JP4227451B2 - Communication method for wireless communication device and wireless communication device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technique for configuring a network between a wireless communication device and one of a plurality of communication devices.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a method of wireless communication, short-range wireless called “Bluetooth” that allows electronic devices to be connected wirelessly using radio waves in the frequency band of 2.402 + k (k = 0,1,2, ..., 78) GHz Communication technology has been standardized and is mainly installed in mobile devices such as notebook personal computers (PCs), mobile phones, and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants). In Bluetooth, an inquiry (inquiry) is performed by a device called a master equipped with a communication function, and a device called a slave that can be connected to a range where surrounding radio waves reach responds to convey its attributes. Furthermore, the device connects to peripheral devices as necessary, and searches for available services using a service search protocol called “SDP (Service Discovery Protocol)”.
[0003]
Further, in the above-described Bluetooth, services are classified for each use, and protocols for each are defined as profiles. Among them, SPP (Serial Port Profile) that emulates a serial port and HCRP (Hardcopy Cable Replacement Profile) that stipulates replacement of a printer port connect devices that were previously connected by cables wirelessly using Bluetooth technology. It stipulates a method for doing this.
[0004]
Note that peripheral devices connected by conventional communication cables can also perform wireless communication by using these profiles.
[0005]
A conventional communication example will be described in detail using the sequence shown in FIG. The example shown in FIG. 1 is for communicating print data from a communication device to a printer device by HCRP connection.
[0006]
First, when a print command is issued by a communication device such as a host computer, a physical link connection request (101) is made to the printer device, and the printer device side returns an affirmative response (102) to the link connection request. Then, the link connection is established (103). Next, when the communication device issues a control channel connection request (104), which is a channel for communicating control information other than a print command, credit management, etc., and the printer apparatus accepts the request by an affirmative response (105). The control channel connection is established (106).
[0007]
Further, when a request for connection to the channel for print data transfer (107) is made from the communication device side and the printer apparatus accepts the request by an affirmative response (108), a request for channel connection for data transfer is established (109), Print data can be transmitted from the communication device side.
[0008]
Here, the amount of print data that can be transmitted from the communication device to the printer is managed by giving credit from the printer. Therefore, a credit request (110) is made to the printer device through the control channel from the communication device side, and the printer device gives an initial credit as a data receivable capacity (111). As a result, the communication device transmits (112) data that does not exceed the credit capacity received through the data transfer channel, subtracts the transmitted data amount from the received credit, and updates and manages the credit.
[0009]
On the other hand, the printer apparatus analyzes the received data, performs a printing process, and gives a credit to the communication device that the resource can receive empty data (113). And the data capacity which can be transmitted with the credit which was given to the communication apparatus side increases. As described above, all the print data with a large capacity can be transmitted by repeating data transmission and credit award.
[0010]
In addition, since all print data transmission from the communication device side is completed, and the analysis of the print data is also completed on the printer device side, the credit is given to the communication device side at the end of printing. Data transmission is possible. Even when the communication device side obtains credits and does not transmit data and is in a suspended state, data transmission through the data transfer channel is possible. Furthermore, since the same credit management is performed in the case of COM connection by SPP, data transmission is always possible on the channel connected by COM.
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, it is necessary to always wait for data reception on the printer device side in the non-communication state after the end of printing by the data transfer method based on the conventional credit management base described above or due to being held. In addition, since it is not permissible for the received data to be lost on the printer device side, it is necessary to always prepare for reception.
[0012]
In addition, when a printer device having an interface communication means other than Bluetooth is put on hold from the communication device side, it is necessary to secure resources for printing, and communication from other interfaces becomes impossible. There was a problem.
[0013]
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to improve the convenience of a wireless communication device.
[0014]
It is another object of the present invention to reduce power consumption by automatically disconnecting a carelessly connected state.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention is a communication method for a wireless communication apparatus having a printing function, the step of establishing a wireless connection with one of a plurality of communication devices, and another communication Whether or not to disconnect the wireless connection when a print process via a wired line is requested from a communication device connected by wire during wireless connection with the device, information based on user operations of other communication devices A wireless connection between a setting step for receiving and setting from a communication device, and a communication device that is set to disconnect the wireless connection when printing processing via the wired line is requested and that has established the wireless connection And a step of disconnecting the wireless connection with the communication device that has established the wireless connection when printing processing via the wired line is requested .
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
In the present embodiment, a printer apparatus having an interface that performs wireless communication with a mobile device using Bluetooth technology and an interface that performs communication with a host computer via wired (USB: Universal Serial Bus) will be described as an example of the wireless communication apparatus. Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a wireless communication device such as a scanner device or a digital copying machine.
