JP2013157896A - Communication device and communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To be able to perform more convenient re-connection.SOLUTION: A communication device includes: a communication module for performing wireless communication with an electronic device; a storage unit for storing registration information of the communicable electronic device; a pairing unit for storing information of an electronic device that performs pairing with first field intensity and information of an electronic device that performs pairing with second field intensity greater than the first field intensity, in association with the field intensity; and a re-connecting unit for first re-connecting the electronic device that performs pairing with the first field intensity.

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device and a communication method.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to connection of a portable terminal and an electronic device using short-range wireless communication based on Bluetooth (registered trademark).

JP 2011-101231 A

  In the portable terminal of the above document, a list of electronic devices that can be connected is created from the transmission loss calculated based on the received signal strength. On the other hand, the order of connection with electronic devices is not considered.

  In general, reconnection by Bluetooth is performed in the order of registration at the time of pairing. Therefore, when the registration frequency of an electronic device having a high use frequency or high necessity for Bluetooth is low, reconnection to an electronic device having a low use frequency is performed first. Such reconnection is inconvenient for the user.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication device that can perform reconnection that is more convenient.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a communication device according to the present invention includes a communication module that performs wireless communication with an electronic device, a storage unit that stores registration information of the electronic device capable of communication, and pairing with a first radio wave intensity. A pairing unit that stores information on an electronic device that has been paired with information on an electronic device that has been paired with a second radio wave intensity that is higher than the first radio wave intensity, And a reconnection unit that connects the electronic device paired with the first radio wave intensity first.

  With the communication device according to the present invention, it is possible to perform reconnection that is more convenient.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the communication apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the registration information which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the communication range of class3 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the communication range of class2 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the functional block of the communication apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flow of the pairing process which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flow of the reconnection process which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the sorting of the registration information which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the sorting of the registration information which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the communication device 100 mounted on the vehicle 1000 and the BT terminals (abbreviation of Bluetooth terminal) A to C are connected to each other by Bluetooth (registered trademark) which is one standard for short-range wireless communication. . The communication device 100 is connected to the external device Q by wireless communication via the Internet network P.

  The communication device 100 is an in-vehicle navigation device, an in-vehicle audio system, or the like. The BT terminals A to C are mobile phones, smart phones, and the like that can be connected to the communication device 100 via Bluetooth.

  The communication device 100 and the BT terminals A to C are connected to each other via Bluetooth to provide a user with a hands-free call function. In the hands-free call, the user's voice collected from the microphone built in the communication device 100 is transmitted to the BT terminals A to C by Bluetooth and transmitted to the other party via the BT terminals A to C. In addition, the voice of the communication partner received by the BT terminals A to C is transmitted to the communication device 100 via Bluetooth, and is output via a speaker built in the communication device 100. By doing so, the user can have a conversation with the other party without holding the BT terminal while driving.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the communication device 100. The communication device 100 includes an arithmetic processing device 1, a display 10, a storage device 11, a voice input / output device 13, an input device 16, a ROM device 20, a vehicle speed sensor 21, a gyro sensor 22, and a GPS receiver. 23, an FM multiplex broadcast receiver 24, a beacon receiver 25, and a BT module 26 (abbreviation of Bluetooth module). Each of these devices and sensors are connected to each other via a bus and are configured to be able to exchange data.

  The arithmetic processing device 1 is a central unit that performs various processes of the communication device 100. For example, the arithmetic processing device 1 specifies the current location of the vehicle 1000 using information acquired from various sensors, or searches for a recommended route connecting the departure point and the destination using the map information 12. In addition, the arithmetic processing device 1 generates map information 12, traffic information, guidance route information, etc., display information and voice information for route guidance, and outputs this to the display 10.

  Also, the arithmetic processing device 1 generates registration information of BT terminals that can be connected by Bluetooth.

