JP5634214B2 - COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a system in which a communication device and a communication partner communicate with each other via a relay device.

  There is a demand for devices belonging to different private networks to connect and communicate. When devices belonging to different private networks connect, one device needs to acquire the global address of the other device (Patent Document 1). One device that has acquired the global address can connect to the other device using the acquired global address.

JP 2010-016885 A

  However, depending on the network to which each device belongs, even if one device acquires the global address of the other device, they may not be able to connect. That is, depending on the network to which each device belongs, the first device belonging to the first private network is permitted to accept a connection request from the second device belonging to the second private network. The second device may not be permitted to accept a connection request from the first device. In such a case, the user has to manually instruct to send a connection request from the first device to the second device, and the operation is complicated.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a first communication device and a second communication device based on a connection method permitted in each network to which each of the first communication device and the second communication device belongs. It is an object of the present invention to make it possible to easily and reliably connect a first communication device and a second communication device belonging to different networks by determining a communication path for connection with a communication device.

  The communication device of the present invention is a first communication device belonging to a first public wireless network, and communicates with a second communication device belonging to a second public wireless network different from the first public wireless network, Of the connection methods between the first communication device and the second communication device, the first connection method permitted by the first network is determined, and the first communication device and the second communication device are Among the connection methods between the two, the second connection method allowed by the second network is acquired from the second communication device, and the determined first connection method and the acquired second connection method are Based on the plurality of communication paths, a communication path for connection between the first communication apparatus and the second communication apparatus is selected.

  According to the present invention, the first communication device and the second communication device belonging to different networks can be easily and reliably connected.

Network configuration diagram Hardware configuration diagram Software configuration diagram Sequence chart Sequence chart flowchart flowchart Sequence chart flowchart flowchart

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows a network configuration of a communication system according to the present embodiment. Reference numeral 101 denotes a digital camera (hereinafter referred to as a camera) as a communication apparatus. Reference numeral 102 denotes a mobile phone that constructs a network 131 that complies with the ad hoc mode defined in the IEEE 802.11 series. The cellular phone 102 can be further connected to the telephone base station 104 using public radio, and can be connected to the Internet 133 which is a backbone network via the telephone base station 104. Note that IEEE is an abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. Public wireless is wireless communication compliant with LTE (Long Term Evolution) standards. However, the public radio is not limited to this, and may be based on other radio communication standards such as IMT (International Multimedia Communications) standard.

  Reference numeral 103 denotes an access point (hereinafter referred to as AP) that constructs a network 132 that conforms to the infrastructure mode defined in the IEEE 802.11 series. The AP 103 is connected to the Internet 133 by wire. In addition, the AP 103 according to the present embodiment is an AP that is used by a limited user in a home or office. Such a network constructed by the AP 103 is called a home network. On the other hand, a network constructed by an AP used by an unspecified number of users is called a public wireless LAN. The AP 103 has a NAT / NAPT function and assigns a private address to a device (here, the camera 101) connected to the AP 103. Here, NAT is an abbreviation for Network Address Translation, and NAPT is an abbreviation for Network Address Port Translation. Hereinafter, the NAT / NAPT function is simply referred to as the NAT function. In the home network and public wireless LAN according to the present embodiment, it is assumed that packet control with the Internet 133 such as Firewall (firewall) is not performed.

  The NAT assigns a private address, which is an IP address used only within the network 132, to communication devices participating in the network 132. In addition, the NAT mutually converts the assigned private address and a global address that is an IP address used in the external Internet 133.

  The camera 101 can connect to the Internet 133 via the AP 103 by participating in the network 132. The camera 101 can also connect to the Internet 133 via the mobile phone 102 by participating in the network 131.

  In this embodiment, the camera 101 and the mobile phone 102 and the camera 101 and the AP 103 perform wireless communication conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series, but the wireless communication method is not limited to this. For example, other wireless communication systems such as Bluetooth (trademark), UWB, MBOA (Multi Band OFDM Alliance), and ZigBee may be used. UWB is an abbreviation for Ultra Wide Band, and includes wireless USB, wireless 1394, WINET, and the like.

  Reference numeral 151 denotes a printer, which can participate in a network 171 compliant with the ad hoc mode constructed by the mobile phone 152. Further, the printer 151 can participate in the network 172 that conforms to the infrastructure mode constructed by the AP 153. In addition, the mobile phone 152 can be connected to the telephone base station 154 using public radio, and can be connected to the Internet 133 via the telephone base station 154. The AP 153 is connected to the Internet 133 by wire. Accordingly, the printer 151 can be connected to the Internet 133 via the mobile phone 152 or the AP 153.

  FIG. 2A simply shows the hardware configuration of the camera 101. The printer 151 has a similar hardware configuration.

  A control unit 201 controls the entire camera 101 by executing a computer program (hereinafter referred to as a program) stored in the storage unit 202, and includes a computer such as a CPU or MPU. A storage unit 202 stores various types of information such as a program executed by the control unit 201, communication parameters necessary for communication, and a MAC address (device unique information) of the AP 103 to be connected. Various operations to be described later are performed by the control unit 201 executing a program stored in the storage unit 202. Note that the storage unit 202 may be a memory such as a ROM or a RAM, or a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a DVD, or the like.

