Method for grouping communication apparatuses

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention relates to an apparatus which can be easily and securely grouped with other such apparatus, a method for grouping the apparatuses together, and a recording medium for use with such a method.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART:

As a conventional method for grouping together a plurality of apparatuses capable of communicating with one another, Japanese Laid-Open Publication No. 9-200860 discloses a method for registering a sub unit in a main unit by using a recording medium. The main unit disclosed in this publication includes a section for storing an identification code, and a section for accessing the recording medium. The identification code of the sub unit which is stored in the recording medium can be registered in the main unit by inserting the recording medium in which the identification code of the sub unit has been recorded into the main unit. Thus, a sub unit registration can be easily be accomplished.

However, the sub unit registration method disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Publication No. 9-200860 requires a recording medium in which the identification code of the sub unit has been registered in advance. Moreover, the identification code needs to be set to a different value for each sub unit. Therefore, the identification code management is very difficult. Furthermore, the sub unit registration is very difficult to accomplish when the apparatus does not have unique ID information such as a telephone number. In addition, a main unit is always necessary when registering an apparatus. Therefore, sub units cannot be grouped and registered under circumstances where there is no main unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided an apparatus including a communication section for communicating with another apparatus. The apparatus includes: a registration detection section for detecting grouping registration information which is provided to each of a plurality of apparatuses to be grouped and registered; a storage section for storing group information which indicates that the apparatus and the other apparatus are in the same group; and a control section for controlling the communication section, the registration detection section and the storage section. The control section generates connection ID information based on the detected grouping registration information, receives first connection information transmitted from the other apparatus, determines whether or not the first connection information matches with second connection information which is based on the connection ID information and, if it is determined that the first connection information matches with the second connection information, stores the first connection information as the group information in the storage section.

In one embodiment of the invention, the storage section is capable of storing the group information even after a power supply is turned OFF.

In one embodiment of the invention, the storage section is capable of deleting the group information stored in the storage section by turning OFF a power supply.

In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further includes a cancellation detection section for detecting grouping registration cancellation information which is provided to an apparatus to be canceled from the grouping. The control section generates connection ID information based on the detected grouping registration cancellation information, determines whether or not the first connection information stored in the storage section matches with the second connection information and, if it is determined that the first connection information matches with the second connection information, deletes the first connection information stored in the storage section.

In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further includes a location detection section for detecting location information which indicates a location of the apparatus. The control section deletes the first connection information stored in the storage section depending upon the detected location information.

In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further includes a time detection section for detecting an elapsed time. The control section deletes the first connection information stored in the storage section depending upon the detected elapsed time.

In one embodiment of the invention, the control section measures the number of times the apparatus has been connected to the other apparatus and, if the measured number of times exceeds a predetermined number of times, deletes the first connection information stored in the storage section.

In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further includes a display section for displaying a list of at least one connection information including the first connection information stored in the storage section.

In one embodiment of the invention, the storage section stores an operation procedure of the apparatus. At least one of the plurality of apparatuses which have been grouped and registered operates according to the operation procedure stored in the storage section.

In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the plurality of apparatuses which have been grouped and registered operates depending upon a combination of the plurality of apparatuses which have been grouped and registered.

In one embodiment of the invention, the control section authenticates the connection ID information when performing at least one of the grouping registration and grouping registration cancellation.

In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the grouping registration and grouping registration cancellation is performed by a dedicated grouping apparatus.

In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the grouping registration information and the grouping registration cancellation information represents at least one of: the number of times a button is depressed within a predetermined period and a timing of button depression; a timing of turning ON/OFF a light; sound information; a timing of vibration; wind force information; temperature information; speed information; and image information.

In one embodiment of the invention, the control section notifies a user that at least one of the grouping registration information and the grouping registration cancellation information has been performed.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a method for grouping together a plurality of apparatuses including a first apparatus and a second apparatus. Each of the plurality of apparatuses includes a communication section for communicating with the other apparatuses. The method includes the steps of: providing the same grouping registration information to the plurality of apparatuses: generating, in each of the plurality of apparatuses, the same connection ID information based on the same grouping registration information provided; transmitting to the second apparatus first connection information which is based on the connection ID information generated in the first apparatus; and determining whether or not the first connection information transmitted from the first apparatus matches with second connection information which is based on the connection ID information generated in the second apparatus and, if it is determined that the first connection information matches with the second connection information, storing the first connection information in the second apparatus as group information which indicates that the first apparatus and the second apparatus are in the same group.

According to still another aspect of this invention, there is provided a recording medium in which a program is recorded, the program being provided for controlling a computer to perform a grouping process for grouping together a plurality of apparatuses including a first apparatus and a second apparatus. Each of the plurality of apparatuses includes a communication section for communicating with the other apparatuses. The grouping process includes the steps of: providing the same grouping registration information to the plurality of apparatuses; generating, in each of the plurality of apparatuses, the same connection ID information based on the same grouping registration information provided; transmitting to the second apparatus first connection information which is based on the connection ID information generated in the first apparatus; and determining whether or not the first connection information transmitted from the first apparatus matches with second connection information which is based on the connection ID information generated in the second apparatus and, if it is determined that the first connection information matches with the second connection information, storing the first connection information in the second apparatus as group information which indicates that the first apparatus and the second apparatus are in the same group.

The functions of the present invention will now be described.

According to the present invention, grouping registration information can be externally provided. Thus, a user can easily select one or more of a plurality of apparatuses which the user wishes to be grouped with. Moreover, the level of security can be enhanced by generating connection ID information based on the registration information.

According to the present invention, group information can be stored even after turning OFF the power supply of an apparatus having a communication function. Thus, the user does not have to start the grouping operation over each time the power supply is turned ON/OFF.

According to the present invention, the group information can be deleted after turning OFF the power supply of an apparatus having a communication function. This is advantageous for an apparatus which is grouped with a different partner apparatus each time the apparatus is activated because group information which is no longer needed can be prevented from being stored.

