JP6476748B2 - Device control apparatus, device control method and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a device control apparatus, a device control method, and a program that are provided in a portable device such as a portable terminal that can be carried by a user and that control the device by communicating with a device such as a printer.

  In recent years, data transmission / reception by high-speed wireless communication is performed between a mobile device such as a smartphone and a device such as a printer. An information processing system disclosed in Patent Document 1 establishes a connection by performing short-range wireless communication called NFC (Near Field Communication) between a portable device and a multifunction peripheral, and then establishes a Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. The high-speed wireless communication is switched to send / receive printing data to perform printing. Short-range wireless communication is performed when a user brings a portable device into contact with a predetermined contact position of the multifunction peripheral and brings the NFC communication portion of the portable device closer to the NFC communication portion of the multifunction peripheral.

JP 2009-135865 A

  By the way, the above-mentioned Bluetooth standard and Wi-Fi standard are known as high-speed wireless communication. These communication standards include a first wireless communication method (for example, an infrastructure communication method) for communication connection between terminals via an access point (an example of a relay station) and a second wireless communication method for direct communication connection between terminals. There is also known a communication standard in which a plurality of types of communication methods including (for example, an ad hoc communication method) are prepared.

  For example, the short-range wireless communication unit such as NFC, the first wireless communication unit of the first wireless communication method, and the second wireless communication of the second wireless communication method are provided in both the device control apparatus and the device provided in the portable device. May be provided.

  For example, when a mobile device is connected to a device such as a printer through first wireless communication, if a short-range wireless communication connection is established by the NFC unit, communication connection processing by the second wireless communication unit is performed. Thus, switching from the first wireless communication to the second wireless communication or addition of the connection of the second wireless communication is performed. In any of these cases, the connection processing of both the second wireless communication units between the device control device and the device results in a loss time, and until that time, the device control device starts control for controlling the device by the second wireless communication. There is a problem that the waiting time required for the process becomes relatively long. Note that the device is not limited to a printing apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral or a printer, but may be another electronic device such as a scanner device as long as it has a short-range wireless communication unit and first and second wireless communication units. There are generally similar issues.

  An object of the present invention is to reduce the frequency of connection processing for wireless communication performed after short-range wireless communication, and to calculate the average required time from the establishment of a short-range wireless communication connection to the start of device control Is to provide a device control apparatus, a device control method, and a program.

Hereinafter, means for solving the above-described problems and the effects thereof will be described.
A device control apparatus that solves the above problem is a device control apparatus that controls a device by wireless communication, and is connected to a short-range wireless communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication with the device, a relay station, and the relay station A first wireless communication unit that performs first wireless communication with the device, a second wireless communication unit that directly connects to the device and performs second wireless communication, and controls the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit And a short-range wireless communication unit that receives, from the device, first information that allows the device to identify a relay station to which the device is connected when the connection to the device by short-range wireless communication is established. The control unit performs switching control between the first radio communication and the second radio communication based on the second information that can identify a relay station to which the first radio communication unit can be connected and the first information. I do.

  According to this configuration, when the short-range wireless communication unit establishes a short-range wireless communication connection with the device, the device control apparatus receives, from the device, first information that can identify the relay station to which the device is connected. To do. The control unit performs switching control between the first wireless communication and the second wireless communication based on the second information and the first information that can identify the relay station to which the first wireless communication unit can be connected. Therefore, under the condition that the switching from the first wireless communication to the second wireless communication does not occur, the time required from the establishment of the short-range wireless communication unit to the start of device control via the wireless communication is the second This is shorter than in the case where the communication connection by the wireless communication unit is necessary. Therefore, the frequency of connection processing for wireless communication performed after short-range wireless communication is reduced, and the average required time from the establishment of the short-range wireless communication connection to the start of device control is shortened. Can do.

  In the device control apparatus, if the control unit is connected to the same relay station as the device based on the first information and the second information, the control unit performs first wireless communication via the relay station. It is preferable to communicate with the device through the second wireless communication unless it communicates with the device and is connected to the same relay station as the device.

  According to this configuration, if the control unit is connected to the same relay station as the device based on the first information and the second information, the control unit communicates with the device via the relay station in the first wireless communication. . On the other hand, if it is not connected to the same relay station as the device, it communicates with the device by the second wireless communication. Therefore, when connected to the same relay station as the device, switching from the first wireless communication to the second wireless communication is not required under certain conditions, so that loss due to communication switching can be reduced.

  The device control apparatus acquires the IP address of the device through the short-range wireless communication, and communicates with the device specified by the IP address through the first wireless communication when connected to the same relay station as the device. It is preferable to do.

  According to this configuration, the IP address of the device is acquired by short-range wireless communication. When connected to the same relay station as the device, it communicates with the device specified by the IP address by the first wireless communication. Therefore, when the device control apparatus is connected to the same relay station as the device, the device can be controlled by communicating with an appropriate device.

  In the device control apparatus, the first information is wireless setting information used for wireless communication connection with the relay station, and the second information is device setting information used for communication connection with the relay station. When the wireless setting information and the device setting information match, the control unit communicates with the device via a relay station in the first wireless communication, while the wireless setting information and the device setting information If they do not match, it is preferable to perform wireless communication with the device by the second wireless communication.

  According to this configuration, when the wireless setting information matches the device setting information, the first wireless communication communicates with the device via the relay station. At this time, switching from the first wireless communication to the second wireless communication becomes unnecessary. On the other hand, if the wireless setting information and the device setting information do not match, wireless communication is performed with the device by the second wireless communication.

  In the device control apparatus, the wireless setting information includes first identification information for connecting to a relay station, and second identification information and a device for connecting the device to the relay station in the short-range wireless communication. If the first identification information and the second identification information are the same, the control unit connects to the relay station using the first identification information. If the first identification information and the second identification information are not the same, the device communicates with the device using the third identification information. It is preferable to connect with.

  According to this configuration, when the first identification information and the second identification information are the same, the control unit uses the first identification information to connect to the relay station to perform the first wireless communication via the relay station. Communicate with the device. On the other hand, if the first identification information and the second identification information are not the same, the control unit uses the third identification information to connect to the device through the second wireless communication and communicate with the device through the second wireless communication. Therefore, based on the first identification information and the second identification information, it is appropriately determined whether or not communication with the device is possible via the first wireless communication, and switching between the first wireless communication and the second wireless communication is performed. Can be done appropriately.

  In the device control apparatus, when the wireless setting information and the device setting information are the same, and wireless communication with the device fails in the first wireless communication, wireless communication with the device is performed in the second wireless communication. preferable.

  According to this configuration, since the wireless setting information and the device setting information are the same, when the wireless communication with the device fails in the first wireless communication, the wireless communication with the device is performed in the second wireless communication. Therefore, even if the first wireless communication fails, the device control apparatus can communicate with the device by the second wireless communication.

  In the device control apparatus, the control unit acquires additional connection availability information indicating whether or not the second wireless communication unit of the device is capable of additional connection through short-range wireless communication from the device, and adds When the additional connection of the second wireless communication is not possible based on the connection availability information, it is preferable to communicate with the device by the first wireless communication.

