JP6760444B2 - Communication device - Google Patents

Description

The technology disclosed herein relates to a mobile terminal and a communication device for performing communication of target data.

Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a technique for two communication devices to execute wireless communication. In Patent Documents 1 and 2, the two communication devices execute wireless setting communication according to short-range wireless communication (that is, wireless communication according to an NFC (abbreviation of Near Field Communication) system). The above wireless setting is a setting for executing wireless communication according to a communication method (for example, IEEE802.11a, 802.11b) different from the NFC method. As a result, the two communication devices can execute wireless communication according to the wireless setting.

JP-A-2007-166538 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-146991

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

The present specification provides a technique for a communication device to appropriately perform communication with a mobile terminal.

The technology disclosed herein is a first communication device. The first communication device is a first-class interface for executing communication with the second communication device and a second-class interface for performing communication with the second communication device, and is the first type. The communication speed of communication using the two types of interfaces is faster than the communication speed of communication using the first type of interface. The control unit includes the second type interface and a control unit. As a result of executing wireless communication using the first type interface, the first wireless network from the second communication device to the first wireless network to which the access point and the second communication device currently belong. When receiving the wireless setting information to which the communication device belongs, the state of the first communication device is changed to the second communication device via the access point by using the second type interface. After executing the first process for changing the communication of the target data into a feasible communicable state, the second type of interface is used to communicate with the second communication device via the access point. The state of the first communication device when the wireless setting information is not received from the second communication device as a result of executing the communication of the target data and executing the wireless communication using the first type interface. Is executed by using the second type of interface to change the communication between the second communication device and the target data into a communicable state without going through the access point. After that, the second type of interface may be used to provide a communication execution unit that executes communication between the second communication device and the target data without going through the access point.
Also, another technique disclosed herein is a computer program for a second communication device. The second communication device is a first-class interface for executing communication with the first communication device and a second-class interface for performing communication with the first communication device. The communication speed of communication using the second type interface includes the second type interface, which is faster than the communication speed of communication using the first type interface, and the computer program includes the second type interface. As a result of executing wireless communication using the first type interface on the computer of the communication device, the second communication device is the first to which the access point and the second communication device currently belong. The wireless setting information for the first communication device to belong to the wireless network is transmitted to the first communication device, and the state of the first communication device is changed to the second communication device via the access point. When the communication between the target data and the target data is changed to a communicable state, the communication between the first communication device and the target data is executed via the access point using the second type interface. Then, as a result of executing the wireless communication using the first type interface, the state of the first communication device changes the access point without the second communication device transmitting the wireless setting information. When changing to a communicable state in which communication between the second communication device and the target data can be performed without going through the second type of interface, the first type of interface is used without going through the access point. It may function as a communication execution unit that executes communication between the communication device of the above and the target data.
Another technique disclosed herein is a communication device. The communication device includes a first-class interface, a second-class interface, and a control unit. The first type interface is an interface for performing communication with a mobile terminal. The second type interface is an interface for performing communication with a mobile terminal. The communication speed of communication using the second type interface is faster than the communication speed of communication using the first type interface. The control unit includes a reception unit, a determination unit, and a communication execution unit. The receiving unit receives specific information from the mobile terminal by using the first type interface. The determination unit determines, using specific information, whether or not the communication device is currently in a communicable state capable of executing communication between the mobile terminal and the target data by using the second type interface. When it is determined that the communication device is not currently in the communicable state, the communication execution unit uses the second type interface after executing a specific process for changing the state of the communication device to the communicable state. , Communicate the target data with the mobile terminal. When it is determined that the communication device is currently in a communicable state, the communication execution unit executes communication between the mobile terminal and the target data by using the second type interface without executing the specific process.

When the current state of the communication device is not the communicable state using the second type interface, the communication device changes the state of the communication device to the communicable state by executing a specific process. As a result, the communication device can perform communication of the target data with the mobile terminal at a relatively high communication speed by using the second type interface. On the other hand, when the current state of the communication device is a communicable state using the second type interface, the communication device uses the second type interface relatively without executing specific processing. It is possible to communicate the target data with the mobile terminal at a very high communication speed. According to this configuration, since the communication device can determine whether or not to execute the specific process according to the current state of the communication device, it is possible to appropriately perform communication with the mobile terminal.

The determination unit uses specific information to confirm whether or not the mobile terminal currently belongs to the specific network to which the communication device currently belongs, and thus whether the communication device is currently in the communicable state. You may decide whether or not. The specific network may be a network for the communication device to perform communication using the second type interface. According to this configuration, when both the communication device and the mobile terminal currently belong to the specific network, it is not necessary to execute the specific process. As a result, the communication device can execute the communication of the target data with the mobile terminal at a relatively high communication speed without executing the specific process.

The second type interface may be an interface for the communication device to perform a specific wireless communication. The specific wireless communication may be wireless communication performed by the communication device and the mobile terminal without going through a different access point between the communication device and the mobile terminal. The specific process may include a process for the communication device and the mobile terminal to execute a specific wireless communication by using the second type interface. When it is determined that the current state of the communication device is not the communicable state, the communication execution unit executes the specific processing and then uses the second type interface to use the mobile terminal and the specific radio of the target data. Communication may be performed. According to this configuration, the communication device can perform communication of the target data with the mobile terminal without going through the access point.

The communication device is in a plurality of states including a master station state that functions as a master station of a wireless network, a slave station state that functions as a slave station of a wireless network, and a device state that is different from the master station state and the slave station state. It may be possible to selectively operate in any of these states. The communication device may be capable of carrying out specific wireless communication via the wireless network by operating in either the master station state or the slave station state in the wireless network. The communication execution unit is in the first case where it is determined that the communication device is not currently in a communicable state and the communication device currently belongs to the first wireless network for executing a specific wireless communication. A specific process for transmitting the first wireless setting for the mobile terminal to belong to the first wireless network to the mobile terminal may be executed by using the first type interface. The communication execution unit determines that the communication device is not currently in a communicable state, and the communication device performs a specific wireless communication in the second case where the communication device does not currently belong to the first wireless network. A specific process for newly constructing a second wireless network to which the communication device and the mobile terminal should belong, which is the second wireless network for execution, may be executed. According to this configuration, the communication device is portable via the first wireless network to which the communication device currently belongs by performing a specific process when the current state of the communication device is not a communicable state. Communication between the terminal and the target data can be performed appropriately. Further, when the communication device does not currently belong to the wireless network, the communication device can appropriately perform communication of the target data with the mobile terminal via the newly constructed second wireless network.

In the first case, the communication execution unit may execute a specific process of transmitting the first wireless setting to the mobile terminal when the communication device is operating as a master station state in the first wireless network. .. In the first case, the communication execution unit does not have to transmit the first wireless setting to the mobile terminal in the specific case where the communication device is operating as a slave station state in the first wireless network. According to this configuration, the communication device is a mobile terminal via the first wireless network to which the communication device currently belongs when the communication device is operating as a master station state in the first wireless network. And, the communication of the target data can be executed appropriately. On the other hand, the communication device can suppress the mobile terminal from participating in the first wireless network when the communication device is operating in the slave station state in the first wireless network.

The communication execution unit uses the first type interface to provide information indicating that the communication device does not communicate the target data with the mobile terminal without executing the specific process in a specific case. May be sent to. According to this configuration, the mobile terminal can acquire information indicating that the communication device does not perform communication of the target data with the mobile terminal. As a result, the user of the mobile terminal can know that the communication device does not perform communication of the target data with the mobile terminal.

In a specific case, the communication execution unit may execute a specific process for constructing a new second wireless network after disconnecting the communication device from the first wireless network. According to this configuration, the communication device can be separated from the first wireless network in which the communication device is operating as a slave station state, and a second wireless network can be newly constructed. As a result, the communication device can appropriately communicate the target data with the mobile terminal via the newly constructed second wireless network.

In the second case, the communication execution unit does not execute the selective determination process for selectively determining whether the communication device should operate in the master station state or the slave station state in the second wireless network. , The communication device may execute a specific process including a process of determining that the communication device should operate as a master station state in the second wireless network. According to this configuration, it is possible to newly construct a second wireless network in which the communication device inevitably operates as a master station state. As a result, the communication device can appropriately perform communication of the target data with the mobile terminal by operating as a master station state in the newly constructed second wireless network.

In the second case, the communication execution unit executes a process of executing a selective determination process of selectively determining whether the communication device should operate in the master station state or the slave station state in the second wireless network. Specific processing including may be executed. According to this configuration, it is possible to newly construct a second wireless network in which the communication device operates in either the master station state or the slave station state. As a result, the communication device can appropriately perform communication of the target data with the mobile terminal by operating in the master station state or the slave station state in the newly constructed second wireless network.

The control unit may further include a mode setting unit. The mode setting unit sets the mode of the communication device according to the user's instruction, the first mode in which the communication device can belong to the wireless network for executing the specific wireless communication, and the communication device sets the specific wireless communication. It may be set to either of the second modes that cannot belong to the wireless network for execution. The communication execution unit changes the mode of the communication device from the second mode to the first mode when the communication device is set to the second mode in the second case, and the second mode is used. Specific processing for newly constructing the wireless network of 2 may be executed. According to this configuration, the communication device is set to a second mode in which the communication device should perform a specific wireless communication and the communication device is not capable of performing a specific wireless communication. It is possible to change to a first mode in which specific wireless communication can be performed.

The communication device is an external device different from the mobile terminal when the mode of the communication device is the first mode, and can execute wireless communication with an external device belonging to the second wireless network. Good. In the communication execution unit, the mode of the communication device is changed from the second mode to the first mode, and the mobile terminal and the specific wireless communication of the target data are executed via the constructed second wireless network. After that, if an external device currently belongs to the second wireless network, it is not necessary to change the mode of the communication device from the first mode to the second mode. In the communication execution unit, the mode of the communication device is changed from the second mode to the first mode, and the mobile terminal and the specific wireless communication of the target data are executed via the constructed second wireless network. After that, the mode of the communication device may be changed from the first mode to the second mode when the external device does not currently belong to the second wireless network. According to this configuration, after the communication of the target data between the communication device and the mobile terminal, the communication device is separated from the second wireless network when the external device belongs to the second wireless network. Can be suppressed. On the other hand, after the communication of the target data between the communication device and the mobile terminal, when the external device does not belong to the second wireless network, the mode of the communication device is changed from the first mode to the second mode. Can be changed appropriately.

The second type interface may be an interface for the communication device to execute wireless communication of the target data with the mobile terminal. The communication execution unit is currently assigned to a specific wireless network for which the current state of the communication device is determined not to be communicable and the communication device uses the second type interface to perform wireless communication. If so, a specific process for transmitting a specific wireless setting for the mobile terminal to belong to the specific wireless network to the mobile terminal may be executed by using the first type interface. According to this configuration, the mobile terminal may participate in the particular wireless network to which the communication device currently belongs. As a result, the communication device can appropriately perform communication of the target data with the mobile terminal via a specific wireless network.

The communication device uses a second type interface to perform specific wireless communication between the communication device and the mobile terminal without going through an access point different from that of the communication device and the mobile terminal, and execution via the access point. It may be feasible to perform other wireless communications. The communication execution unit is a specific wireless setting for a mobile terminal to belong to a specific network when the communication device belongs to a specific network for executing a specific wireless communication, and is a specific setting including a password. You may perform a specific process of transmitting the wireless settings of. The communication execution unit may execute a specific process of transmitting a specific wireless setting that does not include a password when the communication device belongs to a specific network for executing other wireless communication. According to this configuration, the communication device does not have to send the password necessary for belonging to the specific network to which the access point belongs to the mobile terminal.

