Wireless communication device and wireless communication method

Abstract

To improve processing efficiency leading to establishment of a communication line regarding connection between wireless communication devices.SOLUTION: A wireless communication device includes a control unit that executes starting a connection process with a partner device using a first connection method that limits a wireless communication resource to a predetermined range, adjusting a parameter used in the connection processing with the partner device according to a second connection method that does not limit the wireless communication resource to the predetermined range in the connection process with the partner device by the first connection method, and establishing a connection with the partner device according to the second connection method using the parameter adjusted in the connection processing with the partner device according to the first connection method.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication device and a wireless communication method.

Background Art

[0002] When a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity ) connection is established between wireless communication devices compliant with IEEE 802.11, for example, a communication line is established through a connection procedure using the SAP (Service Access Point) mode / STA (Station) mode.

[0003] Note that the following patent documents exist as prior art documents describing technologies related to the technologies described in this specification.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the connection procedure between wireless communication devices, it is a condition that common parameters for using the communication line are set in advance in each of the two wireless communication devices. For this reason, there has been a labor for setting parameters common to each of the two wireless communication devices. As a result, in the connection procedure between wireless communication devices, there is room for improvement from various viewpoints such as current consumption and communication speed at the time of connection.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a technology capable of improving the processing efficiency leading to the establishment of a communication line in relation to the connection between wireless communication devices.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A wireless communication device in one aspect of this disclosure includes a control unit that performs the following: initiating a connection process with a partner device using a first connection method that limits wireless communication resources to a predetermined range; adjusting parameters with the partner device to be used in a connection process with a partner device using a second connection method that does not limit wireless communication resources to a predetermined range; and establishing a connection with the partner device using the second connection method using the parameters adjusted in the connection process with the partner device using the first connection method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This disclosure provides a technology that can improve the processing efficiency leading to the establishment of communication lines. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the connection procedure for Wi-Fi connection between wireless communication devices in Comparative Example 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 illustrates the connection procedure between wireless communication devices using the Wi-Fi Aware® function in Comparative Example 2. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the connection procedure for Wi-Fi connection between wireless communication devices according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the hardware configuration of a wireless communication device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of information about SAP / STA connections exchanged via SDF. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a comparison between the characteristics of the communication method according to this embodiment and the characteristics of other communication methods. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of a wireless communication device that functions as a SAP (System Processing Assistant). [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of a wireless communication device that functions as a STA. [Figure 9]Figure 9 illustrates how security information is exchanged between wireless communication devices in a modified configuration via Wi-Fi Aware. [Figure 10] Figure 10 illustrates a modified example in which capability information is exchanged between wireless communication devices via Wi-Fi Aware. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of capability information set in each wireless communication device according to the modified example. [Figure 12] Figure 12 illustrates a modified example in which Range information is exchanged between wireless communication devices via Wi-Fi Aware. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an example of a wireless communication device and wireless communication method according to one embodiment of this disclosure will be given. The configurations of the following embodiments are illustrative, and this disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments. Furthermore, the following embodiments can be combined as much as possible.

[0011] <Comparative Example 1> First, referring to Figure 1, the connection procedure for Wi-Fi connection between wireless communication devices in Comparative Example 1 will be explained. In Figure 1, wireless communication devices 101 and 102, represented as "Device A" and "Device B," are wireless communication devices compliant with IEEE 802.11. Wireless communication device 102, "Device B," is the base station in the wireless LAN (Local Area Network) connection and functions as an access point. Wireless communication device 101, "Device A," functions as a client (slave device) that uses the wireless LAN provided by wireless communication device 102. Wireless communication device 102, which functions as an access point, is, for example, a repeater (router, etc.) installed in a company, corporation, public facility, home, etc. Wireless communication device 101, which functions as a client, is, for example, a smartphone equipped with a wireless LAN device. However, a smartphone with tethering functionality functions as the base station, and a notebook PC (Personal Computer), tablet, etc. connected via Wi-Fi... This may also include configurations in which a PC, game console, or similar device is used as a client device, and that client device is connected to a network such as the Internet.

[0012] For wireless communication device 101, designated as "Device A," and wireless communication device 102, designated as "Device B," to be connected via Wi-Fi, it is necessary to pre-configure the parameters related to the connection on each wireless communication device, as shown in procedure Z101. Examples of such parameters include the wireless network name including the SSID (Service Set Identifier), authentication method, encryption method, and security information such as the encryption key (password). Hereinafter, wireless communication device 101, designated as "Device A," will also be referred to as "slave device 101," and wireless communication device 102, designated as "device B," will also be referred to as "master device 102." These parameters are configured, for example, by an administrator managing the master device 102, and by a user using the slave device 101.

