JP6842453B2 - Communication equipment - Google Patents

Description

This specification discloses a communication device that can operate as a master station of a wireless network.

Patent Document 1 discloses a printer that forms a wireless network by shifting from a WFD (abbreviation of Wi-Fi Direct) device state to a Group Owner state (hereinafter referred to as "G / O state"). There is. The printer determines the end of the maintenance period for maintaining the G / O state when the number of client state devices participating in the wireless network becomes zero. At the end of the maintenance period, the printer transitions from the G / O state to the device state and extinguishes the wireless network. On the other hand, when the printer receives a connection request from the target device before the end of the maintenance period, the printer executes a connection process to establish a wireless connection with the target device. As a result, since the target device participates in the wireless network, the printer can execute wireless communication with the target device using the wireless network.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-005188

The present specification provides a communication device capable of appropriately performing wireless communication with an external device.

One form of communication equipment disclosed herein includes a first interface for performing wireless communication and a control unit. The control unit changes the operating state of the communication device from an unaffiliated state that does not belong to the wireless network to a master station state that operates as a master station of the first wireless network for executing wireless communication via the first interface. It is the number of external devices that form the first wireless network by changing to, and at the time when the first wireless network is formed, it is participating as a slave station in the first wireless network. The number of slave station devices is zero. When the forming unit and the first wireless network are formed, the operating state of the communication device is maintained in the master station state in the situation where the number of slave station devices is zero. The decision unit that determines the end of the first maintenance period, and when the end of the first maintenance period arrives, the operating state of the communication device is changed from the master station state to the unaffiliated state, and the first wireless network is changed. When the extinguished part to be extinguished and the first external device join the first wireless network as a slave station before the end of the first maintenance period comes, the first wireless network is used to obtain the first. A communication execution unit that executes wireless communication of the first target data with the first external device via the interface 1, a detection unit that detects a predetermined instruction, and before the end of the first maintenance period comes. Provided with an extension that extends the end of the first maintenance period and determines a new end of the first maintenance period when a predetermined instruction is detected.

According to the above configuration, when the communication device determines the end of the first maintenance period when forming the first wireless network, and detects a predetermined instruction before the end of the first maintenance period comes. In addition, the end of the first maintenance period is extended to determine a new end of the first maintenance period. Therefore, the communication device is the first radio, for example, when the first external device joins the first radio network as a slave station before the arrival of a new end with an extended first maintenance period. The network can be used to perform wireless communication of the first target data with the first external device. In this way, the communication device can appropriately perform wireless communication with the external device.

When a predetermined instruction is detected in a situation where the operating state of the communication device is an independent state, the forming unit changes the operating state of the communication device from the independent state to the master station state to form the first wireless network. You may.

The determination unit further determines that after the first external device joins the first wireless network as a slave station, the first external device leaves the first wireless network and is a slave station device of the first wireless network. When the number becomes zero, the end of the second maintenance period for maintaining the operating state of the communication device in the master station state in the situation where the number of slave station devices is zero may be determined. Further, when the end of the second maintenance period comes, the extinguishing unit may change the operating state of the communication device from the master station state to the independent state to extinguish the first wireless network. The communication execution unit further uses the first wireless network when the second external device joins the first wireless network as a slave station before the end of the second maintenance period arrives. Wireless communication of the second target data may be performed with the second external device via the first interface. According to this configuration, the communication device determines the end of the second maintenance period when the number of slave station devices in the first wireless network becomes zero. Therefore, the communication device utilizes the first wireless network before the end of the second maintenance period, for example, when the second external device joins the first wireless network as a slave station. , The wireless communication of the second target data can be executed with the second external device. In this way, the communication device can appropriately perform wireless communication with the external device.

The extension further extends the end of the second maintenance period to a new end of the second maintenance period when a given instruction is detected before the end of the second maintenance period arrives. You may decide. According to this configuration, the telecommunications equipment extends the end of the second maintenance period when detecting a predetermined instruction before the end of the second maintenance period arrives, and the new end of the second maintenance period. To determine. Therefore, the communication device is a first radio when, for example, a second external device joins the first radio network as a slave station before the arrival of a new end with an extended second maintenance period. The network can be used to perform wireless communication of the second target data with the second external device. In this way, the communication device can appropriately perform wireless communication with the external device.

Other forms of communication equipment disclosed herein include a first interface for performing wireless communication and a control unit. The control unit changes the operating state of the communication device from the first state to the second state different from the first state, and the operating state of the communication device changes from the first state to the second state. When the end of the first maintenance period for maintaining the operating state of the communication device in the second state when the state is changed to the second state is determined, and when the end of the first maintenance period comes. In addition, the second change part that changes the operating state of the communication device from the second state to the first state, and the communication device and the first external device before the end of the first maintenance period is reached. When the first wireless network to which the user belongs is formed, the first wireless network is used to perform wireless communication of the first target data with the first external device via the first interface. A communication execution unit, a detection unit that detects a predetermined instruction, and a first maintenance period, when the predetermined instruction is detected before the end of the first maintenance period arrives, the end of the first maintenance period is extended. It has an extension that determines the new end of the maintenance period.

According to the above configuration, the communication device determines the end of the first maintenance period when the operating state of the communication device is changed from the first state to the second state, and the end of the first maintenance period. The end of the first maintenance period is extended to determine the new end of the first maintenance period when a predetermined instruction is detected before the arrival of. Therefore, the communication device is used, for example, when the first wireless network to which the communication device and the first external device belong is formed before the arrival of a new end period in which the first maintenance period has been extended. The first wireless network can be used to perform wireless communication of the first target data with the first external device. In this way, the communication device can appropriately perform wireless communication with the external device.

The communication device may further include a second interface for performing wireless communication. The predetermined distance, which is the maximum distance at which wireless communication via the second interface can be performed, may be smaller than the maximum distance at which wireless communication via the first interface can be performed. The second interface is a second situation in which the distance between devices is equal to or less than a predetermined distance from the first situation in which the distance between devices, which is the distance between the second interface and one of the external devices, is greater than the predetermined distance. When changing to, the first wireless profile to be used in the first wireless network may be transmitted to the external device. The second interface may further supply a predetermined notification to the control unit when changing from the first situation to the second situation. The detection unit may detect a predetermined instruction in response to the predetermined notification being acquired from the second interface.

The control unit further includes a supply unit that supplies a first storage instruction to the second interface for storing the first radio profile in the second interface before the first radio network is formed. You may be. According to this configuration, the communication device can transmit the first radio profile stored in advance in the second interface to the external device.

The supply unit further replaces the first radio profile after the disappearance of the first radio network and before the formation of the second radio network in which the communication device should operate as the master station. A second storage instruction for storing the second radio profile to be used in the second radio network in the second interface may be supplied to the second interface. According to this configuration, the communication device can transmit the second radio profile stored in advance in the second interface to the external device.

The second interface may supply a predetermined notification to the control unit when receiving a predetermined signal from any external device due to the change from the first situation to the second situation.

Even if the detection unit acquires the predetermined notification again from the second interface between the time when the predetermined instruction is detected in response to the acquisition of the predetermined notification from the second interface and the time when the predetermined time elapses. It is not necessary to detect a predetermined instruction. According to this configuration, the communication device does not have to execute the process corresponding to the detection of the predetermined instruction between the time when the predetermined instruction is detected and the time when the predetermined time elapses. As a result, the processing load of the communication device can be reduced.

The determination unit may determine the end of the first maintenance period by starting the counting of the time counter for counting the time from the initial value. The extension unit may extend the end of the first maintenance period by returning the time counter value to the initial value and restarting the time counter count from the initial value when a predetermined instruction is detected. Good. When the value of the time counter matches a predetermined value, the end of the first maintenance period may come. According to this configuration, the communication device can appropriately manage the first maintenance period by utilizing the time counter.

The control unit further includes a stop unit that stops counting the time counter when the first external device joins the first wireless network as a slave station before the end of the first maintenance period. You may be.

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. Further, a communication system including the above-mentioned communication device and an external device (for example, a first external device, a second external device, etc.) is also new and useful.

The configuration of the communication system is shown. The flowchart of the processing of the processor of an NFC interface is shown. The flowchart of the main processing of a CPU is shown. The flowchart of CPU connection-related processing is shown. The flowchart of CPU monitoring processing is shown. The sequence diagram of the case A in which the WFD network disappears without the mobile terminal participating in the WFD network is shown. The sequence diagram of the case B in which the mobile terminal participates in the WFD network is shown. The sequence diagram of the case C in which the G / O maintenance period is extended is shown. The sequence diagram of the case D in which the G / O maintenance period is extended is shown.

(Configuration of communication system 2; FIG. 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes a printer PR and a plurality of mobile terminals PT1 and PT2. Each device PR, PT1, PT2 has wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi method (hereinafter referred to as "Wi-Fi communication") and wireless communication according to the NFC (Near Field Communication) method (hereinafter, """NFCcommunication") and can be executed.

(Configuration of printer PR)
The printer PR is a peripheral device capable of executing a printing function (that is, a peripheral device of each mobile terminal PT1 or PT2). The printer PR includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, a wireless LAN (abbreviation of Local Area Network) interface 20, an NFC interface 30, and a control unit 40. Each part 12 to 40 is connected to a bus line (reference numeral omitted). In the following, the interface will be referred to as "I / F".

The operation unit 12 includes a plurality of buttons. The user can give various instructions to the printer PR 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 wireless LAN I / F 20 is a wireless I / F for executing Wi-Fi communication according to the Wi-Fi method. The Wi-Fi method conforms to, for example, the IEEE (abbreviation of The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802.11 standard and the equivalent standard (for example, 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, etc.). , A wireless communication method for executing wireless communication. The wireless LANI / F20 particularly supports the WFD (abbreviation of Wi-Fi Direct) method. The WFD method is a wireless communication method described in the standard "Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Technical Specialization Version 1.1" created by Wi-Fi Alliance.

