WO2009107245A1

WO2009107245A1 - Communication device, communication method, communication program, and storage medium enabling readout of data on computer

Info

Publication number: WO2009107245A1
Application number: PCT/JP2008/053700
Authority: WO
Inventors: 匡弘岩田; 総子猪爪; 裕樹藤井; 梨絵田中; 有人寺尾; 竜押見; 智樋口
Original assignee: パイオニア株式会社
Priority date: 2008-02-29
Filing date: 2008-02-29
Publication date: 2009-09-03
Also published as: JPWO2009107245A1

Abstract

A communication system (100) comprises a communication device (110) and electronic apparatuses (121), (122). The communication device (110) includes a connection section (111) and a storage section (112). The connection section (111) makes connections with a plurality of electronic apparatuses via a short-range radio communication. The storage section (112) stores information on a connectable electronic apparatus and information on a group to which the electronic apparatus belongs. In the case of a connection with a certain electronic apparatus, the connection section (111) tries a connection with another electronic apparatus belonging to the same group as a certain electronic apparatus based on information on a connectable electronic apparatus and group information stored in the storage section (112) for connection with another connectable electronic apparatus.

Description

COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION METHOD, COMMUNICATION PROGRAM, AND COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM

The present invention relates to a communication device, a communication method, a communication program, and a computer-readable storage medium that perform communication with a plurality of electronic devices by short-range wireless communication.

Conventionally, there is a communication device that transmits and receives data between different devices by short-range wireless communication. For such a communication device, for example, a technology for connecting an in-vehicle device such as a navigation device and a mobile phone having a hands-free function by Bluetooth is known (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). Note that Bluetooth is a registered trademark.

JP 2007-281852 A

However, in the above prior art, when connecting the in-vehicle device and a plurality of electronic devices, the user needs to instruct each connection separately, so that the connection is troublesome and troublesome. Is given as an example. Furthermore, in the above-described conventional technology, when an in-vehicle device and a plurality of electronic devices are connected, the electronic devices cannot be managed in cooperation with each other and must be managed individually. Therefore, there is a problem that the work becomes complicated.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a communication device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a connection unit configured to connect to a plurality of electronic devices by short-range wireless communication, and a connectable electronic device. Storage means for storing information and information of a group to which the electronic device belongs, wherein the connection means is connected to one electronic device and is connected to the connectable electronic device stored in the storage means. Based on the information and the information of the group, it tries to connect with another electronic device belonging to the same group as the one electronic device, and connects with another connectable electronic device.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication method comprising storage means for storing information on connectable electronic devices and information on groups to which the electronic devices belong, and performing short-range wireless communication with a plurality of electronic devices. A communication method in a communication apparatus for performing connection, and when connected to one electronic device, based on information on the connectable electronic device and information on the group stored in the storage unit, It includes a connection step of trying to connect to another electronic device belonging to the same group as the electronic device and connecting to another connectable electronic device.

The communication program according to the invention of claim 12 causes a computer to execute the communication method according to claim 11.

A computer-readable storage medium according to the invention of claim 13 stores the communication program according to claim 12.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the communication apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the communication apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the communication system of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of information related to an electronic device registered in the navigation device. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a specific connection example 1 between the navigation apparatus and each electronic device. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of a specific connection example 1 between the navigation device and each electronic device. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a specific connection example 2 between the navigation device and each electronic device. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of a specific connection example 2 between the navigation device and each electronic device. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a specific connection example 3 between the navigation apparatus and each electronic device. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of a specific connection example 3 between the navigation apparatus and each electronic device. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) of a specific connection example 3 between the navigation device and each electronic device. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a specific connection example 4 between the navigation device and each electronic device. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of a specific connection example 4 between the navigation device and each electronic device. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the navigation device of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Communication system 110 Communication apparatus 111 Connection part 112 Storage part 113 Registration part 114 Reminder part 115 Communication control part 121,122 Electronic device

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Exemplary embodiments of a communication device, a communication method, a communication program, and a computer-readable storage medium according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Outline of communication system)
First, a communication system to which a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention belongs will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the communication system 100 includes a communication device 110 and

electronic devices

121 and 122. Communication device 110 and electronic device 121 are connected by short-range wireless communication 130. Similarly, the communication device 110 and the electronic device 122 are connected by the short-range wireless communication 130. Here, the short-range wireless communication 130 is wireless communication having a radius of about 100 m. Specifically, Bluetooth or the like is applicable.

Although details will be described later, the

electronic devices

121 and 122 connected to the communication device 110 are classified into an arbitrary group (group 120 in FIG. 1) by the user and registered in the communication device 110, for example.

In the communication system 100, the communication device 110 and the electronic device 121 are connected at an arbitrary timing. Here, the arbitrary timing is a timing when the communication device 110 or the electronic device 121 is operated by the user and a connection is instructed. In the communication system 100, the communication device 110 and the electronic device 122 are connected at a predetermined timing. Here, the predetermined timing is a timing at which the communication device 110 and the electronic device 121 are connected.

Here, the predetermined timing may be when the communication device 110 is powered on. In this case, when the communication device 110 is powered on, it automatically tries to connect to a specific electronic device (for example, the electronic device 121) and connects to a connectable electronic device. The communication device 110 can automatically connect to a specific electronic device (for example, the electronic device 121) at a predetermined cycle (for example, 30 seconds) in addition to when the power is turned on. It is good also as connecting with an electronic device.

