Wireless communication device, terminal device, wireless communication system, communication connection control method and program

Abstract

To provide a radio communication device, a terminal device, a radio communication system, a communication connection control method, and a program, capable of more continuously communicating with a specific electronic apparatus.SOLUTION: A radio communication device comprises: a communication unit 21 that performs radio communication using a first communication standard with a first communication unit of an external apparatus and performs radio communication using a second communication standard differing from the first communication standard with a second communication unit of the external apparatus; and a CPU 11. The CPU 11 acquires a correspondence between identification information on the first communication unit and identification information on the second communication unit and, in the case of switching a destination of communication connection with the external apparatus from one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit to the other, identifies identification information on the other on the basis of acquired identification information before establishing communication connection with the other using the identification information on the other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless communication device, a terminal device, a wireless communication system, a communication connection control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There are wireless communication devices that can communicate with external electronic devices using multiple wireless communication methods. Some wireless communication methods allow high-speed data transmission but require a large amount of data, while others allow low-speed, limited communication but consume very little power.

[0003] In portable wireless communication devices, the amount of communication traffic changes depending on the usage status of the wireless communication device, etc. Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic device in which Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE) can be used in an internal circuit that operates at low power, and Bluetooth or the like can be used in an internal circuit that operates at high power. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-59751 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, there are cases where multiple wireless communication methods operate independently. In such cases, when switching from one wireless communication method to another, the desired connection destination cannot always be immediately selected and established because the electronic device of the communication partner has not yet specified the connection destination for the other wireless communication method, which poses a problem that communication may be interrupted.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a wireless communication device, a terminal device, a wireless communication system, a communication connection control method, and a program that are capable of communicating more continuously with a specific electronic device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a first communication unit of an external device using a first communication standard and that performs wireless communication with a second communication unit of the external device using a second communication standard different from the first communication standard; A control unit; Equipped with The control unit When a communication connection between one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit and the external device is established, and a communication connection between the other of the first communication unit and the second communication unit and the external device is to be established, The aforementioned on the other hand The identification information of On the other hand and obtain a correspondence relationship with the identification information of acquisition did The correspondence relationship The aforementioned On the other hand Identification information and and establishes a communication connection with the other party using the other party's identification information. The wireless communication device is characterized by the above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, there is an advantage that the wireless communication device can communicate with a specific electronic device more continuously. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the smart watch according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of a connection information table. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing communication between a host device and a terminal device. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure of a communication connection control process executed by the electronic device. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for connection information acquisition processing; [Figure 8] 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the connection information table. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a wireless communication system 1 according to the present embodiment. The wireless communication system 1 includes an electronic device 100 (wireless communication device), a terminal device 500 (external device), and the like. The electronic device 100 is, for example, a portable computer such as a smartphone. Here, the terminal device 500 is, for example, a smartwatch, which is a wearable device attached to the body or is carried together with the smartphone. Communication between the electronic device 100 and the terminal device 500 is possible according to any of the standards included in Bluetooth version 3 (Classic Bluetooth; first communication standard, hereinafter referred to as BT) and the low energy standard included in version 4 (Bluetooth Low Energy; second communication standard, hereinafter referred to as BLE).

[0011] Although not particularly limited, in the wireless communication system 1 of this embodiment, the electronic device 100 operates as a host device (central, master) in BT / BLE. Also, the terminal device 500 operates as a terminal device (peripheral, slave) in BT / BLE.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the electronic device 100 of this embodiment. The electronic device 100 includes a CPU 11 (Central Processing Unit) (control unit), a RAM 12 (Random Access Memory), an oscillator circuit 15, a frequency divider circuit 16, a timing circuit 17, a communication unit 21, a memory unit 22, an operation reception unit 23, a display unit 24, a power supply unit 30, and the like.

[0013] The CPU 11 is a processor that controls the overall operation of the electronic device 100. The CPU 11 performs various arithmetic processing to perform control operations. The control operations may include control of various displays performed by the display unit 24, such as the date and time based on the date and time counted by the timer circuit 17, and control related to the processing of biometric information acquired from the terminal device 500.

[0014] The RAM 12 provides a working memory space for the CPU 11 and stores temporary data. The RAM 12 includes, for example, a DRAM, but may also include a rewritable nonvolatile memory in addition to the DRAM.

[0015] The RAM 12 stores communication connection device information 121. The communication connection device information 121 includes device identification information relating to external electronic devices that are communication connection destinations for short-range wireless communication by the communication unit 21. The external electronic devices include the terminal device 500, and the necessary device identification information is read from the connection information table 222 of the storage unit 22.

[0016] The oscillator circuit 15 generates and outputs a signal (clock signal) of a predetermined frequency. For example, a crystal oscillator or a MEMS oscillator (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems) is used to generate the clock signal.

[0017] The frequency divider circuit 16 outputs a frequency-divided signal obtained by dividing the clock signal input from the oscillator circuit 15 by a set frequency division ratio. The setting of the frequency division ratio may be changed by the CPU 11. The clock circuit 17 counts and stores the current date and time by counting a signal of a predetermined frequency (which may be the same frequency as the clock signal) input from the frequency divider circuit 16. The CPU 11 can correct the date and time counted by the clock circuit 17 based on current date and time information acquired from an external electronic device by the communication unit 21.