The second type interface may be an interface for the communication device to execute wireless communication of the target data with the mobile terminal. The specific information may include a third wireless setting for the communication device to belong to the third wireless network to which the mobile terminal currently belongs. When it is determined that the current state of the communication device is not the communicable state, the communication execution unit executes a specific process for the communication device to belong to the third wireless network by using the third wireless setting. You may. According to this configuration, the communication device may belong to the third wireless network to which the mobile terminal currently belongs. As a result, the communication device can appropriately communicate the target data with the mobile terminal via the third wireless network.

The particular network to which the communication device currently belongs may be a particular wireless network. The specific information may include an identifier of a third wireless network to which the mobile terminal is currently continuing. The determination unit currently belongs to the communication device by confirming whether or not the identifier of the third wireless network included in the specific information and the specific identifier for identifying the specific wireless network match. It may be determined whether or not the mobile terminal currently belongs to a specific wireless network. According to this configuration, by comparing the wireless network identifiers, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the mobile terminal currently belongs to the specific network to which the communication device currently belongs.

The determination unit may determine that the mobile terminal does not currently belong to the specific network when the specific information does not include the wireless network identifier. According to this configuration, it can be appropriately determined that the mobile terminal does not currently belong to a specific network.

When the specific information includes the terminal identification information for identifying the mobile terminal, the determination unit executes the communication using the second type interface to perform the terminal identification information via the specific network. Is acquired, it is determined that the mobile terminal currently belongs to a specific network, and the terminal identification information is acquired via the specific network by executing communication using the second type interface. If this is not the case, it may be determined that the mobile terminal does not currently belong to a particular network. According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the mobile terminal currently belongs to a specific network.

When the specific information includes the IP address of the mobile terminal, the judgment unit makes a query to which the IP address is specified as the destination by executing communication using the second type interface to the specific network. When a response from the mobile terminal is received in response to the inquiry, it is determined that communication is possible, and when a response from the mobile terminal is not received in response to the inquiry, communication is not possible. You may judge that. According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the state of the communication device is in a communicable state.

A control method for realizing the above-mentioned communication device, a computer program, and a computer-readable recording medium for storing the computer program are also new and useful. In addition, a communication system including the above-mentioned communication device and a mobile terminal is also new and useful.

The configuration of the communication system is shown. The flowchart of the communication process executed by the multifunctional machine of 1st Example is shown. A sequence diagram for explaining the processing executed by each device in the first situation is shown. A sequence diagram for explaining the processing executed by each device in the second situation is shown. A sequence diagram for explaining the process executed by each device in the third situation is shown. A sequence diagram for explaining the process executed by each device in the fourth situation is shown. A sequence diagram for explaining the process executed by each device in the fifth situation is shown. The flowchart of the communication process executed by the multifunctional machine of 2nd Example is shown. A sequence diagram for explaining the processing executed by each device in the sixth situation is shown. A sequence diagram for explaining the processing executed by each device in the seventh situation is shown. A flowchart of communication processing executed by the multifunctional machine of the third embodiment is shown. A sequence diagram for explaining the processing executed by each device in the eighth situation is shown. A sequence diagram for explaining the processing executed by each apparatus in the ninth situation is shown. The flowchart of the communication process executed by the multifunctional machine of 4th Example is shown. A sequence diagram for explaining the processing executed by each apparatus in the tenth situation is shown. A sequence diagram for explaining the processing executed by each apparatus in the eleventh situation is shown. The flowchart of the communication process executed by the multifunctional machine of 5th Example is shown. A sequence diagram for explaining the processing executed by each device in the twelfth situation is shown. The flowchart of the communication process executed by the multifunctional machine of 6th Example is shown. The flowchart of the communication processing executed by the multifunctional machine of 7th Example is shown. A sequence diagram for explaining the processing executed by each apparatus in the seventh embodiment is shown.

(First Example)
(Communication system configuration)
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes a multifunction device (hereinafter referred to as "MFP" (abbreviation of "Multi-Function Peripheral)) 10, a mobile terminal 50, and an access point (hereinafter referred to as "AP"). ) 6 and PC8. The MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can execute short-range wireless communication. Short-range wireless communication is wireless communication according to the NFC method. In this embodiment, wireless communication according to the NFC method is executed based on the international standard of ISO / IEC21481 or 18092.

Further, the MFP 10 can execute wireless communication according to the WiFi Direct method described later. In the following, the WiFi Direct will be referred to as "WFD". In WFD, wireless communication is performed based on the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802.11 standard and the equivalent standard (for example, 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, etc.). Will be executed. The wireless communication system (that is, the standard of wireless communication) is different between the NFC system and the WFD system (hereinafter referred to as "WFD system"). Further, the communication speed of wireless communication according to the WFD method is higher than the communication speed of wireless communication according to the NFC method.

For example, the MFP 10 can construct a WFD network by establishing a connection with the mobile terminal 50 (hereinafter referred to as "WFD connection") according to the WFD method. Similarly, the MFP 10 can construct a WFD network by establishing a WFD connection with the PC 8.

The PC8, the MFP10, and the mobile terminal 50 can further perform wireless communication according to a normal Wi-Fi (for example, IEEE802.11) method different from the WFD method. Generally speaking, the wireless communication according to the normal Wi-Fi is the wireless communication in which the AP6 is used, and the wireless communication according to the WFD method is the wireless communication in which the AP6 is not used. For example, the MFP 10 can belong to a normal Wi-Fi network by establishing a connection with AP6 (hereinafter referred to as "normal Wi-Fi connection") according to normal Wi-Fi. The MFP 10 can execute wireless communication with other devices (for example, PC8, mobile terminal 50) that normally belong to the Wi-Fi network via the AP6. The NFC method and the normal Wi-Fi method (hereinafter referred to as "normal Wi-Fi method") differ in the wireless communication method (that is, the standard of wireless communication). In addition, the communication speed of Wi-Fi is usually faster than the communication speed of NFC.

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

As described above, the PC 8, the MFP 10, and the mobile terminal 50 can each execute wireless communication according to the WFD method. Hereinafter, a device capable of performing wireless communication according to the WFD method will be referred to as a "WFD compatible device". The WFD standard defines three states as the state of the WFD compatible device: the Group Owner state (hereinafter referred to as "G / O state"), the client state, and the device state. The WFD-compatible device can selectively operate in one of the above three states.

A WFD network is composed of a device in the G / O state and a device in the client state. In the WFD network, there can be only one device in the G / O state, but there can be one or more devices in the client state. The device in the G / O state manages one or more devices in the client state. Specifically, the device in the G / O state generates a management list in which the identification information (that is, the MAC address) of each of the devices in the one or more client states is described. When a device in the client state newly belongs to the WFD network, the device in the G / O state adds the identification information of the device to the management list, and when the device in the client state leaves the WFD network, the identification information of the device is added. Delete from the management list.

The device in the G / O state is the device registered in the management list, that is, the device in the client state (that is, the device belonging to the WFD network) and the target data (for example, the network layer of the OSI reference model). It is possible to execute wireless communication of data including information (print data, scan data, etc.). However, the device in the G / O state is the data for the unregistered device to belong to the WFD network (for example, the data not including the information of the network layer (Probe)) with the unregistered device not registered in the management list. Wireless communication of physical layer data such as Request signal and Probe Response signal) can be executed, but wireless communication of the above target data cannot be executed. For example, the MFP 10 in the G / O state is added to the management list. The print data can be wirelessly received from the registered mobile terminal 50 (that is, the mobile terminal 50 in the client state), but the print data cannot be wirelessly received from the device not registered in the management list.

Further, the device in the G / O state can relay wireless communication of target data (print data, scan data, etc.) between the devices in the G / O state. For example, when the mobile terminal 50 in the client state should wirelessly transmit the print data to another printer in the client state, the mobile terminal 50 first wirelessly transmits the print data to the MFP 10 in the G / O state. In this case, the MFP 10 wirelessly receives the print data from the mobile terminal 50 and wirelessly transmits the print data to the other printer described above. That is, the device in the G / O state can normally execute the function of the AP of the Wi-Fi network.

A WFD-compatible device that does not belong to the WFD network (that is, a device that is not registered in the management list) is a device in the device state. The device in the device state can execute wireless communication of data (data of the physical layer such as Probe Request signal, Probe Response signal, etc.) for belonging to the WFD network, but the target data (print data, print data, etc.) can be executed via the WFD network. Wireless communication (scan data, etc.) is not possible.

In the following, a device that cannot execute wireless communication according to the WFD method but can normally execute wireless communication according to Wi-Fi is referred to as a "non-WFD compatible device". The "non-WFD compatible device" can also be called a "legacy device". A device that does not support WFD cannot operate in the G / O state. The device in the G / O state can describe the identification information of the device that does not support WFD in the management list.

(Configuration of MFP10)
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 interface (hereinafter, the interface is referred to as “I / F”) 20, an NFCI / F22, and the like. A control unit 30 is provided. The operation unit 12 includes a plurality of keys. The user can input various instructions to the MFP 10 by operating the operation unit 12. The display unit 14 is a display for displaying various information. The print execution unit 16 is a printing mechanism such as an inkjet method or a laser method. The scan execution unit 18 is a scanning mechanism for CCD, CIS, and the like.

The wireless LAN I / F 20 is an interface for the control unit 30 to execute wireless communication according to the WFD method and wireless communication according to normal Wi-Fi. The wireless LANI / F20 is physically one interface. However, the wireless LANI / F20 includes a MAC address used for wireless communication according to the WFD method (hereinafter referred to as "MAC address for WFD") and a MAC normally used for wireless communication according to Wi-Fi. Both an address (hereinafter referred to as a "normal Wi-Fi MAC address") and an address are assigned. More specifically, the wireless LAN I / F20 is usually assigned a Wi-Fi MAC address in advance. The control unit 30 normally uses the Wi-Fi MAC address to generate the WFD MAC address, and assigns the WFD MAC address to the wireless LAN I / F 20. The MAC address for WFD is usually different from the MAC address for Wi-Fi. Therefore, the control unit 30 can simultaneously execute both the wireless communication according to the WFD method and the wireless communication according to the normal Wi-Fi via the wireless LANI / F20. As a result, it is possible that the MFP 10 belongs to the WFD network and usually belongs to the Wi-Fi network.

For the device in the G / O state, not only the identification information of the WFD compatible device in the client state but also the identification information of the WFD non-compatible device can be described in the management list. That is, the device in the G / O state can establish a WFD connection with the device that does not support WFD. Generally speaking, the WFD connection is a wireless connection in which the WFD MAC address of the MFP 10 is used. The WFD network is a wireless network in which the MAC address for WFD of the MFP 10 is used. Similarly, the normal Wi-Fi connection is a wireless connection in which the normal Wi-Fi MAC address of the MFP 10 is used. Further, the normal Wi-Fi network is a wireless network in which the normal Wi-Fi MAC address of the MFP 10 is used.

The user can execute wireless communication according to the WFD method using the wireless LANI / F20 by changing the setting of the wireless LANI / F20 by operating the operation unit 12 (hereinafter, "WFD = ON"). To change to one of the modes (referred to as "mode") and the mode in which wireless communication according to the WFD method using wireless LANI / F20 cannot be executed (hereinafter referred to as "WFD = OFF mode"). Can be done. The mode setting unit 46 sets either the WFD = ON mode or the WFD = OFF mode according to the operation of the user. Specifically, the mode setting unit 46 stores the mode value representing the mode set by the user in the memory 34.

In the state where the WFDI / F = OFF mode is set, the control unit 30 executes each process according to the WFD method (for example, a process of setting the MFP 10 to the spontaneous G / O mode described later, G / O negotiation, etc.). Can not do it. In the state where WFDI / F = ON, the memory 34 stores a value indicating the current state (G / O state, client state, or device state) of the MFP 10 with respect to WFD.

