Wireless communication device

Abstract

To further improve confidentiality of a communication history.SOLUTION: A wireless communication device includes: a communication part configured to communicate with a predetermined wireless communication device; a management part configured to manage identification information including an identifier for identifying the wireless communication device and an usage status of a frequency usable for communication by the communication part, and select the identification information to be used by the wireless communication device; and a communication control part configured to control the communication part to perform communication using the identification information assigned to the own wireless communication device. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the management part selects at least one of an unused identifier and an unused frequency as new identification information for an own wireless communication device and a first wireless communication device among predetermined wireless communication devices. When the new identification information is selected, the communication control part transmits the new identification information to the first wireless communication device via the communication part, and then controls the communication part to communicate with the first wireless communication device by assigning the newly selected identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless communication devices. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known technologies that prevent third parties from intercepting communication content and collecting user access history. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for a mobile device that changes its identification information in an unreliable connection location, preventing the access history and other information from being identified. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2018-502513 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology in Patent Document 1 changes the sender's own profile, but if, for example, the same destination is accessed within a short period of time or always at the same time, the sender may be identified as the same.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a wireless communication device that can further improve the confidentiality of communication history. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The wireless communication device of the present disclosure comprises a communication unit that communicates with a specified wireless communication device, a management unit that manages identification information including an identifier for identifying the wireless communication device and the usage status of frequencies that the communication unit can use for communication, and selects the identification information to be used by the wireless communication device, and a communication control unit that controls the communication unit to communicate using the identification information assigned to its own wireless communication device, wherein, when specified conditions are met, the management unit selects at least one of the unused identifier and the unused frequency as new identification information for its own wireless communication device and a first wireless communication device among the specified wireless communication devices, and when the new identification information is selected, the communication control unit transmits the new identification information to the first wireless communication device via the communication unit, and then controls the communication unit to assign the newly selected identification information and communicate with the first wireless communication device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to further improve the confidentiality of communication history. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a terminal device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of identification information according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of identification information according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a server device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of wireless communication processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a method for updating identification information according to the embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a method for updating identification information according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method for updating identification information according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for updating identification information according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method for updating identification information according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a method for updating identification information according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of wireless communication processing according to the modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and in the following embodiments, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0010] [Embodiment] (Communication Systems) An example of the configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 includes a wireless communication device 10-1, a wireless communication device 10-2, a wireless communication device 10-3, a wireless communication device 10-4, a server device 12, a terminal device 14-1, and a terminal device 14-2.

[0012] The wireless communication device 10-1 and the terminal device 14-1 are devices used by a user U1. The wireless communication device 10-1 and the terminal device 14-1 are configured to perform wired communication, for example. The wireless communication device 10-1 and the wireless communication device 10-3 are configured to perform wireless communication, for example. The wireless communication device 10-3 is located in the vicinity of a server device 12. The wireless communication device 10-3 and the server device 12 are configured to perform wired communication, for example. The wireless communication device 10-3 and the server device 12 may be configured to perform wireless communication. By using the terminal device 14-1 to communicate between the wireless communication device 10-1 and the wireless communication device 10-3, the user U1 can access the server device 12 that provides various information and obtain desired information.

[0013] The wireless communication device 10-2 and the terminal device 14-2 are devices used by a user U2. The wireless communication device 10-2 and the terminal device 14-2 are configured to perform wired communication, for example. The wireless communication device 10-2 and the wireless communication device 10-4 are configured to perform wireless communication, for example. The wireless communication device 10-4 is located in the vicinity of the server device 12. The wireless communication device 10-4 and the server device 12 are configured to perform wired communication, for example. The wireless communication device 10-4 and the server device 12 may be configured to perform wireless communication. The user U2 can use the terminal device 14-2 to communicate between the wireless communication device 10-2 and the wireless communication device 10-4, thereby accessing the server device 12 that provides various information.

