Communication device, communication method, and communication system

Abstract

To provide a communication device with which it is possible to communicate selectively using a plurality of communication means and shorten the time until communication becomes possible.SOLUTION: The communication device comprises first communication means, and second communication means that is capable of communicating faster than the first communication means. In order for the second communication means to connect with an external device, it is necessary to communicate with the external device using the first communication means. When breaking a connection established between the second communication means and the external device, the communication device requests the external device to maintain, for a prescribed duration, a state in which the second communication means is kept connectable, in accordance with a cause of breaking the connection.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication apparatus, a communication method, and a communication system, and particularly to a communication technology using a plurality of communication methods.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a communication device including a plurality of communication units compatible with a plurality of wireless communication methods having different characteristics (Patent Document 1). When such communication devices communicate with each other, if a plurality of communication units are constantly operated Made by power consumption increases. On the other hand, if only the communication unit to be used is operated, a waiting time until the start of communication becomes long when switching the communication unit.

[0003] Therefore, in Patent Document 1, among the first and second communication units, the second communication unit having large power consumption is operated in a power saving mode, thereby reducing power consumption while constantly operating the two communication units.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In Patent Document 1, by transmitting a request signal through the first communication unit, the second communication unit is switched from the power saving mode to the normal mode, and communication by the second communication unit is executed. The second communication unit can only receive data intermittently in the power saving mode. Therefore, communication by the first communication unit is required to return the second communication unit to the normal mode.

[0006] In view of such problems of the conventional art, an object of the present invention in one aspect thereof is to provide a communication apparatus capable of performing communication by selectively using a plurality of communication means and shortening the time until communication becomes available. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above objective is to have a first communication means, a second communication means capable of higher-speed communication than the first communication means, and a control means for controlling the operation of the first and second communication means. In order for the second communication means to connect to an external device, communication with the external device using the first communication means is necessary. When the connection established between the second communication means and the external device is to be disconnected, the control means requests that the external device be kept in a state where it can be connected to the second communication means for a predetermined time, depending on the cause of the disconnection. Furthermore, if the cause of disconnection is an operation that transitions an application using communication with an external device via the second communication means from the foreground to the background, the control means requests the external device to maintain a state in which the second communication means can connect for a predetermined period of time. This is achieved by a communication device characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a communication device that can selectively use multiple communication means to enable communication and can shorten the time until communication becomes possible. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a smartphone as an example of a communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a digital camera as an example of an external device for a communication device. [Figure 3] Flowchart relating to the operation of the smartphone according to the embodiment [Figure 4] Flowchart relating to the operation of the smartphone according to the embodiment [Figure 5] Flowchart relating to the operation of the digital camera according to the embodiment [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, based on exemplary embodiments thereof. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention to the claims. Furthermore, while multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of them are essential to the invention, and the multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. In addition, in the attached drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numeral, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] In the following embodiments, the present invention will be described in relation to the implementation of a smartphone and a digital camera. However, the present invention can be implemented in any electronic device (especially battery-powered and / or portable) that supports multiple wireless communication methods. Such electronic devices include computer equipment (personal computers, tablet computers, media players, PDAs, etc.), game consoles, wearable devices (smartwatches, activity trackers, etc.), and the like. These are examples, and the present invention can be implemented in other electronic devices as well.

[0012] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a smartphone 100, which is an example of a communication device according to the embodiment. The control unit 101 has one or more processors (hereinafter referred to as CPUs) capable of executing programs, and for example, it reads a program stored in the non-volatile memory 103 into the working memory 104 and executes it. By executing the program, the control unit 101 controls the operation of each functional block and realizes the functions of the smartphone 100.

[0013] The rewritable non-volatile memory 103 stores programs that the CPU of the control unit 101 can execute (such as the operating system (OS) and applications), settings for the smartphone 100 and applications, and user data. Furthermore, as will be described later, the smartphone 100 stores in the non-volatile memory 103 information about external devices with which it has communicated, and information necessary to resume communication with those external devices.

[0014] It should be noted that the communication processing of the smartphone 100 described below is implemented as a function of an application stored in the non-volatile memory 103. The application need not include all programs for realizing the function, and can appropriately use functions provided by the OS. For example, the OS can provide basic functions related to wireless communication with an external device conforming to a specific wireless communication standard, such as checking the presence or absence of an external device, and establishing and disconnecting a wireless connection (link) with the external device.

