JP5002669B2 - Communication equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication apparatus for suitably restraining a consumption current in monitoring a connection establishment request for communication between terminals. <P>SOLUTION: This communication apparatus is equipped with: radio communication parts 12, 13 each performing radio communication processing with another terminal for transmitting a radio signal for requesting radio communication between terminals; a radio signal detection circuit part 23 for waiting for a radio signal with operation power lower than operation power when the radio communication part waits for a radio signal; and a control part 15 for starting the radio communication parts 12, 13 to perform connection processing of radio communication when the radio signal detection circuit part 23 has detected the radio signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device, and more particularly to a communication device that suitably performs a connection request waiting process for starting wireless communication processing between a plurality of devices, and a communication device that makes a connection request to the communication device.

  Today, some communication devices have various forms, and an increasing number of users have a plurality of communication devices. For example, there are various types of communication devices such as mobile phones, notebook personal computers, desktop personal computers, communication game devices, and music playback devices. These communication devices have different screens, keyboard sizes, and CPU capabilities, for example, and are used in scenes suitable for each application.

  In addition, today, by forming a local network by communication using wireless LAN or Bluetooth (Bluetooth (registered trademark)) between these communication devices, data synchronization processing is performed between the devices, or one device is connected to a modem. A technique for connecting the other device to a telecommunications carrier network by functioning as a network is known.

  Here, conventionally, there is known a communication system that performs data communication with each other by forming a local network between different devices, for example, a mobile phone terminal and a personal computer (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The communication system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a communication system capable of remotely operating software held by one device and displaying display data generated upon activation of the software on the other device. is there. In this communication system, a personal computer in a link request waiting state periodically monitors whether or not a wireless link establishment request has been received from a mobile phone terminal. When there is a link establishment request, the personal computer uses 2.4 GHz band wireless communication with the mobile phone terminal after confirming that the other party is a mobile phone terminal from the ID information included in the link establishment request. In order to establish a wireless link, the baseband unit is controlled to execute a process of establishing a link with the 2.4 GHz band wireless communication device on the mobile phone terminal side.

JP 2001-103568 A

  In order to perform wireless communication between a plurality of terminals, it is necessary for a wireless communication module such as a wireless LAN communication module of one terminal to regularly or constantly monitor a connection establishment request from a partner terminal. However, power consumption is required for the terminal to perform regular monitoring, which has been a factor that deteriorates the continuous drive time of the terminal. For example, when the communication device is a terminal such as a mobile phone, the current consumption for monitoring the connection establishment request is in units of several mA, and the current consumption during normal standby when the connection establishment request is not monitored It becomes the same order, and the continuous standby time is deteriorated by several orders.

  In order to suppress the current consumption during the monitoring of the connection establishment request, a method of starting both communication modules only when communication is necessary can be considered. However, it has been troublesome for the user to perform an operation for starting the communication module to perform communication.

  Patent Document 1 only discloses a technique in which one terminal periodically monitors whether or not there is a request to establish a wireless link from the other terminal, and no measures have been taken against these problems. .

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a communication device as a host side that suitably suppresses current consumption when monitoring a connection establishment request for communication between terminals, and a connection request to this communication device. An object of the present invention is to provide a communication device on the client side.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a communication device according to the present invention includes: a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication processing with another terminal that transmits a wireless signal that requests wireless communication between terminals; and the wireless communication unit includes: A wireless signal detection circuit unit that waits for the wireless signal with an operating power lower than that assumed when waiting for the wireless signal, and activates the wireless communication unit when the wireless signal detection circuit unit detects the wireless signal And a control unit that performs connection processing of the wireless communication.

The communication device according to the present invention requests another terminal that transmits a WLAN signal for requesting wireless LAN communication processing between terminals, a wireless LAN communication unit that performs the wireless LAN communication processing, and Bluetooth communication processing between the terminals. A Bluetooth communication unit that performs the Bluetooth communication process with another terminal that transmits a BT signal to be transmitted, a network communication unit that communicates with a predetermined communication network, the wireless LAN communication unit, and the Bluetooth communication unit that transmit the WLAN signal and the BT A wireless signal detection circuit unit that waits for the WLAN signal and the BT signal at an operating power lower than that assumed when waiting for a signal; and when the wireless signal detection circuit unit detects the WLAN signal or the BT signal, Start the LAN communication part or Bluetooth communication part A control unit that performs connection processing with another terminal and connects the other terminal to the communication network to perform data communication when the connection processing is successful, and the control unit includes the radio signal When the detection circuit unit receives the WLAN signal or the BT signal, the wireless communication unit is activated in an AP mode that operates using the wireless LAN communication unit as an access point, and transmits a beacon signal to the other terminal. A first communication method for performing connection processing, and when the wireless signal detection circuit unit receives the WLAN signal or the BT signal, the wireless LAN communication unit is activated to perform communication in an ad hoc mode, and the other terminal A second communication method for performing connection processing of the wireless communication by scanning, and the wireless signal detection circuit unit transmits the WLAN signal or the BT. The wireless communication connection is established by executing, in a predetermined order, a third communication method that activates the Bluetooth communication unit to perform the wireless communication connection process. It is what.

  Furthermore, when the communication device according to the present invention receives a request for data communication, a wireless LAN communication unit that performs wireless communication with another terminal that can be used as a data communication relay base station, the wireless LAN communication unit And a control unit that operates in an AP mode or an ad hoc mode that operates as an access point and causes the other terminal to transmit a beacon signal to perform connection processing of the wireless communication.

  Furthermore, when the communication device according to the present invention receives a request for data communication and a Bluetooth communication unit that performs wireless communication with another terminal that can be used as a relay base station for data communication, And a control unit that performs connection processing of the wireless communication by transmitting a wireless signal from the Bluetooth communication unit.

In addition, the wireless communication connection method according to the present invention is an operation when it is assumed that another terminal that transmits a wireless signal requesting wireless communication between terminals and a wireless communication unit that performs the wireless communication process wait for the wireless signal. A step of waiting for the wireless signal in a wireless signal detection circuit unit that waits for the wireless signal with an operating power lower than the power; and a step of starting the wireless communication unit when the wireless signal detection circuit unit detects the wireless signal; Performing a connection process of the wireless communication.

  The communication device according to the present invention suitably suppresses current consumption when monitoring a connection request for communication between terminals, and can establish a connection between terminals without requiring a complicated operation.

The conceptual diagram explaining the network formed between the communication apparatuses which concern on this invention. The hardware system block diagram of the mobile telephone which is an example of the communication apparatus as a host side concerning this invention. FIG. 3 is a circuit configuration diagram of the wireless signal detection circuit of FIG. 2. The software system block diagram of the mobile telephone which is an example of the communication apparatus which concerns on this invention. The hardware system block diagram of PC which is an example of the communication apparatus which concerns on this invention. The software system block diagram of PC which is an example of the communication apparatus which concerns on this invention. The figure explaining the combination of the operation mode which each WLAN communication module of a mobile telephone and PC can take. The flowchart explaining the connection process using the 1st communication system performed in the mobile telephone in this embodiment. The sequence diagram which shows the connection process using the 1st communication system performed between a mobile telephone and PC. The sequence diagram which shows the connection process using the 1st communication system performed between a mobile telephone and PC. The flowchart explaining the connection process by the 1st communication system at the time of the terminal mode operation | movement performed in PC in this embodiment. The flowchart explaining the connection process by the 1st communication system at the time of AP mode operation | movement performed in PC in this embodiment. The flowchart explaining the connection process using the 2nd communication system performed in the mobile telephone in this embodiment. The sequence diagram which shows the process using the 2nd communication system performed between a mobile telephone and PC. The flowchart explaining the connection process by the 2nd communication system at the time of the ad hoc mode operation | movement performed in PC in this embodiment. 10 is a flowchart for explaining connection processing using a third communication method executed in the mobile phone according to the present embodiment. The sequence diagram which shows the process using the 3rd communication system in the case of performing data transfer using the connection between BT communication modules of a mobile telephone and PC. The sequence diagram which shows the process using the 3rd communication system in the case of performing data transfer using the connection between the WLAN communication module of a mobile telephone and PC. The flowchart explaining the connection process by the 3rd communication system at the time of BT mode operation | movement performed in PC in this embodiment.

  An embodiment of a communication device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a network formed between communication devices according to the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which a notebook personal computer (hereinafter simply referred to as “PC”) 2 performs data communication using the mobile communication network of the mobile phone 1 will be described. In the present embodiment, the mobile phone 1 and the PC 2 are described as being applied to communication devices, respectively. However, the mobile phone 1 may perform data communication using the communication network of the PC 2, or the mobile phone 1, Communication devices other than the PC 2 can also be applied. For example, various communication devices having a communication function such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a portable game machine, a portable music player, and a portable video player can be applied.

