JP4840034B2 - Data receiving apparatus, data transmitting apparatus, control method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a data reception device, a data transmission device, a control method thereof, and a program.

Conventionally, an infrared data communication system based on the IrDA standard has been widely used in various information devices such as PDAs, personal computers, mobile phones, and portable printers. In August 2005, IrSimple was adopted as an international standard in order to realize high-speed communication in data transfer of large-capacity content (see Non-Patent Document 1). This IrSimple is expected to be used in new applications in addition to the traditional applications. In addition, IrSimple has proposed not only bidirectional communication but also unidirectional communication procedures. For example, when transferring image data from a data transmission device such as a mobile phone or a digital still camera to a data reception device such as a printer, if a one-way communication procedure is employed, the user can feel the image data without stress. You can transfer.
ITX E-Globaledge Corporation, 3 other companies, "Press Release", [online] August 26, 2005, NTT DoCoMo, [Search July 17, 2006], Internet <URL: http: // www. nttdocomo.co.jp/info/news_release/page/20050826.html>

  However, when image data is transferred using a one-way communication procedure, data transmission is performed unilaterally from the data transmission device to the data reception device. Data preparation may not be in time and data reception may fail. In such a case, after all, data transmission is performed again from the data transmission device, so that the user may feel stress.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and provides a data receiving apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program thereof that can reliably receive data transmitted by one-way communication from a communication partner. One of the purposes. Another object of the present invention is to provide a data transmitting apparatus suitable for transmitting data to such a data receiving apparatus by unidirectional communication, a control method therefor, and a program therefor.

  The present invention adopts the following means in order to achieve at least one of the above objects.

The data receiving apparatus of the present invention is
A data receiving device comprising a data receiving means capable of receiving data transmitted from a communication partner by unidirectional communication,
A test signal receiving means capable of receiving a test signal repeatedly transmitted a plurality of times before the communication partner transmits data by the one-way communication;
When the test signal receiving means receives the test signal, reception preparation executing means for executing preparation of the data receiving means so as to receive data transmitted by the unidirectional communication thereafter;
It is equipped with.

  In this data receiving apparatus, when the test signal receiving means receives a test signal that is repeatedly transmitted a plurality of times before the communication partner transmits data by unidirectional communication, the data transmitted by unidirectional communication is subsequently received. Prepare the data receiving means so that it can be received. By doing so, the preparation of the data receiving means can be executed using the period from when the test signal is received to when the data is transmitted by unidirectional communication. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which data is transmitted by unidirectional communication before preparation of the data receiving means is completed and reception of the data fails. Therefore, it is possible to reliably receive data transmitted from the communication partner by unidirectional communication.

  The data receiving means and the test signal receiving means may be one common means, or may be separate means.

  In the data receiving apparatus of the present invention, the data receiving means includes a data receiving storage unit for storing data received by the one-way communication, and the reception preparation executing means is configured such that the test signal receiving means is the test signal. When the data receiving means is received, an operation for securing a storage area of the data receiving storage unit so that data transmitted by the one-way communication can be received thereafter may be executed as preparation of the data receiving means. In this way, it is possible to prevent a situation in which data is transmitted by unidirectional communication before the storage area of the data receiving storage unit is secured and reception of the data fails.

  The data receiving apparatus of the present invention includes a notifying means capable of notifying a user of predetermined information, and the reception preparation executing means prepares the data receiving means when the test signal receiving means receives the test signal. The notification means may be controlled so that the information regarding the preparation is notified to the user. In this way, the user can check the preparation status of the data receiving means.

  The notification means may be a display means capable of displaying at least one of characters, figures and symbols, or may be an audio output means capable of outputting sound.

  In the data receiving apparatus of the present invention, when the test signal receiving unit receives the test signal, the reception preparation executing unit notifies the user that the data receiving unit is being prepared. The notifying means controls the notifying means so as to be notified, executes preparation of the data receiving means, and notifies the user that the preparation is completed after the preparation of the data receiving means is completed. May be controlled. By doing so, the user can recognize that the preparation of the data receiving means has been completed, and accordingly, it is possible to start data transmission by unidirectional communication from the communication partner.

  In the data receiving apparatus of the present invention provided with such a notifying means, the reception preparation executing means is configured such that the data receiving means transmits data transmitted by the one-way communication after the test signal receiving means receives the test signal. When the reception of the test signal is interrupted before reception, the notification means may be controlled so that a notification indicating that the reception of the test signal is interrupted is notified to the user. In this way, the user can easily know that a problem has occurred in data reception.