[0018] The CPU 11, RAM 12, oscillator circuit 15, frequency divider circuit 16, and timer circuit 17 are located on the microcomputer 10. The RAM 12 and oscillator circuit 15 (particularly the oscillator therein) may be external to the microcomputer 10.

[0019] The communication unit 21 controls the transmission and reception of radio waves and the processing of data related to communication with an external electronic device via the antenna A1 based on a communication standard. As described above, the communication unit 21 has a first communication unit 211 based on BT and a second communication unit 212 based on BLE.

[0020] The storage unit 22 stores various control programs 221, setting data, etc. The storage unit 22 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The storage unit 22 stores a connection information table 222 as setting data. The connection information table 222 includes table data of identification information and setting information (pairing data and bonding data; hereinafter, pairing and bonding will be collectively referred to as pairing) of external electronic devices used when establishing a communication connection with external electronic devices including the terminal device 500 via the communication unit 21. The pairing data includes, for example, data on a secret key related to the connection, information on the operation interval during the connection, etc.

[0021] The operation acceptance unit 23 accepts external input operations such as user operations. The operation acceptance unit 23 has a touch panel or the like provided over the display screen 242, and outputs information on the location and duration of the touch operation as an operation signal to the CPU 11. The operation acceptance unit 23 may include a push button switch, a rotary switch, or the like.

[0022] The display unit 24 displays various types of information under the control of the CPU 11. The display unit 24 includes a display driver 241 and a display screen 242. The display screen 242 performs digital display using, for example, a dot-matrix liquid crystal display (LCD). The display driver 241 outputs a drive signal to the display screen 242 to cause the display screen 242 to perform display, based on a control signal from the CPU 11. The display unit 24 may include an LED lamp for notification, etc.

[0023] The power supply unit 30 supplies power at a predetermined drive voltage from a battery 31 to each part of the electronic device 100, such as the microcomputer 10. Here, the electronic device 100 includes, as the battery 31, for example, a rechargeable battery that is connected to an external power source and charged, but a detachable dry cell battery, a rechargeable battery, or the like may also be used.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device 500 of this embodiment. The terminal device 500 includes a main microcomputer 51, a first display unit 52, an operation reception unit 53, a first communication unit 54, a sub-microcomputer 61, a second display unit 62, a measurement unit 63, a second communication unit 64, a PMIC 71 (Power Management IC), and the like.

[0025] The main microcomputer 51 is a main control unit including a main CPU 511, a RAM 512, a storage unit 513, a timer unit 514, etc. The main microcomputer 51 receives power from a power source via the PMIC 71 and controls the operation of each unit, such as the first display unit 52, the operation reception unit 53, and the first communication unit 54.

[0026] The main CPU 511 performs various arithmetic processing and controls the overall operation in the normal operating state of the terminal device 500. When the main CPU 511 is not required to operate, it can be temporarily stopped automatically or in response to a predetermined input operation. The RAM 512 provides a working memory space for the main CPU 511 and stores temporary data.

[0027] The storage unit 513 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory that stores control programs (including various application programs (apps)) executed by the main CPU 511, setting data, etc. The data stored in the storage unit 513 includes operation settings of apps related to various functions and history data generated according to the operations.

[0028] The clock unit 514 counts the current date and time under the control of the main CPU 511. The clock unit 514 has a counter and the like, and counts the date and time with higher accuracy than the RTC 614 described below, according to the operating clock frequency of the main microcomputer 51.

[0029] The display operation of first display unit 52 is mainly controlled by the main microcomputer 51 (main CPU 511), and the display is turned off while main microcomputer 51 is in a sleep state. First display unit 52 may have, for example, a full-color liquid crystal display screen, and can display information related to various functions.

[0030] The operation reception unit 53 has, for example, a touch panel, receives input operations from outside, converts the operation contents into an electrical signal, and outputs it to the main CPU 511. If an input operation is made to the touch panel and the main CPU 511 is in a standby state where it is in a resting state, this electrical signal becomes an operation resumption signal, and the operation of the main CPU 511 is resumed.

[0031] The first communication unit 54 controls wireless communication with external electronic devices. Communication standards with which the first communication unit 54 can communicate include BT. The first communication unit 54 may also be capable of communication via wireless LAN (IEEE802.11) or the like. External electronic devices that can be connected for communication include, but are not limited to, the electronic device 100 described above. The first communication unit 54 operates under the control of the main CPU 511, and is stopped when the main CPU 511 is in a quiescent state or on standby.

[0032] The sub-microcomputer 61 includes a sub-CPU 611, a RAM 612, a storage unit 613, an RTC (Real Time Clock) 614, and the like. The sub-microcomputer 61 operates by receiving power from a power supply via a PMIC 71. The sub-microcomputer 61 also controls the operation of a second display unit 62, a measurement unit 63, and a second communication unit 64. The sub-microcomputer 61 may also be capable of exchanging data with the main microcomputer 51. The power consumption of the sub-microcomputer 61 (during normal operation and at maximum; this can be based mainly on the TDP (thermal design power) of the CPU, plus the influence of the RAM capacity and number, etc.) is lower than the power consumption of the main microcomputer 51 (during normal operation and at maximum, respectively). In other words, the sub-microcomputer 61 is a control unit for performing continuous operations with relatively low power consumption.