  The mobile phone 1 transmits and receives voice and data to and from the base station 3 accommodated in the mobile communication network using a communication method such as the W-CDMA method. The base station 3 is connected to a predetermined server 5 via a predetermined public line network 4. The mobile phone 1 is a communication device having a function of communicating with other terminals including the PC 2 using a communication means such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Bluetooth (Bluetooth (registered trademark)).

  The PC 2 is a communication device having a function of communicating with other terminals including the mobile phone 1 using communication means such as a wireless LAN and Bluetooth.

  The mobile phone 1 and the PC 2 form a local network using a wireless LAN, Bluetooth, or the like using a communication method different from the wireless communication performed by the mobile phone 1 with the base station 3, and exchange data with each other.

  FIG. 2 is a hardware system configuration diagram of the mobile phone 1 which is an example of a communication device on the host side according to the present invention.

  In the mobile phone 1 according to the present embodiment, a configuration for realizing wireless communication with other communication devices will be mainly described, and a detailed description of a hardware system configuration generally provided in the mobile phone will be omitted.

  The mobile phone 1 includes a mobile communication module 11, a wireless LAN (WLAN) communication module 12, a Bluetooth (BT) communication module 13, a CPU 15, a memory 16, an input unit 17, a display unit 18, a microphone 19, a speaker 20, and a radio signal detection circuit. 23. Each part of the mobile phone 1 is connected by a bus 22.

  The mobile communication module 11 implements voice and data transmission / reception with the base station 3 (see FIG. 1). The mobile communication module 11 includes an antenna, and receives from the space a radio signal transmitted by a predetermined communication processing system from the base station 3 accommodated in the mobile communication network. Further, the mobile communication module 11 radiates a predetermined radio signal to the space via the antenna so that wireless communication can be performed with the base station 3 using a predetermined communication processing system. The mobile communication module 11 performs predetermined processing on the received signal and then outputs data to the CPU 15 or outputs sound from the speaker 20. The mobile communication module 11 transmits data output from the CPU 15 and sound collected from the microphone 19 after performing predetermined processing.

  The wireless LAN (WLAN) communication module 12 performs wireless LAN communication conforming to a predetermined standard such as IEEE802.11a / b / g via an internal antenna (not shown).

  The Bluetooth (BT) communication module 13 performs wireless communication with other communication devices existing in the vicinity (several meters to several tens of meters) of the mobile phone 1 via an antenna.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 15 generates various control signals and supplies them to each unit to control the mobile phone 1 in an integrated manner. The CPU 15 performs various processes in accordance with various application programs and control programs including an operating system (OS) loaded from a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) as the memory 16 or loaded into a RAM (Random Access Memory) from the ROM. Execute.

  The memory 16 is a storage device such as a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory element, and an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The memory 16 is a flash memory element or HDD (Hard Disc Drive) which is an electrically rewritable and erasable nonvolatile memory.

  The input unit 17 receives an input via an input means such as an operation key type or a touch panel type, and outputs this input signal to the CPU 15. The display unit 18 outputs data including characters and images based on instructions from the CPU 15. The display unit 18 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) display, and an inorganic EL display.

  The wireless signal detection circuit 23 is a circuit for detecting a wireless signal having an amplitude-modulated waveform transmitted from the PC 2 (another communication device). The wireless signal detection circuit 23 determines the type of signal based on the pattern and cycle of the power value on the time axis related to the wireless signal transmitted from the PC 2. Hereinafter, the pattern and cycle of the power value on the time axis related to the radio signal received by the radio signal detection circuit 23 are referred to as a “specific pattern”. The wireless signal detection circuit 23 outputs a predetermined interrupt signal to the CPU 15 when it detects a specific pattern related to the standby wireless signal.

  The wireless signal detection circuit 23 monitors the wireless signal with an operating power lower than the operating power when the WLAN communication module 12 and the BT communication module 13 as the wireless communication unit monitor the wireless signal transmitted from the PC 2. It has become. Note that each circuit of the wireless signal detection circuit 23 is configured by applying a conventional technique capable of realizing power saving described in the literature shown for each circuit description to be described later. However, the wireless signal detection circuit 23 is not limited to the configuration described in the later-described literature, and at least the operating power lower than the operating power when the WLAN communication module 12 and the BT communication module 13 monitor the wireless signal transmitted from the PC 2. As long as the wireless signal can be monitored, any configuration may be used.

  FIG. 3 is a circuit configuration diagram of the wireless signal detection circuit 23 of FIG.

  The wireless signal detection circuit 23 includes an RF signal reception circuit 31, a down converter (rectifier circuit) 32, a baseband (BB) signal amplification circuit 33, a signal identification circuit 34, a control signal output circuit 35, and a memory 36.

  An RF (Radio Frequency) signal receiving circuit 31 outputs an RF signal when receiving a radio signal (radio wave) reaching the detection sensitivity sent from another communication device such as the PC 2.

  The down converter (rectifier circuit) 32 rectifies and detects the RF signal output from the RF signal receiver circuit 31 to obtain a demodulated signal. In order to save power, the down converter (rectifier circuit) 32 does not have a local oscillator. For example, the technology described in Japanese Patent No. 4377946 (demodulator) can be applied to the configuration of the down converter (rectifier circuit) 32.

  Note that the demodulator described in Japanese Patent No. 4377946 is a clock-type bias application rectifier circuit. Specifically, the demodulator includes a bias circuit that outputs a DC voltage, a first MOS transistor to which only a DC voltage is applied between a gate terminal and a source terminal, and a gate terminal and a source terminal. Only the DC voltage is applied, the drain terminal is connected to the source terminal of the first MOS transistor, the second MOS transistor is connected to the source terminal of the first MOS transistor, and the other end is input to the AC signal A rectifier circuit comprising: a coupling capacitor configured to supply a bias voltage at a predetermined timing; and comparing an input signal rectified by the rectifier circuit with a threshold at a timing different from the predetermined timing. And a clocked comparator that outputs a binary signal.

  The BB signal amplifier circuit 33 amplifies the demodulated signal output from the down converter (rectifier circuit) 32 and outputs a predetermined signal. As for the configuration of the BB signal amplifier circuit 33, for example, a technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-89434 (trigger signal generator) can be applied.

  The trigger signal generator described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-89434 is characterized in that it includes a current mirror circuit and a current-voltage conversion circuit. Specifically, the trigger generation device has a current generation means for generating a current having an amplitude corresponding to the magnitude of the demodulated signal, an amplitude corresponding to the magnitude of the current generated by the current generation means, A signal amplifying means including a current output means for outputting a current flowing from one power supply potential toward the second power supply potential, and a current mirror circuit for amplifying the current output from the current output means, and an output terminal of the current mirror circuit A trigger signal generating means for generating a trigger signal by converting a connected and amplified current signal into a voltage signal is provided.

  The signal identification circuit 34 compares the signal generated in the BB signal amplification circuit 33 with a predetermined comparison reference potential. The signal identification circuit 34 determines that a signal higher than the comparison reference potential is at a high level and a signal lower than the comparison reference potential is at a low level, and determines a voltage magnitude pattern and period on the time axis. get.

  The signal identification circuit 34 identifies whether or not the obtained signal matches a specific pattern related to the waiting radio signal, and outputs the identification result to the control signal output circuit 35.

  The memory 36 is, for example, a nonvolatile memory, and stores a voltage magnitude pattern and period on the time axis of the signal output from the BB signal amplification circuit 33, that is, a specific pattern. The memory 36 stores a plurality of specific patterns. Specifically, the memory 36 stores in advance a specific pattern of a signal (probe request signal) transmitted when the wireless LAN communication module 112 (see FIG. 5) of the PC 2 as another terminal performs an active scan. Further, the memory 36 stores in advance a specific pattern of a beacon signal transmitted by the wireless LAN communication module 112 (see FIG. 5) of the PC 2. Further, the memory 36 stores in advance a specific pattern of a signal (inquiry signal) transmitted when the Bluetooth communication module 113 (see FIG. 5) of the PC 2 performs an inquiry scan.

  Generally, each of these probe request signals, beacon signals, and inquiry signals has a certain specific pattern. However, the period of these signals can be changed in each terminal. For this reason, the memory 36 stores in advance a specific pattern of each signal transmitted from a specific device to be connected in addition to a certain specific pattern. As a result, it is possible to prevent each signal from being undetectable due to variations in the period between devices.

  The control signal output circuit 35 generates an interrupt signal for notifying the occurrence of interrupt processing based on the identification result output from the signal identification circuit 34 and outputs the interrupt signal to the CPU 15.

  FIG. 4 is a software system configuration diagram of the mobile phone 1 which is an example of the communication device according to the present invention.

  In the mobile phone 1 in the present embodiment, a configuration for mainly realizing wireless communication with other communication devices will be mainly described, and a detailed description of a software system configuration generally provided in the mobile phone will be omitted. .

  The communication protocol stack 61 executes a predetermined WLAN communication procedure. A wireless LAN (WLAN) driver 62 controls the WLAN communication module 12 in order to realize a procedure executed by the communication protocol stack 61.

