JP6287618B2 - Wireless communication apparatus, wireless communication method, program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless communication device, a wireless communication method, and a program.

  Currently, various wireless communication functions have been proposed. For example, the first wireless communication function is a function of performing wireless communication by wireless connection to a base station using a wireless communication method such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) or 3G (Third Generation). The second wireless communication function is a function of performing wireless communication by wirelessly connecting to an access point using wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication, for example. The base station and access point are connected to a network such as the Internet.

  As mobile radio communication devices (for example, mobile phones and smartphones) become more sophisticated, radio communication devices having first and second radio communication functions have been proposed.

  Such a wireless communication device executes, for example, one of the first and second wireless communication functions and connects to the network. When such a wireless communication device is located outside the wireless communication area of the access point, it connects to the base station using the first wireless communication function and connects to the network. When the wireless communication device is located within the wireless communication area of the access point, the wireless communication device is connected to the access point using the second wireless communication function and connected to the network.

JP 2008-79305 A JP 2007-306510 A JP 2003-264565 A JP 2008-98880 JP International Publication No. 2008/102504

  When the wireless communication device executes the second wireless communication function, it is preferable that the convenience for the user does not deteriorate. For example, a situation is assumed in which a user has a wireless communication device that is executing the first wireless communication function and is moving at high speed.

  In such a situation, when such a wireless communication device is located within the wireless communication range of the access point, the wireless communication device immediately switches from the first wireless communication function to the second wireless communication function and connects to the access point. Assume that. Under such assumptions, the wireless communication device is moving at high speed, so it is likely that the access point will be outside the wireless communication area of the access point in a short time, and this connection cannot be maintained. In particular, since the wireless communication area of the access point is narrower than the wireless communication area of the base station, there is a high possibility that the time during which the connection with the access point can be maintained is shortened.

  When such a wireless communication device goes out of the wireless communication range of the access point, the second wireless communication function is switched again to the first wireless communication function. Since wireless communication is temporarily interrupted during this switching, user convenience may be reduced. The connection to such an access point is a connection to an access point not intended by the user.

  One aspect of this embodiment is to suppress connection to an access point that is not intended by the user.

  According to a first aspect of the present embodiment, there is provided a communication unit that detects an access point wirelessly connected to an apparatus and wirelessly connects to the access point that satisfies wireless quality that is a condition for connection to the access point, And a processing unit that determines the number of confirmations for confirming the wireless quality in accordance with the number of the access points detected by the mobile station and the movement state of the local apparatus.

  According to the first aspect, connection to an access point unintended by the user can be suppressed.

FIG. 1 is a first system diagram illustrating the wireless communication apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a second system diagram illustrating the wireless communication apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the wireless communication apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration of the wireless communication apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the scan history table L1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the ID correspondence information table L2. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the wireless communication device 1. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the scan count calculation processing in step S3 of FIG. FIG. 9 is a first diagram illustrating a first specific example of processing contents of the wireless communication device 1. FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating a second specific example of the processing content of the wireless communication device 1. In FIG. FIG. 11 is a third diagram for explaining the third specific example of the processing contents of the wireless communication device 1. In FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the wireless communication apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is another example of a flowchart for explaining the scan count calculation process in step S3 of FIG.

[First Embodiment]
[System diagram]
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are first and second system diagrams illustrating the wireless communication apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  The wireless communication device 1 is a movable small communication terminal, such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, or a tablet terminal. The wireless communication device 1 has the first and second wireless communication functions described above.

  The base station BS wirelessly communicates with the wireless communication device 1 (see reference C1) and performs, for example, wired communication with a core network (not shown). In the wireless communication between the base station BS and the wireless communication device 1, for example, a wireless communication method such as LTE or 3G is used. Wireless communication systems such as LTE and 3G are also called cellular communication systems. Note that wireless communication using the cellular communication method is also called cellular wireless communication.

  The core network is also called a backbone line, a trunk line network, or a carrier network, and is a network that relays between the base station BS and the large-scale network NT. The large-scale network NT is, for example, the Internet.

  The access points Ap1 to Apx ′ are devices that connect devices (terminals) to each other and connect the devices to a base station or a network (for example, a wired LAN or the Internet), for example, by a wireless communication method to which the IEEE 802.11 standard is applied. It is. The lowercase x indicates an integer of 4 or more.

  Each access point has a wireless communication area narrower than the wireless communication area of the base station BS. Each access point performs wireless communication (also referred to as wireless LAN communication) with a device located within the wireless communication area. For example, the access point Ap1 wirelessly connects to a wireless communication device (see FIG. 2) located in the wireless communication area RN and performs wireless communication.

  One or more access points form a communication network. This communication network is, for example, a network managed by a communication carrier. This communication network is also called a wireless LAN network.

  The wireless LAN network Net001 is a network formed by access points Ap1 to Ap3. The wireless LAN network Net00y is a network formed by access points Apx and Apx ′. Wireless LAN networks Net001 to Net00y are connected to a large-scale network NT.

  The access points Ap1 to Apx 'periodically broadcast packets normally called beacons. This beacon includes various information necessary for wireless communication such as SSID (Service Set Identifier), BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier), supported transmission speed, encryption type, and channel frequency. Here, the SSID is an identifier for identifying a network formed by an access point that broadcasts a beacon including the SSID. The BSSID is an identifier for identifying an access point that broadcasts a beacon including the BSSID.

  For example, the access point Ap1 has various BSSIDs (eg, “Ap1”) that are identifiers of the access point Ap1, and SSIDs (eg, “Net001”) that are identifiers of the wireless LAN network Net001 formed by the access point Ap1. Create and broadcast a beacon containing information.

  The wireless communication device 1 scans radio waves at predetermined timings (for example, every 10 seconds) and receives a beacon. Based on the received beacon, the wireless communication device 1 wirelessly connects to an access point that broadcasts this beacon.

  Here, as shown by reference numeral MV in FIG. 1, a user (not shown) possessing the wireless communication apparatus 1 moves and is located in the wireless communication area RN of the access point Ap1, as shown in FIG. . Then, the wireless communication device 1 is wirelessly connected to the access point Ap1 and wirelessly communicates (see reference C2). Then, the wireless communication device 1 stops wireless communication with the base station BS.

  At present, access points are installed in various places (for example, ordinary households, streets, private facilities, public facilities). In addition, in the present situation, telecommunications carriers are actively working on offloading to divert the increasing communication traffic to networks other than the base station backbone line (for example, wireless LAN network). In this current situation, the number of users of wireless communication devices that actively use wireless communication with access points is increasing.

  Here, when the wireless communication device 1 is moving at high speed, the wireless communication device 1 is likely to move out of the wireless communication area of the access point Ap1 in a short time. That is, the time during which the wireless communication device 1 can maintain the connection with the access point Ap1 is short. As a result, when the wireless communication device 1 goes out of the wireless communication area of the access point Ap1, it switches from wireless LAN communication to cellular wireless communication again. Since wireless communication is temporarily interrupted during this switching, user convenience is reduced. The connection to such an access point is a connection to an access point not intended by the user.

  Therefore, a method has been proposed in which the signal strength (RSSI: Received Signal Strength Indicator) of an access point is monitored and a wireless communication apparatus is connected to the access point when a certain signal strength can be secured for a certain time. However, in such a system, when connecting to an access point, the signal strength of the access point is monitored for a certain period of time, so the connection time to the access point is always delayed.

