JP6547820B2 - Communication device - Google Patents

Description

  The technology disclosed by the present specification relates to a first communication device for performing wireless communication of target data with a second communication device.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a system including an initiator, which is a wireless communication apparatus on the side of transmitting data, and a target, which is a wireless communication apparatus on the side of receiving the data. The initiator transmits the data to the target using NFC when the size of the data to be transmitted to the target is equal to or less than the threshold. On the other hand, when the size of data to be transmitted to the target is larger than the threshold, the initiator hands over the communication method from NFC to Bluetooth (registered trademark), and uses Bluetooth (registered trademark) to target the data. Send to

JP, 2010-178002, A

  The present specification discloses a first communication device capable of appropriately performing wireless communication of target data with a second communication device.

  The technology disclosed by the present specification is a first communication device that can operate in a master state or a slave state and belong to a first type of wireless network. The first communication device includes a transmission unit and a communication execution unit. The transmission unit is capable of participating in the first type of wireless network in a specific mode for executing, with the first communication device, the second communication device with the first communication device, not through the relay device. In the case of 1, the second communication device transmits a first wireless setting for joining the first type of wireless network to the second communication device. The transmitting unit is configured to cause the second communication device to join the second type of wireless network in a second case where the second communication device is not capable of joining the first type of wireless network in a specific mode. And transmits the second wireless setting to the second communication device. The second type of wireless network is a wireless network including a specific relay device configured separately from the first communication device and the second communication device. In the first case, the communication execution unit executes direct wireless communication between the second communication device and the target data using the first type of wireless network, and in the second case, the second type of wireless network Wireless communication of target data with the second communication device via a specific relay device.

  According to the above configuration, the first communication device can perform the first or second communication depending on whether or not the second communication device can join the first type of wireless network in a specific manner. The wireless settings may be suitably transmitted to the second communication device. To this end, the first communication device may appropriately cause the second communication device to participate in the first type or second type of wireless network. As a result, the first communication device can appropriately execute wireless communication of target data with the second communication device using the first type or second type of wireless network.

The first communication device further includes a first type interface for performing wireless communication with the second communication device, and a second type interface for performing wireless communication with the second communication device. You may have. The communication speed of wireless communication via the second type of interface may be faster than the communication speed of wireless communication via the first type of interface. In the first case, the transmission unit transmits the first wireless setting to the second communication device via the first type of interface, and in the second case, transmits the first wireless setting via the first type of interface. The wireless setting of 2 may be sent to the second communication device. Each of the first type and the second type of wireless networks may be a wireless network for performing wireless communication via the second type of interface. According to this configuration, the first communication device may appropriately transmit the first or second wireless setting to the second communication device using the first type of interface. Also, the first communication device may appropriately execute wireless communication of target data with the second communication device using the second type of interface.

  When the first communication device operates in the parent station state and belongs to the first type wireless network, the maximum number of slave station devices that can belong to the first type wireless network is N (where N is 1 The above integer may be sufficient. The slave station device may be a device that operates in the slave station state and belongs to the first type of wireless network. The first communication device further includes a slave station device currently belonging to the first type of wireless network when the first communication device operates in the parent station state and currently belongs to the first type of wireless network. A first determination unit may be provided to determine whether the number of N is less than or equal to N. The transmitting unit transmits the first wireless setting to the second communication device in the first case where it is determined that the number of slave station devices is less than N, and determines that the number of slave station devices is N. In the second case, the second radio setting may be sent to the second communication device. According to this configuration, the first communication device transmits the second communication device to the first type or second type of wireless network depending on whether the number of slave devices is less than or equal to N. To participate properly.

  The first communication device further includes a first type of wireless network for operating the first communication device in a parent station state when the first communication device does not currently belong to the first type of wireless network. A newly formed formation may be provided. The transmitter may transmit the first wireless setting to the second communication device in the first case where the first type of wireless network is newly formed. According to this configuration, the first communication device newly forms a first type of wireless network for the first communication device to operate in a parent station state, and performs second communication on the first type of wireless network. Allow the device to participate properly.

  The transmitting unit transmits the second wireless setting to the second communication device in the second case where the first communication device operates in the slave station state and currently belongs to the first type of wireless network. Good. According to this configuration, when the first communication device operates in the slave station state and the second communication device currently belongs to the first type wireless network, the first communication device transmits the second type wireless network to the second type wireless network. The two communication devices can be properly joined.

  In the second case, the first communication device further determines, in the second case, a second determination unit that determines whether the first communication device currently belongs to the second type of wireless network. And a search unit configured to search for a relay device existing around the first communication device when it is determined that the first communication device does not currently belong to the second type wireless network. . In the second case, when it is determined in the second case that the first communication device currently belongs to the second type of wireless network, the second communication device currently belongs to the first communication device. A second wireless configuration for joining a second type of wireless network may be transmitted to the second communication device. In the second case, when it is determined in the second case that the first communication device does not currently belong to the second type of wireless network, the second communication device detects one or more relays found by the search. A second wireless configuration for joining a second type of wireless network including a particular relay device of the devices may be sent to the second communication device. According to this configuration, in the second case, the first communication device can perform appropriate processing depending on whether or not it currently belongs to the second type of wireless network. The second communication device may be properly joined to the two wireless networks.

  The first communication device further uses the processing relationship information related to the processing of the target data when a plurality of relay devices are found by the search, and a specific relay device is selected from the plurality of relay devices. You may provide the selection part to select. According to this configuration, the first communication device can use the processing relationship information to select an appropriate relay device.

  The search unit may acquire communication related information from each of the plurality of relay devices. Each of the plurality of pieces of communication related information acquired from the plurality of relay devices is (A) authentication method information indicating an authentication method currently used by the relay device from which the communication related information is acquired; The encryption method information indicating the encryption method currently used by the relay apparatus from which the communication related information is acquired, and (C) the communication speed of wireless communication using the relay apparatus from which the communication related information is acquired Communication speed information and at least one of the information may be included. The selection unit may select a specific relay device from among the plurality of relay devices using the processing relationship information and the plurality of communication relationship information. According to this configuration, the first communication device can select an appropriate relay device using the processing relationship information and the plurality of communication relationship information.

  The selection unit may select a specific relay device using processing related information including data related information related to target data and a plurality of communication related information. According to this configuration, the first communication device can use the data relation information to select an appropriate relay device.

  The target data may be data to be transmitted from the second communication device to the first communication device. The first communication device may further include a receiving unit that receives data related information from the second communication device. The selection unit may select a specific relay device using processing related information including received data related information and a plurality of communication related information. According to this configuration, the first communication device can select an appropriate relay device using the data relation information received from the second communication device.

  Each of the plurality of pieces of communication related information may include authentication method information indicating an authentication method currently used by the relay device that is the acquisition source of the communication related information. When the data relation information indicates that the security of the target data is relatively high, the selection unit selects a specific relay device currently using the first authentication method from among the plurality of relay devices. If the data relation information indicates that the security of the target data is relatively low, a second authentication method different from the first authentication method is currently used among the plurality of relay devices. May be selected. According to this configuration, the first communication device can select an appropriate relay device according to the security of the target data.

  Each of the plurality of pieces of communication related information may include encryption method information indicating an encryption method currently used by the relay device that is the acquisition source of the communication related information. When the selection unit indicates that the data related information indicates that the security of the target data is relatively high, the specific relay device currently using the first encryption method among the plurality of relay devices. If the data relation information indicates that the security of the target data is relatively low, the second encryption method different from the first encryption method is selected from the plurality of relay devices. A specific relay device currently in use may be selected. According to this configuration, the first communication device can select an appropriate relay device according to the security of the target data.

  The selection unit determines that the security of the target data is relatively high when the data related information includes a password for permitting the output of the target data, and the data related information does not include the password. It may be determined that the security of the target data is relatively low. According to this configuration, the first communication device can appropriately determine the level of security of the target data.

  Each of the plurality of pieces of communication related information may include communication speed information indicating the communication speed of wireless communication using the relay device that is the acquisition source of the communication related information. The selection unit selects a specific relay device that achieves a relatively high communication speed from among the plurality of relay devices when the data relation information indicates that the data size of the target data is relatively large. If the data relation information indicates that the data size of the target data is relatively small, select a specific relay device that achieves a relatively low communication speed from among the plurality of relay devices. It is also good. According to this configuration, the first communication device can select an appropriate relay device according to the data size of the target data.

  Each of the plurality of pieces of communication related information may include communication speed information indicating the communication speed of wireless communication using the relay device that is the acquisition source of the communication related information. The selection unit selects a specific relay device that achieves a relatively high communication speed from among the plurality of relay devices when the data relation information indicates that the target data has the first data format. If the data relation information indicates that the target data has a second data format different from the first data format, a relatively low communication speed is realized among a plurality of relay apparatuses. A specific relay device may be selected. According to this configuration, the first communication device can select an appropriate relay device according to the data format of the target data.

  The selection unit is a second capability relationship relating to a first capability relation information related to the capability for the first communication device to process target data and a second capability relationship related to the second communication device for processing the target data. A specific relay device may be selected using processing related information including at least one of the information related to the capability related information and a plurality of communication related information. According to this configuration, the first communication device can use the capability relation information to select an appropriate relay device.

  The first communication device may further include a capability acquisition unit that acquires the first capability relationship information by checking the current state of the first communication device. The selection unit may select a specific relay device using the processing relation information including the acquired first capability relation information and the plurality of communication relation information. According to this configuration, the first communication device can select an appropriate relay device using the first capability relation information related to the capability of the first communication device.

  The first communication device may further include a receiver configured to receive the second capability relation information from the second communication device. The selection unit may select a specific relay device using processing relationship information including the received second capability relationship information and a plurality of communication relationship information. According to this configuration, the first communication device can select an appropriate relay device using the second capability relation information related to the capability of the second communication device.

  Each of the plurality of pieces of communication related information may include communication speed information indicating the communication speed of wireless communication using the relay device that is the acquisition source of the communication related information. The selection unit achieves a relatively high communication speed from among the plurality of relay devices when at least one of the capability relation information indicates that the capability for processing the target data is relatively high. If a specific relay device is selected and at least one of the capability relationship information indicates that the ability to process the target data is relatively low, relatively small communication among a plurality of relay devices The particular relay device that achieves the speed may be selected. According to this configuration, the first communication device can select an appropriate relay device according to the ability to process the target data.

The selection unit determines that the ability to process the target data is relatively high when the value indicated by at least one of the pieces of capability relation information is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, and the at least one piece of capability relation information indicates If the value is less than a predetermined threshold, it may be determined that the ability to process the target data is relatively low. According to this configuration, the first communication device can appropriately determine the level of the ability to process the target data.

  The selection unit is configured to process the target data by the data relation information related to the target data, the first capability relation information related to the ability of the first communication device to process the target data, and the second communication device. Even if processing relationship information including at least one of the second capability relationship information relating to the capabilities of and the plurality of pieces of communication relationship information are used to select a specific relay device Good. According to this configuration, the first communication device can select an appropriate relay device using the data relationship information and the capability relationship information.

  A control method for realizing the first communication device described above, a computer program, and a computer readable recording medium storing the computer program are also novel and useful. A communication system comprising the first communication device described above and the second communication device described above is also novel and useful.

1 shows the configuration of a communication system. 3 shows a flowchart of application processing of a mobile terminal. 5 shows a flowchart of communication processing of the MFP. FIG. 6 shows a sequence diagram showing communication and processing executed by the MFP and the portable terminal. 5 shows a table representing the outline of the first embodiment. 7 shows a table representing the outline of the second embodiment. 16 shows a table representing the outline of the third embodiment. 3 shows a flowchart of application processing of a mobile terminal. 5 shows a flowchart of communication processing of the MFP. FIG. 6 shows a sequence diagram showing communication and processing executed by the MFP and the portable terminal.

Example 1
(Configuration of communication system 2)
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes a plurality of access points (hereinafter referred to as “AP (abbreviated to AP)”) 4 a and 4 b and a multi-function device (hereinafter referred to as “MFP (Multi-Function) And a portable terminal 50. The number of APs included in the communication system 2 is not limited to two, and may be three or more.