[0013] Each of the slave device 101 and the master device 102 starts up according to the preset connection-related parameters and shifts to the STA mode and the SAP mode (procedures Z102, Z103). Then, the master device 102 that has shifted to the SAP mode includes, for example, the SAP information it manages in a Beacon signal and transmits it at regular intervals (for example, at intervals of 100 ms) (procedure Z106). The SAP information notified through the Beacon signal includes, for example, the SSID set for the master device 102, security settings (such as the presence or absence of an encryption function, encryption method, authentication method, etc.). In the slave device 101 that has shifted to the STA mode, for example, it scans the radio frequency band and receives the SSID included in the Beacon signal transmitted by the master device 102 (procedure Z105). Then, the slave device 101 determines whether the received SSID matches the SSID preset for itself, and if they match, it makes an authentication request to the master device 102 (passive scan). Note that in the slave device 101, for example, when the Beacon signal transmitted by the master device 102 is not received within a certain period, an active scan is performed in which a probe request including the SSID set for itself is transmitted. In the active scan, for example, the master device 102 that has received the probe request responds to the request if the received SSID is the same as the SSID set for itself. In the slave device 101 that has received the response to the probe request from the master device 102, an authentication request is made to the master device 102. The SSID set for the master device 102, security settings (such as the presence or absence of an encryption function, encryption method, authentication method, etc.) are included. In the slave device 101 that has shifted to the STA mode, for example, it scans the radio frequency band and receives the SSID included in the Beacon signal transmitted by the master device 102 (procedure Z105). Then, the slave device 101 determines whether the received SSID matches the SSID preset for itself, and if they match, it makes an authentication request to the master device 102 (passive scan). Note that in the slave device 101, for example, when the Beacon signal transmitted by the master device 102 is not received within a certain period, an active scan is performed in which a probe request including the SSID set for itself is transmitted. In the active scan, for example, the master device 102 that has received the probe request responds to the request if the received SSID is the same as the SSID set for itself. In the slave device 101 that has received the response to the probe request from the master device 102, an authentication request is made to the master device 102.

[0014] As described above, in procedure Z104, authentication is performed according to the mutually set authentication method on the condition that the SSIDs set for the master device 102 and the slave device 101 match each other. After authentication, a connection request is made from the slave device 101 to the master device 102, and when a permission response to the connection request is transmitted from the master device 102 to the slave device 101, the Wi-Fi connection between the master device 102 and the slave device 101 is completed, and communication becomes possible (procedure Z107).

[0015] In the connection procedure shown in FIG. 1, for example, in step Z104, the notification of SAP information by the master device 102 continues until an authentication request from the slave device 101 that has received the SSID included in the beacon signal is received. Even when active scanning is performed, the probe requests transmitted from the slave device 101 are periodically continued until a request response from the master device 102 that has received the SSID included in the request is received. For this reason, as shown by the solid-line callout Z108, standby power until an authentication request is made is consumed in each of the master device 102 and the slave device 101.

[0016] Also, in the communication between the slave device and the master device 102 after Wi-Fi connection, there is no means for pre-adjusting the Capability (e.g., Qos in different generations of IEEE802.11, supported channels including frequency bands, etc.) that each wireless communication device can support. For this reason, as shown by the solid-line callout Z109, in the communication after Wi-Fi connection, the Capability of each of SAP / STA is not considered except for some parameters. That is, since the parameters to be transmitted and received are fixed, there is a possibility that an overhead due to the difference in capabilities between the slave device 101 and the master device 102 may occur. For example, when the generations of IEEE802.11 that the master device 102 can support are "a", "b", "g", "n", and the IEEE802.11 supported generation of the slave device 101 is "g", the information regarding "a", "b", "n" notified from the master device 102 can become communication overhead. Also, the notification of QoS (Quality of Service) information such as voice priority provided as an option for corporations, etc., becomes communication overhead in the slave device 101 that does not use the QoS. The same applies to the notification of information such as the frequency band that the master device 102 can support (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz), etc.

[0017] <Comparative Example 2> Next, referring to FIG. , the wireless communication device according to Comparative Example 2 using the Wi-Fi Aware (registered trademark) function The connection procedure between them will be explained. In the configuration of Comparative Example 2, Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN) is used with the wireless communication device 101 compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard. Device A and wireless communication device 102, Device B, are connected. Wi-Fi Aware connection between wireless communication devices via proximity-aware networking allows the wireless LAN signal to be transmitted. Two-way communication becomes possible within a range (for example, a few meters to tens of meters).

[0018] As shown in steps Z110 and Z111 in Figure 2, a Wi-Fi Aware connection is established. In this case, both "Device A" and "Device B" activate their own Wi-Fi Aware function and switch to Wi-Fi Aware mode. The connection between them is via a Subscribe / Publish method. The process begins (procedure Z112). Device A and Device B each listen for a connection target on a specific channel within 2.4GHz, for example, and asynchronously transmit a specific Service ID to each other. When either Device A or Device B detects a specific Service ID transmitted by the connection target, a subscribe / publish exchange is performed using that Service ID. Note that it is predetermined whether Device A or Device B will subscribe or publish.

[0019] After the subscribe / publish exchange, a Service Discovery Frame is exchanged between "Device A" and "Device B" as shown in procedure Z113. Various information exchanges (e.g., identification of slots, etc.) take place via the Service Discovery Frame (SDF) to establish communication. After the information exchange via the Service Discovery Frame (SDF), as shown in step Z114, Wi-Fi Aware communication is performed between "Device A" and "Device B" using the identified communication channel and slot. It can be done.

[0020] In the configuration of Comparative Example 2, both "Device A" and "Device B" are in standby mode to detect connection targets on a specific channel, resulting in lower power consumption compared to standby mode in SAP / STA mode in Comparative Example 1. On the other hand, in the configuration of Comparative Example 2, the communication performed in step Z114 is assumed to occur when there is a need to send and receive data between "Device A" and "Device B" with specified service IDs, and the amount of data, communication speed, etc., are limited. Therefore, as shown in the solid line drawing Z115, Wi-Fi Aware communication This will result in a lower communication speed compared to communication using SAP / STA mode.