In other words, in the communication system 100, the communication device 110 connects to the electronic device 121, and further connects to the electronic device 122 when connected to the electronic device 121. Below, each structure of this communication system 100 is demonstrated.

(Functional configuration of communication device)
First, the functional configuration of the communication device 110 of the communication system 100 will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the communication apparatus according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the communication device 110 includes a connection unit 111 and a storage unit 112.

The connection unit 111 has a function of performing connection with a plurality of electronic devices by the short-range wireless communication 130. In addition, the connection unit 111, when connected to one electronic device (for example, the electronic device 121), is based on information on connectable electronic devices and group information stored in the storage unit 112 described later. The other electronic device (for example, the electronic device 122) belonging to the same group as the electronic device is tried and connected to another connectable electronic device.

Here, group information (hereinafter referred to as “group information”) is information representing a group to which each electronic device set by the user belongs. That is, for example, when the connection unit 111 connects to an electronic device instructed to connect, the connection unit 111 also connects this electronic device to another electronic device that has the same group (has the same group information).

For example, when the connection unit 111 is connected to one electronic device, the connection unit 111 is within the communicable range of the short-range wireless communication 130 based on the connectable electronic device information and the group information stored in the storage unit 112. Search for other connectable electronic devices and connect to the other searched electronic devices.

The storage unit 112 has a function of storing information on connectable electronic devices and information on groups to which the electronic devices belong. Here, the electronic device information (hereinafter referred to as “electronic device information”) is information regarding the type and function of each electronic device. The storage unit 112 may also store information on a predetermined profile corresponding to the function of the electronic device together with connectable electronic device information and group information. Here, the profile is set for each electronic device in advance according to the function of the electronic device.

Further, the communication device 110 may include a registration unit 113. The registration unit 113 has a function of registering electronic device information and group information to which the electronic device belongs in the storage unit 112 based on user input. For example, the registration unit 113 receives a user operation using various input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse (not shown), and registers electronic device information and group information in the storage unit 112 based on the operation. Further, for example, when the communication device 110 and an electronic device (for example, the electronic device 121 or the electronic device 122) are connected, the registration unit 113 automatically acquires electronic device information of the connected electronic device. The acquired electronic device information may be registered in the storage unit 112.

Further, the communication device 110 may include a reminder unit 114. The prompting unit 114 is a function that prompts the user to register the information of the one electronic device when the one electronic device (for example, the electronic device 121) does not belong to any group stored in the storage unit 112. Have Here, the information of one electronic device is electronic device information or group information of the one electronic device. For example, the prompting unit 114 prompts the user to set a group by displaying “Please set a group for this electronic device” on a display unit (not shown).

Further, the communication device 110 may include a communication control unit 115. The communication control unit 115 has a function of controlling data transmission / reception with the

electronic devices

121 and 122 connected by the connection unit 111. Specifically, when the communication control unit 115 is connected to the electronic device 121 and the searched electronic device 122 by the connection unit 111, the communication control unit 115 is connected to each electronic device according to the type of the

electronic device

121 or 122. Determine the contents of data to be sent and received. The content of data to be transmitted / received is determined based on the profile set for each electronic device. The communication control unit 115 may determine the content of data including command data that causes the electronic device connected by the connection unit 111 to execute predetermined processing.

(Processing procedure of communication device)
Next, a processing procedure of the communication apparatus 110 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the communication apparatus according to the present embodiment. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 is started, for example, when a connection between the communication device 110 and the electronic device is instructed at a user's arbitrary timing, or when the communication device 110 is turned on. .

As shown in FIG. 2, first, the communication device 110 waits until it is connected to one electronic device (for example, the electronic device 121) (step S201: No loop). Specifically, the communication device 110 stands by until the connection unit 111 is connected to, for example, the electronic device 121.

If it is determined in step S201 that the electronic device 121 is connected (step S201: Yes), the communication apparatus 110 tries to connect to another electronic device belonging to the same group as the one electronic device ( Step S202). Specifically, the communication device 110 tries to connect to another electronic device belonging to the same group as the one electronic device based on the electronic device information and the group information stored in the storage unit 112.

In step S202, after trying to connect to another electronic device, the communication apparatus 110 determines whether there is another electronic device that can be connected (step S203). Specifically, the communication device 110 determines whether there is another connectable electronic device within the communicable range of the short-range wireless communication 130.

If it is determined in step S203 that there is another electronic device that can be connected (step S203: Yes), the communication device 110 connects to the other electronic device (for example, the electronic device 122) ( Step S204), a series of processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S203 that there is no other electronic device that can be connected (step S203: No), the communication apparatus 110 ends the series of processes as it is.

As described above, according to communication apparatus 110 of the present embodiment, for example, when connection to electronic device 121 is instructed, connection to electronic device 121 is performed and the same group ( In FIG. 1, it is also possible to connect to electronic devices 122 belonging to the group 120). Thereby, the effort which connects each user's electronic device to the communication apparatus 110 individually can be reduced, and the convenience can be improved.

Further, for example, when the power is turned on, the communication device 110 connects to the electronic device 121 and also connects to the electronic device 122 belonging to the same group as the electronic device (group 120 in FIG. 1). It is good to do. Also in this case, it is possible to reduce the trouble of individually connecting each electronic device of the user to the communication device 110 and improve convenience.

