JP4525488B2 - Wireless connection system, contactless IC tag, electronic device, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a system for connecting electronic devices to each other by wireless communication technology, a non-contact IC tag, an electronic device, etc. constituting the system, and more particularly to a device that can be connected by a simple operation.

  Today, various wireless communication technologies such as wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b), Bluetooth ('Bluetooth' is a registered trademark), UWB (Ultra Wide Band), etc. are standardized. And it is common to transmit and receive data between electronic devices by wireless communication technology. For example, in a meeting place, notebook personal computers brought by attendees are connected to each other via an ad hoc mode wireless LAN, and data of the conference material is transmitted and received peer-to-peer. .

  In order for an electronic device to connect to another electronic device using such a wireless communication technology, it is necessary to set information necessary for the connection in advance. For example, when constructing an ad hoc mode wireless LAN, one of the computers becomes the host, and the BSS-ID (Base Service Set ID) information of the wireless LAN adapter used by the host is sent to the remaining computers. Must be set. Furthermore, it is necessary to set information on the channel to be used, encryption (WEP), communication speed, and the like.

  As described above, there are various items to be set, and the setting contents must be changed depending on the environment in which wireless communication is performed. For this reason, it is difficult for a general user to make settings by manual input using a keyboard or the like because the threshold is high.

Therefore, the following methods (a) and (b) have been conventionally proposed as a method for setting without relying on manual input.
(A) A non-contact IC card (RF tag) in which setting information necessary for wireless connection is written is built in one electronic device. Further, a non-contact IC card reader / writer is built in (or externally attached) to another electronic device. Then, these electronic devices are brought close to each other, and the information in the non-contact IC card of the former electronic device is read by the latter electronic device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  (B) A non-contact IC card reader / writer is built in (or externally attached) to each electronic device. Then, by operating one electronic device, the electronic device is set to the writing mode, the non-contact IC card is brought close to the electronic device, and setting information necessary for wireless connection is transferred from the electronic device to the non-contact IC card. Write. Next, the electronic device is put into a reading mode by operating another electronic device, the above-mentioned non-contact IC card is brought close to the electronic device, and the information in the non-contact IC card is read by the electronic device (for example, , See Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-32175 (paragraph numbers 0083 to 0087, FIG. 6) JP 2003-229872 A (paragraph numbers 0059 to 0070, FIGS. 7 to 10)

  However, in the method (a), the electronic devices themselves must be moved closer to each other. A small device such as a cellular phone (which can be held with one hand) may be used, but in the case of a device such as a personal computer, the work of moving the electronic device itself is a heavy burden on the user. In the method (a), only setting information written in advance on the non-contact IC card is read, and setting information cannot be written on the non-contact IC card from the electronic device.

  In the method (b), in addition to moving the non-contact IC card, the electronic device itself must be operated to switch the mode of the electronic device between the writing mode and the reading mode. Therefore, the work is complicated and troublesome for the user.

  In view of the above-described points, the present invention enables a user to connect electronic devices to each other by a wireless communication technique by a simple operation without moving the electronic device itself or operating the electronic device itself. Is made as an issue.

The present invention relates to a non-contact IC tag, two or more electronic devices, a reader / writer for a non-contact IC tag provided corresponding to each electronic device, and a wireless provided corresponding to each electronic device. The non-contact IC tag includes a communication adapter. The non-contact IC tag is provided on the surface of the non-contact IC tag. The operation unit switches between at least two states and receives a read command. If the operation means is in the second state different from the first state, the data stored in the storage means in the non-contact IC tag is returned. , serial predetermined data different from the data to be sent back when in the first state, the return as the write request data, and then receives the write command, the data received in conjunction with a write command to the storage means And control means for, each electronic device, when the noncontact IC tag is detected by the reader / writer sends a read command to the noncontact IC tag, the write request data in response to the read command When data other than the above is returned, the returned data is used for connection by the adapter for wireless communication, and when the write request data is returned in response to the read command, the wireless communication is performed. Wireless connection system provided with control means for transmitting setting information necessary for connection by adapter for use and information for requesting connection to own electronic device together with write command to this non-contact IC tag It is.