[0021] <Embodiment 1> Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the connection procedure for Wi-Fi connection between wireless communication devices according to this embodiment. In Figure 3, the wireless communication devices 10 and 11, represented as "Device A" and "Device B," are wireless communication devices according to this embodiment.

[0022] Each wireless communication device according to this embodiment activates the Wi-Fi Aware function before a Wi-Fi connection is established via SAP / STA, and in Wi-Fi Aware mode, starts the connection process with a communication target that specifies a particular service ID. Then, between the wireless communication devices according to this embodiment, information related to the SAP / STA connection, such as Capability and Security, is exchanged via a Service Discovery Frame (SDF). In this embodiment, based on the information exchanged via the SDF, wireless communication device 10, designated as "Device A," switches to STA mode, functioning as a slave device, and wireless communication device 11, designated as "Device B," switches to SAP mode, functioning as a master device, and establishes a Wi-Fi connection.

[0023] As a result, in this embodiment, it becomes possible to improve power consumption during standby until a Wi-Fi connection is established between wireless communication devices, and to improve unnecessary overhead by adjusting Capability, etc. According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to improve the processing efficiency until a communication line is established. In this embodiment, Wi-Fi Aware is defined as "a first that limits wireless communication resources to a predetermined range." This is one example of a connection method, and SAP / STA is an example of a second connection method that does not limit wireless communication resources to a predetermined range. Furthermore, each of the wireless communication devices 10 and 11 can be considered a "recipient device" connected by the connection procedure of this embodiment.

[0024] The wireless communication devices 10 and 11 according to this embodiment are wireless communication devices compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard. Here, the wireless communication devices 10 and 11 are implemented, for example, with the hardware configuration shown in Figure 4. The hardware configuration will be explained below using the wireless communication device 10 as an example. As shown in Figure 4, the wireless communication device 10 is a computer whose components include a processor 201, a main memory unit 202, an auxiliary memory unit 203, an input / output unit 204, and a communication unit 205, all of which are interconnected by a connection bus 206. The main memory unit 202 and the auxiliary memory unit 203 constitute memory and are recording media that the wireless communication device 10 can read. Each of the above components may be provided in multiple locations, or some of the components may be omitted.

[0025] The processor 201 is a central processing unit that controls the entire wireless communication device 10. The processor 201 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). This is an example of a control unit. The processor 201, for example, deploys a program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203 into the work area of ​​the main storage unit 202 in an executable format, and provides a function that matches a predetermined purpose by controlling peripheral devices through the execution of the program.

[0026] The main memory unit 202 stores programs executed by the processor 201, data processed by the processor, etc. The main memory unit 202 includes flash memory, RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory). The auxiliary memory unit 203 includes a portable recording medium and non-volatile semiconductor memory (flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM)). This includes silicon disks, solid-state drive devices, hard disk drive (HDD) devices, etc. Portable recording media are, for example, USB memory, SD cards, etc. The auxiliary storage unit 203 stores various programs and various data on the recording media in a read-write manner. The auxiliary storage unit 203 is used as a storage area that assists the main memory unit 202 and stores programs executed by the processor 201, data processed by the processor 201, etc. The auxiliary storage unit 203 stores, for example, an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc. The OS includes a communication interface program that exchanges data with devices connected via the communication unit 205. Here, the wireless communication device 10 may be a single computer or a combination of multiple computers. Also, the information stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203 may be stored in the main memory unit 202, and the information stored in the main memory unit 202 may be stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203. As described above, the series of processes performed by the wireless communication device 10 are executed by the processor 201 using a program. However, at least a portion of the series of processes can be performed by hardware such as digital circuits.

[0027] The input / output unit 204 is an interface for inputting and outputting data to and from devices connected to the wireless communication device 10. Input devices such as keyboards, pointing devices like touch panels and mice, and microphones are connected to the input / output unit 204. Operational instructions from an operator operating an input device are received via the input / output unit 204. Display devices such as LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays), EL (Electroluminescence) panels, and organic EL panels, and output devices such as speakers are also connected to the input / output unit 204. Data and information processed by the processor 201, and data and information stored in the main memory unit 202 and auxiliary memory unit 203 are output via the input / output unit 204. The communication unit 205 is a communication interface with the communication network. The communication unit 205 can adopt an appropriate configuration depending on the connection method with the communication network. Examples of the communication unit 205 include a LAN (Local Area Network) interface board and a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication.

[0028] Returning to Figure 3, both "Device A" and "Device B" activate the Wi-Fi Aware function. Then, it switches to Wi-Fi Aware mode (steps Z2, Z3). Then, between "Device A" and "Device B" which have switched to Wi-Fi Aware mode, the Subscribe / Publish connection procedure is initiated as explained in Comparative Example 2 (step Z4). ). In procedure Z4, "Device A" and "Device B" each listen for a connection target on a specific channel in a predetermined frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz) and asynchronously transmit a specific Service ID to each other. When either "Device A" or "Device B" detects a specific Service ID transmitted by the connection target while listening, a Subscribe / Publish exchange is performed specifying that Service ID. For example, "Device B," which functions as an SAP, is set as the publisher, and "Device A," which functions as an STA, is set as the subscriber. However, in the Subscribe / Publish connection procedure, "Device A" and "Device B" Whether one party becomes a subscriber or a publisher is determined in advance as appropriate.

[0029] As shown in the solid line bubble Z9, when both "Device A" and "Device B" have entered Wi-Fi Aware mode (step Z1), the target of connection will be on a specific channel. Since a standby state is performed to detect this, it is expected to have the effect of reducing power consumption.

