JP2016134726A - Wireless communication device, control method of wireless communication device, information processing apparatus, control method and program of information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wireless communication device capable of reducing the possibility that switching is made unnecessarily from a sleep mode to a normal mode.SOLUTION: An image formation device 101 as an information processing apparatus includes a Bluetooth unit 205, and a smart phone 105 as a wireless communication device includes a control unit 301. The difference value of the radio field intensity of an Advertising packet when the Bluetooth unit 205 transmits the Advertising packet to the control unit 301, and the radio field intensity of an Advertising packet transmitted from the Bluetooth unit 205 and received by the control unit 301, is smaller than a threshold, and when the smart phone 105 is located in a distance capable of executing short-range wireless communication with the image formation device 101, a sleep mode release request is transmitted to the Bluetooth unit 205.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4A

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless communication device, a control method for a wireless communication device, an information processing device, a control method for an information processing device, and a program.

  Recent information processing apparatuses such as image forming apparatuses have a power saving function. For example, a state in which power is supplied to all the components included in the information processing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “normal mode”) and the information processing apparatus The power consumption of the information processing apparatus is suppressed by switching between two power states of a power saving state (hereinafter referred to as “sleep mode”) in which power is not supplied to at least some of the constituent elements. Specifically, for the information processing device in the normal mode, for example, when no operation is performed even after a certain period of time, the power state of the information processing device is switched from the normal mode to the sleep mode, and the sleep mode is applied. When the information processing apparatus being received receives the print data, the power state of the information processing apparatus is switched from the sleep mode to the normal mode.

  By the way, in order to quickly switch the power state of the image forming apparatus as the information processing apparatus from the sleep mode to the normal mode, the power state is changed from the sleep mode when the human sensor detects that the user has approached the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus that switches to a normal mode is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-175627 A

  However, the human sensor may detect a heat source different from that of a person such as a lighting or a PC and erroneously switch from the sleep mode to the normal mode. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 using the human sensor, unnecessary switching from the sleep mode to the normal mode may occur, and a sufficient power saving effect may not be obtained.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can reduce the possibility of unnecessary switching from a sleep mode to a normal mode.

  In order to achieve the above object, a wireless communication device of the present invention is a wireless communication device that communicates with an information processing device operable in a sleep mode, and a receiving unit that receives a packet transmitted by the information processing device; A determination unit configured to determine a distance between the information processing device and the wireless communication device based on the packet received by the reception unit; and a case where the distance determined by the determination unit satisfies a first condition. And transmitting means for transmitting the request for canceling the sleep mode to the information processing apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus operable in a sleep mode, wherein the information processing apparatus is configured to transmit a packet to an external device, and to perform the information processing based on the packet. Distance information indicating a distance between a device and the external device is created by the external device, acquisition means for acquiring the created distance information from the external device, and the distance indicated by the distance information satisfies a predetermined condition And a control means for canceling the sleep mode when the condition is satisfied.

  According to the present invention, the possibility of unnecessarily switching from the sleep mode to the normal mode can be reduced.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus as an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the internal structure of the smart phone in FIG. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of a sleep mode release process executed by a control unit and a Bluetooth unit included in the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1 and a control unit included in a smartphone. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which a smart phone performs among the procedures of the sleep mode cancellation | release process of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4B is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the image forming apparatus in the procedure of sleep mode cancellation processing of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4B is a sequence diagram of sleep mode transition processing for transitioning to the sleep mode again after the sleep mode is canceled in step S411 of FIG. 4A. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which a smart phone performs among the procedures of the sleep mode transfer process of FIG. 5A. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which an image forming apparatus performs among the procedures of the sleep mode transfer process of FIG. 5A. It is a sequence diagram which shows the modification of the sleep mode cancellation | release process of FIG. 4A. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which a smart phone performs among the procedures of the sleep mode cancellation | release process of FIG. 6A. It is a sequence diagram of the sleep mode cancellation | release process performed by the control part with which the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention and a Bluetooth unit, and the control part with which a smart phone is provided. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure performed by the smart phone among the procedures of the sleep mode cancellation | release process of FIG. 7A. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure performed by the image forming apparatus among the procedures of the sleep mode cancellation | release process of FIG. 7A. It is a sequence diagram of the other sleep mode cancellation | release process performed by the control part with which the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention and a Bluetooth unit, and the control part with which a smart phone is provided. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure performed by the image forming apparatus among the procedures of the sleep mode cancellation | release process of FIG. 8A. It is a sequence diagram of the sleep mode cancellation | release process performed by the control part with which the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention and a Bluetooth unit, and the control part with which a smart phone is provided. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure performed by the smart phone among the procedures of the sleep mode cancellation | release process of FIG. 9A. FIG. 9B is a sequence diagram showing a modified example of the sleep mode cancellation process of FIG. 9A. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure performed by the smart phone among the procedures of the sleep mode cancellation | release process of FIG. 10A. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure performed by the image forming apparatus among the procedures of the sleep mode cancellation | release process of FIG. 10A. It is a figure used in order to demonstrate the power control information stored in ROM in FIG. FIG. 10B is a sequence diagram illustrating a modified example of the sleep mode cancellation process of FIG. 10A. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure performed by the smart phone among the procedures of the sleep mode cancellation | release process of FIG. 12A. It is a figure used in order to demonstrate the integrated application started in step S1201 of FIG. 12A. It is a sequence diagram of the sleep mode cancellation | release process performed by the control part with which the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention is provided, the Bluetooth unit, the wireless LAN unit, and the control part with which a smart phone is provided. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure performed by the smart phone among the procedures of the sleep mode cancellation | release process of FIG. 14A. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure performed by the image forming apparatus among the procedures of the sleep mode cancellation | release process of FIG. 14A.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an image forming system 100 including an image forming apparatus 101 as an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  An image forming system 100 (information processing system) in FIG. 1 includes an image forming apparatus 101, a PC 102, and a server 103, and these components are connected to each other via a LAN 104. In addition, as a communication device (external device), for example, a smartphone 105 (wireless communication device) is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 via wireless communication and short-range wireless communication. Here, the image forming apparatus 101 is, for example, an MFP (Multi-Function Printer).

