U.S. patent application number 12/025450 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-12 for service providing apparatus, service providing program and service providing method.
This patent application is currently assigned to KABUSHHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA. Invention is credited to Yutaka SATA, Akihiko Sugikawa, Shingo Tanaka.
Application Number | 20080139175 12/025450 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32767685 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080139175 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SATA; Yutaka ; et
al. |
June 12, 2008 |
SERVICE PROVIDING APPARATUS, SERVICE PROVIDING PROGRAM AND SERVICE
PROVIDING METHOD
Abstract
A service providing apparatus has a first communication unit, a
connection information generator, an existence detector, an
existence confirmation request receiver, a connection information
transmitter, an authentication unit, and a service providing unit.
The second communication unit performs wireless communication with
the service receiver located in a second wireless area narrower
than a first wireless area. The existence confirmation request
receiver receives the existence confirmation request signal
transmitted by the service receiver through the second
communication unit when the service receiver detects to be within a
prescribed distance. The service providing unit connects with the
service receiver authenticated by the authentication unit, and
provides services to the service receiver through the first
communication unit.
Inventors: |
SATA; Yutaka; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Sugikawa; Akihiko; (Kanagawa-Ken, JP) ;
Tanaka; Shingo; (Kanagawa-ken, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
KABUSHHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
32767685 |
Appl. No.: |
12/025450 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10776275 |
Feb 12, 2004 |
7352732 |
|
|
12025450 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/411 ;
455/41.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 64/00 20130101;
H04W 12/06 20130101; H04W 84/18 20130101; H04L 67/04 20130101; H04L
63/08 20130101; H04W 12/63 20210101; H04W 4/80 20180201; H04L 67/16
20130101; H04W 12/50 20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/411 ;
455/41.2 |
International
Class: |
H04M 1/66 20060101
H04M001/66; H04B 7/00 20060101 H04B007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 17, 2003 |
JP |
2003-38668 |
Claims
1. A network system comprising a service providing apparatus and a
service receiver which perform wireless communication to each other
wherein the service providing apparatus comprising; a first
communication unit configured to perform wireless communication
with a service receiver located within a first wireless area; a
second communication unit configured to perform wireless
communication with said service receiver located within a second
wireless area narrower than said first wireless area a connection
information generator which generates connection information
necessary to the communication with said service receiver when the
communication is performed through said first communication unit;
an existence detector which detects whether or not said service
receiver locates within a prescribed distance; an existence
confirmation request receiver which receives an existence
confirmation request signal transmitted by said service receiver,
through said second communication unit when detected that said
service receiver is located within the prescribed distance; a
connection information transmitter which transmits the connection
information generated by said connection information generator to
said service receiver through said second communication unit as a
reply of said existence confirmation request sign at an
authentication unit configured to authenticate said service
receiver which requested connection based on the transmitted
connection information, through said first communication unit; and
a service providing unit configured to connect with said service
receiver authenticated by said authentication unit and provide the
services to said service receiver through said first communication
unit.
2. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the service
providing apparatus further comprising a first message generator
which generates a message notifying that the existence confirmation
request signal from said service receiver can be received,
3. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the service
providing apparatus further comprising a second message generator
which generates a message notifying that the connection request
from said service receiver can be received.
4. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the service
providing apparatus further comprising a third message generator
which generates a message notifying that connection processing with
said service receiver has been completed.
5. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the service
providing apparatus further comprising a measurement unit
configured to measure the number of said service receivers which
has performed the connection request within a prescribed time; and
an authentication determination unit configured to determine
whether or not to perform authentication procedure by
authentication unit in accordance with the number measured by said
measurement unit.
6. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the service
providing apparatus further comprising a fourth message generator
which generates a message notifying that the number of said service
receivers is two or more.
7. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the service
providing apparatus further comprising a measurement unit
configured to measure the number of said service receivers which
perform connection request within a prescribed time; and an
individual authentication unit configured to authenticate said
service receivers which has performed the connection request, if
the number of said service receivers measured by said measurement
unit is two or more, before said authentication unit performs the
authentication.
8. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the service
providing apparatus further comprising a distance detector which
determines whether or not a distance from said service receiver is
within a prescribed length, wherein said connection information
transmitter transmits the connection information to said service
receiver if said distance detector determines to be within the
prescribed length.
9. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the service
providing apparatus further comprising a distance detector which
determines whether or not a distance from said service receiver is
within a prescribed length, after the connection request is
received from said service receiver through said first
communication unit, wherein said authentication unit performs the
authentication procedure if said distance detector determines to be
within the prescribed length.
10. The network system according to claim 8, wherein said distance
detector detects the distance from said service receiver by
measuring a radio field intensity of a radio wave transmitted from
said service receiver.
11. The network system according to claim 9, wherein said distance
detector detects the distance from said service receiver by
measuring a radio wave intensity of a radio wave transmitted from
said service receiver.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of Ser. No.
10/776,275 filed Feb. 12, 2004, which claims benefit of priority
under 35 USC .sctn. 119 to Japanese Patent Application No.
2003-38668, filed on Feb. 17, 2003, the entire contents of which
are incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a service providing
apparatus, a service providing program and a service providing
method that provide various services for a service receiver by
using short-range wireless communication.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] Recently, short-range wireless communication systems having
a transmission distance of approximately 100 m are attracting
attention. Whereas the effective transmission distance range of the
conventional wireless LAN is at least 100 m, the short-range
wireless communication system is narrow in transmission range and
accordingly less in used power. Therefore, the short-range wireless
communication system is suitable for an information processing
apparatus having limitations in battery, such as a portable
information processing apparatus (hereafter referred to simply as
portable terminal) like a portable telephone or a PDA.
[0006] Bluetooth.TM. is one of such short-range wireless
communication systems. In recent years, portable terminals mounting
the Bluetooth communication means are spread.
[0007] Since the unit price of the device is inexpensive and size
reduction of the apparatus is possible in Bluetooth, apparatuses
having the Bluetooth communication function are expected to be
spread everywhere hereafter. If Bluetooth is spread, provision of
service and information according to the place can be obtained in
an arbitrary place.
[0008] For example, in convenience stores, supermarkets, retail
stores or the like, provision of service for purchasers, such as
electronic coupon service, electronic point service, electronic
settlement, and receipt and voucher issuance, becomes possible.
Furthermore, applications of the Bluetooth using electronic tickets
to gate opening/closing control, settlement and discount service in
automatic vending machines, and charge paying in parking lots, gas
stations and drive-throughs are also anticipated. Besides, access
to the Internet, information delivery depending upon specific
places, provision of user's position information, and route guide
or the like also become possible.
[0009] Hereafter, a conventional technique will be described by
taking as an example the case where connection using the Bluetooth
is established between a portable terminal having a Bluetooth
communication function (hereafter referred to simply as Bluetooth
portable terminal) and an information processing apparatus having a
Bluetooth communication function and providing various services
(hereafter referred to simply as Bluetooth apparatus), and the
Bluetooth apparatus provides service for a user having the
Bluetooth portable terminal.
[0010] First, a procedure for the Bluetooth portable terminal to
get service from an arbitrary opposite party in an arbitrary place
will now be described. First, a client application program to get
service is started. Subsequently, the client application in the
Bluetooth portable terminal orders a Bluetooth module to execute an
inquiry command for a specified time, typically for 10 seconds in
order to find an apparatus with which communication can be
conducted. The Bluetooth module is a functional block incorporated
in each of the Bluetooth portable terminal and the Bluetooth
apparatus to conduct communication processing according to
Bluetooth specifications. The Bluetooth module is typically formed
of an IC chip.
[0011] If the inquiry is completed after a specified time has
elapsed, the client application sends to the Bluetooth module a
command for acquiring remote names, which are identification names
respectively of Bluetooth apparatuses found during that time, or
identification names of services provided by the Bluetooth
apparatuses.
[0012] The client application acquires remote names of all found
Bluetooth apparatuses, then shows a list of the acquired remote
names to the user, and urges the user to select a Bluetooth
apparatus to be connected. Subsequently, the client application
orders the Bluetooth module to transmit an ACL connection request
command selected by the user to the Bluetooth apparatus.
[0013] According to setting, a terminal authentication procedure is
conducted during the ACL connection operation in some cases.
Alternatively, both apparatuses may be authenticated by inputting
the same link key or the same PIN code in order to generate a link
key in both apparatuses. For using encryption communication,
authentication processing is executed, and then a temporary
encryption key for encryption communication is created on the basis
of the link key.
