JP2009225468A - Communication apparatus and communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable it to be selected which external device is to be used, when an external device is connected to a communication apparatus of a communication partner and an external device is also connected to the present communication apparatus itself. <P>SOLUTION: A speech terminal 1 (one example of a communication apparatus) connects a second external device 14; a radio processing section 5 receives information indicating the class of a first external device connected to other apparatus that is a communication partner of the speech terminal 1; and a CPU 2, which is an execution section displays the information, received by the radio processing section 5, indicating the class of the first external device, inputs information instructing the device to be used between the first external device and the second external device 14 and transmits, when information instructing the use of the first external device is input, the input information to the other apparatus via the radio processing section 5. The radio processing section 5 receives, from the other apparatus processing, request generation program information for generating processing request information indicating contents of processing requested to the first external device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication apparatus, and more particularly to a portable information device having a communication function such as a mobile phone / PDA (personal digital assistant).

  Many communication devices such as mobile phones are controlled by a CPU (central processing unit), and have a storage device for holding a program for controlling the CPU and other data. In many cases, it has a connector part and an external I / F part for communicating with an external device. An external interface (hereinafter, “interface” is referred to as “I / F”) is usually realized by a dedicated LSI or other circuit and controlled by the CPU. A dedicated connector or external I / F unit is used depending on the communication method. For example, when Ethernet (registered trademark) is used, it is necessary to equip a dedicated connector part / external I / F part.

  As an external device to be connected, there are various devices such as a printer, a camera, and a hard disk. As a connection method, there are a physical connection by a cable, a wireless connection, a connection method by connecting a card to a slot, and the like. In some cases, another communication device is connected wirelessly or by wire, and information is transmitted / received by wireless communication or wire communication.

  In order to perform communication between the communication apparatus and the external device in such a configuration, a driver program corresponding to the external I / F unit (hereinafter referred to as I / F driver program) and a driver program corresponding to the external device (hereinafter referred to as “I / F driver program”). Now, it is necessary to use both of them. The I / F driver program controls the external I / F unit by performing read / write to the control register of the external I / F unit assigned to a certain address in the CPU address space. Through the external I / F unit and the connector unit by waiting for the required time by timer processing, or appropriately processing an interrupt handler activated by an interrupt signal from the external I / F unit to the CPU, etc. Communication is possible. On the other hand, in the device driver program, the external device is controlled using a communication system via the external I / F unit that can communicate with the I / F driver program. For example, when the external device is a printer, resolution information is set and page data to be printed is transmitted.

  The device driver program makes it possible to use an external device. In many cases, an application program that is actually operated by the user is prepared separately and is configured to operate while calling a function of the device driver program. Alternatively, the functions of the application program and the device driver program may be embedded in one program. An advantage of separately preparing the device driver program and the application program is that one device driver program can be shared from a plurality of application programs, and the degree of freedom in configuration is increased.

  Various external devices may be connected to the communication apparatus, and a different device driver program is required for each external device. On the other hand, the same I / F driver program is always used. In order to communicate with an external device, the I / F driver program and the device driver program need to be arranged at appropriate positions on the storage means that can be used by the CPU of the communication apparatus. The process of arranging the program at an appropriate position on the storage means available to the CPU is called installation.

  When a new external device is connected, it is necessary to install a device driver program (and application program) corresponding to the external device, but the device driver program is usually not present in the storage device of the communication apparatus. . There are various ways to load device driver programs from the installation process. For example, when the communication device includes a removable external storage device such as a flexible disk storage device (hereinafter, “flexible disk storage device” is referred to as “FDD (registered trademark)”), an FDD that stores a device driver program. It is possible to read and install from. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-307711 discloses a method in which a device driver program is embedded in an external device, and when the external device is connected to the communication device, the device driver program is read into the communication device and installed.

  When the communication apparatus is a terminal such as a mobile phone or a personal computer having an IP (Internet protocol) telephone function, it is possible to make a call via a communication network to a partner having a similar terminal. Hereinafter, terminals having such a call function are collectively referred to as call terminals. In such a telephone terminal as well, a technique for installing a device driver program as disclosed in JP-A-10-307711 can be applied, as in a general communication apparatus.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-307711 JP 2002-34026 A JP 2000-32026 A JP 2003-22225 A

  In a call terminal as described above, when a call is made between two users, each user operates an application program for an external device connected to his / her call terminal. Can be used. However, if an external device is connected to the other party's call terminal, it cannot be used.

  In the present invention, when an external device is connected to a communication apparatus that communicates with each other, for example, a call terminal of a call partner, it can be used by operating the own terminal.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication apparatus including a wireless processing unit that wirelessly communicates with another device that connects the first external device, wherein the wireless processing unit includes information indicating the type of the first external device. The communication apparatus further connects the second external device, displays information indicating the type of the first external device received by the wireless processing unit, and displays the first external device. In the case of inputting information instructing a device to be used out of the device and the second external device and inputting information instructing use of the first external device, the input information is transmitted via the wireless processing unit. An execution unit for transmitting to the other device, wherein the wireless processing unit sends a response to the first external device as a response to the information indicating the use of the first external device transmitted to the other device. request Processing a processing request generator information for generating a processing request information indicating contents, characterized in that received from the further device that.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a user of a communication apparatus that connects an external device can transmit a necessary application program between communication apparatuses without directly performing an effort such as transmitting an application program to a communication apparatus of a communication partner. Processing is executed. For this reason, there is an effect that it is possible to prepare an environment in which the communication partner can freely use the external device without intervention of the user of the communication apparatus connected to the external device.