  The arithmetic processing device 1 that performs such processing temporarily stores a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2 that executes various processing such as numerical calculation and control of each device and sensor, and temporarily stores programs, data, calculation results, and the like. RAM (Random Access Memory) 3, ROM (Read Only Memory) 4 for storing programs and data, Flash ROM 5, a volatile memory capable of rewriting stored data, and various hardware are connected to the arithmetic processing unit. And an I / F (interface) 6 for performing the above. Further, the CPU 2, RAM 3, ROM 4, and flash ROM 5 are connected to each other by a bus 7.

  The registration information of the BT terminal is stored in the flash ROM 5. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the registration information 300. The registration information 300 includes an identification ID 301, a connection class 302, a BD (Bluetooth Device) address 303, and a registration number 304.

  The identification ID 301 stores a unique ID for identifying the BT terminal such as a product model number. The BD address 303 stores an address for identifying a Bluetooth-compatible device. Registration No. 304 stores the order in which BT terminals are registered by pairing. The connection class 302 stores a class when the communication device 100 finds a BT terminal. The class defines the radio field intensity when performing wireless communication by Bluetooth. Further, the radio wave intensity is stronger as the class number is smaller, and a wide communication range can be secured.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a communication range according to the radio wave intensity of class3. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a communication range according to the radio wave intensity of class2. As shown in the figure, the communication range of class 3 is a range having a radius of 1 m from the communication device 100 incorporating the Bluetooth module 26. That is, when the connection with the BT terminal is attempted with the radio wave intensity of class 3, the communication device 100 can connect with the BT terminals A and B in the driver seat and the passenger seat. In other words, the communication device 100 cannot connect to the BT terminal C in the rear seat that is outside the communication range of class3.

  On the other hand, the communication range of class 2 is a range having a radius of 10 m from the communication device 100. That is, the communication range is included up to the rear seat of the vehicle 1000. Therefore, when the connection with the BT terminal is attempted with the radio wave intensity of class 2, the communication device 100 can connect with the BT terminals A to C in the driver seat, the passenger seat, and the rear seat.

  Returning to FIG. The display 10 includes a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, and the like, and displays graphics information.

  The storage device 11 is composed of a readable / writable recording medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a nonvolatile memory card, and stores predetermined information such as map information 12 and traffic information.

  The voice input / output device 13 includes a microphone 14 as a voice input device and a speaker 15 as a voice output device. The microphone 14 collects an external sound of the communication device 100 such as a voice uttered by the user. The speaker 15 outputs a message to the user generated by the arithmetic processing device 1 as an audio signal. When the hands-free call function is set, the microphone 14 functions as a transmitter of the BT terminal. The speaker 15 functions as a receiver of the BT terminal.

  The input device 16 is a device for the communication device 100 to receive a predetermined instruction from a user, and includes a direction key 17, a dial switch 18, a touch panel 19, and other hard switches (not shown).

  The ROM device 20 includes at least a readable recording medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM, or an IC (Integrated Circuit) card. For example, moving image information, audio information, music Information is recorded.

  The vehicle speed sensor 21, the gyro sensor 22, and the GPS receiver 23 are used for detecting the current location of the vehicle on which the communication device 100 is mounted.

  The vehicle speed sensor 21 converts the detected number of rotations of the wheel into a pulse signal, and outputs predetermined information such as the number of pulse signals within a predetermined time.

  The gyro sensor 22 is configured by an optical fiber gyro, a vibration gyro, or the like, and detects an angular velocity due to the rotation of the moving body.

  The GPS receiver 23 receives a signal from a GPS satellite, and measures the distance between the vehicle and the GPS satellite and the rate of change of the distance with respect to three or more satellites. Measure the heading.

  The FM multiplex broadcast receiver 24 includes VICS (Vehicle Information Communication System) information, regulation information, SA / PA (service area / parking area) information, parking lot information, weather information, etc. sent from an FM broadcast station. An FM multiplex broadcast signal is received.

  The beacon receiving device 25 is a receiving device such as an optical beacon that communicates by light and a radio beacon that communicates by radio waves. For example, VICS information, regulation information, SA / PA (service area / parking area) information, parking lot information, Receive weather information and emergency alerts.

