Description
Title of I~lvention
COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION METHOD, PROGRAM, AND
5 COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Technical Field
[OOOl]
The present disclosure relates to a conununication device, a communication
10 method, a program, and a conlmunication systetn.
Background Art
[0002]
Recently, wireless local area network (LAN) systems, as typified by tl~e
15 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, are becoming more
prevalent instead of wired networks, because of advantages such as a high degree of
freedom for equipment. Such wireless LAN systems operate in an infrastructure
mode, for example, in wliicli inultiple wireless conlnlunication devices comnlunicate
via an access point.
20 [0003]
Meanwhile, Wi-Fi Direct, fornlulated by the Wi-Fi Alliance, supports a
direct connnunication rnode in which multiple wireless con~munication devices
connect directly to form a conununication group. In this direct corntnunication
mode, colntln~nication is initiated after establisliing a connection between wireless
25 conlmunication devices using Device Discovery and Formation. Note that Device
Discovery is a process for discovering a nearby wireless comn~unicatioa device,
while Formation includes processes such as a process of deciding which wireless
comnlunication device will operate as a group owner, and an authentication process
(Provisioning).
30 [0004]
There also exists a wireless comti~unication device capable of switching
between the infrastructure mode and the direct communication mode discussed
above to conununicate. Additionally, contactless conmnunication over a shorter
connilunication range than wireless communication such as wireless LAN is also
beco~ilingw idespread. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a com~ilunication
5 device equipped with a co~itactless co~imlunication unit tliat conducts contactless
conullunication, and a wireless co~imlu~iicatiou~nii t that conducts wireless
communication.
Citation List
10 Patent Literature
[OOOS]
Patent Literature 1 : JP 2008-271 150A
Summary of Invention
15 Technical Problem
[0006]
However, a wireless communication device that has not activated direct
conllnunication Inode starts a connection process for connecting with another
wireless comni~u~iication device after completing the activation of direct
20 communication mode. For this reason, there is a tendency of a lengthier time until a
wireless co~illiiunication device tliat has not activated direct communication mode
establishes a connection in direct com~nunication mode with another wireless
co~nmunicationd evice.
[0007]
25 Accordingly, the present disclosure proposes a new and improved
conltnuriication device, comn~unication method, program, and communication
system able to shorten the wait time until co~lnectione stablisliment.
Solution to Problem
30 [0008]
According to the present disclosure, there is provided a communication
device includitlg a contactless communication unit that co~lducts contactless
communication, a wireless cotnlnutlicatiotl unit that conducts wireless
comtnunication, and a control unit that, in a case in which the colltactless
communication unit detects another communication device, col~trols activation start
5 of a first comnmunication mode of the wireless communication unit, and controls a
connection proccss for thc wireless con~n~unicationb etween the contactlcss
cotnmullication unit and the other communication device.
[0009]
According to the present disclosure, there is provided a cotn~nunication
10 method including detecting another comnunicatioll device by contactless
conun~unication, starting activation of a first commullicatioll mode of wireless
comnn~nication, and conducting a connection process for the wireless
communication with the other colnmunication device by the contactless
comnlunication.
1s [OOlO]
According to the present disclosure, there is provided a program for causing
a computer to function as a contactless co~~u~lunicatuioniat that conducts contactless
communication, a wireless com~nunication unit that conducts wireless
comnlunication, and a control unit that, in a case in which the contactless
20 con~municationu nit detects another communicatioll device, controls activation start
of a first communication mode of the wireless communication unit, and controls a
connection process for the wireless communication between the contactless
collulnunication unit and the other colmnunication device.
[OOll]
25 According to the present disclosure, there is provided a communication
system including a plurality of colnmullication devices. Each of the plurality of
conu~~unicatiodne vices includes a contactless colmnunication unit that conducts
contactless comtnunication, a wireless comn~unication unit that conducts wireless
colmnunication, and a control wit that, in a case in which the contactless
30 communication unit detects another colmn~~nicatiodnev ice, controls activation start
of a first communication mode of the wireless conulnunicatioll unit, and controls a
connection process for the wireless commnunication between the contactless
comtnunication unit and the other communication device.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
5 [0012]
According to the present disclosure as described above, the wait time until
connection establislunent tilay be shortened.
Brief Description of Drawings
10 [0013]
[FIG. 11 FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless
conn11~1nicatiosny stem according to the first embodinlent of the present disclosure.
[FIG. 21 FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating operation of a wvireless
communication systeln according to a comparative example.
15 [FIG. 31 FIG. 3 is a function block diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless
comnlunication device 20 according to the first embodiment.
[FIG. 41 FIG. 4 is an explanato~y diagram illustrating operation of a wireless
comnlunication system according to the first embodiment.
[FIG. 51 FIG. 5 is an explanato~y diagram illustrating a specific example of a
20 connection stat screen.
[FIG. 61 FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of a
connection completion screen.
[FIG. 71 FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first execution example of
Formation.
25 [FIG. 81 FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second execution exanlple of
Formation.
[FIG. 91 FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another executiori example of
the present embodiment.
[FIG. 101 FIG. 10 is a flom~chart illustrating operation of a wireless co~~munication
30 device 20 according to the first embodiment.
[FIG, 111 FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an exemplary tnodificatioa of
tlie first embodiment.
[FIG. 121 FIG. 12 is an expla~~atordyi agram illustrating a typical connection
procedure for three or more wireless co~nmunicationd evices.