[0033] The sub-CPU 611 performs various arithmetic processing and controls the overall operation of the sub-microcomputer 61. The sub-CPU 611 consumes less power (TDP, etc.) than the main CPU 511, and therefore may have lower capabilities than the main CPU 511. In principle, the sub-CPU 611 maintains minimum operation unless the power supply from the PMIC 71 is insufficient. Note that when the minimum operation is performed periodically at predetermined intervals, the operation outside of the period when the sub-CPU 611 operates at the predetermined intervals may be suspended and the sub-CPU 611 may be in a standby state.

[0034] The RAM 612 provides a working memory space for the sub-CPU 611 and stores temporary data. The RAM 612 retains the stored data as long as power is supplied normally from the PMIC 71, even if the sub-CPU 611 operates intermittently as described above.

[0035] The storage unit 613 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory that stores the control programs (including various applications) executed by the sub-CPU 611, setting data, and the like.

[0036] The RTC 614 is a conventional device that performs timekeeping operations, and as described above, is less accurate than the timekeeping operations performed by the timekeeping unit 514 of the main microcomputer 51, but on the other hand, it consumes less power for its timekeeping operations than the timekeeping unit 514, and it continues to count the date and time even when the main microcomputer 51 is stopped or the sub-microcomputer 61 is in standby mode.

[0037] As described above, the second display unit 62 consumes less power than the first display unit 52 and has, for example, a monochrome LCD screen. During display operation, the second display unit 62 may be capable of displaying simple notification information in addition to minimum display such as the time. The display screen of the second display unit 62 may be refreshed mechanically, and the sub-microcomputer 61 outputs image data to the second display unit 62 that is updated only when the display content changes, such as when the time changes.

[0038] The measurement unit 63 has a sensor that measures a physical quantity that indicates the motion state of the terminal device 500. The measurement unit 63 includes, for example, an acceleration sensor, and may also include a direction sensor (geomagnetic field sensor) and an atmospheric pressure sensor (used as an altitude sensor). The measurement unit 63 also has an inclination sensor that detects a predetermined attitude of the terminal device 500, in this case, the inclination state of the terminal device 500 when the user holds their arm up in front of their eyes so that they can easily see the display screen of the terminal device 500. Note that the operation control and data acquisition operation of the measurement unit 63 may also be performed by the main microcomputer 51.

[0039] The second communication unit 64 controls wireless communication with external electronic devices. Communication standards with which the second communication unit 64 can communicate include BLE. The second communication unit 64 operates to receive limited (mainly standard) and small-sized communication data while the sub-microcomputer 61 is operating (while the main microcomputer 51 is in standby). The second communication unit 64 may be stopped while the main CPU 511 and the first communication unit 54 are operating, and operates under the control of the sub-CPU 611 as necessary while the main CPU 511 and the first communication unit 54 are inactive or in standby. In the terminal device 500, the first communication unit 54 and the second communication unit 64 are independent and each have a different BD address (also referred to as identification information or MAC address). The main CPU 511 and the sub CPU 611 constitute the communication control unit of this embodiment.

[0040] The PMIC 71 controls the power supply from the power supply to the main microcomputer 51 and the sub-microcomputer 61. The PMIC 71 includes, for example, a switch for enabling or disabling power output to the main microcomputer 51 and the sub-microcomputer 61, a DC / DC converter for adjusting the output voltage, and the like, and supplies appropriate power to the main microcomputer 51 and the sub-microcomputer 61 when they are operating.

[0041] Next, the operation modes and display operations of the terminal device 500 will be described. The terminal device 500 has multiple operating states according to power consumption, here, for example, a normal operating mode (first operating state) which is the normal operating state due to operation of the main microcomputer 51, and a power saving operating mode (second operating state) which consumes less power than the operation of the main microcomputer 51 due to operation of the sub-microcomputer 61.

[0042] The terminal device 500 enters the power-saving operation mode when it is determined that the user has not used the terminal device 500 continuously for a reference time or more, and is released when some use is detected. The non-use state is determined, for example, when no operation is received by the operation receiving unit 23, and no movement is detected by the measuring unit 63, such as detection of acceleration or change in posture.

[0043] Furthermore, the terminal device 500 can display predetermined notification content received from the electronic device 100. In the normal operation mode, detailed content received by the first communication unit 54 may be displayed on the first display unit 52. In the power saving operation mode, minimum information such as the notification type received by the second communication unit 64 may be displayed by a predetermined sign on the second display unit 62. When predetermined important information or the like is received by the second communication unit 64, the terminal device 500 may return to the normal operation mode, and detailed content of the important information may be received again by the first communication unit 54 and displayed on the first display unit 52.

[0044] Next, a communication operation between the electronic device 100 and the terminal device 500 will be described. As described above, in the terminal device 500, the operation of BT and BLE is switched depending on the operating state of the main microcomputer 51. When the main microcomputer 51 is operating, BT operates, and when the main microcomputer 51 is inactive and the sub-microcomputer 61 operates, BLE operates.