  Reference numeral 203 denotes an operation unit for the user to operate the camera 101. A display unit 204 notifies the user of various information. The display unit 204 has a function capable of outputting sound such as a speaker in addition to outputting visually recognizable information such as an LCD or LED. A power supply unit 205 supplies power to the camera 101.

  Reference numeral 206 denotes a wireless LAN unit for performing wireless communication conforming to the IEEE802.11 series. The wireless LAN unit 206 performs various types of control of wireless LAN communication and protocol processing related to wireless LAN communication compliant with the IEEE802.11 series. An antenna 207 is used when wireless communication is performed by the wireless LAN unit 206. Reference numeral 208 denotes a remote direct print button (hereinafter, print button) for printing in the remote connection mode. Here, the remote connection is a connection form in which the camera 101 and the printer 151 are connected via the Internet 133.

  FIG. 2B simply shows the hardware configuration of the mobile phone 102. Note that the mobile phone 152 has a similar hardware configuration.

  Reference numeral 251 denotes a control unit that controls the entire mobile phone 102 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 252, and includes a computer such as a CPU or MPU. A storage unit 252 stores various information such as a program executed by the control unit 251 and communication parameters necessary for communication. Various operations described later are performed by the control unit 251 executing a program stored in the storage unit 252. Note that the storage unit 252 can be a memory such as a ROM or a RAM, or a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a DVD, or the like.

  Reference numeral 253 denotes an operation unit for the user to operate the mobile phone 102. The operation unit 253 includes a microphone for a user to make a call. A display unit 254 notifies the user of various types of information. Note that the display unit 254 has a function capable of outputting sound, such as a speaker, in addition to outputting visually recognizable information such as an LCD or LED. A power supply unit 255 supplies power to the mobile phone 102.

  Reference numeral 256 denotes a wireless LAN unit for performing wireless communication conforming to the IEEE802.11 series. The wireless LAN unit 256 performs various types of control of wireless LAN communication and protocol processing related to wireless LAN communication in accordance with the IEEE802.11 series. Reference numeral 257 denotes a first antenna used when wireless communication is performed by the wireless LAN unit 256. Reference numeral 258 denotes a remote direct print button (hereinafter referred to as a print button) for printing in a remote connection mode to be described later.

  Reference numeral 259 denotes a public radio unit for performing public radio. The public radio unit 259 performs various controls and protocol processing for public radio. Reference numeral 260 denotes a second antenna used when the public wireless unit 259 performs wireless communication.

  FIG. 3A is a software function block diagram realized when the control unit 201 of the camera 101 reads a program stored in the storage unit 202. A part of the software function block may be configured by hardware such as an ASIC, or a plurality of function blocks may be combined and realized as one function block. The OS running on the camera 101 may perform part or all of the actual processing to realize the above-described functions. OS is an abbreviation for Operating System. The printer 151 also has similar software function blocks.

  Reference numeral 301 denotes a detection unit that detects a surrounding network using the wireless LAN unit 206 and the antenna 207. Note that the detection unit 301 detects a network constructed in the Adhoc mode based on the IEEE 802.11 series. In a network constructed in the Adhoc mode, it is possible to communicate between devices participating in the network. Reference numeral 302 denotes a participation unit for the camera 101 to participate in the network detected by the detection unit 301 using the wireless LAN unit 206 and the antenna 207.

  Reference numeral 303 denotes an acquisition unit that requests connection information from the mobile phone using the wireless LAN unit 206 and the antenna 207 and acquires the first connection information from the mobile phone. The first connection information is information necessary for connecting to a mobile phone via the Internet, and specifically, the mobile phone's IP address, encryption key, port number, and the like. Reference numeral 304 denotes a leaving unit that leaves the network in which the camera 101 has joined by the joining unit 302.

  Reference numeral 305 denotes a first connection unit that connects to the AP using the wireless LAN unit 206 and the antenna 207. Reference numeral 306 denotes a second connection unit that connects to the mobile phone using the connection information acquired by the acquisition unit 303. Reference numeral 307 denotes an environment determination unit that determines the environment of the network to which the camera 101 belongs. In this embodiment, the network environment is classified into four shown in FIG. In the figure, “NW” is an abbreviation for “network”.

  The network environment a is a network environment in which the camera 101 can recognize a global address used when the camera 101 does not have a NAT function in the network or uses the IGD function to transmit data to the Internet 133 by the camera 101. Specifically, there is no NAT in the network, or there is a network environment in which the camera 101 can recognize the global address by the IGD function defined by UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) although NAT exists. Note that IGD is an abbreviation for Internet Gateway Device, and is a function for notifying the camera 101 of a global address assigned by NAT. The IGD function can notify the camera 101 of the global address when one NAT exists in the network. However, with the IGD function, when the camera 101 is connected to the Internet 133 via a plurality of NATs (hereinafter referred to as a multistage NAT configuration), the camera 101 cannot be notified of the global address. If the multi-stage NAT configuration is not used, it is possible to set the AP 103 to relay packets specifying a specific global address and port number from the Internet 133 to the camera 101 by using the IGD function. In the network environment a, it is possible to connect to the communication partner from the camera 101 via the Internet 133, or to connect to the camera 101 from the communication partner.

