JP2004320478A - Communication equipment, its control method, and communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem that a printer connected with a network requires a server function and many memories in order to process pieces of data transmitted in a random order by every transmitting origin. <P>SOLUTION: A relaying apparatus 101 or the printer 102 selectively receives only data from a host 103 at a transmitting origin of data which is under relaying to the printer 102 or under printing at present among the pieces of data transmitted from the host 103 in the random order and receives the data from all the hosts 103 when the relaying or the printing is completed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a communication device, a control method thereof, and a communication method, and for example, relates to a technology of relaying or processing wirelessly transmitted data.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a network.
[0003]
The relay apparatus 101 has a wireless interface, and can communicate with a device wirelessly connected to the wireless interface. The printer 102 can wirelessly communicate with the relay device 101. The one or more hosts 103 are personal computers or the like that can wirelessly communicate with the relay device 101. The printer 102 and the host 103 or the hosts 103 can communicate with each other via the relay device 101. Accordingly, the printer 102 receives the print data and control data transmitted from the host 103 via the relay device 101, and performs printing or designation processing.
[0004]
Next, the configuration of the network printer 102 will be described as an example of an output device connected to a network. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer 102.
[0005]
The bus 201 interconnects the functional units and enables data exchange between the functional units. The wireless unit 202 transmits and receives data by wireless communication with the relay device 101, and stores the received data in the memory 205. The server 203 analyzes the data stored in the memory 205 according to a predetermined protocol, acquires print data or control data, and stores the acquired data in the memory 205 again.
[0006]
The server 203 outputs the data stored in the memory 205 to the printing unit 204 in a predetermined order. The printing unit 204 performs printing based on print data input by the server 203, or performs processing corresponding to the input control data. The memory 205 includes a nonvolatile memory for storing data such as programs executed by the printer 102 and initial setting values, a temporary data storage and calculation area, and a volatile memory used for data storage of the server 203. You. The control unit 206 executes a program stored in the memory 205 and controls each functional unit connected to the bus 201.
[0007]
The transceiver 207 of the wireless unit 202 demodulates the received signal according to a predetermined communication method to extract digital data, and wirelessly transmits a signal obtained by modulating input digital data according to a predetermined communication method. A MAC (Media Access Control) 208 adds header information, which is a bit string necessary for transmitting and receiving digital data, to digital data, and generates a predetermined control frame.
[0008]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating data frames transmitted and received between the host 103 and the relay device 101 and between the relay device 101 and the printer 102.
[0009]
The data frame is a data section 304, which is data 313 transmitted from the host 103 to the printer 102, a data link layer header section 301, a network layer header section 302, a transport layer header section 303, and checks each header section and data section for errors. FCS (Frame Check Sequence) which is a bit sequence to be executed.
[0010]
The transport layer header section 303 is generated according to a protocol such as the TCP protocol, and includes a source port number 311 and a destination port number 312 for identifying an application that transmits or receives data at each of the source and the destination. .
[0011]
The network layer header section 302 is generated in accordance with a protocol such as an IP protocol, and includes a source IP address 308 and a destination IP address 309 for identifying a final source and destination device, and a transport layer protocol. It comprises a protocol type 310 which is an identifier for designating and determining the configuration of the transport layer header 303.
[0012]
The data link layer header section 301 is generated according to a protocol such as the Ethernet (R) protocol, and includes a destination MAC address and a transmission source MAC address that respectively identify a device that is a current direct transmission source and a destination device, and a network layer protocol. It comprises an Ethernet (R) type 307 which is an identifier for designating and determining the configuration of the network layer header section 302.
[0013]
The above-mentioned protocol is described in detail in Takashi Takeshita et al.
[0014]
In the data transmission from the host 103 to the printer 102, a predetermined frame such as a data frame for transmitting and receiving data is transmitted and received according to a predetermined protocol. The data frame includes a frame for transmitting print data to be printed by the printer 102 and a frame for transmitting control data for controlling the printer 102.
[0015]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a data receiving process in the printer 102.
[0016]
The data transmitted from the host 103 is wirelessly transmitted to the printer 102 via the relay device 101. The wireless unit 202 of the printer 102 receives the wirelessly transmitted data, and stores the demodulated and digitized data in the memory 205 (S401). In the reception processing S401, the wireless unit 202 may perform necessary processing such as connection establishment, disconnection, and reception response according to a protocol used for transmission and reception.
[0017]
Next, the server 203 acquires and analyzes the data stored in the memory 205 (S402). Then, it is determined whether or not the data is addressed to the own device (printer 102) based on the analysis result (S403). If the data is not addressed to the own device, the data stored in the memory 205 is discarded, and the process returns to step S401. .
[0018]
In the case of data addressed to the own device, the server 203 performs a predetermined grouping on the received data such as by port or source address, accumulates the data in the memory 205 for each group (S404), and performs grouping at a predetermined timing. The data is transmitted to the printing unit 204 for each group (S405). The printing unit 204 executes printing or performs a predetermined operation according to the received data.
[0019]
Next, polling used for communication between the host 103 and the relay apparatus 101 and between the relay apparatus 101 and the printer 102 will be described.
[0020]
The relay apparatus 101 transmits a predetermined polling frame to each connected host 103 in a predetermined order. When receiving the polling frame, the host 103 responds to the polling frame if there is data to be transmitted, and transmits to the relay device 101 a predetermined polling response frame in which data is partially incorporated. If there is no data frame to be transmitted, a polling response frame in which no data is incorporated is transmitted to the relay apparatus 101.
[0021]
Upon receiving the polling response frame including the data, the relay device 101 transmits a polling frame partially incorporating data to the destination of the data at the next polling timing. Note that polling frames requesting polling are transmitted at predetermined intervals.
[0022]
In order for a device connected to a network to process data sent in random order for each transmission source, it is necessary to have a server function and many memories and manage received data for each transmission source. In particular, a printer connected to a network such as a LAN often manages and prints print data transmitted from a plurality of hosts or a plurality of application programs separately. Therefore, a sufficient memory capacity and a print server function are required, which causes an increase in cost. Further, since all the received data is input to the MAC, the cost of the MAC chip cannot be ignored.
