Communication system and method, information processing apparatus and method, and information processing terminal and method Number:7,395,029 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent The present invention relates to a communication system and a method thereof, an information processing apparatus and a method thereof, an information processing terminal and a method thereof, which can start wireless communication easily and promptly. When an electromagnetic wave radiated from a reader/writer of a PDA 2 is received in a reader/writer of a personal computer 1, the personal computer 1 notifies the PDA 2 of device information stored therein. The PDA 2 establishes synchronization for Bluetooth communication with the personal computer 1 in accordance with a Bluetooth address contained in the device information and selects a service in accordance with a service record contained in the device information to establish communication via Bluetooth. The present invention can be applied to various information processing apparatuses such as a personal computer or a PDA.<H Communication, information, Communication, s, 7395029.html, Patent, pto, 7395029

Title: Communication system and method, information processing apparatus and method, and information processing terminal and method

Abstract: The present invention relates to a communication system and a method thereof, an information processing apparatus and a method thereof, an information processing terminal and a method thereof, which can start wireless communication easily and promptly. When an electromagnetic wave radiated from a reader/writer of a PDA 2 is received in a reader/writer of a personal computer 1, the personal computer 1 notifies the PDA 2 of device information stored therein. The PDA 2 establishes synchronization for Bluetooth communication with the personal computer 1 in accordance with a Bluetooth address contained in the device information and selects a service in accordance with a service record contained in the device information to establish communication via Bluetooth. The present invention can be applied to various information processing apparatuses such as a personal computer or a PDA.

Patent Number: 7,395,029 Issued on 07/01/2008 to Sasai, et al.

Inventors: Sasai; Takashi (Kanagawa, JP), Kakuda; Hiroshi (Tokyo, JP), Higo; Masamitsu (Kanagawa, JP)
Assignee: Sony Corporation (Tokyo, JP)

Appl. No.: 10/492,562

Filed: October 16, 2002

PCT Filed: October 16, 2002

PCT No.: PCT/JP02/10722

371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: April 14, 2004

PCT Pub. No.: WO03/034660

PCT Pub. Date: April 24, 2003

Foreign Application Priority Data


Oct 16, 2001 [JP]			2001-317956

Current U.S. Class: 455/41.2 ; 455/41.3; 455/556.2

Current International Class: H04B 7/00 (20060101); H04M 1/00 (20060101)

Field of Search: 455/555,556.1,556.2,514,415,41.2,41.3

References Cited [Referenced By]

U.S. Patent Documents


6484027	November 2002	Mauney et al.
6697638	February 2004	Larsson et al.
6826387	November 2004	Kammer
6885848	April 2005	Lee
6895215	May 2005	Uhlmann
6928299	August 2005	Rinne et al.
2002/0032039	March 2002	Kimata
2002/0132632	September 2002	Brassil et al.
2002/0137543	September 2002	Murnaghan et al.
2002/0165006	November 2002	Haller et al.
2002/0169000	November 2002	King
2002/0198021	December 2002	Boesen
2003/0013483	January 2003	Ausems et al.
2003/0036350	February 2003	Jonsson et al.
2004/0077337	April 2004	Vestergaard et al.
2005/0009561	January 2005	Hollstrom et al.
2005/0170818	August 2005	Netanel et al.

Foreign Patent Documents


2001-144781	May., 2001	JP
2001-145163	May., 2001	JP
2001-156704	Jun., 2001	JP
2002-149948	May., 2002	JP
2002-150142	May., 2002	JP

Other References

Akira NI'HE'I, Keitai Denwa wa Benrina Saifu ni Pocket ni Keitai dakega areba ii Seikatsu ga Kuru, Jul. 1, 2001, ASCII, vol. 25, No. 7, pp. 278 to 279. cited by other.

Primary Examiner: Maung; Nay
Assistant Examiner: Wendell; Andrew
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett, Dunner, L.L.P.

Claims

The invention claimed is:

1. An information processing apparatus carrying out a wireless communication with a second information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus comprising: acquisition means for acquiring device information of the second information processing apparatus, the device information comprising identification information and service attribute information indicating a providable service of the second information processing apparatus; determination means for determining whether to establish wireless communication by comparing a service record of the information processing apparatus with the service attribute information of the second information processing apparatus; selection means for selecting a service to perform based on the service attribute information of the second information processing apparatus and based on at least one of the number of times the service has been selected and the most recently selected service; synchronization establishing means for synchronizing wireless communication with the second information processing apparatus on the basis of the identification information; and communication establishing means for establishing the wireless communication with the second information processing apparatus using the synchronization.