[FIG. 131 FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a connection procedure
5 according to tlie second enibodiment.
[FIG. 141 FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of
the wireless communication device 20.
Descriptior~o f Embodi~nents
10 [0014]
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note that, in this
specificatio~i and the drawings, elements that have substantially the satne function
and structure are denoted with the same reference signs, and repeated explanation is
15 omitted.
[00 151
Also, in this specification and the appended drawings, n~ultiple st~~~ctural
elements having substantially the same function and structure may in sonle cases be
distinguished by different letters appended to the salne sign. For exaniple, multiple
20 elenlents liaving substantially tlie sanle fi~netio~anl d structure are distiaguished as
wireless conmlunication devices 20A, 20B, and so on as necessary. 011 the other
hand, when not particularly distinguishing each of multiple structural elements
liaving substantially the same fUnction and structure, only the same sign will be
given. For exanlple, the wireless connnunieation devices 20A and 20B will be
25 sinlply designated the wireless conimunicatio~di evice 20 when not being particularly
distinguished.
[0016]
I11 addition, the present disclosure will be described in the order indicated
below.
1. First embodiment
1-1. Configuration of wireless com~nunications ystem
1-2. Configuration of wireless communication device
1-3. Operation of wireless communication system
1-4. Operation of wireless commutiication device
1-5. Exetnplary modifications
2. Second embodinlent
3. Hardware configuration
4. Conclusion
[0017]
<>
10 A wireless communication device 20 according to the first emboditiient of
the present disclosure is a conl~nunicationd evice equipped with:
A. a contactless comtnunication unit (NFC antenna 24, NFC interface 240)
that conducts contactless commutiication;
B, a wireless cotnmunication unit (wireless antenna 22, wireless LAN
15 interface 220) that conducts wireless communication; and
C. a control unit (280) that, in a case in which the contactless
communication unit detects another communication device, starts activation of a first
communication mode of the wireless communication unit, and controls a connection
process for the wireless comm~~nicatiobnet ween the contactless communication unit
20 and tlie other comnunicatio~dl evice.
[0018]
Hereinafter, first, a basic configuration of a wireless communication system
that includes such a wireless com~iiunicationd evice 20 will be described.
[00 191
25 4-1. Configuration of wireless colmllunication system>
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless
comtnunication system according to the first enlbodi~ilento f the present disclosure.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, a wireless co~iullunication system according to tlie first
embodiment of the present disclosure is equipped with ~ilultiple wireless
30 connllunication devices 20.
[0020]
The wireless connnunication device 20 includes a wireless communication
fi~nction using wireless LAN, and uses a wireless antenna 22 to conduct wireless
co~llmunicationw ith a nearby wireless commu~~icatiodne vice 20. Additionally, the
wireless communication device 20 operates in infrastructure mode (a second
5 connnunication mode), or direct conlmunication niode (a first cormnunication niode).
In the case of operating in infrastructure mode, the wireless co~nmunication device
20 communicates with another wireless cornniunication device via an access point.
On the other hand, in the case of operating in direct communication mode, tlie
wireless communication device 20 directly connii~~nicatewsi th a nearby wireless
10 comnunication device 20, without traversing an access point.
[0021]
Note that the direct communicatio~mi ode may be Wi-Fi Direct, formulated
by the Wi-Fi Alliance. In this direct communication mode, communication is
initiated after establishing a connection between wireless communication devices
15 using Device Discovery and Fonnation. Note that Device Discovery is a process
for discovering a nearby wireless communication device, while Formation includes
processes such as a process of deciding which wireless co~nmunication device will
operate as a group owner, and an authentication process (Provisioning).
[0022]
20 In addition, tlie wireless communication device 20 includes a near field
communication (NFC) function, and uses an NFC antenna 24 to conduct NFC
comnlunication (contactless co~mi~~~~iicwatitiho na )n earby wireless comniunication
device 20.
[0023]
25 Note that the wireless com~~iu~~idceavtiicoe ~20~ r nay also be an infornlation
processing device such as a personal cotnputer (PC), a home game console, an
electrical appliance, a mobile phone, a Personal Handy-phone System (PHS), a
portable music playel; or a pol-table video processing device.
[0024]
30 111 addition, the wircless co~nniunicationd evice 20 rnay con~municatea udio
data such as music, lectures, and radio programs, video data such as movies, video
programs, photographs, docun~ents, drawings, and charts, and content data such as
games and software.
[0025]
(Background)
5 Meanwhile, a typical wireless connllunication device, after completing the
activation of direct communication mode, starts a connection process for
communicating with another wireless communication device by direct
coll~municationm ode. Note that the connection process may be Device Discovery
and Formation. For this reason, there is a tendency of a lengthier time until a
10 wireless commnunication device that has not activated direct communication mode
establislies a colnlection in direct communication mode with another wireless
communication device. This point will be described more specifically below with
reference to FIG. 2.
[0026]
15 FIG. 2 is an explanato~y diagram illustrati~ig operation of a wireless
comn~unication system according to a comparative example. As illustrated in FIG.
2, in a wireless conununication system according to a conlparative example, a user
performs an operation to activate the direct communication mode of a wireless
communicatioll device #A, and an operation to activate the direct communication of
20 a wireless communication device #B (SGOA, S60B). Consequently. the wireless
com~ilunication device #A and the wireless communication device #B conduct a
direct communication mode activation process (S62A, S62B).