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 in FIG.

  2 includes a control unit 201, an operation unit 202, a reader unit 203, a print engine 204, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) unit 205, and a wireless LAN unit 206, and includes an operation unit 202, a reader unit 203, and a print engine. 204, the Bluetooth unit 205, and the wireless LAN unit 206 are connected to each other via the control unit 201.

  The control unit 201 includes a CPU 207, ROM controller 208, RAM controller 209, image processing unit 210, operation unit I / F 211, and I / F control unit 212, and these components are connected to each other via a system bus 213. The operation unit I / F 211 is connected to the operation unit 202. Further, the control unit 201 includes a ROM 214, a RAM 215, a reader I / F 216, a printer I / F 217, a WLAN / BLE I / F 218, a LAN I / F 219, a USB-D I / F 220, and a USB-H I / F 221. The ROM 214 is connected to the ROM controller 208, and the RAM 215 is connected to the RAM controller 209.

  The reader I / F 216 is connected to the image processing unit 210, and the reader unit 203 is connected to the reader I / F 216. The printer I / F 217 is connected to the image processing unit 210, and the print engine 204 is connected to the printer I / F 217. The WLAN / BLE I / F 218 is connected to the I / F control unit 212, and the Bluetooth unit 205 and the wireless LAN unit 206 are connected to the WLAN / BLE I / F 218. The LAN I / F 219, USB-D I / F 220, and USB-H I / F 221 are connected to the I / F control unit 212. The LAN I / F 219, USB-D I / F 220, and USB-H I / F 221 are connected to the network 222, the PC 102, and the USB memory 223, respectively.

  The operation unit 202 includes an operation unit control circuit 224, a switch 225, an LED 226, and an LCD 227. The switch 225, LED 226, and LCD 227 are connected to the operation unit control circuit 224.

  The control unit 201 controls the entire image forming apparatus 101 by the CPU 207 executing a program based on various parameters. Further, the control unit 201 controls power supply to each section constituting the image forming apparatus 101, for example, applies a sleep mode to the image forming apparatus 101 (operable in the sleep mode), or applies to the image forming apparatus 101. Cancel the applied sleep mode. The ROM 214 stores data, various parameters, and a program executed by the CPU 207.

  A RAM 215 is a main memory and work memory of the CPU 207. In addition, the control program stored in the ROM 214 is expanded in the RAM 215, and the CPU 207 executes the control program expanded in the RAM 215 to comprehensively control the image signal and each component. The ROM controller 208 reads data from the ROM 214 or controls data writing to the ROM 214. The RAM controller 209 reads data from the RAM 215 or controls data writing to the RAM 215.

  The operation unit 202 receives an instruction from the user or displays information transmitted to the user. The operation unit control circuit 224 controls the switch 225, the LED 226, and the LCD 227. The switch 225 is pressed as necessary by the user, the LED 226 functions as an illumination when displaying information transmitted to the user, and the LCD 227 displays information transmitted to the user.

  The reader unit 203 reads image characters and the like written on the recording paper and generates image data. The print engine 204 receives the bitmap data subjected to the image processing in the image processing unit 210, and prints the bitmap data on a recording sheet. The Bluetooth unit 205 controls Bluetooth communication as short-range wireless communication, and the wireless LAN unit 206 controls wireless communication. In the present embodiment, a wireless communication method based on the IEEE 802.11 standard is adopted as wireless communication.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the smartphone 105 in FIG.

  3 includes a control unit 301 (transmission means), an operation unit 302, a camera 303, a microphone 304, and a speaker 305. The operation unit 302, camera 303, microphone 304, and speaker 305 are provided via the control unit 301. Are connected to each other. Furthermore, the smartphone 105 includes an antenna 306.

  The control unit 301 includes a CPU 307, a ROM controller 308, a RAM controller 309, an audio processing unit 310, an image processing unit 311, an operation unit I / F 312, a mobile phone wireless I / F 313, and an I / F control unit 314. These components are connected to each other via a system bus 315, and the operation unit I / F 312 is connected to the operation unit 302. Further, the control unit 301 includes a ROM 316, a RAM 317, an audio codec 318, a camera I / F 319, a mobile phone wireless unit 320, a WLAN / NFC / Bluetooth I / F 321, a WLAN / NFC / Bluetooth unit 322 (control means), USB-D. I / F 323 and USB-H I / F 324 are provided.

  The ROM 316 is connected to the ROM controller 308, and the RAM 317 is connected to the RAM controller 309. The microphone 304 and the speaker 305 are connected to the audio codec 318, and the audio codec 318 is connected to the audio processing unit 310. The camera 303 is connected to the camera I / F 319, and the camera I / F 319 is connected to the image processing unit 311. The antenna 306 is connected to the mobile phone radio unit 320, and the mobile phone radio unit 320 is connected to the mobile phone radio I / F 313.

  The WLAN / NFC / Bluetooth I / F 321 is connected to the I / F control unit 314, and the WLAN / NFC / Bluetooth unit 322 is connected to the WLAN / NFC / Bluetooth I / F 321. The USB-D I / F 323 is connected to the I / F control unit 314, and the PC 102 is connected to the USB-D I / F 323. The USB-H I / F 324 is connected to the I / F control unit 314, and the USB memory 323 is connected to the USB-H I / F 324. The operation unit 302 includes an operation unit control circuit 325, a switch 326, and an LCD 327, and the switch 326 and LCD 327 are connected to the operation unit control circuit 325.

