JP2009182895A - Communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication system, capable of speeding up the shift from a radio communication impossible state to a radio communication possible state. <P>SOLUTION: When an MFP 1 shifts from a general mode to a power-saving mode, the MFP 1 transmits a "power-saving mode shift report" to a slave machine 31. The slave machine 31 sets, upon receipt of the "power-saving mode shift report", the time interval of execution of no-service search processing (S12) for searching whether a synchronous signal is not transmitted from the MFP 1 shorter than the time interval of a case in which the MFP 1 executes the no-service search processing while operating the MFP 1 in the general mode. Since the execution frequency of the no-service search processing is increased when the execution interval of the no-service search processing is shortened, the slave machine 31 can receive the synchronous signal early when the MFP 1 shifts from the power-saving mode to the general mode and starts to transmit the synchronous signal. Consequently, radio communications 300 between the slave machine 31 and the MFP 1 can be promptly started. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a communication system capable of making a call between a parent device and a child device via wireless communication. In this type of communication system, even when a call is not being performed between the parent device and the child device, a radio signal including system information and the like is transmitted from the parent device to the child device at regular intervals. In order to receive a radio signal transmitted from the parent device, the child device performs a reception operation intermittently in accordance with a certain interval at which the parent device transmits a radio signal. In the next patent document 1, the interval at which the slave unit intermittently performs the reception operation is extended according to the magnification (the magnification is a positive integer) selected by the user, so that the reception operation performed within a certain period of time is performed. A technique for reducing the number of times to reduce the power consumption of the slave unit is described.
JP-A-7-30478 (paragraph 0024, etc.)

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above, even if the start of wireless communication is requested from the parent device to the child device, the next reception operation is started after the interval of performing the reception operation in the child device. Until it receives a request from the master unit. Therefore, as the interval for performing the reception operation of the slave unit is extended, the interval until the slave unit starts the next reception operation becomes longer, so it is assumed that a request for starting wireless communication from the master unit to the slave unit is made. However, there is a problem that it takes a long time to shift from the wireless communication disabled state to the wireless communication enabled state.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a communication system that can speed up the transition from a wireless communication disabled state to a wireless communication enabled state.

  In order to achieve this object, the communication system according to claim 1 includes a first communication device having first wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a second wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving wireless signals. A wireless communicable state in which radio signals can be transmitted and received between the first radio communication unit and the second radio communication unit, and the first radio communication unit and the second radio communication Wireless communication disabled state in which wireless signals cannot be transmitted to and received from the device, and the wireless communication is disabled when the wireless communication disabled state is between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device. The first communication device attempts to transition to a communicable state every time the first interval elapses, and the first communication device detects request for transition to the wireless communicable state in the wireless communicable state; Depending on the request detection means A transmission means for transmitting a transition signal indicating a transition to the wireless communication disabled state to the second communication device when a request for shifting to the wireless communication disabled state is detected, the second communication device, First determination means for determining whether or not the transition signal transmitted by the transmission means of the first communication device has been received, and if the first determination means determines that the transition signal has been received, than the first interval First communication trial means for attempting to shift to the wireless communicable state every time a second interval having a short time interval elapses.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the communication system according to the first aspect, further comprising: a charging base that supplies power to the second communication device when the second communication device is mounted; The apparatus includes: a storage battery that supplies power to the second wireless communication unit; a supply unit that supplies power to the storage battery when the second communication device is mounted on the charging base; and a charging base. Placement detecting means for detecting whether the second communication device is placed, wherein the first communication trial means is determined to have received the transition signal by the first determination means, and is described above. When it is detected by the position detection means that the second communication device is mounted on the charging stand, a transition to the wireless communication enabled state is attempted every time the second interval elapses.

  The communication system according to claim 3 is the communication system according to claim 2, wherein it is determined that the transition signal is received by the first determination unit, and the second communication is performed on the charging stand by the position detection unit. When it is detected that the device is not placed, a second communication trial unit is provided which tries to shift to the wireless communication enabled state every time the first interval elapses.

  The communication system according to claim 4 is the communication system according to claim 1, wherein the second communication device is configured to detect the amount of energy stored in the storage battery by the first determination unit. When it is determined that a transition signal has been received and the amount of energy detected by the storage amount detection means is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, a transition to the wireless communication enabled state is attempted each time the second interval elapses. 3 communication trial means.

  The communication system according to claim 5 is the communication system according to claim 4, wherein the third communication trial unit is determined to have received the transition signal by the first determination unit, and the storage amount detection unit has When the detected energy amount is less than a predetermined value, the transition to the wireless communication enabled state is attempted every time the first interval elapses.

  The communication system according to claim 6 is the communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second communication device receives a transition signal transmitted by a transmission unit of the first communication device. A time measuring means for measuring the time after reception of the transition signal, and when the time measured by the time measuring means exceeds a predetermined time and the wireless communication is disabled, the transition to the wireless communication enabled state is made. And a fourth communication trial unit that tries each time the first interval elapses.

  The communication system according to claim 7 is the communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second communication device stores a first storage unit that stores a value corresponding to the first interval; A second storage means for storing a value corresponding to the second interval, and a first judgment for determining whether or not the wireless communication enabled state has been entered when each of the communication trial means attempts to enter a wireless communication enabled state. 2 determination means, and transition to the wireless communication enabled state is made by the second determination means in a state where the transition to the wireless communication enabled state is attempted at an interval corresponding to the value stored in the first storage means. Corresponding to the value stored in the second storage means and the first addition means for adding a value corresponding to the first extension time to the value stored in the first storage means each time it is determined that To the wireless communicable state at intervals Every time it is determined by the second determination means that the wireless communication is not possible in a state where a row has been attempted, the value stored in the second storage means is longer than the first extension time. And a second addition means for adding a value corresponding to a short second extension time, and each of the communication trial means is in a state of trying to shift to the current wireless communication enabled state by the second determination means. When it is determined that the wireless communication state has not been changed and the addition by the first addition means or the second addition means is performed, the value of the storage means is acquired, and the next time the interval corresponding to the acquired value elapses Trying to shift to a state where wireless communication is possible.

  The communication system according to claim 8 is the communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second communication device includes display means for displaying characters and images, and transmission means of the first communication device. Display control means for displaying on the display means that a request for transition to the wireless communication disabled state has been made in the first communication device when a transmitted transition signal is received.

  According to the communication system according to claim 1, when the wireless communication is not possible between the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit, every time the transition to the wireless communication enabled state passes the first interval. Tried. The first communication device transmits a transition signal indicating a transition to the wireless communication disabled state to the second communication device when a request for shifting to the wireless communication disabled state is detected by the requesting device in the wireless communication enabled state. When the first determination unit determines that the transition signal transmitted by the transmission unit of the first communication device has been received, the second communication device shifts to the wireless communicable state longer than the first interval. An attempt is made every time a second interval with a short interval elapses. Therefore, when there is a transition signal indicating the transition from the first communication device to the wireless communication disabled state, the second communication device attempts to shift to the wireless communication enabled state at a second interval shorter than the first interval. Therefore, the number of times that the transition is attempted within a certain period increases. Therefore, when it becomes possible to shift to the wireless communication enabled state in the wireless communication disabled state, the time until the transition to the wireless communication enabled state is shortened, so the wireless communication disabled state to the wireless communication enabled state is shortened. The effect is that the transition can be accelerated.