According to the present invention, grouping registration cancellation information can be externally provided. Thus, a user can easily select one or more of a plurality of apparatuses which the user wishes to cancel from grouping. The phrase "to cancel an apparatus from grouping" as used herein is intended to mean, unless otherwise indicated, "to remove an apparatus from a group of apparatuses" and not "to dissolve the group" or "to remove from a group all the apparatuses of the group". Moreover, the level of security can be enhanced by generating connection ID information for cancellation based on the registration information.

According to the present invention, a location detection section can be used to detect the position of an apparatus having a communication function so as to delete the group information when the apparatus has moved out of a predetermined location or area. Thus, an apparatus can be promptly canceled from grouping when the apparatus has moved to a location such that the grouping is rendered meaningless, e.g., when the apparatus has moved out of the reach of radio waves in an environment of the radio wave communication.

According to the present invention, a time detection section can be used to measure the elapsed time so that the group information can be deleted after passage of a predetermined amount of time. Thus, the grouping can be promptly canceled when a time out occurs, thereby rendering the grouping meaningless.

According to the present invention, a section for measuring the number of times of connection can be used so that group information can be deleted when the number of times the connection has been made exceeds a predetermined number of times. Thus, it is possible to easily provide a service which is available for free until the number of times of connection exceeds the predetermined number of times. Moreover, the level of security can be enhanced by deleting the grouping information when the authentication fails repeatedly.

According to the present invention, within a predetermined period of time after registration information is input to an apparatus having a communication function, a list of apparatuses to which the same registration information has been input can be displayed, so that a user can select one or more of a plurality of apparatuses which the user wishes to be grouped with. Thus, even when the grouping operation accidentally concurs with another grouping operation by another user, only the apparatuses which have been specified by the user can be reliably grouped together.

According to the present invention, a predetermined operation procedure can be stored in a storage section by inputting the predetermined operation procedure to an apparatus having a communication function within a predetermined period of time after registration information is input to the apparatus or by inputting the predetermined operation procedure as operation registration information. Thus, some or all of the apparatuses which have been grouped together can be controlled to operate according to the stored operation procedure. It is possible to provide an interconnection operation among apparatuses capable of communicating with one another which are associated with one another by grouping together the apparatuses in advance. For example, it is possible to turn ON the power supply of a VCR and automatically turn ON the power supply of a TV which has been grouped together with the VCR.

According to the present invention, unique operation procedures can be stored, in advance, respectively in various apparatuses capable of communicating with one another. Then, some or all of the apparatuses can operate according to the stored unique operation procedures depending upon the combination of apparatuses grouped together. There are some apparatuses for which it is easily expected, based on the characteristics of the apparatuses, that the apparatuses can operate in an interconnected manner with one another, e.g., a projector and a room light (the room light can be automatically dimmed when the power supply of the projector is turned ON). Information of an operation procedure for such an apparatus can be stored in the apparatus in advance, so that the user only has to group the apparatuses together to automatically register their operation procedures so that the apparatuses can operate in an interconnected manner with one another. Some existing projectors and room lights have an infrared communication unit incorporated therein so that they can becontrolled by remote controls. The grouping operation can most easily be accomplished for such an apparatus having a communication function. In such a case, the remote control is a two-way remote control which can both receive and transmit data. An apparatus without a communication function can also be grouped with another apparatus by adding a communication function to the apparatus. Alternatively, the remote control of the projector and the remote control of the room light can be grouped together.

According to the present invention, an authentication may be required when performing at least one of the grouping registration for grouping together a plurality of apparatuses capable of communicating with one another and the grouping registration cancellation. Thus, the level of security can be enhanced by preventing the user from being grouped and registered with another undesired user or canceled from registration with another undesired user.

According to the present invention, a dedicated grouping apparatus can be used to perform at least one of the grouping registration for grouping together a plurality of apparatuses capable of communicating with one another and the grouping registration cancellation. Thus, it is possible to prevent the user from being grouped and registered with another undesired user or canceled from registration with another undesired user. Where a high level of security is required, the registration or the registration cancellation can be performed by a single particular dedicated grouping apparatus. In such a case, the particular dedicated grouping apparatus serves as a type of key to the user's apparatus having a communication function, thereby enhancing the level of security. The phrase "user's apparatus" as used herein is not intended to suggest that there is only one "user" or that the user owns only one "apparatus"; rather, a "user" may own more than one apparatus. Moreover, the phrase "partner" or "partner apparatus" as used herein is intended to mean a member of the group other than the "user's apparatus".

According to the present invention, at least one of the grouping registration information, the grouping registration cancellation information and the operation registration information can represent at least one of: the number of times a button is depressed within a predetermined period and a timing of button depression; a timing of turning ON/OFF a light; sound information; a timing of vibration; wind force information; temperature information; speed information; and image information. Such information can be detected by a detection section. For example, the user can easily perform a grouping operation by changing the number of times the registration button, the registration cancellation button, the operation registration button, or the like, is depressed and the timing of button depression. Regarding the timing of turning ON/OFF a light, the grouping operation can be performed by turning ON/OFF the power supply of a room light, for example. Regarding the sound information, the grouping operation can be performed by using a sound, for example. Regarding the timing of vibration, the grouping operation can be performed by touching an apparatus having a communication function with another apparatus having a communication function, for example. Regarding the wind force information, the user can perform the grouping operation by blowing onto an apparatus having a communication function, for example. Regarding the temperature information, the user can perform the grouping operation by holding an apparatus having a communication function in the hand to transfer the body temperature to the apparatus, for example. Regarding the speed information, a car that is speeding can be grouped with a patrol car so that the car that is speeding can be tracked down by the patrol car. In such a case, it is necessary that the car that is speeding also has a communication function. Nevertheless, it is believed that this would be an effective measure in the near future, where it is expected that every automobile will be provided with an apparatus having a communication function for the purpose of controlling the traffic network with a communication network. Moreover, regarding the image information, the grouping registration or cancellation can be performed by using information of the fingerprint of the user as authentication means, for example.