  The control unit 301 controls the entire smartphone 105 when the CPU 307 executes a program based on various parameters. The ROM 316 stores data, various parameters, and a program executed by the CPU 307. A RAM 317 is a main memory and work memory of the CPU 307. In addition, a control program stored in the ROM 316 is expanded in the RAM 317, and the CPU 307 executes the control program expanded in the RAM 317 to comprehensively control the image signal and each component. The ROM controller 308 reads data from the ROM 316 or controls data writing to the ROM 316. The RAM controller 309 controls reading of data from the RAM 317 or writing of data to the RAM 317.

  The audio codec 318 processes the audio signal input from the microphone 304 to generate audio data, and the audio processing unit 310 processes the audio data generated by the audio codec 318. The processed audio data is converted into an audio signal by the audio codec 318 and output to the speaker 305. The image processing unit 311 processes the image signal input from the camera 303. The mobile phone radio unit 320 is equipped with a high-frequency circuit and enables communication using a mobile phone network. The WLAN / NFC / Bluetooth unit 322 controls wireless communication and short-range wireless communication such as NFC and Bluetooth communication.

  The operation unit 302 receives an instruction from the user or displays information transmitted to the user. The operation unit control circuit 325 controls the switch 326 and the LCD 327. The switch 326 is pressed as required by the user, and the LCD 327 displays information transmitted to the user. The LCD 327 may have a touch panel function.

  4A is a sequence diagram of a sleep mode release process executed by the control unit 201 and the Bluetooth unit 205 included in the image forming apparatus 101 in FIG. 1 and the control unit 301 included in the smartphone 105. FIG. 4B is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a process executed by the smartphone 105 in the procedure of the sleep mode cancellation process of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the image forming apparatus 101 in the procedure of the sleep mode cancellation processing of FIG. 4A.

  4A to 4C, first, the control unit 201 instructs the Bluetooth unit 205 to start an advertising operation (steps S401 and S431), and controls the power of the image forming apparatus 101 to shift the image forming apparatus 101 to the sleep mode. (Steps S402 and S432). Here, the advertising operation is an operation in which the Bluetooth unit 205 periodically transmits an advertising packet (hereinafter simply referred to as “packet”) to the control unit 301, and the packet is controlled by the image forming apparatus 101. A value indicating the radio field intensity of the packet when transmitted to the unit 301 (hereinafter referred to as “transmission radio field intensity”) and solid information (identification information) of the image forming apparatus 101, for example, the serial number of the image forming apparatus 101 Contains address data.

  Next, the Bluetooth unit 205 transmits a packet to the control unit 301 based on the above instruction (step S403), and the control unit 301 performs near field communication performed between the Bluetooth unit 205 and the WLAN / NFC / Bluetooth unit 322. Bluetooth control application program (hereinafter referred to as “BTA”) for controlling the network (validation of short-range wireless communication function) (steps S404 and S421), and transmitted from the Bluetooth unit 205 to the control unit 301 (packet receiving means) ) Acquires an RSSI value that is a value indicating the radio field intensity of the received packet (hereinafter referred to as “reception radio field intensity”) (steps S405 and S422).

  Next, the control unit 301 determines whether or not the smartphone 105 (WLAN / NFC / Bluetooth unit 322) is located at a distance that can perform near field communication with the image forming apparatus 101 (Bluetooth unit 205). Are executed (steps S406 and S423). Specifically, the control unit 301 calculates the difference value between the RSSI value, which is the transmission radio wave intensity and the reception radio wave intensity, and determines whether the difference value is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value (predetermined value). Determine.

  When the difference value is equal to or larger than the threshold value, it is determined that the smartphone 105 is not located at a distance where the short distance wireless communication with the image forming apparatus 101 can be performed (the distance between the image forming apparatus 101 and the smartphone 105 is far), and the difference value Is smaller than the threshold (below the threshold), it is determined that the smartphone 105 is located at a distance at which the short-range wireless communication with the image forming apparatus 101 can be performed (the distance between the image forming apparatus 101 and the smartphone 105 is short).

  As a result of the determination in steps S406 and S423, when it is determined that the smartphone 105 is not located at a distance where the short distance wireless communication with the image forming apparatus 101 can be performed (NO in step S423), the process returns to steps S405 and S422. When it is determined that the smartphone 105 is located at a distance at which short-range wireless communication can be performed with the image forming apparatus 101 (first condition) (YES in step S423), the control unit 301 connects to the Bluetooth unit 205. The connection request packet to be requested is transmitted (steps S407 and S424), and the Bluetooth unit 205 receives the connection request packet and completes the connection between the image forming apparatus 101 and the smartphone 105 via Bluetooth communication and indicates that the connection is completed. The control unit 201 is notified (steps S408 and S433).

  Next, the control unit 301 transmits a sleep mode release request to the Bluetooth unit 205 (steps S409 and S425), and the Bluetooth unit 205 receives the sleep mode release request and transfers it to the control unit 201 (steps S410 and S434). The control unit 201 cancels the sleep mode based on the request for canceling the sleep mode (steps S411 and S435), and ends this process.

  4A to 4C, the BTA is activated in the smartphone 105 (steps S404 and S421), and the sleep mode release request is transmitted to the Bluetooth unit 205 (steps S409 and S425), so the BTA is activated. Even if the smartphone 105 that has not been brought close to the image forming apparatus 101, the sleep mode cancel request is not transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101 to which the sleep mode is applied. That is, when any smartphone 105 approaches the image forming apparatus 101, the sleep mode of the image forming apparatus 101 is not canceled, so that the power supplied to the image forming apparatus 101 can be sufficiently suppressed.

