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Mobile Phone Patent Abstract
A mobile phone has a controller which on detection of an incoming
call, selects one of plural local wireless communication devices,
registered in a memory which ranks high in the priority order, and
which then controls a local wireless communication unit to transmit
a connection request to the selected local wireless communication
device while starting a timer. When the local wireless communication
unit receives a connection response from the selected local wireless
communication device, the controller performs connection processing
to establish the local wireless connection to transmit an incoming
call notification signal. On receipt of an incoming call response
signal from the local wireless communication device, the controller
controls a RF unit to establish a line connection to enable a talk
state or a state of data communication. On detection of disconnect
of the line connection, the controller disconnects connection of
the local wireless communication.
Mobile Phone Patent Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A mobile phone apparatus comprising: local wireless communication
means for realizing a short range wireless communication system;
a memory for registering a plurality of local wireless communication
devices adapted for communication in accordance with said short
range wireless communication system, said plurality of local wireless
communication devices registered in said memory in accordance with
a predetermined priority order, and a rank in said priority order
accorded to an awaiting state of said local wireless communication
means, said rank registered in said memory; means for controlling
said local wireless communication means to transmit a connection
request to each of the local wireless communication devices registered
in said memory, on a detection of an incoming call; and means for
determining, on the detection of the incoming call, one of the awaiting
state and a device for connection from among said plurality of local
wireless communication devices registered in said memory, wherein
said connection request is transmitted to the determined local wireless
communication device by said local wireless communication means.
2. The mobile phone apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising
means for controlling said local wireless communication means to
disconnect said local wireless communication connection, when a
line having established connection with said local wireless communication
device is disconnected.
3. A mobile phone apparatus comprising: local wireless communication
means for realizing a short range wireless communication systems;
a memory for registering a plurality of local wireless communication
devices adapted for communication in accordance with said short
range wireless communication system; means for controlling said
local wireless communication means to transmit a connection request
to each of the plurality of local wireless communication devices
registered in said memory, on a detection of an incoming call; and
means for determining one of an awaiting state and a device for
connection from among said local wireless communication devices,
each device making a connection response to said connection request,
in accordance with a preset priority order.
4. The mobile phone apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising
means for controlling said local wireless communication means to
disconnect said local wireless communication connection, when a
line having established connection with said local wireless communication
device is disconnected.
5. The mobile phone apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
means for searching near-by-local wireless communication devices
at a preset constant time interval; and means for dynamically changing
said priority order responsive to the search result.
6. The mobile phone apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising:
means for searching near-by local wireless communication devices
at a preset constant time interval; and means for dynamically changing
said priority order responsive to the search result.
7. The mobile phone apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
means for retrieving use frequency of the local wireless communication
devices at a preset constant time interval; and means for dynamically
changing said priority order responsive to the retrieved use frequency.
8. The mobile phone apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising:
means for retrieving use frequency of the local wireless communication
devices at a preset constant time interval; and means for dynamically
changing said priority order responsive to the retrieved use frequency.
9. A mobile phone apparatus comprising: local wireless communication
means for realizing a short range wireless communication system;
means for setting said local wireless communication means to an
awaiting state on an occasion of an incoming call; and means for
controlling said local wireless communication means to perform connection
processing to the local wireless communication device, on receipt
of a connection request which said local wireless communication
device issues, during a period of said local wireless communication
means being in said awaiting state.
10. A method of performing local wireless communication by a mobile
phone apparatus including a function of local wireless communication
for realizing a short range wireless communication system, said
method comprising the steps of: detecting an incoming call to said
mobile phone apparatus; transmitting, on the detection of said incoming
call, a connection request, using said function of local wireless
communication, to one of a plurality of local wireless communication
devices registered in a memory for pre-registering said local wireless
communication devices with which said mobile phone apparatus communicates
in accordance with said short range wireless communication system,
said plurality of local wireless communication devices registered
in said memory in accordance with a predetermined priority order
and a rank in said priority order accorded to an awaiting state
of said function of local wireless communication, said rank registered
in said memory; determining on the detection of said incoming call
one of the awaiting state and a local wireless communication device
for connection from among the plurality of local wireless communication
devices registered in said memory in accordance with a pre-set priority
order; and transmitting the connection request to the determined
local wireless communication device, using said function of local
wireless communication.
11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step
of: disconnecting said local wireless communication connection when
a line connection with said local wireless communication device
is disconnected.
12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the steps
of: searching near-by local wireless communication devices at a
preset constant time interval; and dynamically changing said priority
order responsive to the retrieved use frequency.
13. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the steps
of: searching the use frequency of near-by local wireless communication
devices at a preset constant time interval; and dynamically changing
said priority order responsive to the retrieved use frequency.
14. A method of performing local wireless communication by a mobile
phone apparatus including a function of local wireless communication
for realizing a short range wireless communication system, said
method comprising the steps of: detecting an incoming call to the
mobile phone apparatus; and transmitting, on the detection of the
incoming call, a connection request to each of a plurality of local
wireless communication devices registered in a memory for pre-registering
said local wireless communication devices, with which said mobile
phone apparatus communicates in accordance with said short range
wireless communication system; and determining one of an state and
a local wireless communication device for connection from among
the plurality of local wireless communication devices, said determined
local wireless communication device making a connection response
to said connection request, in accordance with a pre-set priority
order.