  According to the communication system according to claim 2, in addition to the effect achieved by the communication system according to claim 1, in a state where the placement detection unit detects that the second communication device is placed on the charging stand, When the first determination unit determines that the transition signal transmitted by the transmission unit of the first communication device has been received, the second communication device attempts to shift to the wireless communicable state every time the second interval elapses. Therefore, when the second communication device is placed on the charging stand, the number of attempts to shift within a certain period increases and power consumption increases, but power from the charging stand to the storage battery of the second communication device increases. Since the power is supplied, there is an effect that the transition from the wireless communication disabled state to the wireless communication enabled state can be accelerated while suppressing an early decrease in the remaining amount of power of the storage battery.

  According to the communication system according to claim 3, in addition to the effect achieved by the communication system according to claim 2, the second communication device detects that the second communication device is not placed on the charging stand by the placement detection means. If it is, the transition to the wireless communicable state is attempted every time the first interval longer than the second interval elapses. That is, when power is not supplied from the charging stand to the storage battery of the second communication device, the transition to the wireless communication enabled state is attempted every time the first interval elapses, so that the remaining amount of power of the storage battery disappears early. This can be suppressed. Therefore, there is an effect that the operable time of the second communication device can be extended.

  According to the communication system according to claim 4, in addition to the effect achieved by the communication system according to claim 1, the second communication device can perform wireless communication when the amount of energy detected by the storage amount detection means is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. A transition to a possible state is attempted each time the second interval elapses. Therefore, if the amount of energy of the storage battery is equal to or greater than the predetermined value and the remaining amount of power of the storage battery does not disappear early even if a transition to the wireless communication enabled state is attempted every time the second interval elapses, wireless communication is performed. There is an effect that the transition from the disabled state to the wireless communication enabled state can be accelerated.

  According to the communication system of the fifth aspect, in addition to the effect achieved by the communication system according to the fourth aspect, the second communication device can perform wireless communication when the amount of energy detected by the storage amount detection means is less than a predetermined value. A transition to a possible state is attempted each time the first interval elapses. Therefore, when the amount of energy of the storage battery is less than the predetermined value and there is a possibility that the remaining amount of power of the storage battery may be lost early, the number of attempts to make a transition within a certain period can be reduced, and consumption of the storage battery power is suppressed. it can. Therefore, there is an effect that the operable time of the second communication device can be extended.

  According to the communication system of the sixth aspect, in addition to the effect achieved by the communication system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the second communication device transmits the transition signal transmitted by the transmission means of the first communication device. If the wireless communication is disabled when the time after reception and reception of the shift signal exceeds a predetermined time, a transition to the wireless communication enabled state is attempted every time the first interval elapses. Here, for example, if a predetermined time is a time that does not shift to the wireless communication enabled state even if the wireless communication disabled state is attempted multiple times in the wireless communication disabled state, the predetermined time has passed. The occurrence of a failure in the communication device can be considered. In this case, since the transition to the wireless communication enabled state is attempted every time the first interval longer than the second interval elapses, there is a possibility that the communication device may break down and the wireless communication ready state may be transferred. When it is low, there is an effect that power consumption can be suppressed.

  According to the communication system of the seventh aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the communication system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the second transition is performed in the state where the transition to the wireless communication enabled state is attempted at the first interval. Each time it is determined by the determination means that the wireless communication is not possible, a value corresponding to the first extension time is added to the value corresponding to the first interval stored in the first storage means. Further, every time the transition to the wireless communicable state is attempted at the second interval and the second determination unit determines that the wireless communicable state has not been transitioned, the second storage unit stores the second storage unit. A value corresponding to the second extension time, which is shorter than the first extension time, is added to the value corresponding to the two intervals. Since the second extension time for extending the second interval is shorter than the first extension time for extending the first interval, the transition to the wireless communication enabled state occurs each time the extended second interval elapses. In the attempted case, the interval until the transition to the wireless communication enabled state is attempted is shorter than the transition is attempted every time the extended first interval elapses. Therefore, even if the interval for trying to shift to the wireless communication enabled state is extended, if there is a shift signal from the first communication device, the time interval is shorter in the second communication device than the first interval. Since the transition to the wireless communication enabled state is attempted at the second interval, there is an effect that the transition from the wireless communication disabled state to the wireless communication enabled state can be accelerated.

  According to the communication system of the eighth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the communication system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the second communication device transmits a transition signal transmitted by the transmission means of the first communication device. When received, the display means displays that the first communication device has made a request to shift to the wireless communication disabled state. Therefore, the user who operates the second communication device can recognize that the request to shift to the wireless communication disabled state is made in the first communication device. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to make the user recognize that it may take time to shift from the wireless communication disabled state to the wireless communication enabled state.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows an external configuration of a multifunction peripheral device (hereinafter referred to as “MFP (Multi Function Peripheral)”) 1 having a base unit of a communication device and a slave unit 31 of the communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the shown perspective view.

  First, communication processing performed by the MFP 1 (master unit) and the slave unit 31 will be briefly described. The MFP 1 and the slave unit 31 are configured to be able to make a call via the wireless communication 300 (see FIG. 2). The MFP 1 transmits a synchronization signal including system information and the like to the slave unit 31 at regular intervals (for example, every 10 ms), and the slave unit 31 transmits the synchronization signal in order to receive the synchronization signal. The receiving operation is performed according to a certain period. As long as the slave unit 31 receives the synchronization signal transmitted from the MFP 1 at regular intervals, the wireless communication 300 is communicably connected to the MFP 1 and the slave unit 31 to perform a call. .

  Further, when the slave unit 31 cannot receive the synchronization signal transmitted from the MFP 1, the slave unit 31 searches for the synchronization signal transmitted at intervals of several tens of seconds to several hundreds seconds (hereinafter, the slave unit 31 searches for the synchronization signal). This is called “out-of-service search”). When the slave unit 31 cannot detect the synchronization signal transmitted from the MFP 1 by the out-of-service search, it extends the time interval until the next out-of-service search is executed (hereinafter referred to as “out-of-service search interval”) ( For example, 30 seconds), the out-of-service search interval is several tens to several hundreds of seconds.

  In the present embodiment, the state in which the MFP 1 stops transmitting the synchronization signal (hereinafter referred to as “power saving mode”) from the state in which the MFP 1 transmits the synchronization signal at regular intervals (hereinafter referred to as “normal mode”). In the case of transition to “calling”, the MFP 1 transmits a “power saving mode transition notification” (corresponding to an example of the transition signal described in the claims) from the MFP 1 (processing of S4 in FIG. 3). When receiving the “power saving mode transition notification”, the slave unit 31 executes the out-of-service search by setting the out-of-service search interval to be shorter than that in the case where the out-of-service search process is executed while the MFP 1 is operating in the normal mode.

  Specifically, when the MFP 1 is operating in the normal mode and the synchronization signal cannot be received, the slave unit 31 sets the out-of-service search interval to 30 seconds such as 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds,. Repeat out-of-range search while extending by seconds. Further, after receiving the “power saving mode transition notification” from the MFP 1, the slave unit 31 sets the out-of-service search interval to 10 seconds such as 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds,... Repeat out-of-service search while extending each time.

