JP2009267443A - Communications equipment and communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide communications equipment and a communication method that avoid careless connection with a main device, and to prevent leakage of connection information from slave device. <P>SOLUTION: A control unit 10 of the slave device D1 exchanges connection information with a main device P, which can be connected, stores the connection information exchanged with the main device P into a RAM 11, and performs radio communication with the main device P, by using the connection information stored in the RAM 11. When it is determined that the radio communication with the main device P has ended, the control unit deletes the connection information stored in the RAM 11, to prevent automatic connection with the main device P, with which the radio communication has been conducted, so that careless connection with the main device P is avoided, and the connection information exchanged with the main device P is handled as a temporary one, thereby preventing the connection information from leaking from the slave device D1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication apparatus and a communication method for performing wireless communication.

  In recent years, wireless communication has been rapidly spread, and various communication devices that perform wireless communication have been developed. Wireless communication is established by establishing a wireless link between communication devices, and communication becomes possible. That is, unlike wired communication, wireless communication is possible without physically connecting communication devices. For this reason, a third party can intercept data. In order to prevent such eavesdropping, some communication devices perform encrypted communication in which data is encrypted and communicated. Before starting encrypted communication for the first time between communication devices, connection information including mutual authentication information and an encryption key used for encrypted communication is exchanged and shared.

  As a communication topology of such wireless communication, there is one main device (main communication device) that is responsible for overall control, and one or more subordinate devices (subordinate communication devices) connected thereto. is there. For example, in wireless communication complying with a standard called WUSB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) realized by UWB (Ultra Wide Band) or the like, there are a WUSB host as a main device and a WUSB device as a subordinate device. The main device and the subordinate device hold both pieces of connection information as CCs (connection contexts) by performing association as the above-described information exchange and sharing before connecting the wireless communication for the first time. From the next connection, both sides perform mutual authentication / key exchange and the like using the held CC.

  There is a wireless communication system in which the above-described wireless communication function is incorporated into a plurality of embedded devices installed in an office or the like to form a work group. When a subordinate device is shared in such a wireless communication system, a plurality of main devices may be connectable to one subordinate device. For example, a case where a plurality of information processing apparatuses such as a personal computer or a portable information terminal can be connected as a main device to an image processing apparatus such as a printer device as a subordinate device.

  Basically, the main device needs to hold connection information shared with each subordinate device that can be a connection partner, and the subordinate device only needs to hold connection information shared with one main device that is a connection partner. . However, when an application shared by a plurality of main devices is installed in a subordinate device, the subordinate device needs to hold connection information shared with each of the plurality of main devices as a main device that can be a connection partner. .

  For example, a multi-function printing apparatus that can select only a Bluetooth device owned by an MFP user from a plurality of existing Bluetooth devices and communicate with the MFP is disclosed (see Patent Document 1). The multifunction printing apparatus according to Patent Document 1 records address information unique to a Bluetooth device with which communication has been established.

JP 2006-287860 A

  By the way, when a paid application shared by a large number of unspecified main devices is installed in a subordinate device, the subordinate device renews the connection with the main device every time the main device to be connected changes. Each time an attempt is made, the connection information sharing operation for sharing the connection information with the main device is performed to perform wireless communication, and the wireless communication is disconnected after the use of the application is completed.

  In this way, when the subordinate device is not connected to only one main device but most of the connection is temporary, the connection information of the main device of the connection partner that performed wireless communication is stored. The need to keep it low. The reason why the connection information is stored in the subordinate device is to facilitate the second and subsequent connections when the subordinate device is connected to only one main device. Therefore, if most of the connections between the subordinate device and the main device are temporary, storing connection information in the main device may be a disadvantage.

  Specifically, when the connection information of the main device is stored in the subordinate device, the subordinate device automatically establishes wireless communication with the main device existing in the communication range using the stored connection information. . Therefore, there is a problem that an inadvertent connection is established between the subordinate device and the main device. For example, a subordinate device may continue to be connected to only one main device as long as the main device is within range of the subordinate device.

  In order to avoid inadvertent connection with the main device, the connection information of a plurality of main devices is stored, and the connection information of the main device having a higher priority is selected from the stored connection information. A technique for establishing wireless communication with a device is disclosed. However, since the technology requires a large storage capacity, it increases the cost of subordinate devices and cannot be applied to products that require cost reduction. Furthermore, since the technology requires complicated processing / operation for establishing wireless communication between the main device and the subordinate device, the original purpose of facilitating establishment of the wireless communication between the main device and the subordinate device is impaired. .