15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the step
of: disconnecting said local wireless communication connection when
a line connection with said local wireless communication device
is disconnected.
16. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the steps
of: searching near-by local wireless communication devices at a
preset constant time interval; and dynamically changing said priority
order responsive to the retrieved use frequency.
17. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the steps
of: searching the use frequency of near-by local wireless communication
devices at a preset constant time interval; and dynamically changing
said priority order responsive to the retrieved use frequency.
18. A method of performing local wireless communication by a mobile
phone apparatus including a function of local wireless communication
for realizing a short range wireless communication system, said
method comprising the steps of: detecting an incoming call to said
mobile phone apparatus; setting said function of local wireless
communication to an awaiting state on the detection of said incoming
call; and performing connection processing to a local wireless communication
device, using said function of local wireless communication, on
receipt of a connection request which the local wireless communication
device issues, during a period of said function of local wireless
communication being in said awaiting state.
19. A computer program embodied on a computer readable medium for
enabling a computer constituting a mobile phone apparatus including
a function of local wireless communication for realizing a short
range wireless communication system to execute a local wireless
communication processing, said computer program comprising code
segments to enable the computer to execute the steps of: detecting
an incoming call to the mobile phone apparatus; and transmitting,
on the detection of said incoming call, using said function of local
wireless communication, a connection request to one of a plurality
of local wireless communication devices registered in a memory for
pre-registering said local wireless communication devices, with
which said mobile phone apparatus communicates in accordance with
said short range wireless communication system, said plurality of
local wireless communication devices registered in said memory in
accordance with a predetermined priority order and a rank in said
priority order accorded to an awaiting state of said function of
local wireless communication, said rank registered in said memory;
determining on the detection of said incoming call one of the awaiting
state and a local wireless communication device for connection from
among the plurality of local wireless communication devices registered
in said memory in accordance with a pre-set priority order; and
transmitting the connection request to the determined local wireless
communication device, using said function of local wireless communication.
20. A computer program embodied on a computer readable medium for
enabling a computer constituting a mobile phone apparatus including
a function of local wireless communication for realizing a short
range wireless communication system to execute a local wireless
communication processing, said computer program comprising code
segments to enable the computer to execute the steps of: detecting
an incoming call to the mobile phone apparatus; transmitting a connection
request to each of a plurality of local wireless communication devices
registered in a memory for pre-registering said local wireless communication
devices, with which said mobile phone apparatus communicates in
accordance with said short range wireless communication system on
the detection of the incoming call; and determining one of an awaiting
state and a local wireless communication device for connection from
among the plurality of local wireless communication devices, said
determined local wireless connection device making a connection
response to said connection request, in accordance with a pre-set
priority order.
21. A computer program embodied on a computer readable medium for
enabling a computer constituting a mobile phone apparatus including
a function of local wireless communication for realizing a short
range wireless communication system to execute a local wireless
communication processing, said computer program comprising code
segments to enable the computer to execute the steps of: detecting
an incoming call to said mobile phone apparatus; setting said function
of local wireless communication to a waiting state on the detection
of said incoming call; and performing connection processing to the
local wireless communication device, using said function of local
wireless communication, on receipt of a connection request which
the local wireless communication device issues, during a period
of said function of local wireless communication being in said waiting
state.
Mobile Phone Patent Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a mobile phone, a local wireless communication
method used therefor, and to a computer program thereof. More particularly,
it relates to a mobile phone having a local wireless communication
function for realizing a near wireless communication system used
in wireless LAN (Local Area Network).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Up to now, as a short range wireless communication system, standardized
systems, such as IEEE802.11b, IEEE802.11a or IEEE802.11g, used for
wireless LAN, or Bluetooth (Registered Trademark), have become known.
With a mobile phone, which is equipped with the local wireless
communication function for realizing the short range wireless communication
system, a user may talk, without holding the mobile phone, by connecting
the mobile phone to a handsfree kit or a headset with the local
wireless communication function. Meanwhile, the local wireless communication
function is that of wireless communication over a short range, and
hence is featured by low power dissipation.
On the other hand, the PC (personal computer) having a local wireless
communication function or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) may be
connected to a mobile phone having the local wireless communication
function in order to have data communication by dial-up connection
or facsimile connection.
As a method for use, the customary practice is to connect the mobile
phone at all times with a headset, a hands free kit, a PC or a PDA,
or to set the local wireless communication function of the mobile
phone at all times in an awaiting state, in order to be able to
accept the connection from these devices at any time (for example,
see Reference Cited 1).
For example, the local wireless communication connection between
the mobile phone and the headset or the hands-free kit is established
at the outset. On detection of an incoming call (IC), a signal indicating
the incoming call is sent out to the headset or to the hands free
kit. The headset or the hands free kit notifies the user of the
incoming call. The user makes a reply operation by using the headset
or the hands free kit to answer the call to have a talk. If connection
is to be made from the headset or the hands free kit, on receipt
of an incoming call, it is necessary to keep the local wireless
communication function of the mobile phone at all times in an awaiting
state at all times or to set the local wireless communication function
of the mobile phone in the awaiting state by user's manual operation.