  The network environment b is a network environment that has a multi-stage NAT configuration and cannot notify the camera 101 of a global address with the IGD function. However, if the camera 101 can recognize the global address by another method, a network environment in which the communication partner can connect to the camera 101 via the Internet 133 by using the UDP hole punching function. It is. It is also possible to connect from the camera 101 to a communication partner. The UDP hole punching function is a function that enables devices to communicate directly with each other even when an AP having a NAT function is being relayed. Specifically, one device A transmits a UDP (User Datagram Protocol) packet to the other device B by specifying a global address and a port number. Then, the AP on the device A side relays the packet from the device B to the device A in response to the transmission of the packet from the device A to the device B. Therefore, the device B can be connected to the device A.

  The network environment c is a network environment that does not permit connection requests from the external Internet 133. In general, public wireless LANs often do not permit connection requests from the Internet 133 from the viewpoint of security. In the network environment c, the communication partner cannot connect to the camera 101 via the Internet 133, but the camera 101 can connect to the communication partner. The network environment d is a network environment in which the camera 101 cannot connect to the Internet 133 via the AP. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the camera 101 can always be connected to the Internet 133 via the mobile phone 102. Further, it is assumed that the printer 151 can always be connected to the Internet 133 via the mobile phone 152.

  Returning to the description of the software functional block diagram. The environment determination unit 307 further includes blocks 321 to 324. Reference numeral 321 denotes an AP determination unit that determines whether the AP to which the camera 101 is connected is constructing a public wireless LAN or a home network. A NAT determination unit 322 determines whether a NAT exists in the network 132 to which the camera 101 is connected. The NAT determination unit 322 further determines whether or not the network 132 has a multi-stage NAT configuration. Reference numeral 323 denotes an IGD determination unit that determines whether a device having an IGD function exists in the network 132. Reference numeral 324 denotes an acquisition determination unit that determines whether the global address of the camera 101 can be acquired using the mobile phone 102.

  A request unit 308 requests the mobile phone 102 to transfer remote connection information for an external device (here, the printer 151) to connect to the camera 101. Reference numeral 309 denotes a selection unit that selects a connection form for communication between the camera 101 and an external device (in this case, the printer 151).

  FIG. 3B is a software function block diagram realized when the control unit 251 of the mobile phone 102 reads a program stored in the storage unit 252. A part of software function blocks may be configured by hardware such as ASIC, or a plurality of function blocks may be realized as one function block. The OS running on the camera 101 may perform part or all of the actual processing to realize the above-described functions.

  Reference numeral 351 denotes a construction unit that constructs the network 131 for communicating in the Adhoc mode conforming to the IEEE 802.11 series using the wireless LAN unit 256 and the first antenna 257. A connection unit 352 connects to the telephone base station using the public radio unit 259 and the second antenna 260 and connects to the Internet through the telephone base station. Reference numeral 353 denotes an acquisition unit that acquires the IP address of the mobile phone 102 from a DHCP server on the Internet connected by the connection unit 352. DHCP is an abbreviation for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol.

  A notification unit 354 notifies the camera of connection information including the IP address acquired by the acquisition unit 353 using the wireless LAN unit 256 and the first antenna 257. The mobile phone 102 generates and notifies the encryption key included in the connection information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the mobile phone 102 may notify the encryption key stored in advance. Reference numeral 355 denotes a detection unit that detects that the camera has left the network 131 constructed by the construction unit 351. Reference numeral 356 denotes a standby unit that waits for a connection from a camera via a public radio via a telephone base station. The standby unit 356 also waits for a data reception request from the camera via public radio.

  FIG. 5 is a sequence chart when the camera 101 and the printer 151 are remotely connected. FIG. 6A is a flowchart realized by reading the program stored in the storage unit 202 by the control unit 201 of the camera 101 when the camera 101 and the printer 151 are remotely connected. FIG. 6B is a flowchart realized by the control unit 251 of the mobile phone 102 reading out the program stored in the storage unit 252. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the AP 103 has built the network 132 in advance.

  When the user presses the print button 258 of the mobile phone 102 (S501, S651), the construction unit 351 of the mobile phone 102 constructs the network 131 (S652). Further, when the user presses the print button 208 of the camera 101 (S502, S601), the detection unit 301 of the camera 101 detects the network 131, and the camera 101 participates in the detected network 131 by the participation unit 302 (S503). , S602). As a result, the camera 101 and the mobile phone 102 can directly communicate with each other.

  Note that the mobile phone 102 constructs the network 131 and the camera 101 participates in the network 131 in conjunction with the application running on the camera 101 and the mobile phone 102 without waiting for a user instruction (pressing the print button). You may do it. Further, the camera 101 may construct the network 131, and the mobile phone 102 may participate in the constructed network 131.