Further, according to the communication device 110 of the present embodiment, the electronic device 122 that is automatically connected is an electronic device that belongs to the group 120 of the electronic device 121 that is instructed to connect, so that the user can use it simultaneously. By classifying and registering desired electronic devices in a desired group, a combination of electronic devices to be connected can be arbitrarily set, so that convenience can be improved.

Furthermore, according to the communication apparatus 110 of the present embodiment, connection can be performed using a profile corresponding to the type and function of the electronic device. Accordingly, data according to the electronic device to be connected can be transmitted / received, and appropriate data can be transmitted / received, so that convenience can be improved.

Then, according to the communication device 110 of the present embodiment, when the group information is not registered in the electronic device that is instructed to connect, registration of the group information of the electronic device can be prompted. Thereby, since it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to register the group information, the convenience can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the communication device 110 performs connection with the electronic device 121 and connection with the electronic device 122 when the connection with the electronic device 121 is instructed. Not exclusively. When the connection with the electronic device 122 is instructed, the connection with the electronic device 122 may be performed and the connection with the electronic device 121 may be performed.

Further, when an instruction to connect to another electronic device (not shown) belonging to the group 120 is given, the electronic device 121 and the electronic device 122 may be connected by connecting to the electronic device. The main point of the present invention is that when the connection with one electronic device is instructed, the communication device 110 also performs connection with another electronic device belonging to the same group as the one electronic device. The order in which the devices are connected is not limited.

Next, an example of the communication system 100 according to the above-described embodiment will be described. In this example, the communication system 100 according to the above-described embodiment is connected to a navigation device (corresponding to the communication device 110) mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle (including two wheels and four wheels) and the navigation device. It is the example applied to the communication system comprised with the various electronic devices (it corresponds to the electronic devices 121 and 122). It is assumed that the navigation device and each electronic device are connected by Bluetooth.

(Schematic configuration of communication system of embodiment)
First, a schematic configuration of the information processing system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the communication system of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the communication system 300 of this embodiment includes a navigation device 310, a mobile phone 321 and a mobile phone 322 belonging to group 1, a mobile phone 331 belonging to group 2, an audio device 332, and a personal computer 333. And audio equipment 341 and audio equipment 342 belonging to group 3.

(Profile overview)
Here, the Bluetooth profile will be described. In the Bluetooth standard, a protocol for communication is formulated in advance according to the type and function of an electronic device, and this is called a profile. For example, the mobile phone 321 has three profiles: DUN (Dial-up Networking Profile), HSP (Headset Profile), and PBAP (Phone Book Access Profile).

A detailed description of each profile is omitted because it is a well-known technique, and only an outline thereof will be described. DUN is a profile for dial-up connection to the Internet via a communication terminal such as a mobile phone. The HSP is a profile for communicating audio data and the like with a headset equipped with a Bluetooth function. PBAP is a profile for transmitting and receiving information in a telephone directory registered in a communication terminal such as a mobile phone.

Note that the mobile phone 321 has, for example, three profiles of DUN, HSP, and PBAP, and is a single profile operation electronic device that can use only one selected profile at the same time. And In this case, connection with the navigation device 310 is performed by the selected one profile.

Also, for example, the audio device 332 has two profiles of A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) and AVRCP (Audio / Video Remote Control Profile). A2DP is a profile for transmitting / receiving music data such as music to / from headphones having a Bluetooth function. AVRCP is a profile for realizing a remote control function of an audio device.

Note that the audio device 332 has two profiles of A2DP and AVRCP, and is assumed to be a multi-profile operation electronic device that can use these profiles simultaneously. In this case, the navigation apparatus 310 is connected by two profiles of A2DP and AVRCP.

Further, the personal computer 333 has an HID (Human Interface Device Profile) as a profile. The HID is a profile for transmitting and receiving data received by an input device such as a mouse or a keyboard provided in the personal computer 333.

The navigation device 310 has all the profiles of each electronic device. That is, the navigation apparatus 310 has six profiles of DUN, HSP, PBAP, A2DP, AVRCP, and HID. The navigation device 310 performs connection using a profile corresponding to each electronic device among these profiles.

For example, the navigation device 310 is connected to the mobile phone 321 using PBAP as a profile. The navigation device 310 is connected to the mobile phone 322 using HSP as a profile. As described above, the navigation apparatus 310 performs connection using a profile corresponding to each electronic device.

(Hardware configuration of navigation device)
Next, the hardware configuration of the navigation device 310 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the navigation device 310 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, a magnetic disk drive 404, a magnetic disk 405, an optical disk drive 406, an optical disk 407, and an audio I / F (interface) 408. , A microphone 409, a speaker 410, an input device 411, a video I / F 412, a display 413, a camera 414, a communication I / F 415, a GPS unit 416, and various sensors 417. Further, the respective components 401 to 417 are connected by a bus 420.

First, the CPU 401 controls the entire navigation device 310. The ROM 402 stores various programs such as a boot program, a current position specifying program, a route search program, a route guidance program, a voice generation program, a map information display program, a Bluetooth connection program, and an electronic device registration program. In addition to the ROM 402, these various programs may be stored in a nonvolatile memory such as a magnetic disk 405 or an optical disk 407 described later. The RAM 403 is used as a work area for the CPU 401.

