Wireless communication device, wireless communication method, and wireless communication system

The present disclosure relates to wireless communication devices, wireless communication methods, and wireless communication systems.

In a wireless LAN widely known by the IEEE 802.11 standard, a wireless communication device (for example, a station) that functions as a slave unit indicates an intention to connect to a wireless communication device (for example, an access point) that functions as a master unit, and then , The slave unit is connected to the master unit by the user of the slave unit making the connection settings according to the security settings of the master unit.

On the other hand, when the user of the master unit and the user of the slave unit each press the WPS push button, the security setting and connection between the master unit and the slave unit are also performed.

<p><patcit num="1"><text>Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-283590</text></patcit></p>

<p num="0005"> Therefore, the conventional wireless LAN has a problem that the wireless communication devices cannot be connected to each other unless the connection setting according to the security setting of the master unit and the complicated operation by the user such as pressing the WPS push button are performed.</p><p num="0006"> Therefore, the present disclosure is to propose a new and improved wireless communication device, a wireless communication method, and a wireless communication system that can reduce the time and effort required for the user when connecting wireless communication devices to each other. ..</p>

<p num="0007"> According to the present disclosure, a communication unit capable of wireless communication with another wireless communication device, a determination unit for determining whether the communication unit is close to the other wireless communication device, and a communication unit close to the other wireless communication device. Then, a wireless communication device is provided, which includes a control unit that performs a connection procedure between the communication unit and another wireless communication device when it is determined to be so.</p><p num="0008"> Here, the determination unit determines that the communication unit is close to the other wireless communication device when the reception strength, which is the reception strength of the radio signal received from the other wireless communication device by the communication unit, is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. May be good.</p><p num="0009"> Further, when the communication unit receives a radio signal from a plurality of other wireless communication devices and there are a plurality of wireless signals having a reception strength of a predetermined value or more, the determination unit has the highest reception strength. It may be determined that the communication unit is close to the other wireless communication device that transmitted the signal. The reception strength may be an instantaneous value of the radio signal, may be a value obtained by averaging the reception strength received by the communication unit within a predetermined time, and is a value obtained by weighting the reception strength. May be good. These values are calculated for each source (other wireless communication device). Such a determination may be combined with the above-mentioned determination, that is, a process of determining that the communication unit is close to another wireless communication device when the reception strength is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.</p><p num="0010"> In addition, when the connection procedure is possible on the condition that the other wireless communication device is close to the communication unit, the other wireless communication device transmits a wireless signal including the connection procedure possible information by the proximity indicating that fact. The determination unit determines whether the wireless signal includes information that can be connected by proximity, and the control unit determines that the communication unit is close to another wireless communication device, and the information that can be connected by proximity to the wireless signal. If it is determined that the above is included, the connection procedure between the communication unit and another wireless communication device may be performed.</p><p num="0011"> Further, the wireless communication device may include a notification unit for notifying the start of the connection procedure, the end of the connection procedure, the state change of the connection procedure, or the result of the connection procedure.</p><p num="0012"> Further, the other wireless communication device constitutes one of the slave units connected to the master unit, the communication unit acquires the list information of the slave units from the master unit, and the determination unit obtains the list information of the slave units. , Another wireless communication device may be discovered based on the list information acquired by the communication unit, and it may be determined whether or not the communication unit is close to the discovered other wireless communication device.</p><p num="0013"> Further, according to the present disclosure, it is determined that the step of determining whether the communication unit capable of wireless communication with another wireless communication device is close to the other wireless communication device and the communication unit is close to the other wireless communication device. In this case, a wireless communication method including a step of performing a connection procedure between the communication unit and another wireless communication device is provided.</p><p num="0014"> Further, according to the present disclosure, it is a wireless communication system including a first wireless communication device and a second wireless communication device capable of wireless communication, and the first wireless communication device is a second wireless communication device. A communication unit capable of wireless communication, a determination unit for determining whether the communication unit is close to the second wireless communication device, and a communication unit when it is determined that the communication unit is close to the second wireless communication device. Provided is a wireless communication system including a control unit that performs a connection procedure with a second wireless communication device.</p>

<p num="0015"> As described above, according to the present disclosure, a user of a wireless communication device can have these wireless communication devices perform a connection procedure simply by bringing his / her wireless communication device close to another wireless communication device. Therefore, the wireless communication device can reduce the time and effort required for the user when connecting the wireless communication devices to each other as compared with the conventional case.</p>

<figref num="1">It is a block diagram which shows the wireless communication system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="2A">It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the processing performed by a wireless communication system.</figref><figref num="2B">It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the processing performed by a wireless communication system.</figref><figref num="3">It is a block diagram of the wireless communication device which concerns on the same embodiment.</figref><figref num="4">It is a block diagram of the wireless communication device which concerns on the same embodiment.</figref><figref num="5">It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structure of a radio signal.</figref><figref num="6">It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structure of a radio signal.</figref><figref num="7">It is a sequence diagram which shows the processing procedure by a wireless communication system.</figref><figref num="8">It is a block diagram which shows the wireless communication system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="9">It is a sequence diagram which shows the processing procedure by a wireless communication system.</figref><figref num="10">It is a sequence diagram which shows the processing procedure by a wireless communication system.</figref><figref num="11">It is a sequence diagram which shows the processing procedure by a wireless communication system.</figref><figref num="12">It is a block diagram which shows the wireless communication apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="13">It is a sequence diagram which shows the processing procedure by a wireless communication system.</figref><figref num="14">It is a sequence diagram which shows the processing procedure by a wireless communication system.</figref><figref num="15">It is a sequence diagram which shows the processing procedure by a wireless communication system.</figref><figref num="16">It is explanatory drawing which showed the timing which the notification about a state is given by the notification part.</figref><figref num="17">It is explanatory drawing which showed the timing which the notification about a state is given by the notification part.</figref>

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are designated by the same reference numerals, so that duplicate description will be omitted.

The explanations will be given in the following order. 1. 1. First Embodiment (Example of connecting wireless communication devices that do not belong to a group) 2. Second embodiment (an example in which a wireless communication device that does not belong to a group connects to a wireless communication device (master unit) in the group) 3. 3. Third Embodiment (Example in which a wireless communication device that does not belong to a group connects to a wireless communication device (slave unit) in the group) 4. Supplement

&lt;1. First Embodiment&gt; [Configuration of wireless communication system] First, the configuration of the wireless communication system 10-1 will be described with reference to FIG. The wireless communication system 10-1 includes wireless communication devices 20 and 30. The wireless communication device 20 generally performs the following processing. The wireless communication device 30 also performs the same processing.

That is, the wireless communication device 20 includes identification information for uniquely identifying itself, and transmits a first wireless signal having an unspecified destination to its surroundings. As a result, the wireless communication device 20 notifies the wireless communication device 30 which is another wireless communication device of its existence. As such a first radio signal, for example, a probe request (Probe-request) signal defined in IEEE802.11 and an unspecified destination signal, and a beacon signal can be considered. The probe request signal includes response request information indicating that a response is desired.

When the wireless communication device 20 receives the first wireless signal transmitted from the wireless communication device 30 existing around the wireless communication device 20, the wireless communication device 20 is based on the identification information included in the first wireless signal. Identify 30. As a result, the wireless communication device 20 discovers the wireless communication device 30.

When the wireless communication device 20 discovers the wireless communication device 30 based on the first wireless signal and the first wireless signal includes the response request information, the identification information and the wireless communication device 30 are unique. A probe response signal including the destination information for specifying the above and the response information indicating the intention to respond is transmitted to the wireless communication device 30 as a second wireless signal. The probe response signal is defined in 802.11.

Further, the wireless communication device 20 determines its existence when the first wireless signal does not include the response request information, that is, when the first wireless signal is a signal for notification purposes such as a beacon signal. A probe request including identification information for uniquely identifying itself, response request information for requesting a response, and destination information for uniquely identifying the wireless communication device 30 in order to notify the wireless communication device 30. The signal is transmitted to the wireless communication device 30 as a second wireless signal. The wireless communication device 30 that has received such a second wireless signal responds to the signal (for example, transmits a probe response signal), so that the wireless communication device 20 can respond to the wireless communication device 30. Can be known.

When the wireless communication device 20 receives the second wireless signal from the wireless communication device 30, the wireless communication device 20 identifies the wireless communication device 30 based on the identification information included in the second wireless signal. Therefore, the wireless communication device 20 can also discover the wireless communication device 30 based on the second wireless signal. Similarly, the wireless communication device 30 can discover the wireless communication device 20 by the second wireless signal transmitted from the wireless communication device 20.

