JP6860099B2 - Communication devices and mobile terminals - Google Patents

Description

The techniques disclosed herein relate to communication devices and mobile terminals for performing communication of subject data.

Patent Document 1 discloses a system including a first wireless communication device, a second wireless communication device, and a terminal device. The first wireless communication device is connected to the terminal device by a wireless LAN. The first wireless communication device executes data communication with the second wireless communication device by NFC. In this case, the first wireless communication device transmits the participation information for joining the wireless LAN to the second wireless communication device by NFC. When the terminal device is an access point, the participation information includes the communication standard information of the access point, the ESS-ID, the MAC address, the security information, and the like.
The second wireless communication device participates in the above wireless LAN by using the participation information. The first and second wireless communication devices execute data communication on a wireless LAN via a terminal device that is an access point.

JP-A-2010-245748

In the technique of Patent Document 1, if the second wireless communication device participates in the above wireless LAN using the participation information, the first and second wireless communication devices can execute data communication via the terminal device. It is a prerequisite. However, such data communication may not be performed properly. This specification discloses a technique in which a communication device and a mobile terminal can appropriately perform communication of target data.

One technique disclosed herein is a communication device for performing communication between a mobile terminal and target data. The communication device is a first-class interface for executing wireless communication with a mobile terminal and a second-class interface for executing wireless communication with a mobile terminal, and wireless communication via the second-class interface. The communication speed of is faster than the communication speed of wireless communication via the first-class interface, and includes a second-class interface and a device-side control unit. The device-side control unit includes a specific data receiving unit, a first information transmitting unit, a forming unit, a second information transmitting unit, and a device-side communication executing unit. The specific data receiving unit receives specific data from the mobile terminal via the first type interface. When the specific data is received, the first information transmitting unit performs wireless communication by the mobile terminal using the first wireless network when the communication device belongs to the first wireless network in the first case. The first information to be executed is transmitted to the mobile terminal via the first type interface. The first wireless network is a wireless network for executing wireless communication via the second type interface. When the specific data is received, the forming unit newly adds a third wireless network in the second case where the communication device does not belong to the first wireless network but belongs to the second wireless network. To form. Each of the second wireless network and the third wireless network is a wireless network for executing wireless communication via the second type interface. In the second case, the second information transmission unit uses the second information for the mobile terminal to execute wireless communication using the second wireless network and the mobile terminal to use the third wireless network. The third information for executing wireless communication is transmitted to the mobile terminal via the first type interface. In the first case, the device-side communication execution unit executes communication between the mobile terminal and the target data using the first wireless network, and in the second case, the second wireless network or the third wireless. Use the network to communicate the target data with the mobile terminal.

According to the above configuration, the communication device transmits the first information to the mobile terminal in the first case belonging to the first wireless network. For this purpose, the communication device and the mobile terminal can appropriately perform communication of the target data by using the first wireless network. Further, in the second case where the communication device does not belong to the first wireless network but belongs to the second wireless network, a third wireless network is newly formed to form the second information and the second information. The information of 3 is transmitted to the mobile terminal. For this purpose, the communication device and the mobile terminal can appropriately perform communication of the target data by using the second wireless network or the third wireless network. Even if the communication device and the mobile terminal cannot perform communication of the target data by using the second wireless network, the communication device and the mobile terminal are the third wireless network formed by the communication device. Can be used to properly communicate the target data.

In one technique disclosed herein, a device-side control unit of a communication device may include a specific data receiving unit, a determination unit, an information transmitting unit, and a device-side communication executing unit. The specific data receiving unit receives specific data from the mobile terminal via the first type interface. The specific data includes identification information for identifying the wireless network to which the mobile terminal belongs. When the specific data is received, the determination unit uses the identification information to determine whether or not the mobile terminal belongs to the fifth wireless network when the communication device belongs to the fifth wireless network. to decide. The fifth wireless network is a wireless network for the communication device to operate as a slave station and execute wireless communication via the second type interface. The information transmitting unit is the fifth information for the mobile terminal to execute wireless communication using the fifth wireless network in the third case where the mobile terminal is determined to belong to the fifth wireless network. And the sixth information for the mobile terminal to execute wireless communication using the sixth wireless network are transmitted to the mobile terminal via the first type interface, and the mobile terminal transmits the fifth wireless. In the fourth case where it is determined that the device does not belong to the network, the sixth information is transmitted to the mobile terminal via the first type interface without transmitting the fifth information. The sixth wireless network is a wireless network for the communication device to operate as a master station and execute wireless communication via the second type interface. In the third case, the device-side communication executing unit executes communication between the mobile terminal and the target data using the fifth wireless network or the sixth wireless network, and in the fourth case, the sixth wireless. Use the network to communicate the target data with the mobile terminal.

According to the above configuration, the communication device includes the fifth information and the sixth information in the third case where it is determined that the mobile terminal belongs to the fifth wireless network in which the communication device operates as a slave station. To the mobile terminal. For this purpose, the communication device and the mobile terminal can appropriately perform communication of the target data by using the fifth wireless network or the sixth wireless network. Even if the communication device and the mobile terminal cannot perform communication of the target data by using the fifth wireless network, the communication device and the mobile terminal have a sixth in which the communication device operates as a master station. The wireless network can be used to properly communicate the target data. Further, in the fourth case where it is determined that the mobile terminal does not belong to the fifth wireless network in which the communication device operates as a slave station, the communication device does not transmit the fifth information, but the sixth information. To the mobile terminal. For this purpose, the communication device and the mobile terminal can appropriately perform communication of the target data by using the sixth wireless network. Moreover, it is possible to prevent the security of the fifth wireless network from being lowered.

One technique disclosed herein is a mobile terminal for performing communication between a communication device and target data. The mobile terminal is a first-class interface for executing wireless communication with a communication device and a second-class interface for executing wireless communication with a communication device, and wireless communication via the second-class interface. The communication speed of is faster than the communication speed of wireless communication via the first-class interface, and includes a second-class interface and a terminal-side control unit. The terminal-side control unit includes a specific data transmission unit, an information receiving unit, and a terminal-side communication execution unit. The specific data transmission unit transmits the specific data to the communication device via the first type interface. After the specific data is transmitted, the information receiving unit receives the specific information for the mobile terminal to execute wireless communication using the wireless network from the communication device via the first type interface. The terminal-side communication execution unit includes a specific information including one piece of information for the mobile terminal to execute wireless communication using one wireless network, and another wireless network different from one wireless network. When it does not include other information for using and executing wireless communication, one wireless network is used to communicate between the communication device and the target data, and the specific information is one piece of information and others. When a plurality of information including the above information is included, the communication device and the target data are communicated by sequentially using each of the plurality of wireless networks including one wireless network and another wireless network. .. Each of the plurality of wireless networks is a wireless network for executing wireless communication via the second type interface.

According to the above configuration, when the specific information includes one piece of information, the mobile terminal uses one wireless network to communicate the target data with the communication device. For this purpose, the mobile terminal and the communication device can appropriately perform communication of the target data by using the above-mentioned one wireless network. Further, when the specific information includes a plurality of pieces of information, the mobile terminal sequentially uses each of the plurality of wireless networks to execute communication between the communication device and the target data. Even if the mobile terminal and the communication device cannot perform communication of the target data by using any one of the plurality of wireless networks, the mobile terminal and the communication device may have a plurality of wireless networks. The communication of the target data can be appropriately performed by using another wireless network of the wireless networks.

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

The configuration of the communication system is shown. The flowchart of the communication processing of the MFP is shown. The flowchart of the response transmission processing of the MFP is shown. The flowchart of application processing of a mobile terminal is shown. The sequence diagram of case A is shown. The sequence diagram of case B is shown. The sequence diagram of case C is shown. The sequence diagram of case D is shown. The flowchart of the response transmission processing of the 2nd Example is shown.

(First Example)
(Configuration of communication system 2)
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes a plurality of access points (hereinafter referred to as “AP (abbreviation of Access Point)”) 4a and 4b and a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC (abbreviation of Personal Computer)”). ) ”6, a multifunction device (hereinafter referred to as“ MFP (abbreviation of Multi-Function Peripheral)) 10, and a mobile terminal 50.

(Type of wireless communication that MFP10 can execute)
The MFP10 executes wireless communication according to the NFC (Near Field Communication) method, wireless communication according to the WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) method, and wireless communication according to the normal Wi-Fi method. It is possible. In the following, wireless communication according to each of the above methods will be referred to as "NFC communication", "WFD communication", and "normal Wi-Fi communication", respectively.

(NFC communication)
The NFC system is a wireless communication system for so-called short-range wireless communication, and is, for example, a wireless communication system based on the international standard of ISO / IEC21481 or 18092. The MFP 10 can execute NFC communication with the mobile terminal 50.

(WFD communication)
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 WFD method is wireless according 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.). It is a wireless communication method for executing communication.

By belonging to the WFD network, the MFP 10 can execute WFD communication of the target data with other devices belonging to the WFD network. The target data is data including information on the network layer of the OSI reference model, and includes, for example, print data, scan data, and the like. Further, the mobile terminal 50 and the PC 6 can also execute the WFD communication of the target data by belonging to the WFD network.

Hereinafter, a device capable of executing WFD communication, such as the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50, will be referred to as a "WFD compatible device". In the above WFD standard, three states of the Group Owner state (hereinafter referred to as "G / O state"), the client state, and the device state are defined as the states of the WFD compatible device. The WFD-compatible device can selectively operate in one of the above three states.

When a pair of WFD-compatible devices in a device state should form a WFD network, wireless communication called G / O negotiation is usually executed between the pair of WFD-compatible devices. In the G / O negotiation, it is determined that one of the pair of WFD compatible devices is in the G / O state and the other of the pair of WFD compatible devices is in the client state. A WFD network is formed by a device in the G / O state (hereinafter referred to as "G / O device") and a device in the client state (hereinafter referred to as "CL device"). In a WFD network, there may be one G / O device and one or more CL devices. The G / O device manages one or more CL devices. Specifically, the G / O device executes the authentication of the CL device for each of one or more CL devices, and when the authentication of the CL device is successful, the identification information of the CL device (that is, the MAC address). ) Is described in the management list in the memory of the G / O device. When the CL device leaves the WFD network, the G / O device deletes the identification information of the CL device from the management list.

The G / O device can directly execute wireless communication of the target data with the CL device registered in the management list without going through the relay device. However, although the G / O device can execute wireless communication of the participation data for the unregistered device to join the WFD network with the unregistered device not registered in the management list, the target data Wireless communication is not feasible. Participation data is data that does not include information on the network layer of the OSI reference model, and is, for example, a Probe Request signal (hereinafter referred to as "PReq signal"), a Probe Response signal (hereinafter referred to as "PRes signal"), or the like. Contains physical layer data. The G / O device can relay the wireless communication of the target data between the plurality of CL devices.