[Reference cited 1]
JP Patent Kokai Publication JP-P2001-144767A (pages 11 and 12,
FIG. 14)
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
However, with the above-described conventional mobile phone, it
is necessary to set the connected state at all times or to set the
local wireless communication function in the waiting state at all
times, even when the user has not a talk or when data communication
is not going on, thus leading to wasteful power dissipation and
to shortened useful life of the battery of the mobile phone.
Moreover, the conventional mobile phone suffers from the problem
that, since it is necessary for a user to keep local wireless communication
devices in the connected state at all times from the outset, the
user has to perform connection processing to the local wireless
communication device of interest in keeping up with changes in the
use situation of the mobile phone.
The mobile phone is usually carried about during use, such that
it may be used in variable different use states in homes, cars or
in offices. It is however extremely cumbersome to perform the connection
processing of connecting the mobile phone to the device of interest
each time the use situation is changed.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide
a mobile phone, a local wireless communication method used therefor,
and a program therefor, in which it is unnecessary to connect the
mobile phone at all times to a local wireless communication device
of interest, in such a manner as to suppress wasteful power dissipation
and to achieve sufficient battery protection.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a mobile
phone, a local wireless communication method used therefor, and
a program therefor, in which one of a plural number of registered
local wireless communication devices which is optimum for prevailing
use environment is automatically selected on the basis of the user's
intention to establish the connection.
The above and other objects are attained by a mobile phone apparatus
in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, which is
equipped with a function of local wireless communication for realizing
a short range wireless communication system, and which comprises
a memory for pre-registering the information on plural local wireless
communication devices, adapted for communication with the mobile
phone in accordance with the short range wireless communication
system, and means for transmitting a connection request to the local
wireless communication devices, registered in the memory, using
the function of local wireless communication, on the occasion of
an incoming call.
A mobile phone apparatus in accordance with another aspect of the
present invention, which includes a function of local wireless communication
for realizing the short range wireless communication system, comprises
a memory for pre-registering the information on a plurality of local
wireless communication devices, adapted for communication in accordance
with the short range wireless communication system, means for transmitting
a connection request to each of the totality of local wireless communication
devices, registered in the memory, on the occasion of an incoming
call, and means for determining a device for connection, from among
the local wireless communication devices, which returned connection
responses to the connection request, in accordance with a preset
priority order.
A mobile phone apparatus in accordance with another aspect of the
present invention, which includes a function of local wireless communication
for realizing the short range wireless communication system, comprises
means for setting the function of local wireless communication to
an awaiting state on an arrival of a call, and means for performing
connection processing for the local wireless communication device,
using the function of local wireless communication device, on receipt
of a connection request from the local wireless communication device,
during a period of the function of local wireless communication
being in the waiting state.
A method according to another aspect of the present invention,
is one for performing local wireless communication by a mobile phone
apparatus including a function of local wireless communication for
realizing the short range wireless communication system, which comprises
the steps of:
detecting an incoming call to the mobile phone apparatus; and
transmitting, on the call oncoming, using the function of local
wireless communication, a connection request to one of plural local
wireless communication devices registered in a memory, designed
to pre-register the information of the local wireless communication
devices, with which the mobile phone apparatus communicates in accordance
with the short range wireless communication system.
A method according to still another aspect of the present invention
is also one for performing local wireless communication method by
a mobile phone apparatus including a function of local wireless
communication for realizing the short range wireless communication
system, which comprises steps of:
detecting an incoming call to an own station; and
transmitting a connection request to each of plural local wireless
communication devices registered in a memory, designed to pre-register
the information of the local wireless communication devices, the
mobile phone communicating with the local wireless communication
devices in accordance with the short range wireless communication
system on the occasion of an incoming call; and
determining a local wireless communication device for connection
from among plural local wireless communication devices which have
made connection responses to the connection requests, in accordance
with a pre-set priority order.
A method according to yet another aspect of the present invention
is also one for performing local wireless communication method by
a mobile phone apparatus including a function of local wireless
communication for realizing the short range wireless communication
system, which comprises steps of:
detecting an incoming call to the mobile phone apparatus;
setting the function of local wireless communication to a waiting
state on the occasion of an incoming call; and
processing for connecting the mobile phone to the local wireless
communication device, using the function of local wireless communication,
on receipt of a connection request from the local wireless communication
device, during a period of the function of local wireless communication
being in the waiting state.
A computer program according to another aspect of the present invention
also is one for enabling a computer constituting a mobile phone
apparatus including a function of local wireless communication for
realizing a short range wireless communication system to execute
a local wireless communication, which comprises code segments to
enable the computer to execute the steps of:
detecting an incoming call to an own station, and
transmitting, on the occasion of an incoming call, using the function
of local wireless communication, a connection request to one of
plural local wireless communication devices, registered in a memory,
designed to pre-register the information of the local wireless communication
devices with which the mobile phone apparatus communicates in accordance
with the short range wireless communication system.
