JP2018107661A - Communication equipment, image forming apparatus, and communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication system that performs radio communication between communication equipment and an image forming apparatus, more particularly, a technology that enables the image forming apparatus to receive facsimile image data at an early stage while reducing power consumption.SOLUTION: A communication BOX 100 establishes low-power consumption BT communication in advance with an MFP 200. When receiving CNG signals while the BT communication is established, the communication BOX 100 starts WiFi establishment processing for establishing high-speed, high-power consumption WiFi communication with the MFP 200. When receiving PIX signals before the completion of the WiFi establishment processing, the communication BOX starts transmission of the PIX signals through the BT communication. When the WiFi establishment processing is completed before the completion of the PIX transmission, the communication BOX stops transmission of the PIX signals through the BT communication, and performs transmission of the rest of the PIX signals through the WiFi communication.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device, an image forming apparatus, and a communication system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a technique for wirelessly communicating facsimile image data between a communication device and an image forming apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a communication system having a communication device connected to a public line and an image forming apparatus having an image forming function and performing wireless communication of facsimile image data between the communication device and the image forming apparatus is known. It has been. In this communication system, since the communication device connected to the public line and the image forming apparatus are separate, the arrangement of the image forming apparatus is not limited to the vicinity of the socket for the public line. Therefore, there is an advantage that the degree of freedom of arrangement of the image forming apparatus is high.

  As a document disclosing the above-described communication system, for example, there is Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a communication system that includes a communication BOX (communication device) and a multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) and performs data communication using wireless LAN radio waves. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for starting a communication control unit for performing communication using a wireless LAN radio wave when facsimile data is received from a public line.

JP 2010-239351 A

  In order for a communication system to always be able to perform wireless communication between a communication device and an image forming apparatus, a communication control unit for performing wireless communication must always be activated, and power consumption is high. The technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 has an advantage of reducing power consumption because the communication control unit is not activated until a signal related to a facsimile is received.

  However, as in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the communication control unit is started after receiving facsimile data, the communication connection between the communication device and the image forming apparatus is established after receiving the facsimile data. become. It takes time to establish this communication connection. That is, it takes time until the image forming apparatus receives facsimile image data after the communication device receives the facsimile identification signal. For this reason, there is a problem that printing of facsimile image data or confirmation of an image by a user is delayed.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art. That is, the subject is a communication system that performs wireless communication between a communication device and an image forming apparatus, and provides a technology that allows the image forming apparatus to receive facsimile image data at an early stage while suppressing power consumption. There is to do.

  A communication device designed to solve this problem includes a first communication unit that performs first communication, which is wireless communication in accordance with the first communication method, with the image forming apparatus, and more than the first communication method. A second communication unit that performs second communication, which is wireless communication in accordance with a second communication method with high power consumption, with the image forming apparatus, a third communication unit connected to a public line, a control unit, And the control unit controls the first communication unit in a state where the second communication is not established with the image forming apparatus, and controls the first communication unit with the image forming apparatus. A first communication process for performing wireless communication by the communication of the first communication process, and when the third communication unit receives a facsimile identification signal during execution of the first communication process, the second communication unit is controlled to perform the image formation Commenced communication establishment processing for establishing the second communication with the device And when the third communication unit receives a facsimile image signal after receiving a facsimile identification signal before the communication establishment process is completed, the first communication unit is controlled, A first transmission start process for starting a first transmission process for causing the image forming apparatus to transmit a facsimile image signal received by the third communication unit by the first communication; and the first transmission process. If the communication establishment process is completed before completion, the first communication unit is controlled to stop transmission of a facsimile image signal by the first communication, and the second communication unit is controlled to And a second transmission start process for starting a second transmission process for causing the image forming apparatus to transmit the remaining facsimile image signals received by the third communication unit by the second communication. Features It is.

  That is, the communication device disclosed in the present specification starts transmission of the facsimile image signal by the first communication while executing the communication establishment process for establishing the second communication with the image forming apparatus. doing. As a result, the communication device disclosed in the present specification is compared with the case where the transmission of the facsimile image signal is started after the second communication is established, that is, after the communication establishment process is completed. Reception of the facsimile image signal can be started early, and as a result, the user can confirm the content of the facsimile image signal at the image forming apparatus side early. Further, the communication device disclosed in this specification establishes the second communication after receiving the facsimile identification signal. Therefore, the communication device disclosed in the present specification consumes less power compared to the case where the second communication is always established from the time of activation.

  The present specification also includes a first communication unit that performs first communication, which is wireless communication in accordance with the first communication method, with a communication device, and a second power consumption that is higher than that of the first communication method. A second communication unit that performs second communication that is wireless communication in accordance with the communication method with the communication device, an image forming unit that forms an image, and a control unit, and the control unit includes the communication unit A first communication process for controlling the first communication unit and performing wireless communication by the first communication with the communication device in a state where the second communication with the device is not established; When a specific signal output in response to reception of a facsimile identification signal is received from the communication device during execution of the first communication process, the second communication unit is controlled to communicate with the communication device. Communication establishment start process for starting communication establishment process for establishing the second communication Before the communication establishment process is completed, the first communication unit is controlled, and the facsimile image signal received by the communication device by the first communication after receiving the facsimile identification signal from the communication device. When the communication establishment process is completed before the first reception process is completed and the first reception start process for starting the first reception process for receiving the first reception process, the first communication unit is controlled to The reception of the facsimile image signal by the first communication is stopped, and the second communication unit is controlled to receive the remaining facsimile image signal received by the communication device by the second communication from the communication device. An image forming apparatus is disclosed that executes a second reception start process for starting a second reception process for performing the above.

