JP2015050721A - External storage device, data file transmission and reception system, data file transmission and reception method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To offer enhanced usability in transmitting, receiving and sharing data files.SOLUTION: A portable external storage device comprises: a storage unit which stores data files; a radio communication unit; a connection establishment unit which transmits a first communication signal to another apparatus within predetermined time, and if the device receives a second communication signal corresponding to the first communication signal from the other apparatus, establishes a connection for transmitting/receiving a predetermined data file among the data files stored in the storage unit to/from the other apparatus; and a data file transmission/reception unit which transmits/receives the predetermined data file to/from the other apparatus when the connection is established.

Description

  The present invention relates to an external storage device, a data file transmission / reception system, and a data file transmission / reception method / program.

  As a data transmission system using an external storage device, a system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. This system has an external storage device and an imaging device (digital camera). The imaging apparatus has a fingerprint sensor on the release button, and when the release button is pressed, fingerprint image data is associated with the captured image and stored in a nonvolatile memory in the imaging apparatus. The external storage device includes an image acquisition switch having a fingerprint sensor. When the image acquisition switch is pressed, the external storage device sends fingerprint image data to the imaging device, and the imaging device uses the fingerprint image data. Authentication is performed, and a captured image associated with fingerprint image data from the fingerprint sensor is transmitted to the external storage device.

JP 2011-109291 A

  The technique of Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is necessary to provide a fingerprint sensor in both the external storage device and the imaging device. An object of the present invention is to improve the convenience of data file transmission / reception and sharing not only between an imaging device and an external storage device but also between external storage devices.

  In order to achieve at least a part of the problems described above, the present invention can be implemented as the following forms.

(1) According to one aspect of the present invention, a portable external storage device is provided. The external storage device transmits a first communication signal to another device within a predetermined time and a storage unit that stores the data file, a wireless communication unit, and the other device transmits the first communication signal. When a second communication signal corresponding to one communication signal is received, a predetermined data file among the data files stored in the storage unit is transmitted / received to / from the other device. A connection establishment unit that establishes a connection; and a data file transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives the predetermined data file to and from the other device when the connection is established. According to the external storage device of this aspect, when the first communication signal is transmitted to another device and the second communication signal corresponding to the first communication signal is received from the other device, it is determined in advance. Since the received data file is transmitted / received to / from another device, the convenience of data file transmission / reception and sharing can be improved.

(2) The external storage device of the above aspect may include a button for instructing transmission of the first communication signal. According to the external storage device of this aspect, it is possible to send and receive data files to and from other devices by instructing transmission of the first communication signal using a button.

(3) In the external storage device of the above aspect, as the buttons, a transmission button used when transmitting the predetermined data file and a reception button used when receiving the predetermined data file , May be provided separately. According to the external storage device of this aspect, it is possible to easily switch between data file transmission and reception.

(4) In the external storage device of the above aspect, the data file transmission / reception unit transmits the predetermined data file, receives the predetermined data file based on how the button is pressed, and At least two of the predetermined data file transmission / reception may be switched. According to this form of external storage device, data file transmission, reception, and transmission / reception can be switched with a single button.

(5) In the external storage device of the above aspect, the button also serves as a button for instructing execution of setting information automatic setting processing for configuring a wireless LAN with an access point, and the connection establishment The unit may determine whether to communicate with the other device or the access point depending on which of the second communication signal from the other device or the beacon from the access point is earlier Good. According to this form of external storage device, it is possible to easily switch between connection to another device and connection to an access point. Also, with one button, transmission, reception, transmission / reception of data files and automatic setting processing between access points can be switched with one button.

(6) In the external storage device of the above aspect, the external storage device is connected to the mobile communication terminal device by the wireless communication unit, and when the communication signal is received from the mobile communication terminal device, the first storage device The communication signal may be transmitted. According to the external storage device of this aspect, since the instruction to transmit / receive the data file can be executed from the mobile communication terminal device, for example, transmission, reception, transmission / reception of the data file can be easily instructed from the mobile communication terminal device.

(7) In the external storage device of the above aspect, the storage unit includes a plurality of folders for storing data files, and the predetermined data file is stored in a predetermined folder among the plurality of folders. Also good. According to the external storage device of this form, it is not necessary to instruct and select the data file to be transmitted / received again.

(8) In the external storage device of the above aspect, the storage unit stores a folder for storing a data file transmitted to the other device and a folder for storing a data file received from the other device. And may be provided independently. According to the external storage device of this aspect, a folder for storing a data file transmitted to the other device and a folder for storing a data file received from the other device are independently provided. Therefore, it is easy to manage the data file to be transmitted / received.

