KR100850910B1 - Apparatus and method for communicating with bluetooth device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a Bluetooth connection device and a method for performing a direct Bluetooth connection with a specific Bluetooth device using a Bluetooth communication method, comprising: sensing means for detecting a single device connection mode for connecting only the specific Bluetooth device; Searching for the specific Bluetooth device located in this possible area, the Bluetooth module receiving the device information provided from the searched Bluetooth device and the Bluetooth device is detected only in the relatively reduced area when the entry into the single device connection mode is detected by the sensing means. And a control unit for controlling the Bluetooth module to search and at the same time performing a Bluetooth connection directly with the found Bluetooth device, for direct Bluetooth connection with one specific Bluetooth device. Checking whether the device is in a single device connection mode; in the case of a single device connection mode, transmitting a search packet to only a region that is relatively smaller than a transmission area by adjusting a transmission power; and a peripheral Bluetooth device for the transmitted search packet. If a response signal of the received is received, including the process of performing a Bluetooth connection with the Bluetooth device immediately, to eliminate the need to search and re-select the desired device among the entire search of the separate peripheral Bluetooth devices, and the user Direct and quick connection with the desired specific Bluetooth device can improve device usability.

Bluetooth, Search Packet, Response Signal, Zone, Single Device Connection Mode, Host, Search

Description

Apparatus and method for connecting a Bluetooth device {APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING WITH BLUETOOTH DEVICE}

1 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a search and connection state between general Bluetooth devices;

2 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a search and connection state between a host device and a specific Bluetooth device according to the present invention;

3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a host device and a Bluetooth device connected thereto according to the present invention;

4 is a flow chart showing the procedure for connection with a specific Bluetooth device by the host device according to the present invention; And

5 is a flowchart illustrating a pairing procedure of a specific Bluetooth device connected to a host device according to the present invention.

The present invention relates to a device and a method for connecting a Bluetooth device, and more particularly, to connect a desired Bluetooth device among a plurality of peripheral Bluetooth devices to a host device with a simple procedure. An apparatus and method are provided.

Due to the development of various electronic and communication industries, data communication systems among the corresponding devices are gradually being fragmented. A system that searches for a device while limiting communication distance for each frequency is also developing.

For example, short-range wireless communication between devices includes Bluetooth communication in which the communication distance is about 10m to 100m. The Bluetooth communication may be configured such that one host device searches for client devices having different Bluetooth functions, and a specific Bluetooth device and the host device perform short-range communication.

The Bluetooth devices have a separate Bluetooth antenna module for operating in the 2.4 GHz band separately from the main antenna device for communication in the device, and a predetermined Bluetooth module is mounted on the main boards of the devices so that the Bluetooth devices Performing wireless communication.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a search and connection state between general Bluetooth devices, wherein a host device 100 having a Bluetooth module includes various Bluetooth communication peripherals 110 including a Bluetooth module. And 111, 112, and 200, respectively, show a state in which a pairing mode for data communication has been entered.

In this case, when the user using the host device 100 selects a connection service with the corresponding Bluetooth device, the host device 100 transmits a search packet to the surroundings. The search packet transmission range has a frequency strength limited to approximately around 10m to 20m radius, and the various communication devices for Bluetooth in the pairing mode (ready mode for Bluetooth connection with the host device) in the range (110, 111, 112, 200) may be searched.

Then, the peripheral Bluetooth devices 110, 111, 112, and 200 receiving the search packet transmit a response signal to the received search packet to the host device 100. As a response signal of the Bluetooth device, a BD address (address information) for the corresponding device may be transmitted. The BD adress may simply display not only address information of the corresponding device but also brief information on various device services that the corresponding Bluetooth device can provide. Accordingly, the host device may obtain information about connectable peripheral Bluetooth devices.

In addition, the host device 100 may display information of the Bluetooth devices identified through the response signals of the Bluetooth devices 110, 111, 112, and 200 in a list format, for example, on a display unit of the host device 100. If the user detects a connection request with a specific Bluetooth device selected from the list, the device performs Bluetooth communication with the corresponding device. Although only four Bluetooth devices 110, 111, 112, and 200 searched by the host device 100 are illustrated in FIG. 1, more Bluetooth devices may be searched according to circumstances.

