JP2019068338A - Communication device, image forming apparatus, communication method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a communication device that can transmit advertising packets to a portable terminal with an appropriate transmission power.SOLUTION: A communication device comprises: transmission means that transmits, of advertising packets in the Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE) standard, a first packet not permitting a connection request to the communication device and a second packet permitting the connection request to the communication device; and control means that controls the transmission means to transmit the first packet with a first transmission power and transmit the second packet with a second transmission power smaller than the first transmission power.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication apparatus, a communication method, an image forming apparatus, and a program.

Devices such as multi-function printers (MFPs) capable of logging in from a user's portable terminal via wireless communication are known.
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for automatically logging in to an MFP from a portable terminal compliant with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. Under this Bluetooth standard, the MFP operates as an Advertiser and a peripheral, and the mobile terminal operates as a Scanner and a Central.

Specifically, according to the technology of Patent Document 1, the MFP activates Bluetooth and transmits an advertising packet at preset intervals.
The mobile terminal executes a scan process which is a process of searching for an advertiser. Then, when the advertising packet transmitted from the MFP is received, the identifier of the MFP that has transmitted the advertising packet is displayed on the screen. When the user who sees the displayed identifier of the MFP operates the portable terminal to register the MFP as the MFP to be automatically logged in, the portable terminal stores the MFP as the MFP to be automatically logged in.

At the same time, upon receiving the advertising packet transmitted from the MFP, the portable terminal estimates a distance between the mobile terminal and the MFP that has transmitted the received advertising packet based on the received signal strength. When the estimated distance satisfies the predetermined condition and the MFP is stored as the MFP to be automatically logged in, the portable terminal transmits a connection request packet to the transmission source MFP. In the Bluetooth standard, a connection request packet is a packet whose PDU (Protocol Data Unit) type is CONNECT_REQ. Following the connection request, the portable terminal transmits, to the MFP, a login request packet which is a data packet including a login request for requesting to log in to the MFP that has made the connection request.
When the MFP receives the login request packet from the portable terminal, the MFP executes processing for causing the portable terminal of the transmission source of the login request packet to log in to the MFP.

JP, 2016-170702, A

By the way, there is the following request for login to the MFP operating as the above-mentioned advertiser.
That is, the user remotely searches for the MFP using the Bluetooth compliant portable terminal, and stores the searched MFP in the portable terminal as an MFP to be automatically logged in. Thereafter, the user approaches the MFP stored as such in the portable terminal and brings the portable terminal into contact with the touch pad of the MFP to automatically log in to the MFP (hereinafter referred to as "touch login"). It is convenient if you can
However, according to the above-mentioned technology, in order to determine whether the portable terminal is in contact with the touch pad, it may have to execute complicated processing separately. In addition, after storing the MFP to be automatically logged in, the portable terminal may execute processing for estimating the distance to the MFP when the advertising packet is received even though the distance is not within the loginable distance. . These processes associated with the automatic login consumed power on the mobile terminal.
On the other hand, since the MFP also reports the presence of its own device to a remote portable terminal, the advertising packet must always be transmitted with a large power, and the power of the MFP is consumed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a communication apparatus, an image forming apparatus, a communication method, and a program capable of transmitting an advertising packet to a portable terminal with appropriate transmission power. To aim.

  According to an aspect of a communication apparatus according to the present invention, in order to solve the above problem, a first packet that does not allow a connection request to the communication apparatus among advertising packets of Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE) standard. And transmission means for transmitting a second packet allowing a connection request to the communication device, and transmitting the first packet at a first transmission power, and transmitting the second packet to the first transmission. A control unit configured to control the transmission unit to transmit with a second transmission power smaller than the power.

  According to the present invention, advertising packets to mobile terminals can be transmitted with appropriate transmission power.

Block diagram showing a configuration example of a system including an MFP according to the present embodiment Block diagram showing a configuration example of the MFP 1 of FIG. 1 Block diagram showing a configuration example of the portable terminal 2 of FIG. 1 Flowchart showing an example of processing executed in MFP 1 Flowchart showing an example of processing executed in MFP 1 Flowchart showing an example of processing executed in MFP 1 Sub-flowchart showing details of processing in S17 of FIG. 5 Sub-flowchart showing details of processing in S19 and S29 of FIG. 5 Sub-flowchart showing details of processing in S22 of FIG. 6 Sub-flowchart showing details of processing in S26 of FIG. Sub-flowchart showing details of the process in S31 of FIG. 5 Flow chart showing an example of processing executed in the portable terminal 2

  Hereinafter, an embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The embodiment described below is an example as a realization means of the present invention, and should be appropriately corrected or changed according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. It is not necessarily limited to the embodiment. Moreover, not all combinations of the features described in the present embodiment are essential to the solution means of the present invention. In addition, about the same structure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated.