[0045] In the electronic device 100, which is the host device, it is necessary to change the connection destination when the main microcomputer 51 goes into hibernation and resumes operation. The connection information table 222 of the storage unit 22 stores and holds the correspondence relationship of the pairing information of the first communication unit 54 and the second communication unit 64, including the identification information of the same terminal device 500, which is switched between disconnection and connection establishment. When one connection is to be disconnected, the connection information table 222 is referenced to identify the identification information of the switching destination, and the connection is quickly established.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the connection information table 222. As shown in FIG. A group ID is set for each terminal device such as the terminal device 500. When communication using multiple communication methods is possible for each terminal device, the BD addresses associated with the respective communication methods are further associated with the same group ID and stored. By referring to this connection information table 222, when switching and transitioning from one communication standard (one side) in the terminal device 500 to another communication standard (the other side), the communication connection destination can be identified by the identification information of the communication unit related to the transition destination communication standard. This saves the effort and time of attempting to establish a communication connection with an unrelated device based on other stored pairing information, etc.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing communication between a host device (electronic device 100 in this example) and a terminal device (terminal device 500 in this example).

[0048] First, under normal circumstances, a connection request is made from the host device to the BT (first communication unit 54) of the terminal device, and a connection is established based on a response from the terminal device (first communication unit 54). Thereafter, a notification is sent from the host device to the terminal device as needed. If there is information to be sent from the terminal device to the host device, the host device may request that information from the terminal device.

[0049] When the main CPU 511 of the terminal device goes into a sleep state and transitions to a standby state, the terminal device transmits a notification regarding the sleep of the main CPU 511 (i.e., information for switching from BT to BLE) to the host device. Upon receiving this notification, the host device refers to the connection information table 222 to identify and acquire the identification information of the BLE (other device) paired with the identification information of the BT (one device) of the terminal device. Then, using the identification information acquired from the host device, the host device quickly identifies the radio waves from the BLE of the terminal device and establishes a connection. After that, simple notification information and the like can be transmitted from the host device to the terminal device via BLE.

[0050] If BT communication is possible simultaneously with BLE communication, it may be terminated after the BLE communication connection is established, or if they operate alternatively, the BT communication connection may be terminated immediately after the BLE communication connection is established.

[0051] Furthermore, when the main CPU 511 returns to operation, the terminal device transmits a notification to the host device via BLE regarding the resumption of operation of the main CPU 511. In response to this, the host device references the connection information table 222, identifies and acquires the BT connection information paired with the BLE connection information of the terminal device. The host device then selects the BT of the terminal device based on the acquired connection information and promptly transmits a connection request. As a result, the terminal device establishes a communication connection with the host device via BT as soon as the main CPU 511 and the first communication unit 54 resume operation. The BLE may also be disconnected after the connection with the BT is established, or immediately before the connection is established.

[0052] If there is no notification of the main CPU 511 being inactive and no response (ACK) is received from the first communication unit 54 in response to communication from the host device, a BLE communication connection request can be sent after a predetermined timeout period has elapsed. If the main CPU 511 has been inactive and switched to communication via BLE, this switches communication back to BLE. If the main CPU 511 is not inactive, a BLE communication connection is not established, and BT communication is repeated again after a predetermined waiting period. For example, if communication is temporarily interrupted due to the distance between the host device and the terminal device rather than due to the main CPU 511 being inactive, communication will resume when radio waves related to BT communication are again within reach.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by the CPU 11 of the communication connection control process executed by the electronic device 100. This communication connection control process includes the communication connection control method of this embodiment, and is continuously activated by, for example, execution of a communication control application (program 221 of this embodiment) installed in the electronic device 100.

[0054] When the communication connection control process is started, the CPU 11 establishes a communication connection with the terminal device 500 (step S1). Usually, at this time, a connection is made to the first communication unit 54 by BT. In this case as well, the CPU 11 may refer to the connection information table 222.

[0055] The CPU 11 periodically performs normal communication operations (step S2), which include sending and receiving only control signals for maintaining a communication connection state.

[0056] The CPU 11 determines whether or not it has acquired information on switching between the operation of the main microcomputer 51 and the sub-microcomputer 61 from the terminal device 500 (step S3). If it is determined that the information has been acquired ("YES" in step S3), the processing of the CPU 11 proceeds to step S5.

[0057] If it is determined that switching information has not been acquired ("NO" in step S3), the CPU 11 determines whether or not a predetermined timeout period has elapsed during which no signal has been received from the terminal device 500 (step S4). If it is determined that the timeout period has not elapsed ("NO" in step S4), the processing of the CPU 11 returns to step S2. If it is determined that the timeout period has elapsed ("YES" in step S4), the processing of the CPU 11 proceeds to step S5.

[0058] When the process proceeds from steps S3 and S4 to step S5, the CPU 11 refers to the connection information table 222 to identify and acquire a switching destination BD address in the terminal device 500 (step S5). The CPU 11 sends a connection request to the communication unit identified by the acquired BD address (step S6). The CPU 11 determines whether a communication connection has been established (step S7). If it is determined that the communication connection has been established ("YES" in step S7), the CPU 11 releases the original communication connection before switching (step S8). Then, the process of the CPU 11 returns to step S2.