A WFD-compatible device that does not belong to the WFD network (that is, an unregistered device that is not registered in the management list of the G / O device) is a device in the device state. The device in the device state can execute the wireless communication of the above-mentioned participation data for belonging to the WFD network with the G / O device, but execute the wireless communication of the above-mentioned target data with the G / O device or the CL device. It's impossible.

As described above, in the WFD network, the pair of WFD-compatible devices can execute WFD communication of the target data without going through an AP configured separately from these WFD-compatible devices. That is, it can be said that WFD communication is wireless communication that does not go through AP.

In the following, it is not possible to selectively operate in one of the three states (that is, G / O state, client state, and device state) defined in the above WFD standard. A device capable of performing wireless communication via an AP (that is, normal Wi-Fi communication described later) is called a "WFD non-compliant device". "WFD non-compliant equipment" is also called "legacy equipment". The device in the G / O state can describe the identification information of the device that does not support WFD in the management list. In this case, the non-WFD compatible device can participate in the WFD network as a CL device.

(Normal Wi-Fi communication)
Usually, the Wi-Fi system is a wireless communication system defined by the Wi-Fi Alliance, and is a wireless communication system different from the WFD system. Like the WFD system, the Wi-Fi system is a wireless device for executing wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard and a standard equivalent thereto (for example, 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, etc.). It is a communication method. However, as described above, the WFD method is a wireless communication method for executing wireless communication without using the AP. On the other hand, the Wi-Fi method is usually a wireless communication method for executing wireless communication via an AP. In this respect, the WFD method and the normal Wi-Fi method are different.

By belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network, the MFP 10 can execute normal Wi-Fi communication of the target data with other devices belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network via the AP. By belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network, the mobile terminal 50 can also execute the normal Wi-Fi communication of the target data. Therefore, the MFP 10 can execute the normal Wi-Fi communication of the target data with the mobile terminal 50 via any one of the plurality of APs 4a and 4b.

Usually, a Wi-Fi network is a wireless network constructed in an environment where an AP can be installed, such as an in-house LAN and a home LAN, and generally speaking, it is a wireless network that should be formed constantly. .. On the other hand, the WFD network is a wireless network constructed to execute temporary wireless communication between a pair of WFD compatible devices because it does not require an AP, and generally speaking, it is a wireless network. It is a wireless network that should be formed temporarily. As described above, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the Wi-Fi network is usually a wireless network that should be formed constantly, and the WFD network is a wireless network that should be formed temporarily. In the following, the WFD network and the normal Wi-Fi network will be referred to as "WFDNW" and "normal Wi-FiNW".

(Configuration of MFP10)
The MFP 10 can perform multiple functions including a printing function and a scanning function. As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, a scan execution unit 18, and a wireless LAN interface (hereinafter, the interface is referred to as an “I / F”). ) 20, an NFCI / F22, and a control unit 30. Each part 12 to 30 is connected to a bus line (reference numeral omitted).

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

The wireless LANI / F20 is an interface for executing WFD communication and normal Wi-Fi communication. The wireless LANI / F20 is physically one interface (that is, one IC chip). However, the wireless LANI / F20 includes a MAC address used in WFD communication (hereinafter referred to as "MAC address for WFD") and a MAC address normally used in Wi-Fi communication (hereinafter referred to as "normal Wi-Fi"). (Called MAC address for) and both are assigned. Specifically, the wireless LAN I / F20 is usually assigned a Wi-Fi MAC address in advance. The control unit 30 uses the normal Wi-Fi MAC address to generate a WFD MAC address different from the normal Wi-Fi MAC address, and assigns the WFD MAC address to the wireless LANI / F20. Therefore, the control unit 30 can simultaneously execute both the normal Wi-Fi communication using the normal Wi-Fi MAC address and the WFD communication using the WFD MAC address. That is, the MFP 10 can belong to both WFDNW and normal Wi-FiNW at the same time.

From the viewpoint of the MAC address used by the MFP 10, WFD communication and normal Wi-Fi communication can be expressed as follows, for example. That is, WFD communication is wireless communication in which the WFD MAC address of the MFP 10 is used, and normal Wi-Fi communication is wireless communication in which the normal Wi-Fi MAC address of the MFP 10 is used. Further, WFDNW is a wireless network in which the MAC address for WFD of the MFP 10 is used, and normal Wi-FiNW is a wireless network in which the MAC address for normal Wi-Fi of the MFP 10 is used.

The NFCI / F22 is an interface for executing NFC communication. The chip that constitutes NFCI / F22 and the chip that constitutes wireless LANI / F20 are physically different.

The communication speed of wireless communication via wireless LANI / F20 (for example, the maximum communication speed is 11 to 600 Mbps) is higher than the communication speed of wireless communication via NFCI / F22 (for example, the maximum communication speed is 100 to 424 Kbps). Is also fast. Further, the frequency of the carrier wave in wireless communication via wireless LANI / F20 (for example, 2.4 GHz band, 5.0 GHz band) is the frequency of the carrier wave in wireless communication via NFCI / F22 (for example, 13.56 MHz band). Is different. Further, for example, when the distance between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 is about 10 cm or less, the control unit 30 can execute NFC communication with the mobile terminal 50 via the NFCI / F22. On the other hand, regardless of whether the distance between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 is 10 cm or less or 10 cm or more (for example, about 100 m at the maximum), the control unit 30 carries the mobile device via the wireless LANI / F20. It is possible to execute WFD communication and normal Wi-Fi communication with the terminal 50. That is, the maximum distance that the MFP 10 can execute wireless communication with the communication destination device (for example, the mobile terminal 50) via the wireless LANI / F20 is such that the MFP 10 executes wireless communication with the communication destination device via the NFCI / F22. Greater than the maximum possible distance.

The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 executes various processes according to the program stored in the memory 34. When the CPU 32 executes the process according to the program, the functions of the respective units 40 to 47 are realized. The memory 34 is composed of a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, and the like. The memory 34 stores the above program executed by the CPU 32.

When the MFP 10 belongs to WFDNW, the memory 34 further stores WFD affiliation information indicating that the MFP 10 belongs to WFDNW. The WFD affiliation information includes a state value indicating the state (G / O state or client state) of the MFP 10 in WFDNW, and a WFD radio setting for executing WFD communication using WFDNW.

The MFP10 can form a state in which it belongs to the first WFDNW as a G / O device and belongs to the second WFDNW as a CL device. That is, the MFP 10 can belong to two WFDNWs at the same time as devices in different states (that is, G / O state and client state). However, the MFP 10 cannot belong to two WFDNWs at the same time as a device in the same state. That is, the MFP 10 cannot belong to another WFDNW as a G / O device in a state where it belongs to one WFDNW as a G / O device. Further, the MFP 10 cannot belong to another WFDNW as a CL device in a state where it belongs to one WFDNW as a CL device. When the MFP 10 belongs to the first and second WFDNWs at the same time, the memory 34 has the first WFD affiliation information corresponding to the first WFDNW and the second WFD corresponding to the second WFDNW. Stores both affiliation information and.

The WFD radio setting includes authentication method information, encryption method information, SSID (Service Set Identifier), BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier), and password. The SSID included in the WFD radio setting is a network identifier for identifying the WFDNW. The BSSID included in the WFD radio setting is a unique identifier (for example, the MAC address of the G / O device) assigned to the G / O device of the WFDNW.

The G / O device usually prepares a WFD radio setting and supplies the WFD radio setting to the CL device when forming the WFDNW. For example, the control unit 30 of the MFP 10 prepares the WFD radio setting when the MFP 10 forms a WFDNW that operates as a G / O device. Specifically, the control unit 30 prepares predetermined authentication method information and encryption method information. The control unit 30 prepares a predetermined password, or prepares a password by newly generating a password. The control unit 30 prepares a predetermined SSID, or prepares the SSID by newly generating the SSID. Further, the control unit 30 prepares a predetermined WFD MAC address as a BSSID.

Therefore, when the MFP 10 belongs to the WFDNW as a G / O device, the WFD affiliation information corresponding to the WFDNW includes the WFD radio setting prepared by the MFP 10 when the MFP 10 forms the WFDNW. On the other hand, when the MFP 10 belongs to the WFDNW as a CL device, the WFD affiliation information corresponding to the WFDNW is obtained by the G / O device when a G / O device different from the MFP 10 forms the WFDNW. Includes the prepared WFD radio settings (ie, the WFD radio settings obtained from the G / O device).

When the MFP 10 belongs to the normal Wi-FiNW, the memory 34 further stores the normal Wi-Fi affiliation information indicating that the MFP 10 belongs to the normal Wi-FiNW. The normal Wi-Fi affiliation information includes a normal Wi-Fi radio setting for executing normal Wi-Fi communication using normal Wi-FiNW. The normal Wi-Fi radio setting usually includes authentication method information, encryption method information, SSID, BSSID, and password. The SSID included in the normal Wi-Fi radio setting is a network identifier for identifying the normal Wi-FiNW. The BSSID normally included in the Wi-Fi radio setting is a unique identifier (for example, the MAC address of the AP) that is usually assigned to the AP forming the Wi-FiNW.

The MFP10 usually participates in Wi-FiNW by using the following method. That is, when a predetermined operation is applied to the operation unit 12, the control unit 30 of the MFP 10 executes the SSID search and transmits a PREq signal. As a result, the control unit 30 receives the PRes signal from each of the AP4a and 4b existing around the MFP10. The PRes signal includes authentication method information indicating an authentication method used by the AP that is the source of the PRes signal, encryption method information indicating an encryption method used by the AP, and information used by the AP. Includes SSID and BSSID. Next, the control unit 30 causes the display unit 14 to display a plurality of SSIDs acquired from the plurality of APs. The user uses the operation unit 12 to select one SSID (that is, one AP) from the plurality of SSIDs. The user further inputs the password using the operation unit 12.

The control unit 30 uses the authentication method information, the encryption method information, the SSID, and the BSSID acquired from the selected AP, and also uses the password entered by the user to wirelessly connect to the selected AP. To execute. The wireless connection includes communication processing for the MFP 10 to normally participate in Wi-FiNW (for example, communication processing for authentication (communication of Authentication signal, Association signal, etc.)). As a result, the MFP 10 participates in the normal Wi-FiNW formed by the selected AP. The memory 34 stores each information (authentication method information, etc.) used in the wireless connection with the selected AP as a normal Wi-Fi wireless setting.