  For example, a situation is assumed in which a user having a wireless communication device that is performing cellular wireless communication moves at a low speed and connects to an access point. A specific example of this situation is when the user returns to the home with a wireless communication device and connects to an access point in the home. In this situation, it is preferable to immediately connect to the access point as soon as the access point is detected. In this situation, when the above-described method is applied, it takes time to connect and connection delay occurs.

  In the present embodiment, a wireless communication device 1 that suppresses connection to an access point unintended by the user will be described. Further, the wireless communication device 1 that suppresses the occurrence of connection delay will be described.

[Hardware configuration]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the wireless communication apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  The wireless communication device 1 includes a CPU (processing unit) 101, a storage device (storage unit) 102, a RAM 103, a ROM 104, and a display device 105 connected to the bus B. Further, the wireless communication device 1 includes an input device 106, a first communication device 107 (first communication unit), a second communication device (second communication unit) 108, a voice input / output device 109, And an external connection interface device 110.

  Hereinafter, the CPU (processing unit) 101 is referred to as CPU 101, and the storage device (storage unit) 102 is referred to as storage 102 as appropriate. The first communication device (first communication unit) 107 is referred to as a first communication device 107, and the second communication device (second communication unit) 108 is referred to as a second communication device 108 as appropriate. CPU is an abbreviation for “Central Processing Unit”, RAM is an abbreviation for “Random Access Memory”, and ROM is an abbreviation for “Read Only Memory”.

  The CPU 101 is a central processing unit that controls the entire wireless communication device 1. The storage 102 is a mass storage device such as a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, or a nonvolatile semiconductor memory.

  The storage 102 has a scan history storage area R11 and an ID correspondence information storage area R12. The scan history storage area R11 is an area for storing a scan history table (see FIG. 5). The ID correspondence information storage area R12 is an area for storing an ID correspondence information table (see FIG. 6).

  The RAM 103 temporarily stores processing executed by the CPU 101, data generated (calculated) at each step executed by the processing software SF1, and the like. The RAM 103 is a semiconductor memory such as a DRAM.

  When the wireless communication device 1 is activated, the CPU 101 reads the execution file of the processing software SF1 from the ROM 104 and expands it in the RAM 103. Note that this execution file may be stored in the external storage medium MD.

  The ROM 104 stores various data, for example, an execution file (program) of the processing software SF1. The display device 105 displays various information such as images and characters on a display surface (not shown). The display device 105 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel.

  The input device 106 inputs operation information to the wireless communication device 1. The input device 106 is a touch panel, for example, and detects coordinates indicating the contact position of the object with respect to the display surface.

  The first communication device 107 performs wireless communication (cellular wireless communication) with the base station BS using a wireless communication method such as LTE or 3G.

  The second communication device 108 detects an access point and wirelessly connects to an access point that satisfies the wireless quality that is a condition for connection to the access point. The second communication device 108 performs wireless communication (wireless LAN communication) with an access point using, for example, a wireless communication method to which the IEEE 802.11 standard is applied.

  The voice input / output device 109 has a speaker that outputs voice and a microphone that inputs voice.

  The external connection interface device 110 is a device that functions as an interface for connecting the wireless communication device 1 and the external storage medium MD. The external connection interface device 110 is, for example, a card slot or a USB port.

  Note that a configuration may be adopted in which a connection is made to a storage medium reading device (not shown) that reads data stored in the storage medium via the external connection interface device 110. This storage medium (also called a recording medium) is a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

[Software configuration]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration of the wireless communication apparatus according to the present embodiment. The processing software SF1 includes a control unit 11, a scan number calculation unit 12, a scan execution unit 13, a connection unit 14, and a history management unit 15. The control unit 11 executes various control processes, and controls the operation of the scan number calculation unit 12, the scan execution unit 13, the connection unit 14, and the history management unit 15, for example.

  The scan count calculation unit 12 calculates the scan count for scanning radio waves. Specifically, the scan number calculation unit 12 determines the number of access points detected by the second communication device 108, the movement state of the own device (wireless communication device 1) (for example, the movement speed of the wireless communication device 1), and the like. According to, the number of scans is determined. This number of scans is an example of the number of confirmations for confirming wireless quality.

  The scan execution unit 13 controls a process of scanning radio waves, receiving a beacon, and detecting an access point based on the received beacon. The scan execution unit 13 extracts the BSSID, SSID, supported transmission speed, encryption type, and channel frequency from the beacon received by this scan, and further acquires the level of the received signal.

  The connection unit 14 performs a process of switching between the first wireless connection to the base station BS by the first communication device 107 and the second wireless connection to the access point by the second communication device 108.

  For example, the scan number calculation unit 12 determines the number of scans in a state where the first wireless connection is continued.

  Then, the connection unit 14 confirms the wireless quality of the detected access point by the number of confirmations (number of scans) determined by the scan number calculation unit 12. When the confirmed wireless quality satisfies a predetermined wireless quality, connection unit 14 instructs second communication device 108 to wirelessly connect to an access point that satisfies the wireless quality.

  Here, the fact that the confirmed wireless quality satisfies the predetermined wireless quality means that access points have been detected the same number of times as the number of scans calculated by the scan number calculation unit 12.

  In response to the above instruction, the second communication device 108 makes a wireless connection to an access point that satisfies the wireless quality. Next, after establishing a wireless connection with the access point, the second communication device 108 performs wireless communication with the access point.

  Then, when the wireless connection with the access point is established, the connection unit 14 instructs the first communication device 107 to stop the wireless communication with the base station BS. In response to this stop instruction, the first communication device 107 stops wireless communication with the base station BS.

  The wireless communication device 1 may wirelessly connect to the access point after stopping wireless communication with the base station BS.

  As described above, when the confirmed wireless quality satisfies the predetermined wireless quality, the connection unit 14 stops the first wireless connection by the first communication device 107 and sets the detected access point to the first access point. A second wireless connection is established by the second communication device 108.

  Further, the connection unit 14 stops the wireless communication when there is no access point in the surroundings due to, for example, movement of the wireless communication device 1 and it is difficult to continue the wireless communication with the access point. Then, the connection unit 14 instructs the first communication device 107 to start wireless communication with the base station BS. In response to this start instruction, the first communication device 107 starts wireless communication with the base station BS.

  The history management unit 15 stores information (SSID, BSSID, etc.) acquired by the scan executed by the scan execution unit 13 in the storage 102 as a scan history.

[table]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the scan history table L1. The scan history table L1 is stored in the scan history storage area R11 of the storage 102, as indicated by reference numeral L1 in FIG.

  The scan history table L1 is a table that stores the number of access points detected at each scan timing and the BSSID in association with each scan timing. The scan timing is the timing of the scan executed by the scan execution unit 13.

  The arrows in FIG. 5 schematically show the passage of time, and show the passage of time from the left to the right in the drawing.

  The first line from the top of the scan history table L1 is a line that stores the scan timing. In the row storing the scan timing, each scan timing is stored in each column. In the following description, the scan timing is appropriately indicated by scan timings T (-n) to T (+ m). n and m are integers of 4 or more.

  The second line from the top of the scan history table L1 is a line that stores the number of access points (also called the number of detected access points) detected by the scan execution unit 13 at each scan timing.

  The third line from the top of the scan history table L1 is a column for storing a BSSID that is an identifier of an access point detected by the scan execution unit 13 at each scan timing. This BSSID corresponds to the access point code described in FIGS.