  Further, in the present specification, in a communication system including a communication device connected to a public line and an image forming apparatus that forms an image, the communication device and the image forming apparatus are wirelessly in accordance with a first communication method. First communication that is communication and second communication that is wireless communication in accordance with a second communication method that consumes more power than the first communication method. The communication device, the image forming apparatus, A first communication process for performing wireless communication by the first communication between the communication device and the image forming apparatus in a state in which the second communication is not established between the first communication process and the first communication process. A communication establishment start process for starting a communication establishment process for establishing the second communication between the communication apparatus and the image forming apparatus when the communication apparatus receives a facsimile identification signal, and the communication establishment process. Is completed When the communication device receives a facsimile image signal after receiving the facsimile identification signal, the communication device transmits the facsimile image signal by the first communication to the image forming apparatus. A first transmission start process for starting the first transmission process, and when the communication establishment process is completed before the completion of the first transmission process, the transmission of the facsimile image signal by the first communication is stopped, And a second transmission start process for starting a second transmission process for causing the image forming apparatus to transmit the remaining facsimile image signals by the second communication to the image forming apparatus. A communication system is disclosed.

  A control method, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program for realizing the functions of the apparatus are also novel and useful.

  According to the present invention, it is a communication system that performs wireless communication between a communication device and an image forming apparatus, and a technique that enables the image forming apparatus to receive facsimile image data at an early stage while suppressing power consumption is realized. .

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the communication system concerning embodiment. It is a figure which shows the sequence of the facsimile reception of the communication system concerning Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the main process which a communication box (communication BOX) performs. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the transmission side real-time reception process which communication BOX performs. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of main processing executed by a multifunction peripheral (MFP). 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of reception side real-time reception processing executed by the MFP.

  Hereinafter, a communication device, an image forming apparatus, and a communication system according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a communication system including a communication box (communication BOX) connected to a public line and a multi-function peripheral (MFP: abbreviation of Multi-Function Peripheral) having an image forming function. .

[Overall configuration of communication system]
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 900 according to the present embodiment uses two types of communication methods between a communication BOX 100 and a communication BOX 100 that are connected to a facsimile (FAX) apparatus 300 via a public line. MFP 200 capable of wireless communication. The communication BOX 100 is an example of a communication device. The MFP 200 is an example of an image forming apparatus. In the image processing system 100 of this embodiment, data can be exchanged between the communication BOX 100 and the MFP 200 by wireless communication.

[Configuration of communication BOX]
Subsequently, a schematic configuration of the communication BOX 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication BOX 100 includes a controller 130 having a CPU 131, a ROM 132, a RAM 133, and a nonvolatile RAM (NVRAM) 134. The communication BOX 100 includes a handset 150 having a microphone and a speaker (not shown), a Bluetooth interface (BTI / F) 135 and a Wi-Fi interface (WiFi I / F) 136 as communication interfaces that enable communication with the MFP 200. , PSTNI / F137 connected to a PSTN (abbreviation of Public Switched Telephone Network) 310 which is a public line, and these are controlled by the CPU 131. Note that the controller 130 in FIG. 1 is a collective term for hardware used for controlling the communication BOX 100, such as the CPU 131, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the communication BOX 100. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are registered trademarks. Hereinafter, Bluetooth is abbreviated as “BT”, and Wi-Fi is abbreviated as “WiFi”.

  The BTI / F 135 is an interface for executing wireless communication (hereinafter referred to as “BT communication”, an example of first communication) according to the BT method. The BTI / F 135 is an example of a first communication unit. The BT method is an example of a first communication method. The BT method is a wireless communication method based on, for example, the IEEE 802.15.1 standard or a standard conforming thereto.

  More specifically, the BTI / F 135 supports BLE (abbreviation for Bluetooth Low Energy). BLE is a standard implemented in BT version 4.0 and later versions. In the following, a BT system version less than 4.0 is referred to as “classic BT”. In order to execute BT communication according to BLE between a pair of BTI / F, one BTI / F corresponds to “Bluetooth Smart Ready” defined by the BT method, and the other BTI / F “Bluetooth Smart Ready” or “Bluetooth Smart” defined by the BT method may be supported. The BTI / F corresponding to “Bluetooth Smart Ready” is an interface capable of executing both operations according to BLE and operations according to classic BT. The BTI / F corresponding to “Bluetooth Smart” is an interface that can execute an operation according to BLE but cannot execute an operation according to classic BT. In this embodiment, BT communication according to BLE is executed between the communication BOX 100 and the MFP 100. Both the BTI / F 135 of the communication BOX 100 and the BTI / F 235 of the MFP 200 described later support “Bluetooth Smart Ready”.

  The classic BT and BLE have the following differences. The number of BLE channels is smaller than the number of classic BT channels, and the current consumption during BLE data communication is smaller than the current consumption during classic BT data communication. Therefore, the power consumption of BLE is lower than the power consumption of classic BT. In BLE, the Advertise signal is used, but in Classic BT, the Advertise signal is not used.

  The WiFi I / F 136 is an interface for executing wireless communication (hereinafter referred to as “WiFi communication”, an example of second communication) according to the WiFi system. WiFi I / F 136 is an example of a second communication unit. The WiFi system is an example of a second communication system. The WiFi system is an interface that enables wireless communication based on, for example, the IEEE 802.11 standard and standards conforming thereto.

  More specifically, the WiFi I / F 136 supports a WFD (abbreviation of Wi-Fi Direct) method. The WFD method is a wireless communication method described in “Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Technical Specification Version 1.1”, which is a standard document created by the WiFi Alliance.

  There are the following differences between BT communication and WiFi communication. The communication speed of WiFi communication (for example, the maximum communication speed is 600 Mbps) is faster than the communication speed of BT communication (for example, the maximum communication speed is 24 Mbps). Further, the maximum distance (for example, 100 m) at which WiFi communication can be performed is larger than the maximum distance (for example, about several tens of meters) at which BT communication can be performed. In addition, the power consumption of BTI / F135 (for example, about 0.05 W (15 mA × 3 V) when supporting BLE, about 0.1 W (35 mA × 3 V) in other cases) is It is lower than the power consumption of WiFi I / F 136 (for example, about 0.9 W (300 mA × 3 V)). That is, WiFi communication consumes more power than BT communication.

  The PSTN / F 137 is an interface that incorporates a modem that performs mutual conversion between a digital signal and an analog signal and is connected to the PSTN 310. PSTNI / F137 is an example of a third communication unit.

