JP7327600B2 - wireless communication device - Google Patents

Description

The technology disclosed by this specification relates to a wireless communication device.

Non-Patent Document 1 describes Wi-Fi Direct (hereinafter referred to as “WFD”) formulated by Wi-Fi Alliance. A WFD wireless network consists of one device operating as a Group Owner (hereinafter referred to as a “G/O device”) and one or more devices operating as clients managed by the G/O device (hereinafter referred to as a “G/O device”). (referred to as “client device”). When a connection according to WFD is to be established between a pair of devices, each of the pair of devices performs G/O negotiation to determine whether to operate as G/O or client.

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

This specification provides a technology that allows a wireless communication device to establish an appropriate connection state in a situation where the wireless communication device should establish connections with multiple devices.

In this specification, it is possible to selectively operate in any of a plurality of states including a master station state functioning as a master station of a wireless network and a slave station state functioning as a slave station of a wireless network. A wireless communication device is disclosed. A wireless communication device includes a first connector, a second connector, and a determiner. The first connecting unit determines that one of the other device and the wireless communication device should operate in a master station state, and the other of the other device and the wireless communication device is in the slave station state. A state determination process for determining what to operate is performed, and a first type connection is established with the other device such that the wireless communication device operates in the state determined by the state determination process. The first connection unit utilizes a first wireless channel to establish a first type connection with the first device when the first type connection is to be established with the first device. . A second connection establishes a connection of the second type with another device. The second connection unit utilizes the second wireless channel to establish a second connection with the second device when a second type connection is to be established with a second device that is different from the first device. Establish two types of connections. The determining unit performs a first type connection with the first device in a state in which one of a first type connection with the first device and a second type connection with the second device is established. and the other connection of the second type with the second device is to be established such that the value of the first radio channel and the value of the second radio channel match First, determine at least one of the value of the first radio channel and the value of the second radio channel.

In the above technology, the wireless communication device, in a specific case, sets the value of the first wireless channel and the value of the second wireless channel so that the value of the first wireless channel and the value of the second wireless channel match. and/or the value of For this reason, the wireless communication device can form a state in which both the first type connection with the first device and the second type connection with the second device are established. Accordingly, the wireless communication device may form the appropriate connection state in certain cases.

In certain cases, it may be the case that a connection of the first type should be established with the first device while a connection of the second type is established with the second device. The determination unit refers to the value of the second radio channel used in the second type connection with the second device in a specific case, and selects the first radio channel that matches the value of the second radio channel. Radio channel values 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 certain cases.

In a specific case, the first connection unit may perform specific processing for operating the wireless communication device in the master station state. 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 after the specific process. 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 certain cases.

The first connection unit further includes the wireless communication device when the first type connection is to be established with the first device while the second type connection is not established with the second device. The state determination process may be performed by comparing the first setting stored by the device with the setting stored by the first device. In a specific case, the first connection unit may perform the state determination process by comparing the second setting value saved by the wireless communication device and the setting value saved by the first device. good. The first connecting unit uses the second 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 compared to the first set value in a specific case. processing may be performed. According to this configuration, the wireless communication device can appropriately perform specific processing for operating the wireless communication device in the master station state in specific cases.

The first connection unit may perform specific processing to set the wireless communication device to a specific mode to keep the wireless communication device operating in the parent station state in specific cases. According to this configuration, the wireless communication device can appropriately perform specific processing for operating the wireless communication device in the master station state in specific cases.

The determining unit further determines the second wireless channel when the first type connection is to be established with the first device while the second type connection is not established with the second device. 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, in a specific case, notifies the first device of only the value of the second wireless channel as the value of the wireless channel that can be used by the wireless communication device. . According to this configuration, the wireless communication device can properly establish the first type connection with the first device.

Further, the notification unit is used by the wireless communication device when the first type connection cannot be established with the first device even if only the value of the second wireless channel is notified to the first device. A value different from the value of the second radio channel may be notified to the first device as the value of the possible radio channel. According to this configuration, the wireless communication device can properly establish the first type connection with the first device.

The determination unit refers to the value of the second radio channel and determines the value of the second radio channel when it is determined that the radio communication device should operate in the master station state in a specific case. may determine a value for the first radio channel that corresponds to . The wireless communication device further compares the value of the first wireless channel and the value of the second wireless channel in a specific case and when it is determined that the wireless communication device should operate in the slave station state. may be provided with a channel judgment unit for judging whether or not they match. The first connecting unit utilizes the first radio channel to perform a first communication with the first device when it is determined that the value of the first radio channel and the value of the second radio channel match. Seed 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. For this reason, the wireless communication device can properly establish a connection of the first type with the first device.

The second device may be an access point. According to this configuration, the wireless communication device can properly establish the 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 properly establish a second type connection with the access point (ie, the second device) using the second wireless channel determined by the access point.