  When the camera 101 participates in the network 131, the acquisition unit 303 carries the first connection information (such as the mobile phone's IP address and encryption key) for connecting to the mobile phone 102 via the public radio via the network 131. A request is made to the telephone 102 (S504, S603). When the wireless LAN unit 256 of the mobile phone 102 receives this connection information request (S653), the connection unit 352 connects to the Internet 133 via the telephone base station 104 (S505, S654). Furthermore, the acquisition unit 353 acquires the IP address of the mobile phone 102 from a DHCP server (not shown) on the Internet 133 (S506, S655).

  When the IP address is acquired, the notification unit 354 directly transmits the first connection information including the acquired IP address to the camera 101 (S507, S656). Note that an encryption key for connecting to the mobile phone 102 via public radio is held in advance by the mobile phone 102, and the mobile phone 102 transmits this encryption key to the camera 101. When the acquiring unit 303 of the camera 101 acquires the first connection information from the mobile phone 102 (S604), the camera 101 is disconnected from the network 131 by the disconnecting unit 304 (S508, S605). When the detection unit 355 of the mobile phone 102 detects that the camera 101 has left the network 131 (S657), the standby unit 356 connects from the camera 101 via the Internet 133 and the telephone base station 104 via public radio. (S658).

  When the camera 101 leaves the network 131, the connection unit 305 connects to the AP 103 (S509, S606). Here, the camera 101 connects to the AP 103 by performing an association (connection request) to the AP 103. When the camera 101 is connected to the AP 103, the AP 103 assigns a private address to the camera 101.

  Further, the connection unit 305 uses the first connection information acquired in step S604 to connect to the mobile phone 102 via the public radio (S510, S607). Next, the environment determination unit 307 determines whether or not the connection to the mobile phone 102 via the public radio is successful (S608). If the connection has succeeded, the process proceeds to step S610. If the connection has failed, the process proceeds to step S609. Note that the case where the connection via the public wireless communication fails is, for example, a case where the camera 101 is refused to connect to the Internet 133 by the AP 103.

  Here, the camera 101 and the mobile phone 102 are successfully connected via public radio by sequentially passing through the AP 103, the Internet 133, and the telephone base station 104. When the connection via the public radio is successful, the standby unit 356 of the mobile phone 102 waits for a data reception request from the camera 101 via the public radio.

  In step S609, the environment determination unit 307 determines that the network environment of the network 132 is d, and the process proceeds to step S611. On the other hand, in step S610, the camera 101 performs an environment determination process shown in FIG. 7A in order to determine the environment of the connected network (S511).

  First, the AP determination unit 321 determines whether the network 132 constructed by the connected AP 103 is a home network or a public wireless LAN (S701). Here, the AP determination unit 321 transmits an ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) packet and acquires the MAC address of the AP 103. Further, the AP determination unit 321 compares the acquired MAC address with the MAC address stored in advance in the storage unit 202. If the acquired MAC address matches the MAC address stored in advance in the storage unit 202 as a result of the comparison, the AP determination unit 321 determines that the network 132 is a home network, and proceeds to step S703. On the other hand, if they do not match, the AP determination unit 321 determines that the network 132 is a public wireless LAN, and proceeds to step S702. Here, it is determined that the AP 103 is building a home network, and the process proceeds to step S703.

  In step S702, the environment determination unit 307 determines that the network environment of the network 132 is c, and ends the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, it is determined that the network 132 is a network that is not permitted to make a connection request from the Internet 133.

  In step S <b> 703, the NAT determination unit 322 determines whether or not NAT exists in the network 132. Specifically, the NAT determination unit 322 determines based on whether the IP address given to the camera 101 is a global address or a private address. Then, the NAT determination unit 322 determines that the NAT does not exist if the assigned IP address is a global address, and determines that the NAT exists if the IP address is a private address.

  If it is determined in step S703 that there is no NAT (No in S703), the environment determination unit 307 determines that the network environment of the network 132 is a (S704), and ends the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S703 that NAT exists (Yes in S703), the process proceeds to step S705. Here, it is determined that NAT exists in the network 132, and the process proceeds to step S705.

  In step S <b> 705, the IGD determination unit 323 determines whether there is a device having an IGD function in the network 132. Specifically, it is determined whether a device having an IGD function exists in the network 132 using SSDP defined by UPnP. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the determination may be made using another protocol such as Bonjour (trademark). If there is a device having the IGD function, the process proceeds to step S706, and if there is no device having the IGD function, the process proceeds to step S707. Here, since the AP 103 does not have the IGD function, the process proceeds to step S707.

  In step S706, the NAT determination unit 322 determines whether the network 132 has a multi-stage NAT configuration. Specifically, the route until the IP packet reaches an arbitrary external server using a command such as tracert is investigated, and the determination is made by counting the number of IP address conversions.

  If the multi-stage NAT configuration is not used (No in step S706), the camera 101 can recognize the global address used when the AP 103 transmits a packet to the Internet 133 using the IGD function. Accordingly, the process proceeds to step S704, where the environment determination unit 307 determines that the network environment of the network 132 is a.

