JP3670541B2

JP3670541B2 - Wireless communication terminal and wireless communication method

Info

Publication number: JP3670541B2
Application number: JP33666199A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 修爾木下; 和哉安澤; 充村田
Original assignee: NTT Docomo Inc
Current assignee: NTT Docomo Inc
Priority date: 1999-11-26
Filing date: 1999-11-26
Publication date: 2005-07-13
Anticipated expiration: 2019-11-26
Also published as: JP2001156704A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、無線通信端末および無線通信方法に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
現在、情報端末においては、無線通信機能を搭載し、外部の端末と直接的な無線通信を可能とする端末の提案がなされている。この無線通信機能搭載端末（以下「無線通信端末」という。）では、外部無線通信端末とのコネクタによる接続を廃止し、無線通信による接続とすることで、端末の小型化、外部無線通信端末との接続の簡易化、接続機器の多様化が見込まれている。
【０００３】
一方、これらのメリットがある反面、全ての無線通信端末は、電波の到達する範囲内に存在する無線通信端末の全てがその無線通信の接続対象となり得てしまうため、これらの中から任意の通信相手を識別、特定して通信を開始する機能が必要となる。
【０００４】
従来技術では、例えばＢｌｕｅｔｏｏｔｈ規格に規定されているＩｎｑｕｉｒｙモードのように、電波の到達する範囲内に存在する全ての接続対象となるＢｌｕｅｔｏｏｔｈ搭載端末に対して、それらの端末の情報提示を求める信号を送信し、得られたすべての端末からの端末属性情報の中から任意の通信相手を選択し、接続を求める方法が挙げられる（「ＳｐｅｃｉｆｉｃａｔｉｏｎｏｆｔｈｅＢｌｕｅｔｏｏｔｈＳｙｓｔｅｍＶｅｒｓｉｏｎ１．０Ａ」、１９９９年、ＢｌｕｅｔｏｏｔｈＳＩＧ、第１０８頁参照）。本文献では、接続要求の際にはランダムな時間間隔をおいて応答信号を送るよう各機器に指示し、他のＢｌｕｅｔｏｏｔｈ搭載端末からの応答信号の衝突を避ける技術が提案されている。同様の技術は電波を利用した無線通信においても適用されている。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
従来技術による無線通信端末では、接続する他の無線通信端末を選択する際に、個人的に利用される携帯電話機とノートパソコンとを接続する場合のように、あらかじめ端末に接続相手を認識させておくことが可能な場合と、会議の場における電子名刺交換の場合のように、電波の到達する範囲内に存在する特定の無線通信端末との接続が必要となる場合とが考えられる。前者の場合には問題は生じないが、後者の場合には、例えば会議室の中などで、通信の対象となり得る無線通信端末が多数存在する場合には、多数の無線通信端末から接続を希望する端末を特定する必要があり、操作が煩わしいという問題点がある。
【０００６】
また、今日のように情報端末が普及し、会議室、列車の車両の中、喫茶店などの限られたエリアの中に多数の無線通信機能を搭載した端末の使用が想定される環境においても、外部無線通信端末との接続を円滑に行わせるためには、接続相手の選択肢を絞り、接続相手の特定を容易にする方法の考案が必要となる。しかし、従来の技術では、無線通信利用時に接続対象となり得る、同等の無線通信機能を持つ無線通信端末が電波の到達する範囲内に数多く存在するような環境においては、多くの無線通信端末の中から接続相手を選択しなければならず、端末の特定が煩わしく、操作性に欠けるという問題点がある。
【０００７】
本発明の目的は、上記問題点に鑑み、数多くの無線通信端末が電波の到達する範囲内に存在する場合にも接続相手の特定が容易となるように、電波の強度および／または感度を制限した通信機能によって接続相手を特定する機能を有する無線通信端末および無線通信方法を提供することにある。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
請求項１に記載の発明は、無線通信端末であって、無線通信を行う対象となる外部無線通信端末を識別するための無線通信端末識別通信手段と、他の外部無線通信端末と無線通信する無線通信手段と、前記無線通信端末識別通信手段と前記無線通信手段との切り替える制御を行う制御手段と、前記制御手段からの制御により前記無線通信端末識別通信手段と前記無線通信手段とを切り替えるスイッチ手段とを備えた無線通信端末において、前記無線通信端末識別通信手段は、微弱電波により外部無線通信端末と信号を送受信する無線通信端末識別通信送受信手段を有し、前記無線通信端末識別通信送受信手段を用いて、外部無線通信端末情報を求める信号を送信し、前記信号を受信した外部無線通信端末からの応答信号を受信し、前記応答信号から外部無線通信端末情報をリストアップして接続可能な外部無線通信端末として識別し、前記制御手段は、前記無線通信端末識別通信手段にリストアップされた外部無線通信端末から通信相手となる外部無線通信端末を識別させ、前記スイッチ手段に対し無線通信端末識別通信手段から前記無線通信手段に切り替え制御し、前記無線通信手段は、前記制御手段の前記切り替え制御に基づいて、前記スイッチ手段によって無線通信端末識別通信手段から前記無線通信手段へ切り替えられた後に、前記無線通信端末識別通信手段により識別された前記外部無線通信端末と通信することを特徴とする。
【０００９】
請求項２に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の無線通信端末であって、前記無線通信端末識別通信手段は、さらに、識別した前記外部無線通信端末に対して接続要求信号を送信し、前記外部無線通信端末と無線通信用ＩＤを交換し、前記無線通信手段は、交換した前記無線通信用ＩＤを用いて前記外部無線通信端末と通信することを特徴とする。
【００１０】
請求項３に記載の発明は、請求項１または２に記載の無線通信端末であって、前記無線通信端末識別通信手段は、周期的に外部無線通信端末情報を求める信号を送信し、前記信号を受信した外部無線通信端末からの応答信号から外部無線通信端末情報をリストアップすることを特徴とする。
【００１１】
請求項４に記載の発明は、無線通信端末であって、無線通信を行う対象となる外部無線通信端末を識別するための無線通信端末識別通信手段と、他の外部無線通信端末と無線通信する無線通信手段と、前記無線通信端末識別通信手段と前記無線通信手段との切り替える制御を行う制御手段と、前記制御手段からの制御により前記無線通信端末識別通信手段と前記無線通信手段とを切り替えるスイッチ手段とを備えた無線通信端末において、前記無線通信端末識別通信手段は、微弱電波により外部無線通信端末と信号を送受信する無線通信端末識別通信送受信手段を有し、前記無線通信端末識別通信送受信手段を用いて、外部無線通信端末からの外部無線通信端末情報を求める信号を受信し、前記信号を送信した前記外部無線通信端末へ外部無線通信端末情報を含む応答信号を送信し、および前記外部無線通信端末からの接続要求信号を受信し、前記接続要求信号を送信した前記外部無線通信端末と外部無線通信用の無線通信用ＩＤを交換し、前記制御手段は、前記スイッチ手段に対し、前記外部無線通信端末との通信を、無線通信端末識別通信手段から前記無線通信手段に切り替え制御し、前記無線通信手段は、前記制御手段の前記切り替え制御に基づいて、前記スイッチ手段によって前記無線通信端末識別通信手段から前記無線通信手段へ切り替えられた後に、交換した前記無線通信用ＩＤを用いて前記外部無線通信端末と通信することを特徴とする。
【００１２】
請求項５に記載の発明は、無線通信端末であって、請求項１乃至４のいずれかに記載の無線通信端末において、前記無線通信手段は、音声信号、制御信号および／またはデータ信号のいずれかのうち少なくとも１つを送受信することを特徴とする。
【００１３】
請求項６に記載の発明は、無線通信方法であって、無線通信を行う対象となる外部無線通信端末を識別するための無線通信端末識別通信手段と、他の外部無線通信端末と無線通信する無線通信手段と、前記無線通信端末識別通信手段と前記無線通信手段との切り替える制御を行う制御手段と、前記制御手段からの制御により前記無線通信端末識別通信手段と前記無線通信手段とを切り替えるスイッチ手段とを備えた無線通信端末の無線通信方法であって、前記無線通信端末識別通信手段は、微弱電波により外部無線通信端末と信号を送受信する無線通信端末識別通信送受信手段を有し、前記無線通信端末識別通信手段において、前記無線通信端末識別通信送受信手段を用いて、外部無線通信端末情報を求める信号を送信するステップと、前記信号を受信した外部無線通信端末からの応答信号を受信し、外部無線通信端末情報をリストアップして接続可能な外部無線通信端末として識別するステップと、前記制御手段において、前記無線通信端末識別通信手段にリストアップされた外部無線通信端末から通信相手となる外部無線通信端末を識別させ、前記スイッチ手段に対し無線通信端末識別通信手段から前記無線通信手段に切り替え制御するステップと、前記スイッチ手段において、前記制御手段の前記切り替え制御に基づいて、前記無線通信端末識別通信手段から前記無線通信手段へ切り替えるステップと、前記無線通信手段において、前記無線通信端末識別手段により識別された前記外部無線通信端末と無線通信するステップとを含むことを特徴とする。
