JP6525093B2 - Communication equipment - Google Patents

Description

  Disclosed herein is a communication device that performs wireless communication of target data.

  In the technology of Patent Document 1, when the cellular phone establishes NFC communication with the opposite device, the cellular phone determines whether the power state of Bluetooth (registered trademark) of the cellular phone itself is ON. If the power state of Bluetooth is ON, the mobile phone transmits a request for handover to Bluetooth to the other device using NFC communication. In this case, the mobile phone performs wireless communication with the opposite device using Bluetooth. If the Bluetooth power state is not ON, the mobile phone transmits a request to the other device with the communication means (Bluetooth or wireless LAN) selected by the user as the handover destination using NFC communication. In this case, the mobile phone performs wireless communication with the opposite device using the communication means selected by the user.

JP, 2011-146991, A

  The technology of Patent Document 1 does not disclose the situation in which the counterpart device belongs to a plurality of wireless networks. The present specification discloses a technique in which the first communication device and the second communication device can appropriately execute wireless communication of target data when the second communication device belongs to a plurality of wireless networks. Do.

  A first communication device disclosed by the present specification includes a first type interface for performing wireless communication with a second communication device, and a second type for performing wireless communication with a second communication device. Interface and a control unit. The communication speed of wireless communication via the second type of interface is faster than the communication speed of wireless communication via the first type of interface. The control unit includes an identification information reception unit, a selection unit, and a communication execution unit. The identification information receiving unit is a first identification information for identifying the first wireless network when the second communication device belongs to both the first wireless network and the second wireless network; , And second identification information for identifying a second wireless network from the second communication device via the first type of interface. The selection unit uses the first and second identification information to select at least one wireless network to which the first communication device belongs among the first and second wireless networks. The communication execution unit executes wireless communication of target data with the second communication device via the second type interface using the target wireless network of the at least one wireless network.

  According to the above configuration, when the second communication device belongs to both the first and second wireless networks, the first communication device transmits the first and the second communication devices via the first type of interface. 2 identification information is received. In this case, the first communication device can appropriately select at least one wireless network to which both the first and second communication devices belong using the first and second identification information. . Therefore, the first communication device appropriately wirelessly communicates the target data with the second communication device via the second type interface using the target wireless network of the at least one wireless network. You can do it.

  The second communication device disclosed by the present specification includes a first type interface for performing wireless communication with the first communication device, and a second type for performing wireless communication with the first communication device. Interface and a control unit. The communication speed of wireless communication via the second type of interface is faster than the communication speed of wireless communication via the first type of interface. The control unit includes an identification information transmission unit and a communication execution unit. The identification information transmission unit is a first identification information for identifying the first wireless network when the second communication device belongs to both the first wireless network and the second wireless network; , And second identification information for identifying a second wireless network, to the first communication device via the first type of interface. The first and second identification information is used by the first communication device to select at least one of the first and second wireless networks to which the first communication device belongs. Be done. The communication execution unit executes wireless communication of target data with the first communication device via the second type interface using the target wireless network of the at least one wireless network.

  According to the above configuration, when the second communication device belongs to both of the first and second wireless networks, the first and second identification information can not be transmitted through the first type of interface. Send to 1 communication device. To this end, the first communication device uses the first and second identification information to properly select at least one wireless network to which both the first and second communication devices belong. obtain. Therefore, the second communication device uses the target wireless network of the at least one wireless network described above to appropriately perform wireless communication of the target data with the first communication device via the second type interface. You can do it.

A control method for realizing the first and / or second communication device, a computer program, and a computer readable recording medium storing the computer program are also novel and useful. A communication system comprising the first and second communication devices described above is also novel and useful.
The following is a list of features of the technology described herein.
[Feature 1]
A first communication device,
A first type of interface for performing wireless communication with a second communication device;
A second type interface for performing wireless communication with the second communication device, wherein a communication speed of wireless communication via the second type interface is wireless communication via the first type interface The second type interface faster than the communication speed of
And a control unit,
The control unit
First identification information for identifying the first wireless network when the second communication device belongs to both the first wireless network and the second wireless network; An identification information receiving unit for receiving second identification information for identifying a wireless network of the second communication device from the second communication device via the first type interface;
A selection unit that selects at least one wireless network to which the first communication device belongs among the first and second wireless networks using the first and second identification information;
A communication execution unit that executes wireless communication of target data with the second communication device via the second type interface using a target wireless network of the at least one wireless network;
A first communication device comprising
[Feature 2]
The control unit is further configured to:
The information processing apparatus according to the feature 1, further comprising: a usage information transmitting unit that transmits usage information indicating that the at least one wireless network should be used to the second communication device via the first type interface. 1 communication device.
[Feature 3]
Each of the first and second communication devices has a parent station state functioning as a parent station of a wireless network, a slave station state functioning as a slave station of the wireless network, the parent station state, and the slave station state Are selectively operable in any of a plurality of states, including different device states;
In the first wireless network, when the first wireless network is formed by a pair of communication devices, the pair of communication devices determine the master station and the slave stations of the first wireless network. A wireless network according to a first wireless communication scheme having a mechanism for executing wireless communication of
The second wireless network is a wireless network according to a second wireless communication scheme not having the mechanism, and is a wireless network formed by an access point different from the first and second communication devices. The first communication device according to Feature 1 or 2.
[Feature 4]
The first selecting unit may select only the second wireless network when the first communication device belongs to both the first and second wireless networks. Communication equipment.
[Feature 5]
The first selecting unit may select only the first wireless network when the first communication device belongs to both the first and second wireless networks. Communication equipment.
[Feature 6]
The identification information receiving unit, together with the first and second identification information, determines whether the second communication device is operating in the master station state or in the slave station state in the first wireless network. Receive status information indicating whether it is working,
The selection unit is
In the first wireless network, when the first communication device belongs to both the first and second wireless networks, both the first and second communication devices are in the slave station state A state determination unit that determines whether or not operation is performed by using the state information;
The selection unit is
If it is determined that both the first and second communication devices are operating in the slave state, then only the second wireless network is selected,
The first feature according to Feature 3, wherein only the first wireless network is selected when it is determined that at least one of the first and second communication devices is not operating in the slave station state. Communication equipment.
[Feature 7]
The first communication device further includes:
When the first communication device belongs to a wireless network, a memory for storing an SSID and a BSSID for identifying the wireless network is provided.
The first identification information includes at least one of a first SSID for identifying the first wireless network and a first BSSID.
The second identification information includes at least one of a second SSID for identifying the second wireless network and a second BSSID.
The selection unit uses the at least one wireless network by using at least one of the SSID and the BSSID in the memory, the first identification information, and the second identification information. The first communication device according to any one of the features 1 to 6, which is to be selected.
[Feature 8]
The control unit is further configured to:
A wireless setting used in a third wireless network to which the first communication device belongs when the first communication device does not belong to either the first or second wireless network A setting information transmission unit that transmits information to the second communication device via the first type interface;
The communication execution unit uses the third wireless network when the first communication device does not belong to either of the first and second wireless networks, and uses the second type of interface. The first communication device according to any one of Features 1 to 7, which performs wireless communication of the target data with the second communication device via
[Feature 9]
A second communication device,
A first type interface for performing wireless communication with the first communication device;
A second type interface for performing wireless communication with the first communication device, wherein a communication speed of wireless communication via the second type interface is wireless communication via the first type interface The second type interface faster than the communication speed of
And a control unit,
The control unit
First identification information for identifying the first wireless network when the second communication device belongs to both the first wireless network and the second wireless network; An identification information transmission unit that transmits second identification information for identifying the wireless network of the first communication device to the first communication device via the first type interface, the first and second identification The information is used for the first communication device to select at least one of the first and second wireless networks to which the first communication device belongs. An identification information transmission unit;
A communication execution unit that executes wireless communication of target data with the first communication device via the second type interface using a target wireless network of the at least one wireless network;
A second communication device comprising
[Feature 10]
The control unit is further configured to:
A wireless setting used in a third wireless network to which the first communication device belongs when the first communication device does not belong to either the first or second wireless network A setting information receiving unit that receives information from the first communication device via the first type of interface;
A separation unit configured to separate the second communication device from one of the first and second wireless networks when the wireless setting information is received;
A participant for causing the second communication device to join the third wireless network using the wireless setting information after leaving the second communication device from the one wireless network;
The communication execution unit uses the third wireless network when the first communication device does not belong to either of the first and second wireless networks, and uses the second type of interface. A second communication device according to Feature 9, which performs wireless communication of the target data with the first communication device via.
[Feature 11]
Each of the first and second communication devices has a parent station state functioning as a parent station of a wireless network, a slave station state functioning as a slave station of the wireless network, the parent station state, and the slave station state Are selectively operable in any of a plurality of states, including different device states;
In the first wireless network, when the first wireless network is formed by a pair of communication devices, the pair of communication devices determine the master station and the slave stations of the first wireless network. A wireless network according to a first wireless communication scheme having a mechanism for executing wireless communication of
The second wireless network is a wireless network according to a second wireless communication scheme not having the mechanism, and is a wireless network formed by an access point different from the first and second communication devices. Yes,
11. The second communication device according to feature 10, wherein the one wireless network is the second wireless network.
[Feature 12]
In the first wireless network, a first wireless channel value is used,
In the second wireless network, the first wireless channel value is used,
The participation unit is
When joining the second communication device to the third wireless network, when the first wireless channel value matches the second wireless channel value used in the third wireless network Without disengaging the second communication device from the other of the first and second wireless networks,
When joining the second communication device to the third wireless network when the first wireless channel value and the second wireless channel value do not match, the second wireless network from the other wireless network A second communication device according to feature 10 or 11, wherein the second communication device releases the communication device.
[Feature 13]
A computer program for a first communication device,
The first communication device is
A first type of interface for performing wireless communication with a second communication device;
A second type interface for performing wireless communication with the second communication device, wherein a communication speed of wireless communication via the second type interface is wireless communication via the first type interface The second type interface faster than the communication speed of
The computer program causes the computer mounted on the first communication device to perform the following processing:
First identification information for identifying the first wireless network when the second communication device belongs to both the first wireless network and the second wireless network; Identification information reception processing for receiving, from the second communication device, second identification information for identifying a wireless network of the second type via the first type interface;
A selection process of selecting at least one wireless network to which the first communication device belongs among the first and second wireless networks using the first and second identification information;
Communication execution processing for executing wireless communication of target data with the second communication device via the second type interface using a target wireless network of the at least one wireless network;
A computer program that runs
[Feature 14]
A computer program for a second communication device,
The second communication device is
A first type interface for performing wireless communication with the first communication device;
A second type interface for performing wireless communication with the first communication device, wherein a communication speed of wireless communication via the second type interface is wireless communication via the first type interface The second type interface faster than the communication speed of
The computer program causes the computer mounted on the second communication device to perform the following processing:
First identification information for identifying the first wireless network when the second communication device belongs to both the first wireless network and the second wireless network; Identification information transmission processing for transmitting, to the first communication device, second identification information for identifying a wireless network of the second type via the first type interface, the first and second identification The information is used for the first communication device to select at least one of the first and second wireless networks to which the first communication device belongs. Identification information transmission processing,
Communication execution processing of executing wireless communication of target data with the first communication device via the second type interface using a target wireless network of the at least one wireless network;
A computer program that runs

1 shows the configuration of a communication system. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing how an MFP and a portable terminal belong to a wireless network. 3 shows a flowchart of application processing of a mobile terminal. 5 shows a flowchart of communication processing of the MFP. The sequence diagram of case 1-1 and case 1-2 is shown. The sequence diagram of case 1-3 and case 1-4 is shown. The sequence diagram of case 1-5 is shown. The sequence diagram of case 1-6 and case 1-7 is shown. 10 shows a flowchart of communication processing of the MFP of the second embodiment. A sequence diagram of Case 2 is shown. FIG. 16 shows a flowchart of communication processing of the MFP of the third embodiment. FIG. A sequence diagram of Case 3 is shown. FIG. 16 shows a flowchart of communication processing of the MFP of the fourth embodiment. FIG. The sequence diagram of case 4-1 and case 4-2 is shown. The flowchart of the application processing of the portable terminal of 5th Example is shown. FIG. 16 shows a flowchart of communication processing of the MFP of the fifth embodiment. FIG. The sequence diagram of case 5-1 and case 5-2 is shown.

(Configuration of communication system 2)
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes a plurality of access points (hereinafter referred to as “AP (abbreviated to AP)”) 4A, 4B and a plurality of PCs (abbreviated to personal computer) 6A, 6B, a multi-function device (hereinafter referred to as “MFP (abbreviated as“ Multi-Function Peripheral ”)”) 10, and a portable terminal 50.

(Configuration of MFP 10)
The MFP 10 is a peripheral device capable of executing multiple functions including a print function and a scan function. The MFP 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, a scan execution unit 18, a wireless LAN (abbreviated to Local Area Network) interface 20, an NFC (abbreviated to Near Field Communication) interface 22, and control. And 30. Each unit 12 to 30 is connected to a bus line (reference numeral omitted). Hereinafter, the interface will be described as "I / F".

  The operation unit 12 includes a plurality of keys. The user can give various instructions to the MFP 10 by operating the operation unit 12. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The print execution unit 16 is a printing mechanism such as an inkjet method or a laser method. The scan execution unit 18 is a scan mechanism such as a CCD or CIS.

  The wireless LAN I / F 20 is an interface for performing wireless communication, and physically is one interface (ie, one IC chip). However, the wireless LAN I / F 20 includes a MAC address (hereinafter referred to as “WFDMAC”) used in wireless communication (hereinafter referred to as “WFD communication”) according to the WFD (abbreviation of Wi-Fi Direct) method. Both a MAC address (hereinafter referred to as “normally Wi-Fi MAC”) used in wireless communication according to the normal Wi-Fi scheme (hereinafter referred to as “normally Wi-Fi communication”) are assigned.