2. The information processing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the device information further comprises key information for authenticating the wireless communication.

3. The information processing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the device information further comprises number information representing the number of devices with which the second information processing apparatus can communicate simultaneously utilizing the wireless communication, and the determination means further determines whether to perform the establishing process on the basis of the number information.

4. The information processing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the device information further comprises time period information representing a time period during which the second information processing apparatus can communicate utilizing the wireless communication, and the determination means further determines whether to perform the establishing process on the basis of the time period information.

5. The information processing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the device information further comprises type information representing a type of a device with which the second information processing apparatus can communicate utilizing the wireless communication, and the determination means further determines whether to perform the establishing process on the basis of the type information.

6. The information processing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: activation means for activating a function of the wireless communication when the determination means determines to perform the establishing process of the wireless communication.

7. The information processing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the acquisition means acquires the device information via any one of a communication via an electromagnetic wave, an infrared data communication, and a Bluetooth communication specifying a communication destination by a device search in a reduced power mode.

8. An information processing method of an information processing apparatus carrying out a wireless communication with a second information processing apparatus, the information processing method comprising: acquiring device information of the second information processing apparatus, the device information comprising identification information and service attribute information indicating a providable service of the second information processing apparatus; determining whether to establish wireless communication by comparing a service record of the information processing apparatus with the service attribute information of the second information processing apparatus; selecting a service to perform based on the service attribute information of the second information processing apparatus and based on at least one of the number of times the service has been selected and the most recently selected service; synchronizing wireless communication with the second information processing apparatus on the basis of the identification information; and establishing the wireless communication with the second information processing apparatus using the synchronization.

9. The information processing method as claimed in claim 8, wherein: the acquiring step acquires the device information via any one of a communication via an electromagnetic wave, an infrared data communication, and a Bluetooth communication specifying a communication destination by a device search in a reduced power mode.

10. A computer readable medium comprising a program which, when executed by a processor, performs a method for carrying out a wireless communication with an information processing apparatus, the method comprising: acquiring device information of the information processing apparatus, the device information comprising at least identification information and service attribute information indicating a providable service of the information processing apparatus; determining whether to establish wireless communication by comparing a service record with the service attribute information of the information processing apparatus; selecting a service to perform based on the service attribute information of the information processing apparatus and based on at least one of the number of times the service has been selected and the most recently selected service; synchronizing wireless communication with the information processing apparatus on the basis of the identification information; and establishing the wireless communication with the information processing apparatus using the synchronization.

11. An information processing apparatus comprising: acquisition means for acquiring device information including at least identification information of a second information processing apparatus and service attribute information regarding a service providable by the second information processing apparatus, the device information being stored in a wireless communication body which is driven depending on an induced electric power generated in accordance with receiving an electromagnetic wave; determination means for determining whether to establish wireless communication by comparing a service record of the information processing apparatus with the service attribute information of the second information processing apparatus; selection means for selecting a service to perform based on the service attribute information of the second information processing apparatus and based on at least one of the number of times the service has been selected and the most recently selected service; synchronization establishing means for synchronizing wireless communication with the second information processing apparatus on the basis of the identification information; and communication establishing means for establishing the wireless communication with the second information processing apparatus using the synchronization.

12. An information processing method, comprising: acquiring device information including at least identification information of a predetermined information processing apparatus and service attribute information regarding a service providable by the information processing apparatus, the device information being stored in a wireless communication body driven depending on an induced electric power generated in accordance with receiving an electromagnetic wave; determining whether to establish wireless communication by comparing a service record with the service attribute information of the information processing apparatus; selecting a service to perform based on the service attribute information of the information processing apparatus and based on at least one of the number of times the service has been selected and the most recently selected service; synchronizing wireless communication with the information processing apparatus on the basis of the identification information; and establishing the wireless communication with the information processing apparatus using the synchronization.

13. A computer readable medium comprising a program which, when executed by a processor, performs a method comprising: acquiring device information including at least identification information of an information processing apparatus and service attribute information regarding a service providable by the information processing apparatus, the device information being stored in a wireless communication body driven depending on an induced electric power generated in accordance with receiving an electromagnetic wave; determining whether to establish wireless communication by comparing a service record with the service attribute information of the information processing apparatus; selecting a service to perform based on the service attribute information of the information processing apparatus and based on at least one of the number of times the service has been selected and the most recently selected service; synchronizing wireless communication with the information processing apparatus on the basis of the identification information; establishing the wireless communication with the information processing apparatus using the synchronization.