[0014] After completion of the ACL connection, the client
application orders a module called Bluetooth stack to transmit a
service information acquisition command. Subsequently, the client
application acquires service information from the Bluetooth
apparatus, and thereby acquires information concerning a protocol
to be used by the application.
[0015] Subsequently, the client application orders the module
called Bluetooth stack to execute connection of a protocol to be
used by the client application, by using information corresponding
to the protocol. For example, if the client application uses
OBEXFTP to get service, the client application calls a connection
request function of OBEX. In this case, the stack executes
connections of RFCOMM and L2CAP in order, and after the completion
of connection of low order layers, a connection of an OBEX protocol
is realized.
[0016] After the completion of the connection of the protocol, the
client application conducts server authentication by conducting
challenge response or the like at an application level. In the case
of OBEX, the OBEX protocol itself has an authentication function.
Even if the authentication function in the OBEX protocol is used,
authentication of the service providing apparatus is possible.
[0017] Owing to the procedure heretofore described, it becomes
possible for the user to get desired service by using the Bluetooth
portable terminal.
[0018] If the above-described procedure is executed, however,
processing time required until the user gets service is typically
as long as 10 and several seconds, because inquiry processing is
conducted for a fixed time even in the case where there is only one
apparatus with which communication can be conducted. If there are a
large number of apparatuses with which communication can be
conducted, the processing time increases in proportion to the
number of apparatuses with which communication can be conducted.
Supposing that an average of approximately 1 second is required to
acquire a remote name and N apparatuses have been found, processing
time of N seconds is required to acquire remote names of all
apparatuses.
[0019] For example, in the case where a large number of registers
are arranged at intervals of 1 m in a supermarket or the like and a
shopper searches for a register in order to make payment,
approximately 20 registers are found, because the distance over
which the Bluetooth communication can be executed is approximately
10 m. Therefore, it takes approximately 20 seconds to acquire
remote names of all registers.
[0020] As a measure to eliminate such an inconvenience, there is a
technique of using a COD (Class of Device) having information
concerning the kinds of the Bluetooth apparatus. The information is
included in information that can be acquired by the inquiry.
Thereby, only apparatuses that can provide desired service can be
selected. However, the COD identifies the kinds of the apparatus,
and it does not identify the service itself. For example, even if a
category of settlement service exists in the COD, all registers
belong to that category in the above-described example, and the COD
is not useful to sorting.
[0021] In general, wireless communication has an advantage that
there are no effects of the positional relationship between two
apparatuses and an interception substance as compared with
communication using infrared light. On the other hand, wireless
communication has a property that it is difficult to set connection
with only a terminal that exists in a specific position.
[0022] In the case where there are one customer (one Bluetooth
portable terminal) and one register (one Bluetooth apparatus), the
relationship between the Bluetooth portable terminal carried by a
customer who makes payment and the cash register apparatus is
determined uniquely, and consequently a problem concerning the
connection is not posed. In other words, if a person who operates
the Bluetooth portable terminal has found a Bluetooth apparatus by
using the above-described Bluetooth apparatus search function, the
found apparatus can be regarded as a cash register apparatus.
[0023] However, in the above-described example of the supermarket,
a plurality of cash register apparatuses exist in the communication
possible range and a cash register apparatus on an adjacent line is
also found. The user having the Bluetooth portable terminal needs
to check names or the like of cash register apparatuses and select
a cash register apparatus to determine in which of the found cash
register apparatuses payment should be made.
[0024] If extra time is needed to select the opposite party of
communication, it takes time until the user gets service and the
convenience for the user is worsened. In the case of payment at a
register in a supermarket, register operations are hindered at the
time of congestion when a large number of customers form lines.
[0025] In addition, if a person who operates the Bluetooth portable
terminal specifies a wrong cash register apparatus, a discount from
the amount payable might not be conducted even when a coupon is
used, or points of another person might be added to those of the
person. Cancellation works need to be conducted in both the
Bluetooth portable terminal and the cash register apparatus,
accordingly a great deal of labor is needed.
[0026] Therefore, an operator of a cash register needs to ascertain
from the customer whether or not the connected Bluetooth portable
terminal is right, by using some information accompanying the
Bluetooth portable terminal. Such selection or ascertainment work
is not an agreeable interface for a customer who makes payment, and
hinders the register operations of the operator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The present invention has been made in view of the
above-described points. An object of the present invention is to
provide a service providing apparatus, a service providing program
and a service providing method capable of providing only a desired
service receiver with service desired by the service receiver.