【００１４】
請求項７に記載の発明は、請求項６に記載の無線通信方法であって、前記無線通信端末識別通信手段において、識別前記外部無線通信端末に対して接続要求信号を送信し、前記外部無線通信端末と無線通信用ＩＤを交換するステップをさらに含み、前記無線通信手段における前記外部無線通信端末と無線通信する前記ステップは、交換した前記無線通信用ＩＤを用いて行われることを特徴とする。
【００１５】
請求項８に記載の発明は、請求項６または７に記載の無線通信方法であって、前記無線通信端末識別通信手段における、外部無線通信端末情報を求める信号を送信する前記ステップと、前記信号を受信した外部無線通信端末からの応答信号を受信し、外部無線通信端末情報をリストアップして接続可能な外部無線通信端末として識別する前記ステップは、周期的に行われることを特徴とする。
【００１６】
請求項９に記載の発明は、無線通信方法であって、無線通信を行う対象となる外部無線通信端末を識別するための無線通信端末識別通信手段と、他の外部無線通信端末と無線通信する無線通信手段と、前記無線通信端末識別通信手段と前記無線通信手段との切り替える制御を行う制御手段と、前記制御手段からの制御により前記無線通信端末識別通信手段と前記無線通信手段とを切り替えるスイッチ手段とを備えた無線通信端末の無線通信方法であって、前記無線通信端末識別通信手段において、微弱電波により外部無線通信端末と信号を送受信する無線通信端末識別通信送受信手段を有し、前記無線通信端末識別通信手段において、前記無線通信端末識別通信送受信手段を用いて、外部無線通信端末からの外部無線通信端末情報を求める信号を受信し、前記信号を送信した外部無線通信端末へ外部無線通信端末情報を含む応答信号を送信するステップと、前記外部無線通信端末から接続要求信号を受信し、前記接続要求信号を送信した前記外部無線通信端末と外部無線通信用の無線通信用ＩＤを交換するステップと、前記制御手段において、前記スイッチ手段に対し、前記外部無線通信端末との通信を、無線通信端末識別通信手段から前記無線通信手段に切り替え制御するステップと、前記スイッチ手段において、前記制御手段の前記切り替え制御に基づいて、前記無線通信端末識別通信手段から前記無線通信手段へ切り替えるステップと、前記無線通信手段において、前記制御手段の前記切り替え制御に基づいて、前記スイッチ手段によって前記無線通信端末識別通信手段から前記無線通信手段へ切り替えられた後に、交換した前記無線通信用ＩＤを用いて前記外部無線通信端末と無線通信するステップとを含むことを特徴とする。
【００１７】
請求項１０に記載の発明は、請求項６乃至９のいずれかに記載の無線通信方法であって、前記外部無線通信端末と無線通信する前記ステップは、音声信号、制御信号および／またはデータ信号のいずれかのうち少なくとも１つを送受信することを特徴とする。
【００２０】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、図面を参照しながら、本発明の実施形態について詳細に説明する。
【００２１】
（第１実施形態）
図１は、本発明の第１実施形態が適用される無線通信端末の構成の一例を示す図であり、無線通信端末の構成のうち本発明に関係する部分のみを概念的に示している。
【００２２】
本実施形態の電波の強度および／または感度を制限した通信機能による接続相手特定機能付き無線通信端末１０は、少なくとも、無線通信を切り替える制御を行う制御部１と、電波の強度および／または感度を制限した通信機能と無線通信の伝送路とを切り替えるスイッチ部２と、無線通信を行う対象となる外部無線通信端末を識別するために電波の強度および／または感度を制限した通信を行う機能、すなわち、例えば微弱電波により通信を行う機能を有する無線通信端末識別通信部２０と、音声信号、制御信号またはデータ信号等を他の外部無線通信端末と送受信する無線通信機能を有する無線通信部３０とから構成される。また、無線通信端末識別通信部２０は、外部無線通信端末との電波の強度および／または感度を制限した通信機能を制御する無線通信端末識別通信制御部３と、外部無線通信端末との間で電波の強度および／または感度を制限した通信により信号を送受信する無線通信端末識別通信送受信部４とを含んで成る。また、無線通信部３０は、無線通信用ＩＤを用いて通信相手を特定して外部無線通信端末と無線通信を行うように無線送受信部６を制御する無線通信制御部５と、無線電波を送受信する機能を有する無線送受信部６とを含んで成る。
【００２３】
次に、このように構成された本実施の形態における無線通信端末の動作の一例について、以下に図２を参照して詳細に説明する。
【００２４】
図２は、本発明の第１実施形態における無線通信端末による接続手順の接続シーケンスを示す図である。本図においては、電波の強度および／または感度を制限した通信機能により特定の接続相手を識別して無線通信用ＩＤを取得し、無線通信路を確立するまでの接続シーケンスを示す。
【００２５】
通信相手の識別を行う場合、まず通信端末の無線通信端末識別通信部２０同士を近接させると、微弱電波を受信できる程近距離に存在する外部無線通信端末に対し、定期的に外部無線通信端末情報を求める信号を送信し、接続可能な外部無線通信端末をリストアップする。制御部１から無線通信端末識別通信部２０に対し、接続相手識別を行うよう指示が出されると（ステップＳ２０２）、リストアップされた外部無線通信端末情報の中から接続を求める端末を特定して接続要求信号が出され（ステップＳ２０４）、移動体識別機能による接続が確立される（ステップＳ２０６〜ステップＳ２１２）。この際に、無線通信端末識別機能用のＩＤアドレスとは別に、無線通信用のＩＤアドレスも同時に交換しておく。
【００２６】
ついで、無線通信端末識別機能により接続相手を特定し、通信路を確立した後、制御部１はスイッチ部２に対し、通信路を無線通信に切り替えるよう指示を出す（ステップＳ２１４）。
【００２７】
ついで、スイッチ部２は通信路を無線通信に切り替え（ステップＳ２１６）、切り替え完了を制御部１に通知する（ステップＳ２１８）。
【００２８】
ついで、制御部１は無線通信に通信路が切り替わったことを認識し、無線通信部３０に対し、無線通信を開始するよう指示を出す（ステップＳ２２０）。この時同時に、無線通信端末識別機能を用いて接続した際に得た、相手側の無線通信用のＩＤを通知する。
【００２９】
ついで、無線通信部３０は取得した相手側の無線通信用ＩＤを用いることにより、接続相手を特定して無線通信機能による接続、通信を開始することが可能となる（ステップＳ２２２〜ステップＳ２３０）。
【００３０】
（第２実施形態）
図３は、本発明の第２実施形態が適用される無線通信端末の構成の一例を示す図であり、無線通信端末の構成のうち本発明に関係する部分のみを概念的に示している。本実施形態において、電界強度制限による接続相手特定機能を有する無線通信端末を一例に説明する。
【００３１】
無線通信端末１０は、少なくとも制御部１００と無線通信部１０１と電界強度測定部１０３とから構成させる。
【００３２】
制御部１００は、無線通信部１０１および電界強度測定部１０３に接続され、ある基準以上の電界強度で信号を送信してきた外部無線通信端末の中から接続相手を特定するように制御を行う機能を有する。
【００３３】
無線通信部１０１は、制御部１００および電界強度測定部１０３に接続され、無線通信制御部１０２と受信部１０４と送信部１０５とアンテナ部１０６とを含んで成り、無線通信を行う機能を有する。ここで、無線通信制御部１０２は、制御部１００、受信部１０４および送信部１０５に接続され、無線通信の制御を行う機能を有する。また、受信部１０４は、無線通信制御部１０２、電界強度測定部１０３およびアンテナ部１０６に接続され、無線通信制御部１０２の制御下でアンテナ部１０６で受信した電波から信号を受信し、電界強度測定部１０３に送信する機能を有する。また、送信部１０５は、無線通信制御部１０２およびアンテナ部１０６に接続され、無線通信制御部１０２の制御下で信号をアンテナ部１０６に送信する機能を有する。また、アンテナ部１０６は、受信部１０４および送信部１０５に接続され、外部無線通信端末と電波を送受信する機能を有する。
【００３４】
電界強度測定部１０３は、制御部１００および受信部１０４に接続され、制御部１００の制御下で受信部１０４から受信した信号の電界強度を測定する機能を有する。
【００３５】
次に、このように構成された本発明の第２実施形態における無線通信端末の動作の一例について、以下に図４を参照して詳細に説明する。
【００３６】