  In addition, when the connection information of the main device is stored in the subordinate device, there is a problem that mutual authentication information, an encryption key, and the like included in the connection information leak from the subordinate device. In particular, if the connection between the subordinate device and the master device is temporary, there is no need to save the connection information in the subordinate device, and the user does not want the connection information to be saved in the subordinate device. It is done.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, a communication apparatus and a communication method that can avoid inadvertent connection with a main device and prevent leakage of connection information from a subordinate device The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 encrypts identification information for identifying each other with a main communication device, and information including the identification information and communication data. An exchange means for exchanging connection information including the encryption key to be exchanged with the connectable main communication device, a storage means for storing the connection information exchanged with the main communication device in a storage unit, When it is determined that wireless communication between the main communication device and communication means for performing wireless communication with the main communication device using the connection information stored in the storage unit is completed, the storage unit Deleting means for deleting the connection information stored in the storage device.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the designation means for designating the connection information to be stored in a non-volatile memory among the connection information exchanged with the main-side communication device is further included. The storage means further stores the designated connection information in the nonvolatile memory, and the communication means stores the connection information of the connectable main communication device in the nonvolatile memory. If it is, wireless communication is performed with the main communication device using the connection information stored in the non-volatile memory.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the deletion unit wirelessly communicates with the main communication device when the communication line is disconnected by the main communication device. It is characterized by determining that the communication has ended.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, when a communication line is disconnected by the main communication device, it is determined that wireless communication with the main communication device has ended. It further comprises setting means for setting whether or not.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the deletion unit has passed a connection allowable effective period in which a communication time with the main communication device is set in advance. If it is determined that the wireless communication with the main-side communication device has been completed, it is determined.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 5, further comprising period setting means for setting the connection allowable effective period.

  Further, the invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the deletion unit generates a first communication inhibition factor in which wireless communication with the main communication device is interrupted for a predetermined time. In this case, it is determined that the wireless communication with the main-side communication device is finished.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 7, further comprising time setting means for setting the predetermined time.

  The invention according to a ninth aspect is the invention according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the deletion means has a first error rate greater than or equal to a first threshold value for a wireless communication with the main communication device. When two communication hindrance factors occur, it is determined that wireless communication with the main communication device is completed.

  The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to claim 9, further comprising first threshold value setting means for setting the first threshold value.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the deleting means is configured such that a communication speed by wireless communication with the communication device on the main side is equal to or less than a second threshold value. When three communication impediment factors occur, it is determined that wireless communication with the main communication device has ended.

  The invention according to claim 12 is the invention according to claim 11, further comprising second threshold value setting means for setting the second threshold value.

  The invention according to claim 13 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the deletion means is a fourth communication inhibition factor in which a distance from the main communication device is a third threshold or more. It is determined that the wireless communication with the main communication device is completed when the occurrence of the error occurs.

  The invention according to claim 14 is the invention according to claim 13, further comprising third threshold value setting means for setting the third threshold value.

  The invention according to claim 15 is the invention according to any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein the deletion unit includes the first communication inhibition factor, the second communication inhibition factor, the third communication inhibition factor, Alternatively, when the occurrence of the fourth communication inhibition factor continues for a preset inhibition factor continuation allowable time, it is determined that the wireless communication with the main communication device is completed.

  The invention according to claim 16 is the invention according to claim 15, further comprising an allowable time setting means for setting the inhibition factor continuation allowable time.

  In the invention according to claim 17, the exchange means includes identification information for identifying each other with the main communication device, and an encryption key for encrypting the information including the identification information and the communication data. An exchange step for exchanging connection information with the connectable main communication device, a storage step for storing the connection information exchanged with the main communication device in the storage unit, and a communication means, A communication step of performing wireless communication with the main communication device using the connection information stored in the storage unit, and a deletion unit determines that wireless communication with the main communication device has ended. And a deletion step of deleting the connection information stored in the storage unit.

  According to the present invention, since it is possible to prevent automatic connection with a main device that has performed wireless communication, an inadvertent connection with the main device can be avoided. Further, according to the present invention, since the connection information exchanged with the main device can be handled as temporary information, there is an effect that connection information leakage from the subordinate device can be prevented.