[0028] In order to achieve the foregoing object, a service
providing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present
invention, comprising:
[0029] a first communication unit configured to perform wireless
communication with a service receiver located within a first
wireless area;
[0030] a second communication unit configured to perform wireless
communication with said service receiver located within a second
wireless area narrower than said first wireless area;
[0031] a connection information generator which generates
connection information necessary to the communication with said
service receiver when the communication is performed through said
first communication unit;
[0032] an existence detector which detects whether or not said
service receiver locates within a prescribed distance;
[0033] an existence confirmation request receiver which receives an
existence confirmation request signal transmitted by said service
receiver, through said second communication unit when detected that
said service receiver is located within the prescribed
distance;
[0034] a connection information transmitter which transmits the
connection information generated by said connection information
generator to said service receiver through said second
communication unit as a reply of said existence confirmation
request signal;
[0035] an authentication unit configured to authenticate said
service receiver which requested connection based on the
transmitted connection information, through said first
communication unit; and
[0036] a service providing unit configured to connect with said
service receiver authenticated by said authentication unit and
provide the services to said service receiver through said first
communication unit.
[0037] Furthermore, a service providing program according to an
embodiment of the present invention which makes a computer operate
the steps of comprising:
[0038] performing a first wireless communication with a service
receiver located within a first wireless area;
[0039] performing a second wireless communication with said service
receiver located within a second wireless area narrower than said
first wireless area; generating connection information necessary to
communication with said service receiver when performing said first
wireless communication;
[0040] detecting whether or not said service receiver locates
within a prescribed distance;
[0041] receiving an existence confirmation request signal
transmitted from said service receiver through said second wireless
communication when it is detected that said service receiver
locates within the prescribed distance;
[0042] transmitting the connection information to said service
receiver through said second wireless communication as a reply of
said existence confirmation request signal;
[0043] authenticating said service receiver which has requested
connection based on the transmitted connection information, through
said first wireless communication; and
[0044] providing services to the authenticated service receiver
through said first wireless communication.
[0045] Furthermore, a service providing method according to an
embodiment of the present invention, comprising:
[0046] performing a first wireless communication with a service
receiver located within a first wireless area;
[0047] performing a second wireless communication with said service
receiver located within a second wireless area narrower than said
first wireless area;
[0048] generating connection information necessary to communication
with said service receiver when performing said first wireless
communication;
[0049] detecting whether or not said service receiver locates
within a prescribed distance;
[0050] receiving an existence confirmation request signal
transmitted from said service receiver through said second wireless
communication when it is detected that said service receiver
locates within the prescribed distance;
[0051] transmitting the connection information to said service
receiver through said second wireless communication as a reply of
said existence confirmation request signal;
[0052] authenticating said service receiver which has requested
connection based on the transmitted connection information, through
said first wireless communication; and
[0053] providing services to the authenticated service receiver
through said first wireless communication.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0054] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration
of a first embodiment of a short-range communication system.
[0055] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing an example of a processing
procedure of the short-range communication system.
[0056] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration
of a short-range communication system including a service providing
apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0057] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of a processing
procedure of the short-range communication system shown in FIG.
3.
[0058] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration
of a short-range communication system having a service providing
apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present
invention.
[0059] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of a processing
procedure of the short-range communication system shown in FIG.
5.
[0060] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration
of a short-range communication system having a service providing
apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0061] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of a processing
procedure of the short-range communication system shown in FIG.
7.
[0062] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration
of a short-range communication system having a service providing
apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0063] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of a processing
procedure of the short-range communication system shown in FIG.
9.
[0064] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a variant of a processing
procedure of the short-range communication system shown in FIG.
9.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0065] Hereafter, a service providing apparatus, a service
providing program and a service providing method according to the
present invention will be described concretely with reference to
the drawings.
First Embodiment
[0066] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration
of a first embodiment of a short-range communication system
including a service providing apparatus according to the present
invention and a service receiver, which get service provision from
the service providing apparatus. The short-range communication
system shown in FIG. 1 includes a service providing apparatus
(hereafter referred to as Bluetooth apparatus) 2 connected to an
electronic cash register (hereafter referred to as ECR) 1, and a
service receiver (hereafter referred to as Bluetooth portable
terminal) 3 to conduct wireless communication with the Bluetooth
apparatus 2 according to Bluetooth specifications.