図４は、本実施の形態における無線通信端末による接続手順の接続シーケンスを示す図である。本図においては、電界強度測定により接続相手を特定し、無線通信路が確立されるまでの接続シーケンスを示す。
【００３７】
通信相手の識別を行う場合、まず外部無線通信端末の端末属性情報要求が制御部１００から無線通信制御部１０２へ指示され（ステップＳ４０２）、端末属性情報要求信号が外部無線通信端末に送信される（ステップＳ４０６）。同時に制御部１から電界強度制御部３へ、返答される信号の電界強度を測定するよう指示する（ステップＳ４０４）。
【００３８】
ついで、外部無線通信端末からの応答信号（ステップＳ４０８〜ステップＳ４１２）の電界強度を電界強度測定部１０３で測定し（ステップＳ４１４）、測定結果を制御部１００へ通知する（ステップＳ４１６）。同時に、無線通信制御部１０２を経由して制御部１００に端末属性情報が通知される（ステップＳ４１８）。
【００３９】
ついで、制御部１００は、電界強度の測定結果を元に、ある基準以上の電界強度で応答信号を送信してきた外部無線通信端末を接続相手に特定し、接続要求を行うよう無線通信制御部１０２へ指示を行う（ステップＳ４２０）。
【００４０】
ついで、無線通信制御部１０２は接続要求信号を送信するよう指示し、応答信号を得て（ステップＳ４２２〜ステップＳ４３０）、無線伝送路が確立される。
【００４１】
（第３実施形態）
図５は、本発明の第３実施形態が適用される無線通信端末の構成の一例を示す図であり、無線通信端末の構成のうち本発明に関係する部分のみを概念的に示している。本実施形態において、送信電力制御による接続相手特定機能を有する無線通信端末を一例に説明する。
【００４２】
無線通信端末１０は、少なくとも制御部１００と無線通信部１０１と送信電力制御部１０７とから構成させる。
【００４３】
制御部１００は、無線通信部１０１および送信電力制御部１０７に接続され、信号を送信してきた外部無線通信端末の中から接続相手を特定するように制御を行う機能を有する。
【００４４】
無線通信部１０１は、制御部１００および送信電力制御部１０７に接続され、無線通信制御部１０２と受信部１０４と送信部１０５とアンテナ部１０６とを含んで成り、無線通信を行う機能を有する。ここで、無線通信制御部１０２は、制御部１００、受信部１０４および送信部１０５に接続され、無線通信の制御を行う機能を有する。また、受信部１０４は、無線通信制御部１０２およびアンテナ部１０６に接続され、無線通信制御部１０２の制御下でアンテナ部１０６で受信した電波から信号を受信する機能を有する。また、送信部１０５は、無線通信制御部１０２、アンテナ部１０６および送信電力制御部１０７に接続され、無線通信制御部１０２の制御下で送信電力制御部１０７により送信電力を制御された信号をアンテナ部１０６に送信する機能を有する。また、アンテナ部１０６は、受信部１０４および送信部１０５に接続され、外部無線通信端末と電波を送受信する機能を有する。
【００４５】
送信電力制御部１０７は、制御部１００および送信部１０５に接続され、制御部１００の制御下で送信部１０５が送信する信号の送信電力制御を行う機能を有する。
【００４６】
次に、このように構成された本発明の第３実施形態における無線通信端末の動作の一例について、以下に図６を参照して詳細に説明する。
【００４７】
図６は、本実施の形態における無線通信端末による接続手順の接続シーケンスを示す図である。本図においては、送信電力制御により接続相手を特定し、無線通信路が確立されるまでの接続シーケンスを示す。
【００４８】
通信相手の識別を行う場合、送信電力制御部１０７で電力を制御し、端末属性情報要求信号を送信する（ステップＳ６０２〜Ｓ６０６）。
【００４９】
ついで、近距離に存在する外部無線通信端末から応答信号が送信され、受信部１０４で受信される（ステップＳ６０８〜ステップＳ６１２）。制御部１００では、応答信号を送信してきた外部無線通信端末の中から接続を求める外部無線通信端末を選択し、通信を開始するよう無線通信制御部１０２に対し指示を行う（ステップＳ６１４〜ステップＳ６１６）。指示を受けて、無線通信制御部１０２から送信部に指示が出され（ステップＳ６１６）、接続要求信号が送信される（ステップＳ６１８）。
【００５０】
ついで、応答信号を受信することにより（ステップＳ６２０〜ステップＳ６２６）、無線通信路が確立され、接続相手を特定して無線通信機能による接続、通信が可能となる。
【００５１】
（第４実施形態）
図７は、本発明の第４実施形態が適用される無線通信端末の構成の一例を示す図であり、無線通信端末の構成のうち本発明に関係する部分のみを概念的に示している。本実施形態において、受信感度制御による接続相手特定機能を有する無線通信端末を一例に説明する。
【００５２】
無線通信端末１０は、少なくとも制御部１００と無線通信部１０１と受信感度制御部１０８とから構成させる。
【００５３】
制御部１００は、無線通信部１０１および受信感度制御部１０８に接続され、信号を受信した外部無線通信端末の中から接続相手を特定するように制御を行う機能を有する。
【００５４】
無線通信部１０１は、制御部１００および受信感度制御部１０８に接続され、無線通信制御部１０２と受信部１０４と送信部１０５とアンテナ部１０６とを含んで成り、無線通信を行う機能を有する。ここで、無線通信制御部１０２は、制御部１００、受信部１０４および送信部１０５に接続され、無線通信の制御を行う機能を有する。また、受信部１０４は、無線通信制御部１０２、受信感度制御部１０８およびアンテナ部１０６に接続され、無線通信制御部１０２の制御下で受信感度制御部１０８により調節された受信感度で、アンテナ部１０６において受信した電波から信号を受信する機能を有する。また、送信部１０５は、無線通信制御部１０２およびアンテナ部１０６に接続され、無線通信制御部１０２の制御下で信号をアンテナ部１０６に送信する機能を有する。また、アンテナ部１０６は、受信部１０４および送信部１０５に接続され、外部無線通信端末と電波を送受信する機能を有する。
【００５５】
受信感度制御部１０８は、制御部１００および受信部１０４に接続され、制御部１００の制御下で受信部１０４の受信感度を制御し、至近距離に存在する外部無線通信端末からの信号のみ検知可能に調節する機能を有する。
【００５６】
次に、このように構成された本発明の第４実施形態における無線通信端末の動作の一例について、以下に図８を参照して詳細に説明する。
【００５７】
図８は、本実施の形態における無線通信端末による接続手順の接続シーケンスを示す図である。本図においては、受信感度制御により接続相手を特定し、無線通信路が確立されるまでの接続シーケンスを示す。
【００５８】
通信相手の識別を行う場合、まず外部無線通信端末の端末属性情報要求が制御部１００から無線通信制御部１０２へ指示され（ステップＳ８０２）、端末属性情報要求信号が外部無線通信端末に送信される（ステップＳ８０６）。同時に制御部１００から受信感度制御部１０８に対して、受信部１０４での受信感度を劣化させ、近距離に存在する一部の外部無線通信端末から送信された応答信号しか受信できないよう指示される（ステップＳ８０４）。
【００５９】
ついで、近距離に存在する一部の外部無線通信端末の端末属性情報のみが無線通信制御部１０２を経由し制御部１００へ通知される（ステップＳ８０８〜ステップＳ８１４）。
【００６０】
ついで、制御部１００は得た端末属性情報のリストの中から接続を求める外部無線通信端末を特定し、接続要求を行うよう無線通信制御部１０２へ指示を行う（ステップＳ８１６）。
【００６１】
ついで、無線通信制御部１０２は接続要求信号を送信するよう指示し、応答信号を得て（ステップＳ８１８〜ステップＳ８２６）、無線伝送路が確立される。
【００６２】
（第５実施形態）
図９は、本発明の第５実施形態が適用される無線通信端末の構成の一例を示す図であり、無線通信端末の構成のうち本発明に関係する部分のみを概念的に示している。本実施形態において、受信感度制御による接続相手特定機能を有する無線通信端末を一例に説明する。
【００６３】
無線通信端末１０は、少なくとも制御部１００と無線通信部１０１とから構成させる。
【００６４】
制御部１００は、無線通信部１０１に接続され、信号を受信した外部無線通信端末の中から接続相手を特定するように制御を行う機能を有する。
【００６５】
無線通信部１０１は、制御部１００に接続され、無線通信制御部１０２と受信部１０４と送信部１０５とアンテナ部１０６と誤り訂正方式変更部１０９とを含んで成り、無線通信を行う機能を有する。ここで、無線通信制御部１０２は、制御部１００および誤り訂正方式変更部１０９に接続され、無線通信の制御を行う機能を有する。また、受信部１０４は、誤り訂正方式変更部１０９およびアンテナ部１０６に接続され、無線通信制御部１０２の制御下で、アンテナ部１０６において受信した電波から信号を受信する機能を有する。また、送信部１０５は、誤り訂正方式変更部１０９およびアンテナ部１０６に接続され、無線通信制御部１０２の制御下で信号をアンテナ部１０６に送信する機能を有する。また、アンテナ部１０６は、受信部１０４および送信部１０５に接続され、外部無線通信端末と電波を送受信する機能を有する。誤り訂正方式変更部１０９は、無線通信制御部１０２、受信部１０４および送信部１０５に接続され、送受信する信号の誤り訂正方式を変更する機能を有し、特に、送信する端末属性情報要求信号の誤り訂正方式を変更し、近距離に存在する一部の外部無線通信端末しか適切に受信できないように制御を行う機能を有する。
