JP5929590B2 - Communication device - Google Patents

Description

  The technique disclosed by this specification is related with the 1st communication apparatus for performing the wireless communication of 2nd communication apparatus and object data.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a system including an initiator that is a wireless communication device that transmits data and a target that is a wireless communication device that receives the data. When the size of data scheduled to be transmitted to the target is equal to or smaller than the threshold value, the initiator transmits the data to the target using NFC. On the other hand, when the size of the data scheduled to be transmitted to the target is larger than the threshold, the initiator hands over the communication method from NFC to Bluetooth (registered trademark) and uses Bluetooth (registered trademark) to target the data. Send to.

JP 2010-178002 A

  The technique of Patent Document 1 merely determines whether or not to hand over the communication method from NFC to Bluetooth according to the data size. The present specification discloses a technique capable of appropriately performing wireless communication of target data between the first and second communication devices.

  The present specification discloses a first communication device for executing wireless communication of target data with a second communication device. The first communication device includes a first type interface for performing wireless communication with the second communication device, a second type interface for performing wireless communication with the second communication device, and a control unit. . The communication speed of the wireless communication through the second type interface is faster than the communication speed of the wireless communication through the first type interface. The control unit includes a selection unit, a transmission unit, and a communication execution unit. The selection unit selects one relay device from among a plurality of relay devices configured separately from the first and second communication devices, using processing-related information related to processing of target data. select. The transmission unit transmits relay device information indicating one relay device to the second communication device via the first type interface. The communication execution unit executes wireless communication of target data using one relay device with the second communication device via the second type interface after the relay device information is transmitted to the second communication device. To do.

  According to said structure, the 1st communication apparatus can select an appropriate relay apparatus using process related information. The first communication device can transmit relay device information indicating an appropriate relay device to the second communication device via the first type interface. Accordingly, the first communication device can execute wireless communication of the target data using the appropriate relay device with the second communication device via the second type interface. As a result, wireless communication of the target data can be appropriately executed between the first and second communication devices.

  The first communication device further includes a communication acquisition unit that acquires communication-related information related to wireless communication using the relay device from each of the plurality of relay devices via the second type interface. May be. The selection unit may select one relay device using the processing related information and a plurality of pieces of communication related information acquired from the plurality of relay devices. According to this configuration, the first communication device can select an appropriate relay device using the processing relationship information and the plurality of communication relationship information.

  Each of the plurality of pieces of communication related information includes (A) authentication method information indicating an authentication method currently used by the relay device from which the communication related information is acquired, and (B) relay from which the communication related information is acquired. At least of: encryption method information indicating an encryption method currently used by the device; and (C) communication speed information indicating a communication speed of wireless communication using the relay device from which the communication related information is acquired. One piece of information may be included. According to this configuration, the first communication device can select an appropriate relay device using the processing relationship information and the plurality of communication relationship information.

  The selection unit may select one relay device using processing relation information including data relation information related to target data and a plurality of pieces of communication relation information. According to this configuration, the first communication device can select an appropriate relay device using the data relationship information.

  The target data may be data to be transmitted from the second communication device to the first communication device. The control unit may further include a receiving unit that receives data-related information from the second communication device via the first type interface. The selection unit may select one relay device using the processing relationship information including the received data relationship information and the plurality of communication relationship information. According to this configuration, the first communication device can select an appropriate relay device using the data relationship information received from the second communication device.

  The target data may be data to be transmitted from the first communication device to the second communication device. The selection unit selects one relay device using processing relation information including data relation information related to target data stored in the first communication apparatus and a plurality of pieces of communication relation information. Also good. According to this configuration, the first communication device can select an appropriate relay device using the data relationship information related to the target data stored in the first communication device.

  Each of the plurality of pieces of communication related information may include authentication method information indicating an authentication method currently used by the relay apparatus from which the communication related information is acquired. When the data-related information indicates that the security of the target data is relatively high, the selection unit selects one relay device that currently uses the first authentication method from the plurality of relay devices. And when the data relation information indicates that the security of the target data is relatively low, a second authentication method different from the first authentication method is currently used from among a plurality of relay devices. A single relay device may be selected. According to this configuration, the first communication device can select an appropriate relay device according to the security of the target data.

  Each of the plurality of pieces of communication related information may include encryption method information indicating the encryption method currently used by the relay apparatus from which the communication related information is acquired. When the data relation information indicates that the security of the target data is relatively high, the selection unit selects one relay currently using the first encryption method from the plurality of relay devices. When a device is selected and the data-related information indicates that the security of the target data is relatively low, a second encryption method different from the first encryption method is selected from the plurality of relay devices. One relay device that currently uses can be selected. According to this configuration, the first communication device can select an appropriate relay device according to the security of the target data.

  The selection unit determines that the security of the target data is relatively high when the data relation information includes a password for permitting the output of the target data, and when the data relation information does not include the password. The security of the target data may be determined to be relatively low. According to this configuration, the first communication device can appropriately determine the security level of the target data.

  Each of the plurality of pieces of communication related information may include communication speed information indicating a communication speed of wireless communication using the relay device from which the communication related information is acquired. When the data relation information indicates that the data size of the target data is relatively large, the selection unit selects one relay device that realizes a relatively high communication speed from among the plurality of relay devices. If the data relation information indicates that the data size of the target data is relatively small, select one relay device that realizes a relatively low communication speed from among a plurality of relay devices. May be. According to this configuration, the first communication device can select an appropriate relay device according to the data size of the target data.

  Each of the plurality of pieces of communication related information may include communication speed information indicating a communication speed of wireless communication using the relay device from which the communication related information is acquired. When the data relation information indicates that the target data has the first data format, the selection unit selects one relay device that realizes a relatively high communication speed from the plurality of relay devices. If selected and the data relation information indicates that the target data has a second data format different from the first data format, a relatively low communication speed is realized from among a plurality of relay devices. One relay device may be selected. According to this configuration, the first communication device can select an appropriate relay device according to the data format of the target data.

  The selection unit includes first capability relationship information related to the capability for the first communication device to process the target data, and second capability relationship related to the capability for the second communication device to process the target data. One relay device may be selected using processing relation information including capability relation information of at least one of the information and a plurality of pieces of communication relation information. According to this configuration, the first communication device can select an appropriate relay device using the capability relationship information.

  The first communication device may further include a capability acquisition unit that acquires the first capability relationship information by checking the current state of the first communication device. The selection unit may select one relay device using the processing relationship information including the acquired first capability relationship information and a plurality of pieces of communication relationship information. According to this configuration, the first communication device can select an appropriate relay device using the first capability relationship information related to the capability of the first communication device.

  The first communication device may further include a receiving unit that receives the second capability relationship information from the second communication device via the first type interface. The selection unit may select one relay device using the processing relationship information including the received second capability relationship information and the plurality of communication relationship information. According to this configuration, the first communication device can select an appropriate relay device using the second capability relationship information related to the capability of the second communication device.

  Each of the plurality of pieces of communication related information may include communication speed information indicating a communication speed of wireless communication using the relay device from which the communication related information is acquired. The selection unit realizes a relatively high communication speed from among a plurality of relay devices when at least one capability-related information indicates that the capability for processing the target data is relatively high. When one relay device is selected and at least one capability-related information indicates that the capability for processing the target data is relatively low, the relay device is relatively small among the plurality of relay devices. One relay device that realizes the communication speed may be selected. According to this configuration, the first communication device can select an appropriate relay device according to the ability to process the target data.

  The selection unit determines that the ability to process the target data is relatively high when the value indicated by at least one ability relation information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and the at least one ability relation information indicates When the value is less than the predetermined threshold, it may be determined that the ability to process the target data is relatively low. According to this configuration, the first communication device can appropriately determine the level of capability for processing the target data.

  The selection unit includes data relationship information related to the target data, first capability relationship information related to the capability of the first communication device to process the target data, and second communication device to process the target data. Selecting one relay device using processing relation information including at least one ability relation information of second ability relation information related to the ability of the plurality of pieces of communication relation information Also good. According to this configuration, the first communication device can select an appropriate relay device using the data relationship information and the capability relationship information.

  A control method, a computer program, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program for realizing the first communication apparatus are also novel and useful. A communication system including the first and second communication devices is also novel and useful.

1 shows a configuration of a communication system. The flowchart of the application process of a portable terminal is shown. 3 shows a flowchart of MFP communication processing. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing communication and processing executed by an MFP and a mobile terminal. 3 shows a table representing an outline of the first embodiment. The table showing the outline | summary of Example 2 is shown. The table showing the outline | summary of Example 3 is shown. The flowchart of the application process of a portable terminal is shown. 3 shows a flowchart of MFP communication processing. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing communication and processing executed by an MFP and a mobile terminal.

Example 1
(Configuration of communication system 2)
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes a plurality of access points (hereinafter referred to as “AP (abbreviation of access point)”) 4a and 4b, and a multi-function device (hereinafter referred to as “MFP (Multi-Function”). 10) and a mobile terminal 50. The number of APs included in the communication system 2 is not limited to two, and may be three or more.

(Types of wireless communication that the MFP 10 can execute)
The MFP 10 executes wireless communication according to the NFC (abbreviation of Near Field Communication) method, wireless communication according to the WFD (abbreviation of Wi-Fi Direct) method, and wireless communication according to the normal Wi-Fi method. Is possible. Hereinafter, the wireless communication in accordance with each of the above-described methods is referred to as “NFC communication”, “WFD communication”, and “normal Wi-Fi communication”, respectively.

(NFC communication)
The NFC method is a wireless communication method for so-called short-range wireless communication, for example, a wireless communication method based on the international standard of ISO / IEC21481 or 18092. The MFP 10 can execute NFC communication with the portable terminal 50.

(WFD communication)
The WFD method is a wireless communication method described in a standard document “Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Technical Specification Version 1.1” created by Wi-Fi Alliance. The WFD system is, for example, wireless in accordance with the 802.11 standard of IEEE (abbreviation of The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) and standards conforming thereto (for example, 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, etc.). It is a wireless communication system for executing communication.

  By belonging to the WFD network, the MFP 10 can execute WFD communication of target data with other devices belonging to the WFD network. The target data is data including information on the network layer of the OSI reference model, and includes, for example, print data, scan data, and the like.

  Hereinafter, a device that can execute WFD communication, such as the MFP 10, is referred to as a “WFD-compatible device”. In the WFD standard document, three states of a group owner state (hereinafter referred to as “G / O state”), a client state, and a device state are defined as states of a WFD-compatible device. The WFD compatible device can selectively operate in one of the above three states.

  When a pair of WFD-compatible devices in a device state should form a WFD network, wireless communication called G / O negotiation is normally performed between the pair of WFD-compatible devices. In the G / O negotiation, it is determined that one of the pair of WFD compatible devices is in the G / O state and the other of the pair of WFD compatible devices is in the client state. A WFD network is formed by a device in the G / O state (hereinafter referred to as “G / O device”) and a device in the client state (hereinafter referred to as “client device”). In a WFD network, there may be one G / O device and one or more client devices. The G / O device manages one or more client devices. Specifically, the G / O device executes authentication of the client device for each of one or more client devices, and when the authentication of the client device is successful, the identification information (that is, the MAC address) of the client device. ) In the management list in the memory of the G / O device. In this embodiment, in the WFD network to which the MFP 10 belongs, the G / O device (that is, the MFP 10 or a G / O device different from the MFP 10) includes an authentication method “WPA2” and an encryption method “AES”. , To authenticate the client device. When the client device leaves the WFD network, the G / O device deletes the identification information of the client device from the management list.