(9) In the external storage device of the above aspect, the second communication signal includes identification information for specifying the other device, and the storage unit stores the predetermined folder as the predetermined folder. You may provide corresponding to identification information. According to the external storage device of this aspect, when transmitting / receiving a data file to / from a plurality of external storage devices, the file to be transmitted / received can be divided for each partner.

(10) According to an aspect of the present invention, a data file transmission / reception system is provided. This data file transmission / reception system may include two external storage devices of the above-described form.

(11) According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data file transmission / reception method with another device in a portable external storage device having a data file storage unit. The data file transmission / reception method includes a step of transmitting a first communication signal to the other device, and a step of receiving a second communication signal transmitted from the other device in response to the first communication signal. Establishing a connection with the other device when the transmission of the first communication signal and the reception of the second communication signal are performed within a predetermined time; A step of transmitting / receiving a predetermined data file among the data files stored in the storage unit to / from the other device after the connection is established. According to the data file transmission / reception method of this aspect, the first communication signal is transmitted to the other device, and the second communication signal transmitted from the other device separately from the first communication signal is received. In this case, since a predetermined data file is transmitted / received to / from another device, it is possible to improve convenience of data file transmission / reception and sharing.

(12) According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for performing data file transmission / reception with another device in a portable external storage device having a data file storage unit. The program has a function of transmitting a first communication signal to the other device, a function of receiving a second communication signal transmitted from the other device in response to the first communication signal, and a predetermined function. A function of establishing a connection with the other device when the transmission of the first communication signal and the reception of the second communication signal are performed within a predetermined time; and After the establishment, a function of transmitting / receiving a predetermined data file among the data files stored in the storage unit to / from the other device is realized. According to the program of this aspect, when the first communication signal is transmitted to another device and the second communication signal transmitted separately from the first communication signal is received from the other device, Since a predetermined data file is transmitted / received to / from another device, it is possible to improve the convenience of data file transmission / reception and sharing.

(13) According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data file transmission / reception system including a portable external storage device and another device that transmits and receives a data file by wireless communication with the external storage device. The data file transmission / reception system includes: the external storage device; the other device; the first mobile communication terminal device connected wirelessly to the external storage device; and the second device wirelessly connected to the other device. The external storage device includes a first storage unit that stores a data file, a wireless communication unit, and a first communication signal to the other device within a predetermined period of time. , And when the second communication signal is received from the other device, a predetermined first data file of the data files stored in the storage unit is connected to the other device. A first connection establishment unit that establishes a connection for transmission / reception between the first device and the first device that transmits / receives the predetermined first data file to / from the other device when the connection is established Day A second transmission / reception unit, and the other device includes a second storage unit for storing the data file, a wireless communication unit, and a second communication signal to the external storage device within the predetermined time period. And when a first communication signal is received from the external storage device, a predetermined second data file among the data files stored in the storage unit of the external storage device is A second connection establishment unit that establishes a connection for transmission / reception with the external storage device, and a second connection establishment unit that transmits / receives the predetermined second data file between the external storage devices when the connection is established A data file transmission / reception unit, wherein the first connection establishment unit transmits the first communication signal in response to an instruction from the first portable communication terminal device; When the connection establishing unit receives the first communication signal, the connection establishing unit sends a notification to that effect to the second portable communication terminal device, and sends a permission signal from the second portable communication terminal device within a predetermined time. Is received, the second communication signal is sent to the other device, and the first connection establishment unit and the second connection establishment unit are connected to the external storage device and the other device. Is established, and the first data file and the second data file are transmitted and received. According to the data file transmission / reception system of this aspect, the external storage device can transmit and receive data files when permission is received from other devices, so that unintended data file transmission and reception are not performed. Is possible.

  The present invention can be realized in various forms, for example, in the form of a data file transmission / reception system, a data file transmission / reception method, a data file sharing method, and the like in addition to an external storage device. .

It is explanatory drawing which shows the data file transmission / reception system of 1st Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram explaining exchange of the data file between two external storage devices. It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification of operation | movement of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data file transmission / reception system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram explaining the operation | movement in 2nd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram explaining the operation | movement in the data file transmission / reception system of 3rd Embodiment.