The control method of the data receiving device of the present invention includes:
Data receiving means capable of receiving data transmitted from a communication partner by unidirectional communication, and test signal receiving means capable of receiving a test signal transmitted before the communication partner transmits data by unidirectional communication. A method for controlling a data receiving device comprising:
When the test signal receiving means receives the test signal, it prepares the data receiving means so that it can receive data transmitted by the one-way communication thereafter.

  In this data receiving apparatus control method, when the test signal receiving means receives a test signal repeatedly transmitted a plurality of times before the communication partner transmits data by unidirectional communication, it is transmitted by unidirectional communication thereafter. Preparation of data receiving means is executed so that incoming data can be received. By doing so, the preparation of the data receiving means can be executed using the period from when the test signal is received to when the data is transmitted by unidirectional communication. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which data is transmitted by unidirectional communication before preparation of the data receiving means is completed and reception of the data fails. Therefore, it is possible to reliably receive data transmitted from the communication partner by unidirectional communication.

  The control program for the data receiving apparatus of the present invention is a program for causing one or more computers to execute the above-described control method for the data receiving apparatus. This program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (for example, hard disk, ROM, FD, CD, DVD, etc.), or from a computer via a transmission medium (communication network such as the Internet or LAN). It may be distributed to another computer, or may be exchanged in any other form. If this control program is executed by a single computer or each step is shared and executed by a plurality of computers, the same effect as the above-described control method of the data receiving apparatus can be obtained.

The data transmission apparatus of the present invention
A data transmission device comprising a unidirectional communication means capable of transmitting data by unidirectional communication,
Test signal transmission means capable of transmitting a predetermined test signal;
Transmission control means for controlling the test signal transmission means so that a predetermined test signal is repeatedly transmitted a plurality of times prior to transmitting data by the unidirectional communication;
It is equipped with.

  In this data transmitting apparatus, the test signal transmitting means is controlled so that a predetermined test signal is repeatedly transmitted a plurality of times prior to transmitting data by unidirectional communication. By doing so, the above-described data receiving apparatus of the present invention can execute the preparation of the data receiving means by using the period from when the test signal is received until the data is transmitted by the one-way communication. . Therefore, it can be said that the data transmission device of the present invention is suitable for transmitting data to the above-described data reception device of the present invention by unidirectional communication.

  The unidirectional communication means and the test signal transmission means may be one common means, or may be separate means.

  In the data transmission device of the present invention, the transmission control unit controls the test signal transmission unit so that the test signal is repeatedly transmitted a plurality of times, and then a command for transmitting data by the unidirectional communication is issued by a user. The one-way communication means may be controlled so that data by the one-way communication is transmitted when it is recognized that the command has been made by the user. In this way, since the unidirectional communication is started after the time required for the user to instruct after transmitting the test signal, the data receiving apparatus has a preparation period for receiving the data transmitted by the unidirectional communication. Can take enough. Here, the transmission control means starts to control the test signal transmission means so that the test signal is repeatedly transmitted a plurality of times, and then waits for a predetermined time to pass before transmitting data by the unidirectional communication. It is good also as a state in which the instruction | command for this can be made by the user. By doing so, it is possible for the data receiving apparatus to take more preparation periods for receiving data sent by unidirectional communication.

  Note that the command by the user may be determined by, for example, displaying a command button on the screen and selecting the command button, or providing a command button that can be physically pressed and pressing the command button. It may be determined based on whether or not a voice command is input using a voice input function.

The control method of the data transmission device of the present invention is as follows:
A method of controlling a data transmission device comprising a unidirectional communication means capable of transmitting data by unidirectional communication and a test signal transmission means capable of transmitting a predetermined test signal,
Controlling the test signal transmitting means so that a predetermined test signal is repeatedly transmitted a plurality of times prior to transmitting data by the unidirectional communication,
Is.

  In this method of controlling the data transmitting apparatus, the test signal transmitting means is controlled so that a predetermined test signal is repeatedly transmitted a plurality of times prior to transmitting data by unidirectional communication. By doing so, in the above-described method for controlling the data receiving apparatus of the present invention, the preparation of the data receiving means is executed using the period from the reception of the test signal until the data is transmitted by the unidirectional communication. be able to. For this reason, it can be said that the control method of the data transmission device of the present invention is a method suitable for realizing the above-described control method of the data reception device of the present invention.