[0015] The working memory 104 is, for example, a volatile memory, and is used for reading a program executed by the CPU of the control unit 101 and storing values required during the execution of the program. A part of the working memory 104 may also be used as a display memory for the display unit 106.

[0016] The imaging unit 102 is a camera unit including a photographing optical system, an image sensor and the like. The imaging unit 102 performs photographing under the control of the control unit 101, and stores the obtained image data in the working memory 104. The control unit 101 applies predetermined image processing to the image data to generate an image data file. The control unit 101 records the image data file in, for example, the recording medium 107.

[0017] The operation unit 105 is a general term for input devices provided in the smartphone 100. The operation unit 105 may include, but is not limited to, a touch panel provided on the display unit 106, a power switch, a volume adjustment button, and the like. When the control unit 101 detects an operation on the operation unit 105, it executes an operation in accordance with the detected operation.

[0018] The display unit 106 displays screens provided by the OS and applications. Note that an external display device may be connectable to the smartphone 100.

[0019] The recording medium 107 is provided separately from the non-volatile memory 103, and may be, for example, a semiconductor memory card. The recording medium 107 is used as a recording destination for, for example, image data files generated by the control unit 101 or data downloaded by a user. The recording medium 107 may also be used as a part of the non-volatile memory 103 (for expanding the capacity of the non-volatile memory 103).

[0020] The connection unit 108 (second communication means) is a communication interface. The connection unit 108 performs communication compliant with one or more known wired and wireless communication standards including wireless communication standards with an external device. The connection unit 108 includes circuits (such as an antenna, a connector, and a transceiver) corresponding to the compliant communication standard.

[0021] The short-range wireless communication unit 112 (first communication means) is also a communication interface. The short-range wireless communication unit 112 performs communication compliant with one or more known short-range wireless communication standards with an external device. Near field wireless communication section 112 includes circuits (such as an antenna and a transceiver) corresponding to the compliant communication standard.

[0022] For convenience herein, the connection unit 108 and close and the short-range wireless communication unit 112 are assumed to comply with mutually different wireless communication standards. Further, the connection unit 108 complies with a communication standard that has a wider standard communication range and higher communication speed than the short-range wireless communication unit 112, and also consumes more power for operation than the short-range wireless communication unit 112. Furthermore, it is assumed that communication with an external device using the short-range wireless communication unit 112 is required to enable the connection unit 108 to connect the external device.

[0023] In order to reduce the power consumption of the smartphone 100, the control unit 101 operates the short-range wireless communication unit 112 with priority over the connection unit 108. For example, the control unit 101 basically performs detection of an external device and communication with the detected external device through the short-range wireless communication unit 112. The control unit 101 operates the connection unit 108 only when a predetermined specific condition is satisfied, such as when high-speed communication is required, and communicates with an external device through the connection unit 108.

[0024] Furthermore, the control unit 101 can obtain information necessary for communication with an external device using the connection unit 108 (e.g., identification information, password or encryption key, address information, etc.) from that external device via the short-range wireless communication unit 112. Switching the communication interface used for communication with the same external device between the short-range wireless communication unit 112 and the connection unit 108 is referred to here as handover.

[0025] In the following example, we assume that the connection unit 108 is a wireless communication interface compliant with the Wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11 series) standard. Furthermore, we assume that the short-range wireless communication unit 112 is a wireless communication interface compliant with Bluetooth® ver. 4.0 or later, particularly Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). However, the combination of communication standards compliant by the connection unit 108 and the short-range wireless communication unit 112 may be any other combination, as long as the above-mentioned relationship is satisfied.

[0026] The public network connection section 109 is a communication interface with a mobile communication network and conforms to one or more communication standards (such as 3G, 4G, and 5G) established by, for example, the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

[0027] The connection unit 108, the short-range wireless communication unit 112, and the public network connection unit 109 may share a portion of their circuits.

[0028] The microphone 110 is used for phone calls and voice command input. The microphone 110, as a voice command input device, is included in the control unit 105. Speaker 111 is used for phone calls and audio playback.

[0029] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a digital camera 200 as an example of an external device capable of communicating with a smartphone 100. The external device may be any portable or battery-powered electronic device capable of communicating with the connection unit 108 and the short-range wireless communication unit 112 of the smartphone 100, respectively.

[0030] The control unit 201 has one or more processors (hereinafter referred to as CPUs) capable of executing programs, and for example, it reads a program stored in the non-volatile memory 203 into the working memory 204 and executes it. By executing the program, the control unit 201 controls the operation of each functional block and realizes the functions of the digital camera 200.