  The history management unit 15 stores the scan timing, the number of access points detected by the scan execution unit 13 at the scan timing, and the BSSID of this access point in association with each other in the scan history table L1.

  For example, the scan execution unit 13 detects the access points Ap4 to Ap6 at the scan timing T (-3). Then, the history management unit 15 associates with the scan timing T (-3), the number of access points detected at the scan timing T (-3) “3”, and the BSSIDs “Ap4” and “Ap5” of the access points. "," Ap6 "is memorized.

  For example, the scan execution unit 13 detects the access points Ap2 to Ap4 at the scan timing T (-2). Then, the history management unit 15 associates with the scan timing T (−2), the number “3” of access points detected at the scan timing T (−2), and the BSSIDs “Ap2” and “Ap3” of the access points. "," Ap4 "is memorized.

  The scan timing described above and the number of access points detected at the scan timing, SSID, and BSSID are referred to as scan history.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the ID correspondence information table L2. The ID correspondence information table L2 is stored in the ID correspondence information storage area R12 of the storage 102, as indicated by the symbol L2 in FIG.

  The ID correspondence information table L2 is a table that stores an identifier (SSID) of a wireless LAN network to which the wireless communication device 1 has connected in the past and an identifier (BSSID) of an access point that forms this network in association with each other.

  The ID correspondence information table L2 has a BSSID column and an SSID column. The SSID column stores the SSID of the wireless LAN network, and the BSSID column stores the BSSID of the access point that forms the wireless LAN network stored in the SSID column.

  For example, the connection unit 14 wirelessly connects to the access point Ap1. Then, the history management unit 15 associates the BSSID “Ap1” of the access point Ap1 and the SSID “Net001” of the wireless LAN network Net001 included in the beacon broadcast by the access point Ap1 and stores them in the ID correspondence information table L2. .

  In the example of FIG. 6, the ID correspondence information table L2 stores SSID “Net001” and BSSID “Ap1”, “Ap2”, “Ap3” in association with each other, SSID “Net002”, BSSID “Ap4”, “Ap5” and “Ap6” are stored in association with each other, and SSID “Net003” and BSSID “Ap7” are stored in association with each other.

[Processing of wireless communication devices]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the wireless communication device 1. In the following description of the flowchart, “Ss” (lowercase s is an integer of 1 or more) means step Ss, and the letter “step” is omitted as appropriate.

  Step S1: The scan execution unit 13 executes a scan at every predetermined timing (for example, every 10 seconds), and the history management unit 15 stores the scan history in the scan history table L1 of FIG. 5, and the scan history table L1 Update.

  Step S2: The scan execution unit 13 determines whether a wireless LAN network connected in the past has been detected.

  Specifically, the scan execution unit 13 determines whether the SSID included in the received beacon matches the SSID stored in the SSID column of the ID correspondence information table L2 in FIG. When the SSID included in the received beacon matches the SSID stored in the SSID column of the ID correspondence information table L2 in FIG. 6, the scan execution unit 13 determines that a wireless LAN network connected in the past has been detected.

  When a wireless LAN network connected in the past is not detected (S2 / NO), the process proceeds to S1. If a wireless LAN network connected in the past is detected (S2 / YES), the process proceeds to S3. Hereinafter, the wireless LAN network detected in S2 is appropriately referred to as an already connected network.

  Step S3: The scan count calculation unit 12 calculates the scan count and stores it in the RAM 103. The calculation of the number of scans will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, the number of scans calculated in S3 is referred to as the calculated number of scans as appropriate.

  As described in S2 and S3, the scan execution unit 13 determines that the communication network (for example, a wireless LAN network) formed by the detected access point is a communication network connected in the past (S2 / YES) The scan number calculation unit 12 executes a process for determining the number of scans (the number of confirmations) (S3).

  Step S4: After the connected network is detected (S2 / YES), the scan execution unit 13 determines whether the scan has been executed the same number of times as the calculated number of scans. In other words, the scan execution unit 13 determines whether the processes of S5 and S6 have been executed the same number of times as the calculated number of scans.

  If the same number of scans as the calculated scan is executed (S4 / YES), the process proceeds to S7. If the scan is not executed the same number of times as the calculated scan (S4 / NO), the process proceeds to S5.

  Step S5: The scan execution unit 13 executes a scan at every predetermined timing, and the history management unit 15 stores the scan history in the scan history table L1 in FIG. 5, and updates the scan history table L1.

  Step S6: The scan execution unit 13 determines whether the same access point forming the already connected network is detected.

  Specifically, the scan execution unit 13 determines whether the BSSID of the same access point forming the already connected network is detected. When the scan execution unit 13 detects the BSSID of the same access point forming the already connected network, the scan execution unit 13 determines that the same access point has been detected.

  If the same access point is detected (S6 / YES), the process proceeds to S4. If the same access point is not detected (S6 / NO), the process proceeds to S1.

  Step S7: The connection unit 14 connects to an access point that satisfies the wireless quality. An access point that satisfies this wireless quality is an access point that has been detected the same number of times as the number of scans calculated in S3. Specifically, it is the same access point forming the already connected network identified by the BSSID detected the same number of times as the calculated scan number.

[Calculation of number of scans]
Next, the calculation of the number of scans (S3 in FIG. 7) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5, FIG. 7, and FIG.

(Average number of detected access points)
The wireless communication device 1 detects the number of surrounding access points when calculating the number of scans. Specifically, the scan number calculation unit 12 calculates the average number of access points detected at an arbitrary past scan timing, and appropriately describes the average number of detected access points (hereinafter referred to as the average number of detected access points). ) Exceeds the predetermined average number of detections. The predetermined average number of detections is 10, for example. The past arbitrary scan timing is, for example, all the past scan timings than the current scan timing.

  The average number of detected access points will be described with reference to FIG. For example, assume that the current scan timing is the scan timing T (0) shown in FIG. In this example, arbitrary past scan timings are all past scan timings T (−1) to T (−n) from the scan timing T (0).

  The scan count calculation unit 12 calculates the sum of the numbers of access points detected at the scan timings T (-1) to T (-n) shown in the scan history table L1 in FIG. Divide by the total number (-1) of (-1) to T (-n). This division value is the average number of detected access points.

  Note that the number of access points detected at the scan timing T (-n) stored first may be excluded. This is to match the calculation of the average change rate of the access point described later. When this exclusion is performed, the scan count calculation unit 12 calculates the total number of access points detected at the scan timings T (-1) to T (-(n-1)) shown in the scan history table L1 of FIG. The calculated sum is divided by the total number ((n-1)) of scan timings T (-1) to T (-(n-1)).

  In addition, for example, an arbitrary past scan timing is set to three past scan timings than the current scan timing. Note that these “three” are merely examples, and other numbers may be used.

  For example, assume that the current scan timing is a scan timing T (0) shown in FIG. In this example, arbitrary scan timings in the past are three scan timings T (-1) to T (-3) that are past the scan timing T (0).

  The scan count calculation unit 12 calculates the total number of access points detected at the scan timings T (-1) to T (-3) shown in the scan history table L1 in FIG. Divide by the total number (3) of (-1) to T (-3). According to the scan history table L1, this sum is 8 (3 + 3 + 2), and the average number of detected access points is 2.7 (8/3).

  The scan number calculation unit 12 stores the calculated average number of detected access points in the RAM 103.

(Comparison of average number of detected access points and threshold)
The state where the average number of detected access points exceeds the predetermined number of detected averages is regarded as a state where the wireless communication device 1 is located in a place with high access point density such as a downtown area.

