JP2005210328A - Information processing system, data supply unit, and control method and program of data supply unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing system in which burden on a user can be lessened when a predetermined setting is required for connection with other information processor through a wireless communication network. <P>SOLUTION: A data processor (image processor 14) executes processing based on data being transmitted from a data supply unit (client terminal 12). The data processor limits reception of data by a third wireless communication section (wireless LAN communication section 34) based on connection data. The data supply unit receives the connection data being downloaded by radio at a first wireless communication section (Bluetooth communication section 22). Based on the received connection data, a second wireless communication section (wireless LAN communication section 24) transmits data to the data processor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system, a data supply device, a control method for the data supply device, and a program.

Data communication means using wireless communication has been put into practical use. By installing a wireless communication function in an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer or an image processing apparatus, data can be transmitted and received between these information processing apparatuses wirelessly. For example, an information processing device installed at a place where the user is away or visited is connected wirelessly from an information processing device such as a mobile personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a mobile phone, and the information processing device is used. It is possible to do. As a technique for facilitating use of such an information processing apparatus, there is a technique that allows a user to easily find a desired information processing apparatus from among information processing apparatuses connected to a network. Known (Patent Document 1). By the way, as a method of wireless data communication, information for identifying a group, information indicating a frequency band to be used, information for encryption is set for each wireless communication terminal, and wireless communication in which these pieces of information match. A device that enables data communication between terminals is particularly known.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-30585 Bob O'Hara, Al Petrick, "The IEEE 802.11 Handbook: A Designer's Companion" IEEE, December 1999 Brent A. Miller, Chastchik Bisdiyan, "Bluetooth Revealed: The Insider's Guide to an Open Specification for Global Wire Communications, Second Eid, 200%."

  However, in such a wireless communication network, in order to connect to a desired wireless communication terminal, it is necessary to set the above information according to the desired wireless communication terminal. In particular, such a setting must be made even when a desired information processing apparatus is temporarily used via a wireless communication network of the above-described method at a place where the user is away or visited. The burden is placed on the user who wants to use the processing apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and its purpose is such that in a case where it is necessary to perform a predetermined setting in order to connect to another information processing apparatus via a wireless communication network. It is an object to provide an information processing system, a data supply device, a control method for the data supply device, and a program that can reduce a user's burden related to various settings.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an information processing system according to the present invention includes a first wireless communication device capable of receiving at least data and a second wireless device different from the first wireless communication device capable of transmitting data. In the information processing system, comprising: a data supply device comprising a communication device; and a data processing device comprising at least a third wireless communication device corresponding to the second wireless communication device capable of receiving data. The apparatus stores connection data storage means for storing connection data, data reception means for receiving data by the third wireless communication apparatus, and reception of data by the data reception means in the connection data storage means. A data reception restricting means for restricting based on connection data, and when data is received by the data receiving means, based on the data Execution means for executing processing, wherein the data supply device receives the connection data to be wirelessly distributed by the first wireless communication device, and the connection data received by the distribution reception unit. And a data transmission means for transmitting data to the data processing device by the second wireless communication device.

  The data supply apparatus according to the present invention includes at least a first wireless communication apparatus capable of receiving data and a second wireless communication apparatus different from the first wireless communication apparatus capable of transmitting data at least. A data supply device comprising a third wireless communication device corresponding to the second wireless communication device capable of receiving at least data, and restricting data reception by the third wireless communication device based on connection data In a data supply device for transmitting data to a data processing device, based on the distribution receiving means for receiving the connection data distributed wirelessly by the first wireless communication device, and the connection data received by the distribution receiving means And data transmission means for transmitting data to the data processing device by the second wireless communication device.

  The data supply device control method according to the present invention includes at least a first wireless communication device capable of receiving data, and a second wireless communication device different from the first wireless communication device capable of transmitting at least data. The data supply device comprises: a third wireless communication device corresponding to the second wireless communication device capable of receiving at least data, and receiving data by the third wireless communication device based on connection data In a control method of a data supply device that transmits data to a data processing device to be restricted, a distribution reception step of receiving the connection data to be wirelessly distributed by the first wireless communication device, and a distribution reception step Data transmission for transmitting data to the data processing device by the second wireless communication device based on the received connection data Characterized in that it comprises a step, a.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data supply comprising: a first wireless communication device capable of receiving at least data; and a second wireless communication device different from the first wireless communication device capable of transmitting data. A data processing device comprising a third wireless communication device corresponding to the second wireless communication device capable of receiving at least data, wherein the data processing by the third wireless communication device is restricted based on connection data A program for causing a computer to function as a data supply device that transmits data to a device, wherein the first wireless communication device receives the connection data that is wirelessly distributed, and the distribution Based on the connection data received in the receiving step, the data processing device receives data from the second wireless communication device. As a data transmission means for transmitting a personal computer, a portable information terminal, portable telephone, printer, scanner, FAX apparatus, a copying machine, a program for causing the computer to function such as the MFP.