The NFCI / F30 is a wireless I / F for executing NFC communication (that is, a kind of so-called short-range wireless communication) according to the NFC method. The NFC system is, for example, a wireless communication system based on the international standard of ISO / IEC21481 or 18092.

The NFCI / F30 includes a processor 32 and an I / F memory 34. The processor 32 can communicate with the control unit 40, and writes (that is, stores) the radio profile WP to be transmitted to the mobile terminal (for example, PT1) in the I / F memory 34 according to the storage instruction acquired from the control unit 40. ). Further, when the processor 32 receives the Polling signal from the mobile terminal, the processor 32 transmits a response signal to the Polling signal to the mobile terminal to establish an NFC session with the mobile terminal. Then, the processor 32 reads the radio profile WP stored in advance in the I / F memory 34 from the I / F memory 34 before the NFC session is established, and carries the radio profile WP using the NFC session. Send to the terminal.

As the types of I / F for executing NFC communication, an I / F called an NFC Forum Device and an I / F called an NFC Forum Tag are known. There is. The NFCI / F30 is an NFC forum tag and functions as an NFC type IC tag.

The NFC forum device selectively operates in one of P2P (abbreviation of Peer To Peer) mode, R / W (abbreviation of Reader / Writer) mode, and CE (abbreviation of Card Emulation) mode. Possible I / F. For example, if both the NFCI / F of the first device and the NFCI / F of the second device operate in P2P mode, the first and second devices execute bidirectional communication of data. can do. Further, for example, when the NFCI / F of the first device operates in the Reader mode of the R / W modes and the NFCI / F of the second device operates in the CE mode, the first device Can read data from the second device, i.e. receive data from the second device. Further, for example, when the NFCI / F of the first device operates in the Writer mode of the R / W modes and the NFCI / F of the second device operates in the CE mode, the first device Can execute data writing to the second device, that is, transmission of data to the second device.

The NFC forum tag (that is, the NFCI / F30 of the printer PR) is not an I / F that can selectively operate in any of the above three modes, but an I / F that functions only as an IC tag. .. For example, when the NFCI / F of the mobile terminal operates in the Reader mode of the R / W modes, the mobile terminal reads the radio profile WP from the NFCI / F30 of the printer PR, that is, the radio from the printer PR. The reception of the profile WP can be executed. The NFC forum tag (that is, the NFCI / F30 of the printer PR) is not an I / F that can selectively operate in any of the above three modes, and therefore has a simpler configuration than the NFC forum device. (That is, the configuration of the IC chip is simple). Generally speaking, an IC chip that functions as an NFC forum tag is cheaper than an IC chip that functions as an NFC forum device.

Here, the differences between the wireless LANI / F20 and the NFCI / F30 will be described. The communication speed of wireless communication via wireless LANI / F20 (for example, the maximum communication speed is 11 to 600 Mbps) is faster than the communication speed of wireless communication via NFCI / F30 (for example, the maximum communication speed is 100 to 424 kbps). .. Further, the frequency of the carrier wave in wireless communication via wireless LANI / F20 (for example, 2.4 GHz band or 5.0 GHz band) is different from the frequency of carrier wave in wireless communication via NFCI / F30 (for example, 13.56 MHz band). different. Further, the maximum distance at which wireless communication via wireless LANI / F20 can be executed (for example, about 100 m at maximum) is greater than the maximum distance at which wireless communication via NFCI / F30 can be executed (for example, about 10 cm at maximum). Is also big.

The control unit 40 includes a CPU 42 and a main memory 44. The CPU 42 is a processor that executes various processes according to the program PG stored in the main memory 44. The main memory 44 is composed of RAM, ROM, and the like, and stores a G / O counter GC, an NFC counter NC, and a management list ML in addition to the above program PG.

The G / O counter GC is a counter for counting time, and specifically, is a counter for counting down from an initial value of 300 (seconds) to zero. The G / O counter GC is a counter for monitoring the end of the maintenance period for maintaining the operating state of the printer PR in the WFD type Group Owner state (hereinafter referred to as “G / O state”). Is. In the following, the situation where the operating state of the printer PR is the G / O state may be referred to as "the printer PR is a G / O device".

The NFC counter NC is a counter for counting time, and specifically, a counter for counting down from an initial value of 5 (seconds) to zero. The NFC counter NC is a counter for determining whether or not to execute the connection-related processing (see FIG. 4) according to the predetermined notification acquired from the NFCI / F30.

In the management list ML, CL information regarding a CL device belonging to a wireless network (hereinafter referred to as "WFDNW") in which the printer PR is a G / O device is described. The CL device is a device that operates in the CL state (that is, the client state) of the WFD method. The CL information includes, for example, the MAC address of the CL device.

(Configuration of each mobile terminal PT1 and PT2)
The mobile terminals PT1 and PT2 are portable terminal devices such as mobile phones (for example, smartphones), PDAs, notebook PCs, tablet PCs, portable music playback devices, and portable moving image playback devices. Each mobile terminal PT1 and PT2 is provided with a wireless LAN I / F (not shown), and can execute Wi-Fi communication. In particular, the wireless LAN I / F of each mobile terminal PT1 and PT2 supports the WFD method. Further, each of the mobile terminals PT1 and PT2 is provided with an NFCI / F (not shown), and can execute NFC communication. The NFCI / F of each mobile terminal PT1 and PT2 is an NFC forum device, and in this embodiment, it operates in the Reader mode.

The mobile terminal PT1 includes an application PA (hereinafter referred to as "printer application PA") for causing the printer PR to execute printing. The printer application PA is an application for causing a mobile terminal PT1 to participate as a CL device in a WFDNW in which the printer PR operates as a G / O device, and transmitting print data to the printer PR using the WFDNW. The printer application PA may be installed on the mobile terminal PT1 from a server on the Internet provided by the vendor of the printer PR, or may be installed on the mobile terminal PT1 from the media shipped together with the printer PR. Further, the mobile terminal PT2 does not have the printer application PA.

(Processing of processor 32; FIG. 2)
Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 2, the processing executed by the processor 32 of the NFCI / F30 will be described. In the process of FIG. 2, each monitoring step of S10, S20, and S30 is sequentially executed.

In S10, the processor 32 monitors the acquisition of the storage instruction from the control unit 40 (that is, the CPU 42). When the processor 32 acquires a storage instruction from the control unit 40, the processor 32 determines YES in S10, and in S12, writes the radio profile included in the storage instruction acquired in S10 to the I / F memory 34 (that is, stores). Let). In the state where the old radio profile is already stored in the I / F memory 34, in S12, the processor 32 replaces the old radio profile with a new radio profile included in the storage instruction acquired in S10. Write to the I / F memory 34. When S12 ends, the process returns to S10.

In S20, the processor 32 monitors that it receives a Polling signal, which is a request signal for establishing an NFC session, from a mobile terminal (for example, PT1). Since the distance between the NFCI / F30 of the printer PR and the NFCI / F of the mobile terminal (hereinafter referred to as "device-to-device distance") is larger than the predetermined distance (for example, 10 cm), the device-to-device distance is less than or equal to the predetermined distance. When the situation changes, the processor 32 receives the Polling signal from the mobile terminal, determines YES in S20, and proceeds to S21.

In S21, the processor 32 supplies a predetermined notification corresponding to the reception of the Polling signal to the control unit 40 (that is, the CPU 42). The predetermined notification is a notification indicating that a signal has been received from the mobile terminal. In S22, the processor 32 transmits a response signal to the Polling signal to the mobile terminal. As a result, an NFC session is established between the NFCI / F30 of the printer PR and the NFCI / F of the mobile terminal.

Next, in S23, the processor 32 receives the Read signal from the mobile terminal by utilizing the NFC session established in S22. The Read signal is a signal for a mobile terminal operating in the Reader mode of the NFC forum device to request the printer PR to read data. In S24, the processor 32 supplies a predetermined notification corresponding to the reception of the Read signal to the control unit 40. The predetermined notification supplied in S24 is the same as the predetermined notification supplied in S21. Then, in S25, the processor 32 reads the wireless profile WP from the I / F memory 34 and transmits the wireless profile WP to the mobile terminal by using the NFC session established in S22. When S25 is completed, the process returns to S10.

In S30, the processor 32 monitors the reception of the confirmation signal from the mobile terminal. The confirmation signal is a signal for confirming whether or not the NFC session has been established. When the processor 32 receives the confirmation signal from the mobile terminal, the processor 32 determines YES in S30, and supplies a predetermined notification corresponding to the reception of the confirmation signal to the control unit 40 in S32. The predetermined notification supplied in S32 is the same as the predetermined notification supplied in S21 and S24. Then, in S34, the processor 32 transmits a response signal to the confirmation signal to the mobile terminal. When S34 is completed, the process returns to S10.

After establishing the NFC session with the printer PR, the mobile terminal transmits the confirmation signal to the printer PR a plurality of times as long as the above-mentioned situation where the distance between devices is not more than a predetermined distance is maintained. Therefore, since the processor 32 of the printer PR can receive the confirmation signal a plurality of times in a short time (YES in S30), the predetermined notification is supplied to the control unit 40 a plurality of times in a short time. It is possible (S32). Then, if the control unit 40 adopts a configuration in which the process according to the predetermined notification is executed every time the predetermined notification is acquired from the processor 32, the processing load of the printer PR becomes high. In order to avoid this, in this embodiment, the NFC counter NC is provided, and even if the predetermined notification is acquired while being counted by the NFC counter NC, the process corresponding to the predetermined notification is not executed. As a result, the processing load of the printer PR can be reduced.

(Main processing of CPU 42; FIG. 3)
Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 3, the main process executed by the CPU 42 of the control unit 40 will be described. When the power supply of the printer PR is switched from the OFF state to the ON state, the CPU 42 executes the main process.