  According to this configuration, when the additional connection of the second wireless communication is impossible based on the additional connection availability information acquired from the device by the short-range wireless communication, the first wireless communication communicates with the device. Therefore, even when it is not possible to connect to the device by the second wireless communication because of the upper limit of connectable numbers of the second wireless communication unit on the device side, the device can be connected by the first wireless communication.

  A device control method for solving the above problem is a device control method in which a device control apparatus controls a device by wireless communication, and a portable device including the device control apparatus includes a short-range wireless communication unit and the short-range wireless communication. A first wireless communication unit and a second wireless communication unit having a communication range wider than the communication unit, and when the short-range wireless communication unit establishes a connection for communication with the device, the relay station to which the device is connected A short-range wireless communication step of receiving first identifiable information from the device; and second information that can identify a relay station to which the portable device is connected is read from a memory, and the first information and the second information Based on the information, switching control between the first wireless communication by the first wireless communication unit communicating with the device via the relay station and the second wireless communication by the second wireless communication unit directly connected to the device is performed. And a control step of performing. According to this method, the same effect as that of the device control apparatus can be obtained.

  A program for solving the above-described problem is a program for causing a computer in a portable device to execute device control for controlling a device by wireless communication, and the portable device includes a short-range wireless communication unit and the short-range wireless communication unit. A relay station to which the device is connected when the short-range wireless communication unit establishes a communication connection with the device, and the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit have a wider communication range. A short-range wireless communication step of receiving first information that can identify the device from the device, and reading out second information that can identify the relay station to which the mobile device is connected from the memory to read the first information and the second information Based on the information of the first wireless communication by the first wireless communication unit communicating with the device via the relay station and the second by the second wireless communication unit directly connected to the device. To execute a control step of performing switching control of the communications. According to this program, the same operational effects as those of the device control apparatus can be obtained.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming system according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an image forming system. (A), (b) is a schematic diagram which shows the example which transmits the data for printing to a printer by 1st wireless communication via the wireless LAN currently connected from a portable apparatus. (A), (b) is a schematic diagram which shows the example which transmits the data for printing to a printer by 2nd wireless communication from a portable apparatus. (A), (b) is a schematic diagram which shows the example which a portable apparatus switches from 2nd wireless communication to 1st wireless communication, and transmits the data for printing to a printer. The flowchart which shows a device control routine. The sequence diagram which shows the example which transmits the data for printing to a printer by 1st wireless communication via the wireless LAN currently connected from a portable apparatus. The sequence diagram which shows the example which transmits the data for printing to a printer by 2nd wireless communication from a portable apparatus. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example in which the mobile device switches from the first wireless communication to the second wireless communication and transmits print data to the printer. The sequence diagram which shows a part of process when the additional connection by the 2nd wireless communication to a printer is impossible. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the display screen displayed on a portable apparatus when the additional connection by 2nd wireless communication is impossible.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a device control apparatus is provided in a mobile terminal will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, the device control apparatus 20 provided in the portable device 11 constitutes an image forming system 10 as an example of a device control system together with a printer 30 as an example of a device. In other words, the image forming system 10 receives the device control device 20 provided in the mobile device 11 and the print data transmitted by the device control device 20 using the communication function of the mobile device 11 and prints it on a medium such as paper. And a printer 30 for performing the above. Examples of the mobile device 11 include mobile terminals such as smart phones, mobile phones, tablet PCs, and personal digital assistants (PDA (Personal Digital Assistants)). Note that a tablet personal computer, a notebook personal computer, or the like may be used as long as it is portable. Furthermore, the portable device 11 may be a portable music playback device or a portable video playback device that can send and receive data to and from the device.

  The mobile device 11 is connected to a wireless LAN via an access point 50 as an example of a relay station. The user downloads in advance a content including the program PR from a server (not shown) through a network such as the Internet. Therefore, the program PR is stored in advance in the memory 25 (see FIG. 2) of the mobile device 11. And the device control apparatus 20 is comprised by the computer 23 (refer FIG. 2) as an example of the control part which performs this program PR in the portable apparatus 11. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile device 11 includes an operation unit 12 and a display unit 13. The display unit 13 has a touch panel function that allows various instructions and inputs by touching the screen. Therefore, the operation unit 12 includes an operation switch 12 </ b> A provided on the front surface of the housing 11 </ b> A of the portable device 11 so as to be operable and a touch panel function of the display unit 13. The display unit 13 displays a preview image for confirming an image to be printed before printing and various messages. The printing instruction is performed by the user operating the operation unit 12 (for example, touch panel operation).

  The portable device 11 of the present embodiment is provided with an NFC (Near Field Communication) communication unit 15 (hereinafter simply referred to as “NFC unit 15”) as an example of a short-range wireless communication unit on the surface of the housing 11A. Yes. Further, the printer 30 of this example is provided with an NFC communication unit 35 (hereinafter simply referred to as “NFC unit 35”). In this example, the NFC units 15 and 35 are both NFC tags. The NFC unit 35 is provided, for example, at a position where the operation for bringing the portable device 11 in the printer 30 into contact is easy. When the NFC unit 15 of the portable device 11 is brought close to the communication range of the short-range wireless communication such as touching the NFC unit 35 of the printer 30, a communication connection between the NFC units 15 and 35 is established. Then, the first information stored in the NFC unit 35 is transmitted from the printer 30 to the device control device 20 in the portable device 11 by short-range wireless communication between the NFC units 15 and 35.

  The printer 30 is, for example, a multifunction machine, and has functions of printing, copying, scanning, and facsimile (hereinafter referred to as “FAX”). The printer 30 includes a printing unit 31 that prints on a sheet P as an example of a medium, and a scanning unit 32 that reads an image of a document. An operation panel 33 is provided at the front of the housing 30 </ b> A of the printer 30. The operation panel 33 is provided with an operation unit 33A and a display unit 33B including a plurality of operation switches. In addition, a cassette 34 that can store a plurality of sheets of paper P is attached to the lower portion of the housing 30A so as to be detachable from the housing 30A. Note that examples of the printing method by the printing unit 31 include an inkjet method, a dot impact method, a laser method, and a thermal method.

  The mobile device 11 can wirelessly communicate with the first wireless communication unit 16 that can be connected to the access point 50 wirelessly and connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and the printer 30 with a peer-to-peer (P2P) connection. A second wireless communication unit 17. In addition, the printer 30 is connected to the access point 50 wirelessly and can be connected to a network such as a LAN, and the second wireless communication unit 17 of the mobile device 11 is P2P connected to the device control apparatus 20. And a second wireless communication unit 37 capable of wireless communication. Since the second wireless communication unit 37 has an access point function, the device control apparatus 20 of the mobile device 11 can communicate with the printer 30 via direct communication between the second wireless communication units 17 and 37. In this example, the Wi-Fi communication method is adopted as the first wireless communication method by the first wireless communication unit 16, and the Wi-Fi Direct communication method is adopted as the second wireless communication method by the second wireless communication unit 17.