  The data transmission device control program of the present invention is a program for causing one or more computers to execute the above-described data transmission device control method. This program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (for example, hard disk, ROM, FD, CD, DVD, etc.), or from a computer via a transmission medium (communication network such as the Internet or LAN). It may be distributed to another computer, or may be exchanged in any other form. If this control program is executed by one computer or if each step is shared and executed by a plurality of computers, the same effect as the above-described control method of the data transmitting apparatus can be obtained.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of a multi-function printer 10 as an embodiment of a data receiving apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the multi-function printer 10, and FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of these.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multi-function printer 10 of the present embodiment includes a printer unit 20 that performs printing on a printing paper S based on a print job, and a scanner unit 30 that reads a document placed on a glass table 36. An infrared communication port 50 for receiving and emitting infrared light, an IrDA controller 60 for controlling the infrared communication port 50 to transmit / receive data to / from the mobile phone 80 which is an infrared communication device, and display various information. An operation panel 40 for displaying on the unit 42 and inputting user instructions through the operation of buttons 44 and a main controller 70 for controlling the entire apparatus are provided. The IrDA controller 60 and the main controller 70 are mounted on the board 12 and accommodated in the multifunction printer 10.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the multi-function printer 10 is configured such that the printer unit 20, the scanner unit 30, the IrDA controller 60, and the main controller 70 can exchange various control signals and data via a bus 46.

  The printer unit 20 includes a printer ASIC 22 and a printer engine 24. The printer ASIC 22 is an integrated circuit manufactured for the control of the printer engine 24. Upon receiving a print command from the main controller 70, the printer ASIC 22 prints on the printing paper S based on the print data that is the target of the print command. 24 is controlled. The printer engine 24 is configured as a well-known inkjet color printer mechanism that performs printing by ejecting ink from a print head onto a sheet. Note that ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit.

  The scanner unit 30 includes a scanner ASIC 32 and a scanner engine 34. The scanner ASIC 32 is an integrated circuit manufactured for controlling the scanner engine 34. Upon receiving a scan command from the main controller 70, the scanner ASIC 32 controls the scanner engine 34 to read a document placed on the glass table 36 as image data. To do. The scanner engine 34 is configured as a well-known image scanner, and the reflected light after emitting light toward the document is separated into red (R), green (G), and blue (B) colors to obtain scan data. A known color image sensor is provided.

  The infrared communication port 50 is provided near the surface of the multifunction printer 10 so that the phototransistor 52 can receive infrared light emitted from the mobile phone 80 and the LED 54 can emit infrared light toward the mobile phone 80. (See FIG. 1). The infrared communication port 50 is configured to be communicable by a communication method compliant with the IrDA standard and the IrSimple standard. The communication method conforming to the IrDA standard is bidirectional communication. For example, when performing image transfer of 500 kbytes from the mobile phone 80 to the multi-function printer 10 using the IrDA-4M method, the device discovery procedure (500 msec to 1 sec) or device is first performed at 9600 bps. Since the connection procedure (300 msec to 500 msec) is executed and data transfer is performed while performing bidirectional communication at 4 Mbps, it takes about 3 seconds in total. On the other hand, there are two types of communication methods conforming to the IrSimple standard: bidirectional communication and unidirectional communication. For example, when performing 500 kbyte image transfer from the mobile phone 80 to the multifunction printer 10 by unidirectional communication, the device connection is first made at 9600 bps. Since the data transfer is unilaterally performed at 4 Mbps after the procedure is performed, it takes less than 1 second in total. Note that both the phototransistor 52 and the LED 54 are used in the bidirectional communication, but only the phototransistor 52 is used and the LED 54 is not used in the unidirectional communication.

  The IrDA controller 60 includes a decoder 62 that receives the infrared light by the phototransistor 52 of the infrared communication port 50 and converts the voltage signal IrRx output from the infrared communication port 50 into a binary (value 0 and value 1) data string; An encoder 64 that generates a voltage signal IrTx to be output to the infrared communication port 50 to drive the LED 54 of the infrared communication port 50 from the binary data string, and conversion of each voltage signal IrRx, IrTx and the binary data string And a clock generator 66 for generating sampling clock pulses for defining timing. The clock generator 66 can generate different sampling clocks corresponding to two different speeds (9600 bps and 4 Mbps in this embodiment). When the signal IrRx is not input from the infrared communication port 50, the IrDA controller 60 generates a sampling clock pulse corresponding to 9600 bps by the clock generator 66 so that a signal sent at 9600 bps can be received. Waiting in the state

