JP2012004957A - Communication apparatus and communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a user burden concerning a change operation of a device setting of a communication apparatus provided for an information processor to perform radio communication.SOLUTION: A CPU part 10 of an Ethernet converter 1, when receiving communication packets by an Ethernet I/F part 13, determines that a MAC address of a destination of the communication packets corresponds with a common MAC address, and when a content of the communication packets is determined as update data (including a case of setting data) of device setting information, updates the device setting information in a non-volatile memory part 12 according to the update data, and transmits as a response the data of the current device setting information after updating to an information processor 2, a transmission source, by the Ethernet I/F part 13.

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device and a communication system.

For example, in a wireless local area network (LAN), an access point (device for connecting devices via a wireless LAN) or a bridge (wireless LAN and Ethernet (registered trademark) bridge) In communication devices (also called “wireless LAN devices” and “wireless communication devices”) including Ethernet converters (devices specialized for wireless access point functions) that perform relay devices), personal computers (PCs), printers, copying machines Various parameters related to wireless LAN (for example, ESSID, 802.11a / g, etc.) and encryption settings to establish a wireless connection with an information processing apparatus including a multifunction peripheral (MFP) (abbreviated as “MFP”) Device settings (also called “device settings”) Cormorants there is a need.
In order to perform these device settings, the communication device has a built-in Web server in advance and selects the IP address of the communication device from the information processing device having a user interface (hereinafter abbreviated as “UI”). 2. Description of the Related Art A technique for performing device setting of a communication device on a web (Web) browser is known.

However, when selecting the IP address of the communication device from the information processing device and setting the device on the web browser, first, setting the IP address and setting the subnet mask so that communication can be performed between the information processing device and the communication device. Need to do.
Incidentally, some IP address is set in the communication device in the initial state.
Therefore, when setting the communication device for the first time, it is necessary to change the setting of the IP address of the information processing device in accordance with the setting of the communication device.
For example, when an additional Ethernet converter is newly introduced in an environment where a network has already been constructed, the following three procedures have to be taken, which is very troublesome.
1: Match the address setting of the information processing device to the initial setting of the Ethernet converter and connect to the Ethernet converter.
2: Change the IP address etc. of the Ethernet converter according to the settings of the existing network.
3: Return the IP address of the information processing apparatus to the original one.

  Therefore, conventionally, there is a function that can switch between two operation modes, that is, an operation mode in which device settings can be changed and an operation mode in which normal data transmission / reception is performed. When an arbitrary URI is entered on the browser and the PC sends a name resolution request to the DNS, an IP address that can be communicated with the PC is assigned to itself, regardless of the content of the name resolution request, and then the own IP address When a web server request with the above IP address is received from the PC after replying to the information, the IP address can be set by simply sending an arbitrary URI on the browser so that the PC can send a setting change form to the PC. There has been a communication device (see, for example, Patent Document 1) that can change device settings without being conscious of such settings.

However, in the conventional communication apparatus as described above, in the operation mode in which the apparatus setting is possible, it reacts to all DNS requests from the outside. There was a problem that the network would be adversely affected unless it was in a one-to-one communication state.
In addition, since the user must change to an operation mode in which the device setting can be changed for the communication device, the operation becomes complicated, and the user cannot change the device setting of the communication device with an easy operation. There was also a problem that the burden increased.
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to reduce a user burden on an operation for changing a device setting of a communication device provided for wireless communication with an information processing device.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides communication means for transmitting and receiving communication packets on a network, storage means for storing apparatus setting information of the own apparatus, and apparatus setting information stored in the storage means. In a communication apparatus provided with a setting means for setting, and assigned a first address unique to each model of the communication apparatus and a second address common to the model of the communication apparatus, the second address is addressed by the communication means. When the communication packet for the device setting information setting request is received, the communication unit transmits the device setting information stored in the storage unit to the transmission source of the communication packet, and the communication unit transmits the second packet. Is received by the setting means, the device stored in the storage means is stored in the storage means. It provides a communication apparatus provided with control means for the control for setting the setting content of the received device setting information to the setting information.

The control means may include means for executing the control only when the received communication packet includes a predetermined third address.
Furthermore, the control means may include means for executing the control only when the received communication packet includes identification information registered in advance.