  For example, when the user brings the NFC unit 15 of the portable device 11 close to the NFC unit 35 of the printer 30 (for example, when a touch operation is performed), the device control apparatus 20 acquires device setting information SD as an example of second information from the printer 30. To do. Next, the device controller 20 uses the first wireless communication unit 16 based on the device setting information SD and the wireless setting information ID (see FIG. 2) as an example of the first information stored in the memory 25. Switching control is performed between the first wireless communication connected to the access point 50 and the second wireless communication directly communicating with the printer 30 via the second wireless communication units 17 and 37. Then, the device control apparatus 20 uses the first wireless communication (Wi-Fi communication) via the LAN to which the access point 50 is connected or the second wireless communication via the direct communication between the second wireless communication units 17 and 37. Data for printing is transmitted from the portable device 11 to the printer 30 by communication (Wi-Fi Direct communication).

  When the printer 30 receives the printing data, the printer 30 transports the paper P stored in the cassette 34 onto a transport path in the housing 30A, and performs printing based on the printing data on the paper P in the middle of the transport. The printed paper P is discharged from the paper discharge port 30B onto the discharge unit 39 (stacker).

  Next, details of the device control apparatus 20, the device control method, and the device control program PR will be described. FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a configuration example of the image forming system 10 including the printer 30 (an example of a device) and the portable device 11 including the device control apparatus 20.

  2 includes an NFC unit (near field communication unit) 15, a first wireless communication unit 16, a second wireless communication unit 17, a controller 21, an operation unit 12, a display unit 13, an audio output unit 18, A voice input unit 19 and a camera 22 are provided.

  The NFC unit 15 is an NFC reader that performs NFC short-range wireless communication with the printer 30 and includes an IC, a loop antenna, and a communication circuit. The housing 11 </ b> A of the mobile device 11 is provided with a contact portion 15 </ b> A for making the mobile device 11 approach (for example, touch) the printer 30. The NFC unit 15 is disposed in the vicinity of the contact unit 15 </ b> A in the housing 11 </ b> A of the mobile device 11. When the NFC unit 15 approaches the NFC tag, the NFC unit 15 wirelessly receives information from the NFC tag using the NFC method. The NFC reader may be an NFC reader / writer having a function of writing data to the IC.

  The first wireless communication unit 16 is a communication interface that performs first wireless communication different from the short-range wireless communication with the printer 30. When performing Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) wireless communication as the first wireless communication, a wireless LAN interface can be used for the first wireless communication unit 16. In this case, the first wireless communication unit 16 connects to the printer 30 by the first wireless communication (infrastructure communication) via an access point 50 (relay device) as an example of a relay station. The access point 50 is configured by a wireless LAN router or a wireless access point device with an access point function.

  The second wireless communication unit 17 is a communication interface that performs second wireless communication different from the short-range wireless communication with the printer 30. When performing wireless communication of the Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) Direct method as the second wireless communication, a wireless LAN interface can be used for the second wireless communication unit 17. The printer 30 includes a second wireless communication unit 37 having an access point function (ad hoc communication function) that can be directly connected to the second wireless communication unit 17 on the portable device 11 side. That is, the second wireless communication unit 37 on the printer 30 side includes a printer access point 37 </ b> A (hereinafter referred to as “printer AP”) having an access point function capable of peer-to-peer connection with the second wireless communication unit 17. For this reason, the second wireless communication unit 17 can be directly connected to the second wireless communication unit 37 of the printer 30 without going through another relay station such as the access point 50.

  The controller 21 includes a computer 23. The computer 23 includes a CPU 24, a memory 25, and the like. The CPU 24 mainly performs information processing and control in the mobile device 11. The memory 25 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM, a RAM, and a flash memory. The memory 25 stores a device control program PR, an application program (not shown), wireless setting information ID, a password, image data to be printed, and the like. By installing the program PR in the mobile device 11, the device control apparatus 20 is constructed in the mobile device 11. The application program is installed in the mobile device 11 to add various functions to the mobile device 11. The application program includes at least one application having an image and document printing function such as image display software, image creation software, document display software, and document creation software.

  The wireless setting information ID is an example of first identification information necessary when the first wireless communication unit 16 connects to the access point 50 and is a wireless that can identify a wireless LAN connected via the access point 50. LAN identification information L1 is included. Further, the wireless setting information ID includes printer AP identification information AD including identification information and a password necessary for connecting to the printer AP 37A in the second wireless communication unit 37 of the printer 30. The wireless LAN identification information L1 includes an SSID (Service Set Identifier) and BSSID (Basic ID) as an example of first identification information necessary when the user having the mobile device 11 connects to the access point 50 permitted to connect. Service set identifier), a default gateway, and the like.

  The operation unit 12 includes an operation switch 12 </ b> A (see FIG. 1) and a touch panel configured with a screen of the display unit 13. The display unit 13 includes a liquid crystal display panel or the like. The operation by the user is received by the operation unit 12, and the operation state of the mobile device 11 and various setting screens are displayed on the display unit 13. Note that the operation unit 12 may be configured using a plurality of keys or the like without including a touch panel.

  The voice output unit 18 generates voice according to a voice signal from a telephone line or the like. For the audio output unit 18, for example, a general-purpose speaker can be used. The voice input unit 19 converts voice from a user or the like into a voice signal. For the voice input unit 19, for example, a general-purpose microphone can be used. The camera 22 includes an optical system including a lens, an area image sensor, an image processing circuit, and the like, and generates digital data of a photographed image.

  The device control program PR can also be activated by calling processing by an application program (not shown). For example, when an operation for selecting an image on the display unit 13 to be printed in the state where the application program is activated and further instructing execution of printing, a calling process for activating the device control program PR is performed. Thereafter, a message is displayed on the screen to prompt the NFC unit 15 of the portable device 11 to touch the NFC unit 35 of the printer 30. In this state, the mobile device 11 is brought into contact with the printer 30 in order to acquire device setting information from the printer 30. The NFC unit 35 of the printer 30 includes an NFC reader / writer having a function of writing data to the IC, and includes a storage unit 35B that can be rewritten by the computer 43.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the computer 23 of the mobile device 11 includes a communication switching control unit 26, a determination unit 27, a display processing unit 28, and the like as parts built in the computer 23 by executing the program PR. .

  The communication switching control unit 26 performs control for switching one of the wireless communication between the first wireless communication unit 16 and the second wireless communication unit 17. In this example, since only one of the first wireless communication unit 16 and the second wireless communication unit 17 is valid, when one is in communication connection, the other is in communication connection first. Disconnect one of the connections. In addition, it can also be set as the structure in which both the 1st radio | wireless communication part 16 and the 2nd radio | wireless communication part 17 can be connected for communication simultaneously.

The determination unit 27 performs various determinations necessary for establishing communication with the printer 30 that is an example of a device in order to perform device control (print control in this example).
The display processing unit 28 performs display processing for displaying various messages necessary for establishing communication with the printer 30 on the display unit 13 before starting printing.

  The memory 25 stores a device control routine program PR and wireless setting information ID shown in the flowchart of FIG. The wireless setting information ID includes wireless LAN identification information L1 including identification information used for connection to the access point 50 on the wireless LAN to which the portable device 11 is permitted to connect, and second information on the printer 30 side. Printer AP identification information AD used to connect to the printer AP 37A built in the wireless communication unit 37 is included. The wireless LAN identification information L1 is also used to determine whether or not it is connected to the same wireless LAN as the printer 30.