  As described above, when receiving the “power saving mode transition notification” transmitted from the MFP 1 (when the MFP 1 operates in the power saving mode), the slave unit 31 sets the out-of-service search interval and the MFP 1 in the normal mode. Extend it shorter than when it is working. Therefore, since the number of out-of-service searches performed within a certain period increases, when the MFP 1 shifts from the power saving mode to the normal mode and starts transmitting the synchronization signal, the slave unit 31 receives the synchronization signal early. The wireless communication 300 with the MFP 1 can be started quickly.

  Next, the external configuration of the MFP 1 (master unit) will be described with reference to FIG. The MFP 1 has various functions such as a telephone function, a facsimile function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a copy function. The telephone line network 100 (FIG. 2) is used to perform a telephone call using the telephone function and data transmission using the facsimile function. Connected). A scanner 21 for reading a document when the facsimile function, the scanner function, or the copy function is executed is disposed above the MFP 1.

  A printer 22 composed of a so-called inkjet printer is built in the housing of the MFP 1 as a device for printing an image on a recording sheet. The printer 22 includes a print head that uses four colors of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black), a paper feeding device, and a recovery device, and performs color printing. The print head is provided with a plurality of nozzles (ink ejection ports), and the recording paper is fed by the paper feeding device while the ink is ejected from the nozzles, and the image is printed on the recording paper.

  An operation panel 6 is provided on the top surface of the MFP 1, and includes an operation key 15, an LCD 16, a microphone 23 (see FIG. 2), and a speaker 24 (see FIG. 2). The operation key 15 is provided with various buttons such as a power saving mode shift button 15a for shifting the MFP 1 from the normal mode to the power saving mode and a numeric button for inputting a telephone number.

  When the user presses the power saving mode transition button 15a when the MFP 1 is operating in the normal mode, the MFP 1 transmits a “power saving mode transition notification” to the slave unit 31 (the process of S4 in FIG. 3). ) After that, the transmission of the synchronization signal is stopped and the normal mode is shifted to the power saving mode. When the MFP 1 is operating in the power saving mode, when the user presses the power saving mode transition button 15a, the MFP 1 resumes transmission of the synchronization signal and shifts from the power saving mode to the normal mode. To do.

  Further, the user can use the scanner function and the copy function of the MFP 1 by operating various keys provided on the operation keys 15. The LCD 16 displays the operation procedure and the status of the process being executed, and also displays information corresponding to pressing of the operation key 15.

  The microphone 23 converts the input sound into a sound signal (electric signal) and outputs the sound signal. When the MFP 1 is connected to an external device (not shown) via the telephone line network 100 (see FIG. 2) so that a call can be made, the voice emitted from the user is converted into a sound signal by the microphone 23, and the telephone line network 100 to the external device. The speaker 24 generates sound by converting an input sound signal into sound. From the speaker 24, a warning sound at the time of error occurrence, a ringing tone according to an incoming call from an external device via the telephone network 100, a sound based on a sound signal transmitted from the external device, etc. are generated. The

  Next, the external configuration of the slave unit 31 will be described. An operation key 39 and an LCD 40 are provided on the front surface of the slave unit 31. The operation key 39 is provided with various buttons such as numeric buttons for inputting a telephone number. The LCD 40 displays the operation procedure of the slave unit 31 and the state of a call.

  A microphone 41 is provided below the front surface of the slave unit 31. The microphone 41 converts an input sound into a sound signal and outputs the sound signal. When the MFP 1 is connected to an external device (not shown) via the telephone line network 100 (see FIG. 2) so that a call can be made, the user can make a call with the external device using the slave unit 31. . Voice emitted from the user is converted into a sound signal by the microphone 41 and transmitted to an external device via the wireless communication 300 and the telephone line network 100.

  A speaker 42 is provided above the LCD 40 of the slave unit 31. The speaker 42 converts an input sound signal into a sound and generates a sound. The speaker 42 generates a warning sound when an error occurs, a ringing tone according to an incoming call from an external device via the telephone line network 100, an external sound A sound or the like based on a sound signal transmitted from the device is generated.

  The handset charging base 46 is a base on which the handset 31 can be placed, and when the handset 31 is placed, the power for storing power in the rechargeable battery 44a built in the handset 31 is provided. This is supplied to the slave unit 31. The charging stand for slave unit 46 is provided with a power supply circuit 46a (see FIG. 2). The power supply circuit 46 a is connected to a commercial power source, and stores the rechargeable battery 44 a built in the slave unit 31 from the commercial power source when the slave unit 31 is mounted on the slave charging base 46. This is a known circuit that generates power for supplying power to the charging circuit 44 (see FIG. 2) of the slave unit 31.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the electrical configuration of the MFP 1 (master unit) and the slave unit 31 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the MFP 1 and the slave unit 31. First, the MFP 1 will be described.

  The MFP 1 includes a CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, operation key 15, LCD 16, power supply circuit 17, switch 18, wireless communication control circuit 19, scanner 21, printer 22, microphone 23, speaker 24, clock circuit 25, NCU 26, modem 27 It has mainly.

  The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected to each other via a bus line 28. Further, the operation key 15, LCD 16, switch 18, wireless communication control circuit 19, scanner 21, printer 22, microphone 23, speaker 24, clock circuit 25, NCU 26, modem 27, and bus line 28 are connected via an input / output port 29. Are connected to each other.

  The CPU 11 controls the functions of the MFP 1 according to fixed values and programs stored in the ROM 12 and the RAM 13, or various signals transmitted and received via the wireless communication control circuit 19 or the NCU 26, and the input / output port 29. It controls each connected unit. The ROM 12 is a non-rewritable memory that stores a control program executed by the MFP 1. A program for executing the parent device power saving mode transition process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is stored in the ROM 12.

  The RAM 13 is a rewritable volatile memory, and is a memory for temporarily storing various data when each operation of the MFP 1 is executed. The RAM 13 is provided with a power saving mode flag memory 13a. The power saving mode flag memory 13a is a memory in which a power saving mode flag indicating whether the MFP 1 is operating in the power saving mode is stored. The power saving mode flag is set to ON (for example, “1”) when the MFP 1 is operating in the power saving mode, and when the MFP 1 is operating in the normal mode or when the main power of the MFP 1 is turned on. Set to off (for example, “0”).

  The power supply circuit 17 is a power supply circuit for supplying power necessary for the wireless communication control circuit 19 to operate. The switch 18 supplies or blocks the power supplied from the power supply circuit 17 to the wireless communication control circuit 19 in accordance with a signal input from the CPU 11. For example, when a high signal is input from the CPU 11, the switch 18 is turned on, and power is supplied from the power supply circuit 17 to the wireless communication control circuit 19. On the other hand, while the low signal is input from the CPU 11, the switch 18 is turned off, and the power supplied from the power supply circuit 17 to the wireless communication control circuit 19 is cut off.

  The wireless communication control circuit 19 has a wireless communication antenna 20, performs wireless communication 300 with the wireless communication control circuit 37 of the handset 31, and transmits / receives data communication and sound signals to / from the handset 31. It is a known circuit that enables The wireless communication control circuit 19 transmits a synchronization signal to the slave unit 31 at regular intervals (for example, every 10 ms) while power is supplied from the power supply circuit 17.

