JPH1188465A - Radio communication system and radio communication terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inexpensive and simple radio communication system and radio communication terminal by not transmitting a signal that a second terminal is started to a first terminal but by transmitting significant data to the first terminal from the second terminal. SOLUTION: When the request of scanner read operation start is generated by the operation of an operator and the starting of a timer in the first terminal, the terminal main control part 21 of the first terminal transmits a start signal to a scanner side through a radio transmission/reception part 22. A scanner starts the read operation of an original which is set and transmits data which is read to the first terminal as picture file data, for example. The first terminal transmits the start signal to the scanner and the terminal main control part 21 of the fir terminal sets a radio transmission/reception part 22 to be ready for reception. When the reception of significant data sent from the scanner through a radio communication channel is waited for and all required data are received, the operation of the first terminal terminates.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a radio communication system and a radio communication terminal for performing data communication between a first terminal and a second terminal connected by a radio communication channel.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the need for data communication of significant data (for example, image data, document data, and the like) using wireless communication has been increasing. Above all, there is known a system for performing data communication by connecting a short distance between two terminals using a medium such as an infrared ray by a wireless communication channel, which can be realized at a low price, consumes low power, and can easily reduce the size of the device. Have been. In particular, it is suitable for data communication of a portable terminal such as a mobile terminal which is easy to carry and has been used. Also, a system has been proposed in which two distant buildings are connected by a wireless communication channel to transmit / receive data.

[0003] In such a system, both terminals connected by a wireless communication channel can perform device initialization,
Generally, data communication is performed through a search procedure or the like, and after data transmission / reception is completed, a wireless communication channel is generally cut or cut off.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, a complicated procedure is required before data transmission / reception is performed. Therefore, there were the following problems. (1) It takes time to securely connect the wireless communication channel and perform the original data transmission / reception operation. (2) It is easy to connect the wireless communication channel to the wrong terminal that does not have the function to be specified.For example, even if the user tries to operate the predetermined function by connecting the wireless communication channel, the function is missing or for some reason. If it doesn't work,
The confirmation cannot be performed easily or the confirmation takes time. (3) The communication operation is difficult when the connection state of the wireless communication channel changes every moment. (4) When both terminals connected to the wireless communication channel are far apart, it is difficult to confirm the state of the terminal on the receiving side.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has as its object to provide an inexpensive and simple wireless communication system and a wireless communication terminal.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is directed to a first communication system connected by a wireless communication channel.
In a wireless communication system for performing data communication between a first terminal and a second terminal, an operation start for transmitting a predetermined start signal from the first terminal to the second terminal to start the operation of the second terminal Means, and when the operation is started by the operation start means, the first terminal is transmitted from the second terminal to the first terminal without transmitting a signal indicating that the second terminal is started. Data transmission means for transmitting significant data to the terminal.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless communication terminal for performing data transmission with another wireless communication terminal through a wireless communication channel, wherein the predetermined operation for activating the operation of the other wireless communication terminal through the wireless communication channel is provided. Sending means for sending an activation signal of the other wireless communication terminal, without receiving a signal indicating that the other wireless communication terminal has been activated, and receiving significant signals from the other wireless communication terminal in accordance with the activation signal sent by the sending means. Receiving means for receiving data.

In order to further achieve the above object, the present invention relates to a radio communication terminal for performing data transmission with another radio communication terminal via a radio communication channel, wherein the operation of the radio communication terminal from the other radio communication terminal is performed using the radio communication channel. Receiving means for receiving a predetermined start signal for starting, without transmitting to the other wireless communication terminal a signal indicating the start in response to the start signal, according to the start signal received by the receiving means, Data transmission means for transmitting significant data to another wireless communication terminal.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a radio communication system according to a first embodiment. As shown, the system includes a first terminal 11 and a second terminal 12. Here, the first terminal is, for example, a portable information terminal such as a notebook computer or a laptop computer, and the second terminal is a scanner. Each of the first terminal 11 and the scanner 12 has a built-in wireless transmission / reception unit and is connected by a wireless communication channel.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the radio transmission / reception unit 22 built in the first and second terminals 11 and 12. The wireless transmission / reception unit 22 is an example of an optical wireless transmission / reception unit using infrared rays. The wireless transmission / reception unit 22 includes an infrared modem 23 connected to the main control unit 21 of each terminal and exchanging data, and an infrared transmission / reception unit 24.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a format of a control signal used in the above-mentioned radio transmitting / receiving section 22.
1, an address 32, a control parameter 33, an FCS (frame check sequence) 34, and a flag 35.