[0018]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless communication system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the wireless host computer 202 is configured to be able to communicate with the printer device 201 by HCRP connection of Bluetooth communication. The wired host computer 203 is configured to be able to communicate with the printer device 201 via the communication cable 204. A PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) device 205 has a wireless communication function and is configured to perform wireless communication with the printer device 201. These wireless devices constitute an ad hoc network system or an infrastructure type network system by Bluetooth technology.
[0019]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the printer apparatus 201 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the printer apparatus 201 includes a CPU 301, a wireless communication I / F control unit 302, a ROM 303, a RAM 304, a print control unit 305, a baseband unit 306, an RF unit 307, an antenna 308, a USB (Universal Serial Bus). A control unit 309 is provided.
[0020]
Note that the print control unit 305 includes a printing apparatus that prints an image on recording paper by an electrophotographic method using a laser beam, an LED, or the like, an ink jet method, an ink melting type or a sublimation type thermal transfer method, or a thermal recording method. The RF unit 307 performs wireless communication using a frequency popping type spread spectrum system in the 2.4 GHz frequency band.
[0021]
In the above configuration, the signal received through the antenna 308 is demodulated by the RF unit 307 and output to the baseband unit 306. The baseband unit 306 performs error correction processing on the demodulated data, and normally received data is output to the wireless communication I / F control unit 302 according to the processing result, and the data in which an error has been found is output. On the other hand, a retransmission request is made. Further, transmission data from the wireless communication I / F control unit 302 is added with an error correction code or the like in the output data by the baseband unit 306, converted into a predetermined data format, and output to the RF unit 307. The RF unit 307 modulates the output data and transmits it to the wireless host computer 202 and the PDA device 205 through the antenna 308.
[0022]
Further, the wireless communication I / F control unit 302 analyzes the data output from the baseband unit 306, and performs link connection negotiation, service search response, connection negotiation in each protocol layer, data transfer, flow control, and the like. Take control. The USB communication control unit 309 is connected to the wired host computer 203 via the communication cable 204 shown in FIG. 2, and performs communication of print data, various control data, print status management data, and the like according to the USB protocol. Take control.
[0023]
Further, the CPU 301 analyzes the transferred print data, image data, and the like according to a control program stored in the ROM 303, converts it into a control signal, outputs it to the print control unit 305, and performs printing. In the ROM 303, a program for controlling the printer device 201 and various operation tables are written. The RAM 304 is used as a reception buffer that temporarily stores print data, a print buffer that temporarily stores print data, and various work areas for various controls.
[0024]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the wireless host computer 202 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the wireless host computer 202 includes a CPU 401, a wireless communication I / F control unit 402, a storage medium 403, a RAM 404, an antenna 405, and a display device 406 such as a display. Various print data and control data are communicated wirelessly with the printer 201 from the wireless communication I / F control unit 402 through the antenna 405. The wireless host computer 202 includes a key input device (not shown) and is configured to accept key input and click operations from a mouse. A storage medium 403 is a medium such as a hard disk, which stores applications for operating various programs, and is executed as needed.
[0025]
Note that the wireless communication I / F control unit 402 includes a baseband unit and an RF unit (not shown). The PDA device 205 is assumed to have basically the same configuration as the wireless host computer 202.
[0026]
The wireless host computer 202 is configured to be able to set various operations of the printer apparatus 201 using a user interface. Here, processing for starting an application for setting the operation of the printer apparatus 201 from the wireless host computer 202 and setting a disconnection condition for the HCRP connection from the setting screen provided by the application will be described.
[0027]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a setting dialog screen displayed on the display of the wireless host computer. In this dialog, it is possible to set a cutting condition on the printer apparatus 201 side for HCRP connection. In the screen shown in FIG. 5, when the radio button of “always continue HCRP connection” 501 is selected by the user, until it is disconnected from the connected communication device side as in the conventional example, The connection is continued. When the “permit HCRP disconnection” 502 radio button is selected, the following three check boxes can be selected.
[0028]
That is, it is possible to set “Allow connection from another Bluetooth device” 503, “Disconnect HCRP connection when USB printing” 504, and “Disconnect HCRP connection when not used” 505.
[0029]
If the user selects the “Allow connection from other Bluetooth device” 503 check box shown in FIG. 5 and selects the “Send” button 507, the setting contents are transmitted to the printer 201. In response to a connection request from another Bluetooth device according to an acceptance condition such that communication with the currently connected communication device is not performed, processing for permitting connection is performed. Note that this acceptance condition may be determined based on the status of the printer device 201 such that the printing that the printer device 201 has currently communicated has not ended, time information since communication has been interrupted, or connection status such as a link. Embodiments are feasible.