A computer program according to another aspect of the present invention
also is one for enabling a computer constituting a mobile phone
apparatus including a function of local wireless communication for
realizing a short range wireless communication system to execute
a local wireless communication, which comprises code segments to
enable the computer to execute the steps of:
detecting an incoming call to an own station;
transmitting a connection request to each of plural local wireless
communication devices registered in a memory, designed to pre-register
the information of the local wireless communication devices with
which the mobile phone apparatus communicates in accordance with
the short range wireless communication system on the occasion of
an incoming call; and
determining a local wireless communication device for connection
from among the plural local wireless communication devices which
have made connection responses to the connection requests, in accordance
with a pre-set priority order.
A computer program according to another aspect of the present invention
also is one for enabling a computer constituting a mobile phone
apparatus including a function of local wireless communication for
realizing a short range wireless communication system to execute
a local wireless communication, which comprises code segments to
enable the computer to execute the steps of:
detecting an incoming call to the mobile phone;
setting the function of local wireless communication to an awaiting
state on an arrival of the call; and
connecting the mobile phone apparatus to the local wireless communication
device, using the function of local wireless communication, on receipt
of a connection request from the local wireless communication device,
in the awaiting state of the function of local wireless communication.
That is, the present invention provides a mobile phone having the
function of local wireless communication for realizing short range
wireless communication systems, featured by short range or low power
dissipation [standardized systems, such as IEEE802.11b, IEEE802.11a
or IEEE802.11g, used for wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or Bluetooth
(Registered Trademark)], in which, when there is an incoming call,
such as speech communication or data communication, the connection
of local wireless communication is established, or the function
of local wireless communication is set to an awaiting state, such
as to eliminate the necessity for perpetual connection or perpetual
awaiting state, in order to suppress wasteful power dissipation
and in order to assure sufficient battery protection.
The mobile phone of the present invention has the function of automatically
selecting the local wireless communication device for selection,
in dependence on the prevailing use situation, and automatically
establishing the connection to the selected local wireless communication
device. It should be noted that the local wireless communication
device is such a device communicating with the mobile phone of the
present invention by a short range wireless communication system.
Specifically, the mobile phone of the present invention memorizes
the information of the pre-registered devices in a memory. On receipt
of an incoming call, a controller determines the device for connection,
from among the devices registered in the memory, based on the priority
order pre-set by the user, and controls a local wireless communication
unit to send out a connection request to the so determined local
wireless communication device.
The controller starts a timer at the same time as the connection
response transmits a connection request. Should there be a connection
response from the local wireless communication device before the
timer times out, the controller manages control to establish the
connection to the local wireless communication device. The controller
also controls the RF unit to connect to a line. When the line is
disconnected, the controller controls the local wireless communication
unit to disconnects the connection of local wireless communication.
Thus, with the mobile phone of the present invention, the controller
controls the memory, timer, RF unit and the local wireless communication
unit, on the occasion of an incoming call, to render it possible
to automatically select and establish connection to the local wireless
communication device as the destination of connection. When the
line is disconnected, the connection for local wireless communication
can be disconnected automatically.
With the mobile phone of the present invention, in which an incoming
call is detected and connection for local wireless communication
is established automatically, while the disconnection of the line
connection is also detected and connection for local wireless communication
is disconnected automatically, the local wireless connection may
be established automatically, only on the occasion of talk or data
communication, and hence there is no necessity for perpetual connection
so that wasteful power dissipation can be suppressed and sufficient
battery protection can be realized.
Moreover, with the mobile phone of the present invention, in which
a connection request is transmitted to the registered local wireless
communication devices, in the descending order in the priority rank
as pre-set by the user, and the processing for establishing the
connection is carried out for the local wireless communication device
from which the connection response has been returned. Thus, the
mobile phone may be connected to the local wireless communication
device that ranks highest in the priority order, among the local
wireless communication devices that may be connected to the mobile
phone under the prevailing condition, and hence it becomes possible
to automatically select a local wireless communication device most
appropriate under the prevailing condition may automatically be
selected from among the plural number of the registered local wireless
communication devices, based on the user's intention.
Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following
detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
wherein only the preferred embodiments of the invention are shown
and described, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated
of carrying out this invention. As will be realized, the invention
is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details
are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without
departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawing and description
are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of a mobile phone
according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile phone
according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 shows an illustrative structure of a memory shown in FIG.
1.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile phone
according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile phone
according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 shows an illustrative structure of a memory according to
a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of a mobile phone according
to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing of changing the priority
order of a mobile phone according to a fifth embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing of changing the priority
order of a mobile phone according to a sixth embodiment of the present
invention.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the drawings, certain preferred embodiments of the
present invention are explained in detail. FIG. 1 is a block diagram
illustrating the configuration of a mobile phone according to a
first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1,
the mobile phone 1 comprises an antenna 11, an antenna for local
wireless communication 12, a controller 13, a memory 14, a timer
15, an operating unit 16, a display unit 17, an RF unit 18, a signal
processor 19, a loudspeaker 20, a microphone 21, a local wireless
communication unit 22 and a recording medium 23.