[0014] Wireless communication device 10-3 and wireless communication device 10-4 may be configured to perform wired communication or wireless communication. A communication protocol when wireless communication device 10-3 and wireless communication device 10-4 perform wireless communication may be the same as or different from the communication protocol between wireless communication device 10-1 and wireless communication device 10-3 and the communication protocol between wireless communication device 10-2 and wireless communication device 10-4. Since wireless communication device 10-3 and wireless communication device 10-4 are located close to each other, they may be configured to be able to communicate via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0015] In the communication system 1 of the present disclosure, for example, user U1 uses terminal device 14-1 to perform a process that prevents a third party from identifying that wireless communication device 10-1 is communicating with wireless communication device 10-3. In other words, the communication system 1 performs a process that prevents a third party from identifying that user U1 is accessing server device 12.

[0016] (Terminal Device) An example configuration of a wireless communication device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a terminal device according to the present disclosure.

[0017] 2, the wireless communication device 10 includes an input unit 20, an audio input unit 22, a display unit 24, an audio output unit 26, a communication unit 28, a storage unit 30, and a control unit 32. The wireless communication device 10 may be, for example, a business wireless communication device, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like, but is not limited to these.

[0018] The input unit 20 accepts various operations for the terminal device and is realized by various input devices such as switches, buttons, and touch panels.

[0019] The voice input unit 22 detects the voice of the user using the wireless communication device 10. The voice input unit 22 converts the detected voice into a voice signal. The voice input unit 22 is realized by a microphone.

[0020] The display unit 24 displays various types of information and is realized by a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0021] The audio output unit 26 is a speaker that outputs various sounds, such as the voice of the other party.

[0022] The communication unit 28 is a communication interface that performs communication between the wireless communication device 10 and an external device. The communication unit 28 executes communication between, for example, the wireless communication device 10 and another wireless communication device 10. The communication unit 28 is realized by, for example, a communication circuit.

[0023] The storage unit 30 stores various types of information. The storage unit 30 stores information such as the contents of calculations performed by the control unit 32 and programs. The storage unit 30 includes at least one of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a main storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an external storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0024] The storage unit 30 stores a management table showing identification information including a UID assigned to the wireless communication device 10 and information on the usage status of frequencies used for communication by the wireless communication device 10. Figures 3 and 4 are diagrams showing examples of identification information in the management table according to the embodiment.

[0025] 3 shows UIDs assigned to the wireless communication device 10. Table 201 includes items such as "UID" and "Terminal in Use."

[0026] "UID" represents an identifier assigned to wireless communication device 10. "Using terminal" represents a wireless communication device 10 to which a UID is assigned. In table 201, the UID of wireless communication device 10-1 is "1," the UID of wireless communication device 10-2 is "2," the UID of wireless communication device 10-3 is "3," and the UID of wireless communication device 10-4 is "4." Table 201 shows eight UIDs, "1" to "8," but the present disclosure is not limited to this. There is no limit to the number of UIDs included in table 201.

[0027] 4 shows frequencies allocated to the wireless communication device 10. The table 202 includes items such as "frequency" and "used terminal."

[0028] "Frequency" represents an allocation of a frequency used by wireless communication device 10 for wireless communication. "Using terminal" represents wireless communication device 10 to which a frequency is allocated. In table 202, the frequency used by wireless communication device 10-1 and wireless communication device 10-2 for communication is "a," and the frequency used by wireless communication device 10-3 and wireless communication device 10-4 for communication is "b." In table 202, frequencies are conceptually represented as "a," etc., but in reality, specific numerical values ​​are shown. Table 202 shows eight frequencies, "a" to "h," but the present disclosure is not limited to this. There is no limit to the number of frequencies included in table 202.

[0029] The control unit 32 controls each unit of the wireless communication device 10. The control unit 32 includes, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The control unit 32 executes a program that controls the operation of the wireless communication device 10 according to the present disclosure. The control unit 32 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 32 may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0030] The control unit 32 includes a management unit 40 and a communication control unit 42 .

[0031] The management unit 40 manages identification information including an identifier for identifying the wireless communication device 10 and the usage status of frequencies that the communication unit 28 can use for communication. The management unit 40 of a specific wireless communication device 10 also manages a management table that includes identification information for multiple wireless communication devices 10. When a predetermined condition is met, the management unit 40 assigns at least one of an unused identifier and an unused frequency as new identification information to its own wireless communication device 10 and a first wireless communication device among the other wireless communication devices 10 based on the identification information. For example, after the communication unit 28 has communicated with the first wireless communication device, the management unit 40 assigns at least one of an identifier that is not currently in use and a frequency that is not currently in use as new identification information to its own wireless communication device 10 and the first wireless communication device based on the identification information.