According to the present invention, after at least one of the grouping registration and the registration cancellation is performed, the user can be notified of the grouping registration and/or the registration cancellation by means of a lamp, a buzzer, or the like.

According to the present invention, a grouping technique can be widely applied to various types of apparatuses capable of communicating with one another via the use of a recording medium in which a grouping program is recorded.

Thus, the invention described herein makes possible the advantages of: (1) providing an apparatus having a communication function which can easily be grouped and registered with intended ones of such apparatuses capable of communicating with one another without having to register an identification code in advance, without having to have unique ID information in advance, and even under circumstances where there is no main unit; (2) providing a method for grouping such apparatuses; and (3) providing a recording medium for use with such a method.

These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<ul id="ul0001" list-style="none"><li>Figure <b>1</b> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus having a communication function according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>2</b> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for managing group information according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>3</b> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for selecting one or more apparatuses to be grouped from a list of apparatuses according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>4</b> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for performing an interconnection operation according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>5</b> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for inputting other external information according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>6</b> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for notification of successful grouping operation according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>7</b> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus having a communication function according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>8</b> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for performing an encrypted communication operation according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>9</b> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for performing a communication operation while selecting a communication protocol according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>10</b> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for performing a communication operation while selecting a frequency hopping pattern according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>11</b> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for performing a communication operation while selecting a diffusion code pattern according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>12</b> is a flow chart illustrating a procedure of grouping registration according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>13</b> is a flow chart illustrating a procedure of grouping registration cancellation according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>14</b> is a flow chart illustrating a procedure of grouping registration cancellation based on location information according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>15</b> is a flow chart illustrating a procedure of grouping registration cancellation based on elapsed time according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>16</b> is a flow chart illustrating a procedure of grouping registration cancellation based on the number of connection times according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>17</b> is a flow chart illustrating a procedure of grouping registration cancellation based on receiving a registration cancellation from the partner according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>18</b> is a flow chart illustrating a procedure of grouping registration cancellation based on turning OFF of power supply according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>19</b> is a flow chart illustrating a procedure of selecting apparatuses to be grouped using a list of apparatuses according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>20</b> is a flow chart illustrating a procedure of interconnection operation registration according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>21</b> is a flow chart illustrating a procedure of interconnection operation automatic registration according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>22</b> is a flow chart illustrating a procedure of interconnection operation distribution according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>23</b> is a flow chart illustrating a procedure of interconnection operation reception according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>24</b> is a flow chart illustrating a procedure of grouping registration based on external input detection according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>25</b> is a flow chart illustrating a procedure of notification of successful grouping operation according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>26</b> is a flow chart illustrating a procedure of encrypted communication on the transmitter side according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>27</b> is a flow chart illustrating a procedure of encrypted communication on the receiver side according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>28</b> is a flow chart illustrating a procedure of communication protocol selection according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>29</b> is a flow chart illustrating a procedure of frequency hopping pattern selection according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>30</b> is a flow chart illustrating a procedure of diffusion code pattern selection according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention;</li><li>Figure <b>31</b> illustrates how to generate connection ID from a registration button operation pattern according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; and</li><li>Figure <b>32</b> illustrates a table containing group information.</li></ul>

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)

Figure <b>1</b> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus having a communication function according to this embodiment.

The apparatus having a communication function includes a communication section <b>1</b>, a control section <b>2</b>, a storage section <b>3</b>, a registration button detection section <b>4</b>, a cancellation button detection section <b>5</b>, a time detection section <b>6</b>, and an encryption section <b>7</b>.

The communication section <b>1</b> includes a communication modem, a telephone line, a Bluetooth communication unit, and the like, and it communicates with another apparatus having a communication function. The control section <b>2</b> includes a control program and a CPU, or the like, for executing the control program. The control section <b>2</b> has a function of generating a connection ID which is required for a grouping operation based on signals from the registration button detection section <b>4</b> and the cancellation button detection section <b>5</b>. Moreover, the control section <b>2</b> manages and controls the various sections. The storage section <b>3</b> includes a flash RAM memory, a hard disk, or the like, capable of storing information even after the power supply is turned OFF. The storage section <b>3</b> stores group information. Each of the registration button detection section <b>4</b> and the cancellation button detection section <b>5</b> includes a push button, a jog dial, or the like. The registration button detection section <b>4</b> notifies the control section <b>2</b> of an operation of a registration button, and the cancellation button detection section <b>5</b> notifies the control section <b>2</b> of an operation of a cancellation button. The time detection section <b>6</b> includes a program for performing a time measurement and a CPU, or the like, for executing the program. The time detection section <b>6</b> measures a time in response to an instruction from the control section <b>2</b>. If a time out occurs, the time detection section <b>6</b> notifies the control section <b>2</b> of the time out. The encryption section <b>7</b> includes an encryption program and a CPU, or the like, for executing the encryption program. The encryption section <b>7</b> encrypts information in response to an instruction from the control section <b>2</b>.

The apparatus having a communication function according to the present embodiment can be grouped with another apparatus, for example, as follows.

Referring to a flow chart illustrated in Figure <b>12</b>, the user depresses a registration button of the apparatus having a communication function at one or more certain timings (S1). In response to this, the registration button detection section <b>4</b> notifies the control section <b>2</b> of the number of times of depression and the timing(s) of depression (i.e., an operation pattern) (S2).

Upon receiving the operation pattern, the control section <b>2</b> generates a connection ID based on the operation pattern (S3), and passes the connection ID to the encryption section <b>7</b> for encryption by the encryption section <b>7</b> (S4). As illustrated in Figure <b>31</b>, the connection ID is obtained by numerically converting the operation timings of the registration button. Preferably, the same connection ID is generated for substantially the same operation patterns.

