Communication system

Abstract

To reduce the burden of an operation related to stopping transmission of radio waves in terminals that perform short-range communication with each other.SOLUTION: A mobile terminal displays an input image element instructing an external device to switch from a normal mode to a non-communication mode, and when receiving an operation giving the instruction to switch to the non-communication mode, transmits a transition command to the external device to transition to the non-communication mode. The external device releases the communication connection with the outside and transitions to the non-communication mode, when the transition command is received. When command means transmits the transition command to the external device, the mobile terminal changes the display of the input image element to a state indicating that it is impossible to accept an operation to switch a mode from a user. When the command means transmits the transition command to the external device, the mobile terminal does not accept an operation related to mode switching to the input image element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication system, a mobile terminal, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is a wristwatch terminal capable of short-range communication with a mobile terminal. For example, when boarding an aircraft, the modes of both the mobile terminal and the wristwatch terminal are switched to a flight mode that stops radio wave transmission.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses that before a mobile phone switches to a transmission / prohibition mode, transmission / prohibition mode transition information is transmitted to a wristwatch.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] It is difficult for a user to grasp an operation related to switching the mode of a wristwatch terminal from a normal mode to a non-communication mode from a mobile terminal. For example, due to restrictions such as communication between the mobile terminal and the wristwatch terminal, even if the wristwatch can be switched to a non-communication mode from the mobile terminal, the mode of the wristwatch cannot be switched later from the mobile terminal. On the other hand, it is difficult for the user to intuitively understand such operation restrictions.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for reducing the operation burden related to the stop of radio wave transmission in a mobile terminal and an external terminal that perform short-range communication with each other.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, the technology according to the present invention adopts the following configuration.

[0008] (1) A communication system including a mobile terminal and an external device, wherein the mobile terminal includes display control means for displaying an input image element that is an object of an operation by a user for instructing switching from a normal mode to a non-communication mode of the external device, operation reception means for receiving the operation for instructing switching to the non-communication mode with respect to the input image element, and instruction means for transmitting a transition command for causing the external device to shift to the non-communication mode when receiving the operation for instructing switching to the non-communication mode. The external device includes mode control means for releasing a communication connection with the outside and shifting to the non-communication mode when receiving the transition command. The display control means changes the display of the input image element to a state indicating that it is impossible to receive an operation for switching the mode from the user when the instruction means transmits the transition command to the external device. The operation reception means does not receive an operation related to switching the mode to the input image element when the instruction means transmits the transition command to the external device.

[0009] (2) In (1), the display control means displays an image explaining an operation for causing the external device to shift from the non-communication mode to the normal mode when there is an operation on the input image element whose state has been changed.

[0010] (3) In (1) or (2), the mode control means shifts to the normal mode by restarting a communication connection with the mobile terminal based on an operation of the user on the external device.

[0011] (4) In (3), the display control means returns the display of the input image element to a state indicating that it is possible to receive the operation for instructing switching to the non-communication mode when the external device shifts from the non-communication mode to the normal mode and the communication connection with the external device is restarted.

[0012] (5)(3) or (4), wherein the mode control means causes a transition to a transition mode in which it attempts to resume communication connection with the outside based on a user operation on the external device, causes a transition from the transition mode to the normal mode when the communication connection is resumed, and returns from the transition mode to the non-communication mode when the communication connection is not resumed even after a predetermined period has elapsed, a communication system.

[0013] (6) Display control means for displaying an input image element that is the target of an operation for instructing a user operation to switch from the normal mode to the non-communication mode of the external device, operation reception means for receiving the operation for instructing the switch to the non-communication mode with respect to the input image element, and instruction means for transmitting a transition command for causing the external device to shift to the non-communication mode when the operation for instructing the switch to the non-communication mode is received, wherein the display control means changes the input image element to a mode indicating that the user operation cannot be received when the external device receives the transition command, and the operation reception means does not receive an operation related to mode switching to the input image element after the transition command is transmitted, a mobile terminal.

[0014] (7) A program that causes a computer to function as display control means for displaying an input image element that is the target of an operation for instructing a user operation to switch from the normal mode to the non-communication mode of the external device, operation reception means for receiving the operation for instructing the switch to the non-communication mode with respect to the input image element, and instruction means for transmitting a transition command for causing the external device to shift to the non-communication mode when the operation for instructing the switch to the non-communication mode is received, wherein the display control means changes the input image element to a mode indicating that the user operation cannot be received when the external device receives the transition command, and the operation reception means does not receive an operation related to mode switching to the input image element after the transition command is transmitted.

Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, in mobile terminals and external terminals that communicate with each other at close range, the burden of operations related to stopping the transmission of radio waves can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The communication system includes a smartphone 1 and a wristwatch 2. The smartphone 1 includes a processor 11, a storage 12, a display panel 14, an input device 15, a mobile communication unit 131, a wireless LAN communication unit 132, and a short-range communication unit 133. The smartphone 1 is a type of portable terminal, and may be another type of portable terminal such as a tablet.

[0019] The processor 11 operates according to the execution instructions of the program stored in the storage 12. The processor 11 also controls the display panel 14, the input device 15, the mobile communication unit 131, the wireless LAN communication unit 132, and the short-range communication unit 133. Note that the execution instructions of the above program may be provided via the Internet or the like, or may be stored and provided in a computer-readable storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0020] The storage 12 is composed of memory elements such as DRAM and flash memory. The storage 12 stores the execution instructions of the above program. The storage 12 also stores information and calculation results input from the processor 11, the input device 15, etc. The storage 12 may include a storage device such as a hard disk.

[0021] The display panel 14 is a type of display device that displays images, and includes, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display panel. The display panel 14 is connected to a display controller or a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) (not shown), and displays an image based on an instruction from the processor 11.

[0022] The input device 15 includes, for example, at least a part of a touch panel, a microphone, and a camera. The input device 15 may include an input / output interface such as a connector and an integrated circuit that realizes a USB interface. An external input device such as a keyboard or a mouse may be connected to the smartphone 1 via the input / output interface. Note that the smartphone 1 may include a speaker (not shown).

[0023] The mobile communication unit 131, the wireless LAN communication unit 132, and the short-range communication unit 133 each include a transmission / reception circuit and an antenna that realize wireless communication with an external device. The mobile communication unit 131 communicates via a mobile communication network. The wireless LAN communication unit 132 communicates with an external device according to the wireless LAN standard. The short-range communication unit 133 communicates with an external device disposed near the smartphone 1 according to a communication standard such as, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark). Based on the control of the processor 11, the mobile communication unit 131, the wireless LAN communication unit 132, and the short-range communication unit 133 input information received from another device to the processor 11 or the storage 12, and transmit information to another device.

[0024] The wristwatch 2 includes a microcomputer 21, a short-range communication unit 233, a display unit 24, a movement motor 241, an operation member 25, and a battery 29.

[0025] The microcomputer 21 includes a processor, a memory, and a real-time clock 211, executes a program stored in the memory, inputs information from the operation member 25, etc., and controls the movement motor 241, the short-range communication unit 233, etc. The real-time clock 211 measures the internal time. The display unit 24 is a pointer and is driven by the movement motor 241 via a wheel train. The display unit 24 may be a display panel such as a liquid crystal. The operation member 25 includes buttons. The battery 29 stores electric power generated when light hits a solar cell or electric power supplied from the outside, and supplies electric power to each component including the microcomputer 21.

[0026] In this embodiment, as the states of the wristwatch 2, there are a normal mode and a flight mode. The normal mode is a mode in which communication with an external device such as the smartphone 1 is possible, and the flight mode is an example of a non-communication mode in which communication with an external device is not performed. The flight mode is used mainly in situations where there are concerns about the influence caused by radio wave transmission, such as when boarding an airplane or staying at a medical institution.

[0027] When the user switches the wristwatch 2 from the normal mode to the flight mode, the user operates the smartphone 1. On the other hand, in the flight mode, since the wristwatch 2 does not perform radio wave transmission and reception, switching the wristwatch 2 from the flight mode to the normal mode is performed by an operation on the wristwatch 2 itself. The configuration regarding this operation will be described below.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functions realized by the communication system. The communication system functionally includes a setting screen control unit 51, an operation reception unit 52, a clock setting unit 53, a mode control unit 56, and a notification unit 59. The setting screen control unit 51, the operation reception unit 52, and the clock setting unit 53 are each realized by the processor 11 executing a program corresponding to its function stored in the storage 12 of the smartphone 1, and the processor 11 controlling any one of the display panel 14, the input device 15, and the short-range communication unit 133 as necessary.

[0029] The setting screen control unit 51 causes the display device of the smartphone 1 to display a setting screen. The setting screen includes an input image element that is the target of an operation for instructing the user to switch the mode of the wristwatch 2 from the normal mode to the flight mode. Specifically, the input image element may be any one of a toggle switch, a toggle button, a check box, and a radio button. Further, the setting screen control unit 51 may output a confirmation screen for preventing misoperation when an operation for instructing mode switching is performed.

