A bridging apparatus for interconnecting a wireless pan and a wireless lan
Abstract
This record has no abstract on file.
Term
Term ended
Expired 20 July 2021, 5.2 years ago.
- Priority
- Filed
- Granted
- Expired
- Today
34 claims: 9 independent, 25 dependent
- 1複数の無線パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器と、 無線ローカルエリアネットワーク機器と、 上記無線パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器に対する双方向データ通信を行う第1の送受信モジュールと、上記無線ローカルエリアネットワーク機器に対する双方向データ通信を行う第2の送受信モジュールとを有する無線ブリッジ装置とを備え、 上記無線ブリッジ装置は、上記無線パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器との通信に関する第1の通信可能範囲と、上記無線ローカルエリアネットワーク機器との通信に関する第2の通信可能範囲とを有し、該第1の通信可能範囲は、該第2の通信可能範囲より狭く、該第1の通信可能範囲全体が該第2の通信可能範囲内に含まれることを特徴とする、 双方向無線通信システム。
- 2上記無線ローカルエリアネットワーク機器と通信し、及び上記無線ブリッジを介して上記無線パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器と通信するインターネットに接続されたリモートのバックエンドサーバを備える請求項1記載の双方向無線通信システム。
- 3上記第1の送受信モジュール及び第2の送受信モジュールは、それぞれ異なる周波数で動作することを特徴とする請求項1記載の双方無線通信システム。
- 4上記第2の送受信モジュールは、最大7個の無線パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器と同時に通信を行う のに必要な 広さの動作帯域幅を有することを特徴とする請求項1記載の双方無線通信システム。
- 5上記各パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器は、固有のアドレスを有し、当該双方向無線通信システムは、互いに近接するそれぞれ異なる複数の第1の通信可能範囲に亘る双方向無線通信のための複数の無線ブリッジ装置を備え、 上記無線ローカルエリアネットワーク機器は、上記通信可能範囲の1つから他の通信可能範囲へのローミングの際、上記各パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器と実質的に均一の双方向データ通信を維持することを特徴とする請求項1記載の双方向無線通信システム。
- 6上記各無線ブリッジ装置は、上記パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器との通信のための第1の通信可能範囲と、上記ローカルエリアネットワーク機器との通信のための第2の通信可能範囲とを有し、該各第1の通信可能範囲は、該各第2の通信可能範囲より狭く、該第1の通信可能範囲全体が対応する第2の通信可能範囲内に含まれることを特徴とする請求項5記載の双方向無線通信システム。
- 7上記第1の送受信モジュールは、5GHz以下の周波数で動作し、上記第2の送受信モジュールモジュールは、5GHz以上の周波数で動作することを特徴とする請求項3記載の双方向無線通信システム。
- 8上記第2の送受信モジュールの帯域幅は、上記第1の送受信モジュールの帯域幅の少なくとも10倍であることを特徴とする請求項4記載の双方向無線通信システム。
- 9上記インターネットに接続されたリモートのバックエンドサーバは、上記パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器の通信可能範囲が限られているために、該パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器とは 直接通信を 行うことができないことを特徴とする請求項2記載の双方向無線通信システム。
- 10少なくとも1つのパーソナルエリアネットワーク機器と、該パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器の動作範囲外に配設されたリモートサーバとを有する双方向無線通信システムにおいて、 上記リモートサーバと通信する無線ローカルエリアネットワーク機器と、 上記無線パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器に対する双方向データ通信を行う第1の送受信モジュールと、上記無線ローカルエリアネットワーク機器に対する双方向データ通信を行う第2の送受信モジュールとを有する無線ブリッジ装置とを備え、 上記無線ブリッジ装置は、上記無線パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器との通信に関する第1の通信可能範囲と、上記無線ローカルエリアネットワーク機器との通信に関する第2の通信可能範囲とを有し、該第1の通信可能範囲は、該第2の通信可能範囲より狭く、該第1の通信可能範囲全体が該第2の通信可能範囲内に含まれることを特徴とする、 双方向無線通信システム。
- 11上記リモートサーバと通信し、及び上記無線ブリッジ装置を介してパーソナルエリアネットワーク機器と通信するインターネット接続を備える請求項10記載の双方向無線通信システム。
- 12上記第1の送受信モジュール及び第2の送受信モジュールは、それぞれ異なる周波数で動作することを特徴とする請求項10記載の双方無線通信システム。
- 13上記第2の送受信モジュールは、最大7個の無線パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器と同時に通信を行う のに必要な 広さの動作帯域幅を有することを特徴とする請求項10記載の双方無線通信システム。
- 14上記各パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器は、固有のアドレスを有し、当該双方向無線通信システムは、互いに近接するそれぞれ異なる複数の第1の通信可能範囲に亘る双方向無線通信のための複数の無線ブリッジ装置を備え、 上記無線ローカルエリアネットワーク機器は、上記通信可能範囲の1つから他の通信可能範囲へのローミングの際、上記各パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器と実質的に均一の双方向データ通信を維持することを特徴とする請求項10記載の双方向無線通信システム。
- 15上記各無線ブリッジ装置は、上記パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器との通信のための第1の通信可能範囲と、上記ローカルエリアネットワーク機器との通信のための第2の通信可能範囲とを有し、該各第1の通信可能範囲は、該各第2の通信可能範囲より狭く、該第1の通信可能範囲全体が対応する第2の通信可能範囲内に含まれることを特徴とする請求項14記載の双方向無線通信システム。
- 16上記第1の送受信モジュールは、5GHz以下の周波数で動作し、上記第2の送受信モジュールモジュールは、5GHz以上の周波数で動作することを特徴とする請求項12記載の双方向無線通信システム。
- 17上記第2の送受信モジュールの帯域幅は、上記第1の送受信モジュールの帯域幅の少なくとも10倍であることを特徴とする請求項13記載の双方向無線通信システム。
- 18上記インターネットに接続されたリモートのバックエンドサーバは、上記パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器の通信可能範囲が限られているために、該パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器とは 直接通信を 行うことができないことを特徴とする請求項11記載の双方向無線通信システム。
- 19ユーザが無線パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器を用いて商品又はサービスの取引を行う少なくとも1つの売店と、該売店から遠隔にあり、上記無線パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器とは直接通信を行えない距離にあるデータサーバとを有する商用サイトにおいて使用され、該パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器とリモートサーバとの間の双方向実時間データ転送を実現する双方向無線通信システムにおいて、 上記リモートサーバに接続された無線ローカルエリアネットワーク機器と、 上記無線パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器に対する双方向データ通信を行う第1の送受信モジュールと、上記無線ローカルエリアネットワーク機器に対する双方向データ通信を行う第2の送受信モジュールとを有する無線ブリッジ装置とを備え、 上記無線ブリッジ装置は、上記無線パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器との通信に関する第1の通信可能範囲と、上記無線ローカルエリアネットワーク機器との通信に関する第2の通信可能範囲とを有し、該第1の通信可能範囲は、該第2の通信可能範囲より狭く、該第1の通信可能範囲全体が該第2の通信可能範囲内に含まれることを特徴とする、 双方向無線通信システム。
- 20上記第1の送受信モジュール及び第2の送受信モジュールは、それぞれ異なる周波数で動作することを特徴とする請求項19記載の双方無線通信システム。
- 21上記第2の送受信モジュールは、最大7個の無線パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器と同時に通信を行うために十分な広さの動作帯域幅を有することを特徴とする請求項19記載の双方無線通信システム。
- 22上記各パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器は、固有のアドレスを有し、当該双方向無線通信システムは、互いに近接するそれぞれ異なる複数の第1の通信可能範囲に亘る双方向無線通信のための複数の無線ブリッジ装置を備え、 上記無線ローカルエリアネットワーク機器は、上記通信可能範囲の1つから他の通信可能範囲へのローミングの際、上記各パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器と実質的に均一の双方向データ通信を維持することを特徴とする請求項19記載の双方向無線通信システム。
- 23上記各無線ブリッジ装置は、上記パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器との通信のための第1の通信可能範囲と、上記ローカルエリアネットワーク機器との通信のための第2の通信可能範囲とを有し、該各第1の通信可能範囲は、該各第2の通信可能範囲より狭く、該第1の通信可能範囲全体が対応する第2の通信可能範囲内に含まれることを特徴とする請求項22記載の双方向無線通信システム。
- 24上記第1の送受信モジュールは、5GHz以下の周波数で動作し、上記第2の送受信モジュールモジュールは、5GHz以上の周波数で動作することを特徴とする請求項20記載の双方向無線通信システム。
- 25上記第2の送受信モジュールの帯域幅は、上記第1の送受信モジュールの帯域幅の少なくとも10倍であることを特徴とする請求項21記載の双方向無線通信システム。