Description

This is the national stage, under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 371, of PCT/JP02/10722, filed on Oct. 16, 2002, and claims priority to JP 2001-317956, filed Oct. 16, 2001

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a communication system and a method thereof, an information processing apparatus and a method thereof, and an information processing terminal and a method thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to a communication system and a method thereof, an information processing apparatus and a method thereof, and an information processing terminal and a method thereof enabling easy and prompt formation of a network with a plurality of devices, in wireless communication typified by Bluetooth.RTM..

BACKGROUND ART

Recently, Bluetooth (registered trademark) attracts attention as wireless communication means for short range, and various kinds of compliant equipment have been developed and marketed.

The wireless communication system using radio waves, typified by the Bluetooth has-advantages such as having no directivity and having higher transparency in comparison with a conventional infrared data communication system including IrDA. It was necessary to make devices communicating with each other face adequately when using communication with strong directivity, such as IrDA. However, in the communication system including the Bluetooth, such limitation in positioning is not required.

The Bluetooth specification is under control of Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and details of the specification are available from Bluetooth SIG, Inc. For example, in the communication utilizing Bluetooth, a device called "master" for controlling the communication performs broadcast transmission of a device detection message for detecting devices existing around it.

And the master can detect the devices existing around it, that is, communicable devices, by means of a response message transmitted from a device (slave) which received the device detection message.

In addition, when establishing communication between the master and a specific one of the detected devices, the master specifies the one on the basis of identification information of each device contained in the response message and establishes the communication.

In the Bluetooth system, information called "Bluetooth address" is assigned to respective devices as information for identifying individual devices. The Bluetooth address is uniquely given to each device, the information is used for various processing including device control and the like.

It is to be noted that in the Bluetooth system, a network comprising a master and slaves is called a "piconet". A single piconet can have one master and seven slaves belonging thereto, at maximum. All the devices belonging to a single piconet are in a condition that a frequency axis (frequency hopping pattern) and a time axis (time slot) thereof are in synchronization.

Furthermore, a network in which a plurality of piconets are connected can also be configured, and this is called a "scatternet".

In addition, in the Bluetooth system, specifications referred to as "profile" which specifies data transmitted/received in wireless communication and communication steps thereof with regard to each service is established. In accordance with the profile, services available through respective devices are represented.

For example, in a PAN (Personal Area Network) profile being developed as one of the profiles, a communication method between slaves in a piconet is defined. Devices belonging to a piconet constituted in accordance with the PAN profile are allowed to transmit/receive various data through the piconet as a single network. Similarly, in a scatternet, it will be defined that various data are transmitted/received in the scatternet as a single network. This network may be a network based on an IP (Internet Protocol), for example.

And at the time of configuring such a network, details such as, which device should be a master, which device should be a slave, or through which service the communication should be carried out, are determined by the master which acquires information regarding the peripheral devices using the device detection message as described above, in accordance with an instruction from a user, for example.

However, in wireless communication using Bluetooth, a device detection message is broadcasted to all devices existing in a search range (an area having a radius of 10 meters to 100 meters, for example). Therefore, a user should check information displayed on a screen and should select, from the devices transmitting a response message to the device detection message, a device to communicate with. This is a problem of spending time as a result.

In other words, such a device selecting operation is required every time the communication is carried out, which is extremely inconvenient to the user. This problem will possibly get worse as the Bluetooth-compliant devices become popular in the future.

In addition, when actually transmitting/receiving data, the user is required to select a desired service among services notified by a target device. This also spends much time until the communication starts.

Furthermore, even after selecting the device to communicate with and the service applied between the devices, the user may require inputting a number in a predetermined digit, that is, a pass key, which is common to both the communicating devices. This input operation of the passkey is an operation needed at an initial connection between devices, especially which require ensuring of security, and this is inconvenient for carrying out communication.

Therefore, there has been a problem that, due to various factors described above, it is not easy for the user to make configuration of a communication group (network) comprising a plurality of devices based on the Bluetooth system.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention is made in view of the circumstances described above, and is to enable forming a communication group comprising a plurality of devices easily and promptly in a case of communicating via Bluetooth, for example.

An information processing apparatus of a communication system of the present invention is characterized by comprising: first wireless communication means which transmits and receives predetermined information to and from an information processing terminal made close thereto through an electromagnetic wave; second wireless communication means being different from the first wireless communication means, which carries out wireless communication with the information processing terminal; memory means which stores device information including at least identification information of the apparatus itself and communication method information regarding a communication method of the wireless communication providable by the second wireless communication means; providing means which provides the device information stored in the memory means to the information processing terminal via the first wireless communication means; first synchronization establishing means which establishes synchronization of the wireless communication with the information processing terminal in accordance with a request made by the information processing terminal on the basis of the identification information provided via the providing means; and first communication establishing means which establishes the wireless communication the synchronization of which is established by the first synchronization establishing means utilizing the communication method selected by the information processing terminal in accordance with the communication method information.

