JP2011019195A - Communication system, management apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a Wi-Fi multimedia (WMM)-enabled wireless STA from being connected to and accommodated in a WMM-disabled AP although a WMM-enabled wireless AP is present.SOLUTION: A communication system includes a terminal device, a plurality of access point (AP) devices and a management apparatus for managing radio parameter information of the plurality of AP devices. The management apparatus stores therein function information about communication functions of the plurality of AP devices. When a radio parameter setting request, which requests a predetermined function, is received from the terminal device via any one of the plurality of AP devices, the management apparatus selects an AP device having the predetermined function from among the plurality of AP devices and transmits the radio parameter information for a communication connection to the selected AP device to the terminal device via the AP device through which the radio parameter setting request has been received.

Description

  The present invention relates to radio parameter setting of a communication system that sets radio parameters with a desired access point apparatus.

  In recent years, with the widespread use of IEEE802.11 wireless LAN, home network systems for wireless communication devices capable of building a LAN for home use and performing broadband wireless video transmission have been developed. In this wireless video transmission, Wi-Fi uses “WMM (Wi-Fi) that complies with a part of the wireless LAN standard“ IEEE802.11e ”for equipment that handles audio and video that requires QoS (Quality of Service). (Multimedia) "is implemented.

  In addition, in a station (hereinafter referred to as “STA”) or an access point (AP) constituting a wireless LAN, wireless communication parameters (hereinafter referred to as wireless) such as a network identifier, ESSID, encryption method, encryption key, authentication method, and authentication key. Parameter) must be set by the user. Because of this setting, Wi-Fi is called WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) as a security measure for avoiding the risk of wiretapping and unauthorized access in a wireless LAN for users who are unfamiliar with these STA and AP setting operations. It provides a standard for easily setting wireless parameters.

  The WPS which is the simple setting function is normally started by an active scan method from the STA, and is performed using a predetermined procedure with an apparatus having a registrar function for managing wireless parameter information in the network. Recently, this registrar function is also installed in WINDOWS (registered trademark) VISTA, and there is also a network system in which a personal computer body is a device for managing wireless parameter information in the network.

  In recent years, many wireless APs and STAs corresponding to these wireless parameter settings have been commercialized, and the following prior art is known.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a wireless communication system that transmits identification data of a wireless base station from a wireless terminal device to a host PC that stores and manages wireless parameters set in advance for each wireless base station. This makes a master station change request to the radio base station specified by the input identification data, and the host PC sets the radio parameters of the radio base station designated as the change-destination master station to the radio terminal of the master station change request source. Send to device. Thereafter, the wireless terminal device updates the wireless parameters returned in response to the master station change request.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a method for automatically configuring a wireless peripheral device in a network environment between an existing wireless peripheral device and a new wireless peripheral device at the time of setting. In this case, a wireless peripheral device connected to an existing network transmits network configuration data including radio parameter information to a new wireless peripheral device to be added to the network environment. Thereafter, after the new wireless peripheral device receives the configuration data, it automatically applies the configuration data and starts the network operation.

JP 2002-359622 A JP 2006-085707 A

  Usually, when a wireless STA requests a device having a registrar function via a wireless AP to set a wireless parameter, a wireless parameter for connecting to the wireless AP that relayed the request is transmitted to the wireless STA.

  For example, when a wireless STA that supports WMM requests provision of wireless parameters via a wireless AP that does not support WMM, wireless parameters for connecting to the wireless AP may be transmitted. As a result, even though there is a WMM compatible wireless AP in the vicinity, the wireless STA is connected to and accommodated by a non-WMM compatible AP and cannot perform QoS such as WMM compatible audio and video streams. Can occur.

  The present invention provides a communication system and a control method for solving such problems.

  A communication system according to the present invention includes a terminal device, a plurality of access point devices, and a management device that manages radio parameter information of the plurality of access point devices, and the management device includes a plurality of access point devices. Storage means for identifying a communication function and storing information of the plurality of access point devices; receiving means for receiving a wireless parameter setting request from the terminal device via any of the plurality of access point devices; A determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined communication function is included in the wireless parameter setting request, and the determination unit determines that the predetermined communication function is included from the plurality of access point devices. In addition, a first selection means for selecting an available access point device, and via the reception of the wireless parameter setting request Through the access point, and wherein the radio parameter information for connecting to the selected access point device further comprising a transmitting means for transmitting to the terminal device.

  According to the present invention, a terminal device that supports a predetermined communication function is connected to an access point device that does not support the communication function even though there is an access point device that supports the communication function. It becomes possible to prevent.