[0031] The rewritable non-volatile memory 203 stores programs that the CPU of the control unit 201 can execute, settings of the digital camera 200, GUI data, and the like. The non-volatile memory 203 also stores information about external devices with which communication has taken place.

[0032] Furthermore, the communication processing of the digital camera 200, as described later, will be implemented as a function of the program stored in the non-volatile memory 203.

[0033] The working memory 204 is, for example, volatile memory and is used to load programs executed by the CPU of the control unit 201 and to save values ​​necessary during program execution. Additionally, a portion of the working memory 204 may be used as display memory for the display unit 206.

[0034] The imaging unit 202 is a camera unit having an imaging optical system, an image sensor, etc. The imaging unit 202 takes images according to the control of the control unit 201 and stores the obtained image data in the working memory 204. The control unit 201 applies predetermined image processing to the image data to generate an image data file. The control unit 201 records the image data file on, for example, a recording medium 207. The control unit 201 also applies predetermined image processing to the image data to generate image data for display. The control unit 201 stores the image data for display in the video memory area of ​​the working memory 204, synthesizes an image showing information such as the current setting value, and displays it on the display unit 206.

[0035] By recording video with the imaging unit 202 and immediately displaying the recorded video on the display unit 206, the display unit 206 can be made to function as an electronic viewfinder (EVF). The video displayed on the display unit 206 to enable it to function as an EVF is called a live view image.

[0036] The operation unit 205 is a general term for the input devices provided on the digital camera 200. The operation unit 205 may include, but is not limited to, the touch panel, power switch, shutter button, video recording button, directional keys, setting button, menu button, etc., provided on the display unit 206. When the control unit 201 detects an operation on the operation unit 205, it executes an action corresponding to the detected operation.

[0037] The display unit 206 is used to display images captured by the imaging unit 202, images recorded on the recording medium 207, menu screens, and the like. An external display device may also be connected to the digital camera 200.

[0038] The recording medium 207 is provided separately from the non-volatile memory 203 and may be, for example, a semiconductor memory card. The recording medium 207 is used, for example, as a recording destination for image data files generated by the control unit 201.

[0039] The connection unit 208 is a communication interface. The connection unit 208 performs communication with an external device in accordance with one or more known wired and wireless communication standards, including wireless communication standards. The connection unit 208 has circuits (antenna, connector, transceiver, etc.) corresponding to the communication standard it conforms to.

[0040] The short-range wireless communication unit 209 is also a communication interface. The short-range wireless communication unit 209 performs communication with an external device in accordance with one or more known short-range wireless communication standards. Near field communication department 209 It has circuits (antennas, transceivers, etc.) that conform to the communication standard it complies with.

[0041] For convenience, here we will refer to the connection part 208 and close The distance wireless communication unit 209 and the connection unit 208 shall conform to different wireless communication standards. Furthermore, the connection unit 208 shall conform to a communication standard that has a wider communication range and a higher communication speed than the short-range wireless communication unit 209, and shall also consume more power to operate than the short-range wireless communication unit 209. The combination of communication standards that the connection unit 208 and the short-range wireless communication unit 209 conform to is not particularly limited as long as the above relationship is satisfied.

[0042] In this embodiment, the digital camera 200 communicates with the connection unit 108 and the short-range wireless communication unit 112 of the smartphone 100. Therefore, the connection unit 208 is assumed to be a wireless communication interface compliant with the Wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11 series) standard, and the short-range wireless communication unit 209 is assumed to be a wireless communication interface compliant with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The connection unit 208 and the short-range wireless communication unit 209 may share a portion of the circuit.

[0043] Furthermore, the connection unit 208 communicates with the connection unit 108 in infrastructure mode and functions as an access point (AP). In other words, the connection unit 208 has the function of forming a network to which the smartphone 100 can connect. However, the connection unit 208 functions as a simple AP and does not have a gateway function to transfer data received from external devices connected to the network it has formed to another network.

[0044] The control unit 201 prioritizes the operation of the short-range wireless communication unit 209 over the connection unit 208 in order to reduce the power consumption of the digital camera 200. The control unit 201 primarily uses the short-range wireless communication unit 209 to perform tasks such as detecting external devices and communicating with detected external devices. The control unit 201 operates the connection unit 208 and communicates with the external device through the connection unit 208 only when certain predetermined conditions are met, such as when it receives a request from an external device via the short-range wireless communication unit 112.