  On the other hand, a state where the average number of detected access points is equal to or smaller than the predetermined number of detected averages is regarded as a state where the wireless communication device 1 is located in a residential area, a home, a suburb or the like where access point density is low.

  In places where access point density is high, the reception environment of radio waves is worse than in places where access point density is low due to the influence of shielding such as buildings and large vehicles.

  As described above, the radio wave reception environment is inferior in places where access point density is high compared to places where access point density is low. Therefore, the wireless communication device 1 increases the number of scans, detects an access point that can receive radio waves with higher wireless quality, and connects to the detected access point.

(Moving state)
Further, the scan count calculation unit 12 of the wireless communication device 1 detects the movement state of the wireless communication device 1. The scan count calculation unit 12 detects the movement state with reference to, for example, the average change rate of the access points.

  First, the rate of change of access points will be described. Assume that one or more access points are detected at the second scan timing Tb, and one or more access points are detected at the first scan timing Ta immediately before the second scan timing Tb.

  Here, Na is the number of access points detected at the first scan timing Ta. The number of access points that differ between the one or more access points detected at the second scan timing Tb and the one or more access points detected at the first scan timing Ta (also referred to as the difference number). Is Nd.

  The change rate of the access point at the second scan timing Tb indicates the ratio between the number of differences and the number of access points detected at the first scan timing Ta. Specifically, this rate of change is given by (Equation 1).

Rate of change [%] = (Nd / Na) x 100 ... (Formula 1)
However, when Na is 0, the rate of change is 0%. This Na may be the number Nb of access points detected at the second scan timing Tb.

  With reference to FIG. 5, the rate of change of the access point is illustrated. For example, the scan count calculation unit 12 calculates the change rate of the access point at the second scan timing T (0). The scan execution unit 13 detects two access points Ap1 and Ap2 at the second scan timing T (0).

  Then, the scan execution unit 13 detects two access points Ap2 and Ap3 at the first scan timing T (-1) that is earlier than the second scan timing T (0).

  The number of different access points between the one or more access points detected at the second scan timing T (0) and the one or more access points detected at the first scan timing (-1) is two. (Access points Ap1, Ap3).

  Therefore, the scan execution unit 13 calculates the change rate of the access point at the second scan timing T (0) as 100% ((2/2) × 100).

  Next, the average change rate of access points will be described. The average change rate of access points is a value obtained by dividing the sum of the change rates of access points detected at an arbitrary past scan timing by the number of arbitrary past scan timings.

  The past arbitrary scan timing is, for example, all the past scan timings than the current scan timing.

  The average change rate of access points will be described with reference to FIG. For example, assume that the current scan timing is the scan timing T (0) shown in FIG. In this example, arbitrary past scan timings are all past scan timings T (−1) to T (−n) from the scan timing T (0).

  The number-of-scans calculation unit 12 calculates the sum of the change rates at the scan timings T (-1) to T (-n) shown in the scan history table L1 of FIG. Divide by the total number of ~ T (-n) (n). This division value is the average rate of change of the access point.

  For scan timing T (-n), there is no past scan timing, and the average rate of change at scan timing T (-n) cannot be calculated. Therefore, the change rate at the scan timing T (-n) is excluded.

  Then, the scan count calculation unit 12 calculates the sum of the change rates at the scan timings T (-1) to T (-(n-1)) shown in the scan history table L1 in FIG. 5, and scans the calculated sum. Divide by the total number ((n-1)) of timings T (-1) to T (-(n-1)).

  As described above, the scan count calculation unit 12 calculates the average change rate of access points at a plurality of timings before the timing at which the scan count is determined.

  The scan number calculation unit 12 of the wireless communication device 1 considers that the average change rate of the access point is proportional to the moving speed of the wireless communication device 1. Specifically, the scan count calculation unit 12 of the wireless communication device 1 considers that the moving speed of the wireless communication device 1 is higher as the average change rate of the access points is larger.

  When the wireless communication device 1 is moving at high speed, there is a high possibility that the detected access point will move out of the wireless communication area in a short time. In such a case, even if the detected access point is immediately connected, the wireless communication device 1 is likely to move out of service area in a short time and be unable to maintain this connection. It is useless to connect to an access point that cannot maintain the connection in a short time. Therefore, when the wireless communication device 1 is moving at high speed, a large number of scans is set.

  If the same access point continues to be detected in the process of executing the scan for the same number of times as the number of scans, the wireless communication device 1 connects to the same access point (S7).

  Such an access point is, for example, an access point with a wide wireless communication area or an access point with few obstacles around it. If the wireless communication device 1 is connected to such an access point, there is a high possibility that the connection can be maintained even if the wireless communication device 1 moves at high speed. In addition, there is a high possibility that the wireless communication device 1 is moving at high speed (for example, moving in a circle around the access point) in the wireless communication area of the access point. Such movement increases the possibility of maintaining this connection even when moving at high speed.

  On the other hand, when the wireless communication device 1 is moving or stationary at a low speed, the possibility of moving from the wireless communication area of the detected access point to the outside of the area in a short time is low. In such a case, even if the detected access point is immediately connected, the wireless communication device 1 is less likely to move out of the service area in a short time, and this connection can be maintained.

  Therefore, when the wireless communication device 1 is moving or stationary at a low speed, the number of scans is set to be small.

(Flow diagram of scan count calculation processing)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the scan count calculation processing in step S3 of FIG. Note that it is assumed that, for example, the scan at the scan timing T (−1) in FIG. 5 is executed before the execution of step S31.

  Step S31: The scan count calculation unit 12 determines whether the number of access points detected at all past scan timings (for example, all scan timings T (-n) to T (-1)) is zero. If the number of detected access points is not 0 (S31 / NO), the process proceeds to S33. When the number of detected access points is 0 (S31 / YES), the process proceeds to S32.

  Step S32: The scan count calculation unit 12 calculates the scan count as an initial scan count (hereinafter referred to as scan count T0 as appropriate), and stores the calculated scan count T0 in the RAM 103. The number of scans T0 is, for example, 0. By the processing of S32, it is possible to immediately connect to an access point constituting a wireless LAN network that has been connected in the past.

  Step S33: The scan number calculation unit 12 calculates the average number of detected access points and determines whether or not the predetermined number of detected averages is exceeded. The predetermined average number of detections is 10, for example.

  When the average number of detected access points exceeds the predetermined average number of detected, the wireless communication device 1 is located in a place where the density of access points is high. On the other hand, when the average number of detected access points is less than or equal to the predetermined number of detected averages, the wireless communication device 1 is located in a place where the density of access points is low.

  If the average detected number of access points exceeds the predetermined average detected number (S33 / YES), the process proceeds to S34. On the other hand, if the average number of detected access points is less than or equal to the predetermined number of average detected (S33 / NO), the process proceeds to S37.

  Step S34: The scan number calculation unit 12 calculates an average change rate of the access points, and determines whether the calculated average change rate of the access points exceeds a first predetermined change rate (hereinafter referred to as a change rate CR1 as appropriate). To do.

  The scan count calculation unit 12 stores the average change rate of access points in the RAM 103. The change rate CR1 is, for example, 20%.

  When the average change rate of the access points exceeds the change rate CR1 (S34 / YES), the wireless communication device 1 is moving at a high speed in a place where the density of the access points is high. On the other hand, the average change rate of the access points is equal to or less than the change rate CR1 (S34 / NO), and the wireless communication apparatus 1 is moving or stationary at a low speed in a place where the density of access points is high.