  The G / O device can execute wireless communication of the target data with the client device registered in the management list. However, the G / O device can execute wireless communication of specific data for the unregistered device belonging to the WFD network with the unregistered device not registered in the management list. Communication is not possible. The specific data is data that does not include information on the network layer of the OSI reference model, and includes, for example, a Probe Request signal (hereinafter referred to as “PReq signal”), a Probe Response signal (hereinafter referred to as “PRes signal”), and the like. Contains physical layer data. Note that the G / O device can relay wireless communication of target data among a plurality of client devices.

  A WFD-compatible device that does not belong to the WFD network (that is, an unregistered device that is not registered in the G / O device management list) is a device in a device state. The device in the device state can execute the wireless communication of the specific data for belonging to the WFD network with the G / O device, but performs the wireless communication of the target data with the G / O device or the client device. Impossible.

  As described above, in a WFD network, a pair of WFD-compatible devices can execute WFD communication of target data without going through an AP that is configured separately from these WFD-compatible devices. That is, it can be said that WFD communication is wireless communication not via an AP.

  In the following, it is not possible to selectively operate in one of the three states defined in the WFD standard (that is, the G / O state, the client state, and the device state). A device capable of performing wireless communication via an AP (that is, normal Wi-Fi communication described later) is referred to as “a WFD non-compliant device”. “WFD non-compliant device” is also referred to as “legacy device”. A device in the G / O state can describe identification information of a device that does not support WFD in the management list. In this case, the WFD non-compliant device can participate in the WFD network as a client device. In the present embodiment, the mobile terminal 50 is a WFD non-compliant device (that is, a legacy device). Therefore, when the MFP 10 is in the G / O state, the MFP 10 can execute WFD communication of the target data with the portable terminal 50.

(Normal Wi-Fi communication)
The normal Wi-Fi system is a wireless communication system defined by the Wi-Fi Alliance, and is a wireless communication system different from the WFD system. The normal Wi-Fi system, like the WFD system, is a wireless for performing wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard and standards conforming thereto (for example, 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, etc.). It is a communication method. However, as described above, the WFD method is a wireless communication method for executing wireless communication not via an AP. On the other hand, the normal Wi-Fi method is a wireless communication method for executing wireless communication via an AP. In this respect, the WFD system and the normal Wi-Fi system are different.

  By belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network, the MFP 10 can execute normal Wi-Fi communication of the target data with other devices belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network via the AP. In this embodiment, since the mobile terminal 50 is a WFD non-compliant device (that is, a legacy device), it can execute normal Wi-Fi communication. Therefore, the MFP 10 can execute normal Wi-Fi communication of the target data with the portable terminal 50 via any one of the plurality of APs 4a and 4b.

  In this embodiment, Open, WPA (abbreviation for Wi-Fi Protected Access), or WPA2 is used as an authentication method for normal Wi-Fi communication. Of these three types of authentication methods, “Open” is the least secure authentication method, “WPA” is a more secure authentication method than “Open”, and “WPA2” is a more secure authentication method than “WPA”. It is a method. In “Open”, authentication using a password is not executed. In contrast, “WPA” and “WPA2” execute authentication using a password.

  In this embodiment, WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), TKIP (abbreviation for Temporal Key Integrity Protocol), or AES (abbreviation for Advanced Encryption Standard) is used as an encryption method for normal Wi-Fi communication. The Among these three types of encryption methods, “WEP” is the lowest security encryption method, “TKIP” is a higher security encryption method than “WEP”, and “AES” is higher than “TKIP”. It is a security encryption method.

  A normal Wi-Fi network is a wireless network constructed in an environment where an AP can be installed, such as an in-house LAN or a home LAN, and generally speaking, is a wireless network that should be formed on a regular basis. . On the other hand, since the WFD network does not require an AP, for example, it is a wireless network constructed to execute temporary wireless communication between a pair of WFD compatible devices. Generally speaking, A wireless network to be temporarily formed. As described above, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the normal Wi-Fi network is a wireless network that should be formed regularly, and the WFD network is a wireless network that should be formed temporarily.

(Configuration of MFP 10)
The MFP 10 can execute multiple functions including a print function and a scan function. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the MFP 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, a scan execution unit 18, and a wireless LAN interface (hereinafter referred to as “I / F”). 20), NFC I / F 22, and control unit 30. Each part 12-30 is connected to a bus line (reference number omitted).

  The operation unit 12 includes a plurality of keys. The user can input various instructions to the MFP 10 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 scan execution unit 18 is a scan mechanism such as a CCD or CIS.

  The wireless LAN I / F 20 is an interface for executing WFD communication and normal Wi-Fi communication. The wireless LAN I / F 20 is physically one interface (that is, one IC chip). However, the wireless LAN I / F 20 includes a MAC address used in WFD communication (hereinafter referred to as “MAC address for WFD”) and a MAC address used in normal Wi-Fi communication (hereinafter referred to as “normal Wi-Fi”). Both of which are referred to as “MAC address for use”). More specifically, a normal Wi-Fi MAC address is pre-assigned to the wireless LAN I / F 20. The control unit 30 uses the normal Wi-Fi MAC address to generate a WFD MAC address different from the normal Wi-Fi MAC address, and assigns the WFD MAC address to the wireless LAN I / F 20. Therefore, the control unit 30 can simultaneously execute both normal Wi-Fi communication using the normal Wi-Fi MAC address and WFD communication using the WFD MAC address. That is, the MFP 10 can belong to both the WFD network and the normal Wi-Fi network simultaneously.

  From the viewpoint of the MAC address used by the MFP 10, WFD communication and normal Wi-Fi communication can be expressed as follows, for example. That is, WFD communication is wireless communication using the WFD MAC address of the MFP 10, and normal Wi-Fi communication is wireless communication using the normal Wi-Fi MAC address of the MFP 10. The WFD network is a wireless network in which the WFD MAC address of the MFP 10 is used, and the normal Wi-Fi network is a wireless network in which the normal Wi-Fi MAC address of the MFP 10 is used.

  The NFC I / F 22 is an interface for executing NFC communication. The chip configuring the NFC I / F 22 and the chip configuring the wireless LAN I / F 20 are physically different.

  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 higher than the communication speed of wireless communication via the NFC I / F 22 (for example, the maximum communication speed is 100 to 424 Kbps). Is also fast. In addition, the frequency of the carrier wave in the wireless communication via the wireless LAN I / F 20 (for example, 2.4 GHz band, 5.0 GHz band) is the frequency of the carrier wave in the wireless communication via the NFC I / F 22 (for example, 13.56 MHz band). Is different. For example, when the distance between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 is about 10 cm or less, the control unit 30 can execute NFC communication with the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22. On the other hand, whether the distance between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 is 10 cm or less or 10 cm or more (for example, about 100 m at the maximum), the control unit 30 can connect the portable terminal 50 via the wireless LAN I / F 20. And WFD communication and normal Wi-Fi communication can be executed. In other words, the maximum distance that the MFP 10 can execute wireless communication with a communication destination device (for example, the portable terminal 50) via the wireless LAN I / F 20 is the maximum distance that the MFP 10 performs wireless communication with the communication destination device via the NFC I / F 22. Greater than the maximum possible distance.

  The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 executes various processes according to the program stored in the memory 34. The function of each part 41-49 is implement | achieved when CPU32 performs a process according to a program. The memory 34 includes a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, and the like. The memory 34 stores the above program executed by the CPU 32.

  The memory 34 further stores a WFD state value indicating the current state of the MFP 10 regarding the WFD (that is, any one of the G / O state, the client state, and the device state). When the MFP 10 belongs to the WFD network (that is, when the WFD state value indicates the G / O state or the client state), the memory 34 further stores a WFD wireless setting for executing WFD communication.

  The WFD wireless setting includes authentication method information, encryption method information, a password, an SSID (Service Set Identifier), and a BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier). The SSID included in the WFD wireless setting is a network identifier for identifying the WFD network. The BSSID included in the WFD wireless setting is a unique identifier (for example, the MAC address of the G / O device) assigned to the G / O device of the WFD network.

  Normally, when forming a WFD network, a G / O device prepares a WFD wireless setting and supplies the WFD wireless setting to a client device. For example, the control unit 30 of the MFP 10 prepares for WFD wireless setting when the MFP 10 operates in the G / O state to form a WFD network. Specifically, the control unit 30 prepares predetermined authentication method information (that is, “WPA2”) and encryption method information (that is, “AES”). The control unit 30 prepares a password by preparing a predetermined password or by newly generating a password. The control unit 30 prepares a predetermined SSID or prepares an SSID by newly generating an SSID. In addition, the control unit 30 prepares a predetermined WFD MAC address as a BSSID.

  Therefore, when the MFP 10 operates in the G / O state and belongs to the WFD network, the memory 34 stores the WFD wireless setting prepared by the MFP 10 when the MFP 10 forms the WFD network. On the other hand, when the MFP 10 operates in the client state and belongs to the WFD network, the memory 34 is prepared by the G / O device when a G / O device different from the MFP 10 forms the WFD network. Stored WFD wireless settings (that is, WFD wireless settings acquired from the G / O device) are stored.

  In addition, when the MFP 10 belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network, the memory 34 further stores normal Wi-Fi wireless settings for executing normal Wi-Fi communication. The normal Wi-Fi wireless setting normally includes authentication method information, encryption method information, SSID, BSSID, and password. The SSID included in the normal Wi-Fi wireless setting is a network identifier for identifying the normal Wi-Fi network. The BSSID included in the normal Wi-Fi wireless setting information is a unique identifier (for example, the MAC address of the AP) assigned to the AP forming the normal Wi-Fi network.

  As a method for the MFP 10 to participate in the normal Wi-Fi network, a first method in which the user of the MFP 10 applies a predetermined operation to the operation unit 12 and a second method in which S42 to S48 in FIG. And exist.

  In the first method, the MFP 10 executes an SSID search when the predetermined operation is applied to the operation unit 12. As a result, the MFP 10 receives authentication method information indicating an authentication method currently used by the AP and an encryption method indicating an encryption method currently used by the AP from each of the APs 4a and 4b existing around the MFP 10. Information and the SSID and BSSID currently used by the AP are acquired. Next, the MFP 10 causes the display unit 14 to display a plurality of SSIDs acquired from a plurality of APs. The user uses the operation unit 12 to select one SSID (that is, one AP) from among a plurality of SSIDs.

  As described above, in a high-security normal Wi-Fi network adopting the authentication method “WPA” or “WPA2”, authentication using a password is executed. Therefore, when the selected AP uses the authentication method “WPA” or “WPA2”, the user further inputs a password using the operation unit 12. The MFP 10 uses the authentication method information, the encryption method information, the SSID, and the BSSID acquired from the selected AP, and executes a wireless connection with the selected AP using the password input by the user. To do. The wireless connection includes a communication process for the MFP 10 to participate in the normal Wi-Fi network (for example, a communication process for authentication (such as communication of an Authentication signal, an Association Request signal, an Association Response signal)). As a result, the MFP 10 participates in the normal Wi-Fi network formed by the selected AP.

  On the other hand, in a low-security normal Wi-Fi network that employs the authentication method “Open”, authentication using a password is not executed. Therefore, when the selected AP uses the authentication method “Open”, the user does not input a password. The MFP 10 uses the authentication method information, encryption method information, SSID, and BSSID acquired from the selected AP to execute wireless connection with the selected AP, and the selected AP forms. Usually participates in Wi-Fi networks. The memory 34 stores each piece of information (authentication method information and the like) used in the wireless connection with the selected AP as a normal Wi-Fi wireless setting.

  The memory 34 is further used every time the MFP 10 participates in the normal Wi-Fi network by the first method described above, and the SSID for identifying the normal Wi-Fi network and the normal Wi-Fi network. The participation information associated with the existing password is stored. That is, the memory 34 cumulatively stores one or more pieces of participation information corresponding to one or more normal Wi-Fi networks that the MFP 10 has joined in the past. As described above, a password is not used in a normal Wi-Fi network that employs the authentication method “Open”. Therefore, the participation information corresponding to such a normal Wi-Fi network includes the SSID but does not include the password.

