JP2019071634A - Communication apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a communication apparatus capable of suitably executing radio communication with an external apparatus.SOLUTION: A control unit 40 in a printer PR, when acquiring predetermined notification 310A from NFCI/F 30, shifts the printer PR to a G/O state and forms a first WFDNW. The control unit 40, when forming the first WFDNW, determines an end of a G/O maintenance period. When acquiring predetermined notification 320A from the NFCI/F 30 before arrival at the end of the G/O maintenance period, the control unit 40 determines a new end of the G/O maintenance period. When a portable terminal PT1 joins the first WFDNW before arrival at the end of the G/O maintenance period, the control unit 40 receives printing data 340 from the portable terminal PT1 by using the first WFDNW.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  Disclosed herein is a communication device operable as a master station of a wireless network.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a printer that shifts from a WFD (abbreviation of Wi-Fi Direct) type device state to a group owner state (hereinafter referred to as "G / O state") to form a wireless network. There is. The printer determines the end of the maintenance period to maintain the G / O state when the number of client state devices participating in the wireless network is zero. The printer transitions from the G / O state to the device state and extinguishes the wireless network when the end of the maintenance period comes. On the other hand, when the printer receives a connection request from the target device before the end of the maintenance period, the printer executes connection processing to establish a wireless connection with the target device. As a result, since the target device participates in the wireless network, the printer can execute wireless communication with the target device using the wireless network.

JP, 2013-005188, A

  The present specification provides a communication device capable of appropriately performing wireless communication with an external device.

  One form of communication device disclosed by the present specification includes a first interface for performing wireless communication, and a control unit. The control unit operates as a master station of a first wireless network for executing wireless communication via a first interface from a non-belonging state that does not belong to the wireless network. To form a first wireless network, which is the number of external devices participating as slave stations in the first wireless network when the first wireless network is formed. The number of slave station devices is zero, and when the forming unit and the first wireless network are formed, the operation state of the communication device is maintained in the master station state in a situation where the number of slave station devices is zero. The determination unit that determines the end of the first maintenance period, and when the end of the first maintenance period comes, changes the operation state of the communication device from the parent station state to the non-participation state, and the first wireless network Disappear And when the first external device joins the first wireless network as a child station before the end of the first maintenance period, the first interface using the first wireless network A communication execution unit that executes wireless communication of the first target data with the first external device, a detection unit that detects a predetermined instruction, and a predetermined instruction before the end of the first maintenance period arrives And an extension unit that extends the end of the first maintenance period and determines a new end of the first maintenance period when the second maintenance period is detected.

  According to the above configuration, in forming the first wireless network, the communication device determines the end of the first maintenance period, and detects the predetermined instruction before the end of the first maintenance period. And extend the end of the first maintenance period to determine the new end of the first maintenance period. Therefore, the communication device is configured to perform the first wireless communication, for example, when the first external device joins the first wireless network as a slave before the extended new end of the first maintenance period arrives. The network may be used to perform wireless communication of the first object data with the first external device. In this manner, the communication device may appropriately perform wireless communication with the external device.

  The forming unit changes the operating state of the communication device from the non-belonging state to the master station state when the predetermined instruction is detected in a state where the operating state of the communication device is the non-belonging state, to form a first wireless network. May be

  The determination unit further causes the first external device to leave the first wireless network after the first external device has joined the first wireless network as a slave station, and the slave station device of the first wireless network to When the number reaches zero, the end of the second maintenance period may be determined to maintain the operation state of the communication device in the master state in a situation where the slave station number is zero. Furthermore, when the end of the second maintenance period comes, the extinction unit may change the operation state of the communication device from the parent station state to the non-affiliation state to cause the first wireless network to disappear. The communication execution unit further utilizes the first wireless network when the second external device joins the first wireless network as a slave station before the end of the second maintenance period. Wireless communication of the second target data may be performed with the second external device via the first interface. According to this configuration, the communication device determines the end of the second maintenance period when the number of slave devices in the first wireless network is zero. Therefore, the communication device uses the first wireless network, for example, when the second external device joins the first wireless network as a slave station before the end of the second maintenance period. , Wireless communication of second target data may be performed with a second external device. In this manner, the communication device may appropriately perform wireless communication with the external device.

  The extension unit further extends the end of the second maintenance period when the predetermined instruction is detected before the end of the second maintenance period, and adds a new end of the second maintenance period. You may decide. According to this configuration, when the communication device detects the predetermined instruction before the end of the second maintenance period, the communication device extends the end of the second maintenance period to generate a new end of the second maintenance period. Decide. Therefore, the communication device is configured to perform the first wireless communication, for example, when the second external device joins the first wireless network as a child station before the extended new end of the second maintenance period arrives. The network may be used to perform wireless communication of the second object data with the second external device. In this manner, the communication device may appropriately perform wireless communication with the external device.

  Another form of communication device disclosed by the present specification includes a first interface for performing wireless communication, and a control unit. The control unit changes the operating state of the communication device from the first state to a second state different from the first state, and the operating state of the communication device changes from the first state to the first state. When the state of the communication device is changed to the second state, a determination unit that determines the end of the first maintenance period for maintaining the operation state of the communication device in the second state, and the end of the first maintenance period A second change unit that changes the operation state of the communication device from the second state to the first state, and the communication device and the first external device before the end of the first maintenance period arrives When the first wireless network to which it belongs is formed, wireless communication of first target data is executed with the first external device using the first wireless network via the first interface. The communication execution unit, the detection unit that detects a predetermined instruction, and the end of the first maintenance period come To, when a predetermined instruction is detected, it provided by extending the end of the first sustain period, and an extension portion for determining a new end of the first sustain period, a.

  According to the above configuration, when the operation state of the communication device is changed from the first state to the second state, the communication device determines the end of the first maintenance period, and the end of the first maintenance period When detecting the predetermined instruction before the arrival of the second maintenance period, the end of the first maintenance period is extended to determine the new end of the first maintenance period. Therefore, in the case where the communication device is to form, for example, the first wireless network to which the communication device and the first external device belong before the extended new end of the first maintenance period comes, for example, A first wireless network may be utilized to perform wireless communication of first target data with a first external device. In this manner, the communication device may appropriately perform wireless communication with the external device.

  The communication device may further comprise a second interface for performing wireless communication. The predetermined distance, which is the maximum distance at which wireless communication via the second interface can be performed, may be smaller than the maximum distance at which wireless communication via the first interface can be performed. The second interface is a second situation in which the inter-device distance is equal to or less than a predetermined distance from a first situation in which an inter-device distance which is a distance between the second interface and any external device is larger than a predetermined distance The first wireless profile to be utilized in the first wireless network may be transmitted to the external device. The second interface may further provide a predetermined notification to the control unit when changing from the first situation to the second situation. The detection unit may detect the predetermined instruction in response to the acquisition of the predetermined notification from the second interface.

  The control unit further comprises a supply unit for supplying a second storage instruction to the second interface for storing the first wireless profile in the second interface before the first wireless network is formed. It may be According to this configuration, the communication device may transmit the first wireless profile stored in advance in the second interface to the external device.

  The supply unit is further configured to replace the first wireless profile after the first wireless network disappears and before the second wireless network in which the communication device is to operate as a master station is formed. A second storage indication may be provided to the second interface to cause the second interface to store the second wireless profile to be utilized in the second wireless network. According to this configuration, the communication device may transmit the second wireless profile stored in advance in the second interface to the external device.

  The second interface may supply a predetermined notification to the control unit when receiving a predetermined signal from any of the external devices due to the change from the first state to the second state.

  The detection unit detects the predetermined instruction in response to the predetermined notification being acquired from the second interface, and even if the predetermined notification is acquired again from the second interface while the predetermined time elapses, The predetermined instruction may not be detected. According to this configuration, the communication device does not have to execute the process according to the detection of the predetermined instruction after the detection of the predetermined instruction until the predetermined time elapses. As a result, the processing load on the communication device can be reduced.

  The determination unit may determine the end of the first maintenance period by starting from an initial value the counting of a time counter for counting time. Even when the predetermined instruction is detected, the extension unit extends the end of the first maintenance period by returning the value of the time counter to the initial value and restarting the counting of the time counter from the initial value. Good. The end of the first maintenance period may come when the value of the time counter matches the predetermined value. According to this configuration, the communication device can appropriately manage the first maintenance period using the time counter.

  The control unit further includes a stopping unit that stops counting of the time counter when the first external device participates in the first wireless network as a slave station before the end of the first sustaining period comes. It may be

  A control method for realizing the communication device, a computer program, and a computer readable recording medium storing the computer program are also novel and useful. A communication system including the above-described communication device and an external device (for example, a first external device, a second external device, etc.) is also novel and useful.

1 shows the configuration of a communication system. 5 shows a flowchart of processing of a processor of the NFC interface. 2 shows a flowchart of main processing of a CPU. Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of CPU connection processing. 5 shows a flowchart of a monitoring process of a CPU. The sequence diagram of Case A where a WFD network disappears without a portable terminal joining a WFD network is shown. The sequence diagram of Case B in which a portable terminal participates in a WFD network is shown. FIG. 16 shows a sequence diagram of Case C in which the G / O maintenance period is extended. A sequence diagram of case D where a G / O maintenance period is prolonged is shown.

(Configuration of communication system 2; FIG. 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes a printer PR and a plurality of portable terminals PT1 and PT2. Each of the devices PR, PT1, and PT2 performs wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi method (hereinafter referred to as “Wi-Fi communication”) and wireless communication according to the NFC (abbreviation of Near Field Communication) method (hereinafter referred to as “ NFC communication) can be performed.

(Configuration of printer PR)
The printer PR is a peripheral device capable of executing the printing function (that is, peripheral devices of the portable terminals PT1 and PT2). The printer PR includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, a wireless LAN (abbreviated as Local Area Network) interface 20, an NFC interface 30, and a control unit 40. Each of the units 12 to 40 is connected to a bus line (reference numeral omitted). Hereinafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F".

  The operation unit 12 includes a plurality of buttons. The user can give various instructions to the printer PR by operating the operation unit 12. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The print execution unit 16 is a printing mechanism such as an inkjet method or a laser method.

  The wireless LAN I / F 20 is a wireless I / F for performing Wi-Fi communication according to the Wi-Fi scheme. The Wi-Fi scheme is, for example, according to the IEEE (abbreviated as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802.11 standard and a standard conforming thereto (for example, 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, etc.) Wireless communication method for executing wireless communication. The wireless LAN I / F 20 particularly supports WFD (abbreviation of Wi-Fi Direct). The WFD method is a wireless communication method described in the standard document “Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Technical Specification Version 1.1” prepared by the Wi-Fi Alliance.

