JP6852755B2 - Wireless communication device - Google Patents

Description

The techniques disclosed herein relate to wireless communication devices.

Non-Patent Document 1 describes the Wi-Fi Direct (hereinafter referred to as "WFD") formulated by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The WFD wireless network consists of one device that operates as a Group Owner (hereinafter referred to as "G / O device") and one or more devices that operate as clients managed by the G / O device (hereinafter, "G / O device"). It is composed of "client equipment"). When a WFD-compliant connection should be established between a pair of devices, each of the pair of devices performs a G / O negotiation to determine whether it should operate on the G / O or the client.

"Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Technical Specification Version 1.1", Wi-Fi Alliance, 2010

The present specification provides a technique in which a wireless communication device can form an appropriate connection state in a situation where the wireless communication device should establish a connection with a plurality of devices.

In the present specification, it is possible to selectively operate in any one of a plurality of states including a master station state that functions as a master station of a wireless network and a slave station state that functions as a slave station of a wireless network. Disclose the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device includes a first connection unit, a second connection unit, and a determination unit. The first connection determines that one of the other device and the wireless communication device should operate in the master station state, and the other of the other devices and the wireless communication device described above is in the slave station state. A state-determining process for determining what to operate is performed to establish a first-class connection with the other device described above so that the wireless communication device operates in the state determined by the state-determining process. The first connection portion utilizes the first radio channel to establish a first-class connection with the first device when a first-class connection with the first device should be established. .. The second connection establishes a second type of connection with another device. The second connection uses the second radio channel to connect to the second device when a second type of connection with a second device different from the first device should be established. Establish two types of connections. The determination unit is in a state where one of the first-class connection with the first device and the second-class connection with the second device is established, and the first-class connection with the first device is established. The value of the first radio channel matches the value of the second radio channel in certain cases where the other connection of the connection and the second type connection with the second device should be established. At least one of the value of the first radio channel and the value of the second radio channel is determined.

In the above technique, the wireless communication device has a value of the first radio channel and a value of the second radio channel so that the value of the first radio channel and the value of the second radio channel match in a specific case. Determine at least one of the values of. For this reason, the wireless communication device can form a state in which both a first-class connection with the first device and a second-class connection with the second device are established. Therefore, the wireless communication device can form an appropriate connection state in a specific case.

In a specific case, it may be the case that the first type connection with the first device should be established while the second type connection with the second device is established. The determination unit refers to the value of the second radio channel used in the second type of connection with the second device in a specific case, and the first unit matches the value of the second radio channel. The value of the radio channel may be determined. According to this configuration, the radio communication device can appropriately determine the value of the first radio channel that matches the value of the second radio channel in a specific case.

The first connection unit may execute a specific process for operating the wireless communication device in the master station state in a specific case. After a specific process, the determination unit may refer to the value of the second radio channel to determine the value of the first radio channel that matches the value of the second radio channel. According to this configuration, the radio communication device can appropriately determine the value of the first radio channel that matches the value of the second radio channel in a specific case.

The first connection unit is a wireless communication device when the first type connection with the first device should be established without the second type connection with the second device being established. The state determination process may be executed by comparing the first setting value saved by the first device with the setting value saved by the first device. Even if the first connection unit executes the state determination process by comparing the second setting value saved by the wireless communication device with the setting value saved by the first device in a specific case. Good. The first connection portion uses a specific set value that makes it easier to determine that the wireless communication device should operate in the master station state in the state determination process as compared with the first set value in a specific case. The process may be executed. According to this configuration, the wireless communication device can appropriately perform a specific process for operating the wireless communication device in the master station state in a specific case.

The first connection may perform a specific process for setting the wireless communication device to a specific mode for maintaining the wireless communication device operating in the master station state in a specific case. According to this configuration, the wireless communication device can appropriately perform a specific process for operating the wireless communication device in the master station state in a specific case.

The determination unit further determines that the second radio channel should have a first-class connection with the first device without a second-class connection with the second device being established. The value of the first radio channel may be determined without reference to the value. According to this configuration, the wireless communication device can appropriately determine the value of the first wireless channel depending on the situation.

The wireless communication device may further include a notification unit that notifies the first device of only the value of the second wireless channel as the value of the wireless channel available to the wireless communication device in a specific case. .. According to this configuration, the wireless communication device can properly establish a first-class connection with the first device.

The notification unit is further used by the wireless communication device when it is not possible to establish a first-class connection with the first device even if only the value of the second wireless channel is notified to the first device. As a possible radio channel value, a value different from the value of the second radio channel may be notified to the first device. According to this configuration, the wireless communication device can properly establish a first-class connection with the first device.

The determination unit refers to the value of the second radio channel when it is determined that the wireless communication device should operate in the master station state in a specific case, and the value of the second radio channel is used. You may determine the value of the first radio channel that matches. The radio communication device further includes the value of the first radio channel and the value of the second radio channel when it is determined that the radio communication device should operate in the slave station state in a specific case. A channel determination unit for determining whether or not the items match may be provided. When it is determined that the value of the first radio channel and the value of the second radio channel match, the first connection portion utilizes the first radio channel and makes a first connection with the first device. Species connections may be established. According to this configuration, the wireless communication device can perform appropriate processing according to the state in which the wireless communication device should operate. To this end, the wireless communication device can properly establish a first-class connection with the first device.

The second device may be an access point. According to this configuration, the wireless communication device can properly establish a second type connection with the access point (that is, the second device).

The value of the second radio channel may be a value determined by the access point. According to this configuration, the wireless communication device can appropriately establish a second type connection with the access point (that is, the second device) by utilizing the second wireless channel determined by the access point.

A control method for realizing the above-mentioned wireless communication device, a computer program, and a computer-readable recording medium for storing the computer program are also new and useful.

An example of the configuration of the communication system is shown. The flowchart of non-WFD connection processing is shown. The flowchart of WFD connection processing is shown. The sequence diagram of the case realized in the 1st Example is shown. The sequence diagram which continued with FIG. 4 is shown. The flowchart of the WFD connection processing of the 2nd Example is shown. The sequence diagram of the case realized in the 2nd Example is shown.

(First Example)
(System configuration)
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes an access point (hereinafter referred to as “AP”) 4, a PC 6, a mobile terminal 8, a printer 10 (peripheral devices such as the PC 6 and the mobile terminal 8), and the like. To be equipped. The mobile terminal 8 and the printer 10 can each execute a wireless communication function according to the Wi-Fi Direct described later. In the following, the Wi-Fi Direct will be referred to as "WFD", and the connection according to WFD will be referred to as "WFD connection". The printer 10 can establish a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8, thereby constructing a WFD network. As a result, the mobile terminal 8 and the printer 10 can execute wireless communication of the target data to be communicated such as print data.