[0030] Between "Device A" and "Device B," after the exchange of subscribe / publish with specified service IDs, various pieces of information are exchanged via a Service Discovery Frame (SDF) to establish communication (Procedure Z5). As shown in line bullet Z10, the "Device" is detected via the service discovery frame. Since information regarding SAP / STA connection can be exchanged between "A" and "Device B" before the Wi-Fi connection is established, mutual adjustments of capabilities, security, etc. become possible.

[0031] Figure 5 illustrates an example of SAP / STA connection information exchanged via a service discovery frame. As shown in Figure 5, examples of SAP / STA connection information exchanged via a service discovery frame (SAP / STA information) include information such as Capability, Security, and Range in a wireless LAN connection according to the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0032] Examples of capabilities include the IEEE 802.11 generation standards (Supported Technology (11a / b / g / n / ...)), QoS, and supported channels that each of "Device A" and "Device B" can support. Such capabilities are relevant to Wi-Fi connections. By exchanging information between "Device A" and "Device B" beforehand, communication after the Wi-Fi connection is established can be conducted with unnecessary capabilities removed. Therefore, throughput and power consumption associated with overhead can be improved. For example, a "Device" functioning as a STA (Stand-Aid) Let's assume that Device A supports IEEE 802.11 generation "a", and Device B, which functions as a Supporting Agent (SAP), supports generations "a", "b", "g", and "n". Device B, as an SAP, can establish a Wi-Fi connection and perform subsequent communication by excluding unnecessary generation information ("b", "g", and "n") from Device A, which functions as a STA. Similarly, if QoS features such as voice priority, which are offered as options for corporate use, are not supported by Device A, Device B can perform communication by excluding that information. In addition, for Device A, whose supported channel is in the 2.4GHz frequency band, Device B can communicate by removing the 5GHz frequency band from the supported channel notification. After Wi-Fi connection, Device B, as an SAP, can perform optimal communication according to the capabilities of Device A, which functions as a STA.

[0033] Furthermore, for security purposes, examples are given of the encryption methods, authentication methods (Supported Auth. / Encryption), ID / Pass (authentication methods using identification information and passwords, etc.), SSID, stealth mode status, MAC information, etc., that "Device A" and "Device B" can each support. Security information is exchanged between "Device A" and "Device B" before Wi-Fi connection is established, which improves security and simplifies connection during communication after the Wi-Fi connection is established. For example, if "Device A," which functions as an STA, supports a relatively high-security encryption method, security can be improved by using that encryption method for Wi-Fi communication. Also, by exchanging SSIDs, "Device A," which functions as an STA, can find out the SSID of "Device B," which functions as an SAP. Therefore, "Device B," which functions as an SAP, can limit its connection with "Device A," which functions as an STA, to an active scan method using a probe request that specifies the SAP's SSID from the STA side. The SAP side can suppress unnecessary notifications regarding its own SSID. The same applies to the presence or absence of stealth mode. If stealth mode is enabled, the SAP side can suppress unnecessary SSID notifications by using a stealth mode that does not emit a beacon signal that does not include its own SSID, or by not emitting a beacon signal at all. Furthermore, for example, by filtering and registering the MAC address information of "Device A" which functions as an STA, "Device B" which functions as an SAP can restrict connection permission to only that MAC address, thus simplifying the connection process. Security can also be defined as information used in probe requests and responses, association requests and permission responses, or the 4-way handshake in wireless LAN connections.

[0034] Furthermore, as Range, the time from when data is sent to the communication partner until a response is received. Round Trip Time (RTT) is the time between connections (communication round trip), and it indicates the signal strength from the SAP (Signal Processing Unit). RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) information is an example. For instance, Device B, functioning as an SAP, can estimate the distance to Device A, functioning as an STA, by measuring RTT via SDF. The SAP can then establish a Wi-Fi connection on the condition that the distance to Device A is sufficient to ensure communication quality. Furthermore, Device B, functioning as an SAP, can determine the signal strength of the target device by obtaining the RSSI detected by Device A, functioning as an STA. In this case as well, the SAP can establish a Wi-Fi connection on the condition that the signal strength of the STA is sufficient to ensure communication quality. This rangening is exchanged between Device A and Device B before Wi-Fi connection is established. This helps avoid low-quality communication connections.

[0035] Returning to Figure 3, after the exchange of information regarding the SAP / STA connection, "Device A" switches to STA mode and "Device B" switches to SAP mode (procedures Z8, Z7). Note that STA mode can also be called "station mode," and SAP mode can also be called "access point mode." Then, between "Device B," which has switched to SAP mode, and "Device A," which has switched to STA mode, authentication and connection processes are performed based on the security information exchanged via SDF, and a Wi-Fi connection is established (procedure Z8). As shown by the solid line drawing Z1A, after the Wi-Fi connection is established, the communication speed between "Device A" and "Device B" is increased by Wi-Fi communication based on the SAP / STA connection information adjusted via SDF.

[0036] Figure 6 illustrates a comparison of the characteristics of the communication method according to this embodiment with those of other communication methods. In Figure 6, "SAP / STA communication" in the communication method column refers to the communication method described in Comparative Example 1, and "Wi-Fi Aware communication" refers to the communication method described in Comparative Example 2. Similarly, "Communication according to the embodiment" This is the communication method in this embodiment.