  The NFC I / F 30 is a wireless I / F for performing NFC communication (that is, a type of so-called short distance wireless communication) according to the NFC method. The NFC method is, for example, a wireless communication method based on the international standard of ISO / IEC 21481 or 18092.

  The NFC I / F 30 includes a processor 32 and an I / F memory 34. The processor 32 can communicate with the control unit 40, and writes (or stores) the wireless profile WP to be transmitted to the portable terminal (for example, PT1) in the I / F memory 34 according to the storage instruction acquired from the control unit 40. ). Also, when receiving the Polling signal from the portable terminal, the processor 32 transmits a response signal to the Polling signal to the portable terminal to establish an NFC session with the portable terminal. Then, the processor 32 reads the wireless profile WP stored in advance in the I / F memory 34 from the I / F memory 34 before the NFC session is established, and uses the NFC session to carry the wireless profile WP Send to the terminal.

  As types of I / F for executing NFC communication, an I / F called an NFC Forum Device (NFC Forum Device) and an I / F called an NFC Forum Tag (NFC Forum Tag) are known. There is. The NFC I / F 30 is an NFC forum tag, and functions as an NFC-type IC tag.

  The NFC Forum device selectively operates in any mode of P2P (abbreviation of Peer To Peer) mode, R / W (abbreviation of Reader / Writer) mode, and CE (abbreviation of Card Emulation) mode. It is possible I / F. For example, when both the NFC I / F of the first device and the NFC I / F of the second device operate in P2P mode, the first and second devices execute bidirectional communication of data. can do. Also, for example, when the NFC I / F of the first device operates in the Reader mode of the R / W mode and the NFC I / F of the second device operates in the CE mode, the first device May perform reading of data from the second device, ie reception of data from the second device. Also, for example, when the NFC I / F of the first device operates in the Writer mode of the R / W mode and the NFC I / F of the second device operates in the CE mode, the first device Can write data to the second device, that is, transmit data to the second device.

  The NFC Forum Tag (ie, the NFC I / F 30 of the printer PR) is an I / F that functions only as an IC tag, not an I / F that can selectively operate in any of the above three modes. . For example, when the NFC I / F of the portable terminal operates in the Reader mode of the R / W mode, the portable terminal reads the wireless profile WP from the NFC I / F 30 of the printer PR, that is, the wireless from the printer PR. It is possible to execute reception of the profile WP. The NFC Forum tag (ie, the NFC I / F 30 of the printer PR) has a simpler configuration than the NFC Forum device because it is not an I / F that can selectively operate in any of the above three modes. (Ie the configuration of the IC chip is simple). Generally speaking, an IC chip that functions as an NFC forum tag is less expensive than an IC chip that functions as an NFC forum device.

  Here, the difference between the wireless LAN I / F 20 and the NFC I / F 30 will be described. The communication speed of wireless communication via the wireless LAN I / F 20 (for example, the maximum communication speed is 11 to 600 Mbps) is faster than the communication speed for wireless communication via the NFC I / F 30 (for example, the maximum communication speed is 100 to 424 Kbps) . In addition, the frequency of the carrier wave in wireless communication via the wireless LAN I / F 20 (for example, 2.4 GHz band or 5.0 GHz band) is the frequency of the carrier wave in wireless communication via the NFC I / F 30 (for example, 13.56 MHz band) It is different. Also, the maximum distance (for example, about 100 m at maximum) where wireless communication can be performed via the wireless LAN I / F 20 is greater than the maximum distance (for example, at most about 10 cm) where wireless communication can be performed via the NFC I / F 30 Too big.

  The control unit 40 includes a CPU 42 and a main memory 44. The CPU 42 is a processor that executes various processes in accordance with the program PG stored in the main memory 44. The main memory 44 is configured by a RAM, a ROM, and the like, and stores the G / O counter GC, the NFC counter NC, and the management list ML in addition to the program PG described above.

  The G / O counter GC is a counter for counting time, specifically, a counter for counting down from an initial value of 300 (seconds) to zero. The G / O counter GC is a counter for monitoring the end of the maintenance period for maintaining the operating state of the printer PR in the group owner state (hereinafter referred to as “G / O state”) of the WFD method. It is. Hereinafter, the situation where the operation state of the printer PR is the G / O state may be referred to as "the printer PR is a G / O device".

  The NFC counter NC is a counter for counting time, and specifically, is a counter for counting down from an initial value of 5 (seconds) to zero. The NFC counter NC is a counter for determining whether or not to execute the connection relation process (see FIG. 4) according to the predetermined notification acquired from the NFC I / F 30.

  In the management list ML, CL information related to CL devices belonging to a wireless network (hereinafter referred to as “WFDNW”) in which the printer PR is a G / O device is described. The CL device is a device that operates in the CL state (that is, client state) of the WFD system. The CL information includes, for example, the MAC address of the CL device.

(Configuration of each portable terminal PT1, PT2)
Each of the portable terminals PT1 and PT2 is a portable terminal device such as a mobile phone (for example, a smartphone), a PDA, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, a portable music reproduction device, a portable video reproduction device, and the like. Each of the mobile terminals PT1 and PT2 includes a wireless LAN I / F (not shown), and can execute Wi-Fi communication. In particular, the wireless LAN I / F of each portable terminal PT1, PT2 supports the WFD method. Each of the portable terminals PT1 and PT2 includes an NFC I / F (not shown), and can execute NFC communication. The NFC I / F of each of the portable terminals PT1 and PT2 is an NFC forum device, and in the present embodiment, operates in the Reader mode.

  The portable terminal PT1 includes an application PA (hereinafter referred to as "printer application PA") for causing the printer PR to execute printing. The printer application PA is an application for causing the mobile terminal PT1 to participate as a CL device in the WFD NW where the printer PR operates as a G / O device, and transmitting print data to the printer PR using the WFD NW. For example, the printer application PA may be installed on the portable terminal PT1 from a server on the Internet provided by a vendor of the printer PR, or may be installed on the portable terminal PT1 from media shipped together with the printer PR. In addition, the portable terminal PT2 does not include the printer application PA.

(Processing of processor 32; FIG. 2)
Subsequently, processing executed by the processor 32 of the NFC I / F 30 will be described with reference to FIG. In the process of FIG. 2, each monitoring step of S10, S20, and S30 is sequentially performed.

  In S10, the processor 32 monitors acquisition of a storage instruction from the control unit 40 (that is, the CPU 42). The processor 32 determines YES in S10 when acquiring the storage instruction from the control unit 40, and writes the wireless profile included in the storage instruction acquired in S10 in the I / F memory 34 in S12 (ie, storage ). In the state where the old wireless profile is already stored in the I / F memory 34, in S12, the processor 32 replaces the old wireless profile with the new wireless profile included in the storage instruction acquired in S10. Write to the I / F memory 34. When S12 ends, the process returns to S10.

  In S20, the processor 32 monitors the reception of the Polling signal, which is a request signal for establishing an NFC session, from the portable terminal (for example, PT1). Due to the situation where the distance between the NFC I / F 30 of the printer PR and the NFC I / F of the portable terminal (hereinafter referred to as “distance between devices”) is larger than a predetermined distance (for example 10 cm), the distance between devices is less than a predetermined distance When changing to a certain situation, the processor 32 receives the Polling signal from the portable terminal, determines YES in S20, and proceeds to S21.

  In S21, the processor 32 supplies the control unit 40 (that is, the CPU 42) with a predetermined notification corresponding to the reception of the Polling signal. The predetermined notification is a notification indicating that a signal has been received from the portable terminal. In S22, the processor 32 transmits a response signal to the Polling signal to the portable terminal. Thus, an NFC session is established between the NFC I / F 30 of the printer PR and the NFC I / F of the portable terminal.

  Next, in S23, the processor 32 receives the Read signal from the portable terminal using the NFC session established in S22. The Read signal is a signal for the portable terminal operating in the Reader mode of the NFC forum device to request the printer PR to read data. In S24, the processor 32 supplies the control unit 40 with a predetermined notification corresponding to the reception of the Read signal. The predetermined notification provided at S24 is the same as the predetermined notification provided at S21. Then, in S25, the processor 32 reads the wireless profile WP from the I / F memory 34, and transmits the wireless profile WP to the portable terminal using the NFC session established in S22. When S25 ends, the process returns to S10.

  At S30, the processor 32 monitors for receipt of a confirmation signal from the mobile terminal. The confirmation signal is a signal for confirming whether or not an NFC session is established. When receiving the confirmation signal from the portable terminal, the processor 32 determines YES in S30, and supplies a predetermined notification corresponding to the reception of the confirmation signal to the control unit 40 in S32. The predetermined notification provided at S32 is the same as the predetermined notification provided at S21 and S24. Then, in S34, the processor 32 transmits a response signal to the confirmation signal to the portable terminal. When S34 ends, the process returns to S10.

  After establishing an NFC session with the printer PR, the portable terminal transmits a confirmation signal to the printer PR a plurality of times as long as the above-mentioned inter-device distance is maintained equal to or less than the predetermined distance. Therefore, since the processor 32 of the printer PR can receive the confirmation signal a plurality of times in a short time (YES in S30), the predetermined notification is supplied to the control unit 40 a plurality of times in a short time. (S32). Then, assuming that the control unit 40 executes the processing according to the predetermined notification each time the control unit 40 acquires the predetermined notification from the processor 32, the processing load of the printer PR becomes high. In order to avoid this, in the present embodiment, the NFC counter NC is provided, and even if the predetermined notification is acquired while being counted by the NFC counter NC, the process according to the predetermined notification is not executed. As a result, the processing load on the printer PR can be reduced.

(Main processing of CPU 42; Fig. 3)
Subsequently, main processing executed by the CPU 42 of the control unit 40 will be described with reference to FIG. When the power of the printer PR is switched from the OFF state to the ON state, the CPU 42 executes main processing.

  At S40, the CPU 42 prepares a wireless profile WP. The printer PR operates in the WFD G / O state to form a WFD NW in the process of S52 of FIG. 4 described later. The wireless profile WP prepared in S40 is information to be used in the WFD NW. That is, the wireless profile WP prepared in S40 is information to be used in the WFD NW which can be formed in the future by the printer PR. Therefore, for example, if the mobile terminal receives the wireless profile WP from the printer PR, it can participate in the above WFD NW. As a result, for example, the portable terminal can transmit the print data to the printer PR using the WFD NW. The wireless profile WP prepared in S40 includes an SSID (abbreviation of Service Set Identifier), an authentication method, an encryption method, a password, and the like. The CPU 42 prepares the SSID and password by randomly selecting a character string. Further, the CPU 42 prepares a predetermined authentication method and encryption method. When preparing the wireless profile WP, the CPU 42 stores the wireless profile WP in the main memory 44.