[0067] The Bluetooth apparatus 2 includes a local communication
unit 11 to conduct ordinary wireless communication according to the
Bluetooth specifications, a short-range communication unit 12 to
conduct wireless communication in a range narrower than a
communication area of the local communication unit 11, a
communication controller 13 to control the local communication unit
11 and the short-range communication unit 12, a connection
information generator 14 to generate connection information
required for communication with the Bluetooth portable terminal 3,
an authentication unit 15 to conduct authentication with the
Bluetooth portable terminal 3, a short-range detection sensor 16 to
determine whether or not the Bluetooth portable terminal 3 is in a
proximity range, and a host communication unit 17 to conduct
communication with the ECR 1 serving as a host.
[0068] The local communication unit 11 includes a Bluetooth device
and an antenna, which are not illustrated. The short-range
communication unit 12 includes a Bluetooth device, an output
attenuator, which is not illustrated, and a directional antenna. By
the attenuator, the communication area of the short-range
communication unit 12 is adjusted so as to become narrower than
that of the local communication unit 11.
[0069] Incidentally, it is not always necessary for each of the
local communication unit 11 and the short-range communication unit
12 to separately have a Bluetooth device, but the local
communication unit 11 and the short-range communication unit 12 may
share one Bluetooth device. In this case, an output of the
Bluetooth device is switched to the antenna of the local
communication unit 11 or the antenna of the short-range
communication unit 12 by a high frequency switch, which is not
illustrated.
[0070] The Bluetooth portable terminal 3 includes an application
unit 21, which stores a program to control operation of the
Bluetooth portable terminal 3, a wireless communication unit 22 to
conduct wireless communication with the Bluetooth apparatus 2
according to the Bluetooth specifications, a connection information
generator 23 to generate connection information required for
communication with the Bluetooth apparatus 2, and an authentication
unit 24 to conduct authentication with the Bluetooth apparatus 2.
The wireless communication unit 22 includes a local communication
unit 22a to conduct communication with the local communication unit
11 in the Bluetooth apparatus 2, and a short-range communication
unit 22b to conduct communication with the short-range
communication unit 12 in the Bluetooth apparatus 2.
[0071] The short-range detection sensor 16 is formed of, for
example, an infrared light sensor. Its subject detectable area
nearly coincides with the communication area of the short-range
communication unit 12. On the basis of a result of detection
conducted by the short-range detection sensor 16, therefore, it can
be determined whether or not the Bluetooth portable terminal 3 is
located in the communication area of the short-range communication
unit 12.
[0072] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing an example of a processing
procedure of the short-range communication system. If the
short-range detection sensor 16 in the Bluetooth apparatus 2
detects existence of a subject (step S1), the short-range
communication unit 12 comes in a reception (scan) mode of a search
signal from the Bluetooth portable terminal 3 (step S2).
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the short-range
communication unit 12 has received the search signal (Inquiry)
(step S3). After the search signal has been received, connection
information of the short-range communication unit 12 is replied
(Inquiry Response) (step S4).
[0073] Subsequently, it is determined whether or not there has been
a remote name acquisition request from the Bluetooth portable
terminal 3 (step S5). If there has been an acquisition request, a
link for the short-range communication unit 12 is established (step
S6). Thereafter, connection information of the local communication
unit 11 is generated (step S7). And the generated connection
information is transmitted to the Bluetooth portable terminal 3 via
the short-range communication unit 12 as a remote name (step S8),
and the link is disconnected (step S9). As this connection
information, for example, address information and authentication
information of the Bluetooth device in the local communication unit
11 are given.
[0074] Subsequently, the local communication unit 11 is brought
into the connection request reception (scan) mode (step S10). If a
connection request from the Bluetooth portable terminal 3 is
received (step S11), bi-directional entity authentication is
executed (step S12). If the authentication has failed, the
processing returns to the step S10. If the authentication has
succeeded, then a link for the local communication unit 11 is
connected (step S13), data required for application is transmitted
and received (step S14), and finally the link for the local
communication unit is disconnected and the processing is finished
(step S15).