The antenna 11 is responsible for transmission/reception of electric
waves, while the antenna for local wireless communication 12 transmission/reception
of electric waves of local wireless communication. The controller
13 is connected to the memory 14, timer 15, operating unit 16, display
unit 17, RF unit 18, signal processor 19, loudspeaker 20, microphone
21 and to the local wireless communication unit 22 to control these
respective components.
The memory 14 stores e.g. the information of the local wireless
communication device, not shown, as well as the order of priority
thereof.
When started by the controller 13, the timer 15 starts counting
the lapse of time and, when the specified time period has lapsed,
the timer 15 notifies the controller 13 of that effect.
The operating unit 16 performs the operation for the user to accord
ranks in the order of priority to the respective local wireless
communication devices.
The display unit 17 outputs an operating menu referred to by the
user according the order of priority to the respective local wireless
communication devices.
The RF unit 18 performs the RF signal related processing, while
the signal processor 19 processes received signals and transmitted
signals.
The loudspeaker 20 outputs the received speech, while the microphone
21 inputs the speech.
The local wireless communication unit 22 performs the processing
relevant to the local wireless communication, such as electric wave
transmission/reception commands of the local wireless communication.
The recording medium 23 has stored therein a program for realizing
the processing of various portions (program that may be executed
by the computer).
The local wireless communication unit 22 and the local wireless
communication device are provided with the function for realizing
the short range wireless communication system, featured by short-range
and low power dissipation [standardized systems, such as IEEE802.11b,
IEEE802.11a or IEEE802.11g, used for wireless LAN (Local Area Network)
or Bluetooth (Registered Trademark)].
The local wireless communication device may be enumerated by for
example a headset, a hands free kit, a PC (personal computer), or
PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).
Meanwhile, the structure and the operation of the local wireless
communication device, such as one described above, is known among
those skilled in the art and hence the description thereof is omitted.
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the local wireless
communication device at least has the function of returning a response
to a request for connection by local wireless communication from
the mobile phone 1 and of transmitting/receiving speech signal or
data signal to/from mobile phone 1.
FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart for illustrating the operation of the
mobile phone 1 according to the first embodiment of the present
invention. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the overall operation of
the mobile phone 1 according to the present first embodiment is
described. It is noted that the processing shown in FIG. 2 is carried
out by the controller 13 (computer) executing the program stored
in the recording medium 23.
On detection of an incoming call, the controller 13 sets an initial
value 1 to the value of the counter N (step S2 of FIG. 2). The controller
1 checks whether or not the value of the counter N is larger than
the total number of the local wireless communication devices registered
in the memory 14 (step S3 of FIG. 2). If the value of the counter
N is not larger than the total number of the registered local wireless
communication devices, the controller 1 selects the local wireless
communication device registered in a N'th rank in the order of priority
(initially set to 1), from among the local wireless communication
devices, registered in the memory 14, as a connection device (step
S4 of FIG. 2).
The controller 13 controls the local wireless communication unit
22 and sends a connection request to the selected local wireless
communication device (step S5 of FIG. 2) and causes the timer 15
to start its operation by setting a time of the timer (step S6 of
FIG. 2).
When the local wireless communication unit 22 has received the
connection request from the local wireless communication device,
selected as described above (step S7 of FIG. 2), the controller
13 proceeds to the connection processing to establish the local
wireless connection to send a signal for notifying the incoming
call (step S10 of FIG. 2).
On receipt of a response signal for the incoming call from the
local wireless communication device, the controller 13 controls
the RF unit 18 to establish the network connection to set up a talk
state or the state of data communication (step S11 of FIG. 2). On
detection of the network disconnection (step S12 of FIG. 2), the
controller 13 disconnects the local wireless communication (step
S13 of FIG. 2).
If there is no response to the connection and the timer has timed
out (steps S7 and S8 of FIG. 2), the controller 13 increments the
value of the counter N by 1 (step S9 of FIG. 2) and reverts to the
step S3 to repeat the above-described processing operations. When
the value of the counter has exceeded the total number of the registered
local wireless communication devices (step S3 of FIG. 2), the controller
13 terminates the above processing.
FIG. 3 shows an illustrative structure of the memory 14 of FIG.
1. In FIG. 3, three devices A, B and C are registered in the memory
14, as local wireless communication devices, and the priority order
of each device, as set by the user from the outset, are registered
such that "the device A is of the priority order 1", "the
device B is of the priority order 2" and "the device C
is of the priority order 3", as an example.
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the operation of the mobile phone 1
of the first embodiment of the present invention is specifically
explained. On detection of an incoming call (step S1 of FIG. 2),
the controller 13 first initializes the counter N (N=1) (step S2
of FIG. 2).
The controller 13 then compares the value of the counter N=1 to
the total number 3 of the local wireless communication devices registered
in the memory 14 (step S3 of FIG. 2). Since the number of the counter
N is smaller than the total number of the registered local wireless
communication devices, the local wireless communication device,
having the value of the priority order N equal to N, or 1, is selected,
from among the local wireless communication devices, registered
in the memory 14 (step S4 of FIG. 2). In this case, the device B
is selected.