  In S41, the CPU 42 supplies, to the NFC I / F 30, a storage instruction including the wireless profile WP prepared in S40. Thereby, the processor 32 of the NFC I / F 30 writes the wireless profile WP included in the storage instruction in the I / F memory 34 (see S12 in FIG. 2).

  In S42, the CPU 42 monitors acquiring a predetermined notification (see S21, S24, and S32 in FIG. 2) from the NFC I / F 30 (that is, the processor 32). When acquiring a predetermined notification from the NFC I / F 30, the CPU 42 determines YES in S42, and proceeds to S43.

  In S43, the CPU 42 determines whether the value of the NFC counter NC in the main memory 44 is zero. When the CPU 42 determines that the value of the NFC counter NC is zero (YES in S43), the process proceeds to S44, and when it is determined that the value of the NFC counter NC is not zero (NO in S43), S44 and S45 are performed. Skip and return to S42. That is, even if the CPU 42 acquires the predetermined notification from the NFC I / F 30 in a situation where the value of the NFC counter NC is not zero, the CPU 42 does not execute the process (that is, S44) corresponding to the predetermined notification. As a result, even if a plurality of predetermined notifications are acquired in a short time, a plurality of connection relation processes are not started in S44. As a result, the processing load on the printer PR can be reduced.

  At S44, the CPU 42 starts connection relation processing (see FIG. 4 described later). Note that when the CPU 42 executes S44 while the first connection relation process is being executed, the CPU 42 newly starts the second connection relation process, which is a process different from the first connection relation process. That is, the CPU 42 can execute a plurality of connection relation processes in parallel.

  In S45, the CPU 42 resets the value of the NFC counter NC in the main memory 44 to 5 (seconds) which is an initial value, and starts the countdown of the NFC counter NC. When S45 ends, the process returns to S42.

(Connection relationship processing of CPU 42; FIG. 4)
Subsequently, the connection relation process started in S44 of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG. In S50, the CPU 42 determines whether the operating state of the printer PR is the G / O state. If the CPU 42 determines that the operation state of the printer PR is the G / O state (YES in S50), it skips S52 and proceeds to S54 and determines that the operation state of the printer PR is the device state In (S50: NO), the process proceeds to S52. Here, the device state is a state in which the printer PR does not operate in either the WFD G / O state or the CL state, and the printer PR does not belong to the wireless network. Although not shown, when the CPU 42 determines that the operating state of the printer PR is in the CL state in S50, the CPU 42 does not execute all the processes in S52 to S76 in FIG. End connection relation processing of.

  In S52, the CPU 42 changes the operating state of the printer PR from the device state to the G / O state to form the WFD NW where the printer PR is a G / O device. The WFD NW is a wireless network where the wireless profile WP (see S40 in FIG. 3) currently stored in the main memory 44 is to be used. When the WFD NW is formed in S52, only the printer PR, which is a G / O device, belongs to the WFD NW, and one CL device does not belong to it. Therefore, one CL information is not described in the management list ML in the main memory 44. When S52 ends, the process proceeds to S54.

  In S54, the CPU 42 determines whether the G / O counter GC in the main memory 44 is being counted. More specifically, when the value of the G / O counter GC is any one of 1 to 299 (seconds), the CPU 42 determines that the G / O counter GC is being counted (YES in S54). In step S58, the value of the G / O counter GC is reset from the current value (for example, 200 (seconds)) to the initial value 300 (seconds), and the countdown of the G / O counter GC is started. When S58 ends, the CPU 42 sequentially executes each monitoring step of S60 and S76.

  When the G / O counter GC is stopped at zero or 300 (seconds), the CPU 42 determines that the G / O counter GC is not counting (NO at S54), and proceeds to S56. In S56, the CPU 42 determines whether the G / O counter GC is stopped at zero or 300 (seconds). When it is determined that the G / O counter GC is stopped at zero (YES in S56), the CPU 42 resets the G / O counter GC from zero to an initial value of 300 (seconds) in S58. , G / O counter GC countdown starts. If the CPU 42 determines that the G / O counter GC has stopped at 300 (seconds) (NO at S56), it skips S58 and sequentially executes each monitoring step of S60 and S76.

  In S60, the CPU 42 monitors reception of a specific connection request from the portable terminal via the wireless LAN I / F 20. The specific connection request is a probe request and includes the SSID in the wireless profile WP currently stored in the main memory 44. The specific connection request is a request received in a situation where the printer PR is a G / O device, ie, a situation in which a WFD NW is formed. When the CPU 42 receives a specific connection request from the portable terminal, the CPU 42 determines YES in S60, and proceeds to S62. In the case where a plurality of connection relation processes are being executed in parallel, when the CPU 42 receives a specific connection request from the portable terminal, the connection relation among the plurality of connection relation processes is one of the connection relations. In step S60 of the processing, it is determined as YES and the process proceeds to step S62. That is, in the other connection relation process among the plurality of connection relation processes, the CPU 42 maintains the state of sequentially executing the monitoring steps of S60 and S76 without judging YES in S60.

  In S62, the CPU 42 establishes a Wi-Fi connection with the portable terminal of the transmission source of the specific connection request (hereinafter referred to as "target portable terminal"). Specifically, the CPU 42 transmits a response signal (that is, Probe Response) to a specific connection request to the target portable terminal via the wireless LAN I / F 20. Further, the CPU 42 executes communication such as Provision Discovery Request / Response, Association Request / Response, Authentication Request / Response, 4-Way Handshake, etc. via the wireless LAN I / F 20. In this process, each information (for example, an authentication method, an encryption method, a password, etc.) included in the wireless profile WP is transmitted from the target portable terminal to the printer PR, and the CPU 42 uses the respective information to Perform authentication. The CPU 42 establishes a Wi-Fi connection with the target portable terminal via the wireless LAN I / F 20 when the authentication of the target portable terminal succeeds. Thus, the CPU 42 can cause the target portable terminal to participate as a CL device in the WFD NW where the printer PR is a G / O device. The CPU 42 writes CL information including the MAC address of the target portable terminal in the management list ML in the main memory 44 when establishing a Wi-Fi connection with the target portable terminal.

  At S64, the CPU 42 determines whether the G / O counter GC in the main memory 44 is being counted. More specifically, when the value of the G / O counter GC is any one of 1 to 299 (seconds), the CPU 42 determines that the G / O counter GC is being counted (YES in S64) In step S66, the count of the G / O counter GC is stopped, and the value of the G / O counter GC is reset from the current value (for example, 200 (seconds)) to the initial value of 300 (seconds). However, here, the CPU 42 does not start counting of the G / O counter GC. Therefore, the G / O counter GC is stopped at 300 (seconds), and as a result, it can be determined NO in S56 of another connection relation process. As described above, since the G / O counter GC is stopped at 300 (seconds) in S66, the G / O counter GC is prevented from becoming zero when the target portable terminal participates in the WFD NW. . That is, as described in the monitoring process of FIG. 5 described later, the printer PR can suppress the transition from the G / O state to the device state even though the target portable terminal participates in the WFD NW. it can. When S66 ends, the process proceeds to S68.

  When the G / O counter GC is stopped at 300 (seconds), the CPU 42 determines that the G / O counter GC is not counting (NO in S64), and skips S66 and proceeds to S68. move on. In the step S64, there can not be a situation where the G / O counter GC is stopped at zero. The reason is that when the G / O counter GC becomes zero, an end event is issued (see S86 in FIG. 5), and the connection relation process is ended (YES in S76 in FIG. 4).

  At S68, the CPU 42 executes the printing process. Specifically, the CPU 42 first uses the WFD NW in which the printer PR is a G / O device to print data representing an image to be printed from the target portable terminal, which is a CL device, via the wireless LAN I / F 20. Receive Next, the CPU 42 supplies the print data to the print execution unit 16 to cause the print execution unit 16 to print the image.

  Since the print data is an image file or the like, it has a relatively large data size. And the communication speed of NFC communication is slower than the communication speed of Wi-Fi communication. Therefore, assuming that wireless communication of print data is executed according to NFC communication between the printer PR and the target portable terminal, the printer PR takes a long time to receive the print data. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since wireless communication of print data is executed according to the Wi-Fi communication between the printer PR and the target portable terminal, the printer PR can receive the print data quickly. .

  In S70, the CPU 42 transmits a PING signal to the target portable terminal via the wireless LAN I / F 20. The PING signal is a signal for confirming whether a Wi-Fi connection with the target portable terminal is established. Then, in S72, the CPU 42 monitors reception of a response signal to the PING signal from the target portable terminal via the wireless LAN I / F 20. When the CPU 42 receives a response signal from the target portable terminal, the CPU 42 determines YES in S72, and returns to S70. If the CPU 42 does not receive a response signal from the target portable terminal after the PING signal is transmitted in S70 and a predetermined time elapses, the CPU 42 determines NO in S72, and proceeds to S74.

  In S74, the CPU 42 deletes CL information including the MAC address of the target portable terminal, that is, the CL information described in S62 from the management list ML in the main memory 44. As a result, the target mobile terminal leaves the WFD NW. When S74 ends, the process returns to S60. For this reason, when the CPU 42 temporarily receives a specific connection request from the target portable terminal (YES in S60), it can establish the Wi-Fi connection with the target portable terminal again (S62).

  On the other hand, in S76, the CPU 42 monitors that the end event (see S86) is issued in the monitoring processing of FIG. 5 described later. When the end event is issued, the CPU 42 determines YES in S76, and ends the processing of FIG. 4.

(Monitoring process of CPU 42; FIG. 5)
Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 5, a monitoring process performed by the CPU 42 of the control unit 40 will be described. When the operation state of the printer PR is switched from the device state to the G / O state (see S52 in FIG. 4), the CPU 42 executes a monitoring process.

  In S80, the CPU 42 determines whether the G / O counter GC in the main memory 44 has stopped at 300 (seconds). If the CPU 42 determines that the G / O counter GC has stopped at 300 (seconds) (YES in S80), the process proceeds to S94. On the other hand, if the CPU 42 determines that the G / O counter GC has not stopped at 300 (seconds), that is, if it determines that the value of the G / O counter GC is any of 0 to 299 (S80 In the case of NO), the process proceeds to S82.