In the above configuration, the first terminal transmits the second
An operation of transmitting a start signal (scanner read request control signal) to the terminal (scanner) of the first terminal and transmitting image file data read as significant data from the scanner to the first terminal will be described below.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation sequence in the first and second terminals. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first terminal, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second terminal.

First, in the first terminal, when a request for starting a scanner reading operation is generated by an operation of an operator, activation of a timer, or the like (step S101), the terminal main control section 21 of the first terminal causes the wireless transmission / reception section 22 to transmit. A start signal (scanner read request control signal) is transmitted to the scanner via the (wireless communication channel) (step S102).
The start signal has a control signal format as shown in FIG. 3, in which specific data indicating “scanner reading request” is inserted in the control parameter 33 portion.

On the other hand, in the scanner, synchronization is established by the flag 31 of this start signal, and when the subsequent address 32 matches the address of the scanner (Ye in step S201).
s), the content of the control parameter 33 of the activation signal is identified (step S202). In this case, since the request is “scanner reading request”, the scanner starts reading the set document, and transmits the read data to the first terminal as, for example, image file data (step S203). It is assumed that a document to be read is set in the scanner in advance. Then, when the transmission of the significant data (read image file data) ends, the operation of the scanner ends.

On the other hand, in the first terminal, after transmitting an activation signal to the scanner, the terminal main control unit 2 of the first terminal
1 sets the wireless transmission / reception unit 22 to reception ready (step S103). Then, it waits for reception of significant data sent from the scanner via the wireless communication channel (step S104), and when all necessary data is received, ends the operation of the first terminal.

At this point, if necessary, the first
Confirmation of completion of transmission of significant data to the terminal or confirmation of reception of significant data from the first terminal to the scanner may be performed.

In step S102, when the first terminal transmits the activation signal to the scanner and activates the timer at the same time, and the first terminal does not receive significant data for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) (step S105). Ye
s), it is determined that the wireless communication channel or the scanner is not operating normally for some reason, and the first terminal notifies the operator using a display device or the like (step S).
106).

Here, even if an attempt is made to connect the wireless communication channel to the wrong second terminal, for example, because the wireless communication channel does not have the corresponding function, significant data is not transmitted naturally. When a timeout occurs (step S105), the first terminal determines that the second terminal does not have the corresponding function, and notifies the operator to that effect by display means or the like (step S102).
106).

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail. In the first embodiment, the first and second terminals have built-in wireless transmission / reception units. However, the second embodiment will exemplify a case in which a wireless adapter is connected to the outside as an example.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a wireless communication system according to the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the present system includes a first terminal 71 and a second terminal 72. Here, the first terminal is, for example, a portable information terminal such as a notebook computer or a laptop computer, and the second terminal is a scanner. The first terminal 71 and the scanner 72 are connected via a wireless communication channel via wireless adapters 71 'and 72'. Note that a general interface such as a serial interface is used between each terminal and the wireless adapter.

FIG. 8 shows the wireless adapters 71 'and 7 described above.
2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 82 denotes an example of an optical wireless adapter using infrared light, an infrared modem 83 having a built-in serial bus controller connected to a terminal and exchanging data, and an infrared transmitting / receiving unit 8.
And 4.

In the above configuration, the first terminal sends the second
Sending an activation signal (scanner read request control signal) to the first terminal (scanner) via the wireless adapter, and transmitting the image file data read as significant data from the wireless adapter of the scanner to the first terminal. Will be described.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an operation sequence in the first and second terminals. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first terminal, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second terminal.

First, in the first terminal, when a request for starting a scanner reading operation is generated by an operation of an operator or activation of a timer, a "scanner reading request" is notified to a wireless adapter to be connected. When the first terminal-side wireless adapter receives this request (step S30).
1), a start signal (scanner read request control signal) is transmitted to the second terminal (step S302). Here, the start signal has a control signal format as shown in FIG. 3 as in the first embodiment.
Part 3 is one in which specific data indicating “scanner reading request” is inserted.

On the other hand, when the scanner-side wireless adapter receives this activation signal (step S401), it identifies the content of the activation signal "scanner read request" as in the first embodiment (step S402). Here, the wireless adapter on the scanner side notifies the scanner that the activation signal has been received, and makes significant data transmitted from the scanner to the first terminal available for reception from the scanner (step S403).