[0045] Next, we will explain the operation of the smartphone 100 regarding communication control with an external device (digital camera 200). First, the control unit 101 periodically performs an operation to detect an external device using the short-range wireless communication unit 112, while the connection unit 108 is not operating. Note that the operation to detect an external device may vary depending on the standard to which the short-range wireless communication unit 112 conforms.

[0046] When the short-range wireless communication unit 112 detects an external device, the control unit 101 sends a connection request from the short-range wireless communication unit 112 to the external device and executes the procedure for establishing a wireless connection. This procedure may vary depending on the communication standard. In addition, any necessary procedures before establishing a wireless connection are also executed. For example, if the short-range wireless communication unit 112 performs BLE-compliant communication, and the external device is not paired, it performs pairing and then executes the procedure necessary for establishing a wireless connection. On the other hand, if the detected external device is already paired, the control unit 101 uses the pairing information stored in the non-volatile memory 103 to send a connection request from the short-range wireless communication unit 112 to the external device.

[0047] Short-range wireless communication unit 112 and 2 Once a wireless connection is established between devices 09, communication becomes possible between the smartphone 100 and the digital camera 200. For example, an application running on the smartphone 100 can communicate with the digital camera 200 in response to user instructions or the occurrence of predetermined events.

[0048] When using a communication method faster than that provided by the short-range wireless communication unit 112, the control unit 101 connects with the connection unit 108. 208 The procedure for establishing a wireless connection between the two is performed. If a faster communication method than the short-range wireless communication unit 112 is to be used, it can be predetermined. For example, when transferring image data from a digital camera 200 to a smartphone 100, this may be done when instructed by the user.

[0049] The control unit 101 transmits a request to the digital camera 200 to activate the connection unit 208 (simple AP) via the short-range wireless communication unit 112. Upon receiving the activation request for the connection unit 208, the control unit 201 of the digital camera 200 activates the connection unit 208. As a result, the connection unit 208 generates a network as a simple AP. The control unit 201 also transmits the information necessary to connect to the network generated by the connection unit 208 to the smartphone 100 via the short-range wireless communication unit 209.

[0050] When the control unit 101 receives information from the digital camera 200 via the short-range wireless communication unit 112 for the connection unit 108 to connect to the network generated by the connection unit 208 of the digital camera 200, it stores this information in the non-volatile memory 103. Here, the information received for connecting to the network generated by the connection unit 208 is assumed to be the SSID, password (encryption key), and IP address. However, this information may vary depending on the standards to which the connection units 108 and 308 conform.

[0051] The control unit 101 activates the connection unit 108 and acquires information about the surrounding networks. Once it confirms the SSID included in the information received from the digital camera 200, it sends a connection request from the connection unit 108. Alternatively, the connection request may be sent from the connection unit 108 a certain period of time after the digital camera 200 receives a request to activate the connection unit 208.

[0052] In the subsequent authentication process, the control unit 101 uses the password received from the digital camera 200. If authentication is successful, the connection unit 108 and 208 A wireless connection is established between the connection unit 108 and 208 Between the short-range wireless communication unit 112 and 2 This enables faster communication than communication with 09.

[0053] Thus, the connection part 108 and 208 The operation of the smartphone 100 when it terminates communication by the connection unit 108 after a wireless connection has been established will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 3. This operation involves the connection unit 108 and 208 This can be executed when the control unit 101 detects that a collaborative application that utilizes a wireless connection has changed from an active state.

[0054] In S301, the control unit 101 investigates the cause of the change in the linked application from an active state to an inactive state. Specifically, the control unit 101 determines whether the cause of the change in the linked application from an active state to an inactive state is an explicit application termination operation. If the control unit 101 determines that the cause of the change in the linked application from an active state to an inactive state is an explicit application termination operation, it executes S303; otherwise, it executes S302. Note that the change in the linked application from an active state to an inactive state is communicated to the connection unit 108 and 208 This is an example of an event that requires disconnection of the wireless connection with the connection part 108. 208If an event occurs that necessitates the disconnection of the wireless connection, the determination may be whether or not the event is considered to have occurred due to the user's explicit will.

[0055] The following are some possible causes for a linked application to change from an active to an inactive state: (1) An operation defined as an application termination operation in the OS on which the linked application is running. (2) Operations that transition a linked application from an active state to an inactive state (3) Termination operations defined by the linked application (such as selecting "Exit" from the menu screen) Note that the operations in (1) to (3) are examples and may vary depending on the OS and application.