  As will be described in detail later, the MFP 10 also performs the SSID search even in the second method described above (S42 in FIG. 3). Next, the MFP 10 automatically selects one SSID (that is, one AP) without receiving an instruction from the user (S44). Next, the MFP 10 performs a wireless connection with the selected AP (S48). As a result, the MFP 10 automatically participates in the normal Wi-Fi network formed by the selected AP.

(Configuration of mobile terminal 50)
The portable terminal 50 is a portable terminal device such as a cellular phone (for example, a smartphone), a PDA, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, a portable music playback device, a portable video playback device, and the like. The portable terminal 50 can execute NFC communication and normal Wi-Fi communication.

  The portable terminal 50 includes an operation unit 52, a display unit 54, a wireless LAN I / F 60, an NFC I / F 62, and a control unit 70. Each unit 52 to 70 is connected to a bus line (reference numeral omitted). The operation unit 52 includes a plurality of keys. The user can input various instructions to the portable terminal 50 by operating the operation unit 52. The display unit 54 is a display for displaying various information.

  The wireless LAN I / F 60 is an interface for executing normal Wi-Fi communication. The NFC I / F 62 is an interface for executing NFC communication. The difference between these interfaces 60 and 62 is the same as the difference between the interfaces 20 and 22 of the MFP 10. That is, for example, the communication speed of wireless communication via the wireless LAN I / F 60 is faster than the communication speed of wireless communication via the NFC I / F 62.

  The control unit 70 includes a CPU 72 and a memory 74. The CPU 72 executes various processes according to the program stored in the memory 74. The program in the memory 74 includes an application 76 for causing the MFP 10 to execute various functions (for example, a print function, a scan function, etc.). For example, the application 76 may be installed on the portable terminal 50 from a server provided by the vendor of the MFP 10, or may be installed on the portable terminal 50 from a medium shipped together with the MFP 10. When the CPU 72 executes processing according to the application 76, the functions of the units 81 to 86 are realized. Each of the parts 81 to 86 functions in fourth to sixth examples described later.

(Configuration of AP4a, 4b)
Each of the APs 4a and 4b is not a WFD G / O device but a normal AP called a wireless access point or a wireless LAN router, and forms a normal Wi-Fi network. AP4a, 4b receives object data from the 1st apparatus (for example, portable terminal 50) of the some apparatus which belongs to a normal Wi-Fi network, and is 2nd apparatus among said several apparatus. The target data is transmitted to (for example, the MFP 10). That is, the APs 4a and 4b function as a relay device that relays wireless communication of target data between a pair of devices belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network.

  The difference between the WFD G / O device and a normal AP (ie, AP 4a, 4b) is as follows. That is, a WFD G / O device operates in a state different from the G / O state (ie, client state) when it leaves the WFD network to which the device belongs and newly belongs to another WFD network. obtain. In contrast, a normal AP executes a function of relaying wireless communication between a pair of devices regardless of which normal Wi-Fi network the AP forms. That is, a normal AP can execute only the same operation as that of the WFD G / O state, and cannot execute the same operation as that of the WFD client state.

(Application processing of portable terminal 50; FIG. 2)
Then, with reference to FIG. 2, the content of the process which the control part 70 of the portable terminal 50 performs according to the application 76 is demonstrated. When the user of the portable terminal 50 desires the MFP 10 to print an image represented by data to be printed (hereinafter referred to as “print data”) stored in the portable terminal 50, the user operates the operation unit 52. Then, the application 76 is activated. Thereby, the control unit 70 starts the flowchart of FIG.

  The user performs a print operation including an operation for selecting print data stored in the memory 74 of the portable terminal 50 and an operation for selecting whether or not to set a password for the print data. It adds to the operation part 52. In this case, the control unit 70 determines YES in S10 and proceeds to S11.

  When a password is set for the print data, the MFP 10 does not start printing according to the print data unless the user operates the operation unit 12 of the MFP 10 and inputs the password to the MFP 10. . That is, only a user who has performed a printing operation on the portable terminal 50 can acquire a printed matter generated by printing by the MFP 10. On the other hand, if a password is not set for the print data, the MFP 10 starts printing immediately after receiving the print data (that is, starts printing even if no password is input to the MFP 10). That is, a third party other than the user who performed the printing operation on the portable terminal 50 can acquire the printed matter. Therefore, when the password is set for the print data, the security of the print data is higher than when the password is not set for the print data.

  In S <b> 11, the control unit 70 first generates NFC information including a print command for instructing the MFP 10 to execute the print function and security information indicating the security of the print data. The NFC information does not include print data. Note that when the user selects to set a password for the print data, the control unit 70 generates security information indicating security. In this case, the security information further includes a password set for the print data. On the other hand, when the user selects not to set a password for the print data, the control unit 70 generates security information indicating non-secure. In this case, the security information does not include a password.

  While the MFP 10 is powered on, the NFC I / F 22 of the MFP 10 transmits a detection radio wave for detecting a device that can perform NFC communication (that is, the portable terminal 50). The user of the portable terminal 50 brings the portable terminal 50 closer to the MFP 10 after performing the above printing operation. Thereby, the distance between the portable terminal 50 and the MFP 10 becomes smaller than the distance (for example, 10 cm) that radio waves reach each other. In this case, the portable terminal 50 receives the detected radio wave from the MFP 10 and transmits a response radio wave to the MFP 10. As a result, an NFC communication session is established between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50. In S <b> 12, the control unit 70 transmits the generated NFC information to the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 62 using the NFC communication session.

  When the NFC information is transmitted from the portable terminal 50 to the MFP 10, the MFP 10 determines YES in S <b> 30 of FIG. 3 to be described later, and executes the processes after S <b> 32. As a result, the MFP 10 transmits the WFD wireless setting (S40 in FIG. 3) or the AP information (S46 in FIG. 3) to the portable terminal 50 using the NFC communication session. The WFD wireless setting includes information currently used in the WFD network formed by the MFP 10 in the G / O state (that is, authentication method information, encryption method information, SSID, BSSID, and password). The AP information includes information currently used in the normal Wi-Fi network formed by the AP (that is, authentication method information, encryption method information, SSID, and BSSID). When authentication using a password is executed in the normal Wi-Fi network, that is, when the authentication method currently used in the normal Wi-Fi network is “WPA” or “WPA2”, The AP information further includes a password currently used in the normal Wi-Fi network. On the other hand, when the authentication using the password is not executed in the normal Wi-Fi network, that is, when the authentication method currently used in the normal Wi-Fi network is “Open”, the AP information is: Does not include the password.

  In S <b> 14 of FIG. 2, the control unit 70 of the mobile terminal 50 receives WFD wireless setting or AP information from the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 62. In addition, after receiving the WFD wireless setting or AP information in S14, the control unit 70 outputs a predetermined sound from the portable terminal 50, for example, and notifies the user of the portable terminal 50 that NFC communication is completed. Thereby, the user can recognize that the portable terminal 50 may be moved away from the MFP 10. When S14 ends, the process proceeds to S16.

  In S16, the control unit 70 executes wireless connection according to the information received in S14. When the information received in S14 is the WFD wireless setting, the control unit 70 performs wireless connection with the MFP 10 in the G / O state via the wireless LAN I / F 60 using the received WFD wireless setting. To do. The wireless connection includes a communication process (for example, a communication process for authentication) for participating in a specific WFD network formed by the MFP 10 in the G / O state. Thereby, the portable terminal 50 can participate in the specific WFD network as a client device. As a result, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same WFD network.

  On the other hand, when the information received in S14 is AP information, the control unit 70 performs wireless connection with the AP via the wireless LAN I / F 60 using the received AP information. The wireless connection includes a communication process for participating in a specific normal Wi-Fi network identified by the SSID included in the received AP information (for example, a communication process for authentication). Thereby, the portable terminal 50 can participate in said specific normal Wi-Fi network. As a result, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi network.

  When the mobile terminal 50 already belongs to the WFD network or the normal Wi-Fi network when S16 is executed, in S16, the control unit 70 leaves the existing network and performs the above identification. Participate in a WFD network or a specific regular Wi-Fi network. When the control unit 70 leaves the existing network, the control unit 70 stores in the memory 74 wireless settings (eg, SSID, password, etc.) for rejoining the existing network.

  When S16 ends, in S20, the control unit 70 transmits print data to the MFP 10 via the wireless LAN I / F 60. For example, when the portable terminal 50 participates in the specific WFD network, in S20, the control unit 70 transmits print data to the MFP 10 in the G / O state using the specific WFD network. To do. That is, the print data is directly transmitted from the portable terminal 50 to the MFP 10 even if the relay device (for example, the APs 4a and 4b) does not relay the print data. Further, for example, when the mobile terminal 50 participates in the specific normal Wi-Fi network, in S20, the control unit 70 uses the specific normal Wi-Fi network to access an AP (for example, 4a ) To send print data to the MFP 10.

  When S20 ends, the application process of FIG. 2 ends. In S16, when the portable terminal 50 leaves the existing network, when S20 ends, the control unit 70 leaves the new network that participated in S16 and stores the wireless data stored in the memory 74 in S16. Use the settings to rejoin the original network. On the other hand, if the portable terminal 50 has not left the existing network in S16, the control unit 70 maintains the state of participating in the new network even when S20 ends.

(Communication process of MFP 10; FIG. 3)
Next, the contents of processing executed by the control unit 30 of the MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the NFC information is transmitted from the portable terminal 50 to the MFP 10 in S12 of FIG. The receiving unit 41 of the MFP 10 receives NFC information from the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22. In this case, the receiving unit 41 determines YES in S30 of FIG. 3, and proceeds to S32.

  In S32, the first determination unit 47 determines whether the current state of the MFP 10 is the G / O state (that is, whether the MFP 10 operates in the G / O state and belongs to the WFD network). Judgment) When the WFD state value in the memory 34 indicates the G / O state, the first determination unit 47 determines YES in S32 and proceeds to S34. On the other hand, when the WFD state value in the memory 34 indicates the client state or the device state, the first determination unit 47 determines NO in S32 and proceeds to S36.

  In S34, the first determination unit 47 determines whether or not the number of client devices belonging to the WFD network formed by the MFP 10 in the G / O state matches the predetermined maximum value N. To do. N may be 1 or an integer of 2 or more. If the number of client devices matches the maximum value N, the first determination unit 47 determines YES in S34, and proceeds to S41. On the other hand, if the number of client devices is less than the maximum value, the first determination unit 47 determines NO in S34 and proceeds to S40.

  In S36, the first determination unit 47 determines whether the current state of the MFP 10 is the client state (that is, determines whether the MFP 10 operates in the client state and belongs to the WFD network). ). When the WFD state value in the memory 34 indicates the client state, the first determination unit 47 determines YES in S36 and proceeds to S41. On the other hand, when the WFD state value in the memory 34 indicates the device state, that is, when the MFP 10 does not belong to the WFD network, the first determination unit 47 determines NO in S36 and proceeds to S38. .

  In S38, the forming unit 49 shifts the MFP 10 to the autonomous G / O mode. As described above, when a WFD network is to be newly formed, G / O negotiation is normally performed to determine a G / O device and a client device. On the other hand, in the autonomous G / O mode, it is determined that the MFP 10 enters the G / O state without executing the G / O negotiation. In step S38, the MFP 10 is a G / O device, but there is no client device. That is, the forming unit 49 forms a WFD network to which only the G / O device (that is, the MFP 10) belongs. The autonomous G / O mode is a mode in which the MFP 10 maintains operation in the G / O state. For example, when the MFP 10 enters the G / O state by the G / O negotiation to form the WFD network, and the client device disappears from the WFD network, the MFP 10 shifts from the G / O state to the device state (that is, , The WFD network disappears). On the other hand, for example, when the MFP 10 enters the G / O state in the autonomous G / O mode to form the WFD network, the MFP 10 maintains the G / O state even if there is no client device (that is, Maintain WFD network).