【００６６】
次に、このように構成された本発明の第５実施形態における無線通信端末の動作の一例について、以下に図１０を参照して詳細に説明する。
【００６７】
図１０は、本実施の形態における無線通信端末による接続手順の接続シーケンスを示す図である。本図においては、誤り訂正方式の変更により接続相手を特定し、無線通信路が確立されるまでの接続シーケンスを示す。
【００６８】
通信相手の識別を行う場合、まず、誤り訂正方式変更部で誤り訂正方式を劣化させて端末属性情報要求信号を送信する（ステップＳ１００２）。
【００６９】
ついで、近距離に存在する外部無線通信端末から応答信号が返信され、受信部１０４で受信される（ステップＳ１００４〜１０１０）。
【００７０】
ついで、制御部１００では、応答信号を送信してきた、近距離に存在する外部無線通信端末の中から接続を求める外部無線通信端末を選択し、通信を開始するよう無線通信制御部１０２に対し指示を行う（ステップＳ１０１２〜１０１４）。
【００７１】
ついで、指示を受けて、無線通信制御部１０２から送信部１０５に指示が出され（ステップＳ１０１４）、接続要求信号が送信され（ステップＳ１０１６）、応答信号を受信することにより（ステップＳ１０１８〜１０２４）、無線通信路が確立され、接続相手を特定して無線通信機能による接続、通信が可能となる。
【００７２】
（他の実施の形態）
上述した実施の形態においては、各実施形態を独立に実現する場合を一例に説明したが、本発明はこの場合に限定されるものではなく、他の実施の形態においては、各実施形態を適宜組み合わせて実施することができることは当業者にとって自明である。
【００７３】
【発明の効果】
以上詳細に説明したように、本発明によれば、１つまたは２つ以上の無線通信端末との間で無線通信を行う無線通信手段と、無線通信手段により受信した信号の電界強度を測定する電界強度測定手段と、あらかじめ定めた閾値以上の電界強度で信号を送信してきた無線通信端末を接続相手として特定する接続相手特定手段とを備え、接続相手特定手段により特定された無線通信端末との間で、無線通信手段により無線通信を行うので、本端末と同等の無線通信機能を持つ外部無線通信端末との接続、通信を行う際に、電波の到達する範囲内に多くの無線通信端末の使用が想定される場合にも、電界強度を制限した通信機能を用いることにより容易に接続相手を発見、特定し通信を開始することができる。
【００７４】
また、本発明によれば、１つまたは２つ以上の無線通信端末との間で無線通信を行う無線通信手段と、近距離に存在する無線通信端末のみが検知できるように、無線通信手段により送信する信号の送信電力を制御する送信電力制御手段とを備え、送信された信号を検知できる範囲内に存在する無線通信端末を接続相手として特定して、無線通信手段により無線通信を行うので、本端末と同等の無線通信機能を持つ外部無線通信端末との接続、通信を行う際に、電波の到達する範囲内に多くの無線通信端末の使用が想定される場合にも、送信電力を制限した通信機能を用いることにより容易に接続相手を発見、特定し通信を開始することができる。
【００７５】
また、本発明によれば、１つまたは２つ以上の無線通信端末との間で無線通信を行う無線通信手段と、近距離に存在する無線通信端末から送信された信号のみを検知できるように、無線通信手段により受信する信号の受信感度を制御する受信感度制御手段とを備え、送信された信号を検知できる範囲内に存在する無線通信端末を接続相手として特定して、無線通信手段により無線通信を行うので、本端末と同等の無線通信機能を持つ外部無線通信端末との接続、通信を行う際に、電波の到達する範囲内に多くの無線通信端末の使用が想定される場合にも、受信感度を制限した通信機能を用いることにより容易に接続相手を発見、特定し通信を開始することができる。
【００７６】
また、本発明によれば、１つまたは２つ以上の無線通信端末との間で無線通信を行う無線通信手段と、無線通信手段により送信する信号の誤り訂正方式を変更する誤り訂正方式変更手段とを備え、誤り訂正方式変更手段により送信する信号の誤り訂正方式を変更して誤り訂正後のエラー率を劣化させ、近距離に存在する無線通信端末以外は適切に信号を受信できないように制御を行うので、本端末と同等の無線通信機能を持つ外部無線通信端末との接続、通信を行う際に、電波の到達する範囲内に多くの無線通信端末の使用が想定される場合にも、誤り訂正を制限した通信機能を用いることにより容易に接続相手を発見、特定し通信を開始することができる。
【００７７】
さらに、本発明によれば、微弱電波の信号を送信する微弱電波信号送信手段と、微弱電波信号送信手段により送信した信号を受信した無線通信端末から送信された応答信号を受信する応答信号受信手段と、応答信号を送信した無線通信端末を無線送信対象の無線通信端末として識別する無線通信端末識別手段と、無線通信端末識別手段により識別された無線通信端末との間で無線通信する無線通信手段とを備えたので、本端末と同等の無線通信機能を持つ外部無線通信端末との接続、通信を行う際に、電波の到達する範囲内に多くの無線通信端末の使用が想定される場合にも、電波強度を制限した通信機能を用いることにより容易に接続相手を発見、特定し通信を開始することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１実施形態が適用される無線通信端末の構成の一例を示す図である。
【図２】本発明の第１実施形態の無線通信端末による接続手順の接続シーケンスを示す図である。
【図３】本発明の第２実施形態が適用される無線通信端末の構成の一例を示す図である。
【図４】本発明の第２実施形態の無線通信端末による接続手順の接続シーケンスを示す図である。
【図５】本発明の第３実施形態が適用される無線通信端末の構成の一例を示す図である。
【図６】本発明の第３実施形態の無線通信端末による接続手順の接続シーケンスを示す図である。
【図７】本発明の第４実施形態が適用される無線通信端末の構成の一例を示す図である。
【図８】本発明の第４実施形態の無線通信端末による接続手順の接続シーケンスを示す図である。
【図９】本発明の第５実施形態が適用される無線通信端末の構成の一例を示す図である。
【図１０】本発明の第５実施形態の無線通信端末による接続手順の接続シーケンスを示す図である。
【符号の説明】
１制御部
２スイッチ部
３無線通信端末識別通信制御部
４無線通信端末識別通信送受信部
５無線通信制御部
６無線送受信部
１０無線通信端末
２０無線通信端末識別通信部
３０無線通信部
１００制御部
１０１無線通信部
１０２無線通信制御部
１０３電界強度測定部
１０４受信部
１０５送信部
１０６アンテナ部
１０７送信電力制御部
１０８受信感度制御部
１０９誤り訂正方式変更部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a wireless communication terminal and a wireless communication method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Currently, information terminals have been proposed that are equipped with a wireless communication function and enable direct wireless communication with external terminals. In this wireless communication function-equipped terminal (hereinafter referred to as “wireless communication terminal”), the connection with the external wireless communication terminal is abolished and the connection by wireless communication is performed, thereby reducing the size of the terminal and the external wireless communication terminal. Simplification of connection and diversification of connected devices are expected.
[0003]
On the other hand, on the other hand, all wireless communication terminals can be connected to any wireless communication terminals that exist within the reach of radio waves. A function for identifying and identifying the other party and starting communication is required.