[0037] As shown in Figure 6, in Comparative Example 1, "SAP / STA communication," the Wi-Fi during standby is The current consumption is 12mA on the STA side (assuming a scan interval of 10 seconds) and 107mA on the SAP side. The mA is assumed to be 100ms Beacon Interval. The communication speed is IEEE 802.11. The generation standard is "n" (2.4GHz), and MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) is a consideration. When set, a maximum speed of 144Mbps is possible. Also, in the "Wi-Fi Aware communication" of Comparative Example 2, The Wi-Fi current consumption in standby mode is 9mA for each of SAP / STA, and a maximum communication speed of 54Mbps is possible. In contrast to these, the communication method according to this embodiment is in standby mode The Wi-Fi power consumption is 9mA each for SAP / STA, and the maximum speed is 144Mbps. This enables the provision of high communication speeds. In other words, in this embodiment, the Wi-Fi power consumption during standby is reduced. Regarding network flow, "Wi-Fi Aware communication" has advantages; regarding communication speed, "SAP / STA communication" has advantages. Points can be incorporated. In the wireless communication devices according to this embodiment, differences in the capabilities of each wireless communication device can be adjusted before the Wi-Fi connection is established based on the SAP / STA connection information exchanged via SDF, so that an optimal Wi-Fi connection can be provided according to the capabilities of each wireless communication device.

[0038] (Process flow) Next, the processing of the wireless communication devices (10, 11) according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 7 to 8. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the wireless communication device 11 that functions as an SAP. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the wireless communication device 10 that functions as an STA. Note that the wireless communication device 11 that functions as an SAP is "Device B" shown in Figure 3, and in the Subscribe / Publish step Z4, it is set as a publisher. Similarly, as an STA The wireless communication device 10 that functions is "Device A" shown in Figure 3, and is set as a subscriber in the Subscribe / Publish procedure Z4.

[0039] In Figure 7, the wireless communication device 11, which functions as SAP, activates the Wi-Fi Aware function. When the system switches to Wi-Fi Aware mode (Wi-Fi Aware activation), the process proceeds to step S1. In step S1, the wireless communication device 11 waits on a specific channel in a predetermined frequency band for a specific service ID (Service ID=xx) transmitted by the wireless communication device 10, which functions as an STA set as a subscriber. In step S1, if a specific service ID is specified... If a Subscribe is detected (Step S1, “Yes”) ), the process proceeds to step S2; otherwise (step S1, "No"), the process repeats step S1.

[0040] In step S2, information regarding the SAP / STA connection is exchanged via a Service Discovery Frame (SDF). This information includes: As explained using Figure 5, information such as Capability, Security, and Range are provided as examples.

[0041] In step S2, for example, the wireless communication device 11 configured as a publisher notifies the wireless communication device 10 configured as a subscriber of the supported IEEE 802.11 generation standards (Supported Technology (11a / b / g / n / ...)) etc. as SAP's Capability information. Similarly, the wireless communication device 11 notifies the wireless communication device 10 of the supported encryption methods, authentication methods (Authentication, Password) etc. as SAP's Security information.

[0042] Furthermore, the subscriber wireless communication device 10 notifies the publisher wireless communication device 11 of the Supported Channel, the IEEE 802.11 Selected Technology, the MAC address, etc., as STA-side capability information. Similarly, the wireless communication device 10 notifies the wireless communication device 11 of the RSSI, etc., as STA-side Rangening information. However, such SAP / The exchange of information regarding STA connections is just one example and can be configured as needed. For example, the subscriber may notify the publisher of supported IEEE 802.11 generation standards (Supported Technology (11a / b / g / n / ...)) as STA-side capability information. Similarly, the subscriber may notify the publisher of STA-side security information, and the publisher may request the subscriber to notify them of range information. At a minimum, Information regarding the SAP / STA connection via a service discovery frame should be exchanged between the publisher and subscriber. After processing in step S2, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0043] In step S3, the wireless communication device 11 transitions to SAP mode according to parameters adjusted based on the SAP / STA connection information exchanged via the service discovery frame, and the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the wireless communication device 11 determines whether there is a connection request from an STA within a certain period. In step S4, if there is a connection request from an STA within a certain period (step S4, "Yes"), the wireless communication device 11 establishes an SAP / STA connection to that STA. Otherwise (step S4, "No"), the process returns to step S1. After establishing the SAP / STA connection, the wireless communication device 11 terminates this routine.

[0044] Next, Figure 8 will be explained. In Figure 8, when the wireless communication device 10, which functions as an STA, activates the Wi-Fi Aware function and switches to Wi-Fi Aware mode (Wi-Fi Aware activation), the process is as follows: The process proceeds to step S11. In step S11, when the wireless communication device 10 transmits a specific service ID (Service ID=xx) to the wireless communication device 11 which functions as a publisher SAP on a specific channel in a predetermined frequency band, the process proceeds to step S12. .

[0045] In step S12, it is determined whether or not there is a received response (Publish received) from the wireless communication device 11 which functions as an SAP configured as a publisher. If a response from the licher is detected (step S12, "Yes"), the process proceeds to step S13; otherwise (step S12, "No"), the process proceeds to step S11.

[0046] In step S13, the same process as in step S2 in Figure 7 is performed. That is, a Service Discovery Frame (SDF) is used to establish an SAP / STA connection with the wireless communication device 11, which functions as an SAP and is configured as a publisher. Information is exchanged. After the processing in step S13, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the wireless communication device 10 transitions to STA mode according to parameters adjusted based on the SAP / STA connection information exchanged via the service discovery frame, and the process proceeds to step S15.

