embodiment, respectively. 123 a corresponding to the authentication unit 114 a in the second embodiment is not a component of the main communication unit 124 but a component of the auxiliary communication unit 123. In addition, the request unit 221 a corresponding to the request unit 213 a in the second embodiment is not a component of the main communication unit 223 but a component of the auxiliary communication unit 221. However, the authentication unit 123a and the request unit 221a are activated when the device information and the counterpart device information are transmitted between the auxiliary communication unit 123 and the auxiliary communication unit 221, and in the case of the second embodiment. It is the same. Below, a different point from 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated.

  The main communication unit 223 of the mobile phone 20c is activated based on the device information from the control unit 222, and then searches for the external device 10c based on the input BD address of the external device 10c. When searching for the external device 10 c, the main communication unit 223 generates a search success signal indicating that the search is successful, and outputs the search success signal to the auxiliary communication unit 221 via the control unit 222.

  When a search success signal is input to the auxiliary communication unit 221, the request unit 221 a of the mobile phone 20 c generates a link key based on the BD address of the mobile phone 20 c and the passcode received from the external device 10 c. Subsequently, the request unit 221a sends a connection key to the external device 10c by transmitting the generated link key to the external device 10c.

  After the auxiliary communication unit 123 receives the BD address of the mobile phone 20c, the authentication unit 123a of the external device 10c generates a link key based on the BD address and passcode of the mobile phone 20c. Subsequently, the authentication unit 123a receives the link key transmitted from the mobile phone 20c, and determines whether or not the received link key matches the generated link key. If the two link keys match, the authentication unit 123a determines that the connection request from the mobile phone 20c is permitted (pairing between the mobile phone 20c and the external device 10c is successful). Subsequently, the authentication unit 123a generates a connection signal for connecting the mobile phone 20c and the external device 10c via Bluetooth, and outputs the generated connection signal to the main communication unit 124 via the control unit 121. In addition, the auxiliary communication unit 123 transmits the connection signal to the mobile phone 20c.

  The auxiliary communication unit 221 of the mobile phone 20 c receives a connection signal from the external device 10 c and outputs the connection signal to the main communication unit 223 via the control unit 222.

  The main communication unit 124 of the external device 10c and the main communication unit 223 of the mobile phone 20c are connected to each other based on the input connection signal (establish communication connection).

  In such a case, the processing of the communication system 1c is performed as shown in FIG. The processing in steps S301 to S304 is the same as the processing in steps S201 to S204 shown in FIG. Thereafter, the main communication unit 124 is activated in the external device 10c (step S305). On the other hand, in the mobile phone 20c, the main communication unit 223 is activated and searches for the external device 10c (step S306). If this search is successful, the request unit 221a generates a link key based on the BD address and passcode of the mobile phone 20c (step S307) and transmits it to the external device 10c (step S308).

  On the other hand, in the external device 10c, the authentication unit 123a generates a link key based on the BD address and passcode of the mobile phone 20c (step S309), and the generated link key and the link key received from the mobile phone 20c Are compared (step S310). The processes of steps S311 to S313 executed thereafter are the same as those shown in steps S211 to S213 shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, since authentication is performed using the non-contact IC technology, power necessary for using Bluetooth can be saved. When the unit power consumed by the main communication unit 124 and the main communication unit 223 using Bluetooth is larger than the unit power consumed by the auxiliary communication unit 123 and the auxiliary communication unit 221 using the non-contact IC technology. As a whole, the power consumption of the external device 10c and the mobile phone 20c can be suppressed.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a communication system 1d according to the fourth embodiment. 10 and 11 are sequence diagrams showing processing of the communication system 1d shown in FIG.

  The communication system 1d includes an external device 10d and a mobile phone 20d. The external device 10d includes a control unit 131, a storage unit 132, an auxiliary communication unit 133, and a main communication unit 134 including an authentication unit 134a. The cellular phone 20d includes an auxiliary communication unit 231, a control unit 232, a main communication unit 233 including a request unit 233a, and a storage unit 234. The hardware configurations of the external device 10d and the mobile phone 20d are the same as the configurations of the external device 10a and the mobile phone 20a in the first embodiment, respectively.