(Configuration of mobile terminal 50)
The mobile terminal 50 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a mobile phone (for example, a smartphone), a PDA, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, a portable music playback device, a portable moving image playback device, or the like. The mobile terminal 50 can execute NFC communication, WFD communication, and normal Wi-Fi communication.

The mobile terminal 50 includes an operation unit 52, a display unit 54, a wireless LANI / F60, an NFCI / F62, and a control unit 70. Each part 52 to 70 is connected to a bus line (reference numeral omitted). The operation unit 52 includes a plurality of keys. The user can input various instructions to the mobile terminal 50 by operating the operation unit 52. The display unit 54 is a display for displaying various information.

The wireless LANI / F60 is an interface for executing WFD communication and normal Wi-Fi communication. The NFCI / F62 is an interface for executing NFC communication. The differences between these interfaces 60 and 62 are the same as the differences between the interfaces 20 and 22 of the MFP 10. That is, for example, the communication speed of wireless communication via wireless LANI / F60 is faster than the communication speed of wireless communication via NFCI / F62.

The control unit 70 includes a CPU 72 and a memory 74. The CPU 72 executes various processes according to the program stored in the memory 74. The program in the memory 74 includes an application 76 for causing the MFP 10 to execute various functions (for example, a printing function, a scanning function, etc.). The application 76 may be installed on the mobile terminal 50 from a server provided by the vendor of the MFP 10, for example, or may be installed on the mobile terminal 50 from the media shipped with the MFP 10. When the CPU 72 executes the process according to the application 76, the functions of the respective units 80 to 82 are realized.

Note that, unlike the MFP 10, the mobile terminal 50 cannot belong to the WFDNW and the normal Wi-FiNW at the same time. Further, the mobile terminal 50 cannot belong to two WFDNWs at the same time. When the mobile terminal 50 belongs to WFDNW or normal Wi-FiNW, the memory 34 stores WFD affiliation information or normal Wi-Fi affiliation information in the same manner as the MFP 10.

(Structure of AP4a, 4b)
Each AP4a, 4b is not a WFD G / O device, but a normal AP called a wireless access point or a wireless LAN router, and usually forms a Wi-FiNW. Each AP4a, 4b receives the target data from the first device (for example, the mobile terminal 50) of the plurality of devices usually belonging to Wi-FiNW, and the second device among the above-mentioned plurality of devices. The target data is transmitted to (for example, MFP10). That is, each of the AP4a and 4b can execute a relay function of relaying wireless communication of target data between a pair of devices that normally belong to Wi-FiNW.
Further, each of the AP4a and 4b can execute a router function for relaying data communication between a device normally belonging to Wi-FiNW and the Internet.

The differences between WFD G / O equipment and regular APs (ie, AP4a, 4b, respectively) are as follows. A WFD G / O device may operate in a state different from the G / O state (that is, a client state) when it leaves the WFDNW to which the device belongs and newly belongs to another WFDNW. On the other hand, a normal AP executes a relay function regardless of which normal Wi-FiNW the AP forms. That is, a normal AP can only execute the same operation as the WFD G / O device, and cannot execute the same operation as the WFD CL device.

The administrator of the communication system 2 can select ON or OFF as the privacy separator setting (hereinafter referred to as "PS (Privacy Separator) setting") of each AP4a and 4b. For example, when the PS setting of AP4a is OFF, AP4a can execute both the router function and the relay function. On the other hand, in the state where the PS setting of AP4a is ON, AP4a can execute the router function, but cannot execute the relay function. In this way, when the PS setting of the AP4a is ON, data communication is not executed between the pair of devices belonging to the normal Wi-FiNW formed by the AP4a, so that the security of the normal Wi-FiNW is enhanced. Can be done.

(Communication processing executed by MFP10)
Subsequently, the contents of the communication processing executed by the MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIG. While the power of the MFP 10 is turned on, the NFCI / F22 of the MFP 10 transmits a detection radio wave for detecting a device (that is, a mobile terminal 50) capable of performing NFC communication. The user of the mobile terminal 50 brings the mobile terminal 50 closer to the MFP 10 after performing an operation of selecting a print function or a scan function. As a result, the distance between the mobile terminal 50 and the MFP 10 becomes smaller than the distance that radio waves can reach each other (for example, 10 cm). In this case, the NFCI / F62 of the mobile terminal 50 receives the detection radio wave from the MFP 10 and transmits the response radio wave to the MFP 10. As a result, an NFC communication session is established between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50. The mobile terminal 50 transmits the request data to the MFP 10 by using the NFC communication session.

As shown in S10, the specific data receiving unit 40 of the MFP 10 monitors the reception of request data from the mobile terminal 50 (S10). When the specific data receiving unit 40 receives the request data from the mobile terminal 50 via the NFCI / F22, the specific data receiving unit 40 determines YES in S10 and proceeds to S12. When the print function is selected by the user of the mobile terminal 50, the request data includes a print instruction. On the other hand, when the scan function is selected by the user of the mobile terminal 50, the request data includes a scan instruction. Further, when the mobile terminal 50 belongs to WFDNW or normal Wi-FiNW, the request data further includes the SSID of the wireless network to which the mobile terminal 50 belongs. When the mobile terminal 50 does not belong to either WFDNW or normal Wi-FiNW, the request data does not include the SSID.

(Response transmission process; Fig. 3)
In S12, the control unit 30 executes the response transmission process. In the following, the WFDNW in which the MFP 10 operates as a G / O device will be referred to as "WFDNW (MFP = G / O)". Further, the WFDNW in which the MFP 10 operates as a CL device is described as "WFDNW (MFP = CL)".

As shown in FIG. 3, in S30, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the MFP 10 belongs to the WFDNW (MFP = G / O). Specifically, when the WFD affiliation information is not stored in the memory 34, the control unit 30 determines NO (that is, the MFP 10 does not belong to the WFDNW (MFP = G / O)) in S30. Then proceed to S40. Further, when the control unit 30 stores two WFD affiliation information in the memory 34, that is, the MFP 10 belongs to the first WFDNW (MFP = G / O), and the MFP 10 is the second. If it belongs to WFDNW (MFP = CL), it is determined in S30 as YES (that is, the MFP 10 belongs to WFDNW (MFP = G / O)), and the process proceeds to S32. Further, when one WFD affiliation information is stored in the memory 34, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the state value included in the WFD affiliation information is a value indicating a G / O state. Confirm. The control unit 30 determines YES in S30 when the state value is a value indicating a G / O state, proceeds to S32, and NO in S30 when the state value is a value indicating a client state. Judging that, proceed to S40.

In S32, the second determination unit 46 determines whether or not the request data received from the mobile terminal 50 in S10 of FIG. 2 includes the SSID of the wireless network to which the mobile terminal 50 belongs. If the request data includes the SSID, the second determination unit 46 determines YES in S32 and proceeds to S34. If the request data does not include the SSID, the second determination unit 46 determines NO in S32 and S60. Proceed to.

In S34, the second determination unit 46 determines whether or not the MFP 10 normally belongs to the Wi-FiNW. Specifically, the second determination unit 46 is YES in S34 when the normal Wi-Fi affiliation information is stored in the memory 34 (that is, the MFP 10 belongs to the normal Wi-FiNW). Judging that, the process proceeds to S36. When the normal Wi-Fi affiliation information is not stored in the memory 34, the second determination unit 46 determines NO in S34 (that is, the MFP 10 does not normally belong to the Wi-Fi NW), and determines that S60. Proceed to.

In S36, the second determination unit 46 determines whether or not the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-FiNW. Specifically, the second determination unit 46 determines whether or not the SSID included in the normal Wi-Fi affiliation information in the memory 34 and the SSID included in the request data match. When the second determination unit 46 determines that the two SSIDs match, it determines YES in S36 (that is, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-FiNW), and proceeds to S50. .. On the other hand, when the second determination unit 46 determines that the two SSIDs do not match, it determines NO in S36 (that is, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 do not belong to the same normal Wi-FiNW). , Proceed to S60.

In S50, the first information transmission unit 41 first generates response data. Specifically, the first information transmission unit 41 corresponds to the normal Wi-Fi radio setting included in the normal Wi-Fi affiliation information in the memory 34 and the priority information indicating the first priority. Generate the attached first correspondence information. Next, the first information transmission unit 41 includes WFD affiliation information including a state value indicating the G / O state among one or more WFD affiliation information in the memory 34 (hereinafter, “G / O WFD affiliation information””. To identify). Then, the first information transmission unit 41 provides the second correspondence information in which the WFD radio setting included in the WFD affiliation information for G / O and the priority information indicating the second priority are associated with each other. Generate. The first information transmission unit 41 generates response data including the first correspondence information and the second correspondence information. In S50, the first information transmission unit 41 further transmits the generated response data to the mobile terminal 50 via the NFCI / F22. In FIG. 3, the wireless setting, the first priority, and the second priority are described as "WS (abbreviation of Wireless Setting)", "(1)", and "(2)", respectively. ing.

As described above, in S50, the normal Wi-Fi wireless setting corresponding to the normal Wi-Fi NW to which the mobile terminal 50 belongs has the first priority. For this reason, the mobile terminal 50 usually preferentially uses Wi-FiNW in the application processing of FIG. 4 described later. At this time, since the mobile terminal 50 already belongs to the normal Wi-FiNW, the mobile terminal 50 does not have to execute the connection process (S210 in FIG. 4) (YES in S208 in FIG. 4). Therefore, the processing load of the mobile terminal 50 can be reduced.

In S60, which is executed in the case of NO in S32, S34, or S36, the first information transmission unit 41 identifies the WFD affiliation information for G / O among one or more WFD affiliation information in the memory 34. To do. Then, the first information transmission unit 41 generates response data including the WFD radio setting included in the G / O WFD affiliation information. Unlike S50, in S60, the response data usually does not include Wi-Fi radio settings and priority information. In S60, the first information transmission unit 41 further transmits the generated response data to the mobile terminal 50 via the NFCI / F22.

On the other hand, in S40, the first determination unit 45 determines whether or not the request data received from the mobile terminal 50 in S10 of FIG. 2 includes the SSID of the wireless network to which the mobile terminal 50 belongs. If the request data includes the SSID, the first determination unit 45 determines YES in S40 and proceeds to S42, and if the request data does not include the SSID, determines NO in S40 and S48. Proceed to.

In S42, the first determination unit 45 determines whether or not the MFP 10 usually belongs to at least one of Wi-FiNW and WFDNW (MFP = CL). Specifically, the first determination unit 45 includes at least the Wi-Fi affiliation information and the WFD affiliation information including the state value indicating the client state (hereinafter referred to as "CL WFD affiliation information"). When one of them is stored in the memory 34, it is determined in S42 that YES (that is, the MFP 10 belongs to at least one of the normal Wi-FiNW and the WFDNW (MFP = CL)), and the S44 move on. When neither the normal Wi-Fi affiliation information nor the CL WFD affiliation information is stored in the memory 34, the first determination unit 45 is NO in S42 (that is, the MFP 10 is normally Wi-FiNW and WFDNW). (MFP = CL) does not belong to any of them), and the process proceeds to S48.