When the wireless communication device 20 finds the wireless communication device 30, the connection permission condition is that the wireless communication device 20 has identification information, destination information indicating the wireless communication device 30, response request information, and self-proximity to the wireless communication device 30. A third radio signal including information indicating that the connection procedure can be performed by proximity is transmitted to the wireless communication device 30. As such a third radio signal, for example, a service discovery query signal defined by Wi-Fi Direct can be considered.

When the wireless communication device 20 receives the third wireless signal from the wireless communication device 30, the wireless communication device 20 determines whether the received third wireless signal includes connection procedure possible information. The wireless communication device 20 sends information to the wireless communication device 30 that a connection method using the proximity of itself as a trigger for starting the wireless communication connection procedure is possible, that is, a fourth wireless signal including the connection procedure possible information. Send back. As such a fourth radio signal, for example, a service discovery response signal defined by Wi-Fi Direct can be considered. After that, the wireless communication device 20 utilizes the reception strength of the received first radio signal, the second radio signal, or the third radio signal, determines that it is close to the wireless communication device 30, and determines that it is close to the wireless communication device 30. If it is determined that the wireless signal of 3 contains information that allows connection procedures, the connection procedure with the wireless communication device 30 is performed.

On the other hand, when the wireless communication device 20 receives the fourth wireless signal from the wireless communication device 30, it determines whether the fourth wireless signal includes the connection procedure possible information. The wireless communication device 20 utilizes the reception strength of the received first radio signal, second radio signal, or fourth radio signal, determines that it is close to the wireless communication device 30, and has a fourth. If it is determined that the wireless signal contains information that allows connection procedures, the connection procedure with the wireless communication device 30 is performed.

[Outline of processing by wireless communication system 10-1] Next, the outline of the processing by the wireless communication system 10-1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2A. In step S1, the wireless communication device 20 notifies the wireless communication device 30 of its existence by transmitting the first wireless signal to the periphery. The wireless communication device 30 receives the first wireless signal and discovers the wireless communication device 20 based on the first wireless signal. The wireless communication device 30 that has found the wireless communication device 20 transmits a second wireless signal to the wireless communication device 20. The wireless communication device 20 receives the second wireless signal and discovers the wireless communication device 30 based on the second wireless signal. Alternatively, the wireless communication device 20 discovers the wireless communication device 30 by receiving the first wireless signal transmitted by the wireless communication device 30.

In step S2, the wireless communication device 20 transmits a third radio signal to the wireless communication device 30. The wireless communication device 30 receives the third wireless signal and transmits the fourth wireless signal to the wireless communication device 20.

The wireless communication device 20 receives the fourth wireless signal, and utilizes the reception strength of the reception signal of the fourth wireless signal, the first wireless signal received in step S1, or the second wireless signal. , Determine whether the wireless communication device 30 is close to itself. Specifically, the wireless communication device 20 determines that it is close to the wireless communication device 30 if the reception strength is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and if the reception strength is less than the predetermined value, the wireless communication device 20 itself becomes the wireless communication device 30. Judge that they are not close to each other. Here, the predetermined value is, for example, the reception strength of the wireless signal received from the wireless communication device 30 when the wireless communication device 20 is separated from the wireless communication device 30 by several cm (for example, 1 to 5 cm).

The wireless communication device 20 proceeds to step S3 when it is determined that it is close to the wireless communication device 30, and returns to step S1 when it is determined that it is not close to the wireless communication device 30.

In step S3, when the wireless communication device 20 determines whether the fourth wireless signal received in step S2 includes the connection procedureable information and determines that the fourth wireless signal includes the connection procedureable information. In step S4, if it is determined that the fourth radio signal does not include the connection procedure possible information, the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, the wireless communication device 30 also determines whether the connection procedure possible information is included in the third wireless signal.

In step S4, the wireless communication device 20 performs a connection procedure with the wireless communication device 30. This connection procedure itself is the same as the conventional one, and is, for example, a process performed when the WPS push button is pressed in each of the conventional wireless communication devices. As shown in FIG. 2B, the wireless communication devices 20 and 30 first perform the process of step S3, that is, determine whether the received wireless signal includes the connection procedure possible information, and then the process of step S2. That is, the proximity determination may be performed.

[Configuration of wireless communication devices 20 and 30] Next, a detailed configuration of the wireless communication device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. The wireless communication device 20 includes various hardware configurations such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, communication device, and display, and the CPU reads and executes a program stored in the ROM to perform various processes. Specifically, the wireless communication device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a determination unit 22, a storage unit 23, a notification unit 24, and a control unit 25.

The communication unit 21 is capable of wireless communication with the wireless communication device 30, that is, transmission / reception of wireless signals, transmits the wireless signal given by the control unit 25 to the outside, and is the first transmitted from the wireless communication device 30. ~ Receives the fourth radio signal. When the communication unit 21 receives the first radio signal, the communication unit 21 outputs the first radio signal to the determination unit 22. When the communication unit 21 receives the second to fourth radio signals, the communication unit 21 outputs the radio signal to the determination unit 22 after confirming that the destination information in the received radio signal specifies itself. To do. When the received radio signal is not addressed to itself or to an unspecified number of people, the communication unit 21 discards the radio signal.

The determination unit 22 discovers the wireless communication device 30 existing in the vicinity of the wireless communication device 20. Specifically, the determination unit 22 determines the wireless communication device 30 based on the identification information included in the first or second wireless signal when the first or second wireless signal is given by the communication unit 21. To identify. As a result, the determination unit 22 discovers the wireless communication device 30. The determination unit 22 generates destination information for uniquely identifying the wireless communication device 30 based on the identification information included in the first or second wireless signal. When the determination unit 22 discovers the wireless communication device 30 based on the first wireless signal, the determination unit 22 outputs the first discovery information including the destination information to the control unit 25. Here, when the response request information is included in the first radio signal, the response request information is included in the first discovery information. On the other hand, when the determination unit 22 finds the wireless communication device 30 based on the second wireless signal, the determination unit 22 includes the destination information and the response information or the response request information included in the second wireless signal. The discovery information is output to the control unit 25. Further, the determination unit 22 stores the reception strength of the received reception signal for each transmission source in the storage unit 23. The wireless communication device 20 has a separate determination device for determining whether or not the transmission source exists in the vicinity, and the determination unit 22 may input the reception strength to this determination device. Alternatively, both may be used.

Further, when a third or fourth radio signal is given from the communication unit 21, the determination unit 22 outputs these radio signals to the control unit 25. Further, the determination unit 22 determines whether the communication unit 21, that is, the wireless communication device 20 is close to the wireless communication device 30. Specifically, the determination unit 22 determines that the wireless communication device 20 is close to the wireless communication device 30 when the reception strength of the received signal is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and wirelessly when the reception signal is less than the predetermined value. It is determined that the communication device 20 is not close to the wireless communication device 30. In the processing of the wireless communication device 20 and the wireless communication device 30, which will be described later, the reception strength of the third or fourth wireless signal is mainly measured, but the wireless signals whose reception strength is measured are the first to first. It may be any of the fourth radio signals. More specifically, the radio signal whose reception strength is measured may be a beacon, a probe request, a probe response, an action frame, or a combination of these receivable frames. Further, the reception strength may be an instantaneous value at the time of reception of the radio signal, a value obtained by averaging the reception strength of the radio signal received from the same source within a predetermined time (for example, arithmetic mean), or a filter weighted with the received signal. It may be a value that has been processed to prevent erroneous detection, such as a value calculated through. These processes may be performed by the determination unit 22 or may be performed by a separately provided determination device.

When the determination unit 22 determines that the wireless communication device 20 is close to the wireless communication device 30, it further determines whether the third wireless signal includes connection procedure possible information and connects to the third wireless signal. When it is determined that the procedural information is included, the first connection start instruction information including the destination information indicating the wireless communication device 30 and the response request information and the connection procedural information included in the third wireless signal is input. Output to the control unit 25. On the other hand, when the determination unit 22 determines that the third wireless signal does not include the connection procedure enable information, or determines that the wireless communication device 20 is not close to the wireless communication device 30, the connection procedure is performed. The connection procedure impossible information indicating that it is impossible is output to the control unit 25.

Similarly, when the determination unit 22 determines that the wireless communication device 20 is close to the wireless communication device 30, it further determines whether the fourth wireless signal includes connection procedure possible information, and determines whether the connection procedure possible information is included in the fourth wireless signal. When it is determined that the signal includes the connection procedure possible information, the second connection start instruction including the destination information indicating the wireless communication device 30 and the response information and the connection procedure possible information included in the fourth wireless signal is included. The information is output to the control unit 25. On the other hand, when the determination unit 22 determines that the fourth wireless signal does not include the connection procedure enable information, or determines that the wireless communication device 20 is not close to the wireless communication device 30, the connection procedure is performed. The connection procedure impossible information indicating that it is impossible is output to the control unit 25.