(Type of wireless communication that can be executed by MFP 10)
The MFP 10 executes wireless communication according to NFC (abbreviation of Near Field Communication) method, wireless communication according to WFD (abbreviation of Wi-Fi Direct) method, and wireless communication according to a normal Wi-Fi method. It is possible. Hereinafter, wireless communication in accordance with each of the above methods will be referred to as “NFC communication”, “WFD communication”, and “normal Wi-Fi communication”, respectively.

(NFC communication)
The NFC method is a wireless communication method for so-called short distance wireless communication, and is, for example, a wireless communication method based on the international standard of ISO / IEC 21481 or 18092. The MFP 10 can execute NFC communication with the portable terminal 50.

(WFD communication)
The WFD method is a standard document “Wi-Fi created by the Wi-Fi Alliance.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) This is a wireless communication method described in Technical Specification Version 1.1. The WFD scheme is, for example, wireless according to the IEEE 802.11 (abbreviation of The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) standard and a standard conforming thereto (eg, 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, etc.). It is a wireless communication method for executing communication.

  The MFP 10 can execute WFD communication of target data with another device belonging to the WFD network by belonging to the WFD network. The target data is data including information of the network layer of the OSI reference model, and includes, for example, print data, scan data, and the like.

  Hereinafter, a device capable of executing WFD communication, such as the MFP 10, will be referred to as a “WFD-compatible device”. In the above WFD specifications, three states of Group Owner state (hereinafter referred to as "G / O state"), client state, and device state are defined as the states of a WFD compatible device. The WFD-enabled device is selectively operable in one of the three states described above.

  When a pair of WFD-compatible devices in the device state should form a WFD network, wireless communication called G / O negotiation is usually performed between the pair of WFD-compatible devices. In the G / O negotiation, it is determined that one of the pair of WFD compatible devices is in the G / O state, and the other of the pair of WFD compatible devices is in the client state. A WFD network is formed by devices in the G / O state (hereinafter referred to as “G / O devices”) and devices in the client state (hereinafter referred to as “client devices”). In a WFD network, there may be one G / O device and one or more client devices. The G / O device manages one or more client devices. Specifically, the G / O device performs authentication of the client device for each of one or more client devices, and when authentication of the client device succeeds, identification information of the client device (ie, MAC address) ) Is described in the management list in the memory of the G / O device. In the present embodiment, in the WFD network to which the MFP 10 belongs, G / O devices (that is, the MFP 10 or G / O devices different from the MFP 10) have the authentication method “WPA2” and the encryption method “AES”. , To execute authentication of the client device. When the client device leaves the WFD network, the G / O device deletes the identification information of the client device from the management list.

  The G / O device can execute wireless communication of target data with client devices registered in the management list. However, the G / O device can execute wireless communication of specific data for the unregistered device to belong to the WFD network with the unregistered device not registered in the management list, but the wireless of the target data Communication is not possible. The specific data is data not including information of the network layer of the OSI reference model, and for example, a probe request signal (hereinafter referred to as "PReq signal"), a probe response signal (hereinafter referred to as "PRes signal"), etc. Contains physical layer data. The G / O device can relay wireless communication of target data between a plurality of client devices.

  WFD compatible devices that do not belong to the WFD network (that is, unregistered devices not registered in the management list of G / O devices) are devices in the device state. A device in the device state can execute wireless communication of the above specific data to belong to the WFD network with the G / O device, but execute wireless communication of the above target data with the G / O device or the client device It is impossible.

  As described above, in the WFD network, a pair of WFD compatible devices can execute WFD communication of target data without passing through an AP configured separately from these WFD compatible devices. That is, it can be said that WFD communication is wireless communication not via an AP.

  In the following, although it is not selectively operable in one of the three states (ie, the G / O state, the client state, and the device state) defined in the above WFD standard, An apparatus capable of executing wireless communication (that is, normal Wi-Fi communication described later) via an AP is referred to as a "WFD non-compliant apparatus". The “non-WFD compatible device” is also referred to as a “legacy device”. The device in the G / O state can describe the identification information of the WFD non-compliant device in the management list. In this case, the WFD non-compliant device can participate in the WFD network as a client device. In the present embodiment, the portable terminal 50 is a WFD non-compliant device (i.e., a legacy device). Therefore, when the MFP 10 is in the G / O state, the MFP 10 can execute WFD communication of target data with the portable terminal 50.

(Normal Wi-Fi communication)
The normal Wi-Fi scheme is a wireless communication scheme defined by the Wi-Fi Alliance, and is a wireless communication scheme different from the WFD scheme. The normal Wi-Fi method is, like the WFD method, a wireless communication for executing wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard and a standard conforming thereto (for example, 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, etc.) It is a communication method. However, as described above, the WFD scheme is a wireless communication scheme for executing wireless communication not via an AP. On the other hand, the normal Wi-Fi scheme is a wireless communication scheme for executing wireless communication via an AP. In this point, the WFD method and the normal Wi-Fi method are different.

  By belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network, the MFP 10 can execute normal Wi-Fi communication of target data with another device belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network via the AP. In the present embodiment, since the portable terminal 50 is a WFD non-compliant device (i.e., a legacy device), it can perform normal Wi-Fi communication. Therefore, the MFP 10 can execute normal Wi-Fi communication of target data with the portable terminal 50 via any one of the plurality of APs 4 a and 4 b.

  In this embodiment, any of Open, WPA (abbreviation of Wi-Fi Protected Access), or WPA 2 is used as an authentication method for normal Wi-Fi communication. Among these three authentication methods, "Open" is the lowest security authentication method, "WPA" is a higher security authentication method than "Open", and "WPA2" is higher security authentication than "WPA". It is a system. In "Open", authentication using a password is not performed. On the other hand, in "WPA" and "WPA2", authentication using a password is performed.

In this embodiment, as an encryption method for normal Wi-Fi communication, WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol abbreviation), or A
ES (abbreviation of Advanced Encryption Standard) is used. Of these three encryption methods, “WEP” is the lowest security encryption method, “TKIP” is a higher security encryption method than “WEP”, and “AES” is higher than “TKIP” It is a security encryption method.

A normal Wi-Fi network is a wireless network established in an environment where APs can be installed, such as an in-house LAN, an in-home LAN, etc. Generally speaking, it is a wireless network that should be formed regularly. . On the other hand, the WFD network is a wireless network established to execute temporary wireless communication between, for example, a pair of WFD compatible devices in order to not require an AP, generally speaking, It is a wireless network to be formed temporarily. Thus, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the normal Wi-Fi network is a wireless network to be formed regularly and the WFD network is a wireless network to be formed temporarily.

(Configuration of MFP 10)
The MFP 10 can execute multiple functions including a print function and a scan function. As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, a scan execution unit 18, and a wireless LAN interface (hereinafter referred to as “I / F”. ), An NFC I / F 22, and a control unit 30. Each unit 12 to 30 is connected to a bus line (reference numeral omitted).

  The operation unit 12 includes a plurality of keys. The user can input various instructions to the MFP 10 by operating the operation unit 12. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The print execution unit 16 is a printing mechanism such as an inkjet method or a laser method. The scan execution unit 18 is a scan mechanism such as a CCD or CIS.

  The wireless LAN I / F 20 is an interface for executing WFD communication and normal Wi-Fi communication. The wireless LAN I / F 20 is physically one interface (ie, one IC chip). However, in the wireless LAN I / F 20, a MAC address used in WFD communication (hereinafter referred to as "MAC address for WFD") and a MAC address used in normal Wi-Fi communication (hereinafter referred to as "normal Wi-Fi MAC address “for MAC address” is assigned. Specifically, a Wi-Fi MAC address is usually assigned to the wireless LAN I / F 20 in advance. The control unit 30 generates a WFD MAC address different from the normal Wi-Fi MAC address using the normal Wi-Fi MAC address, and assigns the WFD MAC address to the wireless LAN I / F 20. Accordingly, the control unit 30 can simultaneously execute both the normal Wi-Fi communication using the normal Wi-Fi MAC address and the WFD communication using the WFD MAC address. That is, the MFP 10 can simultaneously belong to both the WFD network and the normal Wi-Fi network.

  In terms of the MAC address used by the MFP 10, the WFD communication and the normal Wi-Fi communication can be expressed, for example, as follows. That is, WFD communication is wireless communication in which the WFD MAC address of the MFP 10 is used, and normal Wi-Fi communication is wireless communication in which the normal Wi-Fi MAC address of the MFP 10 is used. The WFD network is a wireless network in which the WFD MAC address of the MFP 10 is used, and the normal Wi-Fi network is a wireless network in which the normal Wi-Fi MAC address of the MFP 10 is used.

  The NFC I / F 22 is an interface for executing NFC communication. The chip configuring the NFC I / F 22 and the chip configuring the wireless LAN I / F 20 are physically different.

The communication speed of wireless communication via the wireless LAN I / F 20 (for example, the maximum communication speed is 11 to 600 Mbps) is higher than the communication speed for wireless communication via the NFC I / F 22 (for example, the maximum communication speed is 100 to 424 Kbps) Too fast. Also, the frequency of the carrier wave in wireless communication via the wireless LAN I / F 20 (for example, 2.4 GHz band, 5.0 GHz band) is the frequency of the carrier wave in wireless communication via the NFC I / F 22 (for example, 13.56 MHz band) It is different from Further, for example, when the distance between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 is approximately 10 cm or less, the control unit 30 can execute NFC communication with the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22. On the other hand, even when the distance between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 is 10 cm or less or 10 cm or more (for example, about 100 m at the maximum), the control unit 30 transmits the portable terminal 50 via the wireless LAN I / F 20. And WFD communication and normal Wi-Fi communication can be performed. That is, for the maximum distance at which the MFP 10 can execute wireless communication with the communication destination device (for example, the portable terminal 50) via the wireless LAN I / F 20, the MFP 10 performs wireless communication with the communication destination device via the NFC I / F 22 Greater than the maximum distance possible.

  The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 executes various processes in accordance with the program stored in the memory 34. The functions of the units 41 to 49 are realized by the CPU 32 executing processing according to a program. The memory 34 is configured by a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk and the like. The memory 34 stores the above program executed by the CPU 32.

  The memory 34 further stores a WFD state value indicating the current state of the MFP 10 regarding the WFD (ie, any of the G / O state, the client state, and the device state). When the MFP 10 belongs to the WFD network (ie, when the WFD state value indicates the G / O state or the client state), the memory 34 further stores the WFD wireless setting for executing the WFD communication.

  The WFD wireless setting includes authentication method information, encryption method information, a password, an SSID (Service Set Identifier), and a BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier). The SSID included in the WFD wireless setting is a network identifier for identifying a WFD network. The BSSID included in the WFD wireless setting is a unique identifier (for example, the MAC address of the G / O device) assigned to the G / O device of the WFD network.

  When forming a WFD network, the G / O device usually prepares the WFD wireless setting and supplies the WFD wireless setting to the client device. For example, the control unit 30 of the MFP 10 prepares WFD wireless setting when the MFP 10 operates in the G / O state to form a WFD network. Specifically, the control unit 30 prepares predetermined authentication method information (i.e., "WPA2") and encryption method information (i.e., "AES"). The control unit 30 prepares a password by preparing a predetermined password or by newly generating a password. The control unit 30 prepares the SSID by preparing a predetermined SSID or newly generating the SSID. The control unit 30 also prepares a WFD MAC address determined in advance as a BSSID.

  Therefore, when the MFP 10 operates in the G / O state and belongs to the WFD network, the memory 34 stores the WFD wireless setting prepared by the MFP 10 when the MFP 10 forms the WFD network. On the other hand, when the MFP 10 operates in the client state and belongs to the WFD network, the memory 34 is prepared by the G / O device when the G / O device different from the MFP 10 forms the WFD network. The stored WFD radio setting (ie, the WFD radio setting acquired from the G / O device) is stored.