As a result, the scanner starts the scanner reading operation, outputs the read data to, for example, a wireless adapter to be connected as image file data (step S404), and the wireless adapter on the scanner side transmits the data via the wireless communication channel. 1 (step S4).
05). Then, when significant data (read image data) has been transmitted from the wireless adapter on the scanner side to the first terminal side (step S406), the operation of the wireless adapter on the scanner ends.

On the other hand, after transmitting the activation signal to the scanner side, the wireless adapter of the first terminal makes significant data (image file data) receivable from the scanner via the wireless communication channel (step S303). , And waits to receive the significant data (step S304). Thereafter, when significant data is received, it is transmitted to the first terminal (step S305). When all necessary data is received (Yes in step S306), the operation of the wireless adapter on the first terminal side is terminated.

Here, if necessary, completion of transmission of significant data from the wireless adapter on the scanner side to the first terminal side is confirmed, or significant data is received from the wireless adapter on the first terminal side to the scanner side. The reception confirmation of the completion may be performed.

In step S302, the wireless adapter of the first terminal transmits a printer activation signal to the scanner, activates a timer at the same time, and does not receive significant data for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds). In this case (Yes in step S307), it is determined that the wireless communication channel or the scanner side is not operating normally for some reason, and the wireless adapter on the first terminal side notifies the operator to that effect using a display device or the like. Alternatively, the fact is notified to the connected first terminal (step S308).

Here, even if an attempt is made to connect a wireless communication channel to an incorrect second terminal, for example, because the wireless communication channel does not have a corresponding function, significant data is not transmitted naturally. When a timeout occurs (step S307), the wireless adapter of the first terminal determines that the second terminal does not have the corresponding function, and notifies the first terminal of the determination (step S308). .

Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail. In the first and second embodiments, a printer has been described as an example of the second terminal, but in the third embodiment, a facsimile apparatus will be described as an example.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a wireless communication system according to the third embodiment. As shown, the system includes a first terminal 121 and a second terminal 122. Here, the first terminal is, for example, a portable information terminal such as a notebook computer or a laptop computer, and the second terminal is a facsimile machine. The first terminal 121 and the facsimile 122 have a built-in wireless transmission / reception unit corresponding to a wireless adapter, and are connected by a wireless communication channel.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the facsimile apparatus 122 according to this embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 1301 denotes a CPU, which controls the entire apparatus. A ROM 1302 stores programs executed by the CPU 1301, control data, and the like. 1303 is R
It is an AM and stores parameters and data necessary for the operation of the CPU 1301 and the operation of this apparatus, or image data to be transmitted and received. An operation panel 1304 includes various keys for a user to instruct the operation of the apparatus, a display panel for displaying the state of the apparatus, and the like.

Reference numeral 1305 denotes a reading unit constituted by a CCD line sensor or the like, which reads a facsimile transmission original or a copy original. A recording unit 1306 such as an ink jet printer prints out a facsimile reception original, a copy original, and a file original. A communication control unit 1307 controls a communication protocol for facsimile transmission and reception, controls transmission and reception thereof, controls modulation and demodulation of signals, connects to a public line 1308, and performs call control and call detection. Reference numeral 1309 denotes an infrared modem, reference numeral 1310 denotes an infrared transmission / reception unit, and a wireless transmission / reception unit for forming an infrared wireless communication channel 1311.

In the above configuration, when the facsimile which is the second terminal receives the facsimile, the first terminal recognizes the reception, the first terminal transmits a start signal to the facsimile, and receives the facsimile from the facsimile. Between the first terminal and significant data such as parameters and image data at the time of the facsimile transmission, and when the first terminal requests facsimile transmission of image data of the first terminal. After the exchange of the start signal and the start Ack signal, the first terminal transmits the calling number, the transmission parameter, and the image data as significant data to the facsimile via the wireless communication channel, and the facsimile performs the facsimile transmission. , An example of transmitting the result parameter as significant data to the first terminal via a wireless communication channel will be described.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are diagrams showing an operation sequence in the first and second terminals. FIG.
17 and 18 are flowcharts showing the operation of the first terminal, and FIGS. 18 and 19 are flowcharts showing the operation of the second terminal.

First, the first terminal periodically checks whether or not facsimile reception has been performed. If the first terminal recognizes that facsimile reception has been performed (Yes in step S501).
s), the first terminal transmits an activation signal (facsimile reception data transfer request control signal) to the facsimile (step S502). Here, similarly to the first embodiment, the facsimile start signal is constituted by a control signal format as shown in FIG. 3, and certain data indicating “facsimile reception data transfer request” is inserted in the control parameter portion. It is a thing.