In S40, the CPU 42 prepares the wireless profile WP. The printer PR operates in the G / O state of the WFD method in the process of S52 of FIG. 4 described later to form the WFDNW. The radio profile WP prepared in S40 is information to be used in the WFDNW. That is, the radio profile WP prepared in S40 is information to be used in WFDNW that can be formed in the future by the printer PR. Therefore, for example, a mobile terminal can participate in the above-mentioned WFDNW by receiving the wireless profile WP from the printer PR. As a result, for example, the mobile terminal can transmit the print data to the printer PR by using the above WFDNW. The wireless profile WP prepared in S40 includes an SSID (abbreviation of Service Set Identifier), an authentication method, an encryption method, a password, and the like. The CPU 42 prepares the SSID and password by randomly selecting a character string. Further, the CPU 42 prepares a predetermined authentication method and encryption method. When the CPU 42 prepares the wireless profile WP, the CPU 42 stores the wireless profile WP in the main memory 44.

In S41, the CPU 42 supplies the NFCI / F30 with a storage instruction including the radio profile WP prepared in S40. As a result, the processor 32 of the NFCI / F30 writes the radio profile WP included in the storage instruction to the I / F memory 34 (see S12 in FIG. 2).

In S42, the CPU 42 monitors the acquisition of predetermined notifications (see S21, S24, and S32 in FIG. 2) from the NFCI / F30 (that is, the processor 32). When the CPU 42 obtains the predetermined notification from the NFCI / F30, the CPU 42 determines YES in S42 and proceeds to S43.

In S43, the CPU 42 determines whether or not the value of the NFC counter NC in the main memory 44 is zero. When the CPU 42 determines that the value of the NFC counter NC is zero (YES in S43), the CPU 42 proceeds to S44, and when it determines that the value of the NFC counter NC is not zero (NO in S43), S44 and S45 are set. Skip and return to S42. That is, even if the CPU 42 acquires a predetermined notification from the NFCI / F30 in a situation where the value of the NFC counter NC is not zero, the CPU 42 does not execute the process (that is, S44) according to the predetermined notification. As a result, even if a plurality of predetermined notifications are acquired in a short period of time, the plurality of connection-related processes are not started in S44. As a result, the processing load of the printer PR can be reduced.

In S44, the CPU 42 starts the connection-related processing (see FIG. 4 described later). When the CPU 42 executes S44 while the first connection-related process is being executed, the CPU 42 newly starts the second connection-related process, which is a process different from the first connection-related process. That is, the CPU 42 can execute a plurality of connection-related processes in parallel.

In S45, the CPU 42 resets the value of the NFC counter NC in the main memory 44 to the initial value of 5 (seconds), and starts the countdown of the NFC counter NC. When S45 is completed, the process returns to S42.

(Connection-related processing of CPU 42; FIG. 4)
Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 4, the connection-related processing started in S44 of FIG. 3 will be described. In S50, the CPU 42 determines whether or not the operating state of the printer PR is the G / O state. When the CPU 42 determines that the operating state of the printer PR is the G / O state (YES in S50), the CPU 42 skips S52 and proceeds to S54, and determines that the operating state of the printer PR is the device state. (NO in S50), the process proceeds to S52. Here, the device state is a state in which the printer PR is not operating in either the G / O state or the CL state of the WFD method, and the printer PR does not belong to the wireless network. Although not shown, when the CPU 42 determines in S50 that the operating state of the printer PR is the CL state, the CPU 42 does not execute all the processes of S52 to S76 in FIG. Ends the connection-related processing of.

In S52, the CPU 42 changes the operating state of the printer PR from the device state to the G / O state, and forms the WFDNW in which the printer PR is a G / O device. The WFDNW is a wireless network to which the wireless profile WP (see S40 in FIG. 3) currently stored in the main memory 44 should be used. At the time when the WFDNW is formed in S52, only the printer PR, which is a G / O device, belongs to the WFDNW, and no CL device belongs to the WFDNW. Therefore, even one CL information is not described in the management list ML in the main memory 44. When S52 is completed, the process proceeds to S54.

In S54, the CPU 42 determines whether or not the G / O counter GC in the main memory 44 is being counted. More specifically, when the value of the G / O counter GC is any of 1 to 299 (seconds), the CPU 42 determines that the G / O counter GC is being counted (YES in S54). ), In S58, the value of the G / O counter GC is reset from the current value (for example, 200 (seconds)) to the initial value of 300 (seconds), and the countdown of the G / O counter GC is started. When S58 is completed, the CPU 42 sequentially executes each of the monitoring steps of S60 and S76.

Further, when the G / O counter GC is stopped at zero or 300 (seconds), the CPU 42 determines that the G / O counter GC is not counting (NO in S54), and proceeds to S56. In S56, the CPU 42 determines whether the G / O counter GC is stopped at zero or at 300 (seconds). When the CPU 42 determines that the G / O counter GC is stopped at zero (YES in S56), the CPU 42 resets the G / O counter GC from zero to the initial value of 300 (seconds) in S58. , The countdown of the G / O counter GC is started. When the CPU 42 determines that the G / O counter GC is stopped at 300 (seconds) (NO in S56), the CPU 42 skips S58 and sequentially executes the monitoring steps of S60 and S76.

In S60, the CPU 42 monitors the reception of a specific connection request from the mobile terminal via the wireless LANI / F20. The particular connection request is a Probe Request, which includes the SSID in the radio profile WP currently stored in the main memory 44. The specific connection request is a request received in a situation where the printer PR is a G / O device, that is, a situation in which a WFDNW is formed. When the CPU 42 receives a specific connection request from the mobile terminal, the CPU 42 determines YES in S60 and proceeds to S62. In a situation where a plurality of connection-related processes are executed in parallel, the CPU 42 receives one connection relationship from the plurality of connection-related processes when receiving a specific connection request from the mobile terminal. It is determined as YES in S60 of the process, and the process proceeds to S62. That is, in the other connection-related processes among the plurality of connection-related processes, the CPU 42 maintains a state in which the monitoring steps of S60 and S76 are sequentially executed without determining YES in S60.

In S62, the CPU 42 establishes a Wi-Fi connection with the mobile terminal (hereinafter referred to as "target mobile terminal") that is the source of the specific connection request. Specifically, the CPU 42 transmits a response signal (that is, Probe Response) to a specific connection request to the target mobile terminal via the wireless LANI / F20. Further, the CPU 42 executes communication such as Provision Discovery Request / Response, Association Request / Response, Authentication Request / Response, and 4-Way Handshake via the wireless LANI / F20. In this process, each information (for example, authentication method, encryption method, password, etc.) included in the wireless profile WP is transmitted from the target mobile terminal to the printer PR, and the CPU 42 uses the respective information to use the target mobile terminal. Authenticate. When the authentication of the target mobile terminal is successful, the CPU 42 establishes a Wi-Fi connection with the target mobile terminal via the wireless LANI / F20. As a result, the CPU 42 can participate the target mobile terminal as a CL device in the WFDNW in which the printer PR is a G / O device. When establishing a Wi-Fi connection with the target mobile terminal, the CPU 42 describes CL information including the MAC address of the target mobile terminal in the management list ML in the main memory 44.

In S64, the CPU 42 determines whether or not the G / O counter GC in the main memory 44 is being counted. More specifically, when the value of the G / O counter GC is any of 1 to 299 (seconds), the CPU 42 determines that the G / O counter GC is being counted (YES in S64). ), In S66, the count of the G / O counter GC is stopped, and the value of the G / O counter GC is reset from the current value (for example, 200 (seconds)) to the initial value of 300 (seconds). However, here, the CPU 42 does not start counting the G / O counter GC. Therefore, the G / O counter GC is stopped at 300 (seconds), and as a result, it can be determined as NO in S56 of another connection-related process. As described above, in S66, since the G / O counter GC stops at 300 (seconds), it is suppressed that the G / O counter GC becomes zero in the situation where the target mobile terminal participates in WFDNW. .. That is, as described in the monitoring process of FIG. 5 described later, the printer PR can suppress the transition from the G / O state to the device state even though the target mobile terminal participates in the WFDNW. it can. When S66 is completed, the process proceeds to S68.

Further, when the G / O counter GC is stopped at 300 (seconds), the CPU 42 determines that the G / O counter GC is not counting (NO in S64), skips S66, and shifts to S68. move on. At the stage of S64, there can be no situation where the G / O counter GC is stopped at zero. This is because when the G / O counter GC becomes zero, an end event is issued (see S86 in FIG. 5), and the connection-related processing ends (YES in S76 in FIG. 4).

In S68, the CPU 42 executes the printing process. Specifically, the CPU 42 first uses WFDNW, which is a G / O device for the printer PR, to print data representing an image to be printed from a target mobile terminal, which is a CL device, via a wireless LANI / F20. To receive. Next, the CPU 42 supplies the print data to the print execution unit 16 and causes the print execution unit 16 to print the image.

Since the print data is an image file or the like, it has a relatively large data size. The communication speed of NFC communication is slower than the communication speed of Wi-Fi communication. Therefore, if a configuration is adopted in which wireless communication of print data is executed between the printer PR and the target mobile terminal according to NFC communication, the printer PR takes a long time to receive the print data. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the wireless communication of the print data is executed between the printer PR and the target mobile terminal according to the Wi-Fi communication, the printer PR can quickly receive the print data. ..

In S70, the CPU 42 transmits a PING signal to the target mobile terminal via the wireless LANI / F20. The PING signal is a signal for confirming whether or not a Wi-Fi connection with the target mobile terminal has been established. Then, in S72, the CPU 42 monitors the reception of the response signal to the PING signal from the target mobile terminal via the wireless LANI / F20. When the CPU 42 receives the response signal from the target mobile terminal, the CPU 42 determines YES in S72 and returns to S70. Further, when the CPU 42 does not receive the response signal from the target mobile terminal between the time when the PING signal is transmitted in S70 and the time when the predetermined time elapses, the CPU 42 determines NO in S72 and proceeds to S74.

In S74, the CPU 42 deletes the CL information including the MAC address of the target mobile terminal, that is, the CL information described in S62, from the management list ML in the main memory 44. As a result, the target mobile terminal leaves the WFDNW. When S74 is completed, the process returns to S60. Therefore, if the CPU 42 receives a specific connection request again from the target mobile terminal (YES in S60), the CPU 42 can reestablish the Wi-Fi connection with the target mobile terminal (S62).