  The Bluetooth (BT) communication protocol stack 64 executes a predetermined BT communication procedure. The Bluetooth (BT) driver 65 controls the BT communication module 13 in order to realize the procedure executed by the BT communication protocol stack 64.

  The mobile communication unit 66 controls the mobile communication module 11 at the time of communication using a communication carrier network such as voice call and data communication of the mobile phone 1 to realize wireless communication.

  The communication protocol stack 61, the BT communication protocol stack 64, and the mobile communication unit 66 are managed by the communication system manager 68, respectively. The communication application 69 directly receives a communication instruction from a user, for example, and notifies the communication system manager 68 of it.

  The wireless signal detection circuit manager 70 comprehensively controls the wireless signal detection circuit 23 and communicates with each application. The wireless signal detection circuit driver 71 operates the wireless signal detection circuit 23 based on the control of the wireless signal detection circuit manager 70. The wireless signal detection circuit application 72 receives, for example, an instruction and input data from the user and notifies the wireless signal detection circuit manager 70 of the instruction.

  FIG. 5 is a hardware system configuration diagram of the PC 2 which is an example of a communication device according to the present invention.

  The PC 2 includes a wireless LAN (WLAN) communication module 112, a Bluetooth (BT) communication module 113, a CPU 115, a memory 116, an input unit 117, and a display unit 118. Each part of the PC 2 is connected by a bus 122.

  The wireless LAN (WLAN) communication module 112 performs wireless LAN communication complying with a predetermined standard such as IEEE802.11a / b / g via an internal antenna (not shown).

  The Bluetooth (BT) communication module 113 performs wireless communication with other communication devices existing in the vicinity (several m to several tens of m) of the PC 2 via a built-in antenna (not shown).

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 115 centrally controls the PC 2 by generating various control signals and supplying them to each unit. The CPU 115 performs various processes in accordance with various application programs and control programs including an operating system (OS) loaded from a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) serving as the memory 116 or loaded into a RAM (Random Access Memory) from the ROM. Execute.

  The memory 116 is a storage device such as a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory element, and an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The memory 116 is a flash memory element or HDD (Hard Disc Drive), which is a nonvolatile memory that can be electrically rewritten and erased.

  The input unit 117 receives an input via an input unit such as a keyboard or a mouse, and outputs this input signal to the CPU 115. The display unit 118 outputs data including characters and images based on instructions from the CPU 115. The display unit 118 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) display, and an inorganic EL display.

  FIG. 6 is a software system configuration diagram of the PC 2 which is an example of a communication device according to the present invention.

  In the PC 2 in the present embodiment, a configuration for mainly realizing wireless communication with other communication devices will be mainly described, and a detailed description of a software system configuration generally provided in a personal computer will be omitted.

  The communication protocol stack 161 executes a predetermined WLAN communication procedure. A wireless LAN (WLAN) driver 162 controls the WLAN communication module 112 in order to realize a procedure executed by the communication protocol stack 161.

  The Bluetooth (BT) communication protocol stack 164 executes a predetermined BT communication procedure. The Bluetooth (BT) driver 165 controls the BT communication module 113 in order to realize the procedure executed by the BT communication protocol stack 164.

  The communication protocol stack 161 and the BT communication protocol stack 164 are managed by the communication system manager 168, respectively. The communication application 169 directly receives a communication instruction from a user, for example, and notifies the communication system manager 168 of it.

  At the time of wireless LAN communication, the mobile phone 1 and the PC 2 operate in any one of “terminal mode”, “access point (AP) mode”, and “ad hoc mode”.

  The “terminal mode” is a mode in which a beacon signal transmitted from a terminal (AP base unit or ad hoc base unit) operating in the AP mode or the ad hoc mode is actively or passively scanned. The “AP mode” is an operation mode that operates as an access point (hereinafter simply referred to as “AP”) and transmits a beacon signal to another terminal (AP slave unit). AP mode not only functions as an AP as a data communication relay base station, but also acts as an AP (for example, when a beacon signal is transmitted but actually does not operate as a data communication relay base station). Shall be included. The “ad hoc mode” is an operation mode at the time of forming an ad hoc network in which communication is performed between terminals (between an ad hoc master and a slave).

  Note that “AP master” refers to a terminal that operates in the AP mode and transmits a beacon signal. The “AP slave” refers to a terminal that operates in the terminal mode and scans a beacon signal transmitted from the AP. “Ad hoc master” refers to a terminal that operates in the ad hoc mode and transmits a beacon signal to another terminal. An “ad hoc slave” refers to a terminal that operates in an ad hoc mode and scans a beacon signal transmitted from another terminal.

  The operation mode of the mobile phone 1 and the PC 2 during Bluetooth communication is referred to as “BT mode”.

  It is assumed that the mobile phone 1 and the PC 2 are set in advance with device authentication settings necessary for communication using the WLAN communication modules 12 and 112. For example, when the mobile phone 1 and the PC 2 are compatible with WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), device authentication setting is performed using the WPS. WPS is a method of setting, for example, an ESSID (Extended Service Set Identifier) (SSID), WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), etc. by inputting a PIN code (PIN: Personal Identification Number). By using this WPS, the user can easily construct a secure WLAN network. This PIN code may be input each time during the authentication process when connecting to another terminal.

  Further, it is assumed that the mobile phone 1 and the PC 2 have been previously set up for device authentication (pairing) for specifying a connection partner required for communication using the BT communication modules 13 and 113. For example, it is set by inputting a PIN code after searching for devices.

  Next, processing in the mobile phone 1 and the PC 2 when the PC 2 performs data communication (network communication) using the mobile communication network of the mobile phone 1 will be described.

  The cellular phone 1 in the present embodiment uses the wireless signal detection circuit 23 that can always wait for a wireless signal transmitted from the PC 2 with low power consumption, so that the WLAN communication module 12 and the BT communication module 13 are always activated. Or an operation for starting the communication modules 12 and 13 by a user operation can be made unnecessary. That is, the mobile phone 1 monitors a predetermined signal transmitted from the PC 2 in the wireless signal detection circuit 23 instead of the WLAN communication module 12 and the BT communication module 13.

  The PC 2 requests the mobile phone 1 to connect by transmitting one of the first to fourth radio signals that can be detected by the radio signal detection circuit 23 of the mobile phone 1. The first wireless signal is a probe request signal that is transmitted when the PC 2 operates in the terminal mode as an AP slave and performs active scanning. The second radio signal is a beacon signal transmitted when the PC 2 operates in the AP mode as the AP base unit. The third radio signal is a beacon signal transmitted when the PC 2 operates in the ad hoc mode as the ad hoc master unit. The fourth wireless signal is an inquiry signal transmitted when the PC 2 is inquiry (inquiry) in BT communication.

  When the wireless signal detection circuit 23 receives any of the first to fourth wireless signals, the mobile phone 1 executes connection processing using the first to third communication methods according to the priority order, and the PC 2 To establish a connection with. When the wireless signal detection circuit 23 is configured to be able to identify the type of the wireless signal detected, a communication method to be used may be selected according to the type of the wireless signal (details will be described later).

  The first communication method is a method in which the WLAN communication module 12 of the mobile phone 1 operates as an AP with respect to the WLAN communication module 112 of the PC 2 or, if necessary, as a terminal for the AP and establishes a connection with the PC 2. The second communication method is a method in which the WLAN communication module 12 of the mobile phone 1 operates in an ad hoc mode as an ad hoc slave and establishes a connection with the PC 2. The third communication method is a method in which the BT communication module 13 or the WLAN communication module 12 of the mobile phone 1 establishes a connection with the BT communication module 113 or the WLAN communication module 112 of the PC 2. In any method, after the connection is established, the operation mode is switched as necessary so that the mobile phone 1 is in the AP mode and the PC 2 is in the terminal mode. This is to establish faster and more reliable communication.

  The cellular phone 1 tries to connect to the PC 2 by sequentially using the first to third communication methods based on a preset priority order. This priority order is set at the time of prior authentication setting of the mobile phone 1 and the PC 2, or is set by the user via a predetermined application as necessary.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which priorities are set in the order of the first communication method, the second communication method, and the third communication method will be described. That is, apply the example of using the second communication method when the connection establishment using the first communication method fails, and using the third communication method when the second communication method fails. explain. Note that any one of the first to third communication methods may be used, or may be used in a predetermined order as described below.

  In the description of the connection process using each communication method described below, an example in which the PC 2 transmits a wireless signal connectable by each communication method to the wireless signal detection circuit 23 will be described. However, in actuality, one type of wireless signal is continuously transmitted for a predetermined time in one data communication request made by the PC 2, and the mobile phone 1 performs first to third communication with respect to the one type of wireless signal. The connection process using the method is sequentially performed. When the connection process using any one of the communication methods is successful, the wireless signal detection circuit 23 waits for a wireless signal transmitted from the PC 2 again after the data communication is completed. When a predetermined wireless signal is detected by the wireless signal detection circuit 23, connection processing using the communication method with the highest priority is performed again.