In addition, an information processing terminal of a communication system is characterized by comprising: third wireless communication means which transmits and receives predetermined information to and from an information processing apparatus made close thereto through an electromagnetic wave; fourth wireless communication means being different from the third wireless communication means, which carries out wireless communication with the information processing apparatus; acquisition means which acquires device information from the information processing apparatus via the third wireless communication means; selection means which selects a communication method to be used for wireless communication by the second wireless communication means in accordance with communication method information acquired by the acquisition means; second synchronization establishing means which establishes synchronization of the wireless communication with the information processing apparatus in accordance with the identification information; and second communication establishing means which establishes the wireless communication the synchronization of which is established by the synchronization establishing means utilizing the communication method selected by the selection means.

A communication method of a communication system of the present invention is characterized by comprising the steps of: a first wireless communication step of transmitting/receiving predetermined information to and from an information processing terminal made close thereto through an electromagnetic wave; a second wireless communication step for carrying out wireless communication with an information processing terminal; a storing step of storing device information including at least identification information of the apparatus itself and communication method information regarding a communication method of the wireless communication providable by a process of the second wireless communication step; a providing step of providing the device information stored by a process of the storing step to the information processing terminal by a process of the first wireless communication step; a first synchronization establishing step of establishing synchronization of the wireless communication with the information processing terminal in accordance with a request made by the information processing terminal on the basis of the identification information provided by a process of the providing step; and a first communication establishing step of establishing the wireless communication the synchronization of which is established by a process of the first synchronization establishing step utilizing the communication method selected by the information processing terminal in accordance with the communication method information.

In addition, it is also characterized by comprising a third wireless communication step of transmitting/receiving predetermined information to and from an information processing apparatus adjacent thereto through an electromagnetic wave; a fourth wireless communication step for carrying out wireless communication with the information processing apparatus; an acquiring step of acquiring device information from the information processing apparatus by a process of the third wireless communication step; a selecting step of selecting a communication method to be used for wireless communication by a process of the second wireless communication step in accordance with communication method information acquired by a process of the acquiring step; a second synchronization establishing step of establishing synchronization of the wireless communication with the information processing apparatus in accordance with identification information; and a second communication establishing step of establishing the wireless communication the synchronization of which is established by a process of the synchronization establishing step utilizing the communication method selected by a process of the selecting step.

An information processing apparatus of the present invention is characterized by comprising: first wireless communication means which transmits and receives predetermined information to and from an information processing terminal made close thereto through an electromagnetic wave; second wireless communication means being different from the first wireless communication means, which carries out wireless communication with the information processing terminal; memory means which stores device information including at least identification information of the apparatus itself and communication method information regarding a wireless communication method providable by the second wireless communication means; providing means which provides the device information stored in the memory means to the information processing terminal via the first wireless communication means; synchronization establishing means which establishes synchronization of wireless communication between the apparatus and the information processing terminal in accordance with a request from the information processing terminal on the basis of the identification information provided via the providing means; and communication establishing means which establishes the wireless communication the synchronization of which is established by the synchronization establishing means utilizing the communication method selected by the information processing terminal in accordance with the communication method information.

The memory means stores the device information which further includes key information used in authentication for carrying out wireless communication. The providing means can provide the information processing terminal with the device information which further includes key information.

It may be arranged so that generation means which generates the key information at random is further provided, and that the memory means includes the key information generated by the generation means in the device information and stores it.

It may be arranged so that the memory means stores device information which further includes number information representing the number of devices simultaneously communicable through wireless communication, and that the providing means provides the information processing terminal with the device information including the number information.

It may be arranged so that memory means stores device information which further includes time information representing a time period communicable through wireless communication, and that the providing means provides the information processing terminal with the device information including the time information.

It may be arranged so that the memory means stores device information which further includes type information representing types of devices communicable through wireless communication, and that the providing means provides the information processing terminal with the device information including the type information.

Activation means which activates a function of the wireless communication when the device information is provided to the information processing terminal by the providing means may also be provided.

The first wireless communication means can be driven by an induced electric power generated in accordance with reception of an electromagnetic wave radiated from the information processing terminal.

It is possible to further provide memory control means which makes a predetermined wireless communication body driven by the induced electric power generated by receiving an electromagnetic wave store the device information by utilizing the communication via the first wireless communication means.