  The timer circuit 19 is a known circuit having a clock function for marking the current date and time. The NCU 26 is connected to the telephone line network 100 and controls the transmission of a dial signal to the telephone line network 100 and the response of a calling signal from the telephone line network 100. The modem 29 modulates the image data instructed to be transmitted by the facsimile function into a signal that can be transmitted to the telephone line network 100 and transmits it via the NCU 26, or a signal input from the telephone line network 100 via the NCU 26. Is demodulated into image data that can be displayed on the LCD 16 or recorded by the printer 22.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the slave unit 31 will be described. The handset 31 includes a CPU 32, a ROM 33, a RAM 34, a power supply circuit 35, a switch 36, a wireless communication control circuit 37, an operation key 39, an LCD 40, a microphone 41, a speaker 42, a timing circuit 43, a charging circuit 44, and a charging base for the handset. 46 mainly.

  The CPU 32, ROM 33, RAM 34, switch 36, wireless communication control circuit 37, operation key 39, LCD 40, microphone 41, speaker 42, timing circuit 43, and charging circuit 44 are connected to each other via a bus line 45.

  The CPU 32 controls each unit connected by the bus line 45 according to fixed values and programs stored in the ROM 33 and RAM 34 or various signals transmitted and received via the wireless communication control circuit 37. The ROM 33 is a non-rewritable memory that stores various control programs executed by the slave unit 31. Communication processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, out-of-service search processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, out-of-service search initialization processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6A, out-of-service search end processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. Each program for executing out-of-service search interval update processing shown in the flowchart of (c) is stored in the ROM 33.

  The ROM 33 is provided with a lower limit voltage value memory 33a. The lower limit voltage value memory 33a stores a lower limit voltage value that is a voltage value for determining whether or not the remaining amount of electric power stored in a rechargeable battery 44a described later has decreased. When the voltage value of the rechargeable battery 44a is equal to or lower than the lower limit voltage value, it is determined that the remaining amount of power stored in the rechargeable battery 44a has decreased.

  The RAM 34 is a rewritable memory for temporarily storing various data. The RAM 34 includes a base unit power saving mode flag memory 34a, an out-of-service flag memory 34b, an out-of-service search executing flag memory 34c, and an out-of-service search interval memory 34d.

  The parent device power saving mode flag memory 34a is a memory in which a parent device power saving mode flag indicating whether the MFP 1 is operating in the power saving mode is stored. The parent device power saving mode flag is set to on (for example, “1”) when the child device 31 receives a “power saving mode shift notification” transmitted from the MFP 1. Further, when the slave unit 31 receives a synchronization signal transmitted from the MFP 1 in a state where the master unit power saving mode flag is set to ON, or when the main power source of the slave unit 31 is turned on (for example, "0").

  The out-of-service flag memory 34b is a memory that stores an out-of-service flag indicating whether or not the handset 31 is connected to the MFP 1 so that the wireless communication 300 is communicable. The out-of-service flag is set to ON (for example, “1”) when the slave unit 31 cannot receive the synchronization signal transmitted from the MFP 1. Further, when the handset 31 receives a synchronization signal transmitted from the MFP 1 with the out-of-service flag set on, the MFP 1 and the wireless communication 300 are connected to be communicable, or the handset When the main power supply 31 is turned on, it is set to off (for example, “0”). Accordingly, when the MFP 1 operates in the power saving mode and transmission of the synchronization signal is stopped, or when the slave unit 31 moves out of the communication area where the wireless communication 300 with the MFP 1 is impossible, the out-of-range flag is turned on. Will be set to.

  The out-of-service search execution flag memory 34c is a memory that stores an out-of-service search execution flag indicating whether the out-of-service search has been started and whether the out-of-service search is repeatedly executed. The out-of-service search execution flag is set to ON (for example, “1”) when the handset 31 starts the out-of-service search. Also, when the slave unit 31 starts receiving the synchronization signal transmitted from the MFP 1 and ends the out-of-service search, or when the main power source of the slave unit 31 is turned on, it is set to off (for example, “0”). .

  The out-of-service search interval memory 34d is a memory in which an out-of-service search interval, which is a time interval until the child device 31 performs the next out-of-service search, is stored. If the slave unit 31 cannot detect the synchronization signal in the out-of-service search being performed, the handset 31 waits until the out-of-service search interval (eg, “30 seconds”) stored in the out-of-service search interval memory 34d elapses. Then, when the out-of-service search interval elapses, the next out-of-service search is performed. In addition, the subunit | mobile_unit 31 performs an out-of-service search repeatedly until the synchronous signal transmitted from MFP1 is received.

  The power supply circuit 35 is a power supply circuit for supplying power necessary for the wireless communication control circuit 37 to operate. Note that the power supply circuit 35 operates with power supplied from a rechargeable battery 44a of the charging circuit 44 described later.

  The switch 36 supplies or blocks the power supplied from the power supply circuit 35 to the wireless communication control circuit 37 in accordance with a signal input from the CPU 32. For example, when a high signal is input from the CPU 32, the switch 36 is turned on, and power is supplied from the power supply circuit 35 to the wireless communication control circuit 37. On the other hand, while the low signal is input from the CPU 32, the switch 36 is turned off, and the power supplied from the power supply circuit 35 to the wireless communication control circuit 37 is cut off.

  The wireless communication control circuit 37 includes a wireless communication antenna 38 and performs wireless communication 300 with the wireless communication control circuit 19 of the MFP 1 to enable data communication and transmission / reception of sound signals and the like with the MFP 1. It is a known circuit. The wireless communication control circuit 37 can receive the synchronization signal transmitted from the wireless communication control circuit 19 when power is supplied from the power supply circuit 35. The clock circuit 43 is a known circuit that has a clock function for marking the current date and time, and clocks the elapsed time since the start of clocking (by the CPU 32).

  The charging circuit 44 is a known circuit for accumulating electric power supplied from the charging unit 46 for handset. The charging circuit 44 is provided with a rechargeable battery 44a, a charging state detection circuit 44b, and a placement state detection circuit 44c. The rechargeable battery 44a stores the electric power supplied from the charging unit 46 for handset. The electric power stored in the rechargeable battery 44a is supplied as operating power to each unit of the slave unit 31.

  The charge state detection circuit 44b is a known circuit for detecting the amount of power stored in the rechargeable battery 44a. The charge state detection circuit 44b detects a voltage value corresponding to the amount of power stored in the rechargeable battery 44a. The placement state detection circuit 44 c is a known circuit that detects whether or not the handset 31 is placed on the handset charging base 46. For example, when the child device 31 is placed on the child device charging base 46, a high signal is output to the CPU 32. Note that a low signal is output while the signal is not placed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the master unit power saving mode transition process executed by the CPU 11 of the MFP 1 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the base unit power saving mode transition process of the MFP 1. This master power saving mode transition process is a process for causing the MFP 1 to transition from the normal mode to the power saving mode, or to shift from the power saving mode to the normal mode. This parent device power saving mode transition process is a process executed when the power saving mode transition button 15a of the MFP 1 is pressed.

  In the parent device power saving mode transition process, first, the state of the power saving mode flag stored in the power saving mode flag memory 13a of the RAM 13 is referred to determine whether the MFP 1 is operating in the power saving mode (S1). .

  If the MFP 1 is operating in the normal mode in the process of S1, that is, if the power saving mode flag is off (S1: No), is the wireless communication 300 connected to the slave unit 31 communicably connected? (S2), and waits until the wireless communication 300 with the handset 31 is communicably connected (S2: No).

  For example, a synchronization instruction including system information and the like is transmitted to the slave unit 31 including a response instruction that instructs the MFP 1 to respond when the synchronization signal is received. When the handset 31 receives the response instruction, the handset 31 is caused to transmit a response based on the response instruction to the MFP 1. When the MFP 1 receives a response based on the response instruction transmitted from the slave unit 31, the MFP 1 determines that the wireless communication 300 with the slave unit 31 is communicably connected.