  First, connection processing between the mobile phone 1 and the PC 2 using the first communication method will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining combinations of operation modes that the WLAN communication modules 12 and 112 of the mobile phone 1 and the PC 2 can take. In the following description, reference will be made as necessary.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining connection processing using the first communication method executed in the mobile phone 1 according to the present embodiment.

  In the following description of the processing executed in the mobile phone 1, the description will be made mainly with the radio signal detection circuit 23, the CPU 15, the OS, and the WLAN communication module 12 as the subject. Based on.

  FIGS. 9 and 10 are sequence diagrams showing connection processing using the first communication method performed between the mobile phone 1 and the PC 2.

  Note that the sequence diagram described below particularly shows main processes in the present embodiment, and description of other processes may be omitted.

  In step S1, the radio signal detection circuit 23 of the mobile phone 1 determines whether or not a specific pattern of the radio signal is detected. When it is determined that the specific pattern is not detected, the wireless signal detection circuit 23 stands by until it is detected.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the specific pattern is detected by the wireless signal detection circuit 23 (step S25 in FIG. 9), in step S2, the WLAN communication module 12 is activated in the AP mode based on the first communication method (Wake Up). (Step S30 in FIG. 8). Specifically, when the wireless signal detection circuit 23 detects a specific pattern (step S25), it generates an interrupt signal for requesting activation of the WLAN communication module 12 and outputs it to the CPU 15 (step S26). The CPU 15 is activated when it is in the sleep state (step S27), and outputs an activation request signal to the WLAN communication module 12 via the OS (steps S28 and S29). In addition, the WLAN communication module 12 sends a startup notification to the OS along with the startup (step S31). The operation modes that the cellular phone 1 and the PC 2 can take at this time are modes 1 to 4 in FIG.

  In step S3, the WLAN communication module 12 transmits a beacon signal as an AP and notifies various terminals of various information (steps S33 and S34). The transmission of the beacon signal is performed based on a search request (Step S32) output from the OS.

  In step S4, the WLAN communication module 12 collates the search result (response) of another terminal based on the beacon signal (step S35). In step S5, the WLAN communication module 12 determines whether or not the searched terminal is the PC 2 that is a previously registered terminal (step S36). If the WLAN communication module 12 determines that the PC 2 is not registered, the process proceeds to step S18, and the power of the WLAN communication module 12 is turned off (step S37). In addition, although not shown, when a search result cannot be obtained within a predetermined time, the process proceeds to, for example, step S10 and the operation mode is switched to the terminal mode.

  On the other hand, if the WLAN communication module 12 determines that the searched terminal is the PC 2 registered in advance, communication with the PC 2 is started in step S6 (step S38), and a predetermined connection for communicating with the PC 2 is established. Process. The procedure of the wireless LAN connection process between the mobile phone 1 and the PC 2 uses a known method (authentication, association), and therefore detailed description thereof is omitted here. Note that the WLAN communication module 12 can perform connection processing with the PC 2 in mode 2 in FIG.

  In step S7, the WLAN communication module 12 determines whether or not the connection with the PC 2 is successful within a predetermined time (step S43 in FIG. 10). When it is determined that the connection is successful, the mobile phone 1 causes the PC 2 to perform data exchange (data communication) using the mobile communication network as an AP in step S8 (step S44). In step S <b> 9, the WLAN communication module 12 determines whether data transmission / reception has ended or whether a preset time has elapsed (timeout) since the last data transmission / reception. Note that the end of data exchange can be determined based on the presence of user input or detection of a beacon signal or the like in the wireless signal detection circuit 23. If the WLAN communication module 12 determines that the data transfer has not ended or has not timed out, the WLAN communication module 12 returns to step S8 and continues the data transfer. If the WLAN communication module 12 determines that the data transfer has ended or timed out, the WLAN communication module 12 is turned off in step S18. After the power of the WLAN communication module 12 is turned off, the wireless signal detection circuit 23 returns to a wireless signal standby state.

  If the WLAN communication module 12 determines that the connection with the PC 2 has failed within a predetermined time in the connection determination step S7, the WLAN communication module 12 issues a timeout notification to the OS (step S45). Accordingly, the WLAN communication module 12 receives a request to switch to the terminal mode from the OS (step S46). In step S10, the operation mode is switched to the terminal mode (step S47). Since the connection process with the PC 2 has failed in the AP mode, the mobile phone 1 attempts to connect by changing its own operation mode to the terminal mode.

  In step S11, the WLAN communication module 12 performs active scan or passive scan to scan for available APs (step S48). In step S12, the WLAN communication module 12 determines whether or not the SSID included in the beacon signal obtained by scanning matches the SSID registered in advance in the mobile phone 1 (step S49). If the WLAN communication module 12 determines that the obtained SSID is different from the registered SSID, the process proceeds to step S18 and turns off the power of the WLAN communication module 12 (step S50). This corresponds to the case where the scanned AP is not PC2. In addition, although not shown, when a scan result is not obtained within a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S18 and the power of the WLAN communication module 12 is turned off.

  On the other hand, if the WLAN communication module 12 determines that the obtained SSID matches the registered SSID, in step S13, the WLAN communication module 12 performs connection processing as a terminal for the PC 2 as the AP (step S51), and sends a connection notification to the WLAN communication of the PC 2. It transmits to the module 112 (step S52). The operation mode of the WLAN communication module 12 of the cellular phone 1 and the WLAN communication module 112 of the PC 2 at this time is mode 5 in FIG.

  In step S14, the WLAN communication module 12 determines whether or not it is necessary to switch to the AP mode in order to cause the PC 2 to perform data communication using the mobile communication network (step S53). Whether or not it is necessary to switch to the AP mode is determined based on the timeout of a timer that measures a predetermined time or the presence / absence of a predetermined number of communication confirmations. If it is determined that there is no need to switch to the AP mode, the WLAN communication module 12 proceeds to the data transfer step S8, operates as a terminal mode, and communicates with the PC 2.

  On the other hand, if the WLAN communication module 12 determines that it is necessary to switch to the AP mode, the WLAN communication module 12 sends a connection establishment notification to the OS (step S55). The OS requests the WLAN communication module 12 to switch the operation mode to the AP mode (step S56). In step S15, the WLAN communication module 12 requests the WLAN communication module 112 of the PC 2 to switch the operation mode to the terminal mode (step S57). Accordingly, the WLAN communication module 112 of the PC 2 switches the operation mode to the terminal mode, and notifies the WLAN communication module 12 of the mobile phone 1 of the terminal mode switching (step S62).

  In step S16, the WLAN communication module 12 switches the operation mode to the AP mode (step S63). In step S17, the WLAN communication module 12 determines whether or not the connection with the PC 2 is successful within a predetermined time (step S64). When it is determined that the connection is successful, the cellular phone 1 proceeds to step S8 and causes the PC 2 to exchange data using the mobile communication network as an AP (step S65). The operation mode between the mobile phone 1 and the PC 2 at this time is mode 2 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the WLAN communication module 12 determines that the connection is not successful within a predetermined time, the power is turned off in step S18 (step S66).

  Next, processing when the PC 2 operates in the terminal mode and the AP mode, which are operation modes for transmitting a connectable radio signal when the mobile phone 1 uses the first communication method, will be described.

  First, a process when the PC 2 operates in a terminal mode, which is an operation mode for transmitting a connectable radio signal when the mobile phone 1 uses the first communication method, will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the connection processing by the first communication method during the terminal mode operation executed in the PC 2 in the present embodiment.

  In the following description of the processing executed in the PC 2, the description will be made mainly using the OS and the WLAN communication module 112, but each processing is executed based on a required software program.

  Note that the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 9 and 10 show processing when the WLAN communication module 112 of the PC 2 operates in the terminal mode and when it operates in the AP mode.

  In step S71, the OS of the PC 2 accepts a data transfer (data communication) request (step S21 in FIG. 9). In step S72, the WLAN communication module 112 is activated based on the control of the OS (step S22). At this time, the WLAN communication module 112 is activated in the terminal mode.

  In step S73, the WLAN communication module 112 performs active scan and scans for available APs (step S23). The WLAN communication module 112 transmits a probe request signal and waits for a probe response signal transmitted from another terminal. Note that the WLAN communication module 112 that has received the communication request can also perform passive scan. In this case, it is possible to wait for a beacon signal transmitted from an AP other than the mobile phone 1 and perform data communication after a predetermined connection process if the AP is a connectable AP. The active scan executed by the WLAN communication module 112 in step S73 may be a scan for detecting the mobile phone 1 or a scan for detecting an AP other than the mobile phone 1. .