  Exemplary embodiments of a communication apparatus and a communication method according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless communication system according to the present embodiment. The wireless communication system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of wireless communication apparatuses each serving as main devices P1 to P3 (main communication apparatuses according to the present invention) and a subordinate device D1 (subordinate communication apparatus according to the present invention). ). The main devices P1 to P3 are personal computers. In particular, the main devices P2 to P3 are portable personal computers (portable information devices). Here, the subordinate device D1 is a multifunction device capable of realizing a printer function for outputting an image, a scanner function for reading an image, and a storage function for storing an image. The subordinate device D1 includes one of the main devices P1 to P3, and identification information for identifying each other, for example, according to the WUSB standard described above, and an encryption key for encrypting information including the identification information and communication data. The connection information is stored, and wireless communication is performed by encrypting the information using the stored connection information. The communication data is, for example, data instructing image output from one of the main devices P1 to P3 to the subordinate device D1. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish the main devices P1 to P3, they are simply referred to as the main device P.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the subordinate device. The slave device D1 includes a control unit 10, a RAM 11, a ROM 12, a nonvolatile memory 13, and a wireless communication device 14. The control unit 10 is constituted by a CPU, and executes various programs stored in the ROM 12, thereby controlling the entire slave device D1 and realizing various functions.

  In addition, the subordinate device D1 includes an engine unit for realizing the printer function and an engine unit for realizing the scanner function, an ASIC for performing image processing when realizing the printer function and the scanner function, and an operation panel ( None of them are shown. The operation panel is formed by integrally forming an operation device for a user to input instructions and a display device for displaying information.

  The RAM 11 is used as a work area when the control unit 10 executes various programs, and the connection information exchanged with the main device P, the date and time when the connection information is exchanged with the main device P, and the main device. A state parameter indicating a communication state with P is temporarily stored (storage unit according to the present invention). The ROM 12 stores various programs executed by the control unit 10 and various data.

  The connection information is wireless communication by encrypting information including a main ID for identifying the main device and a subordinate ID for identifying the subordinate device as identification information for identifying each other during wireless communication, and the ID and communication data. And an encryption key used for encryption when performing. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of connection information and state parameters stored in the RAM. As shown in FIG. 3, as described above, the connection information 301 includes the main ID “Axxx” and the subordinate device that identify the main device P2 as identification information for identifying each other when performing wireless communication. Dependent ID for identifying “D000”, and an encryption key used for encryption of information including the identification information and communication data: “xxxx”.

  The state parameter is stored in the RAM 11 in association with the connection information described above. As shown in FIG. 3, the connection history information 302 includes exchange date / time, last connection date / time, communication amount, error rate, communication speed, distance, application history as connection history information with the main device P2. Including. The exchange date and time indicates the date and time when the connection information is exchanged with the main device P2. The communication amount indicates the amount of data transmitted / received by performing wireless communication with the main device P2. The error rate is a rate at which packet loss occurs during data transmission / reception with the main device P2. The communication speed is a speed at which data is transmitted / received in wireless communication with the main device P2. The distance is a distance from the subordinate device D1 to the main device P2. The application history indicates which of the applications for realizing the above-described printer function, scanner function, and storage function in the subordinate device D1 by performing wireless communication with the main device P2.

  The nonvolatile memory 13 stores connection information designated via the operation panel among the connection information stored in the RAM 11. Further, the nonvolatile memory 13 stores an image by realizing the storage function described above. The wireless communication device 14 performs wireless communication with an external wireless communication device.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of connection information stored in the RAM and connection information stored in the nonvolatile memory. As shown in FIG. 4, the connection information stored in the RAM 11 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 13 only when the connection information 401 stored in the RAM 11 is designated.

  Next, various functions realized by the control unit 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the various functions realized here include an OS unit 27, an application unit 20, a security control unit 21, a network control unit 22, an operation port control unit 23, and a file control unit 24. A memory control unit 25, and a system control unit 26.

  The OS unit 27 includes security information 30, a network protocol 28, and a wireless communication device driver 29, and functions as an operating system. The network protocol 28 is a protocol stack for performing encrypted communication as wireless communication. The wireless communication device driver 29 is a device driver that controls the wireless communication device 14 that performs wireless communication with the main device P that is a connection partner.

  The application unit 20 includes an application for performing encrypted communication, and includes an association application for exchanging connection information with the main device P of the connection partner. The application unit 20 includes applications for realizing a printer function, a scanner function, and a storage function, and these applications are shared by the main devices P1 to P3. In addition, the application unit 20, the network control unit 22, the network protocol 28, the wireless communication device driver 29, and the security control unit 21 realize a function of performing wireless communication using the UWB technology.