- 26上記インターネットに接続されたリモートのバックエンドサーバは、上記パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器の通信可能範囲が限られているために、該パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器とは信頼性が高い通信を直接行うことができないことを特徴とする請求項19記載の双方向無線通信システム。
- 27ユーザが無線パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器を用いて商品又はサービスの取引を行う少なくとも1つの売店と、該売店から遠隔にあり、上記無線パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器とは直接通信を行えない距離にあるデータサーバとを有する商用サイトにおいて使用され、該パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器とリモートサーバとの間の双方向実時間データ転送を実現する双方向無線通信システムにおいて、 上記リモートサーバに接続された無線ローカルエリアネットワーク機器と、 上記無線パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器に対する双方向データ通信を行う第1の送受信モジュールと、上記無線ローカルエリアネットワーク機器に対する双方向データ通信を行う第2の送受信モジュールとを有する無線ブリッジ装置とを備え、 上記商用サイトは、自動車サービスステーションであり、上記売店は、少なくとも1つのガソリン給油ポンプを備える双方向無線通信システム。
- 28上記パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器は、上記自動車サービスステーションにおける自動車に搭載されている通信モジュールであることを特徴とする請求項27記載の双方向無線通信システム。
- 29上記パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器は、ハンドヘルド型個人携帯情報端末装置であることを特徴とする請求項27記載の双方向無線通信システム。
- 30上記パーソナルエリアネットワーク機器は、ブルートゥース無線通信プロトコルに準拠していることを特徴とする請求項19記載の双方向無線通信システム。
- 31上記ローカルエリアネットワーク機器は、IEEE802.11aプロトコルに準拠していることを特徴とする請求項19記載の双方向無線通信システム。
- 32上記無線ブリッジ装置は、上記ガソリン給油ポンプの近傍に配設されていることを特徴とする請求項27記載の双方向無線通信システム。
- 33インターネットに接続されたバックエンドサーバから遠隔にある複数のガソリン給油ポンプを有する自動車サービスステーションにおいて、少なくとも1つのパーソナルエリアネットワーク機器と、上記バックエンドサーバとの間のデータ通信インタフェースを実現するインタフェース方法において、 データ転送ブリッジ内に無線ローカルエリアネットワーク送受信機と無線パーソナルエリアネットワーク送受信機を配設するステップと、 上記データ転送ブリッジを上記ガソリン給油ポンプから、上記無線パーソナルエリアネットワーク送受信機の最大通信可能距離より短い第1の距離離間させて配設するステップと、 上記インターネットに接続されたバックエンドサーバをローカルエリアネットワーク機器に接続するステップと、 上記ローカルエリアネットワーク機器を上記データ転送ブリッジから、上記無線ローカルエリアネットワーク送受信機の通信可能距離より短い第2の距離離間させて配設するステップと、 上記無線ローカルエリアネットワーク送受信機と無線パーソナルエリアネットワーク送受信機との間の干渉が生じないように、該無線ローカルエリアネットワーク送受信機と無線パーソナルエリアネットワーク送受信機とを異なる転送周波数で動作させるステップとを有するインタフェース方法。
- 34インターネットプロトコルアドレスを有さない移動機器と、遠隔に配設され、インターネットに接続されたバックエンドサーバとの間の通信リンクを実現する通信システムにおいて、 空間的に離れた位置に配設され、個別の通信可能範囲を形成し、該通信可能範囲内に入った上記移動機器と双方向通信を行い、それぞれ固有のインターネットプロトコルアドレスを有し、上記バックエンドサーバとの独立した接続を有する少なくとも2つの通信多重化装置と、 上記移動機器が1つの通信可能範囲を出て、他の通信可能範囲に入ったとき、代替となる通信多重化装置のインターネットプロトコルアドレスと、上記バックエンドサーバと対応する多重化装置との間の個別の接続とを選択するバッファリング及びスイッチング手段とを備え、 上記多重化装置とバックエンドサーバとの間の独立した接続は無線接続であり、 上記通信可能範囲は、互いに隣接し、上記移動装置は、1つの通信可能範囲を出て、直ちに他の通信可能範囲に入り、上記移動装置と上記バックエンドサーバとの通信が実質的に継続され、 上記各多重化装置は、それぞれ上記移動装置及び上記バックエンドサーバと通信を行う個別の送受信機を有する無線ブリッジ装置を備える、 ことを特徴とする通信システム。
Independent claims34
1 paragraph, as filed
[0001] [Technical field to which the invention belongs] The present invention relates to the field of communication, and more particularly, between a plurality of wireless personal area networks (PAN) and a wireless local area network (LAN) capable of communicating with a server connected to the Internet. Regarding communication devices that realize seamless two-way communication. [0002] [Conventional technology] Multiple personal areas network: Hereafter, it is called PAN. ) Depending on the device, there are various applications for which two-way communication with a remote back-end server connected to the Internet is desired. For example, in a "drive-in" transaction in which a plurality of shops are lined up, it is convenient if the occupant of the car can communicate wirelessly with the shop and make a local transaction. In addition, if the shop can communicate with a remote server connected to the Internet, the central control system can monitor, evaluate and record local transactions in real time without the use of wireless links. .. A main example of a drive-in stand-type environment is a general automobile service station, where a wireless PAN / LAN two-way wireless communication system using an in-vehicle device or a hand-held device is used. It is beneficial to realize. The in-vehicle device may be a module that operates automatically. The handheld device may be, for example, a personal digital assistant (hereinafter referred to as PDA). [0003] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention] There are various communication systems as technologies that can be used to realize two-way communication from a shop that conducts transactions to a remote server. However, currently available systems typically require direct interaction with the kiosk, or a wired connection between the kiosk or between the kiosk and the local transmitter / receiver. For gas station applications, an explosion-proof rated cable, such as an EX zone 1 area 1 rated cable, must be installed between the remote server and the gasoline pump. is there. Here, the conduits for adding cables are often already full or there are no such conduits. There are 24,500 gas stations registered in the United States and Canada alone, and upgrading with existing resources at these stations would be costly. [0004] [Means for solving problems] The wireless bridge based on the present invention is between a Bluetooth compatible device (for example, a mobile information terminal, an Internet compatible mobile phone, an in-vehicle module for automobiles, etc.) and a server connected to the Internet (hereinafter referred to as an Internet connection server). Realize an end-to-end wireless communication path. Wireless bridges combine two competing technologies into a single device, leveraging the strengths of each technology. That is, the wireless bridge employs both Bluetooth-based personal area network technology and wireless local area network technology based on IEEE802.11a or other wireless local area network standards to provide wireless system-level Internet services with peripheral devices. Achieve interaction. Here, in the present invention, these