(System configuration)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a system including an MFP according to the present embodiment.
The system of FIG. 1 includes an MFP (Multi-Function Printer) 1 which is an image forming apparatus, a portable terminal 2, and a personal computer (PC: Personal Computer) 4. In the following, the MFP 1 is described as an example of a device that logs in from the portable terminal 2 and executes a desired function, but the device to which the present embodiment can be applied is not limited to the MFP.
In FIG. 1, wireless communication is performed between the MFP 1 and the portable terminal 2 by Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) which is one of Bluetooth (registered trademark) standards. The MFP 1 and the PC 4 are connected by a local area network (LAN: Local Area Network) 3.
The MFP 1 allows a user who has logged in using the portable terminal 2 to use the function of the MFP 1. Thus, for example, the user copies (copies) the original, scans the original into electronic data, transmits the data to the portable terminal 2 or PC 4, or transmits the electronic data transmitted from the portable terminal 2 or PC 4 to the MFP 1 It can be printed.

(Configuration of MFP)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the MFP 1.
The MFP 1 in FIG. 2 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 10, a RAM (Randum Access Memory) 11, a flash memory 12, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 13, and an operation unit 14. The MFP 1 further includes a scanner 15, a printer 16, a BLE I / F (Interface) 17, and a LAN I / F 18. The parts from the MPU 10 to the LAN I / F 18 are connected to one another by a bus 19.

The MPU 10 is composed of one or more processors, reads a program from the flash memory 12 or the HDD 13 and develops it in the RAM 11, and uses the RAM 11 as a work area to execute the developed program. As a result, the MPU 10 executes operations, grasping and controlling the state of each part of the MFP 1, reading and writing data between each part, and processing such as data transfer between each part. Further, the MPU 10 is provided with a timer. By this timer, the MPU 10 can execute the above-described processes at a set time or cycle.
The RAM 11 is a volatile random access memory.
The flash memory 12 and the HDD 13 can store various setting information of the MFP 1, a program executed by the MPU 10, and the like.
The RAM 11 and the HDD 13 can store an original read by the scanner 15, electronic data received by the BLE I / F 17 or the LAN I / F 18 from the portable terminal 2 or the PC 4, and the like.
The operation unit 14 is an I / F configured of a touch panel, a button, a screen, and the like to perform input and output with respect to the user.

The scanner 15 reads the document placed on the document table by the image sensor and converts it into electronic data. The printer 16 prints electronic data stored in the RAM 11 or the HDD 13. The MFP 1 can read an original placed on an original table by the scanner 15 to convert it into electronic data, transmit it to the printer 16 via the RAM 11 or the HDD 13, and print it by the printer 16, thereby copying the original.
The BLE I / F 17 wirelessly communicates with the portable terminal 2 in accordance with the BLE standard. The LAN I / F 18 communicates with the PC 4 in accordance with a LAN standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark).
In the present embodiment, the BLE I / F 17 transmits a Bluetooth advertising packet at predetermined intervals, but the MPU 10 controls transmission power, transmission interval, and the like according to the type and operation mode.

(Configuration of mobile terminal)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the portable terminal 2.
The portable terminal 2 of FIG. 3 includes an MPU 20, a RAM 21, a flash memory 22, an operation unit 23, and a BLE I / F 25. The portable terminal 2 may further include a camera 24. The parts from the MPU 20 to the BLE I / F 25 are connected to one another by a bus 26.
The MPU 20 is composed of one or more processors, reads a program from the flash memory 22 and develops it in the RAM 21 and executes the developed program using the RAM 21 as a work area. As a result, the MPU 20 executes operations, grasping and controlling the state of each part of the portable terminal 2, reading and writing data between each part, and processing such as data transfer between each part. Further, the MPU 20 is provided with a timer. By this timer, the MPU 20 can execute the above-described processes at a set time or period.
The flash memory 22 stores various setting information of the portable terminal 2, a program executed by the MPU 20, electronic data obtained by digitizing an image captured by the camera 24, electronic data received by the BLE I / F 25 from the MFP 1, and the like.
The operation unit 23 is an I / F that performs input and output with respect to a user including a touch panel, a button, a screen and the like.
The camera 24 captures an image and digitizes it to generate electronic data.
The BLE I / F 25 wirelessly communicates with the MFP 1 in accordance with the BLE standard.

(Processing flowchart of MFP 1)
FIGS. 4 to 6 are flowcharts showing a series of processes executed in MFP 1.
When the power is turned on to the MFP 1 and the initial setting process is completed, the MPU 10 starts a series of processes shown in FIGS. 4 to 6. Then, the MPU 10 repeatedly executes this series of processing until the power of the MFP 1 is turned off. However, the start timing of the process shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 is not limited to the above. The MFP 1 can execute the processing illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6 by reading out a program required by the processor that configures the MPU 10 from the flash memory 12 or the HDD 13 and executing the program. However, the processing of FIGS. 4 to 6 may be realized by at least a part of each of the elements shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 operating as dedicated hardware. In this case, dedicated hardware operates based on the control of the MPU 10.