[0047] In step S15, the wireless communication device 10 determines whether it has successfully connected with SAP within a certain period of time. The wireless communication device 10, which functions as an STA, sends the SSID of the wireless communication device 11, which was exchanged via a service discovery frame, in a probe request. When the wireless communication device 10 receives a response (probe response) from the wireless communication device 11, which functions as SAP, it makes an authentication request according to the authentication method coordinated via the service discovery frame. If mutual authentication and connection permission are established between the wireless communication device 10 and the wireless communication device 11, which functions as SAP, the wireless communication device 10 determines that it has successfully connected with SAP. In step S15, if it has successfully connected with SAP within a certain period of time (step S15, "Yes"), the wireless communication device 10 establishes an SAP / STA connection. Otherwise (step S15, "No"), the process returns to step S11. After the SAP / STA connection is established, the wireless communication device 10 terminates this routine.

[0048] As explained above, in the wireless communication devices according to this embodiment, before a Wi-Fi connection is established by SAP / STA, Wi-Fi Aware is used to determine the SAP / STA connection. Information can be exchanged. Information related to SAP / STA connection, including Capability information, Security information, and Range information, can be exchanged. By exchanging Capability information, SAP can then... At least one type of information within the ity information can be adjusted. For example, communication after establishing a Wi-Fi connection becomes possible with unnecessary Capability information removed from the STA side. This improves overhead and power consumption caused by the notification of unnecessary capability information, and increases communication throughput.

[0049] Furthermore, by exchanging security information, SAP can adjust at least one type of security information, thus simplifying connections and improving security. For example, by filtering and registering STA's MAC address information, SAP can restrict connections to only those MAC addresses. Also, if STA supports a high-security encryption method, using that encryption method can improve communication security.

[0050] Furthermore, the exchange of range information makes it possible to estimate the relative distance between SAP and STA. This allows the degree of signal strength at the STA to be determined. For example, the SAP can establish a Wi-Fi connection on the condition that the distance to the STA is sufficient to ensure communication quality. Similarly, the SAP can establish a Wi-Fi connection on the condition that the signal strength at the STA is sufficient to ensure communication quality. As a result, low-quality communication connections between the SAP and STA can be avoided. In this embodiment, Range information can be exchanged with low power consumption using Wi-Fi Aware. Therefore, Range information can be exchanged at shorter time intervals than in the conventional method. With information exchange enabled, SAP can timely determine whether the distance between it and STA is sufficient to ensure communication quality.

[0051] In this embodiment, the SAP / STA connection transmitted and received via Wi-Fi Aware Based on the information, differences in the capabilities of SAP / STA can be adjusted before Wi-Fi connection is established, thus providing an optimal Wi-Fi connection tailored to the capabilities of each SAP / STA. According to this embodiment, the processing efficiency leading to the establishment of a communication line can be improved in relation to the connection between wireless communication devices.

[0052] <Variation> Information regarding SAP / STA connections (Capability information, Security information, Range information, etc.) exchanged via Wi-Fi Aware can be exchanged individually or in combination. The following modified examples describe a configuration in which Capability information, Security information, and Range information are exchanged individually between wireless communication devices. In this description, the wireless communication devices 10 and 11, represented as "Device A" and "Device B," are wireless communication devices compliant with IEEE 802.11, with the former functioning as an STA and the latter as an SAP. Similarly, "Device B," which functions as an SAP, is set as the publisher, and "Device A," which functions as an STA, is set as the subscriber. However, "Device B" may be the subscriber and "Device A" may be the publisher.

[0053] Figure 9 shows that security information is transmitted via Wi-Fi Aware between wireless communication devices according to a modified example. This diagram illustrates the format in which data is exchanged. In Figure 9, as shown in step Z11, the wireless communication device 11, which functions as SAP, has security information related to SAP / STA connection pre-configured by the administrator or other relevant personnel. As explained using Figure 5, the security information includes the SSID, supported encryption methods, authentication method type, password, stealth mode status, IP settings (DHCP, static), etc.

[0054] In the same manner as in Embodiment 1, "Device A" and "Device B" each activate the Wi-Fi Aware function and switch to Wi-Fi Aware mode (steps Z12, Z13). Between "Device A" and "Device B" which have migrated to the new version, subscription / publishing The connection procedure using the (Subscribe / Publish) method will begin (Procedure Z14). "Device A" Each of "Device A" and "Device B" listens for a connection target on a specific channel in a predetermined frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz) and asynchronously transmits a specific Service ID to each other. When either "Device A" or "Device B" detects a specific Service ID transmitted by the connection target while listening, a subscribe / publish exchange is performed specifying that Service ID. Then, via a Service Discovery Frame (SDF), SAP / STA is transmitted. Security information regarding the connection is exchanged (Procedure Z15).

[0055] Device B, functioning as SAP, adjusts the security parameters related to the SAP / STA connection based on the security information of Device A, which functions as STA. For example, Device B supports WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), WPA2, and WPA3 as encryption standards. If Device A's encryption standard is limited to WPA2, Device B adjusts its encryption standard to WPA2. If Device A supports both WPA2 and WPA3, Device B adjusts its encryption standard to the more secure WPA3.