A communication system comprising the communication device as described above and an information processing device that communicates with the communication device, wherein the control means is configured such that the control means is connected to the second information processing apparatus by the communication means. When the communication packet addressed to the address is received, the communication means notifies the information processing apparatus of the first address, and the information processing apparatus assigns the address of the information processing apparatus to the communication apparatus. It is preferable to have a changing means for changing to the first address received from.
Further, in the communication system as described above, when the connection to the network is detected to the information processing device, a communication packet of the setting request for the device setting information destined for the second address is transmitted in advance. When there is a response to the communication packet within a set fixed time, it is determined that the communication device is connected, and when there is no response to the communication packet after the predetermined time, the communication device is connected It is advisable to provide a judging means for judging that it is not done.
Furthermore, in the communication system as described above, the information processing apparatus may be provided with means for changing the predetermined time.

  The communication device according to the present invention can reduce a user's burden on an operation for changing a device setting of a communication device provided for wireless communication with an information processing device.

It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the Ethernet converter and information processing apparatus which are shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the network system which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart figure which shows the process which changes the apparatus setting of an Ethernet converter by the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing processing relating to determination of whether or not an Ethernet converter is connected in the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart figure which shows a process when the Ethernet converter shown in FIG. 1 receives a communication packet.

It is a flowchart figure which shows the other example of a process when the Ethernet converter shown in FIG. 1 receives a communication packet. It is a flowchart figure which shows another example of a process when the Ethernet converter shown in FIG. 1 receives a communication packet. It is a timing chart figure which shows the further another process example which changes the apparatus setting of an Ethernet converter with the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart figure which shows the other process which concerns on the judgment of the presence or absence of the connection of the Ethernet converter in the information processing apparatus shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
This communication system (also referred to as “network system”) is a communication system using Ethernet (registered trademark), and includes an information processing apparatus 2 to which an Ethernet converter 1 is connected by an Ethernet cable, a wireless LAN access point 3 and others. And a network 5 to which a large number of information processing apparatuses 4 are connected.
In FIG. 2, only one information processing apparatus 4 is shown, and the other illustrations are omitted.
The Ethernet converter 1 corresponds to the communication device according to the invention. For example, the Ethernet converter 1 is wirelessly connected to the wireless LAN access point 3 according to a wireless LAN standard including IEEE802.11a / g, and converts Ethernet data into wireless LAN data. It has a bridge function for converting LAN data into Ethernet data, and realizes wireless data communication of the information processing apparatus 2.

The information processing apparatus 2 is an apparatus including a PC, a printer, a copier, and a multifunction peripheral (MFP), and corresponds to the information processing apparatus of the invention.
On the other hand, in the network 5 using the TCP / IP protocol used in the network including the Internet and the company LAN, the wireless LAN access point 3 and the information processing apparatuses 4 including a plurality of PCs, printers, copiers, and MFPs are respectively provided. Connected with an Ethernet cable.
The wireless LAN access point 3 is a device that performs wireless communication with the Ethernet converter 1 and connects between the information processing devices 2 and 4 by a wireless LAN.
In this communication system, when the Ethernet converter 1 and the wireless LAN access point 3 perform wireless communication, the information processing apparatus 2 communicates wirelessly with each information processing apparatus 4 on the network 5 via the Ethernet converter 1. Can communicate.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the Ethernet converter 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 illustrated in FIG.
The Ethernet converter 1 includes a CPU unit 10, a RAM unit 11, a nonvolatile memory unit 12, an Ethernet interface (I / F) unit 13, a wireless LAN interface (LAN / I / F) unit 14, and an antenna unit 15.
The CPU unit 10 performs overall control of the Ethernet converter 1 and various data processing.
The RAM unit 11 is a storage device used for expanding the CPU unit 10 stored in the nonvolatile memory unit 12 and temporarily storing various calculation results during program execution.

The nonvolatile memory unit 12 includes a program executed by the CPU unit 10, various parameters related to the wireless LAN (for example, ESSID, 802.11a / g, etc.) for establishing a wireless connection with the information processing apparatus 2, a wireless LAN This is a storage device that stores and stores device setting information (also referred to as “device setting information”) of the Ethernet converter 1 including data encryption settings during communication.
The Ethernet I / F unit 13 has a function of inputting / outputting data to / from the information processing apparatus 2 via the Ethernet cable based on the Ethernet LAN standard.
The wireless LAN / I / F unit 14 has a wireless data transmission / reception function with the external wireless LAN access point 3 using the antenna unit 15 in accordance with, for example, standards including IEEE 802.11a / g.
In the Ethernet converter 1, the Ethernet I / F unit 13 functions as a communication unit of the invention, the non-volatile memory unit 12 functions as a storage unit of the invention, and the CPU unit 10 controls and changes the invention. Serves as a means.