The determination unit 22 determines whether the connection procedure possible information is included in the third wireless signal, and then, when it is determined that the wireless communication device 20 is close to the wireless communication device 30, the destination indicating the wireless communication device 30. The first connection start instruction information including the information, the response request information included in the third radio signal, and the connection procedure possible information may be output to the control unit 25. On the other hand, when the determination unit 22 determines that the third wireless signal does not include the connection procedure enable information, or determines that the wireless communication device 20 is not close to the wireless communication device 30, the connection procedure is performed. The connection procedure impossible information indicating that it is impossible may be output to the control unit 25.

Similarly, the determination unit 22 determines whether the fourth wireless signal includes connection procedure possible information, and then determines that the wireless communication device 20 is close to the wireless communication device 30, and then determines that the wireless communication device 20 is close to the wireless communication device 30. The first connection start instruction information including the destination information indicating the above, the response information included in the fourth radio signal, and the connection procedure possible information may be output to the control unit 25. On the other hand, when the determination unit 22 determines that the fourth wireless signal does not include the connection procedure enable information, or determines that the wireless communication device 20 is not close to the wireless communication device 30, the connection procedure is performed. The connection procedure impossible information indicating that it is impossible may be output to the control unit 25.

The storage unit 23 includes various information necessary for generating the first to fourth radio signals (for example, destination information generated by the determination unit 22), information displayed on the notification unit 24, and necessary for the connection procedure. Various information (for example, information related to security settings) and various programs are stored. The notification unit 24 displays various information, performs notification by light, notification by tremor, notification by sound, and the like under the control of the control unit 25.

In addition to controlling each component in the wireless communication device 20, the control unit 25 performs the following processing. That is, the control unit 25 generates the first radio signal and outputs it to the communication unit 21 until the first or second discovery information is given from the determination unit 22. The communication unit 21 transmits the first radio signal to the periphery.

When the first discovery information is given by the determination unit 22, the control unit 25 determines whether the first discovery information includes the response request information. When the response request information is included in the first discovery information, the control unit 25 generates a probe response signal as a second radio signal. On the other hand, when the response request information is not included in the first discovery information (that is, when the first radio signal becomes a beacon signal), the control unit 25 generates a probe request signal as the second radio signal. Then, the control unit 25 outputs the generated second radio signal to the communication unit 21. The communication unit 21 transmits a second radio signal to the wireless communication device 30.

On the other hand, when the second discovery information is given, the control unit 25 determines whether the second discovery information includes the response information or the response request information. When the second discovery information includes the response request information, the control unit 25 generates a probe response signal and outputs the probe response signal to the communication unit 21. The communication unit 21 transmits a probe response signal. On the other hand, when the second discovery information includes the response information, the control unit 25 generates a third radio signal until the determination unit 22 gives the third radio signal, and outputs the third radio signal to the communication unit 21. To do. The communication unit 21 transmits a third radio signal to the wireless communication device 30.

When the control unit 25 receives the third radio signal from the determination unit 22, the control unit 25 generates the fourth radio signal and outputs it to the communication unit 21. The communication unit 21 transmits a fourth wireless signal to the wireless communication device 30. After that, the control unit 25 starts the connection procedure.

The control unit 25 starts the connection procedure when the first or second connection start instruction information is given from the determination unit 22.

When the determination unit 22 gives the connection procedure impossible information, the control unit 25 returns to the process of generating the first radio signal and outputting it to the communication unit 21.

FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the wireless communication device 30. The wireless communication device 30 includes various hardware configurations such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, communication device, and display, and the CPU reads and executes a program stored in the ROM to perform various processes. Specifically, the wireless communication device 30 includes a communication unit 31, a determination unit 32, a storage unit 33, a notification unit 34, and a control unit 35. These functions are the same as those of the wireless communication device 20.

[Data structure of the third radio signal and the fourth radio signal] Next, the data structure of the service discovery signal used as the third radio signal and the fourth radio signal will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the present embodiment, a public action frame (Public Action Frame) is used as the service discovery signal. The public action frame is a kind of action frame, and is a frame defined and extended in IEEE802.11k as a management frame (Management Frame) that can be transmitted before the wireless communication devices are connected to each other.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, a service discovery query signal including a GAS initial request action frame (Generic Advance Service Initial Request Action Frame) is used as the third radio signal. Further, as the fourth radio signal, a service discovery response signal including a GAS initial response action frame (GAS Initial Response Action Frame) is used. These signals are used, for example, in Wi-Fi Direct.

A GAS initial request action frame is defined as a frame transmitted to request wireless communication from another wireless communication device. Further, the GAS initial response action frame is defined as a frame transmitted to respond to a request for wireless communication from another wireless communication device.

When the size of the third to fourth radio signals is large and fragmentation is performed, a GAS comeback request frame (GAS Comeback Request Frame) and a GAS comeback response frame (GAS Comeback Response Frame) are also used. The illustration will be omitted.

The service discovery query signal is composed of a MAC header frame, a GAS initial request action frame, and an FCS frame. Here, the GAS initial request action frame includes a category frame 701, an action frame 702, a dialog token frame 703, an advertisement protocol information element frame 704, a query request length frame 705, and an ANQP query request field frame 706.

In the category frame 701, information for designating a public action frame is stored as a category of the management frame (Management Frame) defined in IEEE802.11. That is, the category frame 701 indicates that the service discovery query signal is a public action frame.

The action frame 702 stores information that specifies the GAS initial request action frame as the action type of the public action frame. That is, the action frame 702 indicates that the service discovery query signal is a GAS initial request action frame.

Information for uniquely identifying the service discovery query signal is stored in the dialog token (Dialog Token) frame 703. The identification information, the destination information, and the response request information are stored in, for example, this dialog token frame 703.

The advertisement protocol information element (Advertisement Protocol Information Element) frame 704 stores information indicating ANQP (Access Protocol Quality Protocol).

The query request length frame 705 stores information indicating the length of the ANQP query request field frame 706.

The ANQP Query Request Field (ANQP Query Request Field) frame 706 stores information indicating the service protocol type (Service Protocol Type) requested by the service discovery query signal. Specifically, the ANQP query request field frame 706 is composed of an information ID (Info ID) frame, a length frame, an OI frame, and an ANQP query request vendor specific content frame 707. Information indicating the service protocol type requested by the service discovery query signal is stored in the ANQP query request vendor specific content frame 707. The connection procedureable information is stored in, for example, this ANQP query request vendor specific content frame 707.

The service discovery response signal is composed of a MAC header frame, a GAS initial response action frame, and an FCS frame. Here, the GAS initial response action frames are category frame 801 and action frame 802, dialog token frame 803, status code frame 804, GAS comeback delay frame 805, advertisement protocol information element frame 806, query response length frame 807, and ANQP query. Includes response field frame 808.

The category frame 801 stores the same information as the category frame 701. The action frame 802 stores information that specifies the GAS initial response action frame as the action type of the public action frame. That is, the action frame 802 indicates that the service discovery response signal is a GAS initial response action frame.

Information for uniquely identifying the service discovery response signal is stored in the dialog token (Dialog Token) frame 803. The identification information, the destination information, and the response information are stored in, for example, this dialog token frame 803.

The status code (Status Code) frame 804 stores information indicating the status defined by IEEE801.11u.

The GAS Comeback Delay frame 805 stores information indicating the delay time (Delay Time) of the service discovery response signal.

The advertisement protocol information element frame 806 stores the same information as the advertisement protocol information element frame 704.

The query response length frame 807 stores information indicating the length of the ANQP query response field frame 808.

The ANQP Query Response Field (ANQP Question Response Field) frame 808 stores information indicating the service protocol type required by the service discovery response signal. Specifically, the ANQP query response field frame 808 is composed of an information ID frame, a length frame, an OI frame, and an ANQP query response vendor specific content frame 809. Information indicating the service protocol type requested by the service discovery response signal is stored in the ANQP query response vendor specific content frame 809. The connection procedureable information is stored in, for example, the ANQP query response vendor specific content frame 809.

[Example of processing by wireless communication system 10-1] Next, an example of processing by the wireless communication system 10-1 will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

The wireless communication device 20 and the wireless communication device 30 first discover each other by performing the process of step S10 or step S20. First, step S10 will be described. Step S10 is composed of steps S11 to S14. In step S11, the control unit 25 of the wireless communication device 20 generates a probe request signal as the first wireless signal and outputs it to the communication unit 21. The communication unit 21 transmits the probe request signal to the periphery of the wireless communication device 20. As a result, the wireless communication device 20 notifies the wireless communication device 30 existing in the vicinity of the wireless communication device 20 of its existence.

In step S12, the communication unit 31 of the wireless communication device 30 receives the probe request signal and outputs it to the determination unit 32.