  Here, the unidirectional communication of the IrSimple standard will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a frame used for data transfer in IrSimple one-way communication. As a frame used for data transfer, a frame A including an SNRM (Set Normal Response Mode) command is used as a connection signal, and frames B, C, and D including image data and a connection used as a disconnection signal (not shown) are used. There is a cutting frame. At the time of data transfer, first, frame A is transferred at 9600 bps, and then frame B is transferred at 4 Mbps (actual data transfer rate, which will be described later) after 50 msec, and then frames C and D are similarly spaced at an interval of 100 μsec. Transferred at 4 Mbps (actual data transfer rate). Here, the frame C will be further described. In the frame C, a plurality of preambles (PA) are repeatedly arranged in order from the top, followed by a start flag (STA), a data body, and a stop flag (STO). When one PA is viewed, the decoded data string is composed of 16 bits of “1000”, “0000”, “1010”, and “1000”. The decoded data string is obtained as follows. That is, in FIG. 4, the sampling clock is 16 MHz, and the symbol clock obtained by dividing the sampling clock is 2 MHz. The predetermined reading timing based on the sampling clock pulse (for example, the timing of the rising edge of each pulse, etc.) ) To read the output signal of the infrared communication port 50. Here, when the output signals read at two consecutive reading timings are both high (High), the data after decoding is set to “1”, and the output signals read at two consecutive reading timings are both low (Low). ), The decoded data is set to “0”. As a result, one piece of decoded data is determined every two sampling pulses. The communication speed of the decoded data obtained in this way is 8 Mbps. On the other hand, in the data body, 4-value PPM (4-value pulse position modulation) is adopted for the decoded data string. For this reason, it is necessary to further decode the decoded data string. Specifically, the decoded data string “1000” corresponds to the actual data “00”, “0100” corresponds to “01”, “0010” corresponds to “10”, and “0001” corresponds to “ 11 ". The communication rate (actual data transfer rate) of the data string of the data body thus obtained is 4 Mbps. That is, when the actual data transfer rate is 4 Mbps, the data body is communicated at 4 Mbps, and other PA, STA, and STO are communicated at 8 Mbps. Further, the frequency of the sampling clock when the actual data transfer rate is 4 Mbps and the frequency of the sampling clock when the PA communication rate is 8 Mbps are the same. The symbol clock is adjusted so that the head of each 4 bits when the 16 bits (above) of PA are divided into 4 bits can be read when the clock is generated. This is performed based on this symbol clock.

  The operation panel 40 includes a display unit 42 and buttons 44. The display unit 42 is a liquid crystal display, and displays information related to the printing status and data reception status, a printing menu, and the like. The buttons 44 include a power button, an arrow key, a determination button, a cancel button, and the like, and the internal communication interface 79 is displayed when an appropriate button is pressed when a menu item is selected or when printing is performed. Through this, a user instruction is input to the main controller 70.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main controller 70 is configured as a microprocessor centered on the CPU 72. The main controller 70 stores a ROM 74 storing various processing programs, various data, various tables, etc., and temporarily stores scan data and print data. A RAM 76 that stores data and stores data, a flash memory 78 that is electrically rewritable and retains data even when the power is turned off, and an internal communication interface 79 that enables communication with the operation panel 40 are provided. These are connected via a bus 46 so that signals can be exchanged with each other. The main controller 70 inputs various operation signals and various detection signals from the printer unit 20, the scanner unit 30, and the IrDA controller 60, and inputs operation signals generated according to the operation of the buttons 44 of the operation panel 40. Or Further, the main controller 70 outputs an instruction to the printer unit 20 to execute the printing of the image data included in the print job received from the mobile phone 80, or glass based on the scan command of the buttons 44 on the operation panel 40. An instruction is output to the scanner unit 30 so as to read a document placed on the table 36 as image data, data to be transmitted to a transmission destination by infrared communication is output to the IrDA controller 60, and the display unit 42 is displayed on the operation panel 40. Output control commands.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the cellular phone 80 is equipped with an infrared communication function compliant with the IrDA standard or the IrSimple standard, and has an operation button 81 formed of a numeric keypad or the like, and a microphone 82 for collecting voice spoken through the earpiece. A speaker 83 that outputs sound to the outside via the mouthpiece, a display 84 that displays various screens (images), a CCD camera 85 that captures images, and transmission / reception that is a data input / output interface of a cellular phone network Unit 86, memory 87 capable of temporarily storing various data, infrared communication port 88 for receiving and emitting infrared light, and infrared communication port 88 to control the external infrared communication device (for example, multifunction printer 10) An IrDA controller 89 that transmits and receives data and a mobile phone controller 90 that controls the entire mobile phone. That. Here, in the memory 87, telephone book data sequentially created by operating the operation button 81, transmission mail data to be transmitted to or transmitted to another mobile phone, personal computer, etc. via the transmission / reception unit 86, Incoming mail data received from another mobile phone or personal computer via the transmission / reception unit 86, memo pad data created by operating the operation button 81, image data taken by the CCD camera 85, and the like are stored. The configurations of the infrared communication port 88 and the IrDA controller 89 are the same as those of the infrared communication port 50 and the IrDA controller 60 of the multifunction printer 10. The mobile phone controller 90 executes various controls, and as one of them, when a button assigned with the Ir high-speed transmission button of the operation button 81 is pressed and a transmission command conforming to the IrSimple standard is input, The image data selected from the image data in the memory 87 is transmitted to the multi-function printer 10 via the infrared communication port 88 and the IrDA controller 89 described above.