  Specifically, normal Wi-Fi MAC is allocated to the wireless LAN I / F 20 in advance. The control unit 30 generates WFDMAC different from the normal Wi-Fi MAC using the normal Wi-Fi MAC, and allocates the WFDMAC to the wireless LAN I / F 20. Therefore, the control unit 30 can simultaneously execute both the normal Wi-Fi communication using the normal Wi-Fi MAC and the WFD communication using the WFDMAC. The WFD communication and the normal Wi-Fi communication will be described in detail later.

  The NFC I / F 22 is an interface for executing NFC communication. NFC communication is wireless communication in accordance with the NFC scheme for so-called short distance wireless communication. The NFC method is, for example, a wireless communication method based on the international standard of ISO / IEC 21481 or 18092. The chip configuring the NFC I / F 22 and the chip configuring the wireless LAN I / F 20 are physically different.

  The communication speed of wireless communication using the wireless LAN I / F 20 (for example, the maximum communication speed is 11 to 600 Mbps) is higher than the communication speed of wireless communication using the NFC I / F 22 (for example, the maximum communication speed is 100 to 424 Kbps) Too fast. Also, the frequency of the carrier wave in wireless communication using the wireless LAN I / F 20 (for example, 2.4 GHz band, 5.0 GHz band) is the frequency of the carrier wave in wireless communication using the NFC I / F 22 (for example, 13.56 MHz band) It is different from Further, for example, when the distance between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 is about 10 cm or less, the control unit 30 can execute NFC communication with the portable terminal 50 using the NFC I / F 22. On the other hand, even when the distance between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 is 10 cm or less or 10 cm or more (for example, about 100 m at maximum), the control unit 30 uses the wireless LAN I / F 20 to transmit the portable terminal. 50 and WFD communication and normal Wi-Fi communication can be performed. That is, the maximum distance at which the MFP 10 can execute wireless communication with the communication destination device (for example, the portable terminal 50) using the wireless LAN I / F 20 is wireless communication with the communication destination device using the MFP 10 using the NFC I / F 22. The greater the distance that can be done.

  The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 executes various processes in accordance with the program stored in the memory 34. The functions of the units 41 to 49 are realized by the CPU 32 executing the processing according to the above-described program. In addition, since each part 42A, 46-49 is a unit which functions by the below-mentioned 4th Example or 5th Example, it may be abbreviate | omitted in a present Example.

(Configuration of portable terminal 50)
The portable terminal 50 is a portable terminal device such as a portable telephone (for example, a smartphone), a PDA, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, a portable music reproduction device, a portable video reproduction device, and the like. The portable terminal 50 includes an operation unit 52, a display unit 54, a wireless LAN I / F 60, an NFC I / F 62, and a control unit 70. Each unit 52 to 70 is connected to a bus line (reference numeral omitted).

  The operation unit 52 includes a plurality of keys. The user can give various instructions to the portable terminal 50 by operating the operation unit 52. The display unit 54 is a display for displaying various information.

  The wireless LAN I / F 60 and the NFC I / F 62 are respectively similar to the wireless LAN I / F 20 and the NFC I / F 22 of the MFP 10. That is, both the WFDMAC and the normal Wi-Fi MAC are allocated to the wireless LAN I / F 60. Therefore, the control unit 70 can simultaneously execute both the normal Wi-Fi communication using the normal Wi-Fi MAC and the WFD communication using the WFDMAC. The WFDMAC of the portable terminal 50 and the normal Wi-Fi MAC are different from the WFDMAC of the MFP 10 and the normal Wi-Fi MAC, respectively. Further, the difference between the wireless LAN I / F 60 and the NFC I / F 62 is the same as the difference between the wireless LAN I / F 20 and the NFC I / F 22. For example, the communication speed of wireless communication using the wireless LAN I / F 60 is faster than the communication speed of wireless communication using the NFC I / F 62.

  The control unit 70 includes a CPU 72 and a memory 74. The CPU 72 executes various processes in accordance with the program stored in the memory 74. The functions of the units 81 to 89 are realized by the CPU 72 executing processing in accordance with the above program. In addition, since each part 81, 82, 85 is a unit which functions in the below-mentioned 5th Example, it may be abbreviate | omitted in a present Example.

  The memory 74 stores an application 76 for causing the MFP 10 to execute a function (for example, a print function, a scan function, etc.). For example, the application 76 may be installed on the portable terminal 50 from a server provided by a vendor of the MFP 10, or may be installed on the portable terminal 50 from media shipped together with the MFP 10.

(About other devices 4A, 4B, 6A, 6B)
The APs 4A and 4B are normal APs called a wireless access point, a wireless LAN router, etc., and are different from the later-described G / O device of the WFD system and the so-called Soft AP of the normal Wi-Fi system. The APs 4A and 4B can form a wireless network in accordance with the normal Wi-Fi system. The PCs 6A and 6B are known computers that operate according to the OS program. The PCs 6A and 6B can execute WFD communication according to the WFD scheme.

(WFD and normal Wi-Fi)
Subsequently, WFD communication according to the WFD scheme and normal Wi-Fi communication according to the normal Wi-Fi scheme will be described in detail. As described above, in terms of the MAC address used by the MFP 10 or the portable terminal 50, the WFD communication and the WFD method are a wireless communication and a wireless communication method in which WFDMAC is used, respectively. Further, the normal Wi-Fi communication and the normal Wi-Fi system are wireless communication and a wireless communication system in which the normal Wi-Fi MAC is used, respectively.

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

  Hereinafter, a device capable of executing WFD communication in accordance with the WFD method, such as the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50, will be referred to as a “WFD-compatible device”. In the above WFD specifications, as the state of a WFD compatible device, Group Owner state (hereinafter referred to as “G / O state”), client state (hereinafter referred to as “CL state”), and device state 3 One state is defined. The WFD-enabled device is selectively operable in one of the three states described above.

  When a pair of WFD-compatible devices in the device state should newly form a wireless network, the pair of WFD-compatible devices usually perform wireless communication called G / O negotiation. In G / O negotiation, one of the pair of WFD compatible devices decides to be in the G / O state (ie, G / O device), and the other is in the CL state (ie, CL device). decide. Thereafter, the pair of WFD compatible devices establish a connection to form a wireless network.

  Hereinafter, the wireless network formed in accordance with the WFD scheme (for example, G / O negotiation) is referred to as “WFD NW”. At the stage when WFDNW is newly formed by G / O negotiation, only one G / O device and one CL device belong to WFDNW. However, the G / O device can establish a connection with another device and cause the other device to newly participate in the WFD NW as a CL device. In this case, two or more CL devices are in the state of belonging to the WFD NW. That is, in the WFD NW, one G / O device and one or more CL devices may exist. The G / O device manages one or more CL devices. Specifically, the G / O device registers the MAC addresses of one or more CL devices in the management list in the memory of the G / O device. When the CL device leaves the WFD NW, the G / O device deletes the MAC address of the CL device from the management list. When the number of CL devices reaches zero (that is, the number of MAC addresses registered in the management list reaches zero), the G / O device normally transitions from the G / O state to the device state, Delete WFDNW.

  The upper limit of the number of CL devices that can be managed by the G / O device (that is, the upper limit of the number of MAC addresses of CL devices that can be registered in the management list) is predetermined by the G / O device. In the present embodiment, the upper limit value of the number of CL devices that can be managed by the G / O device is an integer of 2 or more. However, in the modification, the upper limit value of the number of CL devices that can be managed by the G / O device may be one. That is, the upper limit value of the number of CL devices that can be managed by the G / O device may be an integer of 1 or more.

  The G / O device can execute wireless communication of target data and a CL device registered in the management list without passing through another device. The target data is data including information of a network layer of the OSI reference model and information of a layer higher than the network layer (for example, an application layer), and includes, for example, print data, scan data, and the like. Also, the G / O device can relay wireless communication of target data between a plurality of CL devices. In other words, the pair of CL devices can execute wireless communication of target data via the G / O device.

  As described above, in the WFD NW, APs configured separately from the WFD-compatible devices of the transmission source of the target data and the WFD-compatible devices of the transmission destination of the target data. For example, wireless communication of target data can be performed without intervention of the AP 4A, 4B). That is, it can be said that the WFD communication and the WFD system are a wireless communication not via the AP and a wireless communication system in which the AP is not used, respectively.

  The differences between the WFD G / O device and the AP (for example, AP 4A, 4B) are as follows. That is, when a WFD G / O device leaves the WFD NW to which the device belongs and newly belongs to another WFD NW, it operates in a state different from the G / O state (that is, the CL state). obtain. On the other hand, the AP can execute only the same operation (for example, relay of wireless communication) as the WFD G / O state, and can not execute the same operation as the WFD CL state.

  The G / O device can not execute wireless communication of target data with a WFD-compatible device (ie, device device) in the device state, but can execute wireless communication of WFD connection data with the device device. That is, by performing wireless communication of WFD connection data with the device device, the G / O device can establish connection with the device device and cause the device device to participate in the WFD NW. In other words, the device device can participate in the WFD NW by establishing a connection with the G / O device by executing wireless communication of WFD connection data with the G / O device. In this case, the device device transitions from the device state to the CL state. The WFD connection data is data including information on lower layers (for example, physical layer, data link layer) than the network layer of the OSI reference model (that is, data not including information on the network layer), for example, It includes a Probe Request signal, a Probe Response signal, a Provision Discovery Request signal, a Provision Discovery Response signal, an Association Request signal, an Association Response signal, an Authentication Request signal, an Authentication Response signal, a 4-Way Handshake signal, and the like.

  The G / O device further establishes a connection with the normal Wi-Fi device by executing wireless communication of the normal Wi-Fi connection data with the normal Wi-Fi device, thereby establishing the normal Wi-Fi device. It can be made to participate in WFDNW. Although a normal Wi-Fi device can not belong to a wireless network according to the WFD scheme (that is, it can not execute G / O negotiation), it can normally belong to a wireless network according to the Wi-Fi scheme . The normal Wi-Fi device is also referred to as a "legacy device". The connection data for the normal Wi-Fi scheme is the same as the connection data for the WFD scheme described above, except that it does not include the Provision Discovery Request signal and the Provision Discovery Response signal. When establishing a connection with a normal Wi-Fi device, the G / O device usually describes the MAC address of the Wi-Fi device in the management list. Thereby, the normal Wi-Fi device can participate in the WFD NW. The normal Wi-Fi device does not operate selectively in one of three states (ie, G / O state, CL state, device state), but while belonging to the WFD NW, Operates in the same way as a CL device.

  As described above, the G / O device may establish a connection with the WFD compatible device (ie, the device device) or the normal Wi-Fi device, and cause the WFD compatible device or the normal Wi-Fi device to newly participate in the WFD NW. it can. However, unlike the G / O device, the CL device can not establish a connection with the WFD device or the normal Wi-Fi device, and can not cause the WFD device or the normal Wi-Fi device to newly participate in the WFD NW.

(Usually Wi-Fi)
The normal Wi-Fi scheme is a wireless communication scheme defined by the Wi-Fi Alliance, and is a wireless communication scheme different from the WFD scheme. The normal Wi-Fi method is, like the WFD method, a wireless communication for executing wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard and a standard conforming thereto (for example, 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, etc.) It is a communication method. That is, the WFD scheme and the normal Wi-Fi scheme are the same in terms of communication standards.

  However, as described above, the WFD method is a wireless communication method for executing wireless communication not via an AP, but the normal Wi-Fi method is a wireless communication method for executing wireless communication via an AP It is. The WFD scheme is a wireless communication scheme having a G / O negotiation mechanism, but the normal Wi-Fi scheme is a wireless communication scheme not having the scheme. Also, as described above, the WFD connection data includes the Provision Discovery Request signal and the Provision Discovery Response signal, but the normal Wi-Fi connection data does not include these signals. Also, the WFD scheme is a wireless communication scheme that allows selective operation in any of three states (ie, G / O state, CL state, device state), but the Wi-Fi method is generally used , And a wireless communication system that does not allow such selective operation. In these points, the WFD method differs from the normal Wi-Fi method.

  The normal Wi-Fi device establishes a connection with the AP by executing wireless communication of connection data of the normal Wi-Fi scheme with the AP (for example, AP 4A). Thereby, the normal Wi-Fi device can participate in the wireless network formed by the AP (hereinafter referred to as “normally Wi-Fi NW”). In this process, the normal Wi-Fi device does not perform G / O negotiation, and does not selectively decide to operate in the G / O state or the CL state. The normal Wi-Fi device can perform wireless communication of target data with another device that normally belongs to the Wi-Fi NW via the AP. Note that, when establishing a connection with a normal Wi-Fi device, the AP describes the MAC address of the normal Wi-Fi device in the management list of the AP.

  Note that the normal Wi-Fi NW is a wireless network built in an environment where AP can be installed, such as an in-house LAN, a home LAN, etc. Generally speaking, it is a wireless network that should be formed on a regular basis. is there. On the other hand, the WFD NW is a wireless network established to execute, for example, temporary wireless communication between a pair of WFD compatible devices in order to not require an AP, generally speaking, temporary Wireless network to be formed. Thus, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the normal Wi-Fi NW is a wireless network to be formed regularly, and the WFD NW is a wireless network to be formed temporarily.

(Process for the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 to belong to the wireless network; FIG. 2)
Next, the contents of the process executed by the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 will be described. First, with reference to FIG. 2, the contents of processing for the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 to belong to a wireless network (that is, normal Wi-Fi NW, WFD NW) will be described.