  In S82, the CPU 42 determines whether the G / O counter GC is stopped at zero (seconds). If the CPU 42 determines that the G / O counter GC is not stopped at zero, that is, if it determines that the value of the G / O counter GC is any one of 1 to 299 (NO in S82), Return to S80. On the other hand, when it is determined that the G / O counter GC is stopped at zero (YES in S82), the CPU 42 proceeds to S84.

  In S84, the CPU 42 shifts the operating state of the printer PR from the G / O state to the device state, and causes the printer PR to disappear the WFD NW which is a G / O device.

  In S86, the CPU 42 issues an end event. As a result, YES is determined in S76 (see FIG. 4) of each of the one or more connection relation processes currently being executed, and the one or more connection relation processes end.

  Next, the CPU 42 prepares the wireless profile WP in S88, and supplies a storage instruction including the wireless profile WP prepared in S88 to the NFC I / F 30 in S90. S88 and S90 are the same as S40 and S41 of FIG. As described above, in S40, the CPU 42 prepares the SSID and the password by randomly selecting a character string. This point is the same as in S88. Therefore, the SSID and password prepared in S88 are usually different from the SSID and password prepared in S40. Also, the SSID and password prepared in S88 of this time are usually different from the SSID and password prepared in S88 of the last time. Thus, the CPU 42 can prepare a unique wireless profile WP that has not been used in the past. When S90 ends, the process of FIG. 5 ends.

  On the other hand, in S94, the CPU 42 determines whether the number of pieces of CL information described in the management list ML in the main memory 44 is zero. That is, the CPU 42 determines whether the number of CL devices participating in the WFD NW, which is a G / O device, of the printer PR is zero. If the CPU 42 determines that the number of CL information is not zero (NO in S94), the process returns to S80, and if it determines that the number of CL information is zero (YES in S94), the CPU 42 proceeds to S96.

  At S96, the CPU 42 starts the countdown of the G / O counter GC. Since the G / O counter GC is stopped at 300 (seconds) (YES in S80), the CPU 42 starts the countdown from the initial value of 300 (seconds). When S96 ends, the process proceeds to S82.

(Case A; FIG. 6)
Subsequently, specific cases A to D realized by the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 to 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.

  When the power of the printer PR is switched from the OFF state to the ON state, the control unit 40 prepares the wireless profile WP1 (S40 in FIG. 3) and supplies the storage instruction 100 including the wireless profile WP1 to the NFC I / F 30 ( S41). As a result, the wireless profile WP1 is written in the I / F memory 34 (S12 in FIG. 2).

  The user of the portable terminal PT2 brings the portable terminal PT2 close to the printer PR. As a result, the inter-device distance between the NFC I / F 30 of the printer PR and the NFC I / F of the portable terminal PT2 is changed to a state where the inter-device distance is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. As a result, the NFC I / F 30 of the printer PR receives the Polling signal 110 from the portable terminal PT2 (YES in S20 of FIG. 2), and supplies the predetermined notification 110A to the control unit 40 (S21). At this time, since the value of the NFC counter NC is zero, the control unit 40 starts the connection relation processing SP1 in response to the predetermined notification 110A (YES in S42, YES in S43, S44 in FIG. 3). Is reset from 0 to 5 (seconds) to start the countdown of the NFC counter NC (S45). Further, the control unit 40 shifts the operating state of the printer PR from the device state to the G / O state in the connection relation processing SP1 (S52 in FIG. 4), and the first WFD NW where the wireless profile WP1 should be used. Form. Further, the control unit 40 resets the value of the G / O counter GC from zero to 300 (seconds) and starts the countdown of the G / O counter GC (NO in S54, YES in S56, S58).

  When the first WFD NW is formed, the number of CL devices participating in the first WFD NW is zero. Then, as described above, when acquiring the predetermined notification 110A, the control unit 40 starts the countdown of the G / O counter GC from 300 (seconds). Thereby, when acquiring the predetermined notification 110A, the control unit 40 ends the G / O maintenance period for maintaining the operation state of the printer PR in the G / O state in a situation where the number of CL devices is zero ( That is, it is possible to determine the point 300 (seconds) after the acquisition of the predetermined notification 110A.

  Further, the NFC I / F 30 of the printer PR transmits a response signal 112 to the Polling signal 110 to the portable terminal PT2 (S22 in FIG. 2). As a result, an NFC session is established between the NFC I / F 30 of the printer PR and the NFC I / F of the portable terminal PT2. Thereafter, the NFC I / F 30 receives the Read signal 114 from the portable terminal PT2 using the NFC session (S23), and supplies the predetermined notification 114A to the control unit 40 (S24). However, at this time, since the value of the NFC counter NC is 4 (seconds), the control unit 40 does not newly start the connection related process according to the predetermined notification 114A (YES in S42 and NO in S43 of FIG. 3). . Next, in response to the Read signal 114, the NFC I / F 30 transmits the wireless profile WP1 to the portable terminal PT2 using an NFC session (S25). Thus, in the present embodiment, the printer PR can transmit the wireless profile WP1 stored in advance in the NFC I / F 30 to the portable terminal PT2 before the first WFD NW is formed.

  Further, the NFC I / F 30 receives the confirmation signal 116 from the portable terminal PT2 using the NFC session (YES in S30 of FIG. 2), and supplies the predetermined notification 116A to the control unit 40 (S32). However, at this time, since the value of the NFC counter NC is 3 (seconds), the control unit 40 does not newly start the connection related process according to the predetermined notification 116A (YES in S42 and NO in S43 of FIG. 3). . The NFC I / F 30 transmits a response signal 118 to the confirmation signal 116 to the portable terminal PT2 (S34).

  As described above, the control unit 40 starts the connection relation processing SP1 in response to the predetermined notification 110A, but the predetermined notification 114A and the predetermined notification 114A and the predetermined notification elapse between the time when 5 (seconds) elapse after the predetermined notification 110A is obtained. Even if the notification 116A is acquired again, connection relation processing is not started. In other words, the control unit 40 detects the instruction of the start trigger of the connection relation processing SP1 according to the predetermined notification 110A (YES in S43 of FIG. 3), but according to the predetermined notification 114A and the predetermined notification 116A, the instruction Is not detected (NO in S43 of FIG. 3). Since the connection relation process is not executed according to the predetermined notification 114A and the predetermined notification 116A, the processing load on the printer PR can be reduced.

  Since the portable terminal PT2 does not have the printer application PA, it can not transmit a connection request to the printer PR even when receiving the wireless profile WP1 from the printer PR, and participates in the first WFD NW as a CL device. I can not As a result, the countdown of the G / O counter GC advances while the situation where the number of CL devices in the first WFD NW is zero is maintained, and the value of the G / O counter GC becomes zero. That is, the end of the G / O maintenance period comes. In this case, the control unit 40 shifts the operating state of the printer PR from the G / O state to the device state, and causes the first WFD NW to disappear (YES in S82 of FIG. 5, S84). Next, the control unit 40 issues an end event (S86), and ends the connection relation process SP1 (YES in S76 of FIG. 4).

  Next, the control unit 40 prepares a wireless profile WP2 different from the wireless profile WP1 (S88 in FIG. 5), and supplies the storage instruction 160 including the wireless profile WP2 to the NFC I / F 30 (S90). As a result, the wireless profile WP2 is written in the I / F memory 34 (S12 in FIG. 2). The wireless profile WP2 is a wireless profile to be used in the second WFD NW to be formed in the future. When the printer PR receives a Polling signal from a portable terminal (for example, WP1), it transmits the wireless profile WP2 stored in advance in the NFC I / F 30 to the portable terminal before the second WFD NW is formed. Can.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the end of the G / O maintenance period comes, the printer PR shifts from the G / O state to the device state and causes the first WFD NW to disappear. The reason is as follows. That is, the printer PR in the G / O state periodically transmits a beacon signal for searching for devices existing around the printer PR via the wireless LAN I / F 20. Therefore, the power consumption of the printer PR in the G / O state is usually larger than the power consumption of the printer PR in the device state which does not transmit a beacon signal. In this embodiment, when the end of the G / O maintenance period comes, the printer PR shifts from the G / O state to the device state, so that the power consumption of the printer PR can be appropriately reduced.

(Case B; FIG. 7)
Subsequently, case B will be described with reference to FIG. In the initial state of case B, the wireless profile WP1 is already stored in the NFC I / F 30 (for example, S41 in FIG. 3 and S12 in FIG. 2). Further, in case B, the Read signal and the confirmation signal are not shown, and the description thereof is omitted. The description of the Read signal and the confirmation signal is omitted in Case C and Case D in FIGS. 8 and 9 described later.

  The user of the portable terminal PT1 brings the portable terminal PT1 close to the printer PR. Accordingly, the NFC I / F 30 of the printer PR receives the Polling signal 210 from the portable terminal PT1 (YES in S20 of FIG. 2), and supplies the predetermined notification 210A to the control unit 40 (S21). Control unit 40 starts connection relation processing SP2 in accordance with predetermined notification 210A (YES in S42, YES in S43, S44 in FIG. 3), and in connection relation processing SP2, the operation state of printer PR is changed from the device state to G / H. In the O state (S52 in FIG. 4), the wireless profile WP1 forms a first WFD NW to be used. Furthermore, the control unit 40 starts the countdown of the G / O counter GC from 300 (seconds) to indicate the end of the G / O maintenance period (that is, the time 300 (seconds) after the acquisition of the predetermined notification 210A). It decides (NO in S54, YES in S56, S58).

  Further, the NFC I / F 30 of the printer PR transmits a response signal 212 to the polling signal 210 to the portable terminal PT1 (S22 in FIG. 2). As a result, an NFC session is established between the NFC I / F 30 of the printer PR and the NFC I / F of the portable terminal PT1. Thereafter, the NFC I / F 30 transmits the wireless profile WP1 to the portable terminal PT1 using the NFC session (S25).