However, as described above, the apparatus and method for connecting a Bluetooth device should transmit a search packet from the host device and display a plurality of Bluetooth devices in a list format according to the response signals of the peripheral Bluetooth devices, and the user may desire After selecting a Bluetooth device, you should perform Bluetooth communication. This cumbersome procedure, for example, when a user wants to select and connect only a specific Bluetooth device that has already been determined, becomes a cumbersome and inconvenient procedure that searches for and selects other peripheral devices that are not needed, thereby impairing usability. It became a problem provided.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for connecting a Bluetooth device, which is implemented to improve user convenience through a quick connection with a specific Bluetooth device desired by a user. It is.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for connecting a Bluetooth device that can be implemented to facilitate direct and quick connection between the corresponding Bluetooth devices by only one simple operation with the device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for connecting a Bluetooth device, which is implemented to improve usability by quickly connecting only a specific device for a Bluetooth connection with a host device by adjusting the strength of a transmission power for transmitting a packet packet. To provide.

In order to solve the above object, the present invention provides a host device for performing a direct Bluetooth connection with a specific Bluetooth device using a Bluetooth communication method, a single device connection mode for connecting only the specific Bluetooth device Sensing means for detecting a; and a Bluetooth module for searching for a specific Bluetooth device located in an area where Bluetooth communication is possible, and receiving device information provided from the found Bluetooth device, and detecting the entry into a single device connection mode by the sensing means. And a controller for controlling the Bluetooth module to search for a Bluetooth device only in a relatively reduced area, and at the same time, performing a Bluetooth connection with the found Bluetooth device.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for connecting a Bluetooth device by the host device described above. Therefore, the present invention provides a method of connecting a host device for a direct Bluetooth connection with a specific Bluetooth device in the vicinity, a process of checking whether a single device connection mode is used for a direct Bluetooth connection with one specific Bluetooth device, and a single device connection. In the mode, the transmission power is controlled to transmit the search packet to only the area that is relatively smaller than the transmission area, and if the response signal of the peripheral Bluetooth device to the transmitted search packet is received, the Bluetooth device is immediately connected with the Bluetooth device. Characterized in that it comprises a process of performing.

In addition, the present invention is described with respect to a Bluetooth device which is connected to the host device and the Bluetooth as a single device. Accordingly, the present invention provides a Bluetooth device for performing a direct Bluetooth connection with a host device using a Bluetooth communication method, comprising: sensing means for detecting a single device connection mode for a direct Bluetooth connection with the host device; When the device detects an entry into the single device connection mode by the Bluetooth module and the sensing means, receiving the search signal transmitted from the device and transmitting information about the device as a response signal to the host device, pairing the corresponding device. mode), and the controller for controlling to perform the Bluetooth communication in response to the request of the host device.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a Bluetooth connection method by the above-described Bluetooth device. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of connecting a Bluetooth device for performing a direct Bluetooth connection with a host device using a Bluetooth communication method, the method comprising: checking whether the device is in a single device connection mode for direct Bluetooth connection with the host device, and In case of the connected mode, entering a pairing mode and checking whether a search packet is received from the host device, transmitting a response signal when the search packet is received, and performing Bluetooth communication with the corresponding host device. It is characterized by.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, if it is determined that the gist of the present invention may be unnecessarily obscured, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

2 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a search and connection state between a host device and a specific Bluetooth device according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, devices capable of peripheral Bluetooth communication with a host device including a Bluetooth module and a corresponding antenna radiator are illustrated. The difference from the prior art is that in the present invention, the user can select in advance a specific Bluetooth device 200 to connect with the host device 100, in which case the specific Bluetooth device than other Bluetooth devices 110, 111, 112 Faster connection can be achieved by bringing 200 closer to the host device.

Although FIG. 2 illustrates a portable terminal as the host device 100, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various devices capable of various Bluetooth connections may be applied.