  When the average change rate of the access points exceeds the change rate CR1 (S34 / YES), the wireless communication device 1 proceeds to S35. When the average change rate of the access points is equal to or less than the change rate CR1 (S34 / NO), the wireless communication device 1 proceeds to S36.

  Step S35: The scan count calculation unit 12 calculates the scan count as a first count (hereinafter referred to as scan count T1 as appropriate), and stores the calculated scan count T1 in the RAM 103. The number of scans T1 is, for example, 5 times.

  Step S36: The scan count calculation unit 12 calculates the scan count as a second count (hereinafter referred to as scan count T2 as appropriate), and stores the calculated scan count T2 in the RAM 103. The number of scans T2 is, for example, 3 times.

  Step S37: The scan number calculation unit 12 calculates an average change rate of the access points, and determines whether the calculated average change rate of the access points exceeds a second predetermined change rate (hereinafter referred to as a change rate CR2 as appropriate). To do.

  The scan count calculation unit 12 stores the average change rate of access points in the RAM 103. The change rate CR2 is larger than the change rate CR1, for example, 35%.

  When the average change rate of the access points exceeds the change rate CR2 (S37 / YES), the wireless communication device 1 is moving at a high speed in a place where the density of the access points is low. On the other hand, the average change rate of the access points is equal to or less than the change rate CR2 (S37 / NO), and the wireless communication device 1 is moving or stationary at a low speed in a place where the access point density is low.

  When the average change rate of the access points exceeds the change rate CR2 (S37 / YES), the wireless communication device 1 proceeds to S38. When the average change rate of the access point is equal to or less than the change rate CR2 (S37 / NO), the wireless communication device 1 proceeds to S39.

  Step S38: The scan count calculation unit 12 calculates the scan count as a third count (hereinafter referred to as scan count T3 as appropriate), and stores the calculated scan count T3 in the RAM 103. The number of scans T3 is, for example, 3 times.

  Step S39: The scan count calculation unit 12 calculates the scan count as a fourth count (hereinafter referred to as scan count T4 as appropriate), and stores the calculated scan count T4 in the RAM 103. The number of scans T4 is, for example, once. After S35, S36, S38, and S38 are completed, the process proceeds to S4 in FIG.

  Here, the rate of change CR1 and the rate of change CR2 will be described. The change rates CR1 and CR2 are values predetermined by the developer of the wireless communication device 1. Developers consider the change rate CR1, change rate CR2 in consideration of various factors such as the density of access points in various places such as downtown and suburbs, the size of the wireless communication area of the access points, and the radio wave condition. Determine. Note that the change rates CR1 and CR2 are stored in the ROM 104, for example.

  The rate of change CR1 and rate of change CR2 can be adjusted as appropriate by the developer. The developer may determine the rate of change CR1 larger than the rate of change CR2 in consideration of the above-mentioned factors, or conversely, may determine the rate of change CR2 larger than the rate of change CR1.

[Specific example of this embodiment]
Hereinafter, specific examples of processing contents of the wireless communication device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, common elements in FIGS. 9 to 11 will be described. 9 to 11 (from left to right in the drawing) indicate the moving direction of the wireless communication device 1.

  Square points in FIG. 9 to FIG. 11 indicate the position of the wireless communication apparatus 1, and the wireless communication apparatus 1 is executing scanning at this position. In the examples of FIGS. 9 and 10, square points indicated by symbols ST1 to ST11 indicate the position of the wireless communication device 1, and the wireless communication device 1 performs scanning at this position. The timing at which this scan is executed is indicated by scan timings ST1 to ST11 (see FIGS. 9 and 10). In the example of FIG. 11, square points indicated by symbols ST21 to ST27 indicate the position of the wireless communication device 1, and the wireless communication device 1 performs a scan at this position. The timing at which this scan is executed is indicated by scan timings ST21 to ST27 (see FIG. 11).

  Next, a balloon indicating this square point will be described. In this balloon, three types of numerical values at the positions indicated by the square points are shown.

  The first type is the number of detected access points at the positions indicated by the square points. The number of detected access points is shown to the right of “Detected Number:” in the balloon.

  The second type is the number of differences described in (Equation 1) at the position indicated by the square point. The number of differences is shown to the right of “Number of differences:” in the balloon.

  The third type is the rate of change of the access point described in (Equation 1). The change rate of the access point is shown to the right of “Change rate:” in the balloon.

  9 to 11, first, the wireless communication device 1 is in wireless communication with the base station BS by the first communication device 107, but is not executing wireless communication with the access point. .

  Hereinafter, in the description of the first to third specific examples, it is assumed that the ID correspondence information table L2 of FIG.

(First example)
FIG. 9 is a first diagram illustrating a first specific example of processing contents of the wireless communication device 1. In FIG. 9, it is assumed that the user of the wireless communication device 1 is moving in a place (for example, a downtown area) where the density of access points is high.

  The scan execution unit 13 executes a scan at scan timing ST1 and detects 28 access points (S1). The scan execution unit 13 determines whether an already connected network has been detected, but has not yet detected an already connected network (S2 / NO), and returns to S1.

  When the user of the wireless communication device 1 moves, the scan execution unit 13 repeatedly performs the processing of S1 and S2, and executes the scan at the scan timings ST2 to ST5. The scan execution unit 13 detects 32, 30, 35, and 33 access points at each scan timing. See the balloons at scan timings ST2 to ST5 in FIG.

  Here, the access points detected at the scan timings ST1 to ST5 are not access points where the wireless communication apparatus 1 forms an already connected network. In other words, the access point detected at the scan timings ST1 to ST5 does not broadcast the SSID stored in the ID correspondence information table L2 in FIG.

  The user of the wireless communication device 1 further moves, and the wireless communication device 1 is located in the wireless communication area RN1 of the access point Ap1 (see ST6). This access point Ap1 is an access point forming the already connected network Net001. In other words, the access point Ap1 broadcasts the SSID “Net001” stored in the ID correspondence information table L2 in FIG.

  The scan execution unit 13 receives a beacon including SSID “Net001” and BSSID “Ap1” at the scan timing ST6. Since the SSID “Net001” is the SSID “Net001” stored in the ID correspondence information table L2 of FIG. 6, the scan execution unit 13 determines that an already connected network has been detected (S2 / YES).

  Since the number of access points detected at all past scan timings is not 0 (S31 / NO), the scan execution unit 13 calculates the average number of detected access points (S32).

  The numbers of access points detected at the scan timings ST2 to ST5 are 32, 30, 35, and 33, respectively. Therefore, the scan execution unit 13 calculates the average number of detected access points as 32.5 ((32 + 30 + 35 + 33) / 4). Note that the number of access points detected for the first time (the number of access points detected at scan timing ST1) is ignored because the rate of change of this access point cannot be calculated.

  Since the average detection number “32.5” of the access point exceeds a predetermined average detection number (for example, 10) (S33 / YES), the wireless communication device 1 is located in a place where the density of the access points is high.

  Next, the scan execution unit 13 calculates the average change rate of the access points (S34). The scan execution unit 13 calculates 21%, 22%, 33%, and 23% as the change rate of the access point at the scan timings ST2 to ST5, respectively.