(Processing to belong to normal Wi-Fi NW)
When the user of the portable terminal 50 desires to cause the portable terminal 50 to participate in the normal Wi-Fi NW formed by the AP 4A, the user operates the operation unit 52 to execute the normal Wi-Fi connection operation. For the normal Wi-Fi connection operation, for example, an item indicating “wireless LAN” is selected from the menu screen displayed on the display unit 54, and then a network selection screen displayed on the display unit 54 (for example, “ From the item indicating “normal Wi-Fi NW”, the item indicating “WFDNW”, an operation of selecting the item indicating “normal Wi-Fi NW” is included. The user further executes a predetermined operation for establishing a connection in the AP 4A.

  When the normal Wi-Fi connection operation and the predetermined operation described above are executed, the control unit 70 of the portable terminal 50 uses the normal Wi-Fi MAC of the portable terminal 50 to perform normal Wi-Fi via the wireless LAN I / F 60. -Execute wireless communication of Fi connection data with AP 4A. The control unit 70 can know the channel value (for example, one of 1 to 14 channels) currently used by the AP 4A, and uses the channel value to perform wireless communication of connection data. Run with AP4A. Further, in the process of wireless communication of connection data, the control unit 70 receives wireless setting information from the AP 4A. The wireless setting information is information currently used by the normal Wi-Fi NW formed by the AP 4A. In addition, below, the thing of the wireless setting information normally utilized by Wi-FiNW is called "normal Wi-FiWSI (abbreviation of Wireless Setting Information)."

  The normal Wi-Fi WSI includes an SSID (abbreviation of Service Set Identifier), a BSSID (abbreviation of Basic Service Set Identifier), an authentication method, an encryption method, and a password. The SSID and the BSSID are identification information for identifying the normal Wi-Fi NW. More specifically, the SSID is the network identifier of the normal Wi-Fi NW, and the BSSID is the MAC address of the AP (AP4A in the example of FIG. 2). In FIG. 2, specific values of the SSID and specific values of the BSSID are expressed as “X1” and “Y1”, respectively. The authentication method, the encryption method, and the password are information for performing device authentication, data encryption, and the like in the normal Wi-Fi NW.

  When wireless communication of normal Wi-Fi WSI is performed, and then wireless communication for authentication is performed between the AP 4A and the portable terminal 50, a connection is established between the AP 4A and the portable terminal 50. Thereby, the portable terminal 50 can participate in the normal Wi-Fi NW formed by the AP 4A. Note that, when the portable terminal 50 participates in the normal Wi-Fi NW, the control unit 70 associates the normal affiliation information indicating that the portable terminal 50 belongs to the normal Wi-Fi NW with the normal Wi-Fi WSI. , Stored in the memory 74.

  As in the case of the portable terminal 50, the user of the MFP 10 operates the operation unit 12 to execute a normal Wi-Fi connection operation, and executes a predetermined operation in the AP 4A. Thereby, the control unit 30 of the MFP 10 executes the wireless communication of the connection data of the normal Wi-Fi system with the AP 4A via the wireless LAN I / F 20 using the normal Wi-Fi MAC of the MFP 10.

  When wireless communication of normal Wi-Fi WSI is performed, and then wireless communication for authentication is performed between the AP 4A and the MFP 10, a connection is established between the AP 4A and the MFP 10. Thereby, the MFP 10 can participate in the normal Wi-Fi NW formed by the AP 4A. As a result, a state in which the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW is formed. Therefore, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can execute wireless communication of target data via the AP 4A using the normal Wi-Fi NW. When MFP 10 participates in the normal Wi-Fi NW, control unit 30 associates the normal affiliation information indicating that MFP 10 belongs to the normal Wi-Fi NW with the normal Wi-Fi WSI in memory 34. Store.

Note that each of the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 may participate in the normal Wi-Fi NW formed by an AP 4B (see FIG. 1) different from the AP 4A. In addition, the MFP 10 may participate in the normal Wi-Fi NW formed by the AP 4A, and the portable terminal 50 may participate in the normal Wi-Fi NW formed by the AP 4B.
In this case, since the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to different normal Wi-Fi NWs, wireless communication of target data can not be performed using the normal Wi-Fi NWs.

(Processing to belong to WFD NW)
When the user desires to form a WFD NW to which both the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong, the user operates the operation unit 52 of the portable terminal 50 to execute the WFD connection operation. For the WFD connection operation, for example, an item indicating "wireless LAN" is selected from the menu screen displayed on the display unit 54, and then, on the network selection screen displayed on the display unit 54, "WFDNW" Includes an operation of selecting an item indicating. Further, as in the case of the portable terminal 50, the user operates the operation unit 12 of the MFP 10 to execute the WFD connection operation.

  The MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 execute G / O negotiation. Specifically, the control unit 30 of the MFP 10 executes G / O negotiation via the wireless LAN I / F 20 using the WFDMAC of the MFP 10. Further, the control unit 70 of the portable terminal 50 executes G / O negotiation via the wireless LAN I / F 60 using the WFDMAC of the portable terminal 50.

  In the G / O negotiation, the control unit 30 of the MFP 10 transmits information (more specifically, Intent value) indicating the G / O priority of the MFP 10 to the portable terminal 50, and the G / O priority of the portable terminal 50 Is received from the portable terminal 50. The control unit 70 of the portable terminal 50 transmits information indicating the G / O priority of the portable terminal 50 to the MFP 10 and receives information indicating the G / O priority of the MFP 10 from the MFP 10. The G / O priority of the MFP 10 is an index indicating the degree to which the MFP 10 should be in the G / O state, and is determined in advance in the MFP 10. Similarly, the G / O priority of the portable terminal 50 is an index indicating the degree to which the portable terminal 50 should be in the G / O state, and is determined in advance in the portable terminal 50.

  The control unit 30 of the MFP 10 compares the G / O priority of the MFP 10 with the G / O priority of the portable terminal 50, and determines that the device with the higher priority will be in the G / O state. Decide that the lower degree device is in the CL state. Control unit 70 of portable terminal 50 determines the state of portable terminal 50 using the same method as MFP 10. In the example of FIG. 2, it is determined that the MFP 10 is in the G / O state, and it is determined that the portable terminal 50 is in the CL state.

  In the WFD scheme, the G / O device prepares wireless setting information to be used in the WFD NW. In addition, below, the thing of the wireless setting information utilized by WFDNW is called "WFDWSI." The WFD WSI includes an SSID, a BSSID, an authentication method, an encryption method, and a password, as with the normal Wi-Fi WSI. Each information included in the WFD WSI is the same as each information included in the normal Wi-Fi WSI except that the information is used in the WFD NW. The BSSID included in the WFD WSI is the MAC address of the G / O device.

  In the example of FIG. 2, since the MFP 10 is a G / O device, the control unit 30 of the MFP 10 prepares WFD WSI. Specifically, the control unit 30 prepares the SSID by preparing a predetermined SSID or newly generating an SSID. Control unit 30 prepares WFDMAC of MFP 10 as a BSSID. In FIG. 2, specific values of the SSID and specific values of the BSSID are expressed as “X2” and “Y2”, respectively. The control unit 30 prepares a predetermined authentication method and encryption method. The control unit 30 prepares a password by preparing a predetermined password or newly generating a password.

  The control unit 30 further determines a channel value to be used in the WFD NW. The wireless LAN I / F 20 of the MFP 10 has a restriction that the channel value for wireless communication in which the Wi-Fi MAC is normally used and the channel value for wireless communication in which the WFDMAC is used must match. Therefore, in a state where the MFP 10 belongs to the normal Wi-Fi NW, when the WFD NW that is a G / O device is to be formed in the MFP 10, the control unit 30 selects a channel currently used in the normal Wi-Fi NW. A value matching the value is determined as a channel value to be used by the WFD NW. On the other hand, when WFDNW where the MFP 10 is a G / O device is to be formed while the MFP 10 does not belong to the normal Wi-Fi NW, for example, the control unit 30 determines a predetermined value, Determined as the channel value used by WFD NW. The wireless LAN I / F 60 of the portable terminal 50 also has the above-described restrictions similar to the wireless LAN I / F 20 of the MFP 10.

  Next, the control unit 30 of the MFP 10 executes wireless communication of WFD connection data with the portable terminal 50 via the wireless LAN I / F 20 using the WFDMAC of the MFP 10. In the process of wireless communication of connection data, the control unit 30 transmits the prepared WFD WSI to the portable terminal 50.

  When the WFD WSI wireless communication is performed and then the wireless communication for authentication is performed between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50, a connection is established between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50. Thus, the MFP 10 can form the WFD NW as a G / O device, and the portable terminal 50 can participate in the WFD NW as a CL device. That is, the state in which the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same WFD NW is formed. Therefore, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can execute the wireless communication of the target data using the WFD NW without passing through the AP 4A.

  The control unit 30 of the MFP 10 associates the WFD belonging information indicating that the MFP 10 belongs to the WFD NW, the WFD state information indicating the current state (that is, the G / O state) of the MFP 10, and the WFD WSI. It is stored in the memory 34. The control unit 30 further generates a management list in the memory 34 and describes the WFDMAC of the portable terminal 50 in the management list. Further, the control unit 70 of the portable terminal 50 includes WFD affiliation information indicating that the portable terminal 50 belongs to the WFD NW, WFD state information indicating the current state (that is, CL state) of the portable terminal 50, and WFD WSI , And are stored in the memory 74 in association with each other.

  The MFP 10 may execute G / O negotiation with a device (for example, the PC 6A, 6B (see FIG. 1)) different from the portable terminal 50 and belong to the WFD NW. In addition, the portable terminal 50 may perform G / O negotiation with an apparatus different from the MFP 10 to belong to the WFD NW.

(Application processing of the portable terminal 50; FIG. 3)
Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 3, the contents of processing executed by the control unit 70 of the portable terminal 50 in accordance with the application 76 will be described. When the user of the portable terminal 50 desires to cause the MFP 10 to execute the print function or the scan function, the user operates the operation unit 52 to activate the application 76. Next, the user selects an item indicating a desired function from the function selection screen (for example, an item indicating “print”, an item indicating “scan”) displayed on the display unit 54. When the user selects the print function, the user further designates data representing an image to be printed (that is, print data).

  The NFC I / F 62 of the portable terminal 50 transmits a detection radio wave for detecting an apparatus (for example, the MFP 10) capable of executing NFC communication. Also, the NFC I / F 22 of the MFP 10 transmits a detection radio wave for detecting a device (for example, the portable terminal 50) capable of executing NFC communication. When the user brings the portable terminal 50 closer to the MFP 10, the distance between the portable terminal 50 and the MFP 10 becomes smaller than the distance (for example, 10 cm) at which radio waves reach each other. In this case, one of the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 receives a detection radio wave from the other, and transmits a response radio wave. As a result, an NFC communication session is established between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50. In this case, the control unit 70 executes the flowchart of FIG.

  When the user selects the scan function, the user brings the portable terminal 50 closer to the MFP 10 without specifying data. As a result, an NFC communication session is established between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50. Also in this case, the control unit 70 executes the flowchart of FIG. 3.

  In S10, the identification information transmission unit 86 transmits a request command to the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 62 using the above-described NFC communication session. The request command includes function information indicating the function (i.e. printing or scanning) selected by the user. When the portable terminal 50 belongs to the normal Wi-Fi NW, the request command further includes the SSID and the BSSID included in the normal Wi-Fi WSI in the memory 74. When the portable terminal 50 belongs to the WFD NW, the request command further includes the SSID and the BSSID included in the WFD WSI in the memory 74. That is, the request command may include two sets of SSID and BSSID (ie, SSID and BSSID of normal Wi-Fi NW, and SSID and BSSID of WFD NW), or may include only one set of SSID and BSSID. And may not include the SSID and BSSID.

  In the present embodiment, the request command does not include information indicating which network ID is the SSID and BSSID. Even with such a configuration, the MFP 10 can appropriately determine whether the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same wireless network (see S52 and S56 in FIG. 4). However, in the modification, the request command may be the SSID and BSSID of the normal Wi-Fi NW and the information indicating the normal Wi-Fi NW, or the WFD NW SSID and BSSID and the information indicating the WFD NW And may be associated with each other.

  When the MFP 10 receives the request command from the portable terminal 50, the MFP 10 uses the above-mentioned NFC communication session to normally use information (see S54 in FIG. 4), WFD use information (see S58), WFD WSI (see S70), or The NG information (see S68) is transmitted to the portable terminal 50.

  When the control unit 70 receives NG information from the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 62, the control unit 70 determines YES in S12, and proceeds to S14. In S14, the control unit 70 causes the display unit 54 to display an error screen indicating that printing or scanning can not be performed. This allows the user to know that wireless communication of print data or scan data can not be performed. When S14 ends, the process of FIG. 3 ends.

  When the WFD WSI is received from the MFP 10, the setting information receiving unit 87 determines NO in S12, and then determines YES in S16, and proceeds to S18. The WFD WSI received here is wireless setting information currently used by the WFD NW where the MFP 10 is a G / O device.

  When the control unit 70 receives the normal use information or the WFD use information from the MFP 10, the control unit 70 determines NO in S12, then determines NO in S16, and proceeds to S28. The normal use information received here is information for instructing the portable terminal 50 to use the normal Wi-Fi NW. The normal usage information is received when the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW (see YES in S52 of FIG. 4). The WFD usage information is information for instructing the mobile terminal 50 to use the WFD NW. The WFD usage information is received when the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same WFD NW (see YES in S56 of FIG. 4).

  In S18, the detachment unit 88 determines whether the portable terminal 50 currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi NW. When the normal affiliation information is stored in the memory 74, the detachment unit 88 determines that the portable terminal 50 currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi NW (YES in S18), and proceeds to S20. When the normal affiliation information is not stored in the memory 74, the separating unit 88 determines that the portable terminal 50 does not currently belong to the normal Wi-Fi NW (NO in S18), and skips S20 and S26. Go to

  Hereinafter, the normal Wi-Fi NW to which the portable terminal 50 belongs will be referred to as “normal Wi-Fi NW (terminal)”. Similarly, the WFD NW to which the portable terminal 50 belongs is described as "WFD NW (terminal)". In particular, WFDNW in which the portable terminal 50 is a G / O device and WFDNW in which the portable terminal 50 is a CL device are referred to as “WFDNW (terminal = G / O)” and “WFDNW (terminal = CL)”, respectively. Do. Similarly, the MFP 10 is also described as “normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP)”, “WFDNW (MFP)”, “WFDNW (MFP = G / O)”, and “WFDNW (MFP = CL)”.