  The CPU 131 performs various processes according to the control program read from the ROM 132 while storing the calculation result in the RAM 133 or the NVRAM 134. The CPU 131 is an example of a control unit. The controller 130 may be a control unit.

  In addition to the control program described above, the ROM 132 or NVRAM 134 stores connection information for performing wireless communication with the MFP 200 from the shipment stage. The connection information includes BT setting information and WiFi setting information. The BT setting information is information for establishing BT communication with the MFP 200, and includes various information such as an authentication method, an encryption method, and a pass key. The WiFi setting information is information for establishing WiFi communication with the MFP 200, and includes various information such as an SSID (Service Set IDentifier), an authentication method, an encryption method, and a password. The ROM 132 or the NVRAM 134 stores device information for specifying the MFP 200 as a communication destination from the shipment stage. Specifically, the device name corresponds to a device name or a serial number. The NVRAM 134 is an example of a storage unit.

  The handset 150 is detachably attached to the housing of the communication BOX 100, and includes an interface for performing voice data wireless communication according to the DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication) standard. With the handset 150 removed from the housing of the communication BOX 100, the user uses the handset 150 to communicate with a user who uses a telephone (not shown) connected to the public line via the modem 137 of the communication BOX 100. Calls can be made.

[MFP configuration]
Next, a schematic configuration of the MFP 200 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the MFP 200 includes a controller 230 having a CPU 231, a ROM 232, a RAM 233, and an NVRAM 234. The MFP 200 includes a BTI / F 235 and a WiFi I / F 236 as communication interfaces that enable communication with the image forming unit 210, the image reading unit 220, the display unit 241, the operation unit 242, and the communication BOX 100. These are controlled by the CPU 231. Note that the controller 230 in FIG. 1 is a general term that summarizes hardware used to control the MFP 200 such as the CPU 231, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the MFP 200.

  The BTI / F 235 is an interface for executing BT communication. The BTI / F 235 also supports BLE, similar to the BTI / F 135 of the communication BOX 100. The BTI / F 235 is an example of a first communication unit.

  The WiFi I / F 236 is an interface for executing WiFi communication. The WiFi I / F 236 also supports WFD, similar to the WiFi I / F 136 of the communication BOX 100. WiFi I / F 236 is an example of a second communication unit.

  The display unit 241 is provided on the exterior of the MFP 200 and has a liquid crystal panel that displays messages and setting contents. Similarly to the display unit 241, the operation unit 242 is provided on the exterior of the MFP 200 and includes various buttons that accept user input. Examples of the various buttons include an OK button for instructing start of image formation or image reading, and a cancel button for instructing cancellation of image formation or image reading.

  The image forming unit 210 prints an image based on an image signal or image data on a sheet. The image forming unit 210 only needs to be able to print an image on a sheet, and may be an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method. Furthermore, color printing is possible or monochrome printing is possible. The image forming unit 210 is an example of an image forming unit.

  The image reading unit 220 reads an image of a document and outputs image data. The image reading unit 220 only needs to be able to read an image of a document, and may be a CIS method or a CCD method. Furthermore, color reading can be performed or monochrome only can be used.

  The CPU 231 controls each component of the MFP 200 while storing the processing result in the RAM 233 or the NVRAM 234 according to a control program read from the ROM 232 and signals sent from various sensors. The CPU 231 is an example of a control unit. The controller 230 may be a control unit.

  The ROM 232 stores firmware that is a control program for controlling the MFP 200, various settings, initial values, and the like. The RAM 233 is used as a work area from which various control programs are read, or as a storage area for temporarily storing image data. The NVRAM 234 is also used as a storage area for storing various information used in the MFP 200. Similarly to the communication BOX 100, the ROM 232 or the NVRAM 234 stores connection information for performing wireless communication with the communication BOX 100 from the shipment stage. The connection information includes BT setting information and WiFi setting information.

  The NVRAM 234 stores a real-time reception setting indicating whether or not to perform real-time reception. The MFP 200 can perform real-time reception and storage reception as operation modes when a FAX image signal is received. The real-time reception is a reception mode in which when the MFP 200 receives a FAX image signal, an image is printed immediately based on the image signal. On the other hand, in the accumulation reception, when the MFP 200 receives a FAX image signal, the image is not printed immediately based on the image signal but is temporarily held in the RAM 233 and a print command is input via the operation unit 242. This is a reception mode in which an image is printed based on the image signal. The user can change the setting of the real-time reception setting via the operation unit 242, and the set content is stored in the NVRAM 234. When the MFP 200 receives a PIX signal that is a FAX image signal, the MFP 200 determines whether to perform real-time reception or accumulation reception according to the real-time reception setting. Real-time reception is an example of the first reception mode, and accumulated reception is an example of the second reception mode. The NVRAM 234 is an example of a storage unit.

  As another interface, the MFP 200 includes, for example, a USB interface for communicating with a device connected via a USB cable, and a network interface for communicating with a device connected via a network cable. May be.

[FAX communication function]
Next, an outline of the FAX communication function in the communication system 900 will be described. In the communication system 900, the FAX communication function is realized by the cooperation of the communication BOX 100 and the MFP 200.

  For example, when the communication BOX 100 receives a PIX signal that is an image signal from the FAX apparatus 300 via the PSTNI / F 137, the communication BOX 100 transmits the PIX signal to the MFP 200 via the BTI / F 135 or WiFi I / F 136. The MFP 200 prints an image based on the PIX signal received from the communication BOX 100 via the BTI / F235 to the WiFiI / F236 by controlling the image forming unit 210. Thereby, a FAX reception operation is realized.

  Further, when a FAX transmission execution command designated by the FAX apparatus 300 as a transmission destination is input to the MFP 200, image data of an image obtained from a document by controlling the image reading unit 220 is transmitted to the transmission destination information. At the same time, the data is transmitted to the communication BOX 100 via the BTI / F235 or WiFiI / F236. The communication BOX 100 converts image data received from the MFP 200 via the BTI / F 135 or WiFi I / F 136 into a PIX signal, and transmits it to the FAX apparatus 300 via the PSTNI / F 137. Thereby, FAX transmission operation is realized.