The printer 10 can execute a normal wireless communication function (for example, wireless communication according to IEEE802.11) in addition to the wireless communication function according to WFD. That is, the printer 10 can establish a connection with the AP4 (hereinafter referred to as "non-WFD connection"), whereby a non-WFD network is constructed. The PC6 can also establish a non-WFD connection with the AP4. As a result, the printer 10 and the PC 6 can execute wireless communication of the target data to be communicated such as print data via the AP4.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the AP4, the PC6, and the printer 10 are deferred in a specific company, for example. That is, within a specific company, a non-WFD network including AP4, PC6, and a printer 10 is constructed. For this purpose, a user of the PC 6 (for example, an employee of a specific company) can have the printer 10 execute printing via the AP4. Then, for example, a user of the mobile terminal 8 (for example, a person who visits a specific company) can temporarily establish a WFD connection between the mobile terminal 8 and the printer 10. That is, the user of the mobile terminal 8 can temporarily construct a WFD network including the mobile terminal 8 and the printer 10. As a result, the user of the mobile terminal 8 can have the printer 10 execute printing without going through the AP4. As described above, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the non-WFD network is a network to be constantly constructed and the WFD network is a network to be temporarily constructed.

(Configuration of printer 10)
The printer 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, a wireless interface 18, and a control unit 20. Each of the above parts 12 to 20 is connected to a bus line (reference numeral omitted). The operation unit 12 is composed of a plurality of keys. The user can operate the operation unit 12 to give various instructions to the printer 10. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The print execution unit 16 includes a printing mechanism such as an inkjet method or a laser method, and executes printing according to an instruction from the control unit 20.

The wireless interface 18 is an interface used when the control unit 20 executes wireless communication. The wireless interface 18 is physically one interface. However, the wireless interface 18 is assigned both a MAC address that should be used in the WFD connection and a MAC address that should be used in the non-WFD connection. Therefore, the control unit 20 can simultaneously execute both the wireless communication function according to the WFD and the normal wireless communication function by using the wireless interface 18. As a result, as will be described in detail later, the control unit 20 can form a state in which both the WFD connection and the non-WFD connection are established.

The control unit 20 includes a CPU 22 and a memory 24. The CPU 22 executes various processes according to the program stored in the memory 24. The memory 24 is composed of a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, and the like. The memory 24 stores the above-mentioned program executed by the CPU 22, and stores data acquired or generated in the process of the CPU 22 executing the process. When the CPU 22 executes the process according to the above program, the functions of the first connection unit 30, the second connection unit 32, the determination unit 34, the notification unit 36, and the channel determination unit 38 are realized.

As will be described in detail later, the first connection unit 30 is a unit for executing a wireless communication function according to the WFD. For example, the first connection unit 30 establishes a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8. Further, the second connection unit 32 is a unit for executing a normal wireless communication function, not a wireless communication function according to WFD. For example, the second connection 32 establishes a non-WFD connection with the AP4.

(Configuration of PC6)
The PC 6 cannot execute the wireless communication function according to the WFD. However, in the modified example, the PC 6 may be capable of executing the wireless communication function according to the WFD. PC6 can establish a non-WFD connection with AP4. The PC 6 includes a CPU, a memory, a display, and the like (not shown). The memory of the PC 6 stores a printer driver program for the printer 10. The CPU of the PC 6 can generate print data to be printed by using a printer driver program. In a state where a non-WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the AP4 and a non-WFD connection is established between the PC6 and the AP4, the PC6 transfers print data to the printer 10 via the AP4. It can be transmitted wirelessly.

(Configuration of mobile terminal 8)
The mobile terminal 8 is a portable terminal, and includes, for example, a smartphone, a PDA terminal, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, and the like. The mobile terminal 8 can execute a wireless communication function according to the WFD. The mobile terminal 8 can establish a WFD connection with the printer 10. The mobile terminal 8 includes a CPU, a memory, a display, and the like (not shown). The memory of the mobile terminal 8 stores a printer driver program for the printer 10. The CPU of the mobile terminal 8 can generate print data to be printed by using a printer driver program. In a state where a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8, the mobile terminal 8 can wirelessly transmit print data to the printer 10 without going through the AP4.

(WFD)
WFD is a standard developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance. WFD is described in "Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Technical Specification Version 1.1" created by Wi-Fi Alliance.

As described above, the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8 can each execute the wireless communication function according to the WFD. Hereinafter, a device capable of executing a wireless communication function according to WFD will be referred to as a "WFD compatible device". The WFD standard defines three states as the state of the WFD-compatible device: the Group Owner state (hereinafter referred to as "G / O state"), the client state, and the device state. The WFD-compatible device can selectively operate in one of the above three states.

One WFD network is composed of a device in the G / O state and a device in the client state. In one WFD network, there can be only one device in the G / O state, but there can be one or more devices in the client state. The device in the G / O state manages one or more devices in the client state. Specifically, the device in the G / O state generates a management list in which the identification information (that is, the MAC address) of each of the devices in the one or more client states is described. When a device in the client state newly joins the WFD network, the device in the G / O state adds the identification information of the device to the management list, and when the device in the client state leaves the WFD network, the identification information of the device is added. Remove from the management list.

The device in the G / O state is the target data to be communicated with the device registered in the management list, that is, the device in the client state (for example, data including information on the network layer of the OSI reference model (print data). Etc.)) wireless communication is possible. However, the device in the G / O state is the data for joining the WFD network with the device not registered in the management list (for example, the data not including the information of the network layer (Probe Request signal, Probe Response signal). The wireless communication of the physical layer (data of the physical layer, etc.) can be executed, but the wireless communication of the target data described above cannot be executed. For example, the printer 10 in the G / O state is a portable device registered in the management list. The print data can be wirelessly received from the terminal 8 (that is, the mobile terminal 8 in the client state), but the print data cannot be wirelessly received from a device not registered in the management list.

Further, the device in the G / O state can relay wireless communication of target data (print data, etc.) between the devices in the plurality of client states. For example, when the mobile terminal 8 in the client state should wirelessly transmit the print data to another printer in the client state, the mobile terminal 8 first wirelessly transmits the print data to the printer 10 in the G / O state. .. In this case, the printer 10 wirelessly receives the print data from the mobile terminal 8 and wirelessly transmits the print data to the other printers described above. That is, the device in the G / O state can execute the function of the AP (access point) of the wireless network.

A WFD-compatible device that does not participate in the WFD network (that is, a device that is not registered in the management list) is a device in the device state. The device in the device state can execute wireless communication of data for joining the WFD network (physical layer data such as Probe Request signal, Probe Response signal, etc.), but the target data (print data) via the WFD network. Etc.) wireless communication is not feasible.

(Non-WFD connection processing; Fig. 2)
Subsequently, the contents of the processing executed by the printer 10 will be described. First, the contents of the non-WFD connection process executed by the printer 10 will be described with reference to FIG. When the user inputs a predetermined non-WFD connection instruction to the operation unit 12, the control unit 20 starts the non-WFD connection process shown in FIG.

In S10, the second connection unit 32 executes a Scan process for searching each AP existing around the printer 10. Next, in S12, the second connection unit 32 causes the display unit 14 to display an AP list including information (for example, SSID, etc.) about each AP found in the Scan process. The user of the printer 10 specifies the AP from which the connection with the printer 10 should be established from the AP list. The second connection unit 32 selects the AP according to the user's instruction. In the following, the description will be continued by taking the case where AP4 is selected as an example.

