JP2006303637A - Wireless communication device and setting method for wireless communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology for simply setting a wireless communication parameter in a wireless communication device. <P>SOLUTION: The wireless communication device has a holding means for holding at least one wireless communication parameter, a detection means for detecting wireless communication devices existing on the periphery, a parameter selection means for selecting a wireless communication parameter that is not used by the detected wireless communication device, and a notification means for notifying a user of the selected wireless communication parameter. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless communication device and a method for setting a wireless communication device.

  In recent years, cable laying has become unnecessary, the degree of freedom of installation location of each wireless communication device has increased, and the demand for wireless communication with improved portability has increased. In particular, wireless communication has begun to be used not only for communication between PCs but also for communication between a PC and peripheral devices (digital still camera, storage, printer, etc.) and between peripheral devices.

  However, in order to perform wireless communication, it is necessary to set various wireless communication parameters (such as SSID in a wireless LAN) for establishing a wireless communication link. Although the PC can be set using input means such as a keyboard of the PC itself, the peripheral device generally has only a limited user interface. For example, a user interface for setting is newly provided, or Settings were made by connecting a PC or the like with a cable as shown in FIG.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram in which various wireless communication parameters are set by connecting the PC 103 to the printer 102 with a cable in order to set wireless communication parameters for performing wireless communication with the PC 101.
ISO / IEC 8802-11 ANSI / IEEE Std 802.11, Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specifications, 1999

  In a wireless communication system typified by a wireless LAN, in order to perform communication between wireless devices, it is necessary to set the same wireless communication parameter between wireless devices. In order to avoid the influence from the third party terminal, it is necessary to set a parameter different from the parameter used by the third party terminal. However, since peripheral devices such as printers generally have only limited input means and display means, it is difficult to set wireless communication parameters by a single device. For this reason, when setting the wireless communication parameters, it is necessary to separately connect a PC or the like with a cable and set it.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables easy setting of wireless communication parameters in a wireless communication apparatus having only limited input means. There is.

  In the wireless communication apparatus, a holding means for holding at least one wireless communication parameter, a detecting means for detecting a wireless communication apparatus existing in the vicinity, and a parameter selection for selecting a wireless communication parameter that is not used by the detected wireless communication apparatus Means, and notification means for notifying the user of the selected wireless communication parameter.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the technique which can perform the communication parameter setting of a radio | wireless communication apparatus easily can be provided.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the constituent elements described in this embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to them.

<Prerequisite technology>
In a wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11 standard group), it is necessary to set various wireless communication parameters prior to actual wireless communication, and it is necessary to set the same parameters between devices that communicate with each other. Wireless communication parameters include an SSID (Service Set ID) that indicates a logical group, a channel number that indicates a wireless communication frequency, and an encryption key (such as a WEP key) for communication encryption that is arbitrarily set. Only terminals set to the SSID, the same channel number, and the same encryption key can communicate with each other. In a PC or the like, these parameters are usually set manually by the user, but the channel number may be automatically selected and set by the device.

  FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of wireless communication parameter setting.

  The user sets the SSID (S201) and the encryption key (S202) described above for the device using a keyboard or the like or a device connected by a cable. Subsequently, when the ad hoc mode is used as the communication mode, the setting as the ad hoc mode is also performed (S203). The set device starts a device search for establishing a wireless link (S204), and establishes a wireless link when it finds another device having the same wireless communication parameter (S205). In the ad hoc mode, after setting the parameters, its own SSID information is transmitted to the wireless section using a notification signal (beacon).

  That is, actual communication is started after wireless communication parameters are set and a wireless link is established in both devices (for example, a printer and a digital still camera (DSC)) that perform communication. However, when there is a third party terminal in which the same wireless communication parameter is set, it is impossible to perform communication specifying a communication partner unless information unique to the terminal (for example, an IP address) is used.

(First embodiment)
The first embodiment of the wireless communication apparatus according to the present invention will be described below by taking a printer as an example.

  FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a wireless LAN direct print system that performs communication in a wireless LAN ad hoc mode. Each of the printer 301 and the DSC 302 is equipped with a wireless LAN wireless communication function, operates in an ad hoc mode in which terminals directly transmit without using a relay device (access point), and directly transmits image data and prints out. Can be done.