It is a network configuration diagram common to the embodiments. It is a block diagram of the network after operation completion. FIG. 3 is an operation sequence diagram according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flow of a terminal device. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flow of a registration management apparatus. FIG. 10 is an operation sequence diagram in the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of AP selection process. It is a function block diagram of a registration management apparatus and a terminal device. It is a detailed functional block diagram of a registration management device and a terminal device. It is a block diagram of a network when a WMM function is not provided. It is an operation | movement sequence diagram in case a WMM function is not provided. It is a sequence diagram when there is no AP that provides the WMM function. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram when the WMM function is not provided due to a reception timeout. It is a detailed block diagram of the database which comprises a registration management apparatus.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 illustrates a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows a network composed of a plurality of communication devices.

  The registration management apparatus 101 manages wireless parameter information of access points in the network. An access point (base station, hereinafter referred to as AP) 102 is an AP that does not support the WMM function and provides wireless service within the network.

  The AP 103 is an AP that supports a WMM function and provides a wireless service different from the AP 102. The bridge 104 is connected to the registration management apparatus 101, the AP 102, and the AP 103, and relays the respective network communications. The DVC 105 is a digital video camera with a built-in wireless communication function. The display device 106 also has a built-in wireless communication function.

  The DVC 105 and the display device 106 are wirelessly connected to the AP 102 and the AP 103, and serve as a server and a player when transmitting moving images, respectively. FIG. 2 shows the state of the network in the communication system after the implementation of the present invention. The communication apparatuses 101 to 106 are the same as those in FIG.

  A screen display 201 indicates a display state of the screen of the DVC 105. A screen display 202 indicates a display upper body of the display device 106. FIG. 2 shows that when the operation according to the present embodiment is completed, moving image transmission is performed between the DVC 105 and the display device 106 via the AP 103.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a communication system according to the present embodiment. The left side of FIG. 8 shows a block diagram constituting the registration management apparatus 101. In the middleware module 801, a middleware module 801 and a registration information management unit 802 are installed in the registration management apparatus 101. A database 803 serving as a storage unit is also installed in the registration management apparatus 101. Details of data stored in the database 803 are shown in FIG. The registration management apparatus 101 has a control unit 804.

  As described above, the middleware module 801 implemented in the registration management apparatus 101 includes the registration information management unit 802, the database 803, and the control unit 804. In addition, the input unit 806 and the output unit 807 are provided. I have. In addition, the registration management apparatus 101 includes a wired network control unit (Wired LAN) 805.

  The terminal device 105 on the left side of FIG. 8 shows functional blocks of the display device 106 that is a DVC or player that is a server. A middleware module 811 and a wireless information management unit 812 are mounted on the DVC 105 or the display device 106. A database 813 as a storage unit is also implemented, and details of data stored in this database are shown in FIG. Further, a control unit 814 is mounted on the DVC 105 or the display device 106.

  As described above, the middleware module 811 mounted on the DVC 105 or the display device 106 includes the wireless information management unit 812, the database 813, and the control unit 814. In addition to this, the input unit 816 and the output unit 817. It has. The DVC 105 or the display device 106 includes a wired network control unit (Wired LAN) 815.

  A message path 820 of the DVC 105 or the display apparatus 106 and a message path 821 of the registration management apparatus 101 are paths for messages transmitted / received via the AP 102, AP 103, and the bridge 104 in the network.

  In particular, the message path 820 simply indicates the path of a transmission message transmitted from the registration management apparatus 101 and received by the DVC 105 or the display apparatus 106. A message path 821 simply indicates a path of a transmission message transmitted from the DVC 105 or the display apparatus 106 and received by the registration management apparatus 101.

  FIG. 9A is a block diagram illustrating in detail the registration information management unit 802 implemented in the middleware module 801 of the registration management apparatus 101 of the communication system according to the present embodiment. In the figure, an information access unit 901 accesses a database 803 in which destination information of a message referenced by the registration management apparatus 101 is stored through network communication. The function identifying unit 902 identifies a communication function unique to the transmission source terminal of the message received through the message path 821.

  The device selection unit 903 selects a corresponding AP from the AP 102 and AP 103 based on the identification result by the function identification unit 902. The message transmission / reception unit 904 controls the message path 820 and the message path 821.

  FIG. 9B is a block diagram illustrating in detail the wireless information management unit 812 implemented in each middleware module 811 of each terminal device, DVC 105, or display device 106 of the communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 9B, the information access unit 911 accesses a database 813 that stores various types of radio management information referred to by the DVC 105 and the display device 106 through network communication.

  The device identification unit 912 identifies the corresponding AP from the wireless parameter information of the AP 102 and AP 103 received via the message path 820. The message transmission / reception unit 913 controls the message path 820 and the message path 821.

  FIG. 10 is a network configuration diagram illustrating Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In particular, the network state when the WMM function is not provided in the communication system after performing the operation in the present embodiment is shown. The communication apparatuses 101 to 106 are the same as those in FIG.