An information processing method of an information processing apparatus of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a first wireless communication step of transmitting/receiving predetermined information to and from an information processing terminal adjacent thereto through an electromagnetic wave; a second wireless communication step for carrying out wireless communication with an information processing terminal; a storing step of storing device information including at least identification information of the apparatus itself and communication method information regarding a communication method of the wireless communication providable by a step of the second wireless communication step; a providing step of providing the information processing terminal with the device information stored by a process of the storing step, by a process of the first wireless communication step; a synchronization establishing step of establishing synchronization of the wireless communication with the information processing terminal in accordance with a request from the information processing terminal on the basis of the identification information provided by a process of the providing step; and a communication establishing step of establishing the wireless communication the synchronization of which is established by a process of the synchronization establishing step utilizing the communication method selected by the information processing terminal in accordance with the communication method information.

A first program of the present invention is characterized by making a computer execute: a first wireless communication control step of controlling transmitting/receiving of predetermined information to and from an information processing terminal adjacent thereto through an electromagnetic wave; a second wireless communication control step for controlling wireless communication with an information processing terminal; a storing control step of controlling storing of device information including at least identification information of the apparatus itself and communication method information regarding a communication method of the wireless communication providable by the second wireless communication control step; a providing control step of controlling providing of the device information stored by a process of the storing control step to the information processing terminal by a process of the first wireless communication control step; a synchronization establishing control step of controlling establishing of synchronization of the wireless communication with the information processing terminal in accordance with a request from the information processing terminal on the basis of the identification information provided via a process of the providing control step; and a communication establishing control step of controlling establishing of the wireless communication the synchronization of which is established by a process of the synchronization establishing control step utilizing the communication method selected by the information processing terminal in accordance with the communication method information.

A first information processing terminal of the present invention is characterized by comprising: first wireless communication means which transmits and receives predetermined information to and from an information processing apparatus adjacent thereto through an electromagnetic wave; second wireless communication means being different from the first wireless communication means, which carries out wireless communication with the information processing apparatus; acquisition means which acquires device information including at least identification information of the information processing apparatus and communication method information regarding a communication method of the wireless communication providable by the information processing apparatus from the first wireless communication means; selection means which selects a communication method to be used for wireless communication by the second wireless communication means in accordance with the communication method information acquired by the acquisition means; synchronization establishing means which establishes synchronization of the wireless communication with the information processing apparatus in accordance with the identification information; and communication establishing means which establishes the wireless communication the synchronization of which is established by the synchronization establishing means utilizing the communication method selected by the selection means.

It is possible to make the acquisition means acquire device information which further includes key information used in authentication for wireless communication.

It may be arranged so that the acquisition means acquires device information which further includes number information representing the number of devices with which the information processing apparatus can communicate simultaneously through the wireless communication, and that the synchronization establishing means establishes synchronization when it is judged that wireless communication with the information processing apparatus is available on the basis of the number information.

It may be arranged so that the acquisition means acquires device information which further includes time information representing a time period during which the information processing apparatus can communicate through the wireless communication, and that the synchronization establishing means establishes synchronization when it is judged that wireless communication with the information processing apparatus is available on the basis of the time information.

It may be arranged so that the acquisition means acquires device information which further includes type information representing a type of a device with which the information processing apparatus can communicate through the wireless communication, and that the synchronization establishing means establishes synchronization when it is judged that wireless communication with the information processing apparatus is available on the basis of the type information.

It is possible to further provide activation means which activates a function of the wireless communication when the device information is acquired by the acquisition means.

An information processing method of the first information processing terminal of the present invention is characterized by including: a first wireless communication step of transmitting/receiving predetermined information to and from an information processing apparatus made close thereto through an electromagnetic wave; a second wireless communication step for carrying out wireless communication with the information processing apparatus; an acquiring step of acquiring device information including at least identification information of the information processing apparatus and communication method information regarding a communication method of the wireless communication providable by the information processing apparatus from the information processing apparatus by a process of the first wireless communication means; a selecting step of selecting a communication method to be used for wireless communication by a process of the second wireless communication step in accordance with the communication method information acquired by a process of the acquiring step; a synchronization establishing step of establishing synchronization of the wireless communication with the information processing apparatus in accordance with the identification information; and a communication establishing step of establishing the wireless communication the synchronization of which is established by a process of the synchronization establishing step utilizing the communication method selected by a process of the selecting step.