[0075] Thus, in the first embodiment, only in the case where the
user holding the Bluetooth portable terminal 3 brings the own
terminal close to the Bluetooth apparatus 2 and requests
connection, the short-range communication unit 12 in the Bluetooth
apparatus 2 is set to the search signal reception mode. Therefore,
a fear of making an answer to a search signal sent from a Bluetooth
portable terminal 3 located outside the proximity area is
eliminated. Furthermore, after the short-range communication unit
12 has transmitted connection information of the local
communication unit 11, the local communication unit 11 is set to
the connection request reception mode. Therefore, a connection
request from a Bluetooth portable terminal that has not acquired
regular connection information transmitted from the short-range
communication unit 12 is not accepted, resulting in high degree of
security.
Second Embodiment
[0076] In a second embodiment, the fact that the operation mode of
the Bluetooth apparatus 2 has changed is notified by a message.
[0077] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration
of a short-range communication system including a service providing
apparatus (Bluetooth apparatus 2) according to a second embodiment
of the present invention. The Bluetooth apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 3
includes, besides the configuration shown in FIG. 1, a message
generator 18 to generate a message to the effect that the Bluetooth
portable terminal 3 has approached, and a display device 19 to
display the message. The display device 19 may be a character
display device such as a LCD, or may be a light emitting device
(diode or the like) that switches the display form according to the
operation mode of the Bluetooth apparatus 2.
[0078] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of a processing
procedure of the short-range communication system shown in FIG. 3.
Hereafter, processing operation of the short-range communication
system shown in FIG. 3 will be described featuring the processing
differing from that shown in FIG. 2. The short-range detection
sensor 16 in the Bluetooth apparatus 2 detects proximity of a
subject (step S21). The short-range communication unit 12 makes a
transition to the search signal (Inquiry) reception mode state
(step S22). Then, a first message corresponding to that state
transition is generated by the message generator 18, and displayed
on the display device 19 (step S23).
[0079] Thereafter, the short-range communication unit 12 transmits
the connection information of the local communication unit 11 (step
S29), and the local communication unit 11 makes a transition to the
connection request reception mode. Then, a second message
corresponding to that state of the Bluetooth apparatus 2 is
generated, and displayed on the display device 19 (step S30).
[0080] Thereafter, after authentication has succeeded in the local
communication unit 11 (step S34) and connection for the local
communication unit 11 is completed (step S35), a third message to
give notice of connection completion is generated and displayed on
the display device 19 (step S36).
[0081] Thus, in the second embodiment, notice that the operation
mode of the Bluetooth apparatus 2 has been switched is given by
using the first to third messages. Therefore, it becomes easy for
the user to grasp the operation state of the Bluetooth apparatus 2
and the connection state of the Bluetooth portable terminal 3.
[0082] By the way, at least one of the generation and display of
the first to third messages may be conducted.
Third Embodiment
[0083] In a third embodiment, the number of Bluetooth portable
terminals 3 each of which has sent a connection request to the
Bluetooth apparatus 2 is measured.
[0084] Originally, the Bluetooth apparatus 2 should be designed so
as to establish a one-to-one connection with a Bluetooth portable
terminal 3 carried by a nearby customer who is conducting
settlement for purchased commodities at the ECR 1 and execute
application. If in such application connection requests are issued
to the local communication unit 11 simultaneously by two or more
Bluetooth devices, (1) there is a fear that a connection request
from another customer being around or from another Bluetooth
portable terminal 3 of the same customer might be received, or (2)
there is also a fear of being attacked by an illegal connection
request.
[0085] In the third embodiment, therefore, the number of the
Bluetooth portable terminals 3 each issuing a connection request is
checked, and wireless communication is conducted with only a
desired Bluetooth portable terminal 3.
[0086] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration
of a short-range communication system having a service providing
apparatus (Bluetooth apparatus 2) according to the third embodiment
of the present invention. The Bluetooth apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 5
includes, besides the configuration shown in FIG. 3, a counter 31
to measure the number of Bluetooth portable terminals 3 each of
which has issued a connection request, and a timer 32 to measure
the time.
[0087] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of a processing
procedure of the short-range communication system shown in FIG. 5.