Next, the determination unit 32 identifies the wireless communication device 20 based on the identification information included in the probe request signal given by the communication unit 31. As a result, the determination unit 32 discovers the wireless communication device 20. The determination unit 32 generates destination information for uniquely identifying the wireless communication device 20 based on the identification information included in the probe request signal, and includes the destination information and the response request information included in the probe request signal. The first discovery information is output to the control unit 35. In addition, the determination unit 32 can measure the reception strength of the received probe request signal.

In step S13, the control unit 35 generates a probe response signal as a second radio signal and outputs it to the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 transmits the probe response signal to the wireless communication device 20. On the other hand, the control unit 35 indicates that the wireless communication device 20 exists in the vicinity of itself based on the destination information included in the first discovery information, for example, information (for example, "discovered the wireless communication device 20". , Etc., on the peripheral device list, etc.) is displayed on the notification unit 34.

In step S14, the communication unit 21 of the wireless communication device 20 receives the probe response signal and confirms the destination information. As a result, since the destination information indicates the wireless communication device 20, the communication unit 21 outputs the probe response signal to the determination unit 22.

Next, the determination unit 22 identifies the wireless communication device 30 as the wireless communication device 30 existing in the vicinity of the wireless communication device 20 based on the identification information included in the probe response signal given by the communication unit 21. As a result, the determination unit 22 discovers the wireless communication device 30. The determination unit 22 generates destination information for uniquely identifying the wireless communication device 30 based on the identification information included in the probe response signal, and includes the destination information and the response information included in the probe response signal. The discovery information of 2 is output to the control unit 25. The control unit 25 is based on the destination information included in the second discovery information, and is information indicating that the wireless communication device 30 exists in the vicinity of the control unit 25 (for example, the character information "The wireless communication device 30 has been found"). ) Is displayed on the notification unit 24. After that, the wireless communication devices 20 and 30 shift to the process of step S30 or step S40.

Next, step S20 will be described. Step S20 is composed of steps S21 to S24. Step S20 is different from step S10 in that a probe request signal is transmitted from the wireless communication device 30 side.

First, in step S21, the control unit 35 of the wireless communication device 30 generates a probe request signal as the first wireless signal and outputs it to the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 transmits the probe request signal to the periphery of the wireless communication device 30. As a result, the wireless communication device 30 notifies the wireless communication device 20 existing in the vicinity of the wireless communication device 30 of its existence.

In step S22, the communication unit 21 of the wireless communication device 20 receives the probe request signal and outputs it to the determination unit 22.

Next, the determination unit 22 identifies the wireless communication device 30 based on the identification information included in the probe request signal given by the communication unit 21. As a result, the determination unit 22 discovers the wireless communication device 30. The determination unit 22 generates destination information for uniquely identifying the wireless communication device 30 based on the identification information included in the probe request signal, and includes the destination information and the response request information included in the probe request signal. The first discovery information is output to the control unit 25.

In step S23, the control unit 25 generates a probe response signal as a second radio signal and outputs it to the communication unit 21. The communication unit 21 transmits the probe response signal to the wireless communication device 30. On the other hand, the control unit 25 says that the information indicating that the wireless communication device 30 exists in the vicinity of itself based on the destination information included in the first discovery information (for example, "the wireless communication device 30 has been discovered"). (Character information) is displayed on the notification unit 24.

In step S24, the communication unit 31 of the wireless communication device 30 receives the probe response signal and confirms the destination information. As a result, since the destination information indicates the wireless communication device 30, the communication unit 31 outputs the probe response signal to the determination unit 32.

Next, the determination unit 32 identifies the wireless communication device 20 based on the identification information included in the probe response signal given by the communication unit 31. As a result, the determination unit 32 discovers the wireless communication device 20. The determination unit 32 generates destination information for uniquely identifying the wireless communication device 20 based on the identification information included in the probe response signal, and includes the destination information and the response information included in the probe response signal. The discovery information of 2 is output to the control unit 35. The control unit 35 is based on the destination information included in the second discovery information, and is information indicating that the wireless communication device 20 exists in the vicinity of the control unit 35 (for example, the character information "The wireless communication device 20 has been found"). ) Is displayed on the notification unit 34. After that, the wireless communication devices 20 and 30 shift to the process of step S30 or step S40.

The wireless communication device 20 and the wireless communication device 30 determine that they are close to each other by performing the process of step S30 or step S40, and determine that the wireless signal contains information that allows connection procedures. .. First, step S30 will be described. Step S30 is composed of steps S31 to S34. First, in step S31, the control unit 25 generates a service discovery query signal as a third radio signal and outputs it to the communication unit 21. The communication unit 21 transmits the service discovery query signal to the wireless communication device 30.

In step S32, the communication unit 31 of the wireless communication device 30 receives the service discovery query signal and confirms the destination information. As a result, since the destination information indicates the wireless communication device 30, the communication unit 31 outputs the service discovery query signal to the determination unit 32.

The determination unit 32 measures the reception strength of the service discovery query signal, and if the measured reception strength is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, determines that the wireless communication device 30 is close to the wireless communication device 20, and the measured reception. When the intensity is less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the wireless communication device 30 is not close to the wireless communication device 20.

When the determination unit 32 determines that the wireless communication device 30 is close to the wireless communication device 20, it further determines whether the service discovery query signal includes connection procedure possible information, and can connect to the service discovery query signal. When it is determined that the information is included, the control unit 25 outputs the first connection start instruction information including the destination information indicating the wireless communication device 20 and the response request information and the connection procedure possible information included in the service discovery query signal. Output to. On the other hand, if the service discovery query signal does not include the connection procedure enable information, or if the determination unit 32 determines that the wireless communication device 30 is not close to the wireless communication device 20, the connection procedure is impossible. The connection procedure impossible information indicating that is output to the control unit 35. In the present embodiment, since the service discovery query signal includes the connection procedure possible information, the determination unit 32 determines that the wireless communication devices 20 and 30 are close to each other (the distance between them is several cm or less). Outputs the first connection start instruction information to.

In step S33, the control unit 35 generates a service discovery response signal as a fourth radio signal and outputs it to the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 transmits the service discovery response signal to the wireless communication device 20. After that, the control unit 35 determines the connection partner to the wireless communication device 20 based on the first connection start instruction information (for example, the character information "determines the connection partner to the wireless communication device 20"). ) Is output to the notification unit 34. As a result, the user of the wireless communication device 30 can confirm the connection partner.

When the determination unit 32 gives the connection procedure impossible information, the control unit 35 has information to that effect (for example, "connection failed", "cannot connect by proximity", etc. Alternatively, the text information "not in close proximity") is displayed on the notification unit 34, and the process returns to step S10 or step S20.

On the other hand, in step S34, the communication unit 21 of the wireless communication device 20 receives the service discovery response signal and confirms the destination information. As a result, since the destination information indicates the wireless communication device 20, the communication unit 21 outputs the service discovery response signal to the determination unit 22.

The determination unit 22 measures the reception strength of the service discovery response signal, and if the measured reception strength is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, determines that the wireless communication device 20 is close to the wireless communication device 30, and the measured reception. When the intensity is less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the wireless communication device 20 is not close to the wireless communication device 30.

When the determination unit 22 determines that the wireless communication device 20 is close to the wireless communication device 30, it further determines whether the service discovery response signal includes connection procedure possible information, and can perform the connection procedure in the service discovery response signal. When it is determined that the information is included, the second connection start instruction information including the destination information, the response information included in the service discovery response signal, and the connection procedure possible information is output to the control unit 25. On the other hand, if the determination unit 22 determines that the service discovery response signal does not include the connection procedure enable information, or if the wireless communication device 20 determines that the wireless communication device 20 is not close to the wireless communication device 30, the connection procedure is unsuccessful. The connection procedure impossible information indicating that it is possible is output to the control unit 25. In the present embodiment, since the service discovery response signal includes the connection procedure possible information, the determination unit 22 determines that the wireless communication devices 20 and 30 are close to each other (the distance between them is several cm or less). Outputs the second connection start instruction information to.

When the second connection start instruction information is given by the determination unit 22, the control unit 25 determines the connection partner to the wireless communication device 30 based on the second connection start instruction information (information to the effect that the wireless communication device 30 determines the connection partner. For example, the character information "the connection partner is determined to be the wireless communication device 30") is output to the notification unit 24. As a result, the user of the wireless communication device 20 can confirm the connection partner.

On the other hand, when the determination unit 22 gives the connection procedure impossible information, the control unit 25 gives information to that effect (for example, "connection failed", "cannot connect by proximity", or the like. , "Character information that is not close") is displayed on the notification unit 24, and the process returns to step S10 or step S20.

Next, step S40 will be described. Step S40 is composed of steps S41 to S44. Step S40 is different from step S30 in that the service discovery query signal is transmitted from the wireless communication device 30 side.