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

1 shows an example of a configuration of a communication system; 4 shows a flowchart of non-WFD connection processing. 4 shows a flowchart of WFD connection processing. FIG. 4 shows a sequence diagram of a case implemented in the first embodiment; FIG. 5 shows a sequence diagram continued from FIG. 4 ; FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of WFD connection processing of the second embodiment. FIG. FIG. 11 shows a sequence diagram of a case implemented in the second embodiment; FIG.

(First embodiment)
(System configuration)
As shown in FIG. 1, a 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), Prepare. The portable terminal 8 and the printer 10 are each capable of executing wireless communication functions according to Wi-Fi Direct, which will be described later. Note that hereinafter, Wi-Fi Direct is referred to as “WFD”, and connection according to WFD is referred to as “WFD connection”. The printer 10 can establish a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8, thereby building a WFD network. As a result, the mobile terminal 8 and the printer 10 can perform wireless communication of target data to be communicated, such as print data.

The printer 10 can perform 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 AP 4 (hereinafter referred to as "non-WFD connection"), thereby constructing a non-WFD network. Note that PC6 can also establish a non-WFD connection with AP4. As a result, the printer 10 and the PC 6 can perform wireless communication of target data to be communicated, such as print data, via the AP 4 .

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the AP 4, PC 6 and printer 10 are installed in a specific company, for example. That is, within a specific company, a non-WFD network including AP 4, PC 6 and printer 10 is constructed. For this reason, a user of the PC 6 (e.g., an employee of a specific company) can cause the printer 10 to perform printing via the AP4. Then, for example, a user of the mobile terminal 8 (for example, a person visiting 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 . Thereby, the user of the mobile terminal 8 can cause the printer 10 to execute printing without going through the AP 4 . 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 section 12 , a display section 14 , a print execution section 16 , a wireless interface 18 and a control section 20 . Each of the units 12 to 20 described above is connected to a bus line (reference numerals omitted). The operation unit 12 is composed of a plurality of keys. A 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 instructions from the control unit 20 .

The wireless interface 18 is an interface used when the control unit 20 performs wireless communication. The radio interface 18 is physically one interface. However, the wireless interface 18 is assigned both a MAC address to be used for WFD connection and a MAC address to be used for non-WFD connection. Therefore, the control unit 20 can use the wireless interface 18 to simultaneously perform both the wireless communication function according to WFD and the normal wireless communication function. As a result, the control unit 20 can establish a state in which both the WFD connection and the non-WFD connection are established, which will be described in detail later.

The control unit 20 has a CPU 22 and a memory 24 . The CPU 22 executes various processes according to programs 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-described programs executed by the CPU 22 and data acquired or generated while the CPU 22 executes processing. 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 by the CPU 22 executing processing according to the above program.

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

(Configuration of PC6)
The PC 6 cannot perform wireless communication functions according to WFD. However, in a modified example, the PC 6 may be capable of executing wireless communication functions according to WFD. PC6 can establish a non-WFD connection with AP4. The PC 6 includes a CPU, memory, display, and the like (not shown). The memory of PC 6 stores a printer driver program for printer 10 . The CPU of the PC 6 can generate print data to be printed using a printer driver program. In a state in which a non-WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the AP 4 and a non-WFD connection is established between the PC 6 and the AP 4, the PC 6 sends print data to the printer 10 via the AP 4. It can be transmitted wirelessly.

(Configuration of mobile terminal 8)
The mobile terminal 8 is a portable terminal, and includes, for example, a smart phone, a PDA terminal, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, and the like. The mobile terminal 8 is capable of executing wireless communication functions according to 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 mobile terminal 8 stores a printer driver program for printer 10 . The CPU of the mobile terminal 8 can generate print data to be printed using a printer driver program. When the 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 AP 4 .

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

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

A device in G/O state and a device in client state constitute one WFD network. In one WFD network, only one device in G/O state can exist, but one or more devices in client state can exist. A G/O state device manages one or more client state devices. Specifically, a device in G/O state generates a management list that describes the identification information (ie, MAC address) of each of one or more client state devices. A device in the G/O state adds the identification information of the device to the management list when a device in the client state newly participates in the WFD network, and adds the identification information of the device in the client state to the management list when the device in the client state leaves the WFD network. Delete from the management list.

A device in the G/O state communicates target data to be communicated with a device registered in the management list, that is, a device in the client state (for example, data including network layer information of the OSI reference model (print data etc.)) can be performed. However, a device in the G/O state communicates with devices not registered in the management list data for participating in the WFD network (for example, data not including network layer information (Probe Request signal, Probe Response signal (physical layer data such as physical layer data) can be wirelessly communicated, but wireless communication of the above target data cannot be performed. Print data can be wirelessly received from the terminal 8 (that is, the portable terminal 8 in the client state), but print data cannot be wirelessly received from devices not registered in the management list.