The controller 13 controls the local wireless communication unit
22 to send a connection request to the device B to start the operation
of the timer 15 (steps S5 and S6 of FIG. 2). On receipt of the connection
response from the device B, (step S7 of FIG. 2), the controller
13 controls the local wireless communication unit 22 to establish
local wireless connection with the device B to send out a signal
notifying the incoming call (step S10 of FIG. 2).
On receipt of a response signal to the incoming call from the local
wireless communication device, the controller 13 controls the RF
unit 18 to set up the connection to the network to establish the
talk state or the state of data communication (step S11 of FIG.
2). On detection of disconnection of the network connection (step
S12 of FIG. 12), the controller 13 controls the local wireless communication
unit 22 to disconnect the local wireless communication (step S13
of FIG. 2).
If the power supply of the device B is off or the device B is not
located in a range which allows for communication, as a result of
which no connection response is returned from the device B (step
S7 of FIG. 2), or the timer 15 has timed out (step S8 of FIG. 2),
the controller 13 determines that the device B is in communication
disabled state and increments the counter N by 1 such that N=2 (step
S9 of FIG. 2).
The controller 13 compares the value of the counter N=2 to the
total number 3 of the local wireless communication devices, registered
in the memory 14. Since it is the value of the counter N that is
smaller, the controller 13 determines that there is some other device
that has been registered, and continues the processing (step S3
of FIG. 2).
The controller 13 then selects the device A of the priority order
2 which is of the same value as the value of the counter N, and
sends a connection request. If the controller 13 is unable to receive
the connection request from the device A, and the timer 15 has timed
out, the controller 13 determines that the device A is also disabled
for communication and increments the value of the counter N by 1
such that N=3 (step S9 of FIG. 2).
The controller 13 compares the value of the counter N=3 to the
total number 3 of the local wireless communication devices. Since
the value of the counter N is equal to the total number of the local
wireless communication devices, the controller 13 determines that
there is another registered device, and continues the processing
(step S3 of FIG. 2).
The controller 13 then selects the connection device C, having
the value of the priority order 3 which is the same as the counter
value, as the connection device, and transmits a connection request.
If the timer 15 has timed out before receipt of the connection response
from the device C, N is set to 4 (N=4).
The controller 13 compares the value of the counter N=4 to the
total number 3 of the local wireless communication devices registered
in the memory 14. Since it is the total number of the registered
local wireless communication devices that is smaller, the controller
13 determines that, although attempts have been made for establishing
connection with the totality of the registered local wireless communication
devices, such connection was not possible, and terminates the processing.
Thus, with the present embodiment, local wireless communication
connection may be established only in case of having talk by telephone
or effectuating data communication, by automatically establishing
the connection for local wireless communication on detection of
the incoming call, and by automatically disconnecting the connection
for local wireless communication on detection of the disconnection
of the line, such that connection need not be made at all times,
thereby to suppress wasteful power dissipation and to assure sufficient
battery protection.
Moreover, with the present embodiment, connection requests may
be sent to the registered local wireless communication devices in
the descending order of the priority data previously allocated by
the user to the registered local wireless communication devices,
and the processing for establishing the connection may be performed
for the local wireless communication device from which the response
for connection has been returned, such that connection may be established
for the local wireless communication device which ranks foremost
in the priority order of the local wireless communication devices
that may be connected under the prevailing use states. Thus, it
is possible to automatically select the one of the plural registered
local wireless communication devices which is suited under the prevailing
situation, based on the user's intention, and to establish the connection
for the so selected local wireless communication device.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for illustrating the operation of a mobile
phone according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Since the mobile phone of the present second embodiment of the present
invention is of the same structure as the mobile phone 1 of the
first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the overall operation of the mobile
phone according to the second embodiment of the present invention
is explained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4. Meanwhile, the processing
shown in FIG. 4 may be achieved by the controller 13 executing the
program of the recording medium 23.
In the first embodiment of the present invention, for establishing
the connection with one of the connectable local wireless communication
devices which ranks first in the priority order, a connection request
is transmitted to the local wireless communication devices with
the values of the priority order of 1 to N, beginning first of all
at the local wireless communication device having the highest rank
among these local wireless communication devices. If a connection
response is made from this first rank device within a preset time
interval, the local wireless communication connection is established
with this local wireless communication device.
If conversely there is made no response, the controller determines
that the local wireless communication device is disabled for connection.
Thus, the controller sequentially repeats the processing in the
order of the local wireless communication device which ranks second
in the priority order, the local wireless communication device which
ranks third in the priority order, the local wireless communication
device which ranks fourth in the priority order and so forth up
to the local wireless communication device which ranks N'th in the
priority order.
On the other hand, in the second embodiment of the present invention,
the controller 13 on detection of the incoming call (step S21 of
FIG. 4) controls the local wireless communication unit 22 to transmit
connection requests to the totality of the local wireless communication
devices registered in the memory 14 (step S22 of FIG. 4) and to
start the timer 15 (step S23 of FIG. 4).