<Overview>
In this embodiment, a method for simplifying the setting of wireless communication parameters different from those of a third party terminal when setting the same wireless communication parameters between the printer 301 and the DSC 302 will be described. Therefore, in the printer 301 to be set in advance, a plurality of wireless parameters are stored in advance, and a wireless parameter different from the wireless parameter used by the third party terminal existing in the wireless communication section is selected at the start of setting. The information regarding the selected parameter is displayed to the outside. After the setting (selection) of the printer 301 is completed, the user can easily set the same wireless parameter in the DSC 302 according to the contents displayed on the printer.

<Printer configuration>
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the printer 301 according to the first embodiment.

  The printer 301 includes an operation unit 409 and a display unit 405 as a user interface. The operation unit 409 includes only buttons equivalent to those of a general printer (for example, up / down / left / right cursor keys, OK, cancel button, etc.), and the display unit 405 can confirm minimum setting information (for example, numbers and alphabets). Display) LCD display or LED. In addition, it may have a voice notification function. The operation unit 409 is connected to the bus 416 via the system controller 410, and the display unit 405 is connected to the bus 416 via a display processing unit 406 that controls display contents.

  The wireless communication function unit 403 controls wireless communication, and transmits and receives wireless signals to and from other wireless communication devices via an RF unit 404 including an antenna.

  The memory card I / F 407 is an interface for connecting a removable memory card 408. For example, by connecting a memory card that stores image data captured and stored by the DSC 302, stored image data can be stored. It is possible to read and print.

  The USB I / F 411 is an interface used when connecting to an external device using a USB cable.

  The print engine 401 is a functional block that actually prints an image on paper, and is processed by the print processing unit 402. Any print engine may be used. For example, an ink jet method is used in which ink droplets are ejected onto a recording medium such as recording paper by thermal energy.

  Each functional unit described above is controlled by a program executed by the CPU 415, and the program is stored in the ROM 413 or the flash memory 412. Data processed by the CPU 415 is written to and read from the RAM 414 or the flash memory 412.

  The flash memory 412 stores a parameter table 601 including one or more wireless communication parameters (parameters including at least one SSID) as shown in FIG. The wireless communication parameters may include other wireless communication parameters such as an encryption key together with the SSID, or may include information corresponding to each SSID (parameter number, LED display color (not shown), etc.). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the parameter table 601 is stored in advance at the time of shipment, but may be performed by a predetermined setting operation by the user. Note that the memory card 408 and the ROM 413 may be stored instead of the flash memory 412.

<Device configuration of DSC>
FIG. 5 shows a functional block diagram of the DSC 302 according to the first embodiment.

  The DSC 302 includes an operation unit 509 and a display unit 505 as a user interface. The operation unit 509 includes only buttons equivalent to those of a general DSC (for example, a shutter button, up / down / left / right cursor keys, OK, cancel button, etc.), and a display unit 505 displays captured image data and DSC setting information. Consists of possible LCD displays. However, it may be composed of an LCD display or LED that can confirm minimum setting information (for example, numbers and alphabets can be displayed). In addition, it may have a voice notification function. The operation unit 509 is connected to the bus 516 via the system controller 510, and the display unit 505 is connected to the bus 516 via a display processing unit 506 that controls display contents.

  The wireless communication function unit 503 is a block that controls wireless communication, and transmits and receives wireless signals to and from other wireless communication devices via an RF unit 504 including an antenna and the like. Since portability is an important factor in DSC, it is desirable that the antenna be built in or mounted on the surface rather than protruding outside.

  The imaging unit 501 is a block that captures an image when the shutter button is pressed, and is processed by the imaging processing unit 502 that controls the imaging unit and performs image processing.

  The memory card I / F 507 is an interface for connecting a removable memory card 508. For example, the image data processed by the imaging processing unit 502 can be stored in the memory card 508.

  The USB I / F 511 is an interface used when connecting to an external device using a USB cable.