  Further, when the MFP 10 belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network, the memory 34 further stores the normal Wi-Fi wireless setting for executing the normal Wi-Fi communication. The normal Wi-Fi wireless setting usually includes authentication method information, encryption method information, an SSID, a BSSID, and a password. The SSID included in the normal Wi-Fi wireless setting is a network identifier for identifying a normal Wi-Fi network. The BSSID included in the normal Wi-Fi wireless setting information is a unique identifier (for example, the MAC address of the AP) assigned to the AP forming the normal Wi-Fi network.

As a method for the MFP 10 to participate in the normal Wi-Fi network, a first method in which the user of the MFP 10 applies a predetermined operation to the operation unit 12 and S42 to S48 in FIG. 3 described later.
There is a second method of performing

  In the first method, when the predetermined operation described above is applied to the operation unit 12, the MFP 10 executes the SSID search. As a result, the MFP 10 receives, from each of the APs 4 a and 4 b existing around the MFP 10, authentication method information indicating an authentication method currently used by the AP, and an encryption method indicating an encryption method currently used by the AP. And the SSID and BSSID currently used by the AP. Next, the MFP 10 causes the display unit 14 to display the plurality of SSIDs acquired from the plurality of APs. The user uses the operation unit 12 to select one SSID (that is, one AP) from among a plurality of SSIDs.

As described above, in the high security normal Wi-Fi network adopting the authentication method “WPA” or “WPA2”, authentication using a password is performed. Therefore, when the selected AP uses the authentication method "WPA" or "WPA2", the user further inputs a password using the operation unit 12. The MFP 10 uses the authentication method information, the encryption method information, the SSID, and the BSSID acquired from the selected AP, and performs wireless connection with the selected AP using the password input by the user. Do. For wireless connection, communication processing for the MFP 10 to participate in a normal Wi-Fi network (for example, communication processing for authentication (Authentication signal, Association Request)
Communication, etc.)). Thus, the MFP 10 participates in the normal Wi-Fi network formed by the selected AP.

  On the other hand, in the low security normal Wi-Fi network adopting the authentication method “Open”, authentication using a password is not performed. Therefore, when the selected AP uses the authentication method “Open”, the user does not input the password. The MFP 10 performs wireless connection with the selected AP using the authentication method information, the encryption method information, the SSID, and the BSSID acquired from the selected AP, and the selected AP forms Join the Wi-Fi network normally. The memory 34 stores, as a normal Wi-Fi wireless setting, each piece of information (authentication method information and the like) used in wireless connection with the selected AP.

  The memory 34 is further used in the normal Wi-Fi network and an SSID for identifying the normal Wi-Fi network each time the MFP 10 joins the normal Wi-Fi network according to the first method. Store the participation information associated with the existing password. That is, the memory 34 cumulatively stores the one or more participation information corresponding to the one or more normal Wi-Fi networks in which the MFP 10 has participated in the past. As described above, the password is not used in the normal Wi-Fi network adopting the authentication method “Open”. Therefore, the participation information corresponding to such a normal Wi-Fi network includes the SSID but does not include the password.

  Although described in detail later, the MFP 10 executes the SSID search also in the second method described above (S42 in FIG. 3). Then, the MFP 10 automatically selects one SSID (that is, one AP) without receiving an instruction from the user (S44). Next, the MFP 10 performs wireless connection with the selected AP (S48). Thereby, the MFP 10 automatically participates in the normal Wi-Fi network formed by the selected AP.

(Configuration of portable terminal 50)
The portable terminal 50 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a portable telephone (for example, a smartphone), a PDA, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, a portable music reproduction device, a portable video reproduction device, and the like. The portable terminal 50 can execute NFC communication and normal Wi-Fi communication.

  The portable terminal 50 includes an operation unit 52, a display unit 54, a wireless LAN I / F 60, an NFC I / F 62, and a control unit 70. Each unit 52 to 70 is connected to a bus line (reference numeral omitted). The operation unit 52 includes a plurality of keys. The user can input various instructions to the portable terminal 50 by operating the operation unit 52. The display unit 54 is a display for displaying various information.

  The wireless LAN I / F 60 is an interface for executing normal Wi-Fi communication. The NFC I / F 62 is an interface for executing NFC communication. The difference between these interfaces 60 and 62 is similar to the difference between the interfaces 20 and 22 of the MFP 10. That is, for example, the communication speed of wireless communication via the wireless LAN I / F 60 is faster than the communication speed of wireless communication via the NFC I / F 62.

  The control unit 70 includes a CPU 72 and a memory 74. The CPU 72 executes various processes in accordance with the program stored in the memory 74. The programs in the memory 74 include an application 76 for causing the MFP 10 to execute various functions (for example, print function, scan function, etc.). For example, the application 76 may be installed on the portable terminal 50 from a server provided by a vendor of the MFP 10, or may be installed on the portable terminal 50 from media shipped together with the MFP 10. The CPU 72 executes processing in accordance with the application 76 to implement the functions of the units 81 to 86. Each of the units 81 to 86 functions in the fourth to sixth embodiments described later.

(Configuration of AP4a, 4b)
Each of the APs 4a and 4b is not a WFD G / O device, but a normal AP called a wireless access point or a wireless LAN router, and forms a normal Wi-Fi network. The APs 4a and 4b receive target data from a first device (e.g., the portable terminal 50) of the plurality of devices belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network, and the second device of the plurality of devices described above The target data is transmitted to (for example, the MFP 10). That is, the APs 4a and 4b function as relay devices that relay wireless communication of target data between a pair of devices belonging to a normal Wi-Fi network.

  The difference between the WFD G / O device and the normal AP (ie, AP 4a, 4b) is as follows. That is, the WFD G / O device operates in a state different from the G / O state (ie, client state) when it leaves the WFD network to which the device belongs and newly belongs to another WFD network. obtain. On the other hand, a normal AP executes a function of relaying wireless communication between a pair of devices regardless of which normal Wi-Fi network the AP forms. That is, a normal AP can only perform the same operation as the WFD's G / O state, and can not perform the same operation as the WFD's client state.

(Application processing of the portable terminal 50; FIG. 2)
Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 2, the contents of processing executed by the control unit 70 of the portable terminal 50 in accordance with the application 76 will be described. The user of the portable terminal 50 operates the operation unit 52 when wanting the MFP 10 to print an image represented by data to be printed (hereinafter referred to as “print data”) stored in the portable terminal 50. And launch the application 76. Thereby, the control unit 70 starts the flowchart of FIG. 2 according to the application 76.

  The user performs a printing operation including an operation for selecting print data stored in the memory 74 of the portable terminal 50 and an operation for selecting whether or not to set a password for the print data. It adds to the operation part 52. In this case, the control unit 70 determines YES in S10, and proceeds to S11.

  When a password is set for print data, MFP 10 does not start printing according to print data unless the user operates operation unit 12 of MFP 10 and inputs the password to MFP 10. . That is, only the user who has given the print operation to the portable terminal 50 can acquire the printed matter generated by the MFP 10 printing. On the other hand, when the password is not set for the print data, the MFP 10 immediately starts printing when the print data is received (that is, printing is started even if the password is not input to the MFP 10). That is, a third party other than the user who added the print operation to the portable terminal 50 can obtain the printed matter. Therefore, when the password is set for the print data, the security of the print data is higher than when the password is not set for the print data.

  In S11, the control unit 70 first generates NFC information including a print command for instructing the MFP 10 to execute the print function, and security information indicating the security of the print data. The NFC information does not include print data. When the user selects to set a password for print data, the control unit 70 generates security information indicating security. In this case, the security information further includes a password set for the print data. On the other hand, when it is selected by the user that the password is not set for the print data, the control unit 70 generates security information indicating non-secure. In this case, the security information does not include the password.

  While the MFP 10 is powered on, the NFC I / F 22 of the MFP 10 transmits a detection radio wave for detecting a device capable of executing NFC communication (that is, the portable terminal 50). The user of the portable terminal 50 brings the portable terminal 50 close to the MFP 10 after applying the printing operation described above. As a result, the distance between the portable terminal 50 and the MFP 10 becomes smaller than the distance (for example, 10 cm) at which radio waves reach each other. In this case, the portable terminal 50 receives the detected radio wave from the MFP 10 and transmits a response radio wave to the MFP 10. As a result, an NFC communication session is established between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50. In S12, the control unit 70 transmits the generated NFC information to the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 62 using the NFC communication session.

  When NFC information is transmitted from the portable terminal 50 to the MFP 10, the MFP 10 determines YES in S30 of FIG. 3 described later, and executes the processing of S32 and subsequent steps. As a result, the MFP 10 transmits the WFD wireless setting (S40 in FIG. 3) or the AP information (S46 in FIG. 3) to the portable terminal 50 using the NFC communication session. The WFD wireless setting includes information currently used in the WFD network formed by the MFP 10 in the G / O state (that is, authentication method information, encryption method information, SSID, BSSID, and password). The AP information includes information (i.e., authentication method information, encryption method information, SSID, and BSSID) currently used in a normal Wi-Fi network formed by the AP. When authentication using a password is performed in the normal Wi-Fi network, that is, when the authentication method currently used in the normal Wi-Fi network is “WPA” or “WPA2”, The AP information further includes a password currently used in the normal Wi-Fi network. On the other hand, when authentication using a password is not performed in the normal Wi-Fi network, that is, when the authentication method currently used in the normal Wi-Fi network is “Open”, the AP information is Does not include password.

In S14 of FIG. 2, the control unit 70 of the portable terminal 50 receives the WFD wireless setting or the AP information from the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 62. Note that, after receiving the WFD wireless setting or the AP information in S14, for example, the control unit 70 causes the portable terminal 50 to output a predetermined sound, and notifies the user of the portable terminal 50 that the NFC communication is completed. Thus, the user can recognize that the portable terminal 50 may be moved away from the MFP 10. When S14 ends, the process proceeds to S16.

  At S16, the control unit 70 performs a wireless connection according to the information received at S14. When the information received in S14 is WFD wireless setting, the control unit 70 performs wireless connection with the MFP 10 in the G / O state via the wireless LAN I / F 60 using the received WFD wireless setting. Do. The wireless connection includes communication processing (for example, communication processing for authentication) for participating in a specific WFD network formed by the MFP 10 in the G / O state. Thereby, the portable terminal 50 can participate in the above-mentioned specific WFD network as a client device. As a result, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same WFD network.

  On the other hand, when the information received in S14 is AP information, the control unit 70 performs wireless connection with the AP via the wireless LAN I / F 60 using the received AP information. The wireless connection includes a communication process (for example, communication process for authentication) for joining a specific normal Wi-Fi network identified by the SSID included in the received AP information. Thereby, the portable terminal 50 can participate in the above-mentioned specific normal Wi-Fi network. As a result, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi network.

  When S16 is executed, if the portable terminal 50 already belongs to the WFD network or the normal Wi-Fi network, the control unit 70 leaves the existing network in S16, and the above-mentioned specification Join a WFD network or a specific regular Wi-Fi network. When leaving the above-mentioned existing network, the control unit 70 stores in the memory 74 a wireless setting (for example, an SSID, a password, etc.) for rejoining the above-mentioned existing network.

  When S16 ends, in S20, the control unit 70 transmits the print data to the MFP 10 via the wireless LAN I / F 60. For example, when the portable terminal 50 participates in the specific WFD network, in S20, the control unit 70 transmits the print data to the MFP 10 in the G / O state using the specific WFD network. Do. That is, even if the relay device (for example, the APs 4a and 4b) does not relay the print data, the print data is directly transmitted from the portable terminal 50 to the MFP 10. Also, for example, when the portable terminal 50 participates in the above-mentioned specific normal Wi-Fi network, in S20, the control unit 70 uses the above-mentioned specific normal Wi-Fi network to perform AP (for example, 4a The print data is transmitted to the MFP 10 via

  When S20 ends, the application processing of FIG. 2 ends. When the portable terminal 50 leaves the existing network in S16, when S20 ends, the control unit 70 leaves the new network participating in S16, and the radio stored in the memory 74 in S16. Rejoin the original network using the settings. On the other hand, when the portable terminal 50 does not leave the existing network in S16, the control unit 70 maintains the state of participating in the new network even if S20 is completed.

