JP6122245B2 - Information processing system, control method, and image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is an information processing system, control method, and relates to an image processing apparatus, in particular, an information processing system, a control method for communicating image data, and relates to an image processing apparatus.

  In recent years, a mobile phone called a smart phone has been commercialized as a multi-function mobile phone equipped with a function for executing an application such as a camera, a network browser, a wireless communication function, and an email in addition to a telephone function. As a wireless communication function, in addition to telephone communication, a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), Bluetooth (registered trademark), an IC card system, and the like are mounted on the smartphone. Communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark) is hereinafter referred to as BT communication.

  In an IC card system, when an IC card called a target approaches an apparatus called an initiator that forms an RF field (magnetic field), the IC card receives power supply by electromagnetic induction and performs data transfer. Near Field Communication (NFC communication) is standardized as a communication protocol in the IC card system. Now, in data transfer between devices with multiple communication protocols, device identification, authentication, and communication protocol determination are performed by an IC card system, and large-capacity actual data transfer is possible over a long communication distance such as BT communication and high-speed communication A method of switching to another protocol has been proposed. Such a communication between two devices by switching the communication protocol is called handover. This method is started in Patent Document 1, for example.

  In addition, when image data is transmitted from a mobile terminal such as a smart phone to a multi-function printer (MFP) having a plurality of functions such as copying and scanning and the image is to be printed, the application on the mobile terminal side performs the following processing. Execute. That is, an image to be printed is selected on a portable terminal, an MFP is specified using NFC communication, an authentication key is exchanged using another protocol such as BT communication, and image data is transferred to a handover destination WLAN or BT. It is transmitted to the MFP by communication. On the other hand, the MFP analyzes the received image data and prints the image on a recording medium such as paper. Using such a system, the user can print an image with a simple operation.

JP 2004-364145 A

  In the MFP, modules related to wireless communication such as WLAN and Bluetooth (registered trademark) and modules of the printer engine may stop all power supply and disable the functions in order to reduce power consumption.

  From such an unusable state, it takes a certain amount of time to supply power again to actually activate the function and operate. For this reason, in the wireless communication using the above-described handover, even if the activation from the NFC communication by electromagnetic induction is received, it takes time to activate the other communication module, so that a smooth handover cannot be performed. Therefore, there is a case where the mobile terminal has to wait in a state for performing such communication although it cannot immediately perform communication by WLAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional example, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing system, a control method, and an image processing apparatus capable of appropriately switching a communication protocol for wireless communication.

In order to achieve the above object, the information processing system of the present invention has the following configuration.

That is, an information processing apparatus capable of wireless communication using each of the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol, and an image processing apparatus capable of performing wireless communication using each of the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol. The information processing apparatus communicates image data with the image processing apparatus using the second communication protocol based on information obtained by communication using the first communication protocol. Control means for performing control, and the image processing device receives predetermined information indicating a predetermined time when the power state of the image processing device shifts to a predetermined power saving mode. Storage means for storing in a memory included in the image processing device, and the image processing device using the first communication protocol when the power state is in the predetermined power saving mode. Notification of notifying the information processing apparatus of the predetermined information already stored in the memory by the storage means by communication according to the first communication protocol when receiving a predetermined request from the information processing apparatus And an execution unit that executes a return process from the predetermined power saving mode after the notification by the notification unit is performed, and the information processing apparatus is configured to perform the processing from the image processing apparatus by the notification unit. When the predetermined information is notified, the control by the control means is performed after the elapse of the predetermined time indicated by the predetermined information , and the image processing is resumed from the predetermined power saving mode by the execution means. The image data is communicated with the apparatus by the second communication protocol.

In another aspect of the present invention, an information processing apparatus capable of wireless communication using each of the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol, and each of the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol. the a control method in an information processing system including a radio communication capable of image processing apparatus, when the power state of the image processing apparatus is shifted to a predetermined power saving mode, the image processing apparatus, the predetermined time a storage step of storing predetermined information in a memory provided in the image processing apparatus shown, the image processing apparatus from the information processing apparatus by said first communication protocol when the power state is in the predetermined power saving mode When the predetermined request is received, the storage unit has already stored the memory by the communication using the first communication protocol. A notification step of notifying the information processing device of predetermined information, an execution step of executing a return processing from the predetermined power saving mode after the notification by the notification step, and the notification When the predetermined information is notified from the image processing apparatus in the process, the information processing apparatus performs control for communicating image data after waiting for the predetermined time indicated by the predetermined information to pass, A control method comprising: a control step of communicating the image data by the second communication protocol with the image processing apparatus that has returned from the predetermined power saving mode by the execution step.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an image processing apparatus capable of wireless communication with an information processing apparatus using each of a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol, wherein the power state of the image processing apparatus is Storage means for storing predetermined information indicating a predetermined time in a memory included in the image processing apparatus when shifting to a predetermined power saving mode, and the first when the power state is in the predetermined power saving mode When the image processing apparatus receives a predetermined request from the information processing apparatus using the communication protocol, the storage unit stores the predetermined information already stored in the memory by communication using the first communication protocol. Notification means for notifying the information processing apparatus, and execution means for executing return processing from the predetermined power saving mode after the notification by the notification means is performed Has, the information processing apparatus, the case where the predetermined information from the image processing apparatus by notifying means is notifying the second communication after waiting for the predetermined time during which the predetermined information indicating Control for communicating image data using a protocol, and communicating the image data using the second communication protocol with the image processing apparatus restored from the predetermined power saving mode by the execution unit. An image processing apparatus is provided.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, there is an effect that the communication protocol of the wireless communication can be appropriately switched.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a recording system using short-range wireless communication that is a representative embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of a portable communication terminal device. 1 is an external perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an MFP apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the concept of the passive mode in NFC communication. It is a block diagram which shows the concept of the active mode in NFC communication. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a portable communication terminal device 200. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an MFP 300. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of an NFC unit. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a RAM 704 of the MFP. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an NFC memory 805 of an MFP 300. FIG. It is a flowchart for an NFC unit to operate as an initiator. This is a sequence for exchanging data in the passive mode. This is a sequence for exchanging data in the active mode. It is a figure showing the state transition of the target in NFC. 6 is a flowchart showing a control operation for an NFC unit when the power state of the MFP is changed. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen at the time of starting an image data transmission application in a portable communication terminal device. It is a figure which shows the sequence regarding the push type communication with a portable communication terminal device and MFP. It is a figure which shows the sequence regarding pull type communication with a portable communication terminal device and MFP. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the portable communication terminal device relevant to the sequence of FIG.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described more specifically and in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the relative arrangement and the like of the constituent elements described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those unless otherwise specified.