wireless technologies are appropriately adapted so that they do not interfere with each other or are not confused in operation and can provide a seamless transition from a Bluetooth connection to a wireless local area network / Internet connection. Realize a single mounted device. [0005] The preferred radio bridge design based on the present invention has sufficient flexibility to adapt to different radio technologies. A wireless interface is defined as a modular plug-in communication card (eg, a PC card, a USB or ISA-based communication card) that maximizes the distance between each end of the bridge. Drivers for these communication cards are downloaded software modules that can be modified or updated with the card. The software communication driver controls the interface with the standard communication API of the selected operating system. Such a preferred design allows the configuration of the wireless bridge to be flexibly modified in response to future changes in communication technology and requirements. Bluetooth wireless communication uses the 2.4 GHz frequency band. On the other hand, the IEEE802.11a standard uses the 5.8GHz frequency band for wireless transmission. [0006] The present invention uses recently developed Bluetooth radio technology to provide a secure, high-speed connection (1 Mbps) between a vehicle (or other mobile or handheld device) and a petrol pump or other service shop. .. Here, this connection is called a wireless vehicle connection. Bluetooth is a personal area network technology, and the communication range between Bluetooth compatible devices is about 10m (30ft). The standard layout of a gas station (referred to here as a forecourt) requires the construction of multiple Bluetooth networks to efficiently cover the gas station. A second wireless site link is adopted to establish a connection between the Bluetooth network and a remote Internet connection server. This second radio site link has a wider coverage, connects multiple Bluetooth networks, and provides backbone bandwidth (at least 10 Mbps) for the entire Bluetooth connection. Preferred technology that meets the requirements of this second radio site link is the technology specified in the wireless local area network or the IEEE 802.11a wireless local area network standard. In order to seamlessly combine two wireless links and realize transparent data transfer from a car to an Internet-connected back-end server, a wireless bridge is adopted in the present invention. [0007] The present invention can be applied to various other fields. For example, the wireless system based on the present invention can also be used to provide a car with map information, weather and traffic information, etc., or to download music at a car wash, a fast food store, or the like. Therefore, specific examples of applying the present invention described below to gas stations do not limit various scopes of the present invention. [0008] BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The wireless bridge based on the present invention is between a Bluetooth compatible device (for example, a mobile information terminal, an Internet compatible mobile phone, an in-vehicle module for automobiles, etc.) and a server connected to the Internet (hereinafter referred to as an Internet connection server). Realize an end-to-end wireless communication path. In a preferred embodiment, a Bluetooth-enabled wireless bridge can be used to allow up to seven Bluetooth-enabled devices to simultaneously establish and maintain a connection to an Internet connection server. Each connection is maintained by the LAN as the user moves between the communicable ranges of the wireless LAN area (usually a radius of 100 m) and the communicable range of different Bluetooth areas (radius 10 m). The Bluetooth compatible device establishes a new Bluetooth connection within the new Bluetooth communication range, but the wireless LAN roaming function remembers the previously connected Bluetooth ID, and this Bluetooth ID is used again. .. There is a time limit between the termination of the first Bluetooth connection and the reestablishment of the second Bluetooth connection. The term "wireless" used here refers to a spatially free communication mode using an antenna instead of a cable. [0009] By using the Bluetooth compatible wireless bridge based on the present invention, a plurality of Bluetooth compatible devices can simultaneously establish and maintain a connection with an Internet connection server. These connections support a variety of data and / or voice packet communications. There are also packets that support voice and data transfer. The present invention realizes highly reliable and stable end-to-end wireless communication between the Bluetooth PAN and the Internet connection server by combining the communication mechanism of Bluetooth and the IEEE802.11a standard. This communication link operates up to 436.2Kbps in both directions, or up to 721Kbps in the forward direction and up to 57.6Kbps in the return direction of a single Bluetooth asynchronous data channel. All Bluetooth audio channels operate at 64Kbps. [0010] The operation of the wireless bridge is based on an interrupt-driven event in which a communication packet arrives at the arrival queue from a wireless LAN (wireless LAN: hereinafter referred to as WLAN) communication card or Bluetooth communication card. The arrival of each pass-through packet