JP2015144358A - communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress an adverse effect upon a communication device, even if during the operation of the communication device by receiving non-contact power supply, the non-contact power supply is intercepted.SOLUTION: A communication control unit 21, if being in a power supply OFF state in which a first power voltage Vcc is not supplied thereto, is activated by a second power voltage Va when the second power voltage Va is generated in a power supply circuit 24 from reception power from an external device 100 in a non-contact manner. The communication control unit 21, after the activation, determines processing to be executed on the basis of the non-contact communication with the external device 100, so as to switch on a power changeover switch 10 if the processing to be executed is specific processing. When the power changeover switch 10 is switched on, a third power supply voltage Vb is supplied from a backup power supply 6 to the communication control unit 21. This enables the communication control unit 21 to continue operation by the third power supply voltage Vb if the power reception from the external device 100 is intercepted.

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device capable of contactless communication with an external device.

  Various communication devices capable of non-contact communication with external devices are provided. By using non-contact communication, for example, it is possible to access a memory in the communication device from an external device to read / write data, or to instruct the communication device to execute a function from the external device. For example, NFC (Near Field Communication) is known as a non-contact communication method.

  In such a communication device, contactless communication with an external device is performed as necessary even if the normal operation is stopped, for example, when the power is turned off or the power outlet is disconnected. It is convenient to execute memory access and function execution instructions.

  Patent Document 1 describes a technique for performing non-contact power supply from an external device to a terminal device to which a battery is not attached, thereby starting the terminal device as usual with the supplied power and executing necessary processing. ing.

JP 2012-14422 A

  By using the technique described in Patent Document 1, the communication device can operate by non-contact power supply from the external device even when the power of the communication device is turned off, and non-contact communication between the external device and the communication device Is possible.

  However, when the communication device with the main power turned off is operating with contactless power supply from the external device, if the external device is separated from the communication device, the power supply from the external device to the communication device is interrupted. The operation of the communication device may be forcibly stopped. If the power supply is interrupted and the operation is stopped during the operation, the hardware or software in the communication apparatus may be adversely affected depending on the contents of the operation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in a communication device operable by receiving non-contact power supply from an external device even when the power of the device main body is turned off, the non-contact power supply is in operation during the operation by non-contact power supply. It is an object of the present invention to prevent a communication device from being adversely affected even when power supply is interrupted.

The present invention made to solve the above-described problems is a communication device, and includes a first power supply unit, an antenna, a second power supply unit, a third power supply unit, a communication control unit, a power supply unit, Is provided.
The first power supply unit generates a first power supply voltage for operating the communication device. The antenna is provided for performing contactless communication with an external device. The second power supply unit generates a second power supply voltage based on the power received from the external device by the antenna. The third power supply unit can generate the third power supply voltage regardless of the operating state of the first power supply unit. The communication control unit is operable by any one of the first power supply voltage, the second power supply voltage, and the third power supply voltage, and controls non-contact communication with an external device. The power supply unit can supply any one of the first power supply voltage, the second power supply voltage, and the third power supply voltage to the communication control unit.

  The power supply unit supplies the first power supply voltage to the communication control unit when the first power supply unit generates the first power supply voltage, and the power supply off state in which the first power supply unit does not generate the first power supply voltage At this time, if the second power supply voltage is generated by the second power supply unit, the second power supply voltage is supplied to the communication control unit.

  When the communication control unit is activated by receiving the supply of the second power supply voltage, the communication control unit determines a process to be executed based on the non-contact communication with the external device, and when the process is a specific process, the power supply unit Is instructed to supply the third power supply voltage. The power supply unit supplies the third power supply voltage to the communication control unit when receiving an instruction to supply the third power supply voltage from the communication control unit.

  In the communication device of the present invention, when the communication control unit is activated by the second power supply voltage (that is, activated by the received power from the external device), it determines what processing should be executed in the non-contact communication with the external device. Judge based on the content. When the process to be executed is a specific process, the third power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply unit to the communication control unit.

  Therefore, according to the communication device of the present invention, even if the external device is disconnected and cannot receive power from the external device while executing the specific process based on the non-contact communication with the external device, The specific process can be continuously executed by the third power supply voltage from the three power supply units, and adverse effects on the communication device can be suppressed.

It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the multifunctional device 1 of embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure (especially detailed structure of the electric power feeding circuit 24) of NFC-IC3. It is explanatory drawing which shows the table with which the information regarding the process was matched for every kind of process (process with serial communication) which may be requested | required from the smart phone. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation example of the multifunction machine 1 when the smartphone 100 is held over during the off mode. It is a flowchart which shows the NFC control process of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the request command response process of S140 in the NFC control process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the backup power necessity judgment process of S230 in the request command corresponding | compatible process of FIG.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(1) Configuration of Multifunction Device 1 A multifunction device 1 according to this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a multifunction peripheral device having a plurality of functions such as a printer function and a telephone function. The multifunction device 1 has a function of wireless communication by NFC (hereinafter referred to as “NFC communication”). NFC communication is short-range wireless communication (non-contact communication) in which a communicable distance is limited to about 10 cm, and for example, radio waves in a 13.56 MHz frequency band are used.

  The multifunction device 1 can perform NFC communication with an external communication device having an NFC communication function. In the present embodiment, a smartphone 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described as an example of an external communication device capable of NFC communication. In addition to NFC communication, the multifunction device 1 also has a communication function using, for example, a wireless LAN or a wired LAN.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multi function device 1 includes a control circuit 2, an NFC-IC 3, an EEPROM 4, a flash ROM 5, a backup capacitor 6, a communication line connection circuit 7, an RTC circuit 8, a power circuit 9, a power switch 10, and a RAM 20. It has. Although not shown directly in FIG. 1, the communication line connection circuit 7 and the RTC circuit 8 are connected to the control circuit 2 and can transmit and receive signals and data to and from the control circuit 2.

  The power supply circuit 9 rectifies and transforms electric power (for example, commercial AC 100 V power) input from the outside of the multifunction device 1 to generate a first power supply voltage Vcc that is a main power source for operating the multifunction device 1. . The first power supply voltage Vcc generated by the power supply circuit 9 is supplied to each part in the multifunction device 1 such as the control circuit 2, NFC-IC 3, EEPROM 4, flash ROM 5, backup capacitor 6, communication line connection circuit 7, RTC 8, and RAM 20. Supplied.

The RAM 20 is used for expanding a program to be executed and temporarily storing various data and calculation results when the control circuit 2 executes various control processes.
The control circuit 2 controls various functions that the multifunction device 1 has. The control circuit 2 includes a main control unit 11 and a serial communication I / F (interface) 12. The control circuit 2 includes a serial port 13, a main power input port 14, and a RAM port 15 as ports to which power and signals are input or output.