[0030] The operation reception unit 52 receives, via the input device 15, an operation from the user instructing a switch to the flight mode for the input image element. When a transition command to the flight mode is sent to the wristwatch 2, the operation reception unit 52 does not receive an operation related to switching the mode to the input image element.

[0031] When the clock setting unit 53 receives an operation instructing a mode switch of the wristwatch to the flight mode, it sends a transition command to cause the wristwatch 2 to transition to the flight mode.

[0032] Note that when a transition command to the flight mode is sent to the wristwatch 2, the setting screen control unit 51 changes the display of the input image element to a state indicating that it is impossible to receive the user's operation. When there is an operation on the input image element whose state has been changed, the setting screen control unit 51 causes an image explaining the operation on the wristwatch 2, which is an operation to transition the wristwatch 2 from the flight mode to the normal mode, to be displayed on the display device. When the wristwatch 2 transitions from the flight mode to the normal mode and the communication connection between the smartphone 1 and the wristwatch 2 is resumed, the setting screen control unit 51 restores the display of the input image element to a state indicating that the operation instructing a switch to the flight mode can be received.

[0033] The mode control unit 56 and the notification unit 59 are each realized by the processor in the microcomputer 21 of the wristwatch 2 executing a program corresponding to its function stored in the memory in the microcomputer 21 to control each part.

[0034] When the mode control unit 56 receives a transition command to transition to the flight mode, it disconnects the communication connection with the smartphone 1 and transitions to the flight mode.

[0035] The mode control unit 56 shifts to the normal mode by resuming the communication connection with the smartphone 1 based on the user's operation on the wristwatch 2. More specifically, the mode control unit 56 shifts to a transition mode in which it attempts to resume the communication connection with the smartphone 1 based on the operation of the operation member 25 on the wristwatch 2. When the communication connection is resumed, it shifts from the transition mode to the normal mode. When the communication connection is not resumed even after a predetermined period has elapsed, it returns from the transition mode to the flight mode.

[0036] The notification unit 59 receives the notification information transmitted from the system of the smartphone 1 and displays information on the display unit 24 or the like based on the notification information.

[0037] Next, the processing of the smartphone 1 and the wristwatch 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the smartphone 1. FIG. 3 mainly shows the processing when setting the wristwatch 2 on the smartphone 1. When the user performs some operation to transition to the setting screen, the processing shown in FIG. 3 is started.

[0038] First, the setting screen control unit 51 causes the display device to display a setting screen including the mode change switch 72 (step S111). FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the setting screen. FIG. 4 shows an example of the display when the current state of the wristwatch 2 is the normal mode. In the setting screen shown in FIG. 4, a state display area 71, a mode change switch 72, and an information icon 73 are arranged. The information icon 73 is an icon for displaying an explanation. The state display area 71 is an area for displaying current information including the current mode (see "Normal Mode" in FIG. 4), and this may also function as a kind of information icon. The mode change switch 72 is, for example, a toggle switch and is an input image element that receives an instruction to switch from the normal mode to the flight mode. In the example of FIG. 4, the mode change switch 72 is a switch for designating the ON state of the flight mode and is in the OFF state. As the mode change switch 72, other types of UI elements such as buttons may be used.

[0039] Then, the operation reception unit 52 receives the user's operation (step S112). The operation reception unit 52 may acquire, as the user's input, for example, information indicating an operation on the touch panel in a state where the setting screen is displayed (e.g., the coordinates touched or the type of UI element existing in the touched area).

[0040] The operation reception unit 52 determines whether the received operation is for the mode change switch 72 (step S113). If the received input is not for the mode change switch 72 (N in step S113), the operation reception unit 52 executes processing according to the type of the operation (step S114).

[0041] On the other hand, if the received operation is for the mode change switch 72 (Y in step S113), the operation reception unit 52 determines whether the mode change switch 72 is in a switchable state and whether the operation is an instruction to shift to the flight mode (step S115). Although details will be described later, when the wristwatch 2 is in the flight mode, the mode change switch 72 is in a non-switchable state. Therefore, the types of operations on the mode change switch 72 specifically include an operation instructing the switching from the normal mode to the flight mode for the wristwatch 2 and any operation on the mode change switch 72 when the wristwatch 2 is in the flight mode (e.g., touching or clicking on the mode change switch 72). The former is an operation for mode switching and may be, for example, an operation of switching a toggle switch or an operation of pressing by touching another type of button.

[0042] If the mode change switch 72 is in a switchable state and the operation is an instruction to shift to the flight mode (Y in step S115), the clock setting unit 53 transmits a transition command including a command to shift the wristwatch 2 to the flight mode to the wristwatch 2 (step S116). Specifically, the clock setting unit 53 causes the short-range communication unit 133 to transmit the transition command to the wristwatch 2.