  A screen display 1001 indicates a screen display state of the DVC 105 in a case where the WMM function is not supported. Similarly, the screen display 1002 indicates the screen display state of the display device 106 when the WMM function is not supported.

  FIG. 10 shows that after the operation in the embodiment of the present invention is performed, moving image transmission is performed between the DVC 105 and the display device 106 via the AP 102. FIG. 14A is a block diagram illustrating in detail various storage data constituting the database 803 of the registration management apparatus 101 of the communication system according to the present embodiment.

  AP selection information 1403 is an AP selection for selecting a recommended AP based on a plurality of AP-specific wireless functions (communication protocols, security) managed in the system and operation states (radio wave interference, electric field strength, etc.) Information. The STA management information 1402 manages STA information unique to a plurality of wireless terminal devices managed in the system.

  The AP function information 1404 is AP function information unique to the AP under management, and is stored, for example, as function information of the AP 102 (“WMM function not supported”) and function information of the AP 103 (“WMM function supported”). The wireless parameter information 1405 is information specific to a plurality of APs managed in the system. For example, the wireless parameter information 1405 stores various wireless information such as security information such as the encryption scheme of the AP 102, wireless channel, communication protocol information, and electric field strength for each terminal. The STA function information 1406 is information unique to a plurality of wireless terminal devices under management. For example, the STA function information 1406 is stored as function information of the DVC 105 (“WMM function supported”) and function information of the display device 106 (“WMM function supported”). .

  FIG. 14B is a block diagram illustrating in detail the various stored data constituting the DVC 105 of the communication system or the database 813 of the display device 106. In FIG. 14B, the STA function information 1411 is information unique to the wireless terminal device, and is stored as, for example, function information of the DVC 105 (“WMM function supported”) and function information of the display device 106 (“WMM function supported”). .

  The AP selection information 1412 is selection information for selecting a recommended AP based on a wireless function (communication protocol, security) unique to the wireless terminal device and an operation state (radio wave interference, electric field strength, etc.). The first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 and FIGS. 7 to 14.

  FIG. 3 is a sequence chart for explaining the processing operation between the apparatuses according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart regarding processing operations common to the terminal devices of the DVC 105 and the display device 106, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart regarding processing operations of the registration management apparatus 101.

  In particular, FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating details of step S407 in the terminal device-specific AP selection processing of the DVC 105 and the display apparatus 106 in FIG. The operation flow will be described with reference to FIG. In M301, the DVC 105 completes the authentication procedure with the AP 102 using the wireless LAN protocol, and is in the association state. Similarly, in M302, the display apparatus 106 completes the authentication procedure with the AP 102 using the wireless LAN protocol and is in the association state.

  In the association state, the user performs an RPM setting start operation (START) of the DVC 105 and the registration management apparatus 101 in order to set radio parameter (RPM: Radio Parameter) information. The wireless parameter setting processing procedure 300 that is a feature of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

  In step M303, the DVC 105 first requests the registration management apparatus 101 for a wireless parameter setting request (hereinafter referred to as “RPM setting request”) message after starting a wireless parameter setting (hereinafter referred to as “RPM setting”) start operation. The processing up to this will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In S401, when the input unit 816 of the DVC 105 detects the start of RPM setting by a user's button operation or the like, it notifies the control unit 814 of the start. Further, the control unit 814 requests the wireless information management unit 812 to transmit an RPM setting request message to the registration management apparatus 101. In response to this request, the wireless information management unit 812 checks the STA function information 1411 specific to the DVC 105 stored in the database 813 using the information access unit 911. Then, the function information of the STA to be notified is confirmed. Also, the wireless information management unit 812 generates an RPM setting request message including a function to be notified (for example, “WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia function) compatible”), and requests the message transmitting / receiving unit 913 to transmit the RPM setting request message. To do.

  In step S <b> 402, the message transmission / reception unit 913 transmits the RPM setting request message to the registration management apparatus 101 through the transmission message path 821 relayed by the AP 102. In step S403, the wireless information management unit 812 activates a confirmation message reception timer for timing the reception waiting time of the RPM setting confirmation message.

  In step S <b> 404, the wireless information management unit 812 transitions to a reception timeout confirmation state after the message transmission / reception unit 913 sets the message reception standby process. Next, the processing from when the registration management apparatus 101 starts the RPM setting start operation to when the RPM setting request message (M303) is received and the RPM setting confirmation message (M304) is returned is mainly shown in FIG. It explains using.

  In step S <b> 501, when the input unit 806 of the registration management apparatus 101 detects the RPM setting start by the user's operation of the keyboard or the like, the control unit 804 is notified. The control unit 804 requests the registration information management unit 802 to perform message reception standby processing in order to receive the RPM setting request message.