  Further, when it is determined that the smartphone 105 is located at a distance where the difference between the radio wave intensity at the time of transmission and the radio wave intensity at the time of reception is smaller than the threshold value and can perform near field communication with the image forming apparatus 101 (step S406). , S423), since the request for canceling the sleep mode is transmitted to the Bluetooth unit 205 (steps S409, S425), the smartphone 105 approaches the image forming apparatus 101 and the reception radio wave intensity is not attenuated from the transmission radio wave intensity. Then, the sleep mode of the image forming apparatus 101 is canceled. Accordingly, it is possible to limit the opportunity for the sleep mode of the image forming apparatus 101 to be canceled, and thus reduce the possibility of unnecessary switching from the sleep mode to the normal mode. The threshold is preferably set in the range of 0.01 dB to 10 dB, and the set threshold is stored in the ROM 316.

  FIG. 5A is a sequence diagram of a sleep mode transition process for transitioning to the sleep mode again after the sleep mode is canceled in step S411 of FIG. 4A. FIG. 5B is a flowchart illustrating a procedure executed by the smartphone 105 in the procedure of the sleep mode transition process in FIG. 5A. FIG. 5C is a flowchart illustrating a procedure executed by the image forming apparatus 101 in the procedure of the sleep mode transition process of FIG. 5A. 5A to 5C is based on the premise that the control unit 301 has activated BTA.

  5A to 5C, first, the Bluetooth unit 205 transmits a packet including the radio wave intensity at the time of transmission to the control unit 301. The control unit 301 receives the packet transmitted by the Bluetooth unit 205 and has the radio wave intensity at the time of reception. An RSSI value is acquired (steps S501 and S521).

  Next, the control unit 301 executes a distance determination process (steps S502 and S522). Specifically, the control unit 301 calculates a difference value between the RSSI values that are the radio wave intensity at the time of transmission and the radio wave intensity at the time of reception, and determines whether or not the difference value is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value. When the difference value is equal to or larger than the threshold value, it is determined that the smartphone 105 is not located at a distance where the short distance wireless communication with the image forming apparatus 101 can be performed (the distance between the image forming apparatus 101 and the smartphone 105 is far), and the difference value Is smaller than the threshold, it is determined that the smartphone 105 is located at a distance at which short-range wireless communication with the image forming apparatus 101 can be performed (the distance between the image forming apparatus 101 and the smartphone 105 is short).

  As a result of the determination in steps S502 and S522, when it is determined that the smartphone 105 is located at a distance at which short-range wireless communication with the image forming apparatus 101 can be performed (NO in step S522), the process returns to steps S501 and S521. When it is determined that the smartphone 105 is not located at a distance at which short-range wireless communication with the image forming apparatus 101 can be performed (second condition) (YES in step S522), the control unit 301 forms an image on the Bluetooth unit 205. The connection between the device 101 and the smartphone 105 is disconnected and a disconnection request packet (transition request) for requesting transition to the sleep mode is transmitted (steps S503 and S523), and the Bluetooth unit 205 transfers the disconnection request packet to the control unit 201. (Steps S504 and S531).

  Next, the control unit 201 transmits a disconnection permission packet for permitting disconnection of the connection between the image forming apparatus 101 and the smartphone 105 to the Bluetooth unit 205 (steps S505 and S532), and shifts the image forming apparatus 101 to the sleep mode ( Steps S506 and S533). The Bluetooth unit 205 transfers the disconnection permission packet to the control unit 301 (steps S507 and S524), the control unit 301 disconnects the connection between the image forming apparatus 101 and the smartphone 105 (steps S508 and S525), and ends this process.

  5A to 5C, after the sleep mode is canceled, the difference value between the transmission radio wave intensity and the reception radio wave intensity is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and the smartphone 105 performs near field communication with the image forming apparatus 101. When it is determined that it is not located within the executable distance (steps S502 and S522), the disconnection request packet is transmitted (steps S503 and S523), so that the smartphone 105 can receive only the attenuated packet. It is possible to prevent the state in which the sleep mode is canceled when the user leaves the camera, and thus the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 101 can be suppressed.

  FIG. 6A is a sequence diagram illustrating a modified example of the sleep mode cancellation process of FIG. 4A. FIG. 6B is a flowchart illustrating a procedure executed by the smartphone 105 in the procedure of the sleep mode cancellation process of FIG. 6A. The processing in steps S401 to S411 in FIG. 6A is the same as the processing in steps S401 to S411 in FIG. 4A, the processing in steps S421 to S425 in FIG. 6B is the same as the processing in steps S421 to S425 in FIG. Only differences from the processing of FIGS. 4A and 4B will be described. The smartphone 105 in FIG. 6A stores, for example, the serial number and address data of the image forming apparatus 101 in the ROM 316 as specific information for specifying the image forming apparatus 101 that can communicate via the WLAN / NFC / Bluetooth unit 322. It is assumed that

  6A and 6B, the control unit 301 receives, for example, a packet including a serial number and address data as transmission radio wave intensity and individual information of the image forming apparatus 101 (steps S405 and S422), and is stored in the ROM 316. It is determined whether or not the serial number and address data as the specific information of the image forming apparatus 101 that matches the serial number and address data as the solid information of the image forming apparatus 101 included in the received packet (step S601). S621). As a result of the determination in steps S601 and S621, when the specific information of the image forming apparatus 101 matches the solid information of the image forming apparatus 101, the process proceeds to steps S406 and S423, and the specific information of the image forming apparatus 101 and the solid information of the image forming apparatus 101 are obtained. When the information does not match, the process returns to steps S405 and S422.

  6A and 6B, when the specific information of the image forming apparatus 101 matches the individual information of the image forming apparatus 101 (steps S601 and S621), a sleep mode release request is transmitted to the Bluetooth unit 205. (Steps S409 and S425), the image forming apparatus 101 that is not managed by the smartphone 105 (the image forming apparatus 101 whose serial number and address data are not stored in the ROM 316 of the smartphone 105, that is, the connection with the smartphone 105 is scheduled. It is possible to prevent the sleep mode of the image forming apparatus 101) not being released from being released, and thus it is possible to suppress power consumption of the image forming apparatus 101 that is not scheduled to be connected to the smartphone 105.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The configuration and operation of the second embodiment of the present invention are basically the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and the image forming apparatus is based on a plurality of types of information received from the smartphone by the image forming apparatus. This is different from the first embodiment of the present invention in that it is determined whether or not to cancel the sleep mode. Hereinafter, the description of the duplicated configuration and operation will be omitted, and a description of the different configuration and operation will be given.