[0023]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-240480 discloses a technique for simplifying a print server function and reducing a memory capacity by starting communication only with a host that has received a print request. However, the same technology, the transmission frame of the printer command, and other than the frame included in the protocol used for communication, it is necessary to transmit a frame for print request and print completion notification, when applied to wireless communication, There is a problem that it does not work properly if communication is interrupted.
[0024]
[Non-patent literature]
Takashi Takeshita et al. "Introduction to Mastering TCP / IP," Ohmsha Development Bureau
[0025]
[Patent Document]
JP-A-10-240480
[0026]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems individually or collectively, and an object of the present invention is to easily and inexpensively process data sent in random order for each transmission source.
[0027]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has the following configuration as one means for achieving the above object.
[0028]
The present invention is characterized by receiving wirelessly transmitted data, and setting filtering for selecting the received data based on the received data.
[0029]
Further, receiving the wirelessly transmitted data and converting it to a received frame of a bit string, a communication unit that generates wireless data and wirelessly transmits by a predetermined method, and generates wireless data to be transmitted according to a predetermined protocol, The MAC is configured to generate a predetermined transmission request frame based on a frame received by a communication unit of a communication device having a MAC that acquires reception data from a reception frame.
[0030]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a communication device and processing according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0031]
[Overview]
The communication device and processing of the embodiment can selectively receive only data from the source of the data currently being processed, or only the source of the data currently being processed, among the data sent out of order. It enables data transmission.
[0032]
For example, the received data is analyzed, and filtering is set according to the analysis result. Thus, it is possible to filter and delete data received from a host other than a predetermined host for a predetermined period. If this function is applied to a network printer, during printing, only data received from the host or application that is performing printing can be supplied to the printing unit, and data received from another host or application can be deleted.
[0033]
Further, by controlling polling by the MAC and performing polling only for a predetermined host for a predetermined period, it is possible to prevent another host from transmitting data. In other words, during printing, only the host that is performing printing is polled, and data transmission by other hosts or applications is prevented.
[0034]
In the following, an embodiment will be described in which useless packet exchange is reduced when data is transmitted from a host equipped with a virtual server to a network printer connected to the host to cause the printer to perform printing. The printer sends a print request to the host when the preparation for printing is completed, and sends a print completion notification to the host when printing is completed. The host holds the print data until receiving the print completion notification.
[0035]
[First Embodiment]
[Constitution]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the printer according to the first embodiment. This printer has the same function as the network printer 102 shown in FIG.
[0036]
The bus 501 interconnects the functional units and enables data exchange between the functional units. Wireless section 502 transmits and receives data by wireless communication with relay apparatus 101, and stores the received data in memory 504.
[0037]
The printing unit 503 executes printing based on the input print data or performs processing corresponding to the input control data. The memory 504 includes a nonvolatile memory for storing data such as a program executed by the printer and an initial setting value, and a volatile memory used for temporary data storage and an arithmetic area. The control unit 505 executes a program stored in the memory 504 and controls each functional unit connected to the bus 501.
[0038]
The transceiver 506 of the radio unit 502 demodulates the received signal according to a predetermined communication method to extract digital data, and wirelessly transmits a signal obtained by modulating input digital data according to a predetermined communication method. Further, transceiver 506 outputs the received electric field strength to analysis section 509. The filter 507 filters a frame input from the transceiver 506 according to the setting by the analysis unit 509. A MAC (Media Access Control) 508 adds / deletes header information, which is a bit string necessary for transmission / reception of digital data, to / from digital data and generates a predetermined control frame in accordance with the setting of the analysis unit 509.
[0039]
The analysis unit 509 analyzes input data by interpreting at least a part of the print command executed by the printing unit 503, and sets the filter 507. The timer 510 supplies time information to the analysis unit 509.
[0040]
Under the control of the control unit 505, the above-described functional units cooperate to execute the processing described below.
[0041]
[Data reception processing]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data reception process performed by the printer.
[0042]
The data transmitted from the host 103 is wirelessly transmitted to the printer via the relay device 101. The wireless unit 502 of the printer receives and demodulates the wirelessly transmitted data to obtain digital data (S601). In the reception process S601, the wireless unit 502 performs necessary processes such as connection establishment, disconnection, and reception response according to the protocol used for transmission and reception.
[0043]
Next, the wireless unit 502 filters the digitized received data according to the setting (S602). Although details of the filtering will be described later, the filtering is to delete a frame received from a source other than the set IP address. The default setting for filtering is "no filtering", and data received before filtering is set is not filtered.
[0044]
Next, the wireless unit 502 analyzes the data that has not been deleted by the filtering, and as a result, finds a frame including a command to set or cancel the filtering, and sets or cancels the filtering. Of course, if the frame does not need to set or cancel the filtering, nothing is performed (S603).
[0045]
Next, when the received frame includes a print command and / or a control command to be sent to the printing unit 503 with filtering set, the wireless unit 502 extracts only the data portion from the received frame and sends it to the printing unit 503. If the above condition is not satisfied, the process returns to the receiving process S601 (S604).
[0046]
The printing unit 503 performs printing or a predetermined operation according to the data received from the wireless unit 502 (S605).
[0047]
● Filtering setting / cancellation processing (first example)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating details of the filtering setting / cancellation process S603 performed by the analysis unit 509.
[0048]
The analysis unit 509 determines whether the input received frame includes a print start command (S1301), and if so, obtains the source IP address from the received frame and sets the obtained IP address in the filter 507. (S1302). With this setting, the filter 507 deletes a frame having a source IP address other than the set IP address.
[0049]
If the received frame does not include a print start command, the analysis unit 509 determines whether the received frame includes a print end command (S1303). If the received frame includes the received frame, filtering is canceled to set the received frame to an initial state (S1304). .
[0050]
Although the example in which the source IP address is set in the filter 507 has been described, the source port number may be set in addition to the IP address. Further, filtering may be performed according to other information for identifying the transmission source, such as using the MAC address of the transmission source instead of the IP address.