  In this specification, “recording” (sometimes referred to as “printing”) is not limited to the case of forming significant information such as characters and graphics, but may be significant. Furthermore, it also represents a case where an image, a pattern, a pattern, or the like is widely formed on a recording medium or a medium is processed regardless of whether or not it is manifested so that a human can perceive it visually.

  “Recording medium” refers not only to paper used in general recording apparatuses but also widely to cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, wood, leather, and the like that can accept ink. Shall.

  In this embodiment, after specifying and authenticating a communication partner by low-speed communication (first communication means) using a close proximity wireless communication method (first communication protocol), short-range wireless communication using the second communication protocol is performed. An example of switching to (second communication means) and transmitting image data will be described. Specifically, a method is described in which authentication is performed by near field wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication) that does not require a power supply to the target, and then an image is recorded by switching communication to another communication protocol by handover. To do.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a recording system using near field communication which is a typical embodiment of the present invention. This system basically includes a portable communication terminal device (information processing device) 200 and a multifunction printer (hereinafter referred to as MFP or recording device) 300. The portable communication terminal apparatus 200 is an apparatus in which at least two or more types of wireless communication protocols having different authentication methods and communication speeds are mounted. The portable communication terminal device may be any device that can handle a file to be printed, such as a personal information terminal such as a PDA (information portable terminal), a mobile phone, or a digital camera. The MFP 300 includes a display unit and an operation panel that can be set in various ways, and has a printer function that uses an inkjet printer or the like as a printer engine, a scanner function that reads a document by placing the document on a document table, a FAX function, and a telephone function. It is a multi-function device.

  FIG. 2 is a front view of a portable communication terminal device 200 such as a smart phone. A smart phone is a multi-function mobile phone equipped with a camera, a network browser, a mail function, etc. in addition to the functions of a mobile phone.

  In FIG. 2, the NFC unit 201 is a unit that performs communication using NFC, and communication can be performed by actually bringing the NFC unit 201 close to the counterpart NFC unit within about 10 cm. The BT unit 202 is a unit for performing communication (BT communication) using Bluetooth (registered trademark) and is arranged in the apparatus. The display unit 203 includes an LCD display, and an operation unit 204 having an electrostatic touch panel type operation mechanism is disposed on the display. The operation unit 204 detects user operation information. A typical operation method is that the display unit 203 displays a button-like menu, and when the user touches the operation unit 204, an event associated with the button part is issued and processing is executed. A power key 205 is used to turn on / off the power.

  FIG. 3 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of the MFP 300. 3A is an external perspective view, and FIG. 3B is a top view of the MFP.

  A document table 301 is a glassy transparent table, and is used when a document is placed and read by a scanner. A document cover 302 is a cover for preventing reading light from leaking to the outside when reading by the scanner. A printing paper insertion port 303 is an insertion port for setting paper of various sizes. The sheets set here are conveyed one by one to a printing unit (printer engine), and are printed out from a printing sheet discharge port 304 by performing desired printing.

  An operation unit 305 and an NFC unit 306 are arranged on the upper portion of the document cover 302 as shown in FIG. The operation display unit 305 includes keys for performing various operations and an LCD display, and is configured to be able to perform operations and settings related to the MFP 300. The NFC unit 306 is a unit for performing short-range wireless communication, and is a place where the portable communication terminal apparatus 200 is actually brought close to. An effective distance of about 10 cm from the NFC unit 306 is a communicable distance. The BT unit 307 is a communication module for performing BT communication, and an antenna is embedded therein. Note that a WLAN unit and its antenna may be provided instead of the BT unit.

  In any case, the NFC unit is used for non-contact proximity communication, and the BT unit or WLAN unit is used for short-range wireless communication.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the concept of the passive mode in NFC communication.

  FIG. 4A shows a case where data 404 is transmitted from the initiator 401 to the target 402 in the passive mode, and the initiator 401 generates an RF field (magnetic field) 403. The initiator 401 transmits data 404 to the target 402 by modulating the RF field 403 itself. FIG. 4B shows a case where data 408 is transferred from the target 406 to the initiator 405 in the passive mode, and the initiator 405 generates the RF field 407 as in FIG. The target 406 transmits data 408 to the initiator 405 by performing load modulation on the RF field 407.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the concept of the active mode in NFC communication.