  A serial line L which is a communication bus for serial communication is connected to the serial port 13. The first power supply voltage Vcc is input from the power supply circuit 9 to the main power supply input port 14. When the first power supply voltage Vcc is input from the power supply circuit 9, the control circuit 2 operates using the first power supply voltage Vcc as a power supply. The RAM port 15 is connected to the RAM 20. Access from the control circuit 2 to the RAM 20 is performed via the RAM port 15.

  In the control circuit 2, the serial communication I / F 12 is a communication interface for performing data communication by serial communication with the NFC-IC 3 and other communication target communication nodes, and is connected to the serial port 13. Serial communication data is transmitted and received via the serial communication I / F 12 and the serial port 13. In this specification, a communication node refers to a unit (such as EEPROM 4 or flash ROM 5) excluding the NFC-IC 3 and the control circuit 2 among units connected to the serial line L and capable of serial communication.

  The control circuit 2 is connected to a plurality of data communication objects including the NFC-IC 3, the EEPROM 4, and the flash ROM 5 by a serial line L. Therefore, the control circuit 2 can perform serial communication with the plurality of data communication targets through the serial line L.

  The serial communication of this embodiment is a master-slave type serial communication. The control circuit 2 operates as a master in the master-slave type serial communication. On the other hand, each communication node (EEPROM4, flash ROM5, etc.) other than NFC-IC3 operates as a slave. The NFC-IC 3 normally operates as a slave, but in a specific case, operates as a master. That is, the NFC-IC 3 can operate as a master and a slave in serial communication. The master-slave communication method includes various standards such as I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), USB (Universal Serial Bus), SDIO (Secure Digital Input / Output Card), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), and the like. is there.

  In the control circuit 2, the main control unit 11 includes at least a microcomputer having a CPU, a memory, and the like. When activated, the main control unit 11 reads necessary data and programs from the flash ROM 5 and the EEPROM 4 and expands them in the RAM 20, and appropriately executes activation processing necessary for normal operation. When this activation process is completed, the main control unit 11 can execute various functions.

  When the main control unit 11 finishes the startup process and starts normal operation after startup, the main control unit 11 controls serial communication via the serial communication I / F 12, control of the communication line connection circuit 7, wireless LAN communication function, printer function, etc. Control of various functional circuits (not shown) for realizing the various functions is performed. The main control unit 11 acquires current time information from the RTC 8 as necessary.

The communication line connection circuit 7 is connected to an external communication line and executes communication such as telephone and facsimile. An RTC (Real Time Clock) circuit 8 holds and outputs the current date and time.
Here, the operation mode of the multifunction machine 1 will be described. The multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment has a normal mode and an off mode as operation modes.

  The normal mode is an operation mode in which the first power supply voltage Vcc is supplied from the power supply circuit 9 so that each unit in the multi function device 1 can operate. When the user presses a power switch (not shown) while the operation is stopped (during the off mode), for example, the first power supply voltage Vcc is output from the power supply circuit 9, and the operation mode shifts to the normal mode.

  The off mode is an operation mode that is set when the multifunction device 1 is not used for a certain period of time or when the user presses the power switch during the normal mode, and the power supply circuit 9 stops operating. This is an operation mode in which the supply of the first power supply voltage Vcc is stopped.

  The main control unit 11 of the control circuit 2 always determines whether or not an off mode switching condition for switching the operation mode to the off mode is satisfied in the normal mode. As the off-mode switching condition, for example, that the multifunction device 1 has not been used for a certain period of time or that the power switch has been pressed is set. The main control unit 11 acquires various information such as time information of the RTC circuit 8 and operation information of the power switch, and determines whether or not the off mode switching condition is satisfied. When the off mode switching condition is satisfied, the main control unit 11 stops the operation of the power supply circuit 9 and switches the operation mode from the normal mode to the off mode.

  During the off mode, the supply of the first power supply voltage Vcc is stopped, so that most of the circuits in the multi-function device 1 stop supplying power. However, there are some functions (hereinafter also referred to as “minimum basic functions”) that should be maintained even in the off mode. For example, RTC circuit 8, detection of operation of power switch, detection of incoming call or facsimile by communication line connection circuit 7, return condition detection function for detecting return condition for returning from off mode to normal mode, release of off mode A function of outputting a start signal for starting the power supply circuit 9 at this time is an example of the lowest basic function.

  Therefore, the multi-function device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a backup capacitor 6 as a backup power source for maintaining these minimum basic functions even in the off mode. The backup capacitor 6 is a capacitance element (capacitor) having a large capacitance.

  During the normal mode, the backup capacitor 6 is supplied with the first power supply voltage Vcc from the power supply circuit 9 via the diode D3 and the resistor R1, and is thereby charged to a voltage substantially equal to the first power supply voltage Vcc. The backup capacitor 6 is connected to various circuits for realizing the lowest basic function, such as the communication line connection circuit 7 and the RTC circuit 8, via the resistor R1. The first power supply voltage Vcc can be supplied to these circuits via the diode D3, and the third power supply voltage Vb that is the charging voltage of the backup capacitor 6 can also be supplied.

  Therefore, even if the supply of the first power supply voltage Vcc is interrupted due to the off mode, the communication line connection circuit 7 and the RTC circuit 8 can operate by receiving the supply of the third power supply voltage Vb from the backup capacitor 6.

  As return conditions for returning the operation mode from the off mode to the normal mode, in the present embodiment, for example, the power switch is pressed, or the charging voltage of the backup capacitor 6 is below a specific voltage threshold. In addition, it is set that the off mode has continued for a certain period of time, and an opening / closing cover (not shown) provided in the multifunction device 1 has been opened / closed. For this reason, when the charging voltage of the backup capacitor 6 decreases during the off mode and falls below the voltage threshold value, the normal mode is temporarily restored, and during this time, the power supply circuit 9 charges the backup capacitor 6. In this case, the time for returning to the normal mode is to increase the charging voltage of the backup capacitor 6 to a voltage higher than the voltage threshold (for example, the same value as the first power supply voltage Vcc or a specific value higher than that). It is a time that can be charged and sufficient power can be charged. The voltage threshold value is set to a voltage that is higher by a predetermined value than the minimum voltage required for maintaining (operation) the minimum basic function, for example.