First embodiment:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a data file transmission / reception system according to the first embodiment. This file transmission / reception includes two external storage devices 10a and 10b. At least one of the two external storage devices 10a and 10b is portable. The user presses buttons 160a and 160b provided on the external storage device 10a and the other external storage device 10b, respectively, to transmit and receive data files between the two external storage devices 10a and 10b. I do.

  The external storage device 10a includes a controller 100a, a storage unit 110a, a wireless communication unit 120a, an external connection terminal 140a, a button detection unit 150a, a button 160a, a battery 170a, and a power input terminal 180a. The controller 100a includes a connection establishment unit 102a and a data file transmission / reception unit 104a. As will be described later, the connection establishment unit 102a establishes a connection between the wireless communication unit 120a and the wireless communication unit 120b of the external storage device 10b using an SSID (identification information) and a KEY (encryption key). The data file transmission / reception unit 104a transmits / receives a data file between the storage unit 110a and the storage unit 110b of the external storage device 10b.

  The storage unit 110a stores a data file, and may be configured by a non-volatile storage device such as a magnetic disk device (HDD) or a storage device (SSD) using a semiconductor element memory, for example. In the storage unit 110a, a first folder 112a and a second folder 114a are formed. The first folder 112a is a transmission folder in which data files to be transmitted to the external storage device 10b are stored. The second folder 114a is a reception folder in which data files received from the external storage device 10b are stored.

  The wireless unit 120a performs wireless communication with other devices. The wireless communication unit 120a is used, for example, when configuring an 802.11 wireless LAN network. The wireless communication unit 120a can communicate in any of an infrastructure mode and an ad hoc mode.

  The external connection terminal 140a is a terminal for connecting the external storage device 10a to another device such as a personal computer or a tablet using a wired cable. As the external connection terminal, for example, any of a USB terminal (USB is a registered trademark), an eSATA terminal, an IEEE 1394 terminal, and a THUNDERBLT terminal (THUNDERBLT is a registered trademark) may be used.

  The button 160a is a button for accepting a request for wireless connection with another wireless device (for example, an external storage device or access point having a wireless function) from the user. The button detection unit 150a detects whether or not the button 160a is pressed. When a user of the external storage device 10a wants to execute a wireless connection with the external storage device 10a and a nearby wireless device (for example, the external storage device 10b), the user presses the button 160a to search for the nearby wireless device and When a predetermined response is received from the device within a predetermined time, a connection is established between the external storage device 10a and the wireless device, and wireless communication is executed.

  The external storage device 10b has the same configuration as the external storage device 10a. Each component of the external storage device 10b is assigned a reference numeral in which “a” at the end of the reference numeral of each component of the external storage device 10a is changed to “b”.

  FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating exchange of data files between two external storage devices. When it is desired to execute transmission / reception of a data file between the external storage device 10a and the external storage device 10b, the user presses the button 160a of the external storage device 10a and the button 160b of the external storage device 10b almost simultaneously. . The buttons 160a and 160b are pressed almost simultaneously, but not strictly at the same time. In the following, it is assumed that the button 160a is pressed earlier. In step S100, when the button detection unit 150a detects that the button 160a is pressed, the button detection unit 150a notifies the controller 100a accordingly. The controller 100a causes the wireless communication unit 120a to execute a wireless call request RQ1 (first communication signal) for searching for nearby wireless devices.

  In step S110, the radio communication unit 120a transmits a call request RQ1 by ad hoc mode radio. This call request RQ1 is executed, for example, by transmitting a beacon for ad hoc connection. In step S120, the wireless communication unit 120b of the external storage device 10b receives the call request RQ1.

  As described above, since the user also presses the button 160b of the external storage device 10b, the button detection unit 150b detects that the button 160b is pressed. In step S130, if the controller 100b detects that the button 160b of the external storage device 10b has been pressed within a predetermined time (for example, within a few seconds) from the time when the call request RQ1 is received, the process proceeds to step S130. The process proceeds to S140. In step S140, the controller 100b returns a response AS1 (second communication signal), and performs negotiation for ad hoc connection between the two external storage devices 10a and 10b. At this time, network identification information (SSID) and encryption key predetermined for file sharing communication are stored in the external storage devices 10a and 10b, respectively. In the negotiation in step S140, an ad hoc connection is permitted when both have the same SSID and encryption key. When the negotiation is thus completed, the process proceeds to step S160, and a connection between the external storage device 10a and the external storage device 10b (between the wireless communication units 120a and 120b) is established.