On the other hand, when the facsimile receives this activation signal (step S601), it identifies the content of the activation signal "facsimile reception data transfer request" as in the first embodiment (step S602). In this case, since the content is "facsimile reception data transfer request",
The facsimile parameters (resolution, number of received data, etc.) and image data are transmitted to the first terminal through wireless communication channels as significant data (step S603). In some cases, only image data may be used. Then, the facsimile ends the operation of the second terminal when significant data transmission ends.

On the other hand, after the first terminal transmits the facsimile start signal, the first terminal enables significant data from the facsimile via the wireless communication channel (step S50).
3). Then, it waits for reception of significant data, and receives all necessary data (Yes in step S504).
s) The operation at the first terminal ends.

Here, if necessary, the termination of the transfer of significant data from the facsimile to the first terminal or the reception confirmation from the first terminal to the facsimile may be performed.

In step S504, the first terminal transmits the facsimile start signal and starts the timer at the same time. If the first terminal does not receive any significant data for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), the first terminal starts. The first terminal determines that the wireless channel between the first terminal and the facsimile is not connected for some reason or the second terminal cannot operate the facsimile function, and the first terminal operates to that effect using a display device or the like. Is notified to the user (step S506).

Here, even if an attempt is made to connect the wireless communication channel to the wrong second terminal, for example, because the wireless communication channel does not have the corresponding function, significant data is not transmitted naturally. When a timeout occurs (step S505), the second terminal determines that the second terminal does not have the corresponding function, and notifies the operator using a display device or the like (step S50).
6).

In step S501 described above,
When a facsimile transmission operation start request is generated not by facsimile reception but by an operation of an operator or activation of a timer (Yes in step S507), the first terminal transmits a facsimile transmission signal (facsimile transmission request control signal). Is transmitted (step S508). Here, similarly to the first embodiment, the facsimile start signal is formed by a control signal format as shown in FIG. 3, and a specific data indicating "facsimile transmission request" is inserted in the control parameter portion. It is.

On the other hand, when the facsimile receives the facsimile activation signal (step S601), it identifies the content of the activation signal "facsimile transmission request" (step S602), as in the first embodiment. In this case, since the content is “facsimile transmission request”, significant data necessary for facsimile transmission is made receivable from the first terminal (step S604). Then, an activation Ack signal is transmitted to the first terminal through the wireless communication channel (step S605).

The activation Ack signal does not need to be configured in a complicated manner, and may be a signal having a simple identifier, for example.

On the other hand, after transmitting the facsimile start signal, the first terminal transmits the start A from the facsimile.
Wait for the reception of the ck signal (step S509). During this time, a facsimile start signal may be repeatedly sent to the facsimile. Then, when the activation Ack signal is received from the facsimile (Yes in step S509), parameters necessary for facsimile transmission, such as parameters required for calling from the facsimile such as the destination facsimile number and compression codes of the resolution image of the document, The image data to be transmitted by facsimile is transmitted to the facsimile through the wireless communication channel as significant data (step S5).
10).

On the other hand, the facsimile starts up to the first terminal A
After transmitting the ck signal and receiving the calling parameter (Yes in step S606), the calling operation is started (step S607). Then, when the transmission parameters and the image data are received (Yes in step S608), and the call is connected to the other party facsimile (Yes in step S609),
The facsimile transmission operation is started (step S610).
Thereafter, when the facsimile transmission operation is completed (Yes in step S611), the line is disconnected (step S61).
2) The result of the facsimile transmission operation is transmitted as significant data to the first terminal through the wireless communication channel (step S613), and the entire operation of the facsimile in the present embodiment ends.

The calling operation in step S607 may be started after all the image data up to the image data has been received from the first terminal.

On the other hand, when the first terminal has finished transmitting the image data to the facsimile (Ye in step S511).
s) Although all operations of the first terminal of the present embodiment may be terminated, if the first terminal needs to manage the facsimile transmission (whether or not the facsimile transmission has been normally completed), It waits for the reception of the communication result notification transmitted from the facsimile to the first terminal (step S512). When the communication result notification is received from the facsimile, a predetermined operation according to the content of the communication result notification, for example, accumulation of the data or display of “communication end” is performed.
All operations on the terminal are terminated.