  On the other hand, the printer 30 shown in FIG. 2 includes a printing unit 31, a scanning unit 32, an NFC unit 35 (near field communication unit), a first wireless communication unit 36, a second wireless communication unit 37, a controller 41, an operation unit 33A, This is a multi-function device including a display unit 33B and the like. When a printing apparatus, which is a kind of image forming apparatus, is applied as a device of the present technology, the printer 30 may be a printer without a scanning unit in addition to the multifunction peripheral.

  The NFC unit 35 is an NFC tag that performs NFC short-range wireless communication with the mobile device 11, and includes an IC (integrated circuit) that stores information, a loop antenna, and a communication circuit. The data transfer rate of NFC near field communication is, for example, about 100 to 400 kbps. A contact portion 35A for contacting (touching) the mobile device 11 is provided on the housing 30A of the printer 30 (for example, the front surface of the printer 30). The NFC part 35 is disposed on the back side of the contact part 35A. The NFC unit 35 shown in FIG. 1 stores the device setting information SD so as to be readable. When the NFC unit 15 of the mobile device 11 approaches the contact unit 15A, the device setting information SD is wirelessly transmitted by the NFC method. The device setting information SD includes information that can identify the access point 50 to which the printer 30 is connected and the IP address of the printer 30. Here, the information that can identify the access point 50 may be an SSID or BSSID as an example of second identification information required when the printer 30 described later is connected to the access point 50, or a MAC address (Media Access Control Address). Note that a MAC address is usually used for the BSSID, but other information may be used.

  The first wireless communication unit 36 is a communication interface that performs first wireless communication different from the short-range wireless communication with the mobile device 11. In this example, the first wireless communication is Wi-Fi wireless communication, and a wireless LAN interface can be used for the first wireless communication unit 36. Wi-Fi wireless communication has a wider communication range than NFC short-range wireless communication, and has a higher communication speed than NFC short-range wireless communication. Therefore, the device setting information SD is sent to the mobile device 11 that has approached by NFC short-range wireless communication, the destination printer 30 is specified by the IP address included in the device setting information SD, and Wi-Fi wireless communication is performed. Therefore, a large amount of data such as print data is transmitted and received. If Wi-Fi wireless communication is used, the SSID, BSSID, and default gateway become the device setting information SD.

  The second wireless communication unit 37 is a communication interface that performs second wireless communication different from the short-range wireless communication with the mobile device 11. When performing Wi-Fi Direct wireless communication as the second wireless communication, the second wireless communication unit 37 can use a wireless LAN interface. Wi-Fi Direct wireless communication has a wider communication range than NFC short-range wireless communication, and has a higher communication speed than NFC short-range wireless communication. Therefore, the access point identification information for identifying the access point 50 to which the printer 30 is connected and the printer 30 that is the transmission destination of the printing data are transmitted to the mobile device 11 that is in close proximity by NFC short-range wireless communication. The device setting information SD including 30 IP addresses is transmitted, and a large amount of data such as printing data is transmitted from the portable device 11 to the printer 30 by Wi-Fi Direct wireless communication. When using Wi-Fi Direct wireless communication, the device setting information SD includes an SSID that is an example of third identification information used for connection to the printer AP 37A.

  The controller 41 includes a computer 43. The computer 43 includes a CPU 44 (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC 45, a memory 46, and the like. The CPU 44 mainly performs information processing and control in the printer 30. The memory 46 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a flash memory. In addition to a control program (not shown), the memory 46 stores LAN identification information that can identify the access point 50 of the LAN to which the printer 30 is currently connected, and device setting information SD that includes the IP address of the printer 30. Is done.

  The operation unit 33A includes a touch panel that is operated by touching a screen such as a liquid crystal display panel, and a plurality of keys, and receives an operation by a user. When a touch panel overlaid on the liquid crystal display panel is used as the operation unit 33A, a contact operation on the display screen by the user can be received. The display unit 33B displays a menu screen, the operating state of the printer 30, various setting screens, and the like.

  The printing unit 31 prints an image on the paper P. For example, when the printer 30 receives the printing data PD from the portable device 11, the printing unit 31 forms a document, an image, or the like based on the printing data on the paper P according to the printing data. As the printing unit 31, an ink jet printing apparatus, an electrophotographic printing apparatus, or the like can be used.

  For example, the scanning unit 32 applies light from a light source to the document and reads an image of the document. As the scanning unit 32, a flatbed scanner that places a document between a platen glass and a document cover, a scanner with a document feeder, or the like can be used.

  On the other hand, the computer 43 of the printer 30 includes a determination unit 47 that determines whether or not additional connection to the second wireless communication unit 37 is possible as a functional part constructed by executing a program. An upper limit (N (where N is a natural number)) of the number of simultaneous connections is set for the printer AP 37A. If the number M of connections with the wireless communication device (in this example, Wi-Fi client) connected to the printer AP 37A has not reached the upper limit (N), the determination unit 47 determines that additional connection is possible. When (N) is reached, it is determined that additional connection is not possible. If it is determined that additional connection is possible, the computer 43 writes additional connection permission information indicating that additional connection is possible in the storage unit 35B of the NFC unit 35. If it is determined that additional connection is not possible, additional connection is not possible. Is written in the storage unit 35B of the NFC unit 35.

  The ASIC 45 performs processing for converting the print data into print data that the printing unit 31 can use for print control. The computer 43 controls various operations such as an operation system and a printing system by executing a control program (for example, a firmware program) (not shown) stored in the memory 46. In particular, device setting information SD is stored in the nonvolatile area of the memory 46 of the present embodiment. The device setting information SD includes LAN identification information L2 that identifies the LAN to which the printer 30 is currently connected and the IP address PA of the printer 30. The LAN identification information L2 includes a default gateway in addition to the SSID and BSSID used when the printer 30 is connected to the access point 50 being connected by the first wireless communication unit 36. The IP address PA is identification information (address) that specifies the position of the printer 30 of the communication partner on the network (LAN in this example) to which the mobile device 11 is connected via the access point 50. Further, the RAM constituting the memory 46 temporarily stores print data, the calculation result of the CPU 44, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the device control apparatus 20 of the mobile device 11 is connected to the access point 50 through the first wireless communication unit. When the wireless LAN identification information SSID, BSSID and default gateway in the wireless setting information ID match, the device control device 20 and the printer 30 are connected to the same access point 50 and participate in the same LAN. . In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the device control apparatus 20 transmits the print data to the printer 30 via the LAN connected to the access point 50.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the access point 50A to which the device control apparatus 20 of the mobile device 11 is connected is different from the access point 50B to which the printer 30 is connected. That is, the device control apparatus 20 is connected to an access point 50A different from the access point 50B to which the printer 30 is connected. In this case, the device control apparatus 20 is connected to a LAN different from the LAN to which the printer 30 is connected. For this reason, data cannot be transmitted from the device control apparatus 20 to the printer 30 by the first wireless communication. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4B, the device control apparatus 20 directly connects to the printer 30 by switching from the Wi-Fi first wireless communication to the Wi-Fi Direct second wireless communication, The print data is transmitted to the printer 30 via the second wireless communication.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the device control apparatus 20 of the mobile device 11 is connected to the printer 30 by the second wireless communication, and the printing data is transmitted to the printer 30 by the second wireless communication. As shown in (a), it is assumed that the reception response is not from the printer 30 and data transmission has failed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5B, the device control apparatus 20 connects to the access point 50B to which the printer 30 is connected, and transmits print data from the device control apparatus 20 to the printer 30 through the first wireless communication. .