The NFCI / F22 is an interface for the control unit 30 to execute wireless communication according to the NFC method. The NFCI / F22 is composed of a chip that is physically different from the W-FiI / F20.

The communication speed of wireless communication via wireless LANI / F20 (for example, the maximum communication speed is 11 to 454 Mbps) is the communication speed of wireless communication via NFCI / F22 (for example, the maximum communication speed is 100 to 424 Kbps). ) Faster. Further, the frequency of the carrier wave in wireless communication via wireless LANI / F20 (for example, 2.4 GHz band, 5.0 GHz band) is the frequency of the carrier wave in wireless communication via NFCI / F22 (for example, 13.56 MHz band). Is different. Further, when the distance between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 is about 10 cm or less, the control unit 30 can execute wireless communication with the mobile terminal 50 according to the NFC method via the NFCI / F22. On the other hand, regardless of whether the distance between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 is 10 cm or less or 10 cm or more (for example, about 100 m at the maximum), the control unit 30 uses the WFD method via the wireless LANI / F20. The wireless communication according to the above and the wireless communication according to the normal Wi-Fi can be executed with the mobile terminal 50. That is, the maximum distance that the MFP 10 can perform wireless communication with the communication destination device (for example, the mobile terminal 50) via the wireless LANI / F20 is such that the MFP 10 can communicate with the communication destination device via the NFCI / F22. Greater than the maximum distance that wireless communication can be performed.

The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 executes various processes according to the program stored in the memory 34. When the CPU 32 executes the process according to the program, the functions of the respective units 40 to 46 are realized.

The memory 34 is composed of a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, and the like. The memory 34 stores the above program executed by the CPU 32. The memory 34 includes a work area 38. The work area 38 is for executing communication of target data (for example, print data) via the WFD network with information indicating that the MFP 10 currently belongs to the WFD network when the MFP 10 currently belongs to the WFD network. Radio settings (including authentication method, encryption method, password, wireless network SSID (Service Set Identifier), BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier)) are stored. Further, the work area 38 includes information indicating that the MFP 10 currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network when the MFP 10 currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network, and target data via the normal Wi-Fi network. Stores wireless settings and settings for performing communication. The SSID of the WFD network is a network identifier for identifying the WFD network, and the SSID of the normal Wi-Fi network is usually a network identifier for identifying the Wi-Fi network. The BSSID of the WFD network is an identifier unique to the device in the G / O state (for example, the MAC address of the device in the G / O state), and the BSSID of the Wi-Fi network is usually an identifier unique to the AP (for example, the unique identifier of the AP). Identifier).

The work area 38 further stores a value indicating the current state of the WFD (one of the G / O state, the client state, and the device state) when the MFP 10 is operating according to the WFD method. The work area 38 further stores a mode value representing the WFD = ON mode or a mode value representing the WFD = OFF mode.

The user can set the MFP 10 to the spontaneous G / O mode by operating the operation unit 12. The spontaneous G / O mode is a mode in which the MFP 10 is maintained to operate in the G / O state. The work area 38 in the memory 34 further stores a value indicating whether or not the MFP 10 is set to the spontaneous G / O mode. When establishing a WFD connection with another WFD-compatible device in the device state, the WFD-compatible device in the device state normally selects which of the G / O state and the client state should operate. Perform G / O negotiation to determine the target. When the MFP 10 is set to the spontaneous G / O mode, the MFP 10 maintains the operation in the G / O state without executing the G / O negotiation.

(Configuration of mobile terminal 50)
The mobile terminal 50 is, for example, a mobile phone (for example, a smartphone), a PDA, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, a portable music playback device, a portable moving image playback device, or the like. The mobile terminal 50 includes two wireless interfaces, a wireless LAN I / F (that is, an interface for WFD and usually Wi-Fi) and an NFCI / F. Therefore, the mobile terminal 50 can execute wireless communication with the MFP 10 by using the wireless LAN I / F, and can execute wireless communication with the MFP 10 by using the NFCI / F. The mobile terminal 50 includes an application program for causing the MFP 10 to execute a function (for example, a printing function, a scanning function, etc.). The application program may be installed on the mobile terminal 50 from the server provided by the vendor of the MFP 10, or may be installed on the mobile terminal 50 from the media shipped together with the MFP 10.

Similar to the MFP 10, the mobile terminal 50 includes a work area 58 in the memory 54. The work area 58 is a wireless setting (authentication method, encryption method, password, wireless) for executing communication via the WFD network or the normal Wi-Fi network when the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the WFD network or the normal Wi-Fi network. Stores the network SSID and BSSID). Further, when the mobile terminal 50 is operating according to the WFD method, the work area 58 sets a state value representing the state of the mobile terminal 50 (that is, any of the G / O state, the client state, and the device state). Store.

(Configuration of PC8)
The PC8 includes a wireless LANI / F (ie, an interface for WFD and usually Wi-Fi), but not an NFCI / F. Therefore, the PC 8 can execute communication with the MFP 10 by using the wireless LAN I / F, but cannot execute the wireless communication according to the NFC method. The PC 8 includes a driver program for causing the MFP 10 to execute processing (for example, printing processing, scanning processing, etc.). The driver program is usually installed on the PC 8 from the media shipped together with the MFP 10. However, in the modified example, the driver program may be installed on the PC8 from the server provided by the vendor of the MFP10.

(Structure of AP6)
The AP6 is not a device in the G / O state of the WFD, but a normal access point called a wireless access point or a wireless LAN router. The AP6 can usually establish a Wi-Fi connection with a plurality of devices. As a result, a normal Wi-Fi network including the AP6 and a plurality of devices is constructed. The AP6 receives data from one of a plurality of devices that normally belong to a Wi-Fi network, and transmits the data to the other one of the plurality of devices. That is, the AP6 normally relays communication between a pair of devices belonging to the Wi-Fi network.

The differences between the WFD G / O state device and the normal AP are as follows. That is, a device in the G / O state of the WFD is in a state other than the G / O state (that is, a client state) when the device leaves the WFD network to which the device currently belongs and newly belongs to another WFD network. Can work. On the other hand, a normal AP (that is, AP6) executes a function of relaying communication between a pair of devices regardless of which normal Wi-Fi network the AP belongs to, and cannot operate in the client state. ..

(Communication processing executed by MFP10)
The communication process executed by the MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 30 executes communication processing when the power of the MFP 10 is turned on. In S2, the receiving unit 40 monitors the reception of NFC information by executing wireless communication according to the NFC method. The receiving unit 40 receives the NFC information via the NFCI / F22. Specifically, the receiving unit 40 monitors that an NFC communication session is established between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50. While the power of the MFP 10 is turned on, the receiving unit 40 causes the NFCI / F22 to transmit radio waves for detecting a device capable of performing wireless communication according to the NFC method.

The user of the mobile terminal 50 activates the application program. By operating the mobile terminal 50, the user causes the mobile terminal 50 to generate NFC information including a process execution instruction (for example, a print instruction, a scan instruction) indicating a process to be executed by the MFP 10. The NFC information further includes the SSID and BSSID of the wireless network to which the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs when the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the wireless network. When the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the wireless network, at least one wireless connection between the mobile terminal 50 and another device (for example, AP6, MFP10), a WFD connection and a normal Wi-Fi connection, is used. Is established.

The user can bring the mobile terminal 50 closer to the MFP 10. As a result, when the distance between the mobile terminal 50 and the MFP 10 is smaller than the distance that the radio waves can reach each other (for example, 10 cm), the mobile terminal 50 receives the above radio waves from the MFP 10 and transmits the response radio waves to the MFP 10. .. As a result, the control unit 30 receives the response radio wave from the mobile terminal 50 and establishes an NFC communication session. When the NFC communication session is established, the mobile terminal 50 transmits the generated NFC information to the MFP 10.

When the NFC information is received (YES in S2), in S4, the determination unit 42 determines whether or not the MFP 10 currently belongs to the network. Specifically, the determination unit 42 stores at least one of the information indicating that it currently belongs to the WFD network and the information indicating that it currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network in the work area 38. If so, it is determined that the MFP 10 currently belongs to the wireless network (YES in S4), and the process proceeds to S6. On the other hand, when the determination unit 42 does not store in the work area 38 both the information indicating that it currently belongs to the WFD network and the information indicating that it currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network, the MFP 10 Determines that does not currently belong to the wireless network (NO in S4) and proceeds to S8.

In S6, the determination unit 42 confirms whether or not the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. Specifically, the determination unit 42 first determines whether or not the SSID and BSSID of the network to which the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs are included in the NFC information. When the SSID and BSSID are not included in the NFC information, the determination unit 42 determines that the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs (NO in S6). According to this configuration, the MFP 10 can appropriately determine that the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. When the SSID and BSSID of the network to which the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs are included in the NFC information, the determination unit 42 determines that the SSID and BSSID included in the wireless setting stored in the work area 38. However, it is determined whether or not the SSID and BSSID included in the NFC information match.

If both the SSID and BSSID match, it is determined that the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs (YES in S6), and the process proceeds to S7. On the other hand, if at least one of the SSID and BSSID does not match, it is determined that the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs (NO in S6), and the process proceeds to S8. According to this configuration, the MFP 10 can appropriately determine whether or not the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. In S6, the determination unit 42 determines whether or not the SSIDs match, and also determines whether or not the BSSIDs match. As a result, the determination unit 42 can determine whether or not the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to the same wireless network constructed by the same AP. More specifically, one AP may construct a plurality of wireless networks by using a plurality of SSIDs. Therefore, if the BSSIDs match and the SSIDs do not match, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 may belong to different wireless networks constructed by the same AP. In this embodiment, by determining whether or not both the SSID and BSSID match, it is possible to more reliably determine whether or not the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to the same wireless network. In the modified example, it is not necessary to determine whether the SSIDs match in S6 and not determine whether the BSSIDs match. As a result, even if the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to a wireless network constructed by different access points, if the SSIDs match, it is determined that the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to the same wireless network. obtain.

When the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can perform communication via the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. That is, the mobile terminal 50 can execute wireless communication with the MFP 10 by using the wireless settings currently stored in the work area 58. In S7, the control unit 30 transmits setting change unnecessary information indicating that data communication can be executed without changing the wireless setting of the mobile terminal 50 via the NFCI / F22, and proceeds to S20. The setting change unnecessary information includes the IP address of the MFP 10.

In S8, the determination unit 42 determines whether or not the WFD = ON mode is set. When the mode value stored in the memory 34 is a value representing the WFD = ON mode, the determination unit 42 determines YES in S8 and proceeds to S10. On the other hand, when the mode value stored in the memory 34 is a value representing the WFD = OFF mode, the determination unit 42 determines NO in S8 and proceeds to S9.

In S9, the communication execution unit 44 changes the WFD = OFF mode to the WFD = ON mode by changing the mode value stored in the memory 34, and proceeds to S15. The communication execution unit 44 further stores the setting change information indicating that the mode value has been changed in the memory 34.

In S10, the determination unit 42 determines whether or not the MFP 10 is operating as a client state in the wireless network to which it currently belongs. Specifically, the determination unit 42 determines that the operation is operating as a client state when the state value stored in the work area 38 is a value representing the client state (YES in S10). On the other hand, if the state value stored in the work area 38 is not a value representing the client state, the determination unit 42 determines that the client state is not operating (NO in S10). If YES in S10, the process proceeds to S14.

On the other hand, when NO in S10, in S12, the determination unit 42 determines whether or not the MFP 10 is operating in the G / O state in the wireless network to which it currently belongs. Specifically, when the state value stored in the work area 38 is a value representing the G / O state, the determination unit 42 determines that the state value is operating as the G / O state (YES in S12). ). On the other hand, the determination unit 42 does not operate as a G / O state (that is, the MFP 10 is a device state) when the state value stored in the work area 38 is not a value representing the G / O state. Judge (NO in S12). If YES in S12, the process proceeds to S13, and if NO in S12, the process proceeds to S15.