In the present embodiment, as one of the initial setting processing of the MFP 1, the MPU 10 reads the information such as the operation mode and the setting of the timer input by the administrator from the flash memory 12 or the HDD 13 and executes processing for expanding the information in the RAM 11.
Here, the operation mode includes three modes of mode A, mode B, and mode C. Mode A is a mode that allows general users except for specific users to only search for MFPs and touch logins from a distance, and allows specific users to log in from a distance in addition to them. . Mode B is a mode in which any user is only allowed to perform touch login. Mode C is a mode that allows any user to remotely search and log in to the MFP.

First, in S <b> 0 of FIG. 4, the MPU 10 determines whether the administrator of the MFP 1 has input an operation mode to the operation unit 14. If the MPU 10 determines that the operation mode has been input (Y), it proceeds to S1, and if it determines that the operation mode is not input (N), it proceeds to S13 of FIG.
In S1, the MPU 10 stores the operation mode input to the operation unit 14 in the RAM 11 and also in the flash memory 12 or the HDD 13, and proceeds to S2.

At S2, the MPU 10 reads the operation mode from the RAM 11, and determines whether or not it is mode A. When it is determined that the mode is A (Y), the MPU 10 proceeds to S3. In the case of mode A, unlike the modes B and C, the processes of S3 to S9 and S16 to S26 described later are executed.
In mode A, in S3, the MPU 10 determines whether or not a portable terminal (hereinafter referred to as "distant login permitted portable terminal") that permits login from a distance from the operation unit 14 has been input by the administrator. When the MPU 10 determines that the far-login-permitted mobile terminal has been input (Y), the process proceeds to S4, and when it is determined not (N), the process proceeds to S5.
At S4, the MPU 10 causes the RAM 11 to store the far-login-permitted mobile terminal input from the operation unit 14. Further, the MPU 10 stores the far-login-permitted mobile terminal in the flash memory 12 or the HDD 13 and proceeds to S5.

In S5, the MPU 10 sets whether or not to permit data communication (short distance communication) at a short distance to the portable terminal logged in from the operation unit 14 by the administrator (hereinafter referred to as "short distance data communication permission setting" ) Is determined. When the MPU 10 determines that the short-distance data communication permission setting for the portable terminal in login is input (Y), the process proceeds to S6, and when it is determined not (N), the process proceeds to S7.
At S6, the MPU 10 causes the RAM 11 to store the near-field data communication permission setting of the portable terminal being logged in, which is input from the operation unit 14 at S5. Further, the MPU 10 stores the near field data communication permission setting of the portable terminal during login in the flash memory 12 or the HDD 13. Then, the MPU 10 proceeds to S7.

In S7, S8, and S9, the MPU 10 sets, in the timer, the transmission period of the advertising packet in which the PDU type is AVD_NONCONN_IND, ADV_IND, and ADV_DIRECT_IND, respectively. The transmission period mentioned here is a value of a variable (advInterval) used in the control of the BLE I / F 17. By setting this value appropriately, it is possible to set the transmission period of the advertising packet.
Hereinafter, these packets are referred to as an AVD_NONCONN_IND packet, an ADV_IND packet, and an ADV_DIRECT_IND packet, respectively. In the Bluetooth standard, advertising packets allow connection requests (connectivity), point to a specific central (mobile terminal) (directivity), or allow scan requests from a scanner (mobile terminal) (scan) Type is determined with the attribute The AVD_NONCONN_IND packet does not allow a connection request to the advertiser MFP1, does not point to a specific mobile terminal, and does not allow a scan request from the mobile terminal. The ADV_IND packet allows connection requests, does not point to a specific mobile terminal, and allows scan requests. The ADV_DIRECT_IND packet allows connection requests, is directed to a particular mobile device, and does not allow scan requests. Also, an ADV_SCAN_IND packet described later does not accept a connection request, does not point to a specific mobile terminal, and accepts a scan request.

  In S8, the MPU 10 sets the transmission cycle of the ADV_IND packet to a value shorter than that of other advertising packets (AVD_NONCONN_IND packet and ADV_DIRECT_IND packet). Specifically, for example, the MPU 10 sets the transmission cycle of the ADV_IND packet to 100 ms (S8), and sets the transmission cycle of advertising packets of other PDU types to 1 s longer than a predetermined value (S7, S9). The MPU 10 stores the values of these transmission cycles in the flash memory 12 or the HDD 13 as well, and proceeds to S13 of FIG.