On the other hand, the information processing apparatus 2 includes a control unit 20, an input unit 21, a display unit 22, and an Ethernet I / F unit 23.
The control unit 20 is realized by a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The control unit 20 controls the entire information processing apparatus 2 and also realizes functions according to the invention.
The input unit 21 is an input device including a keyboard and a pointing device, and the user inputs various operation information including input to a device setting screen of the Ethernet converter 1 described later.
The display unit 22 is a display device including an LCD, and displays various work screens to a user including a device setting screen of the Ethernet converter 1 described later.
The Ethernet I / F unit 23 inputs / outputs data to / from the Ethernet converter 1 via the Ethernet cable based on the Ethernet LAN standard.
In the information processing apparatus 2, the control unit 20 functions as a changing unit and a determining unit of the invention, and the control unit 20 and the input unit 21 function as a unit that changes a predetermined time of the invention.

Next, processing for changing the device setting of the Ethernet converter 1 by the information processing device 2 will be described.
In executing this processing, the Ethernet converter 1 stores the MAC address of the Ethernet converter 1 in advance in the nonvolatile memory unit 12.
This MAC address is a model-specific MAC address that does not overlap with another Ethernet converter (not shown), the wireless LAN access point 3, each information processing device 4, and all other devices that are not shown. 1 and the MAC address that is common to the models of the Ethernet converter 1 (corresponding to the second address of the invention, and hereinafter referred to as “common MAC address”) It consists of.
The Ethernet converter 1 stores an application program dedicated to setting the Ethernet converter 1 as a means for notifying the information processing apparatus 2 of a common MAC address.

Then, the Ethernet converter 1 notifies the information processing apparatus 2 in advance of the common MAC address of the Ethernet converter 1 by executing the application program dedicated to the setting.
Therefore, the common MAC address of the Ethernet converter 1 is known on the information processing apparatus 2.
Furthermore, the common MAC address is used only when setting the device of the Ethernet converter 1, and otherwise, a unique MAC address is used.
The device setting information set by the Ethernet converter 1 includes various setting information including the IP address of the Ethernet converter 1 and wireless encryption settings.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing processing for changing the device setting of the Ethernet converter 1 by the information processing device 2.
The information processing apparatus 2 opens the apparatus setting screen of the Ethernet converter 1 on the application (step (indicated by “S” in the figure) 1).
In the process of step 1, the control unit 20 in FIG. 1 opens a device setting screen that is a screen for setting (including changing) the device setting information of the Ethernet converter 1 from the input unit 21 by a user operation, and the display unit 22. Display the device setting screen.
Next, the information processing apparatus 2 transmits a request to the Ethernet converter 1 to a MAC address common to each model of the Ethernet converter 1 (step 2).
In the processing of step 2, the control unit 20 in FIG. 1 uses Ethernet to make a request (corresponding to the setting request for the device setting information of the invention) by using the Ethernet I / F unit 23 with the common MAC address on the Ethernet as the destination. Send) communication packet.

Next, when the Ethernet converter 1 receives the communication packet of the request addressed to the common MAC address, the data of the device setting screen and the data of the current device setting information (device setting information) are transmitted to the information processing device 2. Transmit (step 3).
In the process of step 3, when the CPU unit 10 in FIG. 1 receives a communication packet by the Ethernet I / F unit 13, it confirms that the destination of the communication packet is a common MAC address and is a request communication packet. The device setting screen data (for example, screen data to be displayed on the browser) and the current device setting information data (device setting information) stored in the nonvolatile memory unit 12 are read, and the device setting is performed by the Ethernet I / F unit 13. The screen data and the current device setting information data are transmitted to the information processing device 2.

Next, the information processing device 2 displays a device setting screen (step 4).
In the process of step 4, when the control unit 20 receives the data of the device setting screen and the data of the current device setting information by the Ethernet I / F unit 23, the control unit 20 displays the device setting screen on the display unit 22 based on each data. The current device setting information of the Ethernet converter 1 is displayed on the device setting screen.
Next, the information processing device 2 receives an input of a setting value on the application (step 5).
In the process of step 5, the control unit 20 receives an operation input and setting of device setting information on the device setting screen and an input for executing change from the input unit 21.

Next, the information processing device 2 transmits device setting information data to the Ethernet converter 1 (step 6).
In the process of step 6, when there is an operation input and setting on the device setting screen or an input of execution of change from the input unit 21, the control unit 20 causes the Ethernet I / F unit 23 to transmit device setting information data (device setting information). ) In the form of a communication packet destined for the common MAC address.
Next, the Ethernet converter 1 reflects the new device setting on its own device based on the data of the device setting information (step 7).
In the process of step 7, when the CPU unit 10 confirms that the destination of the communication packet received by the Ethernet I / F unit 13 is a common MAC address and is a communication packet of data of the device setting information, the nonvolatile memory The device setting information of the unit 12 is changed to the received device setting information.