First, in step S41, the control unit 35 generates a service discovery query signal as a third radio signal and outputs it to the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 transmits the service discovery query signal to the wireless communication device 20.

In step S42, the communication unit 21 of the wireless communication device 20 receives the service discovery query signal and confirms the destination information. As a result, since the destination information indicates the wireless communication device 20, the communication unit 21 outputs the service discovery query signal to the determination unit 22.

The determination unit 22 measures the reception strength of the service discovery query signal, and if the measured reception strength is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, determines that the wireless communication device 20 is close to the wireless communication device 30, and the measured reception. When the intensity is less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the wireless communication device 20 is not close to the wireless communication device 30.

When the determination unit 22 determines that the wireless communication device 20 is close to the wireless communication device 30, it further determines whether the service discovery query signal includes connection procedure possible information, and can perform the connection procedure in the service discovery query signal. When it is determined that the information is included, the first connection start instruction information is output to the control unit 25. On the other hand, if the determination unit 22 determines that the service discovery query signal does not include the connection procedure enable information, or if the wireless communication device 30 determines that the wireless communication device 30 is not close to the wireless communication device 20, the connection procedure is unsuccessful. The connection procedure impossible information indicating that it is possible is output to the control unit 25. In the present embodiment, since the service discovery query signal includes the connection procedure possible information, the determination unit 22 provides the first connection start instruction information when the wireless communication devices 20 and 30 are close to each other. Output.

In step S43, the control unit 25 generates a service discovery response signal as a fourth radio signal and outputs it to the communication unit 21. The communication unit 21 transmits the service discovery response signal to the wireless communication device 30. After that, the control unit 25 outputs information to the notification unit 24 to the effect that the wireless communication device 30 determines the connection partner based on the first connection start instruction information. As a result, the user of the wireless communication device 20 can confirm the connection partner.

When the determination unit 22 gives the connection procedure impossible information, the control unit 25 displays the information to that effect on the notification unit 24 and returns to step S10 or step S20.

On the other hand, in step S44, the communication unit 31 of the wireless communication device 30 receives the service discovery response signal and confirms the destination information. As a result, since the destination information indicates the wireless communication device 30, the communication unit 31 outputs the service discovery response signal to the determination unit 32.

The determination unit 32 measures the reception strength of the service discovery response signal, and if the measured reception strength is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, determines that the wireless communication device 30 is close to the wireless communication device 20, and the measured reception. When the intensity is less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the wireless communication device 30 is not close to the wireless communication device 20.

When the determination unit 32 determines that the wireless communication device 30 is close to the wireless communication device 20, it further determines whether the service discovery response signal includes connection procedure possible information, and can perform the connection procedure in the service discovery response signal. When it is determined that the information is included, the second connection start instruction information is output to the control unit 25. On the other hand, when the determination unit 32 determines that the service discovery response signal does not include the connection procedure enable information, or determines that the wireless communication device 30 is not close to the wireless communication device 20, the connection procedure is not performed. The connection procedure impossible information indicating that it is possible is output to the control unit 35. In the present embodiment, since the service discovery response signal includes the connection procedure possible information, the determination unit 32 determines that the wireless communication devices 20 and 30 are close to each other (the distance between them is several cm or less). Outputs the second connection start instruction information to.

When the second connection start instruction information is given by the determination unit 32, the control unit 35 provides information to the effect that the wireless communication device 20 determines the connection partner based on the second connection start instruction information. Output to the notification unit 24. As a result, the user of the wireless communication device 30 can confirm the connection partner.

On the other hand, when the determination unit 32 gives the connection procedure impossible information, the control unit 35 displays the information to that effect on the notification unit 24 and returns to step S10 or step S20.

Next, in steps S50 and S60, the wireless communication devices 20 and 30 determine each other as a partner of the connection procedure, and proceed to steps S70 to S110. A wireless communication path is established by these processes. First, in step S70, the control unit 25 of the wireless communication device 20 includes the identification information, the destination information indicating the wireless communication device 30, and the negotiation request information to negotiate how the parent-child relationship should be. A negotiation request (GO Negotiation Request) signal is generated and output to the communication unit 21. The communication unit 21 transmits the GO negotiation request signal to the wireless communication device 30.

In step S80, the communication unit 31 of the wireless communication device 30 receives the GO negotiation request signal and confirms the destination information. As a result, since the destination information indicates the wireless communication device 30, the GO negotiation request signal is output to the control unit 35. When the GO negotiation request signal is given, the control unit 35 determines the desire to use itself as the master unit or the slave unit, and the identification information, the destination information indicating the wireless communication device 20, and the self A GO Negotiation Response signal including role request information indicating a desired role is generated and output to the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 transmits the GO negotiation response signal to the wireless communication device 20.

In step S90, the communication unit 21 of the wireless communication device 20 receives the GO negotiation response signal and confirms the destination information. As a result, since the destination information indicates the wireless communication device 20, the GO negotiation response signal is output to the control unit 25.

The control unit 25 determines whether to accept the request of the wireless communication device 30 based on the role request information included in the GO negotiation response signal. The control unit 25 generates a GO negotiation confirmation signal including identification information, destination information, and role information indicating its own role, and outputs the signal to the communication unit 21. The communication unit 21 transmits the GO negotiation confirmation signal to the wireless communication device 30. The control unit 25 starts information to the effect that the connection procedure with the wireless communication device 30 is started (for example, "negotiation with the wireless communication device 30 has been completed correctly" or "starts the connection procedure with the wireless communication device 30". The text information) is displayed on the notification unit 24.

If the control unit 25 decides not to accept the request of the wireless communication device 30, the process returns to step S70.

The communication unit 31 of the wireless communication device 30 receives the GO negotiation confirmation signal and confirms the destination information. As a result, since the destination information indicates the wireless communication device 30, the GO negotiation confirmation signal is output to the control unit 35. The control unit 35 confirms that its own wish has been accepted based on the GO negotiation confirmation signal. Next, the control unit 35 displays on the notification unit 34 information to the effect that the connection procedure with the wireless communication device 20 is started (for example, the character information "start the connection procedure with the wireless communication device 20").

Therefore, since the wireless communication devices 20 and 30 notify the user to that effect before starting the connection procedure, the user can confirm that the connection procedure has been started.

Then, in step S100, the wireless communication devices 20 and 30 perform a connection procedure, and in step S110, establish a wireless communication path. The processes of steps S100 and S110 are the same as those of the conventional ones. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, WPS is performed when the WPS push button is pressed in each of the conventional wireless communication devices. It is a process such as exchange, authentication procedure, and 4-way-handshake. The notification units 24 and 34 may notify the state change during such a connection procedure. For example, the notification unit 24 of the wireless communication device 20 may notify the state change in at least one step of S900 to S905 shown in FIG. Similarly, the notification unit 34 of the wireless communication device 30 may notify the state change in at least one step of S800 to S805 shown in FIG. That is, the notification unit 24 and the notification unit 34 determine whether the connection procedure has been started, whether the authentication has been performed, whether the security has been set, whether the radio has been established, and whether the data transmission has become possible. You may notify. Further, when the connection procedure is performed as shown in FIG. 17, the notification unit 24 of the wireless communication device 20 may notify each of S900, S904 and S905 that the procedure is completed or not during the connection start and connection procedure. .. Similarly, the notification unit 34 of the wireless communication device 30 may notify each of S800, S804, and S805 that the procedure is completed or not during the connection start and connection procedure. The wireless communication devices 20 and 30, respectively, may display character information such as "successfully connected" on the notification units 24 and 34, respectively, but the notification is in a mode other than the display of the character information (for example). , Sound, vibration, etc.).

Based on the above, according to the first embodiment, the wireless communication device 20 determines whether or not it is close to the wireless communication device 30, and when it is determined that the wireless communication device 20 is close to the wireless communication device 30, the wireless communication device 20 is connected to the wireless communication device 30. Perform the procedure.

Therefore, the user of the wireless communication device 20 can cause the wireless communication device 20 to perform the connection procedure only by bringing the wireless communication device 20 close to the wireless communication device 30, so that the wireless communication devices 20 can be used with each other. It is possible to reduce the time and effort required for the user when connecting the wireless devices.

Further, the wireless communication device 20 determines that the wireless communication device 20 is close to the wireless communication device 30 when the reception strength of the third or fourth wireless signal received from the wireless communication device 30 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. It is possible to easily determine whether or not the device is close to.

Further, when the wireless communication device 20 determines that the wireless communication device 20 is close to the wireless communication device 30, and determines that the third or fourth wireless signal transmitted from the wireless communication device 30 includes connection procedure possible information, the wireless communication device 20 determines that the connection procedure is possible information. Since the connection procedure with the wireless communication device 30 is performed, the connection procedure can be performed more reliably.