  In step S170, the controller 100a transmits the data file stored in the first folder 112a of the storage unit 110a of the external storage device 10a to the second folder 114b of the storage unit 110b of the external storage device 10b. When the second folder 114b has not been created, the controller 100b may create the second folder 114b in the storage unit 110b. In step S180, the controller 100a copies and stores the data file of the first folder 112b of the storage unit 110b of the external storage device 10b to the second folder 114a of the storage unit 110a of the external storage device 10a. Similarly, when the second folder 114a has not been created, the controller 100a may create the second folder 114a in the storage unit 110a. In steps S170 and S180, the MAC addresses of the two external storage devices 10a and 10b can be used to determine whether transmission / reception of data files is permitted. In this case, data indicating a predetermined MAC address range for file sharing communication is stored in the external storage devices 10a and 10b, respectively, and both MAC addresses are included in the MAC address range. Data file transmission / reception is permitted. When the transmission / reception of the data file ends, the controllers 100a and 100b move the process to step S190, and cause the wireless communication units 120a and 120b to disconnect the connection.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when both the buttons 160a and 160b are pressed almost simultaneously with respect to the two external storage devices 10a and 10b, a connection is established between the two external storage devices 10a and 10b. Then, a data file in a predetermined folder is transmitted / received. As described above, since the data file can be transmitted and received simply by pressing both of the buttons 160a and 160b of the two external storage devices 10a and 10b almost simultaneously, the data file between the two external storage devices 10a and 10b is very easy. Can be sent and received. When the buttons 160a and 160b of the two external storage devices 10a and 10b are pressed almost simultaneously (within a predetermined time (for example, within several seconds) from the time when the call request RQ1 is received), the button 160b of the external storage device 10b Since the data file is transmitted / received only when it is detected that is pressed, unintended data file transmission / reception is not performed.

  In the above embodiment, the first folder 112a storing the data file to be transmitted and the second folder 114a storing the received data file are separate folders. A configuration having only one folder may be used.

  In the above embodiment, data files are transmitted and received in both directions so that the data files stored in the first folders 112a and 112b of the two external storage devices 10a and 10b are stored on the other side. The external storage device 10a for which the button 160a is pressed may perform only one of data file transmission or data file reception. Also, depending on how the button 160a is pressed, the operation may be switched to either data file transmission only, data file reception only, or data file transmission / reception. For example, when the button 160a is pressed only once within a predetermined time, the data file is transmitted / received. When the button 160a is pressed twice, only the data file is transmitted and pressed three times continuously. In this case, it may be switched that only reception of the data file is performed. Further, the direction of data file transmission may be controlled depending on which button 160a, 160b is pressed first. For example, when the button 160a of the first external storage device 10a is pressed first, the data file is transmitted from the first external storage device 10a to the second external storage device 10b. When the button 160b of the external storage device 10b is pressed first, the data file is transmitted from the second external storage device 10b to the first external storage device 10a (the data file as viewed from the first external storage device 10a). May be received). Further, the external storage device 10a may separately include a transmission button for transmitting a data file and a reception button for receiving a data file as the buttons 160a. In this case, when transmitting / receiving a data file, the user may press the data file transmission button and the data file reception button almost simultaneously.

  In the above embodiment, the data file to be transmitted / received is specified by which folder is stored so that the data file of the first folder 112a is transmitted and the data file of the second folder 114b is received. The data file to be transmitted / received may be specified by the file name instead of in which folder it is stored. For example, the controller 100a may be configured to transmit or receive a data file having a specific extension. The controller 100a may be configured to transmit or receive a data file having a specific character string as part of the file name.

  The external storage device 10a may be configured to transmit / receive the above-described data file to / from each of the plurality of external storage devices. In this case, the storage unit 110a preferably has folders 112a1 and 112a2 corresponding to the identifier (SSID) for each external storage device. In this way, it is possible to individually manage data files transmitted / received (shared) to / from each other external storage device.

  In the above embodiment, the role of the external storage device 10b is not particularly limited, but the external storage device 10b may be used as a backup device.

  In the above embodiment, the controller 100a includes the connection establishment unit 102a and the data file transmission / reception unit 104a. However, the storage unit 100a includes a connection establishment program and a data file transmission / reception program. The functions of the connection establishment unit 102a and the data file transmission / reception unit 104a may be realized by executing a program. The connection establishment program and the data file transmission / reception program may be stored in a storage medium directly or indirectly connected to the external storage device 10a, and may be written to the storage unit 100a from the storage medium. .