  The present invention is also a non-contact IC tag and an electronic device that constitute the wireless connection system. The present invention also provides a program for causing a computer to function as an electronic device constituting the wireless connection system, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  In the wireless connection system according to the present invention, electronic devices are connected to each other by wireless communication technology by the user performing the following work.

  First, the user sets the operation means of the non-contact IC tag to the second state and holds one piece of electronic equipment (for example, in the case of a wireless LAN in an ad hoc mode, which holds setting information necessary for connection) A non-contact IC tag is brought close to a reader / writer of a host electronic device.

Then, a read command is transmitted from the electronic device to the non-contact IC tag. However, since the operation means is in the second state, write request data is returned from the non-contact IC tag. In response to the write request data, the electronic device writes setting information necessary for wireless connection and connection request information for its own electronic device to the non-contact IC tag.

  Subsequently, the user sets the operation means of the non-contact IC tag to the first state, and brings the non-contact IC tag closer to the reader / writer of each remaining electronic device.

Then, since the read command is transmitted from these electronic devices to the non-contact IC tag and the operation means is in the first state, the data stored in the non-contact IC tag (setting information and connection request written earlier) Information ) is returned. Those electronic devices perform wireless connection using the returned setting information.

As described above, the electronic devices are connected to each other by the wireless communication technology simply by moving the non-contact IC tag while performing a simple switching operation with the operation means on the surface of the non-contact IC tag .

  Thus, the electronic devices can be connected to each other by a wireless communication technique by a simple operation without moving the electronic devices themselves or operating the electronic devices themselves as in the conventional method.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that the electronic devices can be connected to each other by a wireless communication technique by a simple operation without moving the electronic device itself or operating the electronic device itself.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, an example in which the present invention is applied to construct an ad hoc mode wireless LAN between notebook personal computers brought by each attendee of a conference will be described.

  FIG. 1 is an overall view of a system to which the present invention is applied. This system includes an RF tag (non-contact IC tag) 1 and notebook personal computers (hereinafter referred to as notebook PCs) 2 to 7 brought by attendees.

  The RF tag 1 is a small tag equipped with an IC chip using RFID (radio wave system recognition) technology. The communication distance of the RF tag 1 is about several centimeters to several tens of centimeters (when the communication distance with one of the plurality of notebook PCs arranged as shown in FIG. 1 is within the communication distance range, The length does not fall within the communication range. As a feature of the present invention, a push button 1 a is provided on the surface of the RF tag 1.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the RF tag 1. On the LSI (IC chip) 11 of the RF tag 1, an analog RF processing unit 12, a command processing unit 13, a memory interface unit 14, and a nonvolatile memory (EEPROM) 15 are provided.

  A radio wave reception signal is sent from the antenna 16 provided in the RF tag 1 to the analog RF processing unit 12. The analog RF processing unit 12 RF-amplifies the received signal and supplies it to the command processing unit 13. The command processing unit 13 includes a CPU (or a dedicated LSI), and writes and reads data to and from the nonvolatile memory 15 via the memory interface unit 14 based on a command received from the outside.

  As a feature of the present invention, the command processing unit 13 receives from the push button 1a shown in FIG. 1 a signal indicating an operation state (“H” when the button 1a is not pushed, “L” when the button 1a is pushed). A signal to become ') is also supplied. Although not shown, the RF tag 1 is also provided with a wired general-purpose input / output port (for example, a serial communication port using UART), and a signal from the push button 1a is processed through the general-purpose input / output port. Supplied to the unit 13.

  The command processing unit 13 executes a process as shown in FIG. 3 based on not only a command received from the outside but also a signal from the push button 1a. This process starts when power is supplied to the RF tag 1, and first waits until a read command is received (step S1). When the read command is received, it is determined whether or not the push button 1a is currently pressed (whether or not the signal indicating the operation state is ‘L’) (step S2).