Upon receiving the encrypted connection ID from the encryption section <b>7</b>, the control section <b>2</b> instructs the communication section <b>1</b> to distribute connection information based on the encrypted connection ID (S5), and waits for a time out while having the time detection section <b>6</b> measure the time (S6). Then, when the control section <b>2</b> is notified by the time detection section <b>6</b> of a time out (S7), the control section <b>2</b> instructs the communication section <b>1</b> to terminate the distribution and receives the connection information which has been received by that time from other apparatuses (S8). Preferably, the same configuration and grouping registration process as those of the apparatus described in the present embodiment are employed by the partner apparatuses. Basically, this also applies to the dedicated registration/registration cancellation apparatus. Where a high level of security is required, the registration or the registration cancellation can be performed by a single particular dedicated apparatus. In such a case, the particular dedicated apparatus can be used as a type of key to the user's apparatus.

The control section <b>2</b> extracts encryption information from the received connection information and passes the encryption information to the encryption section <b>7</b>, so that the connection ID of the user's apparatus is encrypted by the encryption section <b>7</b> based on the encryption information (S9). The control section <b>2</b> selects connection information for which the encrypted connection ID of the user's apparatus ("second connection information") matches with the received encrypted connection ID ("first connection information"), and discards the remainder of the connection information (S10).

The encryption information is the same as the encryption information used in S4 in a sense that they both are used to encrypt connection IDs. However, their contents of information is typically different from each other. This is because in the case of a radio environment, or the like, the connection ID information may be eavesdropped if it is transferred as it is. It would be difficult for an eavesdropper to know the original connection ID by, for example, distributing a connection ID encrypted with encryption information α (referred to as "A") which is obtained by converting the connection information with the encryption information α into an ID. When a connection ID which has been encrypted with encryption information β (referred to as "B" and different from "A") is received from the partner, it is confirmed that the partner is proper by confirming that an encryption of the original connection ID with the encryption information β results in "B", i.e., the same connection ID as the received encrypted connection ID. Typically, the encryption information α and β are randomly determined by the respective apparatuses and thus are different from each other.

If there is no more connection information for which the connection ID matches with that of the user's apparatus (S11), the grouping process fails (S14), thereby terminating the process. If there is any connection information remaining for which the connection ID matches with that of the user's apparatus (S11), the grouping process is successful (S12), in which case the control section <b>2</b> stores the connection information as one group information in the storage section <b>3</b> (S13). The storage section <b>3</b> stores the group information in a tabular form as illustrated in Figure <b>32</b>.

The connection ID can be transmitted along with communication data during a communication process after completing the grouping registration so that the connection ID can be used as a multicast address for distributing data among partners which have been grouped with the user's apparatus.

With the apparatus having a communication function according to the present embodiment having such a configuration, grouping can be canceled, for example, as follows.

Referring to a flow chart illustrated in Figure <b>13</b>, the user depresses the cancellation button of the apparatus having a communication function at one or more certain timings (S15). In response to this, the cancellation button detection section <b>5</b> notifies the control section <b>2</b> of the number of times of depression and the timing(s) of depression (i.e., an operation pattern) (S16).

Uponreceiving the operation pattern, the control section <b>2</b> generates a connection ID based on the operation pattern (S17), and searches the storage section <b>3</b> for the group information corresponding to the generated connection ID (S18). This connection ID is basically the same as the registration connection ID. However, if a protocol is appropriately defined in advance, a different connection ID can be used by extending the expression of the operation pattern. For example, where an apparatus has been grouped with another apparatus through a given operation pattern "A", the apparatus can be typically cancelled from registration by depressing the cancellation button in the same operation pattern "A". Alternatively, the grouping registration can be canceled from all the apparatuses belonging to the group by depressing the cancellation button in the operation pattern "A" and immediately holding down the cancellation button for 5 seconds or longer. In the latter case, the connection ID becomes different.

If there is no group information corresponding to the generated connection ID (S19), the process is terminated. If there is group information corresponding to the generated connection ID (S19), the control section <b>2</b> passes the connection ID in the group information to the encryption section <b>7</b> for encryption by the encryption section <b>7</b> (S20). Upon receiving the encrypted connection ID from the encryption section <b>7</b>, the control section <b>2</b> instructs the communication section <b>1</b> to distribute the registration cancellation information based on the encrypted connection ID. In response to the instruction, the communication section <b>1</b> distributes the registration cancellation information (S21). Moreover, the control section <b>2</b> deletes the group information corresponding to the generated connection ID from the storage section <b>3</b> (S22), and the grouping cancellation is terminated (S23).

Typically, only the user's apparatus is canceled from the grouping registration. If there are only two apparatuses in the group, e.g., the user's apparatus and one partner apparatus, one of the apparatuses is typically cancelled when the other apparatus is cancelled. In order to cancel all or some of the apparatuses in one group, the protocol needs to be extended, as described above.

(Embodiment 2)

Figure <b>2</b> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus having a communication function according to this embodiment.

The apparatus having a communication function includes a communication section <b>8</b>, a control section <b>9</b>, a storage section <b>10</b>, a location detection section <b>11</b>, a time detection section <b>12</b>, and an encryption section <b>13</b>.

The communication section <b>8</b> communicates with another apparatus having a communication function. The control section <b>9</b> manages and controls the various sections. The storage section <b>10</b> includes a RAM, or the like, capable of temporary storage for storing group information. The location detection section <b>11</b> includes GPS (global positioning system), or the like, and provides location information, which represents the location of the apparatus, to the control section <b>9</b> in response to an instruction from the control section <b>9</b>. The time detection section <b>12</b> measures a time in response to an instruction from the control section <b>9</b> and, if a time out occurs, notifies the control section <b>9</b> of the time out. The encryption section <b>13</b> encrypts information in response to an instruction from the control section <b>9</b>.

With the apparatus having a communication function of the present embodiment having such a configuration, grouping can be canceled, for example, as follows.

First, a case where grouping is canceled based on the location of the apparatus will be described.