On the other hand, in S76, the CPU 42 monitors that the end event (see S86) is issued in the monitoring process of FIG. 5 described later. When the end event is issued, the CPU 42 determines YES in S76 and ends the process of FIG.

(Monitoring process of CPU 42; FIG. 5)
Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 5, the monitoring process executed by the CPU 42 of the control unit 40 will be described. When the operating state of the printer PR is switched from the device state to the G / O state (see S52 in FIG. 4), the CPU 42 executes the monitoring process.

In S80, the CPU 42 determines whether or not the G / O counter GC in the main memory 44 is stopped at 300 (seconds). When the CPU 42 determines that the G / O counter GC is stopped at 300 (seconds) (YES in S80), the CPU 42 proceeds to S94. On the other hand, when the CPU 42 determines that the G / O counter GC has not stopped at 300 (seconds), that is, when it determines that the value of the G / O counter GC is any of 0 to 299 (in S80). For NO), the process proceeds to S82.

In S82, the CPU 42 determines whether or not the G / O counter GC is stopped at zero (seconds). When the CPU 42 determines that the G / O counter GC is not stopped at zero, that is, when it determines that the value of the G / O counter GC is one of 1 to 299 (NO in S82), the CPU 42 determines. Return to S80. On the other hand, when the CPU 42 determines that the G / O counter GC is stopped at zero (YES in S82), the CPU 42 proceeds to S84.

In S84, the CPU 42 shifts the operating state of the printer PR from the G / O state to the device state, and eliminates the WFDNW in which the printer PR is a G / O device.

In S86, the CPU 42 issues an end event. As a result, YES is determined in each S76 (see FIG. 4) of the one or more connection-related processes currently being executed, and the one or more connection-related processes are completed.

Then, CPU 42, in S88, to prepare the wireless profile WP, in S90, and supplies the NFC I / F30 storage instruction including the wireless profile WP prepared with S88. S88 and S90 are the same as S40 and S41 in FIG. As described above, in S40, the CPU 42 prepares the SSID and password by randomly selecting a character string. This point is the same in S88. Therefore, the SSID and password prepared in S88 are usually different from the SSID and password prepared in S40. Further, the SSID and password prepared in S88 this time are usually different from the SSID and password prepared in S88 last time. In this way, the CPU 42 can prepare a unique wireless profile WP that has not been used in the past. When S90 ends, the process of FIG. 5 ends.

On the other hand, in S94, the CPU 42 determines whether or not the number of CL information described in the management list ML in the main memory 44 is zero. That is, the CPU 42 determines whether or not the number of CL devices in which the printer PR participates in the WFDNW, which is a G / O device, is zero. When the CPU 42 determines that the number of CL information is not zero (NO in S94), the CPU 42 returns to S80, and when it determines that the number of CL information is zero (YES in S94), the CPU 42 proceeds to S96.

In S96, the CPU 42 starts the countdown of the G / O counter GC. Since the G / O counter GC is stopped at 300 (seconds) (YES in S80), the CPU 42 starts the countdown from the initial value of 300 (seconds). When S96 is completed, the process proceeds to S82.

(Case A; Fig. 6)
Subsequently, specific cases A to D realized by the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 to 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.

When the power supply of the printer PR is switched from the OFF state to the ON state, the control unit 40 prepares the wireless profile WP1 (S40 in FIG. 3) and supplies the storage instruction 100 including the wireless profile WP1 to the NFCI / F30 (S40 in FIG. 3). S41). As a result, the radio profile WP1 is written in the I / F memory 34 (S12 in FIG. 2).

The user of the mobile terminal PT2 brings the mobile terminal PT2 closer to the printer PR. As a result, the distance between devices between the NFCI / F30 of the printer PR and the NFCI / F of the mobile terminal PT2 changes from a situation where the distance between devices is larger than a predetermined distance (for example, 10 cm) to a situation where the distance between devices is less than or equal to a predetermined distance. As a result, the NFCI / F30 of the printer PR receives the Polling signal 110 from the mobile terminal PT2 (YES in S20 of FIG. 2) and supplies the predetermined notification 110A to the control unit 40 (S21). Since the value of the NFC counter NC is zero at this point, the control unit 40 starts the connection-related processing SP1 in response to the predetermined notification 110A (YES in S42, YES in S43, S44 in FIG. 3), and the NFC counter NC. The value of is reset from zero to 5 (seconds), and the countdown of the NFC counter NC is started (S45). Further, the control unit 40 shifts the operating state of the printer PR from the device state to the G / O state in the connection-related processing SP1 (S52 in FIG. 4), and sets the first WFDNW to which the wireless profile WP1 should be used. Form. Further, the control unit 40 resets the value of the G / O counter GC from zero to 300 (seconds) and starts the countdown of the G / O counter GC (NO in S54, YES in S56, S58).

At the time when the first WFDNW is formed, the number of CL devices participating in the first WFDNW is zero. Then, as described above, the control unit 40 starts the countdown of the G / O counter GC from 300 (seconds) when acquiring the predetermined notification 110A. As a result, when the control unit 40 acquires the predetermined notification 110A, the end of the G / O maintenance period for maintaining the operating state of the printer PR in the G / O state in the situation where the number of CL devices is zero ( That is, a time point 300 (seconds) after the acquisition of the predetermined notification 110A) can be determined.

Further, the NFCI / F30 of the printer PR transmits a response signal 112 to the Polling signal 110 to the mobile terminal PT2 (S22 in FIG. 2). As a result, an NFC session is established between the NFCI / F30 of the printer PR and the NFCI / F of the mobile terminal PT2. After that, the NFCI / F30 receives the Read signal 114 from the mobile terminal PT2 using the NFC session (S23), and supplies the predetermined notification 114A to the control unit 40 (S24). However, since the value of the NFC counter NC is 4 (seconds) at this point, the control unit 40 does not newly start the connection-related processing in response to the predetermined notification 114A (YES in S42 and NO in S43 in FIG. 3). .. Next, the NFCI / F30 transmits the radio profile WP1 to the mobile terminal PT2 using the NFC session in response to the Read signal 114 (S25). As described above, in this embodiment, the printer PR can transmit the radio profile WP1 stored in advance in the NFCI / F30 to the mobile terminal PT2 before the first WFDNW is formed.

Further, the NFCI / F30 receives the confirmation signal 116 from the mobile terminal PT2 using the NFC session (YES in S30 of FIG. 2), and supplies the predetermined notification 116A to the control unit 40 (S32). However, since the value of the NFC counter NC is 3 (seconds) at this point, the control unit 40 does not newly start the connection-related processing in response to the predetermined notification 116A (YES in S42 and NO in S43 in FIG. 3). .. The NFCI / F30 transmits a response signal 118 to the confirmation signal 116 to the mobile terminal PT2 (S34).

As described above, the control unit 40 starts the connection-related processing SP1 in response to the predetermined notification 110A, but the predetermined notification 114A and the predetermined notification 114A and the predetermined notification 114A are set between the acquisition of the predetermined notification 110A and the elapse of 5 (seconds). Even if the notification 116A is acquired again, the connection-related processing is not started. In other words, the control unit 40 detects the instruction of the start trigger of the connection-related processing SP1 in response to the predetermined notification 110A (YES in S43 of FIG. 3), but the instruction is in response to the predetermined notification 114A and the predetermined notification 116A. Is not detected (NO in S43 of FIG. 3). Since the connection-related processing is not executed according to the predetermined notification 114A and the predetermined notification 116A, the processing load of the printer PR can be reduced.

Since the mobile terminal PT2 does not have the printer application PA, even if the wireless profile WP1 is received from the printer PR, the connection request cannot be transmitted to the printer PR, and the mobile terminal PT2 participates in the first WFDNW as a CL device. I can't. As a result, the countdown of the G / O counter GC proceeds while the situation where the number of CL devices of the first WFDNW is zero is maintained, and the value of the G / O counter GC becomes zero. That is, the end of the G / O maintenance period has arrived. In this case, the control unit 40 shifts the operating state of the printer PR from the G / O state to the device state and extinguishes the first WFDNW (YES, S84 in S82 of FIG. 5). Next, the control unit 40 issues a termination event (S86) and terminates the connection-related processing SP1 (YES in S76 of FIG. 4).

Next, the control unit 40 prepares a radio profile WP2 different from the radio profile WP1 (S88 in FIG. 5), and supplies the storage instruction 160 including the radio profile WP2 to the NFCI / F30 (S90). As a result, the radio profile WP2 is written in the I / F memory 34 (S12 in FIG. 2). The radio profile WP2 is a radio profile to be used in the second WFDNW to be formed in the future. If the printer PR receives a Polling signal from a mobile terminal (for example, WP1), the printer PR transmits the wireless profile WP2 stored in advance in the NFCI / F30 to the mobile terminal before the second WFDNW is formed. Can be done.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the end of the G / O maintenance period is reached, the printer PR shifts from the G / O state to the device state and extinguishes the first WFDNW. The reason is as follows. That is, the printer PR in the G / O state periodically transmits a beacon signal for searching for devices existing around the printer PR via the wireless LANI / F20. Therefore, the power consumption of the printer PR in the G / O state is usually larger than the power consumption of the printer PR in the device state that does not transmit the beacon signal. In this embodiment, when the end of the G / O maintenance period is reached, the printer PR shifts from the G / O state to the device state, so that the power consumption of the printer PR can be appropriately reduced.

(Case B; Fig. 7)
Subsequently, the case B will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In the initial state of Case B, the radio profile WP1 is already stored in the NFCI / F30 (for example, S41 in FIG. 3 and S12 in FIG. 2). Further, in Case B, the Read signal and the confirmation signal are not shown, and their description will be omitted. Also in Cases C and D of FIGS. 8 and 9 described later, the description of the Read signal and the confirmation signal will be omitted.