  As described above, the MFP 200 includes the image forming unit 210 and the image reading unit 220, but the communication BOX 100 does not include them. Accordingly, the overall size of the MFP 200 is larger than the overall size of the communication BOX 100. As described above, the MFP 200 that performs image processing and the communication BOX 100 connected to the public line have the following advantages. That is, in many homes, the position of the PSTN socket is often determined in advance. In an environment where there is no space near the PSTN socket, it is difficult to install a relatively large size MFP 200, but it may be easy to install a relatively small size communication box 100. That is, even if the MFP 200 is installed at a position away from the PSTN socket, the FAX communication function is realized by wireless communication, so the MFP 200 of the communication system 900 has a high degree of freedom of installation.

[FAX reception operation]
Next, a specific procedure of FAX reception operation realized by the FAX communication function in the communication system 900 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

  In the communication system 900, when the communication BOX 100 and the MFP 200 are activated, they search each other, and when both are activated, BT communication is established between the two. Communication BOX 100 and MFP 200 maintain a state in which BT communication is possible. That is, the communication BOX 100 and the MFP 200 supply power to each BTI / F while power is being supplied from the power source.

  On the other hand, in the communication system 900, WiFi communication is established as necessary. Therefore, each WiFi I / F is in either a state where power is supplied or a state where power is not supplied. Note that the power consumption of the BTI / F is lower than the power consumption of the WiFi I / F as described above. Therefore, even if the state where BT communication is possible is continued, the power consumption of the communication system 900 as a whole is small.

  In the FAX reception operation in the communication system 900, first, the communication BOX 100 receives the RING signal from the FAX apparatus 300 via the PSTNI / F 137 and closes the telephone line. Thereafter, the communication BOX 100 receives the CNG signal from the FAX apparatus 300 via the PSTNI / F137. The CNG signal is a signal indicating that the transmission is FAX transmission. The communication BOX 100 distinguishes between FAX and telephone depending on whether or not a CNG signal is received.

  After receiving the CNG signal, the communication BOX 100 prepares for FAX communication connection for performing capability confirmation and the like with the FAX apparatus 300. Specifically, a DIS signal indicating the maximum receivable capability is transmitted from the communication BOX 100 to the FAX apparatus 300. The transmission source FAX apparatus 300 compares the received DIS signal with the capability of the own apparatus, determines the communication setting according to the smaller capability, and transmits the communication setting as a DCS signal to the communication BOX 100. The communication BOX 100 and the FAX apparatus 300 transmit and receive the DIS signal and the DCS signal, and then the transmission FAX apparatus 300 confirms the establishment of communication with the communication setting notified by the DCS signal. Send. The communication BOX 100 that has successfully received the TCF signal transmits a CFR signal (training signal OK notification). If an error occurs during the reception of the TCF signal, the communication speed is lowered and the transmission / reception of the training signal is executed again.

  After the FAX communication connection preparation is completed, the FAX apparatus 300 generates a PIX signal (image transmission) that is a facsimile image signal based on the established communication settings and transmits the PIX signal (image transmission) to the communication BOX 100. Further, the FAX machine 300 of the transmission source transmits an MPS signal (multi-page notification) when the transmission of facsimile data for one page is completed, and further transmits an EOP when transmission of all facsimile data is completed. Send a signal (transmission completion notification).

  Further, the communication BOX 100 outputs an Advertise signal via the BTI / F 135 when receiving the CNG signal. Further, the communication BOX 100 prepares a WiFi communication connection for establishing WiFi communication with the MFP 200. That is, when the communication BOX 100 receives the CNG signal, and when the MPF 200 receives the Advertise signal, the power supply to the WiFi I / F is started and the WiFi establishment process is started.

  In preparation for WiFi communication connection, the communication BOX 100 transmits a Probe Request signal including the SSID to the MFP 200 via the WiFi I / F 136. Thereafter, the communication BOX 100 receives a probe response from the MFP 200 via the WiFi I / F 136 and further transmits / receives various signals to / from the MFP 200. The communication BOX 100 transmits an authentication method, an encryption method, and a password to the MFP 200 in the process of transmitting and receiving various signals described above. As a result, various types of authentication are performed between the communication BOX 100 and the MFP 200, and WiFi communication is established between the two.

  More specifically, the communication BOX 100 sets the communication BOX 100 as a WFD client, and the MFP 200 participates in a wireless network that operates as a group owner. The communication BOX 100 acquires network information to be used by the communication BOX 100 from the MFP 200 and stores the network information in the RAM 133. Accordingly, when the network information is stored, the communication BOX 100 is in a state where the WiFi communication is established with the MFP 200. Note that the group owner may be the communication BOX 100. In this case, the MFP 200 participates in a wireless network in which the communication BOX 100 operates as the group owner.

  If the communication box 100 receives a PIX signal from the FAX apparatus 300 while preparing for WiFi communication connection with the MFP 200, the communication box 100 transmits the PIX signal to the MFP 200 via the BTI / F 135. Thereby, between the communication BOX 100 and the MFP 200, preparation for WiFi communication connection and delivery of a PIX signal by BT communication are performed in parallel.

  When the MFP 200 receives an Advertise signal from the communication BOX 100 via the BTI / F 135, the MFP 200 starts an image formation preparation operation. For example, when the image forming unit 210 forms an image by electrophotography, the fixing device warms up. As a result, the MFP 200 performs the WiFi establishment process and the image formation preparation operation in parallel. After the image formation preparation operation is completed, the MFP 200 starts printing an image based on the received PIX signal. In FIG. 2, the image formation preparation operation is completed prior to the WiFi establishment process, but it is undefined which is completed first.

  Further, after the WiFi communication is established, the communication BOX 100 waits for the reception of the MPS signal from the FAX apparatus 300 and switches the transmission of the PIX signal from the BT communication to the WiFi communication. As a result, the untransmitted PIX signal is transferred by WiFi communication. Thereafter, the communication BOX 100 waits for reception of the EOP signal from the FAX apparatus 300 and disconnects the WiFi communication. Then, the communication BOX 100 and the MFP 200 respectively stop power supply to the WiFi I / F when the WiFi communication is terminated.