Next, the Ethernet converter 1 transmits update data (data after reflecting the data of the device setting information) to the information processing device 2 (step 8).
In the process of step 8, the CPU unit 10 transmits the changed device setting information (update data) by the Ethernet I / F unit 13 to the information processing device 2 as a new setting value.
Next, the information processing apparatus 2 updates and displays the apparatus setting screen (step 9).
In the process of step 9, when the control unit 20 receives a new setting value of the Ethernet converter 1 by the Ethernet I / F unit 23, the control unit 20 updates and displays the contents of the device setting information on the device setting screen displayed on the display unit 22. .

Next, the information processing apparatus 2 accepts further input of setting values on the application (step 10).
Thus, by repeating the above-described processing, the user operating the information processing device 2 can change the value of the device setting information of the Ethernet converter 1 to the desired content without being conscious of the IP address information of the Ethernet converter 1. Can be easily changed.
Therefore, it is possible to reduce the work burden on the user for setting or changing the device setting information of the Ethernet converter 1.

Next, processing relating to determination of whether or not the Ethernet converter 1 is connected in the information processing apparatus 2 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing relating to determination of whether or not the Ethernet converter 1 is connected in the information processing apparatus 2.
The control unit 20 of the information processing device 2 opens the setting screen of the Ethernet converter 1 on the application (step 11), transmits a request with the MAC address common to each model as the destination (step 12), and Ethernet within a predetermined time. It is determined whether or not there is a response from the converter 1 (step 13). If there is a response, the process proceeds to the setting screen of the Ethernet converter 1 (step 14). If there is no response, it is determined that the Ethernet converter 1 is not connected (step 14). Step 15), this process is terminated.

In the process of step 11, the control unit 20 of FIG. 1 opens a device setting screen which is a screen for setting (including changing) the device setting information of the Ethernet converter 1 from the input unit 21 by a user operation, and the display unit 22. Display the device setting screen.
In the process of step 12, the control unit 20 in FIG. 1 transmits a request communication packet by using the Ethernet, with the Ethernet I / F unit 23 having a common MAC address as a destination on the Ethernet.
In the process of step 13, the control unit 20 in FIG. 1 determines whether or not there is a response to the communication packet from the Ethernet converter 1 within a preset predetermined time (for example, it may be stored in the nonvolatile memory unit 12). . When the data of the device setting screen and the data of the current device setting information are received as a response from the Ethernet converter 1 within the predetermined time, it is determined that the response has been received, and the process proceeds to step 14 and exceeds the predetermined time. If it is determined that there is no response from the Ethernet converter 1 and there is no response, the process proceeds to step 15.

In the process of step 14, the control unit 20 of FIG. 1 shifts to the apparatus setting screen of the Ethernet converter 1, and thereafter, setting (change) of the apparatus setting information of the Ethernet converter 1 is performed according to the processing content described with reference to FIG. Including).
Further, in the process of step 15, the control unit 20 in FIG. 1 determines that the Ethernet converter 1 is not connected, displays a message indicating that the user is not connected to the display unit 22, and notifies the message. After that, the process ends.

Next, processing when the Ethernet converter 1 receives a communication packet will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing when the Ethernet converter 1 receives a communication packet.
When the communication packet is received by the Ethernet I / F unit 13 (step 21), the CPU unit 10 refers to the destination MAC address of the communication packet (step 22), and the destination MAC address matches the common MAC address. (Step 23). If it is determined that the MAC address does not match the common MAC address (including the case where it is a unique MAC address), normal operation is performed (Step 27), and this process is terminated. To do.

The normal operation refers to data that can be used on the Ethernet when data is received from the wireless LAN / I / F unit 14, and data that can be used on the wireless LAN when data is received from the Ethernet I / F unit 13. This is a bridge operation that performs conversion.
On the other hand, if the CPU unit 10 determines in step 23 that the common MAC address matches, it determines whether or not the content of the communication packet is update data (including case of setting data) of the device setting information. If it is determined that the update data of the device setting information is updated (step 24), the device setting information is updated according to the update data (step 25), and the data of the updated current device setting information is transmitted to the information processing device as the transmission source. 2 as a response (step 26), and this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 24 that the data is not update data of the device setting information (when it is determined as a request), the CPU unit 10 transmits data for the device setting screen (including the current device setting information) ( Step 28), the data of the current device setting information is transmitted as a response to the transmission source information processing device 2 so that the device setting information can be changed from the transmission source information processing device 2 (step 26). This process ends.