The controller 13 awaits the connection responses from the respective
local wireless communication devices until the timer 15 times out
(step S24 of FIG. 4). When the timer 15 has timed out (step S25
of FIG. 4), the controller 13 selects, from among the local wireless
communication devices, from which the connection responses have
been received, the local wireless communication device which ranks
topmost in the priority order (step S26 of FIG. 4) and controls
the local wireless communication unit 22 to perform the connection
processing for the selected local wireless communication device
(steps S27 to S30 of FIG. 4). Moreover, in effectuating the connection
processing for plural local wireless communication devices, the
controller 13 performs the above processing repeatedly (steps S26
to S31 of FIG. 4).
In the present embodiment, the time as from detection of an incoming
call until establishment of the local wireless connection may be
made shorter in this manner. This method is effective when a large
number of the local wireless communication devices have been registered.
As in the first embodiment, described above, the memory 14 used
in the second embodiment of the present invention is configured
as shown in FIG. 3. For example, it is assumed that three devices
A to C have been registered as the local wireless communication
devices in the memory. 14, and the priority order of each device,
as set by the user from the outset, is registered such that "the
device A ranks second in the priority order", "the device
B ranks first in the priority order" and "the device C
is of the priority order 3", as an example.
On detection of the incoming call, the controller 13 transmits
connection requests to the totality of the devices A to C and starts
up the timer 15. The controller 13 awaits the connection response
from the respective devices until a time-out notice is sent from
the timer 15.
If it is assumed that the connection responses have been made from
the two devices A and B, the controller 13 on time out of the timer
15 compares the priority orders of the devices A and B to each other.
Since it is the device B that is higher in the priority order, the
controller performs the connection processing for the device B to
establish the local wireless connection.
FIG. 5 depicts the flowchart showing the operation of the mobile
phone according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
Since the mobile phone of the third embodiment of the present invention
is similar in structure to the mobile phone 1 of the first embodiment
of the present invention, shown in FIG. 1, the overall operation
of the mobile phone 1 of the third embodiment of the present invention
is explained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5. Meanwhile, the processing
shown in FIG. 4 is achieved by the controller 13 (computer) which
executes the program of the recording medium 23.
The above-described first and second embodiments are directed to
a method of automatically connecting from the mobile phone 1 to
the local wireless communication functional device, registered in
the memory 14. In the third embodiment of the present invention,
the local wireless communication unit 22 is kept in the awaiting
state, in consideration of a case where it is desired to make connection
to a device not registered in the memory 14, or a case where, due
to e.g. technical problem of local wireless communication, the connection
processing cannot be started from the mobile phone 1.
For example, on detection of an incoming call (step S41 of FIG.
5), the controller 13 controls the local wireless communication
unit 22 to set the unit to the local wireless communication awaiting
state (step S42 of FIG. 5) to start the timer 15 (step S43 of FIG.
5).
The controller 13 awaits the connection requests from the respective
local wireless communication devices until the timer 15 times out
(step S44 of FIG. 5). On receipt of the connection request from
the local wireless communication device, the controller 13 controls
the local wireless communication unit 22 to effectuate the connection
processing for the local wireless communication device which has
sent the connection request.
In the present embodiment, such a method, other than the above
method, may be used which, in determining the priority order of
the registered local wireless communication devices, adds an alternative
of awaiting the connection from other local wireless communication
devices.
FIG. 6 shows an illustrative structure of a memory according to
a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, there are
registered, in the memory of the fourth embodiment of the present
invention, as local wireless communication devices, a device A,
a device B and a local wireless communication function awaiting.
The priority order of each device, as set by the user from the outset,
is registered in the memory, such that "the device A ranks
second in the priority order", "the device B ranks first
in the priority order 2" and "the local wireless communication
function awaiting ranks third in the priority order", as an
example.
On the incoming call, the controller attempts to make connections
to the device A and then to the device B. If these devices are unconnectable,
the controller sets the local wireless communication unit to the
local wireless communication function awaiting state.
FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile
phone according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Since the mobile phone according to the fourth embodiment of the
present invention is of the same structure as the mobile phone 1
of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the overall operation
of the mobile phone 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the
present invention is explained by referring to FIGS. 1, 6 and 7.
Meanwhile, the processing shown in FIG. 7 is carried out by the
controller 13 (computer) which executes the program of the recording
medium 23.
On detection of an incoming call (step S51 of FIG. 7), the controller
13 initializes the counter N (N=1) (step S52 of FIG. 7). The controller
13 compares the value N of the counter N=1 with the total number
3 of the local wireless communication devices registered in the
memory 14 (step S53 in FIG. 7). Since the value of the counter N
is smaller than the total number of the registered local wireless
communication devices, the local wireless communication device having
the value of the rank 1 in the priority order equal to the value
of N is selected as the connection device (step S54 in FIG. 7).
In this case, the device. B is selected.
The controller 13 controls the local wireless communication unit
22 to transmit a connection request to the device B and to start
the operation of the timer 15 (steps S57 and S58 of FIG. 7). On
receipt of the connection response of the device B (step S59 of
FIG. 7), the controller 13 controls the local wireless communication
unit 22 to establish the local wireless connection with the device
B and sends out a signal notifying the incoming (step S62 of FIG.
7).
On receipt from the local wireless communication device of the
signal indicating the response to the incoming call, the controller
13 controls the RF unit 18 to interconnect the network to set a
talk state or a state of data communication (step S63 of FIG. 7).