  The power supply changeover switch 10 is provided in a supply path of the third power supply voltage Vb from the backup capacitor 6 to the NFC-IC, and is a switch for conducting / cutting off this supply path. The power supply switch 10 is turned on / off in accordance with a power supply switching signal En from the NFC-IC 3, the supply path is cut off when the switch is turned off, and the supply path is turned on when the switch is turned on. When the power switch 10 is turned on, the third power voltage Vb from the backup capacitor 6 is input to the power input port 25 of the NFC-IC 3 via the power switch 10 and the diode D2.

  The NFC-IC 3 is a wireless communication module for performing NFC communication with other communication devices capable of NFC communication. The NFC-IC 3 is mounted on the upper side inside the multifunction device 1 and is connected to a loop antenna 3a for NFC communication. When the smartphone 100 is brought close to (holds over) a predetermined area near the upper portion of the loop antenna 3a, NFC communication between the multifunction device 1 and the smartphone 100 becomes possible, and wireless communication is performed according to a specific communication procedure.

  In this specification, when the smartphone 100 is “closed” or “holds” the multifunction device 1, unless otherwise specified, the smartphone 100 and the multifunction device 1 can perform NFC communication with each other. It means that the positional relationship is as follows.

  The NFC-IC 3 includes a communication control unit 21, an NFC I / F 22, a serial communication I / F 23, and a power feeding circuit 24. The NFC-IC 3 includes a power input port 25, a serial port 26, a power switching port 27, and at least two power feeding ports 31 and 32 as ports through which power and signals are input or output.

  A power supply path from the power supply circuit 9 is connected to the power input port 25, and the first power supply voltage Vcc is input from the power supply circuit 9 through the diode D1. Further, as described above, the third power supply voltage Vb from the backup capacitor 6 is input to the power supply input port 25 via the power supply switch 10 and the diode D2. The NFC-IC 3 becomes operable when at least one of the first power supply voltage Vcc from the power supply circuit 9 and the third power supply voltage Vb from the backup capacitor 6 is input.

  A serial line L is connected to the serial port 26. A power supply switching signal En is output from the power supply switching port 27. The communication control unit 21 outputs the power switching signal En at a specific timing (details will be described later). An off-time operation voltage Vn (details will be described later) is output from the two power supply ports 31 and 32.

  The serial communication I / F 23 is a communication interface for performing data communication by the control circuit 2 or other serial communication, and is connected to the serial port 26. Serial communication data is transmitted and received via the serial communication I / F 12 and the serial port 26. The NFC I / F 22 is a wireless communication interface for performing NFC communication with the smartphone 100, and is connected to the loop antenna 3a.

  The power feeding circuit 24 generates a second DC power supply voltage Va based on an induced electromotive force induced in the loop antenna 3a (that is, power received from the smartphone 100) when the smartphone 100 is held over the multifunction device 1. Is possible.

  A more detailed configuration of the power feeding circuit 24 is as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply circuit 24 includes a power supply generation unit 35, a first power supply switch 36, and a second power supply switch 37. The power supply generation unit 35 generates the second power supply voltage Va based on the induced electromotive force induced in the loop antenna 3a. The second power supply voltage Va is supplied to the communication control unit 21 via the diode D4. Therefore, when the smartphone 100 is held over the multifunction device 1 and the second power supply voltage Va is generated, the communication control unit 21 can be operated by the second power supply voltage Va. In the present embodiment, the value of the second power supply voltage Va is the same value as the first power supply voltage Vcc generated by the power supply circuit 9.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the power input port 25 is connected to the communication control unit 21 in the NFC-IC 3. When the first power supply voltage Vcc is supplied from the power supply circuit 9 to the power supply input port 25 or when the third power supply voltage Vb is supplied from the backup capacitor 6 to the power supply input port 25 via the power supply changeover switch 10 The voltage is supplied to the communication control unit 21, thereby enabling the communication control unit 21 to operate. The output line of the second power supply voltage Va from the power generation unit 35 is connected to a connection line (power supply line) between the power input port 25 and the communication control unit 21 via the diode D4.

  With such a configuration, the communication control unit 21 is configured to be able to input the first power supply voltage Vcc, the second power supply voltage Va, and the third power supply voltage Vb, respectively, and any one of these three can be input. Operates when input. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the power supply changeover switch 10 is comprised using the bipolar transistor in this embodiment.

  In the power supply circuit 24, the power supply line is connected to one end of the first power supply switch 36 and the second power supply switch 37. The other end of the first power supply switch 36 is connected to the first power supply port 31, and the other end of the second power supply switch 37 is connected to the second power supply port 32. The power supply switches 36 and 37 are individually turned on / off by the communication control unit 21.

  When the first power supply switch 36 is turned on, the power supply line and the first power supply port 31 become conductive. Thereby, when the second power supply voltage Va is generated by the power generation unit 35, the second power supply voltage Va is output from the first power supply port 31 via the first power supply switch 36. When the power switch 10 is turned on, the charging voltage (third power voltage Vb) of the backup capacitor 6 is input from the power input port 25, and the input third power voltage Vb is the first power supply switch 36. From the first power supply port 31.

  When the second power supply switch 37 is turned on, the power supply line and the second power supply port 32 become conductive. Thereby, when the second power supply voltage Va is generated by the power generation unit 35, the second power supply voltage Va is output from the second power supply port 32 via the second power supply switch 37. When the power switch 10 is turned on, the charging voltage (third power voltage Vb) of the backup capacitor 6 is input from the power input port 25, and the input third power voltage Vb is the second power supply switch 37. From the second power feeding port 32.

  In the present embodiment, the power supply switches 36 and 37 are basically turned on in the off mode when the first power supply voltage Vcc is not supplied from the power supply circuit 9. Therefore, the voltage output from each of the power supply ports 31 and 32 via the first power supply switch 36 and the second power supply switch 37 is referred to as an off-time operation power supply Vn.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first power supply port 31 is connected to the power input port 42 of the EEPROM 4 via the first diode D21. When the off-time power supply Vn is output from the first power supply port 31, the off-time power supply Vn is supplied to the EEPROM 4.

  The second power supply port 32 is connected to the power input port 52 of the flash ROM 5 via the second diode D22. When the off-time power supply Vn is output from the second power supply port 32, the off-time power supply Vn is supplied to the flash ROM 5.

  The communication control unit 21 includes at least a microcomputer having a CPU 21a, a memory 21b, and the like. The communication control unit 21 controls serial communication via the serial communication I / F 23, NFC communication control via the NFC I / F 22, and power supply circuit 24 based on various programs and data stored in the memory 21b. (Mainly control of the power supply switches 36 and 37) can be performed.