In S44, the first determination unit 45 determines whether or not the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW when the normal Wi-Fi affiliation information is stored in the memory 34. The first determination process for doing so is executed. The first determination process is the same as in S36. When the first determination unit 45 determines in the first determination process that the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-FiNW, the first determination unit 45 determines YES in S44 and proceeds to S46.

In S44, the first determination unit 45 further determines whether the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to the same WFDNW (MFP = CL) when the CL WFD affiliation information is stored in the memory 34. The second determination process for determining whether or not is executed. Specifically, the first determination unit 45 determines whether or not the SSID included in the CL WFD affiliation information in the memory 34 and the SSID included in the request data match. When the two SSIDs match, the first determination unit 45 determines that the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to the same WFDNW (MFP = CL). When the first determination unit 45 determines in the second determination process that the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to the same WFDNW (MFP = CL), the first determination unit 45 determines YES in S44 and proceeds to S46. ..

On the other hand, the first determination unit 45 determines in the first determination process that the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 do not belong to the same normal Wi-FiNW, and in the second determination process, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal When it is determined that 50 does not belong to the same WFDNW (MFP = CL), it is determined as NO in S44, and the process proceeds to S48.

In S46, the forming unit 44 shifts the MFP 10 to the autonomous G / O mode. As described above, when a new WFD network should be formed, G / O negotiation is usually performed to determine the G / O device and the CL device. On the other hand, in the autonomous G / O mode, it is determined that the MFP 10 is a G / O device without executing the G / O negotiation. At the stage of S46, the MFP 10 is a G / O device, but there is no CL device. That is, the forming unit 44 forms the WFDNW (MFP = G / O) to which only the G / O device (that is, the MFP 10) belongs by executing S46.

The autonomous G / O mode is a mode in which the MFP 10 is maintained to operate in the G / O state. For example, when the MFP 10 is in the G / O state by G / O negotiation to form a WFD network, and the CL device disappears from the WFD network, the MFP 10 shifts from the G / O state to the device state (that is,). , WFD network disappears). On the other hand, for example, when the MFP 10 is in the G / O state in the autonomous G / O mode to form a WFD network, the MFP 10 maintains the G / O state (that is, even if there is no CL device). Maintain the WFD network).

When S46 is started, the MFP 10 may belong to WFDNW (MFP = CL). In this case, in S46, the forming unit 44 newly forms the WFDNW (MFP = G / O) without detaching the MFP 10 from the WFDNW (MFP = CL).
That is, a state in which the MFP 10 belongs to two WFDNWs at the same time is formed. This point is the same in S48 described later.

In S46, the forming unit 44 further prepares WFD radio settings (that is, authentication method information, encryption method information, SSID, BSSID, and password) to be used in WFDNW (MFP = G / O). The method for preparing the WFD radio setting is as described above. In S46, the forming unit 44 further stores the G / O WFD affiliation information including the state value indicating the G / O state and the prepared WFD radio setting in the memory 34. After finishing S46, the process proceeds to S70.

In S70, the second information transmission unit 42 first generates response data. Specifically, the second information transmission unit 42 includes both the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 from among one or more affiliation information (that is, normal Wi-Fi affiliation information and WFD affiliation information) in the memory 34. The affiliation information (hereinafter referred to as "specific affiliation information") corresponding to the wireless network to which the member belongs (that is, the wireless network determined to be YES in S44) is specified. The specific affiliation information is usually Wi-Fi affiliation information or CL WFD affiliation information. Then, the second information transmission unit 42 has a radio setting included in the specific affiliation information (that is, a normal Wi-Fi radio setting or a WFD radio setting of WFDNW (MFP = CL)) and a first priority. The first correspondence information associated with the priority information indicating is generated. Next, the second information transmission unit 42 indicates the WFD radio setting (that is, the WFD radio setting prepared in S46) included in the G / O WFD affiliation information in the memory 34, and the priority indicating the second priority. Generates a second correspondence information associated with the information. The second information transmission unit 42 generates response data including the first correspondence information and the second correspondence information. In S70, the second information transmission unit 42 further transmits the generated response data to the mobile terminal 50 via the NFCI / F22.

As described above, in S70, the wireless setting corresponding to the wireless network to which the mobile terminal 50 belongs has the first priority. For this reason, the mobile terminal 50 preferentially uses the wireless network in the application processing of FIG. 4 described later. At this time, since the mobile terminal 50 already belongs to the wireless network, the mobile terminal 50 does not have to execute the connection process (S210 in FIG. 4) (YES in S208 in FIG. 4). Therefore, the processing load of the mobile terminal 50 can be reduced.

On the other hand, in S48, the forming unit 44 shifts the MFP 10 to the autonomous G / O mode. S48 is the same as S46. Next, in S60 executed via S48, the third information transmission unit 43 includes the WFD radio setting included in the G / O WFD affiliation information in the memory 34 (that is, the WFD radio setting prepared in S48). Generate response data. Unlike S70, in S60, the response data does not include the normal Wi-Fi radio settings or the WFD radio settings corresponding to WFDNW (MFP = CL) and does not include priority information. In S60 executed via S48, the third information transmission unit 43 further transmits the generated response data to the mobile terminal 50 via the NFCI / F22.

As described above, even if the MFP 10 belongs to the normal Wi-FiNW, if the mobile terminal 50 does not belong to the normal Wi-FiNW (NO in S36 or NO in S44), the MFP10 usually belongs to the Wi-FiNW. The normal Wi-Fi wireless setting corresponding to Wi-FiNW is not transmitted to the mobile terminal 50 (S60). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the security of the normal Wi-FiNW to which the MFP10 belongs. Similarly, even if the MFP 10 belongs to WFDNW (MFP = CL), if the mobile terminal 50 does not belong to the WFDNW (MFP = CL) (NO in S44), the MFP 10 has the WFDNW (MFP = CL). ) Is not transmitted to the mobile terminal 50 (S60). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the security of the WFDNW (MFP = CL) to which the MFP 10 belongs from being lowered.

On the other hand, in the WFDNW (MFP = G / O) to which the MFP 10 belongs, there is no problem even if the MFP 10 determines the security policy of the WFDNW. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the mobile terminal 50 does not belong to the WFDNW (MFP = G / O), the MFP 10 sets the WFD radio setting corresponding to the WFDNW (MFP = G / O). It is transmitted to the mobile terminal 50 (S50, S60, S70). Thereby, as will be described in detail later, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can appropriately execute the communication of the target data by using the WFDNW (MFP = G / O).

(Processing after S14 in FIG. 2)
When S50, S60, or S70 of FIG. 3 is executed, the response transmission process of FIG. 3 ends. In this case, the process proceeds to S14 in FIG. Regardless of which of S50, S60, and S70 of FIG. 3 is executed, the WFD radio setting corresponding to WFDNW (MFP = G / O) is transmitted to the mobile terminal 50. As will be described in detail later, when the mobile terminal 50 does not belong to the WFDNW (MFP = G / O), the connection for participating in the WFDNW (MFP = G / O) using the WFD wireless setting is used. A signal (for example, an Authentication Request signal or an Association Request signal) is transmitted to the MFP 10 (see S210 in FIG. 4). In S14, the control unit 30 monitors the reception of the connection signal from the mobile terminal 50 via the wireless LANI / F20. When the control unit 30 receives the connection signal from the mobile terminal 50, the control unit 30 determines YES in S14 and proceeds to S16. If NO in S14, the process proceeds to S18.

In S16, the control unit 30 transmits a connection response signal (for example, an Authentication Response signal, an Association Response signal), which is a response signal to the above connection signal, to the mobile terminal 50 via the wireless LANI / F20. As a result, the mobile terminal 50 can participate in WFDNW (MFP = G / O). That is, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to the same WFDNW (MFP = G / O). After finishing S16, the process proceeds to S18.

Further, as will be described in detail later, the mobile terminal 50 transmits a confirmation signal (for example, a PING signal) to the MFP 10 by using the wireless network to which both the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong (see S212 in FIG. 4). .. In S18, the communication execution unit 47 monitors the reception of the confirmation signal from the mobile terminal 50 via the wireless LANI / F20. When the communication execution unit 47 receives the confirmation signal from the mobile terminal 50, it determines YES in S18 and proceeds to S20. If NO in S18, the process returns to S14.

In S20, the control unit 30 transmits a confirmation response signal (for example, a PING Response signal), which is a response signal to the above confirmation signal, to the mobile terminal 50 via the wireless LANI / F20.
After finishing S20, the process proceeds to S22.

Even if the confirmation signal is transmitted from the mobile terminal 50 to the MFP 10 by using the wireless network to which both the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong (hereinafter referred to as "both belonging NW"), the MFP 10 causes the confirmation signal. May not be received. For example, in a situation where both belonging NWs are normal Wi-FiNWs, when the PS setting of the AP forming the normal Wi-FiNW is ON, the AP receives a confirmation signal from the mobile terminal 50. However, the confirmation signal is not transmitted to the MFP 10. Further, for example, in a situation where both NWs belong to WFDNW (that is, WFDNW (that is, MFP = CL, mobile terminal = CL)) in which both the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 operate as CL devices, the WFDNW (MFP = CL, When the PS setting of the G / O device forming the mobile terminal = CL) is ON, the G / O device transmits the confirmation signal to the MFP 10 even if the confirmation signal is received from the mobile terminal 50. do not. In this way, even if both belonging NWs are used, there is a possibility that the communication of the confirmation signal and the confirmation response signal cannot be executed. When such both affiliated NWs are used, communication of target data (that is, print data or scan data) cannot be executed.

On the other hand, when both belonging NWs are WFDNW (MFP = G / O), the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 do not execute communication via a relay device (that is, an AP or G / O device). , Execute communication directly. Therefore, the event that the data communication is not successful does not occur due to the PS setting of the relay device being ON. Further, even in a situation where both belonging NWs are usually Wi-FiNW or WFDNW (MFP = CL, mobile terminal = CL), if the PS setting of the relay device is OFF, the communication of the confirmation signal and the confirmation response signal is executed. It is possible. When such both belonging NWs are used, communication of target data (that is, print data or scan data) can be executed.