[0032] The communication control unit 42 controls the communication unit 28 using the identification information assigned to its own wireless communication device 10 to communicate with the first wireless communication device. Specifically, the communication control unit 42 controls the communication unit 28 to communicate with the first wireless communication device using the UID assigned to its own wireless communication device 10 as source information, the UID assigned to the first wireless communication device as destination information, and the communication frequency assigned to its own wireless communication device 10. After communicating with the first wireless communication device, if the management unit 40 of its own wireless communication device 10 manages a management table, new identification information is assigned to its own wireless communication device 10 and the first wireless communication device. When the new identification information is assigned, the communication control unit 42 transmits the new identification information to the first wireless communication device via the communication unit 28, and then controls the communication unit 28 using the newly assigned identification information to update the communication settings so as to communicate with the first wireless communication device. The newly assigned identification information is encrypted and transmitted to the first wireless communication device using the identification information before the update.

[0033] When the management unit 40 of the wireless communication device 10 is managing the management table, the communication control unit 42 assigns new identification information to the wireless communication device 10 and the first wireless communication device, and uses the identification information of a second wireless communication device that is different from the first wireless communication device among the other wireless communication devices 10 that also manage the management table, to transmit update information indicating that the identification information of the wireless communication device 10 and the first wireless communication device has been updated to the second wireless communication device via the communication unit 28. The update information is a notification for maintaining the contents of the management table managed by the management unit 40 of the wireless communication device 10 and the management table managed by the management unit 40 of the second wireless communication device that received the update information to be identical.

[0034] When the management unit 40 receives update information from the second wireless communication device via the communication unit 28 indicating that the identification information used by the second wireless communication device and a third wireless communication device different from the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device among the other wireless communication devices 10 has been updated, the management unit 40 updates the identification information of the second wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device.

[0035] (Server device) An example configuration of a server device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a server device according to the present disclosure.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5, the server device 12 includes a communication unit 50, a storage unit 52, and a control unit .

[0037] The communication unit 50 is a communication interface that performs communication between the server device 12 and an external device. The communication unit 50 executes communication between the server device 12 and another wireless communication device 10, for example. The communication unit 50 is realized by, for example, a communication circuit.

[0038] The storage unit 52 stores various types of information. The storage unit 52 stores various types of information to be provided to the user. The storage unit 52 stores information such as the contents of calculations performed by the control unit 54 and programs. The storage unit 52 includes at least one of, for example, a RAM, a main storage device such as a ROM, and an external storage device such as an HDD.

[0039] In the present disclosure, the storage unit 52 may store a table 201 and a table 202 indicating the identification information. That is, the identification information of each wireless communication device 10 may be managed by the server device 12.

[0040] The control unit 54 controls each unit of the server device 12. The control unit 54 includes, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU or an MPU, and a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The control unit 32 executes a program that controls the operation of the server device 12 according to the present disclosure. The control unit 32 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The control unit 32 may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0041] [Wireless communication processing] The flow of wireless communication processing according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of wireless communication processing according to the embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 6 shows a process in which wireless communication device 10-1 and wireless communication device 10-3 communicate with each other, and wireless communication device 10-2 and wireless communication device 10-4 communicate with each other.

[0043] Management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-1 sets identification information for wireless communication device 10-1 (step S10a). For example, management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-1 sets the UID to "1" and the frequency used for communication to "a." The settings are input by the user operating wireless communication device 10-1 according to, for example, initial state tables 201 and 202.

[0044] Management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-2 sets identification information for wireless communication device 10-2 (step S10b). For example, management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-2 sets the UID to "2" and the frequency used for communication to "b." The settings are input by the user operating wireless communication device 10-2 according to, for example, initial state tables 201 and 202.

[0045] Management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-3 sets identification information for wireless communication device 10-3 (step S10c). For example, management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-3 sets the UID to "3" and the frequency used for communication to "a." The settings are input by the user operating wireless communication device 10-3 according to, for example, initial state tables 201 and 202.