In general, the network device (information processing apparatus 2 in this embodiment) knows the MAC address value of the communication partner (Ethernet converter 1 in this embodiment) by using some means of the IP address value of the communication partner. And then use a defined protocol called the ARP protocol.
However, in this embodiment, by assigning a common MAC address to the model in advance to the Ethernet converter 1 and setting the common MAC address in advance in the information processing device 2, the information processing device 2 does not perform the above operation. In addition, communication related to the device setting with the Ethernet converter 1 becomes possible.

Next, another process when the Ethernet converter 1 receives a communication packet will be described.
In addition to the MAC address common to the information processing device 2, an IP address for device setting (corresponding to the third address of the invention) is set in advance, and the Ethernet converter 1 performs communication including the two addresses. When a packet is received, the mode may be shifted to a device setting mode.
Therefore, an IP address (corresponding to a third address) for entering the device setting mode is assigned to the Ethernet converter 1 in advance in addition to the common MAC address for entering the device setting mode. The IP address (corresponding to the third address) is also notified to the information processing apparatus 2 through a dedicated application or the like, and is preset in the information processing apparatus 2.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another example of processing when the Ethernet converter 1 receives a communication packet.
When receiving the communication packet by the Ethernet I / F unit 13 (step 31), the CPU unit 10 refers to the destination MAC address of the communication packet (step 32), and the destination MAC address matches the common MAC address. (Step 33), if it is determined that the common MAC address does not match (including the case of a unique MAC address), normal operation is performed (step 39), and this process is terminated. To do.
The normal operation refers to data that can be used on the Ethernet when data is received from the wireless LAN / I / F unit 14, and data that can be used on the wireless LAN when data is received from the Ethernet I / F unit 13. This is a bridge operation that performs conversion.

On the other hand, if the CPU 10 determines in step 33 that the IP address matches the common MAC address, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the IP address (third address) registered in advance is included in the communication packet (step 3). 34) If it is not included, the received communication packet is discarded (step 38), and this process is terminated.
Further, when the IP address (third address) registered in advance is included in the communication packet, it is determined whether or not the content of the communication packet is update data of device setting information (including the case of setting data). If it is determined (step 35) and it is determined that the update data of the device setting information, the device setting information is updated according to the update data (step 36), and the data of the current device setting information after the update is processed as information processing of the transmission source A response is transmitted to the apparatus 2 (step 37), and this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 35 that the data is not the update data of the device setting information (when it is determined as a request), the CPU unit 10 transmits device setting screen data (including the current device setting information) ( Step 40), transmitting the data of the current device setting information as a response to the transmission source information processing device 2 so that the device setting information can be changed from the transmission source information processing device 2 (step 37). This process ends.

In this way, the Ethernet converter 1 adds the device setting IP address to the determination in addition to the common MAC address, thereby making it difficult to enter the device setting mode even when the common MAC address is used. be able to.
In addition, by adding the IP address to the determination, the present device setting information is not returned as a response to the transmission source information processing device 2 only by receiving a communication packet addressed to a common MAC address. When communication packets addressed to a common MAC address are received, unnecessary communication packets are not transmitted over the network, and the apparatus setting information is not easily transmitted to the outside, which improves security.

Next, another process when the Ethernet converter 1 receives a communication packet will be described.
Instead of the IP address, a vendor code (vendor ID, corresponding to the identification information of the invention) of the source MAC address may be used.
In Ethernet, a MAC address is expressed by a 48-bit signal, and is generally expressed in hexadecimal notation as aa-bb-cc-dd-ee-ff.
Therefore, the first 24 bits of the MAC address (the aa-bb-cc part) is a vendor ID, and the manufacturer can be specified from the value of the vendor ID.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing still another processing example when the Ethernet converter 1 receives a communication packet.
When receiving the communication packet by the Ethernet I / F unit 13 (step 51), the CPU unit 10 refers to the destination MAC address of the communication packet (step 52), and the destination MAC address matches the common MAC address. (Step 53). If it is determined that the MAC address does not match the common MAC address (including the case where the MAC address is unique), normal operation is performed (step 59), and this process is terminated. To do.
The normal operation refers to data that can be used on the Ethernet when data is received from the wireless LAN / I / F unit 14, and data that can be used on the wireless LAN when data is received from the Ethernet I / F unit 13. This is a bridge operation that performs conversion.