As will be described in detail later, the first connection unit 30 executes G / O negotiation (see S42 and the like in FIG. 3) to establish a WFD connection. On the other hand, the second connection unit 32 does not execute G / O negotiation. The AP4 determines the value of the radio channel to be used in the non-WFD connection (hereinafter referred to as "non-WFD channel value Vap") from 1 to 14 channels. AP4 transmits the non-WFD channel value Vap to the printer 10. As a result, in S13, the second connection unit 32 receives the non-WFD channel value Vap from AP4. The second connection unit 32 stores the non-WFD channel value Vap in the memory 24.

Next, in S14, the second connection unit 32 determines whether or not a WFD connection has been established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8. If the WFD connection is established (YES in S14), the process proceeds to S16, and if the WFD connection is not established (NO in S14), the process proceeds to S20.

In S20, the second connection unit 32 uses the non-WFD channel value Vap received in S13 to execute communication for authentication with AP4. In the communication executed here, the second connection unit 32 transmits data such as an authentication method, an encryption method, and a password to the AP4. As a result, the AP4 executes authentication such as an authentication method, an encryption method, and a password, and if the authentication is successful, transmits data indicating the success of the authentication to the printer 10. This establishes a non-WFD connection between the printer 10 and the AP4. As a result, the printer 10 (that is, the second connection unit 32) can communicate the target data (print data, etc.) to be communicated with the PC 6 via the AP4 by using the non-WFD channel value Vap. it can. When S20 ends, the non-WFD connection process of FIG. 2 ends.

On the other hand, in S16, the second connection unit 32 causes the display unit 14 to display information indicating that the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 is disconnected. Next, in S18, the first connection unit 30 changes the state of the printer 10 from the G / O state or the client to the device state. For example, when the current state of the printer 10 is the G / O state, the first connection unit 30 is currently used for the management list saved by the printer 10 in the G / O state and the WFD connection. The value of the radio channel (hereinafter referred to as "WFD channel value Vwfd") and the value of the radio channel are erased from the memory 24. As a result, the printer 10 shifts from the G / O state to the device state, and as a result, the WFD connection between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8 is disconnected. Further, for example, when the current state of the printer 10 is the client state, the first connection unit 30 erases the WFD channel value Vwfd from the memory 24. As a result, the printer 10 shifts from the client state to the device state, and as a result, the WFD connection between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8 is disconnected.

After finishing S18, in S20, the second connection unit 32 establishes a non-WFD connection with AP4 by utilizing the non-WFD channel value Vap received in S13 in the same manner as described above. Since the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 is disconnected in S18, a state in which only the non-WFD connection with the AP4 is established is formed.

For example, when the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 is being established (YES in S14), the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 and the non-AP4 are not disconnected without disconnecting the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8. It is conceivable to adopt a configuration that forms a state in which both the WFD connection and the WFD connection are established. However, the wireless interface 18 is physically one interface. Therefore, if the WFD channel value Vwfd and the non-WFD channel value Vap are different, the printer 10 appropriately performs wireless communication using the WFD connection and wireless communication using the non-WFD connection at the same time. Cannot be executed. In order to avoid such a situation, in this embodiment, when YES in S14, the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 is disconnected (S18), and only the non-WFD connection with the AP4 is established. It adopts a structure that forms a state of being.

When the WFD connection is being established (YES in S14), the configuration is such that the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 is maintained without establishing the non-WFD connection with the AP4 (that is, with the mobile terminal 8). It is conceivable to adopt a configuration that forms a state in which only the WFD connection is established). However, as described above, the non-WFD network is a network that should be constructed constantly, and if such a network is disconnected, the user of the PC 6 cannot cause the printer 10 to perform printing. In order to suppress the occurrence of such an event, in this embodiment, when YES in S14, the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 that should be temporarily established is disconnected, and the WFD connection is constantly established. A configuration is adopted that forms a state in which only a non-WFD connection with the AP4 to be established is established. That is, in this embodiment, a configuration that prioritizes non-WFD connection with AP4 that should be established constantly is adopted.

(WFD connection processing; Fig. 3)
Subsequently, the contents of the WFD connection process executed by the printer 10 in the device state will be described with reference to FIG. When the user inputs a predetermined WFD connection instruction to the operation unit 12, the control unit 20 starts the WFD connection process of FIG.

In S40, the first connection unit 30 determines whether or not a non-WFD connection has been established between the printer 10 and the AP4. If the non-WFD connection is established (YES in S40), the process proceeds to S46, and if the non-WFD connection is not established (NO in S40), the process proceeds to S42.

Although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, the first connection portion 30 is a device state device (for example,) existing around the printer 10 regardless of whether it is YES or NO in S40. The search process for searching the mobile terminal 8) is executed. Further, the first connection unit 30 causes the display unit 14 to display a device list including information (for example, device name, model name, MAC address, etc.) about each device found in the search process. The user of the printer 10 specifies a device from which the connection with the printer 10 should be established from the device list. The first connection unit 30 selects a device according to a user's instruction. In the following, the description will be continued by taking the case where the mobile terminal 8 is selected as an example.

Further, the mobile terminal 8 in the device state executes the search process in the same manner as the printer 10 when the WFD connection instruction is input to the mobile terminal 8. As a result, a device list including information about the printer 10 is displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 8. The user of the mobile terminal 8 selects a device from which the connection with the mobile terminal 8 should be established from the device list. In the following, the description will be continued by taking the case where the printer 10 is selected as an example.

In S42, the first connection unit 30 executes G / O negotiation to determine one of the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8 as the G / O, and the other of the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8. Determine the device as the client. Specifically, the first connection unit 30 first transmits the INT value of the printer 10 stored in the memory 24 to the mobile terminal 8. Further, the first connection unit 30 receives the INT value of the mobile terminal 8 stored in the mobile terminal 8 from the mobile terminal 8. The Intent value is a set value indicating the degree to which G / O should be achieved. The Intent value is any value in the numerical range of 0 to 15. The larger the Intent value, the more likely it is to become G / O. In other words, the smaller the Intent value, the easier it is to become a client.

For example, a device (for example, a PC) having a relatively high CPU and memory capacity can execute other processes at high speed while operating as a G / O. Therefore, in such a device, a relatively large Intent value is usually set so that G / O is likely to occur. On the other hand, for example, a device having a relatively low CPU and memory capacity may not be able to execute other processes at high speed while operating as a G / O. Therefore, such a device is usually set with a relatively small Intent value so that it is unlikely to be a G / O (that is, it is easy to be a client).

In this embodiment, in the G / O negotiation of S42, "2" is used as the INT value of the printer 10 (that is, the default INT value). The printer 10 usually has a relatively low CPU and memory capacity as compared with a PC or the like. For this purpose, the printer 10 is set with a relatively small default Intent value. Therefore, in S42, the first connection unit 30 transmits the INT value “2” of the printer 10 to the mobile terminal 8.