  The communication control unit 21 normally operates as a slave in the control of serial communication, but in a specific state, sets itself as a master and operates as a master. Specifically, the communication control unit 21 checks whether or not the normal mode in which the first power supply voltage Vcc is supplied from the power supply circuit 9 and sets itself as a slave in the normal mode. The communication control unit 21 sets itself as a master in the off mode, that is, when operating by the second power supply voltage Va or the third power supply voltage Vb. In the off mode, when the serial communication is actually executed as the master and the operation mode shifts to the normal mode, the operation as the master is continued at least until the serial communication being executed is completed.

  Note that the power supply switch 10 is normally maintained in an off state, and is turned on by the NFC-IC 3 at a specific timing at which the third power supply voltage Vb is to be supplied from the backup capacitor 6 to the NFC-IC 3. The first power supply switch 36 and the second power supply switch 37 in the power supply circuit 24 are also normally maintained in an off state, and communication is performed at a specific timing at which the off-time operation voltage Vn should be supplied to the EEPROM 4 and the flash ROM 5. Turned on by the control unit 21.

  The EEPROM 4 is a nonvolatile memory capable of electrically rewriting stored contents. In the present embodiment, the EEPROM 4 includes information necessary for the main control unit 11 of the control circuit 2 to control the execution of various functions, information generated by the main control unit 11 controlling the execution of various functions, and the like. Various kinds of information are stored. Specific examples of information stored in the EEPROM 4 include, for example, phone book information, product setting information, error information at the time of failure, access point connection information, use history of genuine cartridges, ruled line adjustment / color used in the printer function Correction information, and the like.

  The EEPROM 4 has a power input port 42. The power input port 42 is connected to the power supply circuit 9 via the diode D11, and is connected to the first power supply port 31 of the NFC-IC 3 via the first diode D21. In other words, the power supply input port 42 of the EEPROM 4 can be supplied with the first power supply voltage Vcc from the power supply circuit 9 through the diode D11, and the off-time operation voltage Vn from the NFC-IC 3 through the first diode D21. Can be supplied. Therefore, the EEPROM 4 starts operating when at least one of the first power supply voltage Vcc and the off-time operation voltage Vn is supplied.

  Reading and writing various information to and from the EEPROM 4 is mainly performed by the main control unit 11 of the control circuit 2 in the normal mode. However, in the present embodiment, even in the off mode, the operation is performed when the off-time operation voltage Vn is supplied from the NFC-IC 3. Therefore, the EEPROM 4 may be read / written by the communication control unit 21 of the NFC-IC 3 in the off mode.

  The EEPROM 4 can operate as a communication node for serial communication. That is, the EEPROM 4 includes a serial port 41. A serial line L is connected to the serial port 41. Therefore, the EEPROM 4 can perform serial communication with the control circuit 2, the NFC-IC 3, and the like via the serial port 41. The EEPROM 4 operates as a slave in serial communication. Various information is written to and read from the EEPROM 4 by serial communication (that is, through the serial line L).

  The flash ROM 5 is a nonvolatile memory (flash memory) that can electrically rewrite data. The flash ROM 5 stores firmware, various other programs, data, and the like. Specific examples of programs and data stored in the flash ROM 5 include, for example, received FAX data, answering machine data, firmware of the product (the multifunction device 1), and the like.

  The flash ROM 5 can operate as a communication node for serial communication. That is, the flash ROM 5 includes a serial port 51. A serial line L is connected to the serial port 51. Therefore, the flash ROM 5 can perform serial communication with the control circuit 2, the NFC-IC 3, and the like via the serial port 51. The flash ROM 5 operates as a slave in serial communication. Various information is written to and read from the flash ROM 5 by serial communication (that is, through the serial line L).

  The flash ROM 5 includes a power input port 52. The power input port 52 is connected to the power supply circuit 9 via the diode D12, and is connected to the second power supply port 32 of the NFC-IC 3 via the second diode D22. That is, the power supply input port 52 of the flash ROM 5 can be supplied with the first power supply voltage Vcc from the power supply circuit 9 through the diode D12, and is also operated with the off-time operation voltage from the NFC-IC3 through the second diode D22. Vn can be supplied. Therefore, the flash ROM 5 starts operating when at least one of the first power supply voltage Vcc and the off-time operation voltage Vn is supplied.

The control circuit 2, the NFC-IC 3, the EEPROM 4, and the flash ROM 5 are all configured by a packaged semiconductor integrated circuit (IC).
(2) Schematic Configuration of Smartphone 100 The smartphone 100 has an Internet connection function in addition to the functions of a general mobile phone such as a mobile phone and a mail function, and various application software (hereinafter abbreviated as “app”). ) Is a multi-function mobile communication terminal to which various functions can be added.

  The smartphone 100 can perform wireless LAN communication and NFC communication. Therefore, the smartphone 100 can communicate with the multifunction device 1 by NFC communication. The smartphone 100 can perform wireless LAN communication with other communication devices.

  In the present embodiment, even when the multifunction device 1 is in a power-off state (a state of an off mode in which the first power supply voltage Vcc is not supplied), when the smartphone 100 is held over the multifunction device 1, the multifunction device is contactlessly fed by the smartphone 100. The second power supply voltage Va is generated in one NFC-IC 3. Therefore, even when the multifunction device 1 is in the power-off state, the smartphone 100 is held over the multifunction device 1 to perform NFC communication between the smartphone 100 and the multifunction device 1, and data transmission to the multifunction device 1 or data acquisition from the multifunction device 1 is performed. be able to.

  There are various processes that the smartphone 100 can cause the multifunction device 1 to execute even when the multifunction device 1 is in the power-off state. For example, there are processes that require only the operation of the NFC-IC 3, and there are processes that require serial communication between the NFC-IC 3 and another communication node. A specific example of processing that requires serial communication will be described with reference to the table of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the smartphone 100 can acquire the phone book information stored in the EEPROM 4 or transfer (send and write) the phone book information to the EEPROM 4 by NFC communication. Therefore, for example, the phone book information can be acquired using the smartphone 100 from the multifunction device 1 that has failed and cannot be turned on, and the acquired phone book information can be transferred to another new multifunction device 1.

  Among the processes that can be executed by the multifunction device 1 using the smartphone 100, there are various other processes that require serial communication with the EEPROM 4, as shown in FIG.

  Of the processes that can be executed by the multifunction device 1 using the smartphone 100, as a process that requires serial communication with the flash ROM 5, as shown in FIG. Acquisition), and downloading product firmware. The firmware download here refers to transmitting firmware from the smartphone 100 to the multifunction device 1 by NFC communication and installing the firmware in the multifunction device 1 (including updating of existing firmware) (in the flash ROM 5). Process).

