JP4390690B2 - COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION PROGRAM, RECORDING MEDIUM, AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR FUNCTIONING COMPUTER AS COMMUNICATION DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a communication device, a communication program for causing a computer to function as a communication device, and a recording medium, and more particularly, to a communication device that can be safely and easily connected to each other, and a communication program for causing a computer to function as a communication device. The present invention relates to a communication system .

  In recent years, data storage devices that digitize content such as audio, still images, and moving images and store them in a recording medium such as a hard disk are known. The content stored in the data storage device can be viewed not only by the data storage device alone but also by another device on the home network connected to the data storage device.

  In this way, in the home which is “the range of private use”, the content stored in the data storage device in the home can be freely viewed by another device in the home. However, since the content is a copyrighted work, from the viewpoint of protecting the copyright, when the content stored in the data storage device is output by another device, it is represented by DTCP (Digital Transmission Content Protection). Are securely transmitted and received over a simple data transmission path.

  When the devices are connected by wire, the content transmission range is physically limited. However, when devices are connected wirelessly, they can communicate freely as long as they are within the reach of radio waves. For example, content can be transmitted to devices in the next home. If so, there is a risk of deviating from the scope of private use.

  As a method for solving this problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-140304 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique that combines authentication processing and encryption processing by key exchange. In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-140304 (Patent Document 1), authentication processing using a PIN code is performed in order to limit devices that transmit data, and data transmission is exchanged between devices that transmit and receive data. Encrypt the data with the specified key and send it.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-159053 (Patent Document 2) discloses a technique for preparing a normal mode, a registration mode, and an authentication mode as a method for exchanging encryption keys, and requiring a user's manual operation as part of the mode transition. )It is described in. In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-159053 (Patent Document 2), when a user presses a registration button on each of a base station and a terminal, both of them shift to a registration mode to transmit / receive a public key, a common key, and the like.
JP 2002-140304 A (Page 7, FIG. 2) JP 2002-159053 (pages 8-9, FIG. 2)

  However, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-140304 (Patent Document 1), an input unit such as a keyboard for inputting a PIN code and a display unit for confirming an input value are provided in the device. It is necessary to keep. Furthermore, if the PIN code is known to others, there is a risk that the content will be obtained by impersonating the user.

  In the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-159053 (Patent Document 2), the problem caused by using a PIN code is solved. However, for example, when a wireless connection process is performed between the base station A and the terminal A, if there is a device B attempting to make an unauthorized connection in the vicinity of the base station A and the terminal A, If device B impersonates terminal A for base station A and device B impersonates base station A for terminal A, unauthorized connection of device B cannot be prevented.

SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a communication device and a communication system that can be safely and easily connected to each other.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a communication program for causing a computer to function as a communication device that can be safely and easily connected to each other.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium recording a communication program for causing a computer to function as a communication device that can be safely and easily connected to each other.

In order to solve the above-described problem , according to one aspect of the present invention, a communication device
An input unit for inputting instructions from the user;
A communication unit for transmitting and receiving information;
A display unit indicating a connection state with a device capable of transmitting and receiving the information;
A storage unit for storing data;
It performs processing according to an instruction from the input unit, and a 且 one control unit for controlling the communication unit and the display unit,
The controller is
The information from the transmission and reception devices capable, a connection request notification reception means for receiving a connection request notification for requesting a connection to the communication unit,
Non-selection notification receiving means for causing the communication unit to receive a non-selection notification for making a non -selection state in which the process of connecting the self-communication device with another device is not performed from the device capable of transmitting and receiving the information ;
In a state in which the storage unit even when receiving the connection request notification or the non-selected notification above is not already enabled stores notifications these received, when receiving the connection request notification, the display mode of the display unit and a display mode changing means that Ru to change,
When an instruction to authorize the connection of the self communication device with the connection request device that has transmitted the connection request notification is input to the input unit, in response to the connection request notification the received own communication device can be connected a connection acceptance notification transmission means for a connection acceptance notice to transmit to said communication unit to the connection request device to indicate that,
In a state where the connection request notification or the non-selection notification received earlier is still effectively stored in the storage unit, the connection request notification or the non-selection notification is transmitted from another device different from the device that has transmitted the connection request notification or the non-selection notification. When a new connection request notification is received by the communication unit, a connection rejection notification for indicating that the communication apparatus refuses to respond to the received new connection request notification is sent to the new connection request notification. Connection refusal notification transmission means for causing the communication unit to transmit to the device that has transmitted the message .

Preferably, the control unit, in a state in which the storage unit to the non-selected notification previously received are still valid stores, further receiving the connection request notification from the equipment that transmitted the non-selected notification If this happens, the previously received non-selection notification is invalidated.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a communication program is
A computer including an input unit for inputting an instruction from a user, a communication unit for transmitting / receiving information, a display unit indicating a connection state with a device capable of transmitting / receiving the information, and a storage unit for storing data A communication program executed in
The information from the transmission and reception devices capable, a connection request notification reception step of receiving a connection request notification for requesting a connection to the communication unit,
A non-selection notification receiving step for causing the communication unit to receive a non-selection notification for making a non -selection state in which a process of connecting the computer to another device is not performed from a device capable of transmitting and receiving the information ;
In a state in which the storage unit even when receiving the connection request notification or the non-selected notification above is not already enabled stores notifications these received, receiving the connection request notification Then, the display mode of the display unit A display mode change step to be changed ,
When an instruction to authorize the connection of the computer with the connection request device that has transmitted the connection request notification is input to the input unit, said computer in response to a connection request notification thus received are connectable a connection acceptance notice to indicate a connection acceptance notice transmitting step Ru is transmitted to the communication unit to the connection request device,
In a state where the storage unit still stores the connection request notification or the non-selection notification received earlier, from a device different from the device that has transmitted the connection request notification or the non-selection notification, When the new connection request notification is received, a connection rejection notification is sent to the device that has transmitted the new connection request notification to indicate that the computer refuses to respond to the received new connection request notification. a connection rejection notification transmission step of causing the computer to perform.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the recording medium is a medium on which a communication program is recorded.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a communication system includes:
A communication system including a plurality of communication devices capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from each other,
Each of the plurality of communication devices is
An input unit for inputting instructions from the user;
A communication unit for transmitting and receiving the information;
A display unit indicating a connection state with any of the plurality of communication devices;
A storage unit for storing data;
A control unit that performs processing according to an instruction from the input unit and controls the communication unit and the display unit;
The control unit of the first communication device, which is one of the plurality of communication devices,
A connection request notification for requesting connection to the second communication device, which is one of the plurality of communication devices, selected by the instruction input to the input unit of the own communication device, A connection request notification transmission means for transmitting to the communication unit of the communication device;
A non-selection notification is sent to a communication device other than the self-communication device that has not been selected by the input instruction, so as not to execute a process of connecting the communication device to any one of the plurality of communication devices. A non-selection notification transmitting means for transmitting to the communication unit of the communication device,
The controller of the second communication device is
Even if the connection request notification or the non-selection notification is received first, the connection request notification is sent from the first communication device in a state where the storage unit of the communication device does not already store the received notification. Display mode changing means for changing the display mode of the display unit of the communication device,
When an instruction for approving the connection of the communication device with the first communication device is input to the input unit of the communication device, the communication device can be connected in response to the received connection request notification. A connection acceptance notification transmitting means for causing the first communication device to transmit the connection acceptance notification to the communication unit of the own communication device,
The control unit of the first communication device receives the connection acceptance notification from the second communication device, and an instruction for approving the connection of the own communication device with the second communication device is received by the own communication device. A connection communication device determining means for determining the second communication device as a connection communication device to which the own communication device is connected when input to the input unit;
The second communication device in a state where the storage unit still stores the connection request notification received earlier, or the storage unit still stores the non-selection notification received earlier. When a new communication request notification is received from another communication device among the plurality of communication devices, the communication device in the state is different from the first communication device. A connection rejection notification transmitting means for transmitting a connection rejection notification for indicating rejection of responding to the connection request notification to the communication unit of the communication device that has transmitted the new connection request notification. Prepare.