That is, the CPU 401 controls the entire navigation device 310 by executing various programs stored in the ROM 402 and the like while using the RAM 403 as a work area. The current position specifying program, for example, specifies the current position of the navigation device 310 based on output information from a GPS unit 416 and various sensors 417 described later.

The route search program uses the map information stored in the magnetic disk 405 or the optical disk 407, which will be described later, and the optimal route from the departure point (for example, the current position) to the destination, or the optimal route has been deviated. Search for a detour route. Here, the optimum route is a route with the minimum cost (time required) to the destination or a route that best meets the conditions specified by the user. Since the route search program is a known technique, a detailed description thereof is omitted, but an optimal route is searched using the Dijkstra method or the like. The route information of the route searched by executing the route search program is output to the audio I / F 408 and the video I / F 412 via the CPU 401.

The route guidance program includes route information of a route searched by executing the route search program, current position information of the current position of the navigation device 310 specified by executing the current position specifying program, the magnetic disk 405 or the optical disk 407. On the basis of the map information read out from, real-time route guidance information is generated. The route guidance information generated by executing the route guidance program is output to the audio I / F 408 and the video I / F 412 via the CPU 401.

The voice generation program generates tone and voice information corresponding to the pattern. That is, based on the route guidance information generated by executing the route guidance program, the virtual sound source corresponding to the guidance point is set and the voice guidance information is generated. The voice guidance information includes, for example, an alarm to turn right and left according to the route, a warning to decelerate in front of the right and left turning point, information about a detour route when the right or left fails, Guidance information to the effect that it should be turned back if it fails to turn right or left is included. The generated voice guidance information is output to the voice I / F 408 via the CPU 401.

The map information display program causes the display 413 to display the map information read from the magnetic disk 405 or the optical disk 407 by the video I / F 412. For example, the map information display program causes the display 413 to display map information around the current position of the navigation device 310. Further, the map information display program may display map information around an arbitrary position designated by the user on the display 413, for example.

The Bluetooth connection program makes connection between the navigation apparatus 310 and various electronic devices. Specifically, the Bluetooth connection program uses a predetermined profile set in advance to connect the navigation device 310 and various electronic devices by Bluetooth.

The electronic device registration program allows various electronic devices to be registered in the navigation device 310. Specifically, the electronic device registration program allows the electronic device paired with the navigation device 310 to register a profile for connecting to the electronic device, a group to which the electronic device belongs, and the like.

The magnetic disk drive 404 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the magnetic disk 405 according to control of CPU401. Data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 404 is stored in the magnetic disk 405. As the magnetic disk 405, for example, HD or FD (flexible disk) can be used.

The optical disc drive 406 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the optical disc 407 according to the control of the CPU 401. The optical disc 407 is a detachable storage medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disc drive 406. As the optical disc 407, for example, a CD (Compact Disc) or a DVD can be used. The optical disc 407 can also use a writable storage medium. In addition to the optical disc 407, the removable storage medium may be an MO (Magneto Optical Disk), a memory card, or the like.

As an example of information stored in the magnetic disk 405 or the optical disk 407, there is map information used for route search / route guidance. The map information includes background data that represents features (features) such as buildings, rivers, and surface points, and road shape data that represents the shape of the road. The map information can be displayed two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally on the display screen of the display 413. Drawn.

The road shape data further has traffic condition data. The traffic condition data includes, for example, whether or not there are traffic lights or pedestrian crossings, highway entrances or junctions, length (distance) for each link, road width, direction of travel, road type (highway, Information on toll roads and general roads).

In the traffic condition data, past traffic information obtained by statistically processing past traffic information based on seasons, days of the week, large holidays, and times is stored. The navigation device 310 obtains information on a traffic jam that is currently occurring from road traffic information received by a communication I / F 415 described later, and can predict a traffic jam situation at a specified time based on past traffic jam information. Become.

In this embodiment, the map information is stored in the magnetic disk 405 or the optical disk 407. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The map information is not limited to being stored integrally with the hardware of the navigation device 310, and may be provided outside the navigation device 310. In this case, the navigation device 310 acquires map information from an external computer device connected via the communication I / F 415, for example. The acquired map information is stored in the RAM 403, the magnetic disk 405, etc., and is read out as necessary.

Further, the magnetic disk 405 or the optical disk 407 stores information related to electronic devices to be described later. Specifically, information about the electronic device generated by the navigation device 310 executing the electronic device registration program is stored. Information regarding the electronic device will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The voice I / F 408 is connected to a microphone 409 for voice input and a speaker 410 for voice output. The sound received by the microphone 409 is A / D converted in the sound I / F 408. In addition, sound is output from the speaker 410. Note that the voice input from the microphone 409 can be stored in the magnetic disk 405 or the optical disk 407 as voice data.

The input device 411 includes a remote controller including a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like. The input device 411 inputs data corresponding to the key selected by the user into the apparatus.

The video I / F 412 is connected to the display 413 and the camera 414. Specifically, the video I / F 412 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 413, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily stores image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. Based on the output image data, the display 413 is configured by a control IC that controls display.

The display 413 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As the display 413, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an organic EL display, or the like can be used.