In view of such a situation, in S22, the communication execution unit 47 uses a wireless network (hereinafter referred to as a “specific wireless network”) in which the confirmation signal and the confirmation response signal are successfully communicated, and the wireless LANI / Communication of target data is executed via F20. As a result, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can appropriately perform communication of the target data. For example, in S22 executed via S50 in FIG. 3, usually Wi-FiNW or WFDNW (MFP = G / O) is the above-mentioned specific wireless network. Further, for example, in S22 executed via S60 in FIG. 3, WFDNW (MFP = G / O) is the above-mentioned specific wireless network. Further, for example, in S22 executed via S70 in FIG. 3, usually Wi-FiNW, WFDNW (MFP = CL), or WFDNW (MFP = G / O) is the above-mentioned specific wireless network.

For example, when the request data received in S10 includes a print instruction, in S22, the communication execution unit 47 uses the above-mentioned specific wireless network from the mobile terminal 50 via the wireless LANI / F20. Receive print data. Next, the control unit 30 supplies print data (that is, target data) to the print execution unit 16. As a result, the print execution unit 16 prints the image represented by the print data on the print medium. Further, when the request data received in S10 includes a scan instruction, in S22, the control unit 30 activates the scan execution unit 18. As a result, the scan execution unit 18 scans the document and generates scan data. Next, the communication execution unit 47 transmits scan data (that is, target data) to the mobile terminal 50 via the wireless LANI / F20 using the specific wireless network described above. When S22 is completed, the process returns to S10.

The print data or scan data usually has a large data size as compared with each data (for example, request data, response data) communicated by NFC communication.
As described above, the communication speed of NFC communication is slower than the communication speed of WFD communication or normal Wi-Fi communication. Therefore, if a configuration is adopted in which the wireless communication of the target data is executed between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 by using the NFC communication, it takes a long time for the wireless communication of the target data. In view of such circumstances, in the present embodiment, the MFP 10 transmits the response data for executing the wireless communication of the target data to the mobile terminal 50 by WFD communication or normal Wi-Fi communication. As a result, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can execute WFD communication or normal Wi-Fi communication of the target data, and as a result, wireless communication of the target data can be executed quickly.

(Application processing of mobile terminal 50; FIG. 4)
Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 4, the content of the process executed by the control unit 70 of the mobile terminal 50 according to the application 76 will be described. When the user of the mobile terminal 50 wants the MFP 10 to execute the printing function or the scanning function, he / she operates the operation unit 52 to start the application 76. As a result, the control unit 70 starts the flowchart of FIG. 4 according to the application 76.

The user operates the operation unit 52 to select a function (print function or scan function) to be executed by the MFP 10. When selecting the print function, the user further operates the operation unit 52 to select data to be printed (that is, print data) stored in the memory 74 of the mobile terminal 50. When the print function or the scan function is selected by the user, the control unit 70 determines YES in S200 and proceeds to S202.

In S202, the specific data transmission unit 80 first generates request data including an instruction (print instruction or scan instruction) corresponding to the selected function. Further, when the Wi-Fi affiliation information or the WFD affiliation information is normally stored in the memory 74, the specific data transmission unit 80 specifies the SSID included in the affiliation information. Then, the specific data transmission unit 80 generates request data including the specified SSID. In S202, the specific data transmission unit 80 further monitors that an NFC communication session is established between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50. When the NFC communication session is established, the specific data transmission unit 80 transmits the generated request data to the MFP 10 via the NFCI / F62. As a result, the MFP 10 receives the request data (see S10 in FIG. 2).

As described above, in S50, S60, or S70 of FIG. 3, the MFP 10 transmits the response data to the mobile terminal 50. As a result, in S204, the information receiving unit 81 receives the response data from the MFP 10 via the NFCI / F62.

Next, in S206, the communication execution unit 82 identifies the radio setting having the highest priority among the one or more radio settings included in the response data received in S204.
For example, when the response data includes the WFD radio setting corresponding to WFDNW (MFP = G / O) and does not include other radio settings (see S60 in FIG. 3), the communication execution unit 82 uses the WFD radio. Identify the settings. Further, for example, when the response data includes two wireless settings (see S50 and S70 in FIG. 3), in the first S206, the communication execution unit 82 uses the priority information indicating the first priority. Identify the associated wireless settings. Note that this wireless setting matches the wireless setting included in the affiliation information in the memory 74, that is, the wireless setting corresponding to the wireless network to which the mobile terminal 50 belongs. This is because in S50 or S70 of FIG. 3, the radio setting corresponding to the wireless network to which both the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong is associated with the priority information indicating the first priority.

Next, in S208, the communication execution unit 82 determines whether or not the mobile terminal 50 belongs to a wireless network (hereinafter referred to as "target wireless network") corresponding to the wireless setting specified in S206. .. Specifically, when the wireless setting specified in S206 and the wireless setting included in the affiliation information in the memory 74 match, the communication execution unit 82 determines YES in S208 and sets S210. Skip to S212. On the other hand, if the wireless setting specified in S206 and the wireless setting included in the affiliation information in the memory 74 do not match, the communication execution unit 82 determines NO in S208 and proceeds to S210.

In S210, the communication execution unit 82 executes the connection process by using the wireless setting specified in S206. Specifically, the communication execution unit 82 is a connection for connecting to a target relay device (for example, AP4a, 4b, or an MFP10 operating as a G / O device) forming the target wireless network. Generate a signal. Next, the communication execution unit 82 transmits the connection signal to the target relay device via the wireless LANI / F60, and as a result, receives the connection response signal from the target relay device via the wireless LANI / F60. To do. Communication of the connection signal and the connection response signal is executed a plurality of times. For example, an Authentication Request signal is transmitted as a connection signal, and an Authentication Response signal is received as a connection response signal.
Further, for example, an Association Request signal is transmitted as a connection signal, and an Association Response signal is received as a connection response signal. When the target relay device is an MFP 10 that operates as a G / O device, the MFP 10 receives a connection signal from the mobile terminal 50 in S14 of FIG. 2 and sends a connection response signal to the mobile terminal in S16. Send to 50.

In the process of communicating the connection signal and the connection response signal, the communication execution unit 82 transmits the authentication method information, the encryption method information, the password, the SSID, and the BSSID included in the radio setting specified in S206. As a result, the target relay device authenticates the mobile terminal 50. If the authentication is successful, the connection between the mobile terminal 50 and the target relay device is successful, and as a result, the mobile terminal 50 newly joins the target wireless network. At the stage when S210 is executed, the mobile terminal 50 may belong to the existing wireless network.
In this case, the mobile terminal 50 leaves the existing wireless network and newly joins the target wireless network.

Next, in S212, the communication execution unit 82 transmits a confirmation signal (for example, a PING signal) to the MFP 10 via the wireless LANI / F60 using the wireless network to which the mobile terminal 50 belongs. For example, if YES in S208, the wireless network used in S212 is an existing wireless network to which the mobile terminal 50 belongs at the stage when the application processing of FIG. 4 is started. Further, for example, in the case of NO in S208, the wireless network used in S212 is the target wireless network to which the mobile terminal 50 newly participates in the connection processing of S210.

In S214, the communication execution unit 82 monitors the reception of the confirmation response signal (for example, the PING Response signal) from the MFP 10 via the wireless LANI / F60. As described above, when the PS setting of the relay device forming the wireless network used for the communication of the confirmation signal is ON, the communication execution unit 82 does not receive the confirmation response signal. In this case, the communication execution unit 82 determines NO in S214 and proceeds to S216. On the other hand, when the communication execution unit 82 receives the confirmation response signal, it determines YES in S214 and proceeds to S218.

In S216, the communication execution unit 82 determines whether or not there is a radio setting that has not yet been specified in S206 among one or more radio settings included in the response data received in S204. If there is no wireless setting that has not yet been specified in S206, the communication execution unit 82 determines NO in S216 and proceeds to S220. On the other hand, if there is a radio setting that has not yet been specified in S206, the communication execution unit 82 determines YES in S216 and executes the second S206.

In the second S206, the communication execution unit 82 identifies the wireless setting having the highest priority among the wireless settings that have not yet been specified in the first S206. In this embodiment, "2" is the maximum number of wireless settings included in the response data. Therefore, in the second S206, the communication execution unit 82 associates with the priority information indicating the second priority. Identify the wireless settings that are being set. This wireless setting is a WFD wireless setting corresponding to WFDNW (MFP = G / O). This is because in S50 or S70 of FIG. 3, the WFD radio setting corresponding to WFDNW (MFP = G / O) is associated with the priority information indicating the second priority. Therefore, when S208 to S214 are subsequently executed, the communication execution unit 82 usually receives the confirmation response signal from the MFP 10 in S214. In WFDNW (MFP = G / O), since communication is directly executed without going through the relay device, the event that the data communication is not successful due to the PS setting of the relay device being ON occurs. This is because it does not occur.

In S218, the communication execution unit 82 communicates the target data via the wireless LANI / F60 by using the wireless network (hereinafter referred to as “specific wireless network”) in which the confirmation signal and the response signal are successfully communicated. To execute. For example, when the print function is selected in S200, in S218, the communication execution unit 82 transmits print data to the MFP 10 via the wireless LANI / F60 using the specific wireless network described above. When the scan function is selected in S200, in S218, the communication execution unit 82 receives scan data from the MFP 10 via the wireless LANI / F60 using the specific wireless network described above. In this case, the control unit 70 stores the scan data in the memory 74.
When S218 ends, the application process of FIG. 4 ends.

In S220, the control unit 70 causes the display unit 54 to display information indicating that communication between the MFP 10 and the target data cannot be executed. When S220 ends, the application process of FIG. 4 ends. In S210, when the mobile terminal 50 leaves the existing wireless network and joins the new wireless network, the control unit 70 further performs the following processing when the application processing of FIG. 4 is completed. Execute. That is, the control unit 70 detaches the mobile terminal 50 from the wireless network joined in S210, and rejoins the mobile terminal 50 in the existing wireless network.

(Specific case)
Next, a specific case realized by the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. In FIGS. 5 to 8, the thin arrow between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 indicates NFC communication, and the thick arrow between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 indicates WFD communication or normal Wi-Fi communication. The PS setting of AP4a is ON.

(Fig. 5; Case A)
In case A, a WFDNW (MFP = G / O) in which the MFP 10 is a G / O device and the PC 6 is a CL device is formed. In WFDNW (MFP = G / O), WFD radio setting WS1 including SSID "01" is used. Further, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to the normal Wi-FiNW formed by AP4a. In the normal Wi-FiNW, the normal Wi-Fi radio setting WS4 including the SSID "04" is used.

When the print function is selected by the user (YES in S200 of FIG. 4), the mobile terminal 50 transmits the request data including the print instruction and the SSID "04" to the MFP 10 by using NFC communication (S202). ..