Returning to S2, when the MPU 10 determines that the mode A is not (N), the MPU 10 proceeds to S10.
At S10, the MPU 10 determines whether the operation mode is mode B or not. Then, when it is determined that the mode B is (Y), the MPU 10 proceeds to S11.
In mode B, in S11, the MPU 10 sets the transmission cycle of the ADV_IND packet in the timer. Specifically, the MPU 10 sets the transmission cycle of the ADV_IND packet to a value shorter than that of other advertising packets, for example, 100 ms. Further, the MPU 10 stores the value of the transmission cycle in the flash memory 12 or the HDD 13 as well, and proceeds to S13 of FIG.
On the other hand, if the MPU 10 determines in step S10 as no (N), that is, if it determines that the mode is mode C, the MPU 10 proceeds to step S12.
In mode C, at S12, the MPU 10 sets the transmission cycle of the ADV_IND packet in the timer. Specifically, the MPU 10 sets the transmission cycle of the ADV_IND packet to a value longer than a predetermined value, for example, 1 s. Further, the MPU 10 stores the value of the transmission cycle in the flash memory 12 or the HDD 13 as well, and proceeds to S13 of FIG.

In S13 of FIG. 5, the MPU 10 determines whether each of the logged-in mobile terminals stored in the RAM 11 meets a condition (hereinafter, referred to as a “logout condition”) that causes the mobile terminal to log out. Here, the logout condition is, for example, that the user inputs a request to logout to the operation unit 14 or that a predetermined time has elapsed without using the MFP 1 since the login. If it is determined in S13 that the logout condition is met (Y), the MPU 10 proceeds to S14, and if it is determined NO (N), it proceeds to S15. In S14, the MPU 10 deletes the information of the portable terminal that matches the logout condition from the information indicating the logged-in portable terminal stored in the RAM 11, and proceeds to S15.
At S15, the MPU 10 reads the operation mode from the RAM 11, and determines whether or not it is the mode A. Then, if it is determined that the mode is A (Y), the MPU 10 proceeds to S16. In the case of mode A, unlike the modes B and C, the processes of S16 to S26 described later are executed.

In mode A, in step S16, the MPU 10 determines whether it is a transmission time of an ADV_NONCONN_IND packet. When it is determined that it is the transmission time (Y), the MPU 10 proceeds to S17, and when it is determined that it is not (N), it proceeds to S18.
In S17, the MPU 10 causes the BLE I / F 17 to transmit an ADV_NONCONN_IND packet with a transmission power (first transmission power) larger than a predetermined value, and proceeds to S18. The details of the process of S17 will be described later with reference to FIG.
At S18, the MPU 10 determines whether it is a transmission time of the ADV_IND packet. Then, if it is determined that it is the transmission time (Y), the MPU 10 proceeds to S19, and if it is determined that it is not, the process proceeds to S20 of FIG.
In S19, the MPU 10 causes the BLE I / F 17 to transmit an ADV_IND packet with a transmission power (second transmission power) smaller than a predetermined value, and proceeds to S20 in FIG. The details of the process of S19 will be described later with reference to FIG.

Continuing on in mode A, in S20 of FIG. 6, the MPU 10 reads the information indicating the far login permitted portable terminal from the RAM 11, and determines whether or not the far login permitted portable terminal exists. And when it discriminate | determines that it exists (Y), MPU10 progresses to S21, and when it discriminate | determines no (N), it progresses to S23.
In S21, the MPU 10 determines whether or not it is time to transmit an ADV_DIRECT_IND packet to the remote login permitted portable terminal. Then, when it is determined that it is the transmission time of the ADV_DIRECT_IND packet to the far-login-permitted mobile terminal (Y), the MPU 10 proceeds to S22, and when it is determined not (N), proceeds to S23.

In S22, the MPU 10 causes the BLE I / F 17 to transmit an ADV_DIRECT_IND packet to the distant login permitted portable terminal with a transmission power larger than a predetermined value, and proceeds to S23. The details of the process of S22 will be described later with reference to FIG.
In S23, the MPU 10 reads the near-field data communication permission setting of the portable terminal during login from the RAM 11, and determines whether or not the near-field data communication permission setting indicates a permission. When it is determined that the short distance data communication permission setting indicates permission (Y), the MPU 10 proceeds to S24, and when it is determined that the permission is negative (Y), the series of processing ends.
In S24, the MPU 10 reads out information indicating the portable terminal currently logged in from the RAM 11, and determines whether or not there is a portable terminal currently logged in. Then, if it is determined that there is a portable terminal in login status (Y), the MPU 10 proceeds to S25, and if it determines no (Y), the series of processing ends.