received generates a corresponding transmit interrupt for transmission to the other party's communication card / port. Since the WLAN received packet stream can be forwarded up to 14 times faster than the Bluetooth data stream, the overall size of the WLAN arrival queue is preferably about 14 times that of the Bluetooth arrival queue. [0011] The Bluetooth data protocol assumes that at the baseband level, sending one packet in one slot will immediately return confirmation in the next slot. A single packet has a length of 1-5 slots, depending on the Bluetooth ACL packet type used. Profile level flow control can be used for flow control on the Bluetooth side of the wireless bridge. One level of flow control on the WLAN side of the wireless bridge is TCP sliding window flow control for each virtual circuit. [0012] Figure 1 shows a specific example of the existing Bluetooth / LAN wireless bridge device hardware. This device hardware has the following elements: Housing required to shield electromagnetic interference (EMI) · Power cables and power supplies that meet global voltage requirements -Shielded extension cable that supports an external LAN antenna Two modular plug-in communication card slots for Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11a communication cards, a Central Processing Unit that supports the software described here, software routing capabilities, other operating systems and supporting features. Dynamic random access memory that supports execution and buffers data exchanged between communication cards, and read-only memory that supports static code and variables required for execution programs, boot programs, and diagnostic test programs. Printed Circuit Board (PCB) with test points and indicator LEDs for board status and diagnostics [0013] The software that implements Bluetooth / 802.11 wireless bridging has the following software components: · Real Time Operating System -TCP / IP network stack Embedded web server -Embedded Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) agent Bluetooth interface driver and support software -IEEE802.11 interface driver and support software -Routing and event management software (multiplexing multiple Bluetooth connections) -Error and exception handling software Diagnostic software Maintenance software -Software that controls the interface to external modules (for example, external in-vehicle modules) Other OS type software used by wireless bridges for buffering, flow control, I / O, queuing, and interrupt processing. [0014] The internal and external antenna configurations for the wireless bridge shown in FIG. 2 are those in which the wireless bridge is adapted to specific installation conditions. The configuration of the two internal antennas requires a bridge housing that provides sufficient shielding and separation between the antennas. This configuration is used in an environment where in-line communication to both Bluetooth Spiconet and wireless LAN (IEEE802.11a) access points is possible. [0015] As shown in FIG. 3, the housing is a metal box composed of two parts, and slots for modular plug-in communication cards are provided at both ends. An external push toggle switch is used to turn the power on / off and reset the unit. A small LED adjacent to the switch acts as a power indicator and status / operation indicator. All PCB components and connectors are surface mounted. One modular plug-in communication card slot is mounted on one end of the PCB and the other modular plug-in communication card is mounted on the opposite end of the PCB. A ground plane is provided in the center of the PCB. Here, if the two modular plug-in communication card slots can be properly separated, it is not necessary to provide this ground plane. The wireless bridge performs a self-inspection when the power is turned on and displays the result of this inspection on the LED indicator. The Internet connection server also supports remote inspection of the bridge. All diagnostics and self-examinations can be performed over the site LAN via the RS-232 diagnostic port. The remote server can perform diagnostics across a site LAN that allows control over a WAN connected to a back-end server connected to the Internet (hereinafter referred to as an Internet-connected back-end server). [0016] A Bluetooth LAN access profile is required when a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other device with a formal TCP / IP stack is used for communication over a wireless bridge. As shown in Figure 4, in the LAN access flow, information is passed from the handheld browser application through the lower formal TCP / IP and Bluetooth protocol stacks to the Bluetooth wireless link and transferred over this Bluetooth wireless link. , Passes through the upper Bluetooth and peer-to-peer protocols, and is passed to the wireless link through the lower wifi stack, transferred over this wireless link, and proxyed through the higher formal wireless and TCP / IP protocols. Passed to the server. A detailed description of Bluetooth parameters is disclosed in Bluetooth Specification Version 1.0B, which is incorporated herein by reference in conjunction with IEEE802.11a. [0017] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a unique roaming operation based on the present invention. Although two wireless bridges are shown here, the present invention can be applied to a larger number of wireless bridges. When one of the Bluetooth