In S42, the first connection unit 30 further compares the Intent value of the printer 10 with the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8 to determine the G / O and the client. For example, when the Intent value of the printer 10 is larger than the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8, the first connection portion 30 determines that the printer 10 should be a G / O, and the mobile terminal 8 is a client. Decide what to be. Further, for example, when the INT value of the printer 10 is smaller than the INT value of the mobile terminal 8, the first connection unit 30 determines that the printer 10 should be a client, and the mobile terminal 8 is G. Decide what should be / O. When the INT value of the printer 10 and the Int value of the mobile terminal 8 match, the first connection unit 30 changes the Int value of the printer 10 and uses the changed Int value. , G / O negotiation may be executed again, or information indicating that the WFD connection cannot be established may be displayed on the display unit 14.

The mobile terminal 8 determines the G / O and the client based on the Intent value of the printer 10 and the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8 by using the same method as the printer 10.

In the process of G / O negotiation in S42, the notification unit 36 includes a channel list (hereinafter, "normal list") including all values of channels 1 to 14 as the values of the wireless channels that the printer 10 can use in the WFD connection. Is notified (that is, transmitted) to the mobile terminal 8. Similarly, the mobile terminal 8 notifies (that is, transmits) to the printer 10 a channel list including the values of the radio channels that the mobile terminal 8 can use in the WFD connection. As a result, the first connection unit 30 can acquire the channel list of the mobile terminal 8. When the G / O negotiation of S42 is completed, the process proceeds to S44.

In S44, processing according to the result of G / O negotiation in S42 is executed. For example, when it is determined that the printer 10 should be G / O, in S44, the determination unit 34 determines the WFD channel value Vwfd to be used in the WFD connection. Specifically, the determination unit 34 is included in the channel list notified from the mobile terminal 8 in S42 among the wireless channel values (1 to 14 channels) included in the normal list notified to the mobile terminal 8 in S42. The value of one radio channel is determined as the WFD channel value Vwfd. In this embodiment, if "11ch" is included in the channel list notified from the mobile terminal 8, the determination unit 34 determines "11ch" as the WFD channel value Vwfd. However, if "11ch" is not included in the channel list notified from the mobile terminal 8, the determination unit 34 determines another value (for example, "10ch") as the WFD channel value Vwfd.

Next, the first connection unit 30 transmits (that is, notifies) the determined WFD channel value Vwfd to the mobile terminal 8. As a result, the mobile terminal 8 can know the WFD channel value Vwfd, and can use the WFD channel value Vwfd in the subsequent communication. The first connection unit 30 stores the determined WFD channel value Vwfd in the memory 24 of the printer 10.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the printer 10 should be the client, in S44, the determination unit 34 does not determine the WFD channel value Vwfd. In this case, the first connection unit 30 receives the WFD channel value Vwfd determined by the mobile terminal 8 from the mobile terminal 8 in the G / O state. In this case, the first connection unit 30 stores the received WFD channel value Vwfd in the memory 24 of the printer 10.

In S44, the first connection unit 30 further executes WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) negotiation to establish a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8. When it is determined that the printer 10 should be G / O, the first connection unit 30 executes WPS negotiation for the G / O state. On the other hand, if it is determined that the printer 10 should be the client, the first connection 30 performs WPS negotiation for the client state.

(WPS negotiation for G / O state)
In the WPS negotiation for the G / O state, the first connection unit 30 generates data indicating a radio profile (SSID, authentication method, encryption method, password, etc.) necessary for establishing a WFD connection. The authentication method and the encryption method are predetermined. Further, the first connection unit 30 generates a password at the time of processing S44. The SSID may be generated by the first connection unit 30 during the processing of S44, or may be predetermined. Subsequently, the first connection unit 30 uses the WFD channel value Vwfd to transmit data indicating the wireless profile to the mobile terminal 8.

By transmitting the wireless profile from the printer 10 to the mobile terminal 8, the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8 can use the same wireless profile. The first connection unit 30 uses a wireless profile to perform wireless communication of Authentication Request, Authentication Response, Authentication Request, Association Response, and 4-way handshake (hereinafter referred to as "specific wireless communication"). Execute with 8. The WFD channel value Vwfd is also used in the above-mentioned specific wireless communication. In the process of the specific wireless communication described above, various authentication processes such as SSID authentication, authentication method and encryption method authentication, and password authentication are executed. If all the authentications are successful, a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8.

Next, the first connection unit 30 adds the identification information of the mobile terminal 8 (that is, the MAC address of the mobile terminal 8) to the management list. As a result, the printer 10 in the G / O state (that is, the first connection unit 30) uses the WFD channel value Vwfd with the mobile terminal 8 in the client state to communicate with the target data (print data, etc.). ) Can be executed. The target data includes data of the network layer, which is a layer higher than the physical layer of the OSI reference model. Therefore, the printer 10 in the G / O state (that is, the first connection unit 30) can execute wireless communication in the network layer with the mobile terminal 8 in the client state. Further, the printer 10 in the G / O state (that is, the first connection unit 30) relays wireless communication between the mobile terminal 8 in the client state and another device in the client state registered in the management list. can do.

As described above, the first connection 30 is a WFD channel such that the printer 10 operates in the G / O state when the G / O negotiation determines that the printer 10 should be G / O. The value Vwfd is used to establish a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8.

(WPS negotiation for client state)
On the other hand, in the WPS negotiation for the client state, the first connection unit 30 receives the data indicating the radio profile from the mobile terminal 8 by using the WFD channel value Vwfd. Next, the first connection unit 30 uses the wireless profile to execute the above-mentioned specific wireless communication with the mobile terminal 8. As a result, a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8.

The mobile terminal 8 adds the identification information of the printer 10 (that is, the MAC address of the printer 10) to the management list. As a result, the printer 10 in the client state (that is, the first connection unit 30) uses the WFD channel value Vwfd with the mobile terminal 8 in the G / O state to communicate with the target data (print data, etc.). ) Communication can be executed.

As described above, the first connection 30 uses the WFD channel value Vwfd so that the printer 10 operates in the client state when the G / O negotiation determines that the printer 10 should be the client. Then, the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 is established. When S44 ends, the WFD connection process of FIG. 3 ends.

Subsequently, the contents of the processing after S46 executed when YES in S40 (when a non-WFD connection is currently established) will be described. In S46, the first connection unit 30 determines whether or not the first G / O negotiation should be executed after the WFD connection process of FIG. 3 is started. If the situation is such that the first G / O negotiation should be executed (YES in S46), the process proceeds to S48, and if the situation is such that the second and subsequent G / O negotiations should be executed (in S46). If NO), the process proceeds to S50.

In S48, the first connection portion 30 executes G / O negotiation as in S42. However, the G / O negotiation of S48 is different from S42 in the following points. In the G / O negotiation of S48, "14" is adopted as the Intent value of the printer 10. Therefore, in S48, the first connection unit 30 transmits the INT value “14” of the printer 10 to the mobile terminal 8. Further, in S48, the notification unit 36 uses the non-WFD channel value Vap (that is, the non-in the memory 24) used in the currently established non-WFD connection as the value of the radio channel that the printer 10 can use in the WFD connection. A channel list (hereinafter referred to as a "restricted list") including only the WFD channel value Vap) is notified (that is, transmitted) to the mobile terminal 8. When the G / O negotiation of S48 is completed, the process proceeds to S52.

