JP6544468B2 - Wireless communication device - Google Patents

Description

  The technology disclosed by the present specification relates to a wireless communication device.

  Non-Patent Document 1 describes Wi-Fi Direct (hereinafter referred to as “WFD”) formulated by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The WFD's wireless network consists of one device operating as a Group Owner (hereinafter referred to as “G / O device”) and one or more devices operating as clients managed by the G / O device (hereinafter Client devices) and When a WFD connection is to be established between a pair of devices, each of the pair of devices performs G / O negotiation to determine whether to operate with the G / O or the client.

Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Technical Specification Version 1.1, Wi-Fi Alliance, 2010

  In this specification, in a situation in which a wireless communication apparatus should establish connection with a plurality of devices, a technique is provided in which the wireless communication apparatus can form an appropriate connection state.

  In this specification, the mobile station can selectively operate in any one of a plurality of states including a master station state functioning as a master station of a wireless network and a slave station state functioning as a slave station of the wireless network. A wireless communication device is disclosed. The wireless communication device includes a first connection, a second connection, and a determination unit. The first connection unit determines that one of the other device and the wireless communication device should operate in the master state, and the other of the other device and the wireless communication device is in the slave state. A state determination process that determines what to operate is performed to establish a first type of connection with the other device described above such that the wireless communication device operates in the state determined by the state determination process. The first connection establishes a first type of connection with the first device using a first wireless channel when a first type of connection with the first device is to be established. . The second connection establishes a second type of connection with another device. The second connection unit uses the second wireless channel to establish a second connection with the second device when a second type of connection with the second device different from the first device is to be established. Establish two types of connection. The determination unit is configured to set the first type of connection with the first device while one of the first type of connection with the first device and the second type of connection with the second device is established. The value of the first radio channel and the value of the second radio channel match in the particular case where the other connection of the second connection with the second connection with the second connection is to be established Then, at least one of the value of the first radio channel and the value of the second radio channel is determined.

  In the above technology, the wireless communication device may, in certain cases, match the value of the first wireless channel with the value of the second wireless channel such that the value of the first wireless channel matches the value of the second wireless channel. Determine at least one of the value of. To this end, the wireless communication device may form a state in which both the first type of connection with the first device and the second type of connection with the second device are established. Thus, the wireless communication device may, in certain cases, form appropriate connection states.

  In certain cases, it may be the case that a first type of connection with the first device is to be established while a second type of connection with the second device is established. The determination unit refers to the value of the second radio channel used in the second type of connection with the second device in a specific case, and matches the value of the second radio channel with the value of the first radio channel. The value of the wireless channel may be determined. According to this configuration, the wireless communication device may appropriately determine the value of the first wireless channel that matches the value of the second wireless channel in a specific case.

  The first connection unit may execute, in a specific case, a specific process for operating the wireless communication device in the master station state. The determination unit may determine the value of the first wireless channel that matches the value of the second wireless channel by referring to the value of the second wireless channel after the specific processing. According to this configuration, the wireless communication device may appropriately determine the value of the first wireless channel that matches the value of the second wireless channel in a specific case.

  The first connection unit further includes a wireless communication device when the first type connection with the first device is to be established in a state in which the second type connection with the second device is not established. The state determination process may be performed by comparing the first setting value stored by the first setting value with the setting value stored by the first device. In the specific case, the first connection unit may execute the state determination process by comparing the second setting value stored by the wireless communication apparatus with the setting value stored by the first device. Good. The first connection unit is a specific one that uses a second set value that is easy to determine that the wireless communication apparatus should operate in the master station state in the state determination process in comparison with the first set value in a specific case. Processing may be performed. According to this configuration, in a specific case, the wireless communication device may appropriately execute a specific process for operating the wireless communication device in the master station state.

  The first connection unit may execute, in a specific case, a specific process for setting the wireless communication device in a specific mode for maintaining the wireless communication device operating in the master station state. According to this configuration, in a specific case, the wireless communication device may appropriately execute a specific process for operating the wireless communication device in the master station state.

  The determination unit further determines if the first type of connection with the first device is to be established in a state in which the second type of connection with the second device is not established. The value of the first wireless channel may be determined without reference to the value. According to this configuration, the wireless communication device may appropriately determine the value of the first wireless channel according to the situation.

  The wireless communication device may further include, in a specific case, a notification unit that notifies the first device of only the value of the second wireless channel as the value of the wireless channel available to the wireless communication device. . According to this configuration, the wireless communication device may appropriately establish the first type connection with the first device.

  The notification unit further uses the wireless communication apparatus when the first type connection with the first device can not be established even if the first device is notified of only the value of the second wireless channel. A value different from the value of the second wireless channel may be notified to the first device as the value of the possible wireless channel. According to this configuration, the wireless communication device may appropriately establish the first type connection with the first device.

  The determination unit is a specific case, and when it is determined that the wireless communication apparatus should operate in a master state, the value of the second wireless channel is referred to with reference to the value of the second wireless channel. The value of the first radio channel may be determined to match. The wireless communication device is also in a particular case and when it is determined that the wireless communication device is to operate in the slave state, the value of the first wireless channel and the value of the second wireless channel A channel determination unit may be provided to determine whether or not there is a match. The first connection unit uses the first radio channel to determine the first connection with the first device when it is determined that the value of the first radio channel matches the value of the second radio channel. A connection of the species may be established. According to this configuration, the wireless communication device can perform appropriate processing according to the state in which the wireless communication device should operate. To this end, the wireless communication device may appropriately establish a first type of connection with the first device.

  The second device may be an access point. According to this configuration, the wireless communication device can appropriately establish the second type of connection with the access point (ie, the second device).

  The value of the second wireless channel may be a value determined by the access point. According to this configuration, the wireless communication device may appropriately establish the second type connection with the access point (ie, the second device) using the second wireless channel determined by the access point.

  A control method for realizing the above-described wireless communication device, a computer program, and a computer readable recording medium storing the computer program are also novel and useful.

1 shows an example of the configuration of a communication system. 7 shows a flowchart of non-WFD connection processing. 7 shows a flowchart of WFD connection processing. FIG. 7 shows a sequence diagram of a case realized in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of the continuation of FIG. 4; The flowchart of the WFD connection process of 2nd Example is shown. FIG. 8 shows a sequence diagram of a case realized in the second embodiment.

(First embodiment)
(System configuration)
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes an access point (hereinafter referred to as “AP”) 4, a PC 6, a portable terminal 8, and a printer 10 (peripheral devices such as the PC 6 and the portable terminal 8) Equipped with The mobile terminal 8 and the printer 10 can each execute a wireless communication function in accordance with Wi-Fi Direct described later. In the following, Wi-Fi Direct is referred to as “WFD”, and connection according to WFD is referred to as “WFD connection”. The printer 10 can establish a WFD connection with the portable terminal 8, whereby a WFD network is established. As a result, the portable terminal 8 and the printer 10 can execute wireless communication of target data to be communicated, such as print data.