  On the other hand, in the case of a multi-stage NAT configuration, the camera 101 cannot recognize the global address used when the AP 103 sends a packet to the Internet 133 even if the IGD function is used. In this case, the process proceeds to step S707, and the acquisition determination unit 324 determines whether the global address corresponding to the camera 101 can be acquired using the mobile phone 102.

  The process in step S707 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 7B and 7C. FIG. 7B is a flowchart realized when the control unit 201 of the camera 101 reads a program stored in the storage unit 202. FIG. 7C is a flowchart realized by reading the program stored in the storage unit 252 by the control unit 251 of the mobile phone 102.

  First, the acquisition determination unit 324 transmits a data reception request to the mobile phone 102 via the AP 103 (S751). Upon receiving the data reception request (S771), the mobile phone 102 notifies the camera 101 of completion of data reception preparation and waits for data reception from the camera 101 (S772). The camera 101 makes a global address acquisition request to the mobile phone 102 via the AP 103 (S752). Thereafter, the camera 101 transmits arbitrary data to the mobile phone 102 via the AP 103 and the Internet 133 (S753). The AP 103 assigns the global address of the camera 101 to all data transmitted from the camera 101 to the mobile phone 102 via the Internet 133.

  At this time, the camera 101 transmits data to the mobile phone 102 using a port number used for communication with the printer 151. Thereby, the mobile phone 102 can know the port number assigned to the Internet 133 side by the NAT (NAPT) function of the AP 103 when the camera 101 and the printer 151 communicate.

  Then, the cellular phone 102 receives data from the camera 101 (S773). The mobile phone 102 acquires the global address of the camera 101 by analyzing the data received from the camera 101 via the Internet 133 (S774). The mobile phone 102 notifies the camera 101 of the global address of the camera 101 acquired in this way (S775). Then, the environment determination unit 307 of the camera 101 acquires the global address of the camera 101 (S754). Thereafter, the environment determination unit 307 of the camera 101 transmits arbitrary data to the mobile phone 102 via the AP 103 at predetermined time intervals to acquire a global address. Thereby, even if the global address of the camera 101 is changed, the camera 101 can recognize this.

  As described above, connection information (global address, port number, encryption key) assigned to the camera 101 by the AP 103 without holding connection information (global address, port number, encryption key, etc.) to the external server in advance. Etc.). Further, since connection information of the camera 101 is not transmitted to the external server, connection information is not leaked from the external server, and high security can be provided.

  In this way, when the global address of the camera 101 can be acquired, the process proceeds to step S708 (Yes in step S707), and the network environment of the network 132 is determined to be b. If the global address of the camera 101 cannot be acquired, the process advances to step S702 to determine that the network environment of the network 132 is c. Here, it is assumed that the global address of the camera 101 can be acquired using the mobile phone 102 and the network environment is determined to be b.

  The environment determination process described above is an example, and different determination items and orders may be used. For example, it may be determined whether external address information can be acquired using a mobile phone first, and if it cannot be acquired, whether NAT supports the IGD function may be determined. .

  If an event such as an error occurs during the network environment determination process, the mobile phone 102 constructs the network 131 again, and the camera 101 participates in the network 131 again. Thereby, the mobile phone 102 can notify the camera 101 of an event that has occurred via the network 131. For example, the mobile phone 102 periodically transmits a signal that requires a response from the camera 101 to the camera 101, and determines that there is no response to the signal, thereby confirming that the global address of the camera 101 has been changed. To detect. In this way, when the mobile phone 102 detects that the global address of the camera 101 has been changed, the mobile phone 102 notifies the camera 101 via the network 131 that the global address has been changed. Note that the mobile phone 102 may request the camera 101 to retransmit arbitrary data via the Internet 133. If acquisition of the global address of the camera 101 fails in step S774, the mobile phone 102 notifies the camera 101 via the network 131 that acquisition of the global address has failed. Upon receiving these notifications, the camera 101 performs the global address acquisition process (the processes shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C) again.

  In this way, when the network environment determination process to which the camera 101 belongs is completed, the request unit 308 requests the mobile phone 102 to transfer the remote connection information of the camera 101 (S512, S611). Here, the remote connection information is information for the printer 151 to connect to the camera 101 via the Internet 133. That is, the global address, port number, encryption key of the camera 101, and network environment information of the network 132 to which the camera 101 belongs. Upon receiving this request (S659), the cellular phone 102 accepts an instruction of a destination of SMS (Short Message Service) including remote connection information by a user operation (S513, S660). Specifically, it is implemented by designating a desired destination telephone number from a telephone directory displayed on the mobile phone 102 by the user. When the telephone number is designated, the mobile phone 102 creates an SMS and transmits the SMS (S514, S661). Instead of SMS, EMS (Enhanced Messaging Service), MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service), or electronic mail may be used. When the SMS transmission is completed, the mobile phone 102 transmits a remote connection information transfer completion notification to the camera 101 (S515, S662). Then, the request unit 308 receives a remote connection information transfer completion notification (S612). Here, the SMS is transmitted from the mobile phone 102, and the mobile phone 152 receives the SMS.