As shown in FIG. 2, the user places the host device 100 and the corresponding Bluetooth device 200 in the area 120. Thereafter, the devices 100 and 200 according to the present invention are directly connected to each other to enable Bluetooth communication by using mutual interworking means or individual sensing means. This method searches the peripheral Bluetooth devices that can be connected using the host device 100, lists them, displays them on the display, and quickly selects the corresponding Bluetooth device and the host device without the troublesome operation of selecting the specific device. You will be able to connect.

In this case, the area 120 may be configured by the terminal manufacturer or configured by the user. Preferably, the area 120 may be set when the user enters a so-called 'single device connection mode' for connecting to a specific Bluetooth device 200 or when the host device 100 determines that the user enters the mode. . More preferably, the area 120 controls the Bluetooth module to control the intensity of the transmission power in order to transmit the search packet to only the area of about 10 cm to 20 cm in the radius of the host device 100. Can be printed.

Accordingly, according to the present invention, it is detected that the host device 100 enters the 'single device connection mode' and the Bluetooth device 200 for connecting is located in the area 120 according to the single device connection mode, and the pairing mode ( pairing mode), the host device 100 may perform Bluetooth communication with the specific Bluetooth device 200 without searching for the Bluetooth devices 110, 111, and 112 that are outside the surrounding area.

Also, interworking sensing means or individual sensing means with a specific Bluetooth device 200 for the single device connection mode of the host device 100 will be described later.

3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a host device and a Bluetooth device connected thereto according to the present invention. Although the present invention has shown and described a portable terminal as a host device, the above-described host device can be applied to various electronic devices having a Bluetooth module and an antenna radiator therefor.

First, the configuration according to the present invention of the portable terminal 100 as a host device will be described.

First, the control unit 101 controls the overall operation of the terminal 100. When the detection unit 108 detects the entry of the single device connection mode according to the present invention, the control unit 101 controls the Bluetooth module 106 than usual. A weak search packet is sent to the surroundings. As described above, the Bluetooth module 106 transmits the search packet to only a very limited periphery of the portable terminal 100 as a host device by adjusting the strength of the transmission power. Preferably, the single device connection mode according to the present invention transmits a search packet only in a range of about 10 cm to 20 cm in the radius of the portable terminal 100, and the Bluetooth device entering the pairing mode in the area range. It may be connected directly without receiving a separate selection. However, if the control unit 101 does not receive the response signal of the Bluetooth device entering the separate pairing mode even though a certain time has passed after the entry of the single device connection mode is detected and the search packet is transmitted, It can be set to return to the original terminal function.

Although not shown, the Bluetooth module 106 includes an RF transmitter, an RF receiver, and a baseband processor.

The RF transmitter modulates and transmits the data packet for wireless transmission generated by the baseband processor in a predetermined frequency band.

The RF receiver suppresses amplification of the noise of the received frequency signal as much as possible, amplifies a signal of a predetermined frequency band, lowers the signal to a low frequency band, and applies it to the baseband processor.

The baseband processor changes the packet format to add an access code and a header to various host controller interface (HCI) data packets applied from the terminal controller 101, and converts the packet into a predetermined data packet for wireless transmission. Wireless transmission in the frequency band set by the RF transmitter. In addition, the data packet received through the RF receiver is converted into the HCI packet and applied to the terminal controller 101.

In addition, the Bluetooth module 106 includes a link control unit therein to control the Bluetooth module 106 based on a command of a command packet applied from the control unit 101, and to control the Bluetooth module 106 from the baseband processor. The information is transmitted to the control unit 101 which is the host in an HCI packet.

In addition, the Bluetooth module 106 controls the gain output according to the signal of the single device connection mode received from the terminal control unit 101 to have an intensity having an area relatively smaller than that of the existing Bluetooth search packet transmission area. Control to send search packets to the surroundings.