(Communication process of MFP 10; FIG. 3)
Subsequently, the contents of the process executed by the control unit 30 of the MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the NFC information is transmitted from the portable terminal 50 to the MFP 10 in S12 of FIG. The receiving unit 41 of the MFP 10 receives NFC information from the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22. In this case, the receiving unit 41 determines YES in S30 of FIG. 3 and proceeds to S32.

  In S32, the first determination unit 47 determines whether the current state of the MFP 10 is the G / O state (that is, the MFP 10 operates in the G / O state and belongs to the WFD network). To determine what). If the WFD state value in the memory 34 indicates the G / O state, the first determination unit 47 determines YES in S32, and proceeds to S34. On the other hand, when the WFD state value in the memory 34 indicates the client state or the device state, the first determination unit 47 determines NO in S32, and proceeds to S36.

  In S34, the first determination unit 47 determines whether or not the number of client devices belonging to the WFD network formed by the MFP 10 in the G / O state matches the predetermined maximum value N. Do. N may be 1 or an integer of 2 or more. If the number of client devices matches the maximum value N, the first determination unit 47 determines YES in S34, and proceeds to S41. On the other hand, when the number of client devices is less than the maximum value, the first determination unit 47 determines NO in S34, and proceeds to S40.

  In S36, the first determination unit 47 determines whether the current state of the MFP 10 is the client state (that is, determines whether the MFP 10 operates in the client state and belongs to the WFD network). ). If the WFD state value in the memory 34 indicates the client state, the first determination unit 47 determines YES in S36, and proceeds to S41. On the other hand, if the WFD state value in the memory 34 indicates the device state, that is, if the MFP 10 does not belong to the WFD network, the first determination unit 47 determines NO in S36 and proceeds to S38. .

  In S38, the forming unit 49 shifts the MFP 10 to the autonomous G / O mode. As described above, when a WFD network is to be newly formed, G / O negotiation is usually performed to determine G / O devices and client devices. On the other hand, in the autonomous G / O mode, it is determined that the MFP 10 enters the G / O state without performing the G / O negotiation. In the stage of S38, the MFP 10 is a G / O device, but there is no client device. That is, the forming unit 49 forms a WFD network to which only the G / O device (ie, the MFP 10) belongs. The autonomous G / O mode is a mode that allows the MFP 10 to operate in the G / O state. For example, when the MFP 10 enters the G / O state by G / O negotiation to form a WFD network, the MFP 10 shifts from the G / O state to the device state when there are no client devices from the WFD network (ie, , WFD network disappears). On the other hand, for example, when the MFP 10 is in the G / O state in the autonomous G / O mode to form a WFD network, the MFP 10 maintains the G / O state even if there is no client device (ie, Maintain the WFD network).

  In S38, the forming unit 49 further prepares WFD wireless settings (that is, authentication method information, encryption method information, SSID, BSSID, and password) to be used in the WFD network. The method by which the forming unit 49 prepares the WFD wireless setting is as described above. In S38, the forming unit 49 further causes the memory 34 to store the WFD state value indicating the G / O state and the prepared WFD wireless setting. When S38 ends, the process proceeds to S40.

In S40, the transmission unit 42 transmits the WFD wireless setting in the memory 34 to the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22. As described above, the process of S40 is executed when NO in S34 or NO in S36 (ie, when S38 is passed). If NO in S34, the number of client devices belonging to the WFD network formed by the MFP 10 in the G / O state is less than the maximum value. Therefore, the portable terminal 50 can be made to participate in the WFD network as a client device. If NO in S36, a WFD network to which only the MFP 10 in the G / O state belongs is formed in S38. Therefore, the portable terminal 50 can be made to participate in the WFD network as a client device. In S40, the WFD wireless setting is transmitted from the MFP 10 to the portable terminal 50 in order to cause the portable terminal 50 to participate in the WFD network as a client device. When S40 ends, the process proceeds to S50.

  On the other hand, in the case of YES in S34 or in the case of YES in S36, S41 is executed. In S41, the second determination unit 48 determines whether the MFP 10 currently participates in the normal Wi-Fi network. When the normal Wi-Fi wireless setting is stored in the memory 34, the second determination unit 48 determines YES in S41 and proceeds to S49, and the normal Wi-Fi wireless setting is stored in the memory 34. If not, it is determined as NO in S41, and the process proceeds to S42.

  In S49, the transmission unit 42 prepares AP information related to an AP (that is, an AP for which a wireless connection with the MFP 10 has been established) included in the normal Wi-Fi network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. Specifically, the transmission unit 42 prepares AP information including the normal Wi-Fi wireless setting in the memory 34. Then, the transmission unit 42 transmits the prepared AP information to the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22. Thereby, the portable terminal 50 participates in the normal Wi-Fi network using the AP information (S16 in FIG. 2). As a result, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi network. When S49 ends, the process proceeds to S50.

  On the other hand, in the case of NO at S41, each process of S42 to 48 is executed. In the case of YES in S34, the number of client devices belonging to the WFD network formed by the MFP 10 in the G / O state matches the maximum value N. Therefore, the portable terminal 50 can not participate in the WFD network as a client device. Further, in the case of YES in S36, the MFP 10 in the client state belongs to the WFD network formed by another device in the G / O state. In this case, the MFP 10 does not have the authority to cause another device (ie, the portable terminal 50) to participate in the WFD network. Therefore, the portable terminal 50 can not participate in the WFD network as a client device. Furthermore, in the case of NO in S41, the MFP 10 is not currently participating in the normal Wi-Fi network. For this reason, the MFP 10 can not cause the portable terminal 50 to participate in the normal Wi-Fi network in which the MFP 10 currently participates. To this end, in S42 to S48, the control unit 30 executes a process for causing the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 to participate in the same normal Wi-Fi network.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, if it is possible to cause the portable terminal 50 to participate in the WFD network (NO in S34, NO in S36), processing for causing the portable terminal 50 to participate in the WFD network is executed. (S40). Thereby, the portable terminal 50 can be made to participate in the WFD network to be formed temporarily. In this case, since the normal Wi-Fi wireless setting is not transmitted to the portable terminal 50, it is possible to suppress the decrease in security of the normal Wi-Fi network that should be formed regularly. In view of such circumstances, in the present embodiment, priority is given to causing the portable terminal 50 to participate in the WFD network (S32 to S40), and if this is not possible, the portable terminal 50 is set to a normal Wi-Fi network. Make them participate (S41 to S49).

In S42, the communication acquisition unit 44 executes the SSID search to search for APs present around the MFP 10. Thus, in order to search for an AP, the "communication acquisition unit" may be called a "search unit". The communication acquisition unit 44 transmits the PReq signal via the wireless LAN I / F 20. Each of the APs 4 a and 4 b existing around the MFP 10 receives the PRe from the MFP 10.
When the q signal is received, the PRes signal is transmitted to the MFP 10. The communication acquisition unit 44 receives the PRes signal from each of the APs 4 a and 4 b via the wireless LAN I / F 20. That is, in the present embodiment, the communication acquisition unit 44 can find two APs 4a and 4b by the SSID search.

  If there is a G / O device around the MFP 10, the G / O device also transmits a PRes signal to the MFP 10 when the PReq signal is received from the MFP 10. Therefore, the communication acquisition unit 44 can receive the PRes signal not only from the APs 4a and 4b but also from the G / O device. However, in the present embodiment, the following description will be continued on the assumption that there is no G / O device around the MFP 10 as an example.

  The PRes signal includes an SSID currently used by the AP, authentication method information indicating an authentication method currently used by the AP, encryption method information indicating an encryption method currently used by the AP, and the AP And B. communication speed information indicating a communication speed of wireless communication to be realized. Therefore, the communication acquisition unit 44 acquires the information related to the wireless communication using the AP of the transmission source of the PRes signal by receiving the PRes signal.

  In S44, the selection unit 43 selects one AP from the plurality of APs 4a and 4b. As described above, the memory 34 stores one or more pieces of participation information corresponding to the one or more normal Wi-Fi networks in which the MFP 10 has participated in the past. The selection unit 43 is one or more matching the one or more SSIDs included in one or more pieces of participation information in the memory 34 among the plurality of SSIDs included in the plurality of PRes signals acquired in S42. Extract the SSID of. Next, the selection unit 43 selects one AP by selecting one SSID from among the extracted one or more SSIDs. A specific method for selecting one AP will be described in detail later.

  In S46, the transmission unit 42 first prepares AP information related to the selected AP. Specifically, the transmitting unit 42 prepares the authentication method information, the encryption method information, the SSID, and the BSSID acquired from the selected AP in the SSID search of S42. In addition, the transmission unit 42 reads participation information including the SSID acquired from the selected AP from the memory 34, and when the participation information includes a password, prepares the password. Then, the transmission unit 42 transmits AP information including each prepared information to the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22.

  In S48, the communication execution unit 46 performs wireless connection with the selected AP via the wireless LAN I / F 20 using each piece of information prepared in S46. The wireless connection includes communication processing for joining a specific normal Wi-Fi network identified by the SSID prepared in S46. Thereby, the MFP 10 can participate in the above-mentioned specific normal Wi-Fi network. As described above, the portable terminal 50 also participates in the above-described specific normal Wi-Fi network (S16 in FIG. 2). As a result, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi network. When S48 ends, the process proceeds to S50.

  In S50, the communication execution unit 46 receives print data from the portable terminal 50 via the wireless LAN I / F 20. For example, in S50 executed through S40, the communication execution unit 46 directly receives the print data from the portable terminal 50 in the client state without passing through the relay device. Also, for example, in S50 executed through S48 or S49, the communication execution unit 46 receives print data from the portable terminal 50 via the AP.

Next, in S52, the control unit 30 processes the print data (for example, the print execution unit 16).
Process the processed data into processable data, and supply the processed data to the print execution unit 16. Thereby, the print execution unit 16 executes printing on the print medium according to the processed data. If the security information included in the NFC information received in S30 indicates “secure”, the print execution unit 16 does not start printing until the user inputs a password included in the security information to the MFP 10 (ie, Hold the printing run). On the other hand, when the security information included in the NFC information received in S30 indicates non-secure, the print execution unit 16 starts printing immediately upon acquiring processed data from the control unit 30. When S52 ends, the communication process of FIG. 3 ends. When MFP 10 joins a new normal Wi-Fi network in S48, control unit 30 maintains the state of participating in the above-described new normal Wi-Fi network even after S52 ends. Do.

  The print data has a larger data size than information (the NFC information, the WFD wireless setting, the AP information, etc. described above) communicated by NFC communication. As described above, the communication speed of NFC communication is slower than the communication speed of WFD communication or normal Wi-Fi communication. Therefore, if a configuration is employed in which wireless communication of print data is executed between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 using NFC communication, it takes a long time for wireless communication of print data. In view of such circumstances, in the present embodiment, the MFP 10 executes S40, S46 or S49 of FIG. 3 to transmit WFD wireless setting or AP information to the portable terminal 50. As a result, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can execute WFD communication or normal Wi-Fi communication of print data via the wireless LAN I / F 20. As a result, wireless communication of print data can be rapidly performed. Can.

  As described above, the specific mode for the portable terminal 50 to execute direct wireless communication not via the relay apparatus with the MFP 10 (that is, the MFP 10 is in the G / O state and the portable terminal 50 is in the client state) In the aspect, in the case where it is possible to participate in the WFD network (that is, in the case of NO in S34 of FIG. 3 or when S38 is executed), MFP 10 causes portable terminal 50 to participate in the WFD network. The wireless setting for transmitting is transmitted to the portable terminal 50 (S40). On the other hand, when it is not possible for the portable terminal 50 to participate in the WFD network in the above-described specific mode (that is, YES in S34 of FIG. 3 or YES in S36), the portable terminal 50 The wireless setting for joining the normal Wi-Fi network is transmitted to the portable terminal 50 (S46, S49). Therefore, the MFP 10 can transmit an appropriate wireless setting to the portable terminal 50 depending on whether the portable terminal 50 can participate in the WFD network in the above-described specific mode. For this purpose, the MFP 10 can appropriately cause the portable terminal 50 to participate in the WFD network or the normal Wi-Fi network. As a result, the MFP 10 can appropriately execute wireless communication of target data with the portable terminal 50 using the WFD network or the normal Wi-Fi network (S50).