The camera 414 captures images inside or outside the vehicle. The video may be either a still image or a moving image. For example, the camera 414 captures the behavior of a passenger inside the vehicle. The camera 414 captures behavior of an oncoming vehicle or a pedestrian outside the vehicle. The camera 414 outputs the captured video to the CPU 401 or a storage medium such as the magnetic disk 405 or the optical disk 407 via the video I / F 412. Further, the video output to the storage medium is overwritten and stored as a drive recorder image.

The communication I / F 415 is connected to a network via wireless and functions as an interface between the navigation device 310 and the CPU 401. The communication I / F 415 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet via wireless, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 401. The communication I / F 415 receives a television broadcast or a radio broadcast.

Communication networks include Bluetooth, LAN, WAN, public line network, mobile phone network, and the like. Specifically, the communication I / F 415 includes, for example, an FM tuner, a VICS / beacon receiver, a wireless navigation device, and other navigation devices. get. VICS is a registered trademark.

The GPS unit 416 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and calculates information indicating the current position of the vehicle. The output information of the GPS unit 416 is used when the current position of the vehicle is specified by the CPU 401 together with output values of various sensors 417 described later. The information indicating the current position is information for specifying one point on the map information such as latitude / longitude and altitude.

Various sensors 417 output information that can determine the position and behavior of the vehicle, such as a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, and an angular velocity sensor. The output values of the various sensors 417 are used by the CPU 401 for specifying the current position of the vehicle and measuring the amount of change in speed and direction.

For example, the connection unit 111 of the communication apparatus 110 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is configured by the CPU 401 and the communication I / F 415, the storage unit 112 is configured by the magnetic disk drive 404 and the magnetic disk 405, and the communication control unit 115 is configured by the communication control unit 115. The registration unit 113 can be realized by the CPU 401 and the input device 411, and the prompting unit 114 can be realized by the video I / F 412 and the display 413 by the CPU 401 and the ROM 402.

(Hardware configuration of various electronic devices)
Since various electronic devices are well-known techniques, detailed description and illustration are omitted. For example, the user executes various programs stored in the ROM by the CPU while using the RAM as a work area. Based on the above operation, the electronic apparatus has a configuration that realizes a predetermined function. User operations are performed by accepting operations such as characters, numerical values, and various instructions using input devices such as operation switches, keyboards, and mice provided in each electronic device, and inputting data corresponding to the operations into the apparatus. Accept.

In addition, each electronic device has a Bluetooth function for connection via Bluetooth, and can be connected to the navigation device 310 using a predetermined profile corresponding to the type and function of each electronic device. It is.

(Contents of information about electronic devices registered in the navigation device)
Next, the contents of information related to electronic devices registered in the navigation device 310 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of information related to an electronic device registered in the navigation device. Note that information regarding the electronic device registered in the navigation device 310 is stored, for example, in the magnetic disk 405 described above.

As shown in FIG. 5, the navigation device 310 stores information 500 regarding an electronic device to be connected. As shown in FIG. 5, the information 500 regarding the electronic device includes information such as the name, terminal address, profile, and group of each electronic device.

The name is information indicating the name of each electronic device. The name is arbitrarily set by the user. The terminal address is information representing a unique address possessed by each electronic device. The terminal address is set by the manufacturer of each electronic device.

The profile is information representing a profile used when the navigation apparatus 310 is connected to each electronic device. As the profile, an arbitrary profile is set among the profiles of the respective electronic devices. For example, the navigation device 310 connects using PBAP when connecting to the mobile phone 321, and connects using HFP when connecting to the mobile phone 331.

The group is information representing a group to which each electronic device belongs. The group to which each electronic device belongs is arbitrarily set by the user. For example, in the information 500 on the electronic device shown in FIG. 5, the mobile phone 321 and the mobile phone 322 are registered as electronic devices belonging to the group 1, and the mobile phone 331 and the audio device 332 are registered as electronic devices belonging to the group 2. A personal computer 333 is registered.

(Specific connection example 1 by navigation device)
Next, a specific connection example 1 between the navigation device 310 and each electronic device will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a specific connection example 1 between the navigation apparatus and each electronic device.

As described above, the mobile phone 321 and the mobile phone 322 are registered in the information 500 regarding the electronic device of the navigation device 310, and the navigation device 310 and the

mobile phones

321 and 322 use PBAP as a profile. The connection is set.

In the above state, for example, when the navigation device 310 is operated by a user and a connection with the mobile phone 321 is instructed, the navigation device 310 connects to the mobile phone 321 using PBAP as a profile. When the navigation device 310 is connected to an electronic device, the navigation device 310 transmits command data that causes the connected electronic device to execute a predetermined process. Thus, when the mobile phone 321 receives command data from the navigation device 310, the mobile phone 321 transmits information on the phone book registered in advance in the mobile phone 321 using PBAP. As a result, the navigation device 310 acquires information on the phone book registered in advance in the mobile phone 321.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of a specific connection example 1 between the navigation device and each electronic device. When connected to the mobile phone 321, the navigation device 310 searches for other electronic devices belonging to the same group as the mobile phone 321. In the state shown in FIG. 7, the other electronic device belonging to the group 1 of the mobile phone 321 is the mobile phone 322. When the mobile phone 322 is searched, the navigation apparatus 310 connects to the mobile phone 322 using PBAP as a profile.