  In step S74, the WLAN communication module 112 scans the AP within a predetermined time, and determines whether or not the connection with the scanned AP is successful (step S40). Here, the AP to be scanned and connected may be the mobile phone 1 as the AP, or may be another AP different from the mobile phone 1. When a plurality of APs including the cellular phone 1 are detected, the PC 2 may be preferentially connected to the cellular phone 1 or may be preferentially connected to an AP other than the cellular phone 1. . Further, the user may be allowed to select a connection destination. The connection process (SSID confirmation, authentication, association) between the PC 2 and the AP (mobile phone 1) uses a known method, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. If the WLAN communication module 112 determines that the connection with the AP is successful, in step S75, the WLAN communication module 112 exchanges data via the connected AP (step S41).

  In step S76, the WLAN communication module 112 determines whether or not the data transmission / reception is completed or a preset time has elapsed (timeout) since the last data transmission / reception. If the WLAN communication module 112 determines that the data transfer has not ended or has not timed out, the WLAN communication module 112 returns to step S75 and continues the data transfer. When the WLAN communication module 112 determines that the data transfer has ended or timed out, the process ends.

  On the other hand, if the WLAN communication module 112 determines in the connection determination step S74 that the connection with the AP has not been made within a predetermined time, the process ends because the connection with the AP including the mobile phone 1 has failed to be established.

  Next, processing when the PC 2 operates in the AP mode, which is an operation mode for transmitting a connectable radio signal when the mobile phone 1 uses the first communication method, will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining connection processing by the first communication method during the AP mode operation executed in the PC 2 in the present embodiment.

  In step S81, the OS of the PC 2 accepts the data transfer request (step S21 in FIG. 9). In step S82, the WLAN communication module 112 is activated based on the control of the OS (step S22). At this time, the WLAN communication module 112 is activated in the AP mode.

  In step S83, the WLAN communication module 112 transmits a beacon signal for notifying various terminals of various information (step S23). At this time, the WLAN communication module 12 of the mobile phone 1 is controlled to operate in the terminal mode (mode 5 in FIG. 7). Therefore, in step S84, the WLAN communication module 112 of the PC 2 receives, as an AP, a notification that a connection has been established from the mobile phone 1 (step S52 in FIG. 10).

  In step S85, the WLAN communication module 112 determines whether a request for switching to the terminal mode is received from the mobile phone 1. If it is determined that the terminal mode switching request has not been received, the WLAN communication module 112 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of transmission of the beacon signal in step S86. If the WLAN communication module 112 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the WLAN communication module 112 returns to the switching request determination step S85. On the other hand, if the WLAN communication module 112 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed, it has failed to establish a connection with the mobile phone 1, and thus ends the process.

  When the WLAN communication module 112 determines that a request for switching to the terminal mode is received from the mobile phone 1 in the switching request determination step S85 (step S57 in FIG. 10), the operation mode is switched from the AP mode to the terminal mode in step S87. (Steps S58, S59, S60). Further, the terminal mode switching notification is sent to the WLAN communication module 12 of the mobile phone 1 (step S62).

  In step S88, the WLAN communication module 112 performs active scan or passive scan to scan for available APs (step S61). In step S89, the WLAN communication module 112 determines whether or not the connection with the AP scanned within the predetermined time, that is, the mobile phone 1, has been successful. At this time, the WLAN communication module 12 of the mobile phone 1 operates in the AP mode (mode 2 in FIG. 7). For this reason, the WLAN communication module 112 of the PC 2 is in a state in which connection with the mobile phone 1 as an AP is possible. If the WLAN communication module 112 determines that the connection with the AP has failed, the WLAN communication module 112 ends the process because the connection with the first communication method has failed to be established.

  On the other hand, if the WLAN communication module 112 determines that the connection with the AP is successful, in step S90, the WLAN communication module 112 exchanges data via the connected AP. In step S91, the WLAN communication module 112 determines whether data transmission / reception has ended or whether a preset time has elapsed (timeout) since the last data transmission / reception. If the WLAN communication module 112 determines that the data transmission / reception has not ended or has timed out, the WLAN communication module 112 returns to step S90 and continues the data transmission / reception. When the WLAN communication module 112 determines that the data transfer has ended or timed out, the process ends.

  In the connection process of FIG. 12, when the request for switching to the terminal mode transmitted from the WLAN communication module 12 of the cellular phone 1 is received, the operation mode of the WLAN communication module 112 of the PC 2 is switched from the AP mode to the terminal mode. It was. However, it may be controlled to automatically switch from the AP mode to the terminal mode after a predetermined time has elapsed. In that case, the process in which the WLAN communication module 12 of the mobile phone 1 transmits a terminal mode switching request is also omitted.

  Next, connection processing between the mobile phone 1 and the PC 2 using the second communication method will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining connection processing using the second communication method executed in the mobile phone 1 according to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing processing using the second communication method performed between the mobile phone 1 and the PC 2.

  In step S101, the wireless signal detection circuit 23 of the mobile phone 1 determines whether or not a specific pattern of the wireless signal has been detected. When it is determined that these specific patterns are not detected, the wireless signal detection circuit 23 waits until it is detected.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the specific pattern is detected by the wireless signal detection circuit 23, the WLAN communication module 12 is activated (Wake Up) based on the second communication method in Step S102 (Step S130 in FIG. 14). At this time, the communication mode of the WLAN communication module 12 operates in an ad hoc mode as an ad hoc slave. Specifically, when the wireless signal detection circuit 23 detects a specific pattern (step S125), it generates an interrupt signal requesting activation of the WLAN communication module 12 and outputs it to the CPU 15 (step S126). The CPU 15 is activated when it is in the sleep state (step S127), and outputs an activation request signal to the WLAN communication module 12 via the OS (steps S128 and S129). In addition, the WLAN communication module 12 sends a startup notification to the OS along with startup (step S131). The operation modes that the cellular phone 1 and the PC 2 can take at this time are modes 9 to 12 in FIG.

  In step S103, the WLAN communication module 12 performs active scan or passive scan on other terminals operating in the ad hoc mode (step S133). The scan is performed based on a scan request (Step S132) output from the OS.

  In step S104, the WLAN communication module 12 collates the result obtained by the scan. In step S105, the WLAN communication module 12 determines whether the terminal from which the scan result is obtained is the registered terminal, in this embodiment, the PC2. If the WLAN communication module 12 determines that the scan result is not PC2 (No (1) in step S135), the process proceeds to step S112, and the power of the WLAN communication module 12 is turned off (step S136).

  On the other hand, if the WLAN communication module 12 determines that the searched terminal is the PC 2 registered in advance, in step S106, the WLAN communication module 12 performs connection processing with the PC 2 (step S137), and transmits a connection notification to the WLAN communication module 112 of the PC 2. (Step S138). The operation mode of the cellular phone 1 and the PC 2 at this time is mode 11 in FIG.

  In step S107, the mobile phone 1 switches the operation mode to the AP mode (step S140). This is because switching to the AP mode establishes faster and more reliable communication than the ad hoc mode. In step S108, the WLAN communication module 12 transmits a beacon signal to the PC 2 (step S141).

  In step S109, the WLAN communication module 12 determines whether or not the connection with the PC 2 is successful within a predetermined time. When it is determined that the connection is successful, that is, when the mobile phone 1 receives a connection notification from the WLAN communication module 112 of the PC 2 (step S144), in step S110, the mobile phone 1 performs data transfer using the mobile communication network as an AP to the PC 2. Let it be done. The operation mode of the cellular phone 1 and the PC 2 at this time is mode 2 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 111, the WLAN communication module 12 determines whether data transmission / reception has ended or whether a preset time has elapsed (timeout) since the last data transmission / reception. If the WLAN communication module 12 determines that the data transfer has not ended or has not timed out, the WLAN communication module 12 returns to step S110 and continues the data transfer. If the WLAN communication module 12 determines that the data transfer has ended or timed out, the power of the WLAN communication module 12 is turned off in step S112.

  In step S105, if the scan result is a terminal different from the PC 2, the power of the WLAN communication module 12 is turned off as a connection failure. Here, the case where the connection has failed may be a case where the WLAN communication module 12 of the cellular phone 1 has received a beacon signal transmitted from a terminal other than the PC 2 that originally desires connection. Although the mobile phone 1 does not intend to connect to a terminal other than the PC 2, the wireless signal detection circuit 23 detects this beacon signal as long as the beacon signal continues to be transmitted, and activates the WLAN communication module 12 each time. I will let you.

  Therefore, in order to prevent unnecessary activation of the WLAN communication module 12, if it is determined in step S105 that the scan result is not PC2, the WLAN communication module 12 sends a synchronous acquisition mode transition request via the CPU 15 to the wireless signal detection circuit. 23 (steps S145 and S146 in FIG. 14). Upon receiving this request, the wireless signal detection circuit 23 captures the cycle of the beacon signal transmitted from the terminal that does not want to connect, and when this beacon signal is detected again, ignores the detection and notifies the CPU 15 of it. Do not do. As a result, unnecessary activation of the WLAN communication module 12 can be prevented, and power consumption can be reduced.