Further, in step S509, the first terminal transmits a facsimile start signal and starts a timer at the same time as the facsimile start signal, so that the first terminal transmits a facsimile start signal.
If the activation Ack signal is not received within the time period (second) (Yes in step S513), it is determined that the wireless channel or the facsimile is not operating normally for some reason, and the operator is notified by using a display device or the like. (Step S514).

In the third embodiment, an example has been described in which a facsimile transmission request is made after confirming whether the first terminal is receiving a facsimile. However, if a facsimile transmission request is made, the facsimile reception is performed. Priority is given to sending more, without checking if there is facsimile reception,
It may move to a facsimile transmission request.

Also, an example in which the first terminal 121 and the facsimile 122 as the second terminal have a built-in wireless transmission / reception unit to transmit and receive data has been described. Alternatively, when both do not have a built-in wireless transmission / reception unit, the present invention can be realized via wireless adapters as in the second embodiment.

In this case, for example, a facsimile reception data transfer request control signal is transmitted from the first terminal to the facsimile through the radio adapter, and the radio adapter on the facsimile side transfers the signal to the facsimile. Then, upon receiving significant data from the facsimile, it transmits it to the first terminal through a wireless communication channel.

Further, if a facsimile transmission request control signal is transmitted from the first terminal to the facsimile through the wireless adapter, a start-up Ack signal is transmitted from the facsimile-side wireless adapter, and the first terminal's wireless adapter can receive it. Then, necessary parameters and image data are transmitted as significant data from the first terminal to the facsimile side through the wireless adapter, and the wireless adapter on the facsimile side receives the data and transfers it to the facsimile, and the facsimile performs facsimile transmission. When the facsimile transmission ends, the result is transmitted as significant data to the first terminal through the wireless adapter.

Also in this case, if necessary, for example, the wireless adapter of the first terminal receives significant data to be transmitted to the second terminal from the first terminal through the wireless communication channel, and then processes or converts the data to a certain value. After accumulating the time, it may be transmitted to the second terminal. Similarly, the wireless adapter of the second terminal may temporarily store or process significant data transmitted from the first terminal via the wireless communication channel, and then transfer the significant data to the second terminal. .

[Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a configuration of a wireless communication system according to a fourth embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the present system includes a first terminal 2011 and a second terminal 2012. Here, the first
Is a portable information terminal such as a notebook computer or a laptop computer, and the second terminal is a printer. Then, the first terminal 2011 and the printer 201
2 both have a built-in wireless transmission / reception unit and are connected by a wireless communication channel.

Note that the wireless transmission / reception units built in the first and second terminals 11 and 12 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. Also, the format of the control signal used in the wireless transmission / reception unit is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

In the above configuration, the first terminal
The operation of sending a print request to the terminal (printer) and performing printing will be described below.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an operation sequence in the first and second terminals. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the operation on the first terminal side, and FIG.
3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal side.

First, in the first terminal, when a print operation start request is generated by an operation of an operator, activation of a timer, or the like (step S701), the terminal main control unit 21 of the first terminal causes the wireless transmission / reception unit 22 (wireless An activation signal (print request signal) is transmitted to the printer via the communication channel (step S702). Here, the activation signal has a control signal format as shown in FIG.
Specific data indicating "print request" is inserted in the control parameter 33 portion.

On the other hand, the printer synchronizes with the start signal flag 31 and when the subsequent address 32 matches the printer address (Yes in step S801).
s), the content of the control parameter 33 of the activation signal is identified (step S802). Here, since the content is “print request” in this example, the file data to be printed is set to be receivable from the first terminal (step S8).
03), and returns an activation Ack signal to the first terminal via the wireless communication channel (step S804).

The activation Ack signal does not need to be configured in a complicated manner, and may be a signal having a simple identifier, for example.

On the other hand, after transmitting the printer start signal to the printer, the first terminal waits for reception of the start Ack signal from the printer (step S703). Note that a printer activation signal may be repeatedly sent to the printer while waiting for the reception of the activation Ack signal from the printer. Then, when the activation Ack signal is received from the printer (Yes in step S703), the data of the file to be printed out is transmitted to the printer using the wireless communication channel (step S703).
704). Thereafter, when the data transmission of the file to be transmitted to the printer is completed (Yes in step S705)
s), all the operations of the first terminal in the present embodiment end.