  FIG. 7A is a sequence diagram of a sleep mode release process executed by the control unit 201 and the Bluetooth unit 205 included in the image forming apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and the control unit 301 included in the smartphone 105. is there. FIG. 7B is a flowchart illustrating a procedure executed by the smartphone 105 in the procedure of the sleep mode cancellation process in FIG. 7A. FIG. 7C is a flowchart illustrating a procedure executed by the image forming apparatus 101 in the procedure of the sleep mode cancellation process of FIG. 7A.

  7A is the same as steps S401 to S405 and S407 to S411 in FIG. 4A, and steps S421 to S422 and S424 to S425 in FIG. 7B are steps in FIG. 4B. It is the same as the process of S421-S422, S424-S425, and the process of step S431-S435 of FIG. 7C is the same as the process of step S431-S435 of FIG. 4C. Therefore, only differences from the processes in FIGS. 4A to 4C will be described. Note that the image forming apparatus 101 in FIGS. 7A and 7C stores, for example, the serial number and address data of the smartphone 105 in the ROM 214 as specific information for identifying the smartphone 105 that can communicate via the Bluetooth unit 205. It is assumed.

  7A to 7C, the control unit 301 receives, for example, a packet including a serial number and address data as transmission radio wave intensity and individual information of the image forming apparatus 101 (steps S405 and S422). And distance information is created as information regarding the distance between the smartphone 105 and the image forming apparatus 101 based on the difference value of the radio wave intensity at the time of reception (steps S701 and S721). Then, the process of step S407-S410, S424-S425, S433-S434 is performed.

  Next, the control unit 301 transmits a packet including individual information of the smartphone 105, for example, serial number and address data, and the created distance information to the Bluetooth unit 205 (information transmission unit) (steps S702 and S722), and the Bluetooth unit. 205 receives a packet including the solid information and distance information of the smartphone 105 and transfers the packet to the control unit 201 (steps S703 and S731). The control unit 201 determines whether or not the serial number and address data as the specific information of the smartphone 105 stored in the ROM 214 matches the serial number and address data as the solid information of the smartphone 105 included in the received packet. (Steps S704 and S732).

  As a result of the determination in steps S704 and S732, when the specific information of the smartphone 105 and the solid information of the smartphone 105 do not match, the process returns to steps S408 and S433, and when the specific information of the smartphone 105 and the solid information of the smartphone 105 match, the control unit 201 executes distance determination processing of the image forming apparatus 101 and the smartphone 105 based on the distance information (steps S705 and S733).

  As a result of the determination in steps S705 and S733, when it is determined that the smartphone 105 is not located at a distance at which short distance wireless communication with the image forming apparatus 101 can be performed, the process returns to steps S408 and S433, and the smartphone 105 is changed to the image forming apparatus. When it is determined that the wireless communication terminal 101 is located at a distance at which short-range wireless communication can be performed, the control unit 201 cancels the sleep mode (steps S411 and S435), and transmits the result of canceling the sleep mode to the Bluetooth unit 205. (Steps S706 and S734). The Bluetooth unit 205 receives the result of canceling the sleep mode and transfers it to the control unit 301 (step S707).

  7A to 7C, when the control unit 201 determines that the specific information of the smartphone 105 matches the solid information (steps S704 and S732), the control unit 201 further performs image processing based on the distance information. The distance determination process of the forming apparatus 101 and the smartphone 105 is executed (steps S705 and S733), and when it is determined that the smartphone 105 is located at a distance at which short distance wireless communication with the image forming apparatus 101 can be performed, the sleep mode Is released (steps S411 and S435). That is, the control unit 201 determines whether to release the sleep mode of the image forming apparatus 101 based on the solid-state information of the smartphone 105, the specific information of the smartphone 105 stored in the image forming apparatus 101, and the distance information. Normally, since the control unit 201 of the image forming apparatus 101 has a faster processing speed than the control unit 301 of the smartphone 105, the control unit 201 of the image forming apparatus 101 determines whether or not to cancel the sleep mode. The time required for the image forming apparatus 101 to cancel the sleep mode can be shortened.

  In addition, since it is necessary for the solid-state information of the smartphone 105 and the specific information of the smartphone 105 stored in the ROM 214 of the image forming apparatus 101 to match the sleep mode, the specific information is stored in the ROM 214. The smartphone 105 that is not scheduled to be connected to the image forming apparatus 101 is prevented from releasing the sleep mode of the image forming apparatus 101, and thus unnecessary power consumption of the image forming apparatus 101 is prevented. Can be prevented.

  7A to 7C are connected to the image forming apparatus 101 and the smartphone 105 based on the connection request packet transmitted from the control unit 301 of the smartphone 105, but transmitted from the control unit 201 of the image forming apparatus 101. The image forming apparatus 101 and the smartphone 105 may be connected based on the connection request packet. This will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8B.

  FIG. 8A is a sequence of another sleep mode release process executed by the control unit 201 and the Bluetooth unit 205 included in the image forming apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and the control unit 301 included in the smartphone 105. FIG. FIG. 8B is a flowchart showing a procedure executed by the image forming apparatus 101 in the procedure of the sleep mode cancellation process of FIG. 8A. The image forming apparatus 101 in FIG. 8A is based on the assumption that, for example, the serial number and address data of the smartphone 105 are stored in the ROM 214 as specific information for identifying the smartphone 105 that can communicate via the Bluetooth unit 205.