[0027]
Subsequetitly, after activation of the wireless communication device #A and
25 the wireless collununication device #B is conlpleted and the wireless comnlunication
device #A and the wireless cotllmunication device #B enter an active state, the
wireless commnunication device #A and the wireless comn~unication device #B
discover each other by Device Discovery (S64).
[0028]
30 Then, the wireless co~~nnunication device #A and the wireless
communication device #B decide a parent/child relationship and conduct an
authentication process by Formation (S66), and start direct colntnunication
(Operation) (S68).
[0029]
In this way, in the wireless communication system according to the
5 conlparative example, the connection process is initiated after completing the
activation of direct communicatioti it1 the wireless communication devices. For this
reason, there is a long time until a colniectioll is established and direct
conu~unicationb ecomes executable.
[0030]
10 Accordingly, focusing on the above circ~~mstancelesd to the creation of the
first embodilnellt of the present disclosure. According to the first embodiment of
the present disclosure, it is possible to shorteti the wait time until comiection
establislitiient. I-Iereinafter, such a first etnbodiment of the present disclosure will
be described in detail.
15 [0031]
<1-2. Configuration of wireless communicatioli device>
FIG. 3 is a function block diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless
comnlunicatiotl device 20 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG.
3, a wireless collmlunicatioll device 20 according to the first embodiment is equipped
20 with a wireless antelma 22, an NFC antenna 24, a wireless LAN interface 220, an
NFC interface 240, an operating unit 250, a display unit 260, menlory 270, and a
control unit 280.
LO0321
The wireless LAN interface 220, under control by the co~itrol unit 280,
25 conducts a colmection process for connecting with a nearby v,;ireless communication
device 20, directly comnlunicating with a nearby wireless communication device 20,
and the like, by working cooperatively with tlie wireless antemla 22. For example,
the wireless LAN interface 220 perfortils signal reccivillg processes such as downconversion,
demodulation, and decoding on a wireless signal received by tlie wireless
30 antemla 22, and supplies received data obtained by the signal receiving processes to
the control unit 280. Additionally, the wireless LAN interface 220 performs signal
transmitting processes such as encoding, modulation, and up-conversion on transmit
data supplied from the control unit 280, and outputs a high-frequency signal obtained
by the signal transmitting processes to the wireless antenna.
[0033]
5 The NFC interface 240, under control by the control unit 280, conducts
NFC commnunicatioti with a nearby wireless communicatio~d~e vice 20 by working
cooperatively with the NFC antenna 24. For example, the NFC interface 240 may
transmit a radio wave that reaches a short distance of approximately 10 cm from the
NFC antenna 24, drive the NFC antenna 24 of another wireless commnnication
10 device 20 included within the radio wave range, and communicate with the other
wireless communication device 20.
[0034]
The operating unit 250 is a component by wliich a user performs operations
to give inst~~~ctitoon tsh e wireless communication device 20 and input info~mation.
15 The operating unit 250, upon detecting a user operation, outputs a signal according to
the detected user operation to the control unit 280. Such an operating unit 250 may
be a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a button, a microphone, a switch, or a level;
for example.
[0035]
20 The display unit 260, under control by the control unit 280, displays various
display screens. For example, the display unit 260 displays screens that notify a
user of connection start and connection completion with another wireless
colnmunication device 20. Such a display unit 260 may be a cathode ray tube
(CRT) display device, a liquid c~ystal display (LCD) device, an organic light-
25 emitting diode (OLED) device, or an LED lamp, for example.
[0036]
The memory 270 stores programs required by the wireless communication
device 20 to operate, information for connecting to another wireless communication
device 20, and the like. For example, the memory 270 stores credentials for another
30 wireless communication device 20 (such as an SSID and WPA2-PSK), configuration
information, or the like.
The control unit 280 controls overall operation of the wireless
communication device 20. For example, the control unit 280 controls the activation
of the direct connllunication nlode of the wireless LAN interface 220, Device
5 Discovery aud Formation by the wireless LAN interface 220, and the like.
[0038]
Note that Device Discovery is a process by which ~nultiple wireless
com~nunicationd evices 20 discover each other. In this Device Discoverj: a beacon,
a probe request, and a probe response are transmitted in order to scan, wait for a
10 response, and search. Also, in Formation, the assignment of roles (such as group
owner or client) is decided and an authentication process (Provision) is corlducted
with another discovered wireless conl~llunicationd evice 20.
[0039]
Also, if another wireless conlnlutlication device 20 is detected by the NFC
15 interface 240, the control unit 280 according to the present etnboditnent starts
activation of the direct communication mode of the wireless LAN interface 220, and
in addition, causes the NFC interface 240 to start a connection process for direct
colnnlunication with the other wireless communication device 20. According to
such a configuration, a connection process for direct comtn~~uicatiomn ay be
20 conducted in parallel with the activation of direct co~nnlunicationm ode, and thus the
wait time until connection establishment nlay be shortened. Hereinafter, this point
will be described in further detail wit11 reference to specific operation.
[0040]
4-3. Operation of wireless co~ll~nunicatiosny stem>
25 (Overall operation of system)
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating operation of a wireless
communication system according to the first enlbodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 4,
a wireless comnlunication device 20A, upon detecting a wireless con~munication
device 20B by Device Discovery using NFC communication while direct
30 communication tnode is off (S304), causes the wireless LAN interface 220 to
activate direct communication mode. Similarly, the wireless communication device
20B, upon detecting the wireless conu~iunication device 20A, causes the wireless
LAN interface 220 to activate direct communication mode.