Further, since the wireless communication device 20 notifies the user to that effect before starting the connection procedure, the user can confirm that the connection procedure has been started. Since the wireless communication device 20 can perform the connection procedure within the communication range with the wireless communication device 30, the user of the wireless communication device 20 confirms the start of the connection procedure and then connects with the wireless communication device 30. The wireless communication device 20 can be separated from the wireless communication device 30 within the communication range. In the past, since the user was not notified that the connection procedure was started, the user could not know when the connection procedure was started, and as a result, the connection procedure was completed. It was necessary to keep the wireless communication devices close to each other. Therefore, the wireless communication device 20 can reduce the time and effort required for the user when connecting the wireless communication devices to each other as compared with the conventional case.

[Modification example] Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described. This modification assumes a case where a plurality of wireless communication devices 30 exist in the vicinity of the wireless communication device 20. In this modification, the determination unit 22 performs the following processing in step S34 described above.

The determination unit 22 measures (calculates) the reception strength of each of the reception signals of the plurality of transmission sources given by the communication unit 21. When there are a plurality of sources whose reception strength is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the determination unit 22 can determine that they are closest to each other (that is, the source having the highest reception strength). ) May be determined as the proximity connection destination and selected.

As a method of determining proximity, the reception intensity may be divided into a plurality of ranks. For example, very far, short distance, very short distance. If it can be judged that it is very far, the source terminal may be excluded from the connection destination candidate list. Further, as in FIG. 2B, after filtering by whether or not the device has the proximity connection function, it may be determined whether or not the device is in the vicinity.

Therefore, the user of the wireless communication device 20 can perform the connection procedure to the wireless communication device 30 only by bringing the wireless communication device 20 closest to the wireless communication device 30 that he / she desires to connect to among the plurality of wireless communication devices 30. Since it can be started, the wireless communication device 20 can reduce the time and effort required for the user when connecting the wireless communication devices to each other as compared with the conventional case.

&lt;2. Second Embodiment&gt; [Configuration of wireless communication system] First, the configuration of the wireless communication system 10-2 will be described with reference to FIG. The wireless communication system 10-2 includes wireless communication devices 20 to 50. The configurations of the wireless communication devices 40 and 50 are the same as those of the wireless communication devices 20 and 30. The wireless communication device 30 forms a group G with the wireless communication devices 40 and 50, and functions as a master unit of the group G. In the second embodiment, the wireless communication device 20 that does not belong to any of the groups is connected to the wireless communication device 30. [Example of processing by wireless communication system 10-2]

Next, an example of processing by the wireless communication system 10-2 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the wireless communication device 20 and the wireless communication device 30 discover each other by performing the process of step S10 described above.

Next, the wireless communication device 20 and the wireless communication device 30 determine that they are close to each other and that they can be connected by performing the process of step S30 or step S40 described above.

Next, in step S180, the wireless communication device 20 determines the wireless communication device 30 as a connection target. Then, in step S190, the wireless communication device 20 generates a connection start trigger signal including the identification information, the destination information indicating the wireless communication device 30, and the connection start desired information indicating that the connection procedure is started, and the communication unit. Output to 21. The communication unit 21 outputs a connection start trigger signal to the wireless communication device 30. The communication unit 31 of the wireless communication device 30 receives the connection start trigger signal and confirms the destination information. As a result, since the destination information indicates the wireless communication device 30, the connection start trigger signal is output to the control unit 35. The control unit 35 recognizes that the wireless communication device 20 desires to start the connection based on the connection start trigger signal. After that, the wireless communication devices 20 and 30 connect by performing the processes of steps S100 and S110 described above. The same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained by the second embodiment.

[First modification] Next, a first modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, in the first modification, the process of finding each other by the wireless communication device 20 and the wireless communication device 30 is different from the above-described process.

That is, in step S220, the control unit 35 of the wireless communication device 30 generates a beacon signal as the first wireless signal and outputs it to the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 transmits the beacon signal to the periphery of the wireless communication device 30. As a result, the wireless communication device 30 notifies the wireless communication device 20 existing in the vicinity of the wireless communication device 30 of its existence.

In step S230, the communication unit 21 of the wireless communication device 20 receives the beacon signal and outputs it to the determination unit 22.

Next, the determination unit 22 identifies the wireless communication device 30 based on the identification information included in the beacon signal given by the communication unit 21. As a result, the determination unit 22 discovers the wireless communication device 30. The determination unit 22 generates destination information for uniquely identifying the wireless communication device 30 based on the identification information included in the beacon signal, and outputs the first discovery information including the destination information to the control unit 25.

The wireless communication device 20 then transmits a probe request signal to the wireless communication device 30 in step S231, and the wireless communication device 30 performs the process of step S12 accordingly. The wireless communication device 30 transmits the probe response signal to the wireless communication device 20 in step S232. After that, the wireless communication devices 20 and 30 connect by performing the processes of steps S30, S40, S180, S190, S100, and S110 described above. The same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained by the first modification.

[Second variant] Next, a second modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the second modification differs from the above-described processing in that a connection start trigger signal is transmitted from the wireless communication device 30 side. That is, the wireless communication devices 20 and 30 first perform the processes of steps S10, S30, and S40 described above. Next, in step S260, the wireless communication device 30 determines the wireless communication device 20 as a connection target. Then, in step S270, the wireless communication device 30 generates a connection start trigger signal including the identification information, the destination information indicating the wireless communication device 20, and the connection start desired information indicating that the connection procedure is started, and the communication unit. Output to 31. The communication unit 31 outputs a connection start trigger signal to the wireless communication device 20. The communication unit 21 of the wireless communication device 20 receives the connection start trigger signal and confirms the destination information. As a result, since the destination information indicates the wireless communication device 20, the connection start trigger signal is output to the control unit 25. The control unit 25 recognizes that the wireless communication device 30 desires to start the connection based on the connection start trigger signal. After that, the wireless communication devices 20 and 30 connect by performing the processes of steps S100 and S110 described above. The same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained by the second modification.

&lt;3. Third Embodiment&gt; Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, in the wireless communication system 10-2 shown in FIG. 8, the wireless communication device 20 is connected to the wireless communication device 40 which is a slave unit in the group G.

As shown in FIG. 12, the wireless communication device 40 includes a communication unit 41, a determination unit 42, a storage unit 43, a notification unit 44, and a control unit 45. The functions of these configurations are the same as those of the wireless communication device 20.

[Procedure of processing by information processing system 10-2] Next, an example of processing by the wireless communication system 10-2 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S280, the control unit 25 of the wireless communication device 20 generates a probe request signal as the first wireless signal and outputs it to the communication unit 21. The communication unit 21 transmits the probe request signal to the periphery of the wireless communication device 20. As a result, the wireless communication device 20 notifies the wireless communication device 30 existing in the vicinity of the wireless communication device 20 of its existence.

In step S290, the communication unit 31 of the wireless communication device 30 receives the probe request signal and outputs it to the determination unit 32.

Next, the determination unit 32 identifies the wireless communication device 20 based on the identification information included in the probe request signal given by the communication unit 31. As a result, the determination unit 32 discovers the wireless communication device 20. The determination unit 32 generates destination information for uniquely identifying the wireless communication device 20 based on the identification information included in the probe request signal, and includes the destination information and the response request information included in the probe request signal. The first discovery information is output to the control unit 35.

In step S300, the control unit 35 generates a probe response signal as a second radio signal and outputs it to the communication unit 31. Here, the control unit 35 includes list information indicating a list of slave units (here, wireless communication devices 40 and 50) in the probe response signal. The list information is, for example, a combination of destination information indicating the wireless communication devices 40 and 50. These destination information are generated in the process of connecting the wireless communication device 30 with the wireless communication devices 40 and 50. The communication unit 31 transmits the probe response signal to the wireless communication device 20. On the other hand, the control unit 35 says that the information indicating that the wireless communication device 20 exists in the vicinity of itself based on the destination information included in the first discovery information (for example, "the wireless communication device 20 has been discovered"). (Character information) is displayed on the notification unit 34.

In step S300, the communication unit 21 of the wireless communication device 20 receives the probe response signal and confirms the destination information. As a result, since the destination information indicates the wireless communication device 20, the communication unit 21 outputs the probe response signal to the determination unit 22.

Next, the determination unit 22 identifies the wireless communication devices 30 to 50 based on the identification information and the list information included in the probe response signal given by the communication unit 21. As a result, the determination unit 22 discovers the wireless communication devices 30 to 50. The determination unit 22 generates destination information for uniquely identifying the wireless communication devices 30 to 50, and outputs the second discovery information including the destination information and the response information to the control unit 25. Based on the second discovery information, the control unit 25 indicates that the wireless communication devices 30 to 50 exist in the vicinity of the control unit 25 (for example, the character information "The wireless communication devices 30 to 50 have been found"). Is displayed on the notification unit 24.