[0056] After the exchange of security information regarding the SAP / STA connection via the service discovery frame, "Device A" transitions to STA mode and "Device B" transitions to SAP mode (steps Z16, Z17). Then, between "Device B" which has transitioned to SAP mode and "Device A" which has transitioned to STA mode, authentication and connection processes are coordinated based on the security information exchanged via the service discovery frame, and a Wi-Fi connection is established (steps Z18, Z19, Z20). For example, between "Device A" and "Device B", a probe request / response is made specifying the SSID of "Device B", and after this, an association request is made from "Device A". Device B responds to the association request from Device A with an Association Response, completing the association procedure between Device B and Device A. Then, through a 4-way handshake, encryption keys for communication are mutually set according to the encryption standard coordinated by the security information exchanged in step Z15, and a Wi-Fi connection is established between Device B and Device A.

[0057] Once a Wi-Fi connection is established between Device B and Device A, Device B updates the Security information configured in step Z11 with the Security information adjusted with Device A (step Z21). This allows Device B to use the updated Security information when reconnecting with Device A.

[0058] Therefore, in the modified form in which security information is exchanged via Wi-Fi Aware, -Enhances security in communication after establishing a Wi-Fi connection, and simplifies the connection procedure (input by administrator, user, etc.) by using updated security information. As described above, the modified forms of wireless communication devices 10 and 11 are Wi-Fi Aware®. Using the Service Discovery Frame, probe requests and responses in wireless LAN connections. They exchange at least one type of information from among the association request and permission response, or the information used in the 4-way handshake. Therefore, wireless communication devices 10 and 11 can communicate with low power consumption, improve security, and easily connect to each other. In addition, wireless communication devices 10 and 11 coordinate at least one type of information from among the information notified by beacons in a wireless LAN connection, thereby improving security and easily connecting to each other.

[0059] Next, we will explain how capability information is exchanged via Wi-Fi Aware. Figure 10 shows: In the modified wireless communication devices, capability information is exchanged via Wi-Fi Aware. This is a diagram illustrating the configuration. In Figure 10, steps Z31 to Z33 are the same as steps Z2 to Z4 in Embodiment 1, so their explanation is omitted. In the configuration of Figure 10, Capability information regarding SAP / STA connection is exchanged between "Device B" and "Device A" via a service discovery frame (step Z34).

[0060] Figure 11 illustrates the Capability information set for "Device B" and "Device A". Figure 11(a) is an example of the Capability information set for "Device B", and Figure 11(b) is an example of the Capability information set for "Device A". As shown in Figures 11(a) and (b), the Capability information set for each device consists of a header containing predetermined format information and tag information describing the Capability parameters. It can be seen that the tag information describing the Capability parameters for "Device B", which functions as an SAP, is 216 bytes, and the tag information for "Device A", which functions as an STA, is 148 bytes.

[0061] The Capability parameters of "Device B," which functions as an SAP, consist of tag area Z40, which describes parameters common to "Device A," and tag area Z41, which describes parameters not required for "Device A" (such as information on model-dependent functions). As already explained, the parameters described in tag area Z42 of "Device A" are described as common parameters in tag area Z40. Tag area Z40 includes, for example, SSID, supported frequency band, supported channels, data rate during communication, channel, power saving related parameters, modulation scheme, association procedure security, and QoS related parameters. Note that these parameters depend on "Device A" and "Device B" at the time, and are not necessarily always common parameters.

[0062] Furthermore, the tag area Z41 contains information about generation-dependent functionality when "Device A" and "Device B" support different generations of IEEE 802.11 standards. "Device B," which functions as an SAP, supports generation standards for various types of IEEE 802.11, and therefore includes elements of generation standards that are unnecessary for "Device A." For example, if the supported generation of IEEE 802.11 for "Device A" is "g," and the supported generations of "Device B" are "a," "b," "g," and "n," then information about the IEEE 802.11 "a," "b," and "n" functions is unnecessary for "Device A."

[0063] Returning to Figure 10, "Device A," which functions as STA, transitions to STA mode (procedure Z35). Also, "Device B," which functions as SAP, transitions to "Device A," which functions as STA. Based on the Capability information of "A", adjust the parameters of the Capability information related to SAP / STA connection and switch to SAP mode (Procedure Z36). Then, "Device A" and "Device A probe request / response is made between "Device A" and "Device B," specifying the SSID of "Device B." Following this, "Device A" sends an association request. "Device B" responds to the association request from "Device A." An Association Response is then sent, completing the association procedure between Device B and Device A. Then, a 4-way Handshake is performed, and encryption keys for communication are mutually set according to the supported encryption standards, establishing a Wi-Fi connection between Device B and Device A (steps Z37 to Z39).

[0064] Therefore, in the modified form in which Capability information is exchanged via Wi-Fi Aware, S SAP can be started in a more appropriate mode according to the TA's functions. Also, in steps Z37 to Z39, SAP performs a series of processes with data that does not need to be notified to STA removed. Because this is possible, processing overhead can be reduced. As a result, improved communication speed and reduced power consumption can be expected. As described above, the modified forms of wireless communication devices 10 and 11 use the Service Discovery Frame in Wi-Fi Aware® to exchange at least one type of information from among the association request and permission response in wireless LAN connection, or the information used in the 4-way handshake. Therefore, communication with low power consumption can be achieved while suppressing the exchange of unnecessary capability information.