A second program of the present invention is characterized by making a computer execute: a first wireless communication control step of controlling transmitting/receiving of predetermined information to and from an information processing apparatus adjacent thereto through an electromagnetic wave; a second wireless communication control step for controlling wireless communication with the information processing apparatus; an acquiring control step of controlling acquiring of device information including at least identification information of the information processing apparatus and communication method information regarding a communication method of the wireless communication providable by the information processing apparatus from the information processing apparatus by a process of the first wireless communication control means; a selecting step of selecting a communication method to be used for wireless communication by a process of the second wireless communication control step in accordance with the communication method information acquired by a process of the acquiring control step; a synchronization establishing control step of controlling establishing of synchronization of the wireless communication with the information processing apparatus in accordance with the identification information; and a communication establishing control step of controlling establishing of the wireless communication the synchronization of which is established by a process of the synchronization establishing control step utilizing the communication method selected by a process of the selecting step.

A second information processing terminal of the present invention is characterized by comprising: acquisition means which acquires device information including at least identification information of a predetermined information processing apparatus stored in a wireless communication body and communication method information regarding a communication method of the wireless communication providable by the information processing apparatus, when the wireless communication body which is driven depending on an induced electric power generated in accordance with receiving an electromagnetic wave approaches; wireless communication means which carries out wireless communication with the information processing apparatus; selection means which selects, depending on the communication method information acquired by the acquisition means, a communication method to be used for the wireless communication by the wireless communication means; synchronization establishing means which establishes synchronization of the wireless communication with the information processing apparatus in accordance with the identification information; and communication establishing means which establishes the wireless communication the synchronization of which is established by the synchronization establishing means utilizing the communication method selected by the selection means.

An information processing method of the second information processing terminal of the present invention is characterized by including: an acquiring step of acquiring device information including at least identification information of a predetermined information processing apparatus stored in a wireless communication body and communication method information regarding a communication method of wireless communication providable by the information processing apparatus, when the wireless communication body which is driven depending on an induced electric power generated in accordance with receiving an electromagnetic wave approaches; a wireless communication step for carrying out wireless communication with the information processing apparatus; a selecting step of selecting a communication method to be used for wireless communication by a process of the wireless communication step in accordance with the communication method information acquired by a process of the acquiring step; a synchronization establishing step of establishing synchronization of the wireless communication with the information processing apparatus in accordance with the identification information; and a communication establishing step of establishing the wireless communication the synchronization of which is established by a process of the synchronization establishing step utilizing the communication method selected by a process of the selecting step.

A third program of the present invention is characterized by making a computer execute: an acquiring control step of controlling acquiring of device information including at least identification information of a predetermined information processing apparatus stored in a wireless communication body and communication method information regarding a communication method of the wireless communication providable by the information processing apparatus, when the wireless communication body which is driven depending on an induced electric power generated in response to receiving an electromagnetic wave approaches; a wireless communication control step for controlling wireless communication with the information processing apparatus; a selecting step of selecting a communication method to be used for wireless communication by a process of the wireless communication control step in accordance with the communication method information acquired by a process of the acquiring control step; a synchronization establishing control step of controlling establishing of synchronization of the wireless communication with the information processing apparatus in accordance with the identification information; and a communication establishing control step of controlling establishing of the wireless communication the synchronization of which is established by a process of the synchronization establishing control step utilizing the communication method selected by a process of the selecting step.

In the communication system and method of the present invention, the device information including at least the identification information of the device itself, and, the communication method information regarding the communication method of the wireless communication providable is stored; the device information stored is provided to the information processing terminal; and synchronization of the wireless communication with the information processing terminal is established in accordance with a request from the information processing terminal depending on the provided identification information. Then, the wireless communication whose synchronization has been established is established using the communication method selected by the information processing terminal depending on the communication method information. Furthermore, the device information including at least the identification information of the information processing apparatus and the communication method information regarding the communication method of the wireless communication providable by the information processing apparatus is acquired from the information processing apparatus, and the communication method to be used for the wireless communication is selected in accordance with the acquired communication method information. Then, synchronization of the wireless communication with the information processing apparatus is established in accordance with the identification information, and the wireless communication the synchronization of which has been established is established utilizing the selected communication method.

In the information processing apparatus and the method, and the program of the present invention, the device information including at least the identification information of the device itself, and, the communication method information regarding the communication method of the wireless communication providable is stored, and the device information stored is provided to the information processing terminal. In addition, synchronization of the wireless communication with the information processing terminal is established in accordance with a request from the information processing terminal depending on the provided identification information, and the wireless communication the synchronization of which has been established is established using the communication method selected by the information processing terminal depending on the communication method information.

In the first information processing terminal and the method, and the program of the present invention, the device information including at least the identification information of the information processing apparatus and the communication method information regarding the communication method of the wireless communication providable by the information processing apparatus is acquired from the information processing apparatus, and the communication method to be used for the wireless communication is selected in accordance with the acquired communication method information. In addition, synchronization of the wireless communication is established with the information processing apparatus in accordance with the identification information, and the wireless communication the synchronization of which has been established is established utilizing the selected communication method.