In step S320, the control unit 25 generates a service discovery query signal including destination information indicating the wireless communication device 40 and outputs the service discovery query signal to the communication unit 21 in order to attempt to connect to the wireless communication device 40 which is a slave unit. The communication unit 21 transmits the service discovery query signal to the wireless communication device 40.

In step S330, the communication unit 41 of the wireless communication device 40 receives the service discovery query signal and confirms the destination information. As a result, since the destination information indicates the wireless communication device 40, the communication unit 41 outputs the service discovery query signal to the determination unit 42.

The determination unit 42 measures the reception strength of the service discovery query signal, and if the measured reception strength is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, determines that the wireless communication device 40 is close to the wireless communication device 20, and the measured reception. When the intensity is less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the wireless communication device 40 is not close to the wireless communication device 20.

When the determination unit 42 determines that the wireless communication device 40 is close to the wireless communication device 20, it further determines whether the service discovery query signal includes connection procedure possible information, and can connect to the service discovery query signal. When it is determined that the information is included, the control unit 45 outputs the first connection start instruction information including the destination information indicating the wireless communication device 20 and the response request information and the connection procedure possible information included in the service discovery query signal. Output to. On the other hand, if the determination unit 42 determines that the service discovery query signal does not include the connection procedure enable information, or if the wireless communication device 40 determines that the wireless communication device 40 is not close to the wireless communication device 20, the connection procedure is unsuccessful. The connection procedure impossible information indicating that it is possible is output to the control unit 45. In the third embodiment, since the service discovery query signal includes the connection procedure possible information, the determination unit 42 has the wireless communication devices 40 and 20 close to each other (the distance between them is several cm or less). ), The first connection start instruction information is output.

When the first connection start instruction information is given by the determination unit 42, the control unit 45 provides information to the effect that the wireless communication device 20 determines the connection partner based on the first connection start instruction information. Output to the notification unit 44. As a result, the user of the wireless communication device 40 can confirm the connection partner.

On the other hand, when the determination unit 42 gives the connection procedure impossible information, the control unit 45 displays the information to that effect on the notification unit 24 and repeats the process of step S330.

Next, in step S340, the control unit 45 determines the wireless communication device 20 as a connection target.

In step S350, the wireless communication device 40 includes the identification information, the destination information indicating the wireless communication device 20, and the connection start desired information to the effect that the connection procedure is started (that is, the wireless communication device 20 is a member of the group G). A connection start trigger signal including and is generated and output to the communication unit 41. The communication unit 41 outputs a connection start trigger signal to the wireless communication device 20. The communication unit 21 of the wireless communication device 20 receives the connection start trigger signal and confirms the destination information. As a result, since the destination information indicates the wireless communication device 20, the connection start trigger signal is output to the control unit 25. The control unit 25 recognizes that the wireless communication device 40 wants to start the connection based on the connection start trigger signal. After that, the wireless communication devices 20 and 40 connect by performing the same processing as in steps S100 and S110 described above in steps S360 and S370.

As described above, in the third embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those in the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. That is, since the wireless communication device 30 includes the list information indicating the list of the slave units in the probe response signal, the wireless communication device 20 can grasp the wireless communication devices constituting the group G based on the list information. it can. As a result, the wireless communication device 20 can attempt to connect to any wireless communication device constituting the group G. In the above description, the wireless communication device 20 attempts to connect to the wireless communication device 40, but the wireless communication device 20 may attempt to connect to the wireless communication device 50.

[First modification] Next, a first modification of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In step S380, the control unit 35 of the wireless communication device 30 generates a beacon signal as the first wireless signal and outputs it to the communication unit 31. Here, in this modification, the beacon signal includes the above-mentioned list information. The communication unit 31 transmits the beacon signal to the periphery of the wireless communication device 30. As a result, the wireless communication device 30 notifies the wireless communication device 20 existing in the vicinity of the wireless communication device 30 of its existence.

In step S390, the communication unit 21 of the wireless communication device 20 receives the beacon signal and outputs it to the determination unit 22.

Next, the determination unit 22 identifies the wireless communication devices 30 to 50 based on the identification information and the list information included in the beacon signal given by the communication unit 21. As a result, the determination unit 22 discovers the wireless communication devices 30 to 50. Next, the determination unit 22 generates destination information for uniquely identifying the wireless communication device 30 to 50, and outputs the first discovery information including the destination information to the control unit 25.

In step S400, the control unit 25 generates a probe request signal and outputs it to the communication unit 21. The communication unit 21 transmits the probe request signal to the periphery of the wireless communication device 20. As a result, the wireless communication device 20 notifies the wireless communication devices 30 to 50 existing in the vicinity of the wireless communication device 20 of its existence. In step S410, the wireless communication device 30 receives the probe request signal and discovers the wireless communication device 20 based on the identification information included in the probe request signal.

After that, the wireless communication devices 20 and 40 perform the processes of steps S320 to S370 described above. The same effect as that of the third embodiment described above can be obtained by this first modification.

[Second variant] Next, a second modification of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the second modification, the wireless communication device 20 is connected to the wireless communication device 40 via the wireless communication device 30 which is a master unit.

First, the wireless communication devices 20 to 40 perform the processes of steps S280 to S350 described above.

Next, in step S410, the wireless communication device 20 performs a connection procedure for the wireless communication device 20 to join the group G with respect to the wireless communication device 30 which is the master unit of the wireless communication device 40. As a result, in step S420, a wireless communication path between the wireless communication device 20 and the wireless communication device 40 is established via the wireless communication device 30. As the process of step S410, a conventionally known process is arbitrarily applied.

[Third variant] Next, a third modification of the third embodiment will be described. In this modification, the processes of steps S330 to S350 described above are performed on the wireless communication device 20 side. That is, when the wireless communication device 40 receives the service discovery query signal in step S320, the wireless communication device 40 transmits the service discovery response signal corresponding to the service discovery query signal to the wireless communication device 20.

Next, the communication unit 20 of the wireless communication device 20 receives the service discovery response signal and confirms the destination information. As a result, since the destination information indicates the wireless communication device 20, the communication unit 21 outputs the service discovery response signal to the determination unit 22.

The determination unit 22 measures the reception strength of the service discovery response signal, and if the measured reception strength is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, determines that the wireless communication device 20 is close to the wireless communication device 40, and the measured reception. When the intensity is less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the wireless communication device 20 is not close to the wireless communication device 40.

When the determination unit 22 determines that the wireless communication device 20 is close to the wireless communication device 40, the determination unit 22 further determines whether the service discovery response signal includes connection procedure possible information, and can perform the connection procedure in the service discovery response signal. When it is determined that the information is included, the control unit 25 receives the second connection start instruction information including the destination information indicating the wireless communication device 40, the response information included in the service discovery response signal, and the connection procedure possible information. Output. On the other hand, if the determination unit 22 determines that the service discovery response signal does not include the connection procedure enable information, or if the wireless communication device 20 determines that the wireless communication device 20 is not close to the wireless communication device 40, the connection procedure is not performed. The connection procedure impossible information indicating that it is possible is output to the control unit 25.

When the second connection start instruction information is given by the determination unit 22, the control unit 25 provides information to the effect that the wireless communication device 40 determines the connection partner based on the second connection start instruction information. Output to the notification unit 24. As a result, the user of the wireless communication device 20 can confirm the connection partner.

On the other hand, when the determination unit 22 gives the connection procedure impossible information, the control unit 25 displays the information to that effect on the notification unit 24.

Next, the control unit 25 determines the wireless communication device 40 as a connection target. Next, the wireless communication device 20 generates a connection start trigger signal including identification information, destination information indicating the wireless communication device 40, and connection start desired information to start the connection procedure, and outputs the connection start trigger signal to the communication unit 21. .. The communication unit 21 transmits a connection start trigger signal to the wireless communication device 40. The communication unit 41 of the wireless communication device 40 receives the connection start trigger signal and confirms the destination information. As a result, since the destination information indicates the wireless communication device 40, the connection start trigger signal is output to the control unit 45. The control unit 45 recognizes that the wireless communication device 20 desires to start the connection based on the connection start trigger signal. After that, the wireless communication devices 20 and 40 connect by performing the processes of steps S360 and S370 described above. The effect of the above-described embodiment can also be obtained by the third modification. In addition, the wireless communication device 20 can determine whether or not the proximity and connection are possible.

&lt;4. Supplement&gt; Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field of the present disclosure can come up with various modifications or modifications within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims. Of course, it is understood that the above also belongs to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

For example, although it is decided to give various notifications to the user using information, various notifications may be given to the user using other forms such as light, sound, voice, and vibration. When the wireless communication device 20 makes a notification in these forms, the wireless communication device 20 makes various notifications by changing the way of shining, the tempo of sound or voice, and the way of vibration.