  If the wireless communication 300 with the handset 31 is communicably connected in the process of S2 (S2: Yes), the power saving mode flag stored in the power saving mode flag memory 13a of the RAM 13 is set to ON. Then (S3), a “power saving mode transition notification” is transmitted to the slave unit 31 (S4). Then, the switch 18 is turned off, the power supplied to the wireless communication control circuit 19 is cut off (S5), and the master unit power saving mode transition process is terminated.

  In the process of S1, if the MFP 1 is operating in the power saving mode, that is, if the power saving mode flag is on (S1: Yes), the power saving mode flag is set to off (S6). Then, the switch 18 is turned on to supply power from the power supply circuit 17 to the wireless communication control circuit 19 (S7), and this master unit power saving mode transition process is terminated.

  The master device power saving mode transition process in the flowchart of FIG. 3 described above enables the MFP 1 to transition from the normal mode to the power saving mode, or to shift from the power saving mode to the normal mode. Further, when the MFP 1 shifts from the normal mode to the power saving mode, a “power saving mode shift notification” can be transmitted to the slave unit 31. In addition, the subunit | mobile_unit 31 will shorten the out-of-service search interval and will increase the frequency | count of performing out-of-service search, if this "power saving mode transition notification" is received.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the communication process performed by CPU32 of the subunit | mobile_unit 31 is demonstrated.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing communication processing of the slave unit 31. The communication process is a process for receiving a synchronization signal transmitted from the MFP 1, and is a fixed cycle (for example, the MFP 1 transmits a synchronization signal until the main power is turned off after the main power of the slave unit 31 is turned on). 10 ms) is repeatedly executed. The out-of-service flag stored in the out-of-service flag memory 34b of the RAM 34 is set to OFF when the main power supply of the slave unit 31 is turned on.

  In the communication process, first, it is determined whether or not the out-of-service flag memory 34b is on (S11). If the out-of-service flag is on in the process of S11 (S11: Yes), the out-of-service search process described later is executed (S12), and this communication process is terminated. The out-of-service search process (S12) is performed every several tens to several hundreds of seconds when the slave unit 31 cannot receive the synchronization signal transmitted from the MFP 1 and the wireless communication 300 with the MFP 1 is impossible. It is a process for investigating whether or not a synchronization signal is transmitted.

  In the process of S11, if the out-of-service flag is off (S11: No), an attempt is made to receive a synchronization signal transmitted from the MFP 1 (S13). Next, it is determined whether the synchronization signal has been received and the wireless communication 300 with the MFP 1 is connected to be communicable (S14). If the wireless communication 300 with the MFP 1 is not communicably connected in the process of S14 (S14: No), the out-of-service flag stored in the out-of-service flag memory 34b of the RAM 34 is set to ON (S15). The communication process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the wireless communication 300 with the MFP 1 is communicably connected in the process of S14 (S14: Yes), it is determined whether the “power saving mode transition notification” transmitted from the MFP 1 has been received (S16). ). In the process of S16, when the “power saving mode transition notification” has not been received (S16: No), the process of S17 is skipped and the communication process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the “power saving mode transition notification” is received in the processing of S16 (S16: Yes), the parent device power saving mode flag stored in the parent device power saving mode flag memory 34a of the RAM 34 is set to ON. Then (S17), this communication process is terminated.

  For example, it is assumed that the above-described communication process is executed when the MFP 1 is operating in the normal mode and the slave unit 31 receives a synchronization signal transmitted from the MFP 1. In this case, since the slave unit 31 is connected so that the MFP 1 and the wireless communication 300 can communicate with each other, the out-of-service flag is set to OFF, the processing of S13 and S14 is executed, and then the processing of S16 is executed. . Here, when the slave unit 31 receives the “power saving mode transition notification” transmitted from the MFP 1 (S16: Yes), the master unit power saving mode flag is set to ON (S17), and this communication is performed. Processing ends.

  Thereafter, the MFP 1 shifts to the power saving mode and stops the transmission of the synchronization signal, so that the slave unit 31 cannot receive the synchronization signal. Then, when a certain period (for example, 10 ms) elapses and the communication processing is executed again in the slave unit 31, the out-of-service flag is set to OFF, so the processing of S13 and S14 is executed. Since the handset 31 cannot perform the wireless communication 300 with the MFP 1, the out-of-service flag is set to ON (S15), and the current communication process ends.

  Thereafter, since the out-of-service flag is set to ON, the out-of-service search process (S12) is executed every time a certain period (for example, 10 ms) elapses and the communication process is executed.

  Next, the out-of-service search process (S12) executed by the CPU 32 of the child device 31 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the out-of-service search process (S12) of the child device 31. The out-of-service search process (S12) determines whether the synchronization signal is transmitted when the slave unit 31 cannot receive the synchronization signal transmitted from the MFP 1 and the wireless communication 300 with the MFP 1 becomes impossible. This is a process for exploration. Note that the out-of-service search execution flag stored in the out-of-service search flag memory 34c of the RAM 34 is set to OFF when the main power of the slave unit 31 is turned on.

  In the out-of-service search process (S12), it is first determined whether or not the out-of-service search execution flag in the out-of-service search execution flag memory 34c is on (S21). If the out-of-service search execution flag is off in the process of S21 (S21: No), the out-of-service search initialization process described later is executed (S22), and the process proceeds to S25. The out-of-service search initialization process (S22) is a process for performing initial setting for starting the out-of-service search process (S12).

  In the process of S21, if the out-of-service search execution flag is on (S21: Yes), the elapsed time from the start of timing by the timing circuit 43 is acquired from the timing circuit 43 (S23), and the acquired elapsed time is acquired. Then, it is determined whether it is equal to or greater than the out-of-range search interval stored in the out-of-range search interval memory 34d of the RAM 34 (S24).

  In the process of S24, when the acquired elapsed time is less than the out-of-service search interval in the out-of-service search interval memory 34d (S24: No), “out of service area” is displayed on the LCD 40 (S25), and this out-of-service search process is performed. finish.

  On the other hand, in the process of S24, when the acquired elapsed time is equal to or greater than the out-of-range search interval in the out-of-range search interval memory 34d (S24: Yes), the elapsed time counted by the timing circuit 43 is initialized (S26). “Looking for parent device” is displayed on LCD 40 (S27). Then, an attempt is made to receive the synchronization signal transmitted from the MFP 1 (S28), and it is determined whether the synchronization signal can be received and the wireless communication 300 with the MFP 1 is communicably connected (S29).

  In the process of S29, when the wireless communication 300 with the MFP 1 is connected so as to be communicable (S29: Yes), an out-of-service search end process described later is executed (S30), and this out-of-service search process is ended. The out-of-service search end process (S30) is a process for setting to end the out-of-service search process (S12) that is repeatedly executed.

  If the synchronization signal cannot be received in the process of S29 and the wireless communication 300 with the MFP 1 is not communicably connected (S29: No), the out-of-service search interval update process described later is executed (S31). This out-of-service search process ends. The out-of-service search interval update process (S31) is a process for extending the out-of-service search interval, which is a time interval until the next out-of-service search process (S12) is executed.