  The present invention provides a data supply device comprising at least a first wireless communication device capable of receiving data and a second wireless communication device different from the first wireless communication device capable of transmitting data, and at least data The present invention relates to an information processing system including a data processing device including a third wireless communication device corresponding to the second wireless communication device capable of receiving. In the data processing device, reception of data by the third wireless communication device is restricted based on the connection data. In the data supply device, the wirelessly distributed connection data is received by the first wireless communication device, and data transmission to the data processing device is performed by the second wireless communication device based on the connection data. In the data processing device that has received data transmitted from the data supply device, processing based on the data is executed. Here, the distribution may be performed for one or a plurality of specific partners, may be performed for an unspecified partner (for example, broadcast), or the partner It may be performed in response to a distribution request from. According to the present invention, when another information processing apparatus is used via a wireless communication network, the connection information can be easily obtained when predetermined connection information is required for connection to the other information processing apparatus. As a result, the other information processing apparatus can be easily used.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the data processing device includes a fourth wireless communication device corresponding to the first wireless communication device capable of transmitting at least data, and is stored in the connection data storage unit It includes distribution means for distributing data by the fourth wireless communication apparatus, and the distribution receiving means receives connection data distributed from the data processing apparatus. In this way, the connection data can be distributed to the data processing device.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the data processing device includes a fourth wireless communication device corresponding to the first wireless communication device capable of transmitting data at least, and wireless communication by the third wireless communication device. Communication status data distribution means for distributing the communication status data indicating the status of the communication by the fourth wireless communication device, wherein the data supply device receives the communication status data distributed from the data processing device. Including a receiving means, wherein the first wireless communication device is configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving data, and the data transmitting means is configured so that the communication status data received by the communication status data receiving means satisfies a predetermined communication status condition, Transmission of data to the data processing device is executed by the first wireless communication device. In this way, the wireless communication device used for data transmission from the data supply device to the data processing device can be switched according to the state of wireless communication by the third wireless communication device on the data processing device side.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the first wireless communication device is configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving data, and the data supply device acquires communication status data indicating a status of wireless communication by the second wireless communication device. Communication status data acquisition means, wherein the data transmission means transmits data to the data processing device when the communication status data acquired by the communication status data acquisition means satisfies a predetermined communication status condition. It is performed by the wireless communication apparatus. In this way, the wireless communication device used for data transmission from the data supply device to the data processing device can be switched according to the state of wireless communication by the second wireless communication device on the data supply device side.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the data processing device includes a fourth wireless communication device corresponding to the first wireless communication device, at least capable of transmitting data, and the processing content related to the processing content in the data processing device. Processing content data distribution means for distributing data by the fourth wireless communication device, wherein the data supply device receives the processing content data distributed from the data processing device by the first wireless communication device; Processing content data receiving means, wherein the data transmitting means includes means for generating data to be transmitted to the second information processing apparatus based on the processing content data received by the processing content data receiving means. It is characterized by. In this way, the data supply device can generate data to be transmitted to the data processing device based on the processing content data related to the processing content in the data processing device distributed from the data processing device.

  In addition, according to an aspect of the present invention, the data supply device may be configured to wirelessly transmit data to the data processing device when the second wireless communication device performs data transmission to the data processing device. It includes a means for restricting communication. In this way, radio wave interference between the wireless communication by the first wireless communication device and the wireless communication by the second wireless communication device can be reduced.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the data supply device includes a restriction unit that restricts wireless communication by the second wireless communication device and a restriction by the restriction unit when connection data is received by the distribution reception unit. And means for releasing. If it carries out like this, the power consumption by a 2nd radio | wireless communication apparatus can be reduced.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an image processing system (information processing system) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the image processing system 10 includes a client terminal (data supply device) 12 and image processing devices (data processing devices) 14a, 14b, and 14c.