  FIG. 5A shows a case where data 504 is transmitted from the initiator 501 to the target 502 in the active mode, and the initiator 501 generates the RF field 503. The initiator 501 modulates the RF field 503 by itself and transmits data 504 to the target 502. The initiator 501 stops generating the RF field 503 after completing the data transmission. FIG. 5B shows a case where data 508 is transmitted from the target 506 to the initiator 505 in the active mode, and the target 506 generates the RF field 507. The target 506 transmits the data 508 by the RF field 507 generated by itself, and stops generating the RF field 507 after the data transmission is completed.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the portable communication terminal apparatus 200.

  The portable communication terminal apparatus 200 includes a main board 601 that controls the entire apparatus, a WLAN unit 617 that performs WLAN communication, an NFC unit 618 that performs NFC communication, and a BT unit 621 that performs BT communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark). Become. In FIG. 6, a portable communication device is illustrated as a communication partner of the NFC unit 618 and the BT unit 621, but the communication partner is not limited to this. For example, it goes without saying that devices having the same communication protocol can communicate with other devices. Also, a WLAN unit may be provided instead of the BT unit 621, and high-speed wireless communication may be performed using, for example, a protocol compliant with IEEE 802.1X or 802.11n. The WLAN unit 617, the NFC unit 618, and the BT unit 621 are collectively referred to as a communication unit.

  In the main board 601, a CPU 602 is a system control unit that controls the entire portable communication terminal apparatus 200. The ROM 603 stores a control program executed by the CPU 602, an embedded operating system (OS) program, and the like. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 603 performs software control such as scheduling and task switching under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 603. The RAM 604 includes an SRAM and the like, stores program control variables and the like, stores setting values registered by the user, management data of the portable communication terminal device 200, and the like, and is used as various work buffer areas.

  The image memory 605 includes a DRAM or the like, and temporarily stores image data received via the communication unit and image data read from the data storage unit 612 for processing by the CPU 602. The nonvolatile memory 622 is configured by a flash memory or the like, and stores data that is to be stored even after the power is turned off. For example, there are phone book data and device information connected in the past. The memory configuration is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. For example, the image memory 605 and the RAM 604 may be shared, or data backup may be performed in the data storage unit 612. In this embodiment, a DRAM is used, but this is not the case because a hard disk, a nonvolatile memory, or the like may be used.

  The data conversion unit 606 performs analysis such as page description language (PDL), data conversion such as color conversion and image conversion. The telephone unit 607 controls the telephone line and processes voice data input / output via the speaker unit 613 to realize telephone communication. The operation unit 608 controls a signal generated by the operation unit 204 described with reference to FIG. A GPS (Global Positioning System) 609 acquires the current latitude and longitude. A display unit 610 electronically controls the display content of the display unit 203 described with reference to FIG. 2, and can perform various input operations, display the operation status and status status of the MFP 300, and the like.

  The camera unit 611 has a function of electronically recording and encoding an image input via a lens. Images captured by the camera unit 611 are stored in the data storage unit 612. The speaker unit 613 realizes a function of inputting or outputting voice for a telephone function, and other functions such as alarm notification. The power supply unit 614 controls a portable battery and its supply. The power state includes a state where the battery is exhausted, a power-off state where the power key 205 is not pressed, a normal start-up state (power-on state), and a start-up but power-saving mode. There is a power saving state.

  The portable communication terminal device 200 is equipped with three wireless communication means as a communication unit for performing data communication with other devices such as an MFP, and can perform wireless communication with WLAN, NFC, and BlueTooth (registered trademark). . The communication unit converts the data into packets and transmits the packets to other devices. Conversely, packets from other external devices are converted into data and transmitted to the main board 601. The WLAN unit 617, the NFC unit 618, and the BT unit 621 are connected by bus cables 617, 618, and 620, respectively. The WLAN unit 617, the NFC unit 618, and the BT unit 621 realize communication complying with each standard. Details of the NFC unit will be described later.

  The above components 603 to 614, 617, 618, 621, and 622 are connected to each other via a system bus 619 managed by the CPU 602.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the MFP 300.

  The MFP 300 includes a main board 701 that controls the entire apparatus, a WLAN unit 717 that performs WLAN communication, an NFC unit 718 that performs NFC communication, and a BT unit 719 that performs BT communication. In FIG. 7, a portable communication device is illustrated as a communication partner of the NFC unit 718 and the BT unit 719, but the communication partner is not limited to this. For example, it goes without saying that devices having the same communication protocol can communicate with other devices. Further, a WLAN unit may be provided instead of the BT unit 719, and for example, high-speed wireless communication may be performed using a protocol based on IEEE 802.1X or 802.11n. The WLAN unit 717, the NFC unit 718, and the BT unit 719 are collectively referred to as a communication unit.

  In the main board 701, a CPU 702 is a system control unit that controls the entire MFP 300. The ROM 703 stores a control program executed by the CPU 702, an embedded operating system (OS) program, and the like. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 703 performs software control such as scheduling and task switching under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 703.

  The RAM 704 is configured by an SRAM or the like, stores program control variables and the like, stores setting values registered by the user, management data of the MFP 300, and the like, and is also used as various work buffer areas. The nonvolatile memory 705 is configured by a flash memory or the like, and stores data that is to be retained even when the power is turned off. Specifically, network connection information, user data, and the like. The image memory 706 is configured by a DRAM or the like, and image data received via the communication unit, image data processed by the encoding / decoding processing unit 712, or an image acquired from a memory card via a memory card controller (not shown). Accumulate data. Further, like the memory configuration of the portable communication terminal device 200, the memory configuration is not limited to this. The data conversion unit 707 performs analysis of a page description language (PDL) or the like, or conversion from image data to print data.

  The image signal generated when the reading unit 710 controlled by the reading control unit 708 optically reads the document by the CIS image sensor receives a binarization process and a halftone process via an image processing control unit (not shown). Various image processing such as these are performed, and high-definition image data is output.