[0046] Management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-4 sets identification information for wireless communication device 10-4 (step S10d). For example, management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-4 sets the UID to "4" and the frequency used for communication to "b." The settings are input by the user operating wireless communication device 10-4 according to initial state tables 201 and 202, for example. Note that the settings from step S10a to step S10d may be performed by a system administrator who configures each wireless communication device 10 in advance according to initial state tables 201 and 202, and provides the configured wireless communication device 10 to each user.

[0047] Communication control unit 42 of wireless communication device 10-1 transmits data A, which the user inputs using terminal device 14-1, to wireless communication device 10-3 via communication unit 28 (step S12). Specifically, communication control unit 42 of wireless communication device 10-1 sets the UID of the sender to "1" and the UID of the destination to "3" and transmits data A at frequency "a", so that data A is received by wireless communication device 10-3, whose UID is set to "3".

[0048] Communication control unit 42 of wireless communication device 10-3 transmits data A received from wireless communication device 10-1 to server device 12 (step S14).

[0049] When server device 12 receives data A from wireless communication device 10-3, server device 12 transmits a response signal (ACK) to wireless communication device 10-3 (step S16).

[0050] When management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-3 receives the response signal (ACK) from server device 12, it selects new identification information to be assigned to wireless communication device 10-1 and wireless communication device 10-3 (step S18). Specifically, management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-3 selects, as new identification information, an unused UID and an unused frequency whose column for the terminal in use is blank, based on table 201 shown in Fig. 3 and table 202 shown in Fig. 4.

[0051] Management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-3 selects, for example, unused UIDs in table 201 in ascending order (ascending order of UIDs in table 201) as new UIDs. Management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-3 selects, for example, "5" as the UID for wireless communication device 10-1 and "6" as the UID for wireless communication device 10-3.

[0052] Management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-3 selects, for example, an unused frequency from the top (ascending order of frequencies in table 202) as a new frequency in table 202. Management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-3 selects, for example, "c" as the frequency to be used for communication between wireless communication device 10-1 and wireless communication device 10-3.

[0053] The management unit 40 of the wireless communication device 10-3 updates the identification information stored in the storage unit 30 of the wireless communication device 10-3 (step S20). Figures 7 and 8 are diagrams for explaining a method for updating the identification information according to the embodiment.

[0054] 7, management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-3 deletes (leaves blank) wireless communication device 10-1 from the column with UID "1" in table 201 stored in storage unit 30 of wireless communication device 10-3, and deletes (leaves blank) wireless communication device 10-3 from the column with UID "3." Management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-3 then adds (enters) wireless communication device 10-1 to (enters) the column with UID "5" in table 201, and adds (enters) wireless communication device 10-3 to (enters) the column with UID "6," thereby updating table 201 to table 203.

[0055] 8, management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-3 deletes (leave blank) wireless communication device 10-1 and wireless communication device 10-3 from the column for frequency "a" in table 202 stored in storage unit 30 of wireless communication device 10-3. Then, management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-3 adds (enters) wireless communication device 10-1 and wireless communication device 10-3 to the column for frequency "c" in table 202, and updates table 202 to table 204.

[0056] Returning to Fig. 6, communication control unit 42 of wireless communication device 10-3 transmits update information indicating the updated content of the identification information to wireless communication device 10-4 (step S22).

[0057] Management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-4 updates the identification information stored in storage unit 30 of wireless communication device 10-4 based on the update information received from wireless communication device 10-3 (step S24). As a result, tables 201 and 202 stored in storage unit 30 of wireless communication device 10-4 are updated to tables 203 and 204, respectively. That is, the management tables stored in wireless communication device 10-3 and wireless communication device 10-4 are synchronized.

[0058] The communication control unit 42 of the wireless communication device 10-4 transmits a response signal (ACK) indicating that the management tables have been synchronized to the wireless communication device 10-3 via the communication unit 28 (step S26).

[0059] Communication control unit 42 of wireless communication device 10-3 transmits the identification information to be set by wireless communication device 10-1 to wireless communication device 10-1 via communication unit 28 (step S28). Specifically, communication control unit 42 of wireless communication device 10-3 sets the UID of the sender to "3" and the UID of the destination to "1" and transmits the identification information at frequency "a", whereby wireless communication device 10-1, whose UID is set to "1", receives the identification information. The identification information includes information indicating that the UID of wireless communication device 10-1 is "5", the UID of wireless communication device 10-3 is "6", and the frequency is "c", which will be used in the next communication between wireless communication device 10-1 and wireless communication device 10-3.