  When the slave unit 31 receives the “power saving mode transition notification” and executes the out-of-range search process (S12) by the out-of-range search process in the flowchart of FIG. It can be made shorter than the case where the out-of-service search process (S12) is executed in the state of operating in. When the out-of-service search interval is shortened, the number of times the out-of-service search process (S12) is executed increases. Therefore, when the MFP 1 shifts from the power saving mode to the normal mode and starts transmitting the synchronization signal, the handset 31 receives the synchronization signal. Can be received sooner. Therefore, the wireless communication 300 between the child device 31 and the MFP 1 can be started quickly.

  Next, the out-of-service search initialization process (S22) executed by the CPU 32 of the slave unit 31 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6A is a flowchart showing the out-of-service search initialization process (S22) of the slave unit 31. The out-of-service search initialization process (S22) is a process for performing an initial setting for starting the out-of-service search process (S12).

  In the out-of-service search initialization process (S22), first, a value of 30 seconds is stored in the out-of-service search interval memory 34d of the RAM 34, the out-of-service search interval is initialized (S41), and the elapsed time counted by the time measuring circuit 43 is initialized. (Set to 0 seconds) to start counting elapsed time (S42).

  Then, the out-of-service search execution flag memory 34c stored in the RAM 34 is set to ON (S43), and the out-of-service search initialization process is terminated.

  Next, the out-of-service search end process (S30) executed by the CPU 32 of the slave unit 31 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6B is a flowchart showing the out-of-service search end process (S30) of the handset 31. The out-of-service search end process (S30) is a process for making settings for ending the out-of-service search process (S12) that is repeatedly executed and ending the out-of-service search process (S12).

  In the out-of-service search end process (S30), first, the out-of-service flag stored in the out-of-service flag memory 34b of the RAM 34 is set to OFF (S51), and the parent device power-saving power stored in the parent device power-saving mode flag memory 34a is set. The mode flag is set to OFF (S52). Then, the out-of-service search execution flag memory 34c stored in the out-of-service search execution flag memory 34c is set to OFF (S53), and this out-of-service search end processing is terminated.

  Next, the out-of-service search interval update process (S31) executed by the CPU 32 of the slave unit 31 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6C is a flowchart showing the out-of-service search interval update process (S31) of the slave unit 31. The out-of-service search interval update process (S31) is a process for extending the out-of-service search interval, which is a time interval until the next out-of-service search process (S12) is executed.

  In the out-of-service search interval update process (S31), first, it is determined whether or not the parent device power saving mode flag stored in the parent device power saving mode flag memory 34a of the RAM 34 is on (S61).

  In the process of S61, if the parent device power saving mode flag is on (S61: Yes), it is determined whether or not the out-of-service search interval stored in the out-of-service search interval memory 34d of the RAM 34 is 120 seconds or more ( S62) If the out-of-service search interval is 120 seconds or longer (S62: Yes), the processing of S63 is skipped, and this out-of-service search interval update processing is terminated.

  In the process of S62, when the out-of-service search interval in the out-of-service search interval memory 34d is less than 120 seconds (S62: No), 10 seconds is added to the out-of-service search interval in the out-of-service search interval memory 34d (S63), and the value Is stored in the out-of-service search interval memory 34d, the out-of-service search interval is updated, and the out-of-service search interval update processing is terminated.

  If the base unit power saving mode flag is off in the processing of S61 (S61: No), it is determined whether the out-of-service search interval stored in the out-of-service search interval memory 34d is 600 seconds or more (S64). If the out-of-service search interval is 600 seconds or longer (S64: Yes), the processing of S65 is skipped, and this out-of-service search interval update processing is terminated.

  In the process of S64, when the out-of-service search interval in the out-of-service search interval memory 34d is less than 600 seconds (S64: No), 30 seconds is added to the out-of-service search interval in the out-of-service search interval memory 34d (S65), and the value Is stored in the out-of-service search interval memory 34d, the out-of-service search interval is updated, and the out-of-service search interval update processing is terminated.

  When the handset 31 receives the “power saving mode transition notification” and executes the out-of-service search processing (S12) by the out-of-service search interval update processing in the flowchart of FIG. The update can be performed with a shorter extension than when the out-of-service search process (S12) is executed while the MFP 1 is operating in the normal mode.

  Therefore, when the handset 31 receives the “power saving mode transition notification” and executes the out-of-service search process (S12), the handset 31 is out-of-service search while the MFP 1 is operating in the normal mode. Since the out-of-service search process (S12) is executed more frequently than when the process (S12) is executed, when the MFP 1 shifts from the power saving mode to the normal mode and starts transmitting a synchronization signal, The subunit | mobile_unit 31 can receive a synchronous signal early. Therefore, even when the out-of-service search interval is extended, the wireless communication 300 between the handset 31 and the MFP 1 can be started early.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the out-of-service search process B (S101), which is a modification of the out-of-service search process (S12) of FIG. 5 described above, will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing out-of-service search processing B (S101) executed by the CPU 32 of the child device 31.

  This out-of-service search process B (S101) is a process in which, in the above-mentioned out-of-service search process (S12) of FIG. 5, when the MFP 1 is operating in the power saving mode, a process for displaying that fact on the LCD 40 is added. It is. The same processing as the out-of-service search processing (S12) of FIG. 5 described above is denoted by the same reference numeral, description thereof is omitted, and only different portions will be described.

  In the out-of-service search processing B (S101), when the processing of S26 is completed, it is next determined whether or not the parent device power saving mode flag stored in the parent device power saving mode flag memory 34a of the RAM 34 is on (S73). ).

  In the process of S73, when the parent device power saving mode flag is on (S73: Yes), the message “parent device is in power saving mode” is displayed on the LCD 40 (S74), and the process proceeds to S28. On the other hand, if the parent device power saving mode flag is off (S73: No), “Looking for parent device” is displayed on the LCD 40 (S27), and the process proceeds to S28.

  Then, the process of S28 and the process of S29 are executed. If the wireless communication 300 with the MFP 1 is connected to be communicable in the process of S29 (S29: Yes), the out-of-service search end process is executed ( S30), the out-of-service search process B is terminated. On the other hand, if the synchronization signal cannot be received and the wireless communication 300 with the MFP 1 is not communicably connected in the process of S29 (S29: No), the out-of-service search interval update process B described later is executed (S75). ), The out-of-service search process B is terminated.

  The out-of-service search interval update process B (S75) is a modification of the out-of-service search interval update process (S31) of FIG. 6C described above. The out-of-service search interval update process B (S75) extends the out-of-service search interval in accordance with the placement status of whether the handset 31 is placed on the handset charging base 46 or the charging status of the rechargeable battery 44a. It is processing of.

  With the out-of-service search process B (S101) in the flowchart of FIG. 7 described above, when the MFP 1 is operating in the power saving mode, this can be displayed on the LCD 40 of the slave unit 31. Therefore, since the user operating the handset 31 can recognize that the MFP 1 is operating in the power saving mode, it is possible from the state where the wireless communication 300 between the handset 31 and the MFP 1 is impossible. It is possible to make the user recognize that there is a possibility that it takes time to shift to a different state.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the out-of-service search interval update process B (S75), which is a modified example of the out-of-service search interval update process (S31) of FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing out-of-service search interval update processing B (S75) executed by the CPU 32 of the child device 31.

  This out-of-service search interval update process B (S75) is further described in the above-mentioned out-of-service search interval update process (S31) of FIG. 6C as to whether the handset 31 is placed on the handset charging base 46. A process for extending the out-of-service search interval according to the installation status and the charging status of the rechargeable battery 44a is added. The same processes as the out-of-service search interval update process (S31) in FIG. 6C described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof will be omitted, and only different parts will be described.