  An example of calculating the change rate of the access point at the scan timing ST2 will be described. The number of different access points (difference number) between the access point detected at scan timing ST2 and the access point detected at scan timing ST1 immediately before scan timing ST2 is as shown in FIG. 6 The number of access points detected at scan timing ST1 is 28. Therefore, the scan execution unit 13 calculates the change rate of the access point at the scan timing ST2 as 21% ((6/28) × 100%) based on (Equation 1).

  Next, the scan execution unit 13 calculates an average value of 21%, 22%, 33%, and 23% of the access point change rates at the scan timings ST2 to ST5. The scan execution unit 13 calculates 24.75 ((21 + 22 + 33 + 23) / 4) that is the average value as the average change rate of the access points.

  The scan number calculation unit 12 determines whether the calculated average change rate of the access points exceeds a change rate CR1 (for example, 20%). The calculated average change rate of the access points is 24.75%, and this average change rate (24.75%) exceeds the change rate CR1 (20%). Therefore, the scan number calculation unit 12 determines that the calculated average change rate of the access points exceeds the change rate CR1 (S34 / YES). The scan count calculation unit 12 calculates the scan count as the scan count T1 (for example, 5 times) (S35).

  Next, after the connected network is detected (S2 / YES), the scan execution unit 13 determines whether the scan has been executed the same number of times as the number of scans calculated in S3 (calculated scan number) (S4). At the scan timing ST6, the same number of scans as the calculated scan count has not been executed yet (the execution count is 0).

  Next, when the scan timing ST7 is reached, the scan execution unit 13 executes a scan, receives the beacon broadcast by the access point Ap1, and detects the access point Ap1 based on the received beacon (S5). Then, the scan execution unit 13 stores the BSSID “Ap1” of the access point Ap1 included in the received beacon in the scan history table L1 in FIG. 5 in association with the scan timing ST1 (S5). Note that this memory is not shown in FIG.

  The scan execution unit 13 determines whether the same access point Ap1 forming the already connected network Net001 has been detected (S6). In S5, the scan execution unit 13 detects the same access point Ap1 that forms the already connected network Net001 (S6 / YES). Accordingly, the scan execution unit 13 proceeds to a scan execution process (S4). Next, scanning is performed with scan timings ST8, ST9, ST10, and ST11.

  In the execution process of this scan, the wireless communication device 1 is located in the wireless communication area RN1 of the access point Ap1 that forms the already connected network Net001. Accordingly, the scan execution unit 13 continuously receives the BSSID “Ap1” of the same access point Ap1 forming the already connected network Net001 at the scan timings ST8, ST9, ST10, and ST11.

  That is, the scan execution unit 13 detects the same access point Ap1 that forms the already connected network Net001 (S6 / YES).

  As described above, the processing of S5 and S6 / YES is executed at scan timing ST8, and the processing of S5 and S6 / YES is executed at scan timing ST9. Then, S5 and S6 / YES processes are executed at scan timing ST10, and S5 and S6 / YES processes are executed at scan timing ST11.

  When the scan is executed at the scan timing ST11, five scans (scan timings ST7 to ST11) are executed after the connected network is detected (S2 / YES).

  Therefore, after returning to S4 after the end of the scan timing ST11, the scan execution unit 13 executes the scan after detecting the already connected network (S2 / YES) and the same number of times as the calculated scan number (5 times). Determine (S4 / YES).

  The connection unit 14 wirelessly connects to the access point Ap1, which is the same access point, detected the same number of times as the number of scans calculated in S3 (S7). In addition, the connection unit 14 of the wireless communication device 1 instructs the first communication device 107 to stop wireless communication with the base station BS.

  As described in the first specific example, even if the wireless communication device 1 moves at high speed, if the wireless communication device 1 is within the wireless communication range of the access point, the wireless communication device 1 performs wireless communication with the base station BS. To establish a wireless connection with the access point. As a result, it is possible to execute wireless connection to an access point intended by the user, that is, an access point that is unlikely to be disconnected in a short time.

(Second specific example)
FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating a second specific example of the processing content of the wireless communication device 1. In FIG. In FIG. 10, as in FIG. 9, it is assumed that the user of the wireless communication device 1 is moving in a place where the density of access points is high. In FIG. 10, the wireless communication device 1 executes the same processing as in FIG. 9 until the scan timing ST10.

  The wireless communication device 1 is moving out of the wireless communication area RN1 of the access point Ap1 at the scan timing ST11. Therefore, the wireless communication device 1 cannot receive a beacon broadcast by the access point Ap1. That is, the scan execution unit 13 executes the scan at the scan timing ST11 (S5), but does not receive the BSSID “Ap1” of the access point Ap1. As a result, the scan execution unit 13 does not detect the same access point Ap1 that forms the already connected network Net001 in S4 (S6 / NO).

  Since the scan execution unit 13 determines NO in S6, the scan execution unit 13 does not connect wirelessly to the access point Ap1, that is, does not execute the process of S7, and proceeds to the step (S1) of starting another scan. Even after the transition to S1, the wireless communication device 1 continues the wireless communication with the base station BS via the first communication device 107.

  As described in the second specific example, since the wireless communication device 1 moves at a high speed, if it can be predicted that the time in the wireless communication area of the access point is short, the wireless communication device 1 Stop the wireless communication with the BS and do not connect to the access point wirelessly. As a result, wireless connection to an access point that is not intended by the user, that is, an access point that is likely to be disconnected in a short time can be suppressed.

(Third example)
FIG. 11 is a third diagram for explaining the third specific example of the processing contents of the wireless communication device 1. In FIG. In FIG. 9, it is assumed that the user of the wireless communication device 1 is moving in a place where the density of access points is low (for example, near a home in a residential area or in a home).

  The scan execution unit 13 executes scan at scan timing ST21 and detects 0 access points (S1). The scan execution unit 13 determines whether an already connected network has been detected, but has not yet detected an already connected network (S2 / NO), and returns to S1.

  When the user of the wireless communication apparatus 1 moves, the scan execution unit 13 repeats the processes of S1 and S2, and executes scans at scan timings ST22 to ST25. The scan execution unit 13 detects 0, 0, 1, and 1 access points at each scan timing. See the balloons at scan timings ST22 to ST25 in FIG.

  Here, the access points detected at the scan timings ST21 to ST25 are not access points where the wireless communication device 1 forms an already connected network. In other words, the access point detected at the scan timings ST23 to ST25 does not broadcast the SSID stored in the ID correspondence information table L2 in FIG.

  The user of the wireless communication device 1 moves further, and the wireless communication device 1 is located in the wireless communication area RN1 of the access point Ap1 (see ST26). The access point Ap1 is an access point where the wireless communication device 1 forms an already connected network. In other words, the access point Ap1 broadcasts the SSID “Net001” stored in the ID correspondence information table L2 in FIG.

  The scan execution unit 13 receives a beacon including SSID “Net001” and BSSID “Ap1” at the scan timing ST26. Since the SSID “Net001” is the SSID “Net001” stored in the ID correspondence information table L2 of FIG. 6, the scan execution unit 13 determines that an already connected network has been detected (S2 / YES).

  Since the number of access points detected at all past scan timings is not 0 (S31 / NO), the scan execution unit 13 calculates the average number of detected access points (S32).

  The numbers of access points detected at scan timings ST22 to ST25 are 0, 0, 1, and 1, respectively. Therefore, the scan execution unit 13 calculates the average number of detected access points as 0.5 ((0 + 0 + 1 + 1) / 4).