In the second information processing terminal and the method, and the program of the present invention, when a wireless communication body driven by the induced electric power generated by receiving an electromagnetic wave approaches, the device information including at least the identification information of the predetermined information processing apparatus and the communication method information regarding the communication method of the wireless communication providable by the information processing apparatus, which is stored in the wireless communication body, is acquired via the electromagnetic wave, the communication method to be used for the wireless communication is selected in accordance with the acquired communication method information. In addition, synchronization of the wireless communication is established with the information processing apparatus in accordance with the identification information, and the wireless communication the synchronization of which has been established is established utilizing the selected communication method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a figure which shows a structural example of a communication system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram which shows a structural example of a personal computer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram which shows a structural example of an IC card reader/writer of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram which shows a structural example of a Bluetooth module of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram which shows a structural example of a PDA of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram which shows a structural example of a contactless IC card of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram which shows a structural example of an access point of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart explaining processing of the PDA of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a figure which shows an example of device information.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart explaining processing of the personal computer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart explaining another processing of the PDA of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart explaining another processing of the personal computer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart explaining still another processing of the PDA of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart explaining still another processing of the personal computer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart explaining processing of the communication system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart explaining processing of the communication system of FIG. 1, which shows subsequent steps of those shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart explaining processing carried out between the personal computer of FIG. 1 and a contactless IC card.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart explaining another processing of the communication system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart explaining another processing of the communication system of FIG. 1, which shows subsequent steps of those shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart explaining still another processing of the communication system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart explaining still another processing of the communication system of FIG. 1, which shows subsequent steps of those shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a figure which shows a structural example of a communication system.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram which shows a structural example of a communication module of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart explaining an operation of the communication system of FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is a flow chart explaining another operation of the communication system of FIG. 22.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a figure which shows a structural example of a communication system to which the present invention is applied.

Each of a personal computer 1, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) 2 and an access point 4 as shown in FIG. 1 has a Bluetooth module built therein. As shown in a solid line arrow in the figure, the devices mutually transmits and receives various data among them via wireless communication in conformity with the Bluetooth standard.

In addition, the personal computer 1 and the PDA 2 are provided with a reader/writer capable of reading and writing various data from and onto a contactless IC card 3. This reader/writer is also capable of reading and writing various data to and from other reader/writers provided to the other devices. Therefore, the personal computer 1 and the PDA 2 can communicate with each other not only via the Bluetooth communication but also via an electromagnetic wave radiated from the reader/writer thereof as shown with a dotted line arrow in the figure.

Although detailed processing will be described later with reference to flow charts, when a user brings the PDA 2 close to the personal computer 1 and an electromagnetic wave radiated from a reader/writer (contactless IC card reader/writer 108 (see FIG. 5)) of the PDA 2 is received, a reader/writer (contactless IC card reader/writer 19 (see FIG. 2)) of the personal computer 1 provides device information already set therein to the PDA 2 (contactless IC card reader/writer 108).

The device information contains Bluetooth addresses as information identifying a Bluetooth module (Bluetooth module 20 (see FIG. 2)) of the personal computer 1 carrying out Bluetooth communication. The Bluetooth address is information uniquely assigned to each Bluetooth module of the personal computer 1, the PDA 2, the access point 4 and the like.

The PDA 2 which acquired device information of the personal computer 1 identifies only the personal computer 1 from Bluetooth devices existing around it using this device information, and establishes Bluetooth communication with the personal computer 1.

As a result of the above processing, for example, it is possible for the user of the PDA 2 to start Bluetooth communication by simply making the PDA 2 close to the personal computer 1 without making the PDA 2 execute an "Inquiry" which will be described later and is a general processing in Bluetooth communication or without operation of selecting the personal computer 1 as a communication destination from devices detected by the PDA 2.

In addition, when the user brings the PDA 2 close to the contactless IC card 3 and the contactless IC card 3 receives an electromagnetic wave radiated from the PDA 2, the contactless IC card 3 provides device information preliminarily set to the PDA 2.

For example, device information of the contactless IC card 3 relates to the access point 4 and, similar to the case of starting Bluetooth communication with the personal computer 1, the PDA 2 establishes Bluetooth communication with the access point 4 on the basis of the device information.

This access point 4 is connected to a network 5 so that the user can make the PDA 2 connected to the network 5 by simply making the PDA 2 close to the contactless IC card 3, or conversely, simply making the contactless IC card 3 close to the PDA 2. In other words, the user of the PDA 2 can use various contents introduced on the network 5 through the PDA 2.