  In S38, the forming unit 49 further prepares WFD wireless settings (that is, authentication method information, encryption method information, SSID, BSSID, and password) to be used in the WFD network. The method by which the forming unit 49 prepares the WFD wireless setting is as described above. In S <b> 38, the forming unit 49 further stores the WFD state value indicating the G / O state and the prepared WFD wireless setting in the memory 34. When S38 ends, the process proceeds to S40.

  In S <b> 40, the transmission unit 42 transmits the WFD wireless setting in the memory 34 to the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22. As described above, the process of S40 is executed when S34 is NO or when S36 is NO (that is, when S38 is passed). If NO in S34, the number of client devices belonging to the WFD network formed by the MFP 10 in the G / O state is less than the maximum value. Therefore, the portable terminal 50 can be allowed to participate in the WFD network as a client device. If NO in S36, a WFD network to which only the MFP 10 in the G / O state belongs is formed in S38. Therefore, the portable terminal 50 can be allowed to participate in the WFD network as a client device. In S <b> 40, WFD wireless settings are transmitted from the MFP 10 to the portable terminal 50 in order to allow the portable terminal 50 to participate in the WFD network as a client device. When S40 ends, the process proceeds to S50.

  On the other hand, if YES in S34 or YES in S36, S41 is executed. In S <b> 41, the second determination unit 48 determines whether the MFP 10 is currently participating in the normal Wi-Fi network. If the normal Wi-Fi wireless setting is stored in the memory 34, the second determination unit 48 determines YES in S41, proceeds to S49, and stores the normal Wi-Fi wireless setting in the memory 34. If not, NO is determined in S41 and the process proceeds to S42.

  In S49, the transmission unit 42 prepares AP information related to an AP included in the normal Wi-Fi network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs (that is, an AP that has established a wireless connection with the MFP 10). Specifically, the transmission unit 42 prepares AP information including the normal Wi-Fi wireless setting in the memory 34. Then, the transmission unit 42 transmits the prepared AP information to the mobile terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22. Thereby, the portable terminal 50 participates in the normal Wi-Fi network using the AP information (S16 in FIG. 2). As a result, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi network. When S49 ends, the process proceeds to S50.

  On the other hand, if NO in S41, each process of S42 to 48 is executed. If YES in S34, the number of client devices belonging to the WFD network formed by the MFP 10 in the G / O state matches the maximum value N. Therefore, the portable terminal 50 cannot participate in the WFD network as a client device. If YES in S36, the MFP 10 in the client state belongs to the WFD network formed by another device in the G / O state. In this case, the MFP 10 does not have the authority to cause another device (that is, the portable terminal 50) to participate in the WFD network. Therefore, the portable terminal 50 cannot participate in the WFD network as a client device. Further, in the case of NO in S41, the MFP 10 is not currently participating in the normal Wi-Fi network. For this reason, the MFP 10 cannot allow the portable terminal 50 to participate in the normal Wi-Fi network in which the MFP 10 is currently participating. For this reason, in S42 to S48, the control unit 30 executes processing for causing the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 to participate in the same normal Wi-Fi network.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, if the portable terminal 50 can participate in the WFD network (NO in S34, NO in S36), a process for causing the portable terminal 50 to participate in the WFD network is executed. (S40). Thereby, the portable terminal 50 can be made to participate in the WFD network to be temporarily formed. In this case, since the normal Wi-Fi wireless setting is not transmitted to the portable terminal 50, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the security of the normal Wi-Fi network that is to be constantly formed. In view of such circumstances, in the present embodiment, priority is given to allowing the mobile terminal 50 to participate in the WFD network (S32 to S40). If this is not possible, the mobile terminal 50 is set to the normal Wi-Fi network. Let them participate (S41 to S49).

  In S <b> 42, the communication acquisition unit 44 executes an SSID search to search for APs that exist around the MFP 10. In this way, in order to search for an AP, the “communication acquisition unit” may be referred to as a “search unit”. The communication acquisition unit 44 transmits a PReq signal via the wireless LAN I / F 20. Each of the APs 4 a and 4 b existing around the MFP 10 receives a PReq signal from the MFP 10 and transmits a PRes signal to the MFP 10. The communication acquisition unit 44 receives the PRes signal from each of the APs 4a and 4b via the wireless LAN I / F 20. That is, in this embodiment, the communication acquisition unit 44 can find two APs 4a and 4b by SSID search.

  If there is a G / O device around the MFP 10, the G / O device also transmits a PRes signal to the MFP 10 when receiving the PReq signal from the MFP 10. Therefore, the communication acquisition unit 44 can receive the PRes signal not only from the APs 4a and 4b but also from the G / O device. However, in this embodiment, the following description will be continued by taking as an example a case where there is no G / O device around the MFP 10.

  The PRes signal includes an SSID currently used by the AP, authentication method information indicating an authentication method currently used by the AP, encryption method information indicating an encryption method currently used by the AP, and Communication speed information indicating the communication speed of the wireless communication to be realized. Therefore, the communication acquisition unit 44 acquires information related to wireless communication using the AP that is the transmission source of the PRes signal by receiving the PRes signal.

  In S44, the selection unit 43 selects one AP from the plurality of APs 4a and 4b. As described above, the memory 34 stores one or more pieces of participation information corresponding to one or more normal Wi-Fi networks in which the MFP 10 has participated in the past. The selection unit 43 selects one or more matching with one or more SSIDs included in one or more participation information in the memory 34 from among the plurality of SSIDs included in the plurality of PRes signals acquired in S42. To extract the SSID. Next, the selection unit 43 selects one AP by selecting one SSID from one or more extracted SSIDs. A specific method for selecting one AP will be described in detail later.

  In S46, the transmission unit 42 first prepares AP information related to the selected AP. Specifically, the transmission unit 42 prepares authentication scheme information, encryption scheme information, SSID, and BSSID acquired from the selected AP in the SSID search of S42. In addition, the transmission unit 42 reads out participation information including the SSID acquired from the selected AP from the memory 34, and prepares the password when the participation information includes a password. Then, the transmission unit 42 transmits AP information including each prepared information to the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22.

  In S48, the communication execution unit 46 executes wireless connection with the selected AP via the wireless LAN I / F 20 using each information prepared in S46. The wireless connection includes a communication process for joining a specific normal Wi-Fi network identified by the SSID prepared in S46. Thereby, the MFP 10 can participate in the specific normal Wi-Fi network. As described above, the mobile terminal 50 also participates in the specific normal Wi-Fi network (S16 in FIG. 2). As a result, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi network. When S48 ends, the process proceeds to S50.

  In S <b> 50, the communication execution unit 46 receives print data from the portable terminal 50 via the wireless LAN I / F 20. For example, in S50 executed via S40, the communication execution unit 46 directly receives print data from the mobile terminal 50 in the client state without using a relay device. For example, in S50 executed via S48 or S49, the communication execution unit 46 receives print data from the portable terminal 50 via the AP.

  Next, in S <b> 52, the control unit 30 processes the print data (for example, processes the data into data that can be processed by the print execution unit 16), and supplies the processed data to the print execution unit 16. Thereby, the print execution unit 16 executes printing on the print medium according to the processed data. When the security information included in the NFC information received in S30 indicates secure, the print execution unit 16 does not start printing until the user inputs the password included in the security information to the MFP 10 (that is, Suspend printing.) On the other hand, when the security information included in the NFC information received in S30 indicates non-secure, the print execution unit 16 starts printing immediately after obtaining processed data from the control unit 30. When S52 ends, the communication process of FIG. 3 ends. In S48, when the MFP 10 joins the new normal Wi-Fi network, the control unit 30 maintains the state of joining the new normal Wi-Fi network even when S52 ends. To do.

  The print data has a larger data size than information communicated by NFC communication (NFC information, WFD wireless setting, AP information, etc.). As described above, the communication speed of NFC communication is slower than the communication speed of WFD communication or normal Wi-Fi communication. Accordingly, if a configuration in which print data wireless communication is executed using NFC communication between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 is employed, a long time is required for the print data wireless communication. In view of such circumstances, in this embodiment, the MFP 10 executes S40, S46, or S49 in FIG. 3 and transmits the WFD wireless setting or the AP information to the portable terminal 50. As a result, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can execute print data WFD communication or normal Wi-Fi communication via the wireless LAN I / F 20, and as a result, perform print data wireless communication quickly. Can do.

  As described above, the mobile terminal 50 is in a specific mode for executing direct wireless communication with the MFP 10 without using a relay device (that is, the MFP 10 is in the G / O state, and the mobile terminal 50 is in the client state. In the aspect, when it is possible to participate in the WFD network (that is, when NO in S34 of FIG. 3 or when S38 is executed), the MFP 10 causes the portable terminal 50 to participate in the WFD network. The wireless setting for this is transmitted to the portable terminal 50 (S40). On the other hand, when the portable terminal 50 is not able to participate in the WFD network in the above-described specific mode (that is, when YES in S34 of FIG. 3 or YES in S36), the portable terminal 50 The wireless setting for participating in the normal Wi-Fi network is transmitted to the portable terminal 50 (S46, S49). Therefore, the MFP 10 can transmit an appropriate wireless setting to the portable terminal 50 depending on whether or not the portable terminal 50 can participate in the WFD network in the above-described specific mode. For this reason, the MFP 10 can appropriately cause the mobile terminal 50 to participate in the WFD network or the normal Wi-Fi network. As a result, the MFP 10 can appropriately perform wireless communication between the portable terminal 50 and the target data using the WFD network or the normal Wi-Fi network (S50).

(Example 1-1)
Next, the contents of the AP selection process in S44 of FIG. 3 will be described. In S44, the selection unit 43 first includes, for each of the one or more extracted SSIDs, the encryption method currently used by the AP from which the SSID is acquired (that is, included in the PRes signal including the SSID). Confirm the encryption method information. If the security information included in the NFC information indicates secure, that is, if the security information includes a password, the selection unit 43 determines that the security of the print data is high. In this case, the selection unit 43 selects one AP by selecting one SSID in which “AES” is confirmed. On the other hand, when the security information included in the NFC information indicates non-secure, that is, when the password is not included in the security information, the selection unit 43 determines that the security of the print data is low. In this case, the selection unit 43 selects one AP by selecting one SSID for which an encryption method other than “AES” (for example, “TKIP”, “WEP”) is confirmed.

  When the security information included in the NFC information indicates secure and there is no SSID in which “AES” is confirmed, the selection unit 43 selects an SSID in which an encryption method other than “AES” is confirmed. You may choose. When the security information included in the NFC information indicates non-secure, and there is no SSID for which an encryption method other than “AES” has been confirmed, the selection unit 43 determines that the SSID for which “AES” has been confirmed. May be selected. That is, the selection unit 43 selects a SSID using a predetermined method (for example, a method of selecting at random) when there is no SSID that satisfies the condition in one or more extracted SSIDs. Also good. This is the same in the following embodiments.

(Specific example of Example 1-1; FIG. 4)
Next, a specific example of Example 1-1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, a single line arrow between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 indicates wireless communication via the NFC I / Fs 22 and 62, and a double line arrow between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 indicates the wireless LAN I / F 20, 60 shows wireless communication via 60. The AP 4a currently uses the SSID “aaa”, the encryption method “AES”, and the authentication method “WPA2”, and realizes the communication speed “100 Mbps”. The AP 4b currently uses the SSID “bbb”, the encryption method “TKIP”, and the authentication method “WPA”, and realizes the communication speed “10 Mbps”. The BSSID currently used by the AP 4a and the Ap 4b is not shown.