The user of the mobile terminal PT1 brings the mobile terminal PT1 closer to the printer PR. As a result, the NFCI / F30 of the printer PR receives the Polling signal 210 from the mobile terminal PT1 (YES in S20 of FIG. 2) and supplies the predetermined notification 210A to the control unit 40 (S21). The control unit 40 starts the connection-related processing SP2 in response to the predetermined notification 210A (YES in S42, YES in S43, S44 in FIG. 3), and in the connection-related processing SP2, the operating state of the printer PR is changed from the device state to G /. The state shifts to the O state (S52 in FIG. 4), and the radio profile WP1 forms a first WFDNW to be utilized. Further, the control unit 40 starts the countdown of the G / O counter GC from 300 (seconds) to set the end of the G / O maintenance period (that is, a time after 300 (seconds) from the acquisition of the predetermined notification 210A). Determine (NO for S54, YES for S56, S58).

Further, the NFCI / F30 of the printer PR transmits a response signal 212 to the Polling signal 210 to the mobile terminal PT1 (S22 in FIG. 2). As a result, an NFC session is established between the NFCI / F30 of the printer PR and the NFCI / F of the mobile terminal PT1. After that, the NFCI / F30 transmits the wireless profile WP1 to the mobile terminal PT1 by using the NFC session (S25).

Since the mobile terminal PT1 includes the printer application PA, when receiving the wireless profile WP1 from the printer PR, the connection request 230 including the SSID in the wireless profile WP1 can be transmitted to the printer PR. As a result, the control unit 40 of the printer PR receives the connection request 230 from the mobile terminal PT1 via the wireless LANI / F20 (YES in S60 of FIG. 4). Then, the control unit 40 establishes a Wi-Fi connection with the mobile terminal PT1 and causes the mobile terminal PT1 to participate in the first WFDNW as a CL device (S62). That is, the CL information including the MAC address of the mobile terminal PT1 is described in the management list ML (see FIG. 1), and the number of CL devices participating in the first WFDNW becomes "1" (in FIG. 7, "CL". It is expressed as "number = 1"). At this point, the value of the G / O counter GC is 290 (seconds) (YES in S64), so the control unit 40 stops counting the G / O counter GC and sets the value of the G / O counter to 290 (YES). Reset from (seconds) to 300 (seconds) (S66). As described above, in the present embodiment, the printer PR counts the G / O counter GC when the mobile terminal PT1 participates in the first WFDNW as a CL device before the end of the G / O maintenance period is reached. To stop. For this reason, the printer PR does not extinguish the first WFDNW in the situation where the mobile terminal PT1 participates in the first WFDNW. Therefore, the printer PR uses the first WFDNW to appropriately perform wireless communication with the mobile terminal PT1. Can be executed.

After that, the control unit 40 of the printer PR receives the print data 240 from the mobile terminal PT1 via the wireless LANI / F20 using the first WFDNW, and executes the print process (S68 in FIG. 4). .. Next, the control unit 40 transmits the PING signal 250 to the mobile terminal PT1 via the wireless LANI / F20. For example, the user of the mobile terminal PT1 moves the mobile terminal PT1 to a position considerably away from the printer PR after printing with the printer PR is completed. As a result, the control unit 40 does not receive the response signal to the PING signal 250 from the mobile terminal PT1 (NO in S72), and deletes the CL information including the MAC address of the mobile terminal PT1 from the management list ML (S74). As a result, the mobile terminal PT1 is separated from the first WFDNW, and the number of CL devices participating in the first WFDNW becomes zero (in FIG. 7, it is expressed as "CL number = 0"). In this case, the control unit 40 starts the countdown of the G / O counter GC from 300 (seconds) (YES, S96 in S94 of FIG. 5).

As described above, when the mobile terminal PT1 leaves the first WFDNW, the number of CL devices participating in the first WFDNW becomes zero. Then, the control unit 40 starts the countdown of the G / O counter GC from 300 (seconds) when the number of CL devices becomes zero. As a result, the control unit 40 determines the end of the G / O maintenance period (that is, 300 (seconds) after the number of CL devices becomes zero) when the number of CL devices becomes zero. be able to.

After that, the countdown of the G / O counter GC proceeds while the situation where the number of CL devices is zero is maintained, and the value of the G / O counter GC becomes zero. In this case, the control unit 40 shifts the operating state of the printer PR from the G / O state to the device state and extinguishes the first WFDNW (YES, S84 in S82 of FIG. 5). Next, the control unit 40 issues a termination event (S86) and terminates the connection-related processing SP2 (YES in S76 of FIG. 4). Then, the control unit 40 prepares a radio profile WP2 different from the radio profile WP1 (S88 in FIG. 5), and supplies the storage instruction 260 including the radio profile WP2 to the NFCI / F30 (S90). As a result, the radio profile WP2 is written in the I / F memory 34 (S12 in FIG. 2).

As described above, in the present embodiment, the printer PR is printed data from the mobile terminal PT1 when the mobile terminal PT1 participates in the first WFDNW as a CL device before the end of the G / O maintenance period. The 240 can be received and the printing process can be appropriately executed. Further, the printer PR shifts from the G / O state to the device state when the end of the G / O maintenance period comes after the mobile terminal PT1 leaves the first WFDNW, and the first WFDNW disappears. Let me. Therefore, the power consumption of the printer PR can be appropriately reduced.

(Case C; Fig. 8)
Subsequently, the case C will be described with reference to FIG. In the initial state of Case C, the radio profile WP1 is already stored in the NFCI / F30 (for example, S41 in FIG. 3 and S12 in FIG. 2).

NFC communication of the Polling signal 310, the response signal 312, and the wireless profile WP1 is executed between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT2. Then, the control unit 40 of the printer PR starts the connection-related processing SP1 in response to the predetermined notification 310A (YES in S42 of FIG. 3, YES in S43, S44), and in the connection-related processing SP1, the operating state of the printer PR is set. The first WFDNW is formed by shifting from the device state to the G / O state (S52 in FIG. 4). The control unit 40 further starts the countdown of the G / O counter GC from 300 (seconds) to set the end of the G / O maintenance period (that is, a time after 300 (seconds) from the acquisition of the predetermined notification 310A). Determine (NO for S54, YES for S56, S58).

After that, when 290 (seconds) have elapsed since the countdown of the G / O counter GC was started (that is, when the value of the G / O counter GC is 10 (seconds)), the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1 NFC communication of the Polling signal 320, the response signal 322, and the radio profile WP1 is executed between them. Then, the control unit 40 of the printer PR starts the connection-related processing SP2 in response to the predetermined notification 320A (YES in S42 of FIG. 3, YES in S43, S44). As a result, the two connection-related processes SP1 and SP2 are being executed in parallel. Since the operating state of the printer PR is the G / O state, the control unit 40 does not shift the operating state of the printer PR from the device state to the G / O state in the connection-related processing SP2 (YES in S50 of FIG. 4). Further, since the value of the G / O counter GC is 10 (seconds) at this point, the control unit 40 changes the value of the G / O counter GC from 10 (seconds) to 300 (seconds) in the connection-related processing SP2. Reset and start the countdown of the G / O counter GC (YES in S54, S58).

At the time when the predetermined notification 320A is acquired, the number of CL devices participating in the first WFDNW is zero. Then, as described above, the control unit 40 resets the G / O counter GC from 10 (seconds) to 300 (seconds) when acquiring the predetermined notification 320A, and starts the countdown of the G / O counter GC. To do. As a result, when the predetermined notification 320A is acquired, the control unit 40 extends the end of the G / O maintenance period and 300 from the acquisition of the new end of the G / O maintenance period (that is, the acquisition of the predetermined notification 320A). Seconds) later points) can be determined.

After that, the communication of the connection request 330 and the establishment of the Wi-Fi connection are executed between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1, and the value of the G / O counter GC is 290 (seconds) to 300 (seconds). Will be reset to. Further, the print data 340 is communicated between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1, and then the mobile terminal PT1 leaves the first WFDNW without receiving the response signal to the PING signal 350 from the mobile terminal PT1. To do. Then, the control unit 40 of the printer PR starts the countdown of the G / O counter GC from 300 (seconds) (YES in S94 in FIG. 5 and S96) to end the G / O maintenance period (that is, the CL device). 300 (seconds) after the number of is zero) is determined.

If a configuration is adopted in which the end of the G / O maintenance period is not extended in response to the predetermined notification 320A, the printer PR has a value of 5 (for example, the value of the G / O counter GC is 5 (for example, the value of the G / O counter GC is near) when the end of the G / O maintenance period is approaching. At a time point), the connection request 330 can be received from the mobile terminal PT1. In this case, the end of the G / O maintenance period may come before the Wi-Fi connection is established between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1 (that is, the value of the G / O counter GC may be zero). .. In this case, since the printer PR shifts from the G / O state to the device state (YES, S84 in S82 in FIG. 5), the Wi-Fi connection with the mobile terminal PT1 cannot be established, and the mobile terminal PT1 cannot establish a Wi-Fi connection. The print data 340 cannot be received. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the printer PR extends the end of the G / O maintenance period in response to the predetermined notification 320A to determine a new end of the G / O maintenance period. Therefore, the printer PR can appropriately establish a Wi-Fi connection with the mobile terminal PT1 in response to the connection request 330 before the new end of the G / O maintenance period arrives. Therefore, the printer PR can receive the print data 340 from the mobile terminal PT1 and appropriately execute the print process.

(Case D; Fig. 9)
Subsequently, Case D, which is a continuation of FIG. 8, will be described with reference to FIG. When 290 (seconds) have passed since the countdown of the G / O counter GC was started (that is, when the value of the G / O counter GC is 10 (seconds)), the user of the mobile terminal PT1 is set to the mobile terminal PT1. Is brought closer to the printer PR again. As a result, NFC communication of the Polling signal 420, the response signal 422, and the wireless profile WP1 is executed between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1. Then, the control unit 40 of the printer PR starts the connection-related processing SP3 in response to the predetermined notification 420A (YES in S42 of FIG. 3, YES in S43, S44). As a result, the three connection-related processes SP1, SP2, and SP3 are being executed in parallel. At this point, the value of the G / O counter GC is 10 (seconds), so the control unit 40 resets the value of the G / O counter GC from 10 (seconds) to 300 (seconds) in the connection-related processing SP3. Then, the countdown of the G / O counter GC is started (YES in S54, S58).