  The client terminal 12 is configured by a known mobile personal computer (portable personal computer) including, for example, a CPU, a hard disk storage device, a display, and an input device. The image processing apparatuses 14a, 14b, and 14c are configured by, for example, a printer that includes a printer, a scanner, a FAX apparatus, a copier, or a combination of these. The client terminal 12 and the image processing apparatuses 14a, 14b, and 14c each have a Bluetooth interface (first wireless communication apparatus, fourth wireless communication apparatus) for performing wireless data communication conforming to the Bluetooth standard, and a wireless LAN standard (IEEE 802). .11b, g, etc.) are provided with wireless LAN interfaces (second wireless communication device, third wireless communication device) for performing wireless data communication. In other words, the client terminal 12 and the image processing apparatuses 14a, 14b, and 14c are configured to be able to exchange data with each other through these wireless data communications. For example, the client terminal 12 can transmit image data to the image processing devices 14a, 14b, and 14c, and cause the image processing devices 14a, 14b, and 14c to print the image data. Further, for example, the image processing apparatuses 14a, 14b, and 14c can read image data, transmit the image data to the client terminal 12, and cause the client terminal 12 to store the image data.

  Here, functional blocks realized in the client terminal 12 and the image processing apparatuses 14a, 14b, and 14c will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram mainly showing those related to the present invention among the functional blocks realized in the client terminal 12 and the image processing apparatuses 14a, 14b, and 14c.

  As shown in the figure, the client terminal 12 includes a control unit 20, a Bluetooth communication unit (first wireless communication unit) 22, a wireless LAN communication unit (second wireless communication unit) 24, a storage unit 26, and a display unit 28. Composed. These functions are realized by executing a program (supplied by an information storage medium readable by a computer or a communication network) by a computer such as a personal computer, a portable information terminal, or a mobile phone.

  The control unit 20 is mainly composed of a CPU, and controls the Bluetooth communication unit 22, the wireless LAN communication unit 24, the storage unit 26, and the display unit 28. The storage unit 26 mainly includes an information storage medium such as a main memory, a hard disk storage device, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and a memory card. The display unit 28 mainly includes a display.

  The Bluetooth communication unit 22 mainly includes a publicly-known Bluetooth interface for performing wireless data communication in accordance with the Bluetooth standard. The wireless LAN communication unit 24 mainly includes a known wireless LAN interface for performing wireless data communication conforming to the wireless LAN standard. The Bluetooth communication unit 22 and the wireless LAN communication unit 24 convert the data supplied from the control unit 20 into an analog signal, and convert it into a radio wave and send it out from the antenna. Further, the radio wave received by the antenna is converted into an analog signal, which is converted into data and supplied to the control unit 20.

  As shown in the figure, the image processing apparatus 14 includes a control unit 30, a Bluetooth communication unit (fourth wireless communication unit) 32, a wireless LAN communication unit (third wireless communication unit) 34, a storage unit 36, and an image output unit 38. The image input unit 39 is included. These functions are realized by being executed by a computer such as a printer device, a scanner device, a FAX device, a copier, or a multifunction device (supplied by an information storage medium or a communication network readable by the computer).

  The control unit 30 includes a CPU, and controls the Bluetooth communication unit 32, the wireless LAN communication unit 34, the storage unit 36, the image output unit 38, and the image input unit 39. The storage unit 26 mainly includes an information storage medium such as a main storage, a nonvolatile memory, and a hard disk storage device. The image output unit 38 includes, for example, an image printing unit and a FAX transmission unit, and executes printing and transmission of image data. The image input unit 39 includes, for example, an image reading unit and a FAX receiving unit, and executes reading and receiving of image data.

  The Bluetooth communication unit 32 mainly includes a known Bluetooth interface for performing wireless data communication conforming to the Bluetooth standard. The wireless LAN communication unit 34 mainly includes a known wireless LAN interface for performing wireless data communication in accordance with the wireless LAN standard. The Bluetooth communication unit 32 and the wireless LAN communication unit 34 convert the data supplied from the control unit 30 into an analog signal, and convert it into a radio wave and send it out from the antenna. In addition, the radio wave received by the antenna is converted into an analog signal, which is converted into data and supplied to the control unit 30.

  The form of the wireless LAN in this embodiment is an ad hoc mode. That is, the wireless LAN communication unit 24 and the wireless LAN communication unit 34 directly transmit and receive data (ad hoc connection) without using a so-called access point. Settings for each of the wireless LAN communication units 34 of the image processing apparatuses 14a (image processing apparatus 1), 14b (image processing apparatus 2), and 14c (image processing apparatus 3) are as shown in FIG. 3, for example. As shown in the figure, connection information including ESS-ID information, channel (CH) information, encryption (WEP) information, and encryption key information is different for each image processing apparatus 14. . Here, the wireless LAN setting information is different for each image processing apparatus 14, but may be unified for all the image processing apparatuses 14.