slave devices is sufficiently far from the range of the first radio bridge, the Bluetooth slave device enters the range of the second radio bridge. Each Bluetooth PAN device or node has a unique address, and the backend server remembers this unique address, so even if the Bluetooth device moves, it will be between the Bluetooth device and the Internet connection backend server. Bluetooth connection can be switched seamlessly. When the Bluetooth device moves out of the reach of the first radio bridge, the second radio bridge resumes the temporarily interrupted communication. [0018] Roaming between Bluetooth devices is useful in that it maintains a stable connection between the Bluetooth device and the Internet-connected backend server as the Bluetooth device moves from one piconet to another. From a WLAN perspective, if roaming is supported, wireless bridges allow Bluetooth-enabled devices to move from one wireless bridge (WLAN client) to another without disconnecting the backend connection. .. [0019] To support roaming, each connection must be maintained by the WLAN as the user moves between different Bluetooth coverages (usually a radius of 100m) within the WLAN reach (usually a radius of 100m). Bluetooth compatible devices need to establish a new Bluetooth connection within the new Bluetooth communication range, and the wireless LAN roaming circuit remembers the Bluetooth ID of the previous connection and re-uses this Bluetooth ID with the new connection. Need to use. [0020] On the other hand, in the roaming function currently supported by WLAN, roaming is performed between WLAN clients, not between WLAN access points. For example, when the TCP / IP protocol is used, in WLAN roaming, a mobile terminal device with an IP address maintains its own IP address and also maintains an IP connection with an Internet connection backend server. Can move between WLAN access points. On the other hand, in the wireless bridge, the mobile terminal device does not have an IP address. Therefore, when a mobile terminal device moves from one wireless bridge to another, the IP address used to connect to the back-end server in the previous connection is not maintained. That is, the connection between the mobile Bluetooth device and the backend server is unique for each wireless bridge and is therefore a different connection. [0021] [0021] Standard LAN roaming technology requires overlapping areas of two cells, so the roaming range is physically limited to the communicable range of the overlapping cells. On the other hand, in the roaming process based on the present invention, the Bluetooth PAN device or node can move within at least the same range as the communicable range of the 802.11 access points, and further within the wider range corresponding to the communicable range of a plurality of 802.11 access points. You can move with. If the Bluetooth device leaves the range of the previous wireless bridge and then enters the range of another wireless bridge within a certain period of time, the back-end control software can perform seamless roaming. During roaming, packets sent to the client on the previous piconet are buffered and retransmitted to the client on the new piconet. Switching the background connection between wireless bridges requires cooperation with a back-end server. In traditional WLAN roaming, the WLAN client moves between access points. In the present invention, two separate technologies, PAN and WLAN, are adopted. In the roaming process according to the present invention, the mobile PAN client can move between different wireless bridges, i.e. the service area provided by the WLAN client. The difference between the roaming process based on the present invention and the roaming process adopted in the conventional WLAN is that in the conventional WLAN, the WLAN client moves between WLAN access points, whereas in the present invention, the PAN client The point is that it can move between WLAN clients. Table 1 shows specific examples of roaming processes that work in a gas station environment. [0022] Example of application of the present invention to an automobile service station FIG. 6 shows the configuration of a communication system based on the present invention applied to a typical full-service automotive service station, where at least one in-vehicle device (or PDA) wireless link and a Bluetooth-enabled vehicle or PDA. Wireless site link for wireless communication between the module and the Internet connection server A wireless site link has been realized. [0023] The transfer of data between the wireless bridge and the server is done over the wireless LAN. In order to realize all automobile communication, a permanent virtual circuit is established between the wireless bridge and the server via TCP. While the vehicle is being refueled, the relevant vehicle data acquired via the Data Acquisition System (DAS) is automatically downloaded from the vehicle via the Bluetooth link, regardless of the driver's operation. To. The wireless bridge uses voice to establish a voice link between a Bluetooth-enabled vehicle and an Internet-connected back-end server via IP protocol extensions. [0024] Each wireless bridge uses one or more RS-232 interfaces. These serial interfaces are used to support serial pass-through connections from other equipment to determine the location of the vehicle based on a tag (Localization Reader) that fits this serial interface, or Used as