Referring to a flow chart illustrated in Figure <b>14</b>, the control section <b>9</b> instructs the location detection section <b>11</b> to detect the position of the apparatus (S24). Upon receiving the location information from the location detection section <b>11</b>, the control section <b>9</b> extracts group information from the storage section <b>10</b> and searches for any apparatus which is outside the grouping area.

If there is no apparatus which is outside the grouping area (S25), the process is terminated. If there is any apparatus which is outside the grouping area (S25), the process proceeds to the grouping cancellation process shown at S20 in Figure <b>13</b> so as to cancel the grouping.

Next, a case where grouping is canceled based on a time out will be described.

Referring to a flow chart illustrated in Figure <b>15</b>, the control section <b>9</b> instructs the time detection section <b>12</b> to measure the elapsed time (S26). Upon receiving the elapsed time information from the time detection section <b>12</b>, the control section <b>9</b> extracts the group information from the storage section <b>10</b> and searches for any apparatus for which a time out has occurred.

If there is no apparatus for which a time out has occurred (S27), the process is terminated. If there is any apparatus for which a time out has occurred (S27), the process proceeds to the grouping cancellation process shown at S20 in Figure <b>13</b> so as to cancel the grouping.

Next, a case where grouping is canceled based on the number of connection times will be described.

Referring to a flow chart illustrated in Figure <b>16</b>, when the apparatus is disconnected, the communication section <b>8</b> notifies the control section <b>9</b> of the disconnection (S28), and the control section <b>9</b> searches the storage section <b>10</b> for group information corresponding to the connection ID (S29).

If there is no group information corresponding to the connection ID (S30), the process is terminated. If there is group information corresponding to the connection ID (S30), the control section <b>9</b> counts up the number of connection times for the group information (S31) so as to determine whether the number of connection times exceeds the predefined number of times. If the number of connection times does not exceed the predefined number of times (S32), the process is terminated. If the number of connection times exceeds the predefined number of times (S32). the process proceeds to the grouping cancellation process shown at S20 in Figure <b>13</b> so as to cancel the grouping.

The apparatus having a communication function of the present embodiment can also be canceled from grouping registration via a registration cancellation by another apparatus in communication with the user's apparatus in the following manner, for example.

Referring to a flow chart illustrated in Figure <b>17</b>, when the communication section <b>8</b> receives registration cancellation from another apparatus, the communication section <b>8</b> notifies the control section <b>9</b> of the registration cancellation (S33). Upon notification, the control section <b>9</b> extracts encryption information from the received information and instructs the encryption section <b>13</b> to encrypt the connection ID stored in the storage section to (S34). The control section <b>9</b> examines whether or not the encrypted connection ID of the user's apparatus matches with the encrypted connection ID of the received information (S35).

If there is no connection ID match (S36), the process is terminated. If there is any connection ID match (S36), the control section <b>9</b> deletes group information corresponding to the connection ID from the storage section <b>10</b> (S37), and the grouping cancellation is terminated.

Moreover, the apparatus having a communication function of the present embodiment can cancel grouping by turning OFF the power supply in the following manner, for example.

Referring to a flow chart illustrated in Figure <b>18</b>, when the control section <b>9</b> detects turning OFF of the power supply (S38), the control section <b>9</b> extracts all the group information from the storage section <b>10</b> (S39), and instructs the communication section <b>8</b> to distribute registration cancellation information for every group information (S40). Then, the communication section <b>8</b> distributes registration cancellation based on the encrypted connection ID in the group information (S41). The control section <b>9</b> deletes all the group information from the storage section <b>10</b> (S42), and completes the grouping cancellation (S43).

(Embodiment 3)

Figure <b>3</b> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus having a communication function according to this embodiment.

The apparatus having a communication function includes a communication section <b>14</b>, a control section <b>15</b> and a display section <b>16</b>.

The communication section <b>14</b> communicates with another apparatus having a communication function. The control section <b>15</b> manages and controls the various sections. The display section <b>16</b> includes a display, a liquid crystal panel, or the like. The display section <b>16</b> displays a list of apparatuses with which the user's apparatus can be grouped. The user has a choice of which one or more of the listed apparatuses will be grouped with the user's apparatus.

With the apparatus having a communication function of the present embodiment having such a configuration, it is possible to specify the partner(s) to be grouped with the apparatus in the following manner, for example.

Referring to a flow chart illustrated in Figure <b>19</b>, in the state of S13 in Figure <b>12</b> where connection information is stored in the storage section, the control section <b>15</b> notifies the display section <b>16</b> of the connection partner information (S44), and the display section <b>16</b> displays the connection partner information and prompts the user to select the partner(s) that the user wishes to be grouped with (S45). The selection can be made by prompting the user to select from the list of partners displayed on a liquid crystal panel, for example, only the partner(s) that the user wishes to be grouped with. The display section <b>16</b> notifies the control section <b>15</b> of information of the connection partner(s) which has been selected by the user (S46).

When all of the partners are selected (S47), the process is terminated. When there is any unselected partner (S47), the control section <b>15</b> instructs the communication section <b>14</b> to distribute registration cancellation based on the encrypted connection ID corresponding to the unselected partner (S48), and terminates the process to return to S13 in Figure <b>12</b>.

(Embodiment 4)

Figure <b>4</b> is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus having a communication function of the present embodiment.

The apparatus having a communication function includes a communication section <b>17</b>, a control section <b>18</b>, a storage section <b>19</b>, an operation button detection section <b>20</b>, a time detection section <b>21</b>, and an operation section <b>22</b>.

The communication section <b>17</b> communicates with another apparatus having a communication function. The control section <b>18</b> manages and controls the various sections. The storage section <b>19</b> stores group information. The operation button detection section <b>20</b> includes a push button, a jog dial, or the like. The operation button detection section <b>20</b> notifies the control section <b>18</b> of an operation of an operation button. The time detection section <b>21</b> measures a time in response to an instruction from the control section <b>18</b>. If a time out occurs, the time detection section <b>21</b> notifies the control section <b>18</b> of the time out. The operation section <b>22</b> serves as an interface of the control section <b>18</b> with sections other than a communication function section.