[Communication BOX operation]
[Main processing]
Next, specific processing executed by the communication BOX 100 in order to realize the above-described FAX reception operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The main processing shown in FIG. 3 is executed by the CPU 131 when power supply from the power source to the communication BOX 100 is started. Note that the main processing shown in FIG. 3 describes processing for realizing the above-described FAX reception operation, and omits processing for realizing other processing such as FAX transmission operation and telephone.

  In the main process of the communication BOX 100, the CPU 131 first establishes BT communication with the MFP 200 (S101). Specifically, in S101, the CPU 131 starts power supply to the BTI / F 135, and causes the BTI / F 135 to broadcast-transmit an Advertise signal including device information for specifying the MFP 200. The Advertise signal is a signal for searching for a communication destination device of BT communication. When the MFP 200 is activated, the MFP 200 transmits a response signal to the Advertise signal. The response signal includes BT setting information stored in MFP 200. The CPU 131 performs pairing using the BT setting information stored in the communication BOX 100 on the condition that the response signal from the MFP 200 is received. When pairing is successful, BT communication is established between the two. When the response signal from the MFP 200 is not received, the CPU 131 stands by in a state where the Advertise signal from the MFP 200 can be received. Then, an Advertise signal transmitted when the MFP 200 is activated is received, and a response signal is transmitted in response to the reception, thereby establishing BT communication between the two. S101 is an example of a first communication process.

  After S101, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the BTI / F 135 has received a setting change command by BT communication (S102). The setting change command is a command indicating that the real-time reception setting has been changed in the MFP 200, and is transmitted from the MFP 200 when the real-time reception setting has been changed in the MFP 200. The setting change command includes information indicating the contents of the setting change, that is, real-time reception or accumulated reception.

  When the setting change command is received (S102: YES), the CPU 131 determines whether or not real-time reception is set in the MFP 200 based on the received setting change command (S111). If it is determined that real-time reception is set in the MFP 200 (S111: YES), the CPU 131 stores information indicating that real-time reception is set in the NVRAM 134 (S112). On the other hand, when it is determined that real-time reception is not set in the MFP 200, that is, accumulation reception is set in the MFP 200 (S111: NO), the CPU 131 stores information indicating that accumulation reception is set in the NVRAM 134. Store (S113). S112 and S113 are an example of a setting storage process. After S112 or S113, the process returns to S102.

  When the setting change command has not been received (S102: NO), the CPU 131 determines whether or not the PSTNI / F 137 has received a CNG signal (S103). When the PSTNI / F 137 has not received the CNG signal (S103: NO), the process returns to the determination of S102.

  When the PSTNI / F 137 receives a CNG signal (S103: YES), the CPU 131 determines whether information indicating that real-time reception is set in the MFP 200 is stored in the NVRAM 134 (S121). When information indicating that real-time reception is set is stored (S121: YES), the CPU 131 starts transmission of the PIX signal by BT communication, and switches to WiFi communication after the WiFi communication is established. The side real-time reception process is executed (S122). Details of the transmission side real-time reception process will be described later.

  On the other hand, when the information indicating that the real-time reception is set is not stored, that is, the information indicating that the accumulation reception is set (S121: NO), the CPU 131 transmits the PIX signal. Is not performed in the BT communication, and after the WiFi communication is established, an accumulation reception process starting with the WiFi communication is executed (S123). Accumulation / reception processing is the same as in the prior art, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  After S122 or S123, the CPU 131 determines whether or not a power OFF instruction for cutting off power supply from the power source has been input (S131). When the power OFF instruction is not input (S131: NO), the CPU 131 returns to the determination of S102 and performs the determinations of S102 and S103. When the power OFF instruction is input (S131: YES), the CPU 131 ends the main process. Note that the main process is also forcibly terminated when the power supply to the communication BOX 100 is forcibly cut off.

[Sender real-time reception processing]
Next, the procedure of the transmission side real-time reception process in S122 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the transmission side real-time reception process, the CPU 131 first broadcasts an Advertise signal including device information for specifying the MFP 200 (S151). The Advertise signal transmitted in S151 is used to cause the MFP 200 to start an image formation preparation operation.

  After S151, the CPU 131 starts WiFi establishment processing for establishing WiFi communication (S152). In the WiFi establishment process, power supply to the WiFi I / F 136 is started, and as described above, an authentication method, an encryption method, and a password are transmitted / received between the communication BOX 100 and the MFP 200 to authenticate each other. When the authentication is successful, the WiFi communication is established between the communication BOX 100 and the MFP 200. S152 is an example of a communication establishment start process. The WiFi establishment process is an example of a communication establishment process.

  After starting the WiFi establishment process in S152, the CPU 131 controls the BTI / F 135 to start transmitting the PIX signal received by the PSTNI / F 137 to the MFP 200 (S153). That is, the CPU 131 executes the WiFi establishment process by the WiFi I / F 136 and the transmission of the PIX signal by the BTI / F 135 in parallel. The execution order of S151, S152, and S153 is not questioned and may be simultaneous. S153 is an example of a first transmission start process.

  After S153, the CPU 131 determines whether the PSTNI / F 137 has received an MPS signal or transmitted a PIX signal of a predetermined size (S161). When the PSTNI / F 137 has not received an MPS signal and has not transmitted a PIX signal of a predetermined size (S161: NO), the CPU 131 determines whether or not a communication error has occurred in BT communication. (S162). If no communication error has occurred (S162: NO), the CPU 131 determines whether the PSTNI / F 137 has received an EOP signal (S163). When the EOP signal is not received (S163: NO), the process returns to S161, and the determinations of S161, S162, and S163 are repeated.