In S52, the first connection unit 30 determines whether or not the G / O negotiation is successful. For example, when the communication environment between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8 is poor, communication for G / O negotiation cannot be executed between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8. In this case, the first connection portion 30 determines NO in S52. Further, for example, in the G / O negotiation of S48, when the restriction list (that is, the non-WFD channel value Vap) is notified to the mobile terminal 8, the following events may occur. That is, when the non-WFD channel value Vap is not included in the channel list notified from the mobile terminal 8, the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8 cannot use the common wireless channel. Therefore, also in this case, the first connection portion 30 determines NO in S52. If NO in S52, the process proceeds to S54.

In S54, the first connection unit 30 determines whether or not the number of times G / O negotiation is executed is equal to or greater than a threshold value (threshold value is an integer of 2 or more). When the number of G / O negotiation executions is equal to or greater than the threshold value (YES in S54), in S56, the first connection unit 30 displays information indicating that the WFD connection cannot be established. It is displayed on 14. In this case, the first connection unit 30 does not establish a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8. Therefore, the state in which only the non-WFD connection with AP4 is established is maintained. When S56 ends, the WFD connection process of FIG. 3 ends.

On the other hand, when the number of executions of G / O negotiation is less than the threshold value (NO in S54), the process returns to S46. In this case, the first connection portion 30 determines NO in S46 and proceeds to S50.

In S50, the first connection portion 30 executes G / O negotiation as in S42. However, in the G / O negotiation of S50, "14" is adopted as the Intent value of the printer 10. Therefore, in S50, the first connection unit 30 transmits the INT value “14” of the printer 10 to the mobile terminal 8. In S50, the notification unit 36 notifies the mobile terminal 8 of the normal list (1 to 14 channels). That is, when the G / O negotiation of S48 is not successful, the notification unit 36 notifies the mobile terminal 8 of a value different from the non-WFD channel value Vap.

In the modified example, in S48 and S50, the first connection portion 30 may use a value different from “14” (for example, “13”, “15”, etc.) as the INT value of the printer 10. .. That is, in S48 and S50, the first connection portion 30 may use an INT value larger than the INT value of the printer 10 used in S42 (that is, the default INT value).

As described above, in the G / O negotiation of S48, since the restriction list is notified to the mobile terminal 8, it may be determined as NO in S52. In this case, when the G / O negotiation of S50 is executed again, the mobile terminal 8 is notified of the normal list instead of the restricted list, so that it can be determined as YES in S52. If YES in S52, the process proceeds to S58.

In S58, the first connection 30 determines in the G / O negotiation of S48 or S50 whether it has been determined that the printer 10 should be the G / O. In the G / O negotiation of S48 or S50, it is usually determined that the printer 10 should be the G / O because the INT value “14” of the printer 10 is used. In this case, the first connection portion 30 determines YES in S58 and proceeds to S64.

In S64, the determination unit 34 refers to the non-WFD channel value Vap (that is, the non-WFD channel value Vap in the memory 24) used in the currently established non-WFD connection and matches the non-WFD channel value Vap. The WFD channel value Vwfd to be used is determined. Then, the determination unit 34 transmits (that is, notifies) the determined WFD channel value Vwfd to the mobile terminal 8. The first connection unit 30 stores the determined WFD channel value Vwfd in the memory 24 of the printer 10. As described above, in S64, the WFD channel value Vwfd is determined so that the WFD channel value Vwfd and the non-WFD channel value Vap match. As a result, it is possible to appropriately execute communication using the WFD connection and communication using the non-WFD connection at the same time.

In S66, which is executed via S64, the first connection unit 30 executes WPS negotiation for the G / O state. As a result, the first connection unit 30 establishes a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 by using the WFD channel value Vwfd determined in S64. Since the non-WFD connection with the AP4 has already been established, a state in which both the non-WFD connection with the AP4 and the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 are established is formed. As a result, the WFD connection process of FIG. 3 is completed.

On the other hand, when the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8 is "15", it is determined that the printer 10 should be the client in the G / O negotiation of S48 or S50. In this case, the first connection portion 30 determines NO in S58 and proceeds to S60.

In S60, the first connection unit 30 receives the WFD channel value Vwfd determined by the mobile terminal 8 from the mobile terminal 8 in the G / O state. Then, the channel determination unit 38 determines whether or not the received WFD channel value Vwfd and the currently established non-WFD channel value Vap used in the non-WFD connection match.

For example, in the G / O negotiation of S48, the restriction list is notified to the mobile terminal 8, so that when the G / O negotiation of S48 is successful, the mobile terminal 8 includes the WFD channel value Vwfd in the restriction list. The value that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap is determined. In this case, in S60, the first connection unit 30 receives the WFD channel value Vwfd matching the non-WFD channel value Vap from the mobile terminal 8, and as a result, the channel determination unit 38 determines YES in S60. ..

If YES in S60, in S66, the first connection 30 executes WPS negotiation for the client state. As a result, the first connection unit 30 establishes a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 by using the WFD channel value Vwfd (that is, a value corresponding to the non-WFD channel value Vap) received from the mobile terminal 8. .. Since the non-WFD connection with the AP4 has already been established, a state in which both the non-WFD connection with the AP4 and the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 are established is formed. As a result, the WFD connection process of FIG. 3 is completed.

On the other hand, in the G / O negotiation of S50, the normal list is notified to the mobile terminal 8, so that when the G / O negotiation of S50 is successful, the mobile terminal 8 sets the WFD channel value Vwfd to the non-WFD channel. It can be determined to be a value that does not match the value Vap. In this case, in S60, the first connection unit 30 can receive the WFD channel value Vwfd that does not match the non-WFD channel value Vap from the mobile terminal 8, and as a result, the channel determination unit 38 is NO in S60. Can be judged.

In the case of NO in S60, in S62, the first connection unit 30 causes the display unit 14 to display information indicating that the WFD connection cannot be established. In this case, the first connection unit 30 does not establish a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8. Therefore, the state in which only the non-WFD connection with AP4 is established is maintained. Here, too, a configuration that prioritizes the non-WFD network that should be constructed constantly is adopted. When S62 ends, the WFD connection process of FIG. 3 ends.

(Specific example; FIG. 4 and FIG. 5)
Subsequently, various cases of processing executed by the respective devices 4, 8 and 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The sequence of FIGS. 4 and 5 is realized by the printer 10 executing the process according to the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 and 3.

The case of FIG. 4 shows a case in which a non-WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the AP4, and then a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8.

When the non-WFD connection instruction is input to the printer 10, the printer 10 receives the non-WFD channel value Vap from AP4 (S13 in FIG. 2), and uses the received non-WFD channel value Vap for authentication. Communication is executed (S20). This establishes a non-WFD connection between the printer 10 and the AP4.