[0051]
● Filtering setting / cancellation processing (second example)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of the filtering setting / cancellation process S603.
[0052]
The analysis unit 509 determines whether the input received frame includes a print start command (S1401), and if so, compares the received field strength of the frame with a threshold (S1402). The source IP address is obtained from the received frame, and the obtained IP address is set in the filter 507 (S1403). If threshold ≧ field strength, the process returns to step S1401.
[0053]
When the received frame does not include the print start command, the analysis unit 509 determines whether the received frame includes the print end command (S1404). If the received frame includes the print start command, the filtering unit is reset to the initial state (S1405). .
[0054]
According to the processing shown in FIG. 8, unless a frame including a print start command is received with an electric field strength equal to or higher than the threshold, no filtering is set and printing is not started. Therefore, by appropriately setting the threshold value in accordance with the noise of the installation environment of the printer, it is possible to prevent a problem that data to be printed is interrupted due to noise or the like existing on the wireless communication path and printing is stopped.
[0055]
● Filtering setting / cancellation processing (third example)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a third example of the filtering setting / cancellation process S603.
[0056]
The analysis unit 509 determines whether the input received frame includes a print start command (S1501), and if so, obtains the source IP address from the received frame and sets the obtained IP address in the filter 507. (S1502). With this setting, the filter 507 deletes a frame having a source IP address other than the set IP address. Then, time measurement by the timer 510 is started (S1503).
[0057]
If the received frame does not include the print start command, the analysis unit 509 determines whether the received frame includes a print end command (S1504). If the received frame includes the print end command, the analyzing unit 509 cancels the filtering and sets the initial state (S1507). The counting by the timer 510 is stopped (S1508).
[0058]
After the filtering is set, the reception state of the frame is determined (S1505, S1506). If the frame is received before the predetermined time has elapsed, the process returns to step S1501, and the predetermined time is returned without receiving the frame. If the time has elapsed, the filtering is canceled to set the initial state (S1507), and the timer 510 stops counting time (S1508).
[0059]
According to the processing illustrated in FIG. 9, even if a print end command cannot be received due to noise on a wireless communication path or a failure of the transmission source host 103 or the relay device 101, filtering is performed in an initial state after a predetermined time has elapsed. , A new print start command can be accepted.
[0060]
● Filtering setting / cancellation processing (fourth example)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth example of the filtering setting / cancellation process S603.
[0061]
The analysis unit 509 determines whether the input received frame includes a print start command (S1601), and if so, obtains the source IP address from the received frame, and sets the obtained IP address in the filter 507. (S1602). With this setting, the filter 507 deletes a frame having a source IP address other than the set IP address. Then, time measurement by the timer 510 is started (S1603), and a time corresponding to the received electric field strength of the frame is set (S1604).
[0062]
If the received frame does not include a print start command, the analysis unit 509 determines whether the received frame includes a print end command (S1605). If the received frame includes the received frame, the filtering unit is released and initialized (S1608). The counting by the timer 510 is stopped (S1609).
[0063]
After the filtering is set, the frame reception state is determined (S1606, S1607). If the frame is received before the set time has elapsed, the process returns to step S1601, and the set time is set without receiving the frame. When the time has elapsed, the filtering is canceled to set the initial state (S1608), and the timer 510 stops counting time (S1609).
[0064]
According to the processing shown in FIG. 10, in addition to the processing shown in FIG. 9, the filtering is returned to the initial state based on the elapse of the time set according to the received electric field strength of the frame, so that a new print start command can be accepted. it can.
[0065]
For example, the received electric field strength is low (the state of the wireless transmission path between the host 103, the relay device 101 and the printer is poor, the host 103 is located far from the relay device 101, the printer is located far from the relay device 101, etc.). If a long time is set in the case, the printing end command is waited for a long time, so that the possibility of terminating printing normally can be increased.
[0066]
If a short time is set when the received electric field strength is high, the filtering is returned to the initial state in a short time, such as when the print end command cannot be received due to a failure of the host 103 or the relay device 101, and the printer stop time is set. Can be prevented from becoming uselessly long. Further, when the reception electric field strength is low and there is a high possibility that the print end command cannot be received, it is effective to set a short time. In other words, the relationship between the electric field strength and the set time is such that the set time is increased as the received electric field strength decreases from strong to weak, and the set time is shortened according to the electric field strength when the received electric field strength becomes weaker than a certain received electric field strength. May be shown.
[0067]
● Filtering setting / cancellation processing (fifth example)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a fifth example of the filtering setting / cancellation process S603, in which a connection-type communication protocol such as TCP / IP is used as the communication protocol.
[0068]
The analysis unit 509 determines whether or not the input received frame is a TCP / IP connection request frame (S1701). If the input reception frame is a connection request frame, the analysis unit 509 obtains a source IP address from the received frame and sets filtering. (S1702). If it is not a connection request frame, it is determined whether or not the received frame is a TCP / IP disconnection request frame (S1703). If it is not a disconnection request frame, the process returns to step S1701. The state is released to the initial state (S1704).
[0069]
According to the processing shown in FIG. 11, when a connection-type communication protocol such as TCP / IP is used as the communication protocol, the analysis unit 509 determines connection / disconnection of the line and sets the filter 507, so that the line is connected. In this case, a device that performs filtering can be easily configured. The TCP / IP processing is performed by the control unit 505. It is also possible to make the MAC 508 monitor the free space of the memory 504 and, when the free space of the memory is small, return no reception response so as not to perform reception.
[0070]
[Second embodiment]
Hereinafter, the communication device and processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0071]
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a data frame handled by the communication device according to the second embodiment. The difference from the data frame shown in FIG. 3 is that a data identification flag 713 indicating whether the data 714 is control data or print data is included in the data section 704. Note that the data identification flag 713 is added in the host 103 that generates the data frame.
[0072]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data reception process performed by the printer.
[0073]
The data transmitted from the host 103 is wirelessly transmitted to the printer via the relay device 101. The wireless section 502 of the printer receives and demodulates the wirelessly transmitted data to obtain digital data (S801). In the reception processing S801, the wireless unit 502 performs necessary processing such as connection establishment, disconnection, and reception response according to the protocol used for transmission and reception.