  The security control unit 21 stores security information including connection information in the nonvolatile memory 13. The operation port control unit 23 controls instruction input from the user via the operation panel and display of information on the operation panel. The file control unit 24 controls reading and writing of files. The memory control unit 25 controls reading and writing to a memory such as the RAM 11, the ROM 12, and the nonvolatile memory 13. The system control unit 26 controls the units 20 to 30.

  In the configuration as described above, when starting wireless communication, the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 detects beacons periodically transmitted from the main device P in order to detect connectable main devices P. Scan processing (search processing) is performed. When detecting the beacon as a result of the scanning process, the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 exchanges connection information with the main device P using the main device P that has transmitted the beacon as a connection partner. Next, the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 stores the connection information and communication parameters exchanged with the main device P in the RAM 11. Then, the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 uses the connection information stored in the RAM 11 to perform processing such as authentication / key exchange and starts wireless communication. Since processing such as authentication / key exchange using connection information is well known, the description thereof is omitted. The communication parameters stored in the RAM 11 are updated by the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 according to the communication state with the main device P. When the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 determines that the wireless communication with the main device P has ended, the control unit 10 deletes the connection information stored in the RAM 11.

  The main device P includes a CPU, a storage unit such as a RAM and a ROM, a communication unit that performs wireless communication, and a bus (not shown) that connects them, and has a hardware configuration using a normal computer. ing. The main device P can perform wireless communication with the subordinate device D1 through the communication unit in accordance with the WUSB standard described above.

  Next, a procedure of wireless communication processing by the slave device D1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7. FIG. Note that the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 does not store the connection information of the main devices P1 to P3 in the nonvolatile memory 13. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of wireless communication processing by the subordinate device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for determining whether or not the connection information stored in the RAM needs to be deleted. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed on the operation panel when various parameters used in FIGS. 5 and 6 are set.

  First, wireless communication processing by the subordinate device D1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Prior to wireless communication, the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 deletes the connection information stored in the RAM 11 (step S501). Next, the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 searches for a connectable main device P when starting wireless communication (step S502). Specifically, the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 performs a scan process for detecting a beacon periodically transmitted from the main device. When detecting the beacon by the scanning process, the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 searches the main device P that has transmitted the beacon as a connectable main device P.

  Then, the control unit 10 (the exchange unit according to the present invention) of the subordinate device D1 exchanges connection information with the connectable main device P (step S503). Specifically, connection information is exchanged with the main device P of the connection partner by the association application.

  Next, the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 determines whether or not to store the exchanged connection information in the nonvolatile memory 13 (step S504). Specifically, the control unit 10 (designating unit according to the present invention) of the subordinate device D1 receives the instruction input from the user via the operation panel, and includes the nonvolatile memory 13 in the connection information exchanged with the main device P. Specify the connection information to be stored in. In the present embodiment, connection information to be stored in the nonvolatile memory 13 is designated in accordance with the selection of the radio button 701 or the radio button 702 on the setting screen 700 shown in FIG. Then, the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 determines whether or not to store the connection information in the nonvolatile memory 13 depending on whether or not the connection information exchanged with the main device P is designated.

  When it is determined not to store the exchanged connection information in the nonvolatile memory 13 (step S504: No), the control unit 10 (storage means according to the present invention) of the subordinate device D1 displays the connection information exchanged with the main device P. Only stored in the RAM 11 (step S505). In the present embodiment, the connection information exchanged with the main device P and the state parameter are stored in the RAM 11 in association with each other. The control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 monitors the connection state with the main device P, and updates the state parameter stored in the RAM 11 according to the connection state.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the exchanged connection information is stored in the non-volatile memory 13 (step S504: Yes), the control unit 10 (storage means according to the present invention) of the subordinate device D1 exchanges the connection with the main device P. Information (connection information specified by an instruction input from the user) is stored in the RAM 11 and the nonvolatile memory 13 (step S506). Note that the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 associates the connection information exchanged with the main device P and the state parameter in association with the RAM 11 in the same manner as when it is determined not to store the exchanged connection information in the nonvolatile memory 13. The state parameters stored in the RAM 11 are updated according to the connection state.

  Next, the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 determines whether or not the connection information needs to be deleted from the RAM 11 (Step S507). Specifically, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to delete the connection information from the RAM 11 based on whether or not the wireless communication with the main device P is completed.