In S13, in the determination unit 42, the number of devices other than the MFP 10 included in the WFD network in which the MFP 10 is operating in the G / O state (that is, the devices whose connection is established with the MFP 10) is predetermined. Determine if it is less than the maximum number of clients. The determination unit 42 determines YES in S13 when the number of device identification information stored in the management list is less than the maximum number of clients, and determines NO in S13 when they are equal. If YES in S13, the process proceeds to S16, and if NO in S13, the process proceeds to S14.

In S14, the communication execution unit 44 transmits the communication NG information indicating that the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 cannot currently execute communication to the mobile terminal 50 using the NFCI / F22, and sends the communication to S2. Return.

In S15, the communication execution unit 44 sets the MFP 10 to the spontaneous G / O mode. The spontaneous G / O mode is a mode in which the MFP 10 is maintained to operate in the G / O state. Therefore, although the WFD network is not constructed at the stage of S15, the MFP 10 is set to the G / O state. When the MFP10 is set to the G / O state, the communication execution unit 44 wirelessly communicates with the MFP10 in which the WFD compatible device and / and the WFD non-compatible device are operating in the G / O state via the WFD network. Prepare wireless settings (SSID, BSSID, authentication method, encryption method, password, etc.) for execution. According to this configuration, the MFP 10 is a device that receives the wireless settings regardless of whether the device that receives the wireless settings from the MFP 10 (the mobile terminal 50 in this embodiment) is a WFD compatible device or a WFD non-compatible device. And wireless communication can be executed.

The authentication method and the encryption method are predetermined. In addition, the communication execution unit 44 generates a password. The SSID may be generated by the communication execution unit 44 when the password is generated, or may be determined in advance. BSSID is the MAC address of the MFP10. At this stage, the management list managed by the MFP 10 does not describe the identification information of the device connected to the device in the G / O state.

In S16, the communication execution unit 44 transmits the prepared wireless setting to the mobile terminal 50 by using the NFCI / F22. When the process of S16 is executed after the process of S15, the communication execution unit 44 transmits the wireless setting prepared at the stage (S15) set in the spontaneous G / O mode to the mobile terminal 50. When the processing of S16 is executed after the processing of S13, the communication execution unit 44 sets the NFCI / F22 to the radio settings prepared at the stage when the WFD network in which the MFP10 is operating in the G / O state is constructed. It is used and transmitted to the mobile terminal 50.

Next, in S18, the communication execution unit 44 establishes a WFD connection between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 by using the wireless LANI / F20. When the mobile terminal 50 receives the wireless setting of the MFP 10 operating in the G / O state from the MFP 10, the received wireless setting is stored in the work area 58. Therefore, the mobile terminal 50 normally executes wireless communication according to Wi-Fi. Next, the communication execution unit 44 executes wireless communication of the Authentication Request, the Authentication Response, the Authentication Request, the Response Response, and the 4-way handshake with the mobile terminal 50. In the process of the above wireless communication, various authentication processes such as SSID authentication, authentication method and encryption method authentication, and password authentication are executed. If all authentications are successful, a wireless connection is established between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50.

In the process of S18, the communication execution unit 44 acquires the MAC address of the mobile terminal 50 by using the wireless LANI / F20. When the wireless connection is established, the control unit 30 further adds the MAC address of the mobile terminal 50 to the management list. The MAC address of the mobile terminal 50 is included in the NFC information. As a result, the MFP 10 in the G / O state can execute communication of target data (print data, scan data, etc.) with the mobile terminal 50 in accordance with normal Wi-Fi. The target data includes data of a network layer that is higher than the physical layer of the OSI reference model. Therefore, the MFP 10 in the G / O state can execute wireless communication in the network layer with the mobile terminal 50 in the client state.

Next, in S20, the communication execution unit 44 executes data communication processing with the mobile terminal 50 via the wireless LANI / F20. The content of the data communication process changes depending on the content of the process execution instruction included in the NFC information. When the process execution instruction is a print instruction, the communication execution unit 44 receives print data from the mobile terminal 50 in the data communication process. In this case, the control unit 30 causes the print execution unit 16 to execute a print process using the received print data.

On the other hand, when the processing execution instruction is a scan instruction, the control unit 30 causes the scan execution unit 18 to scan the document set in the scan execution unit 18 and generate scan data. Next, the communication execution unit 44 transmits the generated scan data to the mobile terminal 50.

Next, in S21, the communication execution unit 44 monitors that the mobile terminal 50 receives a disconnection request for disconnecting from the mobile terminal 50 by using the wireless LANI / F20. If the disconnection request is not received even after the lapse of the predetermined period (NO in S21), the process returns to S2. On the other hand, if a disconnection request is received from the mobile terminal 50 within a predetermined period after the data communication process of S20 is completed (YES in S21), the communication execution unit 44 disconnects the wireless connection with the mobile terminal 50. .. Specifically, the communication execution unit 44 deletes the MAC address of the mobile terminal 50 in the management list. Next, in S22, the communication execution unit 44 determines whether or not the setting of the wireless LANI / F20 has been changed by the process of S9. Specifically, the communication execution unit 44 determines that the mode value indicating the WFD = OFF mode has been changed to the mode value indicating the WFD = ON mode in S9 when the setting change information is stored in the memory 34. Then (YES in S22), proceed to S23. On the other hand, when the setting change information is not stored in the memory 34, the communication execution unit 44 is not changed from the mode value indicating the WFD = OFF mode to the mode value indicating the WFD = ON mode in S9 (in S22). Judging NO), the process returns to S2.

In S23, the communication execution unit 44 determines whether or not an external device (for example, PC8) other than the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the WFD network newly constructed in S18. Specifically, when the management list contains identification information other than the identification information of the mobile terminal 50, the communication execution unit 44 currently belongs to the WFD network (YES in S23). Judge. In this case, the mode value is not changed and the process returns to S2. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the MFP 10 from being detached from the WFD network when the external device currently belongs to the WFD network.

On the other hand, when the management list does not include identification information other than the mobile terminal 50, the communication execution unit 44 determines that the external device does not currently belong to the WFD network (NO in S23). Proceed to S24. In S24, the communication execution unit 44 changes from the mode value indicating the WFD = ON mode to the mode value indicating the WFD = OFF mode, and returns to S2. That is, in the communication process, when it is determined in S8 that the WFD = OFF mode, the wireless communication using the wireless LANI / F20 is temporarily executed with the mobile terminal 50 via the WFD network. , WFD = OFF mode is changed to WFD = ON mode. Then, when the WFD = ON mode is changed to the WFD = OFF mode in S25, the WFD network constructed in S18 disappears. According to this configuration, when the mode value is changed from the mode value indicating WFD = OFF mode to the mode value indicating WFD = ON mode during communication processing execution, the mode value can be returned to the setting before the change. it can.

(Effect of this example)
The effect of this embodiment in the first to fifth situations will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7. In addition, each of FIGS. 3 to 7 shows a corresponding process in the communication process of FIG.

(First situation)
In the first situation shown in FIG. 3, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 currently belong to the same WFD network or the same normal Wi-Fi network. In this situation, when the NFC information is received from the mobile terminal 50 using the NFCI / F22, in S6, the MFP 10 determines that the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. (YES in S6). In S7, the MFP 10 transmits the setting change unnecessary information to the mobile terminal 50 by using the NFCI / F22. When the mobile terminal 50 receives the setting change unnecessary information, the mobile terminal 50 transmits the print data to the MFP 10 by using the IP address included in the setting change unnecessary information and the wireless setting stored in the work area 58. The MFP 10 receives print data using the wireless LANI / F20 (S20). Upon receiving the print data, the MFP 10 causes the print execution unit 16 to execute the print process.

In the sequence diagram of the present specification, the MFP10 uses NFCI / F22 for wireless communication (that is, wireless communication according to the NFC method), and the MFP10 uses wireless LANI / F20 for wireless communication (that is, WFD method or normal Wi). -Wireless communication according to Fi) is indicated by an arrow. The arrow indicating wireless communication using wireless LANI / F20 is drawn thicker than the arrow indicating wireless communication using NFCI / F22.

According to this configuration, the MFP 10 can change the radio settings currently set for the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 when it is determined that the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. Instead, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can appropriately communicate print data via the network to which they currently belong.

(Second situation)
In the second situation shown in FIG. 4, the MFP10 currently belongs to the WFD network. The MFP 10 is operating in the G / O state in the WFD network. The client-state PC8 currently belongs to the WFD network. The mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to the wireless network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. The mobile terminal 50 may or may not currently belong to a wireless network other than the wireless network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs.

In this situation, when the NFC information is received from the mobile terminal 50 using the NFCI / F22, in S6, the MFP 10 states that the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to the WFD network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. Judge (YES in S6). The NFC information includes the SSID and BSSID of the wireless network when the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the wireless network, but the NFC information of the wireless network when the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to the wireless network. Does not include SSID and BSSID. The MFP10 determines in S12 that the MFP10 is in the G / O state (YES in S12). In this case, in S16, the MFP 10 transmits the wireless setting of the MFP 10 stored in the work area 38 and the IP address of the MFP 10 to the mobile terminal 50 by using the NFCI / F22. When the mobile terminal 50 receives the wireless setting, the mobile terminal 50 stores the received wireless setting in the work area 58. Next, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 establish a WFD connection (S18). As a result, the mobile terminal 50 can belong to the WFD network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. The MFP 10 transmits the wireless settings including the authentication method and the encryption method of the MFP 10 to the mobile terminal 50 by using the NFCI / F22. According to this configuration, the mobile terminal 50 can execute the authentication process according to the authentication method and the encryption method received from the MFP 10, and executes the process of confirming which authentication method and encryption method should be used. You don't have to. Therefore, the connection between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can be established relatively early.

Next, the mobile terminal 50 transmits the print data to the MFP 10 by using the wireless setting stored in the work area 58 and the IP address received in S16. The MFP 10 receives print data using the wireless LANI / F20 (S20). Upon receiving the print data, the MFP 10 causes the print execution unit 16 to execute the print process. According to this configuration, when the MFP 10 is operating in the G / O state in the WFD network, the MFP 10 communicates print data with the mobile terminal 50 via the WFD network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. Can be done properly.

(Third situation)
In the third situation shown in FIG. 5, the MFP10 currently belongs to the WFD network. The MFP 10 is operating as a client state in the WFD network. The PC8 in the G / O state currently belongs to the WFD network, but the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to it. The mobile terminal 50 is the same as in the second situation.

In this situation, when the NFC information is received from the mobile terminal 50 using the NFCI / F22, in S6, the MFP 10 states that the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to the WFD network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. Judge (NO in S6). The MFP10 determines in S10 that the MFP10 is in the client state (YES in S10). In this case, in S14, the MFP 10 transmits the communication NG information to the mobile terminal 50 by using the NFCI / F22.

In this case, the MFP 10 does not transmit the wireless setting stored in the work area 38 to the mobile terminal 50. According to this configuration, it is not necessary to provide the mobile terminal 50 with the wireless setting of the PC 8 operating in the G / O state in the WFD network. As a result, it is possible to prevent the mobile terminal 50 from entering the WFD network. Further, the mobile terminal 50 can notify the user of the mobile terminal 50 that the MFP 10 does not execute the communication of the target data with the mobile terminal 50 by receiving the communication NG information from the MFP 10.

(Fourth situation)
In the fourth situation shown in FIG. 6, the MFP10 is set to WFD = ON mode, but does not currently belong to the WFD network. That is, the MFP 10 is operating as a device state. The MFP 10 is usually in either a state of currently belonging to the Wi-Fi network or a state of not currently belonging to the Wi-Fi network. The mobile terminal 50 is the same as in the second situation.