[0059] If it is determined that the connection has not been established ("NO" in step S7), the CPU 11 determines whether the connection request of step S6 was made because there was no response for the timeout period or longer in step S4 (step S9). If it is determined that there was no response for the timeout period or longer ("YES" in step S9), the CPU 11 abandons the connection switching and returns the process to step S2. If it is not determined that there was no response for the timeout period or longer, that is, if it is determined that there was no response because switching information was acquired ("NO" in step S9), the process of the CPU 11 returns to step S6. At this time, the CPU 11 may set a predetermined waiting time before executing the process of step S6. The processes of steps S5 and S6 constitute a connection step (connection means) of this embodiment.

[0060] 7 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by the CPU 11 of a connection information acquisition process for generating and updating the connection information table 222. This connection information acquisition process is executed at the time of initial connection with a new terminal device 500, etc., that is, when the electronic device 100 does not have identification information of the first communication unit 54 and the second communication unit 64 of the terminal device 500.

[0061] When the connection information acquisition process is started, the CPU 11 requests the terminal device 500 for a communication connection and establishes the communication connection (step S41). The CPU 11 acquires the identification information of the first communication unit 54 and the pairing information from the terminal device 500 (step S42).

[0062] The CPU 11 determines whether or not there is another communication unit based on the pairing information (step S43). In this application, the number and type of communication units included in the terminal device 500 are estimated by acquiring model-specific information about the terminal device 500 (step S43). If estimation is difficult, the subsequent processing may proceed assuming that there is another communication unit. The CPU 11 determines whether or not the terminal device 500 has a communication unit other than the currently connected communication unit (step S44).

[0063] If it is determined that another communication unit is included ("YES" in step S44), CPU 11 requests the currently connected communication unit for identification information of the other communication unit (step S45). CPU 11 acquires the identification information of the other communication unit (step S46). Then, the processing of CPU 11 proceeds to step S47. If it is determined that another communication unit is not included ("NO" in step S44), the processing of CPU 11 proceeds to step S47.

[0064] When the process proceeds from steps S44 and S46 to step S47, the CPU 11 associates the obtained one or more pieces of identification information with the devices and stores the correspondence in the connection information table 222 (step S47; information acquisition step, information acquisition means). Then, the CPU 11 ends the connection information acquisition process. The CPU 11 may also cut off the communication connection with the currently connected communication unit.

[0065] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of the connection information table 222. In FIG. The BD address is not limited to a fixed value, but can be changed. In cases where multiple BD addresses are used in a cyclical manner, all BD addresses can be acquired in advance as identification information and stored in the connection information table 222. When switching between operation modes, information indicating which BD address to use can also be specified, or when selection is made based on the timing of switching, such as a date, the CPU 11 can select and specify an appropriate BD address and request a communication connection.

[0066] As described above, the electronic device 100 of this embodiment includes a communication unit 21 that performs wireless communication with the first communication unit 54 of the terminal device 500 via BT and wireless communication with the second communication unit 64 of the terminal device 500 via BLE, and a CPU 11. The CPU 11 acquires identification information of the first communication unit 54, in this case, the correspondence between the BD address and the BD address of the second communication unit 64, and when switching the communication connection destination of the terminal device 500 from one of the first communication unit 54 and the second communication unit 64 to the other, identifies the other BD address based on the acquired BD address and establishes a communication connection with the other using the other BD address. In this way, when a communication partner has multiple communication units and selectively uses one of them depending on the situation, by acquiring the correspondence between the BD addresses of the multiple communication units, it is possible to easily and quickly identify and reconnect the radio waves from the target device when switching the communication connection destination, thereby shortening the communication disconnection time. Furthermore, if this information is not retained, a connection with another terminal device that has pairing settings based on a received advertisement, etc., may be established, resulting in unnecessary power consumption and wasted time required to establish and terminate the unnecessary connection. Therefore, this electronic device 100 can efficiently and almost continuously communicate with terminal device 500.

[0067] Furthermore, when the CPU 11 receives information to perform switching from the terminal device 500, it acquires the BD address of the other device and establishes a communication connection with the other device. When switching is performed by the terminal device 500, communication can be switched quickly after receiving such a notification, so that almost continuous communication is possible without requiring a waiting time on the terminal device 500 side.

[0068] Furthermore, the terminal device 500 has a normal operation mode and a power saving mode as a plurality of operation states according to power consumption, and the information for switching includes information for switching between the plurality of operation states. That is, when the terminal device 500 shifts to the power saving mode and the communication is changed to conform to a standard corresponding to power saving, or vice versa, the communication connection partner can be quickly switched, so that the communication connection can be more appropriately continued almost when the terminal device 500 quickly shifts to the power saving mode or quickly switches to various operations.

[0069] The electronic device 100 also includes a storage unit 22 that stores the BD address of the first communication unit 54 and the BD address of the second communication unit 64 in association with each other. By storing this association in the storage unit 22, particularly in a non-volatile memory, the information once registered can be used permanently, reducing the effort required for establishing a communication connection from the second time onward.

[0070] Furthermore, when the CPU 11 communicates with the first communication unit 54 without having the BD address of the first communication unit 54 or the BD address of the second communication unit 64, the CPU 11 acquires the BD address of the first communication unit 54 and the BD address of the second communication unit 64 through communication with the first communication unit 54. That is, at the time of initial connection with the terminal device 500, by acquiring the BD addresses of the first communication unit 54 and the second communication unit 64 together in communication with the first communication unit 54, it is possible to identify information on the correspondence relationship between the multiple communication units in the terminal device 500. This also reduces the effort required to acquire information from each communication unit, enabling quick switching thereafter.