  In step S502, the registration information management unit 802 that has received the request for the message reception standby process starts a reception timer. In step S503, the message transmission / reception unit 904 sets a message reception standby process, and then transitions to a reception timeout confirmation state. At this time, if the registration information management unit 802 does not receive the RPM setting request message (M303) for a certain period of time (Yes in S503), the registration information management unit 802 ends the RPM setting start operation after performing a timeout process.

  In step S504, the message transmission / reception unit 904 checks whether an RPM setting request message (M303) has been received for a predetermined time (No in step S503). In S505, when the message transmission / reception unit 904 receives the RPM setting request message, the message transmission / reception unit 904 stops the reception timer.

  In step S506, the registration information management unit 802 analyzes the RPM setting request message. In step S507, the registration information management unit 802 checks whether notification function information (for example, “WMM function compatible”) is included as a result of the message analysis. If notification function information (for example, “WMM function support”) is included in S508, “AP search processing” described below is executed.

  In the “AP search process”, the registration information management unit 802 first searches the AP management information 1401 stored in the database 803 using the information access unit 901. The AP management information 1401 includes AP function information 1404 regarding a plurality of APs in the system. Here, the AP function information 1404 of the AP 102 is stored as (“WMM function not supported”), and the AP function information 1404 of the AP 103 is stored as (“WMM function supported”).

  Here, the registration information management unit 802 uses the function identification unit 902 to identify corresponding AP function information 1404 (for example, “WMM function compatible”) from the notification function information included in the RPM setting request message.

  As a result, in step S <b> 508, the registration information management unit 802 selects the corresponding AP 103 using the device selection unit 903. The above is the processing for the case where the notification function information (for example, “WMM function compatible”) is included in the RPM request message M303.

  On the other hand, the registration information management unit 802 executes the following processing when the notification function information (for example, “WMM function support”) is not included as a result of the RPM request message analysis (No in S507). The processing from here also relates to the processing operation of the second embodiment described later.

  The registered information management unit 802 searches the STA management information 1402 stored in the database 803 using the information access unit 901. Here, the STA management information 1402 stores STA function information 1406 (“WMM function compatible”) of the DVC 105.

  As a result of this search, the registration information management unit 802 determines whether or not registered function information (for example, “WMM function compatible”) exists, and if it exists (Yes in S510), similarly, “AP search processing” (S508).

  In step S508, the registration information management unit 802 searches for predetermined wireless parameter information of the AP 103 with respect to the DVC 105 by the AP search process as the first selection unit, and selects an available AP 103. Then, the RPM setting confirmation message (M304) is transmitted including the information of the selected AP 103.

  In this “transmission process”, the registration information management unit 802 first acquires the wireless parameter information 1405 of the AP 103 stored in the database 803 using the information access unit 901. The registration information management unit 802 generates an RPM setting confirmation message, includes the acquired wireless parameter information of the AP 103 in the message, and requests the message transmission / reception unit 904 to transmit.

  In step S509, the message transmission / reception unit 904 transmits the RPM setting confirmation message (M304) to the DVC 105 via the transmission message path 820 relayed by the AP. Next, the process after the DVC 105 receives the RPM setting confirmation message (M304) from the registration management apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 again.

  The wireless information management unit 812 of the DVC 105 that has transitioned to the reception timeout confirmation state in S404 executes the following processing. In step S405, the wireless information management unit 812 checks whether an RPM setting confirmation message (M304) has been received for a certain period of time.

  In S406, when the wireless information management unit 812 receives the RPM setting confirmation message (M304), the wireless information management unit 812 stops the reception timer. In step S407, the wireless information management unit 812 executes AP selection processing.

  Hereinafter, the AP selection process related to step S407 will be described with reference to FIG. In step S701, the wireless information management unit 812 analyzes the RPM setting confirmation message (M304) and confirms wireless parameter information regarding the AP. In the wireless information management unit 812, only wireless parameter information related to the designated AP 103 is confirmed. That is, “No” is selected in S702.

  In step S707, the wireless information management unit 812 performs processing for transmitting the following RPM information notification message (M305) including the wireless parameter information of the AP 103. In this “transmission process”, first, the wireless information management unit 812 generates an RPM information notification message, and sets the wireless parameter information of the AP 103 in the RPM information notification message message.

  Here, description will be made again using the flowchart of FIG. In step S408, it is determined that transmission is possible because the wireless parameter information of the AP 103 is set in the message as a result of the AP selection processing in step S407.

  In step S409, the wireless information management unit 812 requests the message transmission / reception unit 913 to transmit an RPM information notification message (M305). Then, the message transmission / reception unit 913 transmits the RPM information notification message (M305) to the display device 106 via the AP 102.

  In step S410, the wireless information management unit 812 starts a confirmation message reception timer for measuring the reception waiting time of the RPM information confirmation message. In step S411, the message transmission / reception unit 913 transitions to a reception timeout confirmation state after setting the message reception standby process. The above is the detailed description regarding the wireless parameter setting processing procedure 300 in FIG. 3 which is a feature of the present invention.