The block diagram of the telephone terminal in Embodiment 1 of this invention. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the communication system including a call terminal, a communication network, and an external device. The figure which shows the device type request message 100 which the call terminal A transmits to the camera 14a. The figure which shows the example of the device type response message 102 which the camera 14a transmits to the call terminal A. The figure which shows the device driver program transmission request message 104 which the call terminal A transmits to the camera 14a. The figure which shows the example of the device driver program transmission message 106 which the camera 14a transmits to the call terminal A. The figure which shows the application program transmission request message 108 which the call terminal A transmits to the camera 14a. The figure which shows the example of the application program transmission message 110 which the camera 14a transmits to the call terminal A. The figure showing the device dependence message 112 transmitted to the device driver program 33 from the application program 34. FIG. The figure which shows the image capture command message 114 which the device driver program 33 transmits with respect to the camera 14a. The figure which shows the image transmission message 116 which the camera 14a transmits to the call terminal A. The flowchart figure explaining the process sequence until the call terminal A controls an external device. The figure which shows the content of the external device connection notification message 118 transmitted to the call terminal B from the call terminal A at the time of a telephone call start. The flowchart figure of the process which device information is transmitted from the call terminal A to the call terminal B, and the call terminal B operates the external device connected to the call terminal A. The flowchart figure of the process which device information is transmitted from the call terminal A to the call terminal B, and the call terminal B operates the external device connected to the call terminal A. The figure which shows the example of a screen displayed on LCD10 of the call terminal B, when the call terminal B receives the external device connection notification message 118. The figure which shows the example of the device dependence message 124 which the call terminal B transmits to the call terminal A. The figure which shows the example of the remote message 126 transmitted toward the call terminal B which is a call party.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
In this embodiment, a call terminal such as a mobile phone device is used as an example of a communication terminal. The call terminal is a call terminal to which an external device can be connected, and the call terminal connected to the external device transmits information on the external device to another call terminal. To do. In addition, a call terminal not connected to an external device receives information for operating the external device from the call terminal connected to the external device when starting a call with the call terminal connected to the external device. Then, using the received information for operating the external device, processing request information for requesting processing to the external device is generated, and the processing request information is transmitted to the call terminal connected to the external device through the communication line. An example of a call terminal that controls the operation of an external device will be described. That is, a call terminal that is not connected to a call terminal downloads information for controlling the operation of the external device from a call terminal that is connected to the external device from the external device through a communication line. Will be described.

  The external device described above controls operation by executing a device driver program and an application program. The device driver program is a program that controls the operation by sending a signal directly to the external device. The device driver program is stored in the external device, and the telephone terminal installs the device driver program in the non-volatile memory of the telephone terminal after connecting the external device. To do. The CPU of the call terminal executes a device driver program in the nonvolatile memory under the operation system. The device driver unit corresponds to a device driver program executed by the CPU. However, the device driver unit may be configured by hardware instead of software. On the other hand, the application program performs processing for notifying an external device of an instruction from the user. Here, processing request information for an external device is generated. The processing request information generated by the application program is passed to the device driver unit and converted into a signal for an external device. That is, the application program is wirelessly transmitted from the call terminal connecting the external device to the call terminal not connecting the external device, and the application program is executed on the call terminal side not connecting the external device to generate processing request information. Then, the generated processing request information is transmitted to the call terminal connected to the external device.

  In addition, a program that operates on the call terminal, the process for detecting an external device connected to the call terminal, the process for confirming whether or not to control the external device, and the external device are controlled. A program for causing a computer to execute processing for requesting a communication apparatus connected to an external device to acquire information necessary for controlling the external device will be described. This program is a program different from the above-described application program for operating the external device, and is stored in the memory (for example, ROM (Read Only Memory)) of the call terminal regardless of whether or not the external device is connected. It shall be.

  FIG. 1 is an example of the configuration of a call terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The call terminal 1 is, for example, a mobile phone, and is configured to be able to make a call wirelessly. The CPU 2 in the call terminal 1 is connected to the nonvolatile memory 3, the external I / F unit 4, the wireless processing unit 5 via the CPU bus 6. The wireless processing unit 5 is connected to an antenna 7, a microphone 8, and a speaker 9. The wireless processing unit 5 performs wireless processing and signal processing under the control of the CPU 2. The external I / F unit 4 is connected to an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 10, a keyboard 11, and a connector unit 12. The LCD 10 is an example of a display unit that displays information, and the keyboard 11 is an example of an input unit that inputs information. The connector unit 12 connected to the external I / F unit 4 is connected to a removable external device 14 via an external communication cable 13. Programs and data including the operation system 31 are stored on the nonvolatile memory 3, and an I / F driver program 32, a device driver program 33, and an application program 34 are included therein. It is assumed that a work area necessary for executing the program is also taken on the nonvolatile memory 3. The device driver program 33 and the application program 34 are information for operating an external device. The I / F driver program 32 controls the operation of the external I / F unit 4 under the operation system 31.

  FIG. 2 is an example of an overall configuration diagram of the communication system including a call terminal, a communication network, and an external device. It is assumed that the call terminal A and the call terminal B have the same configuration as that of the call terminal 1 shown in FIG. Call terminal A and call terminal B are in a state where they can talk to each other via communication network 60. The communication network 60 may be either wireless or wired. A camera 14 a is connected to the call terminal A as an example of the external device 14.

  Assume that the user of the call terminal A connects the camera 14a to the call terminal A when the call terminal A and the call terminal B are not in a call state. The external I / F unit 4 of the call terminal A detects that a camera is connected to the connector unit 12 and transmits an interrupt signal to the CPU 2. As a result, the CPU 2 detects the connection of the camera 14a which is the external device 14.

  3 to 12, the call terminal A receives application program information from the external device 14 (“application program information” corresponds to “processing request generation program information”. Hereinafter, “application program information” is simply referred to as “application program information”. A process procedure of acquiring an application program) and controlling the external device 14 using the acquired application program will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure until the call terminal A controls the external device. Note that the camera 14a includes a storage unit that stores a device driver program and an application program necessary for operating the camera 14a.

  In FIG. 12, when the call terminal A detects the connection of the external device 14 by the external I / F unit 4, the call terminal A transmits a device type request message 100 to the external device 14 via the connector unit 12 (S1). FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a device type request message 100 transmitted from the call terminal A to the camera 14a. According to FIG. 3, this message indicates that the “message type” is “REQ_DEVTYPE”, that is, a message requesting a device type.

  When the camera 14a receives the device type request message 100, the camera transmits a device type response message 102 to the call terminal A (S2). FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the device type response message 102 transmitted from the camera 14a to the call terminal A. The device type response message 102 includes message type, external device type (camera 14a in this case), external device manufacturer (ABCDE in this case), product ID, and product name information.