When the MFP10 receives the request data from the mobile terminal 50 (YES in S10 of FIG. 2), the MFP10 determines YES in S30 of FIG. 3, YES in S32, YES in S34, and YES in S36. To do. As a result, the MFP 10 has the normal Wi-Fi radio setting WS4 associated with the priority information indicating the first priority and the WFD radio setting associated with the priority information indicating the second priority. Response data including WS1 is transmitted to the mobile terminal 50 using NFC communication (S50).

When the mobile terminal 50 receives the response data from the MFP 10 (S204 in FIG. 4), the mobile terminal 50 identifies the normal Wi-Fi radio setting WS4 associated with the priority information indicating the first priority (S206). Next, the mobile terminal 50 determines YES in S208, and normally uses Wi-FiNW to transmit a confirmation signal to the MFP 10 (S212). However, since the PS setting of the AP4a is ON, the AP4a does not transmit the confirmation signal to the MFP 10 even if it receives the confirmation signal from the mobile terminal 50. As a result, the mobile terminal 50 does not receive the confirmation response signal and determines NO in S214.

Next, the mobile terminal 50 identifies the WFD radio setting WS1 associated with the priority information indicating the second priority (S206). In this case, the mobile terminal 50 determines NO in S208, connects to the MFP 10 which is a G / O device by using the WFD wireless setting WS1, and newly participates in the WFDNW (MFP = G / O) (S210). ). Next, the mobile terminal 50 uses WFDNW (MFP = G / O) to transmit a confirmation signal to the MFP 10 (S212).

In WFDNW (MFP = G / O), the confirmation signal is transmitted to the MFP 10 without going through the relay device. Therefore, the MFP 10 receives the confirmation signal from the mobile terminal 50 by using the WFDNW (MFP = G / O) (YES in S18 of FIG. 2). In this case, the MFP 10 uses the WFDNW (MFP = G / O) to transmit the confirmation response signal to the mobile terminal 50 (S20).

When the mobile terminal 50 receives the confirmation signal from the MFP 10 (YES in S214 of FIG. 4), the mobile terminal 50 transmits the print data to the MFP 10 using WFDNW (MFP = G / O) (S218). As a result, the MFP 10 receives the print data by using the WFDNW (MFP = G / O) (S22 in FIG. 2). As a result, the image represented by the print data is printed on the print medium.

(Fig. 6; Case B)
In case B, the WFDNW (MFP = G / O) to which the MFP 10 and PC 6 belong is the same as the WFDNW (MFP = G / O) in case A. Further, the MFP 10 belongs to the normal Wi-FiNW formed by AP4a. In the normal Wi-FiNW, the normal Wi-Fi radio setting WS4 including the SSID "04" is used. Further, the mobile terminal 50 belongs to the normal Wi-FiNW formed by AP4b. In the normal Wi-FiNW, the normal Wi-Fi radio setting WS5 including the SSID "05" is used.

When the print function is selected by the user (YES in S200 of FIG. 4), the mobile terminal 50 transmits the request data including the print instruction and the SSID “05” to the MFP 10 by using NFC communication (FIG. 4). S202).

When the MFP10 receives the request data from the mobile terminal 50 (YES in S10 of FIG. 2), the MFP10 determines YES in S30 of FIG. 3, YES in S32, YES in S34, and NO in S36. To do. As a result, the MFP 10 transmits the response data including the WFD radio setting WS1 and not normally including the Wi-Fi radio setting WS4 to the mobile terminal 50 using NFC communication (S60 in FIG. 3).

When the mobile terminal 50 receives the response data from the MFP 10 (S204 in FIG. 4), the mobile terminal 50 identifies the WFD radio setting WS1 (S206). Next, the mobile terminal 50 determines NO in S208, connects to the MFP 10 which is a G / O device by using the WFD wireless setting WS1, and newly participates in the WFDNW (MFP = G / O) (S210). .. Subsequent operations of the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 are the same as in Case A.

(Fig. 7; Case C)
In case C, similarly to case A, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to the normal Wi-FiNW formed by AP4a. In the normal Wi-FiNW, the normal Wi-Fi radio setting WS2 including the SSID "02" is used. The MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 do not belong to WFDNW.

When the print function is selected by the user (YES in S200 of FIG. 4), the mobile terminal 50 transmits the request data including the print instruction and the SSID “02” to the MFP 10 by using NFC communication (FIG. 4). S202).

When the MFP10 receives the request data from the mobile terminal 50 (YES in S10 of FIG. 2), the MFP10 determines NO in S30 of FIG. 3, YES in S40, YES in S42, and YES in S44. To do. As a result, the MFP 10 shifts to the autonomous G / O mode and forms a WFDNW (MFP = G / O) (S46). In WFDNW (MFP = G / O), WFD radio setting WS3 is used. Next, the MFP 10 has a normal Wi-Fi radio setting WS2 associated with the priority information indicating the first priority and a WFD radio setting WS3 associated with the priority information indicating the second priority. The response data including the above is transmitted to the mobile terminal 50 using NFC communication (S70).

When the mobile terminal 50 receives the response data from the MFP 10 (S204 in FIG. 4), the mobile terminal 50 identifies the normal Wi-Fi radio setting WS2 associated with the priority information indicating the first priority (S206). Next, the mobile terminal 50 determines YES in S208, and normally uses Wi-FiNW to transmit a confirmation signal to the MFP 10 (S212). However, since the PS setting of the AP4a is ON, the AP4a does not transmit the confirmation signal to the MFP 10 even if it receives the confirmation signal from the mobile terminal 50. As a result, the mobile terminal 50 does not receive the confirmation response signal and determines NO in S214.

Next, the mobile terminal 50 identifies the WFD radio setting WS3 associated with the priority information indicating the second priority (S206). In this case, the mobile terminal 50 determines NO in S208, connects to the MFP 10 which is a G / O device by using the WFD wireless setting WS3, and newly participates in the WFDNW (MFP = G / O) (S210). ). Subsequent operations of the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 are the same as in Case A.

(Fig. 8; Case D)
In Case D, the MFP 10 belongs to the normal Wi-FiNW formed by AP4a. In the normal Wi-FiNW, the normal Wi-Fi radio setting WS2 including the SSID "02" is used. Further, the mobile terminal 50 belongs to the normal Wi-FiNW formed by AP4b. In the normal Wi-FiNW, the normal Wi-Fi radio setting WS6 including the SSID "06" is used.

When the print function is selected by the user (YES in S200 of FIG. 4), the mobile terminal 50 transmits the request data including the print instruction and the SSID “06” to the MFP 10 by using NFC communication (FIG. 4). S202).

When the MFP10 receives the request data from the mobile terminal 50 (YES in S10 of FIG. 2), the MFP10 determines NO in S30 of FIG. 3, YES in S40, YES in S42, and NO in S44. To do. As a result, the MFP 10 shifts to the autonomous G / O mode and forms a WFDNW (MFP = G / O) (S48). In WFDNW (MFP = G / O), WFD radio setting WS3 is used. Next, the MFP 10 transmits the response data including the WFD radio setting WS3 and not normally including the Wi-Fi radio setting WS2 to the mobile terminal 50 using NFC communication (S60).

When the mobile terminal 50 receives the response data from the MFP 10 (S204 in FIG. 4), the mobile terminal 50 identifies the WFD radio setting WS3 (S206). Next, the mobile terminal 50 determines NO in S208, connects to the MFP 10 which is a G / O device by using the WFD wireless setting WS3, and newly participates in the WFDNW (MFP = G / O) (S210). .. Subsequent operations of the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 are the same as in Case A.

(Effect of the first embodiment)
As shown in cases A and B of FIGS. 5 and 6, when the MFP 10 belongs to the WFDNW (MFP = G / O), the WFD radio setting WS1 corresponding to the WFDNW (MFP = G / O) Is transmitted to the mobile terminal 50. Therefore, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can appropriately execute the communication of the target data by using the WFDNW (MFP = G / O).

When the MFP 10 belongs not only to WFDNW (MFP = G / O) but also to normal Wi-FiNW, it is classified into Case A and Case B. That is, in case A of FIG. 5, since the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-FiNW, the MFP 10 has the normal Wi-Fi radio setting WS4 corresponding to the normal Wi-FiNW and the WFDNW (MFP = The WFD wireless setting WS1 corresponding to G / O) is transmitted to the mobile terminal 50. As a result, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can appropriately perform the communication of the target data by using the Wi-FiNW or the WFDNW (MFP = G / O). In particular, in case A, since the PS setting of AP4a is ON, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 cannot normally execute the communication of the target data by using Wi-FiNW. However, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can appropriately execute the communication of the target data by using the WFDNW (MFP = G / O).

Further, in case B of FIG. 6, since the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 do not belong to the same normal Wi-FiNW, the MFP 10 transmits the normal Wi-Fi wireless setting WS4 corresponding to the normal Wi-FiNW to the mobile terminal 50. Instead, the WFD wireless setting WS1 corresponding to WFDNW (MFP = G / O) is transmitted to the mobile terminal 50. As a result, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the security of the normal Wi-FiNW to which the MFP10 belongs. Moreover, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can appropriately execute the communication of the target data by using the WFDNW (MFP = G / O).

Further, as shown in Case C of FIG. 7, the MFP 10 does not belong to WFDNW (MFP = G / O), but when it normally belongs to Wi-FiNW, it is WFDNW (MFP = G / O). Is newly formed. Since the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-FiNW, the MFP 10 has a normal Wi-Fi radio setting WS2 corresponding to the normal Wi-FiNW and a WFD radio corresponding to the WFDNW (MFP = G / O). The setting WS3 and the setting WS3 are transmitted to the mobile terminal 50. As a result, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can appropriately perform the communication of the target data by using the Wi-FiNW or the WFDNW (MFP = G / O). In particular, in case C, since the PS setting of AP4a is ON, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 cannot normally execute the communication of the target data by using Wi-FiNW. However, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can appropriately execute the communication of the target data by using the WFDNW (MFP = G / O).

Further, as shown in Case D of FIG. 8, since the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 do not belong to the same normal Wi-FiNW, the MFP 10 carries the normal Wi-Fi wireless setting WS2 corresponding to the normal Wi-FiNW. The WFD wireless setting WS3 corresponding to WFDNW (MFP = G / O) is transmitted to the mobile terminal 50 without transmitting to the terminal 50. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the security of the normal Wi-FiNW to which the MFP10 belongs. Moreover, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can appropriately execute the communication of the target data by using the WFDNW (MFP = G / O).