  Other processes that can be executed by the multifunction device 1 using the smartphone 100 include information acquisition from the cartridge IC. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the cartridge IC is an IC mounted on the ink cartridge, and is connected to the serial line L as one of communication nodes capable of serial communication. Further, like the other communication nodes 4 and 5, the first power supply voltage Vcc and the off-time operation voltage Vn can be supplied for operation. Therefore, the NFC-IC 3 is actually provided with a power supply port and a power supply switch corresponding to the cartridge IC. That is, the NFC-IC 3 is actually provided with a power supply port and a power supply switch individually for every communication node to which the off-time operation voltage Vn is to be supplied. However, in the present embodiment, for simplification of description, illustration and description of communication nodes other than the EEPROM 4 and the flash ROM 5 among the plurality of communication nodes are omitted.

(3) Operation Example of Multifunction Device 1 An operation example when the NFC-IC 3 is activated and operated by holding the smartphone 100 over the multifunction device 1 in the off mode will be described with reference to FIG. As a premise, in the smartphone 100, an application corresponding to the process to be executed by the multifunction device 1 is activated, and the process to be executed is transmitted to the EEPROM 4 or the flash ROM 5 by transmitting specific information from the smartphone 100. It is assumed that the process is

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the smartphone 100 is held over the multifunction device 1 in the off mode, power is received by the loop antenna 3a of the multifunction device 1, and the second power supply voltage Va is generated in the NFC-IC 3 based on the received power. Is generated and the NFC-IC 3 is activated. When the NFC-IC 3 is activated, the NFC-IC 3 checks whether the smartphone 100 is held over. Various confirmation methods are conceivable. For example, when there is a response to a beacon signal periodically transmitted by the NFC-IC 3 during operation, it is confirmed that the smartphone 100 is held over.

  When the NFC-IC 3 confirms the smartphone 100, the NFC-IC 3 makes a data request to the smartphone 100 through NFC communication. In response to this data request, the smartphone 100 transmits a request command to the multifunction device 1 by NFC communication. This request command is a command for requesting the NFC-IC 3 to execute a process desired to be executed. Based on the request command, the NFC-IC 3 can determine the content of the process to be executed (if serial communication is necessary, the communication target is also).

  When the NFC-IC 3 receives the request command from the smartphone 100, the NFC-IC 3 determines whether it is necessary to supply backup power (third power supply voltage Vb). This determination is first made based on whether the serial communication target is a specific communication node. In the present embodiment, the flash ROM 5 is preset as a specific communication node among the communication nodes with which the NFC-IC 3 can perform serial communication. The EEPROM 4 is not set as a specific communication node. Information indicating whether or not each communication node is a specific communication node is stored in advance in the memory 21b of the communication control unit 21.

  In the present embodiment, the specific communication node refers to a communication node that is highly likely to cause some trouble in hardware or software if the operation is forcibly stopped when the power is cut off during execution of serial communication. . However, which of the communication nodes should be set as the specific communication node can be determined as appropriate. For example, the EEPROM 4 may be set as a specific communication node.

  If the serial communication target is a specific communication node, the NFC-IC 3 determines that backup power needs to be supplied. If the serial communication target is not a specific communication node, it is further determined whether or not it is necessary to supply backup power based on the time required for the process to be executed. This determination is made with reference to a table stored in the memory 21b of the communication control unit 21. A table shown in FIG. 3 is stored in the memory 21b of the communication control unit 21 in advance. In this table, as shown in FIG. 3, for each of a plurality of types of processing (processing that requires serial communication), information indicating a processing time, information indicating a processing type, and information indicating the presence / absence of input / output are registered. ing.

  The required processing time is the time required for the processing to be executed, and information indicating whether the required time is long or short is registered in the table. This required time may be the time from the start to the end of serial communication in the entire process to be executed, or may be the time required for the entire process to be executed.

  There are various ways to set the length of the required time based on what. In the present embodiment, the length of the required time is set based on a specific time threshold. Specifically, if the required time is expected to be longer or longer than the time threshold, it is assumed that the required time is long, and the required time is less than the time threshold or less than the time threshold. Is set as a process with a short required time, and is registered in the table. In the table, information indicating the presence / absence of input / output is information indicating which of data output from the serial communication target and data input to the serial communication target is performed in the processing.

  The NFC-IC 3 refers to the table shown in FIG. 3 to determine the length of the time required for the process to be executed. If the time required is short, the NFC-IC 3 determines that the backup power is unnecessary, and if the time required is long, Judge that backup power is required.

  If the NFC-IC 3 determines that backup power is not required, it supplies power to the serial communication target. Specifically, by turning on the power supply switch connected to the serial communication target among the power supply switches 36 and 37 in the power supply circuit 24, the off-time operation voltage Vn is supplied to the serial communication target. When the off-time operation voltage Vn is supplied to the serial communication target, the serial communication target is activated.

  After supplying the off-time operation voltage Vn, the NFC-IC 3 starts access to the serial communication target, and transmits and receives data according to the request command. When necessary data transmission / reception ends, access to the serial communication target ends. The serial communication target also performs access (data transmission / reception) to / from the NFC-IC 3 in response to access from the NFC-IC 3 after startup.

  The NFC-IC 3 ends the access to the serial communication target, and when the process to be executed is completed, the NFC-IC 3 shuts off the power to the serial communication target. Specifically, the supply of the off-time operation voltage Vn is cut off by turning off the power supply switch that is turned on to supply the off-time operation voltage Vn. Thereby, the operation of the serial communication activated by the off-time operation power supply Vn stops.

  After the power supply to the serial communication target is shut off, the NFC-IC 3 transmits a process completion notification to the smartphone 100. When the smartphone 100 receives the process completion notification from the multifunction device 1, the smartphone 100 displays a message indicating that the processing requested of the multifunction device 1 is completed on the display included in the smartphone 100.

  On the other hand, when the NFC-IC 3 determines that the backup power is necessary, the NFC-IC 3 turns on the power switch 10. That is, by outputting the H level power supply switching signal En to the power supply switching switch 10, the power supply switching switch 10 is turned on so that the third power supply voltage Vb is supplied from the backup capacitor 6 to the NFC-IC 3.

  After the power switch 10 is turned on, the NFC-IC 3 supplies power to the serial communication target, accesses the serial communication target (from the start to the end), and shuts off the power to the serial communication target. After the power supply to the serial communication target is cut off, the power supply switch 10 is turned off, and a process completion notification is transmitted to the smartphone 100. The power switch 10 is turned off by returning the power switch signal En to the L level. By turning off the power switch 10, the supply of the third power supply voltage Vb from the backup capacitor 6 to the NFC-IC 3 is cut off.