  The printer 10 can execute a normal wireless communication function (for example, wireless communication in accordance with IEEE 802.11) in addition to the wireless communication function in accordance with WFD. That is, the printer 10 can establish a connection with the AP 4 (hereinafter referred to as “non-WFD connection”), whereby a non-WFD network is constructed. The PC 6 can also establish a non-WFD connection with the AP 4. As a result, the printer 10 and the PC 6 can execute wireless communication of target data to be communicated, such as print data, via the AP 4.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that, for example, the AP 4, the PC 6, and the printer 10 are deferred within a specific company. That is, within a specific company, a non-WFD network including AP 4, PC 6 and printer 10 is constructed. For this purpose, the user of the PC 6 (for example, an employee of a specific company) can cause the printer 10 to execute printing via the AP 4. Then, for example, a user of the mobile terminal 8 (for example, a person who has visited a specific company) can temporarily establish a WFD connection between the mobile terminal 8 and the printer 10. That is, the user of the portable terminal 8 can temporarily establish a WFD network including the portable terminal 8 and the printer 10. Thus, the user of the portable terminal 8 can cause the printer 10 to execute printing without intervention of the AP 4. Thus, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the non-WFD network is a network to be established regularly and the WFD network is a network to be established temporarily.

(Configuration of printer 10)
The printer 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, a wireless interface 18, and a control unit 20. Each of the units 12 to 20 is connected to a bus line (reference numeral omitted). The operation unit 12 is configured by a plurality of keys. The user can operate the operation unit 12 to give various instructions to the printer 10. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The print execution unit 16 includes a printing mechanism such as an inkjet method or a laser method, and executes printing in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 20.

  The wireless interface 18 is an interface used when the control unit 20 performs wireless communication. The wireless interface 18 is physically one interface. However, both the MAC address to be used in the WFD connection and the MAC address to be used in the non-WFD connection are assigned to the wireless interface 18. Therefore, the control unit 20 can simultaneously execute both the wireless communication function according to the WFD and the normal wireless communication function by using the wireless interface 18. As a result, as will be described in detail later, the control unit 20 may form a state in which both WFD connection and non-WFD connection are established.

  The control unit 20 includes a CPU 22 and a memory 24. The CPU 22 executes various processes in accordance with a program stored in the memory 24. The memory 24 is configured by a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk and the like. The memory 24 stores the above-described program executed by the CPU 22, and stores data acquired or generated in the process of the CPU 22 executing a process. Each function of the first connection unit 30, the second connection unit 32, the determination unit 34, the notification unit 36, and the channel determination unit 38 is realized by the CPU 22 executing the process according to the above program.

  Although the details will be described later, the first connection unit 30 is a unit for executing a wireless communication function in accordance with the WFD. For example, the first connection unit 30 establishes a WFD connection with the portable terminal 8. The second connection unit 32 is not a wireless communication function according to WFD, but a unit for executing a normal wireless communication function. For example, the second connection unit 32 establishes a non-WFD connection with the AP 4.

(Configuration of PC 6)
The PC 6 can not execute the wireless communication function according to the WFD. However, in a modification, the PC 6 may be able to execute the wireless communication function according to the WFD. The PC 6 can establish a non-WFD connection with the AP 4. The PC 6 includes a CPU, a memory, a display, and the like (not shown). The memory of the PC 6 stores a printer driver program for the printer 10. The CPU of the PC 6 can generate print data to be printed using a printer driver program. In a state where a non-WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the AP 4 and a non-WFD connection is established between the PC 6 and the AP 4, the PC 6 transmits print data to the printer 10 via the AP 4. It can transmit wirelessly.

(Configuration of portable terminal 8)
The portable terminal 8 is a portable terminal, and includes, for example, a smartphone, a PDA terminal, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, and the like. The portable terminal 8 can execute the wireless communication function according to the WFD. The portable terminal 8 can establish a WFD connection with the printer 10. The portable terminal 8 includes a CPU, a memory, a display, and the like (not shown). The memory of the portable terminal 8 stores a printer driver program for the printer 10. The CPU of the portable terminal 8 can generate print data to be printed using the printer driver program. In the state where the WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8, the portable terminal 8 can wirelessly transmit print data to the printer 10 without passing through the AP 4.

(WFD)
WFD is a standard formulated by the Wi-Fi Alliance. WFD is described in "Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Technical Specification Version 1.1" created by the Wi-Fi Alliance.

  As described above, the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8 can each execute the wireless communication function in accordance with the WFD. Hereinafter, a device capable of executing a wireless communication function in accordance with WFD will be referred to as a “WFD compatible device”. In the WFD standard, three states of Group Owner state (hereinafter referred to as "G / O state"), client state, and device state are defined as the states of a WFD compatible device. The WFD-enabled device is selectively operable in one of the three states described above.

  A single WFD network is configured by the devices in the G / O state and the devices in the client state. In one WFD network, there may be only one device in the G / O state, but there may be one or more devices in the client state. Devices in the G / O state manage devices in one or more client states. Specifically, the device in the G / O state generates a management list in which identification information (ie, MAC address) of each of the devices in one or more client states is described. A device in the G / O state adds identification information of the device to the management list when the device in the client state newly joins the WFD network, and when the device in the client state leaves the WFD network, identification information of the device is displayed. Remove from management list.

  Devices in the G / O state communicate with target devices registered in the management list, that is, devices in the client state (for example, data (print data including information of the network layer of the OSI reference model) Etc.) can be performed. However, devices in the G / O state can not participate in the WFD network with devices not registered in the management list (for example, data that does not include network layer information (Probe Request signal, Probe Response signal) Wireless communication of physical layer data (eg, physical layer data, etc.), but not wireless communication of the above-mentioned target data For example, the printer 10 in the G / O state is a portable device registered in the management list Although print data can be wirelessly received from the terminal 8 (that is, the mobile terminal 8 in the client state), print data can not be wirelessly received from an apparatus not registered in the management list.

  Also, a device in the G / O state can relay wireless communication of target data (such as print data) between a plurality of devices in the client state. For example, when the portable terminal 8 in the client state should wirelessly transmit print data to another printer in the client state, the portable terminal 8 wirelessly transmits the print data to the printer 10 in the G / O state first. . In this case, the printer 10 wirelessly receives the print data from the portable terminal 8 and wirelessly transmits the print data to the other printer described above. That is, the device in the G / O state can perform the function of an AP (Access Point) of the wireless network.

  Note that WFD compatible devices not participating in the WFD network (that is, devices not registered in the management list) are devices in the device state. A device in the device state can execute wireless communication of data for joining a WFD network (data of a physical layer such as a probe request signal, probe response signal, etc.), but target data (print data) via the WFD network Etc.) can not be performed.

(Non-WFD connection process; Fig. 2)
Next, the contents of processing executed by the printer 10 will be described. First, the contents of the non-WFD connection process executed by the printer 10 will be described with reference to FIG. When the user inputs a predetermined non-WFD connection instruction to the operation unit 12, the control unit 20 starts the non-WFD connection process of FIG.

  In S <b> 10, the second connection unit 32 executes a Scan process for searching for each AP existing around the printer 10. Next, in S12, the second connection unit 32 causes the display unit 14 to display an AP list including information (for example, SSID and the like) on each AP found in the scan process. The user of the printer 10 specifies, from the AP list, an AP to which a connection with the printer 10 should be established. The second connection unit 32 selects an AP according to a user's instruction. In the following, the description will be continued, taking the case where AP4 is selected as an example.