[0071] The two communication standards can be called Classic Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy. Although they are both short-range wireless communication standards, they have significantly different characteristics, particularly in terms of data transmission volume and power consumption. Therefore, efficient communication can be achieved by switching between them depending on the situation. By smoothly switching between these communication standards and enabling almost continuous communication, almost real-time communication becomes possible.

[0072] The electronic device 100 is a smartphone. When various information is transmitted from the multi-function smartphone to the terminal device 500, or when data obtained by the terminal device 500 is analyzed and displayed on the smartphone, smooth switching can ensure continuity of communication.

[0073] Furthermore, the terminal device 500 of this embodiment includes a first communication unit 54 that communicates via Bluetooth, a second communication unit 64 that communicates via BLE, a main CPU 511 of the main microcomputer 51, and a sub-CPU 611 of the sub-microcomputer 61. When the electronic device 100 requests the BD address of the second communication unit 64 during communication with the electronic device 100 via the first communication unit 54, the main CPU 511 causes the first communication unit 54 to transmit the BD address of the second communication unit 64. In this way, when two communication units can operate independently, by sending identification information of both communication units together to the connected electronic device 100, it is possible to flexibly switch between the use of both communication units without causing unnecessary long disconnection times. This makes it possible, particularly in small terminal devices, to obtain necessary information from the host device at any time and output necessary information to the host device regardless of the operating status.

[0074] In addition, the wireless communication system 1 of this embodiment includes a terminal device 500 having a first communication unit 54 that communicates in accordance with the BT standard and a second communication unit 64 that communicates in accordance with the BLE standard, an electronic device 100 having a communication unit 21 that communicates wirelessly with the first communication unit 54 in accordance with the BT standard and with the second communication unit 64 in accordance with the BLE standard, and a CPU 11. The CPU 11 of the electronic device 100 acquires the correspondence between the BD address (identification information) of the first communication unit 54 and the BD address of the second communication unit 64, and when the terminal device 500 switches from wireless communication using one of the first communication unit 54 and the second communication unit 64 to wireless communication using the other, it identifies the other BD address based on the acquired BD address and establishes a communication connection with the other using the other BD address. In this wireless communication system 1, by associating the identification information of each of the multiple communication units of the terminal device 500 having the multiple independent communication units and storing the associated information in the electronic device 100, when switching the communication unit to be operated among the multiple communication units, it is possible to prevent a communication interruption from becoming long and quickly establish a communication connection with the switching destination. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the effort required for establishing a communication connection. Furthermore, since communication can be continued almost continuously, it is possible to prevent delays in sending and receiving data.

[0075] Furthermore, the communication connection control method of this embodiment includes an information acquisition step of acquiring the correspondence between the BD address of the first communication unit 54 and the BD address of the second communication unit 64, and a connection step of, when switching wireless communication with one of the first communication unit 54 and the second communication unit 64 from wireless communication with the other between the terminal device 500 and the terminal device 500, identifying the BD address of the other based on the acquired BD address and establishing a communication connection with the other using the other BD address. This communication connection control method allows the terminal device 500 to quickly and easily complete the switching of communication units. Therefore, this communication connection control method shortens the communication interruption time and makes it possible to maintain almost continuous communication across the switching.

[0076] Furthermore, by installing the program 221 of the above-mentioned communication connection control method and controlling the switching of communication connections in software, it is possible to easily shorten the communication interruption time without adding any special configuration to the hardware, and to maintain almost continuous communication across switching.

[0077] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, although the above-described embodiment has been described with reference to an example of switching between a normal operation mode and a power-saving mode, the present invention is not limited to this. Three or more other operation modes may be provided, and switching of available communication units may be determined depending on each operation mode. Furthermore, operation modes may be determined depending on operations other than power consumption. For example, when the amount of data transmission varies significantly depending on the function being executed, switching may be performed depending on an appropriate data transmission speed, etc.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the notification of switching between the normal operation mode and the power saving mode is used as the notification of the switching operation of the communication unit, but this is not limited to this. For example, a notification indicating the switching of the communication unit may be sent directly, or if the switching is performed in response to another trigger, information about the trigger may be used.

[0079] Although the above embodiment has been described with reference to an example of switching between the BT standard and the BLE standard, the present invention is not limited to this. Even when switching between communications based on other standards, the identification symbols of the communication units, such as MAC addresses, may be stored in association with each other, allowing for quick switching.

[0080] Furthermore, although the above embodiment has been described with respect to a connection between a smartphone and a smartwatch, the present invention is not limited to this and may be any connection between two communication devices.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the identification information of the first communication unit 54 and the identification information of the second communication unit 64 are stored together in the single connection information table 222. However, as long as they are associated with each other, they may be stored as separate table data. For example, pairing information for when the communication unit 21 communicates via the first communication unit 211 and pairing information for when the communication unit 21 communicates via the second communication unit 212 may be stored separately. In this case, for the communication units of the same terminal device 500, a corresponding identification symbol or the like may be added to each piece of pairing information, or an address or pointer in a memory indicating the storage location of the other piece of information may be stored. In addition, the connection information table 222 is not limited to being stored in the storage unit 22. A list may be stored in a storage unit on a network, for example, on a cloud.