If it is determined in step S702 that the first terminal transmits a printer start signal to the printer and starts a timer at the same time, and the first terminal does not receive the start Ack signal within a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), the process proceeds to step S702. S70
6), the first terminal determines that the wireless channel or the printer is not operating normally for some reason, and notifies the operator to that effect using a display device or the like (step S707).

On the other hand, when the printer receives data necessary for starting a printing operation, for example, parameters and file data necessary for printing from the first terminal (Yes in step S805), the printing operation is started (step S806). When the printing operation is completed (step S
807, Yes), all the operations of the printer according to the present embodiment end.

In step S806, when starting the printing operation, it is not necessary to receive all the file data from the first terminal.

[Fifth Embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail. In the fourth embodiment, the first and second terminals have a built-in wireless transmission / reception unit. However, in the fifth embodiment, an example in which a wireless adapter is connected externally will be described.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the configuration of the wireless communication system according to the fifth embodiment. As shown, the present system includes a first terminal 2471 and a second terminal 2472. Here, the first terminal is, for example, a portable information terminal such as a notebook computer or a laptop computer, and the second terminal is a printer. The first terminal 2471 and the printer 2472 are connected via a wireless communication channel via wireless adapters 2471 ′ and 2472 ′. Note that a general interface such as a serial interface is used between each terminal and the wireless adapter. Note that the wireless adapters 2471 ', 2472
Is similar to that of the second embodiment described above, and the description thereof is omitted.

In the above configuration, the first terminal
The operation of sending a print request to the terminal (printer) via a wireless adapter and performing printing will be described below. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an operation sequence in the first and second terminals. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first terminal, and FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second terminal.

First, in the first terminal, when a print operation start request is generated by an operation of an operator, activation of a timer, or the like, the print request is notified to the wireless adapter (step S901). Thereby, the wireless adapter on the first terminal side sends an activation signal (print request control signal) to the second terminal.
Is transmitted (step S902). Here, similarly to the fourth embodiment, the start signal is configured by a control signal format as shown in FIG. 3, and specific data indicating “print request” is inserted in the control parameter 33 portion. is there.

On the other hand, when the printer-side wireless adapter receives this activation signal (step S1001), the content of the activation signal “print request” is identified as in the fourth embodiment (step S1002). Here, the wireless adapter on the printer side notifies the printer that the activation signal has been received, and makes the printer ready to receive file data to be printed through the wireless communication channel (step S1).
003). Then, an activation Ack signal is transmitted to the first terminal to notify the first terminal that the activation signal has been received without any problem (step S1004).

The activation Ack signal does not need to be configured in a complicated manner, and may be a signal having a simple identifier, for example.

On the other hand, after transmitting the printer start signal to the printer, the wireless adapter on the first terminal side waits for reception of the start Ack signal from the printer (step S903). still,
While waiting for the reception of the activation Ack signal from the printer, the printer activation signal may be repeatedly transmitted from the first wireless terminal to the printer. When the activation Ack signal is received from the printer (Yes in step S903), the first terminal is notified that the activation Ack signal has been received, that is, that the wireless communication channel connected to the printer is normally connected. (Step S904). As a result, the file data to be printed is transferred from the first terminal to the wireless adapter, and when the wireless adapter is ready to transmit the data received from the first terminal to the printer through the wireless communication channel (Yes in step S905), The file data transmission starts (step S906). Thereafter, when all the data transmission of the file to be transmitted to the printer is completed (Yes in step S907), all the operations of the first terminal in this embodiment are completed.

In step S902, when the wireless adapter on the first terminal transmits a printer activation signal to the printer and activates the timer at the same time, and does not receive the activation Ack signal within a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds). (Yes in step S908), determines that the wireless channel or the printer is not operating normally for some reason, and the wireless adapter of the first terminal notifies the operator to that effect using a display device or the like, or notifies the operator of the fact. Is transmitted to the first terminal to be connected (step S909).

On the other hand, when the wireless adapter on the printer side transmits the activation Ack signal to the first terminal and receives data necessary for starting the printing operation (step S1).
(Yes in 005), the data is transferred to the printer (step S1006), and when the transfer is completed (Yes in step S1007), all the operations of the wireless adapter on the printer side in the present embodiment end.

In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the file data transferred from the first terminal is directly transmitted to the printer through the wireless communication channel.
If necessary, the wireless adapter of the first terminal performs some kind of data processing such as resolution conversion, enlargement, or reduction. For example, file data transferred in advance from the first terminal is temporarily stored in the wireless adapter. It is also possible to accumulate.