  Although described later in detail, the first connection unit 30 executes G / O negotiation (see S42 and the like in FIG. 3) to establish a WFD connection. On the other hand, the second connection unit 32 does not execute the G / O negotiation. The AP 4 determines the value of the radio channel to be used in the non-WFD connection (hereinafter referred to as “non-WFD channel value Vap”) from 1 to 14 ch. The AP 4 sends the non-WFD channel value Vap to the printer 10. As a result, in S13, the second connection unit 32 receives the non-WFD channel value Vap from the AP4. The second connection unit 32 stores the non-WFD channel value Vap in the memory 24.

  Next, in S14, the second connection unit 32 determines whether a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8. If the WFD connection is established (YES in S14), the process proceeds to S16, and if the WFD connection is not established (NO in S14), the process proceeds to S20.

  In S20, the second connection unit 32 executes communication for authentication with the AP 4 using the non-WFD channel value Vap received in S13. In the communication performed here, the second connection unit 32 transmits data such as an authentication method, an encryption method, and a password to the AP 4. As a result, the AP 4 executes authentication of an authentication method, an encryption method, a password and the like, and transmits data indicating the authentication success to the printer 10 if the authentication is successful. Thereby, a non-WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the AP 4. As a result, the printer 10 (that is, the second connection unit 32) may execute communication of target data (such as print data) to be communicated with the PC 6 via the AP 4 using the non-WFD channel value Vap. it can. When S20 ends, the non-WFD connection process of FIG. 2 ends.

  On the other hand, in S16, the second connection unit 32 causes the display unit 14 to display information indicating that the WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 is disconnected. Next, in S18, the first connection unit 30 changes the state of the printer 10 from the G / O state or the client to the device state. For example, when the current state of the printer 10 is the G / O state, the first connection unit 30 is currently used in the management list stored by the printer 10 in the G / O state and the WFD connection. The value of a certain wireless channel (hereinafter referred to as “WFD channel value Vwfd”) is erased from the memory 24. Thereby, the printer 10 shifts from the G / O state to the device state, and as a result, the WFD connection between the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8 is disconnected. Also, for example, when the current state of the printer 10 is the client state, the first connection unit 30 deletes the WFD channel value Vwfd from the memory 24. As a result, the printer 10 shifts from the client state to the device state, and as a result, the WFD connection between the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8 is disconnected.

  After S18, in S20, the second connection unit 32 establishes a non-WFD connection with the AP 4 using the non-WFD channel value Vap received in S13, as described above. Since the WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 is disconnected at S18, a state is established in which only the non-WFD connection with the AP 4 is established.

  For example, when the WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 is being established (in the case of YES in S14), the WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 is not disconnected, and the WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 and the non-AP4 are not established. It is conceivable to adopt a configuration that forms a state in which both WFD connections are established. However, the wireless interface 18 is physically one interface. Therefore, if the WFD channel value Vwfd and the non-WFD channel value Vap are different, the printer 10 simultaneously and appropriately performs the wireless communication using the WFD connection and the wireless communication using the non-WFD connection. It can not be performed. In order to avoid the occurrence of such a situation, in the present embodiment, in the case of YES in S14, the WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 is disconnected (S18), and only the non-WFD connection with AP4 is established. The structure which forms the state which is

  When WFD connection is being established (YES in S14), the WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 is maintained without establishing the non-WFD connection with the AP 4 (ie, with the portable terminal 8). It is conceivable to adopt a configuration in which only the WFD connection is established. However, as described above, the non-WFD network is a network to be established regularly, and when such a network is disconnected, the user of the PC 6 can not cause the printer 10 to execute printing. In order to suppress the occurrence of such an event, in the present embodiment, in the case of YES in S14, the WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 to be temporarily established is disconnected and established steadily. A configuration is adopted in which only non-WFD connection with the AP 4 to be established is established. That is, in the present embodiment, a configuration is given which prioritizes the non-WFD connection with the AP 4 to be established steadily.

(WFD connection process; Fig. 3)
Subsequently, the contents of the WFD connection process executed by the printer 10 in the device state will be described with reference to FIG. When the user inputs a predetermined WFD connection instruction to the operation unit 12, the control unit 20 starts the WFD connection process of FIG.

  In S40, the first connection unit 30 determines whether a non-WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the AP4. If the non-WFD connection is established (YES at S40), the process proceeds to S46, and if the non-WFD connection is not established (NO at S40), the process proceeds to S42.

  Although not illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 3, each device of the device state existing in the periphery of the printer 10 (for example, the first connection unit 30, whether YES or NO in S 40) The search process for searching the mobile terminal 8) is executed. Furthermore, the first connection unit 30 causes the display unit 14 to display a device list including information (for example, a device name, a model name, a MAC address, and the like) regarding each device found in the Search process. The user of the printer 10 specifies, from the device list, a device to which a connection with the printer 10 should be established. The first connection unit 30 selects the device according to the instruction of the user. In the following, the description will be continued, taking the case where the portable terminal 8 is selected as an example.

  Further, when the WFD connection instruction is input to the mobile terminal 8, the mobile terminal 8 in the device state executes the Search process, as in the printer 10. As a result, a device list including information on the printer 10 is displayed on the display unit of the portable terminal 8. The user of the portable terminal 8 selects a device to which a connection with the portable terminal 8 should be established from the device list. In the following, the description will be continued with the case where the printer 10 is selected as an example.

  In S42, the first connection unit 30 executes G / O negotiation to determine one of the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8 as the G / O, and the other of the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8 Determine your device as a client. Specifically, the first connection unit 30 first transmits the Intent value of the printer 10 stored in the memory 24 to the portable terminal 8. Further, the first connection unit 30 receives the Intent value of the portable terminal 8 stored in the portable terminal 8 from the portable terminal 8. The Intent value is a setting value indicating the degree to which G / O should be achieved. The Intent value is any value within the numerical range of 0-15. The larger the Intent value, the easier it is to become G / O. In other words, the smaller the Intent value, the easier it is to become a client.

  For example, a device with relatively high CPU and memory capabilities (eg, a PC) can perform other processing at high speed while operating as a G / O. Therefore, a relatively large Intent value is usually set in such a device so as to easily become G / O. On the other hand, for example, a device having a relatively low CPU and memory capacity may not be able to execute other processes at high speed while operating as a G / O. Therefore, relatively small Intent values are usually set for such devices so as to be less likely to be G / O (i.e., more likely to be a client).

  In the present embodiment, “2” is used as the Intent value (that is, the default Intent value) of the printer 10 in the G / O negotiation in S42. The printer 10 usually has relatively low CPU and memory capabilities as compared to a PC or the like. For this purpose, the printer 10 is set to a relatively small default Intent value. Therefore, in S42, the first connection unit 30 transmits the Intent value "2" of the printer 10 to the portable terminal 8.

  In S42, the first connection unit 30 further compares the Intent value of the printer 10 with the Intent value of the portable terminal 8 to determine the G / O and the client. For example, when the Intent value of the printer 10 is larger than the Intent value of the portable terminal 8, the first connection unit 30 determines that the printer 10 should be G / O and the portable terminal 8 is a client. Decide what to be. Also, for example, when the Intent value of the printer 10 is smaller than the Intent value of the portable terminal 8, the first connection unit 30 determines that the printer 10 should be a client, and the portable terminal 8 performs G Decide what should be / O. When the Intent value of the printer 10 and the Intent value of the portable terminal 8 match, the first connection unit 30 changes the Intent value of the printer 10 and uses the changed Intent value. , G / O negotiation may be performed again, and information indicating that WFD connection can not be established may be displayed on the display unit 14.