  In FIG. 4, the MFP 10 forms the WFD network in the G / O state, but the number of clients is the maximum value N, and the portable terminal 50 cannot participate in the WFD network. Further, the MFP 10 is not currently participating in the normal Wi-Fi network. The MFP 10 has participated in both the normal Wi-Fi network formed by the AP 4a and the normal Wi-Fi network formed by the AP 4b in the past. Therefore, the memory 34 of the MFP 10 stores participation information corresponding to the AP 4a and participation information corresponding to the AP 4b.

  When the MFP 10 receives NFC information from the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22 (YES in S30 of FIG. 3), the MFP 10 determines YES in S32, YES in S34, and NO in S41, and executes the SSID search. (S42). Thereby, the MFP 10 receives the PRes signal from each of the APs 4a and 4b.

  In case A of FIG. 4, the security information included in the NFC information indicates secure. Accordingly, the MFP 10 selects the AP 4a that currently uses the encryption method “AES” from the plurality of APs 4a and 4b (S44). Next, the MFP 10 transmits AP information including the SSID “aaa” indicating the AP 4a to the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22 (S46). Next, the MFP 10 establishes a wireless connection with the AP 4a and joins the normal Wi-Fi network formed by the AP 4a (S48).

  Similarly, the portable terminal 50 also performs wireless connection with the AP 4a and participates in the normal Wi-Fi network formed by the AP 4a (S16 in FIG. 2). Next, the portable terminal 50 transmits the print data to the AP 4a via the wireless LAN I / F 60 (S20). The AP 4a transmits print data to the MFP 10. As a result, the MFP 10 receives the print data via the wireless LAN I / F 20 (S50 in FIG. 3), and executes the printing process (S52).

  On the other hand, in case B of FIG. 4, the security information included in the NFC information indicates non-secure. Therefore, the MFP 10 selects the AP 4b that currently uses the encryption method “TKIP” from the plurality of APs 4a and 4b (S44). Next, the MFP 10 transmits AP information including the SSID “bbb” indicating the AP 4b to the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22 (S46). Next, the MFP 10 performs a wireless connection with the AP 4b and participates in the normal Wi-Fi network formed by the AP 4b (S48). Thereby, the MFP 10 receives the print data via the wireless LAN I / F 20 (S50), and executes the printing process (S52).

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the password of the print data is set by the user of the portable terminal 50, that is, when the security of the print data is high, the selection unit 43 performs high-security encryption. One AP using the method “AES” is selected. Accordingly, high-security print data communication is executed according to the high-security encryption method “AES”. That is, the MFP 10 can select an appropriate AP according to the user's intention (that is, high security) of the mobile terminal 50.

  On the other hand, when the password of the print data is not set by the user of the portable terminal 50, that is, when the security of the print data is low, the selection unit 43 uses a low security encryption method (for example, “TKIP”, “ One AP using WEP ") is selected. As a result, low-security print data communication is executed according to the low-security encryption method. Since the intention of the user of the portable terminal 50 is low security, there is no problem even if a low security encryption method is used. If a configuration that always selects an AP that uses the high security encryption method “AES” regardless of whether the print data security is high or low is adopted, a normal Wi-Fi network formed by the AP is formed. As a result, the number of devices participating in the network increases and the load on the AP increases. In other words, in a situation where low-security print data communication is to be performed, if a configuration is adopted in which an AP that uses the high-security encryption method “AES” is selected, the AP and the high-security data communication are performed. May interfere with the communication of the client device that should execute In this embodiment, when the intention of the user of the portable terminal 50 is low security, by adopting a configuration that selects an AP using a low security encryption method, a plurality of APs 4a and 4b are selected. It is possible to appropriately suppress the occurrence of an event in which only some of the APs have a large load.

(Correspondence)
The MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 are examples of “first communication device” and “second communication device”, respectively. The NFC I / F 22 and the wireless LAN I / F 20 are examples of the “first type interface” and the “second type interface”, respectively. The plurality of APs 4a and 4b and the selected AP are examples of “a plurality of relay apparatuses” and “one relay apparatus”, respectively. The print data is an example of “target data”. The AP information and the PRes signal are examples of “relay device information” and “communication related information”, respectively. Security information according to whether or not a password for print data is set is an example of “data relation information” and “processing relation information”. In the example of FIG. 4, “AES” and “TKIP” are examples of “first encryption method” and “second encryption method”, respectively.

(Example 1-2)
Other Examples 1-2 to 1-9 will be described with reference to FIG. Each Example 1-2 to 1-9 differs from Example 1-1 in the content of S44 of FIG.

  In Example 1-2, in S44 of FIG. 3, the selection unit 43 first, for each of one or more extracted SSIDs, the authentication method currently used by the AP from which the SSID is acquired (that is, The authentication method information included in the PRes signal including the SSID is confirmed. When the security information included in the NFC information indicates secure, the selection unit 43 selects one SSID in which “WPA2” is confirmed, thereby selecting one AP (in the example of FIG. 4, Select AP4a) currently using “WPA2”. On the other hand, when the security information included in the NFC information indicates non-secure, the selection unit 43 selects one SSID for which an authentication method other than “WPA2” (for example, “WPA”, “Open”) has been confirmed. By selecting, one AP (AP4b currently using “WPA” in the example of FIG. 4) is selected.

  In this embodiment, high-security print data communication is executed according to the high-security authentication method “WPA2”. That is, the MFP 10 can select an appropriate AP according to the user's intention (that is, high security) of the mobile terminal 50. Further, when the intention of the user of the mobile terminal 50 is low security, the MFP 10 selects an AP that uses a low security authentication method. Thereby, it can suppress appropriately that the event which only some AP has a big load generate | occur | produces. In this embodiment, “WPA2” and “WPA” are examples of the “first authentication method” and the “second authentication method”, respectively.

(Example 1-3)
In Example 1-1, the user of the portable terminal 50 adds an operation to the operation unit 52 to select whether or not to set a password for the print data. And the portable terminal 50 produces | generates security information according to the said selection. Instead, in Example 1-3, the user of the mobile terminal 50 adds an operation for selecting whether or not to encrypt the print data to the operation unit 52.

  In the first example, it is assumed that the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 have a common key. When the user selects to encrypt the print data, the control unit 70 of the portable terminal 50 encrypts the print data using the common key, and the control unit 30 of the MFP 10 uses the common key. To decrypt the print data. On the other hand, when the user selects not to encrypt the print data, the control unit 70 of the portable terminal 50 does not encrypt the print data.

  In the second example, a situation is assumed in which the data format of the print data is PDF (abbreviation of Portable Document Format). When the user selects to encrypt the print data, the control unit 70 of the portable terminal 50 encrypts the print data using a predetermined electronic signature, and has a signature PDF data format. Prepare print data. When the print data is received from the portable terminal 50, the control unit 30 of the MFP 10 decrypts the print data having the signature PDF data format by using a predetermined digital signature. On the other hand, when the user selects not to encrypt the print data, the control unit 70 of the portable terminal 50 does not encrypt the print data (that is, prepares print data having a normal PDF data format). To do).

  In both the first example and the second example, when the print data is selected to be encrypted, the print data security is compared with the case where the print data is not encrypted. Is expensive. In S <b> 11 of FIG. 2, when it is selected that the print data is to be encrypted, the control unit 70 of the mobile terminal 50 has selected to generate security information indicating security and not to encrypt the print data. In this case, security information indicating non-secure is generated. This point is different from Example 1-1. The other points are the same as in Example 1-1.

  Also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of Embodiment 1-1 can be obtained. In this embodiment, the security information corresponding to whether or not the print data is encrypted is an example of “data relation information” and “processing relation information”.

(Example 1-4)
In the embodiment 1-4, as in the embodiment 1-3, the security information is determined depending on whether or not the print data is encrypted. Similarly to the embodiment 1-2, when the security information indicates secure, the selection unit 43 selects one AP using “WPA2” and selects an authentication method other than “WPA2”. Select one AP being used. Also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of Embodiment 1-2 can be obtained.

(Example 1-5)
In Example 1-5, in S <b> 11 of FIG. 2, the control unit 70 of the mobile terminal 50 generates NFC information including size information indicating the data size of print data, instead of security information. Further, in S44 of FIG. 3, the selection unit 43 first includes, for each of one or more extracted SSIDs, the communication speed realized by the AP from which the SSID is acquired (that is, included in the PRes signal including the SSID). Communication speed information). If the size information included in the NFC information is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the selection unit 43 selects one SSID (ie, one AP) that has been confirmed to have a communication speed of 100 Mbps or higher. To do. On the other hand, when the size information included in the NFC information is less than the above threshold, the selection unit 43 selects one SSID (that is, one AP) that has been confirmed to have a communication speed of less than 100 Mbps.

  In this embodiment, in a situation where the data size of the print data is large, one AP that realizes a high communication speed is selected. Thereby, the time required for communication of print data having a large data size can be shortened. On the other hand, in a situation where the data size of the print data is small, one AP that realizes a low communication speed is selected. Since the data size of the print data is small, even if a low communication speed is used, the time required for print data communication does not have to be long. If a configuration that always selects an AP that realizes a high communication speed regardless of the size of the print data is employed, the load on the AP increases. That is, in a situation where communication of print data with a small data size is to be executed, if a configuration for selecting an AP that realizes a high communication speed is adopted, communication of data with a large data size should be executed with the AP. There is a risk of hindering communication with client devices. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to appropriately suppress the occurrence of an event in which only some APs have a large load.

(Example 1-6)
In Example 1-6, in S11 of FIG. 2, the control unit 70 of the portable terminal 50 generates NFC information including format information indicating the data format of the print data, instead of the security information. 3, if the format information included in the NFC information indicates “uncompressed Bitmap”, the selection unit 43 selects one SSID (ie, one AP) for which 100 Mbps or more has been confirmed. select. On the other hand, when the format information included in the NFC information indicates a data format other than “uncompressed Bitmap” (for example, “PDF”, “JPEG”, etc.), the selection unit 43 is confirmed to have a communication speed of less than 100 Mbps. One SSID (ie, one AP) is selected.

  The processing speed for the MFP 10 to process the print data depends on the data format of the print data. For example, the processing speed for print data having a data format of “uncompressed bitmap” is faster than the processing speed for print data having a data format of “PDF”. In the present embodiment, in a situation where the data format of the print data is “uncompressed bitmap”, one AP that realizes a high communication speed is selected. Thereby, the MFP 10 can process the print data at a high speed while receiving the print data at a high speed, and as a result, the printed matter can be quickly provided to the user.

  In this embodiment, in a situation where the data format of the print data is other than “uncompressed bitmap”, one AP that realizes a low communication speed is selected. If the configuration in which an AP that realizes a high communication speed is selected in a situation where the data format of the print data is other than “uncompressed bitmap”, the MFP 10 receives the print data at a print data processing speed. As a result, even if the print data is received, the print data may not be processed quickly. In view of such a situation, in this embodiment, the MFP 10 selects one AP that realizes a low communication speed in a situation where the data format of the print data is other than “uncompressed Bitmap”. Thereby, it can suppress appropriately that the event which only some AP has a big load generate | occur | produces. In this embodiment, for example, “uncompressed Bitmap” and “PDF” are examples of “first data format” and “second data format”, respectively.