  In S <b> 20, the detachment unit 88 normally detaches the portable terminal 50 from the Wi-Fi NW (terminal). Specifically, the detachment unit 88 transmits a detachment signal (for example, a Disassociation signal) to the AP (for example, AP4A) forming the normal Wi-Fi NW (terminal) via the wireless LAN I / F 60, Disconnect from Note that, even if S20 is executed, the control unit 70 does not delete the normal affiliation information and the normal Wi-Fi WSI from the memory 74. This is because the portable terminal 50 normally rejoins the Wi-Fi NW in S32 described later.

  In S26 described later, the portable terminal 50 participates in the WFD NW (MFP = G / O), but at that time, the normal Wi-Fi MAC is used. If S20 is not executed if S18 is YES, the portable terminal 50 normally belongs to the Wi-Fi NW (terminal) using Wi-Fi MAC, so in S26, the normal Wi-Fi MAC is normally used. As a result, it is not possible to participate in WFDNW (MFP = G / O). In view of such actual circumstances, in S20, the portable terminal 50 leaves the normal Wi-Fi NW (terminal) to form a state where the normal Wi-Fi MAC is not used. Thereby, in S26, the portable terminal 50 can appropriately participate in the WFD NW (MFP = G / O) using the normal Wi-Fi MAC. When S20 ends, the process proceeds to S26.

  In S26, the participation unit 89 executes wireless communication of connection data of the normal Wi-Fi system with the MFP 10 (that is, the G / O device) via the wireless LAN I / F 60 using the normal Wi-Fi MAC. At this time, the joining unit 89 uses the WFD WSI received at S16. That is, the participation unit 89 transmits WFD WSI to the MFP 10 to execute communication for authentication. As a result, a connection is established between the portable terminal 50 and the MFP 10. Thereby, the portable terminal 50 can participate in WFDNW (MFP = G / O).

  As described above, in S26, the portable terminal 50 uses the normal Wi-Fi MAC and follows the normal Wi-Fi scheme (that is, executes the wireless communication of the connection data of the normal Wi-Fi scheme), the WFD NW Participate in (MFP = G / O). Therefore, the portable terminal 50 participates in the WFD NW (MFP = G / O) without executing the G / O negotiation and further without transitioning to the CL state. In other words, the portable terminal 50 participates in the WFD NW (MFP = G / O) as a normal Wi-Fi device (ie, a legacy device).

  When S26 is executed, there is a possibility that the portable terminal 50 belongs to the WFD NW (terminal) using the WFDMAC. In this case, when S26 is executed, the portable terminal 50 may leave the WFD NW (terminal). The reason is described below. That is, as described above, in the wireless LAN I / F 60 of the portable terminal 50, the channel value corresponding to the normal Wi-Fi MAC of the portable terminal 50 and the channel value corresponding to the WFDMAC of the portable terminal 50 must match. It has the restriction that. Then, in S26, the joining unit 89 normally participates in the WFD NW (MFP = G / O) using Wi-Fi MAC, but at this time, it is currently used in the WFD NW (MFP = G / O) The channel value (hereinafter referred to as "target channel value") is used. That is, the channel value corresponding to the normal Wi-Fi MAC is the target channel value.

  Channel values currently used by WFD NW (terminal) (ie, channel values corresponding to WFDMAC of mobile terminal 50) and target channel values currently used by WFD NW (MFP = G / O) (ie, mobile terminal If the channel value corresponding to 50 normal Wi-Fi MACs matches, the above restriction of the wireless LAN I / F 60 is satisfied. Therefore, the portable terminal 50 can participate in the WFD NW (MFP = G / O) while maintaining the state of belonging to the WFD NW (terminal). That is, when the two channel values match, the joining unit 89 does not leave the portable terminal 50 from the WFD NW (terminal).

  On the other hand, when the two channel values do not match, the joining unit 89 joins the portable terminal 50 to the WFD NW (MFP = G / O) so that the above-described restriction of the wireless LAN I / F 60 is satisfied. The channel value corresponding to WFDMAC of the portable terminal 50 is changed to the target channel value described above. Then, the portable terminal 50 does not use the channel value actually used in the WFD NW (terminal), and as a result, the mobile terminal 50 leaves the WFD NW (terminal) and shifts to the device state. That is, when the two channel values do not match, the participation unit 89 causes the portable terminal 50 to leave the WFD NW (terminal).

  When the portable terminal 50, which is a G / O device, leaves the WFD NW (terminal = G / O) in S26, the control unit 70 receives the WFD belonging information, the WFD state information, and the WFD WSI from the memory 74. Erase Because the WFD NW (terminal = G / O) disappears, the portable terminal 50 can not rejoin the WFD NW in S32 described later. On the other hand, when the portable terminal 50, which is a CL device, leaves the WFD NW (terminal = CL) in S26, the control unit 70 does not delete WFD belonging information, WFD state information, and WFD WSI from the memory 74. . Even if the portable terminal 50 leaves the WFD NW (terminal = CL), the WFD NW may not disappear, and the portable terminal 50 can participate again in the WFD NW in S32 described later. When S26 ends, the process proceeds to S28.

  Subsequently, the contents of the process of S28 will be described. As described above, the situation in which S28 is executed is the situation in which normal usage information is received from MFP 10 (NO in S16), the situation in which WFD usage information is received from MFP 10 (NO in S16), or Is a situation (S26) of participating in the WFD NW (MFP = G / O).

  In a situation where the normal usage information is received from the MFP 10, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW (hereinafter, described as “normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal)”). In such a situation, in S28, the communication execution unit 83 executes wireless communication of target data with the MFP 10 via the wireless LAN I / F 60 using the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal). Specifically, when the print function is selected by the user, the communication execution unit 83 transmits a print command and print data (for example, data designated by the user) to the MFP 10. As a result, the MFP 10 executes printing in accordance with the print data. Also, when the scan function is selected by the user, the communication execution unit 83 transmits a scan command to the MFP 10. As a result, the MFP 10 scans the document to generate scan data, and transmits the scan data to the portable terminal 50. In this case, the communication execution unit 83 receives scan data from the MFP 10. Control unit 70 stores the scan data in memory 74 and causes display unit 54 to display an image represented by the scan data.

  In a situation where WFD usage information is received from the MFP 10, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same WFD NW (hereinafter referred to as "WFD NW (MFP, terminal)"). In such a situation, in S28, the communication execution unit 83 executes wireless communication of target data with the MFP 10 via the wireless LAN I / F 60 using the WFD NW (MFP, terminal).

  In addition, in a situation where the portable terminal 50 participates in the WFD NW (MFP = G / O), the communication execution unit 83 uses the WFD NW (MFP = G / O) in S28 via the wireless LAN I / F 60. Wireless communication of target data with the MFP 10 is performed. When S28 ends, the process proceeds to S30.

  In S30, the control unit 70 determines whether the portable terminal 50 has left the at least one of the normal Wi-Fi NW (terminal) and the WFD NW (terminal). Specifically, when S20 is executed, the control unit 70 determines YES in S30, and proceeds to S32. Further, the control unit 70 determines YES in S30 also when the portable terminal 50 leaves the WFD NW (terminal) as a result of the process of S26, and proceeds to S32. If the control unit 70 determines that the result of S30 is NO, the control unit 70 skips S32 and ends the processing of FIG. 3.

  In S32, the control unit 70 tries to cause the portable terminal 50 to belong again to the wireless network from which the portable terminal 50 has left. Even if the portable terminal 50 leaves the WFD NW (terminal = G / O) in S26, it is determined as YES in S30, and the process proceeds to S32. However, in this case, since the WFDNW (terminal = G / O) has disappeared, the portable terminal 50 can not belong to the WFDNW (terminal = G / O) again. Therefore, when the portable terminal 50 leaves the WFD NW (terminal = G / O), the control unit 70 ends the process of FIG. 3 without executing anything in S32.

  On the other hand, when the portable terminal 50 leaves the normal Wi-Fi NW (terminal) or WFDNW (terminal = CL) in S20 or S26, in S32, the control unit 70 first via the wireless LAN I / F 60. Then, the disconnection signal is transmitted to the MFP 10 which is the G / O device, and the connection with the MFP 10 is disconnected. Thus, the portable terminal 50 can leave the WFD NW (MFP = G / O). That is, the normal Wi-Fi MAC of the portable terminal 50 is not used.

  For example, when the portable terminal 50 leaves the normal Wi-Fi NW (terminal) in S20, the control unit 70 normally uses the normal Wi-Fi MAC via the wireless LAN I / F 60 in S32. The wireless communication of the connection data for the normal Wi-Fi system with the AP forming the Wi-Fi NW is executed. At this time, the control unit 70 uses the normal Wi-Fi WSI maintained in the memory 74. As a result, a connection is established between the portable terminal 50 and the AP, and the portable terminal 50 can rejoin the normal Wi-Fi NW.

  Further, for example, when the portable terminal 50 leaves the WFD NW (terminal = CL) in S26, the control unit 70 forms the WFD NW via the wireless LAN I / F 60 using the WFDMAC in S32. Perform wireless communication between the connected G / O device and WFD connection data. At this time, the control unit 70 uses the WFD WSI maintained in the memory 74. As a result, a connection is established between the portable terminal 50 and the G / O device, and the portable terminal 50 can rejoin the WFD NW.

  When the portable terminal 50 leaves the WFD NW (terminal = CL) in S26, the number of CL devices belonging to the WFD NW may become zero. In this case, since the WFD NW disappears, the portable terminal 50 can not rejoin the WFD NW in S32. In such a situation, the control unit 70 erases the WFD belonging information, the WFD state information, and the WFD WSI from the memory 74. When S32 ends, the process of FIG. 3 ends.

  In the present embodiment, for example, in a situation where the portable terminal 50 belongs to both the normal Wi-Fi NW (terminal) and the WFD NW (terminal), the portable terminal 50 leaves the normal Wi-Fi NW (terminal) in S20. Then, in S26, the normal Wi-Fi MAC is used to participate in the WFD NW (MFP = G / O) as a normal Wi-Fi device (that is, a legacy device). Instead, the portable terminal 50 leaves the WFD NW (terminal) in S20, and participates in the WFD NW (MFP = G / O) as a CL device using the WFDMAC in S26 (hereinafter referred to as “comparison It is conceivable to adopt the example configuration). However, in the configuration of the comparative example, when the portable terminal 50 leaves the WFD NW (terminal), the number of CL devices belonging to the WFD NW may become zero, so the WFD NW may disappear. In this case, the portable terminal 50 can not rejoin the WFD NW.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, even when the portable terminal 50 leaves the normal Wi-Fi NW (terminal) (S20), the normal Wi-Fi NW does not disappear, so the portable terminal 50 becomes the normal Wi-Fi NW. It is possible to participate again (S32). Thus, according to the present embodiment, compared with the configuration of the comparative example, the portable terminal 50 can be properly joined to the original wireless network. In the modification, the configuration of the comparative example may be adopted.

(Communication process of MFP 10; FIG. 4)
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the contents of communication processing performed by the control unit 30 of the MFP 10 will be described. In S50, the identification information receiving unit 41 monitors reception of a request command (see S10 in FIG. 3) from the portable terminal 50. When receiving a request command from the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22, the identification information receiving unit 41 determines YES in S50, and proceeds to S52.

  In S52, the selection unit 42 determines whether the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW. As described above, when the MFP 10 belongs to the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP), the memory 34 stores the normal affiliation information and the normal Wi-Fi WSI in association with each other. When normal affiliation information is not stored in memory 34, selection unit 42 determines that MFP 10 and portable terminal 50 do not belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW (NO in S52), and proceeds to S56. .

  If the normal affiliation information is stored in the memory 34, the selection unit 42 further executes the following determination processing in S52. When the portable terminal 50 does not belong to any of the normal Wi-Fi NW and the WFD NW, the request command does not include one pair of SSID and BSSID. When the request command does not include one set of SSID and BSSID, the selection unit 42 determines that the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 do not belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW (NO in S52), and the S56 Go to

  Furthermore, when the request command includes one or more sets of SSID and BSSID, the selection unit 42 matches the SSID and BSSID of the normal Wi-Fi NW in the memory 34 among the one or more sets of SSID and BSSID. It is determined whether or not there is a set of SSIDs and BSSIDs. If the selection unit 42 determines that the one set of SSID and BSSID does not exist, the selection unit 42 determines that the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 do not belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW (NO in S52), and S56. Go to On the other hand, when it is determined that the pair of the SSID and the BSSID exist, the selection unit 42 determines that the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW (YES in S52). , S54. As a result, the selection unit 42 selects only the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal).

  As described above, in S52, the selection unit 42 determines whether the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW using both the SSID and the BSSID. The reason for performing both the SSID match determination and the BSSID match determination as described above is as follows.

  For example, a first AP (eg, AP4A) forms a first normal Wi-Fi NW, and a second AP (eg, AP4B) different from the first AP forms a second normal Wi-Fi NW Assume the situation In this case, the BSSID of the first normal Wi-Fi NW is the MAC address of the first AP, and the BSSID of the second normal Wi-Fi NW is the MAC address of the second AP. Since the MAC address is a unique value, the BSSID of the first normal Wi-Fi NW is different from the BSSID of the second normal Wi-Fi NW. However, the SSID is a value arbitrarily set by the AP or the user. For this reason, the SSID of the first normal Wi-Fi NW may be the same as the SSID of the second normal Wi-Fi NW. Therefore, if a configuration in which the match determination of the SSID is executed but the match determination of the BSSID is not executed (for example, if the configuration in which the BSSID is not included in the request command is adopted), the MFP 10 receives the first normal Wi- Although the mobile terminal 50 belongs to FiNW and the mobile terminal 50 belongs to the second normal Wi-Fi NW, the selection unit 42 has the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW. It can be judged that However, unless the first AP and the second AP are connected by wire, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can not execute communication of target data. That is, when the two SSIDs match but the two BSSIDs do not match, a situation may occur in which the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can not execute communication of the target data. In order to suppress the occurrence of such a situation, the selection unit 42 performs both determination of SSID match and determination of BSSID match.