(4) NFC control process performed by NFC-IC3 The NFC control process which the communication control part 21 of NFC-IC3 performs is demonstrated using FIG. When the first power supply voltage Vcc or the second power supply voltage Va is supplied to the communication control unit 21 of the NFC-IC 3, the CPU 21a is activated. When activated, the CPU 21a reads the program of the NFC control process of FIG. 5 from the memory 21b and repeatedly executes it.

  When starting the NFC control process of FIG. 5, the CPU 21 a of the communication control unit 21 determines whether or not the smartphone 100 is held over the multifunction device 1 in S <b> 110. The determination of S110 is repeated until the smartphone 100 is held over. When the smartphone 100 is held over (S110: YES), a data request is made to the smartphone 100 by NFC communication in S120.

  In S130, it is determined whether a request command is received from the smartphone 100 by NFC communication in response to the data request in S120. Until the request command is received, the determination in S130 is repeated. If a request command is received (S130: YES), a request command response process is executed in S140. This request command handling process is a process for executing a process (process to be executed) requested from the smartphone 100 by the request command, and will be described in detail later. When the process to be executed by the request command handling process is completed, the process result is transmitted to the smartphone 100 in S150. In S <b> 160, a process completion notification is transmitted to the smartphone 100.

  Details of the request command handling process of S140 are shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, when the process proceeds to the request command response process, it is determined in S210 whether the main body power is on. When the main body is turned on (that is, when operating in the normal mode) (S210: YES), processing based on the request command is executed in S220. That is, when the main body power is on, the first power supply voltage Vcc is supplied from the power supply circuit 9, so that it is not necessary to turn on the power supply switch 10 and it is not necessary to supply the off-time operation voltage Vn.

  If the main body is not turned on (that is, in the off mode) (S210: NO), a backup power necessity determination process is executed in S230. Details of the backup power necessity determination process are as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, when the process proceeds to backup power necessity determination processing, it is determined in S410 whether serial communication with the communication node is necessary. That is, it is determined whether the process requested by the request command (process to be executed) is a process including serial communication with the communication node (requires serial communication).

  If serial communication is necessary (S410: YES), it is determined in S450 whether the communication target of the serial communication is a specific communication node. As described above, in this embodiment, the flash ROM 5 is a specific communication node. If the serial communication target is the specific communication node (S450: YES), it is determined in S480 that the backup power (the third power supply voltage Vb from the backup capacitor 6) needs to be supplied, and the process proceeds to S240 (FIG. 6). .

  If the target of serial communication is not a specific communication node in S450 (S450: NO), it is determined in S460 whether the time required for the process to be executed is long. As described above, this determination is made with reference to the information related to the required processing time in the table of FIG. When the time required for the process to be executed is long (S460: YES), the process proceeds to S480, and it is determined that the backup power needs to be supplied. When the time required for the process to be executed is short (S460: NO), the process proceeds to S470, it is determined that the backup power supply is unnecessary, and the process proceeds to S240 (FIG. 6).

  If it is determined in S410 that serial communication is not necessary (S410: NO), it is determined in S420 whether the time required for the process to be executed is long. Various specific methods for this determination are conceivable. For example, for various processes that do not require serial communication, a table similar to that shown in FIG. 3 may be prepared in advance, and the determination may be made with reference to the table.

  When the time required for the process to be executed is long (S420: YES), the process proceeds to S440, determines that the backup power needs to be supplied, and proceeds to S240 (FIG. 6). When the time required for the process to be executed is short (S420: NO), the process proceeds to S430, determines that the backup power supply is unnecessary, and proceeds to S240 (FIG. 6).

  Returning to FIG. 6, the description will be continued. After executing the backup power necessity determination process in S230, it is determined in S240 whether backup power is necessary based on the processing result in S230. If backup power is not required (S240: NO), it is determined in S250 whether serial communication with the communication node is necessary. If serial communication is not required (S250: NO), processing based on the request command is executed in S260, and the process proceeds to S150 (FIG. 5).

  If it is determined in S250 that serial communication is necessary (S250: YES), power is supplied to the serial communication target in S270. Specifically, by turning on the power supply switch connected to the serial communication target among the power supply switches 36 and 37 in the power supply circuit 24, the off-time operation voltage Vn is supplied to the serial communication target.

  After supplying the off-time operation voltage Vn to the serial communication target, processing based on the request command is executed in S280. That is, a series of processes requested by the request command including access to the serial communication target (data transmission / reception) is executed. When the process to be executed is completed, the power to the serial communication target is shut off (the power supply switch that was turned on is turned off) in S290, and the process proceeds to S150 (FIG. 5).

  If it is determined in S240 that backup power is required (S240: YES), the power supply switch 10 is turned on in S300. That is, by outputting the H level power supply switching signal En to the power supply switching switch 10, the power supply switching switch 10 is turned on so that the third power supply voltage Vb is supplied from the backup capacitor 6 to the NFC-IC 3. In S310, it is determined whether serial communication with the communication node is necessary. If serial communication is not required (S310: NO), processing based on the request command is executed in S320, and the process proceeds to S330.

  In S330, the power switch 10 is turned off. That is, by returning the power switch signal En to the L level, the power switch 10 is turned off, and thereby the supply of the third power voltage Vb from the backup capacitor 6 to the NFC-IC 3 is cut off. After the process of S330, the process proceeds to S150 (FIG. 5).

  If it is determined in S310 that serial communication is necessary (S310: YES), in S340, power is supplied to the serial communication target in the same manner as in S270. In S350, similar to S280, processing based on the request command is executed. When the process to be executed is completed, the power supply to the serial communication target is shut off in S360, and the process proceeds to S330.

(5) Effects of the Embodiment As described above, in the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, the communication control unit 21 of the NFC-IC 3 is activated by the second power supply voltage Va (that is, activated by the received power from the smartphone 100). In such a case, it is determined based on the content of NFC communication with the smartphone 100 what processing should be performed. If the process to be executed is a specific process, the power switch 10 is turned on to supply the third power supply voltage Vb from the backup capacitor 6.

  In this embodiment, the specific process is a process that requires serial communication with a specific communication node, or a time required for the process (in the case of a process that requires serial communication, the time required for the entire process or the start of serial communication in the entire process) This process takes a long time to complete.

  Therefore, according to the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, even when the smartphone 100 is released while the specific process is being performed based on the non-contact communication with the smartphone 100, the smartphone 100 can no longer receive power. The specific process can be continuously executed by the third power supply voltage Vb from the backup capacitor 6. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an adverse effect on the serial communication being executed due to being able to receive power from the smartphone 100 during the execution of the specific process, or an adverse effect on each of the communication control unit 21 and the specific communication node.