(Example 1-7)
In Example 1-7, in S <b> 11 of FIG. 2, the control unit 70 of the mobile terminal 50 generates NFC information including occupancy information indicating the CPU occupancy of the mobile terminal 50 instead of the security information. The CPU occupancy rate of the portable terminal 50 means a ratio of time during which the CPU 72 executes the application process of FIG. 2 in a certain unit time. When the CPU 72 is executing only the application process of FIG. 2, the CPU occupation rate of the portable terminal 50 has a relatively large value (ie, 100%). In addition, when the CPU 72 executes the application process of FIG. 2 and other processes in parallel, the CPU occupancy rate of the portable terminal 50 has a relatively small value. That is, as the CPU occupancy rate of the mobile terminal 50 is larger, the mobile terminal 50 can execute the application process of FIG. 2 at a higher speed. As a result, in S20 of FIG. It can be sent.

  In S44 of FIG. 3, when the CPU occupancy indicated by the occupancy information included in the NFC information is equal to or higher than the threshold, the selection unit 43 selects one SSID (ie, a communication speed of 100 Mbps or higher). Select one AP). On the other hand, when the CPU occupancy indicated by the occupancy information included in the NFC information is less than the above-described threshold, the selection unit 43 selects one SSID (that is, one piece) whose communication speed is less than 100 Mbps. AP).

  In the present embodiment, since the CPU occupancy rate of the mobile terminal 50 is large, in the situation where the mobile terminal 50 can transmit print data to the network at a high speed, one AP that realizes a high communication speed is selected. . Thereby, the MFP 10 can receive the print data at a high speed, and as a result, the printed matter can be quickly provided to the user. In the present embodiment, since the CPU occupation rate of the portable terminal 50 is small, in a situation where the portable terminal 50 cannot transmit print data to the network at a high speed, one AP that realizes a low communication speed is provided. Selected. If a configuration in which an AP that realizes a high communication speed is selected in a situation where the CPU occupancy rate of the mobile terminal 50 is small, the AP realizes the speed at which the mobile terminal 50 transmits print data to the network. There is a possibility that it will be slower than the communication speed. When a configuration for selecting an AP that realizes a high communication speed in a situation where the CPU occupancy rate of the portable terminal 50 is small, communication between the AP and a client device that is to communicate with the AP is performed. May cause trouble. In view of such a situation, in this embodiment, the MFP 10 selects one AP that realizes a low communication speed in a situation where the CPU occupancy rate of the portable terminal 50 is small. Thereby, it can suppress appropriately that the event which only some AP has a big load generate | occur | produces. In the present embodiment, the occupation rate information is an example of “second ability-related information”.

(Example 1-8)
In Example 1-8, in S <b> 11 of FIG. 2, the control unit 70 of the mobile terminal 50 generates NFC information including remaining amount information indicating the remaining memory capacity of the mobile terminal 50 instead of the security information. The remaining memory capacity of the portable terminal 50 means the size of an area of the memory 74 that can be used in the application process of FIG. The larger the remaining memory of the mobile terminal 50, the faster the mobile terminal 50 can execute the application process of FIG. 2, and as a result, the mobile terminal 50 can transmit print data to the network at a high speed in S20 of FIG. It is.

  In S44 of FIG. 3, when the remaining memory amount indicated by the remaining amount information included in the NFC information is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the selection unit 43 selects one SSID for which a communication speed of 100 Mbps or higher has been confirmed (that is, Select one AP). On the other hand, when the remaining amount of memory indicated by the remaining amount information included in the NFC information is less than the above threshold, the selection unit 43 receives one SSID (that is, one piece) in which a communication speed of less than 100 Mbps has been confirmed. AP).

  Also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of Embodiment 1-7 can be obtained. In the present embodiment, the remaining amount information is an example of “second ability-related information”.

(Example 1-9)
In Example 1-9, in S <b> 11 of FIG. 2, the control unit 70 of the mobile terminal 50 generates NFC information including processing speed information indicating the print data processing speed of the mobile terminal 50 instead of the security information. The print data processing speed of the mobile terminal 50 means the speed at which the mobile terminal 50 transmits print data to the network, and depends on the CPU occupation rate and the remaining memory capacity of the mobile terminal 50. The memory 74 of the mobile terminal 50 stores a table for specifying the print data processing speed of the mobile terminal 50 from the CPU occupancy rate and the remaining memory capacity of the mobile terminal 50. Therefore, in S11 of FIG. 2, the control unit 70 of the mobile terminal 50 checks the current CPU occupancy and the remaining memory capacity of the mobile terminal 50, and uses the check result and the above table to Specify the current print data processing speed. As the print data processing speed of the portable terminal 50 increases, the portable terminal 50 can transmit print data to the network at a higher speed in S20 of FIG.

  In S44 of FIG. 3, when the print data processing speed indicated by the processing speed information included in the NFC information is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the selection unit 43 confirms one SSID (100 Mbps or higher). That is, one AP) is selected. On the other hand, when the print data processing speed indicated by the processing speed information included in the NFC information is less than the above-described threshold, the selection unit 43 confirms one SSID (that is, one piece) whose communication speed is less than 100 Mbps. AP).

  Also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of Embodiment 1-7 can be obtained. In this embodiment, the processing speed information is an example of “second capability-related information”.

(Example 2)
Next, the contents of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the first embodiment, the selection unit 43 of the MFP 10 selects one AP based on information obtained from the portable terminal 50 (that is, information on the portable terminal 50 side) in S44 of FIG. Instead, in this embodiment, the selection unit 43 selects one AP based on information about the MFP 10 itself (that is, information on the MFP 10 side).

(Example 2-1)
In S <b> 44 of FIG. 3, the capability acquisition unit 45 first acquires the occupancy rate information by checking the current CPU occupancy rate of the MFP 10. As in the first to seventh embodiments, the CPU occupancy rate of the MFP 10 means a ratio of time during which the CPU 32 executes the communication process of FIG. 3 in a certain unit time. As the CPU occupation ratio of the MFP 10 is larger, the MFP 10 can execute the communication process of FIG. 3 at a higher speed. As a result, in S52 of FIG. 3, the MFP 10 can process the print data at a higher speed.

  If the CPU occupancy indicated by the acquired occupancy information is equal to or greater than the threshold, the selection unit 43 selects one SSID (ie, one AP) for which a communication speed of 100 Mbps or higher has been confirmed. On the other hand, when the CPU occupancy indicated by the acquired occupancy information is less than the above-described threshold, the selection unit 43 has one SSID (ie, one AP) whose communication speed is less than 100 Mbps. Select.

  In this embodiment, since the CPU occupation rate of the MFP 10 is large, in the situation where the MFP 10 can process print data at a high speed, one AP that realizes a high communication speed is selected. Thereby, the MFP 10 can process the print data at a high speed while receiving the print data at a high speed, and as a result, the printed matter can be quickly provided to the user. In this embodiment, since the CPU occupation rate of the MFP 10 is small, one AP that realizes a low communication speed is selected in a situation where the MFP 10 cannot process print data at a high speed. If a configuration in which an AP that achieves a high communication speed is selected in a situation where the CPU occupancy rate of the MFP 10 is small, the print data reception speed in the MFP 10 becomes faster than the print data processing speed. As a result, even if print data is received, the print data may not be processed quickly. In view of such circumstances, in this embodiment, the MFP 10 selects one AP that realizes a low communication speed in a situation where the CPU occupation rate of the MFP 10 is small. Thereby, it can suppress appropriately that the event which only some AP has a big load generate | occur | produces. In the present embodiment, the occupation rate information is an example of “first capability relationship information”.

(Example 2-2)
In S <b> 44 of FIG. 3, the capability acquisition unit 45 first acquires the remaining amount information by checking the current memory remaining amount of the MFP 10. As in the first to eighth embodiments, the remaining memory capacity of the MFP 10 means the size of an area of the memory 34 that can be used in the communication process of FIG. As the remaining memory capacity of the MFP 10 is larger, the MFP 10 can execute the communication process of FIG. 3 at a higher speed. As a result, in S52 of FIG. 3, the MFP 10 can process the print data at a higher speed.

  When the remaining memory amount indicated by the acquired remaining amount information is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the selection unit 43 selects one SSID (ie, one AP) for which a communication speed of 100 Mbps or higher has been confirmed. On the other hand, when the remaining memory amount indicated by the acquired remaining amount information is less than the above threshold, the selection unit 43 has one SSID (that is, one AP) whose communication speed is confirmed to be less than 100 Mbps. Select.

  In the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the embodiment 2-1 can be obtained. In the present embodiment, the remaining amount information is an example of “first ability-related information”.

(Example 2-3)
In S <b> 44 of FIG. 3, the capability acquisition unit 45 first acquires the print data processing speed information of the MFP 10 by checking the current CPU occupation rate and the remaining memory capacity of the MFP 10. The print data processing speed of the MFP 10 means a speed at which the print data of the MFP 10 is processed, and depends on the CPU occupancy rate and the remaining memory capacity of the MFP 10. As the print data processing speed of the MFP 10 increases, the MFP 10 can process the print data at a higher speed in S52 of FIG. The memory 34 of the MFP 10 stores a table for specifying the print data processing speed of the MFP 10 from the CPU occupancy rate of the MFP 10 and the remaining memory capacity. Therefore, the capability acquisition unit 45 checks the current CPU occupancy rate and the remaining memory capacity of the MFP 10 and specifies the current print data processing speed of the MFP 10 using the check result and the above table.

  When the print data processing speed indicated by the acquired processing speed information is equal to or higher than the threshold, the selection unit 43 selects one SSID (that is, one AP) whose communication speed is 100 Mbps or higher. To do. On the other hand, when the print data processing speed indicated by the acquired processing speed information is less than the above threshold, the selection unit 43 selects one SSID (that is, one AP) whose communication speed is less than 100 Mbps. ) Is selected.

  In the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the embodiment 2-1 can be obtained. In this embodiment, the processing speed information is an example of “first capability related information”.

(Example 3)
Next, the contents of Example 3 will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, in S44 of FIG. 3, the selection unit 43 of the MFP 10 selects one AP based on both the information on the portable terminal 50 side and the information on the MFP 10 side.

(Example 3-1)
Similar to the embodiment 1-1, the NFC information includes security information corresponding to whether or not a password is set for the print data. Similarly to the example 2-1, in S44 of FIG. 3, the capability acquisition unit 45 checks the current CPU occupancy rate of the MFP 10 and acquires occupancy rate information. Further, as shown in the table of FIG. 7, the selection unit 43 calculates the content of the secure information included in the NFC information (that is, secure or non-secure) and the CPU occupation rate indicated by the acquired occupation rate information. Using both, one AP is selected. In this embodiment, the same effects as those of Embodiment 1-1 and Embodiment 2-1 are obtained.

(Example 3-2)
The combination of the information on the portable terminal 50 side and the information on the MFP 10 side is not limited to the combination shown in the embodiment 3-1, but the embodiments 1-1 to 1-9 in FIG. 5 and the embodiment 2-1 in FIG. Any combination with 2-3 may be used. For example, the information on the portable terminal 50 side may be size information indicating the data size of the print data, and the information on the MFP 10 side may be remaining amount information indicating the remaining memory capacity of the MFP 10. In this case, for example, when the size information indicates a data size equal to or larger than the first threshold and the remaining amount information indicates the remaining memory remaining equal to or larger than the second threshold, When one AP realizing the communication speed is selected, and (2) the size information indicates a data size equal to or larger than the first threshold value, and the remaining amount information indicates a remaining memory amount less than the second threshold value When one AP realizing a low communication speed is selected and (3) the size information indicates a data size less than the first threshold, the low speed is set regardless of the remaining memory capacity indicated by the remaining amount information. One AP that realizes the communication speed may be selected.