  In FIG. 3, after the wireless parameter setting process, the display apparatus 106 that has received the RPM information notification message (M 305) returns an RPM information confirmation message (M 306) to the DVC 105 via the AP 102. Next, a process in which the DVC 105 receives the RPM information confirmation message (M306) from the display device 106 and then performs stream video transmission between the wireless terminals will be described with reference to FIG.

  The wireless information management unit 812 of the DVC 105 that has transitioned to the reception timeout confirmation state in S411 executes the following processing. In step S412, the wireless information management unit 812 checks whether the RPM information confirmation message has been confirmed.

  In S413, when the wireless information management unit 812 receives the RPM information confirmation message (M306) for a predetermined time, the wireless information management unit 812 stops the reception timer. In step S414, the wireless information management unit 812 continues the authentication procedure and the association process (M307) using the wireless parameter information with the AP 103. Similarly, the display apparatus 106 also performs authentication procedures and association processing (M308) with the AP 103 using wireless parameter information.

  In step S415, stream video transmission (M309) using the “WMM function” is performed via the AP 103 between the DVC 105 serving as the server and the display device 106 serving as the player. In S416, as shown in FIG. 2, at the time of moving picture transmission using the “WMM function”, the DVC 105 displays that the “WMM function” is valid as the screen display 201 of the liquid crystal display screen. Similarly, the display device 106 displays that the “WMM function” is valid as the screen display 202 of the liquid crystal display screen.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13, the wireless parameter setting processing procedure 300 and the processing when the “WMM function” is not provided due to a message reception timeout or the like in the stream moving image transmission processing will be described.

  FIG. 11 shows a message flow (No. 1) when the “WMM function” is not provided in the operation flow of FIG. 4, for example. That is, a sequence in the case where the “WMM function” is not provided due to a timeout at the time of receiving the RPM setting confirmation message M304 (Yes in S404) is shown.

  In M1101, as the operation corresponding to S417, stream video transmission is performed via the AP 102 between the DVC 105 as the server and the display device 106 as the player. At this time, the display processing regarding the validity / invalidity of the communication function in the DVC 105 and the display device 106 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S <b> 418, the DVC 105 displays that the “WMM function” is invalid on the screen display 1001 of the liquid crystal display screen using the output unit 817 because the stream video transmission cannot use the “WMM function”.

  Similarly, the display device 106 uses the output unit 817 to display that the “WMM function” is invalid on the screen display 1002 of the liquid crystal display screen. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating a message flow particularly when there is no corresponding AP having a WMM function in the system (“No” in S408).

  In M1201, stream video transmission is performed via the AP 102 between the DVC 105 as a server and the display device 106 as a player. (Operation corresponding to S417) In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, information indicating that the “WMM function” is invalid is displayed on the screen display 1001 and the screen display 1002, respectively. (Processing corresponding to S418) FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating a message flow when the “WMM function” is not provided due to a timeout (“Yes” in S411) when the RPM information confirmation message M306 is received.

In M1301, stream video transmission is performed via the AP 102 between the DVC 105 as a server and the display device 106 as a player. (Processing corresponding to S417) Also, in FIG. 10, the DVC 105 similarly displays that the “WMM function” is invalid on the screen display 1001 of the liquid crystal display screen for the transmission of the stream video that cannot use the “WMM function”. To do. (Processing corresponding to S418) Similarly, the display device 106 displays on the screen display 1002 of the liquid crystal display screen that the “WMM function” is invalid. (Process corresponding to S418)
As described above, in the first embodiment, the registration management apparatus receives the RPM setting request from the terminal apparatus and confirms the WMM function information therein, thereby selecting the AP corresponding to the function. By sending the setting confirmation information of the selected AP to the terminal device by the registration management device, wireless communication via the WMM compatible wireless AP can be performed without error.

<Embodiment 2>
4, 5, and 7 are used to explain the processing flow in the first embodiment, but are also used to explain the second embodiment. In FIG. 6, the association state (M301) of the DVC 105 and the association state (M302) of the display device 106 are already completed as in the first embodiment.

  In the association state, the user performs an RPM setting start operation (START) of the DVC 105 and the registration management apparatus 101 in order to set radio parameter (RPM: Radio Parameter) information.

  The radio parameter setting processing procedure 600 that is a feature of the second embodiment will be described below. The processing from when the DVC 105 starts the RPM setting start operation until the RPM setting request message (M601) is transmitted to the registration management apparatus 101 is the same as the processing from S401 to S404 described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the subsequent processing, that is, processing from the start of the RPM setting start operation by the registration management apparatus 101 to reception of the RPM setting request message (M601) and return of the RPM setting confirmation message (M602) will be described.