  Further, among known APs, there exist APs capable of simultaneously forming a plurality of normal Wi-Fi NWs. For example, it is assumed that one AP (for example, AP4A) forms a first normal Wi-Fi NW and a second normal Wi-Fi NW. In this case, although the SSID of the first normal Wi-Fi NW and the SSID of the second normal Wi-Fi NW are different, the BSSID of the first normal Wi-Fi NW (that is, the MAC address of the AP) and the second normal Wi-Fi are different. The BSNW of FiNW (that is, the MAC address of the AP) is the same. Therefore, assuming that the BSSID match determination is executed but the SSID match determination is not executed (for example, if the request command does not include the SSID), the MFP 10 receives the first normal Wi- Although the mobile terminal 50 belongs to FiNW and the mobile terminal 50 belongs to the second normal Wi-Fi NW, the selection unit 42 has the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW. It may be judged that In order to suppress the occurrence of such a situation, the selection unit 42 performs both determination of SSID match and determination of BSSID match.

  In S56 described later, as in S52, the selection unit 42 performs both the determination on the match of the SSID and the determination on the match of the BSSID. According to the present embodiment, since the selection unit 42 performs both the determination of the SSID match and the determination of the BSSID, it is appropriate to appropriately determine whether the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW. It can be determined, and further, whether or not MFP 10 and portable terminal 50 belong to the same WFD NW can be appropriately determined.

  In S54, the usage information transmission unit 44 transmits the normal usage information to the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22. Thereby, the portable terminal 50 determines NO in S16 of FIG. 3 and executes wireless communication of the target data with the MFP 10 using the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) (see S28).

  In S56, the selection unit 42 determines whether the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same WFD NW. When the MFP 10 belongs to the WFD NW (MFP), the memory 34 stores WFD assignment information, WFD state information, and WFD WSI in association with one another. When the WFD affiliation information is not stored in the memory 34, the selection unit 42 determines that the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 do not belong to the same WFD NW (NO in S56), and proceeds to S60.

  If the WFD affiliation information is stored in the memory 34, the selection unit 42 further executes the following determination processing in S56. That is, when the request command does not include one set of SSID and BSSID, the selection unit 42 determines that the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 do not belong to the same WFD NW (NO in S56), and proceeds to S60. move on.

  In addition, when the request command includes one or more sets of SSID and BSSID, the selection unit 42 is a set that matches the SSID and BSSID of the WFD NW in the memory 34 among the one or more sets of SSID and BSSID. It is determined whether or not there is an SSID and a BSSID. If the selecting unit 42 determines that the one set of SSID and BSSID does not exist, the selecting unit 42 determines that the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 do not belong to the same WFD NW (NO in S56), and proceeds to S60. On the other hand, when it is determined that the pair of the SSID and the BSSID exist, the selection unit 42 determines that the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same WFD NW (YES in S56), and proceeds to S58. move on. As a result, the selection unit 42 selects only the WFD NW (MFP, terminal).

  In S58, the usage information transmission unit 44 transmits WFD usage information to the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22. Accordingly, the portable terminal 50 determines NO in S16 of FIG. 3 and executes wireless communication of target data with the MFP 10 using the WFD NW (MFP, terminal) (see S28). When S58 ends, the process proceeds to S80.

  In the present embodiment, the selection unit 42 executes the determination of S52 prior to the determination of S56. Therefore, in a situation where the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW, and the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same WFD NW (hereinafter referred to as “specific situation”), It is determined as YES in S52, and then normal usage information is transmitted to the portable terminal 50 in S54. That is, in the present embodiment, in the above specific situation, a configuration is employed in which communication of target data is performed using normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal), not WFDNW (MFP, terminal). . The reason why priority is given to the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) in this way is that the normal Wi-Fi NW is a wireless network to be established regularly, and the WFD NW is a wireless network to be established temporarily. is there.

  That is, since the WFD NW is a wireless network to be established temporarily, the WFD NW (MFP, terminal) may disappear before executing the wireless communication of the target data or in the middle of the wireless communication of the target data. Is high. For example, in the WFD NW (MFP, terminal), when each of the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 is a CL device, the WFD NW (MFP, terminal) disappears when the G / O device (for example, PC 6A) is powered off. Do. On the other hand, since the Wi-Fi NW is normally a wireless network to be established regularly, there is a low possibility that the AP is powered off. Therefore, if the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) is used, there is a high possibility that the wireless communication of the target data can be appropriately performed. In view of such actual circumstances, the present embodiment adopts a configuration in which the determination of S52 is performed prior to the determination of S56, that is, a configuration in which priority is given to the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal).

  If the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 do not belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW and do not belong to the same WFD NW (in the case of NO in S56), the process proceeds to S60. At S60, control unit 30 determines whether the current state of MFP 10 is the CL state. When WFD state information is not stored in memory 34, that is, when the current state of MFP 10 is the device state, control unit 30 determines that the current state of MFP 10 is not the CL state (NO in S60). Then, proceed to S62. When the WFD state information in the memory 34 indicates the G / O state, the control unit 30 determines that the current state of the MFP 10 is not the CL state (NO in S60), and proceeds to S62. When the WFD state information in memory 34 indicates the CL state, control unit 30 determines that the current state of MFP 10 is the CL state (YES in S60), and proceeds to S68.

  At S62, control unit 30 determines whether the current state of MFP 10 is the G / O state. If WFD state information is not stored in memory 34, that is, if the current state of MFP 10 is the device state, control unit 30 determines that the current state of MFP 10 is not the G / O state (NO in S62). And the process proceeds to S64. If the WFD state information in the memory 34 indicates the G / O state, the control unit 30 determines that the current state of the MFP 10 is the G / O state (YES in S62), and proceeds to S66.

  In S64, the control unit 30 shifts the MFP 10 to the autonomous G / O mode. As described above, when a WFD NW is to be newly formed, G / O negotiation is usually performed to determine G / O devices and CL devices. On the other hand, in the autonomous G / O mode, it is determined that the MFP 10 enters the G / O state without performing the G / O negotiation. At the stage of S64, the MFP 10 is a G / O device, but there is no CL device. However, when S64 is executed, it can be said that a WFD NW (MFP = G / O) to which only the G / O device (that is, the MFP 10) belongs is formed. The autonomous G / O mode is a mode for causing the MFP 10 to operate in the G / O state. For example, when the MFP 10 is in the G / O state by G / O negotiation and forms a WFD NW (MFP = G / O), if there is no CL device from the WFD NW (MFP = G / O), the MFP 10 Transition from the G / O state to the device state (ie, WFDNW (MFP = G / O) disappears). On the other hand, for example, when the MFP 10 is in the G / O state in the autonomous G / O mode to form the WFD NW (MFP = G / O), the MFP 10 is in the G / O state even if there is no CL device. (Ie, WFDNW (MFP = G / O) is maintained).

  In S64, the control unit 30 further prepares WFD WSI of WFD NW (MFP = G / O). The method by which the control unit 30 prepares the WFD WSI is as described above (see the description of FIG. 2). At S64, the control unit 30 further causes the memory 34 to store the management list. However, at this stage, the MAC address of any CL device is not described in the management list. In S64, the control unit 30 further stores the WFD belonging information, the WFD state information indicating the G / O state, and the WFD WSI in the memory 34 in association with each other. When S64 ends, the process proceeds to S70.

  In S66, the control unit 30 determines whether the number of CL devices belonging to the WFD NW (MFP = G / O) matches a predetermined upper limit value. If the number of MAC addresses described in the management list in the memory 34 matches the above upper limit value, the control unit 30 determines YES in S66 and proceeds to S68. On the other hand, when the number of MAC addresses described in the management list in the memory 34 is less than the above upper limit value, the control unit 30 determines NO in S66 and proceeds to S70.

  A first situation in which S68 is executed is a situation in which the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 do not belong to the same wireless network, and the MFP 10 is a CL device (that is, a situation of YES in S60). In this embodiment, the G / O device has the right to cause another device to participate in the WFD NW, but the CL device adopts the security policy that it does not have the permission to cause the other device to join in the WFD NW. . Therefore, in the first situation, the MFP 10, which is a CL device, can not cause the portable terminal 50 to participate in the WFD NW (MFP = CL) (that is, transmit WFD WSI of WFD NW (MFP = CL) to the portable terminal 50). Can not

  Moreover, in the present embodiment, a normal Wi-Fi device adopts a security policy that the normal Wi-Fi NW does not have the authority to cause another device to participate. Therefore, in the first situation, even if the MFP 10 belongs to the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP), the MFP 10 can not cause the portable terminal 50 to participate in the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP) (ie, normally The normal Wi-Fi WSI of the Wi-Fi NW (MFP) can not be transmitted to the portable terminal 50).

  Further, in the second situation where S68 is executed, the number of CL devices which the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 do not belong to the same wireless network and which belong to the WFD NW (MFP = G / O) is This is a situation that matches the above upper limit value (ie, the situation of YES in S66). In the second situation, the MFP 10 has the authority to cause another device to participate in the WFD NW (MFP = G / O), but can not further increase the number of CL devices to be managed.

  Therefore, in the first or second situation described above, there is no means for the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 to execute wireless communication of the target data, so the control unit 30 fails in S68 via the NFC I / F 22. The information is transmitted to the portable terminal 50. Accordingly, the portable terminal 50 determines YES in S12 of FIG. 3 and displays an error screen (see S14). When S68 ends, the process returns to S50.

  Also, in a situation where S70 is executed, the MFP 10, which is a G / O device, has the authority to cause another device to participate in the WFD NW (MFP = G / O), and may increase the number of CL devices to be managed. it can. Accordingly, the setting information transmission unit 45 transmits the WFD WSI in the memory 34 to the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22. When S70 ends, the process proceeds to S72.

  As described above, when receiving the WFD WSI from the MFP 10, the portable terminal 50 determines YES in S16 of FIG. 3, and executes wireless communication of connection data of the normal Wi-Fi method with the MFP 10 (see S26). In S72, the control unit 30 performs wireless communication of the connection data with the portable terminal 50 via the wireless LAN I / F 20, and establishes connection with the portable terminal 50. In this case, the control unit 30 describes the normal Wi-Fi MAC address of the portable terminal 50 in the management list in the memory 34. Thereby, the portable terminal 50 can participate in WFDNW (MFP = G / O). When S72 ends, the process proceeds to S80.

  Subsequently, the contents of the process of S80 will be described. As described above, the situation in which S80 is executed is the situation in which normal usage information is transmitted to the portable terminal 50 (S54), the situation in which WFD utilization information is transmitted to the portable terminal 50 (S58), or Is a situation (S72) of participating in the WFD NW (MFP = G / O).

  In the situation where the normal usage information is transmitted to the portable terminal 50, in S80, the communication execution unit 43 targets the portable terminal 50 via the wireless LAN I / F 20 using the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal). Perform wireless communication of data. For example, the communication execution unit 43 receives a print command and print data from the portable terminal 50. In this case, the control unit 30 starts a print processing thread (not shown) and supplies the print data to the print execution unit 16. Thus, the print execution unit 16 executes printing in accordance with the print data. Also, for example, the communication execution unit 43 receives a scan command from the portable terminal 50. In this case, the control unit 30 starts a scan processing thread (not shown) and supplies a scan execution instruction to the scan execution unit 18. Thus, the scan execution unit 18 scans the document to generate scan data. Then, in S80, the communication execution unit 43 transmits the scan data to the portable terminal 50.

  In the situation where WFD utilization information is transmitted to the portable terminal 50, in S80, the communication execution unit 43 wirelessly transmits the portable terminal 50 and the target data wirelessly via the wireless LAN I / F 20 using the WFD NW (MFP, terminal). Perform communication.

  Further, in a situation where the portable terminal 50 participates in the WFD NW (MFP = G / O), the communication execution unit 43 uses the WFD NW (MFP = G / O) in S80 via the wireless LAN I / F 20. Wireless communication of target data with the portable terminal 50 is performed. When S80 ends, the process returns to S50.

  The target data (i.e. print data or scan data) has a relatively large data size. Then, the communication speed of NFC communication is slower than the communication speed of WFD communication or normal Wi-Fi communication. Therefore, if a configuration in which wireless communication of target data is executed between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 using NFC communication, it takes a long time for wireless communication of target data. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 execute the wireless communication of the target data via the wireless LAN I / Fs 20 and 60 (see S28 in FIG. 3 and S80 in FIG. 4). Wireless communication can be performed quickly.

(Specific case)
Subsequently, the contents of a specific case implemented according to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. 5 to 8, thin arrows indicate NFC communication, and thick arrows indicate normal Wi-Fi communication or WFD communication. This point is the same as in the second and subsequent figures (for example, FIG. 10 and the like).

(Case 1-1; FIG. 5)
In case 1-1, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW formed by the AP 4A. The SSID and BSSID of the normal Wi-Fi NW are “X1, Y1”. MFP 10 and portable terminal 50 further belong to the same WFD NW. In the WFD NW, the MFP 10 is a G / O device, and the portable terminal 50 is a CL device. The SSID and BSSID of the WFD NW are “X2, Y2”.