[0004]
In the prior art, for example, in the inquiry mode specified in the Bluetooth standard, signals for requesting information presentation to all the Bluetooth-equipped terminals that are within the reach of the radio wave are connected. There is a method of selecting an arbitrary communication partner from terminal attribute information from all the obtained terminals and obtaining a connection (“Specification of the Bluetooth Version 1.0A”, 1999, Bluetooth SIG, (See page 108). In this document, a technique is proposed in which each device is instructed to send a response signal at a random time interval when a connection request is made, and a response signal from another Bluetooth-equipped terminal is avoided. Similar technology is also applied to wireless communication using radio waves.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the wireless communication terminal according to the prior art, when selecting another wireless communication terminal to connect, let the terminal recognize the connection partner in advance, as in the case of connecting a personal mobile phone and a laptop computer. It can be considered that there is a case where it is necessary to connect to a specific wireless communication terminal that exists within the reach of radio waves, as in the case of exchanging electronic business cards in a meeting place. In the former case, there is no problem, but in the latter case, for example, when there are many wireless communication terminals that can be the target of communication in a conference room, etc., connection is desired from many wireless communication terminals. There is a problem that it is necessary to specify the terminal to be operated and the operation is troublesome.
[0006]
In addition, in today's environment where information terminals are widespread, use of terminals equipped with a large number of wireless communication functions in limited areas such as conference rooms, train vehicles, and coffee shops, In order to facilitate the connection with the external wireless communication terminal, it is necessary to devise a method for narrowing down the options of the connection partner and facilitating the identification of the connection partner. However, in the conventional technology, there are many wireless communication terminals in an environment where there are many wireless communication terminals having equivalent wireless communication functions that can be connected when wireless communication is used. Therefore, there is a problem in that it is difficult to specify a terminal and lacks in operability.
[0007]
In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to limit the strength and / or sensitivity of radio waves so that it is easy to identify a connection partner even when a large number of wireless communication terminals exist within the reach of radio waves. Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless communication terminal and a wireless communication method having a function of specifying a connection partner by the communication function.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The invention according to claim 1 is a wireless communication terminal, and wirelessly communicates with a wireless communication terminal identifying communication means for identifying an external wireless communication terminal to be wirelessly communicated, and with another external wireless communication terminal. A wireless communication means; a control means for performing control to switch between the wireless communication terminal identification communication means and the wireless communication means; and a switch for switching between the wireless communication terminal identification communication means and the wireless communication means by control from the control means. The wireless communication terminal identification communication means includes wireless communication terminal identification communication transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving signals to / from an external wireless communication terminal by weak radio waves, and the wireless communication terminal identification communication transmission / reception means And transmitting a signal for requesting external wireless communication terminal information, receiving a response signal from the external wireless communication terminal that has received the signal, and receiving the response signal. The external wireless communication terminal information is listed from the external wireless communication terminal and identified as a connectable external wireless communication terminal, and the control means communicates with the external wireless communication terminal that is the communication partner from the external wireless communication terminal listed in the wireless communication terminal identification communication means. A communication terminal is identified, and the switch means is controlled to switch from the wireless communication terminal identification communication means to the wireless communication means, and the wireless communication means performs wireless communication by the switch means based on the switching control of the control means. After switching from the terminal identification communication means to the wireless communication means, communication is performed with the external wireless communication terminal identified by the wireless communication terminal identification communication means.
[0009]
  The invention according to claim 2 is the wireless communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication terminal identification communication means further transmits a connection request signal to the identified external wireless communication terminal, The wireless communication ID is exchanged with the external wireless communication terminal, and the wireless communication means communicates with the external wireless communication terminal using the exchanged wireless communication ID.
[0010]
  The invention according to claim 3 is the wireless communication terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wireless communication terminal identification communication means periodically transmits a signal for obtaining external wireless communication terminal information, and the signal The external wireless communication terminal information is listed from the response signal from the external wireless communication terminal that has received the message.
[0011]
  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless communication terminal that wirelessly communicates with a wireless communication terminal identifying communication means for identifying an external wireless communication terminal to be subjected to wireless communication, and another external wireless communication terminal. A wireless communication means; a control means for performing control to switch between the wireless communication terminal identification communication means and the wireless communication means; and a switch for switching between the wireless communication terminal identification communication means and the wireless communication means by control from the control means. The wireless communication terminal identification communication means includes wireless communication terminal identification communication transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving signals to / from an external wireless communication terminal by weak radio waves, and the wireless communication terminal identification communication transmission / reception means Is used to receive a signal for requesting external wireless communication terminal information from an external wireless communication terminal, and to the external wireless communication terminal that has transmitted the signal, A response signal including communication terminal information is transmitted, a connection request signal from the external wireless communication terminal is received, and an ID for wireless communication for external wireless communication is exchanged with the external wireless communication terminal that has transmitted the connection request signal The control means controls the switch means to switch the communication with the external wireless communication terminal from the wireless communication terminal identification communication means to the wireless communication means, and the wireless communication means Based on switching control, after switching from the wireless communication terminal identification communication means to the wireless communication means by the switch means, the exchanged wireless communication ID is used to communicate with the external wireless communication terminal. To do.
[0012]
  The invention according to claim 5 is a wireless communication terminal, wherein in the wireless communication terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the wireless communication means is any of an audio signal, a control signal and / or a data signal. At least one of these is transmitted and received.
[0013]
  The invention according to claim 6 is a wireless communication method, and wireless communication terminal identification communication means for identifying an external wireless communication terminal to be subjected to wireless communication, and wireless communication with another external wireless communication terminal A wireless communication means; a control means for performing control to switch between the wireless communication terminal identification communication means and the wireless communication means; and a switch for switching between the wireless communication terminal identification communication means and the wireless communication means by control from the control means. The wireless communication terminal identification communication means includes a wireless communication terminal identification communication transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from an external wireless communication terminal using a weak radio wave, and the wireless communication terminal identification communication means includes: In the communication terminal identification communication means, using the wireless communication terminal identification communication transmitting / receiving means, transmitting a signal for requesting external wireless communication terminal information; and Receiving a response signal from the external wireless communication terminal that has received the signal, listing the external wireless communication terminal information and identifying it as a connectable external wireless communication terminal, and in the control means, the wireless communication terminal identification communication A step of identifying an external wireless communication terminal as a communication partner from the external wireless communication terminals listed in the means, and controlling the switch means to switch from the wireless communication terminal identification communication means to the wireless communication means; Switching from the wireless communication terminal identification communication means to the wireless communication means based on the switching control of the control means; and the external wireless communication terminal identified by the wireless communication terminal identification means in the wireless communication means And wirelessly communicating with each other.
[0014]
  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the wireless communication method according to the sixth aspect, wherein the wireless communication terminal identification communication means transmits a connection request signal to the identification external wireless communication terminal, and the external wireless communication terminal The method further includes the step of exchanging a radio communication ID with a communication terminal, wherein the step of performing radio communication with the external radio communication terminal in the radio communication unit is performed using the exchanged ID for radio communication..
[0015]
  The invention according to claim 8 is the wireless communication method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the wireless communication terminal identification communication means transmits a signal for requesting external wireless communication terminal information, and the signal The step of receiving the response signal from the external wireless communication terminal that has received the signal, listing the external wireless communication terminal information and identifying it as a connectable external wireless communication terminal is performed periodically..
[0016]
  The invention according to claim 9 is a wireless communication method, and wireless communication terminal identification communication means for identifying an external wireless communication terminal to be subjected to wireless communication, and wireless communication with another external wireless communication terminal A wireless communication means; a control means for performing control to switch between the wireless communication terminal identification communication means and the wireless communication means; and a switch for switching between the wireless communication terminal identification communication means and the wireless communication means by control from the control means. A wireless communication method for a wireless communication terminal, comprising: wireless communication terminal identification communication transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from an external wireless communication terminal using weak radio waves in the wireless communication terminal identification communication means; In the communication terminal identification communication means, a signal for obtaining external wireless communication terminal information from the external wireless communication terminal using the wireless communication terminal identification communication transmitting / receiving means. Transmitting a response signal including external wireless communication terminal information to the external wireless communication terminal that has transmitted the signal, receiving a connection request signal from the external wireless communication terminal, and transmitting the connection request signal A step of exchanging a wireless communication ID for external wireless communication with an external wireless communication terminal; and in the control means, the switch means communicates with the external wireless communication terminal from the wireless communication terminal identification communication means to the wireless communication terminal. Switching control to communication means; in the switch means, switching from the wireless communication terminal identification communication means to the wireless communication means based on the switching control of the control means; and in the wireless communication means, the control Based on the switching control of the means, from the wireless communication terminal identification communication means by the switch means After being switched to the serial radio communication means, characterized in that it comprises a step in which the external wireless communication terminal and the wireless communication using the wireless communication ID replacing.
[0017]
  A tenth aspect of the present invention is the wireless communication method according to any one of the sixth to ninth aspects, wherein the step of performing wireless communication with the external wireless communication terminal includes an audio signal, a control signal, and / or a data signal. At least one of the above is transmitted and received.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0021]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication terminal to which the first embodiment of the present invention is applied, and conceptually illustrates only a portion related to the present invention in the configuration of the wireless communication terminal.