  The BT module 26 is a module for realizing wireless communication by Bluetooth. The BT module 26 is equipped with a wireless communication antenna and a profile for realizing a predetermined function such as a hands-free call function or an audio playback function.

  For example, the BT module 26 outputs voice input information input from the microphone 14 to a BT terminal connected by Bluetooth according to an instruction from the arithmetic processing device 1. Further, the BT module 26 acquires audio output information from a BT terminal connected via Bluetooth according to an instruction from the arithmetic processing device 1 and outputs the audio output information from the speaker 15. In this way, a hands-free call is realized between the communication device 100 and the BT terminal.

  Next, functional blocks of the communication device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The functional block of the communication device 100 is constructed by executing a predetermined program read by the CPU 2 installed in the arithmetic processing device 1. Therefore, the ROM 4 stores a program for executing processing of each functional unit.

  The functional blocks of the communication device 100 are classified according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the functions of the communication device 100 realized in the present embodiment. Further, the present invention is not limited by the classification method of each function or its name. In addition, each structure of the communication apparatus 100 can also be classified into more components according to the processing content. Moreover, it can also classify | categorize so that one component may perform more processes.

  Further, the functional unit of the communication device 100 may be constructed by hardware (such as an ASIC). Further, the processing of each functional unit may be executed by one hardware or may be executed by a plurality of hardware.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of the communication device 100. The communication device 100 includes an overall control unit 401, a pairing unit 402, and a BT connection unit 403.

  The overall control unit 401 is a central functional unit that performs various processes of the communication device 100. The overall control unit 401 receives predetermined information and instructions from other functional units, other devices built in the communication device 100, sensors, and external devices, for example. Further, the overall control unit 401 outputs the acquired information and the received instruction to predetermined sensors, devices, and function units according to the type or content of the information and instruction.

  The pairing unit 402 is a functional unit that performs pairing with the BT terminal. The pairing unit 402 searches for a BT terminal with a predetermined class of radio wave intensity. In addition, the pairing unit 402 performs profile confirmation and connection setting of functions used with the BT terminal. In addition, the pairing unit 402 records information on the BT terminal that has been successfully paired in the registration information 300 in association with the class when the BT terminal is found.

  The BT connection unit 403 is a functional unit that sorts the registration information 300 based on a predetermined rule. The BT connection unit 403 is a functional unit that connects to the BT terminal using the sorted registration information 300.

  [Description of Operation] Next, a pairing process executed in the communication device 100 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the pairing process. Such processing is started when the communication device 100 receives a pairing request with the BT terminal from the user.

  The pairing unit 402 searches for a BT terminal with the radio field intensity of class 3 (step S001). That is, a BT terminal located near the driver's seat and the passenger seat within a radius of 1 m from the communication device 100 is searched.

  Next, the pairing unit 402 determines whether an unregistered BT terminal has been found (step S002). Specifically, the pairing unit 402 determines whether a BT terminal that is not recorded in the registration information 300 has been found. If an unregistered BT terminal is not found (No in step S002), the pairing unit 402 proceeds to step S008. On the other hand, when an unregistered BT terminal is found (Yes in step S002), the pairing unit 402 moves the process to step S003.

  In step S008, the pairing unit 402 sets the radio wave intensity to class2 and searches for a BT terminal. If the unregistered BT terminal is found as a result of expanding the communication range to the range of class 2 (Yes in step S009), the pairing unit 402 proceeds to step S003. On the other hand, when an unregistered BT terminal is not found (No in step S009), the pairing unit 402 ends the pairing process.

  In step S003, the pairing unit 402 creates a search list. Specifically, the pairing unit 402 acquires the identification ID 301 from the newly discovered BT terminal. In addition, the pairing unit 402 extracts the registered identification ID 301 from the registration information 300. Then, the pairing unit 402 creates a search list having these identification IDs 301.