a local RS-232 diagnostic port. [0025] To support the Localization Tag Reader, this interface provides serial communication to Internet-connected back-end server applications on Internet-connected back-end servers via a wireless bridge. The wireless bridge multiplexes this serial traffic into a TCP permanent virtual circuit and sends it over the WLAN to an Internet-connected back-end server. [0026] Data acquisition systems (DASs) may not have all the communication stacks to build a TCP / IP network connection with an Internet connection backend server due to limited system resources. The data acquisition system communicates with the wireless bridge via a Bluetooth wireless connection. The wireless module of the existing in-vehicle module for communicating with the Internet connection backend server is an RS-232 serial interface. To maintain the same message format and data flow, the wireless bridge may include a virtual RS-232 interface that governs the interface between the in-vehicle module and the internet-connected back-end server. FIG. 7 shows the interfaces and modules used for communication between the in-vehicle module and the Internet-connected back-end server. [0027] The wireless bridge reformats the data supplied by the in-vehicle module and sends this data to an internet connection backend server over a TCP / IP network connection. The application software in the wireless bridge relays the RS-232 data stream from the in-vehicle module and the TCP / IP data stream from the Internet-connected back-end server. The application software in the Internet-connected back-end server converts the TCP / IP data stream to an RS-232 data stream. [0028] The wireless bridge may be installed on a pillar or wall in front of the refueling station and / or at a car wash or elsewhere where sufficient communication coverage can be achieved. In order to efficiently cover the entire refueling station, it may be better to provide multiple wireless bridges. Figure 8 shows a typical refueling station layout and the coverage of two types of wireless communications. Here, "refueling station" shall refer to a drive-in area for enjoying gasoline, goods or other services. [0029] As shown in FIG. 9, if the wireless bridge needs to be installed under or above the overhanging roof of the refueling station, any combination of antenna configurations may be used. Here, since the metal in the overhanging roof and / or the member of the pillar may interfere with the antenna performance, it is necessary to consider this point in the configuration, installation and design of the antenna. [0030] The wireless bridge can handle up to 7 Bluetooth LAN access connections to Internet-connected back-end servers over the wireless network. This assumes that Bluetooth-enabled or handheld devices in the vehicle support the formal TCP / IP protocol stack and therefore end-to-end connections are supported via wireless bridges. [0031] The wireless bridge reformates the data supplied by the DAS and sends this data to the server on the TCP / IP network connection. The application software needs to relay the RS-232 data stream from the DAS and the TCP / IP data stream from the server in the wireless bridge. In addition, the application software needs to convert the TCP / IP data stream to an RS-232 data stream at the server. [0032] In this example, up to 7 cars can be connected to the wireless bridge at the same time. The wireless bridge has the ability to multiplex the data stream within the TCP / IP connection. As a method of data multiplexing, when the power of the wireless bridge is turned on, one port is used for system control within the number of ports reserved for the TCP / IP connection between the wireless bridge and the server. You may open it and open 7 ports for data connection (see Figure 10). The server receives the data supplied from the system control port and the seven data connection ports. When a car connects to a wireless connection via a Bluetooth connection, data from the car is relayed to the server via one of the unused ports. When the car leaves the refueling area, the Bluetooth connection is closed and the used ports are marked unused again. [0033] Table 1 shows the event specifications for different events. The table shows Power On, Vehicle entering Zone, Vehicle in Zone, Vehicle entering, overlapping Zone, and the Internet. Internet-connected backend server closing connection, Internet-connected backend server waking Parked Vehicle, car from zone Events such as leaving (Vehicle leaving Zone) and re-entering the zone (Vehicle Reentering Zone) are shown. It should be noted that these are only shown by way of example. The actual design may be different. [0034] The wireless bridge always acts as the master. The wireless bridge attempts to establish a connection with a Bluetooth-enabled vehicle or handheld device. Prior to establishing this connection, the wireless bridge goes into Inquiry Mode and the Bluetooth module or handheld device in the car goes into Inquiry Scan Mode. Then, as defined in the Bluetooth specification version 1.0B, the paging (calling) phase and the connection phase are executed following the inquiry phase. Since the maximum number of Bluetooth connections that can be active in a piconet is 7, the Internet connection backend server disconnects inactive Bluetooth connections and minimizes the number of Bluetooth connections. The bridge responds to