  The control unit 131, the storage unit 132, the auxiliary communication unit 133, the main communication unit 134, and the authentication unit 134a are respectively included in the control unit 111, the storage unit 112, the auxiliary communication unit 113, the main communication unit 114, and the authentication unit 114a in the second embodiment. Correspond. The auxiliary communication unit 231, the control unit 232, the main communication unit 233, the request unit 233a, and the storage unit 234 are added to the auxiliary communication unit 211, the control unit 212, the main communication unit 213, the request unit 213a, and the storage unit 214 in the second embodiment. Each corresponds. Below, a different point from 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated.

  The storage unit 132 of the external device 10d and the storage unit 234 of the mobile phone 20d can each store a BD address of a communication partner device connected in the past.

  The auxiliary communication unit 231 of the mobile phone 20d and the auxiliary communication unit 133 of the external device 10d transmit a BD address and a passcode to each other. When the BD address and passcode of the external device 10d are input, the auxiliary communication unit 231 of the mobile phone 20d notifies the control unit 232 of these BD address and passcode. The control unit 232 notifies the main communication unit 233 of these BD address and passcode. The request unit 233 a determines whether the BD address notified from the control unit 232 is stored in the storage unit 234. Here, when such a BD address does not exist, the request unit 233a generates a link key and transmits the link key to the external device 10d in the same manner as the request unit 213a in the second embodiment. A connection request is made to the device 10d. Thereafter, when the connection request is authenticated and a communication connection is established between the external device 10d and the mobile phone 20d, the main communication unit 233 stores the BD address of the external device 10d used at the time of the connection request in the storage unit 234. Output. As a result, the storage unit 234 stores the BD address of the external device 10d.

  On the other hand, when a BD address that matches the BD address of the external device 10d exists in the storage unit 234, the request unit 233a does not generate a link key used in the authentication process in the external device 10d, and Make a connection request.

  When the BD address and passcode of the mobile phone 20d are input, the auxiliary communication unit 133 of the external device 10d notifies the control unit 131 of these BD address and passcode. The control unit 131 notifies the main communication unit 134 of these BD addresses and passcodes. The authentication unit 134a determines whether or not the BD address notified from the control unit 131 is stored in the storage unit 132. Here, when such a BD address does not exist, the authentication unit 134a generates a link key in the same manner as the authentication unit 114a in the second embodiment, and executes an authentication process. Thereafter, when a communication connection is established between the external device 10d and the mobile phone 20d, the main communication unit 134 outputs the BD address of the mobile phone 20d used at the time of authentication to the storage unit 132. Thereby, the storage unit 132 stores the BD address of the mobile phone 20d.

  On the other hand, when a BD address that matches the BD address of the mobile phone 20d exists in the storage unit 132, the authentication unit 134a permits a connection request from the mobile phone 20d without generating a link key. That is, the external device 10d omits the authentication process for the mobile phone 20d. Thereby, a communication connection is established between the main communication unit 134 of the external device 10d and the main communication unit 233 of the mobile phone 20d.

  Next, processing of the communication system 1d will be described. If the external device 10d and the mobile phone 20d have been interconnected before, a communication connection is established by the process shown in FIG.

  First, the processes of steps S401 to S405 and S407 are the same as the processes of steps S201 to S205 and S207 in FIG.

  Thereafter, in the mobile phone 20d, the request unit 233a determines whether or not a BD address that matches the input BD address of the external device 10d is stored in the storage unit 234 (step S406). In this case, since the storage unit 234 stores the BD address of the external device 10d, a BD address that matches the input BD address exists (step S406). Therefore, the request unit 233a makes a connection request to the external device 10d without generating a link key (step S409).

  On the other hand, in the external device 10d, the authentication unit 134a determines whether or not a BD address that matches the input BD address of the mobile phone 20d is stored in the storage unit 132 (step S408). In this case, since the storage unit 132 stores the BD address of the mobile phone 20d, there is a BD address that matches the input BD address (step S408). Therefore, the authentication unit 134a omits the process of generating the link key and the process of authenticating the mobile phone 20d using the link key.