In this situation, when the NFC information is received from the mobile terminal 50 using the NFCI / F22, in S4, the MFP10 determines that the MFP10 does not currently belong to the network (NO in S4: the MFP10 is usually (In the case where it does not currently belong to the Wi-Fi network), or in S6, the MFP10 determines that the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to the normal Wi-Fi network to which the MFP10 currently belongs (S6). YES: When the MFP10 is currently in the normal Wi-Fi network). Further, the MFP10 determines in S10 and S12 that the MFP10 is neither in the G / O state nor in the client state (NO in both S10 and S12). In this case, in S15, the MFP 10 sets the MFP 10 to the spontaneous G / O mode without executing the G / O negotiation.

Next, in S16, the MFP 10 uses the wireless setting of the MFP 10 stored in the work area 38 (that is, the wireless setting prepared at the stage of being set to the spontaneous G / O mode in S15) and the IP address of the MFP 10. To the mobile terminal 50 using NFCI / F22. When the mobile terminal 50 receives the wireless setting, the mobile terminal 50 stores the received wireless setting in the work area 58. Next, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 establish a WFD connection (S18). As a result, the mobile terminal 50 can belong to the WFD network in which the MFP 10 is operating in the G / O state.

Next, the mobile terminal 50 transmits the print data to the MFP 10 by using the wireless setting stored in the work area 58 and the IP address received in S16. The MFP 10 receives print data using the wireless LANI / F20 (S20). Upon receiving the print data, the MFP 10 causes the print execution unit 16 to execute the print process. According to this configuration, the MFP 10 can newly construct a WFD network in which the MFP 10 operates as a G / O state in the WFD network. As a result, the MFP 10 can appropriately perform communication of print data with the mobile terminal 50 via the newly constructed WFD network. Further, since the MFP 10 inevitably operates in the G / O state in the newly constructed WFD network, the authentication method or the like used in the WFD network can be determined.

(Fifth situation)
In the fifth situation shown in FIG. 7, the MFP 10 is set to WFD = OFF mode. The MFP 10 is usually in either a state of currently belonging to the Wi-Fi network or a state of not currently belonging to the Wi-Fi network. The mobile terminal 50 is the same as in the second situation.

In this situation, when the NFC information is received from the mobile terminal 50 using the NFCI / F22, it is determined as NO in S4 or S6 as in the fourth situation. The MFP10 determines in S8 that the WFD = OFF mode is set. In this case, in S9, the MFP 10 changes from the WFD = OFF mode to the WFD = ON mode. Next, the MFP 10 sets the MFP 10 to the spontaneous G / O mode in S15.

Hereinafter, the printing process is the same as in the fourth situation. Even in this configuration, the same effect as in the fourth situation can be obtained. When the printing process is completed, the MFP 10 determines that the external device does not currently belong to the newly constructed WFD network (NO in S23), and changes the WFD = ON mode to the WFD = OFF mode. According to this configuration, when the external device does not belong to the WFD network after the communication of the print data, the WFD = ON mode can be appropriately changed to the WFD = OFF mode.

In this embodiment, the MFP 10 executes a process according to whether or not the MFP 10 currently belongs to the same network as the mobile terminal 50, that is, whether or not the MFP 10 can communicate with the mobile terminal 50. Thereby, the wireless LANI / F20 can be used to appropriately execute wireless communication between the mobile terminal 50 and the target data at a relatively high communication speed. Further, the MFP 10 can execute the communication of the target data via the WFD network without the mobile terminal 50 and the access point different from the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50.

Further, when the MFP 10 cannot communicate with the mobile terminal 50 and the MFP 10 currently belongs to the WFD network, the MFP 10 can use the mobile terminal 50 and the target data via the WFD network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. Communication can be executed properly. Further, when the MFP 10 does not currently belong to the WFD network, the MFP 10 can appropriately perform communication of the target data with the mobile terminal 50 via the newly constructed WFD network.

(Correspondence)
The MFP 10 is an example of a "communication device", the NFCI / F22 is an example of a "first type interface", and the wireless LANI / F20 is an example of a "second type interface". From the above description, the NFCI / F22 (that is, the "first-class interface") uses the MFP10 (that is, the "first-class interface") to execute communication using the wireless LANI / F20 (that is, the "second-class interface"). It can be said that it is an interface used for communication executed between the "communication device") and the mobile terminal 50.

AP6 is an example of an "access point". That is, the "access point" is a device that relays communication between a pair of devices belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network in the network to which the access point belongs, that is, the normal Wi-Fi network.

The NFC information is an example of "specific information", and the SSID and BSSID included in the NFC information are "radio network identifiers included in the specific information". The state in which the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs is the "communication enable state". The processing of S15 to S18 is an example of "specific processing". Wireless communication via a WFD network using wireless LANI / F20 is an example of "specific wireless communication". The G / O state is an example of the "master station state", and the client state is an example of the "slave station state". When YES is determined in S4, the WFD network to which the MFP10 belongs is an example of the "first wireless network", and the WFD network constructed by the processes of S15 to S18 is the "second wireless network". This is an example. The communication NG information is an example of "information indicating that the communication of the target data is not executed". The WFD = ON mode is an example of the "first mode", and the WFD = OFF mode is an example of the "second mode".

(Second Example)
The points different from the first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the communication process of FIG. 8 is executed instead of the communication process of FIG. S2 to S24 in FIG. 8 are the same as the processes in S2 to S24 in FIG. If YES in S10, that is, if the MFP10 currently belongs to the WFD network and is operating as a client state in the WFD network, in S42, the determination unit 42 determines the WFD network to which the MFP10 currently belongs. Determine if it is possible to withdraw from. Specifically, the determination unit 42 currently belongs to the WFD network when it is in either a situation where data communication via the WFD network is currently being executed or a situation in which data communication should be executed. It is judged that it is impossible to withdraw from (NO in S42). On the other hand, the determination unit 42 can leave the WFD network to which it currently belongs when neither the situation of executing the data communication via the WFD network nor the situation of executing the data communication should be performed. (YES in S42).

For example, assume that the PC 8 is operating in the G / O state in the WFD network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. When the MFP 10 is currently receiving print data from the PC 8 using the wireless LAN I / F 20, the determination unit 42 determines that the data communication is currently being executed. Further, when the MFP10 is generating scan data according to the scan instruction from the PC8, the MFP10 should transmit the scan data to the PC8 by using the wireless LANI / F20 when the scan data is generated. Judge that it is a situation where data communication should be executed.

If NO in S42, the process proceeds to S14, and if YES in S42, the process proceeds to S44. In S44, the communication execution unit 44 detaches the MFP 10 from the WFD network in which the MFP 10 is currently participating. Specifically, the communication execution unit 44 erases the radio setting stored in the work area 38, and changes the state value in the work area 38 to a value indicating the device state. Subsequently, the communication execution unit 44 executes the process of S15.

(Effect of this example)
The MFP 10 of the second embodiment can exert the same effect as the MFP 10 of the first embodiment in the situations of the first, second, fourth and fifth embodiments. The effects of this embodiment in the sixth and seventh situations will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. Note that each of FIGS. 9 and 10 shows a corresponding process in the communication process of FIG.

(Sixth situation)
In the sixth situation shown in FIG. 9, the MFP 10 currently belongs to the WFD network. The MFP 10 is operating as a client state in the WFD network. The PC8 in the G / O state currently belongs to the WFD network, but the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to it. The mobile terminal 50 is the same as in the second situation. Further, the MFP 10 is receiving print data from the PC 8.

In this situation, when the NFC information is received from the mobile terminal 50 using the NFCI / F22, it is determined as NO in S6 and YES in S10 as in the third situation. Since the MFP 10 is receiving print data from the PC 8, it determines that it cannot leave the WFD network (NO in S42). In this case, in S14, the MFP 10 transmits the communication NG information to the mobile terminal 50 via the NFCI / F22.

According to this configuration, the MFP 10 is executing data communication via the WFD network to which it currently belongs, or when data communication should be executed via the WFD network to which it currently belongs. However, it is possible to prevent the user from leaving the WFD network to which he / she currently belongs.

(7th situation)
In the seventh situation shown in FIG. 10, the MFP 10 currently belongs to the WFD network. The MFP 10 is operating as a client state in the WFD network. The PC8 in the G / O state currently belongs to the WFD network, but the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to it. However, the MFP 10 is not currently performing data communication with the PC 8, and is not in a situation where data communication should be performed with the PC 8. The mobile terminal 50 is the same as in the second situation.

In this situation, when the NFC information is received from the mobile terminal 50 using the NFCI / F22, it is determined as NO in S6 and YES in S10 as in the sixth situation. Since the MFP10 is neither in a situation where data communication is being executed via the WFD network nor in a situation where data communication should be executed, the MFP10 is said to be able to leave the WFD network to which it currently belongs. Judge (YES in S42). In this case, in S15, the MFP 10 sets the MFP 10 to the spontaneous G / O mode. The following processing is the same as the processing after the MFP 10 is set to the spontaneous G / O mode in the fourth situation.

According to this configuration, the MFP 10 can leave the WFD network in which the MFP 10 is operating as a client state and newly construct a WFD network. As a result, the MFP 10 can appropriately communicate the target data with the mobile terminal 50 via the newly constructed WFD network.

(Correspondence)
The processes S42 and S44 and the processes S15 to S18 in FIG. 8 are examples of the “specific process”.

(Third Example)
The points different from the first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the communication process of FIG. 11 is executed instead of the communication process of FIG. In this embodiment, the mobile terminal 50 includes WFD correspondence information indicating whether or not the mobile terminal 50 can execute wireless communication according to the WFD method, and a device ID (for example, MAC address, etc.) of the mobile terminal 50. NFC information including the serial number, etc.) is transmitted to the MFP 10.

S2 to S24 of FIG. 11 are the same as the processes of S4 to 24 of FIG. When the processing of S9 is executed and when it is determined as NO in S12, that is, when the MFP10 is operating as a device state, in S52, the determination unit 42 uses the NFC information to use the mobile terminal. 50 determines whether or not wireless communication according to the WFD method can be executed. When the NFC information includes WFD-compatible information indicating that the mobile terminal 50 can perform wireless communication according to the WFD method, the determination unit 42 determines that the mobile terminal 50 performs wireless communication according to the WFD method. Is determined to be feasible (YES in S52), and the process proceeds to S54.

On the other hand, the determination unit 42 follows the WFD method when the NFC information does not include WFD-compatible information indicating that the mobile terminal 50 can execute wireless communication according to the WFD method. It is determined that wireless communication is not feasible (NO in S52), and the process proceeds to S15.

In S54, the communication execution unit 44 transmits the WFD connection start information indicating that the WFD connection is started to the mobile terminal 50 via the NFCI / F22. As a method for executing the wireless connection of the WFD method, the wireless connection method of WPS (abbreviation of Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is used. The WPS wireless connection method includes a PBC (abbreviation of Push Button Configuration) method and a PIN (abbreviation of Personal Identification Number) code method. In this embodiment, the PBC code method will be described, but the technique of this embodiment can also be applied to the PIN code method. The WFD connection start information includes information indicating that the PBC code method is used as the method for executing the wireless connection of the WFD method. The WFD connection start information further includes the device ID (for example, MAC address, serial number, etc.) of the MFP 10. As a result, the mobile terminal 50 that receives the WFD connection start information recognizes that the device (that is, the MFP10) identified by the device ID included in the WFD connection start information and the processes of S58 and S62 described later should be executed. be able to.

When the WFD connection start information is received, the mobile terminal 50 determines whether or not the mobile terminal 50 is set to execute wireless communication according to the WFD method. The mobile terminal 50 maintains the wireless LANI / F setting when the setting is such that wireless communication according to the WFD method can be executed, and follows the WFD method when the setting is not such that wireless communication according to the WFD method can be executed. Change the wireless communication settings so that they can be executed.