Similarly, an example has been described in which file data received by the printer wireless adapter through the wireless communication channel is directly transferred to the printer. However, if necessary, resolution conversion and enlargement may be performed by the printer wireless adapter. It is also possible to perform any kind of data processing such as reduction, or to temporarily store, for example, file data received in advance from the first terminal in the wireless adapter.

Further, an example has been described in which a wireless adapter is connected to both the first terminal and the printer, and file data is transmitted by a wireless communication channel through each wireless adapter. In such a case, the operation described in the fourth embodiment is performed.

In the first, second, and third embodiments, the portable information terminal is used as the first terminal, and the scanner or facsimile is used as the second terminal to transmit / receive image data or facsimile transmission / reception data of the scanner. Although reception has been described as an example, for example, in the case of scanner reading or facsimile reception, the same effect can be obtained by using the scanner or facsimile as the first terminal and the portable information terminal as the second terminal.

In this case, first, when the scanner which is the first terminal reads an image, or when the facsimile receives facsimile from the partner facsimile through the line, a start signal is transmitted to the second terminal via the radio communication channel. . In response, the second terminal sets the scanner-read image data or the facsimile reception data to a receivable state, and receives the scanner-read image data or the facsimile reception image data as significant data from the scanner or the facsimile via the wireless communication channel. .

In the first, second, and third embodiments described above, the second terminal receives and identifies the start signal through the wireless communication channel, and the function corresponding to the start signal operates without any problem. Although the example has been described, when the second terminal receives an incorrect activation signal, for example, when the second terminal does not have the function specified by the activation signal, or when the operation is impossible for some reason, It is also possible to notify the first terminal that no operation is performed, the function is not provided, or the function does not operate, or the operator is notified by displaying it on the second terminal.

Further, in the first, second and third embodiments described above, an example has been described in which the first terminal is an information terminal and the second terminal is a scanner or a facsimile. It may be a data processing device that performs some processing on data such as a device, a data storage device that stores data such as a hard disk, a display device that displays data by some means, an operation device that inputs data from the outside, or the like.

In the first, second, and third embodiments, examples have been described in which the second terminal has a function designated by the first terminal and operates when the function is operable. ,
For example, if the specified function of the second terminal is operating when the second terminal or the wireless adapter to be connected receives the activation signal, it is determined that the operation is impossible, or the operation is not performed. It may be determined that operation is possible when the operation becomes possible at the time when the above operation is completed, and the corresponding control of the above-described embodiment may be performed.

Also, an example has been described in which one control signal is transmitted from the first terminal to the second terminal for each operation. However, if the second terminal needs to perform a plurality of operations continuously, , A plurality of control signals may be combined into an activation signal and transmitted from the first terminal to the second terminal.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the communication method on the two terminals has been described. By using such a control method, simultaneous operation control of a plurality of terminals by multiple access can be easily realized. It is possible.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, light such as infrared light is used as the wireless communication. However, the medium can be realized by combining with a frequency hopping method or a direct spreading method using a power supply. It is.

In the case of light or radio waves, the arrival can be detected by the energy. According to the present invention, the power of the second terminal can be turned on and the operation can be started by the arrival of the energy. It is.

The method of transmitting / receiving binary data as a start signal on a wireless medium has been described.
Or use voice tones, and change the frequency and ON / OFF
It is also possible to realize by configuring the start signal at different times.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the activation A
The ck signal is simply configured to enable / disable the function operation of the second terminal at the first terminal.
If the signal has a certain amount of information, for example, information (for example, out of paper, out of toner, etc.) indicating the reason why the designated function of the second terminal is inoperable may be transmitted to the first terminal at the same time.

In each of the embodiments, an example has been described in which each terminal has a built-in wireless transmission / reception unit or a dedicated wireless adapter is connected to a normal terminal to form a wireless channel. Alternatively, the above-described control may be performed by connecting a portable telephone capable of being connected to an ordinary scanner, facsimile, copier, or the like.

The present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), but can be applied to a single device (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine). Etc.).

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (CPU or MP) of the system or apparatus.
It goes without saying that U) can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Examples of a storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, and CD.
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

[0098]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Activate significant data transmission / reception between terminals connected to the wireless communication channel when necessary, perform it without waste and without interruption, and make it easy for the operator to confirm whether or not it is operating normally. The effect that data transmission / reception can be performed more reliably is obtained.