  Next, the pairing unit 402 outputs the created search list to the display 10 via the overall control unit 401 (step S004). As a result, a search list on which an identification ID 301 for identifying the found BT terminal is displayed is displayed on the display 10.

  Next, the pairing unit 402 monitors whether or not the user has selected any one of the displayed identification IDs 301 (step S005), and if selected (Yes in step S005), the pairing unit 402 communicates with the BT terminal. Pairing is performed between them (step S006). Specifically, when an appropriate authentication key is input on the BT terminal side, the pairing unit 402 performs pairing such as connection setting such as profile confirmation with the BT terminal (step S006).

  In addition, the pairing unit 402 records information on the BT terminal in association with the class when the BT terminal is searched for in the registration information 300 (step S007), and ends the pairing process.

  Thus, the position of the BT terminal can be specified by recording the class related information in association with the BT terminal. That is, the BT terminal associated with class3 is in a place closer to the communication device 100 such as a driver seat or a passenger seat. In other words, it can be said that a BT terminal associated with class3 is frequently used in a hands-free call function based on Bluetooth and is highly required to be used.

  Next, reconnection processing executed in the communication device 100 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the reconnection process. Such processing is started when the communication device 100 is activated.

  When the reconnection process is started, the BT connection unit 403 sorts the registration information 300 in descending order of the connection class 302 and in ascending order of the registration number 304 (step S011). That is, the BT terminals in the driver's seat and the passenger seat that are closer to the communication device 100 are rearranged in the higher order of the registration information 300.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating registration information 300a before and after the rearrangement. The BT connection unit 403 identifies the records r1 and r3 associated with class3 from the registration information 300a before sorting arranged in the order of identification ID, and compares the registration numbers 304. Then, the BT connection unit 403 sets the record r1 having a small registration number 304 as the top of the registration information 300a after sorting. Further, the record r3 is rearranged as a record next to the record r1.

  Similarly, the BT connection unit 403 identifies the records r2 and r4 associated with class2, and compares the registration numbers 304. Then, the BT connection unit 403 rearranges the record r2 having a smaller registration number 304 to the record next to the record r3. Further, the BT connection unit 403 sets the record r4 having the smallest connection class and the largest registration number 304 as the lowest order of the registration information.

  When the registration information 300a is sorted in this way, the record r1 having the largest connection class 302 and the smallest registration number 304 is stored in the first record.

  Next, the BT connection unit 403 reads the record r1, which is the first record of the registration information 300a (step S012). As described above, the data is read out first from the BT terminal in the driver's seat or the passenger seat.

  Next, the BT connection unit 403 searches for a BT terminal stored in the read record (step S013). Specifically, the BT connection unit 403 extracts the BD address 303 from the record r1 of the registration information 300a, and searches for a BT terminal having the BD address 303.

  The BT connection unit 403 performs a search using the radio wave intensity of the connection class2.

  Next, the BT connection unit 403 determines whether a BT terminal has been found (step S014). Specifically, the BT connection unit 403 determines whether or not the searched BT terminal is found based on the presence or absence of a response from the searched BT terminal. If a BT terminal is found (Yes in step S014), the BT connection unit 403 performs a Bluetooth connection with the BT terminal (step S015). On the other hand, when the searched BT terminal is not found (No in step S014), the BT connection unit 403 determines whether or not the read record is the last record of the registration information 300a (step S016).

  If the read record is not the last record of the registration information 300a (No in step S016), the BT connection unit 403 reads the record r3 which is the next record of the registration information (step S017), and performs the processing. The process proceeds to step S013. That is, the BT connection unit 403 searches for BT terminals one by one in order from the top of the registration information 300a. On the other hand, when the read record is the last record of the registration information 300a (Yes in step S016), the BT connection unit 403 ends the reconnection process.

  In this way, information related to the BT terminal and the class are recorded in association with each other and rearranged in the descending order of the connection class, for example, the frequency of using the hands-free call function or the BT terminal in the driver's seat with high necessity is used. Connection can be made.