  When the PSTNI / F 137 receives an MPS signal or transmits a PIX signal of a predetermined size (S161: YES), the CPU 131 determines whether WiFi establishment processing is completed, that is, WiFi communication with the MFP 200 is not performed. It is determined whether it has been established (S171). That is, the CPU 131 determines completion of the WiFi establishment process every time the PSTNI / F 137 receives the MPS signal. Further, the CPU 131 determines completion of the WiFi establishment process every time the PSTNI / F 137 transmits a PIX signal of a predetermined size. When the WiFi establishment process is not completed (S171: NO), the process returns to S161, and the determinations of S161, S162, and S163 are repeated.

  When the WiFi establishment process is completed (S171: YES), the CPU 131 stops the transmission of the PIX signal in the BT communication by the BTI / F 135 (S172). Then, the CPU 131 starts transmission of a PIX signal in WiFi communication by the WiFi I / F 136 (S173). That is, in the processing of S172 and S173, transmission of the PIX signal received by the communication BOX 100 by BT communication is stopped in the middle, and transmission of the remaining PIX signal by WiFi communication is started. S173 is an example of a second transmission start process.

  After S173, the CPU 131 determines whether the PSTNI / F 137 has received an EOP signal (S181). When the EOP signal is not received (S181: NO), the CPU 131 repeats the determination of S181.

  When the EOP signal is received (S181: YES), the CPU 131 disconnects the WiFi communication and stops the power supply to the WiFi I / F 136 (S182). After S182, the CPU 131 ends the transmission side real-time reception process.

  On the other hand, if a communication error occurs during transmission of the PIX signal by BT communication (S162: YES), the CPU 131 proceeds to S171 and determines whether the WiFi establishment process is completed (S171). When BT communication becomes impossible, a PIX signal cannot be transmitted from the BTI / F 135. Therefore, if the WiFi establishment process is completed, that is, if switching to WiFi communication is possible, the remaining PIX signal WiFi communication can be performed without waiting for the reception of the MPS signal or the transmission of the PIX signal of a predetermined size. Start sending.

  If the EOP signal is received before the WiFi establishment process is completed (S163: YES), the CPU 131 stops the WiFi establishment process being executed and stops the power supply to the WiFi I / F 136 (S191). ). That is, when the transmission of the PIX signal is completed before the WiFi establishment process is completed, it is not necessary to establish the WiFi communication, and thus the CPU 131 stops the WiFi establishment process halfway. After S191, the transmission side real-time reception process is terminated.

[MFP operation]
[Main processing]
Next, specific processing executed by the MFP 200 in order to realize the above-described FAX reception operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The main processing shown in FIG. 5 is executed by the CPU 231 when power supply from the power source to the MFP 200 is started. Note that the main processing shown in FIG. 5 describes processing for realizing the above-described FAX reception operation, and omits processing for realizing other processing such as FAX transmission operation.

  In the main process of the MFP 200, the CPU 231 first establishes BT communication with the communication BOX 100 (S201). Specifically, in S201, the CPU 231 starts supplying power to the BTI / F 235, and causes the BTI / F 235 to broadcast-transmit an Advertise signal including device information for specifying the communication BOX 100. The CPU 231 performs pairing using the BT setting information stored in the MFP 200 on the condition that the response signal from the communication BOX 100 is received. When pairing is successful, BT communication is established between the two. If the response signal from the communication BOX 100 is not received, the CPU 231 stands by in a state where the Advertise signal from the communication BOX 100 can be received. Then, the Advertise signal transmitted when the communication BOX 100 is activated is received, and a response signal is transmitted in response to the reception, thereby establishing BT communication between the two. S201 is an example of a first communication process.

  After S201, the CPU 231 determines whether an Advertise signal has been received from the communication BOX 100 in a state where BT communication has been established (S202). The Advertise signal is an example of a specific signal. When the Advertise signal from the communication BOX 100 is not received (S202: NO), the CPU 231 repeats the determination of S202.

  When the Advertise signal from the communication BOX 100 is received in a state where the BT communication is established (S202: YES), since the communication BOX 100 can determine that the CNG signal has been received from the FAX apparatus 300, the CPU 231 receives from the NVRAM 234 in real time. The setting is read and it is determined whether or not real-time reception is set (S211). When real-time reception is set (S211: YES), the CPU 231 executes reception-side real-time reception processing for performing real-time reception (S221). Details of the reception side real-time reception process will be described later.

  If real-time reception is not set, that is, accumulation reception is set (S211: NO), the CPU 231 starts WiFi establishment processing for establishing WiFi communication (S231). In the WiFi establishment process, power supply to the WiFi I / F 236 is started, and as described above, an authentication method, an encryption method, and a password are transmitted / received between the MFP 200 and the communication BOX 100 to authenticate each other. When the authentication is successful, the WiFi communication is established between the MFP 200 and the communication BOX 100.

  After starting the WiFi establishment process in S231, the CPU 231 determines whether or not the WiFi establishment process is completed (S232). When the WiFi establishment process is not completed (S232: NO), the CPU 231 repeats the determination of S232 and waits for the completion of the WiFi establishment process. After the WiFi establishment process is completed (S232: YES), the CPU 231 controls the WiFi I / F 136 to start receiving the PIX signal transmitted from the communication BOX 100 at the MFP 200 (S233). That is, the CPU 231 waits for the completion of the WiFi establishment process and starts receiving the PIX signal in the WiFi communication by the WiFi I / F 236.

  In the accumulation reception, the CPU 231 does not immediately start printing an image based on the received PIX signal. Therefore, the image forming preparation operation is unnecessary, and when the CPU 231 receives the PIX signal, the CPU 231 stores the PIX signal in the RAM 233.

  After S233, the CPU 231 determines whether or not the reception of the PIX signal has been completed (S234). The CPU 231 can determine that the reception of the PIX signal is completed when the WiFi I / F 236 receives the EOP signal. When the reception of the PIX signal has not been completed (S234: NO), the CPU 231 repeats the determination of S234.