  The portable terminal 8 determines the G / O and the client based on the Intent value of the printer 10 and the Intent value of the portable terminal 8 using the same method as the printer 10.

  Note that, in the process of G / O negotiation in S42, the notification unit 36 sets a channel list including all values of 1 to 14 ch as values of wireless channels that can be used by the printer 10 in WFD connection (hereinafter, “normal list” ) Is notified (ie, sent) to the portable terminal 8. Similarly, the portable terminal 8 notifies (i.e., transmits) a channel list including the values of wireless channels available to the portable terminal 8 over the WFD connection to the printer 10. Thereby, the first connection unit 30 can acquire the channel list of the portable terminal 8. When the G / O negotiation in S42 is completed, the process proceeds to S44.

  In S44, processing is performed according to the result of the G / O negotiation in S42. For example, when it is determined that the printer 10 should become G / O, in S44, the determination unit 34 determines the WFD channel value Vwfd to be used in the WFD connection. Specifically, among the values (1 to 14 ch) of the wireless channels included in the normal list notified to the portable terminal 8 in S42, the determination unit 34 is included in the channel list notified from the portable terminal 8 in S42. The value of one radio channel is determined as the WFD channel value Vwfd. In the present embodiment, when “11 ch” is included in the channel list notified from the portable terminal 8, the determination unit 34 determines “11 ch” as the WFD channel value Vwfd. However, if “11 ch” is not included in the channel list notified from the portable terminal 8, the determination unit 34 determines another value (for example, “10 ch”) as the WFD channel value Vwfd.

  Next, the first connection unit 30 transmits (ie, notifies) the determined WFD channel value Vwfd to the portable terminal 8. Thereby, the mobile terminal 8 can know the WFD channel value Vwfd, and can use the WFD channel value Vwfd in the subsequent communication. The first connection unit 30 stores the determined WFD channel value Vwfd in the memory 24 of the printer 10.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the printer 10 should become a client, in S44, the determination unit 34 does not determine the WFD channel value Vwfd. In this case, the first connection unit 30 receives the WFD channel value Vwfd determined by the mobile terminal 8 from the mobile terminal 8 in the G / O state. In this case, the first connection unit 30 stores the received WFD channel value Vwfd in the memory 24 of the printer 10.

  In S44, the first connection unit 30 further executes WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) negotiation to establish a WFD connection with the portable terminal 8. When it is determined that the printer 10 should be G / O, the first connection unit 30 executes WPS negotiation for the G / O state. On the other hand, when it is determined that the printer 10 should become a client, the first connection unit 30 executes WPS negotiation for client status.

(WPS negotiation for G / O state)
In the WPS negotiation for the G / O state, the first connection unit 30 generates data indicating a wireless profile (SSID, authentication method, encryption method, password, etc.) necessary to establish a WFD connection. The authentication method and the encryption method are predetermined. In addition, the first connection unit 30 generates a password in the process of S44. The SSID may be generated by the first connection unit 30 at the time of the processing of S44, or may be determined in advance. Subsequently, the first connection unit 30 transmits data indicating a wireless profile to the portable terminal 8 using the WFD channel value Vwfd.

  By transmitting the wireless profile from the printer 10 to the portable terminal 8, the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8 can use the same wireless profile. The first connection unit 30 uses the wireless profile to transmit an Authentication Request, an Authentication Response, an Association Request, an Association Response, and a four-way handshake wireless communication (hereinafter referred to as “specific wireless communication”) as a portable terminal. Run with 8 Note that the WFD channel value Vwfd is also used in the above specific wireless communication. In the specific wireless communication process described above, various authentication processes such as authentication of the SSID, authentication of the authentication method and encryption method, authentication of the password, and the like are performed. If all the authentications are successful, a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 8.

  Next, the first connection unit 30 adds the identification information of the portable terminal 8 (that is, the MAC address of the portable terminal 8) to the management list. As a result, the printer 10 in the G / O state (that is, the first connection unit 30) can communicate with the portable terminal 8 in the client state using the WFD channel value Vwfd to transmit target data (print data, etc.) ) To perform communication. The target data includes data of a network layer which is a layer higher than the physical layer of the OSI reference model. Therefore, the printer 10 in the G / O state (ie, the first connection unit 30) can perform wireless communication of the network layer with the portable terminal 8 in the client state. Furthermore, the printer 10 in the G / O state (that is, the first connection unit 30) relays wireless communication between the mobile terminal 8 in the client state and other devices in the client state registered in the management list. can do.

  As described above, the first connection unit 30 is a WFD channel so that the printer 10 operates in the G / O state when the G / O negotiation determines that the printer 10 should become the G / O. A WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 is established using the value Vwfd.

(WPS negotiation for client state)
On the other hand, in the WPS negotiation for the client state, the first connection unit 30 receives data indicating a wireless profile from the portable terminal 8 using the WFD channel value Vwfd. Next, the first connection unit 30 executes the above-mentioned specific wireless communication with the portable terminal 8 using the wireless profile. Thereby, a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8.

  The portable terminal 8 adds the identification information of the printer 10 (that is, the MAC address of the printer 10) to the management list. As a result, the printer 10 in the client state (that is, the first connection unit 30) can communicate with the mobile terminal 8 in the G / O state using the WFD channel value Vwfd to transmit target data (print data, etc.) Communication can be performed.

  As described above, the first connection unit 30 uses the WFD channel value Vwfd so that the printer 10 operates in the client state when it is determined that the printer 10 should become the client in the G / O negotiation. And establish a WFD connection with the portable terminal 8. When S44 ends, the WFD connection process of FIG. 3 ends.

  Next, the contents of the processing of S46 and subsequent steps executed in the case of YES at S40 (when a non-WFD connection is currently established) will be described. At S46, the first connection unit 30 determines whether or not the first G / O negotiation should be performed after the WFD connection process of FIG. 3 is started. If the first G / O negotiation should be performed (if YES in S46), the process proceeds to S48, and if the second and subsequent G / O negotiations should be performed (S46) In the case of NO), the process proceeds to S50.

  In S48, the first connection unit 30 executes G / O negotiation in the same manner as S42. However, the G / O negotiation in S48 differs from S42 in the following points. In the G / O negotiation of S48, "14" is adopted as the Intent value of the printer 10. Therefore, in S48, the first connection unit 30 transmits the Intent value “14” of the printer 10 to the portable terminal 8. Further, in S48, the notification unit 36 sets the non-WFD channel value Vap used in the currently established non-WFD connection as the value of the wireless channel available for the printer 10 in the WFD connection (ie, the non-WFD channel value Vap in the memory The mobile terminal 8 is notified (i.e., transmitted) of a channel list (hereinafter referred to as a "restricted list") including only the WFD channel value Vap. When the G / O negotiation in S48 is completed, the process proceeds to S52.