Next, the operation of the device control apparatus 20 provided in the mobile device 11 will be described.
Hereinafter, device control performed by the computer 23 executing the program PR will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the user operates the portable device 11 to start an application program and performs an operation of printing an image or document to be printed displayed on the display unit 13, the computer 23 starts the program PR. The computer 23 causes the display unit 13 of the mobile device 11 to display a printing condition setting screen (not shown) by starting the program PR. The user operates the portable device 11 to set printing conditions, and instructs the execution of printing after the setting. These series of operations are performed by the operation unit 12 when the user touches a corresponding portion of a print setting screen (not shown) on the display unit 13, for example. When printing execution is instructed, the display unit 13 displays a message that prompts the mobile device 11 and the NFC units 15 and 35 of the printer 30 to touch each other. In accordance with the message, the user brings the portable device 11 closer to the printer 30 and causes both NFC units 15 and 35 to approach (touch). At this time, the NFC units 15 and 35 of both need only be brought close to a distance where short-range wireless communication is possible, and it is not always necessary to contact them. Note that the user may instruct execution of printing by operating the mobile device 11 with the NFC unit 15 of the mobile device 11 approaching the NFC unit 35 of the printer 30.

  When the computer 23 of the device control apparatus 20 receives a print execution instruction from the operation unit 12, the computer 23 executes a device control routine shown in FIG. The computer 23 of the device control apparatus 20 controls the printer 30 by executing the program PR shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 and communicating with the printer 30 to transmit print data. 7 to 10 show sequence diagrams when the mobile device 11 communicates with the printer 30 to control the printer 30. FIG.

  Hereinafter, the device control routine will be described with reference to FIG. 6 with reference to the exchange of communication between the portable device 11 and the printer 30 in the device control shown in FIGS.

  First, in step S11, device setting information SD is acquired by short-range wireless communication between the NFC units 15 and 35. That is, the computer 23 of the mobile device 11 includes the LAN identification information L2 that is an example of second identification information that can identify the network (LAN in this example) to which the device (printer 30 in this example) is connected, and the IP of the printer 30. The information (data) including the address and the information on whether or not to allow additional connection to the second wireless communication unit 37 of the printer 30 is received by short-range wireless communication. The LAN identification information L2 includes a default gateway and the like in addition to the SSID and BSSID used as identification information when connecting to the access point 50 on the LAN. Note that the processing in step S11 corresponds to an example of a short-range wireless communication step.

  In step S12, it is determined whether the wireless setting information of the mobile device 11 and the device setting information of the printer match (is the same). That is, it is determined whether or not they are connected to the same relay station (access point 50 or router), that is, whether or not they are participating in the same network (LAN). If the mobile device 11 and the printer 30 are connected to the same relay station and the wireless setting information ID and the device setting information SD match, the process proceeds to step S13, while the wireless setting information ID and the device setting information SD If they do not match, the process proceeds to step S15. Here, the comparison targets when comparing the wireless setting information ID and the device setting information SD are both the setting information ID, the wireless LAN identification information L1 and the LAN identification information L2 in the SD. That is, both setting information IDs, SSIDs in the SD, BSSID, and default gateway are compared with each other, and if these three all match, the wireless setting information ID and the device setting information SD match (same). Judge. If at least the BSSID matches, the wireless setting information ID and the device setting information SD may be determined to match. This is because BSSID is a value that is uniquely determined, whereas SSID and default gateway are values that may have the same value set between different LANs.

  In step S13, the print data is transmitted to the previously acquired IP address by the first wireless communication. Specifically, in this example, print data is transmitted to the previously acquired IP address via the LAN by Wi-Fi wireless communication, which is an example of first wireless communication.

  In step S14, it is determined whether or not the communication is successful. Here, in step S13, when the computer 23 of the portable device 11 receives the print data transmitted to the previously acquired IP address, and the printer 30 of the IP address destination receives the print data, the fact that the data has been received is carried by the mobile device. It responds to the device 11 (see FIG. 7). When the computer 23 of the portable device 11 receives the response, the computer 23 determines that the communication with the printer 30 (transmission of print data) has succeeded. If there is no reception, it is determined that communication (print data transmission) with the printer 30 has failed. If the communication is successful, the computer 23 ends the routine. If the communication fails, the computer 23 proceeds to step S15.

  In the next step S15, it is determined whether or not additional connection is possible. It is determined whether wireless communication connection to the printer 30 is possible using the Wi-Fi Direct method, which is an example of second wireless communication, based on the additional connection permission information acquired previously. Here, the second wireless communication unit 37 of the printer 30 includes a printer AP 37A that is a device built-in access point function unit in order to perform Wi-Fi Direct wireless communication. Up to N (where N is a natural number) wireless communication devices (in this example, Wi-Fi clients) can be connected to the printer AP 37A at the same time. The computer 43 of the printer 30 manages the number M of wireless communication devices connected to the printer AP 37A (where M is a natural number equal to or less than N). If the number M has not yet reached the upper limit of N (M <N), the computer 43 writes additional connection availability information indicating that additional connection is possible in the storage unit 35B of the NFC unit 35, and the number M Has already reached the upper limit of N (M = N), additional connection availability information indicating that additional connection is not possible is written in the storage unit 35B of the NFC unit 35 (S101 in FIG. 7). Then, if the computer 23 of the portable device 11 can make an additional connection to the second wireless communication unit 37 based on the additional connection availability information acquired in Step S11 (Yes determination in S15), the process proceeds to Step S16. On the other hand, if an additional connection using the Wi-Fi Direct communication method is impossible with the second wireless communication unit 37 (No in S15), the process proceeds to step S19.

  In step S16, the printer 30 is connected by the second wireless communication. That is, the computer 23 of the device control apparatus 20 performs wireless communication with the printer 30 using the Wi-Fi Direct method, which is an example of second wireless communication. Specifically, in the memory 25 in the computer 23 of the device control device 20, the SSID and password of the printer AP 37A built in the printer 30 in advance, or the generation capable of generating the SSID and password of the printer AP 37A according to a predetermined rule from the MAC address The program is stored. The computer 23 connects to the printer AP 37A using the SSID and password of the printer AP 37A, and establishes a Wi-Fi Direct wireless communication connection with the printer 30.

  In step S17, print data is transmitted. That is, the computer 23 of the device control apparatus 20 transmits the print data to the printer 30 by the second wireless communication (for example, the Wi-Fi Direct communication method).

  In step S18, it is determined whether the communication is successful. Here, the printer 30 that has received the print data transmitted by the computer 23 of the device control apparatus 20 through the second wireless communication responds to the portable device 11 that the data has been received (see FIG. 7). When the computer 23 of the device control apparatus 20 receives the response, the computer 23 determines that the communication with the printer 30 (transmission of print data) has succeeded. In this case, it is determined that communication with the printer 30 has failed. If the communication is successful, the routine is terminated. If the communication fails, the process proceeds to step S19.