  If the push button 1a is pressed, predetermined write request data is returned (step S3). Then, it waits until a write command is received (step S4). When the write command is received, the data received together with the command is written in the nonvolatile memory 15 (step S5). Then, the process returns to step S1.

  If the push button 1a has not been pressed in step S2, the data stored in the nonvolatile memory 15 is read and the data is returned (step S6). Then, the process returns to step S1.

  When the command processing unit 13 returns the data stored in the nonvolatile memory 15 (in the case of step S6), the data is read as one of the header information before the data read from the nonvolatile memory 15. The data length information indicating the length of is added. In step S3, the data read from the non-volatile memory 15 is appended with information having a value of zero (a value that is not possible as the data length) as data length information, and returned as write request data.

  As each of the notebook PCs 2 to 7 in FIG. 1, a commercially available notebook PC is used. However, here, it is assumed that a notebook PC incorporating a reader / writer for an RF tag and a wireless LAN adapter is used.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing portions related to the present invention in the hardware configurations of the notebook PCs 2 to 7. The CPU 21, ROM 22 and RAM 23 are connected to the external bus 24. In addition, an RF tag reader / writer 26 is connected to the external bus 24 via an interface 25, and a wireless LAN adapter 28 is connected via an interface 27.

  Various programs executed by the CPU 21 are stored in the ROM 22. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a part related to the present invention among these programs. As a feature of the present invention, the ROM 22 stores a wireless LAN connection program 31 as middleware.

  For example, the wireless LAN connection program 31 is attached to the RF tag 1 as a product as a CD-ROM, and is installed in each of the notebook PCs 2 to 7.

  The wireless LAN connection program 31 uses the inter-program communication function of the OS 32 to read a reader / writer driver 33 (a program for operating the reader / writer 26 in FIG. 4) or a wireless LAN driver 34 (the wireless LAN adapter 28 in FIG. 4). This is a program for performing wireless LAN connection while performing inter-program communication with a program to be operated.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the CPU 21 by the wireless LAN connection program 31. This process starts when the reader / writer 26 (FIG. 4) detects an RF tag, and first, a read command is transmitted from the reader / writer 26 to the RF tag (step S11).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the data received as the return data for the read command is write request data (as described above, data zero value information is added before the data). (Step S12).

  If it is write request data, setting information necessary for wireless LAN connection to its own notebook PC is loaded into the RAM 23 (FIG. 4). Then, the setting information and information requesting connection to the notebook PC are transmitted from the reader / writer 26 to the RF tag together with the write command (step S13). Then, the process ends.

  Note that the setting information transmitted in step S13 includes the BSS-ID (Base Service Set ID), channel, encryption (WEP), communication set by the user on the notebook PC screen using, for example, utility software for the wireless LAN adapter 28. Information about speed and the like.

  If it is not write request data in step S12, the received data is used as setting information, and a wireless LAN connection is requested from the wireless LAN adapter 28 to the notebook PC serving as the host (step S14). Then, the process ends.

  Next, an operation performed by a user (conference attendee) to connect each of the notebook PCs 2 to 7 with the wireless LAN in the ad hoc mode in the system shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that the notebook PC 2 is a host in the ad hoc mode.

  First, the user brings the RF tag 1 closer to the notebook PC 2 while pressing the push button 1 a of the RF tag 1.

  Then, a read command is transmitted from the notebook PC 2 to the RF tag 1 (step S11 in FIG. 6), but since the push button 1a of the RF tag 1 is pressed, the write request data is returned from the RF tag 1. (Steps S1 to S3 in FIG. 3).

  The notebook PC 2 writes setting information necessary for wireless LAN connection to the notebook PC 2 and connection request information to the notebook PC 2 to the RF tag 1 in accordance with the write request data (step S12 in FIG. 6). , S13, steps S4 and S5 in FIG. 3).