With the apparatus having a communication function of the present embodiment having such a configuration, it is possible to perform an interconnection operation registration in the following manner, for example.

Referring to a flow chart illustrated in Figure <b>20</b>, the user depresses an operation button of the apparatus having a communication function at one or more certain timings. In response to this, the operation button detection section <b>20</b> notifies the control section <b>18</b> of the number of times of depression and the timing(s) of depression (i.e., an operation pattern) (S49).

Upon receiving the operation pattern, the control section <b>18</b> generates a connection ID based on the operation pattern (S50), and searches for group information corresponding to the generated connection ID (S51).

If there is no group information corresponding to the generated connection ID (S52), the process is terminated. If there is group information corresponding to the generated connection ID (S52), the control section <b>18</b> instructs time detection section <b>21</b> to detect a time out (S53), and records signals from the operation section <b>22</b> (S54). When the time detection section <b>21</b> notifies the control section <b>18</b> of the time out (S55), the control section <b>18</b> adds the recorded signals to the group information in the storage section <b>19</b> (S56).

With the apparatus having a communication function of the present embodiment having such a configuration, it is possible to perform an interconnection operation automatic registration in the following manner, for example.

Referring to a flow chart illustrated in Figure <b>21</b>, after S13 of Figure <b>12</b> (after successful grouping), the control section <b>18</b> examines the combination of apparatuses which have been grouped together (S57), and examines whether or not the combination matches the preset interconnection operation information. If there is no match (S58), the process is terminated. If there is a match (S58), the control section <b>18</b> adds the preset interconnection operation information to the group information in the storage section <b>19</b> (S59). The preset interconnection operation information is typically stored in the storage section. However, where the control section includes a control program, a CPU, and the like, the preset interconnection operation information can be buried as data in the control program.

Then, the apparatus having a communication function of the present embodiment can distribute the interconnection operation in the following manner, for example.

Referring to a flow chart illustrated in Figure <b>22</b>, when the operation section <b>22</b> notifies the control section <b>18</b> of an operation (S60), the control section <b>18</b> searches the group information in the storage section <b>19</b> for the corresponding operation information (S61).

If there is no corresponding operation information (S62), the process is terminated. If there is such corresponding operation information (S62), the control section <b>18</b> instructs the encryption section to encrypt the connection ID of the corresponding information. The control section <b>18</b> instructs the communication section <b>17</b> to distribute the interconnection operation information based on the encrypted connection ID (S63), and the communication section <b>17</b> distributes the interconnection operation information.

With the apparatus having a communication function of the present embodiment having such a configuration, it is possible to receive an interconnection operation in the following manner, for example.

Referring to a flow chart illustrated in Figure <b>23</b>, upon receiving the interconnection operation, the communication section <b>17</b> notifies the control section <b>18</b> of reception of the interconnection operation information (S65). The control section <b>18</b> instructs the storage section <b>19</b> to encrypt, based on the received encryption information, the connection ID of the group information stored in the storage section <b>19</b> so as to examine whether or not there is any encrypted connection ID information which matches the received and encrypted connection ID (S66).

If there is no connection ID match (S67), the process is terminated. If there is any connection ID match (S67), the control section <b>18</b> instructs the operation section <b>22</b> based on the corresponding interconnection operation information (S68).

(Embodiment 5)

Figure <b>5</b> is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus having a communication function of the present embodiment.

The apparatus having a communication function includes a communication section <b>23</b>, a control section <b>24</b>, a storage section <b>25</b>, a time detection section <b>26</b>, an encryption section <b>27</b>, and an external input detection section <b>28</b>.

The communication section <b>23</b> communicates with another apparatus having a communication function. The control section <b>24</b> manages and controls the various sections. The storage section <b>25</b> stores group information. The time detection section <b>26</b> measures a time in response to an instruction from the control section <b>24</b>. If a time out occurs, the time detection section <b>26</b> notifies the control section <b>24</b> of the time out. The encryption section <b>27</b> encrypts information as instructed by the control section <b>24</b>. The external input detection section <b>28</b> includes various sensors, a control device for such sensors, and the like. Instead of a button operation performed by the user, various sensors can be used suchas an optical sensor, a sound sensor, a vibration sensor, a wind force sensor, a temperature sensor, a speed sensor, an image sensor, and the like.

With the apparatus having a communication function of the present embodiment having such a configuration, it is possible to receive an external input in the following manner, for example.

Referring to a flow chart illustrated in Figure <b>24</b>, when the external input detection section <b>28</b> detects an external input (S69), the external input detection section <b>28</b> notifies the control section <b>24</b> of the detected pattern (S70). The control section <b>24</b> generates a connection ID from the received pattern (S71). Then, the process proceeds to the grouping process shown at S4 in Figure <b>12</b>, a grouping cancellation process shown at S20 in Figure <b>13</b>, etc.

(Embodiment 6)

Figure <b>6</b> is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus having a communication function of the present embodiment.

The apparatus having a communication function includes a communication section <b>29</b>, a control section <b>30</b>, a storage section <b>31</b>. The apparatus having a communication function further includes at least one of a notification section <b>32</b> and a display section <b>33</b>.

The communication section <b>29</b> communicates with another apparatus having a communication function. The control section <b>30</b> manages and controls the various sections. The storage section <b>31</b> stores group information. The notification section <b>32</b> notifies the user of a successful grouping registration, etc., by means of a buzzer, an LED lamp, or the like. The display section <b>33</b> notifies the user of a successful grouping registration, etc., by means of a display panel, or the like.

The apparatus having a communication function of the present embodiment having such a configuration can be operated in the following manner, for example.