  When the reception of the PIX signal is completed (S234: YES), the CPU 231 disconnects the WiFi communication and stops the power supply to the WiFi I / F 236 (S235). After S221 or S235, the CPU 231 determines whether or not a power OFF instruction for cutting off the power supply from the power source has been input (S241). When the power OFF instruction is not input (S241: NO), the CPU 231 returns to the determination of S202 and performs the determination of S202. When the power OFF instruction is input (S241: YES), the CPU 231 ends the main process. Even when the power supply to the MFP 200 is forcibly cut off, the main process is forcibly terminated.

[Receiver real-time reception processing]
Next, the procedure of the reception side real-time reception process in S221 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the reception side real-time reception process, the CPU 231 first starts a WiFi establishment process for establishing WiFi communication (S251). The process of S251 is the same as that of S231. The WiFi establishment process is an example of a communication establishment process. S251 is an example of a communication establishment start process. Further, the CPU 231 controls the image forming unit 210 to start a preparation operation for image formation (S252). Further, the CPU 231 starts receiving the PIX signal by BT communication by the BTI / F 235 (S253). S253 is an example of a first reception start process. That is, the CPU 231 executes the WiFi establishment process, the reception of the PIX signal by BT communication, and the image formation preparation operation in parallel. Note that the execution order of S251, S252, and S253 is not questioned and may be simultaneous. By performing the PIX signal reception and the image formation preparation operation in parallel with the WiFi establishment process, the image formation can be started early, and the user can obtain the printed matter at an early stage.

  After S253, the CPU 231 determines whether or not the image formation preparation operation is completed (S261). When the image formation preparation operation is not completed (S261: NO), the CPU 231 determines whether the WiFi establishment process is completed (S271). If the WiFi establishment process has not been completed (S271: NO), the CPU 231 returns to S261 and repeats the determinations of S261 and S271.

  If the image formation preparation operation is completed before the WiFi establishment process is completed (S261: YES), the CPU 231 controls the image forming unit 210 to perform image formation based on the received PIX signal, that is, image printing. Start (S262). Thereafter, the CPU 231 determines whether or not the WiFi establishment process is completed (S263). If the WiFi establishment process has not been completed (S263: NO), the CPU 231 repeats the determination of S263.

  When the WiFi establishment process is completed (S263: YES), the CPU 231 starts receiving a PIX signal in WiFi communication by the WiFi I / F 236 (S264). S264 is an example of a second reception start process. Switching from the BT communication to the WiFi communication is performed by the communication BOX 100. When the communication BOX 100 switches the transmission method of the PIX signal from the BT communication to the WiFi communication, the MFP 200 automatically switches the reception method.

  On the other hand, if the WiFi establishment processing is completed before the image formation preparation operation is completed (S271: YES), the CPU 231 starts receiving the PIX signal in WiFi communication by the WiFi I / F 236 (S272). S272 is an example of a second reception start process. Thereafter, the CPU 231 determines whether or not the image formation preparation operation has been completed (S273). When the image formation preparation operation is not completed (S273: NO), the CPU 231 repeats the determination of S273. When the image formation preparation operation is completed (S273: YES), the CPU 231 controls the image forming unit 210 to start image formation based on the received PIX signal (S274).

  After S264 or S274, the CPU 231 determines whether the image formation is completed (S281). If the image formation has not been completed (S281: NO), the CPU 231 repeats the determination of S281. When the image formation is completed (S281: YES), the CPU 231 disconnects the WiFi communication and stops the power supply to the WiFi I / F 236 (S282). After S282, the CPU 231 ends the reception side real-time reception process.

  As described above in detail, the communication BOX 100 of this embodiment starts transmission of a PIX signal by BT communication while establishing WiFi communication with the MFP 200. As a result, the communication BOX 100 can start receiving the PIX signal earlier than the case of starting the transmission of the PIX signal after establishing the WiFi communication. As a result, the user can change the contents of the PIX signal. It can be confirmed early. In addition, the communication BOX 100 starts supplying power to the WiFi I / F 136 after receiving the CNG signal, establishes WiFi communication, and after the transmission of the PIX signal is completed, disconnects the WiFi communication and supplies power to the WiFi I / F 136. Supply has been stopped. For this reason, the communication BOX 100 consumes less power than when the power is always supplied to the WiFi I / F 136 from the time of activation.

  Note that this embodiment is merely an example, and does not limit the present invention. Therefore, the present invention can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the image forming apparatus only needs to have an image forming function and a wireless communication function, and may not have a reading function.

  In the embodiment, BT communication is employed as the first communication, WiFi communication is employed as the second communication, and switching from the BT communication to the WiFi communication is performed. However, the communication method is not limited to these combinations. , Other communication methods may be combined. For example, the first communication may be a combination of communication based on the IEEE 802.11b standard and the second communication may be based on communication based on the IEEE 802.11n standard.

  In the embodiment, while the PIX signal is transmitted by WiFi communication, the BT communication is established. However, after the WiFi communication is established, the BT communication is disconnected and the WiFi communication is disconnected. , BT communication may be reestablished. In this case, power supply to the BTI / F may be stopped while BT communication is not established.

  In the embodiment, at the time of real-time reception, an image based on the received PIX signal is printed immediately. However, an image based on the received PIX signal may be displayed on the display unit 241. That is, by starting transmission of the PIX signal by BT communication before the establishment of WiFi communication, the user can quickly confirm the FAX image information by the image displayed on the display unit 241 even if there is no printed matter. it can.

  In the embodiment, when stored reception is set, the received PIX signal is not transmitted by BT communication, but WiFi communication is established as in the case where real-time reception is set. Until then, the PIX signal may be transmitted by BT communication. However, in the case of stored reception, since it is less necessary to confirm the image at an early stage, the PIX signal is not transmitted by BT communication before the WiFi communication is established, and all transmission is performed by WiFi communication. Becomes simple.

  In the embodiment, the MFP 200 can receive the PIX signal in two ways: real-time reception and storage reception. However, the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus capable of only real-time reception. . That is, an image forming apparatus that cannot perform storage and reception may be used.

  In the embodiment, the completion of the WiFi establishment process is determined by satisfying one of the two conditions of receiving an MPS signal and transmitting a PIX signal of a predetermined size (S161). (S171), the condition for determining the completion of the WiFi establishment process may be either one. Also, other conditions such as the passage of a predetermined time may be added.