[0041]
Note that tlie wireless conuliunication device 20A may also cause direct
5 cornniu~licationn iode to be activated in the case of receiving information requesting
direct conlniunication during NFC co~nmunicationw ith tlie wireless cornmunication
device 20B. Also, Device Discovery is primarily conducted in order to discover a
specific wireless cornmunication device from among riiultiple wireless
communication devices. For this reason, the wireless com~nunication device 20
10 nlay also omit Device Discovery if a peer wireless communication device may be
specified by a proximity operation like NFC communication.
[0042]
After that, the wireless conmiunication device 20A and the wireless
comniunication device 20B start Formation in parallel with the activation of direct
15 co~nmunicationm ode (S306-1). At this point, the display unit 260 of the wireless
comn~nnication device 20 may display a screen indicating connection start, as
illustrated in FIG. 5. A usel; by selecting the "Abort" button on this screen, is able
to give an instruction to abort the connection process between the wireless
conununication device 20A and the wireless conlmunication device 20B.
20 100431
Note that since the conun~~nicatiosnp eed of NFC is poorer than wireless
conu~~unicatiosnu ch as LAN, the wireless coi~municationd evice 20 may attempt to
shorten tlie comn~unicationt ime by reducing the size of packets comtnunicated by
NFC. For example, in Formation, information such as a Device-Name (maximum
25 32 bytes) and a P2P_Group_ID (riiaxinlum 32 bytes) are comniunicated as
P2PJevice - info. For this reason, the wireless conimunication device 20 nlay use
shortened names for the Device - Name and the P2P _ Group-ID, and rnay not
communicate optional attributes. According to such a configuration, tlie packet size
may be reduced, and the comniunication time niay be shortened.
30 [0044]
Subsequently, after the activatiori of direct co~limunication nlode is
co~npletedt,h e wireless com~nunicationd evice 20A and the wireless communication
device 20B uses wireless co~mnunication to conduct an unexecuted process in
Formation (S306-2). Conseq~~ently, a connection between the wireless
connnunication device 20A and the wireless connnurlication device 20B is
5 established (S308). At this point, the display unit 260 of the wireless
communication device 20 may display a screen indicating co~mectionc ompletion, as
illustrated in FIG. 6. Note that after the activation of direct communication mode is
conlpleted, the wireless con~munication device 20 starts transmission of a wireless
signal such as a beacon.
10 [0045]
As discussed earlier, after the activation of direct communication mode is
completed, the wireless con~municationd evice 20 conducts an unexecuted process of
the connection process by wireless comnunication. For this reason, the connection
process to conduct by wireless connnunication changes according to the timing when
15 the activation of direct connnunication mode is completed. Hereinafter, a specific
example will be described.
[0046]
(First execution example of Fornlation)
FIG. 7 is an explanatoiy diagram illustrating a first execution example of
20 Formation. As illustrated in FIG 7, if the direct communication mode of the
wireless con~munication device 20A is active, GO Jegotiation is conducted by
having the wireless communication device 20A transmit a GO-Negotiation-Request
by NFC (S312), the wireless colnmunication device 20B transnlit a
GO-Negotiation-Response by NFC (S3 14), and the wireless conlmunication device
25 20A transmit a GO-Negotiatio~l-Co~~firmatiobny NFC (S316).
[0047]
Note that in GO-Negotiation, each of the wireless connnunication device
20A and the wireless communication device 20B exchanges a priority for operating
as group owner, and the wireless colnmunication device 20 with a higher priority
30 decides to operate as group owner. FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which,
according to this GO-Negotiation, it is decided that the wireless communication
device 20B will operate as the group owner, and the wireless comlnunication device
20A will operate as a client.
[0048]
After that, the wireless communicatioll device 20A and the wireless
5 colmnullication device 20B execute WPS-exchange by NFC, and share crederitials
(such as an SSID and WPA2-PSK) (S318).
[0049]
Subsequel~tly, the wireless colnmunication device 20A and the \vireless
colmnunication device 20B execute a 4-wayhaadshake. At this point, in the
10 example illustrated in FIG. 7, the activation of the direct commulucation nlode of the
wireless con~munication device 20A has been con~pleted, and thus the wireless
comn~unicationd evice 20A and the wireless communication device 20B execute a 4-
way-handshake by wireless communication (S320).
[OOSO]
15 111 this way, in the first execution example, the GO-Negotiation and
WPS-exchange are executed by NFC, while the 4-wayhandshake is executed by
wireless comlnunication.
[0051]
(Second execution example of Formation)
20 FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second execution example of
Formation. As illustrated in FIG. 8, if the direct connnunication lnode of the
wireless cornmunicatioll device 20A is active, the wireless co~~~municatidoenvi ce
20A transmits a GO_Negotiatiotl_Req~iest by NFC (S322). Subsequently, the
wireless comlnunicatioll device 20B transmits a GO-Negotiation-Response. At
25 this point, in the exalnple illustrated in FIG. 8, the activation of the direct
communication mode of the wireless com~tlunicationd evice 20A has beell completed,
and thus the wireless commnunication device 20B transmits the
GO_NegotiatiollJesponse by wireless communication (S324). Note that the
wireless communication device 20B is able to deterlnine whether or not the
30 activation of the direct colmnunication mode of the wireless comlnunicatioll device
20A has been completed based on whether or not the wireless colnnlunication device
20A has started transmission of a wireless signal such as a beacon.