[0043] When a transition command is sent, the setting screen control unit 51 changes the mode switch 72 to a non-switchable state (step S117). More specifically, the setting screen control unit 51 may send a transition command and then change the mode switch 72 to a non-switchable state when the communication connection with the wristwatch 2 is disconnected or when information indicating that the transition command has been received from the wristwatch 2 is received.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the setting screen after the transition command is sent. In the example of FIG. 5, the mode switch 72 is in the ON state, and "Flight Mode" indicating that the flight mode has been entered and communication has stopped is displayed in the status display area 71.

[0045] In step S115, if the mode switch 72 is not in a switchable state (i.e., in a non-switchable state) (N in step S115), the operation reception unit 52 does not accept the operation as a mode switching operation (step S118), and the setting screen control unit 51 causes the display device to display an explanation of the operation for transitioning the wristwatch 2 to the normal mode (step S119).

[0046] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed when the mode switch 72 is operated. On this screen, an explanation of the operation for transitioning the wristwatch 2 to the normal mode is displayed. In the example of FIG. 6, the operation procedure of the wristwatch 2 is displayed as a still image, but it may also be displayed as a video.

[0047] In step S114, when the received operation is a touch on the status display area 71 and the mode switch 72 is in an inoperable state, the setting screen control unit 51 causes the display device to display an explanation of the operation for shifting to the normal mode with respect to the wristwatch 2 (similar to step S119). Here, when the status display area 71 is touched, the setting screen control unit 51 may output different display contents for the normal mode and the flight mode. For example, in the case of the normal mode, the setting screen control unit 51 may display an explanation of the operations possible in that mode and a notice that it is prohibited to use the normal mode on board according to aviation law. In the case of the flight mode, the setting screen control unit 51 may display a method for releasing the flight mode (operation for shifting to the normal mode). Further, in step S114, when the received operation is a touch on the information icon 73 and the mode switch 72 is in an inoperable state, the setting screen control unit 51 may cause the display device to display an explanation of the operation for shifting to the normal mode with respect to the wristwatch 2, similar to when the status display area 71 is touched.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the wristwatch 2 that has received a command to shift to the flight mode. The processing shown in FIG. 7 is executed when the smartphone 1 executes the processing of step S116 and the short-range communication unit 233 of the wristwatch 2 receives information including the shift command.

[0049] First, the mode control unit 56 acquires the received command to shift to the flight mode (step S211). The mode control unit 56 may check whether the content and the transmission source included in the shift command are appropriate. The mode control unit 56 may cause the short-range communication unit 233 to transmit information indicating that the shift command has been received to the smartphone 1.

[0050] When the command to shift to the flight mode is acquired, the mode control unit 56 disconnects the communication connection with the outside in the short-range communication unit 233 and shifts to the flight mode (step S212).

[0051] Next, the process of returning the wristwatch 2 from the flight mode to the normal mode will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of the wristwatch 2 when an operation to cancel the flight mode is performed.

[0052] First, the mode control unit 56 waits for an operation from the user (step S221). This operation may be an operation on an operation member 25 such as a physical button or a crown. When there is an operation from the user, the mode control unit 56 determines whether the user's operation is an instruction to switch from the flight mode to the normal mode (step S222). If the operation is not an instruction to switch from the flight mode to the normal mode (N in step S222), the mode control unit 56 executes a process according to the operation (step S223).

[0053] On the other hand, when the user's operation is an instruction to switch from the flight mode to the normal mode (Y in step S222), the mode control unit 56 shifts to a transition mode in which it tries to resume communication connection with the smartphone 1 (step S224). In the transition mode, based on the control of the mode control unit 56, the short-range communication unit 233 starts transmitting and receiving radio waves and executes an operation to establish a communication connection with the smartphone 1, such as transmitting an advertisement.

[0054] The mode control unit 56 monitors the connection status of the communication and determines whether the communication connection has been resumed within a trial period (for example, 30 s) (step S225). If the communication connection has been resumed within the trial period (Y in step S225), the mode control unit 56 shifts the wristwatch 2 to the normal mode and resumes data transmission and reception with the smartphone 1 (step S226). On the other hand, if the communication connection has not been resumed within the trial period (for example, 30 s) (N in step S225), the mode control unit 56 terminates the trial of the communication connection, stops transmitting radio waves, and returns to the flight mode (step S227).

[0055] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the smartphone 1 when an operation to cancel the flight mode is performed. The processing shown in FIG. 9 is executed when a transition command to shift to the flight mode is transmitted (step S116), or when the mode change switch 72 is changed to an inoperable state (step S117).