  The processing disclosed in the embodiments may be executed by a single CPU, a plurality of CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. Further, the processing disclosed in the embodiment can be realized in various modes such as a recording medium or a method recording a program for executing the processing.

100 Communication BOX
131 CPU
135 Bluetooth interface (BTI / F)
136 Wi-Fi interface (WiFi I / F)
137 PSTNI / F
200 MFP
210 Image forming unit 231 CPU
235 Bluetooth interface (BTI / F)
236 Wi-Fi interface (WiFi I / F)
300 FAX apparatus 900 communication system

Claims (8)

A first communication unit that performs first communication that is wireless communication in accordance with the first communication method with the image forming apparatus;
A second communication unit that performs second communication with the image forming apparatus, which is wireless communication according to a second communication method that consumes more power than the first communication method;
A third communication unit connected to the public line;
A control unit;
With
The controller is
In a state where the second communication is not established with the image forming apparatus, the first communication unit is controlled to perform wireless communication by the first communication with the image forming apparatus. 1 communication processing,
When the third communication unit receives a facsimile identification signal during execution of the first communication process, the second communication unit is controlled to establish the second communication with the image forming apparatus. Communication establishment start processing for starting communication establishment processing;
If the third communication unit receives a facsimile image signal after receiving the facsimile identification signal before the communication establishment process is completed, the first communication unit is controlled to A first transmission start process for starting a first transmission process for transmitting a facsimile image signal received by the third communication unit by the first communication;
If the communication establishment process is completed before the first transmission process is completed, the first communication unit is controlled to stop transmission of facsimile image signals by the first communication, and the second communication unit A second transmission start process for controlling the image forming apparatus to start a second transmission process for transmitting the remaining facsimile image signals received by the third communication unit by the second communication. When,
A communication device characterized by executing In the communication device according to claim 1,
When the image forming apparatus receives a facsimile image signal, the first reception mode starts image formation based on the image signal, or the second reception mode waits without starting image formation based on the image signal. A storage unit for storing setting information indicating
The controller is
Receiving the setting information from the image forming apparatus, and executing a setting storage process for storing the received setting information in a storage unit;
In the first transmission start process,
When the setting information indicating the first reception mode is stored in the storage unit, before the communication establishment process is completed, the first transmission process is started,
When the setting information indicating the second reception mode is stored in the storage unit, after the communication establishment process is completed, the second communication unit is controlled to Starting a third transmission process for transmitting a facsimile image signal received by the third communication unit by a second communication;
Communication equipment characterized by this. In the communication device according to claim 1 or 2,
The controller is
In the second transmission process, at least every time a multi-page signal is received, it is determined whether or not the communication establishment process is completed.
Communication equipment characterized by this. In the communication apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-3,
The controller is
In the second transmission process, it is determined whether or not the communication establishment process is completed every time an image signal having a predetermined data amount is transmitted.
Communication equipment characterized by this. A first communication unit that performs first communication that is wireless communication according to the first communication method with a communication device;
A second communication unit that performs second communication with the communication device, which is wireless communication in accordance with a second communication method that consumes more power than the first communication method;
An image forming unit for forming an image;
A control unit;
With
The controller is
In a state where the second communication has not been established with the communication device, the first communication is performed by controlling the first communication unit to perform wireless communication with the communication device by the first communication. Processing,
When a specific signal output in response to reception of a facsimile identification signal is received from the communication device during execution of the first communication process, the second communication unit is controlled to communicate with the communication device. Communication establishment start processing for starting communication establishment processing for establishing second communication;
Before the communication establishment process is completed, the first communication unit is controlled to receive a facsimile image signal received from the communication device after the facsimile device receives the facsimile identification signal by the first communication. A first reception start process for starting a first reception process for performing
If the communication establishment process is completed before the first reception process is completed, the first communication unit is controlled to stop reception of facsimile image signals by the first communication, and the second communication unit And a second reception start process for starting a second reception process for receiving the image signal of the remaining facsimile received by the communication apparatus by the second communication from the communication apparatus;
An image forming apparatus characterized in that The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,
Setting information indicating whether the first reception mode for starting image formation based on the image signal when the facsimile image signal is received or the second reception mode for waiting without starting image formation based on the image signal is received. A storage unit for storing
The controller is
In the first reception start process,
When the setting information indicating the first reception mode is stored in the storage unit, the first reception process is started before the communication establishment process is completed,
When the setting information indicating the second reception mode is stored in the storage unit, after the communication establishment process is completed, the second communication unit is controlled to transmit the second information from the communication device. Starting a third reception process for receiving the facsimile image signal received by the communication device after receiving the facsimile identification signal;
An image forming apparatus. In the image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
The controller is
When the communication establishment process is started by the communication establishment process, the image forming unit starts a preparation operation.
An image forming apparatus. A communication device connected to the public line;
An image forming apparatus for forming an image;
In a communication system comprising:
The communication device and the image forming apparatus are:
A first communication which is a wireless communication according to the first communication method;
A second communication that is a wireless communication according to a second communication method that consumes more power than the first communication method;
Is possible,
A first communication process for performing wireless communication by the first communication between the communication device and the image forming apparatus in a state where the second communication is not established between the communication device and the image forming apparatus; ,
Communication establishment start for starting communication establishment processing for establishing the second communication between the communication device and the image forming apparatus when the communication device receives a facsimile identification signal during execution of the first communication processing Processing,
If the communication device receives a facsimile image signal after receiving the facsimile identification signal before the communication establishment process is completed, the communication device transmits a facsimile image by the first communication to the image forming apparatus. A first transmission start process for starting a first transmission process for transmitting an image signal;
If the communication establishment process is completed before the first transmission process is completed, the transmission of the facsimile image signal by the first communication is stopped, and the second communication apparatus transmits the second image signal to the image forming apparatus. A second transmission start process for starting a second transmission process for transmitting the remaining facsimile image signals by the communication of
The communication system characterized by performing.

Images