[0056] An operation that transitions from an active state to an inactive state may be, for example, an operation that moves the application window from the foreground to the background (an operation that moves the application from the foreground to the background).

[0057] In S301, the control unit 101 determines that, for example, operation (1) or (3) is an explicit termination operation for the application. On the other hand, the control unit 101 does not determine that, for example, operation (2) is an explicit termination operation. This is because, in the case of operation (2), the application may be returned to an active state.

[0058] Furthermore, even if S301 is determined to be an explicit termination operation, the linked application has not terminated, and the connection unit 108 and 208 The wireless connection with is assumed not to be disconnected. The control unit 101 will continue to connect with the connection unit 108 until it requests the disconnection of the wireless connection in S305, as described later. 208 Maintain wireless connection with [the relevant entity].

[0059] In S302, the control unit 101 determines the simplified AP duration to a predetermined time that is not zero (for example, 30 seconds), and then executes S304. In S303, the control unit 101 sets the simplified AP duration to 0, and then executes S304.

[0060] If a linked application changes from an active state without an explicit termination operation, it is possible that the linked application is only temporarily inactive and will return to an active state in a short time. In this case, the control unit 101 determines a non-zero simplified AP duration to request the wireless connection partner device (digital camera 200) to maintain a connectable state for a predetermined time. On the other hand, if an explicit termination operation is performed for the linked application, it is assumed that the user has a clear intention to terminate the connection with the digital camera 200. Therefore, the control unit 101 sets the simplified AP duration to 0, prioritizing the reduction of power consumption due to the operation of the connection unit 208 over shortening the reconnection time.

[0061] In S304, the control unit 101 transmits the simplified AP duration determined in S302 or S303 from the connection unit 108 to the digital camera 200. The control unit 201 of the digital camera 200 stores the simplified AP duration received by the connection unit 208, for example, in the working memory 104.

[0062] In S305, the control unit 101 transmits a request to the digital camera 200 to disconnect the wireless connection with the connection unit 208 from the connection unit 108. The control unit 101 also disconnects the wireless connection, for example by stopping the operation of the connection unit 108. Furthermore, the control unit 101 obtains the current time, for example from the clock circuit, and stores it in the working memory 104. In addition, the control unit 101 and the connection unit 108 208 If S301 determines that an operation requiring the disconnection of the wireless connection is an explicit application termination operation, the linked application will be terminated.

[0063] Furthermore, if the smartphone 100's OS has an automatic reconnection function to previously connected networks, the control unit 101 excludes the network generated by the digital camera 200 (connection unit 208) from the automatic reconnection target. This prevents applications other than the linked application using the digital camera 200 from connecting to the network generated by the digital camera 200. Note that the operation to exclude the network generated by the digital camera 200 from the automatic reconnection target can be performed at any time after the initial connection to the network generated by the digital camera 200.

[0064] When the control unit 201 receives a request to disconnect the wireless connection at the connection unit 208, it checks whether a non-zero simplified AP duration is stored in the working memory 204. If a simplified AP duration is set, the control unit 201 maintains the operation of the connection unit 208 from the time the disconnection request is received until the simplified AP duration has elapsed. As a result, even after receiving a disconnection request from the smartphone 100, the connection unit 208 maintains a state where it can connect from the connection unit 108 for a certain period of time.

[0065] Next, we will explain the behavior of smartphone 100 when an operation to transition (return) a linked application from the background to the foreground is detected, using the flowchart in Figure 4.

[0066] In S401, the control unit 101 determines whether the previous connection information for the connection unit 108 is stored in the working memory 104 (or non-volatile memory 103). The previous connection information includes the SSID, password (encryption key), and IP address used when the connection unit 108 last communicated with an external device. If the previous connection information is stored, the control unit 101 executes S402; otherwise, it executes S405.

[0067] In S402, the control unit 101 determines whether the elapsed time since the connection unit 108 most recently disconnected the wireless connection is within a predetermined time. The predetermined time used here is the simple AP duration set in S302. The control unit 101 can make this determination based on the disconnection time stored in S305 and the current time obtained from the clock circuit. If the control unit 101 determines that the elapsed time is within the predetermined time, it executes S403; otherwise (if elapsed time > predetermined time), it executes S405.

[0068] In S403, the control unit 101 uses the previous connection information stored in the non-volatile memory 103 to send a connection request from the connection unit 108.