Specifically, the navigation apparatus 310 connects to the mobile phone 322 using PBAP, and transmits the phone book information acquired from the mobile phone 321 to the mobile phone 322. At this time, the navigation device 310 transmits, for example, command data for executing a phone book update process to the mobile phone 322. As a result, the mobile phone 322 receives the phone book information and command data from the navigation device 310, and updates the phone book of its own based on the received phone book information according to the command data.

As shown in the specific connection example 1 using the navigation device described above, in the navigation device 310, the user can call other mobile phones 322 in the group 1 based on the information in the phone book of the mobile phone 321. It is possible to easily update the book.

(Specific connection example 2 by the navigation device)
Next, a specific connection example 2 between the navigation device 310 and each electronic device will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a specific connection example 2 between the navigation device and each electronic device.

In the connection example 1 described above, an example in which the mobile phone 321 and the mobile phone 322 are connected using PBAP is shown, but in the connection example 2, the navigation device 310 connects to the mobile phone 321 using HFP, This is a connection example when connecting to the mobile phone 322 using DUN. At this time, in the information 500 regarding the electronic device, HFP is set as a profile in the mobile phone 321 and DUN is set as a profile in the mobile phone 322 in advance.

In the above state, for example, when the navigation device 310 is operated by the user and a connection with the mobile phone 321 is instructed, the navigation device 310 connects with the mobile phone 321 using HFP as a profile. Specifically, the navigation device 310 connects to the mobile phone 321 using HFP, and enables a hands-free call.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of a specific connection example 2 between the navigation device and each electronic device. When connected to the mobile phone 321, the navigation device 310 searches for other electronic devices belonging to the same group as the mobile phone 321. In the state shown in FIG. 9, the other electronic device belonging to the group 1 of the mobile phone 321 is the mobile phone 322. When the mobile phone 322 is searched, the navigation apparatus 310 connects to the mobile phone 322 using DUN as a profile.

Specifically, the navigation apparatus 310 connects to the mobile phone 322 using DUN, and enables dial-up connection to a communication network (not shown) via the mobile phone 322. When the navigation device 310 is connected to a communication network (not shown) via the mobile phone 322, for example, the navigation device 310 receives various information necessary for navigation processing from an external computer device via the communication network. Here, the navigation process is a process of searching for a route to an arbitrary destination set by the user and guiding the user to the destination along the searched route.

As shown in the specific connection example 2 using the navigation device described above, in the navigation device 310, the user can use the hands-free function using the mobile phone 321, and at the same time, the communication network using the mobile phone 322. It is possible to connect to. That is, the user can receive various types of information necessary for the navigation process as appropriate using the mobile phone 322 even when the mobile phone 321 is in a call. In addition, the user can arbitrarily use the

mobile phones

321 and 322, such as using the mobile phone 321 as a mobile phone dedicated to calling and using the mobile phone 322 as a mobile phone for data communication.

(Specific connection example 3 by the navigation device)
Next, a specific connection example 3 between the navigation device 310 and each electronic device will be described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a specific connection example 3 between the navigation apparatus and each electronic device.

As described above, the mobile phone 331, the audio device 332, and the personal computer 333 are registered in the information 500 regarding the electronic device of the navigation device 310. The navigation device 310 and the mobile phone 331 are set to connect using HFP as a profile. In addition, the navigation apparatus 310 and the audio device 332 are set to be connected using A2DP and AVRCP as profiles. Further, the navigation apparatus 310 and the personal computer 333 are set to connect using HID as a profile.

In the above state, for example, when the navigation device 310 is operated by the user and a connection with the mobile phone 331 is instructed, the navigation device 310 connects with the mobile phone 331 using HFP as a profile. Specifically, the navigation device 310 connects to the mobile phone 331 using HFP, and enables a hands-free call.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of a specific connection example 3 between the navigation apparatus and each electronic device. When connected to the mobile phone 331, the navigation device 310 searches for other electronic devices belonging to the same group as the mobile phone 331. In the state shown in FIG. 11, the other electronic devices belonging to the group 2 of the mobile phone 331 are the audio device 332 and the personal computer 333. When the audio device 332 and the personal computer 333 are searched, the navigation device 310 first connects to the audio device 332 using A2DP and AVRCP as profiles.

Specifically, the navigation device 310 connects to the audio device 332 using A2DP and AVRCP, and enables playback of music pieces and input of various operations that the audio device 332 has.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) of a specific connection example 3 between the navigation apparatus and each electronic device. When connected to the audio device 332, the navigation device 310 subsequently connects to the personal computer 333 using HID as a profile. Specifically, the navigation apparatus 310 connects to the personal computer 333 using the HID, and allows various data to be input using an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse included in the personal computer 333.

As shown in the specific connection example 3 by the navigation device described above, in the navigation device 310, the user can use the hands-free function by using the mobile phone 331, and at the same time, by using the audio device 332, various audio devices can be used. Functions can be used, and various data can be input using a personal computer. That is, the user can use a plurality of functions of each electronic device at the same time.

(Specific connection example 4 by navigation device)
Next, a specific connection example 4 between the navigation device 310 and each electronic device will be described. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a specific connection example 4 between the navigation device and each electronic device.

As described above, the audio device 341 and the audio device 342 are registered in the information 500 regarding the electronic device of the navigation device 310. The navigation apparatus 310 and the audio device 341 are set to be connected using A2DP and AVRCP as profiles. In addition, the navigation apparatus 310 and the audio device 342 are set to be connected using A2DP and AVRCP as profiles.