(Correspondence)
The MFP 10 is an example of a "communication device". The MFP10 NFCI / F22 and the wireless LANI / F20 are examples of "a first-class interface of a communication device" and "two types of interfaces of a communication device," respectively. Further, the NFCI / F62 and the wireless LANI / F60 of the mobile terminal 50 are examples of the "first type interface of the mobile terminal" and the "second type interface of the mobile terminal", respectively. The request data communicated in S10 of FIG. 2 and S202 of FIG. 4 and the SSID included in the request data are examples of "specific data" and "identification information", respectively. The radio setting included in the response data communicated in S12 of FIG. 2 and S204 of FIG. 4 is an example of "specific information". The priority information transmitted in S50 and S70 of FIG. 3 is an example of "instruction information". Further, the G / O state is an example of the "master station", and the client state or the state of normally participating in Wi-FiNW is an example of the "slave station".

In case A of FIG. 5, WFDNW (MFP = G / O), WFD wireless setting WS1, normal Wi-FiNW, and normal Wi-Fi wireless setting WS4 are the "first wireless network" and "first information," respectively. , "Fourth wireless network", "Fourth information".
In cases C and D of FIGS. 7 and 8, the normal Wi-FiNW, the normal Wi-Fi radio setting WS2, the WFDNW (MFP = G / O) formed by the MFP10, and the WFD radio setting WS3 are "second", respectively. This is an example of "wireless network", "second information", "third wireless network", and "third information". The wireless network used in S22 of FIG. 2 and S218 of FIG. 4 is an example of a “specific wireless network”. The case of YES in S30 of FIG. 3 and the case of YES in S42 are examples of "first case" and "second case", respectively. Further, S50 of FIG. 3 or S60 executed via S36 is an example of the processing executed by the "first information transmitting unit". S70 is an example of the process executed by the “second information transmission unit”. S60 executed via S48 is an example of the process executed by the "third information transmitting unit".

In cases A and B of FIGS. 5 and 6, the normal Wi-FiNW, the normal Wi-Fi wireless setting WS4, the WFDNW (MFP = G / O), and the WFD wireless setting WS1 are the "fifth wireless network", respectively. This is an example of "fifth information", "sixth wireless network", and "sixth information". In cases C and D of FIGS. 7 and 8, the normal Wi-FiNW, the normal Wi-Fi radio setting WS2, the WFDNW (MFP = G / O) formed by the MFP10, and the WFD radio setting WS3 are "fifth, respectively. This is an example of "wireless network", "fifth information", "sixth wireless network", and "sixth information". The case of YES in S36 or YES in S44 of FIG. 3 is an example of the "third case", and the case of NO in S36 or NO in S44 is the "fourth case". This is an example.

(Second Example)
In this embodiment, the content of the response transmission process (FIG. 3) in S12 of FIG. 2 is different from that of the first embodiment. As described above, in the first embodiment, if the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 do not belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW (NO in S36 or NO in S44 in FIG. 3), the MFP 10 sets the normal Wi-Fi radio setting. It is not transmitted to the mobile terminal 50 (S60). Further, if the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 do not belong to the same WFDNW (MFP = CL) (NO in S44), the MFP 10 does not transmit the WFD radio setting corresponding to the WFDNW (MFP = CL) to the mobile terminal 50 (N). S60). On the other hand, in this embodiment, the MFP 10 corresponds to all wireless networks capable of executing communication between the mobile terminal 50 and the target data regardless of whether the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to the same wireless network. All wireless settings to be performed are transmitted to the mobile terminal 50.

S130 and S132 in FIG. 9 are the same as S30 and S34 in FIG. If YES in S132, the MFP 10 usually belongs to Wi-FiNW and WFDNW (MFP = G / O). In this case, in S150, the first information transmission unit 41 executes the same process as in S50 of FIG. When NO in S132, the MFP 10 belongs to WFDNW (MFP = G / O). In this case, in S160, the first information transmission unit 41 executes the same process as in S60 of FIG.

S134 is the same as S132. If YES in S134, the control unit 30 determines in S136 whether or not the MFP 10 belongs to WFDNW (MFP = CL). The determination method of S136 is the same as the determination method used in S42 of FIG. The forming unit 44 executes S138 when YES in S136, and executes S140 when NO in S136. S138 and S140 are the same as S46 (or S48) in FIG.

When S138 is executed, the MFP 10 usually belongs to Wi-FiNW, WFDNW (MFP = CL), and WFDNW (MFP = G / O). In S170 executed via S138, the second information transmission unit 42 associates the normal Wi-Fi radio setting corresponding to the normal Wi-FiNW with the priority information indicating the first priority. Generates the first correspondence information. The second information transmission unit 42 further generates a second correspondence information in which the WFD radio setting corresponding to WFDNW (MFP = CL) and the priority information indicating the second priority are associated with each other. To do. The second information transmission unit 42 further has a third correspondence information in which the WFD radio setting corresponding to WFDNW (MFP = G / O) and the priority information indicating the third priority are associated with each other. To generate. Then, the second information transmission unit 42 generates response data including the first correspondence information, the second correspondence information, and the third correspondence information.
In S170, the second information transmission unit 42 further transmits the generated response data to the mobile terminal 50 via the NFCI / F22.

At the stage of S170, the mobile terminal 50 cannot belong to WFDNW (MFP = G / O). This is because WFDNW (MFP = G / O) is a new WEDNW formed by the MFP 10 in S138. However, at the stage of S170, there is a possibility that the mobile terminal 50 usually belongs to Wi-FiNW or WFDNW (MFP = CL). Therefore, in this embodiment, in S170, the response data is generated so that the priority of the normal Wi-FiNW and WFDNW (MFP = CL) is higher than the priority of the WFDNW (MFP = G / O). .. This makes it possible to increase the possibility that the mobile terminal 50 does not have to execute the connection process of S210 in FIG. 4, and as a result, the processing load of the mobile terminal 50 can be reduced. In the modified example, in S170, in the second information transmission unit 42, the priority of WFDNW (MFP = CL) is the first priority, and the priority of the normal Wi-FiNW is the second priority. Response data may be generated so as to be.

When S140 is executed, the MFP 10 usually belongs to Wi-FiNW and WFDNW (MFP = G / O). S180 executed via S140 is similar to S70 in FIG. 3, where Wi-FiNW is usually adopted as the first priority.

S142 is the same as S136. The forming unit 44 executes S144 when YES in S142, and executes S146 when NO in S142. S144 and S146 are the same as S46 (or S48) in FIG.

When S144 is executed, the MFP 10 belongs to WFDNW (MFP = CL) and WFDNW (MFP = G / O). S190 executed via S144 is similar to S70 in FIG. 3 in which WFDNW (MFP = CL) is adopted as the first priority.

When S146 is executed, the MFP 10 belongs to WFDNW (MFP = G / O). S160 executed via S146 is the same as S60 in FIG.

(Effect of the second embodiment)
In this embodiment, when the MFP 10 belongs to WFDNW (MFP = G / O) (YES in S130), the MFP 10 transmits the WFD radio setting corresponding to WFDNW (MFP = G / O) to the mobile terminal 50 ( S150, S160). Therefore, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can appropriately execute the communication of the target data by using the WFDNW (MFP = G / O). Further, the MFP10 does not belong to WFDNW (MFP = G / O), but belongs to another wireless network (usually Wi-FiNW or WFDNW (MFP = CL)) (YES in S134, or WFDNW (MFP = G / O) is newly formed in S142 (YES), and corresponds to the wireless setting (normal Wi-Fi wireless setting or WFDNW (MFP = CL)) corresponding to the above other wireless networks. The WFD wireless setting) and the WFD wireless setting corresponding to WFDNW (MFP = G / O) are transmitted to the mobile terminal 50 (S170, S180, S190). For this purpose, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can appropriately perform communication of the target data by using the other wireless network described above or WFDNW (MFP = G / O). Even if the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 cannot perform communication of the target data by using the other wireless network described above, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 still have the WFDNW (MFP = G) formed by the MFP 10. / O) can be used to appropriately communicate the target data.

(Correspondence)
The case of YES in S130 is an example of the "first case". That is, WFDNW (MFP = G / O) is an example of the "first wireless network". The case of YES in S134 or the case of YES in S142 is an example of the "second case". That is, usually Wi-FiNW or WFDNW (MFP = CL) is an example of a "second wireless network".
Further, WFDNW (MFP = G / O) formed by S138, S140, or S146 is an example of a "third wireless network". Further, S150 or S160 is an example of the process executed by the "first information transmitting unit". S170, S180, or S190 is an example of the processing executed by the "second information transmission unit".

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 case A of FIG. 5, the first information transmission unit 41 of the MFP 10 has all the information (that is, the authentication method information, the encryption method information, the SSID, the BSSID, and the WFD radio setting WS1). , Password) is transmitted to the mobile terminal 50 (S50 in FIG. 3). Instead, the first information transmission unit 41 may transmit response data including a part of information (for example, SSID and password) of the WFD radio setting WS1 to the mobile terminal 50. In this case, the communication execution unit 82 of the mobile terminal 50 executes the SSID search (that is, transmits a PREq signal) when the mobile terminal 50 should be newly joined to the WFDNW (MFP = G / O). The PRes signal may be received from the MFP 10 operating as a G / O device. The PRes signal includes each information used in WFDNW (MFP = G / O) (that is, authentication method information, encryption method information, SSID, and BSSID).
As a result, the communication execution unit 82 can acquire each information (that is, authentication method information, encryption method information, and BSSID) other than some information included in the response data, and newly participates in WFDNW. can do. That is, the "first information" may be all the information in the WFD radio setting WS1 as in the above embodiment, or one of the WFD radio setting WS1 as in this modification. It may be the information of the department. Similarly, the "sixth information" may be all the information in the WFD radio setting WS1 or may be a part of the information in the WFD radio setting WS1.

(Modification 2) Similar to the modification 1, the "second information" may be all the information in the normal Wi-Fi wireless setting WS2 (see case C in FIG. 7), or the normal Wi. -It may be a part of the information of the Fi wireless setting WS2. Further, in case C of FIG. 7, since the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to the same normal Wi-Fi NW, the normal Wi-Fi wireless setting is already stored in the memory 74 of the mobile terminal 50. Therefore, instead of transmitting the normal Wi-Fi wireless setting WS2, the second information transmission unit 42 provides the mobile terminal 50 with continuous use information indicating that the wireless network to which the mobile terminal 50 belongs is continuously used. May be sent to.
In this modification, the continuous use information is an example of "second information". Similarly, the "fifth information" may be all the information in the normal Wi-Fi radio setting WS2, or may be a part of the information in the normal Wi-Fi radio setting WS2. However, it may be continuous use information.

(Modification 3) Similar to the modification 1, the "third information" may be all the information in the WFD radio setting WS3 (see cases C and D in FIGS. 7 and 8). It may be some information of WFD radio setting WS3. Similarly, the "sixth information" may be all the information in the WFD radio setting WS3, or may be some information in the WFD radio setting WS3.