Referring to a flow chart illustrated in Figure <b>25</b>, when a grouping operation succeeds (S13 in Figure <b>12</b>), the control section <b>30</b> notifies the notification section <b>32</b> or the display section <b>33</b> of the successful grouping operation (S72). Upon receiving the notification, the notification section <b>32</b> or the display section <b>33</b> notifies the user of the successful group operation by means of a buzzer, an LED lamp, a display panel, or the like (S73).

(Embodiment 7)

Figure <b>7</b> is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus having a communication function of the present embodiment.

The apparatus having a communication function includes a communication section <b>34</b>, a control section <b>35</b>, a storage section <b>36</b>, a registration button detection section <b>37</b>, a cancellation button detection section <b>38</b>, a time detection section <b>39</b>, an encryption section <b>40</b>, a program execution section <b>41</b>, and an auxiliary memory control section <b>42</b>.

The communication section <b>34</b> communicates with another apparatus having a communication function. The control section <b>35</b> has a function of generating a connection ID which is required for a grouping operation based on signals from the registration button detection section <b>37</b> and the cancellation button detection section <b>38</b>. The control section <b>35</b> also has a function of reading a program from the auxiliary memory control section <b>42</b> and instructing the program execution section <b>41</b> to execute the program. Moreover, the control section <b>35</b> manages and controls the various sections. The storage section <b>36</b> stores group information. The registration button detection section <b>37</b> notifies the control section <b>35</b> of an operation of the registration button, and the cancellation button detection section <b>38</b> notifies the control section <b>35</b> of an operation of the cancellation button. The time detection section <b>39</b> measures a time in response to an instruction from the control section <b>35</b>. If a time out occurs, the time detection section <b>39</b> notifies the control section <b>35</b> of the time out. The encryption section <b>40</b> encrypts information as instructed by the control section <b>35</b>. The program execution section <b>41</b> includes an encryption program and a CPU, or the like, for executing the encryption program. The auxiliary memory control section <b>42</b> is a medium for recording a program, and includes a tape, (e.g., a magnetic tape), a magnetic disk (e.g., a floppy disk, and a hard disk), an optical disk (e.g., a CD-ROM, an MO, an MD, a DVD), a card (e.g., an IC card), a semiconductor memory (e.g., a mask ROM, an EPROM, a flash ROM), etc.

In the apparatus having a communication function of the present embodiment having such a configuration, the control section <b>35</b> including a microprocessor, or the like, controls the auxiliary memory control section <b>42</b> to download a program and install the program in the program execution section <b>41</b>. The execution section <b>41</b> canthen process the program. Alternatively, the program can be downloaded in advance. The method and procedure for controlling the other sections may be similar to those of the apparatus having a communication function illustrated in Figure <b>1</b>.

(Embodiment 8)

In this embodiment, an application of the present invention will be described with reference to a block diagram illustrated in Figure <b>8</b>.

Referring to Figure <b>8</b>, a transmitter-side apparatus having a communication function includes a control section <b>43</b>, a communication section <b>44</b>, a storage section <b>45</b>, and an encryption section <b>46</b>; and a receiver-side apparatus having a communication function includes a communication section <b>47</b>, a control section <b>48</b>, a decoding section <b>49</b> and a storage section <b>50</b>.

In the transmitter-side apparatus having a communication function, the control section <b>43</b> manages and controls the various sections. The communication section <b>44</b> communicates with another apparatus having a communication function. The storage section <b>45</b> stores group information. The encryption section <b>46</b> encrypts information as instructed by the communication section <b>44</b> based on a connection ID obtained from the control section <b>43</b>.

In the receiver-side apparatus having a communication function, the communication section <b>47</b> communicates with another apparatus having a communication function. The control section <b>48</b> manages and controls the various sections. The decoding section <b>49</b> decodes information as instructed by the communication section <b>47</b> based on the connection ID obtained from the control section <b>48</b>. The storage section <b>50</b> stores group information.

An encrypted communication process by using a common key according to the present embodiment will now be described.

The transmitter-side apparatus having a communication function operates as follows.

Referring to a flow chart illustrated in Figure <b>26</b>, in a data transmission operation, the control section <b>43</b> first searches the storage section <b>45</b> for the group information of the transmission partner and obtains a connection ID (S74). Next, the control section <b>43</b> sets a connection ID in the encryption section <b>46</b> (S75), and instructs the communication section <b>44</b> to transmit the data (S76). The communication section <b>44</b> passes the transmitted data to the encryption section <b>46</b>(S77). The encryption section <b>46</b> uses the set connection ID as a common key to encrypt the transmitted data so as to encrypt the transmitted data (S78). Then, the communication section <b>44</b> receives the transmitted data from the encryption section <b>46</b> (S79), and distributes the received data (S80).

The receiver-side apparatus having a communication function operates as follows.

Referring to a flow chart illustrated in Figure <b>27</b>, the communication section <b>47</b> receives data and notifies the control section <b>48</b> of the data reception (S81), and the encrypted received data is transferred to the decoding section <b>49</b> (S82). The control section <b>48</b> searches the storage section <b>50</b> for the corresponding group information.

If there is any corresponding group information (S84), the control section <b>48</b> obtains a connection ID and sets the obtained connection ID in the decoding section <b>49</b> (S85). The decoding section <b>49</b> decodes the received data by using the set connection ID as a common key (S86), and passes the decoded received data to the communication section <b>47</b> (S87). The communication section <b>47</b> passes the decoded received data to control section <b>48</b> (S88), and terminates the process. If there is no corresponding group information (S84), the control section <b>48</b> instructs the decoding section <b>49</b> to discard the received data (S89), and the decoding section <b>49</b> discards the received data (S90).

(Embodiment 9)

In this embodiment, an application of the present invention will be described with reference to a block diagram illustrated in Figure <b>9</b>.

Referring to Figure <b>9</b>, the apparatus having a communication function includes a storage section <b>51</b>, a control section <b>52</b>, a communication section <b>53</b> and a communication function selection section <b>54</b>.