  In step S19, it is determined whether or not the connection destination of the first wireless communication can be switched to the LAN to which the printer is connected. For example, the user of the portable device 11 stores the SSID and the like of the access point 50 permitted to be connected in the memory 25 and cannot connect to other unauthorized access points. The SSID etc. of the access point 50 to which the printer is connected is compared with the SSID etc. of the access point permitted by itself stored in the memory 25. If they match, it is determined that the connection destination LAN can be switched, If they do not match, it is determined that the connection destination LAN cannot be switched. If switching is possible, the process proceeds to step S20, and if switching is not possible, the process proceeds to step S22.

In step S20, the connection destination of the first wireless communication is switched to the LAN to which the printer is connected.
In step S21, print data is transmitted. That is, the computer 23 of the device control apparatus 20 transmits the print data by the first wireless communication to the printer 30 on the same wireless LAN via the access point 50.

  In step S22, a message indicating that additional connection is not possible is displayed. For example, the computer 23 of the device control apparatus 20 causes the display unit 13 to display a screen G1 including a message M1 indicating that additional connection is not possible, as shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 illustrates a case where the wireless setting information ID matches the device setting information SD.
After the print execution instruction, the user brings the portable device 11 close to the printer 30 and touches the NFC units 15 and 35. In the printer 30 as an example of the device, the computer 43 determines whether or not additional connection is possible (step S101). The data is written in the storage unit 35B of the unit 35. As a result, the device setting information SD and the additional connection availability information are transmitted from the printer 30 to the portable device 11 by short-range wireless communication by touching the NFC units 15 and 35. Note that the additional connection permission determination (S101) may be configured such that the computer 43 sequentially writes additional connection permission information in the storage unit 35B of the NFC unit 35 every time the number of connections in the second wireless communication unit 37 increases or decreases.

  The device control apparatus 20 determines whether or not the wireless setting information ID (particularly the LAN identification information L1) matches the device setting information SD (particularly the LAN identification information L2) (S13). For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the device control apparatus 20 of the mobile device 11 is connected to the same access point 50 as that to which the printer 30 is connected, the wireless setting information ID and the device setting information SD are displayed. Matches. If the wireless setting information ID matches the device setting information SD as a result of the determination as in the example illustrated in FIG. 3A, the print data addressed to the IP address by the first wireless communication via the access point 50. Is transmitted (see FIG. 3B). If there is a reception response from the printer 30, the device control apparatus 20 performs a communication success / failure determination (S <b> 14). If the communication success / failure determination result is successful, the device control process is terminated. The printer 30 executes printing of an image or the like based on the print data received from the device control apparatus 20 (step S102).

FIG. 8 illustrates a case where the wireless setting information ID and the device setting information SD do not match.
In step S13, the device control apparatus 20 determines whether or not the wireless setting information ID (particularly the LAN identification information L1) matches the device setting information SD (particularly the LAN identification information L2). For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the device control apparatus 20 of the mobile device 11 is connected to an access point 50A different from the access point 50B to which the printer 30 is connected, the wireless setting information ID and the device setting Information SD does not match.

  As illustrated in FIG. 8, in the case of a mismatch, the device control apparatus 20 causes the second wireless communication unit 17 to perform connection processing for second wireless communication with the printer 30. When the device control apparatus 20 receives a notification that the connection of the second wireless communication is established from the second wireless communication unit 37 of the printer 30, the device control apparatus 20 transmits the print data to the printer 30 by the second wireless communication. If the reception response is received and the communication is successful in the communication success / failure determination (S18), the printer 30 prints an image or the like based on the print data received from the device control apparatus 20 (S102).

FIG. 9 illustrates a case where the wireless setting information ID and the device setting information SD match and print data is transmitted by the first wireless communication, but the data transmission fails.
In step S13, the device control apparatus 20 determines whether or not the wireless setting information ID (particularly the LAN identification information L1) matches the device setting information SD (particularly the LAN identification information L2). For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the device control apparatus 20 of the mobile device 11 is connected to the same access point 50 as that to which the printer 30 is connected, the wireless setting information ID and the device setting information SD are displayed. Matches. In this case, print data is transmitted to the IP address via the access point 50 in the first wireless communication. However, as shown in FIG. 9, if there is no reception response from the printer 30 and the result of the communication success / failure determination (S14) is a failure, the device control apparatus 20 sends a second communication with the printer 30 to the second wireless communication unit 17. A wireless communication connection process is performed. The device control apparatus 20 receives a connection establishment notification indicating that the second wireless communication is connected from the second wireless communication unit 37 of the printer 30. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4B, the connection of the second wireless communication is established between the device control apparatus 20 and the printer, and the device control apparatus 20 sends the print data to the printer 30 through the second wireless communication. Send. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9, if the reception response is received and the communication success / failure determination (S18) is successful, the printer 30 executes printing of an image or the like based on the print data received from the device control apparatus 20 ( S102).

FIG. 10 illustrates a case where the wireless setting information ID and the device setting information SD are inconsistent and additional connection of the second wireless communication is not possible.
After the user issues a print execution instruction, the device controller 20 moves the mobile device 11 closer to the printer 30 and uses the device setting information SD acquired by the first touch of the NFC units 15 and 35 in step S13. It is determined whether or not the information ID (particularly the LAN identification information L1) matches the device setting information SD (particularly the LAN identification information L2).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the device control apparatus 20 of the mobile device 11 is connected to an access point 50A different from the access point 50B to which the printer 30 is connected, the wireless setting information ID and the device setting Information SD does not match. Further, as a result of the determination of whether or not additional connection is possible (S15 in FIG. 6), whether or not additional connection is possible (No determination in S15), and whether or not the connection destination of the first wireless communication can be switched to the LAN to which the printer 30 is connected. (S19 in FIG. 6), and when the switching is not possible, the display unit 13 of the portable device 11 displays that the additional connection is not possible (S22). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the display unit 13 displays a message M1 indicating that the additional connection of the second wireless communication cannot be performed and a message M2 indicating that the NFC unit is to be touched again after waiting for a while.

  The user waits for a while according to the message M2, and then brings the mobile device 11 close to the printer 30 and touches the NFC units 15 and 35 for the second time. The device setting information SD or the like is acquired by the second touch. Thereafter, as in the case of the first touch, it is determined whether or not the wireless setting information ID and the device setting information SD match (S13), and if the determination result does not match, the second wireless communication can be additionally connected. Whether or not the connection destination of the first wireless communication can be switched to the LAN to which the printer 30 is connected (S19), and a display indicating that additional connection is not possible is performed (S22). If even one of the determinations in steps S13, S15, and S19 is affirmative, a connection that enables the connection is made and print data is transmitted to the printer 30.

  For example, when the additional connection of the second wireless communication is enabled in step S15, the device control apparatus 20 causes the second wireless communication unit 17 to perform the second wireless communication connection process with the printer 30. The device control apparatus 20 receives a connection establishment notification indicating that the second wireless communication is connected from the second wireless communication unit 37 of the printer 30 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). As a result, as shown in FIG. 4B, the connection of the second wireless communication is established between the device control apparatus 20 and the printer, and the device control apparatus 20 sends the print data to the printer 30 through the second wireless communication. Send.