  When the communication control unit 21 receives a request command from the smartphone 100, the communication control unit 21 determines whether the process to be executed is a specific process based on the received request command. More specifically, the process to be executed is determined based on the request command, and whether or not the process is a specific process is determined based on the necessity of serial communication with the specific communication node and the processing time. Therefore, it is possible to easily and appropriately determine whether or not the process to be executed is a specific process (in other words, whether or not the supply of the third power supply voltage Vb is necessary).

  When the communication control unit 21 determines whether or not the process to be executed is a specific process based on the required time for the process, the communication control unit 21 performs based on two choices of whether the required time is long or short. More specifically, whether the required time is long or short with reference to the time threshold is registered in the table shown in FIG. 3, and the length of the processing time is determined with reference to the table. Therefore, it is possible to easily and appropriately determine whether or not the specific process is based on the required time.

  When it is necessary to supply the off-time operation voltage Vn to the communication node, the communication control unit 21 individually controls each of the power supply switches 36 and 37 so that only the communication node that needs to perform serial communication. An off-time operation voltage Vn is supplied. That is, the off-time operation voltage Vn is not supplied to a communication node that does not perform serial communication. Therefore, the power consumption in the power-off state can be reduced, and the consumption of the second power supply voltage Va (the amount of power received from the smartphone 100) or the consumption of the third power supply voltage Vb can be suppressed.

  The third power supply voltage Vn from the backup capacitor 6 to the NFC-IC 3 is supplied or cut off by the power supply changeover switch 10. That is, the communication control unit 21 can control the supply of the third power supply voltage Vn to the NFC-IC 3 by controlling the power supply switch 10. Therefore, the control of the supply of the third power supply voltage Vn to the NFC-IC 3 can be easily realized with a simple configuration.

  In this embodiment, the backup capacitor 6 is used as a backup power supply for supplying the third power supply voltage Vb. The backup capacitor 6 is provided as a power source for maintaining the lowest basic function during the off mode. In this embodiment, the backup capacitor 6 can be used to supply backup power to the NFC-IC 3. Yes.

  When executing the process according to the request command from the smartphone 100, the communication control unit 21 transmits a process completion notification to the smartphone 100 after executing the process. Thereby, it is possible to prompt the user of the smartphone 100 not to separate the smartphone 100 from the multifunction device 1 until a process completion notification is transmitted. That is, the process completion notification is a notification for allowing the user of the smartphone 100 to keep the smartphone 100 over the multifunction device 1 until the process ends (maintaining a state in which power can be received from the smartphone 100).

[Other Embodiments]
(1) In the above embodiment, the NFC-IC 3 causes the three power supply voltages, that is, the first power supply voltage Vcc, the second power supply voltage Va, and the third power supply voltage Vb, to be input to the common power supply line. However, such a configuration is not essential. For example, at least one of the three power supply voltages may be supplied / shut off separately from the other power supply voltages.

  Further, for example, a switch may be provided between the power supply generation unit 35 that generates the second power supply voltage Va and the diode D4, and when backup power is supplied from the backup capacitor 6, the switch may be turned off. That is, the second power supply voltage Va may not be consumed while the backup power is supplied from the backup capacitor 6.

(2) The method for determining whether or not it is necessary to supply the backup power from the backup capacitor 6 is not limited to the method described in the above embodiment.
For example, only the method of determining based on the time required for processing may be employed, or only the method of determining based on whether the serial communication target is a specific communication node may be employed. In the latter case, when serial communication is not included in the process to be executed (when serial communication is not required), power supply from the backup capacitor 6 may not be performed.

  Further, for example, referring to the table of FIG. 3, whether the content of serial communication is only data output from the communication node to be communicated or only data input to the communication node includes both data input and data output. It may be determined according to whether or not. In general, the data output process from the communication node has a relatively small influence on the communication node even when the power supply of the communication node is suddenly cut off during the process, compared to the data input process to the communication node. Therefore, for example, when only data output from the communication node is performed, power supply from the backup capacitor 6 is not required, and when data input to the communication node is included, power supply from the backup capacitor 6 may be enabled.

Other determination methods other than the above-described various determination methods may be used, and the above-described various determination methods may be combined with other determination methods.
(3) Another backup capacitor may be provided as a backup power supply in addition to the backup capacitor 6, and backup power may be supplied from the other backup capacitor to the NFC-IC 3 and other communication nodes. .

  (4) The use of the backup capacitor 6 as a backup power supply is merely an example, and other power storage elements or power storage devices other than the capacitor may be used. For example, a primary battery may be used, or a secondary battery that can be repeatedly charged may be used. In the case of using a secondary battery, the battery may be charged with the first power supply voltage Vcc, or may be charged with a power supply other than the first power supply voltage Vcc.

  (5) The power supply changeover switch 10 may be configured using a switching element or circuit other than the bipolar transistor. For example, a MOSFET may be used instead of the bipolar transistor.

  (6) It is not essential that the power supply from the NFC-IC 3 to the communication node (supply of the off-time power supply voltage Vn) can be individually supplied to each communication node. A configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of communication nodes, or all communication nodes that can be supplied, are collectively supplied through a common power supply line.

  (7) When processing is executed in accordance with a request command from the smartphone 100, it is possible to urge the smartphone 100 not to be separated from the multifunction device 1 until the processing is completed by various methods other than the processing completion notification described above. . For example, when a process is executed, a process start notification is transmitted to the smartphone 100 at a specific timing (for example, immediately before the start of the process), whereby the process is started by the multifunction device 1 to the smartphone 100 (and thus the smartphone 100 is released). May be displayed). In this case, after the process is completed, the process completion notification is transmitted in the same manner as in the above embodiment, thereby displaying to the user of the smartphone 100 that the process has been completed by the multifunction device 1 (and thus the smartphone 100 may be released). You may let them.

  (8) Although the EEPROM 4 and the flash ROM 5 are shown as communication nodes that operate as slaves other than the NFC-IC 3, these are merely examples, and the type and number of communication nodes are not particularly limited.

  (9) In the above embodiment, the master-slave type serial communication is exemplified as the data communication method between the communication nodes. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to the master-slave method. It is not limited.

  (10) In the above embodiment, the smartphone 100 is illustrated as an external device capable of NFC communication with the multifunction device 1, but even if it is an external device other than the smartphone 100 (however, an external device having an NFC communication function) NFC communication with the multifunction device 1 can be performed in the same manner as the smartphone 100.