  After the user operates the operation unit 52 of the portable terminal 50 to input a print instruction (that is, activation of the application 76, selection of the print function, and designation of print data), the portable terminal 50 is brought close to the MFP 10. In this case, the portable terminal 50 executes NFC communication, and transmits, to the MFP 10, a request command including function information indicating the print function, “X1, Y1”, and “X2, Y2” (FIG. 3). S10).

  When the MFP 10 receives the request command from the portable terminal 50 (YES in S50 of FIG. 4), the MFP 10 receives a pair of SSID and BSSID “X1, Y1” in the memory 34 and a pair of SSID “X1, Y1 in the request command”. "" Is determined to match ("YES" in S52). That is, the MFP 10 determines that the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal). Therefore, the MFP 10 transmits the normal usage information to the portable terminal 50 using NFC communication (S54).

  When the portable terminal 50 receives the normal usage information from the MFP 10 (NO in S12 of FIG. 3 and NO in S16), the print command and print data are transmitted via the AP 4A using the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal). Are sent to the MFP 10 (S28).

  The MFP 10 receives a print command and print data from the portable terminal 50 via the AP 4A using the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) (S80 in FIG. 4). In this case, the MFP 10 executes printing in accordance with the print data.

  In addition, the user operates the operation unit 52 of the portable terminal 50 to input a scan instruction (that is, activation of the application 76 and selection of the scan function), and then brings the portable terminal 50 close to the MFP 10. In this case, the portable terminal 50 executes NFC communication, and transmits to the MFP 10 a request command including function information indicating the scan function, “X1, Y1”, and “X2, Y2” (FIG. 3). S10).

  When MFP 10 receives the request command from portable terminal 50 (YES in S50 of FIG. 4), MFP 10 and portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) as in the case of printing described above. It is judged that it is (YES in S52). Therefore, the MFP 10 transmits the normal usage information to the portable terminal 50 using NFC communication (S54).

  When the portable terminal 50 receives the normal usage information from the MFP 10 (NO in S12 of FIG. 3 and NO in S16), the scan command is sent to the MFP 10 via the AP 4A using the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal). Send (S28).

  The MFP 10 receives a scan command from the portable terminal 50 via the AP 4A using the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) (S80 in FIG. 4). In this case, the MFP 10 generates scan data and transmits the scan data to the portable terminal 50 using the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) (S80).

  The portable terminal 50 receives scan data from the MFP 10 via the AP 4A using the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) (S28 in FIG. 3). In this case, the portable terminal 50 stores the scan data in the memory 74 and causes the display unit 54 to display an image represented by the scan data.

  According to case 1-1, in a situation in which the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW and the same WFD NW (that is, a specific situation), the MFP 10 is only the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) Can be selected appropriately. As a result, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can appropriately execute the wireless communication of the target data using the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal).

  In particular, in the above specific situation, the MFP 10 preferentially selects the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) to be steadily built, not the WFD NW (MFP, terminal) to be temporarily built. . Therefore, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can appropriately execute the wireless communication of the target data by using the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) having a low possibility of disappearance.

(Case 1-2; FIG. 5)
In Case 1-2, the portable terminal 50 belongs to the normal Wi-Fi NW (SSID and BSSID = “X1, Y1”) formed by the AP 4A, but the MFP 10 belongs to the normal Wi-Fi NW. Not. The MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same WFD NW (MFP = G / O device, portable terminal 50 = CL device, SSID and BSSID = “X2, Y2”).

  When the MFP 10 receives the request command from the portable terminal 50 (YES in S50 of FIG. 4), the affiliation information is not usually stored in the memory 34, so the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW. It is determined that there is not (NO at S52). Next, the MFP 10 determines that the one set of SSID and BSSID "X2, Y2" in the memory 34 matches the one set of SSID and BSSID "X2, Y2" in the request command (S56). YES). That is, the MFP 10 determines that the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same WFD NW (MFP, terminal). Therefore, the MFP 10 transmits WFD usage information to the portable terminal 50 using NFC communication (S58).

  When the portable terminal 50 receives WFD usage information from the MFP 10 (NO in S12 of FIG. 3 and NO in S16), a print command and print data are sent without using another device by using the WFD NW (MFP, terminal). It transmits directly to the MFP 10 (S28).

  The MFP 10 receives a print command and print data directly from the portable terminal 50 without passing through another device using the WFD NW (MFP, terminal) (S80 in FIG. 4). In this case, the MFP 10 executes printing in accordance with the print data.

  According to case 1-2, when the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 do not belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW but belong to the same WFD NW, the MFP 10 appropriately applies only the WFD NW (MFP, terminal) Can be selected. As a result, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can appropriately execute the wireless communication of the target data by using the WFD NW (MFP, terminal) without passing through another device.

(Case 1-3; FIG. 6)
In Case 1-3, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW (SSID and BSSID = “X1, Y1”). In addition, although the portable terminal 50 belongs to the WFD NW (PC 6A = G / O device, portable terminal 50 = CL device, SSID and BSSID = “X3, Y3”) formed by the PC 6A, the MFP 10 does not It does not belong to WFDNW.

  When the MFP 10 receives the request command from the portable terminal 50 (YES in S50 of FIG. 4), the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 are connected to the same normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) as in Case 1-1 of FIG. It is determined that it belongs (YES in S52). Therefore, the MFP 10 transmits the normal usage information to the portable terminal 50 using NFC communication (S54). The subsequent processes are the same as in the case of printing in case 1-1 of FIG.

  According to Case 1-3, when the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 do not belong to the same WFDNW, but belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal), the MFP 10 is a normal Wi-Fi NW. Only (MFP, terminal) can be selected appropriately. As a result, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can appropriately execute the wireless communication of the target data using the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal).

(Case 1-4; FIG. 6)
In Case 1-4, the portable terminal 50 belongs to the normal Wi-Fi NW (SSID and BSSID = “X1, Y1”) formed by the AP 4A, but the MFP 10 belongs to the normal Wi-Fi NW. Not. The MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same WFD NW (MFP = CL device, portable terminal 50 = CL device, SSID and BSSID = “X3, Y3”) formed by the PC 6A which is a G / O device. ing.

  When MFP 10 receives the request command from portable terminal 50 (YES in S50 of FIG. 4), MFP 10 and portable terminal 50 belong to the same WFD NW (MFP, terminal) as in the case 1-2 of FIG. It is determined that there is (YES in S56). Therefore, the MFP 10 transmits WFD usage information to the portable terminal 50 using NFC communication (S58).

  When the portable terminal 50 receives WFD usage information from the MFP 10 (NO in S12 of FIG. 3 and NO in S16), a print command is sent via the PC 6A, which is a G / O device, using the WFD NW (MFP, terminal). And the print data is transmitted to the MFP 10 (S28).

  The MFP 10 receives a print command and print data from the portable terminal 50 via the PC 6A, which is a G / O device, using the WFD NW (MFP, terminal) (S80 in FIG. 4). In this case, the MFP 10 executes printing in accordance with the print data.

  According to Case 1-4, when the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 do not belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW but the PC 6A belongs to the same WFD NW which is a G / O device, the MFP 10 is a WFD NW. Only (MFP, terminal) can be selected appropriately. As a result, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can appropriately execute wireless communication of target data via the PC 6A, which is a G / O device, using the WFD NW (MFP, terminal).

(Case 1-5; FIG. 7)
In Case 1-5, the portable terminal 50 is a normal Wi-Fi NW (SSID and BSSID = “X1, Y1”) formed by the AP 4A and a WFDNW formed by the PC 6A which is a G / O device. 50 = CL device, SSID and BSSID = “X3, Y3”). In the normal Wi-Fi NW, “CH3” is used as a channel value. The MFP 10 does not belong to the WFD NW, but belongs to the normal Wi-Fi NW (SSID and BSSID = “X4, Y4”) formed by the AP 4B. In the normal Wi-Fi NW, "CH 4" is used as a channel value.

  When the MFP 10 receives the request command from the portable terminal 50 (YES in S50 of FIG. 4), the MFP 10 receives a pair of SSID and BSSID “X1, Y1” in the request command, and a pair of SSID and BSSID “X3 in the request command. It is determined that none of them matches the pair of SSID and BSSID "X4, Y4" in the memory 34 (NO in S52). That is, it is determined that the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 do not belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW. Further, since the WFD affiliation information is not stored in the memory 34, the MFP 10 determines that the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 do not belong to the same WFD NW (NO in S56).

  Since the MFP 10 is not in the WFD NW state, ie, in the device state, the MFP 10 determines NO in S60, and then determines NO in S62. Then, the MFP 10 shifts to the autonomous G / O mode to form a WFD NW (MFP = G / O) (S64). In this process, the MFP 10 prepares WFD WSI (SSID and BSSID = “X5, Y5”). Since the channel value used in the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP) is “CH 4”, the MFP 10 determines “CH 4” as the channel value to be used in the WFD NW (MFP = G / O). This is to satisfy the restriction of the wireless LAN I / F 20 of the MFP 10. Then, the MFP 10 transmits the WFD WSI to the portable terminal 50 using NFC communication (S70).

  When the portable terminal 50 receives WFD WSI from the MFP 10 (NO in S12 of FIG. 3 and YES in S16), since the general affiliation information is stored in the memory 34, the portable terminal 50 belongs to the normal Wi-Fi NW (terminal) It is judged that it is (YES in S18). In this case, the portable terminal 50 leaves the normal Wi-Fi NW (terminal) (S20).

  In case A, the channel value “CH3” used in the WFD NW (terminal) matches the channel value “CH 4” used in the WFD NW (MFP = G / O). The portable terminal 50 establishes a connection with the MFP 10, which is a G / O device, using the WFD WSI (S26 in FIG. 3). At this time, the portable terminal 50 establishes a connection with the MFP 10 as a normal Wi-Fi device (that is, a legacy device) using the normal Wi-Fi MAC. Thereby, the portable terminal 50 participates in the WFD NW (MFP = G / O) as a normal Wi-Fi device. Since the channel value "CH3" matches the channel value "CH4", the portable terminal 50 uses the channel value "CH4" to join WFD NW (MFP = G / O) with the same channel value. It is not necessary to leave the WFD NW (terminal) using “CH3”. Then, the portable terminal 50 transmits a print command and print data to the MFP 10 using the WFD NW (MFP = G / O) without passing through another device (S28).

  The MFP 10 receives a print command and print data from the portable terminal 50 without passing through another device using the WFD NW (MFP, terminal) (S80 in FIG. 4). In this case, the MFP 10 executes printing in accordance with the print data.

  Since the portable terminal 50 has left the normal Wi-Fi NW, it is determined as YES in S30 of FIG. 3 and first leaves the WFD NW (MFP = G / O) (S32). Next, the portable terminal 50 reestablishes a connection with the AP 4A using normal Wi-Fi MAC (S32). Thereby, the portable terminal 50 can rejoin the normal Wi-Fi NW.

  In case B, the channel value “CH3” used in the WFD NW (terminal) does not match the channel value “CH 4” used in the WFD NW (MFP = G / O). In this case, when the portable terminal 50 participates in the WFD NW (MFP = G / O) using the channel value “CH4”, the WFD NW using the channel value “CH3” different from the channel value “CH4”. You must leave the terminal. The communication of the print command and the print data is the same as in case A.

  Since the portable terminal 50 has left the normal Wi-Fi NW and the WFD NW, it is determined as YES in S30 of FIG. 3 and first leaves the WFD NW (MFP = G / O) (S32). Next, the portable terminal 50 reestablishes a connection with the AP 4A using normal Wi-Fi MAC (S32). The portable terminal 50 further establishes connection with the PC 6A, which is a G / O device, using WFDMAC (S32). Thereby, the portable terminal 50 can rejoin the normal Wi-Fi NW and the WFD NW.

  According to cases 1-5, when the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 do not belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW nor do not belong to the same WFD NW, the MFP 10 shifts to the autonomous G / O mode. Thus, WFDNW (MFP = G / O) can be appropriately formed. As a result, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can appropriately execute the wireless communication of the target data by using the WFD NW (MFP = G / O) without passing through another device.

  In Case 1-5, if the portable terminal 50 adopts a configuration in which the mobile terminal 50 leaves the WFD NW (terminal = CL) instead of the normal Wi-Fi NW (terminal), the WFD NW may disappear. When the number of CL devices belonging to the WFD NW becomes zero, the WFD NW disappears. In this case, the portable terminal 50 can not rejoin the WFD NW. On the other hand, in Case 1-5, since the portable terminal 50 leaves the normal Wi-Fi NW (terminal) instead of the WFD NW (terminal = CL), after the wireless communication of the target data is completed, the normal Wi- You can join FiNW again.

(Case 1-6; FIG. 8)
In case 1-6, the state of the portable terminal 50 is the same as that of case 1-5 in FIG. In addition to the normal Wi-Fi NW (SSID and BSSID = "X4, Y4") formed by the AP 4B, the MFP 10 is also a WFD NW (MFP = G / O device, PC 6B = CL device, SSID and BSSID = "X 6 , Y6 ") belongs. In the WFD NW, “CH 6” is used as a channel value.

  When MFP 10 receives the request command from portable terminal 50 (YES in S50 of FIG. 4), MFP 10 and portable terminal 50 do not belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW as in the case 1-5 of FIG. It judges (it is NO at S52). Further, MFP 10 further sets one set of SSID and BSSID "X1, Y1" in the request command and one set of SSID and BSSID "X3, Y3" in the request command in memory 34. It is determined that the SSID does not match the BSSID "X6, Y6" (NO in S56). That is, the MFP 10 determines that the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 do not belong to the same WFD NW.

  Since the MFP 10 is in the G / O state, it determines NO in S60, and then determines YES in S62. In this case, since the number of CL devices belonging to WFDNW (MFP = G / O) is less than the upper limit value, the MFP 10 determines NO in S66. Then, the MFP 10 transmits the WFD WSI in the memory 34 to the portable terminal 50 using NFC communication (S70).