  The ESS-ID information is information for identifying each wireless LAN. Wireless LAN terminals (client terminal 12 and image processing apparatus 14) having the same ESS-ID information belong to the same wireless LAN. In other words, the ESS-ID information is information for identifying groups that can exchange data with each other by data communication conforming to the wireless LAN standard. The channel information indicates a frequency band used for data communication by wireless LAN. The encryption information indicates whether or not data to be transmitted / received is encrypted, and an encryption method (encryption key data length or the like) when encryption is performed. The encryption key information indicates a character string for authenticating the client terminal 12 that can communicate with the image processing apparatus 14 and for encrypting / decrypting data transmitted / received wirelessly. Connection data obtained by storing the wireless LAN setting information together with the IP address and MAC address information is held in the storage unit 36 of each image processing apparatus 14. Similarly, a wireless LAN setting is made for the wireless LAN communication unit 24 of the client terminal 12, and data indicating the contents is held in the storage unit 26.

  The control unit 30 and the wireless LAN communication unit 34 restrict data reception by the wireless LAN communication unit 34 based on the connection data stored in the storage unit 36. For example, the control unit 30 and the wireless LAN communication unit 34 are the same as the connection information stored in the storage unit 36, the ESS-ID information, the channel information, the encryption information, and the encryption key information. Only data transmitted from 24 is accepted. In other words, when data is transmitted from the client terminal 12 to the image processing apparatus 14, it is necessary to match the wireless LAN setting on the client terminal 12 side with the wireless LAN setting of the image processing apparatus 14 that is the data transmission destination. There is.

  Further, the storage unit 36 stores attribute data (processing content data) formed by storing attribute information of the image processing apparatus 14. The attribute information is information indicating the attribute of the image processing apparatus 14 and is information regarding the contents of the functions provided in the image processing apparatus 14. For example, the contents of the service provided by the printing function of the image processing apparatus 14 (selectable color mode type, whether or not duplex printing is possible, whether or not imposition is possible, and selectable imposition type and selectable paper) Size type, selectable direct print format type, etc.).

  Here, the process executed in the client terminal 12 will be described. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing processes related to the present invention among the processes executed by the client terminal 12. Here, a description will be given by taking an example of processing executed by the client terminal 12 when the user performs an operation for printing desired document data on the client terminal 12. This process is realized by the client terminal 12 executing a program supplied by a computer-readable information storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a communication network.

  As shown in the figure, in this process, first, the control unit 20 of the client terminal 12 searches for an image processing apparatus 14 existing in the vicinity (S101). The control unit 20 causes the Bluetooth communication unit 22 to transition from the standby state to the inquiry state, and repeatedly broadcasts inquiry data (IQ packet) for a certain period of time. This inquiry data is received by the Bluetooth communication unit 32 of the image processing apparatus 14 in the standby state. Upon receiving the inquiry data, the image processing apparatus 14 sends response data (FHS packet) including information indicating the Bluetooth address, Bluetooth clock, device class, etc. of the image processing apparatus 14 (Bluetooth communication unit 32) to the client terminal 12. Distribution is performed via the Bluetooth communication unit 32. The Bluetooth communication unit 22 of the client terminal 12 receives this response data (synchronization control data) and stores it in the storage unit 26. The control unit 20 of the client terminal 12 is based on the response data received from the image processing device 14 as described above, and the image processing device 14 that exists in the vicinity (range where radio waves transmitted from the Bluetooth communication unit 22 reach). To figure out. When another type of information processing apparatus (including a Bluetooth communication unit) exists in a range where inquiry data transmitted from the client terminal 12 reaches, response data is also distributed from the information processing apparatus to the client terminal 12 It will be. In this case, based on the device class information included in the response data, the client terminal 12 determines what kind of information processing apparatus it is, that is, whether it is the image processing apparatus 14.

  Next, the control unit 20 acquires connection information (wireless LAN setting information, IP address information, and MAC address information) for each wireless LAN communication unit 24 of the image processing apparatus 14 found in S101 (S102). For example, the control unit 20 executes the following process for each of the image processing apparatuses 14 found in S101. That is, the control unit 20 establishes synchronization between the Bluetooth communication unit 22 and the Bluetooth communication unit 32 based on the synchronization control data. Then, data indicating a connection data distribution request is transmitted. The image processing apparatus 14 that has received the transmission request data distributes the connection data stored in the storage unit 36 to the client terminal 12. The transmission / reception of data between the client terminal 12 and the image processing apparatus 14 may be executed based on the Bluetooth file transfer profile. The client terminal 12 that has received the connection data holds the received connection data in the storage unit 26 and then disconnects the connection between the Bluetooth communication unit 22 and the Bluetooth communication unit 32.