  Subsequently, the user brings the RF tag 1 closer to each of the remaining notebook PCs 3 to 7 without pressing the push button 1 a of the RF tag 1.

  Then, a read command is transmitted from each of the notebook PCs 3 to 7 to the RF tag 1 (step S11 in FIG. 6). Since the push button 1a of the RF tag 1 is not pressed, the data stored in the RF tag 1 ( The setting information and connection request information written earlier are returned (steps S1, S2, S6 in FIG. 3).

  Each of the notebook PCs 3 to 7 knows that the notebook PC 2 is requesting a wireless LAN connection from the returned connection request information. Then, using the returned setting information, the wireless LAN adapter 28 requests the notebook PC 2 for wireless LAN connection (steps S12 and S14 in FIG. 6). The notebook PC 2 connects to the notebook PCs 3 to 7 in response to the connection request.

  Thereby, since each notebook PC2-7 is connected by the wireless LAN of an ad hoc mode, the data of the meeting material can be transmitted / received between the notebook PCs 2-7 on a peer-to-peer basis.

  As described above, according to this system, the notebook PCs 2 to 7 are connected to the wireless LAN simply by moving the RF tag 1 while performing a simple switching operation of pressing / not pressing the push button 1a.

  As a result, the notebook PCs 2 to 7 can be connected to the wireless LAN by a simple operation without moving the notebook PCs 2 to 7 themselves or operating the notebook PCs 2 to 7 themselves.

  Then, since a signal is sent from the push button 1a of the RF tag 1 to the command processing unit 13 (FIG. 2) in the RF tag 1 through a general-purpose input / output port originally provided in the RF tag 1, The RF tag 1 can be realized without changing the internal hardware configuration (without adding a new signal line or the like).

  In FIG. 1, the RF tag 1 is drawn in a card shape. However, the shape is not limited to the card type, and may be an appropriate shape such as a label type, a coin type, or a stick type.

  In the above example, the push button 1a is provided on the RF tag 1. However, the push button 1a is not limited to a push button, and appropriate operation means capable of switching at least two states such as a dial type button and a slide type button. May be provided.

  Further, in the above example, the command processing unit 13 in the RF tag 1 sends back the data read from the nonvolatile memory 15 with the value zero information added as data length information. I have to. However, as another example, the contents of additional information other than the data length information (for example, data type information) and the contents of the data read from the nonvolatile memory 15 are changed so as to be distinguished from the original setting information. May be returned as write request data (the wireless LAN connection program 31 also recognizes such changed data as write request data).

  As yet another example, data read in advance so as not to match the setting information for wireless LAN connection is returned as write request data without reading data from the nonvolatile memory 15 (the wireless LAN connection program 31 is also The predetermined data may be recognized as write request data).

  In the above example, a signal is sent from the push button 1a to the command processing unit 13 in the RF tag 1 through the general-purpose input / output port. However, as another example, in an RF tag not provided with a general-purpose input / output port, a signal may be sent from a push button to a command processing unit in the RF tag through a dedicated signal line.

  In the above example, the present invention is applied to connect a notebook PC to a wireless LAN in an ad hoc mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this, connection via a wireless access point (the access point writes setting information), wireless LAN connection of an electronic device other than a notebook PC, Bluetooth (“Bluetooth” is a registered trademark) , UWB (Ultra Wide Band), MIMO (IEEE 802.11n) and other wireless communication technologies can also be applied to connect electronic devices.