  When the call terminal A receives the device type response message 102, the call terminal A transmits a device driver program transmission request message 104 to the camera 14a (S3). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a device driver program transmission request message 104 transmitted from the call terminal A to the camera 14a. The device driver program transmission request message 104 includes product ID information.

  When the camera 14a receives the device driver program transmission request message 104, the camera 14a transmits a device driver program transmission message 106 including the device driver program body to the call terminal A. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device driver program transmission message 106 transmitted from the camera 14a to the call terminal A. The device driver program transmission message 106 includes a variable-length “data” portion, in which the device driver program is stored. “Data length” stores the byte size of the “data” portion.

  When the call terminal A receives the device driver program transmission message 106 (S4), the device driver program in the message is installed on the nonvolatile memory 3 (S5). The installed device driver program corresponds to the device driver program 33.

  Next, the call terminal A transmits an application program transmission request message 108 to the camera 14a (S6). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an application program transmission request message 108 transmitted from the call terminal A to the camera 14a. Similar to the device driver program transmission request message 104, the application program transmission request message 108 includes product ID information.

  When the camera 14a receives the application program transmission request message 108, the camera 14a transmits an application program transmission message 110 including the application program main body to the call terminal A (S7). FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an application program transmission message 110 that the camera 14a transmits to the call terminal A. Similar to the device driver program transmission message 106, the application program transmission message 110 includes a variable-length “data” portion, and the application program is stored in this portion. “Data length” stores the byte size of the “data” portion.

  When the call terminal A receives the application program transmission message, the application program included in the message is installed on the nonvolatile memory 3 (S8). The application program installed on the nonvolatile memory 3 corresponds to the application program 34.

  The processes of S1 to S8 described above are performed by the CPU 2 executing the I / F driver program 32 under the operation system 31 and controlling the operation of the external I / F unit 4.

  After the installation of the device driver program 33 and the application program 34 is completed, the user of the call terminal A can start the application program 34 by an operation. This can be achieved, for example, when the operation system 31 of the call terminal A supports a function that allows the user to select an application program to be activated from a list that displays a list of installed application programs.

  When the user of the call terminal A activates the application program 34 (S9), the user of the call terminal A can control the camera 14a by an operation realized by executing the application program 34. In the mobile phone of the present embodiment, it is possible to capture an image from the camera 14 a by pressing the key “1” on the keyboard 11.

  When the user of the call terminal A presses the “1” key on the keyboard 11 while the application program 34 is running, the application program 34 uses the communication mechanism on the operation system 31 to send a device-dependent message to the device driver program 33. 112 is transmitted (S10). FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a device-dependent message 112 transmitted from the application program 34 to the device driver program 33. The device-dependent message 112 is a variable-length message whose meaning is interpreted depending on the type of external device, and has information on a transmission source, a product ID, a data length, and data. In this case, the product ID is “ABCDE-0001” and the data is “CAPTURE”. The interpretation of the data is determined for each product ID. In the case of the camera “ABCDE-0001”, the data “CAPTURE” represents a camera image capture command. Further, the capture of the camera image here refers to capturing one image that is currently being captured. Note that “LOCAL” as the transmission source indicates a device-dependent message for the external device 14 directly connected to the call terminal A. In a device-dependent message from a call terminal that is not directly connected to the external device 14, the transmission source is not “LOCAL”. The information of the above-mentioned transmission source “LOCAL” corresponds to the request source information, and corresponds to the content of the process requested by the data “CAPTURE”. That is, the device-dependent message 112 corresponds to processing request information.

  When the device driver program 33 receives the device dependent message 112 from the application program 34, the device dependent message 112 is interpreted and an operation corresponding to the external device 14 is executed. In the case of the present embodiment, the device driver program 33 generates an image capture command message 114 for the camera 14a, which is an external device (S11), and passes the external I / F unit 4 and the connector unit 12 to the camera 14a. Then, the image capture command message 114 is transmitted (S12). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image capture command message 114 transmitted from the device driver program 33 to the camera 14a.

  When the camera 14a receives the image capture command message 114, the camera 14a transmits an image transmission message 116 to the call terminal A (S13). FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an image transmission message 116 transmitted from the camera 14 a to the call terminal A. This message has a variable data length, and an image is encoded in the data portion as a byte string in accordance with an encoding standard such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group). This image transmission message 116 corresponds to response information.

  The image transmission message 116 is processed by the device driver program 33, and image information is extracted and transmitted to the application program 34. The application program 34 performs processing for displaying this image on the screen from the LCD 10.

  In this way, the camera image is captured from the call terminal A.

  Next, when the call terminal A starts a call with the call terminal B which is another call terminal, the device information of the external device 14 currently connected to the call terminal A is transmitted to the call terminal B. This will be described with reference to FIGS.

  14 and 15 are flowcharts of processing in which an application program is transmitted from the call terminal A to the call terminal B and the call terminal B operates an external device connected to the call terminal A.

  Now, it is assumed that the user (user 1) of the call terminal A starts a call (makes a call) to the user (user 2) of the call terminal B with the camera connected to the call terminal A (S20). ). To start a call, the wireless processing unit 5 detects the start of the call by the user 1 operating the keyboard of the call terminal A. Alternatively, when the call terminal A is a mobile phone device, the wireless processing unit 5 can determine the start of communication by confirming that a call establishment signal has arrived from the base station. At this time, information (external device connection notification message 118) indicating that the camera is connected to the call terminal A is created by the CPU 2 under the control of the operation system 31 (S21), and the radio processing unit 5 transmits the antenna. 7 is transmitted from the call terminal A to the call terminal B via the communication network 60 (S22).

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the contents of the external device connection notification message 118 transmitted from the call terminal A to the call terminal B at the start of the call. The external device connection notification message 118 includes information on message type, external device type (camera in this case), external device manufacturer (ABCDE in this case), product ID, and product name.

  Note that a method for transmitting and receiving information expressed by digital signals such as the external device connection notification message 118 and various types of messages appearing after this description is well known. In the case of a digital wired communication network that can support TCP / IP (transmission control protocol / internet protocol), it is easy to send and receive such digital information using the TCP / IP protocol. Also in PDC (Personal Digital Cellular) digital telephones, a service (number display) in which the telephone number of the calling party's calling terminal is displayed on the screen of the called party's calling terminal at the start of the call is implemented in Japan. It can also be realized by a method similar to this.