  (11) In addition, the present invention is not limited to the specific means and structure shown in the above embodiment, and can take various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, a part of the configuration of the above embodiment is replaced with a known configuration having the same function, added to or replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, or omitted as long as the problem can be solved. May be. Moreover, you may comprise combining several said embodiment suitably.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... MFP, 2 ... Control circuit, 3 ... NFC-IC, 3a ... Loop antenna, 4 ... EEPROM, 5 ... Flash ROM, 6 ... Backup capacitor, 7 ... Communication line connection circuit, 8 ... RTC circuit, 9 ... Power supply Circuit 10, power supply switch 11, main control unit 12, 23 serial communication I / F 13, 26, 41, 51 serial port 14 main power input port 15 RAM port 20 RAM 21 ... Communication control unit, 21a ... CPU, 21b ... Memory, 22 ... NFFC I / F, 24 ... Power feeding circuit, 25, 42, 52 ... Power input port, 27 ... Power switching port, 31 ... First power feeding port, 32 ... 2nd power supply port, 35 ... Power supply generation part, 36 ... 1st power supply switch, 37 ... 2nd power supply switch, 100 ... Smartphone, D1, D2, D3, D4, D11 D12 ... diodes, D21 ... first diode, D22 ... second diode, L ... serial line, R1 ... resistance.

Claims (12)

A communication device,
A first power supply unit that generates a first power supply voltage for operating the communication device;
An antenna for non-contact communication with an external device;
A second power supply unit that generates a second power supply voltage based on the power received from the external device by the antenna;
A third power supply unit capable of generating a third power supply voltage regardless of the operating state of the first power supply unit;
A communication control unit operable by any one of the first power supply voltage, the second power supply voltage, and the third power supply voltage to control non-contact communication with the external device;
A power supply unit capable of supplying any one of the first power supply voltage, the second power supply voltage, and the third power supply voltage to the communication control unit;
With
The power supply unit supplies the first power supply voltage to the communication control unit when the first power supply voltage is generated by the first power supply unit, and the first power supply voltage is supplied from the first power supply unit. If the second power supply voltage is generated by the second power supply unit when the power supply is not generated, the second power supply voltage is supplied to the communication control unit,
The communication control unit, when activated by receiving the supply of the second power supply voltage, determines a process to be executed based on non-contact communication with the external device, and when the process is a specific process, Instructing the power supply unit to supply the third power supply voltage;
The power supply unit supplies the third power supply voltage to the communication control unit when receiving an instruction to supply the third power supply voltage from the communication control unit. The communication device according to claim 1,
The communication control unit receives a command indicating a processing execution request from the external device by performing specific communication with the external device by non-contact communication when activated by receiving the supply of the second power supply voltage. A communication apparatus that determines a process to be executed based on the received command and determines whether the process to be executed is the specific process. The communication device according to claim 2,
It can be operated by any one of the first power supply voltage, the second power supply voltage, and the third power supply voltage, and is configured to be able to perform data communication with another data communication target in a specific data communication method. Comprising at least one communication node;
The communication control unit is capable of data communication with the communication node by the data communication method, and performs data communication with a specific communication node that is a specific communication node that is determined to be executed based on the command. If included, it is determined that the process is the specific process, and the power supply unit is instructed to supply a communication node to supply the third power supply voltage to the specific communication node.
The power supply unit can supply the second power supply voltage generated by the second power supply unit and the third power supply voltage generated by the third power supply unit to the communication node, and the communication control unit When the communication node supply instruction is received from the communication node, at least the third power supply voltage is supplied to the specific communication node. The communication device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein
It can be operated by any one of the first power supply voltage, the second power supply voltage, and the third power supply voltage, and is configured to be able to perform data communication with another data communication target in a specific data communication method. Comprising at least one communication node;
The communication control unit is capable of data communication with the communication node by the data communication method, and when the process determined to be executed based on the command includes data communication with the communication node, the communication control unit Based on the required time, it is determined whether the process is the specific process. If the process is the specific process, the third power supply voltage is supplied to the communication node that is a data communication target to the power supply unit. Instruct communication node supply to supply,
The power supply unit can supply the second power supply voltage generated by the second power supply unit and the third power supply voltage generated by the third power supply unit to the communication node, and the communication control unit When the communication node supply instruction is received from the communication node, at least the third power supply voltage is supplied to the communication node to be supplied. The communication device according to claim 4,
When the process determined to be executed based on the command includes data communication with the communication node, when the time required for the data communication is longer than a predetermined time threshold, the communication control unit It is determined that the process to be executed is the specific process. The communication device according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
When the process to be executed includes data communication with the communication node when the communication control unit is activated by receiving the supply of the second power supply voltage, the communication control unit A communication apparatus, wherein power is supplied only to the communication node. The communication device according to any one of claims 2 to 6,
The communication control unit includes a storage unit,
In the storage unit, for each process that may be requested to be executed by the command, determination information that can determine whether the process is the specific process is stored.
The communication control unit determines whether or not a process to be executed based on the command is the specific process based on determination information stored in the storage unit. The communication device according to any one of claims 3 to 6,
Among the processes that may be requested to be executed by the command, the process including the data communication with the communication node is at least the information indicating the state of the communication apparatus and the setting information necessary for the operation of the communication apparatus. There is an information transmission / reception process in which one is acquired from the communication node holding the information or transmitted to the communication node,
The information transmission / reception process is individually set for each type of information and for each communication node to be transmitted / received.
The communication control unit includes a storage unit,
In the storage unit, for each information transmission / reception process, determination information capable of determining whether the information transmission / reception process is the specific process is stored.
When the process to be executed based on the command is the information transmission / reception process, the communication control unit determines whether the information transmission / reception process is the specific process or not. A communication device characterized in that a determination is made based on The communication device according to any one of claims 3 to 8,
A communication device comprising at least one of an EEPROM and a flash ROM as the communication node. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The power supply unit is a switch unit for turning on / off the input of the third power supply voltage from the third power supply unit to the power supply unit, and the supply of the third power supply voltage from the communication control unit When the switch unit is turned on, the third power supply voltage is input and the third power supply voltage can be supplied to the supply target. A communication device characterized by the above. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The third power supply unit includes a capacitive element that can be charged by the first power supply voltage generated by the first power supply unit, and the third power supply voltage is calculated based on a charging power of the capacitive element. A communication device characterized by generating. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
When the communication control unit is activated by receiving the supply of the second power supply voltage and the process to be executed is the specific process, the communication control unit is configured to perform the contactless communication with the external device at a specific timing. A communication apparatus that transmits a notification for maintaining power in a state in which power can be received from the external apparatus until a specific process is completed.