  If it is determined that there is no need to delete the connection information (step S507: No), the control unit 10 (communication means according to the present invention) of the subordinate device D1 uses the connection information stored in the RAM 11. Wireless communication with the main device P is performed (step S508). Specifically, processing such as authentication / key exchange using connection information is performed on the RAM 11 and wireless communication is started via the wireless communication device 14. As a result, the subordinate device D1 is connected to the main device P, and a radio link with the main device P is established.

  Note that the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 determines whether or not connection information needs to be deleted from the RAM 11 while wireless communication with the main device P is performed. If it is determined that there is no need to delete the connection information, the wireless communication with the main device P is maintained, and the state parameter stored in association with the connection information is updated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that it is necessary to delete the connection information (step S507: Yes), that is, when it is determined that the wireless communication with the main device P has been completed, the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 (according to the present invention). Such deletion means) deletes the connection information stored in the RAM 11 (step S501). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the state parameter is deleted from the RAM 11 together with the connection information.

  As described above, according to the subordinate device D1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the wireless communication with the main device P that has performed the wireless communication from being automatically established. A prepared connection can be avoided. Further, according to the subordinate device D1 according to the present embodiment, since the connection information exchanged with the main device P can be handled as temporary, leakage of connection information from the subordinate device D1 can be prevented. . Furthermore, according to the subordinate device D1 according to the present embodiment, since complicated processing / operation and an increase in the capacity of the storage unit are not required for establishing wireless communication with the main device P, the increase in cost of the subordinate device D1 is suppressed. , And simple implementation / operability can be realized.

  In the wireless communication process described above, the connection information of the connectable main device P has not been stored in the nonvolatile memory 13, but the connection information of the main device P retrieved by the process shown in step S506. Is stored in the non-volatile memory 13, the control unit 10 (communication means according to the present invention) of the subordinate device D1 performs wireless communication with the main device P using the connection information stored in the non-volatile memory 13. Shall. For example, in case the administrator reconnects from the main device P for maintenance of the subordinate device D1, the main device P for maintenance is stored by storing connection information of the main device P operated by the administrator. Since the wireless communication can be automatically established when reconnecting, the subordinate device D1 can be flexibly operated according to the use and situation.

  Next, the process of step S507 shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 determines whether or not the communication line has been disconnected by the main device P (step S601). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the main device P has disconnected the wireless communication depending on whether or not the communication line between the main device P and the subordinate device D1 has been disconnected by an instruction input from the user of the main device P. If it is determined that the communication line is disconnected by the main device P (step S601: Yes), the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 causes the main device P to disconnect the wireless communication by an RTC (Real Time Clock) (not shown). The time until the reconnection is measured is determined, and it is determined whether or not the measured time exceeds the time limit (step S602). Note that the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 may set a time limit according to an instruction input from the user via the operation panel. In the present embodiment, the time selected from the pull-down menu displayed when the menu bar 705 on the setting screen 700 shown in FIG. 7 is selected is set as the time limit.

  In this embodiment, when it is determined that the communication line has been disconnected by the main device P, the time from when the main device P disconnects wireless communication until it is reconnected is measured, and the measured time is limited. Although it was determined whether or not the time was exceeded, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when it is determined that the communication line is disconnected by the main device P, the control unit 10 (deleting unit according to the present invention) of the subordinate device D1 may determine that it is necessary to delete the connection information. Alternatively, the control unit 10 (setting unit according to the present invention) of the subordinate device D1 deletes the connection information when the communication line by the main device P is connected in response to an instruction input from the user via the operation panel. It may be set whether or not it is determined to be necessary. In this embodiment, whether or not it is determined that it is necessary to delete the connection information is set according to the selection of the radio button 703 or the radio button 704 on the setting screen 700 shown in FIG.

  Then, the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 measures the time until the main device P disconnects the wireless communication and reconnects by an RTC (not shown), and the measured time exceeds the preset time limit. In this case (step S602: Yes), it is determined that the connection information needs to be deleted (step S603).

  On the other hand, when the main device P is reconnected before the time during which wireless communication is measured exceeds the time limit (step S602: No), or when the communication line is not disconnected by the main device P (step S601: No). The control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 determines whether or not the communication time with the main device P has passed the preset connection allowable effective period (step S604). Specifically, the communication time with the main device P is measured by an RTC (not shown), and it is determined whether or not the measured communication time has passed a preset connection allowable effective period. When it is determined that the communication time with the main device P has passed the connection allowable effective period (step S604: Yes), the control unit 10 (deleting unit according to the present invention) of the subordinate device D1 deletes the connection information. It is determined that it is necessary (step S603).