  Next, processing when the PC 2 operates in the ad hoc mode, which is an operation mode for transmitting a connectable radio signal when the mobile phone 1 uses the second communication method, will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the connection processing by the second communication method during the ad hoc mode operation executed in the PC 2 in the present embodiment.

  In step S151, the WLAN communication module 112 receives a data transfer (data communication) request from the OS (step S121 in FIG. 14).

  In step S152, the WLAN communication module 112 is activated (Wake Up) based on the control of the OS (step S122). At this time, the WLAN communication module 112 is activated in the ad hoc mode based on the second communication method. In step S153, the WLAN communication module 112 transmits a beacon signal as an ad hoc parent device, and notifies various information to surrounding terminals (step S123).

  In step S154, the WLAN communication module 112 determines whether or not the connection in the ad hoc mode with the mobile phone 1 as another terminal is successful within a predetermined time. In the second communication method, the mobile phone 1 operates in the ad hoc mode (mode 11 in FIG. 7). The WLAN communication module 112 determines whether there is a connection notification (step S138 in FIG. 14) transmitted from the WLAN communication module 12 of the mobile phone 1 in response to the transmitted beacon signal. The connection process (authentication, association) between the PC 2 and the mobile phone 1 uses a known method, and thus a detailed description thereof is omitted.

  If the WLAN communication module 112 determines that the connection with the mobile phone 1 has failed within a predetermined time, the WLAN communication module 112 ends the process.

  On the other hand, if the WLAN communication module 112 determines that the connection with the mobile phone 1 is successful, in step S155, the WLAN communication module 112 switches the operation mode to the terminal mode (step S139 in FIG. 14). The switching of the operation mode of the WLAN communication module 112 is based on the operation mode switching request (step S57 in FIG. 10) transmitted from the WLAN communication module 12 of the mobile phone 1 as in the case of using the first communication method. For example, the switching may be performed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the beacon signal.

  In step S156, the WLAN communication module 112 performs active scan or passive scan to scan for available APs (step S142). In step S157, the WLAN communication module 112 determines whether or not the connection with the scanned AP, that is, the mobile phone 1, has been successful within a predetermined time. At this time, the WLAN communication module 12 of the mobile phone 1 operates in the AP mode (mode 2 in FIG. 7). For this reason, the WLAN communication module 112 of the PC 2 is in a state in which connection with the mobile phone 1 as an AP is possible. If the WLAN communication module 112 determines that the connection with the AP has failed, the WLAN communication module 112 ends the process.

  On the other hand, if the WLAN communication module 112 determines in step S157 that the connection with the AP has been successful, in step S158, the WLAN communication module 112 transmits and receives data via the mobile phone 1 as the connected AP. In step S159, the WLAN communication module 112 determines whether the data transfer has ended or whether a preset time has elapsed (timeout) since the data transfer was last performed. If the WLAN communication module 112 determines that the data transfer has not ended or has not timed out, the WLAN communication module 112 returns to step S158 and continues the data transfer. When the WLAN communication module 112 determines that the data transfer has ended or timed out, the process ends.

  Next, wireless LAN connection processing using the third communication method will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a connection process using the third communication method executed in the mobile phone 1 according to this embodiment.

  17 and 18 are sequence diagrams showing processing using the third communication method performed between the mobile phone 1 and the PC 2.

  In the wireless LAN connection process using the third communication method, the PC 2 performs data communication by wireless communication using the WLAN communication module 112 and the data communication by wireless communication using the BT communication module 113. is there. The sequence diagram of FIG. 17 shows a case where data exchange is performed using a connection between the BT communication modules 13 and 113. The sequence diagram of FIG. 18 shows a case where data exchange is performed using a connection between the WLAN communication modules 12 and 112.

  In step S161, the wireless signal detection circuit 23 of the mobile phone 1 determines whether or not a specific pattern of the wireless signal has been detected. When it is determined that the specific pattern is not detected, the wireless signal detection circuit 23 stands by until it is detected.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the specific pattern is detected by the wireless signal detection circuit 23 (step S185 in FIG. 17), in step S162, the OS of the mobile phone 1 causes the PC 2 to perform data communication using the mobile communication network. Therefore, it is determined whether it is necessary to start the WLAN communication module 12 in the AP mode (whether it is necessary to switch to the AP mode) (step S189). Specifically, when the wireless signal detection circuit 23 detects a specific pattern (step S185), it generates an interrupt signal requesting activation of the BT communication module 13 and outputs it to the CPU 15 (step S186). The CPU 15 is activated when it is in the sleep state (step S187), and outputs an activation request signal for the BT communication module 13 to the OS (step S188). The OS receives the activation request signal output from the CPU 15 and determines whether or not it is necessary to activate the WLAN communication module 12 in the AP mode. The OS determines whether or not it is necessary to start the WLAN communication module 12 in the AP mode based on settings made in advance in the mobile phone 1 or instructions from the user. If the OS determines that there is no need to switch to the AP mode, the OS activates (Wake Up) the BT communication module 13 in step S163 (step S191).

  In step S164, the BT communication module 13 performs necessary connection processing (connection request and connection response) with another terminal that performs inquiry (step S192). If the PC 2 does not perform inquiry using the BT communication module 113, the connection is not established, and thus the process is terminated after a predetermined time, for example.

  In step S165, the BT communication module 13 determines whether or not the terminal that performs the connection process is a registered terminal, which is the PC 2 in this embodiment (step S193). If the BT communication module 13 determines that the terminal performing the connection process is not the PC 2, the process proceeds to step S168, and the power of the BT communication module 13 is turned off (step S194).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the terminal to be connected is the PC 2, the BT communication module 13 exchanges data with the BT communication module 113 of the PC 2 in step S 166, and exchanges data between the BT communication modules 13 and 113. Data communication via the mobile communication network is performed based on the received data. The operation mode between the cellular phone 1 and the PC 2 at this time is mode 16 in FIG.

  In step S167, the BT communication module 13 determines whether data transmission / reception has ended or whether a preset time has elapsed (timeout) since the data transmission / reception was last performed. If the BT communication module 13 determines that the data transfer has not ended or has not timed out, the BT communication module 13 returns to step S166 and continues the data transfer. If the BT communication module 13 determines that the data transfer has ended or timed out, the power is turned off in step S168.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S162 that the operation mode needs to be switched to the AP mode (the WLAN communication module 12 is activated), the WLAN communication module 12 is activated to operate in the AP mode in step S169. (Step S196). In step S170, a request for switching to the terminal mode is made to the WLAN communication module 112 of the PC 2 (step S197 in FIG. 18).

  In step S171, the WLAN communication module 12 determines whether or not the connection with the PC 2 is successful within a predetermined time (step S203). If the WLAN communication module 12 determines that the connection has failed, the power is turned off in step S172.

  On the other hand, when the WLAN communication module 12 determines that the connection is successful, in step S173, the WLAN communication module 12 exchanges data with the WLAN communication module 112 of the connected PC 2 (step S204), and performs data communication via the mobile communication network. . The operation mode between the mobile phone 1 and the PC 2 at this time is mode 2 in FIG.

  In step S174, the WLAN communication module 12 determines whether or not the data transmission / reception has ended or a preset time has elapsed (timeout) since the data transmission / reception was last performed. If the WLAN communication module 12 determines that the data transfer has not ended or has not timed out, the WLAN communication module 12 returns to step S173 and continues the data transfer. When the WLAN communication module 12 determines that the data transfer has ended or timed out, the power is turned off in step S172.

  Next, processing when the PC 2 operates in the BT mode, which is an operation mode for transmitting a connectable radio signal when the mobile phone 1 uses the third communication method, will be described.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the connection process by the third communication method during the BT mode operation executed in the PC 2 in the present embodiment.

  In step S211, the BT communication module 113 receives a data transfer (data communication) request from the OS (step S181 in FIG. 17).

  In step S212, the BT communication module 113 is activated (Wake Up) (step S182). At this time, the WLAN communication module 112 is also activated simultaneously or after a predetermined time has elapsed since the activation of the BT communication module 113. In step S213, the BT communication module 113 transmits an inquiry signal to make an inquiry (inquiry) to the connection target (step S183).

  In step S <b> 214, the BT communication module 113 determines whether or not the BT communication connection with the mobile phone 1 is successful. The BT communication module 113 determines whether there is a connection response (step S192) transmitted from the BT communication module 13 of the mobile phone 1 in response to the transmitted inquiry signal. The connection process between the PC 2 and the BT communication modules 13 and 113 of the mobile phone 1 uses a well-known method and will not be described in detail.

  On the other hand, if the BT communication module 113 determines that the connection with the mobile phone 1 has been successful, the BT communication module 113 exchanges data with the BT communication module 113 of the connected PC 2 in step S215.