The communication device according to the present invention provides a connection request notification for requesting a connection from a device capable of transmitting and receiving information or a non-selection notification for entering a non-selection state in which processing for connecting the own communication device to another device is not executed. Even if it is received, if the connection request notification is received when the storage unit of the communication device does not already store the received notification, the display mode of the display unit of the communication device is changed, and the connection request A connection acceptance notification for indicating that the local communication device can be connected in response to the received connection request notification when an instruction to approve the connection of the local communication device with the connection request device that has transmitted the notification is input. Is transmitted to the connection requesting device.

Therefore, by changing the display mode of the display unit, that there is a connection request user can easily recognize. Further, in response to the connection request , it is possible to connect to the connection requesting device that has transmitted the connection request notification only when the device that has received the connection request notification is instructed to approve the connection . As a result, it is possible to provide a communication device that can be connected safely and easily.

The communication program according to the present invention receives a connection request notification for requesting a connection from a device capable of transmitting and receiving information or a non-selection notification for not performing a process of connecting a computer to another device. If the connection request notification is received when the storage unit of the computer has not yet effectively stored the received notification, the connection that has sent the connection request notification by changing the display mode of the display unit of the computer When an instruction for approving the connection of the computer to the requesting device is input, a connection acceptance notification indicating that the computer can be connected is transmitted to the connection requesting device in response to the received connection request notification .

Therefore, by changing the display mode of the display unit, that there is a connection request user can easily recognize. Further, in response to the connection request , it is possible to connect to the connection requesting device that has transmitted the connection request notification only when the computer that has received the connection request notification is instructed to approve the connection . As a result, it is possible to provide a communication device that can be connected safely and easily.

The recording medium according to the present invention records a communication program. Communication program, the computer even received the non-selection notification to the connection request notification or computer for requesting connection information from the reception apparatus capable of the non-selected state without executing the process of connecting to other devices When the connection request notification is received in a state in which the storage unit has not already stored these received notifications, the display mode of the computer display unit is changed, and the connection request device that has transmitted the connection request notification When an instruction for approving the connection of the computer is input, a connection acceptance notification indicating that the computer can be connected is transmitted to the connection requesting device in response to the received connection request notification .

Therefore, by changing the display mode of the display unit, that there is a connection request user can easily recognize. Further, in response to the connection request , it is possible to connect to the connection requesting device that has transmitted the connection request notification only when the computer that has received the connection request notification is instructed to approve the connection . As a result, it is possible to provide a communication device that can be connected safely and easily.
In the communication system according to the present invention,
The first communication device, which is one of the plurality of communication devices capable of transmitting and receiving information, is one of the plurality of communication devices selected by an instruction from the user input to the input unit of the own communication device. 2 transmits a connection request notification for requesting a connection with the communication device to the communication device 2 and communicates to a communication device other than the communication device that is not selected and selected according to the input instruction from the user. A non-selection notification is transmitted to enter a non-selection state in which processing for connecting the device to one of a plurality of communication devices is not executed.
Even if the second communication device receives the connection request notification or the non-selection notification first, the second communication device is connected from the first communication device in a state where the storage unit of the communication device does not already store the received notification. When the request notification is received, the display mode of the display unit of the communication device is changed, and when an instruction to approve the connection of the communication device with the first communication device is input to the input unit of the communication device, In response to the received connection request notification, a connection acceptance notification indicating that the communication device can be connected is transmitted to the first communication device.
The first communication device receives a connection acceptance notification from the second communication device, and an instruction to approve the connection of the own communication device with the second communication device is input to the input unit of the own communication device Then, the second communication device is determined as the connection communication device to which the own communication device is connected.
The second communication device in which the storage unit still stores the connection request notification received earlier, or the communication device in the state in which the storage unit still stores the non-selection notification received earlier. When a new connection request notification is received from another communication device of the plurality of communication devices different from the first communication device, the host communication device refuses to respond to the new connection request notification received. The connection rejection notification is transmitted to the communication device that has transmitted the new connection request notification.
Therefore, the communication device that has received the non-selection notification cannot perform processing to connect to another communication device, and the communication that has received the connection acceptance notification from the communication device that has received the connection request notification and has transmitted the connection request notification. Only when the user approves the connection at the device, the communication device that has received the connection request notification is determined as the connection destination, so that a communication device that can be connected safely and easily can be provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a data communication system 1000 according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a data communication system 1000 includes a communication device 100 and communication devices 120.1, 120.2, 120.3,. In the following, the communication devices 120.1, 120.2, 120.3,... Are also collectively referred to as the communication device 120.

  The communication device 100 is a device that includes a display unit for a user to view content. The communication device 100 is, for example, a television, a monitor, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance) or the like.

  The communication device 120 is, for example, a video server that stores content.

  The communication device 100 includes a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, a communication unit 103, an input unit 104, a display unit 105, and a timer 106.

  The control unit 101 has a function of controlling each unit in the communication device 100 and performing arithmetic processing. The control unit 101 is connected to the storage unit 102, the communication unit 103, the input unit 104, the display unit 105, and the timer 106.

  The control unit 101 includes a microprocessor, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), which is an LSI (Large Scale Integration) that can be programmed, and an ASIC (Application, which is an integrated circuit designed and manufactured for a specific application. Specific Integrated Circuit) or any other circuit having an arithmetic function may be used.

  The storage unit 102 is accessed by the control unit 101. The storage unit 102 is a hard disk capable of storing a large amount of data. The storage unit 102 is not limited to a hard disk, and may be a medium (for example, a flash memory) that can hold data without being supplied with power.

  That is, the storage unit 102 uses an EEPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) capable of erasing and writing the memory any number of times, an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) capable of being electrically rewritten, and ultraviolet rays. Any of a UV-EPROM (Ultra-Violet Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) capable of erasing and rewriting stored contents any number of times and a circuit having a configuration capable of storing and storing data in a nonvolatile manner may be used.

  The storage unit 102 stores registration information 111, content 112, a communication program 180B, and the like.

  The content 112 is data obtained by digitizing content such as sound, a still image, and a moving image.

  The registration information 111 is information for registering a communication device capable of transmitting or receiving the content 112 and performing authentication when starting data communication.

  The communication program 180B is a program for causing the control unit 101 to perform predetermined processing. The control unit 101 performs various processes, arithmetic processes, and the like for the respective units inside the communication apparatus 100 in accordance with the communication program 180B.

  The communication unit 103 is a communication interface having a function of exchanging data with the communication device 120.

  The communication unit 103 may be any of wireless LAN standards IEEE802.11a, IEEE802.11b, IEEE802.11g, and other communication interfaces that perform data communication using wireless technology or wired LAN technology.

  The input unit 104 is an interface for the user to operate the communication device 100. The input unit 104 is an interface through which a user can perform input such as a slide switch, a button switch, a touch panel, a keyboard, buttons mounted on a remote controller, a mouse, and the like.

  The display unit 105 displays an image according to an instruction from the control unit 101. The display unit 105 is a liquid crystal display (LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an FED (Field Emission Display), a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), an organic EL display (Organic Electroluminescence Display), a dot matrix, etc. Any other display device of an image display method may be used.

  In addition, the display unit 105 may be a light emitter that turns on light, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

  The timer 106 manages a timer counter value for managing time. The initial value of the timer counter value is set to “0”. The timer counter value is incremented by “1” every predetermined time (for example, 1 second). The control unit 101 can know the elapsed time by reading the timer counter value from the timer 106.

  The communication device 120 is different from the communication device 100 in that it includes a control unit 121 instead of the control unit 101, a point including a storage unit 122 instead of the storage unit 102, and a communication unit 123 instead of the communication unit 103. , A point including an input unit 124 instead of the input unit 104, a point including a display unit 125 instead of the display unit 105, and a point including a timer 126 instead of the timer 106.

  The storage unit 122 is different from the storage unit 102 in that the communication program 180A is stored instead of the communication program 180B. Since the other configuration is the same as that of communication apparatus 100, detailed description will not be repeated.

  The control unit 121 performs various types of processing, arithmetic processing, and the like for each unit inside the communication device 120 in accordance with the communication program 180A stored in the storage unit 122. Other than that, since it has the same function as the control part 101, detailed description is not repeated. The storage unit 122 stores registration information 131 instead of the registration information 111 as compared to the storage unit 102. The registration information 131 is information for registering a communication device capable of transmitting or receiving the content 112 stored in the storage unit 122 and performing authentication when starting data communication. Other information stored in the storage unit 122 and the function of the storage unit 122 are the same as those of the storage unit 102, and thus detailed description will not be repeated.