Also, a device in G/O state can relay wireless communication of target data (print data, etc.) between a plurality of devices in client state. For example, when the portable terminal 8 in the client state should wirelessly transmit print data to another printer in the client state, the portable 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 portable terminal 8 and wirelessly transmits the print data to the other printer. That is, a device in G/O state can perform the functions of an AP (access point) of a wireless network.

Note that 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 state device. A device in the device state can execute wireless communication of data for participating in the WFD network (physical layer data such as Probe Request signal, Probe Response signal, etc.). etc.) is infeasible.

(Non-WFD connection processing; Fig. 2)
Next, the details of the processing executed by the printer 10 will be described. First, the content of the non-WFD connection processing 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 processing of FIG.

In S<b>10 , the second connection unit 32 executes Scan processing 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.) regarding each AP found in the Scan process. A user of the printer 10 designates an AP with which a connection with the printer 10 should be established from the AP list. The second connection unit 32 selects an AP according to the user's instruction. Below, the description will be continued with the case where AP4 is selected as an example.

Although details will be described later, the first connection unit 30 executes G/O negotiation (see S42 and the like in FIG. 3) to establish a WFD connection. In contrast, the second connection unit 32 does not perform G/O negotiation. The AP 4 determines the value of the wireless channel to be used for the non-WFD connection (hereinafter referred to as "non-WFD channel value Vap") from 1 to 14ch. AP 4 sends the non-WFD channel value Vap to printer 10 . As a result, in S13, the second connection unit 32 receives the non-WFD channel value Vap from the AP4. A second connection 32 causes the memory 24 to store the non-WFD channel value Vap.

Next, in S<b>14 , the second connection unit 32 determines whether a WFD connection has been established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8 . If the WFD connection has been established (YES in S14), the process proceeds to S16, and if the WFD connection has not been 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 perform communication for authentication with AP4. In the communication executed here, the second connection unit 32 transmits data such as the authentication method, the encryption method, and the password to the AP4. As a result, the AP 4 executes authentication using the authentication method, encryption method, password, etc., and if the authentication succeeds, it transmits data indicating the authentication success 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 use the non-WFD channel value Vap to execute communication of target data (print data, etc.) to be communicated with the PC 6 via the AP 4. can. When S20 ends, the non-WFD connection processing in FIG. 2 ends.

On the other hand, in S<b>16 , the second connection unit 32 causes the display unit 14 to display information indicating that the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 will be disconnected. Next, in S18, the first connection unit 30 changes the state of the printer 10 from G/O state or client state to device state. For example, when the current state of the printer 10 is the G/O state, the first connection unit 30 combines the management list saved by the printer 10 in the G/O state with the currently used WFD connection. The current wireless channel value (hereinafter referred to as “WFD channel value Vwfd”) is erased from the memory 24 . As a result, the printer 10 transitions 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. Also, 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 transitions 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 completing S18, in S20, the second connection unit 32 establishes a non-WFD connection with AP4 using 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 is created in which only the non-WFD connection with the AP4 is established.

For example, when the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 is being established (YES in S14), without disconnecting the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8, the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 and the disconnection with the AP 4 are performed. It is conceivable to employ a configuration in which both a WFD connection and a WFD connection are established. However, radio 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 from occurring, in this embodiment, if YES in S14, the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 is disconnected (S18), and only the non-WFD connection with AP4 is established. It adopts a configuration that forms a state where

Note that, when the WFD connection is being established (YES in S14), the configuration maintains the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 without establishing the non-WFD connection with the AP 4 (that is, the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 is maintained). configuration in which only the WFD connection is established). However, as described above, a non-WFD network is a network that should be constructed on a regular basis, and if such a network is disconnected, the user of the PC 6 will not be able to cause the printer 10 to print. In order to suppress the occurrence of such an event, in the present embodiment, if YES in S14, the temporarily established WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 is disconnected, and the constantly established WFD connection is disconnected. A configuration is adopted that forms a state in which only a non-WFD connection with the AP 4 to be connected is established. That is, this embodiment employs a configuration that prioritizes the non-WFD connection with the AP 4 that should be established constantly.

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

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

Although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, the first connection unit 30 connects each device (for example, Search processing 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.) regarding each device found by the Search process. A user of the printer 10 designates a device with which a 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. Below, the description will be continued with the case where the mobile terminal 8 is selected as an example.

Also, the mobile terminal 8 in the device state executes the Search process like the printer 10 when a 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 section of the mobile terminal 8 . The user of the mobile terminal 8 selects a device with which connection with the mobile terminal 8 should be established from the device list. Below, the description will be continued with the case where the printer 10 is selected as an example.