[0069] In S404, the control unit 101 determines whether a wireless connection has been established with the digital camera 200 via the connection unit 108. If the control unit 101 determines that a wireless connection has been established, it terminates the process shown in Figure 4. If the control unit 101 does not determine that a wireless connection has been established, it executes S405.

[0070] S405 to S407 are processes that reconnect the connection unit 108 by communication using the short-range wireless communication unit 112. In S405, the control unit 101 establishes a wireless connection with the digital camera 200 using the short-range wireless communication unit 112. Note that if the wireless connection of the short-range wireless communication unit 112 is maintained, S405 does not need to be executed.

[0071] In S406, the control unit 101 transmits a request to the digital camera 200 to activate the simple AP via the short-range wireless communication unit 112. When the control unit 201 of the digital camera 200 receives the request to activate the simple AP (connection unit 208), it activates the connection unit 208. As a result, the connection unit 208 generates a network as a simple AP. The control unit 201 also transmits the information necessary to connect to the network generated by the connection unit 208 (connection information) to the smartphone 100 via the short-range wireless communication unit 209.

[0072] In S407, the control unit 101 uses the connection information obtained from the digital camera 200 to send a connection request from the connection unit 108. After authentication processing, the connection unit 108 and 20 8 A wireless connection is established between them.

[0073] Alternatively, after sending a request to activate the connection unit 208 to the digital camera 200 in S406, a connection request may be sent using the previously used connection information stored in the non-volatile memory 103 without waiting for the connection information to be received.

[0074] In S408, the control unit 101 stores the connection information received in S406 in the non-volatile memory 103. Note that the storage of connection information may also be performed in S406.

[0075] In this embodiment, when a wireless connection is disconnected due to a change in the state of a collaborative application using wireless communication, the cause of the state change is investigated. If the state change is not due to an explicit termination operation of the application, the system requests the other device to maintain a connectable state for a certain period of time. Therefore, if the application returns to an active state in a short time, the time required to re-establish the wireless connection with the other device can be reduced.

[0076] The operation control of the connection unit 208 in the digital camera 200 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 5. Here, it is assumed that a wireless connection has been established between the other device (smartphone 100) and the short-range wireless communication unit 209, and the connection unit 208 is not in operation.

[0077] In S501, the control unit 201 determines whether or not it has received a startup request for the connection unit 208 from the smartphone 100 via the short-range wireless communication unit 209. If the control unit 201 determines that it has received a startup request, it executes S502; otherwise, it executes S501, for example, periodically.

[0078] In S502, the control unit 201 activates the connection unit 208 and executes the simplified AP function. As a result, the connection unit 208 generates a network that can be connected to from the connection unit 108.

[0079] In S503, the control unit 201 transmits the information necessary to connect to the network generated by the connection unit 208 (connection information) to the smartphone 100 via the short-range wireless communication unit 209.

[0080] In S504, the control unit 201 determines whether or not it has received a connection request from the smartphone 100 (connection unit 108) through the connection unit 208. If the control unit 201 determines that it has received a connection request, it executes S505; otherwise, it executes S504, for example, periodically.

[0081] In step S505, the control unit 201 performs authentication processing for the source of the connection request (smartphone 100). Here, the password (encryption key) included in the connection information sent to smartphone 100 is verified, and it is assumed that authentication of smartphone 100 is successful. Note that the method of authentication processing and the processing in the event of authentication failure may differ depending on the communication standard.

[0082] Upon successful authentication, a wireless connection is established between connection units 108 and 208 in accordance with the wireless LAN standard, and the short-range wireless communication unit 112 and 2 This enables faster communication than a BLE-compliant wireless connection between 09 and 09. For example, data-intensive communications, such as transferring image data from a digital camera 200 to a smartphone 100, can be performed wirelessly using connection units 108 and 208. Furthermore, when the control unit 201 receives the simple AP duration from the smartphone 100 via the connection unit 208, it stores it, for example, in the non-volatile memory 203.

[0083] In S506, the control unit 201 determines whether or not it has received a disconnection request from the smartphone 100 (connection unit 108) through the connection unit 208. If the control unit 201 determines that it has received a disconnection request, it executes S507, or if not, it executes S506, for example, periodically.

[0084] In S507, the control unit 201 determines whether the wireless connection of the connection unit 208 has been disconnected. This determines whether the wireless connection has been disconnected due to a reason other than a normal procedure, such as a deterioration in communication conditions. If the control unit 201 determines that the wireless connection has been disconnected, it executes S508; otherwise, it executes S506.