  Next, image data is transmitted from the mobile phone 80 to the multi-function printer 10 by the operation of the multi-function printer 10 and the mobile phone 80 of the present embodiment configured as described above, in particular, unidirectional communication conforming to the IrSimple standard. An operation when data is printed by the multifunction printer 10 will be described.

  First, the operation of the mobile phone 80 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a transmission processing routine of IrSimple one-way communication executed by the mobile phone controller 90 of the mobile phone 80, and FIG. 6 is an explanation of a screen displayed on the display 84 of the mobile phone 80 in relation to this routine. FIG. This routine is stored in an internal ROM (not shown) of the mobile phone 80. Further, in this routine, as shown in FIG. 6A, in a state where a plurality of thumbnail images are displayed on the display 84, the user selects the thumbnail image by placing the cursor on one of the thumbnail images. The operation is started when a button 81b (see FIG. 1) to which a function as a transmission button (Ir high-speed transmission button) of IrSimple one-way communication is assigned is pressed among the operation buttons 81. When the button 81a (see FIG. 1) to which a function as a menu button is assigned is pressed, a menu screen (not shown) is displayed. That is, the button 81a is assigned a function of a button displayed at the lower left of the screen of the display 84, and the button 81b is assigned a function of a button displayed at the lower right of the screen of the display 84.

  When this routine is started, the cellular phone controller 90 transmits a test command to the outside at 9600 bps via the IrDA controller 89 and the infrared communication port 88 (step S100), as shown in FIG. 6B. Then, the message “Please point the mobile phone at the destination” is displayed on the display 84 (step S110). Here, an example of the frame structure of the test command is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the test command frame includes an address part in which a transmission destination address is described, a control part in which the type of the command is described, and an information part in which data contents to be transmitted are described. ing. Among these, the address part is described as “broadcast” indicating that the transmission destination is unspecified, the control part is described as “test command” indicating that it is a test command, and the information part is described as In addition to the source address and destination address, a bit string set for the test command is described. Further, after reading the message on the display 84 shown in FIG. 6B, the user uses the mobile phone 80 to make the infrared communication port 88 of the mobile phone 80 face the infrared communication port 50 of the multifunction printer 10. The multi-function printer 10 can receive the transmitted infrared signal.

  Subsequently, the cellular phone controller 90 repeatedly transmits a test command to the outside via the IrDA controller 89 and the infrared communication port 88 at 9600 bps (step S120), and a command to transmit image data of the selected thumbnail image is issued. It is determined whether or not the button 81a to which the function as the transmission button is assigned is pressed on the screen of FIG. 6B (step S130). When no image data transmission command has been issued, it is determined whether or not a transmission stop command has been issued, and whether or not the button 81b to which a function as a transmission stop button has been assigned is pressed on the screen of FIG. (Step S135), and when the transmission stop command is not issued, the process returns to step S120 again to repeatedly transmit the test command. On the other hand, when a transmission stop command is issued in step S135, this transmission processing routine is terminated as it is. When an image data transmission command is issued in step S130, a message “Transmitting image data” is displayed on the display 84 (see step S140, FIG. 6C), and an SNRM command is issued in accordance with the IrSimple standard. The frame A including (see FIG. 4) is transmitted as a connection signal at 9600 bps (step S150), and then the frame B and subsequent including the image data (see FIG. 4) are transmitted at an actual data transfer rate of 4 Mbps (step S160). A connection disconnection frame (not shown) is transmitted as a disconnection signal (step S170), and a message “Image data transmission has been completed” is displayed on the display 84 (step S180, FIG. 6D). (See Reference), and this routine ends.

  As described above, the test command, the connection signal, the image data, and the disconnect signal are unilaterally sent from the mobile phone 80 to the multi-function printer 10, but the user reads the message on the display 84 shown in FIG. 6B. Further, in order for the infrared communication port 88 of the mobile phone 80 to face the infrared communication port 50 of the multi-function printer 10, the test command, connection signal, image data, and disconnection signal transmitted from the mobile phone 80 are transmitted to the multi-function printer 10. Will be received. FIG. 8 shows a sequence chart when the transmission process routine of IrSimple one-way communication is executed in this way.

  Next, the operation of the multifunction printer 10 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a reception processing routine of IrSimple one-way communication executed by the main controller 70 of the multifunction printer 10, and FIG. 10 is a screen displayed on the display unit 42 of the multifunction printer 10 in relation to this routine. It is explanatory drawing of. This routine is stored in the ROM 74 of the multifunction printer 10. Further, this routine is repeatedly executed at every predetermined timing (for example, every several to several hundreds msec). Note that the sampling clock of the clock generator 66 is adjusted so that the multifunction printer 10 can receive data at a communication speed of 9600 bps in the reception standby state.