In S42, the first connection unit 30 performs G/O negotiation, determines one of the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8 as the G/O, and selects the other of the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8 as the G/O. device as a client. Specifically, the first connection unit 30 first transmits the Intent value of the printer 10 stored in the memory 24 to the mobile terminal 8 . The first connection unit 30 also receives the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8 stored in the mobile terminal 8 from the mobile terminal 8 . The Intent value is a set value that indicates the degree to which G/O should occur. The Intent value is any value within the numerical range of 0-15. The larger the Intent value, the more easily G/O occurs. In other words, the smaller the Intent value, the easier it is to become a client.

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

In this embodiment, in the G/O negotiation of S42, "2" is used as the Intent value of the printer 10 (that is, the default Intent value). The printer 10 generally has relatively low CPU and memory capabilities compared to PCs and the like. For this reason, the printer 10 is set with a relatively small default Intent value. Therefore, in S<b>42 , the first connection unit 30 transmits the Intent 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 and 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 greater than the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8, the first connection unit 30 determines that the printer 10 should become G/O, and the mobile terminal 8 is a client. decide what to become. Further, for example, when the Intent value of the printer 10 is smaller than the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8, the first connection unit 30 determines that the printer 10 should become the client, and the mobile terminal 8 is G. /O. When the Intent value of the printer 10 and the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8 match, the first connection unit 30 changes the Intent value of the printer 10 and uses the changed Intent value. , the 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 uses the same method as the printer 10 to determine the G/O and the client based on the Intent value of the printer 10 and the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8 .

In the process of the G/O negotiation in S42, the notification unit 36 creates a channel list (hereafter referred to as "normal list") including all values from 1ch to 14ch as values of wireless channels that the printer 10 can use for 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 values of wireless channels that the mobile terminal 8 can use for WFD connection. Thereby, the first connection unit 30 can acquire the channel list of the mobile terminal 8 . After completing the G/O negotiation in S42, the process proceeds to S44.

At S44, processing is executed according to the result of the G/O negotiation at S42. For example, if it is determined that the printer 10 should be G/O, in S44 the determining unit 34 determines the WFD channel value Vwfd to be used in the WFD connection. Specifically, the determination unit 34 selects, among the wireless channel values (1 to 14 ch) included in the normal list notified to the mobile terminal 8 in S42, the values included in the channel list notified from the mobile terminal 8 in S42. The value of one radio channel that is received 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 . Thereby, the mobile terminal 8 can know the WFD channel value Vwfd, and can use the WFD channel value Vwfd in subsequent communications. Note that the first connection unit 30 causes the memory 24 of the printer 10 to store the determined WFD channel value Vwfd.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the printer 10 should become the client, in S44 the determining 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 causes the memory 24 of the printer 10 to store the received WFD channel value Vwfd.

In S<b>44 , the first connection unit 30 also performs WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) negotiation to establish a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 . Note that when it is determined that the printer 10 should become G/O, the first connection unit 30 performs WPS negotiation for the G/O state. On the one hand, if it is determined that the printer 10 should become a client, the first connection 30 performs a WPS negotiation for client status.

(WPS negotiation for G/O state)
In the G/O state WPS negotiation, the first connection unit 30 generates data indicating a wireless profile (SSID, authentication method, encryption method, password, etc.) required to establish a WFD connection. Note that the authentication method and encryption method are determined in advance. Also, the first connection unit 30 generates a password during the process of S44. The SSID may be generated by the first connection unit 30 during the process of S44, or may be determined in advance. 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 the wireless profile to perform authentication request, authentication response, association request, association response, and 4-way handshake wireless communication (hereinafter referred to as “specific wireless communication”) to the mobile terminal. 8 and execute. Note that the WFD channel value Vwfd is also used in the above specific wireless communication. Various authentication processes such as SSID authentication, authentication method and encryption method authentication, and password authentication are performed in the course of the above-described specific wireless communication. A WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8 when all authentications are successful.

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) communicates with the portable terminal 8 in the client state using the WFD channel value Vwfd to communicate data to be communicated (print data, etc.). ) communication. Note that the target data includes network layer data, which is a higher layer 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 perform network-layer wireless communication with the portable 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 portable terminal 8 in the client state and other devices registered in the management list and in the client state. can do.

As described above, the first connection 30 is configured to set the WFD channel so that the printer 10 operates in the G/O state when the G/O negotiation determines that the printer 10 should be in the G/O state. A WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 is established using the value Vwfd.

(WPS negotiation for client state)
On the other hand, in the WPS negotiation for the client state, the first connection unit 30 receives data indicating the wireless profile from the mobile terminal 8 using the WFD channel value Vwfd. Next, the first connection unit 30 uses the wireless profile to perform the specific wireless communication with the mobile terminal 8 . A WFD connection is thereby 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) communicates with the mobile terminal 8 in the G/O state using the WFD channel value Vwfd to communicate data to be communicated (print data, etc.). ) communication can be performed.