  Further, for example, the information on the portable terminal 50 side may be remaining amount information indicating the remaining memory capacity of the portable terminal 50, and the information on the MFP 10 side may be remaining amount information indicating the remaining memory capacity of the MFP 10. In this case, for example, the selection unit 43 (1) realizes a high communication speed when both the remaining amount information of the portable terminal 50 and the remaining amount information of the MFP 10 indicate a remaining memory amount equal to or greater than a threshold value. When one AP is selected and (2) at least one of the remaining amount information of the portable terminal 50 and the remaining amount information of the MFP 10 indicates a remaining memory amount less than the threshold, a low communication speed is realized. One AP to be selected may be selected. Further, for example, the selection unit 43 (1) when both the remaining amount information of the portable terminal 50 and the remaining amount information of the MFP 10 indicate a memory remaining amount equal to or higher than a threshold, a high communication speed (for example, 100 Mbps or higher) ) Is selected, and (2) when only one of the remaining amount information of the portable terminal 50 and the remaining amount information of the MFP 10 indicates a remaining memory amount less than the threshold value, the medium speed One AP that realizes a communication speed (for example, 10 Mbps or more and less than 100 Mbps) is selected, and (3) the remaining amount of memory in which both the remaining amount information of the portable terminal 50 and the remaining amount information of the MFP 10 are less than the threshold , One AP that realizes a low communication speed (for example, less than 10 Mbps) may be selected.

Example 4
Next, the contents of Example 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first to third embodiments, the MFP 10 selects one AP based on the information on the portable terminal 50 side and / or the information on the MFP 10 side. Instead, in this embodiment, the mobile terminal 50 selects one AP based on information on the mobile terminal 50 side. The memory 74 of the mobile terminal 50 cumulatively stores one or more pieces of participation information corresponding to one or more normal Wi-Fi networks in which the mobile terminal 50 has participated in the past.

(Application processing of portable terminal 50; FIG. 8)
S110 in FIG. 8 is the same as S10 in FIG. S111 and S112 differ from S11 and S12 in FIG. 2 in that security information is not included in the NFC information. In S <b> 114, the control unit 70 determines whether or not the WFD wireless setting is received from the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 62. The control unit 70 proceeds to S116 when the WFD wireless setting is received from the MFP 10, and proceeds to S117 when the WFD wireless setting is not received from the MFP 10. S116 is the same as S16 executed when the WFD wireless setting is received in S14 of FIG.

  In S <b> 117, the control unit 70 determines whether AP information has been received from the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 62. When the control unit 70 receives AP information from the MFP 10, the control unit 70 skips S118 to S122 and proceeds to S124. As will be described in detail later, the MFP 10 cannot join the portable terminal 50 to the WFD network in which the MFP 10 operates in the G / O state or the normal Wi-Fi network to which the MFP 10 is currently participating ( In the case of NO in S141 in FIG. 9, a predetermined response is transmitted to the portable terminal 50. The predetermined response is a response including cancellation information without including the WFD wireless setting or the normal Wi-Fi wireless setting. The predetermined response may be an empty response that does not include cancellation information. The receiving unit 81 of the portable terminal 50 receives a predetermined response from the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 62. In this case, the control unit 70 determines NO in S117 and proceeds to S118.

  In S118, the communication acquisition unit 84 performs an SSID search using the same method as in S42 of FIG. As a result, the communication acquisition unit 84 acquires a plurality of PRes signals from the plurality of APs 4a and 4b. In S120, the selection unit 83 selects one AP from the plurality of APs 4a and 4b. First, the selection unit 83 selects one or more SSIDs that match one or more SSIDs included in one or more pieces of participation information in the memory 74 from the plurality of SSIDs included in the plurality of PRes signals. Extract. Next, the selection unit 43 selects one AP by selecting one SSID from one or more extracted SSIDs. A specific method for selecting one AP will be described in detail later.

  In S122, the transmission unit 82 prepares AP information using the same method as in S46 of FIG. Next, the transmission unit 82 transmits AP information to the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 62. In addition, after transmitting AP information by S122, the control part 70 outputs a predetermined sound from the portable terminal 50, for example, and notifies the user of the portable terminal 50 that NFC communication was completed. Thereby, the user can recognize that the portable terminal 50 may be moved away from the MFP 10. In S124, which is executed via S122, the communication execution unit 86 performs wireless connection with the selected AP. In S124, which is executed when YES in S117, the communication execution unit 86 executes wireless connection with the AP using the AP information received from the MFP 10. In S126, the communication execution unit 86 transmits print data to the MFP 10 via the wireless LAN I / F 60 using the same method as in S20 of FIG.

(Communication processing of MFP 10; FIG. 9)
S130 to S141 and S149 in FIG. 9 are the same as S30 to S41 and S49 in FIG. In S <b> 142, the control unit 30 of the MFP 10 transmits a predetermined response to the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22. In S <b> 144, the control unit 30 receives AP information from the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22. S146, S150, and S152 are the same as S48, S50, and S52 of FIG.

(Example 4-1)
Next, the content of the AP selection process in S120 of FIG. 8 will be described. The method for AP selection of the present embodiment is the same as that of the embodiment 1-1. In other words, when the user selects to set a password for the print data (that is, when the security information indicates secure), the selection unit 83 selects one SSID (“AES”) confirmed. That is, one AP) is selected. On the other hand, when the user selects not to set a password for the print data (that is, when the security information indicates non-secure), the selection unit 83 uses an encryption method other than “AES” (for example, One SSID (ie, one AP) for which “TKIP” and “WEP” are confirmed is selected.

(Specific example of Example 4-1; FIG. 10)
In the sequence diagram of FIG. 10, the presupposed situation is the same as in FIG. Note that the memory 74 of the portable terminal 50 stores participation information corresponding to the AP 4a and participation information corresponding to the AP 4b.

  When the portable terminal 50 receives a predetermined response from the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 62 (NO in S117 of FIG. 8), the portable terminal 50 executes an SSID search (S118). Thereby, the portable terminal 50 receives the PRes signal from each of the APs 4a and 4b.

  In case A of FIG. 10, a password is set for the print data (that is, the security information indicates secure). Therefore, the portable terminal 50 selects the AP 4a using the encryption method “AES” from the plurality of APs 4a and 4b (S120). Next, the portable terminal 50 transmits AP information including the SSID “aaa” indicating the AP 4a to the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 62 (S122). Next, the portable terminal 50 performs wireless connection with the AP 4a and joins the normal Wi-Fi network formed by the AP 4a (S124). Next, the portable terminal 50 transmits the print data to the AP 4a via the wireless LAN I / F 60. The AP 4a transmits print data to the MFP 10.

  On the other hand, in case B of FIG. 10, no password is set for the print data (that is, the security information indicates non-secure). Accordingly, the portable terminal 50 selects the AP 4b using “TKIP” from the plurality of APs 4a and 4b (S120). Next, the portable terminal 50 transmits AP information including the SSID “bbb” indicating the AP 4b to the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 22 (S122). Next, the portable terminal 50 performs wireless connection with the AP 4b and participates in the normal Wi-Fi network formed by the AP 4b (S124). Next, the mobile terminal 50 transmits the print data to the AP 4b via the wireless LAN I / F 60. The AP 4b transmits print data to the MFP 10.

  Also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of Embodiment 1-1 can be obtained. In the present embodiment, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 are examples of “second communication device” and “first communication device”, respectively. The NFC I / F 62 and the wireless LAN I / F 60 are examples of the “first type interface” and the “second type interface”, respectively.

(Example 4-2)
In S120 of FIG. 8, the selection unit 83 of the portable terminal 50 uses the information on the portable terminal 50 side of any of the embodiments 1-2 to 1-9 of FIG. Similarly to the above, AP selection processing may be executed. In addition, when the AP selection process similar to Example 1-7 to 1-9 is performed, the capability acquisition unit 85 of the mobile terminal 50 checks the current state of the mobile terminal 50 to check the mobile terminal 50. Occupancy rate information, remaining amount information, or processing speed information is acquired. Also in this embodiment, the same effects as those of Examples 1-2 to 1-9 can be obtained.

(Example 5)
In this embodiment, in S142 of FIG. 9, the control unit 30 of the MFP 10 sends a predetermined response including the occupation rate information, remaining amount information, or processing speed information of the MFP 10 to the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22. Send. Thereby, the receiving unit 81 of the portable terminal 50 receives a predetermined response including the occupation rate information, remaining amount information, or processing speed information of the MFP 10 from the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 62. The portable terminal 50 selects one AP based on information on the MFP 10 side included in the predetermined response. That is, in S120 of FIG. 8, the selection unit 83 of the portable terminal 50 uses the information on the MFP 10 side of any of the examples 2-1 to 2-3 of FIG. In the same manner as described above, AP selection processing is executed. Also in this embodiment, the same effects as those of Embodiments 2-1 to 2-3 can be obtained.

(Example 6)
In this embodiment, the mobile terminal 50 selects one AP based on both the information on the mobile terminal 50 side and the information on the MFP 10 side. That is, in S120 of FIG. 8, the selection unit 83 of the portable terminal 50 selects one AP based on both the information on the portable terminal 50 side and the information on the MFP 10 side included in the predetermined response. . The selection unit 83 of the band terminal 50 executes the AP selection process in the same manner as in Example 3-1 or 3-2 in FIG. Also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of Embodiment 3-1 or 3-2 can be obtained.

  Specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above. The modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

(Modification 1) In each of the embodiments described above, since there is no G / O device around the MFP 10, the communication acquisition unit 44 receives the PRes signal from the G / O device in the SSID search of S 42 in FIG. 3. do not do. Instead, a G / O device may exist around the MFP 10. In this case, the communication acquisition unit 44 may receive a PRes signal from the G / O device. Further, the communication acquisition unit 44 may select one relay device from the G / O device and the plurality of APs 4a and 4b. In this embodiment, the G / O device and the plurality of APs 4a and 4b are an example of “a plurality of relay apparatuses”.

(Modification 2) In the above-described Examples 1-5, 1-7 to 1-9, Examples 2-1 to 2-3, etc., the selectors 43 and 83 use only one threshold value, and 1 APs are selected. Instead, the selection units 43 and 83 may select one AP using a plurality of threshold values. For example, in Example 1-5, the selection unit 43 selects (1) one AP that realizes a communication speed of 100 Mbps or more when the data size is equal to or larger than the first threshold, and (2) If the data size is less than the first threshold and greater than or equal to the second threshold, select one AP that realizes a communication speed of 10 Mbps or more and less than 100 Mbps, and (3) the data size is less than the second threshold In some cases, one AP that realizes a communication speed of less than 10 Mbps may be selected.

(Modification 3) For example, in Embodiments 1-6 and the like, the selection units 43 and 83 (1) when the data format is “uncompressed Bitmap”, a single unit that realizes a communication speed of 100 Mbps or more. When AP is selected, (2) When the data format is “JPEG”, one AP that realizes a communication speed of 10 Mbps or more and less than 100 Mbps is selected, and (3) When the data format is “PDF” Alternatively, one AP that realizes a communication speed of less than 10 Mbps may be selected.

(Modification 4) Information used by the selection units 43 and 83 in the AP selection process is not limited to the information on the portable terminal 50 side and the information on the MFP 10 side in FIGS. For example, the following modifications can be given.

(Modification 4-1) For example, the selection unit 83 of the portable terminal 50 selects one AP based on the security correspondence information indicating whether or not the MFP 10 has the ability to decrypt the print data. May be. That is, when the MFP 10 has the ability to decrypt the print data, the selection unit 83 selects one AP as in “secure” in the embodiments 1-3 and 1-4 in FIG. If the MFP 10 does not have the ability to decrypt the print data, a single AP is selected as in the case of “non-secure” in the embodiments 1-3 and 1-4 in FIG. Also good. In the present modification, the security correspondence information is an example of “second capability related information”.