The detector 108 may include an interlocking sensing means or an individual sensing means sensed in cooperation with a Bluetooth device for easy connection according to the present invention. The interlocking detection means may include a terminal unit installed at one side of the terminal. The terminal unit may allow the control unit to detect a minute electrical signal generated by contacting the terminal unit installed in the Bluetooth device. In addition, the Bluetooth device in contact with the terminal of the terminal can also automatically enter the pairing mode by an electrical signal. That is, by contacting the terminal of the terminal terminal and the Bluetooth terminal of the host device to detect the mutual interworking, the terminal transmits the search packet only to the proximity area, the Bluetooth device immediately enters the pairing mode to enable fast Bluetooth between both devices The connection is promoted.

In addition, a hall sensor and a magnet may be installed on one side of the terminal so as not to interfere with each other. In addition, the magnet and the Hall sensor are also installed in the Bluetooth device so as not to interfere with each other. Therefore, when the Bluetooth device is brought close to the terminal, the magnet of the Bluetooth device is detected by the Hall sensor of the terminal, and the magnet of the terminal is detected by the Hall sensor of the Bluetooth device. In other words, each device automatically enters the proximity search packet transmission mode and the pairing mode by the mutual interworking means, and then the Bluetooth connection is immediately possible.

As a result, when the interlocking sensing means is used as the sensing unit, the sensing unit may be a concept including the sensing unit and the sensing unit.

In addition, the sensing unit 108 may be applied as a touch sensor that is provided separately in the terminal as a host device as an individual sensing means. Here, the meaning of the individual sensing means means that the terminal enters the proximity search packet transmission mode to the terminal to search for nearby Bluetooth devices, and the Bluetooth device must also enter the pairing mode by a separate key button input.

The key input unit 103 is used to input various data of the terminal and may include an input button for Bluetooth communication. The key input unit 103 may be a concept including a hot key provided separately to enter a single device connection mode according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, since the wireless communication unit 102, the display unit 104, the memory unit 105, the codec 107, and the like are well-known configurations of the portable terminal 100, their functional description will be omitted.

Secondly, the configuration of a Bluetooth device according to the present invention is as follows.

First, the control unit 201 is a pairing mode for transmitting a response signal including device information on the search packet received by the sensing unit 205 by the interlocking sensing means of the host device 100 described above. To control entry. Furthermore, the Bluetooth module 204 is controlled to send a response signal to the received search packet to the host device and to establish a Bluetooth connection with the host device.

The Bluetooth module 204 includes an RF transmitter, an RF receiver, and a baseband processor.

The RF transmitter modulates and transmits the data packet for wireless transmission generated by the baseband processor in a predetermined frequency band.

The RF receiver suppresses amplification of the noise of the received frequency signal as much as possible, amplifies a signal of a set frequency band, lowers the signal to a low frequency band, and applies the signal to the baseband processor.

The baseband processor changes the packet format to add an access code and a header to various HCI data packets applied from the control unit 201, and converts the baseband processor to a predetermined data packet for wireless transmission and set the RF packet through the RF transmitter. A radio frequency band is transmitted and the data packet received through the RF receiver is changed into the HCI packet and applied to the controller 201.

The sensing unit 205, like the sensing unit 108 provided in the portable terminal 100 as the host device, includes an interlocking sensing means or an individual sensing means. The mutual interlocking sensing means may be a terminal part or a hall sensor and a magnet for electrical connection for performing mutual sensing by contact or non-contact with the portable terminal. The terminal part for the electrical connection is a metallic exposed or protruding terminal part, and when the target metal material is in contact, the terminal part may perform an operation such as a sensor that generates a weak electric signal.

In addition, the individual sensing means may be a touch sensor that is an individual sensing means added to the outside of the device.

The key input unit 202 may be selectively adopted according to the corresponding Bluetooth device 200, and may include a separate hot key for entering a pairing mode according to the present invention while performing data input and the like. have.

Hereinafter, since the key input unit 202 and the memory unit 203 are well-known components of a general Bluetooth device, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for connection with a specific Bluetooth device by the host device according to the present invention.