Example 1-1
Subsequently, the contents of the AP selection process of S44 of FIG. 3 will be described. In S44, the selection unit 43 first includes, for each of one or more extracted SSIDs, the encryption method currently used by the AP that is the acquisition source of the SSID (that is, is included in the PRes signal including the SSID Confirm the encryption method information). Then, if the security information included in the NFC information indicates “secure”, that is, if the security information includes a password, the selecting unit 43 determines that the security of the print data is high. In this case, the selection unit 43 selects one AP by selecting one SSID for which “AES” has been confirmed. On the other hand, if the security information included in the NFC information indicates non-secure, that is, if the security information does not include a password, the selecting unit 43 determines that the security of the print data is low. In this case, the selecting unit 43 selects one SSID by selecting one SSID for which an encryption method other than “AES” (for example, “TKIP”, “WEP”) has been confirmed.
Choose P

  When the security information included in the NFC information indicates “secure”, when there is no SSID for which “AES” has been confirmed, the selection unit 43 selects the SSID for which an encryption method other than “AES” has been confirmed. You may choose. Also, when the security information included in the NFC information indicates non-secure, if there is no SSID for which the encryption method other than "AES" has been confirmed, the selection unit 43 determines the SSID for which "AES" has been confirmed. May be selected. That is, when there is no SSID satisfying the condition among the extracted one or more SSIDs, the selection unit 43 selects the SSID using a predetermined method (for example, a method of selecting at random). It is also good. This point is the same in each of the following embodiments.

(Specific Example of Example 1-1; FIG. 4)
Then, with reference to FIG. 4, the specific example of Example 1-1 is demonstrated. In FIG. 4, a single line arrow between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 indicates wireless communication via the NFC I / F 22 or 62, and a double line arrow between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 indicates the wireless LAN I / F 20, 60 illustrates wireless communication via 60. The AP 4a currently uses the SSID "aaa", the encryption method "AES", and the authentication method "WPA2", and realizes a communication speed "100 Mbps". The AP 4 b currently uses the SSID “bbb”, the encryption method “TKIP”, and the authentication method “WPA”, and realizes a communication speed “10 Mbps”. The BSSIDs currently used by the AP 4a and Ap 4b are not shown.

  Further, in FIG. 4, the MFP 10 forms a WFD network in the G / O state, but the number of clients is the maximum value N, and the portable terminal 50 can not participate in the WFD network. Also, the MFP 10 does not normally participate in the Wi-Fi network. The MFP 10 has participated in the past in both the normal Wi-Fi network formed by the AP 4a and the normal Wi-Fi network formed by the AP 4b. Accordingly, the memory 34 of the MFP 10 stores participation information corresponding to the AP 4 a and participation information corresponding to the AP 4 b.

  If the MFP 10 receives NFC information from the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22 (YES in S30 of FIG. 3), YES in S32, YES in S34, and NO in S41, and executes the SSID search (S42). Thus, the MFP 10 receives the PRes signal from each of the APs 4a and 4b.

  In case A of FIG. 4, security information included in NFC information indicates “secure”. Accordingly, the MFP 10 selects an AP 4a currently using the encryption method "AES" from among the plurality of APs 4a and 4b (S44). Next, the MFP 10 transmits AP information including the SSID “aaa” indicating the AP 4a to the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22 (S46). Next, the MFP 10 performs wireless connection with the AP 4a, and participates in the normal Wi-Fi network formed by the AP 4a (S48).

  Similarly, the portable terminal 50 also performs wireless connection with the AP 4a, and participates in the normal Wi-Fi network formed by the AP 4a (S16 in FIG. 2). Next, the portable terminal 50 transmits the print data to the AP 4a via the wireless LAN I / F 60 (S20). The AP 4 a transmits the print data to the MFP 10. As a result, the MFP 10 receives the print data via the wireless LAN I / F 20 (S50 in FIG. 3), and executes the printing process (S52).

On the other hand, in the case B of FIG. 4, the security information included in the NFC information indicates non-secure. Therefore, the MFP 10 selects an AP 4 b currently using the encryption method “TKIP” from among the plurality of APs 4 a and 4 b (S 44). Then, the MFP 10 receives N
AP information including the SSID "bbb" indicating the AP 4b is transmitted to the portable terminal 50 via the FCI / F 22 (S46). Next, the MFP 10 performs wireless connection with the AP 4 b and participates in the normal Wi-Fi network formed by the AP 4 b (S 48). Thus, the MFP 10 receives the print data via the wireless LAN I / F 20 (S50), and executes the printing process (S52).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the user of the portable terminal 50 sets a password for print data, that is, when the security of the print data is high, the selection unit 43 performs high-security encryption. Select one AP using the method "AES". Thereby, communication of high security print data is executed according to the high security encryption method "AES". That is, the MFP 10 can select an appropriate AP according to the user's intention (ie high security) of the portable terminal 50.

  On the other hand, when the password of the print data is not set by the user of the portable terminal 50, that is, when the security of the print data is low, the selection unit 43 selects the low security encryption method (for example, “TKIP”, “ Select one AP that uses WEP "). Thus, communication of low security print data is performed according to the low security encryption method. Since the intention of the user of the portable terminal 50 is low security, there is no problem if a low security encryption method is used. If a configuration is adopted in which an AP using a high security encryption method "AES" must be selected regardless of the level of security of print data, the normal Wi-Fi network formed by the AP is adopted. The number of devices participating in the network increases, and the load on the AP increases. That is, in a situation where communication of low-security print data is to be performed, high-security data communication will be performed if a configuration is adopted in which an AP using the high-security encryption method "AES" is selected. Communication with client devices that should be performed. In this embodiment, when the intention of the user of the portable terminal 50 is low security, by adopting a configuration for selecting an AP using a low security encryption method, among the plurality of APs 4a and 4b. It is possible to appropriately suppress the occurrence of an event that only a part of APs have a large load.

(Correspondence relationship)
The MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 are examples of the “first communication device” and the “second communication device”, respectively. The NFC I / F 22 and the wireless LAN I / F 20 are examples of the “first type of interface” and the “second type of interface”, respectively. The G / O state and the client state are examples of the “master station state” and the “child station state”, respectively. The WFD network and the normal Wi-Fi network are examples of the “first type of wireless network” and the “second type of wireless network”, respectively. The case of NO in S34 of FIG. 3 or the case where S38 is executed is an example of the “first case”. The case of YES in S34 of FIG. 3 or the case of YES in S36 is an example of the “second case”. The wireless setting transmitted in S40 of FIG. 3 and the wireless setting included in the AP information transmitted in S46 or S49 are examples of the “first wireless setting” and the “second wireless setting”, respectively. The plurality of APs 4 a and 4 b are examples of the “plurality of relay devices”. Print data is an example of "target data". The PRes signal is an example of “communication related information”. Security information according to whether or not to set a password for print data is an example of “data related information” and “processing related information”. Further, in the example of FIG. 4, “AES” and “TKIP” are examples of the “first encryption method” and the “second encryption method”, respectively.

(Example 1-2)
Each of the other embodiments 1-2 to 1-9 will be described with reference to FIG. Each Example 1-2 to 1-9 differs in the content of S44 of FIG. 3 from Example 1-1.

  In Example 1-2, in S44 of FIG. 3, the selecting unit 43 first performs, for each of one or more extracted SSIDs, an authentication method currently used by an AP that is an acquisition source of the SSID (ie, The authentication method information included in the PRes signal including the SSID is confirmed. When the security information included in the NFC information indicates “secure”, the selecting unit 43 selects one of the SSIDs for which “WPA2” has been confirmed, thereby obtaining one AP (in the example of FIG. 4, Select AP4a) currently using "WPA2". On the other hand, when the security information included in the NFC information indicates non-secure, the selection unit 43 selects one SSID for which an authentication method other than “WPA 2” (for example, “WPA”, “Open”) has been confirmed. By selecting one AP (in the example of FIG. 4, AP 4b currently using "WPA") is selected.

  In the present embodiment, communication of high security print data is executed according to the high security authentication method “WPA 2”. That is, the MFP 10 can select an appropriate AP according to the user's intention (ie high security) of the portable terminal 50. Further, when the intention of the user of the portable terminal 50 is low security, the MFP 10 selects an AP using a low security authentication method. This makes it possible to appropriately suppress the occurrence of an event in which only some APs have a large load. In the present embodiment, “WPA2” and “WPA” are examples of the “first authentication method” and the “second authentication method”, respectively.

(Example 1-3)
In Example 1-1, the user of the portable terminal 50 adds, to the operation unit 52, an operation for selecting whether or not to set a password for print data. Then, the portable terminal 50 generates security information according to the selection. Instead of this, in the embodiment 1-3, the user of the portable terminal 50 adds an operation for selecting whether to encrypt print data to the operation unit 52.

  In the first example, it is assumed that the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 have a common key. When encryption of print data is selected by the user, the control unit 70 of the portable terminal 50 encrypts the print data using the common key, and the control unit 30 of the MFP 10 uses the common key. And decrypt the print data. On the other hand, when it is selected by the user that the print data is not to be encrypted, the control unit 70 of the portable terminal 50 does not encrypt the print data.

  In the second example, it is assumed that the data format of print data is PDF (abbreviation of Portable Document Format). When encryption of print data is selected by the user, control unit 70 of portable terminal 50 encrypts the print data using a predetermined electronic signature, and has a data format of signature PDF. Prepare print data. Then, when the print data is received from the portable terminal 50, the control unit 30 of the MFP 10 decrypts the print data having the data format of the signature PDF by using a predetermined electronic signature. On the other hand, when it is selected by the user that the print data is not to be encrypted, the control unit 70 of the portable terminal 50 does not encrypt the print data (that is, prepares the print data having the normal PDF data format). To do).

  In either of the above first and second examples, when it is selected to encrypt print data, security of print data is compared with the case where it is selected not to encrypt print data. Is high. In S11 of FIG. 2, when encryption of print data is selected, the control unit 70 of the portable terminal 50 generates security information indicating security and selects not to encrypt the print data. If so, generate security information that indicates non-secure. This point is different from Example 1-1. The other points are the same as in Example 1-1.

  Also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the embodiment 1-1 can be obtained. In the present embodiment, security information corresponding to whether or not print data is to be encrypted is an example of the “data related information” and the “processing related information”.

(Example 1-4)
In the example 1-4, as in the example 1-3, the security information is determined depending on whether the print data is to be encrypted. Further, as in Example 1-2, when the security information indicates secure, the selection unit 43 selects one AP using “WPA2”, and uses an authentication method other than “WPA2”. Select one AP you are using. Also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the embodiment 1-2 can be obtained.

(Example 1-5)
In Example 1-5, in S11 of FIG. 2, the control unit 70 of the portable terminal 50 generates NFC information including size information indicating the data size of print data, instead of the security information. Furthermore, in S44 of FIG. 3, the selection unit 43 first performs, for each of one or more extracted SSIDs, the communication speed realized by the AP from which the SSID is acquired (that is, included in the PRes signal including the SSID Check the communication speed information). Then, if the size information included in the NFC information is equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold value, the selection unit 43 selects one SSID (that is, one AP) for which a communication speed of 100 Mbps or more has been confirmed. Do. On the other hand, when the size information included in the NFC information is less than the above threshold, the selection unit 43 selects one SSID (that is, one AP) for which a communication speed less than 100 Mbps has been confirmed.

  In the present embodiment, in the situation where the data size of print data is large, one AP that achieves high communication speed is selected. This makes it possible to shorten the time required for communication of print data having a large data size. On the other hand, in a situation where the data size of print data is small, one AP that achieves a low communication speed is selected. Because the data size of the print data is small, even if a low communication speed is used, the time required to communicate the print data does not have to be long. If a configuration is adopted where an AP that achieves a high communication speed must be selected regardless of the size of the print data size, the load on the AP will increase. That is, in a situation where communication of print data having a small data size is to be performed, if a configuration is adopted to select an AP that achieves high communication speed, communication of data having a large data size with the AP should be performed. Communication with client devices may be interrupted. According to this embodiment, it is possible to appropriately suppress the occurrence of an event in which only some APs have a large load.