  Since the portable terminal PT1 includes the printer application PA, when receiving the wireless profile WP1 from the printer PR, the portable terminal PT1 can transmit a connection request 230 including the SSID in the wireless profile WP1 to the printer PR. As a result, the control unit 40 of the printer PR receives the connection request 230 from the portable terminal PT1 via the wireless LAN I / F 20 (YES in S60 of FIG. 4). Then, the control unit 40 establishes a Wi-Fi connection with the portable terminal PT1, and causes the portable terminal PT1 to participate in the first WFD NW as a CL device (S62). That is, CL information including the MAC address of the portable terminal PT1 is described in the management list ML (see FIG. 1), and the number of CL devices participating in the first WFD NW becomes “1” (in FIG. Expressed as “number = 1”). At this time, since the value of the G / O counter GC is 290 (seconds) (YES in S64), the control unit 40 stops the counting of the G / O counter GC and sets the value of the G / O counter to 290 ( And reset to 300 (seconds) (S66). Thus, in the present embodiment, when the portable terminal PT1 participates in the first WFD NW as a CL device before the end of the G / O maintenance period, the printer PR counts the G / O counter GC. Stop. For this reason, since the printer PR does not cause the first WFD NW to disappear in the situation where the portable terminal PT1 participates in the first WFD NW, the wireless communication with the portable terminal PT1 is appropriately performed using the first WFD NW. Can be performed.

  Thereafter, the control unit 40 of the printer PR receives the print data 240 from the portable terminal PT1 via the wireless LAN I / F 20 using the first WFD NW, and executes the printing process (S68 in FIG. 4). . Next, the control unit 40 transmits a PING signal 250 to the portable terminal PT1 via the wireless LAN I / F 20. For example, the user of the portable terminal PT1 moves the portable terminal PT1 to a position considerably distant from the printer PR after printing on the printer PR is completed. As a result, the control unit 40 does not receive a response signal to the PING signal 250 from the portable terminal PT1 (NO in S72), and deletes CL information including the MAC address of the portable terminal PT1 from the management list ML (S74). As a result, the portable terminal PT1 leaves the first WFD NW, and the number of CL devices participating in the first WFD NW becomes zero (expressed as “the number of CLs = 0” in FIG. 7). In this case, the control unit 40 starts the countdown of the G / O counter GC from 300 (seconds) (YES in S94 of FIG. 5, S96).

  As described above, when the portable terminal PT1 leaves the first WFD NW, the number of CL devices participating in the first WFD NW becomes zero. Then, when the number of CL devices becomes zero, the control unit 40 starts the countdown of the G / O counter GC from 300 (seconds). Thus, when the number of CL devices becomes zero, the control unit 40 determines the end of the G / O maintenance period (that is, the time point 300 seconds after the number of CL devices becomes zero). be able to.

  After that, the countdown of the G / O counter GC proceeds while the situation where the number of CL devices is zero is maintained, and the value of the G / O counter GC becomes zero. In this case, the control unit 40 shifts the operating state of the printer PR from the G / O state to the device state, and causes the first WFD NW to disappear (YES in S82 of FIG. 5, S84). Next, the control unit 40 issues an end event (S86), and ends the connection related process SP2 (YES in S76 of FIG. 4). Then, the control unit 40 prepares the wireless profile WP2 different from the wireless profile WP1 (S88 in FIG. 5), and supplies the storage instruction 260 including the wireless profile WP2 to the NFC I / F 30 (S90). As a result, the wireless profile WP2 is written in the I / F memory 34 (S12 in FIG. 2).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the portable terminal PT1 participates in the first WFD NW as a CL device before the end of the G / O maintenance period, the printer PR prints data from the portable terminal PT1. By receiving 240, the printing process can be properly performed. In addition, when the end of the G / O maintenance period comes after the portable terminal PT1 leaves the first WFDNW, the printer PR shifts from the G / O state to the device state and disappears the first WFDNW. Let For this reason, the power consumption of the printer PR can be appropriately reduced.

(Case C; FIG. 8)
Subsequently, case C will be described with reference to FIG. In the initial state of case C, the wireless profile WP1 is already stored in the NFC I / F 30 (for example, S41 in FIG. 3 and S12 in FIG. 2).

  NFC communication of the Polling signal 310, the response signal 312, and the wireless profile WP1 is performed between the printer PR and the portable terminal PT2. Then, the control unit 40 of the printer PR starts the connection relation processing SP1 in response to the predetermined notification 310A (YES in S42, YES in S43, S44 in FIG. 3), and in the connection relation processing SP1, the operation state of the printer PR is The device state is shifted to the G / O state (S52 in FIG. 4) to form a first WFD NW. The control unit 40 further starts the countdown of the G / O counter GC from 300 (seconds), thereby ending the end of the G / O maintenance period (that is, the time 300 (seconds) after the acquisition of the predetermined notification 310A). It decides (NO in S54, YES in S56, S58).

  Thereafter, when 290 (seconds) have elapsed since the G / O counter GC started counting down (that is, when the value of the G / O counter GC is 10 (seconds)), the printer PR and the portable terminal PT1 Between them, NFC communication of Polling signal 320, response signal 322 and wireless profile WP1 is performed. Then, the control unit 40 of the printer PR starts the connection relation process SP2 in response to the predetermined notification 320A (YES in S42, YES in S43, and S44 in FIG. 3). As a result, two connection relation processes SP1 and SP2 are being executed in parallel. Since the operation state of the printer PR is the G / O state, the control unit 40 does not shift the operation state of the printer PR from the device state to the G / O state in connection relation processing SP2 (YES in S50 of FIG. 4). Further, at this time, since the value of the G / O counter GC is 10 (seconds), the control unit 40 changes the value of the G / O counter GC from 10 (seconds) to 300 (seconds) in the connection relation processing SP2. After resetting, the countdown of the G / O counter GC is started (YES in S54, S58).

  When the predetermined notification 320A is acquired, the number of CL devices participating in the first WFD NW is zero. Then, as described above, when acquiring the predetermined notification 320A, the control unit 40 resets the G / O counter GC from 10 (seconds) to 300 (seconds) and starts the countdown of the G / O counter GC. Do. Thus, when the predetermined notification 320A is acquired, the control unit 40 extends the end of the G / O maintenance period to obtain a new end of the G / O maintenance period (ie, 300 (from acquisition of the predetermined notification 320A) Second) can be determined.

  Thereafter, communication of connection request 330 and establishment of Wi-Fi connection are executed between the printer PR and the portable terminal PT1, and further, the value of the G / O counter GC is 290 (seconds) to 300 (seconds). Reset to Further, communication of the print data 340 is executed between the printer PR and the portable terminal PT1, and thereafter, the portable terminal PT1 leaves the first WFD NW without receiving a response signal to the PING signal 350 from the portable terminal PT1. Do. Then, the control unit 40 of the printer PR starts the countdown of the G / O counter GC from 300 (seconds) (YES in S94 of FIG. 5, S96) to end the G / O maintenance period (that is, the CL device The point 300 (seconds) after the number of

  If a configuration is adopted in which the end of the G / O maintenance period is not extended according to the predetermined notification 320A, the printer PR is about to reach the end of the G / O maintenance period (for example, the value of the G / O counter GC is 5 ( Connection request 330 can be received from the portable terminal PT1). In this case, the end of the G / O maintenance period may come before the Wi-Fi connection is established between the printer PR and the portable terminal PT1 (ie, the value of the G / O counter GC may become zero). . In this case, since the printer PR shifts from the G / O state to the device state (YES in S82 of FIG. 5, S84), the Wi-Fi connection with the portable terminal PT1 can not be established. Print data 340 can not be received. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the printer PR extends the end of the G / O maintenance period according to the predetermined notification 320A, and determines the new end of the G / O maintenance period. Therefore, the printer PR can appropriately establish a Wi-Fi connection with the portable terminal PT1 in response to the connection request 330 before the new end of the G / O maintenance period comes. Therefore, the printer PR can receive the print data 340 from the portable terminal PT1 and appropriately execute the printing process.

(Case D; FIG. 9)
Subsequently, Case D in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG. When 290 (seconds) have elapsed since the start of the countdown of the G / O counter GC (that is, when the value of the G / O counter GC is 10 (seconds)), the user of the portable terminal PT1 selects the portable terminal PT1. Approach the printer PR again. As a result, NFC communication of the polling signal 420, the response signal 422, and the wireless profile WP1 is performed between the printer PR and the portable terminal PT1. Then, the control unit 40 of the printer PR starts the connection relation processing SP3 in response to the predetermined notification 420A (YES in S42, YES in S43, and S44 in FIG. 3). As a result, three connection relation processes SP1, SP2, and SP3 are being executed in parallel. At this time, since the value of the G / O counter GC is 10 (seconds), the control unit 40 resets the value of the G / O counter GC from 10 (seconds) to 300 (seconds) in connection relation processing SP3. Then, the countdown of the G / O counter GC is started (YES in S54, S58).

  When the predetermined notification 420A is acquired, the number of CL devices participating in the first WFD NW is zero. Then, as described above, when acquiring the predetermined notification 420A, the control unit 40 resets the G / O counter GC from 10 (seconds) to 300 (seconds) and starts the countdown of the G / O counter GC. Do. Thus, when acquiring the predetermined notification 420A, the control unit 40 extends the end of the G / O maintenance period to obtain a new end of the G / O maintenance period (ie, 300 (seconds from acquisition of the predetermined notification 420A). )) Can be determined.

  After that, communication of the connection request 430 and establishment of the Wi-Fi connection are executed between the printer PR and the portable terminal PT1, and the value of the G / O counter GC is 290 (seconds) to 300 (seconds). Reset to Further, communication of the print data 440 is executed between the printer PR and the portable terminal PT1, and thereafter, the portable terminal PT1 leaves the first WFD NW without receiving a response signal to the PING signal 450 from the portable terminal PT1. Do. Then, the control unit 40 of the printer PR starts the countdown of the G / O counter GC from 300 (seconds) (YES in S94 of FIG. 5, S96) to end the G / O maintenance period (that is, the CL device The point 300 (seconds) after the number of

  While the situation where the number of CL devices is zero is maintained, the countdown of the G / O counter GC proceeds and the value of the G / O counter GC becomes zero. In this case, the control unit 40 shifts the operating state of the printer PR from the G / O state to the device state, and causes the first WFD NW to disappear (YES in S82 of FIG. 5, S84). Next, the control unit 40 issues an end event (S86), and ends the three connection relation processes SP1, SP2, and SP3 (YES in S76 of FIG. 4). Then, the control unit 40 supplies the storage instruction 460 including the wireless profile WP2 to the NFC I / F 30 (S88 and S90 in FIG. 5).