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modification of the operation of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, it has been described that the user presses the button 160a of the external storage device 10a and the button 160b of the external storage device 10b almost simultaneously. However, only the external storage device 10b does not necessarily exist in the vicinity of the external storage device 10a. For example, there may be a case where an access point AP for wireless LAN exists in the vicinity of the external storage device 10a. In this modification, when the external storage device 10b and the access point AP exist in the vicinity of the external storage device 10a and the button 160a of the external storage device 10a is pressed, (1) the external storage device 10a and the external storage device 10b Or (2) automatic switching between whether the access point AP is set as a master unit and the external storage device 10a is set as a slave unit.

  In this modification, the buttons 160a and 160b in FIG. 1 can be used as an AOSS button for executing wireless LAN automatic setting processing (AOSS: AirStation One-Touch Secure System, “AOSS” is a registered trademark). ). Further, it is assumed that after the button 160a is pressed, the button 160b of the external storage device 10b or the AOSS button of the access point AP is pressed.

  As described in the first embodiment, when the button 160a is pressed in step S100, the controller 100a transmits a wireless call request RQ1. Next, the button 160b (the AOSS button is the AP button) of the second external storage device 10b or the AOSS button of the access point AP is pressed.

  When the button 160b (AOSS button) of the second external storage device 10b is pressed before the AOSS button of the access point AP, the processing already described in FIG. 2 is executed.

  When the AOSS button of the access point AP is pressed before the button 160b of the second external storage device 10b, the controller APC (not shown) of the access point AP moves the process to step S200. The controller APC may analyze the SSID included in the call request RQ1 and determine that the external storage device 10a is not a device of the same type as the access point AP (is a slave device). The SSID is unique character string data having a maximum of 32 characters. In the initial state, the SSID has character string data provided by the manufacturer that manufactured the device (in this embodiment, the external storage device 10a). In general, a manufacturer often uses character string data unique to each device. Therefore, the controller APC analyzes the SSID character string to determine whether the external storage device 10a is the same type of device as the access point AP. Can be determined. If the controller APC determines that the device is the same device from the analysis of the SSID, the controller APC interrupts the subsequent processing, and if it is determined that the device is not the same device, transmits a beacon by radio. Thereafter, the controller APC performs automatic setting information setting processing for configuring a wireless LAN together with the controller 100a of the external storage device 10a that has received the beacon.

(1) In step S210, the external storage device 10a searches for an access point AP and establishes a wireless connection relationship in the infrastructure mode with the searched access point. In this connection, encryption is not realized by an encryption key (KEY).
(2) When the access point AP establishes a connection relationship with the external storage device 10a, the access point AP enters a standby state for the initialization packet IP transmitted by the external storage device 10a.
(3) When the external storage device 10a establishes a connection relationship with the access point AP, the external storage device 10a moves the process to step S220, and transmits the initialization packet IP to the access point AP by broadcast. The initialization packet IP includes, in addition to data indicating that setting information is requested, information related to an encryption key temporarily used for encrypted communication until the setting information setting is completed.
(4) In step S230, when the access point AP receives the initialization packet IP, the access point AP transmits an initialization response packet IRP to the external storage device 10a as a response. The initialization response packet IRP includes the IP address of the access point AP, and the external storage device 10a that has received this response designates the destination IP address and performs wireless communication with the access point AP. It can be carried out.
(5) Receiving the initialization response packet IRP, the external storage device 10a moves the process to step S240, and transmits a setting packet CP to the access point AP. The setting packet CP includes information indicating the encryption capability of the external storage device 10a.
(6) The access point AP that has received the setting packet CP moves the process to step S250, and transmits a setting response packet CRP including setting information to the external storage device 10a. The setting packet CP includes setting information generated when the access point AP receives the setting packet CP.
(7) In step S260, the external storage device 10a receives the setting response packet CRP, sets the setting information included therein to the own device, and completes the setting information automatic setting process for configuring the wireless LAN. To do.

  In addition, after the button 160a of the first external storage device 10a is pressed, the button 160b of the external storage device 10b and the AOSS button of the access point AP may be pressed almost the same. In this case, whether the external storage device 10a is connected to the access point or the external storage device 10b, whichever of the AOSS button of the access point AP and the button 160b of the external storage device 10b is pressed first. It may be determined depending on whether or not the other is not connected.

  As described above, according to this modification, one button 160a of the external storage device 10a is used to (1) transmit / receive a data file to / from another external storage device 10b, or (2) to / from the access point AP. It is possible to switch between performing automatic setting of wireless LAN setting information between the two.