In addition, in a similar way, a user of the personal computer 1 can also establish communication between the personal computer 1 and the access point 4 and use the various contents by simply making the contactless IC card 3 close to the contactless IC card reader/writer 19.

As described above, since the Bluetooth communication with the access point 4 is established via the contactless IC card 3, even in a case where the access point 4 is not provided in the vicinity of the personal computer 1 or the PDA 2, communication between the access point 4 and the personal computer 1 or the PDA 2 can be easily started.

Next, each constitution of the communication system of FIG. 1 will be described.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram which shows a structural example of the personal computer 1 of FIG. 1.

A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 carries out various processing in accordance with a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12 or in a memory unit 18. Programs and data to be executed by the CPU 11 are accordingly stored in a RAM 13. The CPU 11, the ROM 12 and the RAM 13 are mutually connected via a bus 14.

An input/output interface 15 is connected to the bus 14. An LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 16, a keyboard 17 operable by the user, the memory unit 18 constituted with a hard disk or the like are connected to the input/output interface 15, for example.

In addition, the contactless IC card reader/writer 108 built in the PDA 2 or the contactless IC card reader/writer 19 which communicates with the contactless IC card 3 via an electromagnetic wave, and the Bluetooth module 20 which communicates with the Bluetooth module of the PDA 2 or the access point are connected to the input/output interface 15.

Furthermore, a drive 21 is also connected to the input/output interface 15. A magnetic disk 22, an optical disc 23, a magneto-optical disc 24 or a semiconductor memory can be loaded to the drive 21 accordingly. A program read out from these magnetic disk 22 to semiconductor memory 25 is provided to the memory unit 18, for example, through the drive 21 to the input/output interface 15, and is stored therein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram which shows a detailed structural example of the contactless IC card reader/writer 19 (hereinafter, referred to as "reader/writer 19" accordingly) of FIG. 2.

An IC 41 is constituted with a CPU 61, a ROM 62, a RAM 63, an SCC (Serial Communication Controller) 64, an SPU (Signal Processing Unit) 66 and a bus 65 connecting these elements including the CPU 61 to the SPU 66 mutually.

The CPU 61 develops a control program stored in the ROM 62 to the RAM 63, and executes various processing in accordance with response data transmitted from the contactless IC card 3 or a control signal provided from the CPU 11 of FIG. 2, for example. For example, the CPU 61 generates a command to transmit to the contactless IC card 3 and output the command to the SPU 66 via the bus 65 or carries out an authentication processing of data transmitted from the contactless IC card 3.

In addition, when the contactless IC card 3 approaches the CPU 61 and the CPU 61 is notified of device information in accordance with processing by each unit described later, the CPU 61 carries out a process including notifying the Bluetooth module 20 of the device information in response to an instruction from the CPU 21.

The SCC 64 provides the data provided from the CPU 11 of FIG. 2 to the CPU 61 through the bus 65 or outputs the data provided from the CPU 61 through the bus 65 to the CPU 11.

When the response data from the contactless IC card 3 is provided from a demodulation unit 44, the SPU 66 performs BPSK (Binary Phase Shift Keying) demodulation (decoding of a Manchester code), for example, and provides obtained data to the CPU 61. In addition, when the command to be transmitted to the contactless IC card 3 is provided through the bus 65, the SPU 66 performs BPSK (Binary Phase Shift Keying) modulation (coding to the Manchester code) on the command and outputs obtained data to a modulation unit 42.

The modulation unit 42 modulates a carrier wave of a predetermined frequency (13.56 MHz, for example) provided from an oscillation circuit (OSC) 43 in accordance with the data provided from the SPU 66, and outputs a generated modulated wave from an antenna 45 as an electromagnetic wave. On the other hand, the modulation unit 44 demodulates the modulated wave (ASK modulated wave) obtained through the antenna 45, and outputs demodulated data to the SPU 66.

The antenna 45 radiates a predetermined electromagnetic wave, and, in response to a change of load against it, detects whether or not the contactless IC card 3 or the contactless IC card reader/writer 108 of the PDA 2 approaches. For example, when the contactless IC card 3 approaches, the antenna 45 transmits and receives various data to and from the contactless IC card 3.

Incidentally, since the contactless IC card reader/writer 108 of the PDA 2 also has a construction similar to the reader/writer 19 shown in FIG. 3, hereinafter, a CPU of the contactless IC card reader/writer 19 is referred to as a CPU 61A and a CPU of the contactless IC card reader