[0052]
Subsequently, the wireless co~nmunication device 20A transmits a
GO-Negotiation-Confirmation by wireless coliiniunicatioti (S326).
5 [0053]
Further~nore, the wireless communication device 20A and the wireless
communication device 20B conduct tlie subsequent WPS-exchange and 4-
way - handshake by wireless communicatiori (S328, S330).
[0054]
10 In this way, in the second execution example, unlike the first execution
example, part of GO-Negotiation is executed by NFC, while the re~nai~iinpgro cesses
of GO-Negotiation, WPS-exchange, and 4-way-handshake are conducted by
wireless communication.
[005S]
15 (Supplemental remarks)
Note that the present e~iibodimerlt is also applicable to
WPSJu~li~Buttoli~Config~~rationH. ereinafter, such a case will be more
specifically described with reference to FIG 9.
[0056]
20 FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another execution example of
the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 9, if the direct communication mode
of the wireless comniunication device 20A is active, GO Negotiation is conducted
by having the wireless conuli~unication device 20A trausmit a
GO_Negotiatio~i_Requestb y NFC (S332), the wireless con~municationd evice 20B
25 tratismit a GO_Negotiatioli-Response by NFC (S334), and the wireless
colnmunication device 20A transmit a GOpNegotiation_Confirniation by NFC
(S336).
[0057]
After that, the wireless comliiunication device 20A and the wireless
30 communication device 20B execute a Probe-exchange (PBC) by NFC (S337).
Subsequently, the wireless conuiiunication device 20A and the wireless
co~nniunicationd evice 20B conduct the WPS-exchange and tlie 4-way-handshake.
At this point, in the example illustrated in FIG. 9, tlie activation of the direct
communication mode of the wireless co1in1iunication device 20A has been completed,
and tlrus the wireless communication device 20A and the wireless communication
5 device 20B conduct the WPS-exchange and the 4-way-liandshake by wireless
conl~nunication (S338, S340). Consequently, a connection between the wireless
co~lnnunicatio~dl evice 20A and tlie wireless comniunication device 20B is
established.
[OOSS]
10 4 - 4 . Operation of wireless communication device>
The above thus describes operation of a wireless con~munication system
according to the first embodiment. Next, operation of a wireless con~munication
device 20 according to the first embodiment will be su~n~narizewdi th reference to
FIG. 10.
15 [0059]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operation of a wireless communication
device 20 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 10, upon
detecting another wireless conitnu~licatioti device by NFC (S404), the control unit
280 of the wireless co~nmunication device 20 judges wllether or not direct
20 communication configuration information is included in information comniunicated
with tlie other wireless cotiimunication device (S408). At this point, if direct
connnnnication configuration information is not included, the wireless
cornlliunication device 20 does not conduct the processes of S412 to S428 described
below.
25 [0060]
On tlie other hand, if direct com~nunication configuration information is
included, the control unit 280 causes the wireless LAN interface 220 to activate
direct communication mode (S412). Subsequently, the NFC interface 240 executes
a connection process for direct co~mnunicationb y NFC until the activation of the
30 direct comniunication mode is completed (S416, S420).
[0061]
After that, wl~enth e activation of direct communication mode is completed,
the control unit 280 causes the wireless LAN interface 220 to execute the rest of the
com~ection process (S424). Subsequently, after the entire connection process is
completed, the wireless cotmnunication device 20 starts conmunication with the
5 other wireless cotntnunication device by wireless LAN (S428).
[0062]
As described above, if another wireless co~nmunication device 20 is
detected by the NFC interface 240, the control unit 280 according to the present
embodilnetlt controls activation start of the direct conmunication mode of the
10 wireless LAN interface 220, and in addition, causes the NFC interface 240 to start a
connection process for direct communication with the other wireless colnnlunication
device 20. According to such a configuration, a connection process for direct
conmunication may be conducted in parallel with the activation of direct
comnunication mode, and thus the wait time until connection establislment may be
15 shortened.
[0063]
4-5. Exemplary modifications>
Note that although the foregoing describes the wireless conlmnunication
device 20 conducting a process in the case in which direct communication is off.
20 However, the case in which direct communicatio~im ode is off encompasses both the
case in which the wireless LAN interface 220 is off, as well as the case in which the
wireless LAN interface 220 is operating in infrastructure mode.
[0064]
Typically, in the case in which a wireless communication device (hereinafter,
25 the first wireless comnlunication device) is operating in infrastn~cturem ode, in order
for a second wireless co~nnlut~icatiod~elv ice to connect to the first wireless
con~n~urlicatiodne vice in direct colnnlunication mode, a user perfornls an operation
of disconnecting the first wireless con~nlunicationd evice from an access point, and
conducting an operation of connecting the first wireless cornnlunication device and
30 the second wireless communication device.
[0065]
I-Iowever, these disconnecting and co~ltiectingo perations are burdensome to
the user. In contrast, according to an exemplary ~ilodification of the present
embodiment, it is possible to easily switch from infrastructure mode to direct
communication. Hereinaftel; such an exemplary modification of the present
5 e~nbodirnentw ill be described with reference to FIG. 11.