  In the present embodiment, it is determined that the connection information needs to be deleted when it is determined that the communication time has passed the connection allowable effective period. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, whether the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 determines that it is necessary to delete the connection information when the communication time has passed the allowable connection valid period in response to an instruction input from the user via the operation panel. You may set whether or not. In the present embodiment, it is determined that the connection information needs to be deleted when the communication time has passed the allowable connection valid period according to the selection of the radio button 706 or the radio button 707 on the setting screen 700 shown in FIG. Set whether or not to do.

  Here, the connection allowable effective period is a time during which wireless communication using the connection information stored in the RAM 11 is allowed, and is set in advance. For example, the connection allowable effective period is set based on the amount charged for the wireless communication with the main device P. In this embodiment, the connection allowable effective period is set in advance, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 10 (period setting unit according to the present invention) of the subordinate device D1 may set the connection allowable effective period in response to an instruction input from the user via the operation panel. In the present embodiment, the time selected from the pull-down menu displayed when the menu bar 708 of the setting screen 700 shown in FIG. 7 is selected is set as the allowable connection valid period.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the communication time with the main device P has not passed the connection allowable effective period (step S604: No), the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 provides connection information when a communication obstruction factor occurs. It is determined whether or not to delete (step S605).

  In this embodiment, when it is determined that the communication time does not exceed the connection allowable effective period, it is determined whether or not to delete the connection information when a communication obstruction factor occurs. However, the present invention is limited to this. It is not a thing. For example, the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 may set whether or not to delete the connection information when a communication obstruction factor occurs in response to an instruction input from the user via the operation panel. In the present embodiment, whether to delete connection information when a communication inhibition factor occurs is set according to the selection of the radio button 709 or the radio button 710 on the setting screen 700 shown in FIG.

  Then, if the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 determines that the connection information is not deleted when a communication obstruction factor occurs (step S605: No), the control unit 10 determines that there is no need to delete the connection information, and the main device P The communication with is maintained (step S610).

  Here, the communication hindrance factor is a factor that is determined to be disconnected in the operation of the subordinate device D1. In the present embodiment, it is determined that the connection information needs to be deleted when the following four communication obstruction factors occur. Thereby, when the communication obstruction factor according to the use of the subordinate device D1 occurs, it can be determined that the wireless communication should be disconnected. In the present embodiment, it is determined that wireless communication should be disconnected when the following four communication obstruction factors occur, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is assumed that the number and contents of the communication obstruction factors can be set according to the usage of the subordinate device D1.

  The first communication inhibition factor is when wireless communication with the main device P is interrupted for a predetermined time, for example, when there is no communication traffic for a certain time. In addition, the control part 10 (time setting means concerning this invention) of the subordinate device D1 shall set predetermined time according to the instruction | indication input from the user via an operation panel. In the present embodiment, the time selected from the pull-down menu displayed when the menu bar 711 on the setting screen 700 shown in FIG. 7 is selected is set as the predetermined time.

  The second communication hindrance factor is when the error rate of wireless communication with the main device P is equal to or higher than the first threshold, for example, when the error rate is significantly increased due to radio wave interference or the like. Note that the control unit 10 (first threshold setting unit according to the present invention) of the subordinate device D1 sets the first threshold in response to an instruction input from the user via the operation panel.

  The third communication hindrance factor is a case where the communication speed by wireless communication with the main device P is equal to or less than the second threshold, for example, a case where communication at a preset service level cannot be provided. Note that the control unit 10 (second threshold value setting unit according to the present invention) of the subordinate device D1 sets the second threshold value in response to an instruction input from the user via the operation panel.

  The fourth communication inhibition factor is when the distance to the main device P is equal to or greater than the third threshold, for example, when the main device P no longer exists within the communication range of the subordinate device D1. Note that the control unit 10 (third threshold setting means according to the present invention) of the subordinate device D1 sets the third threshold in response to an instruction input from the user via the operation panel. In the present embodiment, the distance selected from the pull-down menu displayed when the menu bar 712 of the setting screen 700 shown in FIG. 7 is selected is set as the third threshold value.