In the above state, for example, when the navigation device 310 is operated by the user and a connection with the audio device 341 is instructed, the navigation device 310 connects to the audio device 341 using A2DP and AVRCP as a profile. Specifically, the navigation apparatus 310 connects to the audio device 341 using A2DP and AVRCP, and enables playback of music pieces and input of various operations that the audio device 341 has.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of a specific connection example 4 between the navigation apparatus and each electronic device. When connected to the audio device 341, the navigation apparatus 310 searches for another electronic device belonging to the same group as the audio device 341. In the state shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the other electronic device belonging to the group 3 of the audio device 341 is the audio device 342. When the audio device 342 is searched, the navigation device 310 first waits until the reproduction of all the music pieces included in the audio device 341 is completed. Not only the reproduction of all the music pieces possessed by the audio device 341 but, for example, it is possible to wait until the reproduction of an arbitrary piece of music selected in advance among all the music pieces possessed by the audio device 341 is completed.

Then, when the reproduction of all the music pieces possessed by the audio device 341 is completed, the navigation device 310 continues to connect to the audio device 342 using A2DP and AVRCP as profiles. Specifically, the navigation device 310 connects to the audio device 342 using A2DP and AVRCP, and enables playback of music pieces and input of various operations that the audio device 342 has.

As shown in the specific connection example 4 by the navigation device described above, in the navigation device 310, when the reproduction of the music that the audio device 341 has is completed, the user continues the audio device 342 as it is. It is possible to play the music that it has.

As described above, the navigation device 310 automatically connects to another electronic device set in the same group as the electronic device when the connection is made to an arbitrary electronic device instructed to be connected. If necessary, it is possible to use the function of the connected electronic device.

(Processing procedure of navigation device)
Next, the processing procedure of the navigation device 310 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the navigation device of this embodiment. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 15 is started at a timing desired by the user.

As shown in FIG. 15, the navigation device 310 first waits until an instruction to connect to the electronic device is given (step S1501: No loop). Specifically, the navigation apparatus 310 waits until the input device 411 or the like is operated by the user and a connection with an arbitrary electronic device is instructed.

If it is determined in step S1501 that the connection with the electronic device has been instructed (step S1501: Yes), the navigation apparatus 310 refers to the information 500 regarding the electronic device (step S1502). Specifically, the navigation device 310 refers to the information 500 related to the electronic device stored in the magnetic disk 405 or the like.

In step S1502, after referring to the information 500 on the electronic device, the navigation apparatus 310 determines whether or not the group information has been registered in the electronic device instructed to be connected in step S1501 (step S1503).

If it is determined in step S1503 that the group information has already been registered in the electronic device that is instructed to connect (step S1503: Yes), the navigation device 310 includes the electronic devices registered in the navigation device 310. Then, an electronic device in the same group as the electronic device instructed to connect is specified (step S1504).

In step S1504, after specifying an electronic device in the same group as the electronic device instructed to be connected, the navigation apparatus 310 first connects to the electronic device instructed to connect using a predetermined profile (step S1505). . Here, the predetermined profile is a profile preset in the electronic device instructed to be connected in the information 500 regarding the electronic device shown in FIG.

In step S1505, after making a connection with the electronic device instructed to connect, the navigation apparatus 310 searches for an electronic device in the same group as the electronic device instructed to be connected within the communicable range by Bluetooth (step S1506). ).

In step S1506, after searching for an electronic device in the same group as the electronic device instructed to connect, the navigation apparatus 310 has searched for an electronic device in the same group as the electronic device instructed to be connected within the communicable range. It is determined whether or not (step S1507).

If it is determined in step S1507 that an electronic device belonging to the same group as the electronic device instructed to be connected has been searched (step S1507: Yes), the navigation apparatus 310 searches for the electronic device using a predetermined profile. Is connected (step S1508). Here, the predetermined profile is a profile preset in the searched electronic device in the information related to the electronic device shown in FIG.

If it is determined in step S1507 that an electronic device in the same group as the electronic device for which connection is instructed has not been searched (step S1507: No), the navigation device 310 ends the series of processes as it is.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1503 that group information is not registered in the electronic device instructed to be connected (step S1503: No), registration of group information of the electronic device instructed to be connected is prompted. (Step S1509). Specifically, the navigation apparatus 310 displays “This electronic device has no group registered. Please register a group” on the display 413, and prompts the user to input group information.

In step S1509, after prompting the registration of the group information of the electronic device instructed to connect, the navigation apparatus 310 determines whether or not the input of the group information has been accepted by the prompting in step S1509 (step S1510). Specifically, the navigation device 310 determines whether or not the input of the group information of the electronic device that is instructed to be connected has been received by operating the input device 411.

If it is determined in step S1510 that the input of group information has been accepted (step S1510: Yes), the group information of the electronic device instructed to connect is registered based on the input group information (step S1511). Returning to step S1502, the processing described above is performed. If it is determined in step S1510 that the input of group information has not been accepted (step S1510: No), the navigation apparatus 310 connects to the electronic device instructed to connect using a predetermined profile. (Step S1512), a series of processing ends.