[0022]
The wireless communication terminal 10 with a connection partner specifying function using a communication function that limits the intensity and / or sensitivity of radio waves according to this embodiment includes at least the control unit 1 that performs control to switch radio communications, and the radio wave intensity and / or sensitivity. A switch unit 2 that switches between a restricted communication function and a wireless communication transmission path, and a function that performs communication with limited radio wave intensity and / or sensitivity in order to identify an external wireless communication terminal that is to perform wireless communication, For example, a wireless communication terminal identification communication unit 20 having a function of performing communication using weak radio waves, and a wireless communication unit 30 having a wireless communication function of transmitting and receiving voice signals, control signals, data signals, and the like with other external wireless communication terminals Composed. Further, the wireless communication terminal identification communication unit 20 is between the external communication terminal and the wireless communication terminal identification communication control unit 3 that controls a communication function that limits the intensity and / or sensitivity of radio waves with the external wireless communication terminal. And a wireless communication terminal identification communication transmitting / receiving unit 4 that transmits and receives signals by communication with limited radio wave intensity and / or sensitivity. The wireless communication unit 30 also transmits and receives radio waves to and from the wireless communication control unit 5 that controls the wireless transmission / reception unit 6 so as to perform wireless communication with an external wireless communication terminal by specifying a communication partner using the wireless communication ID. And a wireless transmission / reception unit 6 having the function of
[0023]
Next, an example of the operation of the wireless communication terminal according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.
[0024]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a connection sequence of a connection procedure by the wireless communication terminal in the first embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows a connection sequence from identification of a specific connection partner using a communication function with limited radio wave intensity and / or sensitivity to acquisition of a wireless communication ID and establishment of a wireless communication path.
[0025]
When identifying the communication partner, first, when the wireless communication terminal identification communication units 20 of the communication terminals are brought close to each other, the external wireless communication terminal is regularly transmitted to an external wireless communication terminal that is close enough to receive weak radio waves. A signal for requesting information is transmitted, and external wireless communication terminals that can be connected are listed. When the control unit 1 instructs the wireless communication terminal identification communication unit 20 to perform connection partner identification (step S202), the terminal for which connection is requested is specified from the listed external wireless communication terminal information. A connection request signal is issued (step S204), and the connection by the mobile object identification function is established (steps S206 to S212). At this time, apart from the ID address for the wireless communication terminal identification function, the ID address for wireless communication is also exchanged at the same time.
[0026]
Next, after identifying the connection partner by the wireless communication terminal identification function and establishing the communication path, the control unit 1 instructs the switch unit 2 to switch the communication path to wireless communication (step S214).
[0027]
Next, the switch unit 2 switches the communication path to wireless communication (step S216), and notifies the control unit 1 of the completion of switching (step S218).
[0028]
Next, the control unit 1 recognizes that the communication path has been switched to wireless communication, and instructs the wireless communication unit 30 to start wireless communication (step S220). At the same time, the wireless communication ID of the other party obtained when connecting using the wireless communication terminal identification function is notified.
[0029]
Next, by using the acquired wireless communication ID of the other party, the wireless communication unit 30 can identify the connection partner and start connection and communication using the wireless communication function (steps S222 to S230).
[0030]
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication terminal to which the second embodiment of the present invention is applied, and conceptually illustrates only a portion related to the present invention in the configuration of the wireless communication terminal. In the present embodiment, a wireless communication terminal having a connection partner specifying function by limiting electric field strength will be described as an example.
[0031]
The wireless communication terminal 10 includes at least a control unit 100, a wireless communication unit 101, and an electric field strength measurement unit 103.
[0032]
The control unit 100 is connected to the radio communication unit 101 and the electric field strength measurement unit 103, and has a function of performing control so as to specify a connection partner from among external radio communication terminals that have transmitted signals with an electric field strength exceeding a certain reference. Have.
[0033]
The wireless communication unit 101 is connected to the control unit 100 and the electric field strength measurement unit 103 and includes a wireless communication control unit 102, a reception unit 104, a transmission unit 105, and an antenna unit 106, and has a function of performing wireless communication. Here, the wireless communication control unit 102 is connected to the control unit 100, the reception unit 104, and the transmission unit 105 and has a function of controlling wireless communication. The receiving unit 104 is connected to the wireless communication control unit 102, the electric field strength measuring unit 103, and the antenna unit 106, receives signals from radio waves received by the antenna unit 106 under the control of the wireless communication control unit 102, and receives the electric field strength. It has a function to transmit to the measurement unit 103. The transmission unit 105 is connected to the wireless communication control unit 102 and the antenna unit 106 and has a function of transmitting a signal to the antenna unit 106 under the control of the wireless communication control unit 102. The antenna unit 106 is connected to the reception unit 104 and the transmission unit 105 and has a function of transmitting and receiving radio waves to and from an external wireless communication terminal.
[0034]
The electric field strength measuring unit 103 is connected to the control unit 100 and the receiving unit 104 and has a function of measuring the electric field strength of a signal received from the receiving unit 104 under the control of the control unit 100.
[0035]
Next, an example of the operation of the wireless communication terminal configured as described above according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
[0036]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a connection sequence of a connection procedure by the wireless communication terminal in the present embodiment. This figure shows a connection sequence until a wireless communication path is established after a connection partner is specified by electric field strength measurement.
[0037]
When identifying a communication partner, first, a terminal attribute information request of the external wireless communication terminal is instructed from the control unit 100 to the wireless communication control unit 102 (step S402), and a terminal attribute information request signal is transmitted to the external wireless communication terminal. (Step S406). At the same time, the control unit 1 instructs the electric field strength control unit 3 to measure the electric field strength of the returned signal (step S404).
[0038]
Next, the electric field intensity of the response signal (steps S408 to S412) from the external wireless communication terminal is measured by the electric field intensity measurement unit 103 (step S414), and the measurement result is notified to the control unit 100 (step S416). At the same time, the terminal attribute information is notified to the control unit 100 via the wireless communication control unit 102 (step S418).
[0039]
Next, based on the measurement result of the electric field strength, the control unit 100 specifies an external wireless communication terminal that has transmitted a response signal with an electric field strength equal to or higher than a certain reference as a connection partner, and makes a connection request so as to make a connection request. Is instructed (step S420).
[0040]
Next, the wireless communication control unit 102 instructs to transmit a connection request signal, obtains a response signal (steps S422 to S430), and establishes a wireless transmission path.
[0041]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication terminal to which the third embodiment of the present invention is applied, and conceptually illustrates only a portion related to the present invention in the configuration of the wireless communication terminal. In the present embodiment, a wireless communication terminal having a connection partner specifying function based on transmission power control will be described as an example.
[0042]
The wireless communication terminal 10 includes at least a control unit 100, a wireless communication unit 101, and a transmission power control unit 107.
[0043]
The control unit 100 is connected to the wireless communication unit 101 and the transmission power control unit 107, and has a function of performing control so as to specify a connection partner from the external wireless communication terminals that have transmitted signals.
[0044]
The wireless communication unit 101 is connected to the control unit 100 and the transmission power control unit 107, and includes a wireless communication control unit 102, a reception unit 104, a transmission unit 105, and an antenna unit 106, and has a function of performing wireless communication. Here, the wireless communication control unit 102 is connected to the control unit 100, the reception unit 104, and the transmission unit 105 and has a function of controlling wireless communication. The receiving unit 104 is connected to the wireless communication control unit 102 and the antenna unit 106 and has a function of receiving a signal from a radio wave received by the antenna unit 106 under the control of the wireless communication control unit 102. The transmission unit 105 is connected to the wireless communication control unit 102, the antenna unit 106, and the transmission power control unit 107, and receives a signal whose transmission power is controlled by the transmission power control unit 107 under the control of the wireless communication control unit 102. A function of transmitting to the unit 106. The antenna unit 106 is connected to the reception unit 104 and the transmission unit 105 and has a function of transmitting and receiving radio waves to and from an external wireless communication terminal.
[0045]
The transmission power control unit 107 is connected to the control unit 100 and the transmission unit 105 and has a function of performing transmission power control of a signal transmitted by the transmission unit 105 under the control of the control unit 100.
[0046]
Next, an example of the operation of the wireless communication terminal configured as described above according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
[0047]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a connection sequence of a connection procedure by the wireless communication terminal in the present embodiment. In the figure, a connection sequence is shown until a connection partner is specified by transmission power control and a wireless communication path is established.
[0048]
When identifying a communication partner, the transmission power control unit 107 controls power and transmits a terminal attribute information request signal (steps S602 to S606).