At the time when the predetermined notification 420A is acquired, the number of CL devices participating in the first WFDNW is zero. Then, as described above, the control unit 40 resets the G / O counter GC from 10 (seconds) to 300 (seconds) when acquiring the predetermined notification 420A, and starts the countdown of the G / O counter GC. To do. As a result, the control unit 40 extends the end of the G / O maintenance period when acquiring the predetermined notification 420A, and 300 (seconds) from the acquisition of the new end of the G / O maintenance period (that is, the acquisition of the predetermined notification 420A). ) Later time) can be determined.

After that, the communication of the connection request 430 and the establishment of the Wi-Fi connection are executed between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1, and the value of the G / O counter GC is 290 (seconds) to 300 (seconds). Will be reset to. Further, the print data 440 is communicated between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1, and then the mobile terminal PT1 leaves the first WFDNW without receiving the response signal to the PING signal 450 from the mobile terminal PT1. To do. Then, the control unit 40 of the printer PR starts the countdown of the G / O counter GC from 300 (seconds) (YES in S94 in FIG. 5 and S96) to end the G / O maintenance period (that is, the CL device). 300 (seconds) after the number of is zero) is determined.

While the situation where the number of CL devices is zero is maintained, the countdown of the G / O counter GC proceeds, and the value of the G / O counter GC becomes zero. In this case, the control unit 40 shifts the operating state of the printer PR from the G / O state to the device state and extinguishes the first WFDNW (YES, S84 in S82 of FIG. 5). Next, the control unit 40 issues an end event (S86) and terminates the three connection-related processes SP1, SP2, and SP3 (YES in S76 in FIG. 4). Then, the control unit 40 supplies the storage instruction 460 including the radio profile WP2 to the NFCI / F30 (S88 and S90 in FIG. 5).

If a configuration is adopted in which the end of the G / O maintenance period is not extended in response to the predetermined notification 420A, the printer PR receives the connection request 430 from the mobile terminal PT1 near the end of the G / O maintenance period. obtain. In this case, the end of the G / O maintenance period may come before the Wi-Fi connection is established between the printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1. In this case, since the printer PR shifts from the G / O state to the device state (YES, S84 in S82 in FIG. 5), the Wi-Fi connection with the mobile terminal PT1 cannot be established, and the mobile terminal PT1 cannot establish a Wi-Fi connection. The print data 440 cannot be received. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the printer PR extends the end of the G / O maintenance period in response to the predetermined notification 420A to determine a new end of the G / O maintenance period. Therefore, the printer PR can appropriately establish a Wi-Fi connection with the mobile terminal PT1 in response to the connection request 430 before the new end of the G / O maintenance period arrives. Therefore, the printer PR can receive the print data 440 from the mobile terminal PT1 and appropriately execute the print process.

(Correspondence)
The printer PR is an example of a "communication device". The mobile terminal PT1 is an example of a "first external device" and a "second external device". The wireless LANI / F20 and NFCI / F30 are examples of the "first interface" and the "second interface", respectively. G / O counters GC, 300 (seconds), and zero are examples of "time counter", "initial value", and "predetermined value", respectively. The first WFDNW is an example of a "first wireless network". The device state, G / O state, G / O device, and CL device are examples of "independent state", "master station state", "master station", and "slave station", respectively. The device state and the G / O state are also examples of the "first state" and the "second state", respectively. Determining YES in S42 and YES in S43 in FIG. 3 is an example of "detecting a predetermined instruction". Further, the Polling signal, the Read signal, and the confirmation signal are examples of the "predetermined signal".

In FIGS. 6 to 8, the end of the G / O maintenance period determined according to the predetermined notifications 110A, 210A, 310A is an example of the “end of the first maintenance period”. In FIG. 8, the end of the G / O maintenance period extended in response to the predetermined notification 320A is an example of the “new end of the first maintenance period”. In FIGS. 7 to 9, the end of the G / O maintenance period determined when the number of CL devices becomes zero is an example of the “end of the second maintenance period”. In FIG. 9, the end of the G / O maintenance period extended in response to the predetermined notification 420A is an example of the “new end of the second maintenance period”. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the print data 240 and 340 are examples of the “first target data”. The print data 440 of FIG. 9 is an example of the “second target data”. The memory instruction 100 in FIG. 6 is an example of the “first memory instruction”. Further, the memory instruction 160 in FIG. 6, the memory instruction 260 in FIG. 7, and the memory instruction 460 in FIG. 9 are examples of the “second memory instruction”.

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 1) In S52 of FIG. 4, the CPU 42 of the printer PR forms a WFDNW by shifting the state of the printer PR from the device state of the WFD method to the G / O state. Instead, the CPU 42 may form a wireless network in which the printer PR operates as an AP by activating a so-called SoftAP (abbreviation of Access Point). In this modification, in S40 of FIG. 3 and S88 of FIG. 5, the CPU 42 prepares a wireless profile (SSID, password, etc.) to be used in the wireless network. Further, in S62 of FIG. 4, the CPU 42 establishes a wireless connection with the mobile terminal via the wireless LANI / F20 in order to allow the mobile terminal to participate in the wireless network. In this modification, the state in which SoftAP is not activated and the state in which SoftAP is activated are examples of "independent state" and "master station state", respectively. Further, it is an example of "master station" and "slave station" that the printer PR operates as an AP and that the mobile terminal establishes a wireless connection with the printer PR that operates as an AP, respectively.

(Modification 2) In the above embodiment, determining YES in S42 and YES in S43 in FIG. 3 is an example of “detecting a predetermined instruction”. Instead, for example, the CPU 42 may detect a "predetermined instruction" in response to an operation for establishing a Wi-Fi connection with a mobile terminal performed by the user on the operation unit 12. Further, for example, the CPU 42 may detect a "predetermined instruction" in response to receiving a connection request from the mobile terminal via the wireless LANI / F20. As in the above embodiment and the present modification, the “predetermined instruction” may be, for example, an instruction related to the establishment of a wireless connection with an external device via the first interface. However, the content of the "predetermined instruction" is not particularly limited, and the "predetermined instruction" may be an instruction that can be a trigger for extending the first maintenance period.

(Modification 3) In the above embodiment, when the CPU 42 determines YES in S42 and YES in S43 of FIG. 3, in the connection-related processing of FIG. 4, the operating state of the printer PR is changed from the device state to G / O. It shifts to the state and forms WFDNW (S52). Instead, the CPU 42 changes the operating state of the printer PR from the device state to the G / O state, for example, when an operation for shifting the printer PR to the G / O state is executed by the user on the operation unit 12. It may be migrated to form a WFDNW. That is, the timing at which the "forming unit" changes the operating state of the communication device from the independent state to the master station state may be the timing at which a predetermined instruction is detected as in the above embodiment, or the present modification. The timing may be irrelevant to the detection of the predetermined instruction.

(Modification 4) In the above embodiment, the NFCI / F30 of the printer PR receives a Polling signal (S20 in FIG. 2), a Read signal (S23), and a confirmation signal (S30) from a mobile terminal (for example, PT1). It is assumed that all three types of signals will be received. However, whether or not to transmit all of the above three types of signals depends on the mobile terminal. For example, the mobile terminal may transmit a Polling signal instead of the confirmation signal. In this case, the NFCI / F30 of the printer PR receives the Polling signal and the Read signal from the mobile terminal, but the confirmation signal. Do not receive. In this modification, the Polling signal and the Read signal are examples of "predetermined signals". In another modification, only one of the above three types of signals (for example, a Polling signal) may be an example of a "predetermined signal".

(Modification 5) The NFCI / F30 of the printer PR does not have to supply a predetermined notification to the control unit 40 even if each signal described in the modification 4 is received. For example, the NFCI / F30 is caused by a change from a situation in which the device-to-device distance between the NFCI / F30 and the NFCI / F of the mobile terminal is greater than a predetermined distance to a situation in which the device-to-device distance is not more than a predetermined distance. , When the magnetic field in the vicinity of NFCI / F30 changes, a predetermined notification may be supplied to the control unit 40. That is, the "second interface" may supply a predetermined notification to the control unit when the first situation changes to the second situation.

(Modification 6) The NFCI / F30 of the printer PR does not have to be an NFC forum tag, and may be an NFC forum device. In this case, the following modifications 6-1 and 6-2 may be adopted.

(Modification 6-1) The NFCI / F30 may supply a predetermined notification to the control unit 40 after establishing an NFC session with the mobile terminal in response to receiving a predetermined signal from the mobile terminal, for example. .. This modification is also an example of "supplying a predetermined notification to the control unit when receiving a predetermined signal from an external device". In this modification, the NFCI / F30 may supply a predetermined notification to the control unit 40 before transmitting the wireless profile to the mobile terminal, or may send the predetermined notification to the mobile terminal after transmitting the wireless profile to the mobile terminal. It may be supplied to the control unit 40.

(Modification 6-2) The CPU 42 of the printer PR does not have to execute S40 and S41 of FIG. 3, S88 of FIG. 5, and S90 of FIG. In this case, the CPU 42 of the printer PR may prepare a wireless profile and supply the wireless profile to the NFCI / F30 after obtaining a predetermined notification from the NFCI / F30. That is, the wireless profile does not have to be stored in advance in the I / F memory 34 before the NFC session with the mobile terminal is established. In this modification, the "supply unit" can be omitted.

(Modification 7) The printer PR provides a wireless interface for executing wireless communication according to another short-range wireless communication system (for example, TransferJet system, Bluetooth® system, etc.) instead of NFCI / F30. You may have it. Generally speaking, a predetermined distance, which is the maximum distance at which wireless communication via the second interface can be performed, may be smaller than the maximum distance at which wireless communication via the first interface can be performed.

(Modification 8) The G / O counter GC does not have to be counted down from the initial value of 300 (seconds), and may be counted up from the initial value of zero, for example. In this modification, zero and 300 (seconds) are examples of "initial value" and "predetermined value", respectively. The "predetermined value" may be a value other than 300 (seconds) (for example, 100 (seconds), 500 (seconds), etc.).