  An operation unit 709 and a display unit 711 represent the operation display unit 305 described with reference to FIG. The code decoding processing unit 712 performs code decoding processing and enlargement / reduction processing on image data (JPEG, PNG, etc.) handled by the MFP 300.

  A paper feed unit 715 holds a recording medium such as a recording sheet. The paper feeding operation can be performed by the paper feeding unit 715 under the control of the recording control unit 716. In particular, the paper feed unit may be composed of a plurality of paper feed units in order to hold a plurality of types of paper in one apparatus. In this case, the recording control unit 716 selects and controls from which paper feeding unit the paper is fed.

  The recording control unit 716 performs various types of image processing such as smoothing processing, recording density correction processing, and color correction on the image data used for recording via an image processing control unit (not shown), thereby obtaining high-definition image data. And output to the recording unit 715. In addition, the recording control unit 716 periodically reads the information in the recording unit 715 and updates the state information stored in the RAM 704. Specifically, the remaining amount of the ink tank, the state of the recording head, and the like are updated.

  The MFP 300 is also equipped with three wireless communication means similar to the portable communication terminal apparatus 200, but since the functions are the same as those of the portable communication terminal apparatus 200, description thereof is omitted. Note that the WLAN unit 717, the NFC unit 718, and the BT unit 719 are connected by bus cables 720, 721, and 722, respectively.

  The components 702 to 719 are connected to each other via a system bus 723 managed by the CPU 702.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the NFC unit used in the NFC unit 618 and the NFC unit 718.

  The NFC unit 800 includes an NFC controller unit 801, an antenna unit 802, an RF unit 803, a transmission / reception control unit 804, an NFC memory 805, and a device connection unit 807. The power source 806 is supplied from outside the NFC unit 800. The antenna unit 802 receives radio waves and carrier waves from other NFC devices, and transmits radio waves and carrier waves to other NFC devices. The RF unit 803 has a function of modulating / demodulating an analog signal into a digital signal. The RF unit 803 includes a synthesizer, identifies the frequency of the band and channel, and controls the band and channel based on the frequency allocation data. The transmission / reception control unit 804 performs transmission / reception control such as assembly / disassembly of transmission / reception frames, addition and detection of preambles, and frame identification. The transmission / reception control unit 804 also controls the NFC memory 805 to input / output various data and programs.

  The NFC memory 805 includes a nonvolatile memory, and can store data such as information related to the connected device communicated from the device connection unit 807. When operating in the active mode, power is supplied via the power source 806, and communication with the device is performed via the device connection unit 807, or other carriers within a communicable range by a carrier wave transmitted and received via the antenna unit 801. Communicate with NFC devices. On the other hand, when operating as the passive mode, radio waves are received from other NFC devices via the antenna unit 802, and power is supplied from the other NFC devices by electromagnetic induction. Then, communication is performed with the other NFC device by modulation of the carrier wave, and data including information stored in the NFC memory 805 is transmitted and received.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the RAM 704 of the MFP 300.

  In FIG. 9, reference numeral 901 denotes the entire RAM. The work memory 902 is an area reserved for program execution. The image processing buffer 903 is an area used as a temporary buffer for image processing. The device status storage unit 904 stores various information related to the current status of the MFP 300. An error state 905 stores a state relating to an error of the MFP 300. There are low ink warning, no ink error, paper jam error, no paper warning, recorded image failure warning, read image failure error, network disconnection warning, and the like.

  These warnings and errors are associated with the degree of influence on the recording function and the degree of influence on the reading function. For example, when there is no ink error, the recording function cannot be used, but the reading function can be used. In the case of a network disconnection warning, the function that uses the network cannot be used, but the setting change or reading function that is performed by a single device can be used. The remaining ink amount 906 stores the model number of the currently installed ink tank and the remaining ink amount. The model number of the ink tank is updated at the timing when the ink tank is attached. The ink remaining amount is updated every time ink is used. The estimated startup time 907 for the next time is stored when the power is turned off and the next startup is started.

  The activation time of the MFP varies greatly depending on the state. For example, the power state of the MFP includes a hard-off state, a soft-off state, a normal activation state (normal mode), a sleep state (power saving mode), and the like. The hard-off state is a state in which power supply is interrupted. When the power cable is connected, the hard-off state or the soft-off state is set through an initialization process by a boot sequence. The soft off state is a state in which the power is turned on partially but the main board program is not activated. In the sleep state, a portion (module) that consumes a large amount of power of the apparatus is turned off, and other programs and mechanisms are operating, so that the normal startup state can be immediately restored. Depending on the power state, the activation time until communication is possible differs depending on the power saving state of each communication module installed in the MFP. For example, if the MFP is in a soft-off state, communication can be performed after power is supplied to each module after the main board program is started. In the case where the communication module is in the power saving state in the sleep state, time required for starting each communication module is required.

  Another factor that varies the startup time is the error state of the device. For example, when it is detected that the nozzles of the ink jet recording head are clogged frequently, the recovery is performed for a long time at the next activation, and then the normal activation state is restored. When the amount of light of the scanner is low, the adjustment operation is performed and then the normal activation state is restored. Thus, the estimated activation time for the next activation is determined according to the state transition of the power source and the state of the device. The other 908 stores other device states such as the current memory usage, hardware temperature, and consumable information. The other 909 stores other RAM data.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the NFC memory 805 of the MFP 300.

  In FIG. 10, reference numeral 1001 denotes the entire NFC memory. The CPU 702 copies the contents of the device status storage unit 904 (error status, ink remaining amount, next estimated activation time) to the device status storage unit 1002 at a predetermined timing. In addition, any data stored in the other area 908, such as job storage, may be copied.