[0049]
Next, a response signal is transmitted from an external wireless communication terminal present at a short distance and received by the receiving unit 104 (steps S608 to S612). The control unit 100 selects an external wireless communication terminal that requires connection from the external wireless communication terminals that have transmitted the response signal, and instructs the wireless communication control unit 102 to start communication (steps S614 to S616). ). In response to the instruction, the wireless communication control unit 102 issues an instruction to the transmission unit (step S616), and a connection request signal is transmitted (step S618).
[0050]
Next, by receiving the response signal (steps S620 to S626), a wireless communication path is established, and connection and communication by the wireless communication function can be performed by specifying a connection partner.
[0051]
(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication terminal to which the fourth embodiment of the present invention is applied, and conceptually illustrates only a portion related to the present invention in the configuration of the wireless communication terminal. In the present embodiment, a wireless communication terminal having a connection partner specifying function based on reception sensitivity control will be described as an example.
[0052]
The wireless communication terminal 10 includes at least a control unit 100, a wireless communication unit 101, and a reception sensitivity control unit 108.
[0053]
The control unit 100 is connected to the wireless communication unit 101 and the reception sensitivity control unit 108, and has a function of performing control so as to specify a connection partner from the external wireless communication terminals that have received the signal.
[0054]
The wireless communication unit 101 is connected to the control unit 100 and the reception sensitivity control unit 108 and includes a wireless communication control unit 102, a reception unit 104, a transmission unit 105, and an antenna unit 106, and has a function of performing wireless communication. Here, the wireless communication control unit 102 is connected to the control unit 100, the reception unit 104, and the transmission unit 105 and has a function of controlling wireless communication. The reception unit 104 is connected to the wireless communication control unit 102, the reception sensitivity control unit 108, and the antenna unit 106, and has the reception sensitivity adjusted by the reception sensitivity control unit 108 under the control of the wireless communication control unit 102. 106 has a function of receiving a signal from the radio wave received. The transmission unit 105 is connected to the wireless communication control unit 102 and the antenna unit 106 and has a function of transmitting a signal to the antenna unit 106 under the control of the wireless communication control unit 102. The antenna unit 106 is connected to the reception unit 104 and the transmission unit 105 and has a function of transmitting and receiving radio waves to and from an external wireless communication terminal.
[0055]
The reception sensitivity control unit 108 is connected to the control unit 100 and the reception unit 104, controls the reception sensitivity of the reception unit 104 under the control of the control unit 100, and can detect only a signal from an external wireless communication terminal existing at a close distance. It has a function to adjust to.
[0056]
Next, an example of the operation of the wireless communication terminal configured as described above according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
[0057]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a connection sequence of a connection procedure by the wireless communication terminal in the present embodiment. This figure shows a connection sequence until a connection partner is specified by reception sensitivity control and a wireless communication path is established.
[0058]
When identifying a communication partner, first, a terminal attribute information request of the external wireless communication terminal is instructed from the control unit 100 to the wireless communication control unit 102 (step S802), and a terminal attribute information request signal is transmitted to the external wireless communication terminal. (Step S806). At the same time, the control unit 100 instructs the reception sensitivity control unit 108 to receive only response signals transmitted from some external wireless communication terminals located at a short distance by degrading the reception sensitivity at the reception unit 104. (Step S804).
[0059]
Subsequently, only the terminal attribute information of some external wireless communication terminals existing at a short distance is notified to the control unit 100 via the wireless communication control unit 102 (steps S808 to S814).
[0060]
Next, the control unit 100 specifies an external wireless communication terminal for which connection is requested from the obtained list of terminal attribute information, and instructs the wireless communication control unit 102 to make a connection request (step S816).
[0061]
Next, the wireless communication control unit 102 instructs to transmit a connection request signal, obtains a response signal (steps S818 to S826), and a wireless transmission path is established.
[0062]
(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication terminal to which the fifth embodiment of the present invention is applied, and conceptually illustrates only a portion related to the present invention in the configuration of the wireless communication terminal. In the present embodiment, a wireless communication terminal having a connection partner specifying function based on reception sensitivity control will be described as an example.
[0063]
The wireless communication terminal 10 includes at least a control unit 100 and a wireless communication unit 101.
[0064]
The control unit 100 is connected to the wireless communication unit 101 and has a function of performing control so as to specify a connection partner from among external wireless communication terminals that have received signals.
[0065]
The wireless communication unit 101 is connected to the control unit 100 and includes a wireless communication control unit 102, a reception unit 104, a transmission unit 105, an antenna unit 106, and an error correction method change unit 109, and has a function of performing wireless communication. . Here, the wireless communication control unit 102 is connected to the control unit 100 and the error correction method changing unit 109 and has a function of controlling wireless communication. The receiving unit 104 is connected to the error correction method changing unit 109 and the antenna unit 106 and has a function of receiving a signal from a radio wave received by the antenna unit 106 under the control of the wireless communication control unit 102. The transmitting unit 105 is connected to the error correction method changing unit 109 and the antenna unit 106 and has a function of transmitting a signal to the antenna unit 106 under the control of the wireless communication control unit 102. The antenna unit 106 is connected to the reception unit 104 and the transmission unit 105 and has a function of transmitting and receiving radio waves to and from an external wireless communication terminal. The error correction method changing unit 109 is connected to the wireless communication control unit 102, the receiving unit 104, and the transmitting unit 105, and has a function of changing an error correction method of a signal to be transmitted / received. It has a function of changing the error correction method and performing control so that only some external wireless communication terminals existing in a short distance can be received appropriately.
[0066]
Next, an example of the operation of the wireless communication terminal configured as described above according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
[0067]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a connection sequence of a connection procedure by the wireless communication terminal according to the present embodiment. This figure shows a connection sequence until a wireless communication path is established after a connection partner is specified by changing the error correction method.
[0068]
When identifying a communication partner, first, the error correction method is degraded by the error correction method changing unit, and a terminal attribute information request signal is transmitted (step S1002).
[0069]
Next, a response signal is returned from the external wireless communication terminal existing at a short distance and received by the receiving unit 104 (steps S1004 to 1010).
[0070]
Next, the control unit 100 selects the external wireless communication terminal that requests the connection from the external wireless communication terminals that have transmitted the response signal and exists at a short distance, and instructs the wireless communication control unit 102 to start communication. (Steps S1012 to 1014).
[0071]
Next, in response to the instruction, the wireless communication control unit 102 issues an instruction to the transmission unit 105 (step S1014), a connection request signal is transmitted (step S1016), and a response signal is received (steps S1018 to 1024). Then, a wireless communication path is established, and a connection partner can be identified and connected by a wireless communication function.
[0072]
(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, the case where each embodiment is realized independently has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this case, and in other embodiments, each embodiment is appropriately selected. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that they can be implemented in combination.
[0073]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with one or more wireless communication terminals, and the electric field strength of the signal received by the wireless communication means are measured. Electric field strength measuring means and a connection partner specifying means for specifying a wireless communication terminal that has transmitted a signal with a field strength equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold as a connection partner, and a wireless communication terminal specified by the connection partner specifying means Since wireless communication is performed by wireless communication means, when connecting and communicating with an external wireless communication terminal having the same wireless communication function as this terminal, many wireless communication terminals are within the reach of radio waves. Even when it is assumed to be used, it is possible to easily find and specify a connection partner and start communication by using a communication function with limited electric field strength.
[0074]
Further, according to the present invention, the wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with one or more wireless communication terminals and the wireless communication means so that only the wireless communication terminals existing at a short distance can be detected. A transmission power control means for controlling the transmission power of the signal to be transmitted, and a wireless communication terminal that exists within a range in which the transmitted signal can be detected is identified as a connection partner, and wireless communication is performed by the wireless communication means. When connecting and communicating with an external wireless communication terminal that has the same wireless communication function as this terminal, even if it is assumed that many wireless communication terminals are used within the reach of radio waves, the transmission power is limited. By using the communication function, it is possible to easily find and specify a connection partner and start communication.
[0075]
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to detect only wireless communication means that performs wireless communication with one or two or more wireless communication terminals, and signals transmitted from wireless communication terminals that exist in a short distance. And a reception sensitivity control means for controlling the reception sensitivity of the signal received by the wireless communication means, and a wireless communication terminal existing within a range in which the transmitted signal can be detected is specified as a connection partner and wirelessly transmitted by the wireless communication means. Since communication is performed, when connecting and communicating with an external wireless communication terminal having the same wireless communication function as this terminal, it is also possible to use many wireless communication terminals within the reach of radio waves. By using a communication function with limited reception sensitivity, it is possible to easily find and identify a connection partner and start communication.
[0076]
In addition, according to the present invention, wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with one or more wireless communication terminals, and error correction method changing means for changing an error correction method for a signal transmitted by the wireless communication means The error correction method of the signal to be transmitted is changed by the error correction method changing means to degrade the error rate after error correction, and control is performed so that signals other than wireless communication terminals existing at a short distance cannot be received properly Therefore, when connecting and communicating with an external wireless communication terminal that has the same wireless communication function as this terminal, even if it is assumed that many wireless communication terminals are used within the reach of radio waves, By using a communication function in which error correction is limited, it is possible to easily find and identify a connection partner and start communication.