[0074]
Subsequently, the wireless unit 502 performs filtering setting / cancellation of the digitized received data according to the setting (S802), acquires only the data 714 excluding the data type flag 713 from the received data, and prints the data 714 on the printing unit 503. To cause the printing unit 503 to execute printing or perform a predetermined operation (S803).
[0075]
● Filtering setting / cancellation processing (first example)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating details of the filtering setting / cancellation process S802 performed by the analysis unit 509.
[0076]
The analysis unit 509 determines the data identification flag 713 of the received frame (S1801). If it is '1' (indicating print data), it determines whether filtering has been set (S1802). The filtering is performed by the filter 507 (S1803). If filtering has not been set, the source IP address of the received frame is set in the filter 507 (S1804), and the timer 510 starts counting time (S1805).
[0077]
Subsequently, the analysis unit 509 determines the reception state of the frame (S1806, S1807). If the frame is received before the predetermined time has elapsed, the process returns to step S1801. When the time has elapsed, the filtering is released to the initial state (S1808), and the timer 510 stops counting time (S1809).
[0078]
If the data identification flag is '0' (indicating control data), it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed (S1810). If not, the process returns to step S1801. The filtering is released to the initial state (S1808), and the time measurement by the timer 510 is stopped (S1809).
[0079]
Although the example in which the source IP address is set in the filter 507 has been described, the source port number may be set in addition to the IP address. Further, filtering may be performed according to other information for identifying the transmission source, such as using the MAC address of the transmission source instead of the IP address.
[0080]
● Filtering setting / cancellation processing (second example)
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of the filtering setting / cancellation process S802.
[0081]
The analysis unit 509 determines the data identification flag 713 of the received frame (S1901). If it is “1” (indicating print data), it determines whether filtering has been set (S1902). The filtering is performed by the filter 507 (S1903). If filtering is not set, the received field strength of the frame is compared with the threshold (S1904). If the threshold is smaller than the field strength, the source IP address of the received frame is set in the filter 507 (S1905). The timer 510 starts counting time (S1906). If threshold ≧ electric field strength, the process returns to step S1901.
[0082]
Subsequently, the analysis unit 509 determines the reception state of the frame (S1907, S1908). If the frame has been received before the predetermined time has elapsed, the process returns to step S1901, and the predetermined time is returned without receiving the frame. If the time has elapsed, the filtering is released to the initial state (S1909), and the timer 510 stops counting time (S1910).
[0083]
If the data identification flag is '0' (indicating control data), it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed (S1911). If not, the process returns to step S1901. The filtering is released to the initial state (S1909), and the time measurement by the timer 510 is stopped (S1910).
[0084]
According to the processing illustrated in FIG. 15, filtering is not set and printing is not started unless a frame whose data type flag 713 is “1” is received with an electric field strength equal to or greater than the threshold. Therefore, by appropriately setting the threshold value in accordance with the noise of the installation environment of the printer, it is possible to prevent a problem that data to be printed is interrupted due to noise or the like existing on the wireless communication path and printing is stopped.
[0085]
● Filtering setting / cancellation processing (third example)
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a third example of the filtering setting / cancellation process S802.
[0086]
The analysis unit 509 determines the data identification flag 713 of the received frame (S2001), and if “1” (indicates print data), determines whether filtering has been set (S2002). It causes the filter 507 to execute the filtering (S2003). If filtering is not set, the received field strength of the frame is compared with the threshold (S2004). If the threshold is smaller than the field strength, the source IP address of the received frame is set in the filter 507 (S2005). The timer 510 starts counting time (S2006), and sets a time corresponding to the received electric field strength of the frame (S2007). If threshold ≧ electric field strength, the process returns to step S2001.
[0087]
Subsequently, the analysis unit 509 determines the reception state of the frame (S2008, S2009). If the frame is received before the set time has elapsed, the process returns to step S2001, and the set time is received without receiving the frame. If the time has elapsed, the filtering is canceled to set the initial state (S2010), and the timer 510 stops counting time (S2011).
[0088]
If the data identification flag is '0' (indicating control data), it is determined whether the set time has elapsed (S2012). If not, the process returns to step S2001. The filtering is released to the initial state (S2010), and the time measurement by the timer 510 is stopped (S2011).
[0089]
According to the processing shown in FIG. 16, in addition to the processing shown in FIG. 15, the filtering is returned to the initial state based on the elapse of the time set according to the received electric field strength of the frame, so that a new printing start can be accepted. .
[0090]
For example, the reception electric field strength is not sufficiently higher than the threshold value (the state of the wireless transmission path between the host 103, the relay device 101 and the printer is bad, the host 103 is located far from the relay device 101, and the position is far from the relay device 101). If a long time is set in such a case (for example, if there is a printer), control data indicating the end of printing is waited for a long time, so that the possibility of terminating printing normally can be increased.
[0091]
If a short time is set when the reception electric field strength is sufficiently higher than the threshold value, the filtering is returned to the initial state in a short time when the control data indicating the end of printing cannot be received due to a failure of the host 103 or the relay apparatus 101. Thus, it is possible to prevent the stopping time of the printer from becoming uselessly long. Further, when the reception electric field intensity is close to the threshold value and there is a high possibility that control data indicating the end of printing cannot be received, it is effective to set a short time. In other words, the relationship between the electric field strength and the set time is such that the set time is increased as the received electric field strength decreases from strong to weak, and the set time is shortened according to the electric field strength when the received electric field strength becomes weaker than a certain received electric field strength. May be shown.
[0092]
Further, the control unit 505 may monitor the free space of the memory 504 and, when the free space of the memory 504 is small, perform no reception, that is, return no reception response.
[0093]
[Third embodiment]
Hereinafter, the communication device and processing according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0094]
FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a relay device according to the third embodiment. This relay device has the same function as the relay device 101 shown in FIG.