Next, in S55, the communication execution unit 44 searches for the mobile terminal 50. Specifically, the communication execution unit 44 sequentially executes the Scan process, the Listen process, and the Search process. The Scan process is a process for searching for devices in the G / O state existing around the MFP 10. Specifically, the communication execution unit 44 sequentially uses 13 channels of 1ch to 13ch in the Scan process, and sequentially transmits the Probe Request signal wirelessly. The Probe Request signal includes P2P (Peer 2 Peer) information indicating that the MFP 10 can execute the WFD function.

For example, when there is a WFD compatible device in the G / O state (hereinafter referred to as "specific G / O device") around the MFP 10, the specific G / O device is one of 1ch to 13ch. It is decided in advance to use the individual channels. Therefore, the specific G / O device wirelessly receives the Probe Request signal from the MFP 10. In this case, the specific G / O device wirelessly transmits the Probe Response signal to the MFP 10. This Probe Response signal includes P2P information indicating that the specific G / O device can execute the WFD function, and information indicating that the specific G / O device is in the G / O state. As a result, the communication execution unit 44 can find a specific G / O device. In addition, the above-mentioned Probe Response signal further includes a device name of a specific G / O device, information indicating a model of the specific G / O device (for example, a mobile terminal, a PC, etc.), and a specific G / O device. Includes the MAC address of. As a result, the communication execution unit 44 can acquire information about a specific G / O device.

When the device ID of the specific G / O device included in the Probe Response signal and the device ID of the mobile terminal 50 included in the NFC information match, the communication execution unit 44 carries the specific G / O device. It can be specified that it is the terminal 50. That is, when the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the WFD network and is operating in the G / O state in the WFD network, the communication execution unit 44 may discover the mobile terminal 50 by Scan processing. it can.

For example, when there is a WFD compatible device in a device state (hereinafter referred to as "specific device device") around the MFP 10, the specific device device is one of 1ch, 6ch, and 11ch. It is decided in advance to use the channel. Therefore, the specific device also receives the Probe Request signal wirelessly from the MFP 10. In this case, the specific device device wirelessly transmits the Probe Response signal to the MFP 10. However, this Probe Response signal includes information indicating that the device is in the device state, and does not include information indicating that the device is in the G / O state. Further, even if the device in the client state wirelessly receives the Probe Request signal from the MFP 10, the device does not wirelessly transmit the Probe Response signal to the MFP 10. Therefore, the communication execution unit 44 can discover the mobile terminal 50 in the Scan process regardless of whether the mobile terminal 50 is in the G / O state or the device state.

The Listen process is a process for responding to a Probe Request signal. A specific device device can wirelessly transmit a probe request signal in the search process described later. That is, when the current state of the mobile terminal 50 is the device state, the mobile terminal 50 periodically transmits the Probe Request signal wirelessly. This Probe Request signal includes the device ID (for example, MAC address, serial number, etc.) of the mobile terminal 50.

When the device ID of the specific device device included in the Probe Request signal and the device ID of the mobile terminal 50 included in the NFC information match, the communication execution unit 44 means that the specific device device is the mobile terminal 50. Can be identified. That is, when the mobile terminal 50 is operating as a device state, the communication execution unit 44 can discover the mobile terminal 50 by the Listen process. When the communication execution unit 44 receives the Probe Request signal from the mobile terminal 50, the communication execution unit 44 wirelessly transmits the Probe Response signal.

In the search process, the communication execution unit 44 sequentially uses the three channels of 1ch, 6ch, and 11ch to sequentially transmit the Probe Request signal wirelessly. As a result, the communication execution unit 44 wirelessly receives the Probe Response signal from the specific device device. This Probe Response signal includes P2P information indicating that a specific device device can execute the WFD function, information indicating that the specific device device is in the device state, and a device ID (for example, MAC) of the specific device device. Address, serial number, etc.) and. When the current state of the mobile terminal 50 is the device state, the mobile terminal 50 wirelessly transmits a Probe Response signal in response to the Probe Request signal transmitted from the MFP 10.

When the device ID of the specific device device included in the Probe Response signal and the device ID of the mobile terminal 50 included in the NFC information match, the communication execution unit 44 means that the specific device device is the mobile terminal 50. Can be identified. That is, when the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the WFD network and is operating as a device state in the WFD network, the communication execution unit 44 can discover the mobile terminal 50 by the search process.

In S55 described above, when the mobile terminal 50 is operating in the G / O state and in the device state, the communication execution unit 44 can find the mobile terminal 50 (in S56). YES). If the mobile terminal 50 is not found in S56 (NO in S56), the process proceeds to S14.

When the mobile terminal 50 is found (YES in S56), in S57, the communication execution unit 44 determines whether or not the found mobile terminal 50 is in the device state. Specifically, when the processing of S55 receives information indicating that the device is in the device state, the mobile terminal 50 determines that the device is in the device state (YES in S57), and proceeds to S58. On the other hand, when the processing indicating that the device is in the device state is not received in the process of S55, it is determined that the mobile terminal 50 is not in the device state (that is, the mobile terminal 50 is in the G / O state) (NO in S57). , Proceed to S62.

In S58, the communication execution unit 44 executes G / O negotiation with the mobile terminal 50 by using the wireless LANI / F20, and puts either the MFP 10 or the mobile terminal 50 in the G / O state. And decide to operate the other device as a client state.

Specifically, the communication execution unit 44 first wirelessly transmits a connection request signal to the mobile terminal 50. As a result, the mobile terminal 50 also wirelessly transmits the OK signal to the MFP 10. Next, the communication execution unit 44 wirelessly transmits information indicating the G / O priority of the MFP 10 to the mobile terminal 50, and receives information indicating the G / O priority of the mobile terminal 50 from the mobile terminal 50. The G / O priority of the MFP 10 is an index indicating the degree to which the MFP 10 should become a G / O, and is predetermined in the MFP 10. Similarly, the G / O priority of the mobile terminal 50 is an index indicating the degree to which the mobile terminal 50 should be G / O. For example, a device having a relatively high CPU and memory capacity (for example, MFP10) can execute other processes at high speed while operating as a G / O. Therefore, in such a device, the G / O priority is usually set so that the degree to which it should be G / O is high. On the other hand, for example, a device having a relatively low CPU and memory capacity (for example, a mobile terminal 50) may not be able to execute other processes at high speed while operating as a G / O. Therefore, in such a device, the G / O priority is usually set so that the degree to which it should be G / O is low.

The communication execution unit 44 compares the G / O priority of the MFP 10 with the G / O priority of the mobile terminal 50, and operates the device (MFP 10 or the mobile terminal 50) having the higher priority as the G / O state. It decides what to do and decides that the device with the lower priority (MFP10 or mobile terminal 50) should operate in the client state. When the communication execution unit 44 determines that the MFP 10 should operate in the G / O state, the communication execution unit 44 changes the state value in the memory 34 from the value corresponding to the device state to the value corresponding to the G / O state. .. As a result, the MFP 10 operates in the G / O state. Further, when the communication execution unit 44 determines that the MFP 10 should operate as the client state, the communication execution unit 44 changes the state value in the memory 34 from the value corresponding to the device state to the value corresponding to the client state. As a result, the MFP 10 operates as a client state. The mobile terminal 50 determines the G / O state and the client state based on the G / O priority of the MFP 10 and the G / O priority of the target device by using the same method as the MFP 10. When the G / O negotiation of S58 is completed, the process proceeds to S62.

In S62, the communication execution unit 44 establishes the connection between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 according to the WPS. Specifically, the communication execution unit 44 determines whether or not the current state of the MFP 10 is the G / O state and the current state of the mobile terminal 50 is the client state. When the current state of the MFP 10 is the G / O state and the current state of the mobile terminal 50 is the client state, the communication execution unit 44 executes WPS negotiation for the G / O state.

Specifically, the communication execution unit 44 generates wireless settings (SSID, authentication method, encryption method, password, etc.) necessary for establishing a wireless connection, and wirelessly transmits them to the mobile terminal 50. The authentication method and the encryption method are predetermined. In addition, the communication execution unit 44 generates a password when generating a wireless setting. The SSID may be generated by the communication execution unit 44 or may be predetermined. By transmitting the wireless setting to the mobile terminal 50, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can use the same wireless setting. That is, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 use the wireless settings to execute wireless communication of the Authentication Request, the Authentication Response, the Authentication Request, the Response Response, and the 4-way handshake. In this process, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 execute various authentication processes such as SSID authentication, authentication method and encryption method authentication, and password authentication. If all authentications are successful, a wireless connection is established between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50. As a result, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 are in a state of belonging to the same WFD network.

On the other hand, when the current state of the MFP 10 is the client state and the current state of the target device is the G / O state, the communication execution unit 44 executes WPS negotiation for the client state. Specifically, the mobile terminal 50 generates wireless settings (SSID, authentication method, encryption method, password, etc.) necessary for establishing a wireless connection, and wirelessly transmits them to the MFP 10. As a result, the communication execution unit 44 wirelessly receives the wireless setting from the mobile terminal 50. Subsequent processing (communication processing such as Authentication Request) is the same as WPS negotiation for the G / O state. As a result, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 are in a state of belonging to the same WFD network. As a result, the MFP 10 in the client state can execute wireless communication of target data (print data, etc.) with the mobile terminal 50 in the G / O state. When S62 ends, the control unit 30 executes the processes of S20 to S24 of FIG. 2 to end the communication process.

(Effect of this example)
The MFP 10 of the third embodiment can exert the same effect as the MFP 10 of the first embodiment in the first to third situations. The effects of this embodiment in the 8th and 9th situations will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. Note that each of FIGS. 12 and 13 shows the corresponding processing in the communication processing of FIG.

(Eighth situation)
In the eighth situation shown in FIG. 12, the MFP 10 is set to WFD = ON mode but does not currently belong to the WFD network. That is, the MFP 10 is operating as a device state. The MFP 10 is usually in either a state of currently belonging to the Wi-Fi network or a state of not currently belonging to the Wi-Fi network. The mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to the wireless network.

In this situation, when the MFP10 receives the NFC information from the mobile terminal 50 using the NFCI / F22, it determines NO in S4 or S6 and NO in S10 and S12 as in the fourth situation. Judge.

The MFP 10 transmits the WFD connection start information to the mobile terminal 50 by using the wireless LANI / F20 (S54). Next, the MFP 10 performs the search process of S55 to search the mobile terminal 50. When the MFP 10 discovers the mobile terminal 50 (YES in 56), the MFP 10 determines whether the discovered mobile terminal 50 is in the device state (S57). When it is determined that the device is in the device state (YES in S57), G / O negotiation (S58) and WPS negotiation (S62) are executed by using the wireless LANI / F20. As a result, a WFD network to which the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong is constructed.

Next, the mobile terminal 50 transmits the print data to the MFP 10. The MFP 10 receives print data using the wireless LANI / F20 (S20). Upon receiving the print data, the MFP 10 causes the print execution unit 16 to execute the print process.

(Ninth situation)
In the ninth situation of FIG. 13, the MFP 10 is set to the WFD = OFF mode. The MFP 10 is usually in either a state of currently belonging to the Wi-Fi network or a state of not currently belonging to the Wi-Fi network. The mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to the wireless network.

In this situation, when the MFP10 receives the NFC information from the mobile terminal 50 using the NFCI / F22, it determines NO in S4 or S6 and NO in S8 as in the fifth situation. To do. In this case, in S9, the MFP 10 changes from the WFD = OFF mode to the WFD = ON mode.