  When this routine is started, the main controller 70 determines whether a test command transmitted at 9600 bps has been received via the infrared communication port 50 and the IrDA controller 60 (step S200). The main controller 70 determines whether or not a test command has been received by reading a control unit of the test command. When the test command is not received, the reception processing routine is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when a test command is received, a memory area for image spooling is secured in the RAM 76 in order to prepare for receiving image data continuously sent by IrSimple one-way communication (step S210). At this time, the main controller 70 is in the middle of securing the memory area, as shown in FIG. 10 (a), “I found an infrared communication device. When the operation panel 40 is controlled so that the message “is displayed and the memory area has been secured, the message“ Ready for reception has been completed ”is displayed on the display unit 42 as shown in FIG. The operation panel 40 is controlled so that is displayed. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not an IrSimple one-way communication connection signal transmitted at 9600 bps has been received (step S220). If no connection signal has been received, a predetermined time has elapsed since the test command was received. It is then determined whether or not a timeout has occurred (step S230), and if the timeout has not occurred, the process returns to step S220 again. Here, the predetermined time is a time that is set in preparation for when a transmission stop command for image data is issued although the mobile phone 80 transmits a test command, and is set to several to several tens of seconds, for example. When the time-out occurs in step S230, it is considered that no image data transmission instruction has been issued, and the reception processing routine is terminated. Also, the frame A including the SNRM command (see FIG. 4) is used as a connection signal. Since this frame A includes information indicating whether or not the IrSimple unidirectional communication is performed, the IrSimple unidirectional is based on the information. Whether or not communication is possible can be determined.

  On the other hand, when the connection signal is received in step S220, the sampling clock pulse of the clock generator 66 is switched so that the actual data transfer rate becomes 4 Mbps, and then frames successively transmitted by IrSimple unidirectional communication are successively received. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 10C, the operation panel 40 is controlled so that the message “receiving” is displayed on the display unit 42 (step S240). Then, it is determined whether or not the connection frame is included in the received frame (step S250). If the connection frame is not included, the process returns to step S240 again. Note that the frames B, C, D,... (See FIG. 4) of image data sent by IrSimple unidirectional communication are sequentially stored in the image spool memory area secured in the RAM 76. If a connection disconnection frame is included in step S250, the image data stored in the image spool memory area is analyzed (step S260), and the printer ASIC 22 is caused to execute printing of the image data. The print command is output and the reception standby state is returned (step S270), and this routine is terminated. The main controller 70 controls the operation panel 40 so that the message “printing” is displayed on the display unit 42 as shown in FIG. 10D while the printer unit 20 is executing printing. .

  As described above, the connection signal, the image data, and the disconnection signal are unilaterally sent from the mobile phone 80 to the multi-function printer 10, but before these signals are sent, a test command is repeatedly sent and the test is performed. A memory area for image spooling can be secured with sufficient margin by using a period after receiving a command and before receiving a connection signal.

  Here, the multifunction printer 10 of the present embodiment corresponds to the data receiving apparatus of the present invention, the infrared communication port 50, the IrDA controller 60, and the RAM 76 correspond to the data receiving means and the test signal receiving means, and the main controller 70 receives the data. The display unit 42 of the operation panel 40 corresponds to the notification unit. The mobile phone 80 corresponds to a data transmission device, both the infrared communication port 88 and the IrDA controller 89 correspond to both a unidirectional communication means and a test signal transmission means, and the mobile phone controller 90 corresponds to a transmission control means. . In the present embodiment, by explaining the operations of the multifunction printer 10 and the mobile phone 80, an example of the control method of the data reception device and the control method of the data transmission device of the present invention is also clarified.

  According to the multifunction printer 10 of the present embodiment described in detail above, the image spooling memory is used by using the period from when the test command is received from the mobile phone 80 until data is transmitted by IrSimple one-way communication. It is possible to prepare for reception by securing an area. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which data is transmitted by IrSimple one-way communication before reception preparation is completed and reception of the data fails. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably receive data transmitted from the mobile phone 80 by IrSimple one-way communication.

  In addition, since information related to reception preparation such as “Preparing for reception” or “Ready for reception” is displayed on the display unit 42, the user can check the reception preparation status. . As a result, the user presses the transmission button (see FIG. 6B) displayed on the display 84 of the mobile phone 80 after “Ready for reception” is displayed on the display unit 42. Since IrSimple one-way communication can be started, the multi-function printer 10 can receive data more reliably.