  In step S216, the BT communication module 113 determines whether the data transmission / reception has ended or a preset time has elapsed (timeout) since the data transmission / reception was last performed. If the BT communication module 113 determines that the data transfer has not ended or has not timed out, the BT communication module 113 returns to step S215 and continues the data transfer. If the BT communication module 113 determines that the data transfer has ended or timed out, the BT communication module 113 ends the process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S214 that the cellular phone 1 is not yet connected to the BT communication module 13, the WLAN communication module 112 sends a request to switch the operation mode to the terminal mode from the cellular phone 1 in step S217. It is determined whether or not it has been accepted. If the WLAN communication module 112 determines that the terminal mode switching request has not been received, the WLAN communication module 112 ends the process because the connection has failed.

  On the other hand, if the WLAN communication module 112 determines that the terminal mode switching request has been received from the mobile phone 1 (step S197 in FIG. 18), the operation mode is switched from the BT mode to the terminal mode in step S218 (steps S198, S199, S200). In addition, a terminal mode switching notification is sent to the WLAN communication module 12 of the mobile phone 1 (step S202).

  In step S219, the WLAN communication module 112 performs active scanning or passive scanning to scan for available APs (step S201). In step S220, the WLAN communication module 112 determines whether or not the connection with the scanned AP, that is, the mobile phone 1, has been successful within a predetermined time. At this time, the WLAN communication module 12 of the mobile phone 1 operates in the AP mode (mode 2 in FIG. 7). For this reason, the WLAN communication module 112 of the PC 2 is in a state in which connection with the mobile phone 1 as an AP is possible. If the WLAN communication module 112 determines that the connection with the AP has failed, the WLAN communication module 112 ends the process.

  On the other hand, if the WLAN communication module 112 determines in step S220 that the connection with the AP is successful, in step S221, the WLAN communication module 112 transmits and receives data via the mobile phone 1 as the connected AP. In step S222, the WLAN communication module 112 determines whether or not the data transmission / reception is completed or a preset time has elapsed (timeout) since the data transmission / reception was last performed. If the WLAN communication module 112 determines that the data transfer has not ended or has not timed out, the WLAN communication module 112 returns to step S221 and continues the data transfer. When the WLAN communication module 112 determines that the data transfer has ended or timed out, the process ends.

  In the wireless LAN connection process using the third communication method on the PC 2 side, the example in which the WLAN communication module 112 is activated using the BT communication module 113 has been described. By performing such an operation, the PC 2 also uses the inquiry signal transmitted from the BT communication module 113 without the WLAN communication module 112 performing an active scan (transmitting a probe request signal), for example. This is effective in that the WLAN communication module 12 can be activated.

  Note that the signal detected by the wireless signal detection circuit 23 of the mobile phone 1 in the third communication method is not limited to the inquiry signal transmitted from the BT communication module 113 of the PC 2, but is DM1 which is an ACL packet used in the asynchronous link. Packets and DH1 packets may be applied. This is because the DM1 packet and the DH1 packet have a shorter transmission and reception repetition period than other packets, and thus the time required for detection based on 10 to 80 integrations is shorter.

  Since the mobile phone 1 described above includes the wireless signal detection circuit 23, it can suitably wait for a signal for requesting communication transmitted from the PC 2 as another terminal. For this reason, the cellular phone 1 unnecessarily activates the WLAN communication module 12 in order to wait for a signal transmitted from the PC 2 and does not transmit a beacon signal as an AP. Can be suppressed. Further, since a user operation for starting the WLAN communication module 12 is not required, it is also effective in that it is possible to reduce a complicated operation of a user who uses network communication using the mobile communication network of the mobile phone 1. .

  In addition, the mobile phone 1 has first to third communication methods in order to establish a wireless LAN communication connection with another terminal. For this reason, even if it is not possible to start up with one communication method due to the influence of noise, for example, it is possible to switch to another communication method and try to connect sequentially, and the success rate of connection with the PC 2 can be improved. .

  Further, when the PC 2 uses the mobile communication network of the mobile phone 1, the most efficient data communication can be performed. The mobile phone 1 operates in the AP mode (AP base unit) and the PC 2 operates in the terminal mode (AP handset). When the connection is established in a mode other than the communication mode, the operation mode is switched appropriately so that communication can be automatically performed in relation to the AP base unit / slave unit. Therefore, it is effective in that the data communication efficiency can be maintained and there is no complicated user operation.

  Even if the cellular phone 1 that requests connection uses the wireless signal detection circuit 23 to wait for connection, the PC 2 does not require any changes to the firmware and hardware of the conventional WLAN communication module. Can be established.

  In the present embodiment, when the wireless signal detection circuit 23 detects a specific pattern of any wireless signal, a signal for starting the WLAN communication module 12 or the BT communication module 13 is output to the CPU 15 according to each communication method. The example to do was explained. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the wireless signal detection circuit 23 outputs to the CPU 15 only that a specific pattern of any wireless signal has been detected, and the CPU 15 transmits the WLAN communication module 12 or BT to the OS according to each communication method. A signal for starting the communication module 13 may be output.

  In the mobile phone 1 according to the present embodiment, an amplifier that amplifies the signal at the carrier frequency of each signal received by the wireless signal detection circuit 23 may be provided before the RF signal reception circuit 31. This is effective in that the communication distance between the mobile phone 1 and the PC 2 can be extended. Further, the cellular phone 1 can realize further reduction in power consumption by intermittently starting and stopping the amplifier.

  Further, the wireless signal detection circuit 23 can be configured to be able to identify a beacon signal, a probe request signal, and an inquiry signal transmitted from the PC 2. In this case, the memory 36 divides the storage area into a plurality of areas, and stores a specific pattern of each signal in each storage area. Each storage area is connected to a signal identification circuit 34. The signal identification circuit 34 can identify a signal by referring to each stored signal. The communication modules 12 and 13 to be activated can be determined according to the type of signal detected by the wireless signal detection circuit 23, and the connection efficiency can be further increased.

  Specifically, when the wireless signal detection circuit 23 receives a probe request signal from the PC 2 operating in the terminal mode, the wireless signal detection circuit 23 causes the CPU 15 to activate the WLAN communication module 12 in the AP mode. Can be requested directly. When the wireless signal detection circuit 23 receives a beacon signal from the PC 2 operating in the AP mode, the wireless signal detection circuit 23 directly requests the CPU 15 to start the WLAN communication module 12 in the terminal mode. Can do. Further, when the wireless signal detection circuit 23 receives a beacon signal from the PC 2 operating in the ad hoc mode, the wireless signal detection circuit 23 directly requests the CPU 15 to start the WLAN communication module 12 in the ad hoc mode. Can do. Furthermore, when the wireless signal detection circuit 23 receives an inquiry signal from the PC 2 operating in the BT mode, the wireless signal detection circuit 23 can directly request the CPU 15 to activate the BT communication module 13. .

  As described above, the wireless signal detection circuit 23 is effective in that the contents of the signal are identified, so that it is not necessary to search for a communication method by sequentially using the first to third communication methods described above.

1 Mobile phone 2 Personal computer (PC)
11 Mobile communication module 12, 112 Wireless LAN (WLAN) communication module 13, 113 Bluetooth (BT) communication module 15, 115 CPU
23 Radio signal detection circuit 31 RF signal reception circuit 32 Down converter (rectifier circuit)
33 Baseband (BB) signal amplification circuit 34 Signal identification circuit 35 Control signal output circuit 36 Memory 61, 162 Communication protocol stack 62, 161 Wireless LAN (WLAN) driver 64, 164 Bluetooth (BT) communication protocol stack 65, 165 Bluetooth ( BT) driver 66 mobile communication unit 68, 168 communication system manager 69, 169 communication application 70 wireless signal detection circuit manager 71 wireless signal detection circuit driver 72 wireless signal detection circuit application

Claims (29)