Second embodiment:
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a data file transmission / reception system according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, a smartphone 20a (mobile communication terminal device) is connected to the external storage device 10a of the first embodiment, and a smartphone 20b is connected to the external storage device 10b. Note that either one of the smartphones 20a and 20b may be omitted.

  The smartphone 20a includes a controller 200a, a storage unit 210a, a wireless controller 220a, an antenna 230a, a touch panel 250a, and a telephone communication unit 290a. The storage unit 210a is configured by a non-volatile storage device using a semiconductor element memory. The storage unit 210a stores a data file transmission / reception program 212a. The data file transmission / reception program 212a instructs the external storage device 10a to transmit / receive a data file based on an instruction from the user.

  The wireless controller 220a controls wireless communication with the external storage device 10a. For example, the wireless controller 220a may constitute an 802.11 wireless LAN network. The wireless controller 220a can communicate in any of an infrastructure mode and an ad hoc mode.

  The touch panel 250a displays various information to the user and accepts instructions from the user. The telephone communication unit 290a gives a telephone function to the smartphone 20a. Since the configuration of the smartphone 20b is the same as that of the smartphone 20a, the description of the smartphone 20b is omitted. The constituent elements of the smartphone 20b are not shown in FIG. 4, but the constituent elements of the smart phone 20b are given the reference numerals obtained by changing “a” at the end of the reference numerals of the constituent elements of the smart phone 20a to “b”. Has been.

  FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining an operation in the second embodiment. Since the basic operation is the same as that of the first embodiment, different points will be described. In the second embodiment, when the user wants to transmit and receive data files between the external storage device 10a and the external storage device 10b, the user has pressed the buttons 160a and 160b almost simultaneously in the first embodiment. In the embodiment, data file transmission / reception instructions are input almost simultaneously from the touch panels 250a and 250b of the smartphones 20a and 20b. When an instruction to transmit / receive a data file is input from the touch panel 250a of the smartphone 20a, the controller 200a shifts the processing to step S108, and transmits a connection request command from the wireless controller 220a to the wireless communication unit 120a. On the other hand, when an instruction to transmit / receive a data file is input from the touch panel 250b of the smartphone 20b, the controller 200b proceeds to step S132 and transmits a connection request command from the wireless controller 220b to the wireless communication unit 120b. To do. The processes in steps S108 and S132 are processes corresponding to steps S100 and S130 in the first embodiment. Upon receiving the connection request in step S108, the controller 100a transmits a call request RQ1.

  In step S134, the controller 100b detects that the button 160b of the external storage device 10b is pressed within a predetermined time (for example, within several seconds) from the time when the call request RQ1 is received, or from the smartphone 20b. If a connection request command (step S132) is received, the process proceeds to step S140. Other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  As described above, the external storage device 10a may receive a data file transmission / reception instruction from the smartphone 20a wirelessly connected to the external storage device 10a, instead of pressing the button 160a.

  In the second embodiment, only transmission of a data file from the external storage device 10a to the external storage device 10b from the touch panel 250a of the smartphone 20a, only reception of a data file from the external storage device 10b to the external storage device 10a, external storage It is possible to separately instruct data file transmission / reception between the device 10a and the external storage device 10b. In the first embodiment, the user switches only the transmission of the data file, only the reception of the data file, and the transmission / reception of the data file by pressing one button 160a. In the second embodiment, the user switches the transmission / reception of the data file. Can switch only data file transmission, data file reception, and data file transmission / reception from the touch panel 250a of the smartphone 20a, so that it is easy to switch between data file transmission, data file reception, and data file transmission / reception. .

  Note that either one of steps S108 and S132 may be the detection processing (step S110 or S130) of the button 160a or 160b, as in the first embodiment. Note that when both steps S108 and S132 are detection processing of the buttons 160a and 160b, they are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  According to the present embodiment, when an instruction to transmit / receive a data file is input to the two smartphones 20a and 20b almost simultaneously, a connection is established and a predetermined value is set between the two external storage devices 10a and 10b. A folder data file is sent and received. As described above, since the user can transmit and receive data files only by inputting data file transmission / reception instructions almost simultaneously to the smartphones 20a and 20b, the two external storage devices 10a and 10b can be very easily performed. Data files can be sent and received between the two. In addition, the effect which 1st Embodiment mentioned above has similarly has in 2nd Embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, a folder or file is specified from the external storage device 10a from the smartphone 20a, and then data file transmission / reception is input, and the file or the specified file in the specified folder is transmitted. Also good.