  In the out-of-service search interval update processing B (S75), as in the out-of-service search interval update processing (S31), first, the parent device power saving mode flag stored in the parent device power saving mode flag memory 34a of the RAM 34 is on. Is determined (S61).

  Then, in the process of S61, if the master power saving mode flag is on (S61: Yes), it is determined whether the rechargeable battery 44a of the charging circuit 44 is being charged (S81). When the handset 31 is placed on the handset charging base 46, the power is supplied from the power supply circuit 46a of the handset charging base 46 to the rechargeable battery 44a, so here the placement state detection circuit 44c. When it is detected that the handset 31 is placed on the handset charging base 46, it is determined that the rechargeable battery 44a is being charged.

  In the process of S81, when the rechargeable battery 44a is being charged (S81: Yes), the process of S82 is skipped and the process proceeds to S62. On the other hand, when the rechargeable battery 44a is not charged (S81: No), the voltage value of the rechargeable battery 44a detected by the charge state detection circuit 44b is stored in the lower limit voltage value memory 33a of the ROM 33. It is determined whether it is equal to or lower than the lower limit voltage value (S82).

  In the process of S82, when the voltage value of the rechargeable battery 44a is equal to or lower than the lower limit voltage value of the lower limit voltage value memory 33a (S82: Yes), the process proceeds to S64. On the other hand, when the voltage value of the rechargeable battery 44a exceeds the lower limit voltage value of the lower limit voltage value memory 33a (S82: No), the process proceeds to S62.

  By the out-of-service search interval update process B (S75) in the flowchart of FIG. 8 described above, the handset 31 receives the “power saving mode transition notification” and executes the out-of-service search process B (S101). When 31 is placed on the charging base 46 for the slave unit, the out-of-service search interval is shorter than that when the out-of-service search process B (S101) is executed while the MFP 1 is operating in the normal mode. can do. When the out-of-service search interval is shortened, the number of times the out-of-service search process B (S101) is executed increases and the power consumption increases. However, since the rechargeable battery 44a is charged, the power stored in the rechargeable battery 44a becomes early. The slave unit 31 can quickly receive the synchronization signal transmitted from the MFP 1 while suppressing the decrease. Therefore, when the MFP 1 shifts from the power saving mode to the normal mode and starts transmitting the synchronization signal, the slave unit 31 can receive the synchronization signal early. Therefore, the wireless communication 300 between the child device 31 and the MFP 1 can be started quickly.

  If the voltage value of the rechargeable battery 44a exceeds the lower limit voltage value of the lower limit voltage value memory 33a and it is unlikely that the power stored in the rechargeable battery 44a will be lost early, the out-of-service search interval is This is shorter than when the out-of-service search process B (S101) is executed in the normal mode. Therefore, when it is unlikely that the power stored in the rechargeable battery 44a will be lost early, the wireless communication 300 between the slave unit 31 and the MFP 1 can be started early for the same reason as described above.

  Further, when the voltage value of the rechargeable battery 44a is equal to or lower than the lower limit voltage value of the lower limit voltage value memory 33a and there is a possibility that the power stored in the rechargeable battery 44a may be lost at an early stage, Even if the “out of service area search process” is received and the out of service area search process is being executed, the out of service area search interval is the same as when the out of service area search process is being executed while the MFP 1 is operating in the normal mode. Therefore, the number of times the out-of-service search process is executed is suppressed. Therefore, when there is a possibility that the power stored in the battery 44a may be lost at an early stage, the power consumption can be suppressed.

  After that, when the rechargeable battery 44a is charged, the voltage value of the rechargeable battery 44a exceeds the lower limit voltage value of the lower limit voltage value memory 33a, and it is less likely that the power stored in the rechargeable battery 44a will be lost early. In this case, the out-of-service search interval is shorter than that in the case where the out-of-service search process B (S101) is executed in a state where the MFP 1 is operating in the normal mode. Wireless communication 300 between the two can be started early.

  The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be easily made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Can be inferred.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the slave unit 31 receives the synchronization signal transmitted from the MFP 1 when receiving the “power saving mode transition notification” transmitted from the MFP 1 and executing the out-of-service search process (S12). Until this is done, the out-of-service search interval is configured to be shorter than that when the out-of-service search process (S12) is executed while the MFP 1 is operating in the normal mode. When a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the “mode change notification”, the out-of-service search interval is set to be the same as that when the out-of-service search processing is being executed while the MFP 1 is operating in the normal mode. It may be configured. Specifically, the predetermined time is a long time (for example, 24 hours) that is unlikely to shift from a state where the wireless communication 300 is not possible between the slave unit 31 and the MFP 1 to a possible state. ). If the predetermined time is exceeded, a failure of the MFP 1 or a power failure may be considered. In such a case, the out-of-service search interval is the same as when the out-of-service search process is being executed while the MFP 1 is operating in the normal mode, and thus the number of times the out-of-service search process is executed is suppressed. The Therefore, since power consumption can be suppressed, it can suppress that the electric power accumulate | stored in the rechargeable battery 44a disappears at an early stage.

  Further, in the out-of-service search process B (see FIG. 7), when the MFP 1 is operating in the power saving mode, the fact is displayed on the LCD 40 of the slave unit 31, but the MFP 1 operates in the power saving mode. In such a case, it may be configured so that nothing is displayed on the LCD 40. When the MFP 1 is operating in the power saving mode, it is possible to prevent the user from being aware that the MFP 1 is operating in the power saving mode by suppressing the display on the LCD 40 of the slave unit 31. Therefore, when the user does not operate the handset 31, the user does not have to recognize an unnecessary notification, which is convenient.

  In the out-of-service search interval update process B (see FIG. 8), it is determined whether the rechargeable battery 44a is charged by the process of S81, and the voltage value of the rechargeable battery 44a is stored in the lower limit voltage value memory by the process of S82. Although it is determined whether the voltage is equal to or lower than the lower limit voltage value of 33a, only one of S81 and S82 may be determined. For example, if it is the structure which performs only the determination of the process of S81, when the rechargeable battery 44a is not charged (S81: No), it will be comprised so that it may transfer to the process of S64. Then, even if the handset 31 has received the “power saving mode transition notification” and is executing out-of-service search processing, if the rechargeable battery 44a is not charged, out-of-service search is performed. The interval is the same as that when the out-of-service search process is executed while the MFP 1 is operating in the normal mode. Therefore, the number of times the out-of-service search process is executed can be suppressed, so that power consumption can be suppressed and the power stored in the rechargeable battery 44a can be prevented from being lost early.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the time for extending the out-of-service search interval is determined according to whether or not the handset 31 has received the “power saving mode transition notification” and is executing out-of-service search processing. The time for extending the out-of-service search interval may always be a fixed time regardless of whether or not the handset 31 has received the “power saving mode transition notification” and is executing out-of-service search processing, or gradually. It may be increased or gradually decreased.

  In this embodiment, the MFP 1 waits until the wireless communication 300 with the slave unit 31 is communicably connected in the process of S2 (S2: No), but waits for a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes). However, if the wireless communication 300 with the slave unit 31 is not communicably connected, the mode may be shifted to the power saving mode.