[0065] Next, we will explain the configuration in which Range information is exchanged via Wi-Fi Aware. Figure 12 illustrates a configuration in which distance measurement by FTM (Fine-Time-Measurement) is performed as Range information between wireless communication devices according to a modified example. Here, FTM is defined as IEEE 802.11mc This function, defined in subsequent standards, measures the time it takes for a packet to travel back and forth between devices and calculates the distance between the two devices by multiplying the measured time by the speed of light. FTM enables highly accurate time measurement. In this modified example, "Device B" and "Device A" can determine whether or not a connection to the other device is possible based on the distance measured by FTM.

[0066] In Figure 12, steps Z51 to Z53 are the same as steps Z2 to Z4 in Embodiment 1, so their explanation is omitted. In the configuration of Figure 12, Range information is exchanged between "Device B" and "Device A" via a service discovery frame (step Z54). If "Device A," which functions as a STA, does not support distance measurement by FTM, the information exchanged will be changed to other Range information (e.g., RSSI).

[0067] In the FTM procedure shown in Z55, packets are exchanged between "Device B" and "Device A" for distance measurement. This packet exchange is repeated multiple times, and the distance between "Device B" and "Device A" is calculated by averaging the distances measured each time. "Device B" and "Device A" continue the distance measurement process using FTM until they reach a certain distance where communication quality can be ensured.

[0068] When the distance measured by FTM reaches a certain distance at which communication quality can be ensured, "Device A" switches to STA mode (procedure Z56) and "Device B" switches to SAP mode (procedure Z57). Subsequently, a probe request / response is made between "Device A" and "Device B" specifying the SSID of "Device B," and after this, "Device A" makes an association request. "Device B" makes an association response to the association request from "Device A," and the association procedure between "Device B" and "Device A" is completed. Then, through a 4-way handshake, encryption keys for communication are mutually set according to the supported encryption standards, and a Wi-Fi connection is established between "Device B" and "Device A" (steps Z58 to Z60).

[0069] As described above, in the modified configuration where Range information is exchanged via Wi-Fi Aware, a Wi-Fi connection can be established when a distance is reached where communication quality can be ensured. This prevents low-quality communication connections for SAP / STA.

[0070] <Other Embodiments> The embodiments and modifications described above are merely examples, and this disclosure may be modified as appropriate without departing from its essence. The processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical inconsistencies arise.

[0071] Furthermore, processes described as being performed by a single device may be divided and executed by multiple devices. This may be done. Alternatively, processes described as being performed by different devices may be performed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is implemented can be flexibly changed.

[0072] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program implementing the functions described in the embodiments above to a computer, and having one or more processors in the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the computer's system bus, or it may be provided to the computer via a network. The non-temporary computer-readable storage medium includes any type of disk, such as magnetic disks (floppy disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), etc.), optical disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards, flash memory, or optical cards, and any other type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 10, 11, 101, 102 Wireless communication devices 201 Processor 202 Main memory 203 Auxiliary storage 204 Input / output section 205 Communications Department 206 connecting bus

Claims

1. The process of connecting with the other device using a first connection method that limits wireless communication resources to a predetermined range, In the connection process with the other device using the first connection method described above, the parameters used in the connection process with the other device using the second connection method, which does not limit the wireless communication resources to the predetermined range, are coordinated with the other device, The system includes a control unit that performs the following: establishing a connection with the other device using a second connection method, using the parameters adjusted in the connection process with the other device using the first connection method; The first connection method is a connection using Wi-Fi Aware®, and the second connection The method involves connection via SAP (Access Point Mode) / STA (Station Mode). The aforementioned adjustment involves using the Service Discovery Frame in Wi-Fi Aware (registered trademark) to determine the counterparty among the Capability information in a wireless LAN connection of the IEEE 802.11 standard. This includes identifying capability information that the device does not support. In the SAP (Access Point Mode) / STA (Station Mode) connection described above, communication is performed after deleting the Capability information that the other device does not support. Wireless communication device.

2. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment includes adjusting at least one type of information among the information notified by a beacon in a wireless LAN connection using the Service Discovery Frame in Wi-Fi Aware®.

3. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment includes sending and receiving at least one type of information among the security information in a wireless LAN connection using the Service Discovery Frame in Wi-Fi Aware®.

4. The aforementioned adjustment involves using the Service Discovery Frame in Wi-Fi Aware® to determine at least one type of information used in a wireless LAN connection, such as probe requests and responses, association requests and permission responses, or a four-way handshake. A wireless communication device according to claim 1, which includes sending and receiving information.

5. The adjustment described above involves measuring the distance to the other device, The wireless communication device according to claim 1, further comprising determining whether or not a connection with the other device is possible based on the measured distance.

6. The process of connecting with the other device using a first connection method that limits wireless communication resources to a predetermined range, In the connection process with the other device using the first connection method described above, the parameters used in the connection process with the other device using the second connection method, which does not limit the wireless communication resources to the predetermined range, are coordinated with the other device, The process of establishing a connection with the other device using the second connection method is performed using the parameters adjusted in the connection process with the other device using the first connection method, The first connection method is a connection using Wi-Fi Aware®, and the second connection The method involves connection via SAP (Access Point Mode) / STA (Station Mode). The aforementioned adjustment involves using the Service Discovery Frame in Wi-Fi Aware (registered trademark) to determine the counterparty among the Capability information in a wireless LAN connection of the IEEE 802.11 standard. This includes identifying capability information that the device does not support. In the SAP (Access Point Mode) / STA (Station Mode) connection described above, communication is performed after deleting the Capability information that the other device does not support. Wireless communication method.

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