In S25, the MPU 10 determines whether it is time to transmit an ADV_DIRECT_IND packet to the portable terminal currently logged in. Then, when it is determined that it is the transmission time of the ADV_DIRECT_IND packet to the portable terminal currently logged in (Y), the MPU 10 proceeds to S26, and when it is determined no (N), the series of processing ends.
In S26, the MPU 10 causes the BLE I / F 17 to transmit the ADV_DIRECT_IND packet to the portable terminal currently logged in with medium transmission power (third transmission power smaller than the first transmission power and larger than the second transmission power), End the series of processing. The details of the process of S26 will be described later with reference to FIG.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the mode is not mode A in S15 of FIG. 5 (N), the MPU 10 proceeds to S27.
At S27, the MPU 10 determines whether the operation mode is mode B or not. Then, if it is determined that the mode B is set (Y), the MPU 10 proceeds to S28.
In mode B, in S28, the MPU 10 determines whether it is a transmission time of an ADV_IND packet. Then, when it is determined that it is the transmission time of the ADV_IND packet (Y), the MPU 10 proceeds to S29, and when it is determined that it is not (N), the series of processing ends.
In S29, the MPU 10 causes the BLE I / F 17 to transmit an ADV_IND packet with a transmission power (second transmission power) smaller than a predetermined value, and ends the series of processing. The details of the process of S29 will be described later with reference to FIG.

On the other hand, if the determination is negative (S), that is, if it is determined that the mode is mode C, the MPU 10 proceeds to S30.
At S30, the MPU 10 determines whether it is the transmission time of the ADV_IND packet. Then, when it is determined that it is the transmission time of the ADV_IND packet (Y), the MPU 10 proceeds to S31, and when it is determined that it is not, the series of processing ends.
In S31, the MPU 10 causes the BLE I / F 17 to transmit an ADV_IND packet with a transmission power (first transmission power) larger than a predetermined value, and the MPU 10 ends a series of processing. The details of the process of S31 will be described later with reference to FIG.
In this embodiment, by performing the control as described above, it is possible to transmit the advertising packet to the portable terminal with appropriate transmission power.

(Transmission power control details)
FIG. 7 is a sub-flow chart showing details of ADV_NONCONN_IND packet transmission processing in mode A at S17 of FIG.
At S40, the MPU 10 sets the transmission power of the transmission power amplifier of the BLE I / F 17 to a value larger than a predetermined value. Note that this value is, for example, 4 dBm where the communicable area with the MFP 1 is one floor of an office or one section within one floor.
The field intensity of the advertising packet emitted from MFP 1 or its touch pad is smaller than the value set in the transmission power amplifier. This is because radio waves are attenuated by the structural members of the MFP 1 including the touch pad.
In the following S41, the MPU 10 causes the BLE I / F 17 to transmit the ADV_NONCONN_IND packet with the large transmission power set in S40, and ends the processing of the subflow in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a sub-flowchart showing details of ADV_IND packet transmission processing in mode A and mode B in S19 and S29 of FIG.
At S50, the MPU 10 sets the transmission power of the transmission power amplifier of the BLE I / F 17 to a value (second transmission power) smaller than a predetermined value. This value is such a value that the ADV_IND packet can be received only while being in contact with or in proximity to the touch pad of the MFP 1 to which the portable terminal 2 can contact. Here, proximity means, for example, a state in which the distance to the touch pad is within 2 cm. Also, the value is, for example, -20 dBm.
At S51, the MPU 10 causes the BLE I / F 17 to transmit an ADV_IND packet with the small transmission power set at S50.

Furthermore, in S52, the MPU 10 determines whether the BLE I / F 17 has received a connection request packet from the portable terminal 2. When it is determined that the connection request packet has been received from the portable terminal 2 (Y), the MPU 10 proceeds to S53, and when it is determined that the connection request packet is not received (N), the processing of the subflow in FIG.
In S53, when the BLE I / F 17 receives a login request packet from the portable terminal 2 in S53, the MPU 10 executes processing such as authentication for causing the portable terminal 2 to log in. As a result, when it is determined that the portable terminal 2 is to be logged in to the MFP 1, the MPU 10 stores the determined portable terminal 2 in the RAM 11 as a portable terminal in login. Further, the MPU 10 causes the portable terminal 2 to transmit a data packet (hereinafter, referred to as a “login notification packet”) including a login notification notifying that the user has logged in, and ends the processing of the subflow in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a sub-flow chart showing the details of the ADV_DIRECT_IND packet transmission process to the remote login permitted portable terminal in mode A in S22 of FIG.
At S60, the MPU 10 sets the transmission power of the transmission power amplifier of the BLE I / F 17 to a value larger than a predetermined value. This value is, for example, 4 dBm where the communicable area with the MFP 1 is one floor of the office or one section within one floor.
In the subsequent S61, the MPU 10 causes the BLE I / F 17 to transmit an ADV_DIRECT_IND packet in which the value of the InitA field is the address of the distant login permitted portable terminal.