[0082] In the above description, the storage unit 22 having a nonvolatile memory has been used as an example of a computer-readable medium for storing the communication control processing program 221 related to the processing operation of the CPU 11 according to the present invention, but this is not limiting. Other computer-readable media include a hard disk drive (HDD) and portable recording media such as a CD-ROM or DVD disc. Furthermore, a carrier wave is also applicable to the present invention as a medium for providing the program data according to the present invention via a communication line. In addition, the specific details of the configuration, control contents, procedures, etc. shown in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.

[0083] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. The inventions described in the claims originally attached to this application are as follows. The claim numbers described in the appendix are the same as those of the claims originally attached to this application.

[0084] [Note] <Claim 1> a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a first communication unit of an external device using a first communication standard and that performs wireless communication with a second communication unit of the external device using a second communication standard different from the first communication standard; A control unit; Equipped with The control unit acquiring a correspondence relationship between the identification information of the first communication unit and the identification information of the second communication unit; When switching the communication connection destination with the external device from one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit to the other, the identification information of the other is identified based on the acquired identification information, and a communication connection with the other is established using the identification information of the other. A wireless communication device comprising: <Claim 2> The wireless communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when information to perform the switching is received from the external device, the control unit acquires identification information of the other device and establishes a communication connection with the other device. <Claim 3> the external device has a plurality of operating states according to power consumption; 3. The wireless communication device according to claim 2, wherein the information for performing the switching includes information for performing the switching between the plurality of operating states. <Claim 4> 4. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores identification information of the first communication unit and identification information of the second communication unit in association with each other. <Claim 5> The wireless communication device of any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that when the control unit does not have identification information of the first communication unit or identification information of the second communication unit and communicates with the first communication unit, the control unit acquires the identification information of the first communication unit and the identification information of the second communication unit through communication with the first communication unit. <Claim 6> 6. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first communication standard is Classic Bluetooth, and the second communication standard is Bluetooth Low Energy. <Claim 7> 7. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication device is a smartphone. <Claim 8> a first communication unit that communicates according to a first communication standard; a second communication unit that communicates using a second communication standard different from the first communication standard; a communication control unit; Equipped with The communication control unit When the wireless communication device requests identification information of the second communication unit during communication with the wireless communication device by the first communication unit, the first communication unit transmits the identification information of the second communication unit. A terminal device characterized by: <Claim 9> a terminal device including a first communication unit that communicates using a first communication standard and a second communication unit that communicates using a second communication standard different from the first communication standard; a wireless communication device including: a communication unit that performs wireless communication with the first communication unit according to the first communication standard and performs wireless communication with the second communication unit according to the second communication standard; and a control unit; Including, The control unit acquiring a correspondence relationship between the identification information of the first communication unit and the identification information of the second communication unit; When the terminal device switches from wireless communication using one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit to wireless communication using the other, it identifies identification information of the other based on the acquired identification information and establishes a communication connection with the other using the identification information of the other. A wireless communication system comprising: <Claim 10> A communication connection control method for a wireless communication device including a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a first communication unit of an external device using a first communication standard and performs wireless communication with a second communication unit of the external device using a second communication standard different from the first communication standard, an information acquisition step of acquiring a correspondence relationship between the identification information of the first communication unit and the identification information of the second communication unit; a connection step of, when switching wireless communication between the external device and one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit from wireless communication with the other, identifying identification information of the other based on the acquired identification information, and establishing a communication connection with the other using the identification information of the other; A communication connection control method comprising: <Claim 11> a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a first communication unit of an external device using a first communication standard and performs wireless communication with a second communication unit of the external device using a second communication standard different from the first communication standard; an information acquisition means for acquiring a correspondence relationship between the identification information of the first communication unit and the identification information of the second communication unit; a connection means for, when switching wireless communication between the external device and one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit from wireless communication with the other, identifying identification information of the other based on the acquired identification information, and establishing a communication connection with the other using the identification information of the other; A program characterized by functioning as [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1. Wireless communication systems 10 Microcomputer 11 CPU 12 RAM 121 Communication connection device information 15 Oscillator Circuit 16 frequency divider circuit 17 Timing circuit 21 Communications Department 22 Memory section 221 Program 222 Connection Information Table 23 Operation reception section 24 Display 241 Display Driver 242 Display screen 30 Power supply section 31 Battery 51 Main microcomputer 511 Main CPU 512 RAM 513 Storage section 514 Timing section 52 1st display section 53 Operation reception section 54 First Communications Department 61 Sub-microcomputer 611 Sub-CPU 612 RAM 613 Storage section 614 RTC 62 2nd display section 63 Measurement section 64 Second Communications Department 71 PMIC 100 Electronic equipment 500 Smartwatch A1 Antenna

Claims

1. a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a first communication unit of an external device using a first communication standard and that performs wireless communication with a second communication unit of the external device using a second communication standard different from the first communication standard; A control unit; Equipped with The control unit When a communication connection between one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit and the external device is established, and a communication connection between the other of the first communication unit and the second communication unit and the external device is to be established, obtaining a correspondence relationship between the one identification information and the other identification information; Identifying the identification information of the other device based on the acquired correspondence relationship and the identification information of the one device, and establishing a communication connection with the other device using the identification information of the other device. A wireless communication device comprising:

2. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when information to change the operating state of the external device is received from the external device, the control unit acquires the identification information of the other device and establishes a communication connection with the other device.