Third embodiment:
In the first and second embodiments, data files can be transmitted / received to / from the two external storage devices 10a and 10b either directly by the buttons 160a and 160b or indirectly via the smartphones 20a and 20b almost simultaneously. When an instruction was given, data file transmission / reception was executed. On the other hand, the third embodiment is an embodiment that receives permission from the other party when transmitting and receiving data files. Therefore, in the third embodiment, users of the two external storage devices 10a and 10b may be different. Note that the hardware configuration of the third embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment.

  FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation in the data transmission / reception system according to the third embodiment. The operations up to step S160 (until the connection is established) are the same as those in the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, as will be described later, the user selects a data file to be transmitted to the smartphone 20a and inputs permission or non-permission to the smartphone 20b. Accordingly, the user does not press the buttons 160a and 160b almost simultaneously, but inputs a file sharing instruction (ad hoc connection start setting) from the touch panels 250a and 250b of the smartphones 20a and 20b almost simultaneously.

  In step S300, the user of the external storage device 10a inputs a data file to be transmitted from the external storage device 10a to the external storage device 10b to the smartphone 20a. Since the smartphone 20a and the external storage device 10a are wirelessly connected, the controller 200a causes the user to display the file name of the data file stored in the external storage device 10a on the touch panel 250a of the smartphone 20a. You may choose. The controller 200a sends the input file name to the external storage device 10a.

  In step S310, the controller 100a sends the file information of the data file selected by the smartphone 20a to the external storage device 10b. In step S315, the controller 100b sends the sent file information to the smartphone 20b. In step S320, the controller 200b displays the sent file information on the touch panel 250b and waits for a response (permitted or not permitted) from the user of the external storage device 10b.

  As shown in step S330, when the disapproval is input to the touch panel 250b, or when the permission is not input within a predetermined time, the response of the user of the external storage device 10b is disapproved. The controller 200b moves the process to step S335. In step S335, the controller 200b transmits to the external storage device 10b that transmission of the data file from the external storage device 10a to the external storage device 10b is not permitted. This disapproval is notified from the external storage device 10b to the external storage device 10a in step S340, and further transmitted from the external storage device 10a to the smartphone 20a in step S345. In step S350, the smartphone 20a displays a notice of disapproval on the touch panel 250a. In addition, when there is no notification of permission within a predetermined time, a message to that effect is displayed on the touch panel 250a.

  If the response from the user of the external storage device 10b is permitted, the controller 200b moves the process to step S365. In step S365, the controller 200b transmits to the external storage device 10b that the transmission of the data file from the external storage device 10a to the external storage device 10b is permitted. This permission (permission signal) is transmitted from the external storage device 10b to the external storage device 10a in step S370, and further transmitted from the external storage device 10a to the smartphone 20a in step S375. Thereafter, the processes of steps S170 and S180 shown in FIG. 2 are executed, and the data file is transmitted and received. Depending on the content of the permission, only one of steps S170 and S180 may be executed. In step S390, a processing completion message is transmitted from the external storage device 10a to the smartphone 20a. In step S395, a processing completion message is transmitted from the external storage device 10b to the smartphone 20b. Thereafter, in step S190, the connection is disconnected.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, data files are transmitted and received between the external storage devices 10a and 10b when the user of the external storage device 10b is permitted. Can be prevented from being performed.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be realized with various configurations without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each embodiment described in the summary section of the invention are intended to solve part or all of the above-described problems, or part of the above-described effects. Or, in order to achieve the whole, it is possible to replace or combine as appropriate. Further, if the technical feature is not described as essential in the present specification, it can be deleted as appropriate.

10a, 10b ... external storage device 20a, 20b ... smart phone 100a, 100b ... controller 102a, 102b ... connection establishment unit 104a, 104b ... data file transmission / reception unit 110a, 110b ... storage unit 112a, 112b ... first folder 114a, 114b ... Second folder 120a, 120b ... wireless communication unit 140a, 140b ... external connection terminal 150a, 150b ... button detection unit 160a, 160b ... button 170a, 170b ... battery 180a, 180b ... power input terminal 200a, 200b ... controller 210a ... storage Unit 212a ... data file transmission / reception program 220a, 220b ... wireless controller 230a ... antenna 250a, 250b ... touch panel 290a ... telephone communication unit AP ... access Into APC ... controller AS1 ... response (second communication signal)
CP: Setting packet CRP: Setting response packet IP: Initialization packet IRP: Initialization response packet RQ1: Call request (first communication signal)

Claims (13)