(Example 1-6)
In the embodiment 1-6, the control unit 70 of the portable terminal 50 generates NFC information including format information indicating the data format of print data, instead of the security information, in S11 of FIG. If the format information included in the NFC information indicates “uncompressed Bitmap” in S44 of FIG. 3, the selecting unit 43 selects one SSID (ie, one AP) for which 100 Mbps or more has been confirmed. select. On the other hand, when the format information included in the NFC information indicates a data format other than “non-compressed Bitmap” (for example, “PDF”, “JPEG”, etc.), the selection unit 43 confirms the communication speed less than 100 Mbps. Select one SSID (ie, one AP).

The processing speed for the MFP 10 to process print data depends on the data format of the print data. For example, the processing speed for print data having a data format of "uncompressed Bitmap" is faster than the processing speed for print data having a data format of "PDF". In the present embodiment, in a situation where the data format of the print data is “uncompressed Bitmap”, one AP that achieves high communication speed is selected. Thus, the MFP 10 can process the print data at high speed while receiving the print data at high speed, and as a result, the printed matter can be provided quickly to the user.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in a situation where the data format of the print data is other than “uncompressed Bitmap”, one AP that achieves a low communication speed is selected. Assuming that an AP that achieves a high communication speed is selected in a situation where the data format of print data is other than "uncompressed Bitmap", the print data reception speed in MFP 10 is that of print data processing. It is faster than speed, and as a result, receiving print data may not be able to process the print data quickly. In view of such circumstances, in the present embodiment, in a situation where the data format of the print data is other than “uncompressed Bitmap”, the MFP 10 selects one AP that realizes a low communication speed. This makes it possible to appropriately suppress the occurrence of an event in which only some APs have a large load. In the present embodiment, for example, “non-compressed Bitmap” and “PDF” are examples of the “first data format” and the “second data format”, respectively.

(Example 1-7)
In Example 1-7, the control unit 70 of the portable terminal 50 generates NFC information including occupancy rate information indicating the CPU occupancy rate of the portable terminal 50, instead of the security information, in S11 of FIG. The CPU occupancy rate of the portable terminal 50 means the ratio of the time during which the CPU 72 is executing the application process of FIG. 2 in a certain unit time. When the CPU 72 executes only the application process of FIG. 2, the CPU occupancy rate of the portable terminal 50 has a relatively large value (ie, 100%). Further, when the CPU 72 executes the application processing of FIG. 2 and the other processing in parallel, the CPU occupancy of the portable terminal 50 has a relatively small value. That is, as the CPU occupancy rate of the portable terminal 50 is larger, the portable terminal 50 can execute the application processing of FIG. 2 at high speed. As a result, in S20 of FIG. It can be sent.

  Further, in S44 of FIG. 3, when the CPU occupancy rate indicated by the occupancy rate information included in the NFC information is equal to or greater than the threshold, the selection unit 43 selects one SSID for which the communication speed of 100 Mbps or more is confirmed (ie, Select one AP). On the other hand, when the CPU occupancy rate indicated by the occupancy rate information included in the NFC information is less than the above threshold, the selection unit 43 selects one SSID for which the communication speed less than 100 Mbps is confirmed (ie, one SSID). Select AP).

  In the present embodiment, since the CPU occupancy rate of the portable terminal 50 is large, in the situation where the portable terminal 50 can transmit print data to the network at high speed, one AP that achieves high communication speed is selected. . As a result, the MFP 10 can receive print data at high speed, and as a result, the printed matter can be provided quickly to the user. Further, in the present embodiment, in a situation where the portable terminal 50 can not transmit print data to the network at high speed because the CPU occupancy rate of the portable terminal 50 is small, one AP achieving a low communication speed It is selected. Temporarily, in a situation where the CPU occupancy rate of the portable terminal 50 is small, if adopting a configuration in which an AP realizing a high communication speed is selected, the speed at which print data is transmitted to the network in the portable terminal 50 is realized May be slower than the communication speed. Then, in a situation where the CPU occupancy rate of the portable terminal 50 is small, if a configuration for selecting an AP that achieves a high communication speed is adopted, communication between the AP and the client device that should communicate with the AP There is a risk of In view of such circumstances, in the present embodiment, in a situation where the CPU occupancy rate of the portable terminal 50 is small, the MFP 10 selects one AP that realizes a low communication speed. This makes it possible to appropriately suppress the occurrence of an event in which only some APs have a large load. In the present embodiment, the occupancy rate information is an example of the “second capability relation information”.

(Example 1-8)
In Example 1-8, in S11 of FIG. 2, the control unit 70 of the portable terminal 50 generates NFC information including remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of memory of the portable terminal 50, instead of the security information. The remaining memory capacity of the portable terminal 50 means the size of the area of the memory 74 that can be used for the application processing of FIG. 2. The larger the remaining memory capacity of the portable terminal 50 is, the faster the portable terminal 50 can execute the application processing of FIG. It is.

  Further, in S44 of FIG. 3, when the remaining memory amount indicated by the remaining amount information included in the NFC information is equal to or greater than the threshold, the selecting unit 43 selects one SSID for which the communication speed of 100 Mbps or more is confirmed (ie, Select one AP). On the other hand, when the remaining amount of memory indicated by the remaining amount information included in the NFC information is less than the above threshold, the selection unit 43 selects one SSID for which a communication speed less than 100 Mbps has been confirmed (ie, one SSID). Select AP).

  Also in the present embodiment, the same effect as in the embodiment 1-7 can be obtained. In the present embodiment, the remaining amount information is an example of the “second capability relation information”.

(Example 1-9)
In Example 1-9, the control unit 70 of the portable terminal 50 generates NFC information including processing speed information indicating the print data processing speed of the portable terminal 50 instead of the security information in S11 of FIG. 2. The print data processing speed of the portable terminal 50 means the speed at which the portable terminal 50 transmits print data to the network, and depends on the CPU occupancy rate of the portable terminal 50 and the remaining amount of memory. The memory 74 of the portable terminal 50 stores a table for specifying the print data processing speed of the portable terminal 50 from the CPU occupancy rate and the remaining amount of memory of the portable terminal 50. Therefore, in S11 of FIG. 2, the control unit 70 of the portable terminal 50 checks the current CPU occupancy rate and the remaining amount of memory of the portable terminal 50, and uses the check result and the above table to Identify the current print data processing speed. As the print data processing speed of the portable terminal 50 is higher, the portable terminal 50 can transmit print data to the network at high speed in S20 of FIG.

  In addition, in S44 of FIG. 3, when the print data processing speed indicated by the processing speed information included in the NFC information is equal to or higher than the threshold, the selecting unit 43 selects one SSID for which the communication speed of 100 Mbps or higher is confirmed. That is, one AP) is selected. On the other hand, when the print data processing speed indicated by the processing speed information included in the NFC information is less than the above threshold, the selecting unit 43 selects one SSID for which the communication speed less than 100 Mbps has been confirmed (ie, one). Select the AP).

  Also in the present embodiment, the same effect as in the embodiment 1-7 can be obtained. In the present embodiment, the processing speed information is an example of the “second capability relation information”.

(Example 2)
Subsequently, the contents of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the above-described first embodiment, the selection unit 43 of the MFP 10 selects one AP based on the information obtained from the portable terminal 50 (that is, the information on the portable terminal 50 side) in S44 of FIG. 3. Instead of this, in the present embodiment, the selection unit 43 selects one AP based on the information related to the MFP 10 itself (that is, the information on the MFP 10 side).

(Example 2-1)
In S44 of FIG. 3, the capability acquiring unit 45 first acquires occupancy rate information by checking the current CPU occupancy rate of the MFP 10. Similar to the above-described embodiment 1-7, the CPU occupancy rate of the MFP 10 means the ratio of the time during which the CPU 32 executes the communication process of FIG. 3 in a certain unit time. The larger the CPU occupancy rate of the MFP 10, the faster the MFP 10 can execute the communication process of FIG. 3. As a result, the MFP 10 can process print data at high speed in S52 of FIG.

  If the CPU occupancy rate indicated by the acquired occupancy rate information is equal to or greater than the threshold, the selection unit 43 selects one SSID (that is, one AP) for which a communication speed of 100 Mbps or more has been confirmed. On the other hand, when the CPU occupancy rate indicated by the already acquired occupancy rate information is less than the above threshold, the selection unit 43 selects one SSID for which a communication speed less than 100 Mbps has been confirmed (that is, one AP). Choose

  In this embodiment, since the CPU occupancy rate of the MFP 10 is large, in a situation where the MFP 10 can process print data at a high speed, one AP that achieves a high communication speed is selected. Thus, the MFP 10 can process the print data at high speed while receiving the print data at high speed, and as a result, the printed matter can be provided quickly to the user. Further, in the present embodiment, since the CPU occupancy rate of the MFP 10 is small, in a situation where the MFP 10 can not process print data at high speed, one AP that achieves a low communication speed is selected. If a configuration is adopted in which an AP that achieves a high communication speed is selected in a situation where the CPU occupancy rate of MFP 10 is small, reception speed of print data in MFP 10 becomes faster than the processing speed of print data. As a result, even if print data is received, it may not be possible to process the print data quickly. In view of such circumstances, in the present embodiment, in a situation where the CPU occupancy rate of the MFP 10 is small, the MFP 10 selects one AP that realizes a low communication speed. This makes it possible to appropriately suppress the occurrence of an event in which only some APs have a large load. In the present embodiment, the occupancy rate information is an example of the “first capability relation information”.

(Example 2-2)
In S44 of FIG. 3, first, the capability acquiring unit 45 acquires remaining amount information by checking the current remaining amount of memory of the MFP 10. Similar to the above-described embodiment 1-8, the remaining memory capacity of the MFP 10 means the size of the area of the memory 34 that can be used in the communication process of FIG. 3. The larger the remaining memory capacity of the MFP 10, the faster the MFP 10 can execute the communication process of FIG. 3, and as a result, the MFP 10 can process print data at high speed in S52 of FIG.

  If the remaining amount of memory indicated by the acquired remaining amount information is equal to or greater than the threshold, the selection unit 43 selects one SSID (that is, one AP) for which a communication speed of 100 Mbps or more has been confirmed. On the other hand, when the remaining amount of memory indicated by the acquired remaining amount information is less than the above threshold, the selection unit 43 selects one SSID (that is, one AP) for which the communication speed less than 100 Mbps is confirmed. Choose

  Also in the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the embodiment 2-1 can be obtained. In the present embodiment, the remaining amount information is an example of the “first capability related information”.

(Example 2-3)
In S44 of FIG. 3, the capability acquiring unit 45 first acquires the print data processing speed information of the MFP 10 by checking the current CPU occupancy rate and memory remaining amount of the MFP 10. The print data processing speed of the MFP 10 means the speed at which the print data of the MFP 10 is processed, and depends on the CPU occupancy rate and the remaining memory capacity of the MFP 10. As the print data processing speed of the MFP 10 is higher, the MFP 10 can process the print data at high speed in S52 of FIG. The memory 34 of the MFP 10 stores a table for specifying the print data processing speed of the MFP 10 from the CPU occupancy rate and the memory remaining amount of the MFP 10. Therefore, the capability acquiring unit 45 checks the current CPU occupancy rate and the remaining memory capacity of the MFP 10, and specifies the current print data processing speed of the MFP 10 using the check result and the above table.

  In addition, when the print data processing speed indicated by the acquired processing speed information is equal to or higher than the threshold, the selection unit 43 selects one SSID (that is, one AP) for which a communication speed of 100 Mbps or more has been confirmed. Do. On the other hand, when the print data processing speed indicated by the acquired processing speed information is less than the above threshold, the selecting unit 43 selects one SSID for which the communication speed less than 100 Mbps has been confirmed (ie, one AP). Choose).

  Also in the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the embodiment 2-1 can be obtained. In the present embodiment, the processing speed information is an example of the “first capability relation information”.

(Example 3)
Subsequently, the contents of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, in S44 of FIG. 3, the selection unit 43 of the MFP 10 selects one AP based on both the information on the portable terminal 50 side and the information on the MFP 10 side.