As described above, according to the navigation device 310 of this embodiment, when an instruction to connect to an electronic device is given, the connection to the electronic device is made and another electronic device belonging to the same group as the electronic device is connected. You can also connect to equipment. As a result, when the user instructs the connection between the navigation device 310 and an arbitrary electronic device, other electronic devices belonging to the same group as the electronic device that has instructed the connection are also connected. , The convenience can be improved.

Further, according to the navigation device 310 of the present embodiment, the electronic device that is automatically connected is an electronic device that belongs to the same group as the electronic device instructed by the user, so that the user can use the electronic device that the user wants to use at the same time. By classifying the devices into a desired group and registering them, the combination of electronic devices to be connected can be arbitrarily set, so that convenience can be improved.

Furthermore, according to the navigation device 310 of the present embodiment, connection can be made using a profile corresponding to the type and function of the electronic device. Accordingly, data according to the electronic device to be connected can be transmitted / received, and appropriate data can be transmitted / received, so that convenience can be improved.

Then, according to the navigation device 310 of the present embodiment, when the group information is not registered in the electronic device that is instructed to connect, registration of the group information of the electronic device can be prompted. Thereby, since it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to register the group information, the convenience can be improved.

Further, according to the navigation apparatus 310 of the present embodiment, it is possible to connect to a plurality of electronic devices and to operate the functions of the respective electronic devices in cooperation with each other, so that the connected electronic devices can be managed. It is easy to improve convenience.

Further, according to the navigation device 310 of the present embodiment, the navigation device 310 extends the functions of the navigation device 310 using the functions of the connected electronic devices by connecting to various electronic devices. Therefore, convenience can be improved.

In this embodiment, the navigation device 310 is connected to an arbitrary electronic device and connected to another electronic device belonging to the same group as the electronic device when an instruction to connect to the arbitrary electronic device is given. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As described above, for example, when the navigation device 310 is powered on, the navigation device 310 connects to a specific electronic device (for example, the mobile phone 321) and connects to another electronic device. It is also possible to automatically try and connect to another connectable electronic device (for example, a mobile phone 322). The navigation device 310 is connected to a specific electronic device (for example, a mobile phone 321) at a predetermined cycle (for example, 30 seconds) in addition to when the power is turned on. It is good also as connecting with an electronic device (for example, mobile phone 322).

Note that the communication method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the storage medium by the computer. Further, this program may be a medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Claims

A connection means for performing connection by short-range wireless communication with a plurality of electronic devices;
Storage means for storing connectable electronic device information and group information to which the electronic device belongs;
With
When the connection unit is connected to one electronic device, the connection unit is configured to be in the same group as the one electronic device based on the information on the connectable electronic device and the group information stored in the storage unit. A communication apparatus characterized by trying to connect to another electronic device to which it belongs and connecting to another connectable electronic device.
When the connection means is connected to one electronic device, the connection means is within the communicable range of the short-range wireless communication based on the information of the connectable electronic device and the group information stored in the storage means. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the other electronic device that can be connected is searched for and the connection with the searched other electronic device is performed.
3. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a registration unit that registers information on the electronic device and information on a group to which the electronic device belongs in the storage unit based on a user input.
The apparatus further comprises prompting means for prompting a user to register information of the one electronic device when the one electronic device does not belong to any group stored in the storage means. 3. The communication device according to 3.
A communication control means for controlling data transmission / reception with the electronic device connected by the connection means;
When the connection control unit is connected to the one electronic device and the other electronic device by the connection unit, the communication control unit determines the one electronic device according to the type of the one electronic device and the type of the other electronic device. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the content of data transmitted / received between the electronic device and the other electronic device is determined.
The storage means stores the information on the electronic device and the information on the group together with information on a predetermined profile corresponding to the function of the electronic device,
The communication control means is connected to the one electronic device and the other electronic device according to the profile of the one electronic device and the profile of the other electronic device when the connection means is connected to the one electronic device and the other electronic device. The communication apparatus according to claim 5, wherein contents of data transmitted / received between the electronic apparatus and the other electronic apparatus are determined.
The communication device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the communication control means determines the content of the data including command data that causes the electronic device connected by the connection means to execute a predetermined process.
The communication control means uses the command data,
Causing the one electronic device to transmit information of a telephone directory possessed by the one electronic device;
The communication apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the other electronic device is caused to update the information in the phone book included in the other electronic device based on the information in the phone book included in the one electronic device.
The communication control means uses the command data,
Let the one electronic device play the music that the one electronic device has,
8. The communication apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when the reproduction of the music included in the one electronic device is completed on the other electronic device, the music included in the other electronic device is played back.
The communication control means uses the command data,
Causing the one electronic device to execute processing related to the function of the one electronic device;
The communication apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the other electronic device is caused to execute processing related to a function included in the other electronic device, which is different from a function included in the one electronic device.
A communication method in a communication device comprising a storage means for storing information on connectable electronic devices and information on groups to which the electronic devices belong, and performing connection by short-range wireless communication with a plurality of electronic devices,
When connected to one electronic device, another electronic device belonging to the same group as the one electronic device based on the information on the connectable electronic device and the group information stored in the storage unit A communication method comprising: a connection step of trying to connect to another electronic device and connecting to another connectable electronic device.
A communication program for causing a computer to execute the communication method according to claim 11.
A computer-readable storage medium storing the communication program according to claim 12.