  As described above, according to the communication device 100 according to the present embodiment, reconnection that is more convenient can be performed.

  In the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that a hands-free call is performed using the microphone 14 and the speaker 15 built in the communication device. You may apply to the communication apparatus which performs a hands-free call.

  Moreover, when the vehicle apparatus which performs vehicle control etc. incorporates a communication apparatus, or when the vehicle apparatus incorporates the BT module 26, this invention can also be applied to a vehicle apparatus. In this case, a hands-free call is performed using a vehicle-mounted microphone and a vehicle-mounted speaker.

  In the above-described embodiment, the communication device 100 substituted for the navigation device has the pairing unit 402 and the BT connection unit 403. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The first modification is applied to a mobile phone (including a smartphone) that performs a hands-free call using an in-vehicle microphone and an in-vehicle speaker that can be connected by Bluetooth. That is, the mobile phone has a pairing unit 402 and a BT connection unit 403.

  Specifically, based on an instruction from the user, the pairing unit 402 of the mobile phone searches for a BT terminal with a predetermined class. And when a vehicle-mounted microphone is discovered, the pairing part 402 matches a class with the information of a vehicle-mounted microphone, and registers it into registration information. When receiving a hands-free call instruction, the BT connection unit 403 of the mobile phone sorts the registration information in the same manner as described above, and reconnects the host BT terminal first.

  Usually, since the driver performs pairing at the driver's seat, there is a high possibility that class 3 is registered in association with the in-vehicle microphone and the in-vehicle speaker. Therefore, the mobile phone can be reconnected to the in-vehicle microphone and the in-vehicle speaker before other BT terminals. Thus, even the invention according to the first modification can perform reconnection that is more convenient.

  In the above-described embodiment, the registration information is sorted in the descending order of the connection class 302 and the registration number 304 in ascending order. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In the second modification, the registration information is sorted in the descending order of the connection class 302 and the longest last call. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing registration information 300b before rearrangement and after rearrangement.

  As shown in the figure, the BT connection unit 403 according to the second modification identifies records r1 and r3 associated with class3 from the pre-sorted registration information 300b arranged in the order of identification ID, and the length of the previous call Compare 305.

  Note that the length 305 of the last call is acquired by the pairing unit 402 from the BT terminal during pairing. Further, when the BT connection unit 403 reconnects with the BT terminal, the length of the previous call may be acquired and the registration information 300b may be updated. Alternatively, the BT connection unit 403 may connect to a BT terminal registered every predetermined time (for example, every hour) to acquire the length of the previous call.

  The BT connection unit 403 rearranges the record r3 having a longer last call to the top of the sorted registration information 300b. Further, the record r1 is rearranged as a record next to the record r3.

  Similarly, the BT connection unit 403 identifies the records r2 and r4 associated with class2, and compares the length 305 of the immediately preceding call. Then, the BT connection unit 403 rearranges the record r4 longer than the previous call to the record next to the record r1. Also, the BT connection unit 403 sets the record r2 having the smallest connection class and the shortest previous call as the lowest order of the registration information 300b.

  When the registration information 300b is sorted in this way, the record r3 having the largest connection class 302 and the longest previous call is stored in the first record.

  In this manner, by sorting in descending order of the connection class 302, it is possible to search first from the BT terminals in the driver's seat and the passenger seat. In addition, by searching in the order of long last call time in the search, BT terminals that make frequent calls, that is, BT terminals that are frequently used for Bluetooth and that have a high necessity for use are placed above the registration information 300b. Can be rearranged. Therefore, by performing reconnection from such a BT terminal, reconnection that is more convenient can be performed.