[0077]
Further, according to the present invention, the weak radio signal transmitting means for transmitting the weak radio signal, and the response signal receiving means for receiving the response signal transmitted from the wireless communication terminal that has received the signal transmitted by the weak radio signal transmitting means. A wireless communication terminal identifying means for identifying the wireless communication terminal that transmitted the response signal as a wireless communication terminal to be wirelessly transmitted, and a wireless communication means for performing wireless communication between the wireless communication terminal identified by the wireless communication terminal identifying means When connecting and communicating with an external wireless communication terminal having the same wireless communication function as this terminal, it is assumed that many wireless communication terminals are used within the reach of radio waves. However, by using a communication function with limited radio field intensity, it is possible to easily find and identify a connection partner and start communication.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication terminal to which a first embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a connection sequence of a connection procedure by the wireless communication terminal according to the first embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication terminal to which a second embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a connection sequence of a connection procedure by a wireless communication terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication terminal to which a third embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a connection sequence of a connection procedure by a wireless communication terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication terminal to which a fourth embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a connection sequence of a connection procedure by a wireless communication terminal according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication terminal to which a fifth embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a connection sequence of a connection procedure by a wireless communication terminal according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Control unit
2 Switch part
3 Wireless communication terminal identification communication control unit
4 Wireless communication terminal identification communication transceiver
5 Wireless communication controller
6 Wireless transceiver
10 Wireless communication terminals
20 Wireless communication terminal identification communication unit
30 Wireless communication unit
100 control unit
101 Wireless communication unit
102 Wireless communication control unit
103 Electric field strength measurement unit
104 Receiver
105 Transmitter
106 Antenna section
107 Transmission power control unit
108 Reception sensitivity control unit
109 Error correction method change part

Claims

Wireless communication terminal identification communication means for identifying an external wireless communication terminal to be subjected to wireless communication, wireless communication means for wireless communication with other external wireless communication terminals, the wireless communication terminal identification communication means, and the wireless communication In a wireless communication terminal comprising a control means for performing switching control with the means, and a switch means for switching between the wireless communication terminal identification communication means and the wireless communication means by control from the control means,
The wireless communication terminal identification communication means has wireless communication terminal identification communication transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving signals to / from an external wireless communication terminal by weak radio waves, and external wireless communication terminal information is obtained using the wireless communication terminal identification communication transmission / reception means. Transmitting a signal to be sought, receiving a response signal from the external wireless communication terminal that has received the signal, identifying external wireless communication terminal information from the response signal as a connectable external wireless communication terminal,
The control means identifies an external wireless communication terminal that is a communication partner from the external wireless communication terminals listed in the wireless communication terminal identification communication means, and causes the switch means to communicate from the wireless communication terminal identification communication means to the wireless communication means. Control to switch to
The wireless communication means is identified by the wireless communication terminal identification communication means after being switched from the wireless communication terminal identification communication means to the wireless communication means by the switch means based on the switching control of the control means. Communicate with an external wireless communication terminal
A wireless communication terminal characterized by the above.

The wireless communication terminal identification communication means further transmits a connection request signal to the identified external wireless communication terminal, exchanges a wireless communication ID with the external wireless communication terminal,
The wireless communication means communicates with the external wireless communication terminal using the exchanged wireless communication ID.
The wireless communication terminal according to claim 1.

The wireless communication terminal identification communication means periodically transmits a signal for obtaining external wireless communication terminal information, and lists the external wireless communication terminal information from a response signal from the external wireless communication terminal that has received the signal. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

Wireless communication terminal identification communication means for identifying an external wireless communication terminal to be subjected to wireless communication, wireless communication means for wireless communication with other external wireless communication terminals, the wireless communication terminal identification communication means, and the wireless communication In a wireless communication terminal comprising a control means for performing switching control with the means, and a switch means for switching between the wireless communication terminal identification communication means and the wireless communication means by control from the control means,
The wireless communication terminal identification communication means includes a wireless communication terminal identification communication transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from an external wireless communication terminal using weak radio waves, and using the wireless communication terminal identification communication transmission / reception means, Receives a signal for requesting external wireless communication terminal information, transmits a response signal including external wireless communication terminal information to the external wireless communication terminal that has transmitted the signal, and receives a connection request signal from the external wireless communication terminal , Exchange the wireless communication ID for external wireless communication with the external wireless communication terminal that transmitted the connection request signal,
The control means controls the switch means to switch the communication with the external wireless communication terminal from the wireless communication terminal identification communication means to the wireless communication means,
The wireless communication means uses the wireless communication ID exchanged after the switch means switches from the wireless communication terminal identification communication means to the wireless communication means based on the switching control of the control means. Communicate with an external wireless communication terminal
A wireless communication terminal characterized by the above.

The wireless communication terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The wireless communication terminal transmits and receives at least one of an audio signal, a control signal, and / or a data signal.

A wireless communication terminal identifying communication means for identifying an external wireless communication terminal to be subjected to wireless communication; a wireless communication means for wirelessly communicating with another external wireless communication terminal; Wireless communication comprising: control means for performing control for switching between the communication terminal identification communication means and the wireless communication means; and switch means for switching between the wireless communication terminal identification communication means and the wireless communication means under control from the control means. A terminal wireless communication method,
The wireless communication terminal identification communication means has wireless communication terminal identification communication transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving signals to / from an external wireless communication terminal using weak radio waves, and the wireless communication terminal identification communication means includes the wireless communication terminal identification communication transmission / reception means. make use of,
Transmitting a signal for requesting external wireless communication terminal information;
Receiving a response signal from the external wireless communication terminal that has received the signal, listing external wireless communication terminal information and identifying it as a connectable external wireless communication terminal;
In the control means, an external wireless communication terminal to be a communication partner is identified from the external wireless communication terminals listed in the wireless communication terminal identification communication means, and the switch means causes the wireless communication terminal identification communication means to communicate with the wireless communication means. A step of switching control to
In the switch means, based on the switching control of the control means, switching from the wireless communication terminal identification communication means to the wireless communication means;
Wirelessly communicating with the external wireless communication terminal identified by the wireless communication terminal identifying means in the wireless communication means;
A wireless communication method comprising:

The wireless communication terminal identification communication means further includes a step of transmitting a connection request signal to the identification external wireless communication terminal and exchanging a wireless communication ID with the external wireless communication terminal,
The step of performing wireless communication with the external wireless communication terminal in the wireless communication means is performed using the exchanged wireless communication ID.
The wireless communication method according to claim 6.

The step of transmitting a signal for requesting external wireless communication terminal information in the wireless communication terminal identification communication means, and a response signal from the external wireless communication terminal that has received the signal are received, and the external wireless communication terminal information is listed. The wireless communication method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the step of identifying as an external wireless communication terminal that can be connected is performed periodically.

Wireless communication terminal identification communication means for identifying an external wireless communication terminal to be subjected to wireless communication, wireless communication means for wireless communication with other external wireless communication terminals, the wireless communication terminal identification communication means, and the wireless communication A wireless communication method for a wireless communication terminal, comprising: control means for performing switching control with the means; and switch means for switching between the wireless communication terminal identification communication means and the wireless communication means by control from the control means,
The wireless communication terminal identification communication means includes wireless communication terminal identification communication transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving signals to / from an external wireless communication terminal by weak radio waves, and the wireless communication terminal identification communication means includes the wireless communication terminal identification communication transmission / reception means. make use of,
Receiving a signal for requesting external wireless communication terminal information from the external wireless communication terminal, and transmitting a response signal including the external wireless communication terminal information to the external wireless communication terminal that transmitted the signal;
Receiving a connection request signal from the external wireless communication terminal and exchanging a wireless communication ID for external wireless communication with the external wireless communication terminal that has transmitted the connection request signal;
In the control means, for the switch means, control to switch the communication with the external wireless communication terminal from the wireless communication terminal identification communication means to the wireless communication means;
In the switching means, switching from the wireless communication terminal identification communication means to the wireless communication means based on the switching control of the control means;
In the wireless communication means, based on the switching control of the control means, the switch means switches from the wireless communication terminal identification communication means to the wireless communication means, and then uses the exchanged wireless communication ID. Wirelessly communicating with an external wireless communication terminal;
A wireless communication method comprising:

The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 6 to 9 ,
Step a voice signal, control signal and / or a wireless communication method characterized by receiving at least one of any of the data signal the external radio communication terminal and radio communication.