First, in step 401, the controller of the portable terminal as the host device checks whether the device is in the single device connection mode. If not in single device connection mode, it performs the function of terminal. However, in the single device connection mode, the mobile station enters step 403 and transmits a search packet for searching for a Bluetooth device by a predetermined area with a predetermined strength of transmission power. The terminal controller may control the Bluetooth module to adjust the strength of the transmission power so that the search packet can be transmitted only in an area of about 10 cm to 20 cm around the terminal. The operation of detecting the single device connection mode may include checking whether there is an input of an interlocking detection means or a touch sensor or a separate sensing means such as a hot key provided separately in the device by the terminal or the hall sensor and the magnet. it means.

Thereafter, in step 405, it is checked whether there is a response signal of a neighboring Bluetooth device according to the transmission of the search packet. For example, in the case of detection by the interlocking detection means, since the Bluetooth device naturally enters the pairing mode and is located around the terminal, address information, usage information, etc. of the Bluetooth device can be checked as a response signal. will be. However, when using the individual sensing means, the terminal transmits a search packet, but may not receive a response signal if the Bluetooth device entered into the pairing mode is not located in the area. Therefore, if the response signal is not received, it is checked whether a predetermined time has elapsed in step 411, and when a predetermined time elapses, the process proceeds to step 413 to cancel the search packet transmission mode and returns to step 401. Preferably, the transmission time of the search packet for the Bluetooth communication is set to about several seconds. For example, a time of 3 to 10 seconds may be appropriate.

On the other hand, if the response signal of the Bluetooth device is received in step 405, the process proceeds to step 407 and checks the address information included in the response signal of the Bluetooth device. In step 407, not only the address information of the Bluetooth device may be checked, but also the information of the Bluetooth device for connecting to the corresponding host device (terminal) may be automatically registered if necessary. Thereafter, in step 409, the Bluetooth device is connected to Bluetooth.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a pairing procedure of a specific Bluetooth device connected to a host device according to the present invention.

First, in step 501, the device controller determines whether the Bluetooth device enters a pairing mode. Whether to enter the pairing mode includes not only checking a conventional general key button input, but also whether there is a detection by an interlocking sensing means or an individual sensing means according to the present invention. In step 503, the controller checks whether a search packet is received from the host device. When it is detected that the search packet is received from the host device, in step 505, a response signal including various device information such as address information about the device is transmitted to the host device. In operation 507, the controller performs a Bluetooth connection with the host device.

On the other hand, if the search packet is not received from the host device in step 503 after entering the pairing mode, the process proceeds to step 509 and checks whether a predetermined time has elapsed, and if a predetermined time elapses, enters step 511 to release the pairing mode. The flow returns to step 501 to check whether there is a pairing mode. Preferably, the time for checking whether to receive a search packet for Bluetooth communication with the host device after entering the pairing mode is set to approximately several seconds. For example, a time of 3 to 10 seconds may be appropriate.

Apparently, there are many ways to modify these embodiments while remaining within the scope of the claims. In other words, there may be many other ways in which the invention may be practiced without departing from the scope of the following claims.

The Bluetooth connection device and method according to the present invention eliminates the need to search a separate peripheral Bluetooth devices and to find and reselect a desired device among the searched devices, and the user can directly and quickly establish a desired Bluetooth device. The connection has the effect of improving device usability.

Claims (27)