[0056] First, the setting screen control unit 51 acquires the connection status of the communication with the wristwatch 2 (step S161), and determines whether the communication connection with the wristwatch 2 has been resumed (step S162). If the communication connection with the wristwatch 2 has been resumed (Y in step S162), the setting screen control unit 51 changes the mode change switch to an operable state (step S163). On the other hand, if the communication connection with the wristwatch 2 has not been resumed (N in step S162), the process returns to step S161. Note that steps S161 and S162 are an example of the process in which the setting screen control unit 51 waits until the communication connection is resumed. For example, the system program of the smartphone 1 may be set so that step S163 is executed when the connection is resumed.

[0057] In addition, the setting screen control unit 51 may set whether to permit the wristwatch 2 to return from the flight mode according to the user's operation. In this case, when the communication connection with the wristwatch 2 has been resumed (Y in step S162), the setting screen control unit 51 further determines whether the setting to permit the return from the flight mode has been made. When the setting to permit the return from the flight mode has not been made, the setting screen control unit 51 transmits information indicating that the return of the wristwatch 2 to the flight mode is impossible to the wristwatch 2. On the other hand, when the setting to permit the return from the flight mode has been made, step S163 is executed. In this case, in step S225 of FIG. 8, not only when the communication connection has not been resumed, but also when the communication connection has been resumed and the setting of the smartphone 1 does not permit the return from the flight mode and information indicating that the return to the flight mode is impossible is received, the mode control unit 56 returns the wristwatch 2 to the flight mode.

[0058] The wristwatch 2 may be a combination quartz watch with a display added in addition to the hand movement motor. Even in this case, the smartphone 1 performs the operation shown in this embodiment and manages the state of the watch to a minimum, thereby minimizing user confusion. Although it is possible to display a method for releasing the flight mode on the display of the wristwatch 2, if the OS of the smartphone 1 is set to disable communication or a specific application is not running, it may not be possible to establish a connection by simply operating the wristwatch 2 and to switch to normal mode. Note that when displaying on the display of the wristwatch 2, it is necessary to store the display contents in the internal memory of the wristwatch 2, which may increase memory usage and become a burden.

[0059] The configuration diagrams and the like shown in the respective embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these, and may be modified as desired as long as the gist of the present invention is met. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1 smartphone, 2 wristwatch, 11 processor, 12 storage, 131 mobile communication unit, 132 wireless LAN communication unit, 133 short-range communication unit, 14 display panel, 15 input device, 21 microcomputer, 211 real-time clock, 233 short-range communication unit, 24 display unit, 241 hand movement motor, 25 operation member, 29 battery, 51 setting screen control unit, 52 operation reception unit, 53 clock setting unit, 56 mode control unit, 59 notification unit, 71 status display area, 72 mode change switch, 73 information icon.

Claims

1. A communication system including a mobile terminal and an external device, wherein the mobile terminal includes: display control means for displaying a mode switch, which is an input image element that is an operation by a user and is a target of an operation for instructing switching from a normal mode of the external device to a non-communication mode; operation reception means for receiving the operation for instructing switching to the non-communication mode with respect to the mode switch; instruction means for transmitting a transition instruction for causing the external device to shift to the non-communication mode when receiving the operation for instructing switching to the non-communication mode; and the external device includes mode control means for releasing a communication connection with the outside and shifting to the non-communication mode when receiving the transition instruction; when the instruction means transmits the transition instruction to the external device, the display control means changes the display of the mode switch to a display indicating that it is in a state where an operation for switching the mode from the user cannot be received; when the instruction means transmits the transition instruction to the external device, the operation reception means does not receive, as an operation for instructing switching to the non-communication mode, any operation related to switching the mode to the mode switch, even if there is an operation related to switching the mode to the mode switch; the mode control means causes the external device to shift to a transition mode in which the external device attempts to resume a communication connection with the outside based on an operation by the user on the external device, causes the external device to shift from the transition mode to the normal mode when the communication connection is resumed, and returns the external device from the transition mode to the non-communication mode when the communication connection is not resumed even after a predetermined period has elapsed. Communication system.

2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein when there is an operation on the mode switch indicating that it is in a state where an operation for switching the mode from the user cannot be received, the display control means displays an image explaining an operation method for causing the external device to shift from the non-communication mode to the normal mode. Communication system.

3. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein when the external device shifts from the non-communication mode to the normal mode and the communication connection with the external device is resumed, the display control means restores the display of the mode switch to a display indicating that it is in a state where an operation for instructing switching to the non-communication mode can be received. Communication system.

Images