[0060] Management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-1 sets new identification information for wireless communication device 10-1 based on the identification information received from wireless communication device 10-3 (step S30a). Specifically, management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-1 sets its own UID to "5," the UID of wireless communication device 10-3, the communication partner, to "6," and the frequency used for communication with wireless communication device 10-3 to "c."

[0061] Management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-3 sets new identification information for wireless communication device 10-3 based on the updated identification information (step S30b). Specifically, management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-3 sets its own UID to "6," the UID of wireless communication device 10-1, the communication partner, to "5," and the frequency to be used for communication with wireless communication device 10-1 to "c." As a result, wireless communication devices 10-1 and 10-3 can perform the next communication using a UID and communication frequency different from the UID and communication frequency used in steps S12 and S28.

[0062] Communication control unit 42 of wireless communication device 10-2 transmits data B, which the user inputs using terminal device 14-2, to wireless communication device 10-4 via communication unit 28 (step S32). Specifically, communication control unit 42 of wireless communication device 10-2 sets the UID of the sender to "2" and the UID of the destination to "4" and transmits data B at the communication frequency of "b", whereby data B is received by wireless communication device 10-3, whose UID is set to "4".

[0063] Communication control unit 42 of wireless communication device 10-4 transmits data B received from wireless communication device 10-2 to server device 12 (step S34).

[0064] When server device 12 receives data B from wireless communication device 10-4, it transmits a response signal (ACK) to wireless communication device 10-4 (step S36).

[0065] When management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-4 receives the response signal (ACK) from server device 12, it selects new identification information to be assigned to wireless communication device 10-2 and wireless communication device 10-4 (step S38). Specifically, management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-4 selects, as new identification information, an unused UID and an unused frequency whose column for the terminal in use is blank, based on table 203 shown in Fig. 7 and table 204 shown in Fig. 8.

[0066] Management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-4 selects, for example, unused UIDs in table 203 in ascending order (ascending order of UIDs in table 203) as new UIDs. Management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-4 selects, for example, "7" as the UID for wireless communication device 10-3 and "8" as the UID for wireless communication device 10-4. At this time, although UIDs "1" and "3" are also unused, it is assumed here that "7" and "8" are selected as UIDs. The selection rule for unused UIDs is arbitrary, but it is preferable that the same UID is not selected periodically.

[0067] Management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-4 selects, for example, unused frequencies in table 204 in ascending order (ascending order of frequencies in table 204) as new frequencies. Management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-4 selects, for example, "d" as the frequency to be used for communication between wireless communication device 10-2 and wireless communication device 10-4. At this time, although frequency "a" is also unused, it is assumed here that frequency "d" is selected. The selection rule for unused frequencies is arbitrary, but it is preferable that the same frequency is not selected periodically.

[0068] The management unit 40 of the wireless communication device 10-4 updates the identification information stored in the storage unit 30 of the wireless communication device 10-4 (step S40). Figures 9 and 10 are diagrams for explaining a method for updating the identification information according to the embodiment.

[0069] 9, management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-4 deletes (leaves blank) wireless communication device 10-2 from the column with UID "2" in table 203 stored in storage unit 30 of wireless communication device 10-4, and deletes (leaves blank) wireless communication device 10-4 from the column with UID "4." Management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-4 then adds (records) wireless communication device 10-2 to (records) the column with UID "7" in table 201, and adds (records) wireless communication device 10-4 to (records) the column with UID "8," thereby updating table 203 to table 205.

[0070] 10, management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-4 deletes (leave blank) wireless communication device 10-2 and wireless communication device 10-4 from the column for frequency "b" in table 204 stored in storage unit 30 of wireless communication device 10-3. Then, management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-4 adds (enters) wireless communication device 10-2 and wireless communication device 10-4 to the column for frequency "d" in table 203, and updates table 204 to table 206.

[0071] Returning to Fig. 6, communication control unit 42 of wireless communication device 10-4 transmits update information indicating the updated content of the identification information to wireless communication device 10-3 (step S42).