On the other hand, if the CPU 10 determines in step 53 that it matches the common MAC address, it determines whether or not the vendor ID (identification information) registered in advance is included in the communication packet (step 54). If not included, the received communication packet is discarded (step 58), and this process is terminated.
If the communication packet includes a pre-registered vendor ID (identification information), it is determined whether or not the content of the communication packet is update data of device setting information (including the case of setting data). (Step 55) When it is determined that the update data of the device setting information, the device setting information is updated according to the update data (Step 56), and the updated information of the current device setting information is transmitted to the information processing device 2 as the transmission source. As a response (step 57), and this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 55 that the data is not the update data of the device setting information (when it is determined as a request), the CPU unit 10 transmits data for the device setting screen (including the current device setting information) ( In step 60), the data of the current device setting information is transmitted as a response to the transmission source information processing device 2 so that the device setting information can be changed from the transmission source information processing device 2 (step 57). This process ends.

For example, when the information processing apparatus 2 is an embedded device such as an MFP, and the Ethernet converter 1 is set as an optional device, the embedded device such as an MFP knows in advance the common MAC address of the Ethernet converter 1. Can do.
Similarly, since the Ethernet converter 1 can be assumed to be an embedded device, the vendor ID of the MAC address of the connected device can be known in advance.
Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for the Ethernet converter 1 to enter the device setting mode by using the vendor ID for determining whether or not the device setting is possible.
Therefore, even when a communication packet addressed to a common MAC address is received unintentionally, an unnecessary communication packet is not transmitted on the network.
In addition, since the device setting information of the Ethernet converter 1 is not returned as a response simply by sending a communication packet to a common MAC address, security can be improved.

Next, still another processing example of changing the device setting of the Ethernet converter 1 by the information processing device 2 will be described.
When the Ethernet converter 1 receives a communication packet for a request addressed to a common MAC address, the current IP address of the device itself may be sent back.
The information processing device 2 is connected to the Ethernet converter 1 via Ethernet, and the information processing device 2 is installed with an application for changing the device settings of the Ethernet converter 1.
FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing still another example of processing for changing the device setting of the Ethernet converter 1 by the information processing device 2.
The information processing apparatus 2 opens the apparatus setting screen of the Ethernet converter on the application (step (indicated by “S” in the figure) 71).

In the process of step 71, the control unit 20 in FIG. 1 opens a device setting screen that is a screen for setting (including changing) the device setting information of the Ethernet converter 1 from the input unit 21 by the user's operation, and the display unit 22 Display the device setting screen.
Next, the information processing apparatus 2 transmits a request to the Ethernet converter 1 to a MAC address common to each model of the Ethernet converter 1 (step 72).
In the processing of step 72, the control unit 20 in FIG. 1 uses Ethernet to make a request (corresponding to a setting request for device setting information of the invention) by using the Ethernet I / F unit 23 with a common MAC address on the Ethernet as a destination. Send) communication packet.

Next, when the Ethernet converter 1 receives the communication packet of the request addressed to the common MAC address, the Ethernet converter 1 sends the IP address (corresponding to the first address) of the own Ethernet converter 1 and the subnet mask to the information processing apparatus 2. Is transmitted (step 73).
In the processing of step 73, when the CPU unit 10 of FIG. 1 receives a communication packet by the Ethernet I / F unit 13, it confirms that the destination of the communication packet is a common MAC address and is a request communication packet. Then, the information of the IP address (corresponding to the first address) and the subnet mask of the own Ethernet converter 1 stored in the nonvolatile memory unit 12 is read and transmitted to the information processing apparatus 2 by the Ethernet I / F unit 13.

Next, the information processing apparatus 2 temporarily rewrites its own IP address or the like temporarily to a setting value that allows communication with the Ethernet converter 1 based on the received information such as the IP address of the Ethernet converter 1. The request is transmitted to the IP address of the Ethernet converter 1 (step 74).
In the process of step 74, the control unit 20 of FIG. 1 uses Ethernet to make a request (setting request for setting device setting information of the invention) by using the Ethernet I / F unit 23 on the Ethernet with the IP address of the Ethernet converter 1 as the destination. Communication packet).

Next, when receiving the communication packet of the request addressed to the IP address, the Ethernet converter 1 transmits device setting screen data and current device setting information data (device setting information) to the information processing device 2. (Step 75).
In the processing of step 75, when the CPU unit 10 in FIG. 1 receives a communication packet by the Ethernet I / F unit 13, it confirms that the destination of the communication packet is the IP address of the own device and the request communication packet. Then, the device setting screen data (for example, screen data to be displayed on the browser) and the current device setting information data (device setting information) stored in the nonvolatile memory unit 12 are read, and the Ethernet I / F unit 13 performs the device reading. The setting screen data and the current device setting information data are transmitted to the information processing device 2.