  Thereafter, the main communication unit 134 of the external device 10d and the main communication unit 233 of the mobile phone 20d establish communication connection with each other based on a connection request from the mobile phone 20d (step S410).

  On the other hand, if the external device 10d and the mobile phone 20d have not been connected yet, a communication connection is established by the processing shown in FIG.

  The processes of steps S501 to S505 and S507 are the same as the processes of steps S401 to S405 and S407 in FIG. Thereafter, the request unit 233a of the mobile phone 20d has a BD address that matches the BD address of the external device 10d input from the control unit 232 because the BD address of the external device 10d is not yet stored in the storage unit 234. It is determined not to do so (step S506). The authentication unit 134a of the external device 10d has a BD address that matches the BD address of the mobile phone 20d input from the control unit 131 because the BD address of the mobile phone 20d is not yet stored in the storage unit 132. It is determined not to do so (step S508).

  In this case, the processing of steps S509 to S515 is performed in the same manner as the processing of steps S206 and S208 to S213 in FIG. That is, when the received BD address is not yet stored, a connection establishment process based on the link key is executed as in the second embodiment.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, when reconnecting to the mobile phone 20d once established, the BD address of the mobile phone 20d used when the authentication was successful before and the received BD If the addresses match, there is no need to generate and compare link keys. Further, when a connection request is made again to the external device 10d once established, if the BD address of the external device 10d used previously when the authentication is successful matches the received BD address, a link key is generated. There is no need to do. Therefore, it is possible to establish a communication connection between the external device 10d and the mobile phone 20d by executing a connection request and authentication more easily and quickly.

  The present invention has been described in detail based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The present invention can be modified in various ways as described below without departing from the scope of the invention.

  In the above embodiment, the communication systems 1a to 1d include the mobile phones 20a to 20d, respectively, but the communication system may not include the mobile phone. For example, the present invention may be applied to a communication system including a personal computer and a speaker. Further, for example, both the function of the mobile phone 20a and the function of the external device 10a may be mounted on one communication device so that one communication device can execute a connection request and authentication of the request.

  In the above embodiment, Bluetooth is adopted as the first communication means and non-contact IC technology is adopted as the second communication means. However, the present invention can be applied even when other communication methods are used. For example, a communication method such as wireless LAN or infrared communication may be used as the first or second communication means.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a communication system according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the external apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the mobile telephone shown in FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process of the communication system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the communication system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process of the communication system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the communication system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process of the communication system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the communication system which concerns on 4th Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing processing of the communication system shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing processing of the communication system shown in FIG. 9.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1a-1d ... Communication system, 10a-10d ... External equipment (communication equipment), 20a-20d ... Mobile telephone (communication equipment), 102, 112, 122, 132 ... Storage part (storage means), 103, 113, 123, 133 ... Auxiliary communication unit (auxiliary communication means), 104, 114, 124, 134 ... Main communication unit (communication means), 104a, 114a, 123a, 134a ... Authentication unit (authentication means), 201, 211, 221, 231 ... Auxiliary communication unit (auxiliary communication unit, partner side auxiliary communication unit), 203, 213, 223, 233 ... main communication unit (communication unit, partner side communication unit), 203a, 213a, 221a, 233a ... request unit (request unit) , 214, 224, 234... Storage section (storage means)

Claims (17)