Furthermore, in S62, the MPU 10 determines whether the BLE I / F 17 has received a connection request packet from the portable terminal 2. When it is determined that the connection request packet has been received from the portable terminal 2 (Y), the MPU 10 proceeds to S63, and when it is determined that the connection request packet is not received (N), the processing of the subflow of FIG.
In S63, when the BLE I / F 17 receives a login request packet from the portable terminal 2 in S63, the MPU 10 executes processing for logging in the portable terminal 2 such as authentication. As a result, when it is determined that the portable terminal 2 is to be logged in to the MFP 1, the MPU 10 stores the determined portable terminal 2 in the RAM 11 as a portable terminal in login. Further, the MPU 10 causes the BLE I / F 17 to transmit a login notification packet addressed to the portable terminal 2.
In S63, the MPU 10 further transmits or receives a data packet (hereinafter referred to as an “application data packet”) for the user to use the function of the MFP 1 with the BLE I / F 17 and the portable terminal 2. You may Here, the contents of the application data packet may be electronic data to be printed by the printer 16, electronic data generated by processing such as causing the scanner 15 to read a document, and the like, and stored in the HDD 13. Subsequently, the MPU 10 ends the processing of the subflow of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a sub-flowchart showing the details of the process of transmitting an ADV_DIRECT_IND packet to a mobile terminal in login in which short-distance data communication in mode A is allowed in S26 of FIG.
At S70, the MPU 10 sets the transmission power of the transmission power amplifier of the BLE I / F 17 to a predetermined value (medium value). The value of the middle (third transmission power) is a value such that the communicable area of the portable terminal 2 with the MFP 1 is close to the MFP 1. The vicinity means, for example, a range where the distance to the MFP 1 is within 1 m. Moreover, the value is, for example, -10 dBm.
In the subsequent S71, the MPU 10 causes the BLE I / F 17 to transmit an ADV_DIRECT_IND packet in which the value of the InitA field is the address of the portable terminal currently logged in at the medium transmission power set in S70.

Furthermore, in S72, the MPU 10 determines whether the BLE I / F 17 has received a connection request packet from the portable terminal 2. When the connection request packet is received from the portable terminal 2, the MPU 10 proceeds to S73, and when it is determined that the connection request packet is not received, the processing of the sub-flow in FIG.
In S73, the MPU 10 causes the BLE I / F 17 to transmit or receive an application data packet with the portable terminal 2, and ends the processing of the subflow in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a sub-flow chart showing the details of ADV_IND packet transmission processing in mode C in S31 of FIG.
At S80, the MPU 10 sets the transmission power of the transmission power amplifier of the BLE I / F 17 to a value (first transmission power) larger than a predetermined value. The large value is, for example, 4 dBm, in which the communicable area with the MFP 1 is one floor of the office or one section in one floor.
At S81, the MPU 10 causes the BLE I / F 17 to transmit an ADV_IND packet with the large transmission power set at S80.

Furthermore, in S82, the MPU 10 determines whether the BLE I / F 17 has received a connection request packet from the portable terminal 2. Then, if it is determined that the connection request packet has been received from the portable terminal 2, the MPU 10 proceeds to S83, and if it is determined that the connection request packet is not received, the processing of the subflow in FIG.
In S83, when the BLE I / F 17 receives a login request packet from the portable terminal 2 in S83, the MPU 10 executes processing for logging in the portable terminal 2, such as authentication. As a result, when it is determined that the portable terminal 2 is to be logged in to the MFP 1, the MPU 10 stores the determined portable terminal 2 in the RAM 11 as a portable terminal in login. Further, the MPU 10 causes the BLE I / F 17 to transmit a login notification packet addressed to the portable terminal 2.
Furthermore, in S83, the MPU 10 may cause the BLE I / F 17 to transmit or receive application data packets with the portable terminal 2. Subsequently, the MPU 10 ends the processing of the subflow of FIG.

(Modification)
In the above-described S40, S50, S60, S70, and S80, the value of the transmission power set by the MPU 10 in the transmission power amplifier is stored in the flash memory 12 or the HDD 13. Then, the MPU 10 reads the data into the RAM 11 during the initial setting process. These values may be written to the storage area of the flash memory 12 or the HDD 13 when the MFP 1 is manufactured.
Further, these values may be written in the storage area of the flash memory 12 or the HDD 13 based on the operation of the operation unit 14 by the service person or the administrator at the installation location of the MFP 1. At this time, while causing the BLE I / F 17 to transmit the advertising packet, the relationship between these values and the communicable area may be measured.

Also, there may be multiple remote login mobile terminals or mobile terminals during login. In this case, the MPU 10 may execute the processes of S20 to S22 and S23 to S26 for each mobile terminal.
Also, instead of the AVD_IND packet, an ADV_DIRECT_IND packet may be transmitted. In this case, the flash memory 12 or the HDD 13 stores information indicating the portable terminal to which the ADV_DIRECT_IND packet is to be transmitted. The information indicating the portable terminal that is the other party is read out to the RAM 11 at the time of the initial setting process by the MPU 10. Here, the portable terminal is written to the storage area of the flash memory 12 or the HDD 13 described above based on the operation of the operation unit 14 by the administrator. This modification can be easily realized by replacing the AVD_IND packet with the ADV_DIRECT_IND packet in the description of the operation of the system described above.