(Modification 9) In the above embodiment, the CPU 42 of the printer PR is a CL device in which, for example, in case C of FIG. 8, the mobile terminal PT1 is detached from the first WFDNW and participates in the first WFDNW. When the number of is zero, the G / O maintenance period is determined. Instead, the CPU 42 does not have to determine the G / O maintenance period even when the number of CL devices becomes zero. That is, the CPU 42 may shift from the G / O state to the device state immediately after the number of CL devices becomes zero, and may eliminate the first WFDNW. That is, the "second maintenance period" does not have to be provided. Further, the CPU 42 determines the G / O maintenance period when the number of CL devices becomes zero, but it is not necessary to adopt a configuration for extending the G / O maintenance period. That is, the "second maintenance period" does not have to be extended.

(Modification 10) In the above embodiment, in S52 of FIG. 4, the CPU 42 of the printer PR voluntarily shifts the printer PR to the G / O state to form a WFDNW in which the number of CL devices is zero. .. Instead of this, a configuration may be adopted in which the printer PR and the mobile terminal execute WFD-type G / O negotiation. Specifically, the printer PR has the following configurations. The operating state of the wireless LANI / F20 is changed between the enabled state and the disabled state. The valid state is a state in which the CPU 42 can execute G / O negotiation via the wireless LANI / F20, and the invalid state is a state in which the CPU 42 cannot execute G / O negotiation via the wireless LANI / F20. .. In another expression, the enabled state is a state in which power is supplied to the wireless LANI / F20 and the CPU 42 is capable of executing wireless communication via the wireless LANI / F20, and the disabled state is a state in which power is supplied to the wireless LANI / F20. Is not supplied, and the CPU 42 is in a state in which wireless communication via the wireless LAN I / F 20 cannot be executed. Further, instead of S50 and S52 in FIG. 4, the following processing is executed. That is, in S50, the CPU 42 determines whether the wireless LAN I / F 20 is in the enabled state or the disabled state. Then, when the CPU 42 determines that the wireless LANI / F20 is in the invalid state (YES in S50), the CPU 42 changes the wireless LANI / F20 from the invalid state to the valid state in S52, proceeds to S54, and proceeds to the wireless LANI / F20. When it is determined that F20 is in the valid state (NO in S50), S52 is skipped and the process proceeds to S54.

Further, the memory 44 of the printer PR includes an effective state counter for maintaining the operating state of the wireless LANI / F20 in the effective state instead of the G / O counter GC. In S54 to S58, S64, and S66 of FIG. 4, the CPU 42 executes the process related to the valid state counter instead of the process related to the G / O counter GC. Therefore, if the CPU 42 obtains a predetermined notification from the NFCI / F30 (YES in S54) while the valid state counter is counting, the CPU 42 resets the valid state counter and starts the countdown (S58). .. That is, the end of the effective state maintenance period for maintaining the operating state of the wireless LANI / F20 in the effective state is extended, and a new end of the effective state maintenance period is determined. Further, in S62, the CPU 42 executes WFD-type G / O negotiation with the mobile terminal to determine whether the printer PR should operate in the G / O state or the CL state. When the CPU 42 determines that the printer PR should operate in the G / O state, the CPU 42 shifts the printer PR from the device state to the G / O state, and establishes a Wi-Fi connection with the mobile terminal in the CL state. , The printer PR forms a WFDNW which is a G / O device. When the CPU 42 determines that the printer PR should operate in the CL state, the CPU 42 shifts the printer PR from the device state to the CL state and establishes a Wi-Fi connection with the mobile terminal in the G / O state. , Mobile terminals participate in WFDNW, which is a G / O device. When the printer PR operates in the CL state, the process of S74 in FIG. 4 is not executed.

Further, instead of the process of FIG. 5, the following process is executed. That is, the CPU 42 monitors that the valid state counter becomes 0 (seconds), and when the valid state counter becomes 0 (seconds), changes the operating state of the wireless LANI / F20 from the valid state to the invalid state. .. As a result, wireless communication via the wireless LANI / F20 becomes infeasible, so that the CPU 42 cannot receive the connection request from the mobile terminal via the wireless LANI / F20, and as a result, the mobile terminal. Cannot establish Wi-Fi connection with. After that, the CPU 42 issues an end event in the same manner as in S86 of FIG.

As described above, in the present modification, the printer PR changes the operating state of the wireless LAN I / F 20 from the valid state to the invalid state when the end of the valid state maintenance period is reached. As a result, power is not supplied to the wireless LAN I / F 20, so that the power consumption of the printer PR can be appropriately reduced. In addition, the printer PR extends the end of the valid state maintenance period in response to a predetermined notification to determine a new end of the valid state maintenance period. Therefore, the printer PR can appropriately establish a Wi-Fi connection with the mobile terminal by executing G / O negotiation in response to the connection request before the new end of the valid state maintenance period arrives. .. Therefore, the printer PR can receive the print data from the mobile terminal and appropriately execute the print process. In this modification, the invalid state and the valid state are examples of the "first state" and the "second state". The valid state counter is an example of a "time counter".

(Modification 11) The “communication device” does not have to be a printer PR, and may be, for example, a scanner. In this modification, for example, the scanner may include an NFCI / F and a wireless LANI / F, as in the above embodiment. The NFCI / F stores the radio profile and may transmit the radio profile to the mobile terminal. Then, the CPU of the scanner may transmit the scan data to the mobile terminal by using the WFDNW when the mobile terminal participates in the WFDNW which is a G / O device as a CL device. In this modification, the scan data is an example of "first target data" and "second target data". Further, the "communication device" may be a device different from the printer PR and the scanner (for example, a PC, a copier, a multifunctional machine, a server, a mobile terminal, etc.).

(Modification 12) The “external device” is not limited to the mobile terminals PT1 and PT2, and may be a PC, a printer, a scanner, a copier, a multifunctional machine, a server, or the like.

(Modification 13) In the above embodiment, each process of FIGS. 3 to 5 is realized by executing the program PG (that is, software) in the main memory 44 by the CPU 42 of the printer PR. Instead, at least one of these processes may be implemented by hardware such as a logic circuit.

Each of the following items is one aspect of the technology disclosed herein.
(Item 1)
It ’s a communication device,
The first interface for performing wireless communication,
With a computer
With a memory for storing computer-readable instructions, the computer-readable instructions cause the communication device to perform the following operations when executed by the computer:
The operating state of the communication device is a master station state that operates as a master station of the first wireless network for executing wireless communication via the first interface, and is a child of the first wireless network. To maintain the operating state of the communication device in the master station state in a situation where the number of slave station devices is zero when the number of slave station devices, which is the number of external devices participating as a station, is zero. Determining the end of the maintenance period of
When the end of the maintenance period arrives, the operating state of the communication device is changed from the master station state to an independent state that does not belong to the wireless network, and the first wireless network is extinguished. thing;
When a specific external device joins the first wireless network as a slave station before the end of the maintenance period arrives, the first wireless network is utilized and the first interface is used. To execute wireless communication of the target data with the specific external device;
Detecting a predetermined instruction; and before the end of the maintenance period arrives, when the predetermined instruction is detected, the end of the maintenance period is extended to determine a new end of the maintenance period. To do.

(Item 2)
The communication device according to item 1.
The computer-readable instruction causes the communication device to further perform the following operations when executed by the computer:
To form the first wireless network by changing the operating state of the communication device from the independent state to the master station state.
Here, at the time when the first wireless network is formed, the number of slave station devices is zero.
Determining the end of the maintenance period means that when the first wireless network is formed, the operating state of the communication device is maintained in the master station state in a situation where the number of slave station devices is zero. Includes determining the end of the first maintenance period for.

(Item 3)
The communication device according to item 2.
The formation changes the operating state of the communication device from the independent state to the master station state when the predetermined instruction is detected in a situation where the operating state of the communication device is the independent state. This includes forming the first wireless network.

(Item 4)
The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 3.
Determining the end of the maintenance period means that when the number of slave station devices becomes zero from the situation where the number of slave station devices is 1 or more, the communication device is determined when the number of slave station devices is zero. Includes determining the end of a second maintenance period for maintaining the operating state of.

(Item 5)
It ’s a communication device,
The first interface for performing wireless communication,
With a computer
With a memory for storing computer-readable instructions, the computer-readable instructions cause the communication device to perform the following operations when executed by the computer:
Determining the end of the maintenance period for maintaining the operating state of the communication device in the second state when the operating state of the communication device is in a second state different from the first state;
When the end of the maintenance period is reached, the operating state of the communication device is changed from the second state to the first state;
When the first wireless network to which the communication device and the first external device belong is formed before the end of the maintenance period arrives, the first wireless network is used to use the first wireless network. Performing wireless communication of the first target data with the first external device via the interface of 1;
Detecting a predetermined instruction; and before the end of the maintenance period arrives, when the predetermined instruction is detected, the end of the maintenance period is extended to determine a new end of the maintenance period. To do.

(Item 6)
The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 5.
The communication device further
A predetermined distance, which is a second interface for executing wireless communication and is the maximum distance at which wireless communication via the second interface can be executed, executes wireless communication via the first interface. With the second interface, which is less than the maximum possible distance,
In the second interface, the distance between devices is equal to or less than the predetermined distance from the first situation in which the distance between devices, which is the distance between the second interface and any external device, is larger than the predetermined distance. When the situation changes to a certain second situation, the first wireless profile to be used in the first wireless network is transmitted to the external device, and the external device is transmitted.
The second interface further supplies a predetermined notification to the computer when the first situation changes to the second situation.
The detection includes detecting the predetermined instruction in response to the acquisition of the predetermined notification from the second interface.

(Item 7)
The communication device according to item 6.
The computer-readable instruction causes the communication device to further perform the following operations when executed by the computer:
To supply the second interface with a first storage instruction for storing the first radio profile in the second interface before the first radio network is formed.