Next, the information processing device 2 displays a device setting screen (step 76).
In the process of step 76, when the control unit 20 receives the data of the device setting screen and the data of the current device setting information by the Ethernet I / F unit 23, the control unit 20 displays the device setting screen on the display unit 22 based on each data. The current device setting information of the Ethernet converter 1 is displayed on the device setting screen.
Next, the information processing apparatus 2 receives an input of a setting value on the application (step 77).
In the process of step 77, the control unit 20 receives an operation input and setting of device setting information for the device setting screen and an input for executing change from the input unit 21.

Next, the information processing device 2 transmits device setting information data to the Ethernet converter 1 (step 78).
In the process of step 78, when there is an operation input and setting on the device setting screen and an input for executing change from the input unit 21, the control unit 20 causes the Ethernet I / F unit 23 to transmit device setting information data (device setting information). ) In the form of a communication packet destined for the common MAC address.
Next, the Ethernet converter 1 reflects the new device setting on its own device based on the operation setting information (step 79).
In the process of step 79, when the CPU unit 10 confirms that the destination of the communication packet received by the Ethernet I / F unit 13 is the IP address of the own device and the communication packet of the data of the device setting information, the non-volatile By changing the device setting information in the memory unit 12 to the received device setting information, the new device setting is reflected on the own device.

Next, the Ethernet converter 1 transmits update data to the information processing apparatus 2 (step 80).
In the process of step 80, the CPU unit 10 transmits the changed device setting information (update data) by the Ethernet I / F unit 13 to the information processing device 2 as a new setting value.
Next, the information processing apparatus 2 updates and displays the apparatus setting screen (step 81).
In the process of step 81, when the control unit 20 receives a new setting value of the Ethernet converter 1 by the Ethernet I / F unit 23, the control unit 20 updates and displays the contents of the device setting information on the device setting screen displayed on the display unit 22. .
Next, the information processing apparatus 2 accepts further input of setting values on the application (step 82).

Thus, by repeating the above-described processing, the user operating the information processing device 2 can change the value of the device setting information of the Ethernet converter 1 to the desired content without being conscious of the IP address information of the Ethernet converter 1. Can be easily changed.
Therefore, it is possible to reduce the work burden on the user for setting or changing the device setting information of the Ethernet converter 1.
In the above-described processing, the setting of the IP address or the like of the information processing device 2 is adjusted to the value of the Ethernet converter 1 only when data transmission / reception is performed with the Ethernet converter 1, and is returned to the original setting value otherwise.

Next, another process related to the determination of whether or not the Ethernet converter 1 is connected in the information processing apparatus 2 will be described.
When the information processing apparatus 2 confirms connection with another network device via Ethernet (when a link with the network is detected), the information processing apparatus 2 transmits a communication packet toward the MAC address common to the models, and responds to the communication packet. Whether or not the Ethernet converter 1 is connected is determined based on the presence or absence of the information, and if there is no response, the device setting of the Ethernet converter 1 on the information processing device 2 may be disabled.
The information processing apparatus 2 performs apparatus setting of the Ethernet converter 1 using a dedicated application.
In addition, the information processing apparatus 2 includes a detecting unit that electrically detects whether or not the Ethernet I / F unit 23 is connected to another network device.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another process relating to the determination of whether or not the Ethernet converter 1 is connected in the information processing apparatus 2.
When the control unit 20 of the information processing apparatus 2 detects that it is connected to another network device (step 91), the control unit 20 opens the setting screen of the Ethernet converter 1 on the application and sets the MAC address common to each model as the destination. (Request data) is transmitted (step 92), it is determined whether there is a response from the Ethernet converter 1 within a predetermined time (step 93), and if there is a response, it is determined that the Ethernet converter 1 is connected (step 93). 94) If there is no response, it is determined that the Ethernet converter 1 is not connected (step 95), and the information processing apparatus 2 is turned off and then turned on again, or there is an Ethernet cable plugging / unplugging. Until then, the Ethernet converter 1 cannot be set on the information processing device 2 To (step 96), the processing ends.

In the process of step 91, the control unit 20 of FIG. 1 detects the link on the network and the connection of other network devices on the network by the detection means of the Ethernet I / F unit 23.
In the process of step 92, the control unit 20 of FIG. 1 transmits a request communication packet by using the Ethernet, by using the Ethernet I / F unit 23 with the common MAC address as the destination on the Ethernet.
In the process of step 93, the control unit 20 in FIG. 1 determines whether or not there is a response to the communication packet from the Ethernet converter 1 within a preset predetermined time (for example, stored in the nonvolatile memory unit 12). . If the data of the device setting screen and the data of the current device setting information are received as a response from the Ethernet converter 1 within the predetermined time, it is determined that the response has been received, and the process proceeds to step 94 and exceeds the predetermined time. If there is no response from the Ethernet converter 1 and it is determined that there is no response, the process proceeds to step 95.