[0072] Management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-3 updates the identification information stored in storage unit 30 of wireless communication device 10-3 based on the update information received from wireless communication device 10-4 (step S44). As a result, tables 203 and 204 stored in storage unit 30 of wireless communication device 10-3 are updated to tables 205 and 206, respectively. In other words, the management tables stored in wireless communication device 10-3 and wireless communication device 10-4 are synchronized.

[0073] The communication control unit 42 of the wireless communication device 10-3 transmits a response signal (ACK) indicating that the management tables have been synchronized to the wireless communication device 10-4 via the communication unit 28 (step S46).

[0074] Communication control unit 42 of wireless communication device 10-4 transmits the identification information to be set by wireless communication device 10-2 to wireless communication device 10-2 via communication unit 28 (step S48). Specifically, communication control unit 42 of wireless communication device 10-4 sets the UID of the sender to "4" and the UID of the destination to "2" and transmits the identification information at frequency "b", so that wireless communication device 10-2, whose UID is set to "2", receives the identification information. The identification information includes information indicating that the UID of wireless communication device 10-2 is "7", the UID of wireless communication device 10-4 is "8", and the frequency is "d", which will be used in the next communication between wireless communication device 10-2 and wireless communication device 10-4.

[0075] Management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-2 sets new identification information for wireless communication device 10-2 based on the identification information received from wireless communication device 10-4 (step S50a). Specifically, management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-2 sets its own UID to "7," the UID of wireless communication device 10-4, which is the communication partner, to "8," and the frequency used for communication with wireless communication device 10-4 to "d."

[0076] Management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-4 sets new identification information for wireless communication device 10-4 based on the updated identification information (step S50b). Specifically, management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-4 sets its own UID to "8," the UID of wireless communication device 10-2, the communication partner, to "7," and the frequency to be used for communication with wireless communication device 10-2 to "d." Then, the processing of FIG. 6 ends. As a result, wireless communication devices 10-2 and 10-4 can perform the next communication using a UID and communication frequency different from the UID and communication frequency used in steps S32 and S48.

[0077] When the row currently in use in the management table reaches the last row, the management unit 40 returns to the top row and performs allocation. For example, in the example shown in Figure 9, the UID "8" in the last row of table 205 is in use, so in the next allocation, the management unit 40 returns to the first row and assigns "1" as the UID.

[0078] 6, the processing from step S32 to step S50a, 50b has been described assuming that wireless communication device 10-2 and wireless communication device 10-4 communicate with each other. When wireless communication device 10-1 and wireless communication device 10-3 communicate with each other from step S32 to step S50a, 50b, the identification information of wireless communication device 10-1 and wireless communication device 10-3 is updated.

[0079] 11 and 12 are diagrams illustrating a method for updating identification information according to an embodiment. Figures 11 and 12 show management tables updated when wireless communication device 10-1 and wireless communication device 10-3 communicate with each other in steps S32 to S50a and S50b.

[0080] 11, management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-4 deletes (leaves blank) wireless communication device 10-1 from the column with UID "5" in table 203 and deletes (leaves blank) wireless communication device 10-2 from the column with UID "6." Management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-4 then adds (records) wireless communication device 10-1 to (records in) the column with UID "7" in table 201 and adds (records in) wireless communication device 10-2 to (records in) the column with UID "8," thereby updating table 203 to table 207.

[0081] 12, management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-4 deletes (leave blank) wireless communication device 10-1 and wireless communication device 10-3 from the column for frequency "c" in table 204. Management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-4 then adds (enters) wireless communication device 10-1 and wireless communication device 10-3 to the column for frequency "d" in table 203, and updates table 204 to table 208.

[0082] In this case, management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-1 sets its own UID to "7," the UID of wireless communication device 10-3, the communication partner, to "8," and the frequency used for communication with wireless communication device 10-3 to "d." Management unit 40 of wireless communication device 10-3 sets its own UID to "8," the UID of wireless communication device 10-1, the communication partner, to "7," and the frequency used for communication with wireless communication device 10-1 to "d."

[0083] As described above, in the embodiment, the identification information of the wireless communication device is changed by a user operation every time communication is performed between the wireless communication devices, thereby improving the confidentiality of communication.