According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) When the connection between the printer 30 and the NFC units 15 and 35 is established, the device control apparatus 20 has a wireless setting information ID (an example of first information) that can identify the access point 50 to which the printer 30 is connected. ) Is received from the printer 30. Based on the device setting information SD (an example of second information) and the wireless setting information ID that can identify the access point 50 to which the first wireless communication unit 16 can be connected, read from the memory 25, Switching control between the first wireless communication and the second wireless communication is performed. Therefore, on the condition that switching from the first wireless communication to the second wireless communication does not occur, the time required from the establishment of the connection of the NFC units 15 and 35 to the start of control of the printer 30 via the wireless communication is This is shorter than in the case where the communication connection by the second wireless communication unit is necessary. Accordingly, the frequency of connection processing for wireless communication performed after short-range wireless communication is reduced, and the average time required for starting control of the printer 30 after the connection for short-range wireless communication is established is shortened. be able to.

  (2) If the computer 23 is connected to the same access point 50 as the printer 30 based on the wireless setting information ID and the device setting information SD, the computer 23 communicates with the printer 30 through the first wireless communication via the access point 50. . On the other hand, if it is not connected to the same access point 50 as the printer 30, the second wireless communication connection process is performed to communicate with the printer 30 by the second wireless communication. Therefore, under the condition that the printer 30 is connected to the same access point 50, it is not necessary to switch from the first wireless communication to the second wireless communication, so that loss due to communication switching can be reduced. That is, since the printing data is transmitted by the already connected first wireless communication, the connection processing of the second wireless communication becomes unnecessary, and the printer 30 starts printing after the communication between the NFC units 15 and 35 is established. The waiting time until it is done can be made relatively short.

  (3) When the wireless setting information ID matches the device setting information SD, the computer 23 communicates with the printer 30 via the access point 50 in the first wireless communication, while the wireless setting information ID and the device setting information SD. Does not match, wireless communication with the printer 30 is performed by the second wireless communication. In the former case, switching from the first wireless communication to the second wireless communication becomes unnecessary.

  (4) When the IP address of the printer 30 is acquired by short-range wireless communication and is connected to the same access point 50 as the printer 30, communication is performed by the first wireless communication with the printer 30 specified by the IP address. Therefore, when the device control apparatus 20 is connected to the same access point 50 as the printer 30, it is possible to send print data to an appropriate communication partner printer 30 to control printing of the printer 30.

  (5) The first information includes first identification information used for connection to the access point 50, and the second information includes second identification information used for connection to the access point 50 of the device. If the first identification information and the second identification information are the same, the computer 23 connects to the access point 50 using the first identification information, and the printer 30 performs the first wireless communication via the access point 50. Communicate with. On the other hand, if the first identification information and the second identification information are not the same, the printer 30 communicates with the printer 30 by the second wireless communication by connecting to the printer 30 by the second wireless communication using the third identification information. Therefore, based on the first identification information and the second identification information, it is appropriately determined whether or not the printer 30 is communicable with the printer 30 via the first wireless communication. Among the first wireless communication and the second wireless communication, A communication path for transmitting print data to the printer 30 can be appropriately selected.

  (6) The first identification information is identification information (SSID or BSSID) used for connection to the access point to which the user of the mobile device 11 is permitted to connect, and the second identification information is the access that the printer 30 is connected to. This is identification information (SSID or BSSID) used for connection to the point 50. Therefore, since the identification information used for connection to the access point 50 is used, it is not necessary to separately store other information other than information necessary for connection to the access point 50 in the memory 25.

  (7) When the device control apparatus 20 communicates with the printer 30 by the first wireless communication because the wireless setting information ID and the device setting information SD are the same, when the communication fails, the second wireless communication Wireless communication with the printer 30. Therefore, even if the first wireless communication fails, the device control apparatus 20 can control the printing of the printer 30 by communicating with the printer 30 through the second wireless communication and transmitting the printing data.

  (8) The computer 23 acquires additional connection availability information indicating whether or not the second wireless communication unit 37 of the printer 30 can perform additional connection from the printer 30 by short-range wireless communication, and uses the additional connection availability information as the additional connection availability information. If the additional connection of the second wireless communication is not possible, the printer 30 communicates with the printer 30 by the first wireless communication. Therefore, even when the connection with the device by the second wireless communication cannot be established because of the upper limit number of connectable second wireless communication units 37 on the printer 30 side, the printer 30 can be connected by the first wireless communication.

  (9) The device control apparatus 20 includes in the memory 25 a program PR including a short-range wireless communication step (S11) and a control step (S12, S13, S16, S17, etc.). Therefore, under the condition that the switching from the first wireless communication to the second wireless communication does not occur, the waiting time from the establishment of the connection of the NFC units 15 and 35 to the start of device control via the wireless communication is set to the second This can be shortened compared to the case where communication connection by the wireless communication unit is necessary.

  (10) For example, in the case where the printer 30 cannot connect the first wireless communication unit 16 and the second wireless communication unit 17 at the same time and is used by switching (for example, exclusive control of Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct), a certain portable device While switching to Wi-Fi Direct by touching the 11 NFC unit 15, the printer 30 cannot be found from other terminals via Wi-Fi. In this case, other terminals may not be able to transmit jobs. However, in the present embodiment, based on the wireless setting information ID acquired by touching the NFC units 15 and 35 between the mobile device 11 and the printer 30, the mobile device 11 is connected to the printer 30 via the LAN through the first wireless communication. If so, the second wireless communication is not switched. Therefore, the printer 30 can be found from another terminal, and print data can be transmitted from the other terminal to the printer 30.

In addition, the said embodiment can also be changed into the following forms.
The first information may be information that can identify the relay station to which the device is connected. It may be identification information that can identify the connected relay station when the device is connected to the relay station, or a relay station that can be connected to the device stored in advance in the short-range wireless communication unit of the device. It may be identification information that can be specified. In the former case, the identification information acquired from the relay station by the device may be written in the short-range wireless communication unit. In the latter case, the identification information of the relay station that can be estimated to be connected may be used even if it is not confirmed that the device is connected to the relay station. The first information is not limited to the identification information used for connection to the relay station, and may be other identification information that is not used for connection to the relay station as long as the relay station can be specified.

The second information may not be identification information used for connection to the relay station. If the relay station can be specified, other identification information of the relay station that is not used for the connection may be used.
The relay station to which the device control apparatus 20 can be connected may be different from the relay station to which the device can be connected. For example, there are a plurality of BSSs (Basic Service Sets) which are networks composed of a single access point and subordinate wireless LAN terminals within the radio waves of the access point, and an ESS (Wireless LAN composed of a plurality of BSSs). Extended Service Set) may be common. For example, if two different relay stations are connected to a common LAN and the device and the device controller 20 can communicate with each other via the first wireless communication via the LAN, the device controller 20 controls the device. can do.

  Of the wireless setting information and device setting information, information used to determine that the mobile device 11 and the device (for example, the printer 30) are connected to the same LAN is at least one of BSSID, SSID, and default gateway It only has to be one. For example, it is desirable to include at least BSSID. This is because the BSSID in which the MAC address is normally used is information unique in the world. For example, only BSSID may be used. Further, since the LAN can be specified from the SSID and default gateway information, only the SSID or only the default gateway may be used. Information including at least one of the SSID and the default gateway that does not include the BSSID is not mistaken as long as there is no network access point with the same identification name nearby.