  FIG. 8 shows a sequence chart after the mobile phone 152 receives the SMS from the mobile phone 102. When the mobile phone 152 receives the SMS via the mobile phone base station 154 (S801), the mobile phone 152 shifts to the remote connection mode (S802). Note that the user may be notified that the SMS has been received, and the mobile phone 152 may shift to the remote connection mode according to the user's instruction. After shifting to the remote connection mode, the mobile phone 152 constructs a network 171 compliant with the ad hoc mode (S803). The printer 151 detects the network 171 and participates in the network 171 (S804). As a result, the printer 151 and the mobile phone 152 can directly communicate with each other.

  Then, the printer 151 requests second connection information (here, an IP address and an encryption key) for connecting to the mobile phone 152 via public wireless communication (S805). The mobile phone 152 requested for the second connection information connects to the Internet 133 via the telephone base station 154 (S806), and acquires the IP address of the mobile phone 152 from a DHCP server (not shown) on the Internet 133 ( S807). Then, the printer 151 is notified of the second connection information including the acquired IP address (S808).

  Further, the printer 151 requests remote connection information of the camera 101 from the mobile phone 152 (S809). In response to this request, the mobile phone 152 transmits the remote connection information of the camera 101 acquired by SMS to the printer 151 (S810). The printer 151 that has acquired the remote connection information of the camera 101 leaves the network 171 (S811) and connects to the AP 153 (S812). Then, the mobile phone 152 is connected via the Internet 133 (S813). Thereafter, the printer 151 performs an environment determination process shown in FIG. 7A to determine the environment of the network 172 (S814).

  As described above, when the environment of the network 132 to which the camera 101 belongs and the environment of the network 172 to which the printer 151 belongs are determined, the selection unit of the printer 151 executes the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 and performs remote connection type selection (S815). ). In the following description, the network environment of the camera 101 (denoted as “partner NW environment” in the figure) is the environment of the network 132. Further, the network environment of the printer 151 (shown as “own NW environment” in the drawing) is the environment of the network 172.

  First, the printer 151 determines whether the network environment of the camera 101 is a (S901). When it is a, it progresses to step S902, and when it is not a, it progresses to step S903. In step S902, it is determined whether the network environment of the printer 151 itself is d. If not d, the remote connection mode (S908) for connecting the printer 151 to the camera 101 via the AP 153 and AP 103 in this order is selected, and the remote connection mode selection process is terminated. If it is d, the remote connection mode (S909) in which the printer 151 connects the mobile phone 152, the telephone base station 154, and the AP 103 to the camera 101 in this order is selected from the printer 151, and the remote connection mode selection process ends. In this way, by selecting the connection via the AP 103 preferentially, the cost can be reduced compared to selecting the connection via the mobile phone 102. That is, it is possible to make the communication fee cheaper or make the communication speed faster than selecting the connection via the mobile phone 102. Further, since the communication band between the mobile phone 102 and the telephone base station 104 can be used for other purposes, convenience is improved.

  In step S903, it is determined whether the network environment of the camera 101 is b or c. If b or c, the process proceeds to S905, and if neither b nor c, the process proceeds to S904. In step S904, it is determined whether or not the network environment of the printer 151 itself is a. In the case of a, the printer 151 selects the remote connection mode (S913) in which the camera 101 connects the mobile phone 102, the telephone base station 104, and the AP 153 to the printer 151 in this order, and ends the remote connection mode selection process. . If it is not a, the printer 151 selects the remote connection mode (S914) to be connected from the printer 151 to the mobile phone 152, the telephone base station 154, the telephone base station 104, and the mobile phone 102 camera 101, and the remote connection mode selection processing Exit.

  Here, when connecting from the digital camera 101, the mobile phone 102 and the mobile phone 152 start the Gateway function (function as an access point mode for connecting to the Internet 133) in advance by a user operation. To do. Thereby, it is possible to connect between the digital camera 101 and the printer 151 via the mobile phone.

  In step S905, it is determined whether the network environment of the printer 151 itself is a. In the case of a, the printer 151 selects the remote connection mode (S910) in which the camera 101 connects to the printer 151 via the AP 103 and AP 153 in this order, and ends the remote connection mode selection process.

  If it is not a, the process advances to step S906 to determine whether or not the network environment of the printer 151 itself is b. If not b, the printer 151 selects the remote connection mode (S911) in which the camera 101 connects the AP 103, the telephone base station 154, and the mobile phone 152 to the printer 151 in this order, and the remote connection mode selection process is terminated.

  If it is b, the process proceeds to S907. In step S907, it is determined whether the network environment of the camera 101 is b. In the case of b, the printer 151 selects a remote connection form (S912) for connection using UDP hole punching, and ends the remote connection form selection process. If it is not b, the printer 151 selects the remote connection mode (S911) for connecting the camera 101 to the printer 151 via the AP 103, the telephone base station 154, and the mobile phone 152 in this order, and ends the remote connection mode selection process. .