  A job storage unit 1006 is an area used when a job is input from the portable communication terminal apparatus 200 to the MFP 300 by NFC. A print job 1007 stores a print job in a queue. Specifically, print settings and link destinations to image data are stored. A scan job 1008 stores a scan job in a queue. Specifically, reading settings are stored. A FAX job 1009 stores a FAX job in a queue. Specifically, the FAX setting including the telephone number of the transmission destination and the communication image quality, and the link destination to the image when the image has already been read are stored. The setting change job 1010 stores setting change jobs in a queue. Specifically, a job related to changing setting items of the MFP main body is stored.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart when the NFC unit operates as an initiator.

  First, in step S1101, all NFC units operate as targets and wait for a command from the initiator. Next, in step S1102, the NFC unit can be switched to the initiator in response to a request from an application that controls communication according to the NFC standard. If the NFC unit responds to the request to switch to the initiator, the process proceeds to step S1103, and the application selects either the active mode or the passive mode, and determines the transmission speed.

  In step S1104, the initiator detects the presence of an RF field output by a device other than itself. If there is an external RF field, the initiator does not generate its own RF field. If there is no external RF field, the process proceeds to step S1105, and the initiator generates its own RF field.

  Through the above steps, the NFC unit starts operating as an initiator.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a sequence for exchanging data in the passive mode. Here, a case where the NFC unit (first NFC unit) 1201 operates as an initiator and the NFC unit (second NFC unit) 1202 operates as a target will be described.

  First, in step S1201, the NFC unit 1201 performs single device detection and identifies the NFC unit 1202. In step S1202, the NFC unit 1201 transmits its own identifier, transmission / reception bit transmission rate, effective data length, and the like as an attribute request. This attribute request has a general-purpose byte, and the general-purpose byte can be arbitrarily selected and used. When a valid attribute request is received, the NFC unit 1202 transmits an attribute response as step S1203. Here, transmission from the NFC unit 1202 is performed by load modulation, and data transmission by load modulation is represented by dotted arrows in the drawing.

  After confirming the valid attribute response, the NFC unit 1201 can change the parameters of the subsequent transmission protocol by transmitting a parameter selection request in step S1204. Parameters included in the parameter selection request are a transmission rate and an effective data length. When receiving a valid parameter selection request, the NFC unit 1202 transmits a parameter selection response in step S1205 to change the parameter. Note that steps S1204 to S1205 may be omitted when parameter change is not performed.

  In step S1206, the NFC unit 1201 and the NFC unit 1202 exchange data by a data exchange request and a data exchange response. In the data exchange request and its response, information on the application of the communication partner can be transmitted as data, and when the data size is large, it can be divided and transmitted.

  When the data exchange is completed, in step S1207, the NFC unit 1201 transmits either a selection cancellation request or a release request. When the selection cancellation request is transmitted, the NFC unit 1202 transmits a selection cancellation response in step S1208. Upon receiving the selection cancellation response, the NFC unit 1201 releases the attribute indicating the NFC unit 1202 and returns to step S1201. On the other hand, when the release request is transmitted, the NFC unit 1202 transmits a release response in step S1208 and returns to the initial state. When the NFC unit 1201 receives the release response, the target has been completely released and can return to the initial state.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a sequence for exchanging data in the active mode. Here, a case where the NFC unit 1301 (first NFC unit) operates as an initiator and the NFC unit (second NFC unit) 1302 operates as a target will be described.

  First, in step S1301, the NFC unit 1301 transmits its own identifier, transmission / reception bit transmission rate, effective data length, and the like as an attribute request. If the unit 1302 receives a valid attribute request, the unit 1302 transmits an attribute response in step S1302. Here, transmission from the NFC unit 1302 is performed by an RF field generated by itself. For this reason, both NFC units stop generating the RF field when the data transmission is completed.

  After confirming the valid attribute response, the NFC unit 1301 can change the parameters of the transmission protocol by transmitting a parameter selection request in step S1303. Parameters included in the parameter selection request are a transmission rate and an effective data length. When receiving a valid parameter selection request, the NFC unit 1302 transmits a parameter selection response in step S1304 and changes the parameter. As in the passive mode, steps S1303 to S1304 may be omitted if no parameter change is performed.

  In step S1305, the NFC unit 1301 and the NFC unit 1302 exchange data by a data exchange request and a data exchange response. The data exchange request and the response can be transmitted as information on the application as data, and can be divided and transmitted when the data size is large.

  When the data exchange is completed, in step S1306, the NFC unit 1301 transmits either a selection cancellation request or a release request. When the selection cancellation request is transmitted, the NFC unit 1302 transmits a selection cancellation response in step S1307. When the NFC unit 1301 receives the selection cancellation response, the attribute indicating the NFC unit 1302 is released. Thereafter, in step S1308, the NFC unit 1301 transmits an activation request to another target whose identifier is known. The target that has received the activation request transmits an activation response in step S1309, and then the process returns to step S1301. On the other hand, when a release request is transmitted, the NFC unit 1302 transmits a release response in step S1309 and returns to the initial state. If the NFC unit 1301 receives the release response, the target has been completely released and can return to the initial state.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing target state transition in NFC.

  In FIG. 14, S2301 which is a POWER-OFF state represents a power-off state. In the state S2301, when the target is placed in the magnetic field H larger than the threshold value Hmin, the process proceeds to S2302 which is the SENSE state.

  In state S2302, the target is waiting for an instruction from the initiator. When the target receives the detection request or the all device activation request, the target shifts to S2303 which is a RESOLUTION state and returns a detection response. If another instruction is received, the process stays at S2302 in the SENSE state.