In the host device for performing a direct Bluetooth connection with a specific Bluetooth device using a Bluetooth communication method, Sensing means for sensing a single device connection mode for connecting only the particular Bluetooth device; A Bluetooth module that searches for the specific Bluetooth device located in an area where Bluetooth communication is possible and receives device information provided from the found Bluetooth device; And When the sensing means detects the entry into the single device connection mode, the Bluetooth module is controlled to search for only the Bluetooth device in the search area that is relatively smaller than the previous search area, and at the same time, the Bluetooth device is directly connected to the found Bluetooth device. Bluetooth device connection apparatus comprising a control unit for controlling. The method of claim 1, And the sensing means is a metallic terminal sensed by being applied with a minute electrical signal by contact with the Bluetooth device. The method of claim 1, The sensing means is a hall device (hall IC) for detecting a magnetic force of the magnet installed in the Bluetooth device to provide a detection signal to the control unit (Bluetooth device connection device). The method of claim 1, And the sensing means is a key input device provided in the host device. The method of claim 4, wherein The key input device may be any one of a key button and a touch pad using a touch sensor. The method of claim 1, The controller controls the Bluetooth module to transmit a search packet only to a search area that is relatively smaller than a search area by adjusting the strength of the transmission power. The method of claim 6, And the controller controls the search packet transmission area to be limited to a radius of 10 cm to 20 cm around the host device. A Bluetooth device for performing a direct Bluetooth connection with a host device using a Bluetooth communication method, Sensing means for sensing a single device connection mode for a direct Bluetooth connection with the host device; A Bluetooth module for receiving a search signal transmitted from the host device and transmitting information on the corresponding device as a response signal to the host device; And And a controller for controlling the device to enter a pairing mode and to perform Bluetooth communication at the request of the host device when the sensing means detects the entry into the single device connection mode. Bluetooth device connection device. The method of claim 8, And the sensing means is a metallic terminal sensed by being applied with a minute electrical signal by contact with the host device. The method of claim 8, The sensing means is a hall device (hall IC) for detecting a magnetic force of the magnet installed in the host device to provide a detection signal to the control unit Bluetooth device connection device. The method of claim 8, And the sensing means is a key input device provided in the Bluetooth device. The method of claim 11, The key input device may be any one of a key button and a touch pad using a touch sensor. In the Bluetooth connection method of the host device for direct Bluetooth connection with a specific Bluetooth device of the surroundings, Checking whether the device is in a single device connection mode for a direct Bluetooth connection with a specific Bluetooth device, In the case of a single device connection mode, the process of transmitting the search packet to only the area relatively smaller than the transmission area by adjusting the transmission power, And if a response signal of the peripheral Bluetooth device to the transmitted search packet is received, performing a Bluetooth connection with the corresponding Bluetooth device. The method of claim 13, And if the response signal of the Bluetooth device in the area is not received for a predetermined time after transmitting the search packet to the reduced area, canceling the transmission of the search packet. The method of claim 14, The time for transmitting the search packet is characterized in that 5 seconds to 10 seconds. The method of claim 13, And a transmission area that is smaller than the transmission area of the search packet is an area set within a radius of 10 cm to 20 cm with respect to the host device. The method of claim 13, The checking of the single device connection mode is a process of detecting an applied electrical signal by contacting a terminal installed in the Bluetooth device with a terminal installed in the host device. The method of claim 13, And checking whether the single device connection mode is in a state in which the hall sensor included in the host device detects the magnetic force of the magnet by bringing the Bluetooth device including the magnet into proximity to the host device. The method of claim 13, The checking of the single device connection mode is a process of detecting a key input operation by a user of a key input device provided in the host device. The method of claim 19, The checking of whether the device is in the single device connection mode by the key input device may be a process of detecting an input of a hot key button separately provided in the host device or an input of a touch pad driven by a touch sensor. How to. A method of connecting a Bluetooth device for performing a direct Bluetooth connection with a host device using a Bluetooth communication method, Checking whether the device is in single device connection mode for a direct Bluetooth connection with the host device, In case of a single device connection mode, entering a pairing mode and checking whether a search packet is received from the host device; And transmitting a response signal when the search packet is received, and performing Bluetooth communication with the corresponding host device. The method of claim 21, And after entering the pairing mode, if the search packet is not received from the host device for a predetermined time, canceling the pairing mode. The method of claim 22, The time for receiving a search packet from the host device is characterized in that 5 seconds ~ 10 seconds. The method of claim 21, And checking whether the single device connection mode is in contact with a terminal installed in the host device and a terminal installed in the Bluetooth device. The method of claim 21, The checking of the single device connection mode is a process in which the hall sensor included in the Bluetooth device detects the magnetic force of the magnet by bringing the host device including the magnet into proximity to the Bluetooth device. The method of claim 21, And checking whether the device is in the single device connection mode is detecting a key input operation by a user of a key input device provided in the Bluetooth device. The method of claim 26, The checking of whether the device is in the single device connection mode by the key input device may be a process of detecting an input of a hot key button separately provided in the Bluetooth device or an input of a touch pad driven by a touch sensor. How to.

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