  Thereafter, the printer 151 notifies the mobile phone 152 of the external connection information (global address) of the printer 151 and the remote connection mode information selected by the connection selection unit 309 (S812). The mobile phone 152 creates an SMS including the external connection information notified from the printer 151 and the remote connection form information, and transmits the SMS to the mobile phone 102. The mobile phone 102 further notifies the camera 101 of the external connection information of the printer 151 and the remote connection mode information. Then, the camera 101 and the printer 151 connect according to the remote connection portable information. At this time, the authentication process of the connection source is performed on the side receiving the connection.

  In this manner, since the devices are automatically connected according to the network environment of each device, the user can connect the devices without being aware of the network environment of the devices.

(Embodiment 2)
In the second embodiment, the network environment of each device is determined by a simpler method than in the first embodiment.

  The network configuration of the communication system according to the present embodiment is shown in FIG. 1 and is the same as that of the first embodiment. The hardware configurations of the camera 101 and the printer 151 are shown in FIG. 2A and are the same as those in the first embodiment. The hardware configurations of the mobile phone 102 and the mobile phone 152 are shown in FIG. 2B and are the same as those in the first embodiment. A software functional block diagram of the camera 101 is shown in FIG. 3A and is the same as that of the first embodiment. A software functional block diagram of the mobile phone 102 is shown in FIG. 3B and is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 10 shows an environment determination process that is realized when the camera 101 and the printer 151 read out a program stored in each storage unit when the camera 101 and the printer 151 are remotely connected. The operation of each device until the environment determination process is performed is the same as that of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, operations performed by the camera 101 will be described.

  In step S1001, it is determined whether the network 132 constructed by the AP 103 to which the camera 101 is connected is a home network or a public wireless LAN. If it is determined that the wireless LAN is a public wireless LAN, the process advances to step S1002, and the AP determination unit 321 determines that the network environment of the camera 101 is “c” and ends the environment determination process illustrated in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1001 that the network is a home network, the process proceeds to step S1003, and the NAT determination unit 322 determines whether or not NAT exists in the network 132. If the NAT does not exist, the process proceeds to step S1004, where the AP determination unit 321 determines that the network environment of the camera 101 is “a”, and ends the environment determination process illustrated in FIG. On the other hand, if the NAT exists, the process advances to step S1005, and the acquisition determination unit 324 determines whether or not the global address corresponding to the camera 101 can be acquired using the mobile phone 102. Details of this determination are shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C and are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted here. If it is determined that acquisition is possible, the process proceeds to step S1006, where the AP determination unit 321 determines that the network environment of the camera 101 is “b”, and ends the environment determination process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that acquisition is not possible, the process proceeds to step S1002, where the AP determination unit 321 determines that the network environment of the camera 101 is “c”, and ends the environment determination process illustrated in FIG.

  Since the operation of each of the other devices is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here. By doing in this way, the network environment of each apparatus can be determined by a simpler method than in the first embodiment.

101 Camera 102 Mobile phone 103 AP
104 Telephone base station 131 Network constructed by mobile phone 132 Network constructed by AP 133 Internet 151 Printer 152 Mobile phone 153 AP
154 Telephone base station 171 Network constructed by mobile phone 172 Network constructed by AP

Claims (20)