  Further, the control unit 20 acquires attribute information of each of the image processing apparatuses 14 found in S101 (S103). The control unit 20 acquires the attribute data stored in each storage unit 36 of the image processing apparatus 14 found in S101, similarly to the case where the connection data is acquired in S102. Then, the acquired attribute data is held in the storage unit 26.

  Next, the control unit 20 displays the selection screen of the image processing device 14 on the display unit 28 based on the search result in S101 and the connection information acquired in S102 (S104). FIG. 6 shows an example of the selection screen. As shown in the figure, this screen displays a list of connection information of the image processing apparatus 14 found in S101. More specifically, information for distinguishing (identifying) the image processing apparatus 14 found in S101 and information necessary for accessing each image processing apparatus 14 via a wireless LAN (ESS-ID information, channel) Information, encryption information, and IP address information) are displayed in association with each other. In this screen, option buttons are displayed in association with each image processing apparatus. The user selects an image processing apparatus 14 that prints document data by pressing any one of the option buttons.

  The control unit 20 monitors whether any option button is pressed while the selection screen is displayed (S105). When any one of the option buttons is pressed, the control unit 20 reads the attribute information of the image processing apparatus 14 associated with the option button from the storage unit 26, and displays a print execution screen based on the read attribute information. 28 (S106).

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the print execution screen. As shown in the figure, in the print execution screen, when document data is printed by the image processing apparatus 14 selected on the selection screen, the type of color mode that can be selected, whether double-sided printing is possible, and imposition can be performed. And the imposition type that can be selected, the type of paper size that can be selected, and the direct print format type that can be selected. For items that can be selected by the user, the selectable options are displayed, and an option button is displayed in association with each option.

  In addition, two print buttons are displayed on the print execution screen. The print button is a button for instructing execution of printing. The print (Bluetooth) button is an instruction to transmit document data to be printed to the image processing apparatus 14 by wireless data communication conforming to the Bluetooth standard. On the other hand, the print (wireless LAN) button instructs to transmit document data to be printed to the image processing apparatus 14 by wireless data communication conforming to the wireless LAN standard. The user sets the type of color mode for printing document data on this screen, and presses one of the print buttons.

  While the above print execution screen is displayed, the control unit 20 monitors whether any print button is pressed or whether the return button is pressed (S107, S108). When the return button is pressed, the selection screen (FIG. 6) of the image processing apparatus 14 is displayed again (S104). On the other hand, when any one of the print buttons is pressed, the control unit 20 acquires the content (print setting information) set on the print execution screen, along with information for specifying the pressed print button, This is held in the main memory (S109). Then, the control unit 20 generates print data based on the document data to be printed and the print setting information acquired in S108 (S110).

  Next, the control unit 20 determines whether or not a wireless LAN is designated as a wireless communication unit for the image processing apparatus 14 (S111). When a print (Bluetooth) button is pressed on the print execution screen (FIG. 7), it is determined that a wireless LAN has not been designated as a wireless communication means for the image processing apparatus 14. In this case, the control unit 20 transmits the print data generated in S110 to the image processing apparatus 14 selected on the selection screen (FIG. 6) via the Bluetooth communication unit 22 (S119). That is, the control unit 20 establishes synchronization between the Bluetooth communication units 22 and 32, and then supplies the print data to the Bluetooth communication unit 22 to transmit it. In the image processing apparatus 14 that has received the print data, print processing is executed based on the print data, and the document data is output on paper.

  On the other hand, when the print (wireless LAN) button is pressed on the print execution screen (FIG. 7), the control unit 20 determines that the wireless LAN is designated as the wireless communication means for the image processing apparatus 14. In this case, the control unit 20 acquires effective speed information (communication status information) indicating the effective speed of wireless communication in the wireless LAN communication unit 34 to which the print data is transmitted (S112). The acquisition of the effective speed information is performed via the Bluetooth communication unit 22 in the same manner as the connection information and attribute information (S102, S103). For example, the control unit 20 establishes synchronization between the Bluetooth communication unit 22 and the Bluetooth communication unit 32 of the target image processing apparatus, and then transmits effective speed request data for requesting effective speed information to the Bluetooth communication unit 22. Send through. The image processing apparatus 14 that has received the effective speed request data acquires the effective speed of the wireless communication in the wireless LAN communication unit 34, and distributes data indicating the effective speed to the client terminal 12 via the Bluetooth communication unit 32. The acquisition of the effective speed may be executed when the effective speed request data is received, or may be sequentially performed regardless of the reception of the effective speed request data. In the latter case, data indicating the effective speed sequentially acquired is held in the storage unit 36, and when the effective speed request data is received, the data held in the storage unit 36 is distributed to the client terminal 12. You may make it do. In this step, the effective speed information is acquired as the communication status information. However, information indicating the maximum transmission speed, reception strength, and the like of the destination wireless LAN communication unit 34 may be acquired.