  In step S <b> 501, when the input unit 806 of the registration management apparatus 101 detects the RPM setting start by the user's operation of the keyboard or the like, the control unit 804 is notified. After M601, the registration management apparatus 101 receives the RPM setting request message, starts the RPM setting in S501 in the processing operation of the registration management apparatus 101 in FIG. The explanation is omitted because it is the same.

  In step S <b> 506, after receiving the RPM setting request message (M <b> 601), the registration management apparatus 101 analyzes the message using the registration information management unit 802. In S507, the registration information management unit 802 executes the following process when the notification function information (for example, “WMM function compatible”) is not included as a result of the message analysis (“No” in S507).

  In step S <b> 510, the registration information management unit 802 searches the STA management information 1402 stored in the database 803 using the information access unit 901. In S511, when the function information related to the DVC 105 is not registered as a result of the search, the registration information management unit 802 executes the following processing.

  The registration information management unit 802 allows the DVC 105 to autonomously select a desired AP by transmitting function information and wireless parameter information regarding a plurality of APs managed in the system. The registration information management unit 802 uses the information access unit 901 to access the AP function information 1404 related to the AP stored in the database 803 and acquire this “function information”.

  For example, here, the AP function information 1404 stores (“WMM function not supported”) for the AP 102 and (“WMM function supported”) for the AP 103. Furthermore, for “wireless parameter information”, the registration information management unit 802 uses the information access unit 901 to access the wireless parameter information 1405 stored in the database 803 to acquire the wireless parameter information. For example, the wireless parameter information 1405 stores various wireless information such as security information such as the encryption scheme of the AP 102, wireless channel, communication protocol information, and electric field strength for each terminal.

  In M602, the registration information management unit 802 generates an RPM setting confirmation message (M602). Subsequently, the function information and wireless parameter information regarding a plurality of APs managed in the system are included in the RPM setting confirmation message, and a transmission request is sent to the message transmission / reception unit 904.

  In S507, the registration information management unit 802 executes the following processing when the notification function information (for example, “WMM function compatible”) is included as a result of the message analysis (“Yes” in S507). In S508, the corresponding AP is detected, and an RPM setting confirmation message is generated. Since the processing in this case is the same as that of the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted. In step S509, the message transmission / reception unit 904 transmits the RPM setting confirmation message (M602) to the DVC 105 via the transmission message path 820 relayed by the AP.

  Next, processing after the DVC 105 receives the RPM setting confirmation message (M602) from the registration management apparatus 101 will be described. In S404 of FIG. 4, the wireless information management unit 812 of the DVC 105 that has transitioned to the reception timeout confirmation state executes the following processing.

  In step S405, the wireless information management unit 812 checks whether an RPM setting confirmation message (M602) has been received for a predetermined time. If the RPM setting confirmation message (M602) is received in S406, the reception timer is stopped.

  In step S407, the wireless information management unit 812 continues to perform AP selection processing. Hereinafter, the AP selection process (S407) in the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In step S701, the wireless information management unit 812 analyzes the RPM setting confirmation message (M602) and confirms wireless parameter information related to the AP. In step S702, the wireless information management unit 812 determines whether there are a plurality of APs.

  In S703, when there are a plurality of APs, the wireless information management unit 812 selects the plurality of APs by the second selection unit, and confirms function information and wireless parameter information regarding the plurality of APs. As a result, the wireless information management unit 812 accesses the STA function information 1411 unique to the DVC 105 stored in the database 813 using its own information access unit 911, and confirms the unique STA function information. At this time, for example, (“WMM function compatible”) is stored in the STA function information 1411, and the wireless information management unit 812 determines that there is a designated function (Yes in S703).

  As a result, the wireless information management unit 812 uses the device identification unit 912 to identify the corresponding AP 103 from the notification function information included in the RPM setting confirmation message M602. In step S707, the wireless information management unit 812 performs processing for transmitting the following RPM information notification message (M305) including the wireless parameter information of the corresponding AP 103. In the “transmission process”, first, the wireless information management unit 812 generates an RPM information notification message, and sets the wireless parameter information of the corresponding AP 103 in the message.

  Further, as a result of the AP selection process in S407, the wireless parameter information of the corresponding AP 103 is set in the message (Yes in S408), it is determined that transmission is possible. In step S409, the wireless information management unit 812 requests the message transmission / reception unit 913 to transmit an RPM information notification message (M305). The message transmission / reception unit 913 transmits the RPM information notification message (M305) to the display device 106 via the AP 102.

  In step S410, the wireless information management unit 812 starts a confirmation message reception timer expecting a reply. In step S411, the message transmission / reception unit 913 transitions to a reception timeout confirmation state after setting the message reception standby process.