  Each functional unit described above is controlled by a program executed by the CPU 515, and the program is stored in the ROM 513 or the flash memory 512. Data processed by the CPU 515 is written to and read from the RAM 514 or the flash memory 512.

  Similarly to the flash memory 412 in the printer 301, the flash memory 512 stores a parameter table 601 including one or more wireless communication parameters (parameters including at least one SSID) as shown in FIG. The wireless communication parameters may include other wireless communication parameters such as an encryption key together with the SSID, or may include information corresponding to each SSID (parameter number, LED display color (not shown), etc.). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the parameter table 601 is stored in advance at the time of shipment, but may be performed by a predetermined setting operation by the user. In addition, you may comprise so that it may memorize | store in memory card 508, ROM513, etc. instead of flash memory. However, it needs to be the same as the parameter table stored in the printer 301.

<Printer wireless communication parameter setting operation>
FIG. 7 shows a flowchart for setting communication parameters of the printer 301 according to the first embodiment.

  In step S <b> 701, the printer 301 shifts to a parameter setting mode for setting wireless communication parameters used by the wireless communication function unit 403 by the operation of the operation unit 409 by the user.

  In step S <b> 702, the CPU 415 selects one wireless communication parameter (SSID) from the parameter table 601 stored in the flash memory 412. The selection may be performed automatically (for example, at random) or may be configured to allow the user to select. When the user makes a selection, for example, a plurality of SSIDs in the parameter table 601 may be sequentially displayed on the display unit 405 according to the number of times the button is pressed. As a display method, for example, the corresponding number shown in FIG. 6 may be displayed on the display 405 instead of the SSID character string itself, or each SSID may be displayed in correspondence with the color of the backlight. Good.

  In step S <b> 703, the CPU 415 controls the wireless communication function unit 403 to start searching for a notification signal (hereinafter, “Beacon”) transmitted from another wireless communication device existing around the printer 301. At this time, a search is performed for all of the available frequency channels. The search time in each frequency channel is preferably equal to or longer than the Beacon transmission period. In the search, the communication usage rate in each frequency channel may be measured.

  In step S704, the CPU 415 determines whether there is another wireless communication device that transmits a Beacon including the SSID selected in step S702. If it exists, the CPU 415 notifies the user that the SSID selected by the display unit 405 is already used and cannot be selected (S708). Further, the user is prompted again using the display unit 405 to select the SSID (an SSID different from the previously selected one) (S709). Steps S702 to S709 are repeated until an SSID that is not used by another wireless communication device is selected.

  In step S705, when there is no other wireless communication device that transmits the SSID selected in step S702, the CPU 415 determines the SSID as the SSID used in the wireless communication function unit 403 and determines the frequency channel. The determination of the frequency channel may be selected and determined at random, or may be determined based on the communication usage rate in each frequency channel measured in step S703. By selecting a frequency channel with a low communication usage rate, more comfortable communication (communication with higher throughput) is possible during wireless communication (for example, when transferring image data) after the DSC 302 parameter setting described later is completed. effective.

  In step S706, the display unit 405 notifies the user of the SSID determined in step S705 (and the encryption key if present), and also notifies that the setting of the wireless communication parameters has been completed. The display method may be the “character string” of the SSID itself or the “number” associated with the SSID by the parameter table 601. Further, the “color” associated with the SSID may be displayed by light emission using an LED. Here, the frequency channel need not be displayed. This is because it has been confirmed that SSID is not used for all available frequency channels.

  In step S707, the wireless communication function unit 403 starts transmitting Beacon including the SSID determined in step S705 using the frequency channel determined in step S705.

  Through the above steps, the printer 301 ends the parameter setting mode and waits for a terminal that requests establishment of a wireless link.

<DSC wireless communication parameter setting operation>
FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of communication parameter setting of the DSC 302 according to the first embodiment.

  In step S <b> 801, the DSC 302 shifts to a parameter setting mode for setting wireless communication parameters used in the wireless communication function unit 503 by the operation of the operation unit 509 by the user.

  In step S <b> 802, the user confirms the wireless communication parameter (SSID) used by the printer 301 displayed in step S <b> 706 in parameter setting in the printer 301. As described above, the SSID is displayed using “character string”, “number” or “color” associated with the SSID in the parameter table 601.