  Since communication unit 123 has the same function as communication unit 103, detailed description will not be repeated. Since input unit 124 has the same function as input unit 104, detailed description will not be repeated. Since display unit 125 has the same function as display unit 105, detailed description will not be repeated. Since timer 126 has the same function as timer 106, detailed description will not be repeated.

  The communication device 120 has a function of transmitting the content 112 stored in the storage unit 122 to the communication device 100 in response to a request from the communication device 100. In addition, the communication device 100 stores the desired content in the storage unit 102 out of the content 112 stored in the storage unit 122 of the communication device 120, displays the desired content on the display unit 105, or displays the desired content. The content is output from a speaker (not shown) or the like.

  Note that the communication device 100 has a function that prevents the content 112 stored in the storage unit 122 of the communication device 120 from being received unless a predetermined registration process is performed. Similarly to the communication device 100, the communication device 120 also has a function that cannot receive the content 112 stored in the storage unit 102 of the communication device 100 unless a predetermined registration process is performed.

  Specifically, before starting data communication, the communication device 100 transmits data equivalent to the registration information 131 to the communication device 120. The communication device 120 compares the received data with the content stored in the storage unit 122 to confirm that they match (authentication processing), and then transmits (or receives) the content 112 to the communication device 100. To do.

  In addition, the communication device 120 transmits data equivalent to the registration information 111 to the communication device 100. The communication device 100 compares the received data with the content stored in the storage unit 102 to confirm that they match (authentication processing), and then transmits (or receives) the content 112 to the communication device 120. To do.

  Hereinafter, a registration process performed between the communication device 120 and the communication device 100 will be specifically described. The registration process in the communication apparatus 100 is a process for registering a communication apparatus that permits transmission of the content 112 stored in the storage unit 102. The registration process in the communication device 120 is a process of registering a communication device that permits transmission of the content 112 stored in the storage unit 122.

  In addition, when communication is performed between the communication device 100 and the communication device 120, the content 112 is encrypted. Therefore, the registration process includes a process for determining key information and the like used for encryption and storing information necessary for both the communication device 100 and the communication device 120.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing registration processing executed by communication apparatus 100 and communication apparatus 120 of data communication system 1000 according to the present embodiment.

  Note that the processing of the communication apparatus 100 described below is executed by the control unit 101 operating according to the communication program 180B stored in the storage unit 102. The processing of the communication device 120 described below is executed by the control unit 121 operating according to the communication program 180A stored in the storage unit 122.

  In addition, devices other than devices that operate in accordance with the communication program 180A or the communication program 180B cannot perform data communication with the communication device 120 or the communication device 100 by processing described later.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing information exchanged between the communication device 100 and the communication device 120 in the processing performed in the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, processing performed in the flowchart of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In step S01, the control unit 121 of the communication apparatus 120 determines whether there is a registration start instruction that is an instruction to start the registration process. Specifically, it is determined by control unit 121 whether or not the user has performed an operation (hereinafter also referred to as a registration start operation) for issuing a registration start instruction by input unit 124.

  If it is determined in step S01 that the user has performed a registration start operation, the following processing is performed, and then processing in step S02 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S01 that the user has not performed the registration start operation, the process of step S01 is performed again.

  When the input unit 124 is a slide switch, the input unit 124 transmits an input signal to the control unit 121 when the user slides a switch for instructing registration start to a predetermined position. In this case, the operation for the user to slide the switch to a predetermined position is the registration start operation.

  When the input unit 124 is a button-type switch, the input unit 124 transmits an input signal to the control unit 121 when the user presses a button for instructing registration start. In this case, the operation for the user to press the button is the registration start operation.

  At this time, when the input signal transmitted from the input unit 124 continues for a predetermined time or more, it may be determined that the user has performed a registration start operation. This predetermined time (hereinafter also referred to as “predetermined time”) can be appropriately determined by the system administrator in consideration of the system conditions, including those described later, and does not depend on the system or equipment. Absent.

  Further, the predetermined time may be different between the operations described later, or the predetermined time in one operation may be the same as the predetermined time in another operation, and is not particularly limited. .

  When the input unit 124 is a button mounted on a remote controller, a mouse, or the like, when the user presses the button, an input signal is transmitted to the control unit 121 of the communication device 120 via infrared communication or a signal line. Communicated. In this case, an operation in which the user presses a button mounted on a remote controller or a mouse is a registration start operation.

  Note that the communication device 120 may broadcast a connection preparation completion notification from the communication unit 123 on the network after determining that the user has performed a registration start operation. In addition, the network in this embodiment is a network including a plurality of devices within a distance where signals can be transmitted and received wirelessly. Note that the network may be a network formed by a plurality of devices connected to each other by wire instead of wirelessly.

  Then, the control unit 121 performs a process of setting the communication device 120 to a state where communication signals from other devices can be received from the communication unit 123 (hereinafter, also referred to as a reception waiting state).

  Next, the control unit 121 reads a timer counter value from the timer 126. At this time, the timer counter value is assumed to be “1”, for example. The timer counter value is incremented by “1” every predetermined time (for example, 1 second) after the control unit 121 determines that the user has performed a registration start operation. Thereafter, the process of step S02 is performed.

  In step S02, the control unit 121 determines whether or not the reception waiting time is longer than a predetermined time. Specifically, control unit 121 determines whether or not the timer counter value read in step S01 is greater than a predetermined value (for example, “20”). If it is determined in step S02 that the timer counter value is not greater than the predetermined value, the process of step S03 is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S02 that the timer counter value is larger than the predetermined value, the control unit 121 cancels the reception waiting state of the communication device 120, and the process of step S01 is performed again.

  In step S03, it is determined whether there is a registration stop instruction for instructing to cancel the registration process. Specifically, it is determined by the control unit 121 whether or not the user has performed an operation (hereinafter also referred to as a registration cancellation operation) for issuing a registration cancellation instruction by the input unit 124.

  The registration cancellation operation is an operation in which the user presses a button for issuing a registration cancellation instruction, for example.

  If it is determined in step S03 that the user has not performed the registration cancel operation, the process of step S04 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S03 that the user has performed a registration cancel operation, the control unit 121 cancels the reception waiting state of the communication device 120, and the process of step S01 is performed again.

  It should be noted that the input units 124 used in the processes after step S01, step S03, and step S03 may be physically different from each other. Further, the display unit 125 may change the display when the communication device 120 enters the reception waiting state and when the communication device 120 is released from the reception waiting state.

  As an example of display change control, when the display unit 125 is a light emitter, the light emitter is turned on when the communication device 120 is in a reception standby state, and the light emission is performed when the communication device 120 is released from the reception standby state. This is a control to turn off the body.

  As another example of the display change control, when the display unit 125 is a light emitter, the lighting pattern of the light emitter is changed from a constant lighting to a lighting pattern that repeats turning on and off (the control unit 101 displays the display 125). (Repeating not sending the lighting signal for a predetermined time after sending the lighting signal for a predetermined time).

  Further, as another example of the display change control, when the display unit 125 is a light emitter, control for changing the lighting time and the light extinction time when the light emitter is blinked (the lighting time is set to “0” seconds, (Including the case where the turn-off time is set to “0” seconds).

  Further, as another example of the display change control, when the display unit 125 is a light emitter, a light emitter having a color different from that of the light emitter that is lit is turned on, or at least one of the light emitters that are lit is turned off. It is control to do.

  Further, as another example of display change control, when the display unit 125 is an image display type display device, the state of the communication device 120 is displayed on the display unit 125 in characters, and the character string to be displayed is changed. It is.

  While the communication device 120 performs the above-described processing, the communication device 100 performs the following processing.

  In step S21, the control unit 101 of the communication apparatus 100 determines whether there is a registration start instruction that is an instruction to start the registration process. Specifically, the control unit 101 determines whether the user has performed a registration start operation similar to that described above using the input unit 104.

  If it is determined in step S21 that the user has performed a registration start operation, the process of step S22 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S21 that the user has not performed the registration start operation, the process of step S21 is performed again.

  In step S22, the communication device 100 broadcasts a signal PA including a connection preparation confirmation notification for searching for a device in a connectable state from the communication unit 103 to the network in order to search for a device to be registered. (See FIG. 3). In the following, a device that broadcasts a signal PA including a connection preparation confirmation notification on the network is also referred to as a connection preparation confirmation notification transmission device. Thereafter, the process of step S23 is performed.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating signals exchanged between the communication device 120 and the communication device 100.

  FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a signal PA including a connection preparation confirmation notification. The signal PA includes a broadcast MAC address, a transmission source MAC address, data length data, protocol type data that is protocol data for registering a device, and command type data.

  The broadcast MAC address is an address used for transmitting data to all devices in the network. The connection preparation confirmation notification is included in the command type data.

  1, 2, and 3 again, in communication device 120, in step S <b> 04, control unit 121 determines whether or not signal PA including a connection preparation confirmation notification has been received.

  If it is determined in step S04 that the signal PA has been received, the process of step S05 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S04 that the signal PA has not been received, the process of step S05A described later is performed.

  In step S05, the communication device 120 transmits the signal PB including the connection preparation completion notification indicating that the communication device 120 can communicate (connect) with another device (the communication device). 100) (see FIG. 3).

  FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a signal PB including a connection preparation completion notification. The signal PB includes a transmission destination MAC address, a transmission source MAC address, data length data, protocol type data, and command type data. The connection preparation completion notification is included in the command type data.

  The signal PB further includes device type number data that is device-specific data, manufacturer number data, and device model number data.

  1, 2, and 3 again, in communication apparatus 100, in step S <b> 23, communication unit 103 receives signal PB including a connection preparation completion notification. The process of receiving signal PB is performed for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds). Thereafter, the process of step S24 is performed.

  In step S24, it is determined whether or not the control unit 101 has received a signal PB including a connection preparation completion notification from a plurality of different devices. That is, in step S24, it is determined whether or not there are a plurality of devices to be selected.

  If it is determined in step S24 that there are a plurality of devices to be selected, the process of step S25 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S24 that there are not a plurality of devices to be selected, a process in step S28 described later is performed.

  In step S25, the control unit 101 causes the display unit 105 to display a list or images indicating a plurality of selection target devices. Thereafter, the process of step S26 is performed.

  In step S26, it is determined whether there is a device selection instruction. Specifically, whether or not the user has selected one or more devices to be registered from a list or an image indicating a plurality of selection target devices displayed on the display unit 105 using the input unit 104. Is determined by the control unit 101.

  If it is determined in step S26 that a device selection instruction has been issued, the process of step S27 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S26 that there is no device selection instruction, the process of step S26 is performed again.

  In step S27, a signal PC including a non-selection notification is transmitted to the devices not selected in step S26 (for example, communication device 120.2, communication device 120.3) (see FIG. 3). The non-selection notification is a notification for setting the received device to a non-selection state in which processing for connecting to another device is not executed.

  In the following, a device that has transmitted a signal PC including a non-selection notification is also referred to as a non-selection notification transmission device. In the following, a device that receives a signal PC including a non-selection notification and is set to a non-selected state is also referred to as a non-selected state device.

  FIG. 4C shows a signal PC including a non-selection notification. The signal PC is different from the signal PB in the notification included in the command type data. The command type data includes a non-selection notification. Since the other data configuration is the same as that of signal PB, detailed description will not be repeated.

  Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 again, in step S27, a connection request notification for requesting connection to the device (hereinafter also referred to as a selected device) selected by the user in step S26. The included signal PD may be broadcast on the network. In this case, when the signal PD is received by a device other than the one selected by the user (hereinafter also referred to as a non-selected device), the non-selected device (for example, the communication device 120.2 and the communication device 120.3) The PD is regarded as the above-mentioned non-selection notification. In the following, the device that transmitted the signal PD is also referred to as a non-selection notification transmission device. In the following description, a device that receives the signal PD as a non-selection notification and is set to a non-selected state is also referred to as a non-selected state device.

  FIG. 4D is a diagram showing a signal PD including a connection request notification. The signal PD is different from the signal PC in that it includes a broadcast MAC address instead of a transmission destination address, and further includes a selected device MAC address. The selected device MAC address is the MAC address of the device selected by the user.

  The signal PD is further different from the signal PC in the notification included in the command type data. The command type data includes a connection request notification. Since the other data configuration is the same as that of signal PC, detailed description will not be repeated.

  Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 again, the non-selected device (for example, communication device 120.2, communication device 120.3) that has received signal PD receives another signal after receiving signal PD. Even if a signal including a connection request notification from is received, the processing based on the connection request notification is not performed.

  In addition, when a device that is in a non-selected state receives a signal that further includes a connection request notification from a device other than the device that has transmitted the signal including the non-selection notification, the device including the connection request notification is output. A signal including a connection rejection notification indicating that communication with the transmitted device is not performed is returned to the device that transmitted the signal including the connection request notification. When the process of step S27 ends, the process of step S28 is performed.

  When step S28 is performed after the process of step S27 and only one device is selected by the user, in step S28, the control unit 101 requests connection to the device selected by the user in step S26. A signal PE including the connection request notification is transmitted from the communication unit 103 (see FIG. 3).

  If it is determined in step S24 that there are not a plurality of devices to be selected and the processing in step S28 is performed, in step S28, the device that has transmitted the signal PB including the connection preparation completion notification is set as the registration target. To do. Then, the control unit 101 transmits a signal PE including a connection request notification from the communication unit 103 to the device to be registered (see FIG. 3). In the following, a device that transmits a signal PE including a connection request notification is also referred to as a connection request notification transmission device.

  If step S28 is performed after the process of step S27 and there are a plurality of devices selected by the user, if the processing after step S28A described later is performed for each of the selected devices, the processing is performed at a time. Registration processing can be performed for a plurality of devices.

  FIG. 4E shows a signal PE including a connection request notification. The signal PE is different from the signal PB in the notification included in the command type data. The command type data includes a connection request notification. Since the other data configuration is the same as that of signal PB, detailed description will not be repeated.

  Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 again, communication apparatus 120 performs step S05A after step S05 described above.

  In step S05A, control unit 121 determines whether or not signal PC including a non-selection notification has been received.

  If it is determined in step S05A that the signal PC has been received, the process of step S100 described later is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S05A that the signal PC has not been received, the process of step S06 is performed.

  In step S06, the control unit 121 determines whether a signal PE including a connection request notification has been received.

  If it is determined in step S06 that signal PE has been received, control unit 121 reads the timer counter value from timer 126. Then, the control unit 121 transmits the read timer counter value and the data indicating that the timer counter value is based on the connection request notification (hereinafter also referred to as connection request notification data) to the connection described above. The information is stored in the storage unit 122 in association with a unique identification number (MAC address or the like) possessed by the request notification transmission device. Thereafter, the process of step S07 is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S06 that the signal PE has not been received, the process of step S02 is performed again.

  When the signal PE including the connection request notification is received from a communication device different from the connection preparation confirmation notification transmission device described above, the control unit 121 performs processing for setting the communication device 120 to a reception waiting state. Thereafter, the timer counter value is read from the timer 126. Then, the process of step S02 is performed again.

  In step S07, the control unit 121 determines whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) has elapsed since the connection request notification was received. The process in step S07 is performed for all connection request notifications corresponding to all the connection request notification data stored in the storage unit 122 in association with each device.

  If it is determined in step S07 that at least one of all the connection request notifications has passed a predetermined time since reception of the connection request notification, the process of step S07A is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S07 that none of the connection request notifications has passed a predetermined time since reception of the connection request notification, the process of step S08 is performed.

  In step S07A, connection request notification invalidation processing is performed.

  In the connection request notification invalidation process, in step S06, the control unit 121 stores the timer counter value and the connection request notification data stored in the storage unit 122 corresponding to all the connection request notifications determined to have passed a predetermined time since reception. to erase. As a result, the connection request notification from the device corresponding to the deleted connection request notification data becomes invalid. When the process of step S07A ends, the process of step S08 is performed.

  By the processing of steps S07 and S07A, the control unit 121 invalidates the connection request notification when a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the connection request notification. Therefore, the communication device cannot accept a connection request from another device for a certain period of time after receiving the connection request notification. However, after that, unless there is a valid selection notification of the other device, it will be described later. There is an effect that the communication apparatus can accept a connection request from another device without receiving a non-selection release notification.

  In step S08, it is determined whether there is already a connection request notification. Specifically, valid connection request notification data other than the connection request notification data corresponding to the connection request notification (hereinafter also referred to as latest connection request notification) received by the control unit 121 in step S06 is stored in the storage unit 122. It is determined whether or not it is stored.