Hereafter, processing operation of the short-range communication
system shown in FIG. 5 will be described featuring the processing
differing from that shown in FIG. 4. The link for the short-range
communication unit 12 is disconnected (step S51), and thereafter
values of both the timer 32 and the counter 31 are reset to zero,
and timer measurement is started (steps S52 and S53).
[0088] Subsequently, the local communication unit 11 is set to the
connection request reception mode (step S54), and it is determined
whether or not the timer value is less than a predetermined value
tmax (step S55). If the timer value is less than the predetermined
value, it is determined whether or not there has been a connection
request from a Bluetooth portable terminal 3. If there is no
connection request, the processing returns to step S55. If there is
a connection request, the counter value is incremented by "1" (step
S57). Subsequently, device information of a Bluetooth portable
terminal 3 that has issued a connection request is stored (step
S58), and then the processing is returned to the step S55.
Processing of the steps S55 to S58 is repeated until the
measurement time in the timer 32 reaches a predetermined time (step
S57).
[0089] If the measurement time in the timer 32 has reached the
predetermined time, it is determined whether or not the counter
value is "1" (step S59). If the counter value is "1," the
authentication procedure with the Bluetooth portable terminal 3
that has issued the connection request is carried out (step S60).
If the authentication has failed, the processing returns to the
step S55. If the authentication has succeeded, the local
communication unit conducts connection processing (step S61). At
this time, a fourth message is generated to indicate that
connection for the Bluetooth portable terminal 3 that has issued
the connection request is permitted, and the fourth message is
displayed on the display device 19 (step S62). Subsequently, data
is transmitted and received with the Bluetooth portable terminal 3
via the local communication unit 11 (step S63). If data
transmission and reception are completed, the local communication
unit 11 is disconnected (step S64).
[0090] On the other hand, if the counter value is judged not to be
"1" at the step S59, a decision is made whether or not the counter
value is greater than "1" (step S65). If the decision is negative,
i.e., the counter value is zero, the processing is finished. On the
other hand, if the decision is affirmative, i.e., the counter value
is at least "2," a fourth message is generated to indicate that
there are a plurality of Bluetooth portable terminals 3 each of
which has issued a connection request, and the fourth message is
displayed on the display device 19 (step S66).
[0091] Subsequently, PIN authentication described later is
conducted and it is determined whether or not a Bluetooth portable
terminal 3 that can be connected exists (step S67). If a Bluetooth
portable terminal 3 that can be connected does not exist, the
processing is finished. If a Bluetooth portable terminal 3 that can
be connected exists, the processing of the step 60 is
conducted.
[0092] Thus, in the third embodiment, the number of Bluetooth
portable terminals 3 each of which has issued a connection request
in a predetermined time is measured, and a Bluetooth portable
terminals 3 to be connected is determined according to the number.
Even in the case where each of a plurality of Bluetooth portable
terminals 3 has issued a connection request, therefore, wireless
communication can be conducted with an optimum Bluetooth portable
terminal 3 among them.
Fourth Embodiment
[0093] In a fourth embodiment, authentication is conducted by using
a PIN code and thereby the opposite party of communication is
restricted more certainly.
[0094] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration
of a short-range communication system having a service providing
apparatus (Bluetooth apparatus 2) according to the fourth
embodiment of the present invention. The Bluetooth apparatus 2
shown in FIG. 7 includes, besides the configuration shown in FIG.
5, a PIN generator 33 to generate a PIN code.
[0095] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of a processing
procedure of the short-range communication system shown in FIG. 7.
Hereafter, processing operation of the short-range communication
system shown in FIG. 7 will be described featuring the processing
differing from that shown in FIG. 6.
[0096] If the counter value is not "1" at step S89 in FIG. 8, it is
determined whether or not the counter value is greater than "1"
(step S95). If the counter value is greater than "1," a variable I
is initialized to "1" (step S96). Subsequently, a PIN code is
generated by the PIN generator 33 (step S97). The generated PIN
code is shown to a user of an Ith Bluetooth portable terminal 3 by
the display device 19. The user is urged to input a PIN code.
Communication is conducted between the Ith Bluetooth portable
terminal 3 and the local communication unit 11 (step S98), and PIN
authentication is conducted (step S99). If PIN authentication has
succeeded, the authentication procedure at the step S90 is
conducted.
[0097] If PIN authentication has failed, the variable I is
incremented (step S100). Until I reaches the counter value (step
S101), the processing of the steps S95 to S100 is repeated.