As described above, the first connection unit 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 become the client. to establish a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 . When S44 ends, the WFD connection processing in FIG. 3 ends.

Next, the details 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 the first G/O negotiation should be executed after the WFD connection process of FIG. 3 is started. If the first G/O negotiation should be executed (YES in S46), the process proceeds to S48. If NO), proceed to S50.

In S48, the first connection unit 30 performs G/O negotiation as in S42. However, the G/O negotiation of S48 differs from S42 in the following points. In the G/O negotiation of S48, "14" is adopted as the Intent value of the printer 10. FIG. Accordingly, in S<b>48 , the first connection unit 30 transmits the Intent value “14” of the printer 10 to the mobile terminal 8 . Further, in S48, the notification unit 36 sets the non-WFD channel value Vap (that is, non-WFD A channel list (hereinafter referred to as a “restricted list”) containing only WFD channel values (Vap) is notified (that is, transmitted) to the mobile terminal 8 . After completing the G/O negotiation in S48, the process proceeds to S52.

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

In S<b>54 , the first connecting unit 30 determines whether or not the number of times the G/O negotiation has been executed is equal to or greater than a threshold (the threshold is an integer equal to or greater than 2). If the number of G/O negotiation executions is equal to or greater than the threshold (YES in S54), in S56 the first connection unit 30 displays information indicating that the WFD connection cannot be established on the display unit. 14 is displayed. In this case, the first connection unit 30 does not establish 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 processing in FIG. 3 ends.

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

In S50, the first connection unit 30 performs 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. FIG. Accordingly, in S<b>50 , the first connection unit 30 transmits the Intent 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 14ch). That is, the notification unit 36 notifies the mobile terminal 8 of a value different from the non-WFD channel value Vap when the G/O negotiation of S48 is not successful.

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

As described above, in the G/O negotiation of S48, the mobile terminal 8 is notified of the restriction list, so it can 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 it can be determined as YES in S52. If YES in S52, the process proceeds to S58.

In S58, the first connection unit 30 determines whether or not it was determined in the G/O negotiation of S48 or S50 that the printer 10 should become the G/O. In the G/O negotiation of S48 or S50, since the Intent value "14" of the printer 10 is used, it is normally determined that the printer 10 should become the G/O. In this case, the first
connection unit 30 determines YES in S58, and proceeds to S64.

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

In S66 executed through 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 using the WFD channel value Vwfd determined in S64. Since the non-WFD connection with AP4 has already been established, a state is created in which both the non-WFD connection with AP4 and the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 are established. As a result, the WFD connection processing in FIG. 3 ends.

On the other hand, if the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8 is "15", it is determined in the G/O negotiation of S48 or S50 that the printer 10 should become the client. In this case, the first connection unit 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 matches the non-WFD channel value Vap used in the currently established non-WFD connection.

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

In the case of YES in S60, in S66 the first connection unit 30 performs WPS negotiation for the client state. As a result, the first connection unit 30 establishes a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 using the WFD channel value Vwfd (that is, the value matching the non-WFD channel value Vap) received from the mobile terminal 8. . Since the non-WFD connection with AP4 has already been established, a state is created in which both the non-WFD connection with AP4 and the WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 are established. As a result, the WFD connection processing in FIG. 3 ends.

On the other hand, since the normal list is notified to the mobile terminal 8 in the G/O negotiation of S50, if the G/O negotiation of S50 succeeds, the mobile terminal 8 sets the WFD channel value Vwfd to the non-WFD channel. A value that does not match the value Vap may be determined. 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. As a result, the channel determination unit 38 determines NO in S60. can be judged.

If 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 WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 . Therefore, the state in which only the non-WFD connection with AP4 is established is maintained. Also here, a configuration is adopted in which priority is given to the non-WFD network that should be constructed on a regular basis. When S62 ends, the WFD connection processing in FIG. 3 ends.

(Specific example; Figs. 4 and 5)
Next, various cases of processing performed by each device 4, 8, 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. The sequences of FIGS. 4 and 5 are realized by the printer 10 executing processes according to the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG.