  If it is determined in step S08 that valid connection request notification data other than the connection request notification data corresponding to the latest connection request notification is not stored in the storage unit 122, the process of step S09 is performed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S08 that valid connection request notification data other than the connection request notification data corresponding to the latest connection request notification is stored in the storage unit 122, a process of step S11 described later is performed.

  In step S09, display change processing is performed. In the display change process, a connection request notification reception process is performed.

  The connection request notification reception process is a process that indicates that the connection request notification has been received and prompts the user to approve the connection (hereinafter also referred to as a connection approval instruction).

  As an example of the connection request notification reception process, when the display unit 125 is a light emitter, the light emitter is repeatedly turned on and off every 0.5 seconds, for example.

  As an example of the connection request notification reception process, when the display unit 125 is an image display type display device, the control unit 121 indicates that the display unit 125 has received a connection request notification to the user. This is a process for displaying an image prompting connection approval (hereinafter also referred to as a connection request notification image).

  In the connection request notification image, for example, information obtained by the connection request notification (for example, the manufacturer name or model number of the communication device) is displayed.

  Then, the communication device 120 is set to a connection approval instruction reception state in which the control unit 121 receives a connection approval instruction from the user through the input unit 124.

  Note that when the communication device 120 enters the connection approval instruction acceptance state, the control unit 121 reads the timer counter value from the timer 126. Thereafter, the process of step S10 is performed.

  In step S10, it is determined whether there is a connection approval instruction. Specifically, the control unit 121 determines whether or not the user has performed an operation (hereinafter also referred to as a connection approval operation) for performing a connection approval instruction by the input unit 124.

  When it is determined in step S10 that the user has performed a connection approval operation, the control unit 121 cancels the connection approval instruction reception state of the communication device 120. Thereafter, the process of step S12 described later is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 that the user has not performed the connection approval operation, the process of step S10A is performed.

  When the input unit 124 is, for example, a button switch, the input unit 124 transmits an input signal to the control unit 121 when the user presses a button for issuing a connection approval instruction. In this case, an operation in which the user presses the button is a connection approval operation. Note that an operation in which a user presses a button for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) or longer may be a connection approval operation.

  Further, when the input unit 124 is, for example, a button-type switch, a button for releasing the connection approval instruction acceptance state of the communication device 120 may be provided on the input unit 124. In this case, when the user presses a button for canceling the connection approval instruction reception state, the control unit 121 cancels the connection approval instruction reception state of the communication device 120, and the process of S11 described later is performed.

  When the communication device 120 is set to the connection approval instruction acceptance state and the signal PC including the non-selection notification is received, at that time, the control unit 121 causes the communication device 120 to accept the connection approval instruction acceptance state. May be released, and a signal PF including a connection rejection notification may be transmitted to the connection request notification transmitting device.

  In step S <b> 10 </ b> A, the control unit 121 determines whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed since the communication device 120 was set in the connection approval instruction acceptance state.

  If it is determined in step S10A that the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 121 cancels the connection approval instruction acceptance state of the communication device 120, and the process of step S11 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10A that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process of step S10 is performed again.

  Note that the passage of a predetermined time after the communication device 120 is set to the connection approval instruction acceptance state means that the user has not accepted the connection request notification.

  In step S11, the control unit 121 uses the communication unit 123 to transmit a signal PF including a connection rejection notification indicating that communication with the connection request notification transmission device is rejected to the connection request notification transmission device ( (See FIG. 3). Hereinafter, the connection request notification transmission device that has transmitted the signal PF including the connection rejection notification is also referred to as a connection rejection device.

  Note that when the signal PF including the connection rejection notification is transmitted, display change processing may be performed in the display unit 125.

  As an example of the display change process of the display unit 125, when the display unit 125 is an issuer, the issuer is turned off.

  As an example of the display change process of the display unit 125, when the display unit 125 is a display device of an image display method, the control unit 121 displays an image indicating that the display unit 125 has refused a connection request notification to the user. (Hereinafter, also referred to as a connection request notification rejection image) is displayed.

  If the control unit 121 determines in steps S06, S08, and S11 that the latest connection request notification has been received and there is already a valid connection request notification, the connection rejection notification is sent to the device that has transmitted the latest connection request notification. Send.

  Therefore, the device that has received the connection rejection notification has the device that sent the latest connection request notification already selected as a connection destination from another device, or there is another device that is performing connection destination selection work nearby. There is an effect that it becomes possible to know what is.

  FIG. 4F is a diagram illustrating a signal PF including a connection rejection notification. The signal PF is different from the signal PB in that it does not include device type number data, manufacturer number data, and device type number data.

  The signal PF is different from the signal PB in the notification included in the command type data. The command type data includes a connection rejection notification. Since the other data configuration is the same as that of signal PB, detailed description will not be repeated.

  Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 again, communication apparatus 120 transmits signal PF including a connection refusal notice, and then controller 121 cancels the connection approval instruction acceptance state.

  When the connection approval instruction acceptance state of the communication device 120 is released, the control unit 121 causes the storage unit 122 to store information in the received connection request notification (hereinafter also referred to as connection request notification information). Processing may be performed.

  When the processing is performed, a signal including the connection request notification from the connection request notification transmission device again after a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) has elapsed since the connection request notification information was stored in the storage unit 122. When the PE is received, the control unit 121 determines whether the information in the connection request notification is the same as the connection request notification information stored in the storage unit 122.

  When the control unit 121 determines that they are the same (that is, when the signal PE including the connection request notification is transmitted from the connection refusal device), the control unit 121 adds the signal PE received from the connection refusal device to the signal PE. The communication device 120 is set in a state in which the connection request notification based on the request is invalidated and a signal including a connection request notification from another device can be received.

  If the controller 121 determines that they are not identical (that is, the signal PE is transmitted from a communication device that is not a connection refusal device), the process of step S07 is performed again.

  If it is determined in step S05A described above that the signal PC including the non-selection notification has been received, the process of step S100 is performed.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed when communication apparatus 120 receives signal PC including a non-selection notification.

  Referring to FIG. 5, in step S100, a non-selected state setting process is performed.

  In the non-selection state setting process, the control unit 121 sets the communication device 120 to a non-selection state. That is, the communication device 120 becomes a non-selected state device. When the communication device 120 is set to the non-selected state, the control unit 121 monitors the passage of time based on the timer counter value of the timer 126. Thereafter, the process of step S102 is performed.

  In step S102, data storage processing is performed.

  In the data storage process, control unit 121 reads a timer counter value from timer 126. Then, the control unit 121 transmits the read timer counter value and data indicating that the timer counter value is based on the non-selection notification (hereinafter also referred to as non-selection notification data) to The information is stored in the storage unit 122 in association with the unique identification number of the selection notification transmission device. Thereafter, the process of step S110 is performed.

  In step S110, the control unit 121 determines whether or not a signal PE newly including a connection request notification has been received from the above-described non-selection notification transmission device.

  If it is determined in step S110 that the signal PE has been received from the non-selection notification transmitter, the process of step S112 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S110 that the signal PE has not been received from the non-selection notification transmission device, the processing in step S120 described later is performed.

  In step S112, non-selection notification invalidation processing is performed.

  In the non-selection notification invalidation process, the control unit 121 deletes the timer counter value and the non-selection notification data corresponding to the non-selection notification transmission device stored in the storage unit 122, so that the non-selection notification data corresponding to the non-selection notification data is deleted. The non-selection notification from the selection notification transmission device is invalidated. Thereafter, the process of step S124 is performed.

  By receiving the connection request notification from the non-selection notification transmission device (communication device 100), the control unit 121 invalidates the non-selection notification from the non-selection notification transmission device (communication device 100) by the processing of steps S110 and S112. Is performed.

  Therefore, when the non-selection notification transmitting device (communication device 100) transmits the connection request notification to the same device (communication device 120) after transmitting the non-selection notification, the communication device 120 transmits the non-selection notification transmitted earlier. Since it is invalidated, a connection request from another device can be accepted if there is no valid non-selection notification of the other device.

  In step S124, it is determined whether all non-selection notifications are invalid. Specifically, the control unit 121 determines whether or not the timer counter value and non-selection notification data associated with each device are not stored in the storage unit 122. Note that the fact that the timer counter value and non-selection notification data associated with each device are not stored in the storage unit 122 means that all non-selection notifications are invalid.