[0066]
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an exemplary modification of
the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 11, consider the case in which a
wireless coriununication device 20A and a wireless conlmunication device 20B are
10 bronglit close together while an AP 10 and the wireless communication device 20A
are connected in infrastructure mode (S452). In this case, the wireless
communication device 20A detects the wireless comtnunication device 20B by NFC,
and conducts Provisioning by NFC, for example (S454).
[0067]
15 Meanwhile, if the wireless communication device 20B is detected by NFC,
the wireless comn~unication device 20A disconnects the connection wit11 the AP 10,
and starts activation of direct conununication Inode (S456). Subsequently, after the
activation of direct communication nlode is completed, the wireless communication
device 20A and the wireless conm~t~rlicatiodne vice 20B are connected (S458).
20 [0068]
In this way, according to an exemplary modification of the first embodiment,
it beco~nes possible to easily switclx the conlmunication nxode from infi.astructure
mode to direct communication mode without operating tlie wireless comn~unication
device 20A.
25 [0069]
< 2 . Second embodiment>>
The foregoing thus describes the first enlbodin~ent of the present disclosure.
Next, a second embodiment of tlie present disclosure will be described. According
to the second etnbodimne~lot f the present disclosure, it is possible to shorten the time
30 to connect three or more wireless cotnmu~lication devices. Hereinafter, after
describing a typical con~iectionp rocedure for three or more wireless con~niunication
devices, the present embodimelit will be specifically described.
[0070]
FIG. 12 is an explariatory diagram illustrating a typical co~mection
procedure for three or more wireless communication devices. As illustrated in FIG.
5 12, in order to connect a wireless communication device #A, a wireless
com~imnication device #R, and a wireless communication device #C, first, the
wireless colnmunication device #A and the wireless communication device #B
conducts Device Discovery and P1.ovisioning (S82, S84). Consequently, a
communication group of the wireless comnlunication device #A and the wireless
10 comnlullication device #B is fornled.
[0071]
Subsequently, by having the wireless communication device #B and the
wireless conimunication device #C conduct Device Discovery and Provisioning, the
wireless communication device #C joins the comnunication group (S86, S88). As
15 a result, wireless communication becomes possible among the wireless
comn~unicationd evice #A, the wireless commu~licatiod~el vice #B, and the wireless
communication device #C.
[0072]
However, with the connection procedure illustrated in FIG. 12, tlie
20 connection process between tlie wireless communicatioli device #A and the wireless
communication device #B as well as the connectiori process between the wireless
commnt~nicationd evice #B and the wireless comm~ul~icatiodne vice #C are conducted
serially. In contrast, in the second embodiment of the present disclosure,
connectioll processes for niultiple pairs of wireless conmiunication devices are
25 conducted in parallel, thereby enabling a shortening of the connection time. The
description hereinafter will refer to FIG 13.
[0073]
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a connection procedure
according to tlie second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the wireless
30 conmnluaication device 20B conducts Device Discovery and Provisioning with the
wireless cotnmunication device 20A by wireless LAN (S502, S506). At the same
time, the wireless conulunication device 20B conducts Device Discovery and
Provisioning with the wireless comnlunicatioti device 20C by NFC (S504, S508).
Consequently, the wireless comnlunication device 20A, the wireless communication
device 20B, and the wireless communication device 20C are connected.
5 100741
In this way, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to conduct
connection processes for nlultiple pairs of wireless cornmunication devices 20 in
parallel using different communication methods. As a result, the wait time until the
coanection of three or more wireless communication devices is completed may be
10 shortened.
[0075]
<<3. Hardware configuration>>
The foregoing thus describes respective embodiments of the present
disclosure. The process by the wireless comlnunication device 20 discussed in the
15 foregoing is realized by cooperative action between software, and the hardware of
the wireless conlmunication device 20 described below.
[0076]
FIG. 14 is an explanatoly diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of
the wireless cotntnunication device 20. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the wireless
20 communication device 20 is equipped with a central processing unit (CPU) 201,
read-only tnemory (ROM) 202, random access memory (RAM) 203, an input device
208, an output device 210, a storage device 211, a drive 212, an image capture device
213, and a communication device 215.
[0077]
25 The CPU 201 functions as a conlputational processing device and control
device, and controls overall operation inside the wireless comn~unicationd evice 20
by following various programs. Also, the CPU 201 may be a microprocessor. The
ROM 202 stores inforll~ation such as programs and comnputational parameters used
by the CPU 201. The RAM 203 telnporarily stores illfonnation such as programs
30 used during exec~~tiobny the CPU 201, and parameters that change as appropriate
during such execution. These components are connected to each other by a host bus
realized by a CPU bus, for example.
100781
The input device 208 is made up of an input means by which a user inputs
information, such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a button, a microphone, a
5 switch, or level; and an input control circuit that generates an input signal on the
basis of input from the usel; and outputs to the CPU 201, for example. By
operating the input device 208, a user of the wireless com~nunicationd evice 20 is
able to input various data and instluct the wireless communication device 20 to
perfornl processing operations, for example.
10 100791
The output device 210 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal
display (LCD) device, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) device, or a lamp, for
example. Additionally, the output device 210 includes an audio output device such
as a speaker or headphones. For example, the display device displays captured
15 images, generated images, and the like. Meanwhile, the audio output device
converts audio data or the like into sound, and outputs the sound.