100: communication equipment, 1 ... arithmetic processing device,
10 ... display, 11 ... storage device,
13 ... voice input / output device, 16 ... input device,
20 ... ROM device, 21 ... vehicle speed sensor,
22 ... Gyro sensor, 23 ... GPS receiver,
24 ... FM multiplex broadcast receiver, 25 ... beacon receiver 26 ... BT module

Claims (12)

A communication module for wireless communication with an electronic device;
A storage unit for storing registration information of the electronic device capable of communication;
Information on the electronic device paired with the first radio wave intensity and information on the electronic device paired with the second radio wave intensity higher than the first radio wave intensity are associated with the radio wave intensity. A pairing unit to memorize,
A reconnecting unit for connecting first from the electronic device paired with the first radio wave intensity;
A communication device comprising: The communication device according to claim 1,
A microphone that accepts input of voice information;
A speaker for outputting audio information;
The communication module includes:
Voice input information received by the microphone is output to the electronic device having a call function by wireless communication, and voice output information acquired from the electronic device is output from the speaker by wireless communication. . The communication device according to claim 2,
The pairing unit records the information of the electronic device, the radio wave intensity, and the length of the call time immediately before the electronic device in association with each other,
The reconnecting part is:
The communication device is characterized in that a connection is made first from an electronic device associated with the first radio wave intensity and the longest last call time. The communication device according to claim 2 or 3,
The radio wave intensity belongs to a class defined by the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. 5. The communication device according to claim 4, wherein the communication device is an in-vehicle navigation device or an in-vehicle audio system. A communication device having a call function,
A communication module that performs wireless communication with an electronic device including a microphone that receives input of audio information and a speaker that outputs audio information;
A storage unit for storing registration information of the electronic device capable of communication;
Information on the electronic device paired with the first radio wave intensity and information on the electronic device paired with the second radio wave intensity higher than the first radio wave intensity are associated with the radio wave intensity. A pairing unit to memorize,
A reconnection unit that connects the electronic device that has been paired with the first radio wave intensity first,
The communication module includes:
After connection with the electronic device, voice output information acquired by telephone call is output to the electronic device by wireless communication, and voice input information received by a microphone of the electronic device is acquired from the electronic device. Communication equipment. A communication method for a communication device comprising: a communication module that performs wireless communication with an electronic device; and a storage unit that stores registration information of the electronic device capable of communication,
The communication device is:
Information on the electronic device paired with the first radio wave intensity and information on the electronic device paired with the second radio wave intensity higher than the first radio wave intensity are associated with the radio wave intensity. A pairing step to remember;
A reconnection step in which the electronic device paired with the first radio wave intensity is connected first;
The communication method of the communication apparatus characterized by performing. A communication method for a communication device according to claim 7,
The communication device is:
A microphone that receives input of audio information and a speaker that outputs audio information;
Outputting voice input information received by the microphone to the electronic device having a call function by wireless communication, and outputting voice output information acquired from the electronic device from the speaker by wireless communication; Communication method of the communication equipment to be used. A communication method for a communication device according to claim 8,
In the pairing step, the information on the electronic device, the radio wave intensity, and the length of the call time immediately before the electronic device are recorded in association with each other,
In the reconnection step,
A communication method for a communication device, characterized in that the electronic device associated with the first radio wave intensity and the longest last call time is connected first. A communication method for a communication device according to claim 8 or 9,
The communication method of a communication device, wherein the radio wave intensity belongs to a class defined by the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. The communication device according to claim 10, wherein the communication device is a vehicle-mounted navigation device or a vehicle-mounted audio system. A communication module that performs wireless communication with an electronic device that includes a call function, a microphone that receives input of audio information, and a speaker that outputs audio information; and a storage unit that stores registration information of the electronic device capable of communication A communication method for a communication device,
The communication device is:
Information on the electronic device paired with the first radio wave intensity and information on the electronic device paired with the second radio wave intensity higher than the first radio wave intensity are associated with the radio wave intensity. A pairing step to remember;
A reconnection step in which the electronic device paired with the first radio wave intensity is connected first;
After connecting with the electronic device, by voice communication, outputting voice output information acquired by a call to the electronic device, and acquiring voice input information received by the microphone of the electronic device from the electronic device;
The communication method of the communication apparatus characterized by performing.

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