  In the present embodiment, when the distance to the main device P is equal to or greater than the third threshold, it is determined that the fourth communication inhibition factor has occurred, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the distance from the main device P is equal to or greater than the third threshold for a predetermined time, it may be determined that the fourth communication inhibition factor has occurred. In this case, the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 sets a predetermined time in response to an instruction input from the user via the operation panel. In the present embodiment, the time selected from the pull-down menu displayed when the menu bar 713 on the setting screen 700 shown in FIG. 7 is selected is set as the predetermined time.

  When it is determined that connection information is to be deleted when a communication inhibition factor occurs (step S605: Yes), the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 first determines whether or not a first communication inhibition factor has occurred. (Step S606). Then, when the first communication inhibition factor occurs (step S606: Yes), the control unit 10 of the dependent device D1 determines whether or not the generation of the first communication inhibition factor has continued for a preset inhibition factor continuation allowable time. (Step S611). In the present embodiment, when the first communication inhibition factor occurs, it is determined whether or not the occurrence of the first communication inhibition factor has continued for a preset inhibition factor continuation allowable time. However, the present invention is limited to this. It is not a thing. For example, the control unit 10 (the deletion unit according to the present invention) of the subordinate device D1 may determine that the connection information needs to be deleted when the first communication inhibition factor occurs. In the present embodiment, the inhibition factor continuation allowable time is set in advance, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 10 (allowable time setting means according to the present invention) of the subordinate device D1 may set the inhibition factor continuation allowable time in accordance with an instruction input by the user via the operation panel.

  On the other hand, when the first communication inhibition factor has not occurred (step S606: No), the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 determines whether or not the second communication inhibition factor has occurred (step S607). When the second communication inhibition factor occurs (step S607: Yes), the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 determines whether or not the generation of the second communication inhibition factor has continued for a preset inhibition factor continuation allowable time. (Step S611). In the present embodiment, when the second communication inhibition factor occurs, it is determined whether or not the occurrence of the second communication inhibition factor has continued for a preset inhibition factor continuation allowable time. However, the present invention is limited to this. It is not a thing. For example, the control unit 10 (the deletion unit according to the present invention) of the subordinate device D1 may determine that it is necessary to delete the connection information when the second communication inhibition factor occurs.

  On the other hand, when the second communication inhibition factor has not occurred (step S607: No), the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 determines whether or not the third communication inhibition factor has occurred (step S608). When the third communication inhibition factor occurs (step S608: Yes), the control unit 10 of the dependent device D1 determines whether or not the generation of the third communication inhibition factor has continued for a preset inhibition factor continuation allowable time. (Step S611). In the present embodiment, when the third communication inhibition factor occurs, it is determined whether or not the generation of the third communication inhibition factor has continued for a preset inhibition factor continuation allowable time. However, the present invention is limited to this. It is not a thing. For example, the control unit 10 (the deletion unit according to the present invention) of the subordinate device D1 may determine that it is necessary to delete the connection information when a third communication inhibition factor occurs.

  On the other hand, when the third communication inhibition factor has not occurred (step S608: No), the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 determines whether or not the fourth communication inhibition factor has occurred (step S609). Then, when the fourth communication inhibition factor has occurred (step S609: Yes), the control unit 10 of the dependent device D1 determines whether or not the generation of the fourth communication inhibition factor has continued for a preset inhibition factor continuation allowable time. (Step S611). In the present embodiment, when the fourth communication inhibition factor occurs, it is determined whether or not the generation of the fourth communication inhibition factor has continued for a preset inhibition factor continuation allowable time. However, the present invention is limited to this. It is not a thing. For example, the control unit 10 (the deletion unit according to the present invention) of the subordinate device D1 may determine that it is necessary to delete the connection information when the fourth communication inhibition factor occurs. If the fourth communication inhibition factor has not occurred (step S609: No), the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 determines that it is not necessary to delete the connection information, and maintains communication with the main device P. (Step S610).

  In addition, the control unit 10 (deletion unit according to the present invention) of the subordinate device D1 is preset to generate a first communication inhibition factor, a second communication inhibition factor, a third communication inhibition factor, or a fourth communication inhibition factor. If the inhibition factor continuation allowable time continues (step S611: Yes), it is determined that it is necessary to delete the connection information (step S603).

  On the other hand, when the occurrence of each communication inhibition factor does not continue for the preset inhibition factor measurement allowable time (step S611: No), the control unit 10 of the subordinate device D1 determines that it is not necessary to delete the connection information. , Maintain communication with the main device P.