Subsequently, when the WFD connection instruction is input to the printer 10, the printer 10 determines YES in S40 of FIG. 3 and executes the G / O negotiation of S48. Here, "14" is used as the INT value of the printer 10, and the mobile terminal 8 is notified of the restriction list including only the non-WFD channel value Vap.

If the G / O negotiation of S48 is successful (YES in S52), the printer 10 usually determines that the printer 10 should be G / O. This is because "14" is used as the Intent value of the printer 10 in the G / O negotiation of S48. In this case, the printer 10 determines YES in S58, refers to the non-WFD channel value Vap, and determines the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap (S64).

Next, the printer 10 uses the determined WFD channel value Vwfd to execute WPS negotiation for the G / O state (S66). As a result, a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8. As a result, a state in which both the non-WFD connection with the AP4 and the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 are established (hereinafter referred to as "both connected state") is formed.

On the other hand, even if the G / O negotiation of S48 is successful (YES in S52), if the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8 is "15", the printer 10 determines that the printer 10 should be the client. To do. In this case, the printer 10 determines NO in S58, but in S60, normally, the printer 10 receives the WFD channel value Vwfd corresponding to the non-WFD channel value Vap from the mobile terminal 8. In the G / O negotiation of S48, since the mobile terminal 8 is notified of the restriction list containing only the non-WFD channel value Vap, the mobile terminal 8 usually determines the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap. Because it does. Therefore, the printer 10 determines YES in S60.

The printer 10 then uses the received WFD channel value Vwfd (ie, a value that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap) to perform WPS negotiation for the client state (S66). As a result, a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8. As a result, both connected states are formed.

For example, in the G / O negotiation of S48, if the channel list of the mobile terminal 8 does not include the non-WFD channel value Vap, the G / O negotiation of S48 fails (NO in S52). In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the printer 10 executes the G / O negotiation of S50. Here, "14" is used as the INT value of the printer 10, and the mobile terminal 8 is notified of a normal list including all the values of channels 1 to 14. As a result, the G / O negotiation of S50 is usually successful.

If the G / O negotiation of S50 is successful (YES in S52), the printer 10 usually determines that the printer 10 should be G / O. This is because "14" is used as the Intent value of the printer 10 in the G / O negotiation of S50. In this case, the printer 10 determines YES in S58, refers to the non-WFD channel value Vap, and determines the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap (S64).

Next, the printer 10 uses the determined WFD channel value Vwfd to execute WPS negotiation for the G / O state (S66). As a result, a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8. As a result, both connected states are formed.

On the other hand, even if the G / O negotiation of S50 is successful (YES in S52), if the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8 is "15", the printer 10 determines that the printer 10 should be the client. To do. In this case, the printer 10 determines NO in S58, and normally receives the WFD channel value Vwfd that does not match the non-WFD channel value Vap from the mobile terminal 8. This is because in the G / O negotiation of S50, the mobile terminal 8 usually determines the WFD channel value Vwfd that does not match the non-WFD channel value Vap because the list is notified to the mobile terminal 8. Therefore, the printer 10 determines NO in S60.

Next, the printer 10 causes the display unit 14 to display information indicating that the WFD connection cannot be established (S62). In this case, the printer 10 does not establish a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8. However, the printer 10 maintains a non-WFD connection with the AP4. Therefore, a state in which only a non-WFD connection with AP4 is established (hereinafter referred to as a "single connection state") is formed.

(Effect of the first embodiment)
As shown in the cases of FIGS. 4 and 5, the printer 10 refers to the non-WFD channel value VAP when the WFD connection should be established in the state where the non-WFD connection is established, and the non-WFD connection is established. A WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the channel value Vap is determined. As a result, the printer 10 can appropriately form both connected states. Therefore, the printer 10 can receive the print data from the mobile terminal 8 by using the WFD connection, and can receive the print data from the PC 6 via the AP4 by using the non-WFD connection.

Due to the configuration of the wireless interface 18, the printer 10 cannot perform appropriate wireless communication by using two different channel values. Therefore, as shown in the case of FIG. 5, in the printer 10, when the WFD connection should be established in the state where the non-WFD connection is established, the WFD channel value Vwfd and the non-WFD channel value Vap match. Otherwise, it forms a single connection state in which only non-WFD connections are established. Further, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2, the printer 10 disconnects the WFD connection when the non-WFD connection should be established (YES in S14) while the WFD connection is established. , Form a single connection state in which only non-WFD connections are established. As a result, the printer 10 can appropriately receive print data from the PC 6 via the AP4 by utilizing the non-WFD connection. In particular, the printer 10 forms a single connection state, giving priority to non-WFD connections that should be established steadily. Therefore, in an environment in which the printer 10 and the PC 6 are installed (for example, in the above-mentioned specific company), it is possible to suppress an event that the user of the PC 6 cannot execute printing on the printer 10. Can be done. According to this embodiment, the printer 10 can form an appropriate connection state.

The printer 10 uses the relatively small INT value "2" of the printer 10 when the WFD connection should be established in a state where the non-WFD connection is not established (S42 in FIG. 3). For this reason, it is easy to determine that the printer 10 should be the client. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately establish a WFD connection between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8 while suppressing an increase in the processing load of the printer 10.

On the other hand, as shown in the cases of FIGS. 4 and 5, the printer 10 has a relatively large INT value of the printer 10 when the WFD connection should be established in the state where the non-WFD connection is established. Use "14" (S48 or S50 in FIG. 3). For this reason, it is easy to determine that the printer 10 should be a G / O. Therefore, the printer 10 can appropriately determine the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap with reference to the non-WFD channel value Vap. As a result, the printer 10 can appropriately form both connected states.

Even if it is determined that the printer 10 should be the client, the printer 10 can notify the mobile terminal 8 of the restriction list (S48 in FIG. 3). Therefore, the printer 10 can receive the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap from the mobile terminal 8 (YES in S60). As a result, the printer 10 can appropriately form both connected states. Further, if the G / O negotiation fails (NO in S52) even if the printer 10 notifies the mobile terminal 8 of the restriction list, the printer 10 usually includes a channel value different from the non-WFD channel value Vap. Notify the mobile terminal 8 of the list (S50). As a result, in order for the G / O negotiation to be successful (YES in S52), the printer 10 can properly establish a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8.

(Correspondence)
The printer 10, the mobile terminal 8, and the AP4 are examples of a "wireless communication device," a "first device," and a "second device," respectively. The G / O state and the client state are examples of the "master station state" and the "slave station state", respectively. G / O negotiation is an example of "state determination processing". The INTENT value "2" and the INTENT value "14" are examples of the "first set value" and the "second set value", respectively. Using "14" as the INT value of the printer 10 in S48 and S50 of FIG. 3 is an example of "specific processing". WFD connection and non-WFD connection are examples of "type 1 connection" and "type 2 connection", respectively. The WFD channel value Vwfd and the non-WFD channel value Vap are examples of the “first radio channel value” and the “second radio channel value”, respectively.