  In state S2303, single device detection is used. When a valid selection request is received as a result of the single device detection, the target returns a selection response to the initiator, and becomes S2304 in the SELECTED state. If another command is received, the process returns to the SENSE state S2302.

  In state S2304, the target recognizes an attribute request, a parameter selection request, or a valid proprietary instruction. When the target receives a valid sleep request or deselection request, the target enters S2305 which is a SLEEP state. If any other command is received, the process returns to the SENSE state S2302.

  In the state S2305, when the target receives all device activation requests, the target returns a detection response and then proceeds to S2306 in the RESOLUTION * state. If another command is received, the process stays at S2305 in the SLEEP state.

  S2306 in the RESOLUTION * state is almost the same as S2303 in the RESOLUTION state, and single device detection is used. If a valid selection request is received, the target transitions to S2307 which is a SELECTED * state. If any other command is received, the process returns to S2305 which is the SLEEP state.

  S2307 being the SELECTED * state is almost the same state as S2304 being the SELECTED state, and the target recognizes an attribute request, a parameter selection request, or a valid proprietary instruction. When a valid sleep request or selection cancel request is received, the state transits to the SLEEP state. If any other instruction is received, it falls back to the SLEEP state.

  Next, in the recording system configured as described above, a process when a print instruction is issued from the portable communication terminal apparatus 200 to the MFP 300 will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a control operation for the NFC unit when the power state of the MFP 300 is changed.

  If the power state change process is entered in step S1401, it is determined in step S1402 whether the operation mode of the MFP is the transition to the normal mode or the power saving mode. Here, if it is determined that the transition is to the normal mode, the process proceeds to step S1404. In this case, since the BT communication can be started immediately, the time information regarding the activation of the BT communication of the MFP is cleared and the activation time is written in the NFC memory 805. Thereafter, the power state change process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1402 that the mode is the transition to the power saving mode, the process proceeds to step S1403, and the state of the BT unit 719 is set to the power saving mode according to the content of the power saving mode. It is determined whether to turn off. If it is determined to enter the power saving mode, the process advances to step S1405 to write the activation time required for returning from the power saving mode to the NFC memory 805, and then the power state changing process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the power of the BT unit 719 is turned off, the process advances to step S1406 to add the time related to the start of the MFP to the time when communication can be started from the power-off state. Write to 805. Thereafter, the power state change process is terminated.

  In the above description, the example in which the activation time relating to the BT communication activation is stored in the NFC memory has been described. However, the activation time relating to another communication protocol (for example, IEEE 802.1x, 802.11n) may be stored similarly. An effect can be obtained.

  Next, an example in which image data is transmitted from the portable communication terminal apparatus to the MFP in the power saving mode will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when an image data transmission application is activated in the portable communication terminal device.

  When the application is activated, an image selection screen shown in FIG. 16A is displayed first, and a thumbnail 1501 of the image data is displayed on the touch panel display screen 203 so that the user can select a desired image. The selected image is focused 1502. In this application, in addition to image selection, an image can be enlarged / reduced and image information such as a shooting date can be confirmed (not shown).

  When the user selects one or a plurality of images and selects the print start key 1503, the MFP is searched by an inquiry request (Inquiry Request) via the BT unit 202, and the searched MFP is displayed on the display screen. To do. FIG. 16B shows an example in which the searched MFP is displayed on the display unit 203.

  While performing such processing, simultaneously with the printer search by BT communication, an RF field is generated around the antenna of the NFC unit 201 for NFC communication, and a target on a nearby MFP is searched. By disposing the portable communication terminal device in the vicinity of the MFP, when a target MFP is found by NFC communication, the device search by the BT communication inquiry request is stopped. In this example, since the BT unit on the MFP side is in the power saving mode, it does not respond to an inquiry request (Inquiry Request), but can respond only by activation by electromagnetic induction by the NFC unit.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a sequence relating to push-type communication between the portable communication terminal device and the MFP.

  According to this sequence, in step S1601, the portable communication terminal device performs polling by NFC communication in order to search for a device that transmits an image. When a response from the NFC unit on the MFP is returned in step S1602 in response to this polling, the portable communication terminal apparatus determines that a target has been found, and makes an NFC_ID request including its own NFC_ID in step S1603. In step S1604, the MFP receives this request and responds by transmitting its own NFC_ID. In this way, the portable communication terminal device and the MFP each specify a communication partner based on the received NFC_ID.

  After that, in step S1605, an authentication request by exchanging keys between the mutual devices is executed, and in step S1606, an authentication response is executed, whereby mutual authentication is established and subsequent communication is encrypted.

  In step S1607, a request is made for information relating to another protocol that can be used from the portable communication terminal device. Upon receiving this request, the MFP responds with information (including BT communication) regarding other protocols that can be used by the MFP itself in step S1608. Based on the received protocol information, the portable communication terminal device selects BT communication returned as a protocol suitable for transmission of image data.

  In step S1609, the portable communication terminal requests a Bluetooth device address (BD_ADDR) necessary for BT communication connection with the MFP, information on a pass key and link key, and activation time information necessary for BT communication. In contrast, in step S1610, the NFC unit 718 of the MFP responds with information necessary for the BT communication connection based on the activation information 1005 in the NFC memory. Note that the activation information 1005 is written in the NFC memory 805 by the process shown in FIG. When the MFP in the power saving mode starts communication by the NFC unit, the fact that the BT communication job is started is stored in the print job 1007 of the job storage unit 1006 on the NFC memory. At the same time, the return processing from the power saving mode is started by device communication from the NFC unit.