A first communication device belonging to a first wireless network,
Communication means for communicating with a second communication device belonging to a second wireless network different from the first wireless network;
A determination unit for determining a first connection method permitted by the first wireless network among connection methods between the first communication device and the second communication device;
An obtaining unit for obtaining a second connection method permitted by the second wireless network among connection methods between the first communication device and the second communication device;
Based on the first connection method determined by the determination unit and the second connection method acquired by the acquisition unit, the first communication device requests connection to the second communication device. Thus, the first communication device and the second communication device are connected, or the second communication device requests the first communication device to connect to the first communication device and the second communication device. Selection means for selecting whether the two communication devices are connected;
A communication apparatus comprising: A first communication device belonging to a first wireless network,
Communication means for communicating with a second communication device belonging to a second wireless network different from the first wireless network;
A determination unit for determining a first connection method permitted by the first wireless network among connection methods between the first communication device and the second communication device;
An obtaining unit for obtaining a second connection method permitted by the second wireless network among connection methods between the first communication device and the second communication device;
Connection means for directly connecting a third communication device not belonging to the first wireless network and the first communication device;
According to the first connection method determined by the determination means and the second connection method acquired by the acquisition means, the third communication device connected from the first communication device by the connection means. Requesting means for requesting connection to the second communication device via the communication device;
A communication apparatus comprising:   3. The determination method according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the first connection method based on whether an address of the first communication device is different between inside and outside the first wireless network. The communication apparatus as described in.   The acquisition means includes the second connection method determined by the second communication device based on whether or not the address of the second communication device is different inside and outside the second wireless network. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the communication apparatus is acquired from two communication apparatuses. Transmitting means for transmitting a UDP (User Datagram Protocol) packet to the second communication device;
Receiving means for receiving a UDP packet from the second communication device;
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A first communication device belonging to a first wireless network,
Communication means for communicating with a second communication device belonging to a second wireless network different from the first wireless network;
A determination unit for determining a first connection method permitted by the first wireless network among connection methods between the first communication device and the second communication device;
Connection means for directly connecting to a third communication device not belonging to the first wireless network;
Of the connection methods between the first communication device and the second communication device, the second connection method permitted by the second network is directly connected by the connection means. Acquisition means for acquiring via the communication device;
Based on the first connection method determined by the determination unit and the second connection method acquired by the acquisition unit, the first communication device and the second communication device are selected from a plurality of communication paths. Selecting means for selecting a communication path when connecting to the communication device;
A communication apparatus comprising:   The said determination means determines the said 1st connection method based on whether the address of the said 1st communication apparatus differs in the inside and outside of the said 1st wireless network, The said 1st connection method is characterized by the above-mentioned. Communication equipment.   The acquisition means includes the second connection method determined by the second communication device based on whether or not the address of the second communication device is different inside and outside the second wireless network. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein the communication device is acquired from two communication devices.   The selecting means is a first communication path for connecting the first communication device and the second communication device by requesting a connection from the first communication device to the second communication device, or By selecting a connection from the second communication apparatus to the first communication apparatus, the second communication apparatus selects the second communication path to which the first communication apparatus and the second communication apparatus are connected. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8.   In the plurality of communication paths, a third communication device that does not belong to the first network and the first communication device are directly connected, and the first communication device passes through the third communication device. The communication apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising at least a communication path for requesting connection to the second communication apparatus.   In the plurality of communication paths, a third communication device that does not belong to the first network and the first communication device are directly connected, and the second communication device passes through the third communication device. The communication apparatus according to claim 6, comprising at least a communication path for requesting connection to the first communication apparatus. Transmitting means for transmitting a UDP (User Datagram Protocol) packet to the second communication device;
Receiving means for receiving a UDP packet from the second communication device;
The communication device according to claim 6, further comprising:   The plurality of communication paths are communication paths for requesting connection from the first communication apparatus to the second communication apparatus after the transmitting means transmits a UDP packet and the receiving means receives the UDP packet. The communication device according to claim 12, further comprising:   The plurality of communication paths are communication paths for requesting connection from the second communication apparatus to the first communication apparatus after the transmission means transmits a UDP packet and the reception means receives the UDP packet. 14. The communication apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by comprising at least.   In the plurality of communication paths, a fourth communication device that does not belong to the second network and the second communication device are directly connected, and the second communication device passes through the fourth communication device. The communication apparatus according to claim 6, comprising at least a communication path for requesting connection to the first communication apparatus.   In the plurality of communication paths, a third communication device that does not belong to the first network and the first communication device are directly connected, and the fourth communication device that does not belong to the second network A communication path that is directly connected to the second communication device, and requests connection from the second communication device to the first communication device via the fourth communication device and the third communication device in this order. The communication device according to claim 6, further comprising: A method for controlling a first communication device belonging to a first wireless network, comprising:
A communication step of communicating with a second communication device belonging to a second wireless network different from the first wireless network;
A determination step of determining a first connection method permitted by the first wireless network among a connection method between the first communication device and the second communication device;
An obtaining step for obtaining a second connection method permitted by the second wireless network among connection methods between the first communication device and the second communication device;
Based on the first connection method and the second connection method, the selection unit requests the second communication device to connect to the first communication device and the second communication method. Whether the second communication device is connected or whether the first communication device and the second communication device are connected by requesting a connection from the second communication device to the first communication device. A selection process to select;
A control method characterized by comprising: A method for controlling a first communication device belonging to a first wireless network, comprising:
A communication step of communicating with a second communication device belonging to a second wireless network different from the first wireless network;
A determination step of determining a first connection method permitted by the first wireless network among a connection method between the first communication device and the second communication device;
An obtaining step for obtaining a second connection method permitted by the second wireless network among connection methods between the first communication device and the second communication device;
A connection step in which a connection means directly connects a third communication device not belonging to the first wireless network and the first communication device;
The request means sends the second communication from the first communication device via the third communication device connected in the connection step according to the first connection method and the second connection method. A request process for requesting connection to the device;
A control method characterized by comprising: A method for controlling a first communication device belonging to a first wireless network, comprising:
A communication step of communicating with a second communication device belonging to a second wireless network different from the first wireless network;
A determination step of determining a first connection method permitted by the first wireless network among a connection method between the first communication device and the second communication device;
A connection step in which the connection means directly connects to a third communication device not belonging to the first wireless network;
The acquisition means is directly connected by the connection means to a second connection method permitted by the second network among connection methods between the first communication device and the second communication device. Acquiring through the third communication device;
Communication when the selection unit connects the first communication device and the second communication device from a plurality of communication paths based on the first connection method and the second connection method. A selection process for selecting a route;
A control method characterized by comprising:   The program for operating a computer as a communication apparatus of any one of Claim 1 to 16.

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