  On the other hand, according to the mobile phone 80 of the present embodiment, since the test command is repeatedly transmitted a plurality of times prior to transmitting data by IrSimple unidirectional communication, the multifunction printer 10 receives IrSimple after receiving the test command. Data reception preparation can be performed using a period until data is transmitted by unidirectional communication. Therefore, the mobile phone 80 can be said to be a device suitable for transmitting data to the multi-function printer 10 through IrSimple one-way communication.

  In addition, after transmitting the test command, the mobile phone 80 starts unidirectional communication after the time required to press the transmission button (see FIG. 6B) displayed on the display 84 of the mobile phone 80 has elapsed. Therefore, the multi-function printer 10 can have a sufficient preparation period for receiving data sent by IrSimple one-way communication.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various modes as long as it belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, the multifunction printer 10 according to the above-described embodiment may execute the interrupt processing routine shown in FIG. This interrupt processing routine is a routine that is started when a test command is received. When this routine is started, the main controller 70 starts a timer (step S300), determines whether or not the next test command has been received (step S310), and when the next test command has not been received. Then, it is determined whether or not a time-out has occurred depending on whether or not the timer has exceeded a predetermined time (step S320). Here, the predetermined time is set to a time longer than the cycle of the test command repeatedly transmitted. When the time-out has not occurred, it is determined whether or not an IrSimple one-way communication connection signal has been received (step S330). When no connection signal has been received, the process returns to step S310, and when a connection signal has been received. This interrupt processing routine is terminated. When time-out occurs in step S320, the test command is regarded as being interrupted, and the IrSimple one-way communication reception processing routine shown in FIG. 10 is forcibly terminated (step S340). The operation panel 40 is controlled so that a message indicating that the transmission of the message has been interrupted is displayed (step S340), and this interrupt processing routine is terminated. In this way, the user can easily know that trouble has occurred in data communication between the multifunction printer 10 and the mobile phone 80.

  In the display of the display unit 42 of the above-described embodiment, a predetermined time (for example, several hundred msec to several sec) elapses after the Ir high-speed transmission button is pressed in FIG. It is possible to switch to the screen shown in FIG. By doing so, it is possible for the multi-function printer 10 to take more preparation periods for receiving data sent by IrSimple one-way communication.

  In the above-described embodiment, the infrared communication port 50 and the IrDA controller 60 of the multi-function printer 10 receive the test command and receive various signals in the IrSimple unidirectional communication. However, the means for receiving the test command and IrSimple A means for receiving various signals in unidirectional communication may be provided separately. For the mobile phone 80, the means for transmitting a test command and the means for transmitting various signals in IrSimple one-way communication may be separated.

  In the above-described embodiment, the user is notified of information regarding reception preparation by displaying a text message on the display unit 42 of the multifunction printer 10. However, instead of the display unit 42 or in addition to the display unit 42, a voice message is displayed. You may make it output from a speaker.

  In the above-described embodiment, the test command shown in FIG. 7 is used as the test signal. However, the test command is not particularly limited to the test command, and a signal having a predictive meaning before the implementation of IrSimple one-way communication is performed in advance. Any arrangement determined between the multifunction printer 10 and the mobile phone 80 may be used.

  In the display of FIG. 6B of the above-described embodiment, a message “Please send after confirming that the printer is ready for reception” is displayed instead of “Do you want to send?” Also good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the timing at which the cellular phone 80 starts pressing the Ir high-speed transmission button is used as the timing for starting the transmission of the test command. However, the transmission of the test command may be started at the timing when the thumbnail image is opened. Good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the operation of securing the image spool memory in the RAM 76 is illustrated as preparation for reception of the IrSimple one-way communication. However, instead of or in addition to this, the task being processed is interrupted or other tasks are performed. The start may be prohibited.

  In the above-described embodiment, the multi-function printer 10 is configured to be capable of bidirectional communication according to the IrDA standard or the IrSimple standard. However, the multi-function printer 10 is configured to be able to receive only data transmitted by the unidirectional communication according to the IrSimple standard. Also good.

  In the embodiment described above, the cellular phone 80 is exemplified as the data transmission device, but a digital still camera, a video camera, a personal computer, or the like may be used as the data transmission device. Further, although the multi-function printer 10 is exemplified as the data receiving device, a television, audio equipment, a mobile phone other than the mobile phone 80, a personal computer, or the like may be used as the data receiving device. Furthermore, although image data has been exemplified as data to be transmitted by IrSimple one-way communication, data other than image data (such as music data) may be used.

1 is an external view illustrating a schematic configuration of a multifunction printer 10. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a multifunction printer 10. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a mobile phone 80. Explanatory drawing showing the frame used for IrSimple one-way communication. The flowchart of the transmission process routine of IrSimple one-way communication. Explanatory drawing of the screen displayed on the display 84 of the mobile telephone 80. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the frame structure of a test command. The sequence chart of IrSimple unidirectional communication. The flowchart of the reception process routine of IrSimple one-way communication. Explanatory drawing of the screen displayed on the display part. The flowchart of an interruption process routine.