  In step S803, the user sets the same SSID as the SSID confirmed in step S802 in the DSC 302 using the operation unit 509. As a setting method, for example, a plurality of SSIDs in the parameter table 601 may be sequentially displayed on the display unit 505 and can be selected according to the number of times the button is pressed. Also, a “number” associated with the SSID may be set by the parameter table 601. Further, it may be set by selecting a “color” associated with the SSID. As with the printer 301, the frequency channel need not be set. This is because it has been confirmed that the SSID used in the printer 301 is not used by a third-party wireless communication device for all available frequency channels.

  In step S804, the CPU 515 controls the wireless communication function unit 503 to start searching for a beacon including the SSID set in step S803. That is, the search for the printer 301 is started.

  In step S805, the CPU 515 determines whether there is another wireless communication device that transmits a Beacon including the SSID set in step S803. If it does not exist, the CPU 515 notifies the user that a device using the SSID set by the display unit 505 is not found (S808). Further, the user is prompted again using the display unit 505 to select an SSID (an SSID different from the previously selected one) (S809). Steps S803 to S809 are repeated until a device (printer 301) that uses the set SSID is found.

  In step S806, the display unit 505 notifies that another wireless communication device (printer 301) that transmits the Beacon including the SSID set in step S803 is found and the setting of the wireless communication parameters including the frequency channel is completed. To do.

  In step S807, the wireless communication function unit 503 starts a wireless link establishment operation.

  Through the above steps, the DSC 302 ends the parameter setting mode, and establishment of a wireless link with the printer 301 is established. Thereafter, the printer output process can be performed by directly transmitting the image data from the DSC 302 to the printer 301 by wireless communication.

  As described above, wireless communication parameters different from those of third-party wireless communication devices can be easily set between the printer 301 and the DSC 302. In the above description, the printer 301 has a function for determining a wireless communication parameter. However, the DSC 302 may have a function, and after the wireless communication parameter is set by the DSC 302, the printer 301 may set the wireless communication parameter. . Alternatively, both the printer 301 and the DSC 302 may have the above functions.

  Although the above has been described using a wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11) as a wireless communication means, it can be applied to any wireless communication system that can narrow down communication partners (for example, grouping) by setting parameters. Is possible.

FIG. 3 is a diagram in which a PC 103 is connected to a printer 102 and wireless communication parameters are set. It is a flowchart of a wireless communication parameter setting. 1 is a configuration diagram of a wireless LAN direct print system that performs communication in an ad hoc mode. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a printer 301 according to the first embodiment. FIG. It is a functional block diagram of DSC302 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the radio | wireless communication parameter memorize | stored in flash memory. 4 is a flowchart for setting communication parameters of the printer 301 according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart of the communication parameter setting of DSC302 which concerns on 1st Embodiment.

Claims (6)

Holding means for holding at least one wireless communication parameter;
Detecting means for detecting a wireless communication device existing in the vicinity;
Parameter selection means for selecting, from the wireless communication parameters held by the holding means, wireless communication parameters that are not used by the detected wireless communication device;
Notification means for notifying the user of the selected wireless communication parameter;
A wireless communication apparatus comprising:   The wireless communication parameter is arbitrarily selected from the wireless communication parameters held by the holding unit when the wireless communication device is not detected by the detecting unit. Wireless communication device. Measuring means for measuring each channel usage rate for two or more frequency channels;
Channel selection means for selecting the frequency channel used for communication based on the measured channel usage rate;
The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The wireless communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notification unit performs notification using a symbol associated with the wireless communication parameter.   4. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit performs notification using a color associated with the wireless communication parameter. 5. A parameter acquisition step of acquiring at least one wireless communication parameter;
A detection step of detecting a wireless communication device existing in the vicinity;
A parameter selection step of selecting a wireless communication parameter that is not used by the detected wireless communication device from the wireless communication parameter acquired by the parameter acquisition step;
A notification step of notifying the user of the selected wireless communication parameter;
A method for setting a wireless communication apparatus, comprising:

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