[0084] [Modification of the embodiment] (wireless communication processing) A wireless communication process according to a modification of the embodiment will be described below. In the modification of the embodiment, a process of updating the identification information of the wireless communication device 10 is executed every time a predetermined time period elapses.

[0085] The flow of wireless communication processing according to the modified example of the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of wireless communication processing according to the modified example of the embodiment.

[0086] The processing from step S60a to step S60d is the same as the processing from step S10a to step S10d shown in FIG. 6, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0087] The management unit 40 of the wireless communication device 10-3 or the wireless communication device 10-4 determines whether or not the identification information needs to be updated (step S62). Specifically, the management unit 40 of the wireless communication device 10-3 or the wireless communication device 10-4 determines that the identification information needs to be updated when a predetermined time has elapsed since the communication system 1 was started up or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the identification information was last updated. The predetermined time is, for example, several minutes, but is not limited to this.

[0088] The processing from step S64 to step S76a, 76b is the same as the processing from step S18 to step S30a, 30b shown in Fig. 6, respectively, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. The processing from step S78 to step S90a, 90b is the same as the processing from step S38 to step S50a, 50b shown in Fig. 6, respectively, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. That is, in the modified embodiment, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the communication system 1 was started up, or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the identification information was last updated, the identification information of each wireless device is automatically updated.

[0089] As described above, in the modified embodiment, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the communication system 1 was started or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last time the identification information was updated, the identification information of the wireless communication device is changed. This allows the modified embodiment to improve the confidentiality of communications. The above-described embodiment and the modified embodiment may be combined for operation. Specifically, in the above-described embodiment, the identification information is updated using communication between wireless communication devices as a trigger. However, if a predetermined time has elapsed since this update, and there is no update of the identification information triggered by communication between wireless communication devices, the identification information may be updated using the passage of the predetermined time as a trigger.

[0090] The components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional components and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads and usage conditions. This distribution and integration configuration may also be performed dynamically.

[0091] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the contents of these embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described components include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1. Communication Systems 10, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4 Wireless communication equipment 12 Server equipment 14-1, 14-2 Terminal equipment 20 Input section 22 Audio input section 24 Display 26 Audio output section 28,50 Communications Department 30,52 Storage part 32,54 Control section 40 Management Department 42 Communication control section

Claims

1. a communication unit that communicates with a predetermined wireless communication device; a management unit that manages identification information including an identifier for identifying the wireless communication device and a usage status of a frequency that the communication unit can use for communication, and selects identification information to be used by the wireless communication device; a communication control unit that controls the communication unit to perform communication using the identification information assigned to the wireless communication device itself; When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the management unit selects at least one of the unused identifier and the unused frequency as new identification information for the wireless communication device itself and a first wireless communication device among the predetermined wireless communication devices, When new identification information is selected, the communication control unit transmits the new identification information to the first wireless communication device via the communication unit, and then controls the communication unit to assign the newly selected identification information and communicate with the first wireless communication device. Wireless communication device.

2. the management unit assigns at least one of the unused identifier and the unused frequency as new identification information to the wireless communication device itself and the first wireless communication device every time the communication unit communicates with the first wireless communication device. The wireless communication device according to claim 1 .

3. the management unit manages the identification information of the wireless communication device itself and the predetermined wireless communication device; When the identification information is newly selected for the wireless communication device itself and the first wireless communication device, the communication control unit uses the identification information of a second wireless communication device among predetermined wireless communication devices to transmit update information indicating that the identification information assigned to the wireless communication device itself and the first wireless communication device will be updated to the second wireless communication device via the communication unit. The wireless communication device according to claim 2 .

4. When update information indicating that the identification information of the second wireless communication device and a third wireless communication device among predetermined wireless communication devices is to be updated is received by the communication unit from the second wireless communication device, the management unit updates the identification information of the second wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device. The wireless communication device according to claim 3 .

5. the management unit selects and assigns at least one of the unused identifier and the unused frequency as new identification information to the wireless communication device itself and the first wireless communication device when a predetermined time has elapsed since the communication unit started communication or when a predetermined time has elapsed since new identification information was assigned.

3. The wireless communication device according to claim 1.

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