(Modification 4-2) For example, the selection units 43 and 83 select one AP based on the print resolution information indicating the print resolution specified by the user operating the operation unit 52 of the portable terminal 50. May be. More specifically, when the print resolution specified by the user is equal to or higher than the threshold, the selection units 43 and 83 perform communication of 100 Mbps as in “size ≧ threshold” in Example 1-5 in FIG. You may select AP which implement | achieves speed. On the other hand, if the print resolution specified by the user is less than the threshold, an AP that realizes a communication speed of less than 100 Mbps is selected as in “Size <Threshold” in Example 1-5 of FIG. Also good. In the present modification, the print resolution information is an example of “data relation information”. Note that the user may specify the print resolution by operating the operation unit 12 of the MFP 10. In this case, the print resolution information is information on the MFP 10 side.

(Modification 4-3) In Modification 4-2, scan resolution may be used instead of print resolution. For example, print data is not transmitted from the portable terminal 50 to the MFP 10, but scan data (that is, data generated when the scan execution unit 18 scans a document) is transmitted from the MFP 10 to the portable terminal 50. Assuming that In this case, the selection units 43 and 83 may select one AP based on the scan resolution information indicating the scan resolution specified by the user operating the operation unit 52 of the portable terminal 50. In this modification, the scan resolution information is an example of “data relation information”. Scan data is an example of “target data”. Note that the user may designate the scan resolution by operating the operation unit 12 of the MFP 10. In this case, the scan resolution information is information on the MFP 10 side.

(Modification 5) In each of the above-described embodiments, the selection units 43 and 83 use the information on the portable terminal 50 side and / or the information on the MFP 10 side and a plurality of PRes signals to set one AP. select. Instead, the selection units 43 and 83 may select one AP using information on the mobile terminal 50 side and / or information on the MFP 10 side without using a plurality of PRes signals. For example, the memory 34 of the MFP 10 is associated with information indicating secure and a first SSID registered in advance by the user, and information indicating non-secure and second information registered in advance by the user. A table in which the SSID is associated may be stored. In this case, when the security information indicates secure, the selection unit 43 refers to the table to select the first SSID, and when the security information indicates non-secure, refers to the table and selects the first SSID. Two SSIDs may be selected. According to this configuration, one AP can be selected without using a plurality of PRes signals. That is, the selection units 43 and 83 may select one relay device using the processing related information. Generally speaking, the control unit of the first communication device only needs to include at least a selection unit, a transmission unit, and a communication execution unit.

(Modification 6) The AP information may not include the SSID of the selected AP, and other information that can identify the selected AP (for example, the BSSID of the selected AP, the selected AP's IP address, etc.). Generally speaking, the “relay apparatus information” may be information (SSID, BSSID, IP address, etc.) indicating one selected relay apparatus.

(Modification 7) In the embodiment 1-1 of FIG. 5, since the AP selection process is executed according to the encryption method information, the PRes signal does not include the authentication method information and the communication speed information. Good. In Example 1-2, since the AP selection process is executed in accordance with the authentication method information, the PRes signal may not include the encryption method information and the communication speed information. In Example 1-5, since the AP selection process is executed according to the communication speed information, the PRes signal may not include the authentication method information and the encryption method information. Generally speaking, the “communication related information” only needs to include at least one of authentication method information, encryption method information, and communication speed information.

(Modification 8) In the above-described Example 1-1, the selection units 43 and 83 determine whether the security of print data is high or low depending on whether the security information includes a password for permitting printing of the print data. Judging. That is, in the above-described Example 1-1 and the like, printing of print data is an example of “output of target data”. However, for example, when the “target data” is display data, the selection units 43 and 83 display the data depending on whether or not the security information includes a password for permitting display of the display data. The level of data security may be determined. In this modification, display of display data is an example of “output of target data”.

(Modification 9) The “first type interface” is not limited to an interface for executing NFC communication, but may be an interface for executing infrared communication, or for executing Bluetooth (registered trademark). Or an interface for executing Transfer Jet. Generally speaking, it is only necessary that the communication speed of the wireless communication through the second type interface is higher than the communication speed of the wireless communication through the first type interface.

(Modification 10) The “first type interface” and the “second type interface” are two interfaces (for example, two IC chips) configured separately as in the above embodiments. It may be a single interface (for example, a single IC chip) that is integrally formed.

(Modification 11) In FIG. 3, S36, S38, S41, and S49 may not be executed. That is, if NO in S32, the process may proceed to S42. Further, if YES in S34, the process may proceed to S42. In FIG. 3, S34, S41, and S49 may not be executed. That is, if YES is obtained in S32, the process may proceed to S40. Further, if YES is obtained in S36, the process may proceed to S42. Generally speaking, the control unit of the first communication device only needs to include at least a selection unit, a transmission unit, and a communication execution unit.

(Modification 12) The “first communication device” and the “second communication device” are not limited to the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50, and other communication devices (for example, a printer, a scanner, a FAX device, a copier, a telephone, Desktop PC, notebook PC, tablet PC, server, mobile phone, PDA terminal, etc.). The “target data” is not limited to print data and scan data, and may be other data (for example, voice data, FAX data, etc.).

(Modification 13) In the above embodiment, the functions of the respective units 41 to 46 are realized by the CPU 32 of the MFP 10 executing the program (that is, software) in the memory 34. Instead, at least one of the units 41 to 49 may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit. Similarly, at least one of the units 81 to 86 may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

  The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the objects.

  2: communication system, 4a, 4b: AP, 10: MFP, 50: portable terminal

Claims (18)

A first communication device for performing wireless communication of target data with a second communication device,
A first type interface for performing wireless communication with the second communication device;
A second type interface for performing wireless communication with the second communication device, wherein the communication speed of the wireless communication via the second type interface is wireless communication via the first type interface. The second type interface, which is faster than the communication speed of
A control unit,
The controller is
One relay device is selected from a plurality of relay devices configured separately from the first and second communication devices, using processing relation information related to the processing of the target data. A selection section;
A transmission unit that transmits relay device information indicating the one relay device to the second communication device via the first type interface;
After the relay device information is transmitted to the second communication device, wireless communication of the target data using the one relay device is performed with the second communication device via the second type interface. A communication execution unit to be executed;
A first communication device comprising: The first communication device further includes:
A communication acquisition unit that acquires communication-related information related to wireless communication using the relay device from each of the plurality of relay devices via the second type interface;
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects the one relay device using the processing relationship information and a plurality of communication relationship information acquired from the plurality of relay devices. 1. Communication device. Each of the plurality of communication-related information is
Authentication method information indicating the authentication method currently used by the relay device from which the communication related information is acquired; and
Encryption method information indicating the encryption method currently used by the relay device from which the communication related information is acquired;
Communication speed information indicating a communication speed of wireless communication using the relay device from which the communication related information is acquired;
The first communication device according to claim 2, comprising at least one piece of information.   The said selection part selects the said one relay apparatus using the said process related information containing the data related information relevant to the said object data, and these communication related information. 1st communication apparatus. The target data is data to be transmitted from the second communication device to the first communication device,
The control unit further includes:
A receiving unit configured to receive the data-related information from the second communication device via the first type interface;
The said selection part selects the said one relay apparatus using the said process related information containing the said received data related information, and these communication related information, The 1st of Claim 4 1. Communication device. The target data is data to be transmitted from the first communication device to the second communication device,
The selection unit uses the processing relation information including the data relation information related to the target data stored in the first communication device, and the plurality of pieces of communication relation information. The first communication apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the relay apparatus is selected. Each of the plurality of communication related information includes authentication method information indicating an authentication method currently used by the relay apparatus from which the communication related information is acquired,
The selection unit includes:
If the data-related information indicates that the security of the target data is relatively high, the one relay device that currently uses the first authentication method among the plurality of relay devices Select
If the data-related information indicates that the security of the target data is relatively low, a second authentication method different from the first authentication method is currently used from among the plurality of relay devices The first communication device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the one relay device is selected. Each of the plurality of pieces of communication related information includes encryption method information indicating an encryption method currently used by the relay apparatus from which the communication related information is acquired,
The selection unit includes:
If the data-related information indicates that the security of the target data is relatively high, the one relay that currently uses the first encryption method among the plurality of relay devices. Select the device
If the data-related information indicates that the security of the target data is relatively low, a second encryption method different from the first encryption method is selected from the plurality of relay devices. The first communication device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the one relay device currently used is selected. The selection unit includes:
When the data relation information includes a password for permitting output of the target data, it is determined that the security of the target data is relatively high,
The first communication device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein when the data-related information does not include the password, it is determined that the security of the target data is relatively low. Each of the plurality of communication related information includes communication speed information indicating a communication speed of wireless communication using the relay device from which the communication related information is acquired,
The selection unit includes:
When the data relation information indicates that the data size of the target data is relatively large, the one relay device that realizes a relatively high communication speed is selected from the plurality of relay devices. Selected,
When the data relation information indicates that the data size of the target data is relatively small, the one relay device that realizes a relatively low communication speed is selected from the plurality of relay devices. The first communication device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first communication device is selected. Each of the plurality of communication related information includes communication speed information indicating a communication speed of wireless communication using the relay device from which the communication related information is acquired,
The selection unit includes:
When the data relation information indicates that the target data has the first data format, the one relay device that realizes a relatively high communication speed is selected from the plurality of relay devices. Selected,
When the data relation information indicates that the target data has a second data format different from the first data format, a relatively low communication speed is selected from the plurality of relay devices. The first communication device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the one relay device to be realized is selected.   The selection unit is related to first capability relationship information related to a capability of the first communication device to process the target data and a capability of the second communication device to process the target data. The one relay device is selected using the processing relationship information including at least one capability relationship information of the second capability relationship information and the plurality of communication relationship information. 3. The first communication device according to 3. The first communication device further includes:
A capability acquisition unit that acquires the first capability relationship information by checking a current state of the first communication device;
The selection unit selects the one relay device using the processing relationship information including the acquired first capability relationship information and the plurality of communication relationship information. 1st communication apparatus of description. The first communication device further includes:
A receiving unit that receives the second capability-related information from the second communication device via the first type interface;
The selection unit selects the one relay device using the processing relationship information including the received second capability relationship information and the plurality of communication relationship information. 1st communication apparatus of description. Each of the plurality of communication related information includes communication speed information indicating a communication speed of wireless communication using the relay device from which the communication related information is acquired,
The selection unit includes:
When the at least one capability-related information indicates that the capability for processing the target data is relatively high, the relatively high communication speed is realized among the plurality of relay devices. Select one relay device,
When the at least one capability-related information indicates that the capability to process the target data is relatively low, the communication speed that achieves a relatively low communication speed among the plurality of relay devices is achieved. The first communication device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein one relay device is selected. The selection unit includes:
If the value indicated by the at least one capability relationship information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the capability to process the target data is relatively high;
The first according to claim 15, wherein when the value indicated by the at least one capability relation information is less than the predetermined threshold, it is determined that the capability to process the target data is relatively low. Communication device.   The selection unit includes data relationship information related to the target data, first capability relationship information related to the capability of the first communication device to process the target data, and the second communication device Using the processing relationship information including at least one capability relationship information of the second capability relationship information related to the capability to process the target data, and the plurality of communication relationship information, The first communication device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein one relay device is selected. A computer program for a first communication device for performing wireless communication of target data with a second communication device,
The first communication device is:
A first type interface for performing wireless communication with the second communication device;
A second type interface for performing wireless communication with the second communication device, wherein the communication speed of the wireless communication via the second type interface is wireless communication via the first type interface. The second type interface faster than the communication speed of
The computer program stores the following processes in a computer mounted on the first communication device, that is,
One relay device is selected from a plurality of relay devices configured separately from the first and second communication devices, using processing relation information related to the processing of the target data. Selection process,
A transmission process for transmitting relay device information indicating the one relay device to the second communication device via the first type interface;
After the relay device information is transmitted to the second communication device, wireless communication of the target data using the one relay device is performed with the second communication device via the second type interface. A communication execution process to be executed;
A computer program that executes

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