(Second Example)
The points different from the first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the WFD connection process of FIG. 6 is executed instead of the WFD connection process of FIG. S40 to S44 in FIG. 6 are the same as S40 to S44 in FIG. If YES in S40, in S61, the first connection 30 sets the printer 10 to the autonomous G / O mode. The autonomous G / O mode is a mode in which the printer 10 maintains the operation in the G / O state. Therefore, although the WFD connection has not been established at the stage of S60, the printer 10 is set to the G / O state. At this stage, the management list managed by the printer 10 does not describe the identification information of the device in the client state.

When the printer 10 is set to the autonomous G / O mode in S60, the printer 10 does not execute the G / O negotiation. As described above, when the WFD connection instruction is input to the mobile terminal 8, the mobile terminal 8 executes a search process for searching for a client-state device existing around the mobile terminal 8. In addition, the mobile terminal 8 executes a search process. The Scan process for searching the G / O state device (that is, the printer 10) existing around the mobile terminal 8 is executed. As a result, a device list including information about the printer 10 is displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 8. When the user of the mobile terminal 8 selects the printer 10 in the G / O state from the device list, the mobile terminal 8 determines that the mobile terminal 8 should be the client without executing the G / O negotiation.

Note that S64 and S66 in FIG. 6 are the same as S64 and S66 in FIG. That is, in S64, the determination unit 34 refers to the non-WFD channel value Vap to determine the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap. Next, in S66, the first connection unit 30 uses the WFD channel value Vwfd to execute WPS negotiation for the G / O state. As a result, a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8.

(Specific example; Fig. 7)
In this embodiment, the case of FIG. 7 is realized instead of the case of FIGS. 4 and 5. Each process until the non-WFD connection is established is the same as the case of FIG. However, as described above, in S61 of FIG. 6, the printer 10 sets the printer 10 to the autonomous G / O mode. Therefore, the printer 10 can determine the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap with reference to the non-WFD channel value Vap (S64). Next, the printer 10 executes WPS negotiation for the G / O state using the WFD channel value Vwfd, and establishes a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 (S66). As a result, both connected states are formed.

(Effect of the second embodiment)
As shown in the case of FIG. 7, the printer 10 sets the printer 10 to the autonomous G / O mode when the WFD connection should be established in the state where the non-WFD connection is established. As a result, the printer 10 can appropriately determine the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap with reference to the non-WFD channel value Vap. As a result, the printer 10 can appropriately form both connected states. In this embodiment, the autonomous G / O mode is an example of a "specific mode". Then, setting the printer 10 to the autonomous G / O mode in S61 of FIG. 6 is an example of "specific processing".

Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of claims. The techniques described in the claims include various modifications and modifications of the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

(Modification 1) The "wireless communication device" is not limited to the printer 10, but is another device capable of wireless communication (for example, a mobile terminal, a PC, a server, a fax device, a copier, a scanner, a multifunctional device, etc.). You may. Further, the "first device" and the "second device" are not limited to the mobile terminal 8 and the AP4, and other devices capable of wireless communication (for example, a PC, a server, a printer, a fax machine, a copier, a scanner, etc.) It may be a multifunctional machine, etc.).

(Modification 2) The "master station state" is not limited to the G / O state of the WFD, and manages other devices constituting the wireless network (for example, managing a list of information about other devices, other devices. It suffices if it is in a state of relaying wireless communication between them. Further, the "slave station state" is not limited to the client state of WFD, and may be a state managed by a device in the master station state. Therefore, the "first type connection" is not limited to the WFD connection, but is another type of connection for the wireless communication device to selectively operate in one of the master station state and the slave station state. You may.

(Modification 3) The “type 2 connection” is not limited to the non-WFD connection with the AP4, and may be, for example, a WFD connection with a PC or the like. That is, the "type 1 connection" and the "type 2 connection" may be the same type of connection. Further, the "second type connection" may be, for example, an ad hoc connection with a PC or the like.

(Modification 4) For example, when the “second type connection” is an ad hoc connection with the PC 6, any of the following configurations 4-1 to 4-3 may be adopted.

(Modification 4-1) A WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 should be established in a state where an ad hoc connection with the PC 6 is established (“Vad” is used as the value of the ad hoc wireless channel). Imagine a situation. For example, when it is determined by G / O negotiation that the printer 10 should be G / O, the determination unit 34 first determines the WFD channel value Vwfd, and then further matches the WFD channel value Vwfd. Determines the value of the ad hoc radio channel Vad'(Vad' is different from Vad). In this case, the first connection unit 30 uses the WFD channel value Vwfd to establish a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8. Further, the second connection unit 32 reestablishes the ad hoc connection with the PC 6 by utilizing the value Vad'of the ad hoc radio channel. That is, generally speaking, the determination unit is in a state where the second type connection with the second device is established, and the first type connection with the first device should be established. Both the value of the first radio channel (Vwfd in this modification) and the value of the second radio channel (Vad'in this modification) may be determined.

(Modification 4-2) A WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 should be established in a state where an ad hoc connection with the PC 6 is established (“Vad” is used as the value of the ad hoc wireless channel). Imagine a situation. For example, when it is determined by G / O negotiation that the printer 10 should be a client, the first connection unit 30 receives the WFD channel value Vwfd determined by the mobile terminal 8 from the mobile terminal 8. After that, the determination unit 34 may determine the value of the ad hoc radio channel Vad'(Vad' is different from Vad) that matches the WFD channel value Vwfd. In this case, the first connection unit 30 uses the WFD channel value Vwfd to establish a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8. Further, the second connection unit 32 reestablishes the ad hoc connection with the PC 6 by utilizing the value Vad'of the ad hoc radio channel. That is, generally speaking, the determination unit is in a state where the second type connection with the second device is established, and the first type connection with the first device should be established. The value of the second radio channel (Vad'in this variant) may be determined.

(Modification Example 4-3) It is assumed that the ad hoc connection with the PC 6 should be established while the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 is established. In this case, the determination unit 34 may determine the value Vad of the ad hoc radio channel that matches the WFD channel value Vwfd. In this case, the second connection unit 32 establishes an ad hoc connection with the PC 6 by using the value Vad of the ad hoc radio channel. That is, generally speaking, the determination unit is in a state where the first type connection with the first device is established, and the second type connection with the second device should be established. The value of the second radio channel (Vad in this modification) may be determined.

As is clear from the first and second embodiments described above and each of the modified examples 4-1 to 4-3 described above, generally speaking, the determination unit is the first radio in a particular case. At least one of the value of the first radio channel and the value of the second radio channel may be determined so that the value of the channel and the value of the second radio channel match.

(Modification 5) In each of the above embodiments, in the G / O negotiation (see S44 and the like in FIG. 3), the INT value of the printer 10 of the first connection portion 30 is larger than the INT value of the mobile terminal 8. If so, determine that the printer 10 should be a G / O. Instead, the first connection unit 30 may determine that the printer 10 should be G / O when the Intent value of the printer 10 is smaller than the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8. In the above first embodiment, the "second set value" is a value larger than the "first set value", but in this modification, the "second set value" is the "first set value". It may be a value smaller than.