  8A and 8B, first, the control unit 201 starts control of the Bluetooth unit 205 (steps S801 and S831), and controls the power of the image forming apparatus 101 to shift the image forming apparatus 101 to the sleep mode (step). S802, S832). Thereafter, the control unit 301 transmits a packet to the Bluetooth unit 205 (step S803), the Bluetooth unit 205 transfers the received packet to the control unit 201 (steps S804 and S833), and the control unit 201 receives the packet. Note that the packet includes, for example, a serial number and address data as radio wave intensity at the time of packet transmission and individual information of the smartphone 105.

  Next, the control unit 201 executes distance determination processing (steps S805 and S835), and when it is determined that the smartphone 105 is located at a distance at which short-distance wireless communication with the image forming apparatus 101 can be performed, the ROM 214 further. It is determined whether or not the serial number and address data as the specific information of the smartphone 105 stored in the ID matches the serial number and address data as the solid information of the smartphone 105 included in the received packet (steps S806 and S835). ). As a result of the determination in steps S806 and S835, when the specific information of the smartphone 105 matches the individual information of the smartphone 105, the control unit 201 cancels the sleep mode (steps S807 and S836) and transmits a connection request packet to the Bluetooth unit 205. (Steps S808 and S837), the Bluetooth unit 205 transmits a connection request packet to the control unit 301 (Step S809), and the process ends.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The configuration and operation of the third embodiment of the present invention are basically the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and the type of application used when transmitting a job from the smartphone to the image forming apparatus. Accordingly, it is different from the first embodiment of the present invention in that a section to be energized of the image forming apparatus is determined. Hereinafter, the description of the duplicated configuration and operation will be omitted, and a description of the different configuration and operation will be given.

  FIG. 9A is a sequence diagram of a sleep mode cancellation process executed by the control unit 201 and the Bluetooth unit 205 included in the image forming apparatus 101 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and the control unit 301 included in the smartphone 105. is there. FIG. 9B is a flowchart illustrating a procedure executed by the smartphone 105 in the procedure of the sleep mode cancellation process in FIG. 9A. The processing in steps S401 to S411 in FIG. 9A is the same as the processing in steps S401 to S411 in FIG. 4A, and the processing in steps S421 to S425 in FIG. 9B is the same as the processing in steps S421 to S425 in FIG. Therefore, only differences from the processes in FIGS. 4A to 4C will be described.

  9A and 9B, the control unit 301 activates the BTA (steps S404 and S421), and prints based on the print instruction when, for example, a print instruction to the image forming apparatus 101 is received via the operation unit 302. A print application for generating a job and transmitting the generated print job to the image forming apparatus 101 is activated (steps S901 and S921). Next, steps S405 to S406 and S422 to S423 are executed.

  Thereafter, the control unit 301 identifies the type of the activated application (steps S902 and S922), and transmits the identified type of application (that is, the print application) to the Bluetooth unit 205 (step S903). 205 receives the type of the identified application, transfers it to the control unit 201 (step S904), and proceeds to steps S407 and S424. Thereafter, when canceling the sleep mode (step S411), the control unit 201 determines only the section related to the printing function of the image forming apparatus 101 related to the application, specifically, the printing application based on the identified application type. It is decided to energize, and this process ends.

  9A and 9B, when a print instruction to the image forming apparatus 101 is received via the operation unit 302, the print application is activated (steps S901 and S921), and the type of the activated application is Bluetooth. Since the data is transmitted to the unit 205 (step S903), the image forming apparatus 101 can determine to energize only the section related to the printing function of the image forming apparatus 101, thereby further reducing the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 101. can do.

  FIG. 10A is a sequence diagram illustrating a modified example of the sleep mode cancellation process of FIG. 9A. FIG. 10B is a flowchart illustrating a procedure executed by the smartphone 105 in the procedure of the sleep mode cancellation process of FIG. 10A. FIG. 10C is a flowchart illustrating a procedure executed by the image forming apparatus 101 in the procedure of the sleep mode release process of FIG. 10A.

  The processing in steps S401 to S408 and S901 to S902 in FIG. 10A is the same as the processing in steps S401 to S408 and S901 to S902 in FIG. 9A, and the processing in steps S421 to S424 and S921 to S922 in FIG. It is the same as the process of S421-S424, S921-S922. Moreover, the process of step S431-S433 of FIG. 10C is the same as the process of step S431-S433 of FIG. 4C. Therefore, only differences from the processes in FIGS. 4C, 9A, and 9B will be described.

  10A to 10C, the control unit 301 identifies the type of the activated application (Steps S902 and S922), and transmits the identified type of application (for example, a printing application) to the Bluetooth unit 205 (Step S902). In step S903, the Bluetooth unit 205 receives the type of the identified application and transfers it to the control unit 201 (step S904). Next, the control unit 301 transmits a connection request packet to the Bluetooth unit 205 (steps S407 and S424), reads the following power control information 1100 stored in advance in the ROM 316, and transmits it to the Bluetooth unit 205 (steps S1001 and S1002). , S1021).

  The power control information 1100 in FIG. 11 includes a component list 1101 included in the image forming apparatus 101 and a function list 1102 to be activated among the functions included in the image forming apparatus. For example, in the power control information 1100, when the print function 1102a in the function list 1102 is activated, the print engine 204, the wireless LAN unit 206, the CPU 207, the ROM 214, and the RAM 215 in the component list 1101 are energized and operated. The unit 202 and the reader unit 203 are not energized. In other words, the power control information 1100 defines each section of the image forming apparatus 101 to be energized corresponding to the specified application type. Note that “Active” is displayed in the column of the component to be energized, and “Off” is displayed in the column of the component that is not energized.

  Returning to FIG. 10A, the Bluetooth unit 205 transfers the received power control information 1100 to the control unit 201 (steps S1003 and S1031). Next, the control unit 301 transmits a sleep part cancel request for requesting to cancel the sleep mode of some sections of the image forming apparatus 101 to the Bluetooth unit 205 (steps S1004 and S1022). (Step S1005), the control unit 201 receives the sleep part release request, and forms an image to be energized from the power control information 1100 based on the identified application type transferred in Step S904. The section of the apparatus 101 is determined, the sleep mode of the section is canceled (steps S1006 and S1032), and this process ends.