[0095]
The bus 901 interconnects the functional units and enables data exchange between the functional units. The wireless unit 902 transmits and receives data to and from the host 103 and the printer 102 by wireless communication. The memory 903 includes a non-volatile memory that stores data such as a program executed by the relay device and an initial setting value, and a volatile memory that is used for temporary data storage and a calculation area. The control unit 904 executes a program stored in the memory 903, and controls each functional unit connected to the bus 901.
[0096]
The transceiver 905 of the radio unit 902 demodulates the received signal according to a predetermined communication method to extract digital data, and wirelessly transmits a signal obtained by modulating input digital data according to a predetermined communication method. Further, transceiver 905 outputs the received electric field strength to analysis section 908. The filter 906 filters a frame input from the transceiver 905 according to the setting by the analysis unit 908. The MAC 907 adds / deletes header information, which is a bit string necessary for transmission / reception of digital data, to / from digital data and generates a predetermined control frame according to the setting of the analysis unit 908.
[0097]
The analysis unit 908 understands at least a part of the print command of the printer 102 to which the received frame is transmitted, analyzes the input data, and sets the filter 906. The AP function unit 909 cooperates with the MAC 907 to generate a control frame to be transmitted to each host 103 wirelessly connected to the relay device, such as a transmission request frame for requesting transmission of a data frame, according to a protocol. The timer 910 supplies time information to the analysis unit 908.
[0098]
Under the control of the control unit 904, the above-described functional units cooperate to execute the processing described below.
[0099]
[Relay processing]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data relay process performed by the relay device.
[0100]
The wireless unit 902 of the relay device receives and demodulates the data transmitted from the host 103 to obtain digital data (S1001). In the reception processing S1001, the wireless unit 902 performs necessary processing such as connection establishment, disconnection, and reception response according to the protocol used for transmission and reception.
[0101]
Subsequently, the wireless unit 902 filters the digitized received data according to the setting (S1002). Although details of the filtering will be described later, the filtering is to delete a frame received from a source other than the set IP address. The default setting for filtering is "no filtering", and data received before filtering is set is not filtered.
[0102]
Next, the wireless unit 902 analyzes the data not deleted by the filtering, and as a result, finds a frame including a command to set or cancel the filtering, and sets or cancels the filtering (S1003). Of course, if the frame does not need to set or cancel the filtering, nothing is done.
[0103]
Next, the wireless unit 902 advances the processing to the retransmission processing S1005 when the received frame includes the print command and / or the control command in a state where the filtering is set, and proceeds to the reception processing S601 when the above-described condition is not satisfied. (S1004).
[0104]
If the received frame includes a print command and / or a control command, the wireless unit 902 changes the data link layer header unit 301 of the received frame, and performs wireless transmission again (S1005).
[0105]
The filtering setting / cancellation processing S1003 performed by the analysis unit 908 is the same as the processing described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0106]
[Fourth embodiment]
Hereinafter, a communication device and processing according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0107]
The relay device according to the fourth embodiment filters data communication using the data frame configuration illustrated in FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a data reception process performed by the relay device according to the fourth embodiment.
[0108]
The wireless unit 902 of the relay device 101 receives and demodulates the data transmitted from the host 103 to obtain digital data (S1101). In the reception processing S1101, the wireless unit 902 performs necessary processing such as connection establishment, disconnection, and reception response according to the protocol used for transmission and reception.
[0109]
Subsequently, the wireless unit 902 performs filtering setting / cancellation of the digitized received data according to the setting (S1102), changes the data link layer header unit 301 of the received frame, and performs wireless transmission again (S1103).
[0110]
The filtering setting / cancellation processing S1102 performed by the analysis unit 908 is the same as the processing described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16 described above, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0111]
[Fifth Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a communication device and processing according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fifth embodiment, the same components as those in the first to fourth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0112]
FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printer according to the fifth embodiment. This printer has the same functions as those of the network printer 102 shown in FIG. 1 and further has the functions of the relay device 101, and can directly communicate with the host 103.
[0113]
The bus 1201 interconnects the functional units and enables data exchange between the functional units. Data is transmitted and received by wireless communication with the wireless unit 1202, the relay device 101, the printer 102, the host 103, and the like, and the received data is stored in the memory 1204.
[0114]
The printing unit 1203 executes printing based on the input print data, or performs processing corresponding to the input control data. The memory 1204 includes a non-volatile memory for storing data such as a program executed by the printer and initial setting values, and a volatile memory used for temporary data storage and a calculation area. The control unit 1205 executes a program stored in the memory 1204 and controls each functional unit connected to the bus 1201.
[0115]
In addition, transceiver 1206 of radio section 1202 demodulates the received signal according to a predetermined communication method to extract digital data, and wirelessly transmits a signal obtained by modulating input digital data according to a predetermined communication method. Further, transceiver 1206 outputs the received electric field strength to analysis section 1208. The MAC 1207 adds / deletes header information, which is a bit string necessary for transmission / reception of digital data, to / from digital data and generates a predetermined control frame according to the setting of the analysis unit 1208.
[0116]
The analysis unit 1208 analyzes the input data by interpreting at least a part of the print command executed by the printing unit 1203, and sets the host 103 on which the MAC 1207 performs polling. The AP function unit 1209 cooperates with the MAC 1207 to generate a control frame to be transmitted to each host 103 wirelessly connected to the relay device, such as a transmission request frame for requesting transmission of a data frame, according to a protocol. The timer 1210 supplies time information to the analysis unit 1208.
[0117]
Under the control of the control unit 1205, the above-described functional units cooperate to execute the processing described below.
[0118]
[Data reception processing]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data reception process performed by the printer.
[0119]
The data transmitted from the host 103 is wirelessly transmitted to the printer via the relay device 101. The printer radio 1202 receives and demodulates the data transmitted wirelessly to obtain digital data (S2101). In the reception processing S2101, the wireless unit 1202 performs necessary processing such as polling, connection establishment, disconnection, and reception response for the connected host 103 according to a protocol used for transmission and reception.
[0120]
Subsequently, the radio unit 1202 analyzes the received frame, and as a result, if the received frame includes a command to set or cancel polling, sets / cancels polling. Of course, if the frame does not include a command related to polling, nothing is performed (S2102).