control commands from the server. An exclusive port to the server is established for this purpose. [0035] Each bridge has a zone defined as the coverage of the bridge on which the vehicle module can set up the connection. [0036] When the bridge is powered on, the bridge performs a self-inspection and initializes the Bluetooth, LAN and serial port interfaces. The bridge then establishes a connection with a DHCP server running on the Internet Connection backend server. The bridge initializes the Bluetooth spiconet node and IP address table and initiates a Bluetooth inquiry. The bridge establishes a connection with the server and seven connections with other slaves. The connection between the bridge and the server is established using TCP / IP. [0037] When the car enters the zone, the bridge receives a response to the inquiry from the in-vehicle module. This response informs the Internet-connected back-end server of the Bluetooth address of the in-vehicle module and the port number to which this address is mapped. The bridge then establishes communication with the in-vehicle module and informs the server that the link has been established. [0038] Even if the car enters the overlapping zone, the bridge in the new zone will not detect the car because the in-vehicle module has stopped the page scanning process as long as the connection is established. Therefore, the in-vehicle module establishes a connection with the bridge in the new zone only when the signal power drops and the previous connection is broken. [0039] As mentioned above, the system attempts to disconnect idle connections because there are up to seven active connections. This process is triggered by an internet-connected backend server. As an option, the server instructs the in-vehicle module to disconnect the Bluetooth connection on the in-vehicle module side. The bridge detects this disconnect, updates its portmap, and informs the server of this disconnect. As long as the connection remains, the bridge will continue the query scanning process in the background. With this option, the vehicle module does not enter page (call) scan mode until a certain amount of time has passed. This predetermined time can be programmed by the server. In the second option, the server tells the bridge to put the in-vehicle module into Park mode. The bridge puts the in-vehicle module into park mode, updates the portmap, and notifies the server that the process is complete. This second option allows the bridge to recover the park mode in-vehicle module from park mode at the direction of the server. [0040] When the vehicle leaves the zone, both the bridge and the vehicle module detect that the signal strength has weakened and disconnect. This causes the in-vehicle module to return to page scan mode, and the bridge updates its portmap to notify the server of this event. The server stores the Bluetooth identification information of the car leaving the zone and starts measuring the time limit for the car to re-enter the bridge zone. In this case, the physical Bluetooth connection between the car and the bridge is completed, but the virtual background connection between the car and the server remains valid for the time limit. This allows the car to move to another bridge zone without losing connectivity with the server. [0041] When the car re-enters the zone, the car's in-vehicle module establishes a link to the bridge, as it did when the car previously entered the zone. The bridge does not maintain any state information about the car leaving the zone, so the connection setup will have to be restarted from the beginning. Here, if the car re-enters the bridge zone within the time limit measured by the server, the server detects a match between the stored Bluetooth identity and the identity of this car, and the car and the server Maintain the last connection between and re-enable. In this way, roaming is achieved without losing the backend connection between the car and the server. [0042] [table 1]<img file="JP4690633B2_D0001.tif" />[0043] Due to the expected nature of Bluetooth, it is possible that a Bluetooth module that is not located within the wireless bridge will attempt to establish a connection with the in-vehicle Bluetooth module. As a Bluetooth function that solves this problem, there is mutual authentication using a unique link key. The link key is a common key that is distributed to all Bluetooth devices during the connection phase. In addition, during the connectivity phase, the wireless bridge transmits the baud rate, data format, and other transfer protocol negotiation configuration information to a Bluetooth-enabled vehicle or handheld device. These configuration information includes classes of all (CRC-CCITT or other) error detection settings, synchronization modes, error correction settings and device settings. [0044] The security level of encryption supported between the Bluetooth device and the wireless bridge based on the present invention is set in a key size range of up to 128 bits. The actual key size is determined based on the security constraints set by the government of each country in which the bridge is installed. [0045] As described above, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention described above, the communication mechanism of Bluetooth and IEEE802.11a is combined to realize a highly reliable and stable end-to-end wireless connection between the automobile and the Internet connection server. .. [0046] With the above description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, one of ordinary skill in the art can conceive of various modifications and additions, which are within the scope of the present invention. For example, although the above description uses a specific protocol, it is clear that the present invention can be similarly implemented using other radio protocols. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the wireless bridging device according to the present invention has a configuration including a single housing, but in a modified example, the housings are separated and connected to each other. Separation between each wireless modular plug-in communication card may be ensured. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Simple explanation of drawings] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a bridge device based on the present invention. 2 (a) to 2 (c) are perspective views showing antenna configurations of various bridge devices. [Fig. 3] It is a perspective view of the specific example of the bridge apparatus based on this invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a protocol flow in a specific example using a PDA. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a roaming function based on the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of a PAN / LAN system used in a service station. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an interface and a module for communication between an in-vehicle module and an Internet-connected back-end server in a specific example of a gas station. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a layout of a communicable range in a normal service station. 9 (a) to 9 (c) are diagrams showing various specific examples of antenna installation positions on an overhanging roof . FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a data multiplexing function in a preferred specific example.
Every citation, both ways
| Document | Relation | Office |
|---|---|---|
| JP10190717A | Cites | Japan |
10 members in 5 offices
Priority claims9
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09619923 | United States of America | – | |
| 61992300 | United States of America | A | |
| 61992300 | United States of America | A | |
| 0123017 | United States of America | W | |
| 0123017 | United States of America | W | |
| 2000619923 | – | – | – |
| 2001023017 | – | – | – |
| US20000619923 | – | – | – |
| WO2001US23017 | – | – | – |
Members10
| Document | Office | Kind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO0208857A2 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A2 | |
| AU8068301A | Australia | A | |
| WO0208857A3 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A3 | |
| US6452910B1 | United States of America | B1 | |
| US2002196771A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| EP1314261A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| JP2004512706A | Japan | A | |
| EP1314261A4 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A4 | |
| US7095748B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| JP4690633B2This record | Japan | B2 |
15 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC
Over the term
Point at a mark for the eventEvents
| Event | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Cancellation because of no payment of annual feesLAPS | LAPS | |
| Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database)FPAY | FPAY | |
| Certificate of patent or registration of utility modelJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R150R150 | R150 | |
| First payment of annual fees (during grant procedure)JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A61A61 | A61 | |
| Written decision to grant a patent or to grant a registration (utility model)JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A01A01 | A01 | |
| Written decision to grant a patent or to grant a registration (utility model)JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A01A01 | A01 | |
| Decision of grant or rejection writtenTRDD | TRDD | |
| Written amendmentJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523A521 | A521 | |
| Written permission of extension of timeJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A602A602 | A602 | |
| Written request for extension of timeJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A601A601 | A601 | |
| Notification of reasons for refusalJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A131A131 | A131 | |
| Written request for application examinationJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A621A621 | A621 | |
| Notification of resignation of power of attorneyJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A7424RD04 | RD04 | |
| Notification of acceptance of power of attorneyJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A7422RD02 | RD02 | |
| Notification of appointment of power of attorneyJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A7423RD03 | RD03 |
Numbers
- Publication
- 4690633
- Publication, DOCDB
- 4690633
- Publication, EPODOC
- JP4690633B
- Application
- 2002514493
- Application, DOCDB
- 2002514493
- Application, EPODOC
- JP20020514493
Titles2
- Japanese
- 双方向無線通信システム
- English
- Two-way wireless communication system
Classification
- CPC, 5
- H04W92/02
- H04L12/66
- H04W84/12
- H04W84/18
- H04W88/10
- IPC, 5
- H04W84 12
- H04W88 08
- H04L12 28
- H04L12 56
- H04L12 66