[0030]
FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of wireless communication between wireless devices in the present embodiment. The example shown in FIG. 6 is a sequence showing communication when a connection request is made from the PDA device 205 to the printer device 201 while the data communication is on hold while the communication device indicating the wireless host computer 202 and the printer device 201 are connected by HCRP. is there. This sequence is started in the following state.
[0031]
When a print command is issued by the user through the wireless host computer 202, first, connection processing is performed from the wireless host computer 202 to the printer apparatus 201 according to the sequence shown in FIG. Here, the wireless host computer 202 becomes a master, makes a request for link connection, control channel connection, and data transfer channel connection, and the printer device 201 returns an affirmative response to each request to establish a connection. When the connection is established, the wireless host computer 202 transmits print data through the data transfer channel, so that the printer apparatus 201 performs print processing. Thereafter, when the connection is not disconnected by the wireless host computer 202, the connection of the link, control channel, and data transfer channel remains established.
[0032]
In addition, Bluetooth devices that exist in the same area can participate in several piconets as slaves to form a scatternet (a network in which piconets are connected by time division slot multiplexing). While the device 201) is connected to the master (wireless host computer 202), it responds to a “page” for establishing intra-piconet synchronization with a specific slave from another master (PDA device 205). It is possible.
[0033]
When a link connection request (601) is transmitted from the PDA device 205 to the printer device 201 in such a state, the printer device 201 is already in HCRP connection, but is a communication device that has been in a suspended state for a certain period of time (that is, , A data channel disconnection request (602) is made to the wireless host computer 202). When the data transfer channel disconnect acknowledgment (603) is received from the communication device, the data transfer channel is disconnected. Note that there may be a case in which the communication device is already unresponsive, so even if the acknowledgment (603) for this disconnect request (602) is not received, a time-out period is provided to automatically disconnect all channels and links. You may do it.
[0034]
Next, when the printer apparatus 201 issues a control channel disconnection request (604) and receives a control channel disconnection acknowledgment (605) from the communication device, the printer 201 disconnects the control channel. Similarly, when a disconnect request (606) is issued to the physical link and an affirmative response (607) is received, the physical link is also disconnected. The printer apparatus 201 returns a link connection acknowledgment (608) to the PDA apparatus 205 in response to the disconnection of communication with the communication device, and establishes a physical link. Thereafter, the connection of the control channel and the data transfer channel is established under the initiative of the PDA device which is the master device, and data communication becomes possible.
[0035]
Next, a detailed description will be given of a process when the “disconnect HCRP connection during USB printing” 504 check box is selected on the disconnection setting screen shown in FIG. Specifically, when the printer apparatus 201 and the wireless host computer 202 shown in FIG. 1 are connected by wireless communication, but data communication is not performed due to conditions such as no printing for a certain period of time. In addition, when the wired host computer 203 requests the printer apparatus 201 to transmit print data via the USB communication cable 204, the connection with the wireless host computer 202 is disconnected.
[0036]
First, when the printer apparatus 201 receives a print data transmission request from the wired host computer 203 via USB, the printer apparatus 201 is initially put on hold by returning a NAK response or the like without receiving data. Next, as in the sequence of 602 to 607 shown in FIG. 6, a disconnection request is issued to the wireless host computer 202, and disconnection processing is performed for the data transfer channel, control channel, and physical link. When the printer apparatus 201 confirms disconnection from the wireless host computer 202, the printer apparatus 201 receives data from the wired host computer 203 as an ACK response and performs printing according to the print data.
[0037]
Next, processing when the check box of “disconnect HCRP connection when not in use” 505 shown in FIG. 5 is selected will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. If the “disconnect HCRP connection when not in use” 505 check box is checked, a time (506) until disconnection can be set. Then, the printer device 201 monitors whether it is used for communication until the set time until disconnection elapses, and automatically disconnects the connected wireless device if not used.
[0038]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the cycle timer process in the printer apparatus 201. When the periodic timer process is activated by a timer interruption or the like, the process advances to step S701 to determine whether or not the print control unit 305 is currently operating. If it is not in operation, the process proceeds to step S702, where it is determined whether or not it is connected wirelessly, and if it is connected, the process proceeds to step S703, where it is determined whether or not communication is being performed by wireless connection. As a result, if communication is in progress, a counter counting non-communication time is added to step S705, and non-operation time is measured.