The case of FIG. 4 shows a case of establishing a non-WFD connection between the printer 10 and the AP 4 and then establishing a WFD connection 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 the AP 4 (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 a WFD connection instruction is input to the printer 10, the printer 10 determines YES in S40 of FIG. 3 and executes G/O negotiation in S48. Here, "14" is used as the Intent 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 succeeds (YES in S52), the printer 10 normally determines that the printer 10 should become the 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 perform WPS negotiation for G/O status (S66). A WFD connection is thereby established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8 . As a result, a state in which both the non-WFD connection with the AP 4 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 in S48 succeeds (YES in S52), if the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8 is "15", the printer 10 determines that the printer 10 should become a client. do. In this case, the printer 10 determines NO in S58, but normally receives the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap from the mobile terminal 8 in S60. In the G/O negotiation of S48, since the mobile terminal 8 is notified of the restriction list including only the non-WFD channel value Vap, the mobile terminal 8 normally 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, the value that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap) to perform WPS negotiation for the client state (S66). A WFD connection is thereby established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8 . As a result, a both-connected state is 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 G/O negotiation in S50. Here, "14" is used as the Intent value of the printer 10, and the mobile terminal 8 is notified of the normal list including all the values of 1 to 14ch. As a result, the G/O negotiation of S50 usually succeeds.

If the G/O negotiation of S50 succeeds (YES in S52), the printer 10 normally determines that the printer 10 should become the 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 perform WPS negotiation for G/O status (S66). A WFD connection is thereby established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8 . As a result, a both-connected state is formed.

On the other hand, even if the G/O negotiation in S50 succeeds (YES in S52), if the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8 is "15", the printer 10 determines that the printer 10 should become a client. 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 the normal list is notified to the mobile terminal 8 in the G/O negotiation of S50, and the mobile terminal 8 usually determines the WFD channel value Vwfd that does not match the non-WFD channel value Vap. 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 WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 . However, printer 10 maintains a non-WFD connection with AP4. Therefore, a state in which only the non-WFD connection with AP 4 is established (hereinafter referred to as "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 non-WFD connection is established and the non-WFD connection is to be established. Determine the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the channel value Vap. As a result, the printer 10 can appropriately form the both-connected state. Therefore, the printer 10 can receive print data from the mobile terminal 8 using the WFD connection, and can receive print data from the PC 6 via the AP 4 using the non-WFD connection.

Due to the configuration of the wireless interface 18, the printer 10 cannot perform appropriate wireless communication using two different channel values. Therefore, as shown in the case of FIG. 5, the printer 10 is in a state where the non-WFD connection is established, and when the WFD connection should be established, the WFD channel value Vwfd and the non-WFD channel value Vap match. Otherwise, it creates a single connection state where 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 AP 4 using the non-WFD connection. In particular, the printer 10 gives priority to non-WFD connections that should be established on a regular basis to form a single connection state. For this reason, in an environment where the printer 10 and the PC 6 are installed (for example, within the above-mentioned specific company), the user of the PC 6 is prevented from causing the printer 10 to print. can be done. According to this embodiment, the printer 10 can form the appropriate connection state.

Note that the printer 10 uses the relatively small Intent value “2” of the printer 10 when a WFD connection should be established while a non-WFD connection has not been 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 on the printer 10 .

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

Note that even if it is decided that the printer 10 should become 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 the both-connected state. 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 may send a normal channel value including a channel value different from the non-WFD channel value Vap. The list is notified to the portable terminal 8 (S50). As a result, the printer 10 can appropriately establish a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 in order for the G/O negotiation to succeed (YES in S52).

(correspondence relationship)
The printer 10, the mobile terminal 8, and the AP 4 are examples of the "wireless communication device,""firstdevice," and "second device," respectively. The G/O status and client status are examples of the "parent station status" and the "slave station status," respectively. G/O negotiation is an example of "state determination processing." Intent value “2” and Intent value “14” are examples of “first setting value” and “second setting value”, respectively. Using "14" as the Intent value of the printer 10 in S48 and S50 of FIG. 3 is an example of "specific processing". A WFD connection and a non-WFD connection are examples of a “first type connection” and a “second type connection”, respectively. The WFD channel value Vwfd and the non-WFD channel value Vap are examples of the “first wireless channel value” and the “second wireless channel value”, respectively.

(Second embodiment)
Differences from the first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, instead of the WFD connection processing of FIG. 3, the WFD connection processing of FIG. 6 is executed. S40 to S44 in FIG. 6 are the same as S40 to S44 in FIG. In the case of YES in S40, the first connection unit 30 sets the printer 10 to the autonomous G/O mode in S61. Autonomous G/O mode is a mode that allows printer 10 to remain operating in a 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 include the identification information of the device in the client state.

When the printer 10 is set to autonomous G/O mode in S60, the printer 10 does not perform G/O negotiation. As described above, when the WFD connection instruction is input to the mobile terminal 8, the mobile terminal 8 executes the Search process for searching for devices in the client state existing around the mobile terminal 8. In addition, Scan processing is executed to search for devices in the G/O state (that is, printers 10) existing around the mobile terminal 8. FIG. As a result, a device list including information about the printer 10 is displayed on the display section of the mobile terminal 8 . When the user of mobile terminal 8 selects a printer 10 in G/O status from the device list, mobile terminal 8 determines that mobile terminal 8 should become a client without performing 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 and determines 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 perform WPS negotiation for the G/O state. A WFD connection is thereby established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8 .