  Since the average detection number “0.5” of the access point does not exceed a predetermined average detection number (for example, 10) (S33 / NO), the wireless communication device 1 is located in a place where the access point density is low.

  Next, the scan execution unit 13 calculates the change rate of the access point (S37). The scan execution unit 13 calculates 0%, 0%, 0%, and 0% as the average change rate of the access points at the scan timings ST22 to ST25, respectively.

  An example of calculating the change rate of the access point at the scan timing ST22 will be described. The number of different access points (difference number) between the access point detected at scan timing ST22 and the access point detected at scan timing ST22 immediately before scan timing ST22 is as shown in FIG. It is 0. The number of access points detected at scan timing ST21 is zero. Accordingly, the scan execution unit 13 calculates the change rate of the access point at the scan timing ST22 as 0%.

  Next, the scan execution unit 13 calculates average values of the change rates of the access points 0%, 0%, 0%, and 0% at the scan timings ST22 to ST25. The scan execution unit 13 calculates 0 ((0 + 0 + 0 + 0) / 4) that is the average value as the average change rate of the access points.

  The scan number calculation unit 12 determines whether the calculated average change rate of the access points exceeds a change rate CR2 (for example, 35%). The calculated average change rate of the access points is 0%, and this average change rate (0%) is less than the change rate CR2 (35%).

  Therefore, the scan number calculation unit 12 determines that the calculated average change rate of the access points is less than the change rate CR2 (S37 / NO). The scan count calculation unit 12 calculates the scan count as a scan count T4 (for example, 1 time) (S39).

  Next, after the connected network is detected (S2 / YES), the scan execution unit 13 determines whether the scan has been executed the same number of times as the number of scans calculated in S3 (S4). At the scan timing ST26, the scan has not been executed yet for the same number of scans calculated in S3 (the number of executions is 0).

  Next, the scan timing ST27 is reached. At scan timing ST27, the wireless communication device 1 is located in the wireless communication area RN1 of the access point Ap1 that forms the already connected network Net001.

  The scan execution unit 13 executes the scan at the scan timing ST27, and stores the BSSID “Ap1” of the access point Ap1 included in the received beacon in association with the scan timing ST21 in the scan history table L1 of FIG. 5 (S5) . Note that this memory is not shown in FIG.

  The scan execution unit 13 determines whether the same access point Ap1 forming the already connected network Net001 has been detected (S6). In S5, the scan execution unit 13 detects the same access point Ap1 that forms the already connected network Net001 (S6 / YES).

  When a scan is executed at scan timing ST27, one scan (scan timing ST27) is executed after an already connected network is detected (S2 / YES).

  Accordingly, after the end of the scan timing ST27, the process returns to S4. After the connected network is detected (S4 / YES), the scan execution unit 13 determines that the scan has been executed the same number of times (one time) as the number of scans calculated in S3 (S4 / YES).

  The connection unit 14 wirelessly connects to the access point Ap1, which is the same access point, detected the same number of times as the number of scans calculated in S3 (S7).

  When wirelessly connecting to the access point, the connection unit 14 of the wireless communication device 1 instructs the first communication device 107 to stop wireless communication with the base station BS.

  As described in the third specific example, when it is assumed that the user has been in the wireless communication area of the access point for a long time, the wireless communication device 1 accesses immediately as soon as the access point is detected. You can connect to the point. As a result, user convenience is enhanced. Furthermore, since the number of scans is reduced, processing required for scan processing is reduced, and the power consumption of the wireless communication device 1 can be reduced.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the average change rate of the access point is referred to in order to detect the movement state of the wireless communication device 1. In the second embodiment, an example in which the moving speed of the wireless communication device 1 is referred to detect the moving state of the wireless communication device 1 will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the wireless communication apparatus according to the present embodiment. The wireless communication device 1 in FIG. 12 has a configuration in which a moving speed measuring device (speed measuring unit) 111 is added to the wireless communication device 1 in FIG. Hereinafter, the moving speed measuring device (speed measuring unit) 111 is referred to as a moving speed measuring device 111.

  The moving speed measuring device 111 detects the current position using, for example, GPS (Global Positioning System), calculates the moving amount per unit time, and based on the calculated moving amount per unit time, Measure the moving speed. The moving speed measuring device 111 stores the measured moving speed in the RAM 103.

  The scan number calculation unit 12 acquires the moving speed of the wireless communication device 1 stored in the RAM 103, and calculates the number of scans based on the moving speed of the wireless communication device 1 (S3).

  FIG. 13 is another example of a flowchart for explaining the scan count calculation process in step S3 of FIG. The flowchart in FIG. 13 is a flowchart in which S34 and S37 in FIG. 8 are replaced with S34a and S37b, respectively. Here, S34a and S37a are the same processing.

  Step S34a: The scan number calculation unit 12 reads the movement speed from the RAM 103, and determines whether the movement speed exceeds a predetermined movement speed (for example, 4 km / h).

  When the moving speed exceeds the predetermined moving speed (S34a / YES), the process proceeds to S35. When the moving speed is equal to or lower than the predetermined moving speed (S34a / NO), the process proceeds to S36.

  If the moving speed exceeds the predetermined moving speed (S37a / YES), the process proceeds to S38. When the moving speed is equal to or lower than the predetermined moving speed (S37a / NO), the process proceeds to S39.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to calculate the moving speed of the wireless communication device 1 using a GPS function generally installed in a high-function mobile phone such as a smartphone, and to determine the number of scans based on this moving speed. . Thus, since the existing apparatus can be used, an increase in manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

  As described above, the scan number calculation unit 12 determines that the number of detected access points exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 10) (S33 / YES) and the moving speed exceeds a predetermined moving speed. (S34, S34a / YES), the number of scans is determined as the number of scans T1 (for example, 5 times) (S35).

  The scan count calculation unit 12 scans the scan count when the number of detected access points exceeds the predetermined number (S33 / YES) and the moving speed is equal to or lower than the predetermined moving speed (S34, S34a / NO). A scan count T2 smaller than the count T1 is determined (S36).

  When the number of detected access points is equal to or less than the predetermined number (S33 / NO) and the moving speed exceeds the predetermined moving speed (S34, S34a / YES), the scan number calculating unit 12 Is determined as a scan count T3 which is smaller than the scan count T1 (S38).

  When the number of detected access points is equal to or smaller than the predetermined number (S33 / NO) and the moving speed is equal to or lower than the predetermined moving speed (S34, S34a / NO), the scan number calculation unit 12 calculates the number of scans. A scan count T4 smaller than the scan count T3 is determined (S39).

  Here, as described with reference to FIG. 8, when the calculated change rate of the access point exceeds a predetermined change rate, the scan number calculation unit 12 determines that the moving speed exceeds the predetermined moving speed. On the other hand, when the calculated change rate of the access point is equal to or lower than the predetermined change rate, the scan number calculation unit 12 determines that the moving speed is equal to or lower than the predetermined moving speed.

  Preferably, the scan number calculation unit 12 determines that the moving speed exceeds the predetermined moving speed when the calculated average change rate of the access points exceeds a predetermined average change rate (S33 / YES). In addition, when the calculated average change rate of the access points is equal to or lower than the predetermined average change rate (S33 / NO), the scan number calculation unit 12 determines that the moving speed is equal to or lower than the predetermined moving speed. By averaging the change rate of the access point in this way, even if the change rate of the access point suddenly fluctuates temporarily, this sudden change can be suppressed.

  The above embodiment is summarized as follows.