  In the present embodiment, as the amount of power stored in the rechargeable battery 44a, a voltage value corresponding to the stored amount of power detected by the charge state detection circuit 44b is used, but power is supplied to the rechargeable battery 44a. You may comprise so that the electric energy currently stored in the rechargeable battery 44a may be calculated based on the supplied time, the power consumption of each process performed in the subunit | mobile_unit 31, and execution time.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the power saving mode transition button 15a of the MFP 1 is pressed, the master power saving mode transition processing (see FIG. 3) is executed, but the MFP 1 is operating in the normal mode. In addition, when a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) elapses, the base unit power saving mode transition process may be executed.

  In the present embodiment, the MFP 1 has the function of the parent device of the communication device, and the child device 31 has the function of the child device of the communication device, but the child device 31 is the parent device of the communication device. The MFP 1 may have a function of a slave unit of the communication apparatus.

  In the present embodiment, when the out-of-service search process (S12) is started in the handset 31, whether the MFP 1 is operating in the normal mode or the power saving mode, the initial out-of-service search interval is set. Although the value is the same as 30 seconds, when the MFP 1 is operating in the power saving mode, the initial value of the out-of-service search interval is shorter (for example, 15 seconds) than when the MFP 1 is operating in the normal mode. You may do it.

  In the present embodiment, when the MFP 1 shifts from the normal mode to the power saving mode, the switch 18 is turned off to cut off the power supplied to the wireless communication control circuit 19 (S5 in FIG. 3). Further, when the switch 18 is turned off, the power supplied to the operation key 15, the LCD 16, the scanner 21, the printer 22, and the microphone 23 may be further cut off. When the MFP 1 is operating in the power saving mode, the standby power of 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23 can be eliminated, so that power consumption can be further suppressed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an MFP having a base unit of a communication apparatus and a slave unit of the communication apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of MFP and a subunit | mobile_unit. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of shifting to a power saving mode of the master unit of the MFP. It is a flowchart which shows the communication process of a subunit | mobile_unit. It is a flowchart which shows the out-of-service search process of a subunit | mobile_unit. (A) is a flowchart showing an out-of-service search initialization process of the slave unit, (b) is a flowchart showing an out-of-service search end process of the slave unit, and (c) is an out-of-range search interval update process of the slave unit. It is a flowchart which shows. It is a flowchart which shows the out-of-service search process B of a subunit | mobile_unit. It is a flowchart which shows the out-of-service search interval update process B of a subunit | mobile_unit.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP (an example of a first communication device)
15a Power saving mode transition button (an example of request detection means)
19 Wireless communication control circuit (an example of first wireless communication means)
31 Slave unit (example of second communication device)
34d Out-of-service search interval memory (an example of first storage means, an example of second storage means)
37 wireless communication control circuit (an example of second wireless communication means)
40 LCD (an example of display means)
43 Timekeeping circuit (an example of timekeeping means)
44a Rechargeable battery (an example of a storage battery)
44b Charge state detection circuit (an example of a storage amount detection means)
44c Placement state detection circuit (an example of placement detection means)
46 Charging stand for handset (example of charging stand)
46a Power supply circuit (an example of supply means)
S4 Example of transmission means S12 Example of first communication trial means S16 Example of first determination means S61 Example of second determination means S62, S63 Example of second addition means S64, S65 Example of first addition means S72, S74 Display control Example of Means S101 Example of Second Communication Trial Unit, Example of Third Communication Trial Unit

Claims (8)

A first communication device having first wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving wireless signals; and a second communication device having second wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving wireless signals, wherein the first wireless communication means and the second wireless communication device A wireless communicable state in which wireless signals can be transmitted / received to / from the wireless communication means, and a wireless communication impossible state in which wireless signals cannot be transmitted / received between the first wireless communication means and the second wireless communication means And when each of the first wireless communication means and the second wireless communication means is in the wireless communication disabled state, the communication is attempted every time the first interval elapses. In the system,
The first communication device is
Request detecting means for detecting a transition request to the wireless communication disabled state in the wireless communication enabled state;
A transmission means for transmitting a transition signal indicating a transition to the wireless communication disabled state to the second communication device when a request for shifting to the wireless communication disabled state is detected by the request detection means;
The second communication device is
First determination means for determining whether or not a transition signal transmitted by the transmission means of the first communication device has been received;
When it is determined by the first determination means that the transition signal has been received, the first communication trial means tries to shift to the wireless communication enabled state every time a second interval whose time interval is shorter than the first interval elapses. The communication system characterized by comprising. A charging stand for supplying power to the second communication device when the second communication device is mounted;
The second communication device is
A storage battery for supplying power to the second wireless communication means;
Supply means for supplying power to the storage battery when the second communication device is mounted on the charging stand;
A placement detection means for detecting whether the second communication device is placed on the charging stand;
The first communication trial means is determined by the first determination means to have received the transition signal, and is detected by the position detection means that the second communication device is placed on the charging stand. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein a transition to the wireless communication enabled state is attempted every time the second interval elapses.   When it is determined by the first determination means that the transition signal has been received, and the position detection means detects that the second communication device is not placed on the charging stand, the wireless communication is enabled. 3. The communication system according to claim 2, further comprising a second communication trial unit that attempts to make a transition every time the first interval elapses. The second communication device is
A storage amount detecting means for detecting the amount of energy stored in the storage battery;
When it is determined that the transition signal has been received by the first determination unit and the amount of energy detected by the storage amount detection unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the transition to the wireless communicable state is performed in the second interval. The communication system according to claim 1, further comprising third communication trial means that tries each time elapses.   The third communication trial means determines that the transition signal has been received by the first determination means, and the wireless communicable state when the energy amount detected by the storage amount detection means is less than a predetermined value 5. The communication system according to claim 4, wherein a transition to is performed every time the first interval elapses. The second communication device is
When receiving the transition signal transmitted by the transmission means of the first communication device, time measuring means for timing the time after reception of the transition signal;
A fourth communication trial unit that attempts to shift to the wireless communication enabled state every time the first interval elapses when the wireless communication is disabled when the time measured by the time measuring unit exceeds a predetermined time; The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: The second communication device is
First storage means for storing a value corresponding to the first interval;
Second storage means for storing a value corresponding to the second interval;
A second determination unit that determines whether or not the wireless communication enabled state has been transferred when the wireless communication enabled state is attempted by each of the communication trial units;
In the state where the transition to the wireless communication enabled state is attempted at an interval corresponding to the value stored in the first storage unit, it is determined by the second determination unit that the wireless communication enabled state has not been transferred. First addition means for adding a value corresponding to the first extension time to the value stored in the first storage means,
In the state where the transition to the wireless communication enabled state is attempted at an interval corresponding to the value stored in the second storage unit, it is determined by the second determination unit that the wireless communication enabled state has not been transferred. And a second addition means for adding a value corresponding to a second extension time shorter than the first extension time to the value stored in the second storage means,
Each of the communication trial units is determined to have not shifted to the wireless communication enabled state by the second determination unit in a state of attempting to shift to the current wireless communication enabled state, and the first addition unit or the second addition The value of the storage means after the addition by the means is acquired, and when an interval corresponding to the acquired value elapses, an attempt is made to shift to the next wireless communication enabled state. The communication system in any one. The second communication device is
Display means for displaying characters and images;
Display control means for displaying on the display means that a request for transition to the wireless communication disabled state has been made in the first communication apparatus when a transition signal transmitted by the transmission means of the first communication apparatus is received; The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the communication system is provided.

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