  When receiving the WFD WSI from the MFP 10 (NO in S12 of FIG. 3 and YES in S16), the portable terminal 50 leaves the normal Wi-Fi NW (terminal) as in Case A of Case 1-5 of FIG. 7 (S20). ) Participates in WFD NW (MFP = G / O) as a normal Wi-Fi device (S26). Since the channel value “CH3” and the channel value “CH6” coincide with each other, the mobile terminal 50 does not have to leave the WFD NW (terminal) when participating in the WFD NW (MFP = G / O). The subsequent operation is similar to that of case A of cases 1-5 in FIG.

  According to the case 1-6, when the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 do not belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW or do not belong to the same WFD NW, the MFP 10 is an existing WFD NW (MFP = G / G / N). O) The mobile terminal 50 can be made to participate, and WFDNW (MFP, terminal) can be formed appropriately. As a result, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can appropriately execute the wireless communication of the target data by using the WFD NW (MFP, terminal) without passing through another device.

(Case 1-7; FIG. 8)
In Case 1-7, the state of the portable terminal 50 is the same as in Case 1-6. The state of the MFP 10 is the same as in the case 1-6 except that the MFP 10 belongs to WFDNW (MFP = CL device, SSID and BSSID = “X7, Y7”) that is a CL device.

  MFP 10 determines that MFP 10 and portable terminal 50 do not belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW (NO in S52), and determines that MFP 10 and portable terminal 50 do not belong to the same WFD NW (NO in S56) ). Then, since the MFP 10 is in the CL state, the MFP 10 determines YES in S60. In this case, the MFP 10 transmits the NG information to the portable terminal 50 using NFC communication (S70).

  When the portable terminal 50 receives the NG information from the MFP 10 (YES in S12 of FIG. 3), the portable terminal 50 displays an error screen on the display unit 54 (S14). Thus, the user can know that wireless communication of target data can not be performed between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50.

(Correspondence relationship)
The MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 are examples of the “first communication device” and the “second communication device”, respectively. The NFC I / F 22 (or 62) and the wireless LAN I / F 20 (or 60) are examples of the “first type of interface” and the “second type of interface”, respectively. The G / O state and the CL state are examples of the “master station state” and the “child station state”, respectively. The WFD scheme with the G / O negotiation mechanism and the normal Wi-Fi scheme without the G / O negotiation mechanism are examples of the “first wireless communication scheme” and the “second wireless communication scheme”, respectively. is there. The print command and the print data (or the scan command and the scan data) are examples of the “target data”.

  In Case 1-1 of FIG. 5, the WFD NW (MFP, terminal) and the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) are examples of the “first wireless network” and the “second wireless network”, respectively. Therefore, the SSID and the BSSID "X2, Y2" and the SSID and the BSSID "X1, Y1" are examples of the "first identification information" and the "second identification information", respectively. And, “X2”, “Y2”, “X1”, “Y1” are examples of “first SSID”, “first BSSID”, “second SSID”, “second BSSID”, respectively. It is. Also, the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) is an example of “at least one wireless network” and “target wireless network”, and the normal use information is an example of “use information”. Further, in case 1-2 of FIG. 5, the WFD NW (MFP, terminal) is an example of “at least one wireless network” and “target wireless network”, and WFD usage information is an example of “use information”. is there.

  Further, in case 1-5 of FIG. 7, the WFD NW (MFP = G / O), the normal Wi-Fi NW (terminal), and the WFD NW (terminal = CL) are respectively the “third wireless network” and the “one wireless It is an example of “network” and “other wireless network”. Also, the channel value “CH3” and the channel value “CH4” are examples of the “first wireless channel value” and the “second wireless channel value”, respectively.

(2nd embodiment; FIG. 9)
Points different from the first embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the control unit 30 of the MFP 10 executes the flowchart of FIG. 9 instead of the flowchart of FIG. In the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the selection unit 42 executes the determination of S56 prior to the determination of S52. Therefore, when the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW, and the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same WFD NW (that is, a specific situation), YES is determined in S56. Then, in S58, normal usage information instructing usage of the WFD NW is transmitted to the portable terminal 50. That is, the selection unit 42 selects only the WFD NW (MFP, terminal) in the above specific situation.

(Case 2; FIG. 10)
In Case 2, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 have the same state as the case 1-1 (that is, the specific situation described above). When the MFP 10 receives the request command from the portable terminal 50 (YES in S50 of FIG. 9), it determines that the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same WFD NW (YES in S56). Therefore, the MFP 10 transmits WFD usage information to the portable terminal 50 using NFC communication (S58). The subsequent operation is similar to that of case 1-2 in FIG.

  According to case 2, in the above specific situation, the MFP 10 can appropriately select only the WFD NW (MFP, terminal). As a result, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can appropriately execute wireless communication of target data using the WFD NW (MFP, terminal).

  Among known APs, there is an AP having a privacy separator function. The privacy separator function is a function that prohibits relay of wireless communication between communication devices. For example, in the case 2, when the privacy separator function of the AP 4A is activated, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can not execute the wireless communication of the target data via the AP 4A. In view of such circumstances, in the present embodiment, the MFP 10 preferentially selects WFDNW (MFP, terminal) rather than the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal). Thus, even if the privacy separator function of the AP 4A is activated, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can appropriately execute wireless communication of target data using the WFD NW (MFP, terminal).

(Third embodiment; FIG. 11)
Points different from the first embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the control unit 30 of the MFP 10 executes the flowchart of FIG. 11 instead of the flowchart of FIG. In the present embodiment, the selection unit 42 executes the determination of S90. In S90, the selection unit 42 determines whether the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW and the same WFD NW. Specifically, when the request command does not include two sets of SSID and BSSID, the selection unit 42 determines NO in S90, and proceeds to S52. Each process after S52 is the same as that of FIG.

  In addition, the selection unit 42 matches the SSID and BSSID of the normal Wi-Fi NW in the memory 34 with the first SSID and BSSID of the two sets of SSID and BSSID in the request command, and in the request command. If the second set of SSID and BSSID of the two sets of SSID and BSSID match the SSID and BSSID of the WFD NW in the memory 34, YES is determined in S90, and the process proceeds to S92. Thus, the selection unit 42 selects both the Wi-Fi NW and the WFD NW.

  In S 92, the usage information transmitting unit 44 transmits both the normal usage information and the WFD usage information to the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22. Accordingly, the portable terminal 50 determines NO in S16 of FIG. 3 and uses one wireless network of the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) and the WFD NW (MFP, terminal) to transmit the target data. The wireless communication is executed with the MFP 10 (see S28). The method for the portable terminal 50 to select one wireless network is not particularly limited. For example, the portable terminal 50 executes communication with print data, scan data, etc. with another device using one of the wireless networks of the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) and the WFD NW (MFP, terminal). If so, the other wireless network may be selected. Also, for example, the portable terminal 50 may randomly select a wireless network.

(Case 3; FIG. 12)
In Case 3, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 have the same state as the case 1-1 (that is, the above-mentioned specific situation). If MFP 10 receives the request command from portable terminal 50 (YES in S50 of FIG. 11), it determines that MFP 10 and portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW and the same WFD NW (YES in S90) . Therefore, the MFP 10 transmits the normal usage information and the WFD usage information to the portable terminal 50 using NFC communication (S92).

  When the portable terminal 50 receives the normal usage information and the WFD usage information from the MFP 10 (NO in S12 of FIG. 3 and NO in S16), for example, WFDNW (MFP, terminal) is randomly selected and WFDNW (MFP, terminal) is selected. The print command and the print data are transmitted to the MFP 10 without using another device (S28). In the modification, for example, the portable terminal 50 randomly selects the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal), and uses the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) to print command and print via the AP 4A. Data may be sent to the MFP 10.

  According to Case 3, in the above specific situation, the MFP 10 can properly select both the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) and the WFD NW (MFP, terminal). As a result, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can appropriately execute the wireless communication of the target data by using either the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) or the WFD NW (MFP, terminal).

(Fourth embodiment; FIG. 13)
Points different from the third embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, when the portable terminal 50 belongs to the WFD NW (terminal), the identification information transmission unit 86 determines the current state of the portable terminal 50 (ie, the G / O state or CL in S10 of FIG. 3). A request command further including state information indicating state) is transmitted to the MFP 10.

  Control unit 30 of MFP 10 executes the flowchart of FIG. 13 instead of the flowchart of FIG. In S50 of FIG. 13, the identification information receiving unit 41 of the MFP 10 can receive a request command including state information from the portable terminal 50. If the selecting unit 42 determines YES in S90, the process proceeds to S94.

  At S94, state determination unit 42A determines whether both MFP 10 and portable terminal 50 are in the CL state. When the WFD state information in memory 34 indicates the CL state and the state information in the request command indicates the CL state, state determination unit 42A indicates that both MFP 10 and portable terminal 50 are in the CL state (S94). And the process proceeds to S96. In S96, the usage information transmission unit 44 transmits the normal usage information to the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22. That is, in the case of YES in S94, the selection unit 42 selects only the normal Wi-Fi NW.

  On the other hand, if the WFD state information in the memory 34 indicates the G / O state or if the state information in the request command indicates the G / O state, the state determination unit 42A detects the state of the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50. It is determined that at least one of them is not in the CL state (NO in S94), and the process proceeds to S98. In S98, the usage information transmission unit 44 transmits WFD usage information to the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22. That is, in the case of NO in S94, the selection unit 42 selects only the WFD NW.

(Case 4-1; FIG. 14)
In Case 4-1, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same WFD NW (SSID and BSSID = “X3, Y3”) in which the PC 6A is a G / O device. That is, both the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 are in the CL state. The MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 further belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW. Therefore, Case 4-1 is also the above specific situation.

  The request command includes state information indicating that the portable terminal 50 is in the CL state. When MFP 10 receives the request command from portable terminal 50 (YES in S50 of FIG. 13), it determines that MFP 10 and portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW and the same WFD NW (YES in S90) . Next, the MFP 10 determines that both the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 are in the CL state (YES in S94). Therefore, the MFP 10 transmits the normal usage information to the portable terminal 50 using NFC communication (S96).

  In the case 4-1, the power of the G / O device PC 6A may be turned off before the wireless communication of the print command and the print data is performed. In this case, since the WFD NW (MFP, terminal) disappears, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can not execute wireless communication of target data using the WFD NW (MFP, terminal). Therefore, if the MFP 10 adopts a configuration in which the WFDNW (MFP, terminal) is selected in the situation of Case 4-1, there is a possibility that the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can not execute wireless communication of target data. In view of such circumstances, in the present embodiment, when both the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 are in the CL state, the MFP 10 adopts a configuration in which the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) is selected (see FIG. S96 of FIG. Thereby, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can appropriately execute the wireless communication of the target data by using the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal).

(Case 4-2; FIG. 14)
In case 4-2, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 have the same state as the case 1-1 (that is, the above-described specific situation). That is, the MFP 10 is in the G / O state. Therefore, the MFP 10 determines that at least one of the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 is not in the CL state (NO in S94), and transmits WFD usage information to the portable terminal 50 using NFC communication (S98).

  In the case 4-2, there is a low possibility that the power of the MFP 10, which is the G / O device, is turned off before the wireless communication of the print command and the print data is performed. This is because the user knows that the wireless communication of print data is to be performed between the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50, so normally, the power of the MFP 10 is not turned off. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when at least one of the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 is not in the CL state, that is, when one of the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 is in the G / O state, the MFP 10 is a WFD NW (MFP , Terminal) is adopted (S98 in FIG. 13). As a result, even when the AP 4A enables the privacy separator function, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can appropriately execute wireless communication of target data using the WFD NW (MFP, terminal).

Fifth Embodiment
Points different from the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the selection unit 42 of the MFP 10 selects a wireless network to be used for wireless communication of target data (see S52 and S56 in FIG. 4). On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the portable terminal 50 selects a wireless network.

(Application processing of the portable terminal 50; FIG. 15)
In the present embodiment, the control unit 70 of the portable terminal 50 executes the flowchart of FIG. 15 instead of the flowchart of FIG. 3. In S100, the control unit 70 transmits a request command to the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 62. Even when the portable terminal 50 belongs to at least one of the normal Wi-Fi NW (terminal) and the WFD NW (terminal), the request command does not include the SSID and the BSSID.

  In S102, the identification information receiving unit 81 receives the response data from the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 62. When the MFP 10 belongs to the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP), the response data includes the SSID and the BSSID of the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP). When the MFP 10 belongs to the WFD NW (MFP), the response data includes the SSID and the BSSID of the WFD NW (MFP).

  In S104, the selection unit 82 determines whether the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal). The determination method of S104 is the same as S52 of FIG. 4 except that the information in the memory 74 and the information in the response data received from the MFP 10 are used. If the selecting unit 82 determines that the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) (YES in S104), the process proceeds to S130. As a result, the selection unit 82 selects only the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal). On the other hand, if it is determined that the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 do not belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) (NO in S104), the selection unit 82 proceeds to S106.

  In S106, the selection unit 82 determines whether the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same WFD NW (MFP, terminal). The determination method of S106 is the same as S56 of FIG. 4 except that the information in the memory 74 and the information in the response data received from the MFP 10 are used. If selection unit 82 determines that MFP 10 and portable terminal 50 belong to the same WFD NW (MFP, terminal) (YES in S106), the process proceeds to S130. As a result, the selecting unit 82 selects only the WFD NW (MFP, terminal). On the other hand, when determining that the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 do not belong to the same WFD NW (MFP, terminal) (NO in S106), the selection unit 82 proceeds to S110.

  Below, each process after S110 is demonstrated easily, but if S60-S68 of FIG. 4 is referred, the content of S110-S118 can be understood in detail. At S110, control unit 70 determines whether the current state of portable terminal 50 is the CL state. At S112, control unit 70 determines whether the current state of portable terminal 50 is the G / O state. In S116, the control unit 70 determines whether the number of CL devices belonging to the WFD NW (terminal = G / O) matches a predetermined upper limit value.