[0085] For example, if the wireless connection is disconnected due to a deterioration in communication conditions, the control unit 101 of the smartphone 100 notifies the display unit 106 that the connection has been disconnected. This notification may include a software button to instruct the user to reconnect. When the control unit 101 detects the button operation instructing the user to reconnect, it can use the connection information stored in the non-volatile memory 103 to send a connection request from the connection unit 108.

[0086] In S508, the control unit 201 maintains the operation of the connection unit 208 and waits until a predetermined time has elapsed. If a connection request is received before the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 201 executes S505. If no connection request is received before the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 201 executes S511 and terminates the operation of the connection unit 208.

[0087] The predetermined time for maintaining the operation of the connection unit 208 in S508 can be set in advance to, for example, several tens of seconds to about one minute, so that reconnection can be quickly initiated when the smartphone 100 immediately requests it, while suppressing unnecessary power consumption. This predetermined time can be stored, for example, in the non-volatile memory 203.

[0088] In this manner, if the wireless connection of the connection unit 208 is disconnected by means other than the normal procedure, the control unit 201 does not immediately stop the operation of the connection unit 208, but maintains its operating state for a certain period of time. This allows the connection to be restored quickly without requiring the connection unit 208 to be started again if the connection is unintentionally disconnected due to a deterioration in communication conditions or other reasons.

[0089] In S509, the control unit 201 refers to the non-volatile memory 103 and determines whether the simplified AP duration set by the smartphone 100 is not 0 (greater than 0). If the control unit 201 determines that the simplified AP duration is not 0, it executes S510. On the other hand, if the control unit 201 determines that the simplified AP duration is 0, it executes S511 and terminates the operation of the connection unit 208.

[0090] In S510, the control unit 201 maintains the operation of the connection unit 208 and waits until the simplified AP duration elapses. If a connection request is received before the simplified AP duration elapses, the control unit 201 executes S505. If no connection request is received before the simplified AP duration elapses, the control unit 201 executes S511 and terminates the operation of the connection unit 208.

[0091] In this embodiment, when the wireless connection is disconnected due to a change in the state of the application using wireless communication, the control unit 101 determines the duration of the simplified AP according to the cause of the state change and transmits it to the other device (digital camera 200). However, when the control unit 201 of the digital camera 200 receives a request to disconnect the wireless connection through the connection unit 208, it may wait for a certain period of time before terminating the operation of the connection unit 208.

[0092] Furthermore, if the digital camera 200 is powered from an external source (for example, from a commercial power supply), the operation of the connection unit 208 may continue even if a request to disconnect the wireless connection is received through the connection unit 208.

[0093] In a communication device having two communication units with different communication speeds, when disconnecting the connection between the high-speed communication unit and an external device, the device is now configured to request the external device to maintain a connectable state for a predetermined period of time, depending on the cause of the disconnection. For example, if the cause of the disconnection is not an explicit termination operation of an application using high-speed communication, the device is requested to maintain a connectable state for a predetermined period of time. This makes it possible to shorten the time required for reconnection, for example, when an application temporarily becomes inactive.