  Then, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the effective speed indicated by the effective speed information acquired in S111 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (whether or not a predetermined communication status condition is satisfied) (S113). Here, it is preferable to set the threshold based on a transfer rate difference between the data communication using the wireless LAN and the data communication using Bluetooth. When the effective speed is less than the threshold, the control unit 20 displays the selection screen (FIG. 6) again to allow the user to select another image processing apparatus 14 (S104). In this case, the print data may be transmitted via the Bluetooth communication unit 22 instead of allowing the user to select another image processing apparatus 14 (S119).

  On the other hand, when the effective speed is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold (S113), the control unit 20 performs setting for the wireless LAN communication unit 24 (S114). That is, the wireless LAN setting information of the wireless LAN communication unit 24 is updated based on the connection data related to the image processing apparatus 14 that is the transmission destination of the print data acquired in S102. That is, the wireless LAN setting information on the client terminal 12 side is updated so that the wireless LAN setting information of the destination image processing apparatus 14 is the same as the ESS-ID information, channel information, encryption information, and encryption key information. To do.

  Next, the control unit 20 acquires the strength (reception strength) of the radio wave received by the wireless LAN communication unit 24 (S115), and whether or not the reception strength is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold (predetermined communication status condition) Is satisfied) (S116). In this step, the reception strength in the wireless LAN communication unit 24 is acquired as the communication status information indicating the wireless communication status in the wireless LAN communication unit 24, but other information indicating the wireless communication status is acquired. You may make it do. When the acquired reception intensity is less than the threshold value, the control unit 20 transmits the print data generated in S110 to the image processing device 14 via the Bluetooth communication unit 22 (S119). In this case, a selection screen (FIG. 6) may be displayed to allow the user to select another image processing device 14 (S104).

  On the other hand, when the reception intensity is equal to or higher than the threshold (S116), the control unit 20 restricts the wireless communication by the Bluetooth communication unit 22 so that the radio wave is not transmitted from the Bluetooth communication unit 22 (S117). For example, the power supply to the Bluetooth communication unit 22 is stopped, and the operation of the Bluetooth communication unit 22 is stopped. As a result, the power consumption in the client terminal 12 can be reduced, and the radio wave interference between the wireless communication by the Bluetooth communication unit 22 and the wireless communication by the wireless LAN communication unit 24 can be reduced. Become. Note that this restriction on the Bluetooth communication unit 22 may be canceled after the transmission of the print data ends normally in S118 and the print processing in the image processing apparatus 14 ends normally, or this processing is executed again. It may be canceled when it is performed (that is, when S101 is executed).

  Then, the control unit 20 supplies the print data generated in S110 to the wireless LAN communication unit 24 and transmits the print data to the image processing apparatus 14 selected on the selection screen (FIG. 6) (S118). In the image processing apparatus 14 that has received the print data, print processing is executed based on the print data, and the document data is output on paper.

  Normally, wireless communication by the wireless LAN communication unit 24 of the client terminal 12 may be restricted, and such restriction may be released only when wireless communication by the wireless LAN communication unit 24 is performed. For example, the power supply to the wireless LAN communication unit 24 of the client terminal 12 is preferably controlled according to the execution of wireless communication by the wireless LAN communication unit 24. In this case, for example, power supply to the wireless LAN communication unit 24 is limited (for example, stopped) until setting for the wireless LAN communication unit 24 in S114, and power supply to the wireless LAN communication unit 24 is started in S114. Also good. Then, after the transmission of the print data ends normally in S118 and the print processing in the image processing apparatus ends normally, the power supply to the wireless LAN communication unit 24 may be restricted (for example, stopped) again. In this way, power consumption at the client terminal 12 can be reduced.

  As described above, according to the image processing system 10 according to the present embodiment, wireless data communication conforming to the Bluetooth standard (wireless data communication that consumes less power than wireless data communication conforming to the wireless LAN standard). The image processing apparatus 14 that can be accessed from the client terminal 12 is searched for, and the data transmission to the desired image processing apparatus 14 is faster than the wireless data communication conforming to the wireless LAN standard (the wireless data communication conforming to the Bluetooth standard). Wireless data communication). For this reason, the user can easily know the image processing apparatus 14 accessible by the client terminal 12, and can transmit and receive data between the image processing apparatus 14 and the client terminal 12 at a sufficient transmission rate. You will be able to do it comfortably.