  10A to 10C, the identified application type is transmitted to the Bluetooth unit 205 (image forming apparatus 101) (step S903), and image formation to be energized corresponding to the identified application type is performed. Since the power control information 1100 defining each section of the apparatus 101 is transmitted to the Bluetooth unit 205 (image forming apparatus 101) (steps S1002 and S1021), the image forming apparatus 101 is based on the identified application type. The section of the image forming apparatus 101 to be energized can be reliably and easily determined from the power control information 1100.

  FIG. 12A is a sequence diagram illustrating a modified example of the sleep mode cancellation process of FIG. 10A. FIG. 12B is a flowchart illustrating a procedure executed by the smartphone 105 in the procedure of the sleep mode canceling process in FIG. 12A. The processing in steps S401 to S408 and S1001 to S1005 in FIG. 12A is the same as the processing in steps S401 to S408 and S1001 to S1005 in FIG. 10A, and the processing in steps S421 to S424 and S1021 to S1022 in FIG. It is the same as the process of S421-S424, S1021-S1022. Therefore, only differences from the processing in FIGS. 10A and 10B will be described.

  12A and 12B, the control unit 301 activates BTA (step S404), and activates an integrated application 1300 (FIG. 13) that can validate each of the plurality of functions of the image forming apparatus 101 (step S1201,). S1221). The integrated application 1300 is displayed on the operation unit 302 of the smartphone 105. The integrated application 1300 includes selection buttons 1301 to 1303 corresponding to a plurality of functions. When one of the selection buttons 1301 to 1303 is pressed, the function selected according to the pressed selection button is activated.

  For example, when the selection button 1301 is pressed, the printing function of the image forming apparatus 101 is activated, a print job including image data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101 with the printing function activated, and the image data is printed. It is printed on recording paper by the engine 204. When the selection button 1302 is pressed, the scan function of the image forming apparatus 101 is validated, characters and the like written on the recording paper are read by the reader unit 203, and image data is generated. Further, when the selection button 1303 is pressed, the status acquisition function for acquiring the setting information of the image forming apparatus 101 is activated, and the acquired setting information is displayed on the display unit 1304 included in the integrated application.

  Returning to FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, when one of the selection buttons 1301 to 1303 is pressed to select a function to be activated in the image forming apparatus 101 (steps S1202 and S1222), steps S405 to S406 are performed. The processes of S422 to S423 are executed. Thereafter, the control unit 301 identifies the function to be activated in the image forming apparatus 101 (steps S1203 and S1223), and proceeds to steps S407 and S424. Next, the control unit 301 transmits the identified enabled function to the Bluetooth unit 205 (steps S1204 and S1224), and the Bluetooth unit 205 transfers the specified enabled function to the control unit 201 (step S1204). S1205).

  Next, the control unit 301 reads the power control information 1100 stored in advance in the ROM 316 and transmits it to the Bluetooth unit 205 (steps S1001, S1002, and S1021). The Bluetooth unit 205 transfers the received power control information 1100 to the control unit 201 (steps S <b> 1003 and S <b> 1031), and the control unit 301 requests to cancel the sleep mode of some sections of the image forming apparatus 101. The request is transmitted to the Bluetooth unit 205 (steps S1004 and S1022), the Bluetooth unit 205 transfers the sleep part release request to the control unit 201 (step S1005), the control unit 201 receives the sleep part release request, and in step S1205 The section of the image forming apparatus 101 to be energized is determined from the power control information 1100 based on the transferred specified function to be activated, the sleep mode of the section is canceled (steps S1006 and S1032), and this process is performed. finish.

  12A and 12B, the function to be activated in the image forming apparatus 101 is identified (steps S1203 and S1223), and the identified activated function is transmitted to the Bluetooth unit 205 (step S1204). (S1224) and the power control information 1100 is transmitted to the Bluetooth unit 205 (image forming apparatus 101) (steps S1002 and S1021), the image forming apparatus 101 determines the power control information 1100 based on the identified function to be enabled. Therefore, the section of the image forming apparatus 101 to be energized can be easily determined.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The fourth embodiment of the present invention is basically the same in configuration and operation as the first embodiment described above, and when transmitting a sleep release request from the smartphone to the image forming apparatus, the Bluetooth unit 205 The first embodiment of the present invention is different from the first embodiment in that the data is transmitted via the wireless LAN unit 206. Hereinafter, the description of the duplicated configuration and operation will be omitted, and a description of the different configuration and operation will be given.

  FIG. 14A illustrates a sleep mode executed by the control unit 201, the Bluetooth unit 205, the wireless LAN unit 206, and the control unit 301 included in the smartphone 105 included in the image forming apparatus 101 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. It is a sequence diagram of a cancellation | release process. FIG. 14B is a flowchart illustrating a procedure executed by the smartphone 105 in the procedure of the sleep mode cancellation process of FIG. 14A. FIG. 14C is a flowchart illustrating a procedure executed by the image forming apparatus 101 in the procedure of the sleep mode cancellation process of FIG. 14A.

  The processing in steps S401 to S406 and S411 in FIG. 14A is the same as the processing in steps S401 to S406 and S411 in FIG. 4A, and the processing in steps S421 to S423 in FIG. 14B is the same as the processing in steps S421 to S423 in FIG. Yes, steps S431 to S432 and S435 in FIG. 14C are the same as steps S431 to S432 and S435 in FIG. 4C. Therefore, only differences from the processes in FIGS. 4A to 4C will be described.