  When the external device connection notification message 118 is transmitted from the call terminal A, the call terminal B receives the external device connection notification message 118 via the communication network 60 via the antenna 7 by the wireless processing unit 5. After the reception, the content of the external device connection notification message 118 is transferred to a program (not shown) installed in the nonvolatile memory 3, and the program is executed by the CPU 2 under the operation system 31, whereby the external device connection notification message 118 is displayed. The contents are analyzed by the program, and as a result of the analysis, a character string indicating that the camera 14a is connected to the call terminal A is displayed on the LCD 10 of the call terminal B (S23).

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the LCD 10 of the call terminal B when the call terminal B receives the external device connection notification message 118. The contents displayed on the screen include character strings such as “camera” and “ABCDE Camera 1”. The character string can be output by applying a template of a fixed text to the character string included in the external device connection notification message 118, and a program for outputting the character string by applying such a template of the fixed text Is easily realized on the CPU.

  When the screen shown in FIG. 16 is displayed on the LCD 10 of the call terminal B, the user 2 instructs to use the external device connected to the call terminal A by pressing the “1” key on the keyboard (S24). ). If the “1” key is not pressed, use of the external device connected to the call terminal A is not instructed, and the following processing is not performed.

  Here, as an example of instructing the use of the external device connected to the call terminal A, an example in which the “1” key is pressed has been shown, but another key may be pressed. When instructed to use an external device connected to the call terminal A, an application program transmission request message 120 is transmitted from the call terminal B to the call terminal A (S25). The application program transmission request message 120 is the same as that shown in FIG. The application program transmission request message 120 is generated by the CPU 2 under the operation system 31 and transmitted from the wireless processing unit 5 via the communication network 60 via the antenna 7. The application program transmission request message 120 instructs the call terminal that connects the external device from the call terminal that is not connected to the external device to control the external device, and corresponds to control information.

  The processes of S23 to S25 described above are processes performed by the CPU 2 executing a program (not shown) on the nonvolatile memory 3 which is an example of the ROM of the call terminal B. This program (not shown) is temporarily called an external device control program. The external device control program is preinstalled in the call terminal regardless of whether or not an external device is connected. Here, the execution of the external device control program is triggered by the reception of the external device connection notification message 118 from the call terminal A as a trigger.

  When the call terminal A receives the application program transmission request message 120 via the antenna 7 by the wireless processing unit 5, the application program is transmitted to the camera 14a via the external I / F unit 4, the connector unit 12, and the external communication cable 13. The request message 120 arrives (S26). This application program transmission request message is the same as that shown in FIG.

  When the camera 14a receives the application program transmission request message 120, the camera 14a transmits an application program transmission message 122 corresponding to the product ID to the call terminal A (S27). This application program transmission message is the same as that shown in FIG.

  When the call terminal A receives the application program transmission message 122 via the external I / F unit 4, the wireless processing unit 5 sends it to the call terminal B via the communication network 60 from the antenna 7 as a response to the application program transmission request message 120. Transfer (S28). The application program transmission message 122 is the same as that shown in FIG.

  When the call terminal B receives the program transmission message 122 (S29), the CPU 2 installs the application program on the nonvolatile memory 3 under the control of the operation system 31 (S30).

  After the installation is completed, the user 2 can start the application program by an operation. In the present embodiment, an image from the camera 14a connected to the call terminal A can be captured by pressing the key “1” on the keyboard.

  When the user 2 presses the “1” key on the keyboard while starting the application program (S31), the application program confirms that the device driver corresponding to “ABCDE-0001” is not installed on the call terminal B. . Next, it is confirmed that an external device corresponding to “ABCDE-0001” is connected to the call terminal A during a call. This is made possible by storing this information in the nonvolatile memory 3 in advance when the external device connection notification message 118 of FIG. 13 is received and checking this area by the operation of the application program. In the example of the message shown in FIG. 13, information directly indicating that the external device is connected to the call terminal A is not shown, but the source of the external device connection notification message 118 is the call terminal A. Since the contents of the external device connection notification message 118 are stored in the nonvolatile memory 3, information for confirming the transmission source is also stored together. In this case, unlike the case where the application program is activated on the call terminal A, the device dependent message 124 is transmitted from the wireless processing unit 5 to the call terminal A via the antenna 7 via the communication network 60 (S32). FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the device-dependent message 124 transmitted from the call terminal B to the call terminal A. Although the contents are the same as those in FIG. 9, the difference is that the transmission source is “REMOTE”. The transmission source “REMOTE” corresponds to the request source information. The data “CAPTURE” corresponds to the content of the process requested to the external device. The sender “REMOTE” confirms that the application program running on the call terminal B confirms that the external device corresponding to “ABCDE-0001” is connected to the call terminal A that is the call partner, and assigns this value. It is a thing.

  When the call terminal A receives the device dependent message 124 (S33), the operation system 31 transfers the device dependent message 124 to the device driver program 33 (S34). When the device driver program 33 receives the device-dependent message 124, the device driver program 33 detects that this message is transmitted from the call terminal B that is the call partner by referring to “transmission source”. That is, the call terminal B is determined as the output destination of response information received from the external device. The device driver program 33 transmits the image capture command message 114 shown in FIG. 10 to the camera 14a as in the case where the camera 14a is used from the call terminal A (S35). As a result, the image transmission message 116 shown in FIG. 11 is transmitted from the camera 14a to the call terminal A (S36). This image transmission message 116 corresponds to response information.

  The device driver program 33 receives the image transmission message 116, and transmits the remote message 126 shown in FIG. 18 to the call terminal B, which is the call partner (S37). Actually, the remote message 126 is transmitted to the call terminal B via the original wireless processing unit 5 under control of the CPU 2 and the antenna 7. The remote message 126 is a variable-length message in which data of “message type” (value is REMOTE_MESSAGE) and “internal data length” is added to the head of other messages. This remote message 126 includes an image transmission message 116 shown in FIG. The internal data length represents the data length of the message included, and in this case, the “message type” is represented by 256 bytes and the “data length” is represented by 4 bytes. Therefore, 256 + 4 + 1000 = 1260 bytes, and this value is stored in the internal data length.