  In the MFP activation process, the BT unit 719 is activated at the same time based on the information that the BT connection stored in the print job 1007 is used for handover. Based on the received BT connection information, the portable communication terminal apparatus waits for the MFP startup time to elapse. While waiting for the MFP activation time, the portable communication terminal device displays to the user that the MFP is being activated.

  Then, after the MFP activation time has elapsed, in step S1611, the portable communication terminal apparatus requests the BT connection to the MFP. In step S1612, the MFP responds to the connection request to establish a BT link connection. The portable communication terminal device transmits the image data selected by the BT communication to the MFP in steps S1613 to S1614. In order to indicate image data transmission when transmission by BT communication is started, the portable communication terminal device displays a print status display screen including print image information and data transfer status as shown in FIG. 203. On the other hand, the MFP starts printing an image based on the image data received by BT communication.

  According to the embodiment described above, the existence of a print job is notified by NFC communication capable of communication to the MFP in the power saving mode, and after the MFP returns to the normal mode, the high-speed BT communication is started to perform handover. Data transmission can be performed by switching the communication protocol.

  In the example described above, the BT communication is used as the high-speed communication. However, in addition to the BT communication, data may be transmitted by WLAN communication using other protocols such as IEEE 802.1X and IEEE 802.11n.

  Further, between step S1610 and step S1611, the user needs to wait until the MFP returns to the normal mode and becomes ready for BT communication. In that case. If the user does not want to wait, the following processing may be performed. In other words, an upper limit value of the waiting time is set in the application of the portable communication terminal device, and if the waiting time exceeds the upper limit value, image data transmission can be prevented from being executed as a timeout. Alternatively, the waiting time transmitted from the MFP in step S1610 is displayed on the display unit 203, and the user responds to the MFP with a response to cancel the transmission of image data by NFC to notify the cancel of the print job. it can.

<Other embodiments>
In the above-described embodiment, the procedure for transmitting image data by so-called push type communication by BT communication has been described. However, data may be acquired from the MFP side by pull type communication.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a sequence relating to pull-type communication between the portable communication terminal device and the MFP. In FIG. 18, the same steps as those already described with reference to FIG. 17 are denoted by the same step reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Characteristic steps in FIG. 18 are steps S1611 'to S1616'. When the portable communication terminal apparatus receives the BT state information response received in step S1610 and determines that it cannot immediately perform handover to BT communication and selects pull-type communication, the following processing is performed. That is, it requests the print job 1007 of the job storage unit 1006 of the MFP's NFC memory to write the file information including image path information related to image printing as job information (step S1611 '). On the other hand, in step S1612 ', the MFP responds.

  After completion of authentication by NFC communication, when a BT connection request is made from the MFP in step S1613 ', the portable communication terminal device responds to the connection in step S1614'. In response to this, in step S1615 ', when the MFP makes an image data transmission request based on the job information received by NFC communication, in step S1616', the portable communication terminal device transmits image data thereto.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing processing in the portable communication terminal apparatus related to the sequence of FIG.

  First, when transfer processing by the image data transmission application is started in step S1801, target search is started by NFC communication in step S1802. When the connection with the target is established, in step S1803, an inquiry is made about available communication protocols, the returned protocol information is analyzed, and a protocol more suitable for image data transmission is determined. Here, BT communication will be described as an example. An inquiry is made to the searched MFP as to whether or not BT communication is possible, and it is checked whether or not BT communication is possible.

  If a response indicating that BT communication is possible is received, the process advances to step S1804 to perform handover based on information received by NFC communication, start BT connection, and transmit image data by P-push communication. . Thereafter, the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the BT communication is currently impossible due to the state of the MFP, the process advances to step S1805 to store the print job information in the NFC memory 805 of the MFP by NFC communication. finish.

  As a result, the MFP is activated by NFC communication, performs BT connection with the portable communication terminal device based on the job information in the NFC memory, requests image data transmission (that is, by pull-type communication), and receives image data. Thereafter, an image is printed based on the received image data.

  In the embodiment described above, the example in which the recording system is configured by the MFP and the portable communication terminal device has been described. However, the recording system may include an image server connected via a network. good. That is, the portable communication terminal device stores the address information of the image data uploaded to the image server as the print information of the MFP. When the MFP receives the print job information, it downloads image data from the server. In such a case, the portable communication terminal device notifies the image server of the accessible time specified by the activation time information received from the MFP. On the other hand, the image server is set not to accept access exceeding the received accessible time. In this way, access security to the server storing the image data is set, and the server can reject the image data transmission request outside the accessible time.

  In the embodiment according to the present invention, the mobile terminal may be of any type such as a mobile phone, a digital camera, a PDA, and a portable PC. In particular, in the case of a smart phone, PDA, or PC, the portable communication terminal device 200 of the above embodiment can be realized by an application program executed by the internal processor. Therefore, it is obvious that the computer program for realizing the processing of the portable terminal in these embodiments is also included in the category. Further, the present invention is not limited to the recording apparatus, and various apparatuses may be used, and it is obvious that a computer program for realizing the processing of the recording apparatus is included in the category.

  Furthermore, since the computer program is usually stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, it is obvious that such a computer-readable storage medium also falls within that category. Further, the computer program is not limited to one computer (CPU or the like), and a plurality of computers may cooperate to execute the programs of these embodiments. In addition, by providing hardware such as a circuit that executes a part of the program of these embodiments, and the hardware and a computer such as a CPU that executes the program cooperate, the processing shown in these embodiments is performed. Can be realized.