  In S52, the first connection unit 30 determines whether G / O negotiation has succeeded. For example, when the communication environment between the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8 is bad, communication for G / O negotiation can not be executed between the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8. In this case, the first connection unit 30 determines NO in S52. Also, for example, when the restriction list (ie, the non-WFD channel value Vap) is notified to the portable terminal 8 in the G / O negotiation of S48, the following event may occur. That is, when the non-WFD channel value Vap is not included in the channel list notified from the portable terminal 8, the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8 can not use the common wireless channel. Therefore, also in this case, the first connection unit 30 determines NO in S52. In the case of NO at S52, the process proceeds to S54.

  In S54, the first connection unit 30 determines whether the number of times G / O negotiation has been performed is equal to or more than a threshold (the threshold is an integer of 2 or more). If the number of executions of the G / O negotiation is equal to or greater than the threshold (if YES in S54), in S56, the first connection unit 30 displays information indicating that the WFD connection can not be established. Display on 14 In this case, the first connection unit 30 does not establish a WFD connection with the portable terminal 8. Therefore, the state in which only the non-WFD connection with AP4 is established is maintained. When S56 ends, the WFD connection process of FIG. 3 ends.

  On the other hand, if the number of executions of the G / O negotiation is less than the threshold (if NO at S54), the process returns to S46. In this case, the first connection unit 30 determines NO in S46, and proceeds to S50.

  In S50, the first connection unit 30 executes G / O negotiation in the same manner as S42. However, in the G / O negotiation in S50, "14" is adopted as the Intent value of the printer 10. Therefore, in S50, the first connection unit 30 transmits the Intent value “14” of the printer 10 to the portable terminal 8. In S50, the notification unit 36 notifies the mobile terminal 8 of the normal list (1 to 14 ch). That is, when the G / O negotiation in S48 is not successful, the notification unit 36 notifies the portable terminal 8 of a value different from the non-WFD channel value Vap.

  In the modification, in S48 and S50, the first connection unit 30 may use a value different from "14" (for example, "13", "15", etc.) as the Intent value of the printer 10. . That is, in S48 and S50, the first connection unit 30 may use an Intent value larger than the Intent value (that is, the default Intent value) of the printer 10 used in S42.

  As described above, in the G / O negotiation in S48, the restriction list may be notified to the portable terminal 8, so it may be determined NO in S52. In this case, when the G / O negotiation in S50 is executed again, it may be determined YES in S52 in order to notify the portable terminal 8 of the normal list instead of the restriction list. In the case of YES at S52, the process proceeds to S58.

  In S58, the first connection unit 30 determines whether or not the printer 10 is determined to be G / O in the G / O negotiation in S48 or S50. In the G / O negotiation in S48 or S50, it is usually determined that the printer 10 should become G / O in order to use the Intent value "14" of the printer 10. In this case, the first connection unit 30 determines YES in S58, and proceeds to S64.

  In S64, the determination unit 34 matches the non-WFD channel value Vap with reference to the non-WFD channel value Vap currently used in the currently established non-WFD connection (that is, the non-WFD channel value Vap in the memory 24). The WFD channel value Vwfd to be determined is determined. Then, the determination unit 34 transmits (that is, notifies) the determined WFD channel value Vwfd to the portable terminal 8. The first connection unit 30 stores the determined WFD channel value Vwfd in the memory 24 of the printer 10. As described above, in S64, the WFD channel value Vwfd is determined such that the WFD channel value Vwfd matches the non-WFD channel value Vap. Thus, it is possible to simultaneously and appropriately execute the communication using the WFD connection and the communication using the non-WFD connection.

  In S66, which is performed via S64, the first connection unit 30 executes WPS negotiation for the G / O state. Thus, the first connection unit 30 establishes a WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 using the WFD channel value Vwfd determined in S64. Since the non-WFD connection with the AP 4 is already established, a state is established in which both the non-WFD connection with the AP 4 and the WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 are established. Thus, the WFD connection process of FIG. 3 ends.

  On the other hand, when the Intent value of the portable terminal 8 is "15", it is determined that the printer 10 should become a client in the G / O negotiation in S48 or S50. In this case, the first connection unit 30 determines NO in S58, and proceeds to S60.

  In S60, the first connection unit 30 receives the WFD channel value Vwfd determined by the portable terminal 8 from the portable terminal 8 in the G / O state. Then, the channel determination unit 38 determines whether or not the received WFD channel value Vwfd matches the non-WFD channel value Vap used in the currently established non-WFD connection.

  For example, when the G / O negotiation in S48 is successful because the restriction list is notified to the portable terminal 8 in the G / O negotiation in S48, the portable terminal 8 includes the WFD channel value Vwfd in the restriction list. To be equal to the non-WFD channel value Vap. In this case, in S60, the first connection unit 30 receives, from the portable terminal 8, the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap, and as a result, the channel determination unit 38 determines YES in S60. .

  In the case of YES in S60, the first connection unit 30 executes WPS negotiation for the client state in S66. Thereby, the first connection unit 30 establishes a WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 using the WFD channel value Vwfd (that is, a value matching the non-WFD channel value Vap) received from the portable terminal 8 . Since the non-WFD connection with the AP 4 is already established, a state is established in which both the non-WFD connection with the AP 4 and the WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 are established. Thus, the WFD connection process of FIG. 3 ends.

  On the other hand, since the normal list is notified to the portable terminal 8 in the G / O negotiation in S50, when the G / O negotiation in S50 is successful, the portable terminal 8 uses the WFD channel value Vwfd as a non-WFD channel. It may be determined that the value does not match the value Vap. In this case, in S60, the first connection unit 30 can receive the WFD channel value Vwfd which does not match the non-WFD channel value Vap from the portable terminal 8. As a result, the channel determination unit 38 determines NO in S60. It can be judged.

  In the case where S60 is NO, the first connection unit 30 causes the display unit 14 to display information indicating that the WFD connection can not be established in S62. In this case, the first connection unit 30 does not establish a WFD connection with the portable terminal 8. Therefore, the state in which only the non-WFD connection with AP4 is established is maintained. Here too, a configuration is given which gives priority to non-WFD networks that should be built on a regular basis. When S62 ends, the WFD connection process of FIG. 3 ends.

(Specific example; FIG. 4 and FIG. 5)
Subsequently, various cases of processing executed by each of the devices 4, 8 and 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The sequences of FIGS. 4 and 5 are realized by the printer 10 executing processing in accordance with the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 and 3.

  The case of FIG. 4 shows the case of establishing a non-WFD connection between the printer 10 and the AP 4 and then establishing a WFD connection between the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8.

  When the non-WFD connection instruction is input to the printer 10, the printer 10 receives the non-WFD channel value Vap from the AP 4 (S13 in FIG. 2), and uses the received non-WFD channel value Vap for authentication. Communication is executed (S20). Thereby, a non-WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the AP 4.

  Subsequently, when a WFD connection instruction is input to the printer 10, the printer 10 determines YES in S40 of FIG. 3 and executes G / O negotiation in S48. Here, "14" is used as the Intent value of the printer 10, and the portable terminal 8 is notified of the restriction list including only the non-WFD channel value Vap.