  The remote message 126 is transmitted from the wireless processing unit 5 to the call terminal B via the communication network 60 via the antenna 7. When the operation system 31 of the call terminal B receives the remote message 126 (S38), it transfers the remote message 126 to the currently activated application program (S39). When receiving the remote message 126, the application program performs processing for displaying an image included in the message on the screen (S40).

  If the external device 14 is connected to the call terminal A during a call between the call terminal A and the call terminal B, the external I / F unit 4 detects the connection of the external device, and the CPU 2 detects the connection of the external device 14. Notify connection. When the CPU 2, the wireless processing unit 5, and the external I / F unit 4 are notified of the connection, the CPU 2, the wireless processing unit 5, and the external I / F unit 4 execute the processes of S21 to S40 in FIGS.

  As described above, when the user 2 of the call terminal B uses the external device 14 connected to the call terminal A, the operation for inputting the instruction for starting the application program and the external device 14 such as the camera 14a are performed. Entering instructions for capturing images. This operation is the same as the operation when the user 1 of the call terminal A uses an external device connected to his / her call terminal. Therefore, the user 2 of the call terminal B can use the external device connected to the call terminal A as if the external device is connected to the call terminal B of the call terminal B.

  The call terminal B basically has the same configuration as that of the call terminal 1 of FIG. 1, but since no external device is connected to the call terminal B in the above example, the connector unit 12, the external communication cable 13, and the external device 14 are It doesn't have to be.

  As described above, in this embodiment, there is an effect that it is possible to operate an external device connected to the communication terminal of the communication partner by using the communication terminals having the configuration shown in FIG.

  In addition, the environment setting for enabling the use of an external device connected to the other party's call terminal is performed by using the program installed in the call terminal in advance, so the necessary application program can be used for the other party's call. This can be realized without the user having to directly acquire the trouble of acquiring from the external device via the terminal. Furthermore, the user can operate the external device connected to the other party's call terminal with the same operation as when the external device is connected to his / her call terminal when the use environment of the external device is ready.

  Conversely, a user of a call terminal that connects an external device can perform necessary application program transmission processing between the call terminals without directly performing the trouble of transmitting the application program to the call terminal of the other party. . For this reason, there is an effect that it is possible to prepare an environment in which the other party can freely use the external device without intervention of the user of the call terminal connected to the external device.

  In addition, when a call is started, an environment for using an external device connected to the other party's call terminal is automatically prepared, so the user of the call terminal on the side not connected to the external device starts the call. There is an effect that the other party's external device can be used immediately.

  In addition, when an external device is connected to one of the call terminals while the call terminals are making a call, the call terminal connected to the external device is immediately connected to the call terminal not connected to the external device. The environment to use the device is prepared. For this reason, there is an effect that the user of the call terminal not connected to the external device can use the external device connected to the call terminal of the other party immediately after the external device is connected.

  Also, when an external device is connected to the other party's calling terminal, the own calling terminal notifies the calling party's calling terminal that the external device is to be used, and The environment that can be used is prepared. For this reason, when there is no plan to use the external device of the other party, information transmission / reception for using the external device does not occur, so there is an effect that communication charges are not wasted.

  In addition, since the operation of an external device connected to its own call terminal can be instructed from the other party, for example, when the camera is an external device, the user performs an operation of transmitting an image captured by the camera to the other party's call terminal. Even without this, it is possible to perform an operation of acquiring an image from the other party.

A communication apparatus that connects an external device having a wireless processing unit that performs wireless communication with another apparatus described in this embodiment is a request indicating the content of the process requested to the external device and the request source of the process. Input processing request information having original information, operate the external device according to the processing request information, receive response information for the processing request information from the external device, determine the request source information of the processing request information, and A device driver that determines the output destination of the response information;
The processing request generation program information for generating the processing request information is acquired, the acquired processing request generation program information is wirelessly transmitted to the other device via the wireless processing unit, and the device driver unit An execution unit that receives the response information from and outputs the response information received to the output destination determined by the device driver unit,
The wireless processing unit wirelessly receives processing request information generated by executing the processing request generation program information transmitted to the other device from the other device, and receives the processing request information received wirelessly by the device. It outputs to a driver part, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

In addition, a communication apparatus that connects an external device including a wireless processing unit that performs wireless communication with another apparatus described in this embodiment can determine the content of the process requested to the external device and the request source of the process. Processing request information having request source information to be inputted, operating an external device according to the processing request information, receiving response information for the processing request information from the external device, and determining request source information of the processing request information. A device driver unit that determines the output destination of the response information;
An execution unit that receives the response information from the device driver unit and outputs the received response information to the output destination determined by the device driver unit;
The wireless processing unit wirelessly receives the processing request information from the another device, and outputs the wirelessly received processing request information to the device driver unit.

In the communication device described in this embodiment, the wireless processing unit detects the start of communication with the other device,
The execution unit acquires the processing request generation program information when the wireless processing unit detects the start of communication, and wirelessly transmits the acquired processing request generation program information to the other device via the wireless processing unit. It is characterized by doing.

Further, in the communication device described in this embodiment, the wireless processing unit receives program request information for requesting acquisition of the processing request generation program information from the other device,
When the execution request is received by the wireless processing unit, the execution unit acquires the processing request generation program information, and transmits the acquired processing request generation program information to the other device via the wireless processing unit. It is characterized by wireless transmission.

In addition, a communication device including a wireless processing unit that performs wireless communication with another device connected to the external device described in this embodiment, the content of the processing that the wireless processing unit requests from the external device. Processing request generation program information for generating processing request information to be received from the other device,
The communication device further includes an execution unit that executes the wirelessly received processing request generation program information and wirelessly transmits the processing request information generated as a result of the execution to the other device via the wireless processing unit. ,
The wireless processing unit wirelessly receives response information for the processing request information information from the another device.

  Further, in the communication apparatus described in this embodiment, the wireless processing unit wirelessly transmits program request information for requesting acquisition of the processing request generation program information, and the other apparatus is used as a response to the program request information. In addition, the processing request generation program information is wirelessly received.