  If it is determined in step S124 that all non-selection notifications are invalid, processing in step S126 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S124 that all non-selection notifications are not invalid, the process of step S110 is performed again.

  In step S126, a non-selected state release process is performed.

  In the non-selection state release process, the control unit 121 releases the non-selection state of the communication device 120. Thereafter, the process of step S02 is performed.

  If it is determined in step S110 described above that the signal PE has not been received from the non-selection notification transmitter, the process of step S120 is performed.

  In step S120, it is determined whether or not the control unit 121 has received a signal PH including a non-selection release notification described later from the non-selection notification transmitting device.

  If it is determined in step S120 that the signal PH has been received from the non-selection notification transmission device, the processing in step S122 described later is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S120 that the signal PH has not been received from the non-selection notification transmission device, the process of step S130 is performed.

  In step S130, the control unit 121 determines whether or not a connection request notification has been received from a device other than the non-selection notification transmission device (hereinafter also referred to as a connection request rejection device).

  If it is determined in step S130 that a connection request notification has been received from the connection request rejection device, the process of step S132 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the connection request notification has not been received from the connection request rejection device, the process of step S134 is performed.

  In step S132, the control unit 121 uses the communication unit 123 to transmit a signal PF including the above-described connection rejection notification to the connection request rejection device. Thereafter, the process of step S134 is performed.

  When the control unit 121 determines that the connection request notification has been received from the connection request rejecting device and the non-selection notification has been received through steps S130 and S132, the connection rejection notification is sent to the connection request rejecting device. Send.

  Therefore, the device that has received the connection rejection notification has already selected the device that sent the connection request notification as a connection destination from another device, has transmitted a non-selection notification, or is performing connection destination selection work. There is an effect that it is possible to know that another device exists in the vicinity.

  In step S134, the control unit 121 determines whether or not the signal PC including the non-selection notification has been received.

  If it is determined in step S134 that the signal PC has been received, the process of step S136 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S134 that the signal PC has not been received, the process of step S140 is performed.

  In step S136, data storage processing is performed.

  In the data storage process, control unit 121 reads a timer counter value from timer 126. Then, the control unit 121 stores the read timer counter value and the non-selection notification data in the storage unit 122 in association with the unique identification number of the non-selection notification transmission device that has transmitted the signal PC in step S134. Let Thereafter, the process of step S140 is performed.

  In step S140, control unit 121 determines whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) has elapsed since the reception of the non-selection notification. The process of step S140 is performed for all non-selection notifications corresponding to all the non-selection notification data stored in the storage unit 122 in association with each device.

  If it is determined in step S140 that at least one of all the non-selection notifications has passed the predetermined time since reception of the non-selection notification, the process of step S141 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S140 that none of the non-selection notifications have passed a predetermined time since the reception of the non-selection notification, the process of step S142 is performed.

  In step S141, non-selection notification invalidation processing is performed.

  In the non-selection notification invalidation process, in step S140, the control unit 121 stores the timer counter value and the non-selection notification data stored in the storage unit 122 respectively corresponding to all the non-selection notifications determined to have passed a predetermined time since reception. to erase. Thereby, the non-selection notification from the device corresponding to the erased non-selection notification data becomes invalid. When the process of step S141 ends, the process of step S142 is performed.

  In step S142, it is determined whether all non-selection notifications are invalid. Specifically, the control unit 121 determines whether or not the timer counter value and non-selection notification data associated with each device are not stored in the storage unit 122.

  If it is determined in step S142 that all non-selection notifications are invalid, processing in step S143 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S142 that all the non-selection notifications are not invalid, the process of step S110 is performed again.

  In step S143, a non-selection state canceling process is performed as in step S126 described above. Thereafter, the process of step S02 is performed again.

  By the processing in steps S140, 141, 142, and 143, the control unit 121 invalidates the non-selection notification when a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the non-selection notification. Therefore, the communication device cannot accept a connection request from another device for a certain period of time after receiving the non-selection notification. After that, if there is no valid non-selection notification of the other device, it will be described later. Thus, there is an effect that the communication apparatus can accept a connection request from another device without receiving the non-selection release notification.

  Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 again, communication device 120 performs the above-described processing, while communication device 100 performs the processing of step S28A after the processing of step S28.

  In step S <b> 28 </ b> A, the control unit 101 determines whether the communication unit 103 has received a signal PF including a connection rejection notification.

  If it is determined in step S28A that the signal PF including the connection refusal notification has been received, the process of step S34 described later is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S28A that the signal PF including the connection refusal notification has not been received, the process of step S29 described later is performed.

  While the communication device 100 performs the above-described processing, the communication device 120 performs the following processing.

  If it is determined in step S10 described above that the user has performed a connection approval operation, the process of step S12 is performed.

  In step S12, a display change process is performed.

  As an example of the display change process, when the display unit 125 is a light emitter, it is a process of turning on and off four times every 0.3 seconds and then turning on constantly.

  Further, as an example of the display change process, when the display unit 125 is an image display type display device, the control unit 121 causes the display unit 125 to display an image indicating that the user's connection approval operation has been accepted. It is. Thereafter, the process of step S13 is performed.

  In step S13, a signal PG including a connection acceptance notification indicating that the connection request from the connection request notification transmission device has been accepted is transmitted to the connection request notification transmission device (communication device 100) (see FIG. 3).

  FIG. 4G is a diagram illustrating a signal PG including a connection acceptance notification. The signal PG differs from the signal PF in the notification included in the command type data. The command type data includes a connection acceptance notification. Since the other data configuration is the same as that of signal PF, detailed description will not be repeated.

  Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 again, communication device 120 performs the above-described processing, while communication device 100 performs the processing in step S29 after the processing in step S28A.

  In step S29, the control unit 121 determines whether or not the signal PG including the connection acceptance notification has been received.

  If it is determined in step S29 that the signal PG has been received, the process of step S30 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S29 that the signal PG has not been received, the process of step S29 is performed again.

  In step S30, a post-confirmation connection approval instruction promotion process is performed. The post-confirmation connection approval instruction promoting process is a process of prompting a post-confirmation connection approval instruction for approving the connection after the user confirms the connection request notification reception process described above performed in step S09 of the communication device 120.

  As an example of the post-confirmation connection approval instruction promotion process, when the display unit 125 is a light emitter, the light emitter is repeatedly turned on and off every 2 seconds.

  As an example of the post-confirmation connection approval instruction promotion process, when the display unit 125 is an image display type display device, the control unit 121 displays an image that prompts the user for a post-confirmation connection approval instruction on the display unit 125. It is a process to make.

  Then, the communication device 120 is set to a post-confirmation connection approval instruction acceptance state in which the control unit 121 accepts a post-confirmation connection approval instruction from the user by the input unit 124. Thereafter, the process of step S31 is performed.

  In step S31, it is determined whether there is a connection approval instruction after confirmation. Specifically, it is determined by control unit 121 whether or not the user has performed an operation for performing a post-confirmation connection approval instruction (hereinafter also referred to as a post-confirmation connection approval operation) by input unit 124.

  If it is determined in step S31 that the user has performed a connection approval operation after confirmation, the control unit 101 cancels the connection confirmation instruction acceptance state after confirmation of the communication device 100. Thereafter, the process of step S32 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S31 that the user has not performed the connection approval operation after confirmation, the process of step S31 is performed again.

  The connection approval operation after confirmation is an operation in which, when the input unit 104 is a button type switch, for example, the user presses a button for issuing a connection approval instruction.

  In the present embodiment, processing is performed in the order of steps S29, S30, and S31, but the order of processing is not particularly limited. For example, processing may be performed in the order of steps S30, S31, and S29.

  In step S32, the connection destination is specified. And it connects with the specified connecting point. In the present embodiment, the connection destination of the communication device 100 is the communication device 120.1. Thereafter, the process of step S14B is performed.

  While the communication device 100 performs the above-described process, the communication device 120 performs the process of step S14A after the process of step S13 described above.

  In communication apparatus 100 and communication apparatus 120.1 connected to each other, in step S14B of communication apparatus 100 and in step S14A of communication apparatus 120, registration information transmission / reception processing (hereinafter also referred to as registration information transmission / reception processing) and Registration information storage processing (hereinafter also referred to as registration information storage processing) is performed.