  If a configuration is adopted in which the end of the G / O maintenance period is not extended according to the predetermined notification 420A, the printer PR receives the connection request 430 from the portable terminal PT1 as soon as the end of the G / O maintenance period comes. obtain. In this case, the end of the G / O maintenance period can come before the Wi-Fi connection is established between the printer PR and the portable terminal PT1. In this case, since the printer PR shifts from the G / O state to the device state (YES in S82 of FIG. 5, S84), the Wi-Fi connection with the portable terminal PT1 can not be established. Print data 440 can not be received. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the printer PR extends the end of the G / O maintenance period according to the predetermined notification 420A, and determines the new end of the G / O maintenance period. Therefore, the printer PR can appropriately establish the Wi-Fi connection with the portable terminal PT1 in response to the connection request 430 before the new end of the G / O maintenance period comes. Therefore, the printer PR can receive the print data 440 from the portable terminal PT1 and appropriately execute the printing process.

(Correspondence relationship)
The printer PR is an example of the “communication device”. The portable terminal PT1 is an example of the “first external device” and the “second external device”. The wireless LAN I / F 20 and the NFC I / F 30 are examples of the “first interface” and the “second interface”, respectively. The G / O counter GC, 300 (seconds), and zero are examples of the “time counter”, the “initial value”, and the “predetermined value”, respectively. The first WFD NW is an example of the “first wireless network”. The device state, the G / O state, the G / O device, and the CL device are examples of the “non-belonging state”, the “master station state”, the “master station”, and the “child station”, respectively. The device state and the G / O state are also examples of the “first state” and the “second state”, respectively. Determining YES in S42 and YES in S43 of FIG. 3 is an example of “detect predetermined instruction”. The Polling signal, the Read signal, and the confirmation signal are examples of the “predetermined signal”.

  In FIGS. 6-8, the end of the G / O maintenance period determined according to the predetermined notification 110A, 210A, 310A is an example of the "end of the 1st maintenance period." In FIG. 8, the end of the G / O maintenance period extended in response to the predetermined notification 320A is an example of the “new end of the first maintenance period”. In FIGS. 7 to 9, the end of the G / O maintenance period determined when the number of CL devices becomes zero is an example of “the end of the second maintenance period”. In FIG. 9, the end of the G / O maintenance period extended according to the predetermined notification 420A is an example of the “new end of the second maintenance period”. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the print data 240 and 340 are examples of the “first target data”. The print data 440 in FIG. 9 is an example of “second target data”. The storage instruction 100 of FIG. 6 is an example of the “first storage instruction”. Further, the storage instruction 160 of FIG. 6, the storage instruction 260 of FIG. 7, and the storage instruction 460 of FIG. 9 are examples of the “second storage instruction”.

  As mentioned above, although the specific example of this invention was described in detail, these are only an illustration and do not limit a claim. The art set forth in the claims includes various variations and modifications of the specific examples described above. Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

(Modification 1) In S52 of FIG. 4, the CPU 42 of the printer PR forms a WFD NW by shifting the state of the printer PR from the WFD device state to the G / O state. Instead of this, the CPU 42 may form a wireless network in which the printer PR operates as an AP by activating a so-called Soft AP (abbreviation for Access Point). In this modification, in S40 of FIG. 3 and S88 of FIG. 5, the CPU 42 prepares a wireless profile (SSID, password, etc.) to be used in the wireless network. Further, in S62 of FIG. 4, the CPU 42 establishes a wireless connection via the wireless LAN I / F 20 with the portable terminal in order to cause the portable terminal to participate in the wireless network. In this modification, the state in which Soft AP is not activated and the state in which Soft AP is activated are examples of the “non-belonging state” and the “master station state”, respectively. In addition, that the printer PR operates as an AP and establishing a wireless connection with the printer PR in which the portable terminal operates as an AP is an example of the “master station” and the “child station”, respectively.

(Modification 2) In the above-described embodiment, judging "YES" in S42 of FIG. 3 and "YES" in S43 is an example of "detect predetermined instruction". Instead of this, for example, the CPU 42 may detect the “predetermined instruction” in response to the user performing an operation for establishing the Wi-Fi connection with the portable terminal on the operation unit 12. Also, for example, the CPU 42 may detect a “predetermined instruction” in response to receiving a connection request from a portable terminal via the wireless LAN I / F 20. As in the above embodiment and the present modification, the “predetermined instruction” may be, for example, an instruction related to establishment of a wireless connection via the first interface with the external device. However, the content of the “predetermined instruction” is not particularly limited, and the “predetermined instruction” may be an instruction that can be a trigger for extending the first maintenance period.

(Modification 3) In the above embodiment, when the CPU 42 determines YES in S42 of FIG. 3 and YES in S43, in the connection relation processing of FIG. 4, the operation state of the printer PR is changed from the device state to G / O. The state is shifted to form a WFD NW (S52). Instead, the CPU 42 changes the operating state of the printer PR from the device state to the G / O state, for example, when an operation to shift the printer PR to the G / O state is performed by the user on the operation unit 12. It may be migrated to form a WFD NW. That is, the timing at which the “forming unit” changes the operating state of the communication device from the non-belonging state to the parent station state may be the timing at which a predetermined instruction is detected as in the above embodiment The timing may be unrelated to the detection of the predetermined instruction.

(Modification 4) In the above embodiment, the NFC I / F 30 of the printer PR transmits the Polling signal (S20 of FIG. 2), the Read signal (S23), and the confirmation signal (S30) from the portable terminal (for example, PT1). It is assumed to receive all three types of signals. However, whether to transmit all of the above three types of signals depends on the portable terminal. For example, the portable terminal may transmit the Polling signal instead of the confirmation signal. In this case, the NFC I / F 30 of the printer PR receives the Polling signal and the Read signal from the portable terminal, but the confirmation signal Do not receive In the present modification, the Polling signal and the Read signal are examples of the “predetermined signal”. In another variation, only one of the above three types of signals (for example, Polling signal) may be an example of the “predetermined signal”.

(Modification 5) Even if the NFC I / F 30 of the printer PR receives each signal described in Modification 4, it may not supply the predetermined notification to the control unit 40. For example, the NFC I / F 30 changes from a situation where the inter-device distance between the NFC I / F 30 and the NFC I / F of the portable terminal is larger than a predetermined distance to a situation where the inter-device distance is equal to or less than the predetermined distance When the magnetic field in the vicinity of the NFC I / F 30 changes, a predetermined notification may be supplied to the control unit 40. That is, the “second interface” may supply a predetermined notification to the control unit when changing from the first state to the second state.

(Modification 6) The NFC I / F 30 of the printer PR may not be an NFC forum tag, and may be an NFC forum device. In this case, the following modification 6-1 and modification 6-2 may be employed.

(Modification 6-1) The NFC I / F 30 may supply a predetermined notification to the control unit 40 after establishing an NFC session with a portable terminal, for example, in response to receiving a predetermined signal from the portable terminal. . This modification is also an example of “supplying a predetermined notification to the control unit when receiving a predetermined signal from an external device”. In the present modification, the NFC I / F 30 may supply a predetermined notification to the control unit 40 before transmitting the wireless profile to the portable terminal, or after transmitting the wireless profile to the portable terminal, the predetermined notification may be transmitted. It may be supplied to the control unit 40.

(Modification 6-2) The CPU 42 of the printer PR may not execute S40 and S41 of FIG. 3, S88 of FIG. 5 and S90. In this case, after obtaining the predetermined notification from the NFC I / F 30, the CPU 42 of the printer PR may prepare a wireless profile and supply the wireless profile to the NFC I / F 30. That is, the wireless profile may not be stored in advance in the I / F memory 34 before the NFC session with the portable terminal is established. In the present variation, the "supply unit" can be omitted.

(Modification 7) The printer PR, instead of the NFC I / F 30, has a wireless interface for executing wireless communication according to another short distance wireless communication system (for example, TransferJet system, BlueTooth (registered trademark) system, etc.) You may have. Generally speaking, the predetermined distance which is the maximum distance at which wireless communication via the second interface can be performed should be smaller than the maximum distance at which wireless communication via the first interface can be performed.

(Modification 8) The G / O counter GC may not be counted down from the initial value of 300 (seconds), and may be, for example, counted up from zero, which is the initial value. In the present modification, zero and 300 (seconds) are examples of the “initial value” and the “predetermined value”, respectively. The “predetermined value” may be a value other than 300 (seconds) (for example, 100 (seconds), 500 (seconds), etc.).

(Modification 9) In the above embodiment, the CPU 42 of the printer PR is, for example, a CL device in which the portable terminal PT1 has left the first WFD NW and has participated in the first WFD NW in Case C of FIG. Determine the G / O maintenance period when the number of becomes zero. Instead of this, the CPU 42 may not determine the G / O maintenance period even if the number of CL devices becomes zero. That is, the CPU 42 may shift from the G / O state to the device state immediately after the number of CL devices reaches zero, and may cause the first WFD NW to disappear. That is, the "second maintenance period" may not be provided. In addition, although the CPU 42 determines the G / O maintenance period when the number of CL devices becomes zero, the configuration may not be adopted in which the G / O maintenance period is extended. That is, the "second maintenance period" may not be extended.

(Modification 10) In the above embodiment, the CPU 42 of the printer PR spontaneously shifts the printer PR to the G / O state in S52 of FIG. 4 to form the WFD NW in which the number of CL devices is zero. . Instead of this, a configuration may be adopted in which the printer PR and the portable terminal perform WFD G / O negotiation. Specifically, the printer PR has the following configuration. The operating state of the wireless LAN I / F 20 is changed between the enabled state and the disabled state. The valid state is a state in which the CPU 42 can execute G / O negotiation via the wireless LAN I / F 20, and the invalid state is a state in which the CPU 42 can not execute G / O negotiation via the wireless LAN I / F 20. . In another expression, the valid state is that power is supplied to the wireless LAN I / F 20, the CPU 42 can execute wireless communication via the wireless LAN I / F 20, and the invalid state is power to the wireless LAN I / F 20. Is not supplied, and the CPU 42 can not execute wireless communication via the wireless LAN I / F 20. Also, the following processing is executed instead of S50 and S52 of FIG. That is, in S50, the CPU 42 determines whether the wireless LAN I / F 20 is in the valid state or in the invalid state. Then, if the CPU 42 determines that the wireless LAN I / F 20 is in the invalid state (YES in S50), the wireless LAN I / F 20 is changed from the invalid state to the valid state in S52, and the process proceeds to S54. When it is determined that F20 is in the valid state (NO in S50), S52 is skipped and the process proceeds to S54.