In addition, a communication system including a first communication device that connects the external device described in this embodiment and a second communication device that wirelessly communicates predetermined information.
The first communication device is
Inputs processing request information having the content of processing requested to the external device and request source information indicating the request source of the processing, and operates the external device according to the processing request information, and response information to the processing request information A device driver unit that receives request information from the external device, determines request source information of the processing request information, and determines an output destination of the response information;
A first wireless processing unit that wirelessly transmits processing request generation program information for generating the processing request information to the second communication device;
The processing request generation program information is acquired, the acquired processing request information generation program information is output to the first wireless processing unit, and the response information is received from the device driver unit and the output determined by the device driver unit A first execution unit that outputs response information received to the destination,
The second communication device is
A second wireless processing unit for wirelessly receiving processing request generation program information wirelessly transmitted from the first communication device;
The second wireless processing unit executes the processing request generation program information wirelessly received, and wirelessly transmits the processing request information generated as a result of the execution to the first communication device via the second wireless processing unit. And a second execution unit that
The first wireless processing unit wirelessly receives the processing request information wirelessly transmitted from the second communication apparatus, and outputs the wirelessly received processing request information to the device driver unit.

In addition, a communication system including a first communication device that connects the external device described in this embodiment and a second communication device that wirelessly communicates predetermined information.
The first communication device is
Inputs processing request information having the content of processing requested to the external device and request source information indicating the request source of the processing, and operates the external device according to the processing request information, and response information to the processing request information A device driver unit that receives request information from the external device, determines request source information of the processing request information, and determines an output destination of the response information;
A first execution unit that receives the response information from the device driver unit and outputs the received response information to an output destination determined by the device driver unit;
A first wireless processing unit that wirelessly receives the processing request information from the second communication device and outputs the wirelessly received processing request information to the device driver unit;
The second communication device is
A second wireless processing unit that receives response information output from the first wireless processing unit;
A memory for storing processing request generation program information for generating the processing request information;
A second execution unit that executes the processing request generation program and wirelessly transmits the processing request information generated as a result of the execution to the first communication device via the second wireless processing unit; Features.

In addition, a program that operates in a communication apparatus that performs wireless communication with another apparatus that connects the first external device described in this embodiment is
Processing for detecting device type information indicating the type of the first external device connected to the other device;
Processing for displaying the detected device type information and inputting instruction information for instructing whether or not to control the first external device indicated by the displayed device type information;
When the input instruction information instructs to control the first external device, the control information generated by generating control information for controlling the first external device is wirelessly transmitted to the other apparatus. The processing is executed by a computer.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In this embodiment, an example of a communication apparatus that downloads device information for controlling an external device connected to another communication apparatus from a server apparatus connected to a wide area network will be described. . The configuration of the communication device is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, the application program is stored in an external device (camera). However, the application program may be stored on a server connected to a wide area network. In this case, when the call terminal A receives the device type response message 102 or when the call terminal B receives the external device connection notification message 118, the call terminal A is accessed by accessing the server via the communication network 60. Each of A and the call terminal B downloads and installs an application program.

  In the first embodiment, the device driver program is stored in an external device (camera). However, the device driver program may be stored on a server connected to a wide area network. In this case, when the call terminal A receives the device type response message 102, the call terminal A downloads and installs the device driver program by accessing the server via the communication network 60.

  In the first embodiment, the call terminal B has not installed the device driver program in its own call terminal, but the call terminal B is placed on a server connected to the wide area network. When the external device connection notification message 118 is received, the device driver program may be downloaded and installed by accessing the server via the communication network 60. Alternatively, the call terminal B may receive the device driver program stored in the external device connected to the call terminal A from the call terminal A, and install the received device driver program. Alternatively, the call terminal B may receive the device driver program installed in the nonvolatile memory 3 of the call terminal A from the call terminal A and install the received device driver program. When the call terminal B uses a device driver program installed in its own memory and operates an external device connected to the call terminal A, communication between the call terminals may be complicated. However, the invention can be realized.

  Further, when acquisition of an application program is requested from the call terminal B, the call terminal A may transmit the application program installed in the non-volatile memory 3 of the own call terminal to the call terminal B.

  As described above, when the application program (processing request generation program information) is stored in the server device, the application program can be centrally managed as compared with the case where it is stored in each external device. It can be done flexibly. For this reason, the communication apparatus can acquire the latest application program from the server apparatus.

The communication device described in this embodiment connects a server device that stores processing request generation program information via a predetermined network,
The wireless processing unit wirelessly transmits program request information for requesting acquisition of the processing request generation program information to the server device via the predetermined network, and generates the processing request from the server device as a response to the program request information. Program information is received wirelessly.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In this embodiment, a call terminal that transmits remote control request information (permission request information) that represents a request for remotely controlling an external device to a call terminal connected to the external device from a call terminal that is not connected to the external device. An example will be described.

  In addition, when remote control permission request information is received from a communication device that is not connected to an external device, it is addressed to the call terminal that is not connected to the external device based on instructions or settings from the user of the call terminal that is connected to the external device. An example of a communication device that issues remote control permission information representing permission of remote control as permission response information will be described. Although the configuration of the communication apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment, a call terminal that connects an external device includes a permission response unit (not shown in FIG. 1).

  When the call terminal B in FIG. 2 starts the application program, it issues a remote control permission request message for requesting permission for remote control to the call terminal A, and when the call terminal A receives the message, a permission (not shown) Only when the response unit determines permission / rejection and permits, a remote control permission message notifying permission is issued to the call terminal B via the wireless processing unit 5 and the antenna 7. The permission / rejection may be configured such that when the message is received on the call terminal A side, the permission response unit may confirm with the user of the call terminal A each time, or uniform permission / rejection can be set. May be. When the call terminal B receives a remote control permission message indicating permission from the call terminal A, the call terminal B performs the processing from S25. If the remote control permission message is not received, it may be displayed on the LCD 10 of the call terminal B that the use of the external device is rejected.