  When the G / O negotiation in S48 is successful (YES in S52), the printer 10 normally determines that the printer 10 should become G / O. This is because “14” is used as the Intent value of the printer 10 in the G / O negotiation in S48. In this case, the printer 10 determines YES in S58, refers to the non-WFD channel value Vap, and determines a WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap (S64).

  Next, the printer 10 executes WPS negotiation for the G / O state using the determined WFD channel value Vwfd (S66). Thus, a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8. As a result, a state in which both the non-WFD connection with the AP 4 and the WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 are established (hereinafter referred to as “both connected state”) is formed.

  On the other hand, even if the G / O negotiation in S48 is successful (YES in S52), if the Intent value of the portable terminal 8 is "15", the printer 10 determines that the printer 10 should be a client. Do. In this case, the printer 10 determines NO in S58, but normally receives a WFD channel value Vwfd matching the non-WFD channel value Vap from the portable terminal 8 in S60. In the G / O negotiation in S48, the portable terminal 8 normally determines the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap, since the portable terminal 8 is notified of the restriction list including only the non-WFD channel value Vap. Because Therefore, the printer 10 determines YES in S60.

  Next, the printer 10 executes WPS negotiation for the client state using the received WFD channel value Vwfd (that is, a value matching the non-WFD channel value Vap) (S66). Thus, a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8. As a result, both connection states are formed.

  For example, when the non-WFD channel value Vap is not included in the channel list of the portable terminal 8 in the G / O negotiation in S48, the G / O negotiation in S48 fails (NO in S52). In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the printer 10 executes the G / O negotiation of S50. Here, “14” is used as the Intent value of the printer 10, and the mobile terminal 8 is notified of a normal list including all values of 1 to 14 ch. As a result, normally, the G / O negotiation of S50 is successful.

  When the G / O negotiation in S50 is successful (YES in S52), the printer 10 normally determines that the printer 10 should become G / O. This is because “14” is used as the Intent value of the printer 10 in the G / O negotiation in S50. In this case, the printer 10 determines YES in S58, refers to the non-WFD channel value Vap, and determines a WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap (S64).

  Next, the printer 10 executes WPS negotiation for the G / O state using the determined WFD channel value Vwfd (S66). Thus, a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8. As a result, both connection states are formed.

  On the other hand, even if the G / O negotiation in S50 is successful (YES in S52), if the Intent value of the portable terminal 8 is "15", the printer 10 determines that the printer 10 should be a client. Do. In this case, the printer 10 determines NO in S58, and normally receives a WFD channel value Vwfd that does not match the non-WFD channel value Vap from the portable terminal 8. This is because, in the G / O negotiation in S50, the mobile terminal 8 normally determines the WFD channel value Vwfd that does not match the non-WFD channel value Vap because the mobile terminal 8 is notified of the normal list. Therefore, the printer 10 determines NO in S60.

  Next, the printer 10 causes the display unit 14 to display information indicating that the WFD connection can not be established (S62). In this case, the printer 10 does not establish a WFD connection with the portable terminal 8. However, the printer 10 maintains a non-WFD connection with the AP 4. Therefore, a state in which only a non-WFD connection with AP 4 is established (hereinafter referred to as “single connection state”) is formed.

(Effect of the first embodiment)
As shown in the cases of FIGS. 4 and 5, the printer 10 refers to the non-WFD channel value Vap when the WFD connection is to be established with the non-WFD connection established. A WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the channel value Vap is determined. Thus, the printer 10 can properly form the connection state. Therefore, the printer 10 can receive print data from the portable terminal 8 using the WFD connection, and can receive print data from the PC 6 via the AP 4 using the non-WFD connection.

  Note that, due to the configuration of the wireless interface 18, the printer 10 can not execute appropriate wireless communication using two different channel values. Thus, as shown in the case of FIG. 5, the printer 10 matches the WFD channel value Vwfd with the non-WFD channel value Vap when the WFD connection is to be established with the non-WFD connection established. Otherwise, only a non-WFD connection will form a single connection state being established. Further, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2, the printer 10 disconnects the WFD connection when a non-WFD connection should be established (YES in S14) while the WFD connection is established. , Forms a single connection state in which only non-WFD connections are established. Thus, the printer 10 can properly receive print data from the PC 6 through the AP 4 using the non-WFD connection. In particular, the printer 10 forms a single connection state in favor of non-WFD connections that should be established on a steady basis. For this reason, in an environment where the printer 10 and the PC 6 are installed (for example, in a specific company described above), it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an event that the user of the PC 6 can not execute printing by the printer 10. Can. According to this embodiment, the printer 10 can form an appropriate connection state.

  The printer 10 uses a relatively small Intent value “2” of the printer 10 when a WFD connection is to be established in a state where a non-WFD connection is not established (S42 in FIG. 3). For this reason, it is easy to determine that the printer 10 should be a client. Therefore, the WFD connection can be properly established between the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8 while suppressing an increase in the processing load of the printer 10.

  On the one hand, as shown in the cases of FIGS. 4 and 5, the printer 10 has a relatively large Intent value for the printer 10 when a WFD connection is to be established with a non-WFD connection established. Use "14" (S48 or S50 in FIG. 3). For this reason, it is easy to determine that the printer 10 should be G / O. Therefore, the printer 10 can appropriately determine the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap with reference to the non-WFD channel value Vap. As a result, the printer 10 can properly form both connection states.

  Even if it is determined that the printer 10 should be the client, the printer 10 can notify the portable terminal 8 of the restriction list (S48 in FIG. 3). Therefore, the printer 10 can receive the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap from the portable terminal 8 (YES in S60). As a result, the printer 10 can properly form both connection states. Also, even if the printer 10 notifies the portable terminal 8 of the restriction list, if G / O negotiation fails (NO in S52), the printer 10 usually includes a channel value different from the non-WFD channel value Vap. The list is notified to the portable terminal 8 (S50). As a result, the printer 10 can appropriately establish a WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 because the G / O negotiation can be successful (YES in S52).

(Correspondence relationship)
The printer 10, the portable terminal 8, and the AP 4 are examples of the “wireless communication device”, the “first device”, and the “second device”, respectively. The G / O state and the client state are examples of the “master station state” and the “child station state”, respectively. G / O negotiation is an example of the “state determination process”. Intent value “2” and Intent value “14” are examples of “first set value” and “second set value”, respectively. The use of “14” as the Intent value of the printer 10 in S48 and S50 of FIG. 3 is an example of “specific processing”. The WFD connection and the non-WFD connection are examples of the “first type of connection” and the “second type of connection”, respectively. The WFD channel value Vwfd and the non-WFD channel value Vap are examples of the “first wireless channel value” and the “second wireless channel value”, respectively.

Second Embodiment
Points different from the first embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the WFD connection process of FIG. 6 is executed instead of the WFD connection process of FIG. S40 to S44 in FIG. 6 are the same as S40 to S44 in FIG. 3. In the case of YES in S40, the first connection unit 30 sets the printer 10 in the autonomous G / O mode in S61. The autonomous G / O mode is a mode that allows the printer 10 to operate in the G / O state. Therefore, although the WFD connection is not established at the stage of S60, the printer 10 is set to the G / O state. At this stage, identification information of the device in the client state is not described in the management list managed by the printer 10.