[0099]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless communication system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless transmission / reception unit 22 built in first and second terminals.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a format of a control signal used in a wireless transmission / reception unit 22.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation sequence in the first and second terminals shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the first terminal shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second terminal shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless communication system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of wireless adapters 71 ′ and 72.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an operation sequence in the first and second terminals shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of the first terminal shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second terminal shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless communication system according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an operation sequence in the first and second terminals shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an operation sequence in the first and second terminals shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation of the first terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation of the first terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an operation of the second terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an operation of the second terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless communication system according to a fourth embodiment.

21 is a diagram showing an operation sequence in the first and second terminals shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an operation of the first terminal shown in FIG.

23 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless communication system according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an operation sequence in the first and second terminals shown in FIG.

26 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first terminal shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second terminal shown in FIG. 24.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Portable information terminal 12 Printer 21 Terminal main control part 22 Wireless transmission / reception part 23 Infrared modem 24 Infrared transmission / reception part 71 'Wireless adapter 72' Wireless adapter 122 Facsimile 1301 CPU 1302 ROM 1303 RAM 1304 Operation panel 1305 Reading part 1306 Recording part 1307 Communication Control unit 1308 line 1309 infrared MODEM 1310 infrared transceiver 1311 infrared wireless communication channel

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A first communication system connected by a wireless communication channel.
In a wireless communication system for performing data communication between a terminal and a second terminal, a predetermined activation signal is transmitted from the first terminal to the second terminal,
Operation activating means for activating the operation of the second terminal; and when the operation is activated by the operation activating means, a signal indicating that the second terminal has been activated is transmitted from the second terminal to the first terminal. Data transmission means for transmitting significant data from the second terminal to the first terminal without transmitting to the terminal. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first terminal determines that the second terminal does not have a function designated by the activation signal when significant data is not transmitted by the data transmission unit. The wireless communication system according to claim 1. 3. The first terminal determines that the function specified by the activation signal is inoperable on the second terminal when significant data is not transmitted by the data transmission means. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein 4. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first terminal determines that the wireless communication channel is not connected when significant data is not transmitted by the data transmission unit. system. 5. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined activation signal is a signal for activating a data transmission operation from the second terminal to the first terminal. 6. The second terminal is a scanner device,
2. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the data transmission unit transmits the read image data as significant data. 7. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein said second terminal is a facsimile apparatus, and said data transmission means transmits the received facsimile data as significant data. 8. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, further comprising a wireless adapter that performs data transmission over the wireless communication channel. 9. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein a wireless adapter function for performing data transmission through the wireless communication channel is incorporated in each of the first and second terminals. 10. A wireless communication terminal that performs data transmission with another wireless communication terminal by using a wireless communication channel, wherein: a sending unit that sends out a predetermined start signal that starts an operation of another wireless communication terminal by using a wireless communication channel; And receiving means for receiving significant data from the other wireless communication terminal in response to the activation signal transmitted by the transmission means without receiving a signal indicating that the other wireless communication terminal has been activated. Characteristic wireless communication terminal. 11. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 10, wherein when the significant data cannot be received, it is determined that the other wireless communication terminal does not have a function designated by the activation signal. 12. The wireless communication according to claim 10, wherein when the significant data cannot be received, it is determined that the function specified by the activation signal is inoperable in the another wireless communication terminal. Terminal. 13. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 10, wherein when the significant data cannot be received, it is determined that the wireless communication channel is not connected. 14. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined activation signal is a signal for activating an operation for transmitting significant data to the another wireless communication terminal. 15. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, further comprising a wireless adapter for transmitting data over the wireless communication channel.
0. The wireless communication terminal according to item 1. 16. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 10, further comprising a wireless adapter function for performing data transmission through the wireless communication channel. 17. A wireless communication terminal for performing data transmission with another wireless communication terminal via a wireless communication channel, wherein receiving a predetermined start signal for starting operation of the wireless communication terminal from the other wireless communication terminal via the wireless communication channel. Means for transmitting significant data to the other wireless communication terminal according to the activation signal received by the receiving means, without transmitting a signal indicating activation in response to the activation signal to the other wireless communication terminal. A wireless communication terminal comprising: 18. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 17, wherein said data transmission means transmits significant data when operable according to a start signal received by said reception means. 19. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a wireless adapter for performing data transmission over the wireless communication channel.
8. The wireless communication terminal according to 7. 20. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 17, further comprising a wireless adapter function for performing data transmission through the wireless communication channel.