Explanation of symbols

  10 Multifunction Printer, 12 Board, 20 Printer Unit, 22 Printer ASIC, 24 Printer Engine, 30 Scanner Unit, 32 Scanner ASIC, 34 Scanner Engine, 36 Glass Stand, 40 Operation Panel, 42 Display Unit, 44 Buttons, 46 Bus , 50 Infrared communication port, 52 Phototransistor, 54 LED, 60 IrDA controller, 62 Decoder, 64 Encoder, 66 Clock generator, 70 Main controller, 72 CPU, 74 ROM, 76 RAM, 78 Flash memory, 79 Internal communication interface, 80 mobile phones, 81 operation buttons, 81a buttons, 81b buttons, 82 microphones, 83 speakers, 84 displays, 85 cameras, 86 transceivers, 87 Memory, 88 infrared communication port, 89 IrDA controller, 90 mobile phone controller.

Claims (8)

A data receiving device comprising a data receiving means capable of receiving data transmitted from a communication partner by unidirectional communication,
And possible test signal receiving means receiving the test signal to send prior to sending the data the communication partner by the one-way communication,
Data receiving storage means for storing data received by the data receiving means through the unidirectional communication;
In response to the reception of the test signal by the test signal receiving means, a preparation for receiving is executed for executing a work for securing a storage area of the data receiving storage means so that data transmitted by the one-way communication can be received. Means,
A data receiving device. A data receiving device comprising a data receiving means capable of receiving data transmitted from a communication partner by unidirectional communication,
Test signal receiving means capable of receiving a test signal transmitted before the communication partner transmits data by the one-way communication;
An informing means capable of informing a user of predetermined information ;
In response to receiving the test signal by the test signal receiving means, the data receiving means is prepared so as to be able to receive data transmitted by the one-way communication, and information regarding the preparation is provided to the user. Reception preparation execution means for controlling the notification means to be notified;
A data receiving device. The reception preparation execution unit is configured to notify the user of a notification indicating that the preparation of the data reception unit is being executed in response to the test signal reception unit receiving the test signal. Controlling the notifying means and executing the preparation of the data receiving means, and controlling the notifying means so that a notification indicating that the preparation is completed is notified to the user after the preparation of the data receiving means is completed.
The data receiving device according to claim 2 . The test signal is a signal sent repeatedly,
The reception preparation execution means, in particular the reception of the test signal before said test signal receiving means receives said data receiving means the data transmitted by the after the one-way communication that has received the test signal is interrupted In response , the notification means is controlled so that a notification indicating that the reception of the test signal is interrupted is notified to the user.
The data receiving device according to claim 2 or 3 . Data receiving means capable of receiving data transmitted by unidirectional communication from a communication partner, data receiving storage means for storing data received by the data receiving means by the unidirectional communication , and communication partner unidirectional communication A method for controlling a data receiving apparatus comprising a test signal receiving means capable of receiving a test signal to be transmitted prior to transmitting data by:
In response to the test signal receiving means receiving the test signal, a storage area of the data receiving storage means is secured so that data transmitted by the one-way communication can be received ;
Control method of data receiving apparatus. Data receiving means capable of receiving data transmitted by unidirectional communication from a communication partner, data receiving storage means for storing data received by the data receiving means by the unidirectional communication, and communication partner unidirectional communication A control program for controlling a data receiving device comprising a test signal receiving means capable of receiving a test signal to be transmitted prior to transmitting data by
A control program for causing the data receiving storage means to secure a storage area so that data transmitted by the one-way communication can be received in response to the test signal receiving means receiving the test signal . Data receiving means capable of receiving data transmitted from a communication partner by unidirectional communication; test signal receiving means capable of receiving a test signal transmitted prior to the communication partner transmitting data by unidirectional communication ; A method for controlling a data receiving device comprising a notification means capable of notifying a user of predetermined information ,
In response to receiving the test signal by the test signal receiving means, the data receiving means is prepared so as to be able to receive data transmitted by the one-way communication , and information regarding the preparation is provided to the user. Controlling the notification means to be notified ,
Control method of data receiving apparatus. Data receiving means capable of receiving data transmitted from a communication partner by unidirectional communication; test signal receiving means capable of receiving a test signal transmitted prior to the communication partner transmitting data by unidirectional communication; A control program for controlling a data receiving device including notification means capable of notifying a user of predetermined information,
In response to the test signal receiving means receiving the test signal, the data receiving means is prepared to receive data transmitted by the one-way communication, and the notification means is information relating to the preparation. A control program for informing the user .

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