  By the way, since the image forming apparatus 101 can execute short-range wireless communication with only one communication device, when the image forming apparatus 101 is performing short-range wireless communication with another communication device, the smartphone 105 displays an image. Short-range wireless communication with the forming apparatus 101 cannot be executed. In the present embodiment, a wireless communication function different from the short-range wireless communication function is used correspondingly.

  14A to 14C, first, the control unit 201 starts control of the wireless LAN unit 206 (steps S1401 and S1431), proceeds to step S401, and thereafter, processes of steps S401 to S406 are executed. Next, when the control unit 301 confirms that the image forming apparatus 101 is performing short-range wireless communication with another communication device and thus cannot be connected to the Bluetooth unit 205 using the short-range wireless communication function (step S1402). The control unit 301 starts control of the WLAN / NFC / Bluetooth unit 322 (steps S1403 and S1421), performs wireless LAN communication corresponding to the wireless communication function between the smartphone 105 and the image forming apparatus 101, and performs the wireless LAN unit. The wireless LAN unit 206 receives the sleep release request and transfers it to the control unit 201 (steps S1405 and S1432), and the control unit 201 makes a sleep mode release request. Cancel sleep mode based on the -Up S411, S435), the process is terminated.

  14A to 14C, when the connection with the Bluetooth unit 205 by the short-range wireless communication function cannot be executed (step S1402), the control of the WLAN / NFC / Bluetooth unit 322 is started (steps S1403 and S1421). Since the sleep release request is transmitted to the wireless LAN unit 206 by wireless LAN communication (steps S1404 and S1422), the smartphone 105 can request the sleep mode release request without waiting until the short-range wireless communication function can be used. It can be transmitted to the forming apparatus 101.

  The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read the program. It can also be realized by processing executed in the above. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

101 Image forming apparatus 105 Smartphone 205 Bluetooth unit 207 CPU
322 WLAN / NFC / Bluetooth unit

Claims (14)

A wireless communication device that communicates with an information processing device operable in a sleep mode,
Receiving means for receiving a packet transmitted by the information processing apparatus;
Determining means for determining a distance between the information processing apparatus and the wireless communication apparatus based on the packet received by the receiving means;
A wireless communication apparatus comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit the sleep mode release request to the information processing apparatus when the distance determined by the determination unit satisfies a first condition.   2. The wireless communication according to claim 1, wherein, when the distance determined by the determination unit satisfies a second condition, the transmission unit transmits the request for transition to the sleep mode to the information processing apparatus. apparatus. The packet received by the receiving means includes a transmission radio wave intensity when the information processing apparatus transmits the packet,
The determining unit determines a distance between the information processing device and the wireless communication device based on a reception radio wave intensity when the reception unit receives the packet and a transmission radio wave intensity. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.   The first condition is that a difference value between the reception radio wave intensity and the transmission radio wave intensity is not more than a preset threshold value, and the second condition is a difference value between the reception radio wave intensity and the transmission radio wave intensity. 4. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 3, wherein is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value. The packet received by the receiving means includes identification information indicating the information processing device,
When the distance determined by the determination unit satisfies the first condition and the identification information included in the packet matches the identification information set in the wireless communication device, the transmission unit The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a mode release request is transmitted to the information processing apparatus.   Even when the distance determined by the determination means satisfies the first condition, if the identification information included in the packet does not match the identification information set in the wireless communication device, The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the transmission unit does not transmit the request for canceling the sleep mode to the information processing apparatus. An information processing apparatus operable in a sleep mode,
A transmission means for transmitting the packet to an external device;
Distance information indicating a distance between the information processing device and the external device based on the packet is created by the external device, and the acquisition unit acquires the created distance information from the external device;
An information processing apparatus comprising: control means for canceling the sleep mode when the distance indicated by the distance information satisfies a predetermined condition. The packet transmitted by the transmission means includes a transmission radio wave intensity when the information processing apparatus transmits the packet,
The distance information is created based on the reception radio wave intensity when the external device receives the transmitted packet, and the transmission radio wave intensity,
8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined condition is that a difference value between the reception radio wave intensity and the transmission radio wave intensity is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value. The acquisition means further acquires identification information indicating the external device in addition to the distance information,
When the distance indicated by the distance information satisfies the predetermined condition and the identification information matches the identification information set in the information processing apparatus, the control unit cancels the sleep mode. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8.   Even if the distance indicated by the distance information satisfies the predetermined condition, if the identification information does not match the identification information set in the information processing apparatus, the control means sets the sleep mode. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the information processing apparatus is not canceled. A method of controlling a wireless communication device that communicates with an information processing device operable in a sleep mode,
A receiving step of receiving a packet transmitted by the information processing apparatus;
A determination step of determining a distance between the information processing device and the wireless communication device based on the packet received in the reception step;
And a transmitting step of transmitting the sleep mode release request to the information processing apparatus when the distance determined in the determining step satisfies a first condition. A program that causes a computer to execute a control method of a wireless communication device that communicates with an information processing device operable in a sleep mode,
The method for controlling the wireless communication device includes:
A receiving step of receiving a packet transmitted by the information processing apparatus;
A determination step of determining a distance between the information processing device and the wireless communication device based on the packet received in the reception step;
And a transmission step of transmitting the sleep mode cancellation request to the information processing apparatus when the distance determined in the determination step satisfies a first condition. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus operable in a sleep mode,
A transmission step of transmitting the packet to an external device;
Obtaining distance information indicating a distance between the information processing device and the external device based on the packet is created by the external device, and obtaining the created distance information from the external device;
And a control step for canceling the sleep mode when the distance indicated by the distance information satisfies a predetermined condition. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method of an information processing apparatus operable in a sleep mode,
The control method of the information processing apparatus includes:
A transmission step of transmitting the packet to an external device;
Obtaining distance information indicating a distance between the information processing device and the external device based on the packet is created by the external device, and obtaining the created distance information from the external device;
And a control step of canceling the sleep mode when the distance indicated by the distance information satisfies a predetermined condition.

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