  When the printer 10 is set to the autonomous G / O mode in S60, the printer 10 does not execute the G / O negotiation. As described above, when the WFD connection instruction is input to the mobile terminal 8, the mobile terminal 8 executes the Search process for searching for devices in the client state existing around the mobile terminal 8, but in addition to that, A scan process for searching for devices in the G / O state (i.e., the printer 10) present around the portable terminal 8 is executed. As a result, a device list including information on the printer 10 is displayed on the display unit of the portable terminal 8. When the user of the portable terminal 8 selects the printer 10 in the G / O state from the device list, the portable terminal 8 determines that the portable terminal 8 should become a client without executing G / O negotiation.

  Note that S64 and S66 in FIG. 6 are the same as S64 and S66 in FIG. That is, in S64, the determination unit 34 refers to the non-WFD channel value Vap to determine the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap. Next, in S66, the first connection unit 30 executes WPS negotiation for the G / O state using the WFD channel value Vwfd. Thus, a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the portable terminal 8.

(Specific example; Fig. 7)
In the present embodiment, the case of FIG. 7 is realized instead of the cases of FIGS. 4 and 5. Each process until a non-WFD connection is established is similar to the case of FIG. However, as described above, the printer 10 sets the printer 10 to the autonomous G / O mode in S61 of FIG. Therefore, the printer 10 can determine the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap with reference to the non-WFD channel value Vap (S64). Next, the printer 10 executes WPS negotiation for the G / O state using the WFD channel value Vwfd, and a WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 is established (S66). As a result, both connection states are formed.

(Effect of the second embodiment)
As shown in the case of FIG. 7, the printer 10 sets the printer 10 to the autonomous G / O mode when a WFD connection is to be established with a non-WFD connection being established. As a result, the printer 10 can appropriately determine the WFD channel value Vwfd that matches the non-WFD channel value Vap with reference to the non-WFD channel value Vap. Thus, the printer 10 can properly form the connection state. In the present embodiment, the autonomous G / O mode is an example of the “specific mode”. Then, setting the printer 10 to the autonomous G / O mode in S61 of FIG. 6 is an example of the “specific processing”.

  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 illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

(Modification 1) The “wireless communication device” is not limited to the printer 10, but may be another device capable of wireless communication (for example, a portable terminal, a PC, a server, a fax machine, a copier, a scanner, a multifunctional device, etc.) May be Also, the “first device” and the “second device” are not limited to the portable terminal 8 and the AP 4, and other devices capable of wireless communication (for example, a PC, a server, a printer, a fax machine, a copier, a scanner, It may be a multi-function device or the like.

(Modification 2) The “master station state” is not limited to the WFD G / O state, and manages other devices that configure the wireless network (for example, managing a list of information on other devices, other devices Relaying wireless communication between them) and the like. Further, the “child station state” is not limited to the WFD client state, and may be a state managed by the parent station state device. Therefore, the “first type of connection” is not limited to the WFD connection, and is another type of connection for the wireless communication apparatus to selectively operate in one of the master station state and the slave station state. May be

(Modification 3) The “second type connection” is not limited to the non-WFD connection with the AP 4 but may be, for example, a WFD connection with a PC or the like. That is, the “first type of connection” and the “second type of connection” may be the same type of connection. The “second type connection” may be, for example, an ad hoc connection with a PC or the like.

(Modification 4) For example, when the “second type connection” is an ad hoc connection with the PC 6, the configuration of any of the following modifications 4-1 to 4-3 may be adopted.

(Modification 4-1) In a state where an ad hoc connection with the PC 6 is established (“Vad” is used as the value of the ad hoc wireless channel), a WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 should be established. Assume the situation. For example, when it is determined in G / O negotiation that the printer 10 should become G / O, the determination unit 34 first determines the WFD channel value Vwfd, and then matches the WFD channel value Vwfd. Determine the value of the ad hoc radio channel Vad '(Vad' is different from Vad). In this case, the first connection unit 30 establishes a WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 using the WFD channel value Vwfd. Furthermore, the second connection unit 32 reestablishes an ad hoc connection with the PC 6 using the value Vad 'of the ad hoc wireless channel. That is, generally speaking, when the determination unit determines that the first type connection with the first device is to be established in the state in which the second type connection with the second device is established, Both the value of the first radio channel (Vwfd in this modification) and the value of the second radio channel (Vad ′ in this modification) may be determined.

(Modification 4-2) In the state where the ad hoc connection with the PC 6 is established (“Vad” is used as the value of the ad hoc wireless channel), the WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 should be established. Assume the situation. For example, when it is determined in G / O negotiation that the printer 10 should become a client, the first connection unit 30 receives the WFD channel value Vwfd determined by the portable terminal 8 from the portable terminal 8. After that, the determination unit 34 may determine the value Vad '(Vad' is different from Vad) of the ad hoc wireless channel that matches the WFD channel value Vwfd. In this case, the first connection unit 30 establishes a WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 using the WFD channel value Vwfd. Furthermore, the second connection unit 32 reestablishes an ad hoc connection with the PC 6 using the value Vad 'of the ad hoc wireless channel. That is, generally speaking, when the determination unit determines that the first type connection with the first device is to be established in the state in which the second type connection with the second device is established, The value of the second radio channel (Vad 'in this modification) may be determined.

(Modification 4-3) In a state where a WFD connection with the portable terminal 8 is established, it is assumed that an ad hoc connection with the PC 6 should be established. In this case, the determination unit 34 may determine the value Vad of the ad hoc wireless channel that matches the WFD channel value Vwfd. In this case, the second connection unit 32 establishes an ad hoc connection with the PC 6 using the value Vad of the ad hoc wireless channel. That is, generally speaking, when the determination unit determines that the second type connection with the second device is to be established in a state where the first type connection with the first device is established, The value of the second radio channel (Vad in this modification) may be determined.

  As is clear from the first and second embodiments described above and the respective variations 4-1 to 4-3 described above, in general, in a specific case, the determination unit determines the first wireless At least one of the value of the first radio channel and the value of the second radio channel may be determined such that the value of the channel matches the value of the second radio channel.

(Modification 5) In each of the above-described embodiments, in the G / O negotiation (see S44 of FIG. 3 and the like), the first connection unit 30 has the Intent value of the printer 10 larger than the Intent value of the portable terminal 8 If so, it determines that the printer 10 should be G / O. Alternatively, the first connection unit 30 may determine that the printer 10 should be G / O when the Intent value of the printer 10 is smaller than the Intent value of the portable terminal 8. In the first embodiment described above, the “second set value” is a value larger than the “first set value”, but in the present modification, the “second set value” is a “first set value”. The value may be smaller than "."

(Modification 6) In the above-described first embodiment, the first connection unit 30 makes it easy to determine that the printer 10 should be G / O in S48 and S50 of FIG. Use "14" as the value. Alternatively, the first connection unit 30 may receive the Intent value of the portable terminal 8 from the portable terminal 8 before transmitting the Intent value of the printer 10 to the portable terminal 8. Then, the first connection unit 30 may determine the Intent value of the printer 10 larger than the Intent value of the portable terminal 8 and transmit the determined Intent value of the printer 10 to the portable terminal 8. Also in this case, it is easy to determine that the printer 10 should be G / O. In the present modification, using the Intent value of the printer 10 larger than the Intent value of the portable terminal 8 is an example of “specific processing”.