The process executed until the print process after changing from the WFD = OFF mode to the WFD = ON mode is the process from the determination of NO in S10 and S12 to the execution of the print process in the eighth situation. The same is true. When the printing process is completed, the MFP 10 changes from the WFD = ON mode to the WFD = OFF mode when it determines that the external device does not currently belong to the newly constructed WFD network (NO in S23). According to this configuration, when the external device does not belong to the WFD network after the communication of the print data, the WFD = ON mode can be appropriately changed to the WFD = OFF mode.

According to this configuration, the MFP 10 can construct a WFD network that operates in either the G / O state or the client state with the mobile terminal 50. As a result, the MFP 10 can appropriately communicate the print data with the mobile terminal 50.

(Correspondence)
The processes S15 to S18 and the processes S52 to S62 in FIG. 11 are examples of the “specific process”.

(Fourth Example)
The points different from the first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the communication process of FIG. 14 is executed instead of the communication process of FIG. S2 to S24 in FIG. 14 are the same as the processes in S2 to S24 in FIG. If NO in S8, that is, if the MFP 10 is not set to WFD = ON mode, in S76, the determination unit 42 determines whether the MFP 10 currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network. When the information indicating that the information indicating that the device currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network is stored in the work area 38, the determination unit 42 determines that the MFP 10 currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network (YES in S76). Then proceed to S80. On the other hand, the determination unit 42 determines that the MFP 10 does not currently belong to the normal Wi-Fi network (NO in S76) when the information indicating that it belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network is not stored in the work area 38. Judge and proceed to S9.

If YES in S10, that is, if the MFP10 currently belongs to the WFD network and is operating as a client state in the WFD network, the communication execution unit 44 is stored in the work area 38 in S72. Among the wireless settings of the G / O, the wireless settings other than the password are transmitted to the mobile terminal 50 via the NFCI / F22, and the process proceeds to S20.

When the mobile terminal 50 receives the G / O wireless setting, the mobile terminal 50 causes the user to specify a password. When the password is specified by the user, the mobile terminal 50 establishes a connection with the device in the G / O state by using the wireless setting received from the MFP 10 and the password specified by the user. As a result, the mobile terminal 50 can wirelessly communicate with the MFP 10 via the device in the G / O state. If the connection between the mobile terminal 50 and the device in the G / O state is not established, the MFP 10 cannot execute wireless communication with the mobile terminal 50. In this case, the control unit 30 returns to S2 without executing the processes of S20 to S24.

If YES in S12, that is, if the MFP10 currently belongs to the WFD network and is operating in the G / O state in the WFD network, the process proceeds to S13. In S16, the communication execution unit 44 transmits the wireless setting of the MFP 10 stored in the work area 38 to the mobile terminal 50 via the NFCI / F22, and proceeds to S18. The wireless setting of the MFP 10 transmitted in S16 includes a password.

Further, when NO is determined in S12, that is, when the MFP 10 is operating as a device state, the determination unit 42 executes the process of S78. The processing of S78 is the same as the processing of S76. If NO in S78, the process proceeds to S15, and if YES in S78, the process proceeds to S80.

In S80, the communication execution unit 44 sets the wireless settings for belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network stored in the work area 38, that is, the wireless settings other than the password among the wireless settings of the AP (for example, AP6). It is transmitted to the mobile terminal 50 via / F22 and proceeds to S20. When the wireless setting of the AP is received, the mobile terminal 50 establishes a connection with the AP by using the wireless setting received from the MFP 10 and the password specified by the user, as in the case of S72. As a result, the mobile terminal 50 can wirelessly communicate with the MFP 10 via the AP. If the connection between the mobile terminal 50 and the AP is not established, the MFP 10 cannot execute wireless communication with the mobile terminal 50. In this case, the control unit 30 returns to S2 without executing the processes of S20 to S24.

(Effect of this example)
The MFP 10 of the fourth embodiment can exert the same effect as the MFP 10 of the first embodiment in the situations of the first, second, fourth and fifth embodiments. The effects of this embodiment in the situations of the tenth and eleventh situations will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. Note that each of FIGS. 15 and 16 shows the corresponding processing in the communication processing of FIG.

(10th situation)
In the tenth situation shown in FIG. 15, the MFP 10 currently belongs to the WFD network. The MFP 10 is operating as a client state in the WFD network. The PC8 in the G / O state currently belongs to the WFD network, but the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to it. The mobile terminal 50 is the same as in the second situation.

In this situation, when the MFP10 receives the NFC information from the mobile terminal 50 using the NFCI / F22, it determines NO in S6 and YES in S10, as in the third situation. In S72, the MFP 10 transmits the wireless setting that does not include the password and the IP address of the MFP 10 to the mobile terminal 50 using the NFCI / F22 among the wireless settings of the PC 8 operating in the G / O state. To do. According to this configuration, it is not necessary to provide the password to the mobile terminal 50 and the user. As a result, when the mobile terminal 50 and the user do not know the password for belonging to the WFD network in which the PC 8 is operating in the G / O state, the mobile terminal 50 is prevented from entering the WFD network. Can be done.

When the mobile terminal 50 receives the wireless setting, the mobile terminal 50 stores the received wireless setting in the work area 58. Next, the mobile terminal 50 causes the password designation screen to be displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 50. The user can specify the password by operating the operation unit of the mobile terminal 50. The mobile terminal 50 establishes a WFD connection with the PC 8 when a password is specified by the user. As a result, the mobile terminal 50 can belong to the WFD network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. The mobile terminal 50 operates as a client state in the WFD network.

In the modified example, the mobile terminal 50 may store the wireless settings used for belonging to the network in the past in the memory of the mobile terminal 50. In this case, when the mobile terminal 50 receives the wireless setting that does not include the password, the mobile terminal 50 may specify the wireless setting that includes the same SSID as the SSID included in the received wireless setting from the memory of the mobile terminal 50. Then, the mobile terminal 50 may establish a WFD connection with the PC 8 by using the wireless setting specified from the memory of the mobile terminal 50.

When the mobile terminal 50 belongs to the WFD network, print data is executed by executing wireless communication via the PC 8 using the wireless settings stored in the work area 58 and the IP address of the MFP 10 received in S72. Is transmitted to the MFP 10. When the MFP 10 receives print data from the PC 8 using the wireless LANI / F20 (S20), the MFP 10 causes the print execution unit 16 to execute the print process when the print data is received.

According to this configuration, when the MFP 10 does not belong to the same network as the mobile terminal 50, the MFP 10 appropriately communicates print data with the mobile terminal 50 via the WFD network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. Can be done.

(11th situation)
In the eleventh situation shown in FIG. 16, the MFP10 currently belongs to a Wi-Fi network, usually. The MFP10 is usually connected to the AP6 in a Wi-Fi network. The mobile terminal 50 is the same as in the second situation.

In this situation, when the NFC information is received from the mobile terminal 50 using the NFCI / F22, in S6, the MFP 10 currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. Judge that it is not (NO in S6). Further, the MFP 10 determines that the WFD = OFF mode is set in S8 (NO in S8). Subsequently, in S76, the MFP10 determines that it currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network (YES in S76). In this case, in S80, the MFP 10 transmits the wireless setting of the AP6 stored in the work area 38, the wireless setting not including the password, and the IP address of the MFP 10 to the mobile terminal 50. According to this configuration, it is not necessary to provide the password to the mobile terminal 50 and the user. As a result, when the mobile terminal 50 and the user do not know the password for belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network in which AP6 is used, it is possible to prevent the mobile terminal 50 from belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network. it can.

When the mobile terminal 50 receives the wireless setting, the mobile terminal 50 receives the wireless setting and causes the user to specify the password, as in the tenth situation. The mobile terminal 50 then establishes a normal Wi-Fi connection with the AP6 when the password is specified by the user. As a result, the mobile terminal 50 can belong to the normal Wi-Fi network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. The mobile terminal 50 can transmit print data to the MFP 10 via the AP6. When the mobile terminal 50 normally belongs to the Wi-Fi network, the mobile terminal 50 executes wireless communication via the AP6 by using the wireless settings stored in the work area 58 and the IP address of the MFP 10 received in S80. , The print data is transmitted to the MFP 10.

Although not shown, even when the MFP10 is currently operating as a device state (Yes in S8, NO in S10 and S12) and the MFP10 normally belongs to the Wi-Fi network (YES in S78). The MFP 10 transmits the wireless setting of the AP stored in the work area 38, which does not include the password, to the mobile terminal 50.

According to this configuration, when the MFP 10 does not belong to the same network as the mobile terminal 50, the MFP 10 appropriately communicates print data with the mobile terminal 50 via the normal Wi-Fi network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. Can be executed.

(Correspondence)
The processing of S15 to S18 in FIG. 14, the processing of S72, the processing of S7 to S18, and the processing of S80 are examples of "specific processing". When YES is determined in S4 of FIG. 14, the WFD network to which the MFP 10 belongs and the normal Wi-Fi network are examples of the “first wireless network”.

(Fifth Example)
The points different from the first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the mobile terminal 50 further includes a password, an authentication method, and an encryption method as wireless settings stored in the work area 58 when the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the network. Is transmitted to the MFP 10.

Further, in this embodiment, the communication process of FIG. 17 is executed instead of the communication process of FIG. S2 to S24 of FIG. 17 are the same as the processing of S2 to S24 of FIG. In either case of NO in S4 (that is, when the MFP 10 does not currently belong to the network) or NO in S6 (that is, when the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 do not belong to the same network), S82. In the determination unit 42, the NFCI / F22 is used to determine whether or not the NFC information received from the mobile terminal 52 includes the wireless setting. When it is determined that the wireless setting is included (YES in S82), in S83, the setting change unnecessary information is transmitted to the mobile terminal 50 using NFCI / F22. Next, in S84, the communication execution unit 44 belongs to the network to which the mobile terminal 50 belongs by using the wireless setting included in the NFC information, and proceeds to S20.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the NFC information does not include the wireless setting (NO in S82), the process proceeds to S8.

(Effect of this example)
The MFP 10 of the fifth embodiment can exert the same effect as the MFP 10 of the first embodiment in the situations 1 to 5. The effect of this embodiment in the twelfth situation will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 18 shows the corresponding processing in the communication processing of FIG.

(12th situation)
In the twelfth situation shown in FIG. 18, the MFP 10 does not currently belong to the network or currently belongs to the network to which the mobile terminal 50 does not belong. On the other hand, the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network to which the AP6 belongs.

In this situation, when the NFC information is received from the mobile terminal 50 via the NFCI / F22, the MFP 10 determines that the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 do not currently belong to the same network (NO in S4). Or NO in S6). Next, in S82, the MFP 10 determines that the wireless setting for belonging to the network to which the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs is included in the NFC information (YES in S82).

Next, in S83, the MFP 10 transmits the setting change unnecessary information to the mobile terminal 50 using the NFCI / F22. If the MFP 10 is NO in S4 (that is, the MFP 10 does not currently belong to the network), the MFP 10 transmits the setting change unnecessary information including the MAC address of the MFP 10 to the mobile terminal 50. Further, when the MFP10 is NO in S6 (that is, when the MFP10 currently belongs to the network, but the MFP10 and the mobile terminal 50 do not belong to the same network), the setting change unnecessary information including the IP address of the MFP10 is input. It is transmitted to the mobile terminal 50.

The MFP10 establishes a normal Wi-Fi connection with the AP6 using the wireless settings included in the NFC information (S84). When the setting change unnecessary information includes the IP address of the MFP 10, the mobile terminal 50 designates the IP address as the transmission destination and transmits the print data to the MFP 10 via the AP6 (S20). Further, when the setting change unnecessary information includes the MAC address of the MFP10, the mobile terminal 50 specifies the IP address of the MFP10 according to RARP (abbreviation of Reverse Address Resolution Protocol) and specifies the specified IP address as the transmission destination. Then, the print data is transmitted to the MFP 10 via the AP6 (S20).