Also, instead of the ADV_NONCONN_IND packet, a packet whose PDU type is ADV_SCAN_IND (ADV_SCAN_IND packet) may be transmitted. The modification can be easily realized by replacing the ADV_NONCONN_IND packet with the ADV_SCAN_IND packet in the operation of the system described above.
Also, in mode B or C, instead of the ADV_IND packet, an ADV_IND packet and an ADV_NONCONN_IND packet or an ADV_SCAN_IND packet may be transmitted. In this case, this can be easily realized by replacing the AVD_IND packet with an ADV_IND packet and an ADV_NONCONN_IND packet or an ADV_SCAN_IND packet in the operation of the system described above.

(Processing flowchart of portable terminal 2)
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed in the portable terminal 2.
The MPU 20 of the portable terminal 2 starts the processing shown in FIG. 12 when the portable terminal 2 is powered on and the initial setting processing is completed. Then, the MPU 20 repeatedly executes this process until the power of the portable terminal 2 is turned off. However, the start timing of the process shown in FIG. 12 is not limited to the above. The portable terminal 2 can execute the processing illustrated in FIG. 12 by reading out a program required by the processor that configures the MPU 20 from the flash memory 22 and executing the program. However, the process of FIG. 12 may be realized by operating at least a part of the respective elements shown in FIG. 12 as dedicated hardware. In this case, dedicated hardware operates based on the control of the MPU 20.

In the present embodiment, the MPU 20 reads information such as an identifier of the MFP to be automatically logged in from the flash memory 22 as one of the initial setting processing of the portable terminal 2 and executes processing for expanding the information in the RAM 21.
In S90, the MPU 20 determines whether an instruction to search the MFP has been input to the operation unit 23 by the user. When it is determined that an instruction to search for an MFP is input (Y), the process proceeds to S91, and when it is determined not (N), the process proceeds to S92.
When the BLE I / F 25 receives an advertising packet of any PDU type from the MFP 1 in S91, the MPU 20 acquires the identifier of the MFP 1 in the advertising packet, and displays the acquired identifier of the MFP 1 on the operation unit 23. Thereafter, the user who views the displayed identifier of the MFP 1 operates the operation unit 23 to input an instruction to set the MFP 1 to be automatically logged in. The MPU 20 stores the set MFP 1 in the RAM 21 and the flash memory 22 as the MFP 1 to be automatically logged in.

At S92, the MPU 20 reads information from the RAM 21 indicating whether the mobile terminal 2 is logging in to the MFP 1 and determines whether the mobile terminal 2 is logging in to the MFP 1. When it is determined that the own portable terminal 2 is logging in to the MFP 1 (Y), the MPU 20 proceeds to S93.
In S93, the MPU 20 determines whether or not there is an application data packet to be transmitted or received between the BLE I / F 25 and the MFP 1. When it is determined that there is an application data packet to be transmitted / received (Y), the MPU 20 proceeds to S94, and when it is determined NO (N), the processing shown in the flow of FIG. 12 is ended.
In S94, the MPU 20 determines whether an ADV_IND packet or an ADV_DIRECT_IND packet in which the value of the InitA field is the address of the mobile terminal 2 is received from the MFP1. Then, if it is determined that the ADV_DIRECT_IND packet addressed to the own mobile terminal 2 has been received (Y), the MPU 20 proceeds to S95, and if not (N), the processing of the flow of FIG.
In S95, the MPU 20 causes the BLE I / F 25 to transmit a connection request packet for the MFP 1.
In the following S96, the MPU 20 causes the BLE I / F 25 to transmit or receive an application data packet with the MFP 1, and ends the processing of the flow of FIG.