Example 3-1
Similar to the embodiment 1-1, the NFC information includes security information according to whether or not a password is set for print data. Further, similarly to the embodiment 2-1, in S44 of FIG. 3, the capability acquiring unit 45 checks the current CPU occupancy rate of the MFP 10 and acquires occupancy rate information. Further, as shown in the table of FIG. 7, the selection unit 43 selects the content of the secure information (that is, secure or non-secure) included in the NFC information and the CPU occupancy indicated by the acquired occupancy information. Both are used to select one AP. In the present embodiment, the same effects as in the embodiment 1-1 and the embodiment 2-1 can be obtained.

(Example 3-2)
The combination of the information on the portable terminal 50 side and the information on the MFP 10 side is not limited to the combination shown in Example 3-1, and Examples 1-1 to 1-9 of FIG. 5 and Example 2-1 to FIG. It may be any combination with 2-3. For example, the information on the portable terminal 50 side may be size information indicating the data size of print data, and the information on the MFP 10 side may be remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of memory of the MFP 10. In this case, for example, in the case where (1) the size information indicates a data size greater than or equal to the first threshold and the remaining amount information indicates a remaining amount of memory greater than or equal to the second threshold, In the case where one AP that achieves the communication speed is selected, (2) the size information indicates a data size equal to or greater than the first threshold, and the remaining amount information indicates a remaining amount of memory less than the second threshold. If one AP that achieves a low communication speed is selected, and (3) the size information indicates a data size smaller than the first threshold, the low speed communication is performed regardless of the remaining amount of memory indicated by the remaining amount information. One AP may be selected to realize the communication speed.

Further, for example, the information on the portable terminal 50 side may be remaining amount information indicating the memory remaining amount of the portable terminal 50, and the information on the MFP 10 side may be remaining amount information indicating the memory remaining amount of the MFP 10. In this case, for example, if both of the remaining amount information of the portable terminal 50 and the remaining amount information of the MFP 10 indicate the remaining amount of memory above the threshold value, the selecting unit 43 realizes high communication speed. When one AP is selected and (2) at least one of the remaining amount information of the portable terminal 50 and the remaining amount information of the MFP 10 indicates the remaining amount of memory less than the threshold value, a low communication speed is realized. One AP may be selected. Further, for example, when both of the remaining amount information of the portable terminal 50 and the remaining amount information of the MFP 10 indicate the remaining amount of memory above the threshold, the selecting unit 43 indicates a high communication speed (for example, 100 Mbps or more) Medium speed, if only one of the remaining information of the portable terminal 50 and the remaining amount information of the MFP 10 indicates the remaining amount of memory below the threshold value. Select one AP that achieves the communication speed (for example, 10 Mbps or more and less than 100 Mbps), and (3) of the remaining amount information of the portable terminal 50 and the remaining amount information of the MFP 10, the remaining amount of memory less than the threshold. In this case, one AP that realizes a low communication speed (for example, less than 10 Mbps) may be selected.

(Example 4)
Subsequently, the contents of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. In Embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the MFP 10 selects one AP based on the information on the portable terminal 50 side and / or the information on the MFP 10 side. Instead of this, in the present embodiment, the portable terminal 50 selects one AP based on the information on the portable terminal 50 side. The memory 74 of the portable terminal 50 cumulatively stores one or more pieces of participation information corresponding to one or more normal Wi-Fi networks in which the portable terminal 50 has participated in the past.

(Application processing of the portable terminal 50; FIG. 8)
S110 of FIG. 8 is the same as S10 of FIG. S111 and S112 are different from S11 and S12 in FIG. 2 in that security information is not included in the NFC information. In S114, the control unit 70 determines whether the WFD wireless setting has been received from the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 62. When the control unit 70 receives the WFD wireless setting from the MFP 10, the processing proceeds to step S116, and when the WFD wireless setting is not received from the MFP 10, the control unit 70 proceeds to step S117. S116 is the same as S16 performed when the WFD wireless setting is received in S14 of FIG.

  In S117, the control unit 70 determines whether AP information has been received from the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 62. When the control unit 70 receives the AP information from the MFP 10, the control unit 70 skips S118 to S122 and proceeds to S124. Although details will be described later, when the MFP 10 can not cause the portable terminal 50 to participate in the WFD network in which the MFP 10 operates in the G / O state or the normal Wi-Fi network in which the MFP 10 currently participates ( In the case of NO in S141 of FIG. 9, the predetermined response is transmitted to the portable terminal 50. The predetermined response is a response that does not include the WFD wireless setting or the normal Wi-Fi wireless setting, but includes cancellation information. The predetermined response may be an empty response that does not include cancellation information. The receiving unit 81 of the portable terminal 50 receives a predetermined response from the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 62. In this case, the control unit 70 determines NO in S117, and proceeds to S118.

  In S118, the communication acquisition unit 84 executes the SSID search using the same method as in S42 of FIG. As a result, the communication acquisition unit 84 acquires a plurality of PRes signals from the plurality of APs 4a and 4b. In S120, the selection unit 83 selects one AP from the plurality of APs 4a and 4b. First, the selection unit 83 selects one or more SSIDs that match one or more SSIDs included in one or more pieces of participation information in the memory 74 among a plurality of SSIDs included in a plurality of PRes signals. Extract. Next, the selection unit 43 selects one AP by selecting one SSID from among the extracted one or more SSIDs. A specific method for selecting one AP will be described in detail later.

In S122, the transmission unit 82 prepares AP information using the same method as S46 of FIG. Next, the transmission unit 82 transmits AP information to the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 62. In addition, after transmitting the AP information in S122, the control unit 70 causes, for example, a predetermined sound to be output from the portable terminal 50, and notifies the user of the portable terminal 50 that the NFC communication is completed. Thus, the user can recognize that the portable terminal 50 may be moved away from the MFP 10. In S124 executed after S122, the communication execution unit 86 performs wireless connection with the selected AP. In S124 executed in the case of YES in S117, the communication execution unit 86 uses the AP information received from the MFP 10 to perform wireless connection with the AP. In S126, the communication execution unit 86 transmits the print data to the MFP 10 via the wireless LAN I / F 60 using the same method as in S20 of FIG.

(Communication process of MFP 10; FIG. 9)
S130 to S141 and S149 in FIG. 9 are the same as S30 to S41 and S49 in FIG. In S142, the control unit 30 of the MFP 10 transmits a predetermined response to the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22. In S144, the control unit 30 receives AP information from the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22. S146, S150, and S152 are the same as S48, S50, and S52 of FIG.

Example 4-1
Subsequently, the contents of the AP selection process of S120 of FIG. 8 will be described. The method for selecting an AP in this embodiment is the same as that in Embodiment 1-1. That is, when setting of a password for print data is selected by the user (that is, when the security information indicates “secure”), the selecting unit 83 selects one SSID for which “AES” has been confirmed (see FIG. That is, one AP) is selected. On the other hand, when it is selected by the user that the password is not set for the print data (that is, the security information indicates non-secure), the selecting unit 83 selects an encryption method other than "AES" (for example, Select one SSID (ie, one AP) for which “TKIP”, “WEP”) is confirmed.

(Specific Example of Example 4-1; FIG. 10)
In the sequence diagram of FIG. 10, the assumed condition is the same as that of FIG. The memory 74 of the portable terminal 50 stores participation information corresponding to the AP 4 a and participation information corresponding to the AP 4 b.

  When the portable terminal 50 receives a predetermined response from the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 62 (NO in S117 of FIG. 8), the portable terminal 50 executes the SSID search (S118). Thereby, the portable terminal 50 receives the PRes signal from each of the APs 4a and 4b.

  In case A of FIG. 10, a password is set for print data (that is, security information indicates secure). Therefore, the portable terminal 50 selects an AP 4a using the encryption method "AES" from among the plurality of APs 4a and 4b (S120). Next, the portable terminal 50 transmits AP information including the SSID “aaa” indicating the AP 4a to the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 62 (S122). Next, the portable terminal 50 performs wireless connection with the AP 4a, and participates in the normal Wi-Fi network formed by the AP 4a (S124). Next, the portable terminal 50 transmits print data to the AP 4 a via the wireless LAN I / F 60. The AP 4 a transmits the print data to the MFP 10.

  On the other hand, in case B of FIG. 10, no password is set for print data (ie, security information indicates non-secure). Therefore, the portable terminal 50 selects an AP 4 b using “TKIP” from among the plurality of APs 4 a and 4 b (S 120). Next, the portable terminal 50 transmits AP information including the SSID “bbb” indicating the AP 4 b to the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 22 (S 122). Next, the portable terminal 50 performs wireless connection with the AP 4 b and participates in the normal Wi-Fi network formed by the AP 4 b (S 124). Next, the portable terminal 50 transmits print data to the AP 4 b via the wireless LAN I / F 60. The AP 4 b transmits the print data to the MFP 10.

Also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the embodiment 1-1 can be obtained. In the case of NO in S134 of FIG.
Alternatively, the case where S138 is executed is an example of the “first case”. The case of YES in S134 of FIG. 9 or the case of YES in S136 is an example of the “second case”. The wireless setting transmitted in S140 of FIG. 3 and the wireless setting included in the AP information transmitted in S149 are examples of the “first wireless setting” and the “second wireless setting”, respectively.

(Example 4-2)
In S120 of FIG. 8, the selection unit 83 of the portable terminal 50 uses the information on the portable terminal 50 side of any one of the embodiments 1-2 to 1-9 of FIG. Similarly to the above, the AP selection process may be executed. In addition, when the same AP selection process as in the embodiments 1-7 to 1-9 is executed, the capability acquiring unit 85 of the portable terminal 50 checks the current state of the portable terminal 50 and the portable terminal 50. The occupancy rate information, the remaining amount information, or the processing speed information of Also in the present embodiment, the same effects as in the embodiments 1-2 to 1-9 can be obtained.

(Example 5)
In the present embodiment, the control unit 30 of the MFP 10 sends a predetermined response including the occupancy rate information, the remaining amount information, or the processing speed information of the MFP 10 to the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22 in S142 of FIG. Send. Thereby, the receiving unit 81 of the portable terminal 50 receives a predetermined response including the occupancy rate information, the remaining amount information, or the processing speed information of the MFP 10 from the MFP 10 through the NFC I / F 62. The portable terminal 50 selects one AP based on the information on the MFP 10 side included in the predetermined response. That is, in S120 of FIG. 8, the selection unit 83 of the portable terminal 50 uses the information on the MFP 10 side of any of the embodiments 2-1 to 2-3 of FIG. In the same manner, execute the AP selection process. Also in the present embodiment, the same effects as in the embodiments 2-1 to 2-3 can be obtained.

(Example 6)
In the present embodiment, the portable terminal 50 selects one AP based on both the information on the portable terminal 50 side and the information on the MFP 10 side. That is, in S120 of FIG. 8, the selection unit 83 of the portable terminal 50 selects one AP based on both the information on the portable terminal 50 side and the information on the MFP 10 side included in the predetermined response. . The selection unit 83 of the band terminal 50 executes an AP selection process as in the embodiment 3-1 or 3-2 of FIG. 7. Also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the embodiment 3-1 or 3-2 can be obtained.

  As mentioned above, although the specific example of this invention was described in detail, these are only an illustration and do not limit a claim. The art set forth in the claims includes various variations and modifications of the specific examples described above. Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

(Modification 1) In each of the above embodiments, since there is no G / O device around the MFP 10, the communication acquisition unit 44 receives the PRes signal from the G / O device in the SSID search in S42 of FIG. do not do. Instead of this, G / O devices may exist around the MFP 10. In this case, the communication acquisition unit 44 may receive the PRes signal from the G / O device. Furthermore, the communication acquisition unit 44 may select one relay apparatus from the G / O device and the plurality of APs 4a and 4b. In this embodiment, the G / O device and the plurality of APs 4 a and 4 b are examples of the “plurality of relay devices”.