  As described above, when a call device connected to an external device is requested to permit use of the external device from a call partner not connected to the external device, the call partner is permitted or denied use of the external device. Therefore, the user of the call terminal connected to the external device can easily permit or deny the use of the external device corresponding to the call partner depending on the type of the call partner or the connected external device.

In the communication apparatus described in this embodiment, the wireless processing unit receives permission request information for requesting permission to remotely control an external device from another apparatus,
The communication device further generates a permission response information for the permission request information received by the wireless processing unit, and a permission response unit that wirelessly transmits the generated permission response information to the other communication device via the wireless processing unit. It is characterized by having.

  In addition, the communication device described in this embodiment is characterized in that the wireless processing unit wirelessly transmits permission request information for requesting permission to remotely control an external device to another device.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
In this embodiment, the communication apparatus includes a transmission setting information storage unit that stores transmission setting information for setting whether to transmit an application program, and determines whether to transmit device information based on the transmission setting information. An example of a communication device will be described.

  The configuration of the communication apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the communication apparatus that connects the external device includes a transmission setting information storage unit (not shown in FIG. 1). The transmission setting information storage unit stores information indicating either “send” or “do not send” the application program to the call partner for each piece of information for identifying the call partner. The CPU 2 executes a predetermined program under the operation system 31 and accesses the transmission setting information storage unit to determine whether or not to transmit the application program.

  The call terminal A does not always issue the external device connection notification message 118 but may configure the call terminal not to transmit the external device connection notification message 118 by setting. For example, the call terminal 1 includes a transmission setting information storage unit that stores transmission setting information in which either one of the external device connection notification message 118 is transmitted or not transmitted for each call partner is set. And the transmission setting information stored in the transmission setting information storage unit based on the information for identifying the other party (for example, the telephone number of the other party), and the transmission setting information is “send” An external device connection notification message 118 is transmitted. When the transmission setting information is “not transmit”, the call terminal 1 does not transmit the external device connection notification message 118.

  In addition, the transmission setting information may set whether or not to transmit the external device connection notification message 118 for each type of external device. For example, when the type of the external device is a camera, it is set to transmit, and when it is a printer, it is set not to transmit.

  The transmission setting information may be set to transmit / not transmit the external device connection notification message 118 for each type of external device and for each call partner. For example, when the type of the external device is a camera, it is set to transmit when the other party is “090-111-2222” and is not transmitted when the other party is “090-333-4444”. Set. When the type of the external device is a printer, it is set not to transmit when the other party is “090-111-2222”, and is set to be transmitted when the other party is “090-333-4444”.

  As described above, it is possible to conceal that the external device is connected to the call partner.

The communication device described in this embodiment includes a transmission setting information storage unit that stores transmission setting information indicating whether or not to permit transmission of processing request generation program information to another device.
The execution unit determines whether to permit transmission based on the transmission setting information stored in the transmission setting information storage unit, and acquires the processing request generation program information when permitting transmission as a result of the determination. Then, the acquired processing request generation program information is wirelessly transmitted to the other communication device.

Embodiment 5 FIG.
In the first embodiment, an example in which an external device (camera) is not connected to the call terminal B has been shown. However, a case where an external device is connected to both the call terminal A and the call terminal B can be considered. . In such a case, the external device control program described in the first embodiment is configured to execute processing for confirming which external device is controlled (or neither is controlled) to the user. May be.

  In order to realize the above, the external device control program connects to which calling terminal when the external device is connected to both the active calling terminal and the other calling terminal currently in a call. A process for confirming with the user whether to control the external device. When the CPU 2 executes this external device control program under the operation system 31, the target device instruction information for instructing the external device to be controlled is input from the user, and the control information including the input target device instruction information (application A program transmission request message 120) is generated.

  In the process of S24 of FIG. 14 in the first embodiment, an external device connected to the call terminal A is selected by selecting either “1” or “2” from the display content shown in FIG. This is instructed from the call terminal B. In this embodiment, since the external device is connected to both the call terminal A and the call terminal B, the options presented to the user are, for example, “Use the external device on the own call terminal side: 1”, “Other call” There are three possible cases: “Use external device on terminal side: 2” and “Do not use external device: 3”.

  As described above, even when two communication apparatuses that perform communication connect external devices to each other, the external device connected to the communication apparatus on the other side and the external device connected to its own communication apparatus Can be used separately.

The communication apparatus described in this embodiment includes an external interface unit that detects that an external device is connected,
When the execution unit detects that an external device is connected through the external interface while the wireless processing unit is performing wireless communication with another apparatus, the execution unit acquires processing request generation program information and generates the acquired processing request. Program information is wirelessly transmitted to the other device via the wireless processing unit.

The communication apparatus described in this embodiment connects the second external device,
A program for causing a computer to execute a process for generating control information includes a process for including in the control information target device instruction information indicating which of the first external device and the second external device is to be controlled. It is made to perform.

Embodiment 6 FIG.
In the first to fifth embodiments, when the call terminal B not connected to the external device uses an external device connected to the call partner A, the call terminal B is connected to the call terminal A (or external device). The application program is received, and the received application program is installed in the nonvolatile memory 3 of the call terminal B. However, when the call terminal B uses an external device to which the call terminal A is connected, the application program may already be installed in its own nonvolatile memory 3, so that it may not be necessary to install the application program again. Therefore, when the external device control program is instructed to use the external device in S24 of FIG. 14, the external device control program confirms the contents installed in the nonvolatile memory 3 of the own call terminal B and controls the external device. When a necessary application program is installed, the application program transmission request message 120 may not be transmitted, and a process for starting the application program may be included.

  As a result, it is possible to save time and a communication fee required for transmitting the application program between the call terminals.

A communication apparatus including a wireless processing unit that performs wireless communication with another apparatus that connects the external device described in this embodiment,
A memory for storing processing request generation program information for generating processing request information indicating the content of processing requested to the external device;
An execution unit that executes the processing request generation program information stored in the memory and wirelessly transmits the processing request information generated as a result of the execution to the other device via the wireless processing unit,
The wireless processing unit wirelessly receives response information for the processing request information information from the another device.

Embodiment 7 FIG.
It goes without saying that the external device is not a camera, but may be a printer or any other external device.