On the other hand, when the MPU 20 determines in S92 that the mobile terminal 2 is not logging in to the MFP 1 (N), the MPU 20 proceeds to S97.
In S97, the MPU 20 determines whether an ADV_IND packet or an ADV_DIRECT_IND packet in which the value of the InitA field is the address of the mobile terminal 2 has been received from the MFP1. Then, if it is determined that the ADV_DIRECT_IND packet addressed to the own portable terminal 2 has been received (Y), the MPU 20 proceeds to S98, and if not (N), the processing of the flow of FIG.
In S98, the MPU 20 causes the BLE I / F 25 to transmit a connection request packet to the MFP 1.
In the subsequent S99, the MPU 20 causes the BLE I / F 25 to transmit a login request packet to the MFP 1. After that, when the BLE I / F 25 receives the login notification packet, the MPU 20 causes the RAM 21 to store information indicating that the mobile terminal 2 is logging in to the MFP 1.
Furthermore, in S99, the MPU 20 may cause the BLE I / F 25 to transmit or receive application data packets with the MFP 1 based on the user's request. Subsequently, the MPU 20 ends the processing of this flow.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the MFP 1 is set to mode A or mode B, the MFP 1 accepts a connection request to the MFP 1 only while the portable terminal 2 is in contact with or in proximity to the touch pad of the MFP 1. Transmit with the transmission power enough to receive ADV_IND packet. Therefore, the power consumption of the portable terminal 2 and the MFP 1 as the image forming apparatus can be reduced to a value sufficient for touch login.
Further, in the present embodiment, when the mode is set to the mode A or the mode B, the MFP 1 transmits the ADV_IND packet in a short cycle. Therefore, when the user brings the portable terminal 2 into contact with or approaches the touch pad of the MFP 1, login can be performed in a short time, and the responsiveness of login is improved, so that the usability of the MFP 1 can be improved.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the MFP 1 can flexibly respond to the request of the administrator regarding information security by providing the three operation modes.

Other Embodiments
In addition, it is possible to implement | achieve each embodiment mentioned above combining the plurality.
The present invention can also be realized by a program that implements one or more of the functions of the embodiments described above. That is, it can be implemented by processing that the program is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus read and execute the program. is there. Alternatively, the program may be provided by being recorded on a computer readable recording medium.
Further, the functions of the embodiment are not limited to those realized by executing the program read by the computer. For example, an operating system (OS) or the like operating on a computer may perform part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program, and the functions of the above-described embodiment may be realized by the processing.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... MFP, 2 ... Mobile terminal, 10 ... MPU, 11 ... RAM, 12 ... Flash memory, 13 ... HDD, 14 ... Operation part, 15 ... Scanner, 16 ... Printer, 17 ... BLE I / F, 18 ... LAN I / F

Claims (13)

Among the advertising packets of the Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE) standard, a first packet not allowing a connection request to the communication device and a second packet allowing a connection request to the communication device are transmitted Transmitting means,
Control means for controlling the transmitting means to transmit the first packet at a first transmission power and transmit the second packet at a second transmission power less than the first transmission power;
A communication apparatus comprising: The first packet includes an advertising packet whose PDU (Protocol Data Unit) type of the BLE standard is ADV_NONCONN_IND or ADV_SCAN_IND,
The second packet includes an advertising packet in which the PDU type is ADV_IND or ADV_DIRECT_IND.
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, Receiving means for receiving connection request packets from other communication devices that have responded to the second packet;
Execution means for executing a process of logging the other communication device into the communication device based on the connection request packet received by the reception means;
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: It further comprises contact means that other communication devices can contact,
The control means is configured to transmit the second transmission power such that the second transmission power can be received by the second packet while the other communication device is in proximity to the contact means. Set the power,
The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The control means controls the transmission means to transmit the second packet at a shorter cycle than the first packet.
The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The control means controls the transmission means to transmit the second packet with the first transmission power to another communication apparatus set in advance.
The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The control means is configured to transmit the second packet to the other communication device based on the first transmission power when the other communication device logging in to the communication device is allowed to perform near field communication. Controlling the transmitting means to transmit at a third transmission power which is smaller and greater than the second transmission power;
The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: Further comprising setting means for setting the operation mode;
The control means
According to the operation mode set by the setting means,
Controlling the transmitting means to transmit the second packet or the first packet and the second packet at the second transmission power;
The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The control means is responsive to the operation mode set by the setting means.
Controlling the transmitting means to transmit the second packet or the first packet and the second packet at the first transmission power;
The communication device according to claim 8, characterized in that: Among the advertising packets of the Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE) standard, the first packet transmitted by the first transmission power and the above-mentioned transmitted by the second transmission power smaller than the first transmission power Receiving means for receiving a second packet different from the first packet from another communication device;
Acquisition means for acquiring an identifier of the other communication apparatus from the first packet or the second packet received by the reception means;
Transmitting means for transmitting a connection request packet to the other communication device having the identifier acquired by the acquiring means in response to the second packet;
Execution means for executing a process of logging in to the other communication device to which the connection request packet has been sent by the sending means;
A communication apparatus comprising: The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
Second receiving means for receiving application data from the other communication device logged into the communication device;
Forming means for forming an image from the application data received by the second receiving means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: Among the advertising packets of the Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE) standard, a first packet not allowing a connection request to the communication device and a second packet allowing a connection request to the communication device are transmitted Step to
Controlling to transmit the first packet at a first transmission power and transmitting the second packet at a second transmission power less than the first transmission power;
A communication method comprising:   The program for functioning a computer as each means of the communication apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 to 10.

Images