  As described above, according to the subordinate device D1 according to the present embodiment, various parameters used in the wireless communication processing can be set according to the use of the subordinate device D1 and the like. Wireless communication processing of the dependent device D1 can be realized. Furthermore, the subordinate device can be operated in accordance with the purpose of the subordinate device and the purpose of use of the user.

It is a figure which illustrates the structure of the radio | wireless communications system concerning this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a subordinate device. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a data structure of the connection information and state parameter memorize | stored in RAM. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the connection information memorize | stored in RAM and the non-volatile memory. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the radio | wireless communication process by the subordinate device concerning this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which judges whether it is necessary to delete the connection information memorize | stored in RAM. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the setting screen displayed on the operation panel when setting the various parameters used in FIG. 5 and FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10 Control unit 11 RAM
12 ROM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Non-volatile memory 14 Wireless communication device 20 Application part 21 Security control part 22 Network control part 23 Operation port control part 24 File control part 25 Memory control part 26 System control part 27 OS part 28 Network protocol 29 Wireless communication device driver 30 Security information P1 ~ P3 Main device D1 Subordinate device

Claims (17)

The main communication device capable of connecting connection information including identification information for identifying each other with the main communication device, and an encryption key for encrypting information including the identification information and communication data, and the main communication device Exchange means to exchange;
Storage means for storing the connection information exchanged with the main communication device in a storage unit;
Communication means for performing wireless communication with the main communication apparatus using the connection information stored in the storage unit;
When it is determined that the wireless communication with the main communication device has ended, a deletion unit that deletes the connection information stored in the storage unit;
A communication apparatus comprising: A designation means for designating the connection information to be stored in a non-volatile memory among the connection information exchanged with the main-side communication device;
The storage means further stores the designated connection information in the nonvolatile memory,
When the connection information of the connectable main communication device is stored in the non-volatile memory, the communication means uses the connection information stored in the non-volatile memory to perform communication on the main side The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus performs wireless communication with the apparatus.   The said deletion means judges that the radio | wireless communication with the said main side communication apparatus was complete | finished when the communication line was cut | disconnected by the said main side communication apparatus. Communication device.   The apparatus further comprises setting means for setting whether or not to determine that wireless communication with the main communication device is terminated when a communication line is disconnected by the main communication device. Item 4. The communication device according to Item 3.   The deletion means determines that the wireless communication with the main communication device has ended when the communication time with the main communication device has passed a preset allowable connection valid period. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.   The communication apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising period setting means for setting the connection allowable effective period.   The deletion unit determines that the wireless communication with the main communication device is terminated when a first communication inhibition factor occurs in which the wireless communication with the main communication device is interrupted for a predetermined time. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   The communication apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising time setting means for setting the predetermined time.   When the second communication obstruction factor that causes an error rate of wireless communication with the main communication device to be equal to or higher than the first threshold occurs, the deletion unit has completed wireless communication with the main communication device. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is determined.   The communication apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a first threshold setting unit configured to set the first threshold.   The deletion unit is configured to terminate wireless communication with the main communication device when a third communication obstruction factor occurs in which a communication speed by wireless communication with the main communication device is equal to or lower than a second threshold. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a determination is made.   The communication apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising second threshold setting means for setting the second threshold.   The deletion means determines that the wireless communication with the main communication device has ended when a fourth communication obstruction factor occurs in which the distance to the main communication device is equal to or greater than a third threshold. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is characterized in that:   The communication apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising third threshold setting means for setting the third threshold.   The deletion means, when the occurrence of the first communication inhibition factor, the second communication inhibition factor, the third communication inhibition factor, or the fourth communication inhibition factor continues for a preset inhibition factor continuation allowable time, The communication apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the communication apparatus determines that the wireless communication with the main communication apparatus has ended.   16. The communication apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising an allowable time setting unit that sets the inhibition factor continuation allowable time. The main side to which the exchange means can connect connection information including identification information for identifying each other with the communication device on the main side, and an encryption key for encrypting information including the identification information and communication data An exchange process for exchanging with other communication devices;
A storage step of storing in the storage unit the connection information exchanged with the main communication device;
A communication step in which communication means performs wireless communication with the main communication device using the connection information stored in the storage unit;
When the deletion unit determines that the wireless communication with the main communication device has ended, a deletion step of deleting the connection information stored in the storage unit;
A communication method comprising:

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