(Specific example; Fig. 7)
In this embodiment, instead of the cases of FIGS. 4 and 5, the case of FIG. 7 is implemented. Each process until a 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 refer to the non-WFD channel value Vap to determine the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap (S64). Next, the printer 10 uses the WFD channel value Vwfd to execute WPS negotiation for the G/O state and establish a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 (S66). As a result, a both-connected state is formed.

(Effect of the second embodiment)
As shown in the case of FIG. 7, the printer 10 sets the printer 10 to autonomous G/O mode when a WFD connection should be established while a non-WFD connection is established. As a result, the printer 10 can refer to the non-WFD channel value Vap and appropriately determine the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap. As a result, the printer 10 can appropriately form the both-connected state. In this embodiment, the autonomous G/O mode is an example of a "specific mode." 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 the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes 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 may be other devices capable of wireless communication (for example, mobile terminals, PCs, servers, FAX machines, copiers, scanners, multi-function devices, etc.). may In addition, the "first device" and "second device" are not limited to the mobile terminal 8 and AP4, but other devices capable of wireless communication (for example, PCs, servers, printers, FAX machines, copiers, scanners, multi-function device, etc.).

(Modification 2) The “master station state” is not limited to the G/O state of WFD, but also manages other devices that make up the wireless network (for example, manages a list of information about other devices, It may be in a state of relaying wireless communication between terminals. Further, the "slave station state" is not limited to the WFD client state, and may be any state managed by the device in the master station state. Therefore, the "type 1 connection" is not limited to WFD connection, and may be any other type of connection for selectively operating the wireless communication device in one of the master station state and slave station state. may

(Modification 3) The “second type connection” is not limited to non-WFD connection with AP 4, and may be WFD connection with a PC or the like, for example. That is, the "first type connection" and the "second type connection" may be the same type of connection. Also, 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, one of the following modifications 4-1 to 4-3 may be employed.

(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). Assuming a situation. For example, when the G/O negotiation determines that the printer 10 should become the G/O, the determination unit 34 first determines the WFD channel value Vwfd, and then further matches the WFD channel value Vwfd. Determine the ad-hoc radio channel value Vad' (Vad' is different from Vad). In this case, the first connection unit 30 establishes a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 using the WFD channel value Vwfd. Further, the second connection unit 32 re-establishes an ad-hoc connection with the PC 6 using the ad-hoc wireless channel value Vad'. That is, generally speaking, if a connection of the first type is to be established with the first device while a connection of the second type is established with the second device, the decision unit: 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). Assuming a situation. For example, when the G/O negotiation determines that the printer 10 should become 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 an ad-hoc wireless channel value Vad' (Vad' is different from Vad) that matches the WFD channel value Vwfd. In this case, the first connection unit 30 establishes a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 8 using the WFD channel value Vwfd. Further, the second connection unit 32 re-establishes an ad-hoc connection with the PC 6 using the ad-hoc wireless channel value Vad'. That is, generally speaking, if a connection of the first type is to be established with the first device while a connection of the second type is established with the second device, the decision unit: The value of the second radio channel (Vad' in this variant) may be determined.

(Modification 4-3) Assume a situation in which an 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 wireless 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 using the ad-hoc wireless channel value Vad. That is, generally speaking, if a first type connection is established with a first device and a second type connection is to be established with a second device, the decision unit: The value of the second radio channel (Vad in this variant) may be determined.

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

(Variation 5) In each of the above embodiments, the first connection unit 30 determines that the Intent value of the printer 10 is greater than the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8 in the G/O negotiation (see S44 in FIG. 3). determines that the printer 10 should become the G/O. Alternatively, the first connection unit 30 may determine that the printer 10 should be G/O when the Intent value of the printer 10 is less than the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8 . In the above-described first embodiment, the "second set value" is a value greater than the "first set value", but in this modified example, the "second set value" is the "first set value ” may be a smaller value.