  For example, although there is a mobile phone device with a built-in camera, such a mobile phone device can be used for the communication devices of the first to sixth embodiments.

  Further, as an example of the external device, a memory card or a memory stick may be used.

  In addition, the communication partner of the communication apparatus to which the camera is connected as an external device may be a print server that provides a service for printing a photograph. In the configuration shown on the left, the camera application program is transmitted from the communication device to the print server, and the print server installs the transmitted application program in the memory and captures an image to the camera using the installed device information. Do. As a result, an image is captured by the print server, and the print server prints the captured image. The printed image may be mailed to the user of the communication device or may be picked up by the user.

  Also, a printer is connected as an external device to one communication apparatus, and a camera is connected as an external device to the other communication apparatus. In such a configuration, when an environment is established in which application programs of external devices connected to each other's communication devices can communicate with each other and the other external device can operate, the communication device connected to the printer captures an image from the camera. Thus, the captured image can be printed from the printer. As a result, the user of the communication apparatus connected to the printer can acquire an image captured by the communication partner as needed and immediately print it to use the image as a printed matter.

  In addition, when the printer is connected to one communication device as an external device, the other communication device receives and installs the printer application program, and the environment in which the printer connected to one communication device can be used is prepared. The communication device can cause the printer to print text information, map information, and the like transmitted to the communication partner (one communication device). As a result, for example, information to be transmitted to the communication device connected to the printer can be printed according to the need of the other communication device regardless of the necessity of the user of the communication device connected to the printer.

  In addition, an external storage device, for example, an external flexible disk storage device is connected as an external device to one communication device, and the other communication device receives and installs device information of the external storage device and installs it in the communication device of the communication partner. When the environment in which the connected external storage device can be used is prepared, the other communication device can store text information, map information, and the like transmitted to the communication partner side in the external storage device. Thus, for example, information to be transmitted to the communication device connected to the external storage device can be stored as required by the other communication device regardless of the necessity of the user of the communication device connected to the external storage device.

  What has been described as “to part” in the description of the above embodiments can be configured by a program and hardware (circuit) that can be partially or entirely operated by a computer. These programs can be created in C language, for example.

  In addition, what has been described as “˜unit” in the description of the embodiment may be realized by firmware stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory). Alternatively, it may be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software, hardware, and firmware.

  The programs described in the above embodiments are recorded on a recording medium. As the recording medium, a recording apparatus using another recording medium such as a magnetic disk device, an FD (Flexible Disk), an optical disc, a CD (Compact Disc), an MD (Mini Disc), or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) may be used.

  The program is loaded into a computer and executed based on the control of the processor.

  1 Call terminal, 2 CPU, 3 nonvolatile memory, 4 external I / F section, 5 wireless processing section, 6 CPU bus, 7 antenna, 8 microphone, 9 speaker, 10 LCD, 11 keyboard, 12 connector section, 13 external communication cable , 14 External device, 14a Camera, 31 Operation system, 32 I / F driver program, 33 Device driver program, 34 Application program, 60 Communication network, 100 Device type request message, 102 Device type response message, 104 Device driver program transmission request Message, 106 Device driver program transmission message, 108, 120 Application program transmission request message, 110, 122 Application program transmission message 112, 124 device-dependent message, 114 image capture command message, 116 image transmission message, 118 external device connection notification message, 126 remote message.

Claims (4)

In a communication apparatus including a wireless processing unit that performs wireless communication with another apparatus that connects the first external device,
The wireless processing unit receives information indicating the type of the first external device from the other device,
The communication device further includes:
Connect a second external device,
Displaying information indicating the type of the first external device received by the wireless processing unit, and inputting information indicating a device to be used among the first external device and the second external device, When the information instructing the use of the first external device is input, the execution unit transmits the input information to the other device via the wireless processing unit,
The wireless processing unit generates processing request information indicating a content of processing requested to the first external device as a response to the information instructing use of the first external device transmitted to the other device. Receiving a processing request generating program information to be received from the other device. The execution unit receives the information indicating the type of the first external device from the another device while the wireless processing unit is communicating with the other device by wireless communication. 2. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information indicating a device type is displayed and information indicating a device to be used is input from among the first external device and the second external device. In a communication system including a first communication device that connects a first external device and a second communication device that wirelessly communicates predetermined information with the first communication device.
The first communication device is
A first wireless processing unit that detects a start of communication with the second communication device;
When the first wireless processing unit detects the start of communication with the second communication device, information indicating the type of the first external device acquired in advance from the first external device is used as the first wireless device. A first execution unit that transmits to the second communication device via the processing unit,
The second communication device is
Connect a second external device,
A second wireless processing unit that receives information indicating the type of the first external device from the first communication device;
Information indicating the type of the first external device received by the second wireless processing unit is displayed, and information indicating a device to be used is selected from the first external device and the second external device. And a second execution unit that transmits the input information to the first communication device via the second wireless processing unit when the information that instructs the use of the first external device is input. Prepared,
The first wireless processing unit receives information instructing use of the first external device transmitted from the second communication device,
When the first wireless processing unit receives information instructing use of the first external device, the first execution unit includes processing request information for requesting processing to the first external device. Processing request generation program information to be generated is acquired from the first external device, and the acquired processing request generation program information is transmitted to the second communication device via the first wireless processing unit;
The second wireless processing unit receives the processing request generation program information from the first communication device as a response to the information that instructs the use of the first external device transmitted to the first communication device. ,
The second execution unit generates the processing request information based on the processing request generation program information received by the second wireless processing unit, and transmits the generated processing request information via the second wireless processing unit. And transmitting to the first communication device. The first communication apparatus includes an external interface unit that detects that the external device is connected,
When the first execution unit detects that an external device is connected by the external interface unit when the first wireless processing unit is making a call with the second communication device by wireless communication, Acquiring information indicating the type of the external device from the external device, and transmitting the information indicating the type of the acquired external device to the second communication device via the first wireless processing unit;
The second execution unit indicates a type of the first external device from the first communication device when the second wireless processing unit is communicating with the first communication device by wireless communication. When the information is received, information indicating a type of the first external device is displayed, and information indicating a device to be used is input from the first external device and the second external device. The communication system according to claim 3.

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