  The above is a detailed description of the wireless parameter setting processing procedure 600 that is a feature of the second embodiment of the present invention. Further, the subsequent processing for performing the stream moving image transmission (M309) between the wireless terminals is the same as that in the first embodiment, and is therefore omitted.

  As described above, the second embodiment can cope with a case where the RPM parameter setting request from the terminal device does not include function information. In other words, the registration management device includes the function information and the wireless parameter information relating to a plurality of access points of the network stored by itself in the RPM setting confirmation message, and sends it to the terminal device. In the terminal device, an access point having a WMM function is selected from the message, and communication connection is established with the access point, thereby enabling wireless communication via a WMM compatible wireless access point without error.

<Embodiment 3>
The third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4 to 9, and 14. FIG. 6 is a sequence chart for explaining the third embodiment of the present invention. 4, 5, and 7 are used to explain the processing flow in the first and second embodiments, but are also used to explain the third embodiment.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating details of the access point selection process (S407) unique to the terminal device of the DVC 105 and the display device 106 of FIG. 4 and is also referred to in the third embodiment.

  In FIG. 6, the association state (M301) of the DVC 105 and the association state (M302) of the display device 106 are already completed as in the first and second embodiments.

  In this association state, the user performs an RPM setting start operation (START) of the DVC 105 and the registration management apparatus 101 in order to set radio parameter (RPM: Radio Parameter) information.

  After that, after receiving the RPM setting confirmation message (M602) in the DVC 105, the process up to step S406 for stopping the reception timer in FIG.

  The access point selection process (S407), which is a feature of the third embodiment of the present invention, will be described below with reference to FIG. In step S701, the wireless information management unit 812 analyzes the RPM setting confirmation message (M602) and confirms wireless parameter information related to the AP.

  In step S702, the wireless information management unit 812 checks whether there are a plurality of access points. In step S703, the wireless information management unit 812 confirms function information and wireless parameter information regarding a plurality of APs. As a result, the wireless information management unit 812 confirms the STA function information 1411 specific to the DVC 105 stored in the database 813 using its own information access unit 911. At this time, (not registered) is stored in the STA function information 1411, and the wireless information management unit 812 determines that there is no designated function.

  In step S <b> 704, the wireless information management unit 812 uses the information access unit 911 to confirm the AP selection information 1412 unique to the DVC 105 stored in the database 813. At this time, the AP selection information 1412 stores wireless related information in which the DVC 105 is a predetermined priority condition in the wireless parameter information of the AP. The wireless related information to be prioritized here is a determination condition (S705, S708, S710, S712) of an AP to be connected. Indicates that priority is given. In the case of “Avoidance of radio wave interference (S708)”, it is indicated that an AP that can avoid interference by changing from a wireless channel to be used is prioritized. In the case of “security information (encryption method) (S710)”, it is indicated that the AP having the same wireless encryption method to be used is given priority. Further, in the case of “communication protocol (S712)”, it is indicated that an AP that supports one of the communication protocols of IEEE802.11a / b / g / n that can secure a communication band is given priority. This relates to the wireless function and operational status.

  As a result, the wireless information management unit 812 identifies the AP corresponding to the wireless related information to be prioritized over the wireless parameter information included in the RPM setting confirmation message M602, using the device identification unit 912 that is the third selection unit.

  In S705, if the wireless related information to be prioritized is “electric field strength”, the apparatus identifying unit 912 proceeds to S706. In step S706, the device identification unit 912 selects an AP having the maximum electric field strength.

  In S708, if the wireless related information to be prioritized is “avoidance of radio wave interference”, the apparatus identification unit 912 proceeds to S709. In step S <b> 709, the device identification unit 912 selects an AP with a minimum interference level that can avoid interference of a currently used radio channel.

  In step S710, the apparatus identification unit 912 proceeds to step S711 when the wireless related information to be prioritized is “security information (encryption method)”. In step S <b> 711, the device identification unit 912 selects an applicable encryption method AP.

  In S712, if the wireless related information to be prioritized is “communication protocol”, the apparatus identifying unit 912 proceeds to S713. In step S713, the device identification unit 912 selects an AP that uses a communication protocol that can secure the corresponding band.

  In step S707, the wireless information management unit 812 performs processing for transmitting the following RPM information notification message (M305) including the wireless parameter information of the corresponding AP selected according to the condition of the wireless related information to be prioritized. In this “transmission process”, the wireless information management unit 812 generates an RPM information notification message and sets the wireless parameter information of the corresponding AP in the transmission message.

  In S712, the wireless information management unit 812 proceeds to S714 if the corresponding AP cannot be selected due to the priority condition. In S714, the following RPM information notification message (M305) transmission processing is performed. In this “transmission process”, the wireless information management unit 812 generates an RPM information notification message and does not set the wireless parameter information of the AP in the transmission message.