(Modification 6) In the first embodiment described above, in S48 and S50 of FIG. Use "14" as the value. Alternatively, the first connection unit 30 may receive the Intent value of the mobile terminal 8 from the mobile terminal 8 before sending the Intent value of the printer 10 to the mobile terminal 8 . Then, the first connection unit 30 may determine an Intent value for the printer 10 that is greater than the Intent value for the mobile terminal 8 and transmit the determined Intent value for the printer 10 to the mobile terminal 8 . In this case as well, it is easier to determine that the printer 10 should become the G/O. In this modified example, using the Intent value of the printer 10 that is greater 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 radio channel values. This is the specification used in Japan. Alternatively, the range of radio channel values may be from 1ch to 11ch (US specifications), from 1ch to 13ch (European specifications), or other ranges. may be

(Modification 8) In each of the above embodiments, in a state where a WFD connection is established and a non-WFD connection should be established (if YES in S14 of FIG. 2), the first connection unit 30 A configuration is adopted in which the WFD connection is always disconnected. Alternatively, in the above situation, the first connection unit 30 may disconnect the WFD connection when the printer 10 is operating in the client state. In addition, in the above situation, the first connection unit 30 connects the WFD channel value currently used in the WFD connection when the printer 10 is operating in the G/O state and the WFD channel value received in S13 of FIG. If the non-WFD channel value matches, the WFD connection may be maintained without disconnection. 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 embodiments described above, the CPU 22 of the printer 10 executes processing according to software to implement the units 30 to 38 . Alternatively, at least some of the units 30-38 may be realized by hardware such as logic circuits.

In addition, the technical elements described in this specification or in 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 exemplified in this specification or drawings achieve multiple purposes at the same time, and achieving one of them has technical utility in itself.

2: communication system, 4: AP, 6: PC, 8: mobile terminal, 10: printer, Vwfd: WFD channel value, Vap: non-WFD channel value

Claims (15)

A wireless communication device,
an operation unit;
an interface;
A second type of connection with an access point via the interface using a second wireless channel among a plurality of wireless channels when a second instruction is input via the operation unit a second connection that establishes
When a first instruction is input via the operation unit while the second type connection is established with the access point, the wireless communication is performed without establishing a wireless connection with an external device. a decision unit that operates the communication device as a master station and decides to use a value that matches the value of the second radio channel as the first radio channel;
After the wireless communication device starts operating as the parent station, a specific device different from the access point searches for parent station devices existing around the specific device, and one or more parent devices found by the search. When selecting the wireless communication device that operates as the master station from the station devices, a first communication with the specific device is performed via the interface using the already determined first wireless channel. a first connection for establishing a seed connection;
A wireless communication device comprising : The wireless communication device further
2. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a management control unit that adds identification information of said specific device to a management list in response to establishing said first type connection with said specific device. 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. 3. The wireless communication device according to 2. The wireless communication device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said identification information is a MAC address. The wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said wireless communication device operating as said master station is capable of relaying wireless communication between a plurality of slave station devices. 6. The wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said wireless communication device operating as said master station is capable of performing functions of an access point in a wireless network. The wireless communication device further
When the first instruction is input via the operation unit in a state where the second type connection with the access point is not established, state determination communication is performed via the interface to the specific device. wherein the state determination communication is performed by one of the wireless communication device and the specific device operating as a master station and one of the wireless communication device and the specific device The state determination communication execution unit, which is communication for determining that the other side operates as a slave station,
The wireless communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first connection unit establishes the first type connection with the specific device after the state determination communication is performed. 8. The wireless communication device of claim 7, wherein the state determination communication is a Wi-Fi Direct® Group Owner Negotiation. The wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the master station conforms to Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark). 10. The wireless communication device according to claim 9, wherein said master station is a group owner of said Wi-Fi Direct. When establishing the first type connection with the specific device, the first connection unit uses the first wireless channel determined by the determination unit to establish Wi-Fi via the interface. - The wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, performing a Fi Protected Setup negotiation. The Wi-Fi Protected Setup negotiation includes:
transmitting a wireless profile to the specific device via the interface using the first wireless channel determined by the determining unit;
performing specific wireless communication with the specific device through the interface using the first wireless channel and the wireless profile determined by the determination unit;
including
The wireless communication device according to claim 11, wherein the specific wireless communication includes at least one wireless communication among Authentication Request, Authentication Response, Association Request, Association Response, and 4way handshake. The wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second type connection is a wireless connection for performing wireless communication conforming to IEEE802.11. The wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first type connection is a wireless connection for performing wireless communication conforming to Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark). A computer program for a wireless communication device, comprising:
The computer installed in the wireless communication device performs each of the following processes, that is,
access via an interface of the wireless communication device using a second wireless channel among a plurality of wireless channels when a second instruction is input via an operation unit of the wireless communication device; a second connection process for establishing a second type connection with the point;
When a first instruction is input via the operation unit while the second type connection is established with the access point, the wireless communication is performed without establishing a wireless connection with an external device. a decision process of operating the communication device as a master station and deciding to use a value that matches the value of the second radio channel as the first radio channel;
After the wireless communication device starts operating as the parent station, a specific device different from the access point searches for parent station devices existing around the specific device, and one or more parent devices found by the search. When selecting the wireless communication device that operates as the master station from the station equipment, a first communication with the specific device is performed via the interface using the already determined first wireless channel. a first connection process for establishing a seed connection;
computer program that causes the

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