On detecting that the line is disconnected (step S64 of FIG. 7),
the controller 13 controls the local wireless communication unit
22 to disconnect the local wireless communication (step S65 of FIG.
2).
Should there be no connection response from the device B (step
S59 of FIG. 7) due to, for example, the power supply of the device
B being off or to the local wireless communication device not being
in a communication enabled state, and the timer 15 has timed out
(step S60 of FIG. 7), the controller 13 determines that the device
B is in the communication disabled state, and increments the counter
N by 1 so that N=2 (step S61 of FIG. 2).
The controller 13 compares the value of the counter N=2 to the
total number 3 of the local wireless communication devices registered
in the memory 14. Since it is the value of the counter N that is
smaller, the controller 13 determines that there is some other registered
device, and continues the processing (step S53 of FIG. 7).
The controller 13 then selects the device A, having the priority
order of 2 equal to the value of the counter N, as the connection
device, and transmits the connection request. If the connection
response from the device A cannot be received and the timer 15 has
timed out, the controller 13 determines that the device A is also
disabled for communication, and increments the counter N by 1 so
that N=3 (step S61 of FIG. 7).
The controller 13 compares the value of the counter N=3 with the
total number 3 of the local wireless communication devices registered
in the memory 14. Since the value of the counter N is equal to the
total number of the local wireless communication devices, the controller
determines that there is a further registered device and continues
the processing (step S53 of FIG. 7).
The controller 13 then selects the local wireless communication
function awaiting having the same priority order of 3 as counter
value (steps S54 and S55 of FIG. 7) to transfer to the local wireless
communication function awaiting state.
FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart showing the processing for changing
the priority order of the mobile phone of a fifth embodiment of
the present invention. Since the mobile phone 1 according to the
fifth embodiment of the present invention is similar in structure
to the mobile phone 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention,
shown in FIG. 1, the processing of changing the priority order of
the mobile phone 1 of the fifth embodiment of the present invention
is explained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 8. Meanwhile, the processing
shown in FIG. 8 is carried out by the controller 13 (computer) which
executes the program stored in the recording medium 23.
In the above-described embodiment, the destination of connection
is selected based on the user determining the priority order and
registering the so determined priority order in the memory 14. Alternatively,
such a method may be contemplated in which the mobile phone 1 automatically
assigns or changes the priority order.
In the present embodiment, a near-by device is searched at a preset
constant time interval, such as every five minutes (steps S71 and
S72 of FIG. 8), the priority order of a device found out is raised
and the device which has not been found out is lowered. In such
a manner that the mobile phone 1 dynamically changes the priority
sequence (step S73 of FIG. 8). In this manner, the present embodiment
is able to adapt itself to the changing surrounding environment.
FIG. 9 depicts a flowchart showing the processing of changing the
priority order in the mobile phone according to a sixth embodiment
of the present invention. Since the mobile phone according to the
sixth embodiment of the present invention is similar in structure
to the mobile phone 1 of the first embodiment, shown in FIG. 1,
the overall operation of the mobile phone 1 of the sixth embodiment
is explained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 9. Meanwhile, the processing
shown in FIG. 9 is achieved by the controller 13 (computer) executing
the program stored in the recording medium 23.
In the present embodiment, the number of times of connection of
a given device (use frequency) is retrieved at a preset constant
time interval, such as every week (steps S81 and S82 of FIG. 9).
If the number of times of connection of the device (use frequency)
is larger than a preset threshold value (step S83 of FIG. 9), the
rank of the device in the priority order is raised (step S84 of
FIG. 9).
Moreover, in the present embodiment, if the number of times of
connection of the device (use frequency) is less than a preset threshold
value (step S83 of FIG. 9), as when the device has not been connected
over a preset time duration, such as for one week, the rank of the
device in the priority order is lowered (step S85 of FIG. 9). In
this manner, the present embodiment is able to cope with the changing
surrounding environment.
The advantageous effects of the present invention are summarized
as follows. The mobile phone of the present invention, described
above, having the function of local wireless communication for realizing
the short range wireless communication system, includes a memory
for pre-registering the information of the wireless communication
device, configured for having communication by the short range wireless
communication system, and means for transmitting a connection request,
in case of an incoming, to a local wireless communication device,
registered in the memory, using a function of local communication,
so that it is unnecessary to connect the mobile phone at all times,
while it becomes possible to suppress wasteful power dissipation
and to assure battery protection.
Moreover, the mobile phone according to a modification of the present
invention includes means for determining a connection device, in
accordance with a predetermined priority order, from among the plural
local wireless communication devices registered in the memory, on
the occasion of an incoming, and a connection request is sent to
the so determined local wireless communication device, using the
function of local wireless communication, so that it is possible
to automatically select a proper one of plural registered local
wireless communication devices, depending on the prevailing use
state, based on the user's intention, in order to establish the
connection.
It should be noted that other objects, features and aspects of
the present invention will become apparent in the entire disclosure
and that modifications may be done without departing the gist and
scope of the present invention as disclosed herein and claimed as
appended herewith.
Also it should be noted that any combination of the disclosed and/or
claimed elements, matters and/or items may fall under the modifications
aforementioned.
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