(Modification 6) In the first embodiment described above, in S48 and S50 of FIG. 3, the first connection portion 30 is an INTENT of the printer 10 so that it can be easily determined that the printer 10 should be a G / O. Use "14" as the value. Instead, the first connection unit 30 may receive the INT value of the mobile terminal 8 from the mobile terminal 8 before transmitting the INT value of the printer 10 to the mobile terminal 8. Then, the first connection unit 30 may determine the Intent value of the printer 10 that is larger than the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8, and may transmit the determined Intent value of the printer 10 to the mobile terminal 8. Also in this case, it becomes easy to determine that the printer 10 should be G / O. In this modification, using the INT value of the printer 10 that is larger than the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8 is an example of "specific processing".

(Modification 7) In each of the above embodiments, 1ch to 14ch are used as the range of values of the radio channel. This is a specification used in Japan. Instead, 1ch to 11ch may be used (US specification), 1ch to 13ch may be used (European specification), and other ranges may be used as the range of wireless channel values. May be done.

(Modification 8) In each of the above embodiments, in a situation where a non-WFD connection should be established in a state where a WFD connection is established (when YES in S14 of FIG. 2), the first connection portion 30 is used. A configuration is adopted in which the WFD connection is always disconnected. Instead, the first connection unit 30 may disconnect the WFD connection when the printer 10 is operating in the client state in the above situation. Further, in the first connection unit 30, in the above situation, the printer 10 is operating in the G / O state, and the WFD channel value currently used in the WFD connection is received in S13 of FIG. If the non-WFD channel value matches, the WFD connection may be maintained without disconnection. Further, in the above situation, the first connection unit 30 disconnects the WFD connection when the printer 10 is operating in the G / O state and the WFD channel value and the non-WFD channel value do not match. You may.

(Modification 9) In each of the above embodiments, the CPU 22 of the printer 10 executes the process according to the software, so that each unit 30 to 38 is realized. Instead of this, at least a part of each part 30 to 38 may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

In addition, the technical elements described in the present specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone 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 this specification or drawings achieve a plurality of objectives at the same time, and achieving one of the objectives itself has technical usefulness.

2: Communication system, 4: AP, 6: PC, 8: Mobile terminal, 10: Printer, Vwfd: WFD channel value, Vap: Non-WFD channel value

Claims (16)

It ’s a wireless communication device,
Operation unit and
A physically one interface to which both the MAC address to be used for the first type connection and the MAC address to be used for the second type connection are assigned.
A determination to determine to utilize the first radio channel among the plurality of radio channels when the first instruction for establishing the first type connection is input via the operation unit. Department and
A first connection unit that establishes the first type of connection with a specific device via the interface by utilizing the first radio channel determined by the determination unit.
When a second instruction for establishing the second type of connection is input via the operation unit, the interface is utilized by utilizing the second radio channel among the plurality of radio channels. A second connection unit that establishes the second type of connection to an access point different from the specific device via
When the first instruction is input via the operation unit in a state where the second type connection with the access point is established, the parent without operating the wireless communication device as a slave station. It is equipped with an operation setting unit that sets the operation as a station.
The determination unit receives the first instruction via the operation unit in a state where the second type connection with the access point is established, and operates the wireless communication device as the master station. A wireless communication device that determines as a value of the first wireless channel a value that matches the value of the second wireless channel when the above is set. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the second connection unit uses the second wireless channel received from the access point to establish the second type of connection with the access point. The wireless communication device further
When the second instruction is input via the operation unit while the first-class connection with the specific device is established, the first-class connection with the specific device is disconnected. Equipped with a cutting part to
The wireless communication according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second connection portion establishes the second type connection with the access point after the first type connection with the specific device is disconnected. apparatus. The cut portion is
The first type of connection to the specific device is established, the second instruction is input via the operation unit, and the first type of connection is used in the first type of connection. When the value of the radio channel of the above and the value of the second radio channel received from the access point do not match, the connection of the first type with the specific device is disconnected.
The first type of connection to the specific device is established, the second instruction is input via the operation unit, and the first type of connection is used in the first type of connection. 3. The first type of connection with the specific device is not disconnected when the value of the radio channel and the value of the second radio channel received from the access point match. Wireless communication device. The wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the master station and the slave station conforms to Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark). The master station is the Group Owner of the Wi-Fi Direct.
The wireless communication device according to claim 5, wherein the slave station is a client of the Wi-Fi Direct. The wireless communication device further
When the first instruction is input via the operation unit in a state where the connection of the second type with the access point is not established, the state determination communication is transmitted to the specific device via the interface. In the state determination communication, one of the wireless communication device and the specific device operates as a master station, and the wireless communication device and the specific device are executed. It is provided with the state determination communication execution unit, which is communication for determining that the other station operates as a slave station.
The wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first connection unit establishes the first type of connection with the specific device after the state determination communication is executed. The wireless communication device according to claim 7, wherein the state determination communication is a Group Owner Negotiation of Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark). The first connection unit utilizes the first radio channel determined by the determination unit when establishing the first type of connection with the specific device, and Wi-Fi via the interface. -The wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which performs Fi Protected Interface negotiation. The Wi-Fi Protected Setup negotiation
Using the first radio channel determined by the determination unit to transmit the radio profile to the specific device via the interface.
Using the first radio channel and the radio profile determined by the determination unit to perform a specific radio communication with the specific device via the interface.
Including
The wireless communication device according to claim 9, wherein the specific wireless communication includes at least one wireless communication among an Authentication Request, an Authentication Response, an Authentication Request, an Authentication Response, and a 4-way handshake. The wireless communication device further
The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a management control unit that adds identification information of the specific device to the management list in response to establishing the first-class connection with the specific device. Wireless communication device. A claim that the wireless communication device relays wireless communication between the specific device and another device registered in the management list after the identification information of the specific device is added to the management list. 11. The wireless communication device according to 11. The wireless communication device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the identification information is a MAC address. The wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the second type connection is a wireless connection for executing wireless communication conforming to IEEE802.11. The wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first type connection is a wireless connection for executing wireless communication conforming to Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark). A computer program for wireless communication devices
The computer mounted on the wireless communication device is subjected to the following processing, that is,
When the first instruction for establishing the first type connection is input via the operation unit of the wireless communication device, the first wireless channel among the plurality of wireless channels is used. And the decision process to determine
The first connection process for establishing the first type of connection with a specific device via the interface of the wireless communication device by using the first wireless channel determined by the determination process. The interface is a physically single interface to which both the MAC address to be used in the first-class connection and the MAC address to be used in the second-class connection are assigned. The first connection process and
When a second instruction for establishing the second type of connection is input via the operation unit, the interface is utilized by utilizing the second radio channel among the plurality of radio channels. A second connection process for establishing the second type of connection with an access point different from the specific device via
When the first instruction is input via the operation unit in a state where the second type connection with the access point is established, the parent without operating the wireless communication device as a slave station. Execute the operation setting process that sets the operation as a station,
In the determination process, the first instruction is input via the operation unit in a state where the second type connection with the access point is established, and the wireless communication device is operated as the master station. A computer program that, when set to , determines a value that matches the value of the second radio channel as the value of the first radio channel.

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