[0098] In the case where there are a plurality of Bluetooth
portable terminals 3 each of which has issued a connection request,
PIN authentication is conducted with each of the Bluetooth portable
terminals 3 and connection with only a Bluetooth portable terminals
3 which has succeeded in PIN authentication is permitted. Thus, in
the fourth embodiment, therefore, the degree of security can be
further improved.
Fifth Embodiment
[0099] In a fifth embodiment, the distance from a Bluetooth
portable terminal 3 is measured. Only in the case where the
measured distance is less than a predetermined length, connection
information of the local communication unit 11 is transmitted to
the Bluetooth portable terminal 3.
[0100] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration
of a short-range communication system having a service providing
apparatus (Bluetooth apparatus 2) according to the fifth embodiment
of the present invention. The Bluetooth apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 9
includes, besides the configuration shown in FIG. 7, a distance
measurement unit 34 to measure the distance from a Bluetooth
portable terminal 3.
[0101] More specifically, the distance measurement unit 34 may be a
radio wave intensity measurement unit to measure a radio wave
intensity and thereby measure a distance, may be a unit to measure
a distance by using infrared light or the GPS or the like, or may
be a unit to measure a distance on the basis of a phase shift. In
other words, there are no specific restrictions in a concrete
distance measurement technique in the distance measurement unit
34.
[0102] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of a processing
procedure of the short-range communication system shown in FIG. 9.
Hereafter, processing operation of the short-range communication
system shown in FIG. 10 will be described featuring the processing
differing from that shown in FIG. 8.
[0103] After the short-range communication unit 12 in the Bluetooth
apparatus 2 has conducted link connection with a Bluetooth portable
terminal 3, the distance measurement unit 34 measures the distance
from the Bluetooth portable terminal 3 (step S118). If the measured
distance is longer than a predetermined threshold, the link is
disconnected (step S120) and the processing returns to the step
S116. If the measured distance is equal to the predetermined
threshold or less, connection information of the local
communication unit 11 is generated (step S121), and the generated
connection information is transmitted to the Bluetooth portable
terminal 3 (step S122). Subsequent processing is similar to that
shown in FIG. 8.
[0104] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a variant of a processing
procedure of the short-range communication system shown in FIG. 9.
In the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11, upon a connection
request from a Bluetooth portable terminal 3 to a local
communication unit 11 (step S166), the distance from the Bluetooth
portable terminal 3 is measured (step S167). If the measured
distance is longer than a threshold, the processing returns to the
step S165, a connection request from another Bluetooth portable
terminal 3 is waited for. If the measured distance is equal to the
threshold or less, the value of the counter 31 is incremented by
"1," device information of a Bluetooth portable terminal 3 that has
issued a connection request is stored (step S170), and then the
processing is returned to the step S165.
[0105] Thus, in the fifth embodiment, the connection information of
the local communication unit 11 is transmitted to a Bluetooth
portable terminal 3 only in the case where the distance from the
Bluetooth portable terminal 3 is equal to the threshold or less.
Therefore, connection to only a nearby Bluetooth portable terminal
3 can be conducted, and there is no likelihood that the service is
provided to an unintended opposite party.
[0106] The service providing apparatus described above in the
embodiments may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented
by software. In the case where the service providing apparatus is
implemented by software, a program to implement the function of the
service providing apparatus may be stored on a recording medium,
such as a floppy disk or a CD-ROM, or may be read by a computer to
be executed thereby. The recording medium is not limited to a
portable medium such as a magnetic disk or an optical disk, but may
also be a stationary recording medium such as a hard disk device or
a memory.
[0107] Furthermore, a program for implementing the function of the
service providing program may also be distributed via a
communication line (including radio communication) such as the
Internet or the like. In addition, the program may be distributed
in such a state that the program is encrypted, modulated or
compressed, via a wired line, such as the Internet, or a radio
line, or in a form stored in a recording medium.
[0108] Note that the present invention is by no means limited to
the above embodiments and may be embodied by modifying the
components thereof within a range that does not depart from the
gist of the invention. Other embodiments of the present invention
will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of
the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein.
It is intended that the specification and example embodiments be
considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the
invention being indicated by the following. Further, the components
of different embodiments may be appropriately combined.
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