1 is an overall view of a system to which the present invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of RF tag of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the command processing part of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the part relevant to this invention among the hardware constitutions of the notebook PC of FIG. It is a figure which shows the part relevant to this invention among the programs in ROM of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process by the program for wireless LAN connection of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  1 RF tag, 1a push button, 2-7 notebook PC, 11 LSI, 12 analog RF processing unit, 13 command processing unit, 14 memory I / F unit, 15 nonvolatile memory, 16 antenna, 21 CPU, 22 ROM, 23 RAM, 24 buses, 26 RF tag reader / writer, 28 wireless LAN adapter, 31 wireless LAN connection program

Claims (9)

A non-contact IC tag;
Two or more electronic devices,
A reader / writer for a non-contact IC tag provided corresponding to each electronic device;
It consists of an adapter for wireless communication provided corresponding to each of the electronic devices,
The non-contact IC tag is
Operation means provided on the surface of the non-contact IC tag for switching between at least two states;
When the operation means is in a predetermined first state when the read command is received, the data stored in the storage means in the non-contact IC tag is returned, and the operation means If in a different second state with the state, the predetermined data is different from the data to be sent back when in the first state, and returned as a write request data, when subsequently receiving a write command, it included該書 Control means for storing data received together with the command in the storage means ,
Each of the electronic devices
When the non-contact IC tag is detected by the reader / writer, a read command is transmitted to the non-contact IC tag, and when data other than the write request data is returned in response to the read command, a return command is sent. If the write request data is returned in response to the read command, a setting necessary for performing the connection by the wireless communication adapter is used. A wireless connection system comprising control means for transmitting information and information requesting connection to the electronic device to the non-contact IC tag together with a write command . The wireless connection system according to claim 1,
The non-contact IC tag is
When returning the data stored in the storage means, data length information indicating the length of the data is added before the data read from the storage means,
The write request data when returning the the wireless access system wherein in front of the read data from the storage means, you return adds information of value zero as the data length information. The wireless connection system according to claim 1,
The non-contact IC tag is
, It said from the storage means without reading the data, the wireless connection system that returns the pre determined not to match the setting information data when returning the write request data. The wireless connection system according to claim 1,
The non-contact IC tag has a wired general-purpose input / output port,
Wherein said control means of the non-contact IC tag from the operation unit of the non-contact IC tag, a wireless connection system through said general-purpose input-output ports, a signal indicating the operation state Ru is supplied. The wireless connection system according to claim 1,
The wireless adapter for communication, a wireless access system Ru der wireless LAN adapters. In non-contact IC tags,
Operation means provided on the surface of the non-contact IC tag for switching between at least two states;
When the operation means is in a predetermined first state when the read command is received, the data stored in the storage means in the non-contact IC tag is returned, and the operation means If in a different second state with the state, the predetermined data is different from the data to be sent back when in the first state, and returned as a write request data, when subsequently receiving a write command, it included該書 A non-contact IC tag comprising control means for storing data received together with a command in the storage means . When a non-contact IC tag is detected by the reader / writer for the non-contact IC tag, a read command is transmitted to the non-contact IC tag, and data other than predetermined write request data is returned in response to the read command. In this case, a connection is made by a wireless communication adapter using the returned data, and when the write request data is returned in response to the read command, a connection is made by the wireless communication adapter. electronic apparatus provided with the necessary configuration information, and information requesting connection to its own electronic apparatus, the control means for transmitting together with the write command to the non-contact IC tags to. On the computer,
A procedure for transmitting a read command to the non-contact IC tag when the non-contact IC tag is detected by the reader / writer for the non-contact IC tag;
When data other than the predetermined write request data is returned in response to the read command, a connection is made by a wireless communication adapter using the returned data, and the write request data in response to the read command sent if but sent back, the said setting information required for connection by the adapter for wireless communication, and information for requesting a connection to the computer, it said in conjunction with the write command to the contactless IC tag A program to execute the procedure and On the computer,
A procedure for transmitting a read command to the non-contact IC tag when the non-contact IC tag is detected by the reader / writer for the non-contact IC tag;
When data other than the predetermined write request data is returned in response to the read command, a connection is made by a wireless communication adapter using the returned data, and the write request data in response to the read command sent if but sent back, the said setting information required for connection by the adapter for wireless communication, and information for requesting a connection to the computer, it said in conjunction with the write command to the contactless IC tag A recording medium on which a program for executing the procedure is executed.

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