3. the external device has a plurality of operating states according to power consumption; 3. The wireless communication device according to claim 2, wherein the information for changing the operating state of the external device includes information for switching between the plurality of operating states.

4. 2. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores the identification information of the first communication unit and the identification information of the second communication unit in association with each other.

5. The wireless communication device described in claim 1, characterized in that when the control unit communicates with the first communication unit without having the identification information of the first communication unit or the identification information of the second communication unit, the control unit acquires the identification information of the first communication unit and the identification information of the second communication unit through communication with the first communication unit.

6. 6. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first communication standard is Classic Bluetooth.

7. A wireless communication device described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second communication standard is Bluetooth Low Energy.

8. A wireless communication device described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the wireless communication device is a smartphone.

9. A first communication unit that communicates with the wireless communication device according to claim 1 using a first communication standard; a second communication unit that communicates with the wireless communication device using a second communication standard different from the first communication standard; a communication control unit; Equipped with The communication control unit When identification information of the second communication unit is requested from the wireless communication device while a communication connection with the wireless communication device is being established by the first communication unit, the identification information of the second communication unit is transmitted by the first communication unit. A terminal device characterized by:

10. a terminal device including a first communication unit that communicates using a first communication standard, a second communication unit that communicates using a second communication standard different from the first communication standard, and a communication control unit; a wireless communication device including: a communication unit that performs wireless communication with the first communication unit according to the first communication standard and performs wireless communication with the second communication unit according to the second communication standard; and a control unit; Including, The communication control unit when identification information of the second communication unit is requested from the wireless communication device during communication with the wireless communication device by the first communication unit, causing the first communication unit to transmit the identification information of the second communication unit; The control unit storing the identification information of the second communication unit received from the terminal device in association with the terminal device; When a connection between one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit and the terminal device is established, and a connection between the other of the first communication unit and the second communication unit and the terminal device is to be established, acquiring a correspondence relationship between the identification information of the first communication unit and the identification information of the second communication unit; Identifying the identification information of the other device based on the acquired identification information and the identification information of the one device, and establishing a communication connection with the other device using the identification information of the other device. A wireless communication system comprising:

11. A communication connection control method for a wireless communication device including a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a first communication unit of an external device using a first communication standard and that performs wireless communication with a second communication unit of the external device using a second communication standard different from the first communication standard, an information acquisition step of acquiring a correspondence between identification information of one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit and identification information of the other of the first communication unit and the second communication unit when a communication connection between the one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit and the external device is established; a connection step of identifying the other device's identification information based on the correspondence relationship and the one device's identification information acquired in the information acquisition step, and establishing a communication connection with the other device using the other device's identification information; A communication connection control method comprising:

12. A communication connection control method for a terminal device comprising: a first communication unit that communicates with the wireless communication device according to claim 1 using a first communication standard; a second communication unit that communicates with the wireless communication device using a second communication standard different from the first communication standard; and a communication control unit, a step of causing the first communication unit to transmit the identification information of the second communication unit when the identification information of the second communication unit is requested by the wireless communication device while a communication connection with the wireless communication device is established by the first communication unit; A communication connection control method comprising:

13. A terminal device comprising: a first communication unit that communicates using a first communication standard; a second communication unit that communicates using a second communication standard different from the first communication standard; and a communication control unit; a wireless communication device including: a communication unit that performs wireless communication with the first communication unit according to the first communication standard and performs wireless communication with the second communication unit according to the second communication standard; and a control unit; A communication connection control method for a wireless communication system, comprising: The communication control unit of the terminal device when identification information of the second communication unit is requested from the wireless communication device during communication with the wireless communication device by the first communication unit, causing the first communication unit to transmit the identification information of the second communication unit; The control unit of the wireless communication device storing the identification information of the second communication unit received from the terminal device in association with the terminal device; When a connection between one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit and the terminal device is established, and a connection between the other of the first communication unit and the second communication unit and the terminal device is to be established, acquiring a correspondence relationship between the identification information of the first communication unit and the identification information of the second communication unit; Identifying the identification information of the other device based on the acquired identification information and the identification information of the one device, and establishing a communication connection with the other device using the identification information of the other device. A communication connection control method for a wireless communication system.

14. a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a first communication unit of an external device using a first communication standard and performs wireless communication with a second communication unit of the external device using a second communication standard different from the first communication standard; an information acquisition means for acquiring a correspondence between identification information of one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit and identification information of the other of the first communication unit and the second communication unit when a communication connection between the one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit and the external device is to be established while a communication connection between the one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit and the external device is to be established; a connection means for identifying the identification information of the other device based on the acquired correspondence relationship and the identification information of the one device, and establishing a communication connection with the other device using the identification information of the other device; A program characterized by functioning as

15. A computer of a terminal device comprising: a first communication unit that communicates with the wireless communication device according to claim 1 using a first communication standard; a second communication unit that communicates with the wireless communication device using a second communication standard different from the first communication standard; and a communication control unit, an identification information transmitting means for causing the first communication unit to transmit the identification information of the second communication unit when the identification information of the second communication unit is requested by the wireless communication device while a communication connection with the wireless communication device is established by the first communication unit; A program characterized by functioning as

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