The storage section <b>51</b> stores group information. The control section <b>52</b> manages and controls the various sections. The communication section <b>53</b> communicates with another apparatus having a communication function. The communication function selection section (communication protocol selection section) <b>54</b> selects a communication protocol to be used based on the connection ID. A group of communication protocols <b>55</b> includes a plurality of communication protocol modules (1, 2, ..., n).

A communication operation using a communication protocol according to the present embodiment will now be described.

Referring to a flow chart illustrated in Figure <b>28</b>, in a data communication operation, the control section <b>52</b> first searches the storage section <b>51</b> for corresponding group information and obtains a connection ID (S91). Then, the control section <b>52</b> notifies the communication section <b>53</b> of the connection ID and instructs the communication section <b>53</b> to perform data communication (S92). The communication section <b>53</b> notifies the communication protocol selection section <b>54</b> of the connection ID (S93), and the communication protocol selection section <b>54</b> selects and sets a communication protocol to be used in the data communication operation based on the connection ID (S94). The communication section <b>53</b> performs a data communication operation based on the set communication protocol module (S95).

For the partner apparatus having a communication function, a communication protocol can be selected in a similar procedure. Thus, apparatuses for which the same communication protocol has been selected can communicate with each other.

(Embodiment 10)

In this embodiment, an application of the present invention will be described with reference to a block diagram illustrated in Figure <b>10</b>.

Referring to Figure <b>10</b>, the apparatus having a communication function includes a storage section <b>56</b>, a control section <b>57</b>, a communication section <b>58</b>, and a communication function selection section <b>59</b>.

The storage section <b>56</b> stores group information. The control section <b>57</b> manages and controls the various sections. The communication section <b>58</b> communicates with another apparatus having a communication function. The communication function selection section (pattern selection section) <b>59</b> selects a frequency hopping pattern to be used based on the connection ID. A group of frequency hopping patterns <b>60</b> includes a table containing a plurality of frequency hopping patterns (1, 2, ..., n).

A communication operation using a frequency hopping pattern according to the present embodiment will now be described.

Referring to a flow chart illustrated in Figure <b>29</b>, in a data communication operation, the control section <b>57</b> first searches the storage section <b>56</b> for corresponding group information and obtains a connection ID (S96). Then, the control section <b>57</b> notifies the communication section <b>58</b> of the connection ID and instructs the communication section <b>58</b> to perform data communication (S97). The communication section <b>58</b> notifies the pattern selection section <b>59</b> of the connection ID (S98), and the pattern selection section <b>59</b> selects and sets a frequency hopping pattern to be used in the data communication operation based on the connection ID (S99). The communication section <b>58</b> performs a data communication operation based on the set frequency hopping pattern (S100).

For the partner apparatus having a communication function, a frequency hopping pattern can be selected in a similar procedure. Thus, apparatuses for which the same frequency hopping pattern has been selected can communicate with each other.

(Embodiment 11)

In this embodiment, an application of the present invention will be described with reference to a block diagram illustrated in Figure <b>11</b>.

Referring to Figure <b>11</b>, the apparatus having a communication function includes a storage section <b>61</b>, a control section <b>62</b>, a communication section <b>63</b>, and a communication function selection section <b>64</b>.

The storage section <b>61</b> stores group information. The control section <b>62</b> manages and controls the various sections. The communication section <b>63</b> communicates with another apparatus having a communication function. The communication function selection section (pattern selection section) <b>64</b> selects a diffusion code pattern to be used based on the connection ID. A group of diffusion code patterns <b>65</b> includes a table containing a plurality of diffusion code patterns (1, 2, ..., n).

A communication operation using a diffusion code pattern according to the present embodiment will now be described.

Referring to a flow chart illustrated in Figure <b>30</b>, in a data communication operation, the control section <b>62</b> first searches the storage section <b>61</b> for corresponding group information and obtains a connection ID (S101). Then, the control section <b>62</b> notifies the communication section <b>63</b> of the connection ID and instructs the communication section <b>63</b> to perform data communication (S102). The communication section <b>63</b> notifies the pattern selection section <b>64</b> of the connection ID (S103). and the pattern selection section <b>64</b> selects and sets a diffusion code pattern to be used in the data communication operation based on the connection ID (S104). The communication section <b>63</b> performs a data communication operation based on the set diffusion code pattern (S105).

For the partner apparatus haying a communication function, a diffusion code pattern can be selected in a similar procedure. Thus, apparatuses for which the same diffusion code pattern has been selected can communicate with each other.

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the user can easily select one or more of a plurality of apparatuses capable of communicating with one another so as to group and register the selected apparatuses or to cancel the grouping of the selected apparatuses, based on the number of times a button is depressed and timings of the button depression, even when an identification code or ID information is not provided in advance and even under circumstances where there is no main unit. Moreover, it is possible to generate connection ID information based on the number of times the button is depressed and timings of the button depression. Thus, the user can prevent the user from being interfered with other undesired users, thereby enhancing the level of security.

A plurality of apparatuses can easily be grouped and registered or canceled from grouping registration at once by using various types of information other than the timings of button depression such as changes in light, sound, vibration, wind force, temperature, speed, image, etc.

The generated connection ID information can be shared between the user's apparatus and the partner apparatuses for use as a common key in an encrypted communication process. Moreover, the oonnection ID information can be used for selection of a communication protocol, a frequency hopping pattern in radio communications, a diffusion code pattern, etc. Thus, various functions can be easily realized.

Moreover, it is possible to register an interconnection pattern between different apparatuses. Thus, the user can operate one apparatus so as to automatically operate the other apparatus(es) in an interconnected manner.

Furthermore, a recording medium in which a program for use in a grouping operation is recorded can be used. In such a case, the grouping operation can be used with a wide variety of apparatuses capable of communicating with one another. Thus, a grouping technique can be widely applied to a wide variety of fields.

Various other modifications will be apparent to and can be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to the description as set forth herein, but rather that the claims be broadly construed.