Further, the wireless communication devices 20 and 30 determine whether or not the wireless communication device 20 and the wireless communication device 30 are close to each other by using the reception strength of the wireless signal, but other evaluation values, for example, the reception strength of the wireless signal. You may use the evaluation value obtained by filtering.

[Modified example of proximity detection method] Further, the wireless communication device 20 is a combination of sensors such as an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a human sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a brightness sensor, a proximity sensor, a temperature sensor, an image sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor, and a measured reception intensity. The proximity may be determined by. An example of the combination will be described below. The following example can be applied to the wireless communication device 30 alone or at the same time.

(Example 1: Combination of accelerometer and reception intensity) In the wireless communication device 20, when the acceleration sensor detects that the wireless communication device 20 has been shaken and the reception intensity from the wireless communication device 30 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the wireless communication device 30 is in close proximity. May be determined.

(Example 2: Combination of gyro sensor and reception strength) When the wireless communication device 20 recognizes that a preset user operation has been performed due to a change in the direction detected by the gyro sensor, and the reception intensity from the wireless communication device 30 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. In addition, it may be determined that the wireless communication device 30 is in close proximity.

(Example 3: Combination of luminance sensor and reception intensity) The wireless communication device 20 determines that the wireless communication device 30 is in close proximity when the brightness sensor detects brightness equal to or higher than a predetermined brightness and the reception intensity from the wireless communication device 30 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. You may. With such a configuration, the proximity determination can be obtained when the wireless communication device 30 exists in the vicinity of the wireless communication device 20 and the wireless communication device 30 emits light, for example, an LED. In the wireless communication device 20, when the rate of change in brightness detected by the brightness sensor exceeds the threshold value and the reception intensity from the wireless communication device 30 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the wireless communication device 30 is in close proximity. It may be determined that there is.

(Example 4: Combination of image sensor and reception intensity) The wireless communication device 20 performs wireless communication when the distance to the wireless communication device 30 detected from the image obtained by the image sensor is equal to or less than a threshold value and the reception intensity from the wireless communication device 30 is equal to or more than a predetermined value. It may be determined that the devices 30 are in close proximity.

(Example 5: Combination of temperature sensor and reception intensity) The wireless communication device 20 determines that the wireless communication device 30 is in close proximity when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor exceeds the threshold value and the reception intensity from the wireless communication device 30 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. May be good. When the wireless communication device 20 is gripped by the user, it is considered that the temperature of the wireless communication device 20 rises due to the user's body temperature. Therefore, according to the above configuration, when the user grips the wireless communication device 20 and brings it closer to the wireless communication device 30. Proximity judgment can be obtained.

(Example 6: Combination of geomagnetic sensor and reception strength) The wireless communication device 20 and the wireless communication device 30 detect their own orientation by the geomagnetic sensor, exchange the detection results by the geomagnetic sensor, recognize that they are facing each other, and from the wireless communication device 30. When the reception strength of is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, it may be determined that the wireless communication devices 30 are in close proximity to each other.

(Example 7: Combination of multiple sensors and reception strength) In the above, an example of determining proximity by combining the detection result of one sensor and the reception intensity has been described, but the wireless communication device 20 has three or more sensors such as an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and a brightness sensor. Proximity may be determined by the combination of the detection result and the reception intensity.

(Example 8: Other) Further, the wireless communication devices 20 and 30 may confirm their own positions by receiving GPS signals, respectively, and may determine whether they are close to each other by transmitting wireless signals related to the position information. Good. Further, the wireless communication device 20 is provided with a vibration sensor, and when the service discovery query signal from the wireless communication device 30 is received and the vibration is detected by the vibration sensor, the wireless communication device 20 is close to the wireless communication device 30. It may be determined that it has been done. In this case, when the wireless communication device 20 comes into contact with the wireless communication device 30, it is determined that the wireless communication device 20 is close to the wireless communication device 30. Further, the wireless communication devices 20 and 30 acquire distance information from the access point, respectively, and transmit radio signals related to the acquired distance information to each other to determine whether they are close to each other. May be good. Further, the sensor for detecting the contact may determine that the contact is detected as proximity.

[Modification example related to threshold setting] Further, the wireless communication device 20 may use different threshold values as predetermined values for proximity determination depending on the communication partner. For example, the threshold value with the communication partner who performs the connection procedure based on the proximity judgment for the first time may be stricter than the threshold value with the communication partner who has already authenticated the connection based on the proximity judgment and holds the profile at the time of mutual authentication. .. With such a configuration, it is possible to extend the permissible range of proximity determination with a communication partner whose connection has been authenticated to be wider than the permissible range of proximity determination with a communication partner who performs a connection procedure for the first time.

[How to notify users of internal status] Further, the wireless communication device 20 may notify the user of the internal state related to the proximity determination and the connection procedure by emitting light from the LED. Further, the wireless communication device 20 may notify the user of the internal state by other methods using vibration, characters, sounds, odors, images, or the like, in addition to the light emission of the LED.

For example, the wireless communication device 20 blinks the LED from the start of the connection procedure until the connection procedure is completed, turns on the LED when the connection is completed, and turns the LED red when the connection procedure fails. It may blink. Further, the wireless communication device 20 blinks the LED from the start of the connection procedure until the connection procedure is completed, and when the connection is completed, displays a screen indicating that the connection is completed, and when the connection procedure fails. May display a screen indicating that the LED is not connected. Alternatively, the wireless communication device 20 may use them in combination.

The wireless communication device 20 notifies the user of the internal state by distinguishing between LED light emission, vibration, characters, sound, odor, image, etc., depending on whether or not the communication partner is connected for the first time. May be good.

In addition, each embodiment and embodiment may be arbitrarily combined. Each of the above embodiments is applied to various wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi Direct and TransferJet.

The following configurations also belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) A communication unit that can wirelessly communicate with other wireless communication devices, A determination unit that determines whether the communication unit is close to the other wireless communication device, and A wireless communication device including a control unit that performs a connection procedure between the communication unit and the other wireless communication device when it is determined that the communication unit is close to the other wireless communication device. (2) The determination unit determines that the communication unit is close to the other wireless communication device when the reception strength of the radio signal received from the other wireless communication device is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. 1) The wireless communication device described. (3) When the communication unit receives a wireless signal from a plurality of other wireless communication devices and there are a plurality of wireless signals whose reception intensity is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, the determination unit determines the reception intensity. The wireless communication device according to (2) above, wherein the communication unit determines that the communication unit is close to the other wireless communication device that has transmitted the largest wireless signal. (4) When the other wireless communication device can perform the connection procedure on the condition that the connection is close to the communication unit, the other wireless communication device transmits a wireless signal including the connection procedure possible information by the proximity indicating that fact. The determination unit determines whether the wireless signal includes the connection procedure possible information due to the proximity, and determines. When the control unit determines that the communication unit is close to the other wireless communication device and the wireless signal includes information that can be connected by the proximity, the communication unit and the other. The wireless communication device according to (1) above, which performs a connection procedure with the wireless communication device of. (5) The wireless communication device according to (1) above, comprising a notification unit for notifying the start of the connection procedure, the end of the connection procedure, the state change of the connection procedure, or the result of the connection procedure. (6) The other wireless communication device constitutes one of one or more slave units connected to the master unit, and constitutes one of the slave units. The communication unit acquires the list information of the slave unit from the master unit, and obtains the list information of the slave unit. The determination unit discovers the other wireless communication device based on the list information acquired by the communication unit, and determines whether the communication unit is close to the discovered other wireless communication device. The wireless communication device according to (1) above. (7) The wireless communication device according to (2) above, wherein the determination unit performs proximity determination using a different threshold value as the predetermined value depending on whether or not the other wireless communication device has been connected before. (8) In the determination unit, the reception strength of the radio signal received by the communication unit from the other wireless communication device is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and a predetermined detection result is obtained by the sensor provided in the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device according to (2) above, wherein the communication unit determines that the communication unit is close to the other wireless communication device. (9) A step of determining whether a communication unit capable of wireless communication with another wireless communication device is close to the other wireless communication device, and A wireless communication method including a step of performing a connection procedure between the communication unit and the other wireless communication device when it is determined that the communication unit is close to the other wireless communication device. (10) A wireless communication system including a first wireless communication device and a second wireless communication device capable of wireless communication. The first wireless communication device is A communication unit capable of wireless communication with the second wireless communication device, A determination unit that determines whether the communication unit is close to the second wireless communication device, and A wireless communication system including a control unit that performs a connection procedure between the communication unit and the second wireless communication device when it is determined that the communication unit is close to the second wireless communication device.

10-1, 10-2 Wireless communication system 20-50 wireless communication device 21, 31, 41 Communication section 22, 32, 42 Judgment unit 23, 33, 43 Memory 24, 34, 44 Notification section 25, 35, 45 Control unit