[0080]
The storage device 211 is a device used for data storage, realized as an
example of a storage unit in the wireless com~nunicationd evice 20 according to the
20 present embodiment. The storage device 211 may include a storage medium, a
recording device that records data to the storage medium, a readout device that reads
out data from the storage medium, a deletion device that deletes data recorded to the
storage medium, and the like. The storage device 211 stores programs executed by
the CPU 201 and various data.
25 [0081]
The drive 212 is a readerlwriter for a storage medium, and is internally
housed inside, or externally attached to, the wireless conununication device 20.
The drive 212 reads out information recorded to a se~novable storage medium 26
such as an inserted magnetic disk, optical disc, magneto-optical disc, or
30 semiconductor memory, and outputs such infornlation to the RAM 203.
Additionally, the drive 212 may also write information to the renlovable storage
medium 26.
[0082]
The image capture device 213 is equipped with an image capture optical
systetn such as a pl~otographicle ns that condenses light and a zoom lens, as well as a
5 signal conversion sensor suc11 as a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary
metal-oxide-sen~iconductor (CMOS). The image capture optical system condenses
light radiating fio111 a subject to form a subject image on a signal conversion unit,
and the signal conversion sensor converts the forlned subject image into an electrical
image signal.
10 [0083]
The communication device 215 is a con~municationi nterface realized by a
communication device or the like that connects to a network 12, for example. Also,
the cotnmunication device 215 may be a communication device supporting wireless
local area network (LAN), a communication device supporting Long Term Evolution
15 (LTE), and a wired comtnunication device that communicates via a wired link.
[0084]
Note that the network 12 is a wired or wireless transmission channel for
information transmitted from a device connected to the network 12. For example,
the network 12 may encompass a public network such as the Internet, a telephone
20 network, or a satellite conimunication network, and various local area networks
(LANs) or wide area networks (WANs) including Ethernet (registered trademark).
Additionally, the network 12 may also encompass a dedicated network such as an
Internet Protocol virtual private network (IP-VPN).
[0085]
25 <<4. Conclusion>>
As described above, if another wireless communication device 20 is
detected by the NFC interface 240, the control unit 280 according to the first
embodiment controls activation start of the direct conlununication lnode of the
wireless LAN interface 220, and in addition, causes the NFC interface 240 to start a
30 connection process for direct co~nn~unicatiowni th the other wireless communication
device 20. According to such a configuration, a connection process for direct
communicatioll may be conducted in parallel with the activation of direct
communication mode, and thus the wait time until connection establishment lnay be
shortened.
[0086]
5 In addition, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to conduct
connection processes for mnltiple pairs of wireless communication devices 20 in
parallel using different communication methods. As a result, the wait time until the
connection of thee or more wireless communication devices is completed may be
shortened.
10 [0087]
The foregoing thus describes preferred e~nbodilnents of the present
disclosure in detail and with reference to the attached drawings. However, the
technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to sucll examples. It is clear
to persons ordinarily skilled in the technical field of the present disclosure that
15 various lnodifications or alterations may occur insofar as they are within the scope of
the technical ideas stated in the clainls, and it is to be understood that such
modifications or alterations obviously belong to the technical scope of the present
disclosure.
[0088]
20 For exaniple: although the foregoing describes an example in which a
connectfon process conducted by wireless conlamnication changes according to the
timing when the activation of direct comlnunication mode is conlpleted, the
connection process to conduct by wireless connnunication may be the same,
irrespective of the timing when the activation of direct connnunication mode is
25 completed. In other words, the wireless con~munication device 20 lnay conduct a
designated connection process by NFC, and after the activation of direct
collunnnication nlode is completed, conduct the rest of the connection process by
wireless comnlunication.
[0089]
30 Also, the respective steps in a process of the wireless conununication
system and \vireless communication device 20 in this specification are not
necessarily required to be processed in a time series following a sequence described
herein as a sequence diagram or flowchart herein. For example, the respective in a
process of the wireless comiit~nicationd evice 20 may be processed in a sequence
tliat differs from the sequences described herein as a flowchart, and fiurtliermore may
5 be processed in parallel.
[0090]
I11 addition, it is also possible to create a computer program causing
hardware such as tlie CPU 201, ROM 202, and RAM 203 built into tlie wireless
communication device 20 to exhibit tlie same fiunctionality as the respective
10 coniponents of the above wireless conimunication device 20. Also, a storage
nledium having such a conlputer program stored therein is also provided.
[0091]
(1)
A comnlunication device including:
15 a contactless communication unit that co~iductsc ontactless communication;
a wireless comniunication unit that conducts wireless communication; and
a control unit tliat, in a case in which the contactless communication unit
detects another comniunication device, controls activation start of a first
conlnluliication mode of the wireless communication unit, and co~itrolsa conliection
20 process for the wireless conlnlunication between the contactless communication unit
and the other comlnunication device.
(2)
The communication device according to (I), wherein
after activation of the first conimunication mode of the wireless
25 conimunication unit is conipleted, the control unit causes the wireless
communication unit to coliduct an uliexecuted process from anlong the conliection
process.
(3)
The communication device according to (2), wherein
30 tlie tunexecuted process varies according to an activation collipletion timing
of the first communication rilode of the wireless comtnunicatiori unit.
(4)
The co~mll~lunicatiodnev ice according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein
in a case in which tile contactless comtnunication unit detects another
connnunication device while the wireless con~munication unit is operating in a
5 second conununication mode, the control unit controls disconnection of a connection
by the second co~lununication mode, and controls activation start of a first
conmunication mode of the wireless communication unit.