(Modification 7) In each of the above embodiments, 1ch to 14ch are used as the range of the value of the wireless channel. This is a specification used in Japan. Instead of this, 1ch to 11ch may be used as the range of values of the wireless channel (US specification), 1ch to 13ch may be used (European specification), and other ranges are used. It may be done.

(Modification 8) In each of the above-described embodiments, in the state where the WFD connection is established, the first connection unit 30 is in the situation where the non-WFD connection should be established (in the case of YES in S14 of FIG. 2). It adopts a configuration that always disconnects the WFD connection. Instead of this, the first connection unit 30 may disconnect the WFD connection when the printer 10 is operating in the client state in the above-mentioned situation. In the first connection unit 30, in the above-described situation, the printer 10 is operating in the G / O state, and the WFD channel value currently used in the WFD connection is received in S13 of FIG. If the non-WFD channel values match, the WFD connection may be maintained without breaking. In the first connection unit 30, the WFD connection is disconnected when the printer 10 is operating in the G / O state and the WFD channel value and the non-WFD channel value do not match in the above situation. You may

(Modification 9) In each of the above-described embodiments, each unit 30 to 38 is realized by the CPU 22 of the printer 10 executing a process according to software. Instead of this, at least a part of the units 30 to 38 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, 4: AP, 6: PC, 8: Mobile terminal, 10: Printer, Vwfd: WFD channel value, Vap: non-WFD channel value

Claims (16)

A operable wireless communication device in the parent station state that acts as the master station of the wireless network,
A first connection unit establishing a first type connection with a specific device using a first wireless channel of the plurality of wireless channels ;
A second connection unit establishing a second type connection with an access point different from the specific device using a second wireless channel of the plurality of wireless channels ;
The first connection portion is
In a state where the second radio channel is utilized the second type of connection with the access point is established, the base can park if the first type of connection is established between the specific device ,
Only the value of the second wireless channel currently in use is transmitted to the specific device as the value of the wireless channel available to the wireless communication device,
One of the wireless communication device and the specific device should operate in the master station state, and the other of the wireless communication device and the specific device functions as a slave station of the wireless network Decide what to operate in slave state,
It is determined by the specific device that the wireless communication apparatus should operate in the slave station state and that the same value as the value of the second wireless channel should be used as the first wireless channel. A wireless communication apparatus that establishes the first type connection with the specific device using the first wireless channel having the same value as the second wireless channel . The wireless communication device according to claim 1 , further comprising a print execution unit that executes printing . Further comprising a document reading unit for performing reading the document, the wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The first type of connection is a connection according to Wi-Fi Direct, which was developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance, said master station state is G / O state, any one of claims 1 to 3 The wireless communication device according to. The wireless communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the value of the second wireless channel is a value determined by the access point . If the second type of connection with the access point is to be established while the first type of connection with the specific device is established, the first type of connection with the specific device is It further comprises a cutting unit to cut,
The second connecting portion, after the said first type of connection to a particular device is disconnected, establishing said second type of connection with the access point, any one of claims 1 to 5 The wireless communication device according to. And a receiver configured to receive the value of the second wireless channel from the access point when the second type connection with the access point is to be established,
In a case where the second type connection with the access point should be established in a state where the first type connection with the specific device is established while the wireless communication apparatus is operating in the master station state. And if a value of the second radio channel matching the value of the first radio channel is received from the access point,
The disconnection unit does not disconnect the first type connection with the specific device.
The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the second connection unit establishes the second type connection with the access point in a state where the first type connection with the specific device is maintained. . The first connection portion is
When the first type connection with the specific device is to be established in a state where the second type connection with the access point has not been established,
Transmitting, to the specific device, all values of the plurality of wireless channels as values of available wireless channels of the wireless communication device;
One of the wireless communication device and the specific device should operate in the master station state, and the other of the wireless communication device and the specific device functions as a slave station of the wireless network Decide what to operate in slave state,
When it is determined that the wireless communication apparatus should operate in the master station state, a value of the first wireless channel is determined, and using the first wireless channel that is the determined value. Establishing the first type of connection with the specific device,
When it is determined that the wireless communication apparatus should operate in the slave station state, the value of the first wireless channel is received from the specific device, and the first wireless channel is the received value. The wireless communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the first type connection with the specific device is established using A computer program for operable wireless communication device in the parent station state that acts as the master station of the wireless network,
The following processes are performed on a computer mounted on the wireless communication device:
Using the first radio channel of the plurality of radio channels, a first connection processing for establishing a first type of connection to a particular device,
Wherein using the second radio channel of the plurality of radio channels, is performed and a second connection processing for establishing a second type of connection between different access points with said particular device,
The first establishment process is
In a state where the second type of connection is established between the access point and the second wireless channel is utilized, in a particular case to the first type of connection is established between the specific device ,
Only the value of the second wireless channel currently in use is transmitted to the specific device as the value of the wireless channel available to the wireless communication device,
One of the wireless communication device and the specific device should operate in the master station state, and the other of the wireless communication device and the specific device functions as a slave station of the wireless network Decide what to operate in slave state,
It is determined by the specific device that the wireless communication apparatus should operate in the slave station state and that the same value as the value of the second wireless channel should be used as the first wireless channel. A computer program for establishing the first type connection with the specific device using the first wireless channel having the same value as the second wireless channel . The computer program according to claim 9, wherein the wireless communication device comprises a print execution unit that executes printing. The computer program according to claim 9, wherein the wireless communication device further comprises a document reading unit that reads a document . The first type connection is a connection according to Wi-Fi Direct formulated by the Wi-Fi Alliance, and the master state is a G / O state. The computer program described in. The computer program according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the value of the second wireless channel is a value determined by the access point. If the second type of connection with the access point is to be established while the first type of connection with the specific device is established, the first type of connection with the specific device is To perform further disconnection processing
The second connection process establishes the second type connection with the access point after the first type connection with the specific device is disconnected. The computer program described in. When the second type connection with the access point is to be established, a reception process for receiving the value of the second wireless channel from the access point is further executed.
In a case where the second type connection with the access point should be established in a state where the first type connection with the specific device is established while the wireless communication apparatus is operating in the master station state. And if a value of the second radio channel matching the value of the first radio channel is received from the access point,
The disconnection process does not disconnect the first type connection with the specific device.
15. The computer program according to claim 14, wherein the second connection process establishes the second type connection with the access point in a state where the first type connection with the specific device is maintained. The first connection process is
When the first type connection with the specific device is to be established in a state where the second type connection with the access point has not been established,
Transmitting, to the specific device, all values of the plurality of wireless channels as values of available wireless channels of the wireless communication device;
One of the wireless communication device and the specific device should operate in the master station state, and the other of the wireless communication device and the specific device functions as a slave station of the wireless network Decide what to operate in slave state,
When it is determined that the wireless communication apparatus should operate in the master station state, a value of the first wireless channel is determined, and using the first wireless channel that is the determined value. Establishing the first type of connection with the specific device,
When it is determined that the wireless communication apparatus should operate in the slave station state, the value of the first wireless channel is received from the specific device, and the first wireless channel is the received value. The computer program according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the first type of connection with the specific device is established using

Images