[0121]
Next, when the received frame includes a print command and / or a control command to be sent to the printing unit 1203 with the polling set, the wireless unit 1202 extracts only the data portion from the received frame and sends it to the printing unit 1203. . If the above condition is not satisfied, the process returns to the receiving process S2101 (S2103).
[0122]
The printing unit 1203 executes printing or a predetermined operation according to the data received from the wireless unit 1202 (S2104).
[0123]
● Polling setting / cancellation processing (first example)
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating details of the polling setting / cancellation process S2102 performed by the analysis unit 1208.
[0124]
The analysis unit 1208 determines whether or not the input received frame includes a print start command (S2201), and if so, acquires the source IP address from the received frame and sends it only to the host 103 having the acquired IP address. It is set to perform polling (called polling concentration) (S2202).
[0125]
If the received frame does not include the print start command, the analysis unit 1208 determines whether the received frame includes a print end command (S2203). ).
[0126]
Although the example in which the polling concentration is set based on the IP address of the transmission source has been described, the MAC address of the transmission source may be used instead of the IP address.
[0127]
● Polling setting / cancellation processing (second example)
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of the polling setting / releasing process S2102.
[0128]
The analysis unit 1208 determines whether the input received frame includes a print start command (S2301), and if so, compares the received electric field strength of the frame with a threshold (S2302). The source IP address is acquired from the received frame, and the polling concentration is set based on the acquired IP address (S2303). If threshold ≧ electric field strength, the process returns to step S2301.
[0129]
If the received frame does not include the print start command, the analysis unit 1208 determines whether the received frame includes the print end command (S2304). If the received frame includes the received frame, the polling concentration is released and the initial state is set (S2305). ).
[0130]
According to the processing shown in FIG. 23, unless a frame including a print start command is received with an electric field strength equal to or higher than the threshold, no polling concentration is set and printing is not started. Therefore, by appropriately setting the threshold value in accordance with the noise of the installation environment of the printer, it is possible to prevent a problem that data to be printed is interrupted due to noise or the like existing on the wireless communication path and printing is stopped.
[0131]
● Polling setting / cancellation processing (third example)
FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a third example of the polling setting / cancellation process S2102.
[0132]
The analysis unit 1208 determines whether the input received frame includes a print start command (S2401), and if so, obtains the source IP address from the received frame and sets the polling concentration based on the obtained IP address. (S2402). Then, time measurement by the timer 1210 is started (S2403).
[0133]
If the received frame does not include the print start command, the analysis unit 1208 determines whether or not the received frame includes the print end command (S2404). Then, the counting by the timer 1210 is stopped (S2408).
[0134]
After setting the polling concentration, the frame reception state is determined (S2405, S2406). If the frame is received before the predetermined time elapses, the process returns to step S2401, and the frame is received for a predetermined time. When the time has elapsed, the polling concentration is released to set the initial state (S2407), and the timer 1210 stops counting time (S2408).
[0135]
According to the processing shown in FIG. 24, even if a print end command cannot be received due to noise on the wireless communication path or a failure of the transmission source host 103 or the relay device 101, the polling concentration is initialized after a predetermined time has elapsed. Since the printer returns to the state, a new print start command can be accepted.
[0136]
● Polling setting / cancellation processing (fourth example)
FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth example of the polling setting / releasing process S2102.
[0137]
The analysis unit 1208 determines whether the input received frame includes a print start command (S2501), and if so, obtains the source IP address from the received frame and sets the polling concentration based on the obtained IP address. (S2502). Then, time measurement by the timer 1210 is started (S2503), and a time corresponding to the received field strength of the frame is set (S2504).
[0138]
If the received frame does not include the print start command, the analyzing unit 1208 determines whether the received frame includes the print end command (S2505). If the received frame includes the print start command, the polling concentration is released and the initial state is set (S2508). Then, the counting by the timer 1210 is stopped (S2509).
[0139]
After setting the polling concentration, the frame reception state is determined (S2506, S2507). If the frame is received before the set time has elapsed, the process returns to step S2501, and the set time is set without receiving the frame. When the time has elapsed, the polling concentration is released to set the initial state (S2508), and the timer 1210 stops counting time (S2509).
[0140]
According to the processing shown in FIG. 25, in addition to the processing shown in FIG. 24, the polling concentration is returned to the initial state based on the elapse of the time set according to the reception electric field strength of the frame. Can be.
[0141]
For example, the received electric field strength is low (the state of the wireless transmission path between the host 103, the relay device 101 and the printer is poor, the host 103 is located far from the relay device 101, the printer is located far from the relay device 101, etc.). If a long time is set in the case, the printing end command is waited for a long time, so that the possibility of terminating printing normally can be increased.
[0142]
If a short time is set when the received electric field strength is high, if the print end command cannot be received due to a failure of the host 103 or the relay device 101, the polling concentration is returned to the initial state in a short time, and the printer is stopped. Time can be prevented from becoming uselessly long. Further, when the reception electric field strength is low and there is a high possibility that the print end command cannot be received, it is effective to set a short time. In other words, the relationship between the electric field strength and the set time is such that the set time is increased as the received electric field strength decreases from strong to weak, and the set time is shortened according to the electric field strength when the received electric field strength becomes weaker than a certain received electric field strength. May be shown.
[0143]
● Polling setting / cancellation processing (fifth example)
FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a fifth example of the polling setting / cancellation process S2102, in which a connection-type communication protocol such as TCP / IP is used as the communication protocol.
[0144]
The analysis unit 1208 determines whether or not the input received frame is a TCP / IP connection request frame (S2601). If the input reception frame is a connection request frame, the analysis unit 1208 obtains the source IP address from the received frame and sets the polling concentration. (S2602). If it is not a connection request frame, it is determined whether or not the received frame is a TCP / IP disconnection request frame (S2603). If it is not a disconnection request frame, the process returns to step S2601. Is released to bring it to the initial state (S2604).