[0094] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following communication devices, communication methods, communication systems, and programs. (Item 1) The first means of communication, A second communication means capable of faster communication than the first communication means, It includes control means for controlling the operation of the first communication means and the second communication means, In order for the external device to be connected to the second communication means, communication with the external device using the first communication means is necessary. A communication device characterized in that, when the control means disconnects the connection established between the second communication means and the external device, it requests the external device to maintain a state in which the second communication means can connect for a predetermined time, depending on the cause of disconnection of the connection. (Item 2) The communication device according to item 1, characterized in that the control means requests the external device to maintain a state in which the second communication means can connect for a predetermined time when the cause of disconnecting the connection is that an application using communication with the external device by the second communication means has changed from an active state without an explicit termination operation. (Item 3) The communication device according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that the control means requests the external device to maintain a state in which the second communication means can connect for a predetermined time when the cause of disconnecting the connection is an operation that transitions an application using communication with the external device by the second communication means from the foreground to the background. (Item 4) The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that the control means does not require the external device to maintain a state in which the second communication means can connect for a predetermined time if the cause of disconnecting the connection is an explicit termination operation of an application that uses communication with the external device by the second communication means. (Item 5) The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 4, characterized in that, after disconnecting the connection between the second communication means and the external device, when the control means communicates with the external device by the second communication means, it transmits a connection request to the external device from the second communication means without communicating with the external device by the first communication means. (Item 6) The communication device according to item 5, characterized in that the control means transmits a predetermined request from the first communication means to the external device if a connection between the second communication means and the external device is not established by the connection request. (Item 7) The first means of communication, A second communication means capable of faster communication than the first communication means, It includes control means for controlling the operation of the first communication means and the second communication means, The control means is When a request is received from an external device through the first communication means, the second communication means is activated. A communication device characterized in that, upon receiving a request from the external device via the second communication means to disconnect the connection between the second communication means and the external device, the device maintains the operation of the second communication means for a first predetermined time, and then terminates the operation of the second communication means. (Item 8) The communication device according to item 7, characterized in that it receives the first predetermined time from the external device. (Item 9) The communication device according to item 7 or 8, characterized in that the control means immediately terminates the operation of the second communication means when it receives the disconnection request if the first predetermined time is 0. (Item 10) The communication device according to any one of items 7 to 9, characterized in that, if the connection between the second communication means and the external device is disconnected without receiving the disconnection request, the control means maintains the operation of the second communication means for a second predetermined time and then terminates the operation of the second communication means. (Item 11) A communication device described in any one of items 1 to 6, A communication device as an external device to any one of items 1 to 6, and a communication device as described in any one of items 7 to 10, A communication system having (Item 12) The first means of communication, It comprises a second communication means capable of higher-speed communication than the first communication means, A communication method performed by a communication device that requires communication with the external device using the first communication means in order to enable the second communication means to connect to the external device, When disconnecting the connection established between the second communication means and the external device, depending on the cause of the disconnection, the external device is required to maintain a state in which the second communication means can connect for a predetermined period of time. A communication method characterized by having the following features. (Item 13) The first means of communication, A communication method performed by a communication device having a second communication means capable of higher-speed communication than the first communication means, When a request is received from an external device through the first communication means, the second communication means is activated. When the external device receives a request to disconnect the connection between the second communication means and the external device via the second communication means, the operation of the second communication means is maintained for a predetermined first time, and then the operation of the second communication means is terminated. A communication method characterized by having the following features. (Item 14) A program to cause a computer to function as a control means of a communication device described in any one of items 1 through 10.

[0095] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0096] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 101...Control unit, 102...Imaging unit, 103...Non-volatile memory, 104...Working memory, 105...Operation unit, 106...Display unit, 107...Storage medium, 108...Connection unit, 109...Public network connection unit, 110...Microphone, 111...Speaker, 112...Short-range wireless communication unit

Claims

1. A first means of communication, A second communication means capable of higher-speed communication than the first communication means, It includes control means for controlling the operation of the first communication means and the second communication means, In order for the external device to be connected to the second communication means, communication with the external device using the first communication means is necessary. When the control means disconnects the connection established between the second communication means and the external device, it requests the external device to maintain a state in which the second communication means can connect for a predetermined time, depending on the cause of the disconnection. The communication device is characterized in that, when the cause of disconnecting the connection is an operation that transitions an application using the second communication means to communication with the external device from the foreground to the background, the control means requests the external device to maintain a state in which the second communication means can connect for a predetermined period of time.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means requests the external device to maintain a state in which the second communication means can connect for a predetermined time when the cause of disconnecting the connection is that an application using communication with the external device by the second communication means has changed from an active state without an explicit termination operation.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means does not require the external device to maintain a state in which the second communication means can connect for a predetermined time if the cause of disconnecting the connection is an explicit termination operation of an application that uses communication with the external device by the second communication means.

4. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, after disconnecting the connection between the second communication means and the external device, when the control means communicates with the external device by the second communication means, it transmits a connection request to the external device from the second communication means without communicating with the external device by the first communication means.

5. The communication device according to claim 4, characterized in that the control means transmits a predetermined request from the first communication means to the external device if a connection between the second communication means and the external device is not established by the connection request.

6. A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The external device of the communication device, A communication system having

7. A first means of communication, It comprises a second communication means capable of higher-speed communication than the first communication means, A communication method performed by a communication device that requires communication with the external device using the first communication means in order to enable the second communication means to connect to the external device, When disconnecting the connection established between the second communication means and the external device, the system includes requesting the external device to maintain a state in which the second communication means can connect for a predetermined period of time, depending on the cause of the disconnection. The aforementioned request includes, when the cause of disconnection is an operation that transitions an application using the second communication means to the external device from the foreground to the background, requesting the external device to maintain a state in which the second communication means can connect for a predetermined period of time. A communication method characterized by the following features.

8. A program for causing a computer to function as a control means of a communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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