[0039]
Next, in step S705, the counter is compared with the set automatic disconnection time. If the automatic disconnection time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S706, where the HCRP connection disconnection process is performed, and this timer process ends. To do. This HCRP connection disconnection process is a process for disconnecting a connection by issuing a disconnection request to a communication device according to the same sequence as the disconnection process of 602 to 607 shown in FIG. In wireless connection, in order to continue the physical connection, the connection is confirmed by periodically transmitting radio waves.
[0040]
In this way, it is possible to suppress inadvertent power consumption by automatically disconnecting unused wireless connections.
[0041]
If the print control unit 305 is operating in step S701 described above, the wireless connection is not established in step S702, or the wireless communication is in communication in step S703, the process is performed. Proceeding to S707, the counter counting the non-communication time is cleared, and this cycle timer process is terminated.
[0042]
In the present embodiment, the disconnection process for the Bluetooth HCRP connection has been described. For example, the same effect can be obtained by performing the disconnection process according to the protocol by the SPP connection, the higher layer protocol, and the application layer. It is possible.
[0043]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to receive data from another wireless device or a wired interface in a state where connection is established by wireless communication, and convenience for the user who uses the printer device. As a result, it is possible to provide a printer device that takes advantage of resource utilization efficiency. In addition, by automatically disconnecting a wireless device that has been inadvertently connected, it is possible to provide a printer apparatus that takes power saving into consideration.
[0044]
Even if the present invention is applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), it is applied to an apparatus (for example, a copier, a facsimile machine, etc.) composed of a single device. It may be applied.
[0045]
Another object of the present invention is to supply a recording medium in which a program code of software realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or apparatus, and the computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the recording medium in the recording medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed program code.
[0046]
In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0047]
As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like is used. be able to.
[0048]
Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.
[0049]
Further, after the program code read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0050]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of the wireless communication device and to automatically disconnect a carelessly connected state. That is, by enabling the setting of conditions for disconnecting a wireless connection when a print request is made via a wired line based on a user operation, the process intended by the user can be prioritized and convenience can be improved. In addition, it is possible to give priority to the printing process via the wired line over the wireless connection, and it is possible to prevent the printing process via the wired line from being disabled due to the wireless connection.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of wireless communication between wireless devices in a conventional example.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a wireless communication system in the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printer apparatus 201 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a wireless host computer 202 in the present embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a setting dialog screen displayed on the display of the wireless host computer.
FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of wireless communication between wireless devices in the present embodiment.
7 is a flowchart showing periodic timer processing in the printer apparatus 201. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
201 Printer 202 Wireless Host Computer 203 Wired Host Computer 204 Communication Cable 205 PDA Device 301 CPU
302 Wireless communication I / F control unit 303 ROM
304 RAM
305 Print control unit 306 Baseband unit 307 RF unit 308 Antenna 309 USB control unit 401 CPU
402 Wireless communication I / F control unit 403 Storage medium 404 RAM
405 Antenna 406 Display device

Claims (6)

A communication method of a wireless communication device having a printing function ,
Establishing a wireless connection with one of the plurality of communication devices;
Whether or not to disconnect the wireless connection when a print process via a wired line is requested from a communication device connected by wire during wireless connection with another communication device, information based on user operation of the other communication device A setting step for receiving and setting from the other communication device ;
When the print processing via the wired line is requested, the wireless connection is set to be disconnected, and the print processing via the wired line is performed during wireless connection with the communication device that has established the wireless connection. When requested , disconnecting the wireless connection with the communication device that established the wireless connection;
A communication method for a wireless communication apparatus, comprising: A wireless communication device having a printing function ,
Means for establishing a wireless connection with one of a plurality of communication devices;
Whether or not to disconnect the wireless connection when a print process via a wired line is requested from a communication device connected by wire during wireless connection with another communication device, information based on user operation of the other communication device Setting means for receiving and setting from the other communication device ;
When the print processing via the wired line is requested, the wireless connection is set to be disconnected, and the print processing via the wired line is performed during wireless connection with the communication device that has established the wireless connection. When requested , means for disconnecting the wireless connection with the communication device that established the wireless connection;
A wireless communication apparatus comprising: The setting means can also set whether or not to disconnect the wireless connection with the already connected wireless communication device when receiving a wireless connection request from a communication device other than the communication device that has established the wireless connection. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 2 . 3. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the setting means can also set whether or not to disconnect the wireless connection when a predetermined period of time elapses when the wireless communication apparatus is not used. The program for making a computer perform each procedure of the communication method of the radio | wireless communication apparatus of Claim 1 . A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 5 is recorded.

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