JP4679684B2 - Wireless communication apparatus and wireless communication control method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a wireless communication apparatus and a control method thereof, and more particularly to a wireless communication apparatus capable of transmitting information to and from a plurality of wireless communication apparatuses and a control method thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, when communicating information between a plurality of devices, the ID of the connection device is registered in advance in a server device in a LAN (local area network), and when the connection device starts communication, Data communication apparatus for identifying individual device using ID and starting communication, and efficiently informing whether or not transmitting side is notified to receiver on LAN, and its control method Is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-172463.
[0003]
Also, an electronic camera system in which a wireless telephone device adds an ID signal for identifying a sender to an image signal wirelessly transmitted from an electronic camera and transmits the image signal via a telephone line is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-116778. It is shown in the publication.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the data communication apparatus and its control method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-172463, it is necessary to register (set up) IDs of connection apparatuses that can be connected by a server apparatus in the LAN in advance. It was. It is not easy for a general user to implement such a setup for a general-purpose wireless communication connection capable of connecting various types of connection devices.
[0005]
Further, in the electronic camera system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-116778, a plurality of IDs cannot be assigned by wirelessly connecting various connection devices and wireless telephone devices.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and when the number of a plurality of connection devices existing in a communication range fluctuates or a plurality of the same model exists, a device to be connected is specified while viewing the display. It is an object of the present invention to provide a wireless communication apparatus and a control method thereof that can easily establish communication with a desired apparatus.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a wireless communication device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a wireless communication means for transmitting / receiving information to / from another connection device, and a connectable connection device in a wireless communication area. A wireless communication unit that detects and receives model information indicating the model of the connection device from the detected connection device, and a display that displays a list of model information received by the wireless communication unit as a list of connectable connection devices And when the same model information is received from a plurality of connection devices detected by the wireless communication means, an identifier for identifying the plurality of connection devices is additionally displayed in the list of the display means a first control means for causing a designation means for designating a desired connection device from the list of displayed on the display unit connecting device, and controls the pre-Symbol wireless communication means, said specifying means Further comprising a second control means for establishing a desired device and the wireless connections specified Te you characterized.
[0008]
According to the first aspect, it is possible to establish communication with the desired device to easily.
The wireless communication device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the wireless communication device according to the first aspect, wherein the first control unit is configured such that the serial number according to the order in which connection of the connection device is detected, or the connection device. A serial number according to the manufacturing number order is additionally displayed in the list as the identifier.
The wireless communication apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the wireless communication apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the first control unit cannot detect the connection with the detected connection apparatus for a predetermined time or more. Is characterized in that the display unit deletes the model information of the connection device that can no longer be detected from the display unit.
[0009]
The fourth wireless communication control method according to the aspect of the present invention, a wireless communication device, for sending and receiving information to and from one or a plurality of connection devices, said wireless communication apparatus, radio communications distance of connectable then detect the Do connection device, it receives model information indicating a model of the connection device from the detected connection apparatus, and displayed on the display means a list of the received model information as a list of connectable connecting device, the detection When the same model information is received from a plurality of connected devices among the connected devices, an identifier for identifying the plurality of connected devices is additionally displayed in the list of the display means and displayed on the display means accepting a selection specification of desired connection device on the list, you and establishes a wireless communication connection with the selected specified connection device.
[0010]
According to the fourth aspect, it is possible to establish communication with the desired device to easily.
The wireless communication control method according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the wireless communication control method according to the fourth aspect, wherein the identifier is a serial number according to the order in which connection of the connection device is detected or in the order of the manufacturing number of the connection device. It is characterized in that the serial number is followed.
The wireless communication control method according to a sixth aspect of the present invention provides the wireless communication control method according to the fourth or fifth aspect, wherein when the connection with the detected connection device cannot be detected for a predetermined time or longer, the display means The model information of the connection device that can no longer be detected is erased from the display means.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a wireless communication apparatus and a control method thereof according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0012]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the electronic camera 10.