[0145]
According to the processing shown in FIG. 26, when the connection-type communication protocol such as TCP / IP is used as the communication protocol, the analysis unit 1208 determines connection and disconnection of the line and sets the polling concentration. During this time, a device that performs polling concentration can be easily configured. The control unit 1205 performs the TCP / IP processing. It is also possible to have the AP function unit 1209 monitor the free space in the memory 1204 and, if the free space in the memory is small, return no reception response so as not to perform reception.
[0146]
[Sixth Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the communication device and processing according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the sixth embodiment, the same components as those in the first to fifth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0147]
The printer according to the sixth embodiment performs data communication using the data frame configuration shown in FIG.
[0148]
● Polling setting / cancellation processing (first example)
FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating details of the polling setting / cancellation process S2102 performed by the analysis unit 1208.
[0149]
The analysis unit 1208 determines the data identification flag 713 of the received frame (S2701). If it is “1” (indicating print data), it determines whether polling concentration has been set (S2702). Sets the polling concentration based on the IP address of the source of the received frame (S2704), and starts time measurement by the timer 1210 (S2705).
[0150]
Subsequently, the analyzing unit 1208 determines the reception state of the frame (S2706, S2707). If the frame is received before the predetermined time has elapsed, the process returns to step S2701. If the time has elapsed, the polling concentration is released to the initial state (S2708), and the time measurement by the timer 1210 is stopped (S2709).
[0151]
If the data identification flag is '0' (indicating control data), it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed (S2710). If not, the process returns to step S2701. The polling concentration is released to the initial state (S2708), and the timer 1210 stops counting time (S2709).
[0152]
Although the example in which the polling concentration is set based on the IP address of the transmission source has been described, the MAC address of the transmission source may be used instead of the IP address.
[0153]
● Polling setting / cancellation processing (second example)
FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating details of the polling setting / cancellation process S2102 performed by the analysis unit 1208.
[0154]
The analysis unit 1208 determines the data identification flag 713 of the received frame (S2801). If it is '1' (indicating print data), it determines whether polling concentration has been set (S2802). Compares the received electric field strength of the frame with the threshold value (S2804), and if the threshold value is smaller than the electric field strength, sets the polling concentration based on the IP address of the transmission source of the received frame (S2805), and starts time measurement by the timer 1210. (S2806). If threshold ≧ electric field strength, the process returns to step S2801.
[0155]
Subsequently, the analyzing unit 1208 determines the reception state of the frame (S2807, S2808). If the frame is received before the predetermined time has elapsed, the process returns to step S2801 and the predetermined time is returned without receiving the frame. When the time has elapsed, the polling concentration is released to the initial state (S2809), and the time measurement by the timer 1210 is stopped (S2810).
[0156]
If the data identification flag is '0' (indicating control data), it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed (S2811). If not, the process returns to step S2801. The polling concentration is canceled to set the initial state (S2809), and the counting by the timer 1210 is stopped (S2810).
[0157]
According to the processing illustrated in FIG. 28, unless a frame with the data type flag 713 of “1” is received with an electric field strength equal to or greater than the threshold, no polling concentration is set and printing is not started. Therefore, by appropriately setting the threshold value in accordance with the noise of the installation environment of the printer, it is possible to prevent a problem that data to be printed is interrupted due to noise or the like existing on the wireless communication path and printing is stopped.
[0158]
● Polling setting / cancellation processing (third example)
FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating details of the polling setting / cancellation process S2102 performed by the analysis unit 1208.
[0159]
The analysis unit 1208 determines the data identification flag 713 of the received frame (S2901). If it is “1” (indicating print data), it determines whether polling concentration has been set (S2902). Compares the received electric field strength of the frame with the threshold value (S2904), and if the threshold value is smaller than the electric field strength, sets the polling concentration based on the IP address of the transmission source of the received frame (S2905), and starts time measurement by the timer 1210. (S2906), a time corresponding to the received field strength of the frame is set (S2907). If threshold ≧ field strength, the process returns to step S2901.
[0160]
Subsequently, the analysis unit 1208 determines the reception state of the frame (S2908, S2909). If the frame is received before the set time has elapsed, the process returns to step S2901, and the set time is received without receiving the frame. If the time has elapsed, the polling concentration is released to set the initial state (S2910), and the timer 1210 stops counting time (S2911).
[0161]
If the data identification flag is '0' (indicating control data), it is determined whether the set time has elapsed (S2912). If not, the process returns to step S2901. The filtering is released to the initial state (S2910), and the time measurement by the timer 1210 is stopped (S2911).
[0162]
According to the processing shown in FIG. 29, in addition to the processing shown in FIG. 28, the polling concentration is returned to the initial state based on the elapse of the time set according to the reception electric field strength of the frame. it can.
[0163]
For example, the reception electric field strength is not sufficiently higher than the threshold value (the state of the wireless transmission path between the host 103, the relay device 101 and the printer is bad, the host 103 is located far from the relay device 101, and the position is far from the relay device 101). If a long time is set in such a case (for example, if there is a printer), control data indicating the end of printing is waited for a long time, so that the possibility of terminating printing normally can be increased.
[0164]
If a short time is set when the reception electric field strength is sufficiently higher than the threshold value, the polling concentration is set to the initial state in a short time, for example, when control data indicating the end of printing cannot be received due to a failure of the host 103 or the relay apparatus 101. By returning, it is possible to prevent the stoppage time of the printer from becoming uselessly long. Further, when the reception electric field intensity is close to the threshold value and there is a high possibility that control data indicating the end of printing cannot be received, it is effective to set a short time. In other words, the relationship between the electric field strength and the set time is such that the set time is increased as the received electric field strength decreases from strong to weak, and the set time is shortened according to the electric field strength when the received electric field strength becomes weaker than a certain received electric field strength. May be shown.
[0165]
Furthermore, the AP function unit 1209 may monitor the free space of the memory 1204 and, when the free space of the memory 1204 is small, do not perform reception, that is, do not return a reception response.
[0166]
[Modification]
In the above description, the printer having both the function of the relay apparatus 101 and the function of the printer 102 has been described. However, the relay apparatus having the above-described polling concentration function can be easily configured. Although the above description has been made based on wireless communication, a similar configuration can be easily achieved using wired communication.