  In addition, the memory 44 of the printer PR includes a valid state counter for maintaining the operating state of the wireless LAN I / F 20 in a valid state, instead of the G / O counter GC. In S54 to S58, S64, and S66 of FIG. 4, the CPU 42 executes a process related to the valid state counter instead of the process related to the G / O counter GC. Therefore, if the CPU 42 acquires a predetermined notification from the NFC I / F 30 under the condition that the valid state counter is counting (YES in S54), the CPU 42 resets the valid state counter and starts counting down (S58). . That is, the end of the valid state maintaining period for keeping the operating state of the wireless LAN I / F 20 in the valid state is extended, and a new ending of the valid state maintaining period is determined. In S62, the CPU 42 executes WFD G / O negotiation with the portable terminal to determine whether the printer PR should operate in the G / O state or in the CL state. When it is determined that the printer PR should operate in the G / O state, the CPU 42 shifts the printer PR from the device state to the G / O state, and establishes a Wi-Fi connection with the portable terminal in the CL state. The printer PR forms a WFD NW which is a G / O device. Further, when determining that the printer PR should operate in the CL state, the CPU 42 shifts the printer PR from the device state to the CL state, and establishes a Wi-Fi connection with the mobile terminal in the G / O state. , A portable terminal participates in WFDNW which is a G / O device. When the printer PR operates in the CL state, the process of S74 of FIG. 4 is not executed.

  Also, the following process is executed instead of the process of FIG. That is, the CPU 42 monitors that the valid state counter becomes 0 (seconds), and changes the operating state of the wireless LAN I / F 20 from the valid state to the invalid state when the valid state counter becomes 0 (seconds). . As a result, since wireless communication via the wireless LAN I / F 20 can not be performed, the CPU 42 can not receive a connection request from the portable terminal via the wireless LAN I / F 20. As a result, the portable terminal Can not establish a Wi-Fi connection with. After that, the CPU 42 issues an end event as in S86 of FIG.

  As described above, in the present modification, the printer PR changes the operating state of the wireless LAN I / F 20 from the enabled state to the disabled state when the end of the valid state maintaining period comes. Since no power is supplied to the wireless LAN I / F 20, the power consumption of the printer PR can be appropriately reduced. Further, the printer PR extends the end of the valid state maintaining period according to the predetermined notification, and determines a new ending of the valid state maintaining period. Therefore, the printer PR can appropriately establish a Wi-Fi connection with the portable terminal by executing G / O negotiation in response to the connection request before the new end of the valid state maintenance period comes. . Therefore, the printer PR can receive the print data from the portable terminal and appropriately execute the printing process. In the present modification, the invalid state and the valid state are examples of the “first state” and the “second state”. Further, the valid state counter is an example of the “time counter”.

(Modification 11) The “communication apparatus” may not be the printer PR, and may be, for example, a scanner. In this modification, for example, the scanner may include an NFC I / F and a wireless LAN I / F as in the above-described embodiment. The NFC I / F stores a wireless profile, and may transmit the wireless profile to the mobile terminal. The CPU of the scanner may transmit scan data to the portable terminal using the WFD NW when the portable terminal participates as a CL device in the WFD NW where the scanner is a G / O device. In the present modification, the scan data is an example of the “first target data” and the “second target data”. The “communication device” may be a device (for example, a PC, a copier, a multi-function device, a server, a portable terminal, etc.) different from the printer PR and the scanner.

(Modification 12) The “external device” is not limited to the portable terminals PT1 and PT2, and may be a PC, a printer, a scanner, a copier, a multi-function device, a server or the like.

(Modification 13) In the above-described embodiment, the CPU 42 of the printer PR executes the program PG (i.e. software) in the main memory 44 to realize the processes shown in FIGS. Alternatively, at least one of the processes may be implemented by hardware such as a logic circuit.

The following items are one aspect of the technology disclosed by the present specification.
(Item 1)
A communication device,
A first interface for performing wireless communication,
With a computer
A memory for storing computer readable instructions, the computer readable instructions causing the communication device to perform the following operations when executed by the computer:
The operation state of the communication device is a master station state operating as a master station of a first wireless network for performing wireless communication via the first interface, and a child of the first wireless network In order to maintain the operation state of the communication device in the master station state in a situation where the number of slave station devices is zero when the number of slave station devices which is the number of external devices participating as a station is zero Determining the end of the maintenance period of
When the end of the maintenance period arrives, the operation state of the communication device is changed from the master station state to a non-belonging state not belonging to a wireless network, and the first wireless network is extinguished. about;
In the case where a specific external device joins the first wireless network as a child station before the end of the maintenance period comes, using the first wireless network via the first interface Performing wireless communication of target data with the particular external device;
Detecting a predetermined instruction; and, when the predetermined instruction is detected before the end of the maintenance period comes, the end of the maintenance period is extended to determine a new end of the maintenance period To do.

(Item 2)
The communication device according to item 1, wherein
The computer readable instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the communication device to further perform the following operations:
Changing the operating state of the communication device from the non-affiliation state to the master station state to form the first wireless network;
Here, when the first wireless network is formed, the number of slave station devices is zero,
Determining the end of the maintenance period maintains the operation state of the communication device in the parent station state in a situation where the number of slave station devices is zero when the first wireless network is formed. Determining the end of the first maintenance period.

(Item 3)
The communication device according to item 2, which is
The forming may change the operating state of the communication device from the non-affiliated state to the master station state when the predetermined instruction is detected in a state in which the operating state of the communication device is the non-associative state. Forming the first wireless network.

(Item 4)
The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 3,
In the determination of the end of the maintenance period, when the number of slave station devices becomes zero from the situation where the number of slave station devices is one or more, the communication device in a situation where the number of slave station devices is zero Determining the end of a second maintenance period for maintaining the operating state of the master station.

(Item 5)
A communication device,
A first interface for performing wireless communication,
With a computer
A memory for storing computer readable instructions, the computer readable instructions causing the communication device to perform the following operations when executed by the computer:
Determining the end of a maintenance period for maintaining the operating state of the communication device in the second state when the operating state of the communication device is a second state different from the first state;
Changing the operating state of the communication device from the second state to the first state when the end of the maintenance period arrives;
When the first wireless network to which the communication device and the first external device belong is formed before the end of the maintenance period comes, the first wireless network is used to Performing wireless communication of first target data with the first external device via one interface;
Detecting a predetermined instruction; and, when the predetermined instruction is detected before the end of the maintenance period comes, the end of the maintenance period is extended to determine a new end of the maintenance period To do.

(Item 6)
A communication device according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein
The communication device may further
A second interface for performing wireless communication, wherein a predetermined distance, which is the maximum distance over which wireless communication can be performed via the second interface, performs wireless communication via the first interface. Comprising the second interface, which is smaller than the maximum possible distance,
The second interface is configured such that the inter-device distance is less than or equal to the predetermined distance from a first situation in which the inter-device distance which is the distance between the second interface and any external device is larger than the predetermined distance Transmitting to the external device a first wireless profile to be used in the first wireless network when changing to a second situation,
The second interface further provides a predetermined notification to the computer when changing from the first situation to the second situation,
The detecting includes detecting the predetermined instruction in response to the predetermined notification being acquired from the second interface.

(Item 7)
Item 6. The communication device according to item 6,
The computer readable instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the communication device to further perform the following operations:
Providing a first storage indication to the second interface for storing the first wireless profile on the second interface before the first wireless network is formed.

(Item 8)
Item 7 is the communication device according to item 7,
The computer readable instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the communication device to further perform the following operations:
After the disappearance of the first wireless network, before the formation of a second wireless network in which the communication device is to operate as a master station, the second wireless network is replaced with the first wireless profile. Providing a second storage indication to the second interface for causing the second interface to store a second wireless profile to be utilized in a wireless network.

(Item 9)
The communication device according to any one of items 6 to 8,
The second interface supplies the predetermined notification to the computer when receiving a predetermined series signal from any external device due to the change from the first state to the second state. Do.

(Item 10)
The communication device according to any one of items 6 to 9,
The computer detects the predetermined instruction in response to the predetermined notification being acquired from the second interface, and the predetermined notification is again output from the second interface during a predetermined time period. Even if acquired, the predetermined instruction is not detected.

(Item 11)
The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein
Determining the end of the maintenance period includes starting from an initial value counting of a time counter for counting time;
In the determination of the new end of the maintenance period, when the predetermined instruction is detected, the value of the time counter is returned to the initial value, and the counting of the time counter is restarted from the initial value. Including
When the value of the time counter matches a predetermined value, the end of the sustain period comes.

(Item 12)
Item 11. The communication device according to item 11,
The computer readable instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the communication device to further perform the following operations:
Stopping the counting of the time counter when the particular external device joins the first wireless network as the slave station before the end of the maintenance period arrives.

(Item 13)
A computer readable storage medium storing computer readable instructions for a communication device, comprising:
The computer readable instruction, when executed by a computer mounted on the communication device, causes the communication device to perform the following operations:
The operating state of the communication device is a master state operating as a master station of a first wireless network for performing wireless communication via the first interface of the communication device, and the first wireless When the number of slave devices, which is the number of external devices participating in the network as slaves, is zero, the operating state of the communication device is changed to the master state in a situation where the number of slave devices is zero. Determine the end of the maintenance period to maintain;
When the end of the maintenance period arrives, the operation state of the communication device is changed from the master station state to a non-belonging state not belonging to a wireless network, and the first wireless network is extinguished. about;
In the case where a specific external device joins the first wireless network as a child station before the end of the maintenance period comes, using the first wireless network via the first interface Performing wireless communication of target data with the particular external device;
Detecting a predetermined instruction; and, when the predetermined instruction is detected before the end of the maintenance period comes, the end of the maintenance period is extended to determine a new end of the maintenance period To do.

(Item 14)
A computer readable storage medium storing computer readable instructions for a communication device, comprising:
The computer readable instruction, when executed by a computer mounted on the communication device, causes the communication device to perform the following operations:
Determining the end of a maintenance period for maintaining the operating state of the communication device in the second state when the operating state of the communication device is a second state different from the first state;
Changing the operating state of the communication device from the second state to the first state when the end of the maintenance period arrives;
When the first wireless network to which the communication device and the first external device belong is formed before the end of the maintenance period comes, the communication using the first wireless network is performed. Performing wireless communication of first target data with said first external device via a first interface of the device;
Detecting a predetermined instruction; and, when the predetermined instruction is detected before the end of the maintenance period comes, the end of the maintenance period is extended to determine a new end of the maintenance period To do.