  As described above, by adopting the configuration of the third embodiment, it is possible to cope with the case where the function information is not included in the RPM parameter setting request from the terminal device, as in the case of the portable mobile phone 2. The difference from the second embodiment is that the function information and radio parameter information of a plurality of access points sent from the registration management device are analyzed, and not only the WMM function but also the electric field strength condition, radio wave interference condition, An AP is selected in light of various conditions such as security conditions or communication protocol conditions, and a communication connection is established with the access point. By adopting this configuration, it is possible to more efficiently perform wireless communication via a WMM compatible wireless access point without error.

<Embodiment 4> AP Selection Condition in Registration Management Device As for the processing of Embodiment 3 in FIG. 7, the wireless information management unit 812 of the DVC 105 uses the device identification unit 912 to identify an applicable AP ( S407) has been described.

  Further, the wireless related information to be prioritized is the determination condition (S705, S708, S710, S712) of the AP to be connected. For example, the “field strength condition” indicates that an AP with good radio wave condition is prioritized. . “Radio wave interference avoidance condition” indicates that an AP that can avoid interference by changing from a wireless channel to be used is prioritized. The “security information (encryption scheme) condition” indicates that an AP having the same wireless encryption scheme to be used is prioritized. The “communication protocol condition” indicates that an AP that supports any communication protocol of, for example, IEEE802.11a / b / g / n that can secure a communication band is prioritized, and these are selected conditions.

  In the selection, the wireless information management unit 812 has been described to access the AP selection information 1412 unique to the DVC 105 stored in the database 813 using the information access unit 911 and confirm the AP (S704). .

  However, this selection is not performed in the DVC 105 as described above, but the corresponding AP is selected by the registration information management unit 802 of the registration management device 101 using the device selection unit 903 (step S508). It may be configured.

  More specifically, in the fourth embodiment, when selecting an AP, the registration information management unit 802 of the registration management apparatus 101 accesses the AP selection information 1403 stored in the database 803 using the information access unit 901. The AP selection information is confirmed.

  As a result, the registration management apparatus 101 can also use the “field strength”, “avoidance of radio wave interference”, “security information (encryption method)”, and “communication protocol” described in the third embodiment as selection conditions for the AP. Needless to say.

<Others>
The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

Claims (8)

A communication system having a terminal device, a plurality of access point devices, and a management device that manages radio parameter information of the plurality of access point devices,
The management device
Storage means for storing functional information related to the communication function of each of the plurality of access point devices;
Receiving means for receiving a wireless parameter setting request from the terminal device via any of the plurality of access point devices;
When the wireless parameter setting request indicates that a predetermined function is requested, a first access point device having the predetermined function is selected from the plurality of access point devices with reference to the function information. A selection means;
Transmitting means for transmitting wireless parameter information for communication connection to the selected access point device via the access point device through which the wireless parameter setting request is received, to the terminal device. A featured communication system.   2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined communication function is WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia). The terminal device
Means for receiving the function information from the management device;
Second selection means for selecting an access point device having the predetermined function from the plurality of access points based on the function information;
The communication system according to claim 1, further comprising a connection unit that performs communication connection to the access point device selected by the second selection unit.   4. The communication system according to claim 3, wherein the second selection unit selects an access point device based on the function information and a predetermined priority condition.   5. The communication according to claim 4, wherein the second selection unit uses any one of an electric field strength condition, a radio wave interference avoidance condition, a security condition, and a communication protocol condition as the predetermined priority condition. system. A management device included in a communication system having a terminal device and a plurality of access point devices, and managing radio parameter information of the plurality of access point devices,
Storage means for storing functional information related to the communication function of each of the plurality of access point devices;
Receiving means for receiving a wireless parameter setting request from the terminal device via any of the plurality of access point devices;
When the wireless parameter setting request indicates that a predetermined function is requested, a first access point device having the predetermined function is selected from the plurality of access point devices with reference to the function information. A selection means;
Transmitting means for transmitting wireless parameter information for communication connection to the selected access point device via the access point device through which the wireless parameter setting request is received, to the terminal device. Management device characterized. A control method of a management device that is included in a communication system having a terminal device and a plurality of access point devices and manages radio parameter information of the plurality of access point devices,
A storage step in which storage means stores functional information related to the communication functions of each of the plurality of access point devices in a storage unit;
A receiving step for receiving a wireless parameter setting request from the terminal device via any of the plurality of access point devices;
When the selecting means indicates that the wireless parameter setting request requests a predetermined function, an access point device having the predetermined function is selected from the plurality of access point devices with reference to the function information. A selection process to select;
A transmitting step in which transmitting means transmits wireless parameter information for communication connection to the selected access point device to the terminal device via the access point device through which the wireless parameter setting request is received; A control method comprising:   The program for making a computer perform each process of the control method of Claim 7.

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