(5)
Tlle communication device according to any one of ( 1 ) to (4), wherein
10 the second cotnmunication mode is an infrastructure mode that conducts
cotnmunication via an access point, and
the first communication mode is a direct con~tnunicationm ode that conducts
comtnunication without traversing the access point.
(6)
15 A co~nmunicationm ethod including:
detecting another cotnmunication device by contactless communication;
starting activation of a first communication mode of wireless
conmunication; and
conducting a connection process for the wireless comtn~~nicatiowni th the
20 other communication device hy the contactless communication.
(7)
A progranl for causing a computer to function as:
a contactless col1ullunication unit that conducts contactless con~munication;
a wireless communication unit that conducts wireless communication; and
25 a control unit that, in a case in w21icl1 the contactless collnnutiication unit
detects another conununication device, controls activation start of a first
communication mode of the wireless communication unit, and controls a connection
process for the wireless comnlunication between the contactless communication unit
and the other con~tnunicationd evice.
30 (8)
A comnlunication system including:
a plurality of comnunication devices,
wherein each of the plurality of communication devices includes
a contactless co~nmuuication unit that conducts contactless
cotnniunication,
5 a wireless communication unit that conducts wireless
comn~unication,a nd
a control unit that, in a case ia which the contactless
con~municationu nit detects another cornmunicatioll device, controls activation start
of a first conniiunication Inode of the wireless communication unit, and controls a
10 connection process for the wireless conlulunication between the contactless
communication unit and the other co~nnlunicationd evice.
Reference Signs List
wireless communication device
wireless antenna
NFC antenna
wireless LAN interface
NFC interface
operating unit
display unit
memory
control unit
AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS
Claim 1 (Currently Amended)
A communication device coniprising:
5 a contactless co~nnlunicationu nit that conducts coritactless conimunication;
a wireless communication unit that conducts wireless communication; and
a control unit that, in a case in which the contactless communication unit
detects another con~munication device, controls activation start of a first
comnlunication niode of the wireless con~municationu nit, and controls a connection
10 process for the wireless conlmunication between the contactless cotn~nunicationu nit
and the other communication device,
wherein the connection process includes a process of deciding which
communication device is to operate as a group om71ier, and an authentication process.
15 Claitn 2
i The coninnunication device according to claim 1, wherein
after activation of tlie first communication mode of the wireless
conimunication unit is completed, the control unit causes the wireless
conlnlunication unit to conduct at1 unexecuted process fro111 among the connection
20 process.
Claim 3
The comnmnication device according to claim 2, wherein
the unexecuted process varies according to an activation conlpletion timing
25 of tlie first conim~unicationm ode of tlie wireless commn~inicationu nit.
Claini 4
The con~municationd evice according to claim 1, wherein
in a case in which the contactless communication unit detects anotl~er
30 co~nnlu~iicatiod~eiv ice while the wireless communication unit is operating in a
second comnlunication mode, the control unit controls discon1iectiot1 of a co~ulection
by the second conl~nunication mode, and controls activation start of a first
coln~nunicationn lode of the wireless cornrnunication unit.
Claim 5 (Cul~entlyA mended)
5 The comtnunication device according to claim 4, wherein
the second communication mode is an infrastructure mode that conducts
comtnunication via an access point, and
the first con~municationn iode is a direct communication mode that conducts
cotnmunication without traversing tlie access point.
10
Claim 6 (New)
The conlmunication device according to claim 2, further comprising:
a display unit,
wherein the communication device reports contactless communication
15 connection start using the display unit.
Claitn 7 (Currently Amended)
A communication method comprising:
detecting another conul~unicationd evice by contactless communication;
20 starting activation of a first communication mode of wireless
comn~unicationa; nd
conducting a connection process for the wireless com~llunication with the
other comrnunication device by the contactless communication,
wherein the connection process includes a process of deciding which
25 coln~nunicationd evice is to operate as a group owner, and an authentication process.
Claitn 8 (Currently Amended)
Aprogranl for causing a computer to function as:
a contactless con~municationu nit that conducts contactless co~nn~unication;
a wireless connlltunication unit that conducts wireless communication; and
a control unit that. in a case in which the contactless co~nmunication unit
detects another bonmunication device, controls activation start of a first
communication nlldde of tlie wireless communication unit, and controls a connection
process for tlie ~vi?eless communication between the contactless communication unit
and the other co~~nn~inicatdieovni ce,
5 \vherein tlie corniectio11 process includes a process of deciding which
com~nn~nicatiodne vice is to operate as a group o\vnel; and an authentication process.
Claim 9 (Currently Anlended)
A conmunication system comprising:
10 a plurality of comniu~ucationd evices;
wherein each of tlie plurality of conimunicatio~dl evices includes
a contactless comnlunication unit that conducts contactless
cotnmu~lication, :
a! wireless connnunication unit that co~iducts wireless
15 con~municationa, nd
a control unit that, in a case ill wllich tlle contactless
conmunication unit detects another conlmu~licationd evice, controls activation start
of a first coln1nLinjcation mode of the wireless comnninication h i t , and coptrols a
connection proce4s for the wireless conmnication between the contactless
20 coni~nunicationu nit and the otl~eerc onlmunication device,
wllerein the comlectidn process includes a process of deciding \vllich
communication device will operate as a group ownel; and an authe~lticationp rocess.