(Item 8)
The communication device according to item 7.
The computer-readable instruction causes the communication device to further perform the following operations when executed by the computer:
After the disappearance of the first wireless network and before the formation of the second wireless network in which the communication device should operate as a master station, the second wireless profile is replaced with the second wireless profile. To supply the second interface with a second storage instruction for storing the second radio profile to be used in the radio network in the second interface.

(Item 9)
The communication device according to any one of items 6 to 8.
Said second interface, due to the change from the first status to the second status, when receiving Sadanobu No. Tokoro from any of the external device, supplying the predetermined notification to the computer To do.

(Item 10)
The communication device according to any one of items 6 to 9.
The computer receives the predetermined notification from the second interface and receives the predetermined notification from the second interface again during the period from the detection of the predetermined instruction to the elapse of the predetermined time. Even if it is acquired, the predetermined instruction is not detected.

(Item 11)
The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 10.
Determining the end of the maintenance period includes starting the counting of the time counter for counting the time from the initial value.
Determining the new end of the maintenance period returns the value of the time counter to the initial value and restarts the counting of the time counter from the initial value when the predetermined instruction is detected. Including that
When the value of the time counter matches a predetermined value, the end of the maintenance period arrives.

(Item 12)
The communication device according to item 11.
The computer-readable instruction causes the communication device to further perform the following operations when executed by the computer:
Stop counting the time counter when the particular external device joins the first wireless network as the slave station before the end of the maintenance period arrives.

(Item 13)
A computer-readable storage medium that stores computer-readable instructions for communication equipment.
The computer-readable instruction causes the communication device to perform the following operations when executed by a computer mounted on the communication device:
The operating state of the communication device is a master station state that operates as a master station of the first wireless network for executing wireless communication via the first interface of the communication device, and the first radio is used. When the number of slave station devices, which is the number of external devices participating as slave stations in the network, is zero, the operating state of the communication device is changed to the master station state in a situation where the number of slave station devices is zero. Determining the end of the maintenance period to maintain;
When the end of the maintenance period arrives, the operating state of the communication device is changed from the master station state to an independent state that does not belong to the wireless network, and the first wireless network is extinguished. thing;
When a specific external device joins the first wireless network as a slave station before the end of the maintenance period arrives, the first wireless network is utilized and the first interface is used. To execute wireless communication of the target data with the specific external device;
Detecting a predetermined instruction; and before the end of the maintenance period arrives, when the predetermined instruction is detected, the end of the maintenance period is extended to determine a new end of the maintenance period. To do.

(Item 14)
A computer-readable storage medium that stores computer-readable instructions for communication equipment.
The computer-readable instruction causes the communication device to perform the following operations when executed by a computer mounted on the communication device:
Determining the end of the maintenance period for maintaining the operating state of the communication device in the second state when the operating state of the communication device is in a second state different from the first state;
When the end of the maintenance period is reached, the operating state of the communication device is changed from the second state to the first state;
When the first wireless network to which the communication device and the first external device belong is formed before the end of the maintenance period arrives, the communication is performed by using the first wireless network. Performing wireless communication of the first target data with the first external device via the first interface of the device;
Detecting a predetermined instruction; and before the end of the maintenance period arrives, when the predetermined instruction is detected, the end of the maintenance period is extended to determine a new end of the maintenance period. To do.

(Correspondence)
The correspondence between each element of the above embodiment and each element of each of the above items is listed below. The printer PR and the mobile terminal PT1 are examples of a "communication device" and a "specific external device", respectively. The CPU 42, main memory 44, program PG, wireless LANI / F20, and NFCI / F30 are of "computer", "memory", "computer readable instruction", "first interface", and "second interface", respectively. This is an example. G / O counters GC, 300 (seconds), and zero are examples of "time counter", "initial value", and "predetermined value", respectively. The first WFDNW is an example of a "first wireless network". The device state, G / O state, G / O device, and CL device are examples of "independent state", "master station state", "master station", and "slave station", respectively. The device state and the G / O state are also examples of the "first state" and the "second state", respectively. Determining YES in S42 and YES in S43 in FIG. 3 is an example of "detecting a predetermined instruction". Further, the Polling signal, the Read signal, and the confirmation signal are examples of the "predetermined signal".

In FIGS. 7 to 9, print data 240, 340, and 440 are examples of “target data”. 6 to 8 show the end of the G / O maintenance period determined according to the predetermined notifications 110A, 210A, 310A, and FIGS. 7 to 9 determine when the number of CL devices becomes zero. The end of the G / O maintenance period is an example of the "end of the maintenance period". In FIGS. 8 and 9, the end of the G / O maintenance period extended in response to the predetermined notifications 320A and 420A is an example of the “new end of the maintenance period”. In FIGS. 6 to 8, the end of the G / O maintenance period determined according to the predetermined notifications 110A, 210A, 310A is an example of the “end of the first maintenance period”. In FIGS. 7 to 9, the end of the G / O maintenance period determined when the number of CL devices becomes zero is an example of the “end of the second maintenance period”. The memory instruction 100 in FIG. 6 is an example of the “first memory instruction”. Further, the memory instruction 160 in FIG. 6, the memory instruction 260 in FIG. 7, and the memory instruction 460 in FIG. 9 are examples of the “second memory instruction”.

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 this 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, PR: Printer, PT1, PT2: Mobile terminal, PA: Printer application, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display unit, 16: Print execution unit, 20: Wireless LAN interface, 30: NFC interface, 32: Processor, WP, WP1, WP2: Wireless profile, 34: I / F memory, 40: Control unit, 42: CPU, 44: Main memory, PG: Program, GC: G / O counter, NC: NFC counter, ML: Management list, 100, 160, 260, 460: Memory instruction, 110, 210, 310, 320, 420: Polling signal, 110A, 114A, 116A, 210A, 310A, 320A, 420A: Predetermined notification, 230, 330, 430: Connection request, 240, 340, 440: Print data

Claims (5)

It ’s a communication device,
The first interface for performing wireless communication,
A second interface for performing wireless communication, which is different from the first interface, and the second interface.
With a control unit
The control unit
An establishment unit that establishes a wireless connection with a first external device via the second interface,
When the wireless connection with the first external device is established, the operating state of the communication device is changed from an unaffiliated state not belonging to the wireless network to wireless communication via the first interface. A forming unit that forms the first wireless network by changing to a master station state that operates as a master station of the first wireless network for the purpose.
A transmission unit that transmits the first wireless profile to be used in the first wireless network to the first external device when the wireless connection with the first external device is established.
A determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined condition indicating that the master station state should be terminated is satisfied when the operating state of the communication device is changed from the independent state to the master station state. Therefore, counting of the first time counter for counting the time is started from the initial value, and when the first time counter reaches a predetermined value, it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, and the first When the time counter of 1 does not match the predetermined value, the determination unit for determining that the predetermined condition is not satisfied, and the determination unit.
An extinguishing unit that changes the operating state of the communication device from the master station state to the independent state and extinguishes the first wireless network when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied. When it is determined that the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the operating state of the communication device is maintained in the master station state, and the extinguished part
When the first external device participates in the first wireless network as a slave station while the operating state of the communication device is maintained in the master station state, the first wireless network is used. Then, via the first interface, a communication execution unit that executes wireless communication of the first target data with the first external device, and
Even if the previous SL second interfaces prescribed notification from said second interface in response to receiving a signal from the second external device is supplied to the control unit, the second to count the time When the time counter of the above reaches a predetermined value, a detection unit for detecting a predetermined instruction is provided.
The determination unit, when the predetermined instruction is detected, the first of the value of the time counter back to the initial value, the first time counter counts a communication device to start again from the initial value of. The communication device further
The second wireless network in which the communication device should operate as a master station state after the first wireless network disappears, and for executing wireless communication via the first interface. The first aspect of claim 1 comprises a preparatory unit that prepares a second radio profile to be used in the second radio network in place of the first radio profile before the second radio network is formed. Described communication equipment. Before Symbol forming unit, when the operating state of the communication device wherein the predetermined instruction in situations where the independent condition is detected, and change the operating state of the communication device from the independent state to the master station state The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, which forms the first wireless network. The first interface is an interface for executing wireless communication according to the Wi-Fi method.
The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second interface is an interface for executing wireless communication according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) method. A computer program for communication equipment
The computer program applies the following processes, that is, to the computer mounted on the communication device.
An establishment process for establishing a wireless connection with a first external device via the second interface of the communication device, and
When the wireless connection with the first external device is established, the operating state of the communication device is changed from the non-affiliated state not belonging to the wireless network to the first interface of the communication device. The first wireless network is formed by changing to a master station state that operates as a master station of the first wireless network for executing wireless communication via the first interface different from the second interface. Forming process and
A transmission process for transmitting the first wireless profile to be used in the first wireless network to the first external device when the wireless connection with the first external device is established.
In a determination process for determining whether or not a predetermined condition indicating that the master station state should be terminated is satisfied when the operating state of the communication device is changed from the independent state to the master station state. Therefore, counting of the first time counter for counting the time is started from the initial value, and when the first time counter reaches a predetermined value, it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, and the first Judgment processing for determining that the predetermined condition is not satisfied when the time counter of 1 does not match the predetermined value, and
The extinction process of changing the operating state of the communication device from the master station state to the independent state to extinguish the first wireless network when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied. The extinction process in which the operating state of the communication device is maintained in the master station state when it is determined that the predetermined conditions are not satisfied.
When the first external device participates in the first wireless network as a slave station while the operating state of the communication device is maintained in the master station state, the first wireless network is used. Then, a communication execution process for executing wireless communication of the first target data with the first external device via the first interface, and
Even if the previous SL second interfaces prescribed notification from said second interface in response to receiving a signal from the second external device is supplied to the control unit, the second to count the time When the time counter of the above reaches a predetermined value, the detection unit that detects a predetermined instruction and the detection unit are executed.
The determination processing, when the predetermined instruction is detected, the first of the value of the time counter back to the initial value, the first time counter counts a computer program to start again from the initial value of.

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