  In particular, according to the image processing system 10, connection data necessary for connecting to the image processing apparatus 14 by wireless data communication conforming to the wireless LAN standard is acquired by wireless data communication conforming to the Bluetooth standard. Based on the data, data is transmitted to and received from the image processing apparatus 14 by wireless data communication conforming to the wireless LAN standard. For this reason, it becomes possible to reduce the burden on the user related to the setting work required when using the wireless LAN.

  Further, according to the image processing system 10, information related to functions supported by the image processing apparatus 14 is acquired by wireless data communication conforming to the Bluetooth standard. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the functions that can be used in the image processing apparatus 14, and can fully use the functions.

  As a result of the effects as described above, according to the image processing system 10, in particular, the image processing apparatus 14 installed at the place of going out or visiting can be connected to the wireless LAN from the client terminal 12 (for example, the mobile client terminal 12). In such a case, it is possible to efficiently perform such use.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.

  For example, in the above description, the case where print data is transmitted from the client terminal 12 to the image processing apparatus 14 has been described as an example. However, in the present invention, for example, the client terminal 12 can store the image data read by the image processing apparatus 14. The present invention can also be applied when transmitting image data. In this case, the image processing device 14 may perform the same processing as the processing shown in FIGS. For example, the control unit 30 of the image processing apparatus 14 searches for the client terminal 12 existing in the vicinity thereof as in the case of S101, and displays a screen showing the search result on the display unit of the image processing apparatus 14 as in S104. You can make it. Then, when the client terminal 12 (and the storage area for storing the image data in the client terminal 12) as the image data storage destination is selected on this screen, the client terminal 12 is the same as in S110 to S119. On the other hand, the image data may be transmitted via the Bluetooth communication unit 32 or the wireless LAN communication unit 34.

  Further, for example, in the above description, the client terminal 12 and the image processing device 14 have been described as performing wireless data communication directly (the wireless LAN mode is set to the ad hoc mode). May be performed via an access point. That is, the mode of the wireless LAN may be an infrastructure mode (infrastructure connection may be used). In this case, the client terminal 12 may acquire information (wireless LAN setting information) for connecting to the access point from the image processing apparatus 14 or the access point by wireless communication using Bluetooth.

  Further, for example, in the above description, it has been described that data for guiding the existence of the image processing apparatus 14 and connection data are distributed to the client terminal 12 in response to a request from the client terminal 12. Regardless of the request from 12, it may be performed by broadcasting from the image processing apparatus 14 every predetermined time. Further, such distribution may be performed by another information processing apparatus including a Bluetooth interface. For example, an information processing apparatus for distributing connection data of all the image processing apparatuses 14 may be provided separately.

  Further, for example, in the above description, the wireless data communication conforming to the Bluetooth standard and the wireless data communication conforming to the wireless LAN standard are used. However, other wireless data communication may be used instead. Good. For example, instead of wireless data communication conforming to the Bluetooth standard, data for guiding the presence of the image processing device 14 or connection data may be distributed by infrared communication or a beacon.

  Further, for example, in the above, a format (direct print format) that can be directly printed by the image processing apparatus 14 is acquired as part of the attribute information, and the print document is converted into a format according to the performance of the image processing apparatus 14 on the client terminal 12 side. After that, the printer driver is stored in each of the image processing apparatuses 14, and this is stored in the image processing apparatus 14 by wireless data communication conforming to the standard of Bluetooth or wireless LAN. You may make it download from.

  Further, for example, the example in which the present invention is applied to the image processing system 10 has been described above, but the present invention can also be applied to an information processing system other than the image processing system 10.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image processing system according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the functional block of the client terminal and image processing apparatus which concern on embodiment of this invention. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless LAN setting for each image processing apparatus. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process in a client terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the process in a client terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the selection screen of an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of a printing execution screen.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image processing system, 12 Client terminal, 14, 14a, 14b, 14c Image processing apparatus, 20, 30 Control part, 22, 32 Bluetooth communication part, 24, 34 Wireless LAN communication part, 26, 36 Storage part, 28 Display part , 38 image output unit, 39 image input unit.