  The first wireless communication unit may be a Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard wireless communication system. Further, the second wireless communication unit may be a Bluetooth standard communication method, for example, a Bluetooth ad hoc communication method. Moreover, the combination of a 1st radio | wireless communication part and a 2nd radio | wireless communication part can be set suitably. For example, the first wireless communication unit is a Bluetooth communication method, the second wireless communication unit is a Bluetooth direct communication method, the first wireless communication unit is a Bluetooth communication method, and the second wireless communication unit is Wi-Fi Direct (Wi-Fi ad hoc). Communication method), the first wireless communication unit is a Wi-Fi communication method, and the second wireless communication unit is a Bluetooth ad hoc communication method.

A plurality of first wireless communication units may be provided. For example, two types of first wireless communication units of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth may be provided.
The short-range wireless communication unit is not limited to an NFC unit such as an NFC tag, and may be Felica (registered trademark), for example. The short-range wireless communication unit is a communication method having a communication range narrower than that of the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit, and the user uses the first wireless communication unit of the mobile device as a short-range wireless communication unit on the device side. As long as the communication range is such that the portable device is operated while being brought close to the communication range, the present invention is not limited to NFC or Felica. For example, other near field communication standards such as IrDA (Infrared Data Association) may be used.

The communication method of the second wireless communication unit may be Bluetooth Direct or LTE Direct.
The device IP address may be stored in advance in the memory 25 of the mobile device 11. For example, if the printer to be used when the user prints from the portable device 11 is determined in advance, the printing data can be transmitted to the target printer.

  Each functional unit constituting the device control apparatus 20 is realized by software by a computer 23 that executes a program, by hardware by an electronic circuit such as an IC circuit, or by cooperation of software and hardware. You may do it.

  The device is not limited to a printer (printing device), but may be a multifunction device or a scanner device. The device further includes a first wireless communication unit capable of wireless communication connection via an external relay station, and a second wireless communication unit capable of direct (P2P) wireless communication connection with a portable device incorporating a relay station function. And a digital camera, a digital video camera, a projector, a digital photo frame, an audio device, a television, or the like. In this case, after connecting the mobile device 11 and the device, the data may be transmitted from the device to the mobile device instead of transmitting the data from the mobile device to the device. Moreover, the structure which transmits / receives data between a portable apparatus and a device may be sufficient.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image forming system as an example of a device control system, 11 ... Portable apparatus, 12 ... Operation part, 13 ... Display part, 15 ... NFC part (portable apparatus side) which is an example of a near field communication part, 16 ... 1st DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Wireless communication part, 17 ... 2nd wireless communication part, 20 ... Device control apparatus, 23 ... Computer (device control apparatus side) as an example of a control part, 25 ... Memory (mobile device side), 26 ... Communication switching control part , 27 ... determination unit, 28 ... display processing unit, 30 ... printer as an example of device, 35 ... NFC unit (device side), 36 ... first wireless communication unit, 37 ... second wireless communication unit, 37A ... printer AP 43: Computer (device side) 46: Memory (device side) 50, 50A, 50B: Access point as an example of relay station, ID: As an example of first information Wireless setting information, SD ... device configuration information as an example of the second information, PR ... program, PA ... IP address.

Claims (8)

A device control apparatus for controlling a device by wireless communication,
A near field communication unit that performs near field communication with the device;
A first wireless communication unit that connects to a relay station and performs first wireless communication with the device via the relay station;
A second wireless communication unit that directly connects to the device and performs second wireless communication;
A control unit that controls the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit,
When the short-range wireless communication unit establishes a connection with the device by short-range wireless communication, the short-range wireless communication unit receives, from the device, second information that allows the device to identify the connected relay station,
The control unit performs switching control between the first wireless communication and the second wireless communication based on the first information and the second information that can identify a relay station to which the first wireless communication unit can be connected. There line,
The control unit acquires additional connection availability information indicating whether or not additional connection is possible to an access point with an upper limit on the number of simultaneous connections that the device has, from the device by short-range wireless communication, A device control apparatus that communicates with a device through first wireless communication when additional connection of the second wireless communication is not possible based on additional connection availability information .   If the control unit is connected to the same relay station as the device based on the first information and the second information, the control unit communicates with the device via the relay station in a first wireless communication, On the other hand, if not connected to the same relay station as the device, the device control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the device control device communicates with the device through second wireless communication.   An IP address of the device is acquired by the short-range wireless communication, and when the device is connected to the same relay station as the device, it communicates with the device specified by the IP address by the first wireless communication. The device control apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The first information is wireless setting information used for wireless communication connection with a relay station, and the second information is device setting information used for communication connection with a relay station,
When the wireless setting information and the device setting information match, the control unit communicates with the device via a relay station in the first wireless communication, while the wireless setting information and the device setting information do not match. In this case, the device control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein wireless communication with the device is performed by second wireless communication. The wireless setting information includes first identification information for connecting to a relay station,
In the short-range wireless communication, obtaining second identification information for the device to connect to the relay station and third identification information for connecting to the device by the second wireless communication,
If the first identification information and the second identification information are the same, the control unit uses the first identification information to connect to the relay station by using the first identification information to communicate with the device through the relay station. Communicate
5. The device control apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, when the first identification information and the second identification information are not the same, the device is connected to the device by the second wireless communication using the third identification information.   The wireless setting information and the device setting information are the same, and when wireless communication with the device fails in the first wireless communication, wireless communication with the device is performed in the second wireless communication. 6. The device control apparatus according to 5. A device control method in which a device control apparatus controls a device by wireless communication,
A portable device including a device control device includes a short-range wireless communication unit, and a first wireless communication unit and a second wireless communication unit having a communication range wider than the short-range wireless communication unit,
A short-range wireless communication step of receiving, from the device, second information capable of specifying a relay station to which the device is connected when the short-range wireless communication unit establishes a communication connection with the device;
The first wireless that reads from the memory first information that can identify the relay station to which the mobile device is connected, and communicates with the device via the relay station based on the first information and the second information A control step of performing switching control between the first wireless communication by the communication unit and the second wireless communication by the second wireless communication unit directly connected to the device;
Additional connection availability information indicating whether or not additional connection is possible to an access point with an upper limit on the number of simultaneous connections that the device has is acquired from the device by short-range wireless communication, and is added to the additional connection availability information And a step of communicating with the device by the first wireless communication when additional connection of the second wireless communication is not possible . A program for causing a computer in a mobile device to execute device control for controlling a device by wireless communication,
The portable device includes a short-range wireless communication unit, a first wireless communication unit and a second wireless communication unit having a communication range wider than the short-range wireless communication unit,
On the computer,
A short-range wireless communication step of receiving, from the device, second information capable of specifying a relay station to which the device is connected when the short-range wireless communication unit establishes a communication connection with the device;
The first wireless communication that reads from the memory first information that can identify the relay station to which the portable device is connected, and communicates with the device via the relay station based on the first information and the second information A control step of performing switching control between the first wireless communication by the unit and the second wireless communication by the second wireless communication unit directly connected to the device;
Additional connection availability information indicating whether or not additional connection is possible to an access point with an upper limit on the number of simultaneous connections that the device has is acquired from the device by short-range wireless communication, and is added to the additional connection availability information If additional connection of the second wireless communication is not possible based on the step of communicating with the device in the first wireless communication;
A program for running