  In the registration information transmission / reception process, transmission / reception processes of the registration information 111 and 131 are performed between the communication device 100 and the communication device 120.1. Hereinafter, the registration information 111 and 131 are also simply referred to as registration information. The registration information includes an identification number unique to the device, a public key, a shared secret key, and the like. That is, the registration information is information used for authentication by both or one of the communication device 100 and the communication device 120.1.

  The registration information may be transmitted together with a connection preparation confirmation notification, a connection preparation completion notification, a connection request notification, a connection acceptance notification, and the like.

  When the registration information transmission / reception process ends, in the communication apparatus 100, the control unit 101 performs a registration information storage process in which the registration information 111 is stored in the storage unit 102. In the communication device 120.1, the control unit 121 performs registration information storage processing for storing the registration information 131 in the storage unit 122.

  Note that the communication device 120 may perform a display process indicating completion of the registration information storage process on the display unit 125.

  Thereafter, in communication device 120, after the process of step S14A, the process of step S02 is performed again.

  While the communication device 120 performs the above-described process, the communication device 100 performs the process of step S34 after the process of step S14B.

  In step S34, the control unit 101 transmits a signal PH including a non-selection release notification for invalidating the non-selection notification based on the non-selection notification data stored in the storage unit 122 to the above-described non-selected state device. Is transmitted from the communication unit 103.

  The signal PH including the non-selection cancellation notification may be broadcast not only on the non-selected state device but also on the network.

  FIG. 4 (H) is a diagram illustrating a signal PH including a non-selection release notification. The signal PH is different from the signal PF in the notification included in the command type data. The command type data includes a non-selection release notification. Since the other data configuration is the same as that of signal PF, detailed description will not be repeated.

  Referring to FIG. 5 again, whether or not the communication unit 123 has received the signal PH including the non-selection cancellation notification transmitted from the communication apparatus 100 is performed in the above-described step S120.

  If it is determined in step S120 that the signal PH has been received, the process of step S122 is performed.

  In step S122, non-selection notification invalidation processing is performed.

  In the non-selection notification invalidation process, the control unit 121 deletes the timer counter value and the non-selection notification data corresponding to the non-selection notification transmission device stored in the storage unit 122. Thereby, the non-selection notification from the non-selection notification transmitting device corresponding to the erased non-selection notification data is invalidated. Thereafter, the process of step S124 described above is performed.

  By the processing in steps S120 and S122, the control unit 121 disables the non-selection notification from the non-selection notification transmitting device when receiving a non-selection release notification that invalidates the non-selection notification from the non-selection notification transmitting device. Processing is performed.

  Therefore, when the non-selection notification transmission device (communication device 100) transmits the non-selection release notification to the same device (communication device 120) after transmitting the non-selection notification, the communication device 120 transmits the non-selection notification transmitted first. Since the notification is invalidated, there is an effect that a connection request from another device can be accepted if there is no valid non-selection notification of the other device.

  In this embodiment, a connection preparation confirmation notification, a connection preparation completion notification, a connection request notification, a non-selection notification, a connection rejection notification, a connection acceptance notification, and a non-selection release notification are each included in one signal and transmitted. However, the plurality of notifications may be combined and transmitted as one packet.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the communication apparatus 100 transmits a connection request notification for requesting connection to the selected device to the selected device, and connects to another device to the non-selected device. A non-selection notification for making a non-selection state in which the processing to be performed is not executed is transmitted. Then, the communication device 100 receives a connection acceptance notification indicating that connection is possible in response to the transmitted connection request notification from the selected device, and when an instruction to approve connection with the selected device is input Determine the device as the connection destination.

  Therefore, the non-selected device cannot be connected to another device, and the selected device is determined as the connection destination only when the connection acceptance notification is received from the selected device and the user approves the connection.

  In addition, the device that has received the non-selection notification can know that it has not been selected by the user. In addition, it is possible to prevent a device that has received a non-selection notification from responding to a connection request from another device. In addition, only the selected device can respond to the connection request notification from the communication device.

  Further, even when the user mistakenly selects a device different from his / her intention (even if there is a connection request notification from an unintended device), the input from the input unit 124 is stopped to connect the selected device. It becomes possible to prevent the final determination.

  As a result, it is possible to provide a communication device that can be connected safely and easily.

  In the present embodiment, when the communication device 120 receives a new connection request notification from the communication device 100, the communication device 120 has not received a non-selection notification and has not received a connection request notification. The display mode of the display unit 125 is changed. In addition, when an instruction to approve connection by the user is input, a connection acceptance notification for indicating that connection is possible is transmitted to the communication apparatus 100.

  Therefore, the user can easily know that there is a connection request from the communication device 100 by changing the display mode of the display unit 125. Further, only when the connection is approved by the user in response to the connection request notification, the communication device 100 can be connected.

  In addition, the user can confirm that the device that has received the connection request notification is a selection target based on the display change of the display unit 125.

  Further, even when the user selects an incorrect device, the communication device 120 determines whether or not a non-selection notification has been received, thereby preventing display change of the display unit 125 due to reception of a connection request notification from another device. .

  Further, by stopping the input from the input unit 124, it is possible to prevent the connection acceptance notification from being transmitted without the user's permission.

  Further, the input unit 124 and the display unit 125 can be mounted with parts that are relatively small and inexpensive and can be easily handled by the user, such as buttons and LEDs.

  As a result, it is possible to provide a communication device that can be connected safely and easily.

<Modification of the first embodiment>
The present invention can also be applied to a personal computer (hereinafter also referred to as a PC (Personal Computer)). In that case, the communication program may be read from the recording medium in which the communication program 180A or the communication program 180B is recorded, installed in the PC, and the PC may be operated based on the communication program. Detailed description will be given below.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of PC 500 in the present embodiment. FIG. 6 also shows a communication unit 570 and a recording medium 555 for explanation. FIG. 6 shows a configuration when the communication program 180A is installed in the PC 500. In this case, the PC 500 operates as the communication device 120.

  Referring to FIG. 6, communication unit 570 exchanges data with a network in a wired or wireless manner. Communication unit 570 exchanges data with the network. The communication unit 570 is a communication interface (for example, a router) using Ethernet (registered trademark).

  The communication unit 570 is the same interface as the communication unit 330 described above. Therefore, detailed description will not be repeated.

  A display unit 530, a mouse 542, and a keyboard 544 are connected to the PC 500.

  Display unit 530 displays an image based on the image data output from PC 500. The display unit 530 is a display device similar to the display unit 105 described above. Therefore, detailed description will not be repeated.

  The mouse 542 is an interface for the user to operate the PC 500. The keyboard 544 is an interface for the user to operate the PC 500.

  The PC 500 includes a control unit 510, a data temporary storage unit 522, a storage unit 520, a communication unit 560, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 532, a CGROM (Character Graphic Read Only Memory) 534, and a VRAM (Video Random Access). Memory) 536, an input unit 540, and a recording medium access unit 550.

  The CGROM 534 stores image data for generating an image to be displayed on the display unit 530 such as font data and graphic data.

  The storage unit 520 stores a communication program 180A for causing the control unit 510 to perform predetermined processing, and other various data. The storage unit 520 is accessed by the control unit 510. The storage unit 520 is the same device as the storage unit 102 described above.

  Control unit 510 has a function of performing various types of processing, arithmetic processing, and the like for each device inside PC 500 in accordance with communication program 180A stored in storage unit 520. That is, the control unit 510 has the same function as the control unit 101 or the control unit 121 described above. Therefore, detailed description will not be repeated.

  Control unit 510 also instructs VDP 532 to generate an image and display the image on display unit 530 in accordance with communication program 180A stored in storage unit 520 (hereinafter, also referred to as “drawing instruction”). Out.

  The control unit 510 is the same as the control unit 101 described above. Therefore, detailed description will not be repeated.

  The VDP 532 is connected to the display unit 530. The VDP 532 reads necessary image data from the CGROM 534 in accordance with a drawing instruction from the control unit 510 and generates an image using the VRAM 536. The VDP 532 reads out the image data stored in the VRAM 536 and causes the display unit 530 to display an image based on the image data.

  The VRAM 536 has a function of temporarily storing an image generated by the VDP 532.

  The data temporary storage unit 522 is accessed as data by the control unit 510 and used as a work memory for temporarily storing data.