  In the case of YES in S110, in S118, the control unit 70 transmits the NG information to the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 62. Next, in S120, the control unit 70 causes the display unit 54 to display an error screen. When S120 ends, the process of FIG. 15 ends.

  In the case of NO in S112, the control unit 70 shifts the portable terminal 50 to the autonomous G / O mode in S114. After S114, in S122, the setting information transmission unit 85 transmits the WFD WSI in the memory 74 to the MFP 10 via the NFC I / F 22. Next, in step S124, the control unit 70 establishes a connection with the MFP 10. Thus, the MFP 10 can participate in the WFD NW (terminal = G / O). When S124 ends, the process proceeds to S130.

  In S130, the communication execution unit 83 executes the following processing. For example, in the case of YES in S104, the communication execution unit 83 executes wireless communication of target data with the MFP 10 using the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal). Also, for example, in the case of YES in S106, the communication execution unit 83 executes wireless communication of target data with the MFP 10 using the WFD NW (MFP, terminal). Also, for example, when S124 is executed, the communication execution unit 83 executes wireless communication of the target data with the MFP 10 using the WFD NW (terminal = G / O). When S130 ends, the process of FIG. 15 ends.

  In the present embodiment, the normal use information and the WFD use information are not transmitted from the portable terminal 50 to the MFP 10. If the portable terminal 50 transmits a print command or a scan command to the MFP 10 using the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) or WFDNW (MFP, terminal), the MFP 10 prints using any wireless network. This is because it is possible to know whether to perform wireless communication of data or scan data.

(Communication process of MFP 10; FIG. 16)
In the present embodiment, the control unit 30 of the MFP 10 executes the flowchart of FIG. 16 instead of the flowchart of FIG. When the control unit 30 receives a request command from the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22, the control unit 30 determines YES in S200, and proceeds to S202. In S202, the identification information transmission unit 46 transmits response data to the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22. As described above, the response data includes the SSID and BSSID of the wireless network to which the MFP 10 belongs.

  Below, each process after S204 is demonstrated easily, but if S12-S32 of FIG. 3 are referred, the content of S204-S222 can be understood in detail. When receiving NG information (see S118 in FIG. 15) from the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22, the control unit 30 determines YES in S204, and ends the process in FIG. If the setting information receiving unit 47 receives WFD WSI (see S122 in FIG. 15) from the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I / F 22, the setting information receiving unit 47 determines YES in S206 and proceeds to S208.

  In step S208, the detachment unit 48 determines whether the MFP 10 currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi NW. When it is determined that the portable terminal 50 currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi NW (YES in S208), the detachment unit 48 proceeds to S210. In S210, the detachment unit 48 detaches the MFP 10 from the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP).

  In S216, the participation unit 49 normally participates in the WFD NW (terminal = G / O) as a normal Wi-Fi device using the Wi-Fi MAC. In addition, when the channel value used by WFDNW (terminal = G / O) and the channel value used by WFDNW (MFP) coincide with each other, the participation unit 89 starts from WFDNW (MFP) to MFP 10. If the two channel values do not match, the MFP 10 is detached from the WFD NW (MFP). When S216 ends, the process proceeds to S218.

  When the control unit 30 receives a print command or a scan command (see S130 in FIG. 15) from the portable terminal 50 via the wireless LAN I / F 20, the control unit 30 determines NO in S206 and proceeds to S218. In S218, the communication execution unit 43 executes wireless communication of print data or scan data with the portable terminal 50 via the wireless LAN I / F 20 using the wireless network in which the print command or the scan command has been received.

  If the MFP 10 has left the at least one of the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP) and the WFD NW (MFP), the control unit 30 determines YES in S220, and proceeds to S222. In S222, the control unit 30 tries to cause the MFP 10 to belong again to the wireless network from which the MFP 10 has left. When S222 ends, the process of FIG. 16 ends.

(Case 5-1; FIG. 17)
In case 5-1, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 have the same state as the case 1-1 in FIG. 5 (that is, the above-described specific situation). When the MFP 10 receives a request command from the portable terminal 50 using NFC communication (YES in S200 of FIG. 16), the MFP 10 receives response data including two sets of SSID and BSSID “X1, Y1”, “X2, Y2”. It transmits to the portable terminal 50.

  The portable terminal 50 determines that the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) (YES in S104 of FIG. 15). Therefore, the portable terminal 50 transmits a print command and print data to the MFP 10 via the AP 4A using the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) (S130).

  According to case 5-1, in the above-described specific situation, the portable terminal 50 can appropriately select only the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal). As a result, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can appropriately execute the wireless communication of the target data using the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal).

(Case 5-2; FIG. 17)
In Case 5-2, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong to the same WFD NW (MFP, terminal). Further, although the portable terminal 50 normally belongs to the Wi-Fi NW (terminal), the MFP 10 does not belong to the normal Wi-Fi NW. When the MFP 10 receives a request command from the portable terminal 50 using NFC communication (YES in S200 of FIG. 16), the MFP 10 transmits response data including one set of SSID and BSSID “X2, Y2” to the portable terminal 50. .

  The portable terminal 50 determines that the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 do not belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW (NO in S104 of FIG. 15), and then the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 are identical WFDNW (MFP, terminal) It is judged that it belongs to (YES in S106). Therefore, the portable terminal 50 transmits a print command and print data to the MFP 10 using the WFD NW (MFP, terminal) without passing through another device (S130).

  According to case 5-2, when the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 do not belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW but belong to the same WFD NW, the portable terminal 50 is only the WFD NW (MFP, terminal) Can be selected appropriately. As a result, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can appropriately execute wireless communication of target data using the WFD NW (MFP, terminal). In the present embodiment, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 are examples of the “second communication device” and the “first communication device”, respectively.

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

(Modification 1) In the fifth embodiment, the selection unit 82 of the portable terminal 50 executes the process of S104 of FIG. 15 prior to the process of S106. That is, also in the fifth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which only the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) is selected in the above specific situation. Instead of this, the selection unit 82 may execute the process of S106 of FIG. 15 prior to the process of S104. That is, the selection unit 82 may select only the WFD NW (MFP, terminal) in the above specific situation. In this modification, the same effect as that of the second embodiment can be obtained. In addition, the selection unit 82 may include the state determination unit 82A. In this case, in the specific situation described above, the state determination unit 82A determines whether both the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 are in the CL state, as in S94 of FIG. 13 of the fourth embodiment. When both the portable terminals 50 are in the CL state, only the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP, terminal) is selected, and when at least one of the MFP 10 and the portable terminals 50 is not in the CL state, the WFD NW (MFP, Only the terminal) may be selected. In this modification, the same effect as the fourth embodiment can be obtained.

(Modification 2) In the first to fifth embodiments described above, the selection units 42 and 82 execute both determination of SSID match and determination of BSSID match. Instead of this, the selection units 42 and 82 may execute only the determination of the SSID match. For example, in the first to fourth embodiments, the request command may not include the BSSID. In this case, in S52 of FIG. 4, when the selecting unit 42 includes an SSID that matches the SSID of the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP) in the memory 34 in the request command, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 are identical. It may be determined that it belongs to the normal Wi-Fi NW (YES in S52). Further, in S56 of FIG. 4, when the SSID matching the SSID of the WFD NW (MFP) in the memory 34 is included in the request command, the selection unit 42 belongs to the same WFD NW where the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong. It may be determined that (YES at S56).

  Also, for example, in the first to fourth embodiments, the request command may not include the SSID. In this case, in S52 of FIG. 4, when the selection unit 42 includes a BSSID that matches the BSSID of the normal Wi-Fi NW (MFP) in the memory 34 in the request command, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 are identical. It may be determined that it belongs to the normal Wi-Fi NW (YES in S52). Further, in S56 of FIG. 4, when the BSSID that matches the BSSID of the WFD NW (MFP) in the memory 34 is included in the request command, the selection unit 42 belongs to the same WFD NW where the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong. It may be determined that (YES at S56).

  Also in the present modification, the selection units 42 and 82 can appropriately select the wireless network to which both the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 belong. Generally speaking, the selection unit may select at least one wireless network using at least one of the SSID and the BSSID.

(Modification 3) The “first wireless network” is not limited to the WFD NW, but may be a normal Wi-Fi NW formed by the AP, or formed by a device (eg, PC 6A) functioning as a so-called Soft AP The network may be a normal Wi-Fi NW, or an ad hoc wireless network. Also, for example, the “second wireless network” is not limited to the normal Wi-Fi NW formed by the AP, but is a normal Wi-Fi NW formed by a device (for example, PC 6A) functioning as a so-called Soft AP. It may be an ad hoc wireless network or a WFD NW. Also, the "first and second wireless networks" may be the same type of wireless network. For example, the “first wireless network” may be the first normal Wi-Fi NW, and the “second wireless network” may be the second normal Wi-Fi NW.

(Modification 4) The “first type of interface” is not limited to the interface for executing NFC communication, but may be an interface for executing infrared communication, or to execute Bluetooth (registered trademark) Or an interface for executing Transfer Jet. Generally speaking, the communication speed of wireless communication via the second type of interface may be faster than the communication speed of wireless communication via the first type of interface.

(Modification 5) The “first type and second type of interface” may be two interfaces (for example, two IC chips) separately configured as in the above embodiment. Alternatively, it may be an integrated interface (for example, an IC chip). In each of the above embodiments, the “second type interface” is one interface (ie, the wireless LAN I / F 20 or the wireless LAN I / F 60). Instead, for example, the “second type interface” is configured separately from the first interface (that is, one IC chip) for performing normal Wi-Fi communication and the first interface. The second interface may be configured by the second interface (ie, one IC chip) for performing WFD communication.

(Modification 6) The “communication device” is not limited to the MFP 10 or the portable terminal 50, and may be another communication device (for example, a printer, a scanner, a fax machine, a copier, a telephone, a desktop PC, a server, etc.) .

(Modification 7) In the above embodiment, the functions of the units 41 to 49, 81 to 89 are realized by the CPUs 32, 72 of the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 executing programs (i.e. software) in the memories 34, 74. Be done. Alternatively, at least one of the units 41 to 49 and 81 to 89 may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

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

  2: Communication system, 4A, 4B: AP, 6A, 6B: PC, 10: MFP, 20: Wireless LAN I / F, 22: NFC I / F, 30: Controller, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 50: Mobile Terminal, 60: Wireless LAN I / F, 62: NFC I / F, 70: Controller, 72: CPU, 74: Memory, 76: Application

Claims (9)

A first communication device,
A first type of interface for performing wireless communication with a second communication device;
A second type interface for performing wireless communication with the second communication device, wherein a communication speed of wireless communication via the second type interface is wireless communication via the first type interface faster than the communication speed of, and the second type of interface,
A first identification information for identifying a first wireless network, and a second identification information for identifying a second wireless network via the first type of interface. An identification information receiving unit to be received from a device , wherein the first wireless network is formed by the second communication device, and the first communication device belongs when the first communication device belongs. It is a network available when performing wireless communication via the second type interface, and the second wireless network is an access point different from the first communication device and the second communication device. A network that can be used when the first communication device performs wireless communication via the second type interface when the first communication device belongs. A click, and the identification information receiving unit,
The same as the first communication device and the second communication device formed by the access point using the second identification information of the first identification information and the second identification information A determination unit that determines whether or not the user belongs to the second wireless network of
A communication execution unit,
Equipped with
The communication execution unit
The first communication device and the second communication device belong to the same second wireless network formed by the access point by the determination unit using the second identification information. And if it is determined that the second wireless network is used to perform wireless communication of the second communication device and target data via the second type interface,
The determination unit determines that the first communication device and the second communication device do not belong to the second wireless network formed by the same access point, using the second identification information. When it is determined that the first type of identification information is used, the first wireless network identified by the first type of identification information is used to transmit the second type interface using the second type of interface. the first communication device that perform wireless communication and second communication device and the target data.   The first communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first type of interface is a near field communication (NFC) interface.   The second type of interface is an interface for performing wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 (abbreviation of The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) standard and a standard conforming thereto. The first communication device according to item 1 or 2.   The first communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is a portable terminal device. A second communication device,
A first type interface for performing wireless communication with the first communication device;
A second type interface for performing wireless communication with the first communication device, wherein a communication speed of wireless communication via the second type interface is wireless communication via the first type interface faster than the communication speed of, and the second type of interface,
First identification information for identifying the first wireless network, and the second identification information for identifying the second wireless network, through the first type of interface, the first communication An identification information transmission unit for transmitting to a device, wherein the first wireless network is formed by the second communication device, and the second communication device is the second communication device when the second communication device belongs. It is a network available when performing wireless communication via two types of interfaces, and the second wireless network is formed by an access point different from the first communication device and the second communication device. And a network usable when the second communication device executes wireless communication via the second type interface when the second communication device belongs. And the identification information transmitting unit,
The first communication device and the second communication device belong to the same second wireless network using the second identification information of the first identification information and the second identification information. If it is determined that the second communication network is in use, the second wireless network is used to execute wireless communication of target data with the first communication device via the second type interface, and Identified by the first identification information when it is determined that the first communication device and the second communication device do not belong to the same second wireless network using the identification information of A communication execution unit that executes wireless communication of target data with the first communication device via the second type of interface using the first wireless network;
A second communication device comprising   The second communication device according to claim 5, wherein the first type of interface is an NFC (Near Field Communication) interface.   The second type of interface is an interface for performing wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 (abbreviation of The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) standard and a standard conforming thereto. 7. The second communication device according to item 5 or 6. It further comprises a print execution unit,
The second communication device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the wireless communication of the target data is transmission of print data from the first communication device to the second communication device. It further comprises a scan execution unit,
The second communication device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the wireless communication of the target data is transmission of scan data from the second communication device to the first communication device.

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