Claims (10)

A data supply device comprising at least a first wireless communication device capable of receiving data, and a second wireless communication device different from the first wireless communication device capable of transmitting data, and at least receiving data; An information processing system including a data processing device including a third wireless communication device corresponding to the second wireless communication device;
The data processing device includes:
Connection data storage means for storing connection data;
Data receiving means for receiving data by the third wireless communication device;
Data reception restricting means for restricting data reception by the data receiving means based on connection data stored in the connection data storage means;
When data is received by the data receiving means, execution means for executing processing based on the data,
The data supply device includes:
Distribution receiving means for receiving the connection data to be wirelessly distributed by the first wireless communication device;
Data transmitting means for transmitting data to the data processing device by the second wireless communication device based on connection data received by the distribution receiving means;
An information processing system characterized by this. The information processing system according to claim 1,
The data processing device includes a fourth wireless communication device corresponding to the first wireless communication device capable of transmitting at least data, and the connection data stored in the connection data storage means is transmitted to the fourth wireless communication device. Including delivery means for delivery by the device;
The distribution receiving means receives connection data distributed from the data processing device;
An information processing system characterized by this. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2,
The data processing device includes a fourth wireless communication device corresponding to the first wireless communication device capable of transmitting at least data, and communication status data indicating a state of wireless communication by the third wireless communication device, Including communication status data delivery means for delivery by the fourth wireless communication device;
The data supply device includes communication status data receiving means for receiving communication status data distributed from the data processing device,
The first wireless communication device is configured to transmit and receive data,
The data transmission means executes transmission of data to the data processing device by the first wireless communication device when the communication status data received by the communication status data receiving means satisfies a predetermined communication status condition.
An information processing system characterized by this. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The first wireless communication device is configured to transmit and receive data,
The data supply device includes communication status data acquisition means for acquiring communication status data indicating a status of wireless communication by the second wireless communication device,
The data transmission means, when the communication status data acquired by the communication status data acquisition means satisfies a predetermined communication status condition, executes transmission of data to the data processing device by the first wireless communication device.
An information processing system characterized by this. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The data processing device includes a fourth wireless communication device corresponding to the first wireless communication device capable of transmitting at least data, and processing content data related to processing content in the data processing device is transmitted to the fourth wireless communication device. Processing content data delivery means for delivery by the device,
The data supply device includes processing content data receiving means for receiving processing content data distributed from the data processing device by the first wireless communication device,
The data transmission means includes means for generating data to be transmitted to the data processing device based on the processing content data received by the processing content data receiving means.
An information processing system characterized by this. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The data supply device includes means for restricting wireless communication by the first wireless communication device when the data transmission unit executes transmission of data to the data processing device by the second wireless communication device. A featured information processing system. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The data supply device includes:
Limiting means for limiting wireless communication by the second wireless communication device;
When connection data is received by the distribution receiving means, including means for releasing the restriction by the restriction means,
An information processing system characterized by this. A data supply device comprising at least a first wireless communication device capable of receiving data and a second wireless communication device different from the first wireless communication device capable of transmitting data, wherein at least data reception is possible Data for transmitting data to a data processing apparatus that includes a third wireless communication apparatus corresponding to the second wireless communication apparatus and restricts data reception by the third wireless communication apparatus based on connection data. In the supply device,
Distribution receiving means for receiving the connection data to be wirelessly distributed by the first wireless communication device;
Data transmitting means for transmitting data to the data processing device by the second wireless communication device based on connection data received by the distribution receiving device;
A data supply device comprising: A data supply device comprising at least a first wireless communication device capable of receiving data and a second wireless communication device different from the first wireless communication device capable of transmitting data, wherein at least data reception is possible Data for transmitting data to a data processing apparatus that includes a third wireless communication apparatus corresponding to the second wireless communication apparatus and restricts data reception by the third wireless communication apparatus based on connection data. In the control method of the supply device,
A distribution receiving step of receiving the connection data to be wirelessly distributed by the first wireless communication device;
A data transmission step of transmitting data to the data processing device by the second wireless communication device based on the connection data received in the distribution receiving step;
A method for controlling a data supply apparatus, comprising: A data supply device comprising at least a first wireless communication device capable of receiving data and a second wireless communication device different from the first wireless communication device capable of transmitting data, wherein at least data reception is possible Data for transmitting data to a data processing apparatus that includes a third wireless communication apparatus corresponding to the second wireless communication apparatus and restricts data reception by the third wireless communication apparatus based on connection data. A program for causing a computer to function as a supply device,
A distribution receiving means for receiving the connection data to be wirelessly distributed by the first wireless communication device; and
Data transmission means for transmitting data to the data processing device by the second wireless communication device based on the connection data received in the distribution receiving step;
A program for causing the computer to function as

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