[0013]
The electronic camera 10 forms an image of a subject on a light receiving surface, photoelectrically converts it, outputs it as image data, controls the entire electronic camera 10, controls the sampling timing of the image data, and controls the image data. Information processing means 14 for performing control such as recording control, graphic recognition of image data, blinking recognition of image data, reading of model information of the electronic camera 10, communication control, display control, etc., image size change, sharpness correction, gamma Image processing means 16 for performing processing such as correction, contrast correction, and white balance correction, a frame memory 18 for temporarily storing image data, a release button, a communication button, a transmission button, a function switch, a cross key 8, Designating means 19 provided with a confirmation switch, a mode switching switch, etc., and image data Information is compressed and controlled by a technique typified by JPEG and motion JPEG, and compression / decompression means 20 that performs processing for expanding / decompressing compressed data, and image data is recorded / removed on a removable recording medium 22. For this purpose, a recording medium interface 24 for converting data is provided. The recording medium 22 is a detachable recording medium represented by a semiconductor such as a memory card and MO, magnetic recording, and optical recording.
[0014]
The information processing means 14 is constituted by a ROM that stores a model number of the electronic camera 10, a unique number such as a manufacturing number, an operation program, and constants, and a RAM that is a storage means serving as a work area when the program is executed. The connected memory 26 is connected.
[0015]
The wireless communication means of the electronic camera 10 used when image data or the like is transmitted / received to / from an external device by communication includes: a transmission / reception means 28 for transmitting or receiving image data on a carrier according to a command from the information processing means 14; It is comprised from the antenna 30 which transmits / receives data.
[0016]
In addition, the electronic camera 10 displays information relating to the connection device, D / A converter 34 for displaying image data on the display means 32, and identification information commanded from the information processing means 14. And a character generator 36 for converting to
[0017]
A photographing process of the electronic camera 10 configured as described above will be described.
[0018]
An image to be photographed is formed on the light receiving surface of the image pickup means 12, and the formed subject image is photoelectrically converted and output to the image processing means 16. The image data obtained in this way is subjected to amplification and noise reduction processing by the image processing means 16 and is temporarily stored in the frame memory 18. The information processing means 14 sequentially transmits the image data stored in the frame memory 18 to the D / A converter 34 and displays it on the display means 32.
[0019]
When a release button provided on the designation means 19 is pressed, a mode for photographing the subject is entered. Then, the information processing means 14 transfers the image data stored in the frame memory 18 to the compression / decompression means 20 and outputs a command for executing the compression processing of the image data under a predetermined condition. Then, a process of sequentially recording the image data on the recording medium 22 is performed on the recording medium interface 24. Further, when communication with another connection device is established and a transmission button provided in the designation unit 19 is pressed, the information processing unit 14 sequentially reads the designated image data from the recording medium 22 and converts it into a predetermined data format. After the conversion, a process of transmitting to an external communication terminal via the transmission / reception means 28 and the antenna 30 is executed.
[0020]
FIG. 2 shows a plurality of connection devices that can be wirelessly connected to each other.
[0021]
According to the figure, there are a plurality of electronic cameras 10, 70, 72, 74 capable of wireless communication and a printer 76 to which a recording medium 78 can be mounted around a communication terminal 40 such as a wireless telephone. Yes.
[0022]
As shown in the figure, a communication terminal 40 includes an antenna 42 for wireless communication with a public line, wireless communication means 44 for wireless communication with a plurality of connection devices existing in the vicinity, and information on connection devices related to communication. And display means 46 for displaying images, designation / selection of connection device, telephone number, character, image, audio data, designation means 48, 48. A speaker 50 that serves as a receiver and outputs sound and a microphone 52 that inputs sound are configured.
[0023]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the communication terminal.
[0024]
According to the figure, the transmission / reception portion of the communication terminal 40 includes public line wireless communication means 54 for wireless communication with the public line, public line transmission / reception means 56, and wireless communication means 44 for wireless communication with the connection device. The transmission / reception means 58 and a transmission / reception buffer 60 for temporarily storing data to be transmitted / received in real time.
[0025]
In addition, there are a CPU 62 that controls the entire communication terminal 40, a program for operating the CPU 62, various constants, a telephone number, an address of a communication destination, an external appearance and a product name of a wireless connection device, information on a manufacturing number, an identification number, and the like. A written PROM 64 and a RAM 66 which is a storage means serving as a work area when the CPU 62 executes processing are provided.
[0026]
The CPU 62 in the communication terminal 40 and each peripheral circuit including the display means 46 and the designation means 48 are connected by communication means such as a bus line or I / O, and the CPU 62 can control each peripheral circuit. It is possible.