Claims (13)

An information processing apparatus capable of wireless communication with each of a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol, and an image processing apparatus capable of wireless communication with each of the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol. An information processing system including:
The information processing apparatus includes:
Control means for performing control for communicating image data with the image processing device according to the second communication protocol based on information obtained by communication according to the first communication protocol;
The image processing apparatus includes:
Storage means for storing predetermined information indicating a predetermined time in a memory included in the image processing apparatus when the power state of the image processing apparatus shifts to a predetermined power saving mode;
When the image processing apparatus receives a predetermined request from the information processing apparatus according to the first communication protocol when the power state is in the predetermined power saving mode, by communication using the first communication protocol, Notification means for notifying the information processing apparatus of the predetermined information already stored in the memory by the storage means;
Execution means for executing a return process from the predetermined power saving mode after the notification by the notification means is performed,
When the predetermined information is notified from the image processing apparatus by the notification means, the information processing apparatus waits for the predetermined time indicated by the predetermined information to elapse, and performs the control by the control means. An information processing system, wherein the image data is communicated with the image processing apparatus restored from the predetermined power saving mode by an execution unit by the second communication protocol. An information processing apparatus capable of wireless communication with each of a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol, and an image processing apparatus capable of wireless communication with each of the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol. A control method in an information processing system including:
A storage step in which the image processing apparatus stores predetermined information indicating a predetermined time in a memory included in the image processing apparatus when the power state of the image processing apparatus shifts to a predetermined power saving mode;
When the image processing apparatus receives a predetermined request from the information processing apparatus according to the first communication protocol when the power state is in the predetermined power saving mode, by communication using the first communication protocol, A notification step of notifying the information processing apparatus of the predetermined information already stored in the memory by the storage step;
An execution step in which the image processing apparatus executes a return process from the predetermined power saving mode after the notification by the notification step is performed;
When the predetermined information is notified from the image processing apparatus in the notification step, the information processing apparatus performs control for communicating image data after waiting for the predetermined time indicated by the predetermined information. And a control step of communicating the image data with the second communication protocol and the image processing apparatus that has been restored from the predetermined power saving mode by the execution step. An information processing apparatus capable of wireless communication with each of a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol, and an image processing apparatus capable of wireless communication with each of the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol. A control method in an information processing system including:
A storage step in which the image processing apparatus stores predetermined information in a memory included in the image processing apparatus when the power state of the image processing apparatus shifts to a predetermined power saving mode;
When the image processing apparatus receives a predetermined request from the information processing apparatus according to the first communication protocol when the power state is in the predetermined power saving mode, by communication using the first communication protocol, A notification step of notifying the information processing apparatus of the predetermined information already stored in the memory by the storage step;
An execution step in which the image processing apparatus executes a return process from the predetermined power saving mode after the notification by the notification step is performed;
When the predetermined information is notified from the image processing device in the notification step, the information processing device performs control for communicating image data after waiting for a predetermined time, and the execution step performs the control. A control step of communicating the image data by the second communication protocol with the image processing apparatus that has returned from a predetermined power saving mode,
In the storing step, the first information is stored when the image processing apparatus shifts to the first mode as the predetermined power saving mode, and the image processing apparatus stores the second information as the predetermined power saving mode. Store the second information when transitioning to the mode of
In the control step, the control is performed after the elapse of a predetermined time corresponding to the information notified in the notification step of the first information and the second information. . The information processing apparatus control method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that to transmit the image data by the second communication protocol to the image processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus further includes a determination step of determining whether the image processing apparatus is in a state in which communication using the second communication protocol is possible based on communication with the image processing apparatus using the first communication protocol. And
In the determination step, when the image processing apparatus determines that the communication using the second communication protocol is possible, the information processing apparatus transmits the image data to the image using the second communication protocol by push communication. Sent to the processing unit,
In the determination step, when the image processing apparatus determines that communication using the second communication protocol is not possible, the information processing apparatus transmits job information to the image processing apparatus using the first communication protocol. The control method according to claim 4 , wherein the image processing apparatus receives image data from the information processing apparatus by the second communication protocol by pull-type communication based on the job information. The information processing apparatus control method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that a portable communication terminal device. The first communication protocol follows the NFC communication protocol,
The method according to any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein the second communication protocol is characterized in that according to the communication protocol of the WLAN. The image processing apparatus is a printer for printing an image;
The image processing apparatus receives the image data by communication in the control step, according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the printing of the image based on said received image data Control method. The execution process by the image processing apparatus, control method according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that to start the communication unit for performing communication by the second communication protocols. An image processing apparatus capable of wireless communication with an information processing apparatus by each of a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol,
Storage means for storing predetermined information indicating a predetermined time in a memory included in the image processing apparatus when the power state of the image processing apparatus shifts to a predetermined power saving mode;
When the image processing apparatus receives a predetermined request from the information processing apparatus according to the first communication protocol when the power state is in the predetermined power saving mode, by communication using the first communication protocol, Notification means for notifying the information processing apparatus of the predetermined information already stored in the memory by the storage means;
Execution means for executing a return process from the predetermined power saving mode after the notification by the notification means is performed,
When the predetermined information is notified from the image processing apparatus by the notification unit, the information processing apparatus waits for the predetermined time indicated by the predetermined information to pass through the second communication protocol. An image processing apparatus that performs control for performing communication and performs communication of the image data with the second communication protocol with the image processing apparatus that has been restored from the predetermined power saving mode by the execution unit. . The first communication protocol follows the NFC communication protocol,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the second communication protocol conforms to a WLAN communication protocol. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10 , further comprising a receiving unit configured to receive the image data after the image processing apparatus has been restored by a restoration process performed by the execution unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 12 , further comprising a recording unit that records the image data received by the receiving unit on a recording medium.

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