A portable external storage device,
A storage unit for storing data files;
A wireless communication unit;
When the first communication signal is transmitted to another device and the second communication signal corresponding to the first communication signal is received from the other device within a predetermined time, the storage A connection establishment unit for establishing a connection for transmitting / receiving a predetermined data file among the data files stored in the unit to / from the other device;
A data file transmission / reception unit that transmits / receives the predetermined data file to / from the other device when the connection is established;
An external storage device. The external storage device according to claim 1,
An external storage device comprising a button for instructing transmission of the first communication signal. The external storage device according to claim 2,
An external storage device separately comprising a send button used when transmitting the predetermined data file and a receive button used when receiving the predetermined data file as the buttons. The external storage device according to claim 2,
The data file transmission / reception unit is configured to transmit the predetermined data file, receive the predetermined data file, and transmit / receive the predetermined data file based on how the button is pressed. An external storage device that switches between at least two. The external storage device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The button also serves as a button for instructing execution of automatic setting processing of setting information for configuring a wireless LAN with an access point,
The connection establishment unit determines whether to communicate with the other device or the access point depending on which of the second communication signal from the other device or the beacon from the access point is earlier An external storage device. The external storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The external storage device is connected to a mobile communication terminal device by the wireless communication unit,
An external storage device that transmits the first communication signal when receiving a communication signal from the portable communication terminal device. The external storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The storage unit includes a plurality of folders for storing data files,
The external data storage device in which the predetermined data file is stored in a predetermined folder among a plurality of folders. The external storage device according to claim 7.
The external storage device, wherein the storage unit independently includes a folder for storing a data file transmitted to the other device and a folder for storing a data file received from the other device. The external storage device according to claim 7 or 8,
The second communication signal has identification information for specifying the other device,
The said storage part is an external storage device provided with the said predetermined folder corresponding to the said identification information.   A data file transmission / reception system comprising two external storage devices according to any one of claims 1 to 9. A data file transmission / reception method with another device in a portable external storage device having a data file storage unit,
Transmitting a first communication signal to the other device;
Receiving a second communication signal transmitted in response to the first communication signal from the other device;
Establishing a connection with the other device when transmission of the first communication signal and reception of the second communication signal are performed within a predetermined time; and
After the connection is established, a step of transmitting / receiving a predetermined data file among the data files stored in the storage unit to / from the other device;
A data file transmission / reception method comprising: A program for transmitting and receiving data files with other devices in a portable external storage device having a data file storage unit,
A function of transmitting a first communication signal to the other device;
A function of receiving a second communication signal transmitted in response to the first communication signal from the other device;
A function of establishing a connection with the other device when transmission of the first communication signal and reception of the second communication signal are performed within a predetermined time;
After the establishment of the connection, a function of transmitting and receiving a predetermined data file among the data files stored in the storage unit with the other device,
A computer program that realizes A data file transmission / reception system having a portable external storage device and another device for transmitting / receiving a data file by wireless communication with the external storage device,
The external storage device;
With the other equipment,
A first mobile communication terminal device wirelessly connected to the external storage device;
A second mobile communication terminal device wirelessly connected to the other device,
The external storage device is
A first storage unit for storing data files;
A wireless communication unit;
A data file stored in the storage unit when a first communication signal is transmitted to the other device and a second communication signal is received from the other device within a predetermined time. A first connection establishment unit for establishing a connection for transmitting / receiving a predetermined first data file to / from the other device;
A first data file transmission / reception unit that transmits / receives the predetermined first data file to / from the other device when the connection is established;
With
The other equipment is
A second storage unit for storing data files;
A wireless communication unit;
When the second communication signal is transmitted to the external storage device within the predetermined time and the first communication signal is received from the external storage device, the second communication signal is stored in the storage unit of the external storage device A second connection establishment unit for establishing a connection for transmitting and receiving a predetermined second data file of the data files being transmitted to and from the external storage device;
A second data file transmission / reception unit that transmits / receives the predetermined second data file between the external storage devices when the connection is established;
With
The first connection establishment unit transmits the first communication signal in response to an instruction from the first portable communication terminal device,
The second connection establishment unit
When the first communication signal is received, a message to that effect is sent to the second mobile communication terminal device,
If the permission signal is received from the second portable communication terminal device within a predetermined time, the second communication signal is sent to the other device,
The first connection establishment unit and the second connection establishment unit establish a connection between the external storage device and the other device, and the first data file and the second data file A data file transmission / reception system in which transmission and reception are performed.

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