A wireless communication unit that performs the wireless communication process with another terminal that transmits a wireless signal for requesting wireless communication between terminals;
A radio signal detection circuit unit that waits for the radio signal with an operating power lower than the operating power when the radio communication unit is assumed to wait for the radio signal;
A controller that activates the wireless communication unit to perform connection processing of the wireless communication when the wireless signal detection circuit unit detects the wireless signal;
A communication device comprising: The wireless communication unit is in a non-activated state when the wireless signal detection circuit unit waits for the wireless signal, and the operating power for the wireless signal detection circuit unit to wait for the wireless signal is determined by the wireless communication unit The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is lower in operating power waiting for the wireless signal when in a state. A network communication unit for communicating with a predetermined communication network;
Wherein, if successful the connection process with the other terminal, according to claim 1 is controlled to carry out the data communication to the other terminals of the network communication unit as a relay base station of the other terminal or 2. A communication device according to 2 . The wireless signal detection circuit unit is
An RF signal receiving circuit for receiving the radio signal and outputting an RF signal;
A rectifier circuit for rectifying and detecting the RF signal to obtain a demodulated signal;
A baseband signal amplification circuit for amplifying the demodulated signal and outputting a predetermined signal;
A signal identification circuit for identifying whether or not the wireless signal is detected by comparing a specific pattern that is a magnitude pattern and a period of the voltage on the time axis of the signal with the specific pattern of the waiting wireless signal;
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a control signal output circuit that outputs a control signal to the control unit based on the identification result output from the signal identification circuit. The wireless communication unit is a wireless LAN communication module,
Wherein, any claim 1-4 to perform the connection processing of the radio communication by to transmit the beacon signal to the other terminal is activated in the AP mode of operating the wireless communication section as an access point A communication device according to claim 1. The control unit switches the wireless communication unit to a terminal mode that scans the beacon signal when the wireless communication unit fails in the connection process, and performs the connection process of the wireless communication by scanning the other terminal. The communication device according to claim 5 to be performed. When the wireless communication unit has succeeded in the connection process, the control unit switches the wireless communication unit to the AP mode and causes the other terminal to transmit a beacon signal to perform the wireless communication connection process. Item 7. A communication device according to item 6 . The communication device according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit causes the wireless communication unit to perform connection processing of the wireless communication after transmitting a signal for switching the other terminal to the terminal mode from the wireless communication unit. The wireless communication unit is a wireless LAN communication module,
Wherein the control unit, according to any one of claims 1-4 to perform the connection processing of the wireless communication by causing start the wireless communication unit to perform communication by the ad hoc mode scanning the other terminal Communication equipment. When the wireless communication unit has succeeded in the connection process, the control unit switches the wireless communication unit to an AP mode that operates as an access point, and transmits a beacon signal to the other terminal. The communication device according to claim 9 , wherein the connection processing is performed. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the wireless communication unit is a Bluetooth communication module that performs Bluetooth communication. The wireless communication unit further includes a wireless LAN communication module,
When the wireless signal detection circuit unit receives a signal transmitted during the Bluetooth communication from the other terminal, the control unit starts up in an AP mode in which the wireless LAN communication module operates as an access point. The communication device according to claim 11 , wherein the wireless communication connection process is performed by transmitting a beacon signal to the wireless LAN communication module of the terminal. Wherein, when said wireless communication unit has failed to the connection processing, the communication device of any one of claims 1 to 12 to turn off the power source of the wireless communication unit. The communication device according to claim 3 , wherein the predetermined communication network is a mobile communication network. The wireless signal detection circuit unit further includes a storage unit that stores in advance the specific pattern of at least one of the wireless signals transmitted from the other terminal,
The signal discrimination circuit according to claim 4, wherein identifying whether the wireless signal is detected by collating the said specific pattern stored as the specific pattern according to the radio signal received in the storage unit Communication equipment. A wireless LAN communication unit that performs wireless LAN communication processing with another terminal that transmits a WLAN signal that requests wireless LAN communication processing between terminals;
A Bluetooth communication unit that performs the Bluetooth communication process with another terminal that transmits a BT signal that requests a Bluetooth communication process between terminals;
A network communication unit for communicating with a predetermined communication network;
A wireless signal detection circuit unit that waits for the WLAN signal and the BT signal at an operating power lower than that when the wireless LAN communication unit and the Bluetooth communication unit wait for the WLAN signal and the BT signal; and
When the wireless signal detection circuit unit detects the WLAN signal or BT signal, activates the wireless LAN communication unit or Bluetooth communication unit to perform connection processing with the other terminal, and succeeds in the connection processing A control unit for connecting the other terminal to the communication network and performing data communication;
The controller is
When the wireless signal detection circuit unit receives the WLAN signal or the BT signal, the wireless signal communication circuit unit is activated in an AP mode that operates as an access point and transmits a beacon signal to the other terminal. A first communication method for performing wireless communication connection processing;
When the wireless signal detection circuit unit receives the WLAN signal or the BT signal, the wireless LAN communication unit is activated to perform communication in an ad hoc mode, and the other terminal is scanned to perform connection processing of the wireless communication. A second communication method to be performed;
Third communication that activates the Bluetooth communication unit or the wireless LAN communication unit in the AP mode to perform connection processing of the wireless communication when the wireless signal detection circuit unit receives the WLAN signal or the BT signal. Method,
The communication device establishes the connection of the wireless communication by executing the above in a predetermined order. The communication device according to claim 16 , wherein the control unit establishes a connection with the other terminal by executing in the order of a first communication method, a second communication method, and a third communication method. The communication device according to claim 16 , wherein the control unit establishes a connection with the other terminal by executing the first to third communication methods based on an order set by a user. A wireless LAN communication unit that performs wireless communication with other terminals that can be used as relay base stations for data communication;
When the request for data communication is accepted, the wireless communication connection process is performed by causing the other terminal to transmit a beacon signal by operating in the AP mode or the ad hoc mode in which the wireless LAN communication unit operates as an access point. A communication device comprising a control unit. The control unit, when the connection process is successful, switches the wireless LAN communication unit to a terminal mode for scanning the beacon signal, and scans the other terminal to perform the wireless communication connection process. 19. The communication device according to 19 . A Bluetooth communication unit that performs wireless communication with other terminals that can be used as relay base stations for data communication;
And a control unit that, when receiving the data communication request, causes the other terminal to transmit a wireless signal from the Bluetooth communication unit to perform the connection process of the wireless communication. machine. A wireless LAN communication unit that performs wireless communication with other terminals that can be used as a relay base station for data communication;
If the control unit succeeds in the connection process, the control unit starts the wireless LAN communication unit in a terminal mode that scans the beacon signal, and scans the other terminal to perform the connection process of the wireless communication. Item 20. The communication device according to Item 21 . Radio that waits for the radio signal with an operating power lower than the operating power when it is assumed that a radio communication unit that performs radio communication processing with another terminal that transmits a radio signal that requests radio communication between terminals waits for the radio signal Waiting for the radio signal in the signal detection circuit unit;
When the wireless signal detection circuit unit detects the wireless signal, starting the wireless communication unit;
A wireless communication connection method comprising: performing a wireless communication connection process. The wireless communication unit is in a non-activated state when the wireless signal detection circuit unit waits for the wireless signal, and the operating power for the wireless signal detection circuit unit to wait for the wireless signal is determined by the wireless communication unit 24. The communication device according to claim 23, wherein the communication device is lower in operating power waiting for the radio signal when in a state. If the connection process with the other terminal is successful, a step of controlling a network communication unit that communicates with a predetermined communication network as a relay base station of the other terminal and causing the other terminal to perform data communication; The wireless communication connection method according to claim 23 or 24, further comprising: The wireless signal detection circuit unit is
An RF signal receiving circuit for receiving the radio signal and outputting an RF signal;
A rectifier circuit for rectifying and detecting the RF signal to obtain a demodulated signal;
A baseband signal amplification circuit for amplifying the demodulated signal and outputting a predetermined signal;
A signal identification circuit for identifying whether or not the wireless signal is detected by comparing a specific pattern that is a magnitude pattern and a period of the voltage on the time axis of the signal with the specific pattern of the waiting wireless signal;
The wireless communication connection method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, further comprising: a control signal output circuit that outputs a control signal to the control unit based on the identification result output from the signal identification circuit. A wireless LAN communication unit that performs wireless LAN communication processing with another terminal that transmits a WLAN signal that requests wireless LAN communication processing between terminals;
A Bluetooth communication unit that performs the Bluetooth communication process with another terminal that transmits a BT signal that requests a Bluetooth communication process between terminals;
A network communication unit for communicating with a predetermined communication network;
A wireless signal detection circuit unit that waits for the WLAN signal and the BT signal at an operating power lower than that when the wireless LAN communication unit and the Bluetooth communication unit wait for the WLAN signal and the BT signal; and
When the wireless signal detection circuit unit detects the WLAN signal or BT signal, activates the wireless LAN communication unit or Bluetooth communication unit to perform connection processing with the other terminal, and succeeds in the connection processing Preparing a communication device including a control unit for connecting the other terminal to the communication network and performing data communication;
When the wireless signal detection circuit unit receives the WLAN signal or the BT signal, the wireless signal detection circuit unit starts up in an AP mode that operates using the wireless LAN communication unit as an access point, and transmits a beacon signal to the other terminal. Execute the first communication method that performs wireless communication connection processing,
When the wireless signal detection circuit unit receives the WLAN signal or the BT signal, the wireless LAN communication unit is activated to perform communication in an ad hoc mode, and the other terminal is scanned to perform connection processing of the wireless communication. Run the second communication method to do,
A third communication method in which, when the wireless signal detection circuit unit receives the WLAN signal or the BT signal, the Bluetooth communication unit or the wireless LAN communication unit is activated in the AP mode to perform connection processing of the wireless communication Run
A wireless communication connection method comprising establishing the wireless communication connection. 28. The wireless communication connection method according to claim 27, wherein a connection with the other terminal is established by executing in the order of the first communication method, the second communication method, and the third communication method. 28. The wireless communication connection method according to claim 27, wherein a connection with the other terminal is established by executing the first to third communication methods based on an order set by a user.

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