(Correspondence relationship)
The correspondence between each element of the above embodiment and each element of each item is listed below. The printer PR and the portable terminal PT1 are examples of the “communication device” and the “specific external device”, respectively. The CPU 42, the main memory 44, the program PG, the wireless LAN I / F 20, and the NFC I / F 30 are respectively “computer”, “memory”, “computer readable instruction”, “first interface”, “second interface”. It is an example. The G / O counter GC, 300 (seconds), and zero are examples of the “time counter”, the “initial value”, and the “predetermined value”, respectively. The first WFD NW is an example of the “first wireless network”. The device state, the G / O state, the G / O device, and the CL device are respectively examples of the “non-belonging state”, the “master station state”, the “master station”, and the “child station”. The device state and the G / O state are also examples of the “first state” and the “second state”, respectively. Determining YES in S42 and YES in S43 of FIG. 3 is an example of “detect predetermined instruction”. The Polling signal, the Read signal, and the confirmation signal are examples of the “predetermined signal”.

  In FIGS. 7 to 9, the print data 240, 340, and 440 are examples of “target data”. In FIGS. 6-8, the end of the G / O maintenance period determined according to the predetermined notification 110A, 210A, 310A, and in FIGS. 7-9, is determined when the number of CL devices becomes zero. The end of the G / O maintenance period is an example of the “end of the maintenance period”. In FIGS. 8 and 9, the end of the G / O maintenance period extended in response to the predetermined notifications 320A and 420A is an example of the “new end of maintenance period”. In FIGS. 6-8, the end of the G / O maintenance period determined according to the predetermined notification 110A, 210A, 310A is an example of the "end of the 1st maintenance period." In FIGS. 7 to 9, the end of the G / O maintenance period determined when the number of CL devices becomes zero is an example of “the end of the second maintenance period”. The storage instruction 100 of FIG. 6 is an example of the “first storage instruction”. Further, the storage instruction 160 of FIG. 6, the storage instruction 260 of FIG. 7, and the storage instruction 460 of FIG. 9 are examples of the “second storage instruction”.

  The technical elements described in the present specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness singly or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the techniques illustrated in the present specification or the drawings simultaneously achieve a plurality of purposes, and achieving one of the purposes itself has technical utility.

  2: Communication system, PR: Printer, PT1, PT2: Mobile terminal, PA: Printer application, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display unit, 16: Print execution unit, 20: Wireless LAN interface, 30: NFC interface, 32: Processor, WP, WP1, WP2: wireless profile, 34: I / F memory, 40: control unit, 42: CPU, 44: main memory, PG: program, GC: G / O counter, NC: NFC counter, ML: Management list, 100, 160, 260, 460: storage instruction, 110, 210, 310, 320, 420: Polling signal, 110A, 114A, 116A, 210A, 310A, 320A, 420A: predetermined notification, 230, 330, 430: Connection request, 240, 340, 440: Print data

Then, CPU 42, in S88, to prepare the wireless profile WP, in S90, and supplies the NFC I / F30 storage instruction including the wireless profile WP prepared with S88. S88 and S90 are the same as S40 and S41 of FIG. As described above, in S40, the CPU 42 prepares the SSID and the password by randomly selecting a character string. This point is the same as in S88. Therefore, the SSID and password prepared in S88 are usually different from the SSID and password prepared in S40. Also, the SSID and password prepared in S88 of this time are usually different from the SSID and password prepared in S88 of the last time. Thus, the CPU 42 can prepare a unique wireless profile WP that has not been used in the past. When S90 ends, the process of FIG. 5 ends.

(Item 9)
The communication device according to any one of items 6 to 8,
Said second interface, due to the change from the first status to the second status, when receiving Sadanobu No. Tokoro from any of the external device, supplying the predetermined notification to the computer Do.

Claims (14)

A communication device,
A first interface for performing wireless communication,
And a control unit,
The control unit
Change the operation state of the communication device from a non-affiliation state not belonging to a wireless network to a parent station state operating as a master station of a first wireless network for performing wireless communication via the first interface Forming the first wireless network, and at the time when the first wireless network is formed, the number of external devices participating in the first wireless network as slave stations The formation unit, wherein a certain number of slave station devices is zero,
When the first wireless network is formed, the end of a first maintenance period for maintaining the operation state of the communication device in the parent station state is determined in a situation where the number of slave station devices is zero. The decision unit,
An elimination unit for changing the operation state of the communication device from the parent station state to the non-affiliation state when the end of the first maintenance period arrives, and eliminating the first wireless network;
In the case where a first external device joins the first wireless network as a child station before the end of the first maintenance period, the first wireless network is used to perform the first A communication execution unit that executes wireless communication of first target data with the first external device via the interface;
A detection unit that detects a predetermined instruction;
Before the end of the first maintenance period comes, the end of the first maintenance period is extended to detect a new end of the first maintenance period when the predetermined instruction is detected. The extension to be determined,
Communication equipment comprising.   The formation unit changes the operating state of the communication device from the non-affiliated state to the master station state when the predetermined instruction is detected in a state in which the operating state of the communication device is the non-associative state. The communication device according to claim 1, forming the first wireless network. The determining unit further determines that, after the first external device joins the first wireless network as the slave station, the first external device leaves the first wireless network. The second maintenance period for maintaining the operation state of the communication device in the master station state in a situation where the number of slave station devices is zero when the number of slave station devices in the wireless network becomes zero. Determine the end of the period,
The annihilation unit further changes the operation state of the communication device from the parent station state to the non-belonging state when the end of the second sustaining period comes, to thereby change the first wireless network. Disappear,
The communication execution unit further transmits the first wireless network when the second external device joins the first wireless network as a slave station before the end of the second maintenance period arrives. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein wireless communication of second target data is performed with the second external device through the first interface using   The extension section further extends the end of the second maintenance period when the predetermined instruction is detected before the end of the second maintenance period comes, to thereby extend the second maintenance period. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein a new end of the maintenance period is determined. A communication device,
A first interface for performing wireless communication,
And a control unit,
The control unit
A first change unit configured to change an operation state of the communication device from a first state to a second state different from the first state;
When the operating state of the communication device is changed from the first state to the second state, the end of the first maintenance period for maintaining the operating state of the communication device in the second state is used. A decision unit to decide
A second changing unit configured to change the operation state of the communication device from the second state to the first state when the end of the first maintenance period comes;
When the first wireless network to which the communication device and the first external device belong is formed before the end of the first maintenance period comes, using the first wireless network A communication execution unit that executes wireless communication of first target data with the first external device via the first interface;
A detection unit that detects a predetermined instruction;
Before the end of the first maintenance period comes, the end of the first maintenance period is extended to detect a new end of the first maintenance period when the predetermined instruction is detected. The extension to be determined,
Communication equipment comprising. The communication device may further
A second interface for performing wireless communication, wherein a predetermined distance, which is the maximum distance over which wireless communication can be performed via the second interface, performs wireless communication via the first interface. Comprising the second interface, which is smaller than the maximum possible distance,
The second interface is configured such that the inter-device distance is less than or equal to the predetermined distance from a first situation in which the inter-device distance which is the distance between the second interface and any external device is larger than the predetermined distance Transmitting to the external device a first wireless profile to be used in the first wireless network when changing to a second situation,
The second interface further supplies a predetermined notification to the control unit when changing from the first state to the second state.
The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the detection unit detects the predetermined instruction in response to the predetermined notification being acquired from the second interface. The control unit is further configured to:
A supply unit for supplying a first storage instruction to the second interface to store the first wireless profile in the second interface before the first wireless network is formed. The communication device according to Item 6.   Further, the supply unit may transmit the first wireless profile to the first wireless profile after the first wireless network disappears and before the second wireless network in which the communication device should operate as a master station is formed. 8. A method according to claim 7, wherein instead the second interface is provided with a second stored indication for storing on the second interface a second wireless profile to be utilized in the second wireless network. Communication equipment.   The second interface supplies the predetermined notification to the control unit when receiving a predetermined signal from any of the external devices due to the change from the first state to the second state. The communication device according to any one of claims 6 to 8.   The detection unit detects the predetermined instruction in response to the predetermined notification being acquired from the second interface, and before the predetermined time elapses, the predetermined notification is received from the second interface. The communication device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the predetermined instruction is not detected even if it is acquired again. The determination unit determines the end of the first sustain period by starting from an initial value a count of a time counter for counting time;
The extension unit returns the value of the time counter to the initial value when the predetermined instruction is detected, and restarts the counting of the time counter from the initial value, thereby the first sustain period. Determine the new end of the first maintenance period, extending the end of the
The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the end of the first maintenance period comes when the value of the time counter matches a predetermined value. The control unit is further configured to:
When the first external device participates in the first wireless network as the slave station before the end of the first sustaining period comes, a stop unit is provided that stops the counting of the time counter. The communication device according to claim 11. A computer program for a communication device,
The computer program causes the computer installed in the communication device to perform the following processing:
A parent station that operates as a parent station of a first wireless network for executing wireless communication via the first interface of the communication device from a non-belonging state that does not belong to the wireless network as an operation state of the communication device An external device changing to a state to form the first wireless network, and at the time the first wireless network is formed, the external device participating as a slave station in the first wireless network The formation process, wherein the number of slave devices, which is the number of
When the first wireless network is formed, the end of a first maintenance period for maintaining the operation state of the communication device in the parent station state is determined in a situation where the number of slave station devices is zero. Decision processing,
Annihilation processing for changing the operation state of the communication device from the parent station state to the non-belonging state when the end of the first maintenance period arrives, thereby causing the first wireless network to disappear.
In the case where a first external device joins the first wireless network as a child station before the end of the first maintenance period, the first wireless network is used to perform the first Communication execution processing for executing wireless communication of first target data with the first external device via the interface of
Detection processing for detecting a predetermined instruction;
Before the end of the first maintenance period comes, the end of the first maintenance period is extended to detect a new end of the first maintenance period when the predetermined instruction is detected. Extension process to decide
A computer program that runs A computer program for a communication device,
The computer program causes the computer installed in the communication device to perform the following processing:
A first change process of changing the operation state of the communication device from a first state to a second state different from the first state;
When the operating state of the communication device is changed from the first state to the second state, the end of the first maintenance period for maintaining the operating state of the communication device in the second state is used. Decision processing to decide,
A second change process of changing the operation state of the communication device from the second state to the first state when the end of the first maintenance period arrives;
When the first wireless network to which the communication device and the first external device belong is formed before the end of the first maintenance period comes, using the first wireless network A communication execution process of executing wireless communication of first target data with the first external device via the first interface of the communication device;
Detection processing for detecting a predetermined instruction;
Before the end of the first maintenance period comes, the end of the first maintenance period is extended to detect a new end of the first maintenance period when the predetermined instruction is detected. Extension process to decide
A computer program that runs

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