According to this configuration, when the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 do not belong to the same network, the MFP 10 appropriately communicates print data with the mobile terminal 50 via the network to which the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs. Can be executed.

(Correspondence)
The processes S15 to S18 in FIG. 17 and the processes S83 and S84 are examples of the "specific process". When YES is determined in S82 of FIG. 17, the network to which the mobile terminal 50 belongs is an example of the “third wireless network”.

(6th Example)
The points different from the fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the communication process of FIG. 19 is executed instead of the communication process of FIG. In the communication process of FIG. 19, when YES is determined in S10, the process of S72 of FIG. 14 is not executed, and the same process as of S14 of FIG. 2 is executed.

According to this configuration, the same effect as in the third situation can be obtained.

(7th Example)
The points different from the first embodiment will be described. The MFP 10 of this embodiment includes a wired LAN I / F (not shown) in addition to the I / Fs 20 and 22 respectively. In this embodiment, the communication process of FIG. 20 is executed instead of the communication process of FIG. S2, S8 to S24 in FIG. 20 are the same as the processes in S2, S8 to S24 in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 20, when the NFC information is received using the NFCI / F22 (YES in S2), the determination unit 42 indicates that the MFP10 currently belongs to the wired network using the wired LANI / F in S94. Further, it is determined whether the MFP 10 currently belongs to the wireless network by using the wireless LANI / F20. Specifically, the MFP 10 uses the wired LAN I / F to store information indicating that it currently belongs to the wired network in the work area 38 of the memory 34 when it currently belongs to the wired network. When the work area 38 stores information indicating that it currently belongs to the wired network, the determination unit 42 determines that it currently belongs to the wired network (YES in S94). Further, the determination unit 42 determines that the work area 38 does not currently belong to the wired network when the information indicating that the work area 38 does not currently belong to the wired network is stored (NO in S94). The determination of whether the MFP 10 currently belongs to the wireless network is the same as in the first embodiment.

If it is determined in S94 that the MFP 10 currently belongs to at least one of the wired network and the wireless network (YES in S94), the process proceeds to S96. If it is determined in S4 that the MFP 10 does not belong to either the wired network or the wireless network (NO in S94), the process proceeds to S8.

In S96, the control unit 30 allows the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 to communicate the target data with the mobile terminal 50 via the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs (either a wired network or a wireless network). Judge whether or not it is in such a state. Specifically, it will be described according to the thirteenth situation of FIG.

FIG. 21 shows an example in which the MFP 10 is connected to the AP 6 via a wired LAN, and the mobile terminal 50 is normally connected to the AP 6 via a Wi-Fi network.

In the sequence diagram of FIG. 21, the communication using the wired LAN I / F is further represented by an arrow. The arrow representing the communication using the wired LANI / F is drawn thicker than the arrow representing the wireless communication using the wireless LANI / F20.

The MFP 10 receives NFC information from the mobile terminal 50. The NFC information transmitted from the mobile terminal 50 includes the device ID and IP address of the mobile terminal 50. In S96, the determination unit 42 determines whether or not the MFP 10 can communicate with the mobile terminal 50 via the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs (wired LAN in the example of FIG. 21). Specifically, the determination unit 42 unicasts the device ID inquiry using the wired LAN I / F. The determination unit 42 specifies the IP address included in the NFC information as the transmission destination of the inquiry, and transmits the inquiry.

When the mobile terminal 50 receives the inquiry via the AP6, the mobile terminal 50 transmits the device ID of the mobile terminal 50 to the MFP 10 of the transmission source of the inquiry. When the determination unit 42 receives the device ID of the mobile terminal 50 via the AP6 using the wired LAN I / F, whether or not the received device ID and the device ID included in the NFC information match. To judge. When the two device IDs match, the determination unit 42 determines YES in S96 and proceeds to S7. On the other hand, if there is no response to the inquiry or the two device IDs do not match, the determination unit 42 determines NO in S96 and proceeds to S8.

According to this configuration, when the current state of the MFP 10 is a state in which communication with the mobile terminal 50 is possible, the MFP 10 uses the wired LAN I / F to communicate the target data with the mobile terminal 50. be able to.

In the first embodiment, it is determined in S6 whether the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 exist in the same network. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, in S96, it is determined whether the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can communicate with each other regardless of whether the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 exist in the same network.

(Correspondence)
Wireless LAN I / F Wired LAN I / F is an example of a "second type interface". A wired LAN is an example of a "first wireless network". The device ID included in the NFC information is an example of "terminal identification information".

Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of claims. The techniques described in the claims include various modifications and modifications of the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

(Modification example)
(1) The "communication device" is not limited to a multifunctional device, but is another device (for example, a printer, a fax device, a copier, a scanner, etc.) having a first-class interface and a second-class interface. May be good.

(2) The MFP 10 may store an AP program for functioning as an access point. When the control unit 30 activates the AP profile, the control unit 30 may store a predetermined radio setting in the work area 38. For example, in S15 of FIG. 2, the communication execution unit 44 may start the AP program instead of setting the MFP 10 to the spontaneous G / O mode. Next, the communication execution unit 44 may transmit the wireless setting stored in advance in the work area 38 to the mobile terminal 50. Then, the communication execution unit 44 and the mobile terminal 50 may establish a connection by using the wireless settings stored in advance in the work area 38. In this case, the MFP 10 may establish a normal Wi-Fi connection with the mobile terminal 50, and the MFP 10 may build a normal Wi-Fi network. In this modification, the normal Wi-Fi executed by the MFP 10 by activating the AP program and functioning as an access point with the mobile terminal 50 is an example of "specific wireless communication". Further, activation of the AP program, transmission of wireless settings, and establishment of a normal Wi-Fi connection are examples of "specific processing".

(3) The combination of the "type 1 interface" and the "type 2 interface" is not limited to the combination of the NFCI / F and the wireless LANI / F. For example, when a wireless LAN I / F is adopted as the "type 2 interface", the "type 1 interface" may be an interface for performing infrared communication, or may be an interface for performing infrared communication, or Bluetooth®. It may be an interface for executing TransferJet, or it may be an interface for executing TransferJet. Further, when NFCI / F is adopted as the "first-class interface", the "second-class interface" may be an interface for executing wired communication, or Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used. It may be an interface for execution. Generally speaking, the communication speed of communication via the first-class interface may be faster than the communication speed of communication via the first-class interface.

(4) The "type 1 interface" and the "type 2 interface" are physically two interfaces (that is, two separate IC chips) as in the above embodiment. It may be physically one interface (that is, two types of communication are realized by one IC chip).

(5) In each of the above embodiments, there is physically one interface for executing wireless communication according to the WFD method and an interface for executing wireless communication according to normal Wi-Fi. Interface (wireless LANI / F20), but may be physically a plurality of interfaces (that is, two separate IC chips). In this modification, the plurality of interfaces is an example of the "second type interface".

(6) In the first, second, fourth to seventh embodiments described above, in S15, the communication execution unit 44 sets the MFP 10 to the spontaneous G / O mode. However, the communication execution unit 44 may execute the processes of S54 to S62 of FIG. 11 instead of S15 to S18 when the mobile terminal 50 can execute wireless communication according to the WFD method. In this modification, the processes S54 to S62 are an example of the "specific process".

(7) In the seventh embodiment described above, the determination unit 42 designates the IP address included in the NFC information (that is, the IP address of the mobile terminal 50) as the transmission destination, and transmits the device ID inquiry. However, the determination unit 42 may broadcast the device ID inquiry via the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs (either a wired network or a wireless network). In this case, the device ID inquiry may include the device ID included in the NFC information. When the broadcast inquiry is received, the mobile terminal 50 may transmit a response to the inquiry to the MFP 10 from which the inquiry is sent, when the device ID included in the inquiry is the device ID of the mobile terminal 50. .. The MFP 10 may receive a response to a query via the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. When the response is received, the determination unit 42 may determine that the current state of the MFP 10 is a state in which communication with the mobile terminal 50 is possible (YES in S6 of FIG. 2). According to this modification, when the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 are on the same subnet, it can be determined as YES in S6 of FIG. In this modification, the judgment of S6 is an example of the judgment of the MFP 10 "whether or not the mobile terminal currently belongs to the specific network to which the communication device currently belongs".

(8) In each of the above embodiments, each part 40 to 46 is realized by software, but at least one of each part 40 to 46 may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

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

2: Communication system, 6: AP, 8: PC, 10: MFP, 20: Wireless LAN interface, 22: NFC interface, 30: Control unit, 50: Mobile terminal

Claims (11)

The first communication device,
A first-class interface for performing communication with a second communication device,
It is a second type interface for executing communication with the second type communication device, and the communication speed of the communication using the second type interface is the communication speed of the communication using the first type interface. With the second type interface, which is faster than
With a control unit
The control unit
As a result of executing wireless communication using the first type interface, the first wireless network from the second communication device to the first wireless network to which the access point and the second communication device currently belong. When receiving the wireless setting information for the communication device to belong to, the state of the first communication device is changed to the second communication device via the access point by using the second type interface. After executing the first process for changing the communication of the target data into a feasible communicable state, the second type of interface is used to communicate with the second communication device via the access point. Execute the communication of the target data and
As a result of executing wireless communication using the first type interface, when the wireless setting information is not received from the second communication device, the state of the first communication device is determined by the second type interface. After executing the second process for changing the communication between the second communication device and the target data into a communicable state that can be executed without going through the access point, the second type of communication is performed. A first communication device including a communication execution unit that executes communication between the second communication device and the target data by using an interface without going through the access point. The first communication device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless setting information includes identification information for identifying the first wireless network. The first communication device according to claim 2, wherein the identification information is an SSID (abbreviation of Service Set Identifier). The second process includes a process for the first communication device to operate as a master station of a second wireless network to which the first communication device and the second communication device belong. The first communication device according to any one of 1 to 3. The first communication device can selectively operate in any one of a master station state that functions as a master station of the wireless network and a slave station state that functions as a slave station of the wireless network. ,
The second process executes a selective determination process for selectively determining whether the first communication device should operate in the master station state or the slave station state in the second wireless network. The first communication device according to claim 4, further comprising a process for operating as a master station of the second wireless network. The first type interface is an interface for executing wireless communication according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) method.
The second type interface is an interface for performing wireless communication according to a method defined by a method compliant with IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802.11. The first communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The first communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first communication device is a printer or a scanner. A computer program for a second communication device,
The second communication device is
A first-class interface for performing communication with a first communication device,
It is a second type interface for executing communication with the first type communication device, and the communication speed of communication using the second type interface is the communication speed of communication using the first type interface. With the second type interface, which is faster than
With
The computer program uses the computer of the second communication device as the computer.
As a result of executing wireless communication using the first type interface, the first communication device is attached to the first wireless network to which the access point and the second communication device currently belong. The radio setting information for which the communication device belongs is transmitted to the first communication device, and the state of the first communication device executes communication of the target data with the second communication device via the access point. When the state changes to a possible communicable state, the second type of interface is used to perform communication between the first communication device and the target data via the access point.
As a result of executing wireless communication using the first type interface, the state of the first communication device does not go through the access point without the second communication device transmitting the wireless setting information. In addition, when the communication between the second communication device and the target data is changed to a feasible communicable state, the first type of interface is used without going through the access point. A computer program that functions as a communication execution unit that executes communication between a communication device and the target data. The computer program according to claim 8, wherein the wireless setting information includes identification information for identifying the first wireless network. The computer program according to claim 9, wherein the identification information is an SSID (abbreviation of Service Set Identifier). The first type interface is an interface for executing wireless communication according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) method.
The second type interface is an interface for executing wireless communication according to a method defined by a method compliant with IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802.11. The computer program according to any one of claims 8 to 10 .

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