[0167]
[Other embodiments]
The present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), but may be a device including one device (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, etc.). May be applied.
[0168]
Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or a recording medium) in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or a CPU or a CPU) of the system or the apparatus. Needless to say, the present invention can also be achieved by an MPU) reading and executing a program code stored in a storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0169]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function of the program is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU included in the expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.
[0170]
When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above.
[0171]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, data sent in any order can be easily processed at low cost for each transmission source.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a network.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating data frames transmitted and received between a host and a relay device and between a relay device and a printer.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating data reception processing in the printer.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printer according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data reception process performed by the printer.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating details of filtering setting / cancellation processing performed by the analysis unit;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating details of filtering setting / cancellation processing performed by an analysis unit;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating details of filtering setting / cancellation processing performed by the analysis unit;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating details of filtering setting / cancellation processing performed by the analysis unit;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating details of filtering setting / cancellation processing performed by the analysis unit;
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a data frame handled by the communication device according to the second embodiment;
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data reception process performed by the printer.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating details of filtering setting / cancellation processing performed by the analysis unit;
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating details of filtering setting / cancellation processing performed by the analysis unit;
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating details of filtering setting / cancellation processing performed by the analysis unit;
FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a relay device according to a third embodiment;
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of data relay processing executed by the relay device.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a data reception process performed by the relay device according to the fourth embodiment;
FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printer according to a fifth embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data reception process performed by the printer.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating details of a polling setting / cancellation process performed by an analysis unit;
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating details of a polling setting / cancellation process performed by an analysis unit;
FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating details of a polling setting / cancellation process performed by an analysis unit;
FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating details of a polling setting / cancellation process performed by the analysis unit;
FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating details of a polling setting / cancellation process performed by an analysis unit;
FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating details of a polling setting / cancellation process performed by the analysis unit according to the sixth embodiment;
FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating details of a polling setting / cancellation process performed by the analysis unit;
FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating details of a polling setting / cancellation process performed by an analysis unit.

Claims (24)

Receiving means for receiving wirelessly transmitted data;
Setting means for setting filtering for selecting received data based on the received data. Further, a transceiver that receives wirelessly transmitted data, converts the received data into a bit string reception frame, generates wireless data, and wirelessly transmits the data by a predetermined method,
A MAC that generates wireless data to be transmitted according to a predetermined protocol and obtains received data from a received frame;
2. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a filter that selects a received frame and deletes an unselected received frame according to the filtering setting of the setting unit. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the setting unit sets the filtering when a predetermined bit string is included in a received frame. The setting unit sets the filtering based on an address indicating the source of the received frame when the first bit string is included in the received frame, and sets the filtering when the second bit string is included. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the communication device is released. The communication device according to claim 4, wherein the first bit string is a command indicating printing start, and the second bit string is a command indicating printing end. The setting means, wherein a predetermined bit string is included in the received frame, and when the received electric field strength of the received frame is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold, the filtering is set based on an address indicating a source of the received frame. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein: 7. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein the setting unit cancels the filtering when a new frame is not received for a predetermined time after setting the filtering. . After setting the filtering, the setting unit sets a time based on the received electric field strength of a received frame at the time of the setting, and sets the time, and when no new frame is received, cancels the filtering. The communication device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the setting unit sets the filtering when a received frame is a predetermined frame. The communication device according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined frame is a frame in which a flag provided at a predetermined bit position in the frame indicates a predetermined value. A communication unit that receives wirelessly transmitted data, converts the data into a bit string reception frame, generates wireless data, and wirelessly transmits the data by a predetermined method;
A MAC that generates wireless data to be transmitted according to a predetermined protocol and obtains received data from a received frame;
Setting means for causing the MAC to generate a predetermined transmission request frame based on the frame received by the communication means. The communication device according to claim 11, wherein the other communication device that has received the transmission request frame wirelessly transmits data to be transmitted. 13. The communication apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the setting unit causes the MAC to generate the transmission request frame when a predetermined bit string is included in a received frame. When the received frame includes the first bit string, the setting unit sets the MAC to transmit the transmission request frame to the communication device corresponding to the address indicating the transmission source of the received frame, 13. The communication device according to claim 11, wherein the MAC is set so as to transmit a transmission request frame to an arbitrary communication device when the bit sequence of the MAC is included. The predetermined protocol is for establishing a connection by exchanging predetermined frames before transmitting and receiving wireless data, wherein the first bit string is a command indicating printing start, and the second bit string is indicating printing end. The communication device according to claim 14, wherein the communication device is a command. The setting unit transmits the transmission request frame to the communication device corresponding to the address indicating the transmission source of the reception frame when the reception frame includes the predetermined bit string and the reception electric field strength of the reception frame is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold. The communication device according to claim 11, wherein the MAC is set to perform the communication. The setting unit, after setting the MAC to transmit the transmission request frame to a communication device corresponding to the address indicating the transmission source of the reception frame, after a predetermined time, if a new frame is not received, the 17. The communication device according to claim 14, wherein the setting of the MAC is canceled. The setting unit sets the MAC so as to transmit the transmission request frame to the communication device corresponding to the address indicating the transmission source of the reception frame, and then sets the time based on the reception electric field strength of the reception frame at the time of the setting. 17. The communication device according to claim 14, wherein the setting of the MAC is canceled when a new frame is not received for the set time. 19. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a printing unit that performs printing based on the received data. 19. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a relay unit that relays the received data to another communication device. Receiving wirelessly transmitted data,
A communication method comprising setting filtering for selecting received data based on received data. Communication means for receiving wirelessly transmitted data, converting the received data into a bit string reception frame, generating wireless data and transmitting wirelessly by a predetermined method, and generating wireless data to be transmitted according to a predetermined protocol; A method for controlling a communication device having a MAC that obtains received data from a communication device,
A control method comprising: causing the MAC to generate a predetermined transmission request frame based on a frame received by the communication unit. 23. A program for controlling a communication device to realize the processing according to claim 21 or 22. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 23 is recorded.

Images