[0027]
The communication means of the wireless communication means 44 is communication means using light such as radio waves, ultrasonic waves, and infrared rays. When radio waves are used, it may be based on the specifications of “Bluetooth” and “wireless LAN” that have been attracting attention in recent years, or when using infrared rays, it may be based on the specifications of “IrDA”.
[0028]
In the above description, an example using an electronic camera as the connection device has been described. However, the connection device may be a personal computer, a camera, a printer, or the like as long as the connection device is a device provided with display means, storage means, output means, and the like. Good. Further, the communication terminal may be a mobile communication body such as a commonly used mobile phone or PHS.
[0029]
A control method of the wireless communication device when the communication terminal 40 (first device for identifying a connection destination) and the plurality of connection devices (one or more second devices of the connection destination) start communication, This will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.
[0030]
According to FIG. 4, when a wireless communication connection is started in order to receive image data, in the processing step S100 “image reception mode” (hereinafter abbreviated as S100) of the communication terminal 40. The mode for receiving the image data is selected from the menu displayed on the display means 46. This menu includes a mode for transmitting image data for printing, a mode for transmitting image data to other information storage devices, and the like.
[0031]
Next, a mode in which communication is performed in accordance with a communication protocol of “Bluetooth”, which is a type of communication standard, in the processing step S102 “Enter Bluetooth mode” of the electronic camera 10 and the processing step S102 “Enter Bluetooth mode” of the electronic camera 10 Set to. Then, in the next S106 “Ready?” And S108 “Ready?”, An authentication procedure for starting communication is started, and identification information that enables identification of the device such as a model name and a manufacturing number is given to the communication terminal 40. Send to.
[0032]
When the authentication procedure with the electronic cameras 10 and 70 is completed and the communication terminal 40 recognizes each connection device, the communication terminal recognizes the connection device on the display means 32 in the process of S110 “display a list of communicable devices”. Information on the model name and outline of the (electronic camera 10, 70), the serial number, and identification information unique to the connection device are displayed. Here, when a plurality of connection devices of the same type are recognized, an identifier for identifying each connection device is also displayed. This identifier may be in the order in which the connection devices are recognized, or may be a serial number according to the order of the manufacturing numbers of the connection devices.
[0033]
When the user selects and designates the electronic camera 10 (DSC C-1) in S112 “Select DSC C-1,” the communication terminal 40 requests the electronic camera 10 to request a list of image files “Negotiation / "Connect" is transmitted (S114), a wireless connection is established, and processing for transmitting and receiving information is started.
[0034]
In the next S116 “Image list (Frame number list)”, the electronic camera 10 transmits information on the name, list, and file size of the held image to the communication terminal 40. Then, communication terminal 40 S118 "Display f r ame number list / select frame number (▲, ▼ + setting)" the name of the image received from the electronic camera 10 in the list, to display information about the file size. When the user selects a desired image from the image names displayed in S118, the communication terminal 40 transmits the image name selected in S120 “Candidate frame number” to the electronic camera 10.
[0035]
When receiving the name of the image transmitted from the communication terminal 40, the electronic camera 10 transmits the thumbnail image of the image selected in S122 “Thumbnail” to the communication terminal. The electronic camera 10 displays the image selected in S124 “Display candidate frame”. In the communication terminal 40, the thumbnail image transmitted from the electronic camera 10 is displayed in S126 “Display Thumbnail”, and when the thumbnail image displayed in S128 “Configuration” is selected and selected, S130 “Request image by” is selected. The transmission request of the main image data designated and selected by “frame number” is transmitted.
[0036]
When the electronic camera 10 receives the transmission request for the main image data, the main image data is divided for each packet and transmitted in S132 “Image-Packet # 1”... S134 “Image-Packet # N”. When transferring a plurality of image data, the processing of S118 to S134 is repeated. When the transmission of the main image data is completed, a disconnect button provided in the communication terminal 40 is pressed in S136 “End (disconnect button)” to instruct the end of communication. Then, the communication terminal 40 outputs a command for disconnecting communication to the electronic camera 10 in S138 “Disconnect”, and ends the wireless communication between the electronic camera 10 and the communication terminal 40 or sets the standby mode.