(Appendix 1)
A communication unit that detects an access point that is wirelessly connected to a device and wirelessly connects to the access point that satisfies a wireless quality that is a condition for connection to the access point;
A wireless communication device, comprising: a processing unit that determines the number of confirmations for confirming the wireless quality in accordance with the number of access points detected by the communication unit and a movement state of the device itself.

(Appendix 2)
In Appendix 1,
The processing unit, when determining that the communication network formed by the detected access point is a communication network connected in the past, executes the process of determining the number of confirmations.

(Appendix 3)
In Appendix 2,
The moving state is a moving speed of the wireless communication device,
When the number of detected access points exceeds a predetermined number and the moving speed exceeds a predetermined moving speed, the processing unit determines the number of confirmations as a first number and is detected. When the number of access points exceeds the predetermined number and the moving speed is equal to or less than the predetermined moving speed, the number of confirmations is determined to be a second number smaller than the first number. A wireless communication device.

(Appendix 4)
In Appendix 3,
When the number of detected access points is equal to or less than the predetermined number and the moving speed exceeds the predetermined moving speed, the processing unit reduces the number of confirmations less than the first number. If the number of detected access points is less than or equal to a predetermined number and the movement speed is less than or equal to the predetermined movement speed, the number of confirmations is set to be greater than the third number. A wireless communication apparatus characterized in that the fourth number is determined to be a small number.

(Appendix 5)
In Appendix 2,
The processor is
For each predetermined timing, the identifier of the communication network formed by the access point received from the access point is stored in the storage unit, and further, the identifier of the connected communication network is stored in the storage unit,
When the identifier of the communication network received by the communication unit matches the identifier of the connected communication network stored in the storage unit, the communication network formed by the detected access point is the connection A wireless communication apparatus, characterized in that it is determined as a communication network.

(Appendix 6)
In Appendix 3 or 4,
The processor is
The number of access points that differ between one or more access points detected at the second timing and one or more access points detected at the first timing earlier than the second timing, and Calculating a rate of change of the access point at the second timing, indicating a ratio with the number of the access points detected at the first timing;
When the calculated change rate of the access point exceeds a predetermined change rate, it is determined that the moving speed exceeds the predetermined moving speed, and the calculated change rate of the access point is equal to or less than the predetermined change rate. In this case, it is determined that the moving speed is equal to or lower than the predetermined moving speed.

(Appendix 7)
In Appendix 6,
The processing unit calculates an average rate of change that is an average of the rate of change of the access point at a plurality of timings before the timing for determining the number of confirmations,
When the calculated average change rate of the access point exceeds a predetermined average change rate, it is determined that the moving speed exceeds the predetermined moving speed, and the calculated average change rate of the access point is a predetermined average When the rate of change is less than or equal to the rate of change, the wireless communication device determines that the moving speed is equal to or lower than the predetermined moving speed.

(Appendix 8)
In Appendix 3 or 4,
And a measuring unit for measuring the moving speed of the wireless communication device,
The wireless communication device, wherein the processing unit acquires a moving speed of the wireless communication device from the measurement unit.

(Appendix 9)
In Appendix 1,
The processing unit confirms the wireless quality of the detected access point for the determined number of confirmations,
The communication unit wirelessly connects to the detected access point when the confirmed wireless quality satisfies a predetermined wireless quality.

(Appendix 10)
A first communication unit wirelessly connected to the base station;
A second communication unit that detects an access point having a wireless communication area narrower than a wireless communication area of the base station and wirelessly connects to the access point that satisfies wireless quality that is a condition for connection to the access point;
A processing unit that switches between a first wireless connection to the base station by the first communication unit and a second wireless connection to the access point by the second communication unit;
The processor is
In the state where the first wireless connection is continued, the number of confirmations for confirming the wireless quality is determined according to the number of the access points detected by the second communication unit and the movement state of the own device. And
Check the wireless quality of the detected access point according to the determined number of confirmations,
If the confirmed wireless quality satisfies a predetermined wireless quality, the first wireless connection by the first communication unit is stopped, and the detected second access point to the detected access point by the second communication unit. 2. A wireless communication apparatus characterized by performing wireless connection.

(Appendix 11)
Detect the access point that connects to the device wirelessly,
In accordance with the number of detected access points and the movement state of the device, the number of confirmations for confirming the wireless quality that is a condition for connection to the access point is determined,
Check the wireless quality of the detected access point according to the determined number of confirmations,
A wireless communication method comprising: wirelessly connecting to the access point that satisfies the wireless quality.

(Appendix 12)
Computer
Detect the access point that connects to the device wirelessly,
In accordance with the number of detected access points and the movement state of the device, the number of confirmations for confirming the wireless quality that is a condition for connection to the access point is determined,
Check the wireless quality of the detected access point according to the determined number of confirmations,
A program for executing a process of wirelessly connecting to the access point satisfying the wireless quality.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Wireless communication apparatus, 101 ... CPU (processing part), 102 ... Storage apparatus (memory | storage part), 103 ... RAM, 104 ... ROM, 105 ... Display apparatus, 106 ... Input device, 107 ... 1st communication apparatus (1st 1 communication unit), 108 second communication device (second communication unit) 109 voice input / output device 110 external connection interface device 111 moving speed measuring device SF1 processing software 11 control , 12 ... Scan number calculation unit, 13 ... Scan execution unit, 14 ... Connection unit, 15 ... History management unit, Ap1 to Apx '... Access point, Net001 to Net00y ... Wireless LAN network, BS ... Base station, NT ... Large Scale network.

Claims (6)

A communication unit that detects an access point that is wirelessly connected to a device and wirelessly connects to the access point that satisfies a wireless quality that is a condition for connection to the access point;
A wireless communication device, comprising: a processing unit that determines the number of confirmations for confirming the wireless quality in accordance with the number of access points detected by the communication unit and a movement state of the device itself. In claim 1,
The processing unit, when determining that the communication network formed by the detected access point is a communication network connected in the past, executes the process of determining the number of confirmations. In claim 2,
The moving state is a moving speed of the wireless communication device,
When the number of detected access points exceeds a predetermined number and the moving speed exceeds a predetermined moving speed, the processing unit determines the number of confirmations as a first number and is detected. When the number of access points exceeds the predetermined number and the moving speed is equal to or less than the predetermined moving speed, the number of confirmations is determined to be a second number smaller than the first number. A wireless communication device. In claim 3,
When the number of detected access points is equal to or less than the predetermined number and the moving speed exceeds the predetermined moving speed, the processing unit reduces the number of confirmations less than the first number. If the number of detected access points is less than or equal to a predetermined number and the movement speed is less than or equal to the predetermined movement speed, the number of confirmations is set to be greater than the third number. A wireless communication apparatus characterized in that the fourth number is determined to be a small number. Detect the access point that connects to the device wirelessly,
In accordance with the number of detected access points and the movement state of the device, the number of confirmations for confirming the wireless quality that is a condition for connection to the access point is determined,
Check the wireless quality of the detected access point according to the determined number of confirmations,
A wireless communication method comprising: wirelessly connecting to the access point that satisfies the wireless quality. Computer
Detect the access point that connects to the device wirelessly,
In accordance with the number of detected access points and the movement state of the device, the number of confirmations for confirming the wireless quality that is a condition for connection to the access point is determined,
Check the wireless quality of the detected access point according to the determined number of confirmations,
A program for executing a process of wirelessly connecting to the access point satisfying the wireless quality.

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