  The data temporary storage unit 522 is a high-speed RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM), or double data rate mode capable of temporarily storing data. DDR-SDRAM (Double Data Rate SDRAM), which is an SDRAM with an excellent data transfer function, RDRAM (Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory), DRAM that adopts high-speed interface technology developed by Rambus, and Direct-RDRAM (Direct Rambus Dynamic) Random Access Memory) or any other circuit having a configuration capable of storing and storing data in a volatile manner.

  A mouse 542 and a keyboard 544 are connected to the input unit 540. An input instruction from the mouse 542 or the keyboard 544 is transmitted to the control unit 510 via the input unit 540. Control unit 510 performs predetermined processing based on an input instruction from input unit 540. That is, the mouse 542 and the keyboard 544 have functions similar to those of the input unit 104 or the input unit 124 described above.

  The recording medium access unit 550 has a function of reading the communication program 180A from the recording medium 555 on which the communication program 180A is recorded. The communication program 180A stored in the recording medium 555 is read from the recording medium access unit 550 and stored in the storage unit 520 by the operation (installation process) of the control unit 510.

  The recording medium 555 includes a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), an MO (Magneto Optical Disk), a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a CF (Compact Flash) card, and an SM. (Smart Media (registered trademark)), MMC (Multi Media Card), SD (Secure Digital) memory card, Memory Stick (registered trademark), xD picture card and USB memory, magnetic tape, and other non-volatile memory Good.

  Communication unit 560 exchanges data with control unit 510. Communication unit 560 exchanges data with communication unit 135 in a wired or wireless manner. The communication unit 560 is an interface similar to the communication unit 330 described above.

  The communication unit 560 may be any one of USB (Universal Serial Bus) 1.1, USB 2.0, and other communication interfaces for performing serial transfer. The communication unit 560 may be any of a Centronics specification, IEEE 1284 (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers 1284), and other communication interfaces that perform parallel transfer. The communication unit 560 may be any one of communication interfaces using IEEE 1394 or other SCSI standards.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 6, when the recording medium 555 records the communication program 180B instead of the communication program 180A, the communication program 180B is read from the recording medium access unit 550 by the installation process of the control unit 510. And stored in the storage unit 520. In this case, the PC 500 operates as the communication device 100.

  As described above, by using a plurality of PCs on which the communication program 180A and the communication program 180B are installed, the present invention can be applied to a network constituted by a plurality of PCs.

  Therefore, also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Note that the device in which the communication program 180A and the communication program 180B are recorded is not limited to a PC, and is a communication device that can install the program, operates based on the program, and has a function of communicating with other devices. I just need it. For example, the communication device may be a mobile phone, a PDA, or the like.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the data communication system in this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the registration process each performed with two communication apparatuses of the data communication system in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the information exchanged between two communication apparatuses in the process performed with the flowchart of FIG. It is a figure which shows the signal exchanged between two communication apparatuses. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed when a communication apparatus receives the signal containing a non-selection notification. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of PC in this Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  100, 120, 120.1, 120.2, 120.3 Communication device, 101, 121 Control unit, 102, 122 Storage unit, 104, 124 Input unit, 105, 125 Display unit, 111, 131 Registration information, 112 Content , 180A, 180B communication program, 500 PC, 555 recording medium.

Claims (5)

An input unit for inputting instructions from the user;
A communication unit for transmitting and receiving information;
A display unit indicating a connection state with a device capable of transmitting and receiving the information;
A storage unit for storing data;
It performs processing according to an instruction from the input unit, and a 且 one control unit for controlling the communication unit and the display unit,
The controller is
The information from the transmission and reception devices capable, a connection request notification reception means for receiving a connection request notification for requesting a connection to the communication unit,
Non-selection notification receiving means for causing the communication unit to receive a non-selection notification for making a non -selection state in which the process of connecting the self-communication device with another device is not performed from the device capable of transmitting and receiving the information ;
Even if the connection request notification or the non-selection notification is received in advance, when the connection request notification is received in a state where the storage unit has not yet effectively stored the received notification, the display mode of the display unit and a display mode changing means that Ru to change,
When an instruction to authorize the connection of the self communication device with the connection request device that has transmitted the connection request notification is input to the input unit, in response to the connection request notification the received own communication device can be connected a connection acceptance notification transmission means for a connection acceptance notice, Ru is transmitted to said communication unit to the connection request device to indicate that,
In a state where the connection request notification or the non-selection notification received earlier is still effectively stored in the storage unit, the connection request notification or the non-selection notification is transmitted from another device different from the device that has transmitted the connection request notification or the non-selection notification. When a new connection request notification is received by the communication unit, a connection rejection notification for indicating that the communication apparatus refuses to respond to the received new connection request notification is sent to the new connection request notification. to the device which has transmitted the, Ru and a connection refusal notification transmission means for transmitting to said communication unit, a communication device. Wherein, in a state in which the storage unit to the non-selected notification previously received are still valid stores, when receiving a further said connection request notification from the equipment that transmitted the non-selected notification, The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the non-selection notification received earlier is invalidated. A computer including an input unit for inputting an instruction from a user, a communication unit for transmitting / receiving information, a display unit indicating a connection state with a device capable of transmitting / receiving the information, and a storage unit for storing data A communication program executed in
The information from the transmission and reception devices capable, a connection request notification reception step of receiving a connection request notification for requesting a connection to the communication unit,
A non-selection notification receiving step for causing the communication unit to receive a non-selection notification for making a non -selection state in which a process of connecting the computer to another device is not performed from a device capable of transmitting and receiving the information ;
In a state in which the storage unit even when receiving the connection request notification or the non-selected notification above is not already enabled stores notifications these received, receiving the connection request notification Then, the display mode of the display unit A display mode change step to be changed ;
When an instruction to authorize the connection of the computer with the connection request device that has transmitted the connection request notification is input to the input unit, said computer in response to a connection request notification thus received are connectable a connection acceptance notice to indicate a connection acceptance notice transmitting step Ru is transmitted to the communication unit to the connection request device,
In a state where the storage unit still stores the connection request notification or the non-selection notification received earlier, from a device different from the device that has transmitted the connection request notification or the non-selection notification, When the new connection request notification is received, a connection rejection notification is sent to the device that has transmitted the new connection request notification to indicate that the computer refuses to respond to the received new connection request notification. a connection rejection notification transmission step of causing the computer to perform the communication program. A recording medium on which the communication program according to claim 3 is recorded. A communication system including a plurality of communication devices capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from each other,
Each of the plurality of communication devices is
An input unit for inputting instructions from the user;
A communication unit for transmitting and receiving the information;
A display unit indicating a connection state with any of the plurality of communication devices;
A storage unit for storing data;
A control unit that performs processing according to an instruction from the input unit and controls the communication unit and the display unit;
The control unit of the first communication device, which is one of the plurality of communication devices,
A connection request notification for requesting connection to the second communication device, which is one of the plurality of communication devices, selected by the instruction input to the input unit of the own communication device, A connection request notification transmission means for transmitting to the communication unit of the communication device;
A non-selection notification is sent to a communication device other than the self-communication device that has not been selected by the input instruction, so as not to execute a process of connecting the communication device to any one of the plurality of communication devices. A non-selection notification transmitting means for transmitting to the communication unit of the communication device,
The controller of the second communication device is
Even if the connection request notification or the non-selection notification is received first, the connection request notification is sent from the first communication device in a state where the storage unit of the communication device does not already store the received notification. Display mode changing means for changing the display mode of the display unit of the communication device,
When an instruction for approving the connection of the communication device with the first communication device is input to the input unit of the communication device, the communication device can be connected in response to the received connection request notification. A connection acceptance notification transmitting means for causing the first communication device to transmit the connection acceptance notification to the communication unit of the own communication device,
The control unit of the first communication device receives the connection acceptance notification from the second communication device, and an instruction for approving the connection of the own communication device with the second communication device is received by the own communication device. A connection communication device determining means for determining the second communication device as a connection communication device to which the own communication device is connected when input to the input unit;
The second communication device in a state where the storage unit still stores the connection request notification received earlier, or the storage unit still stores the non-selection notification received earlier. When a new communication request notification is received from another communication device among the plurality of communication devices, the communication device in the state is different from the first communication device. A connection rejection notification transmitting means for transmitting a connection rejection notification for indicating rejection of responding to the connection request notification to the communication unit of the communication device that has transmitted the new connection request notification. A communication system.

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