(Modification 2) In the above Examples 1-5, 1-7 to 1-9, Examples 2-1 to 2-3, etc., the selection units 43 and 83 use only one threshold value, and 1 Select APs. Instead of this, the selection units 43 and 83 may select one AP using a plurality of threshold values. For example, in the embodiment 1-5, the selection unit 43 selects (1) one AP achieving a communication speed of 100 Mbps or more when the data size is equal to or larger than the first threshold, (2) 10 Mbps or more and 100 Mbps if the data size is less than the first threshold and greater than or equal to the second threshold
Select one AP that achieves a communication speed less than (3), and may select one AP that achieves a communication speed less than 10 Mbps if the data size is less than the second threshold .

(Modification 3) For example, in the embodiments 1-6 and the like, the selection units 43 and 83 (1) when the data format is “uncompressed Bitmap”, one selection rate realization of 100 Mbps or more is realized. Select an AP and (2) if the data format is "JPEG", select one AP that achieves a communication speed of 10 Mbps or more and less than 100 Mbps, and (3) if the data format is "PDF" , One AP may be selected to achieve a communication speed of less than 10 Mbps.

(Modification 4) The information used by the selection units 43 and 83 in the AP selection process is not limited to the information on the portable terminal 50 side and the information on the MFP 10 side of FIGS. For example, the following modifications can be mentioned.

(Modification 4-1) For example, the selection unit 83 of the portable terminal 50 selects one AP based on security correspondence information indicating whether the MFP 10 has the ability to decrypt print data. You may That is, when the MFP 10 has the capability of decrypting print data, the selection unit 83 selects one AP as in the case of “secure” in the embodiments 1-3 and 1-4 in FIG. 5. If the MFP 10 is selected and the MFP 10 does not have the ability to decrypt print data, one AP is selected as in “non-secure” in the embodiments 1-3 and 1-4 of FIG. 5. It is also good. In the present modification, the security correspondence information is an example of the “second capability relation information”.

(Modification 4-2) For example, the selection units 43 and 83 select one AP based on print resolution information indicating the print resolution specified by the user operating the operation unit 52 of the portable terminal 50. You may More specifically, when the print resolution specified by the user is equal to or higher than the threshold, the selection units 43 and 83 communicate at 100 Mbps as in the case of “size」 threshold ”in the embodiment 1-5 of FIG. 5. The AP may be selected to realize the speed. On the other hand, when the print resolution designated by the user is less than the threshold, as in the case of “size <threshold” in Example 1-5 of FIG. 5, an AP that achieves a communication speed of less than 100 Mbps is selected. It is also good. In the present modification, the print resolution information is an example of the “data related information”. The user may designate the print resolution by operating the operation unit 12 of the MFP 10. In this case, the print resolution information is information on the MFP 10 side.

(Modification 4-3) In the modification 4-2, a scan resolution may be used instead of the print resolution. For example, instead of print data being transmitted from portable terminal 50 to MFP 10, scan data (that is, data generated by scan execution unit 18 executing scanning of a document) is transmitted from MFP 10 to portable terminal 50. The situation is In this case, the selection units 43 and 83 may select one AP based on scan resolution information indicating a scan resolution designated by the user operating the operation unit 52 of the portable terminal 50. In the present modification, the scan resolution information is an example of the “data related information”. Also, scan data is an example of “target data”. The user may designate the scan resolution by operating the operation unit 12 of the MFP 10. In this case, the scan resolution information is information on the MFP 10 side.

(Modification 5) In each of the above-described embodiments, the selection units 43 and 83 use the information on the portable terminal 50 side and / or the information on the MFP 10 side and a plurality of PRes signals to select one AP. select. Instead of this, the selection units 43 and 83 may select one AP using the information on the portable terminal 50 side and / or the information on the MFP 10 side without using a plurality of PRes signals. For example, in the memory 34 of the MFP 10, information indicating secure and the first SSID registered in advance by the user are associated, and information indicating non-secure and a second registered in advance by the user A table in which the SSIDs are associated may be stored. In this case, the selection unit 43 refers to the table when the security information indicates secure, selects the first SSID, and refers to the table when the security information indicates non-secure. The SSID of 2 may be selected. According to this configuration, one AP can be selected without using a plurality of PRes signals. That is, the selection units 43 and 83 may select a specific relay device using the processing relationship information.

(Modification 6) The AP information may not include the SSID of the selected AP, and other information that can identify the selected AP (for example, the BSSID of the selected AP, of the selected AP) IP address etc. may be included.

(Modification 7) In Example 1-1 of FIG. 5, since the AP selection process is executed according to the encryption method information, the PRes signal does not contain the authentication method information and the communication speed information. Good. Further, in the embodiment 1-2, the PRes signal may not include the encryption scheme information and the communication speed information in order to execute the AP selection process according to the authentication scheme information. Further, in the embodiment 1-5, the PRes signal may not include the authentication scheme information and the encryption scheme information in order to execute the AP selection process according to the communication speed information. Generally speaking, the "communication related information" may include at least one of the authentication method information, the encryption method information, and the communication speed information.

(Modification 8) In the above-described embodiments 1-1 and the like, the selection units 43 and 83 select whether the security of the print data is high or low depending on whether the security information includes a password for permitting printing of the print data. To judge. That is, in the above Example 1-1 etc., printing of print data is an example of "output of object data". However, for example, when the “target data” is display data, the selection units 43 and 83 select the display data depending on whether the security information includes a password for permitting display of the display data. You may judge the level of security of the data.

(Modification 9) The “first type of interface” is not limited to the interface for executing NFC communication, and may be an interface for executing infrared communication, or to execute Bluetooth (registered trademark) Or an interface for executing Transfer Jet. Generally speaking, the communication speed of wireless communication via the second type of interface may be faster than the communication speed of wireless communication via the first type of interface.

(Modification 10) The “first type of interface” and the “second type of interface” are two interfaces (for example, two IC chips) configured separately as in each of the above embodiments. It may be one interface (for example, one IC chip) configured integrally.

(Modification 11) The “master station state” is not limited to the WFD G / O state, but can manage each device belonging to the wireless network (for example, can relay wireless communication between each device belonging to the wireless network) As long as it is a state), it may be in any state. Also, the “child station state” is not limited to the WFD client state, and may be any state as long as it is managed from a device in the parent station state of the wireless network.

(Modification 12) In S40, S46, and S49 of FIG. 3, the transmission unit 42 may transmit the wireless setting to the portable terminal 50 via an interface different from the NFC I / F 22.

(Modification 13) In FIG. 3, S36, S38, S41 and S49 may not be executed. That is, if NO at S32, the process may proceed to S42. Further, in the case of YES in S34, the process may proceed to S42. Moreover, in FIG. 3, S34, S41, and S49 may not be performed. That is, in the case of YES in S32, the process may proceed to S40. Further, in the case of YES in S36, the process may proceed to S42. Generally speaking, the first communication device only needs to include at least a transmission unit and a communication execution unit.

(Modification 14) The “first communication device” and the “second communication device” are not limited to the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50, and other communication devices (for example, a printer, a scanner, a fax machine, a copier, a telephone, It may be a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, a server, a mobile phone, a PDA terminal, etc.). In addition, “target data” is not limited to print data and scan data, and may be other data (for example, voice data, fax data, etc.).

(Modification 15) In the above embodiment, the CPU 32 of the MFP 10 executes a program (i.e., software) in the memory 34 to realize the functions of the units 41 to 46. Alternatively, at least one of the units 41 to 49 may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit. Similarly, at least one of the units 81 to 86 may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

  The technical elements described in the present specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness singly or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the techniques illustrated in the present specification or the drawings simultaneously achieve a plurality of purposes, and achieving one of the purposes itself has technical utility.

  2: Communication system, 4a, 4b: AP, 10: MFP, 50: portable terminal

Claims (11)

The system is selectively operable in any one of three states of Wi-Fi Direct mode, that is, Group Owner state, client state, and device state, and in the Group Owner state or the client state. A first communication device that can operate and belong to a first type of wireless network that is a wireless network according to the Wi-Fi Direct system ,
To the first communication device if you are operating in the device state, and forming part of said first communication device is newly forming the first type of wireless network to operate in the Group Owner state ,
In the first case where the first type of wireless network is newly formed, the second communication device performs a first wireless setting for the second communication device to join the first type of wireless network. Send to
In the second case where the first communication device operates in the client state and belongs to the first type wireless network, the second communication device is different from the first type wireless network . A transmitter configured to transmit a second wireless setting for joining a wireless network to the second communication device,
The second type of wireless network is a wireless network including a specific relay device configured separately from the first communication device and the second communication device.
The second wireless setting is different from the first wireless setting, the transmitting unit;
In the first case, when the second communication device joins the first type of wireless network, the second communication device and the target data are directly transmitted using the first type of wireless network. Perform wireless communication,
In the second case, the second communication device does not participate in the first type of wireless network, and uses the second type of wireless network to transmit the second communication device via the specific relay device. A communication execution unit that executes wireless communication of the target data with the second communication device;
A first communication device comprising: The transmission unit is
In the third case in which the first communication device is operating in the Group Owner state, the first communication device may participate in the first type of wireless network. Transmitting the wireless setting of the second communication device to the second communication device,
In the second case, when the second communication device can not join the first type of wireless network, the second wireless setting is transmitted to the second communication device. The first communication device according to Item 1. In the third case, the transmission unit transmits the second wireless setting when the second communication device can not participate in the first type of wireless network. The first communication device according to claim 2, wherein In the third case, the transmission unit belongs to the first type of wireless network and operates in the Group Owner state in the third case, and belongs to the first type of wireless network. If the second communication apparatus can not participate in the first type of wireless network due to the maximum number of client devices, the second wireless setting The first communication device according to claim 3, wherein the first communication device transmits to the first communication device. The first communication device is further configured to:
A first type interface for performing wireless communication with the second communication device;
A second type interface for performing wireless communication with the second communication device, wherein a communication speed of wireless communication via the second type interface is wireless communication via the first type interface The second type interface faster than the communication speed of
Equipped with
The transmission unit is
In the first case, the first wireless setting is transmitted to the second communication device via the first type interface;
In the second case, the second wireless setting is transmitted to the second communication device via the first type interface;
The wireless network according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the first type and second type of wireless network is a wireless network for performing wireless communication via the second type of interface. 1 communication device.   The first communication device according to claim 5, wherein the first type of interface is an interface for performing wireless communication in accordance with an NFC (abbreviation of Near Field Communication) method.   The second type of interface is an interface for performing wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 (abbreviation of The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) standard and a standard conforming thereto. The first communication device according to 5 or 6. The transmitter according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein, in a third case where the first communication device is operating in the Group Owner state, the transmission unit transmits the first wireless setting to the second communication device . The first communication device according to any one of the preceding claims. It further comprises a print execution unit,
The first communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the target data is data for performing printing in the pre-printing execution unit. It further comprises a scan execution unit,
The first communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the target data is data generated by the scan execution unit executing a scan of a document. It is selectively operable in any one of three states of Wi-Fi Direct system, that is, Group Owner state, client state, and device state, and operates in the Group Owner or the client state. A computer program for a second communication device that executes communication with a first communication device that can belong to a first type of wireless network that is a wireless network according to the Wi-Fi Direct method ,
The following processes are performed in the computer mounted on the second communication device:
Oite in case it is operating, the first type of wireless network to the first communication device operates in the Group Owner state is newly formed by the first communication device the device state In the first case, the second communication device receives a first wireless setting for joining the first type of wireless network from the first communication device,
In the second case where the first communication device is operating in the client state, a second communication device for joining a second type of wireless network different from the first type of wireless network Reception processing for receiving the wireless setting of 2 from the first communication device,
The second type of wireless network is a wireless network including a specific relay device configured separately from the first communication device and the second communication device.
The second wireless setting is different from the first wireless setting, the reception process;
In the first case, the second communication device participates in the first type of wireless network, thereby directly using the first type of wireless network to directly transmit the first communication device and the target data. Perform wireless communication,
In the second case, the second communication device does not participate in the first type of wireless network, and uses the second type of wireless network to transmit the second communication device via the specific relay device. Communication execution processing for executing wireless communication of the target data with the first communication device;
A computer program that runs

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