A communication means for communicating with a communication partner device using the first communication method;
Auxiliary communication means for communicating with the communication counterpart device using a second communication method;
With
The communication means establishes a connection with the communication counterpart device based on the information when the information necessary for communication by the communication means is transmitted to the communication counterpart device by the auxiliary communication means. To
Communication equipment. Storage means for storing the information as device information in advance;
Authentication means for authenticating the communication counterpart device;
Further comprising
The auxiliary communication means transmits the device information stored in the storage means to the communication counterpart device,
The authentication unit authenticates the communication counterpart device using the device information stored in the storage unit, triggered by transmission of the device information by the auxiliary communication unit,
The communication means establishes a connection with the communication counterpart device when the communication counterpart device is authenticated by the authentication means;
The communication apparatus according to claim 1. The authentication unit is activated upon transmission of device information by the auxiliary communication unit, and performs the authentication.
The communication device according to claim 2. The auxiliary communication means receives from the communication counterpart device the counterpart device information necessary for connection by the communication means and stored in advance in the communication counterpart device,
The authentication unit performs the authentication by further using the counterpart device information triggered by transmission of the device information and reception of the counterpart device information by the auxiliary communication unit.
The communication device according to claim 2. The authentication unit is activated upon the transmission of device information and reception of counterpart device information by the auxiliary communication unit, and performs the authentication.
The communication device according to claim 4. The authentication means performs the authentication via the communication means;
The communication device according to claim 4 or 5. The authentication means performs the authentication via the auxiliary communication means;
The communication device according to claim 4 or 5. The storage unit stores the counterpart device information used when the communication counterpart device is authenticated by the authentication unit;
The authentication unit compares the counterpart device information received by the auxiliary communication unit with the counterpart device information stored by the storage unit, and when the counterpart device information matches, the authentication process for the communication counterpart device Is omitted,
The communication device according to claim 4 or 5. Requesting means for requesting the communication counterpart device to connect to the communication counterpart device;
The auxiliary communication means receives the information transmitted from the communication counterpart device as counterpart device information,
The request means, upon receipt of the counterpart device information by the auxiliary communication means, requests connection to the communication counterpart device using the counterpart device information,
Establishing a connection with the communication partner device when the communication unit is authenticated by the communication partner device based on a request by the request unit;
The communication apparatus according to claim 1. The request unit is activated upon reception of the counterpart device information by the auxiliary communication unit and requests the connection.
The communication device according to claim 9. It further comprises storage means for previously storing device information necessary for connection by the communication means,
The auxiliary communication means transmits the device information stored in the storage means to the communication counterpart device,
The request means requests the connection in response to transmission of device information and reception of counterpart device information by the auxiliary communication means;
The communication device according to claim 9. The requesting unit is triggered by transmission of device information and reception of counterpart device information by the auxiliary communication unit to request the connection;
The communication device according to claim 11. The request means requests the connection via the communication means;
The communication device according to claim 11 or 12. The request means requests the connection via the auxiliary communication means;
The communication device according to claim 11 or 12. The storage means stores the counterpart device information used when authenticated by the communication counterpart device based on a request by the request means;
The request unit compares the counterpart device information received by the auxiliary communication unit with the counterpart device information stored by the storage unit, and if the counterpart device information matches, the communication counterpart device Requesting the connection without generating device information used in the authentication process of
The communication device according to claim 11 or 12. A communication system comprising a communication device and a communication partner device that is a communication partner of the communication device,
The communication device is
Communication means for communicating with the communication counterpart device using a first communication method;
Storage means for storing device information necessary for communication by the communication means in advance;
Auxiliary communication means for transmitting the device information stored in the storage means to the communication counterpart device using a second communication method;
Authenticating means for authenticating the communication counterpart device using the device information stored in the storage means, triggered by transmission of the device information by the auxiliary communication means,
With
The communication counterpart device is
Partner communication means for connecting to the communication device using the first communication method;
A partner side auxiliary communication means for receiving the device information transmitted by the auxiliary communication means using the second communication method;
Request means for requesting connection to the communication device using the device information, triggered by reception of the device information by the counterpart auxiliary communication device,
With
When the request by the request unit is authenticated by the authentication unit, a connection between the communication device and the communication partner device is established by the communication unit and the partner communication unit.
A communication system characterized by the above. A communication connection method in which a communication device and a communication partner device that is a communication partner of the communication device communicate with each other using the first communication method,
A storage step in which the communication device stores in advance device information necessary for communication in the communication step;
A transmitting step in which the communication device transmits the device information stored in the storing step to the communication counterpart device using a second communication method;
A receiving step in which the communication counterpart device receives the device information transmitted in the transmitting step using the second communication method;
The requesting step for requesting connection to the communication device using the device information when the communication counterpart device receives the device information in the receiving step,
An authentication step for authenticating the communication counterpart device based on the device information stored in the storage step and the request in the request step, triggered by the transmission of device information in the transmission step,
A connection step for connecting the communication device and the communication counterpart device to each other using the first communication method when the communication counterpart device is authenticated in the authentication step;
A communication connection method comprising:

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