The predetermined time is a waiting time until a response, and can be set or changed in advance by the user through an operation from the input unit 21.
Depending on the state of the network, it may take time for the Ethernet converter 1 to respond to the communication of the information processing apparatus 2. Therefore, when the waiting time is short with respect to the response time of the Ethernet converter 1, the Ethernet converter 1 It is possible to prevent erroneous detection if the information processing apparatus 2 is not connected despite being connected.
In the process of step 94, the control unit 20 of FIG. 1 determines that the Ethernet converter 1 is connected, and ends this process.
Thereafter, the screen shifts to the device setting screen of the Ethernet converter 1, and thereafter, setting (including change) of the device setting information of the Ethernet converter 1 is performed according to the processing content described with reference to FIG.

Moreover, in the process of step 95, the control part 20 of FIG. 1 judges that the Ethernet converter 1 is not connected. At that time, a message indicating that the user is not connected may be displayed on the display unit 22.
In the process of step 96, the control unit 20 in FIG. 1 performs control so as not to perform the device setting of the Ethernet converter 1 from the information processing device 2, and the control is performed by turning on the power again or reconnecting the Ethernet cable. Continue until When the power is turned on again or the Ethernet cable is reconnected, the process of FIG. 9 is executed.
In this way, the information processing device 2 detects whether or not the Ethernet converter 1 is connected, so that the user can perform the device setting operation of the Ethernet converter 1 even though the Ethernet converter 1 is not connected. Can be prevented.

According to this embodiment, in addition to the MAC address unique to each device, a MAC address common to each device is assigned to the Ethernet converter 1 in advance, and the information processing apparatus 2 changes the device setting of the Ethernet converter 1. By communicating with the Ethernet converter 1 using a common MAC address, the information processing apparatus 2 can communicate with the Ethernet converter 1 regardless of the IP address of the information processing apparatus 2. When the device setting of the Ethernet converter 1 connected to the Ethernet 2 is performed, the user can easily change the device setting of the Ethernet converter 1 without changing the network setting such as the IP address of the information processing apparatus 2.
In the above-described embodiment, the case where Ethernet is used has been described. However, other network standards can be implemented in the same manner as described above even when a network having a standard similar to Ethernet is used.

  The communication apparatus and the communication system according to the present invention can be applied to a communication apparatus that enables wireless communication with an information processing apparatus including a computer, a printer, a copier, and a multifunction peripheral, and a network system including the communication apparatus and the information processing apparatus. it can.

1: Ethernet converter 2, 4: Information processing device 3: Wireless LAN access point 5: Network 10: CPU unit 11: RAM unit 12: Non-volatile memory unit 13, 23: Ethernet I / F unit 14: Wireless LAN / I / F part 15: Antenna part 20: Control part 21: Input part 22: Display part

JP 2008-61106 A

Claims (6)

A communication means for transmitting and receiving communication packets on the network;
Storage means for storing device setting information of the device itself;
Setting means for setting the device setting information stored in the storage means,
In a communication device to which a first address unique to each model of the communication device and a second address common to the model of the communication device are given,
When the communication means receives the communication packet of the setting request for the device setting information destined for the second address by the communication means, the device setting information stored in the storage means by the communication means is transmitted from the source of the communication packet To the apparatus setting information stored in the storage means by the setting means when the communication means receives the communication packet of the setting contents of the apparatus setting information destined for the second address. And a control unit configured to control the setting contents of the received apparatus setting information.   2. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means includes means for executing the control only when a predetermined third address is included in the received communication packet.   2. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means includes means for executing the control only when identification information registered in advance is included in the received communication packet. A communication system comprising the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and an information processing device that communicates with the communication device,
In the communication device, when the control unit receives a communication packet addressed to the second address from the information processing device by the communication unit, the communication unit notifies the information processing device of the first address. Having means,
The said information processing apparatus has a change means to change the address of a self-information processing apparatus into the said 1st address received from the said communication apparatus.   When detecting a connection to the network to the information processing apparatus, a communication packet for setting the apparatus setting information destined for the second address is transmitted, and the communication packet is transmitted within a predetermined time period. When there is a response, it is determined that the communication device is connected, and when there is no response to the communication packet after the predetermined time, a determination unit is provided that determines that the communication device is not connected. The communication system according to claim 4, wherein:   6. The communication system according to claim 5, wherein the information processing apparatus is provided with means for changing the predetermined time.

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