[0037]
In addition, when the electronic camera 10 cannot recognize the communication connection between the communication terminal and the connection device for a predetermined time or longer, such as when the electronic camera 10 leaves the wireless communication area with the communication terminal 40, the electronic camera displayed on the display means 46 is displayed. 10 identification information is deleted. Similarly, information related to communication with the communication terminal 40 displayed on the display unit of the electronic camera 10 may be deleted.
[0038]
In the above description, an example in which a list of devices that can communicate with the communication terminal 40 is displayed and a desired connection device is designated and selected has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the electronic camera 10 A list of communicable devices may be displayed and a desired connection device or communication terminal may be designated and selected.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the wireless communication device of the present invention, the wireless communication means for transmitting / receiving information to / from another device and the other device are identified when the other device is recognized by wireless communication. Display means for receiving possible identification information and displaying it as a list of other devices that can be connected, and designation means for designating a desired device from among the identification information of other devices displayed on the display means The wireless communication means establishes a wireless connection with the desired apparatus designated by the designation means, so that communication with the desired apparatus can be easily established.
[0040]
In addition, according to the method for controlling a wireless communication device according to the present invention, the first device recognizes a connectable second device in a wireless communication area when establishing a wireless connection with a desired second device. Then, identification information capable of specifying the second device is received from the recognized second device, and the received identification information is displayed on the display means as a list of connectable second devices, and the display means When a desired second device is selected and specified on the list displayed in (2), since the wireless connection with the selected and specified second device is established, communication with the desired device is easily established. It becomes possible.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic camera. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a plurality of connection devices that can be wirelessly connected to each other. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a communication terminal. Figure [Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Electronic camera, 12 ... Imaging means, 14 ... Information processing means, 16 ... Image processing means, 18 ... Frame memory, 19 ... Designation means, 20 ... Compression / decompression means, 22 ... Recording medium, 24 ... Recording medium interface, 26 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS Memory ... 28 Transmission / reception means 30 ... Antenna 32 ... Display means 34 ... D / A converter 36 ... Character generator 40 ... Communication terminal 42 ... Antenna 44 ... Wireless communication means 46 ... Display means 48, 48 ... designation means, 50 ... speaker, 52 ... microphone, 54 ... wireless communication means, 56 ... transmission / reception means, 58 ... transmission / reception means, 60 ... transmission / reception buffer, 62 ... CPU, 64 ... PROM, 66 ... RAM, 70 ... Electronic camera 72 ... Electronic camera 74 ... Electronic camera 76 ... Printer

Claims (4)

Wireless communication means for transmitting / receiving information to / from other connection devices, detecting a connectable connection device in a wireless communication range, and receiving model information indicating a model of the connection device from the detected connection device Communication means;
Display means for displaying a list of model information received by the wireless communication means as a list of connectable connection devices;
When the same model information is received from a plurality of connection devices among the connection devices detected by the wireless communication means, a first identifier for additionally displaying an identifier for identifying the plurality of connection devices in the list of the display means Control means,
Designation means for designating a desired connection device from the list of connection devices displayed on the display means;
A second control means for controlling the wireless communication means to establish a wireless connection with a desired device designated by the designation means ;
The first control means, only when receiving the same model information from a plurality of connection devices among the connection devices detected by the wireless communication means, the serial number according to the manufacturing number order of the plurality of connection devices A wireless communication device that is additionally displayed in the list as an identifier of the plurality of connection devices. When the first control unit cannot detect the connection with the detected connection device for a predetermined time or more, the first control unit deletes the model information of the connection device that is no longer detected from the display unit. claim 1 Symbol placement of the wireless communication apparatus characterized by. In a wireless communication control method for transmitting and receiving information between a wireless communication device and one or more connection devices,
The wireless communication device
Upon detecting a connectable connection device in a wireless communication area, it receives model information indicating the model of the connection device from the detected connection device,
Displaying the received model information list as a list of connectable devices on the display means;
An identifier for identifying the plurality of connection devices only when the same model information is received from a plurality of connection devices among the detected connection devices, and is in accordance with the manufacturing number order of the plurality of connection devices. An identifier consisting of a serial number is additionally displayed in the display means list,
Accepts selection designation of a desired connection device on the list displayed on the display means;
A wireless communication control method comprising establishing a wireless communication connection with the connection device selected and designated. The model information of the connection device that can no longer be detected is deleted from the display unit when the connection with the detected connection device cannot be detected for a predetermined time or longer. 3. The wireless communication control method according to 3 .

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