(Modified Example 4) Similar to the modified example 1, the "fourth information" may be all the information in the normal Wi-Fi wireless setting WS4 (see case A in FIG. 5), or the normal Wi. -It may be a part of the information of the Fi wireless setting WS4. Further, as in the second modification, the first information transmission unit 41 may transmit the continuous use information to the mobile terminal 50 instead of transmitting the normal Wi-Fi wireless setting WS4. In this modification, the continuous use information is an example of the "fourth information". Similarly, the "fifth information" may be all the information in the normal Wi-Fi radio setting WS4, or may be a part of the information in the normal Wi-Fi radio setting WS4. However, it may be continuous use information.

(Modification 5) In S50, S70 of FIG. 3, S150, S170, S180, or S190 of FIG. 9, response data including priority information indicating a priority different from the priority adopted in the process is obtained. It may be transmitted. For example, in S50 of FIG. 3, in the response data, the WFD radio setting may be the first priority, and the normal Wi-Fi radio setting may be the second priority. That is, in each of the above processes, the priority order indicated by the instruction information transmitted by the first and second information transmission units 41 and 42 is not particularly limited.

(Modification 6) In S50, S70 of FIG. 3, S150, S170, S180, or S190 of FIG. 9, response data including a plurality of radio settings may be transmitted without including priority information. In this case, the communication execution unit 82 of the mobile terminal 50 may sequentially use each of the plurality of wireless settings included in the response data, for example, randomly. Generally speaking, the second information transmitting unit 42 may transmit the second information and the third information to the mobile terminal, and the first information transmitting unit 41 may transmit the first information and the fourth information. Information can be sent to the mobile terminal.

(Modification 7) When YES in S30 of FIG. 3, the MFP 10 may execute S60 without executing S32 to S36 and S50. That is, the first information transmission unit 41 may transmit the first information in the first case. Further, the MFP 10 may skip S40 and execute S42 when NO in S30 of FIG. 3, skip S44 and execute S46 and S70 when YES in S42. That is, the second information transmission unit 42 may transmit the second information and the third information in the second case. Generally speaking, in one technique disclosed herein, the device-side control unit is a specific data receiving unit, a first information transmitting unit, a forming unit, a second information transmitting unit, and a device side. It suffices to have at least a communication execution unit.

(Modification 8) The MFP 10 executes S32 to S36, S50, and S60 when YES in S30 of FIG. 3, but does not execute communication between the mobile terminal 50 and the target data when NO in S30. May be good. Further, the MFP 10 may execute S40 to S48, S60, and S70 without executing S30 to S36 and S50 of FIG. That is, generally speaking, in one technique disclosed by the present specification, the device-side control unit may include at least a specific data reception unit, a determination unit, an information transmission unit, and a device-side communication execution unit. Just do it.

(Modification 9) The communication execution unit 82 of the mobile terminal 50 does not execute the communication of the confirmation signal and the confirmation response signal (without executing S212 and S214 of FIG. 4), and a plurality of pieces included in the response data. Communication of the target data may be attempted using a wireless network corresponding to any of the wireless settings. In this case, when the communication of the target data fails, the communication execution unit 82 may try to communicate the target data by using the wireless network corresponding to another wireless setting among the plurality of wireless settings. Good. This modification is also an example of "using each of a plurality of wireless networks in sequence".

(Modification 10) The “master station” is not limited to the WFDNW G / O device, but is in a state of managing each device belonging to the wireless network (for example, a state in which wireless communication between each device belonging to the wireless network can be relayed). ), It may be in any state. Further, the "slave station" is not limited to the client state of WFDNW or the state of normally belonging to Wi-FiNW, and may be in any state as long as it is managed by the master station of the wireless network. Good.

(Modification 11) The "first-class interface" is not limited to an interface for executing NFC communication, but may be an interface for executing infrared communication, or for executing Bluetooth (registered trademark). It may be an interface for executing TransferJet. Generally speaking, the communication speed of wireless communication via the first-class interface may be faster than the communication speed of wireless communication via the first-class interface.

(Modification 12) The "type 1 interface" and the "type 2 interface" are two interfaces (for example, two IC chips) that are separately configured as in the above embodiment. It may be one interface (for example, one IC chip) that is integrally configured.

(Modification 13) The "communication device" is not limited to the MFP10, and other communication devices (for example, a printer, a scanner, a fax device, a copier, a telephone, a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, a server, a mobile phone, a PDA). It may be a terminal, etc.). Further, the "target data" is not limited to print data and scan data, but may be other data (for example, voice data, fax data, etc.).

(Modification 14) In the above embodiment, the functions of the respective units 40 to 47 are realized by the CPU 32 of the MFP 10 executing the program (that is, software) in the memory 34. Instead, at least one of each part 40 to 47 may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit. Similarly, at least one of each part 80 to 82 may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

In addition, the technical elements described in the present specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the techniques illustrated in 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, 4a, 4b: AP, 10: MFP, 50: Mobile terminal, WS1 to WS6: Wireless setting

Claims (15)

A mobile terminal for executing communication between a communication device and target data.
A first-class interface for performing wireless communication with the communication device,
It is a second-class interface for executing wireless communication with the communication device, and the communication speed of wireless communication via the second-class interface is the communication speed of wireless communication via the first-class interface. With the above-mentioned second type interface, which is faster than
The mobile terminal is a first wireless network for executing wireless communication via the second type interface, and belongs to the first wireless network formed by a relay device different from the communication device. in it are state, from the communication device, via said first type of interface, a first information receiver for receiving first identification information, the first identification information, the portable terminal The first information receiving unit, which is information used by the mobile terminal in order to transmit the first confirmation signal without executing the connection process for connecting to any wireless network, and the first information receiving unit .
When the first specific information is received from the communication device, the first confirmation signal is transmitted to the first radio via the second type interface by using the first specific information. The first confirmation signal transmitter to be transmitted to the network,
A first terminal-side determination unit that determines whether or not a first response signal to the first confirmation signal has been received from the communication device via the relay device and the second type interface.
When it is determined that the first response signal has been received from the communication device, the communication device and the target data are communicated by using the first wireless network via the second type interface. The first terminal-side communication execution unit that executes
A mobile terminal equipped with. The mobile terminal further
A second information receiving unit that receives a second specific information from the communication device via the first type interface in a state where the mobile terminal belongs to the first wireless network. The second specific information includes the second information receiving unit, which is information used by the mobile terminal because the mobile terminal belongs to the second wireless network formed by the communication device.
When the second specific information is received from the communication device, the connection process for belonging to the second wireless network is performed through the second type interface by using the second specific information. Connection execution unit on the terminal side that executes
When the mobile terminal belongs to the second wireless network in response to the execution of the connection process, the communication device uses the second wireless network via the second type interface. And a second terminal-side communication execution unit that executes communication of the target data,
The mobile terminal according to claim 1. The claim that the terminal-side connection execution unit executes the connection process after disconnecting the mobile terminal from the first wireless network when the second specific information is received from the communication device. The mobile terminal according to 2. The mobile terminal further
After the connection process is executed, the second confirmation signal transmission unit that transmits the second confirmation signal via the second type interface
A second terminal-side determination unit for determining whether or not a second response signal to the second confirmation signal has been received from the communication device via the second type interface is provided.
When it is determined that the second response signal has been received from the communication device, the second terminal-side communication execution unit uses the second wireless network via the second type interface. The mobile terminal according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the communication device and the target data are communicated with each other. The first terminal-side communication executing unit includes communication of the target data, which is transmission of print data to the communication device, and communication of the target data, which is reception of scan data from the communication device. The mobile terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which executes at least one of them. The second type interface is used for wireless communication in accordance with the standards of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., which is 802.11, and the standards of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., which are 802.11. The mobile terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is an interface for execution. The mobile terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first type interface is an interface for executing wireless communication in accordance with the Near Field Communication standard. The first confirmation signal is a PING signal.
The mobile terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first response signal is a PING Response signal. A communication device for executing communication between a mobile terminal and target data.
A first-class interface for performing wireless communication with the mobile terminal,
It is a second type interface for executing wireless communication with the mobile terminal, and the communication speed of wireless communication via the second type interface is the communication speed of wireless communication via the first type interface. With the above-mentioned second type interface, which is faster than
A first information transmission unit that transmits a first specific information to the mobile terminal via the first type interface in a state where the mobile terminal belongs to the first wireless network formed by the relay device. The first specific information is used by the mobile terminal in order to transmit the first confirmation signal without executing the connection process for the mobile terminal to connect to any wireless network. The first information transmission unit , which is the information to be used, and
A first device-side determination unit that determines whether or not the first confirmation signal has been received from the mobile terminal via the relay device and the second type interface.
When it is determined that the first confirmation signal has been received from the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal transmits a first response signal to the first confirmation signal via the relay device and the second type interface. The first response signal transmitter to be transmitted to
After the first response signal is transmitted to the mobile terminal, the communication between the mobile terminal and the target data is executed by using the first wireless network via the second type interface. 1 device side communication execution unit and
A communication device equipped with. The communication device further
A second information transmission unit that transmits a second specific information to the mobile terminal via the first type interface in a state where the mobile terminal belongs to the first wireless network. The second specific information includes the second information transmission unit, which is information used by the mobile terminal because the mobile terminal belongs to the second wireless network formed by the communication device.
When the second specific information is transmitted to the communication device, a fourth determination unit that determines whether or not a connection signal has been received from the mobile terminal via the second type interface. ,
When it is determined that the connection signal has been received from the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal belongs to the second wireless network via the second type interface by utilizing the second specific information. The device-side connection execution unit that executes the connection processing for
When the mobile terminal belongs to the second wireless network in response to the execution of the connection process, the mobile terminal is used by using the second wireless network via the second type interface. And the second device-side communication execution unit that executes communication of the target data,
9. The communication device according to claim 9. The communication device further
After the connection process is executed, a fifth determination unit that determines whether or not a second confirmation signal has been received from the mobile terminal via the second type interface, and a fifth determination unit.
When it is determined that the second confirmation signal has been received from the mobile terminal, the second confirmation signal is used for the second confirmation signal by using the second wireless network via the second type interface. A second response signal transmission unit that transmits the response signal of the above to the mobile terminal is provided.
After the second response signal is transmitted to the mobile terminal, the second device-side communication execution unit uses the second wireless network via the second type interface to carry the mobile terminal. The communication device according to claim 10, which executes communication between the terminal and the target data. The second type interface is used for wireless communication in accordance with the standards of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., which is 802.11, and the standards of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., which are 802.11. The communication device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, which is an interface for execution. The communication device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the first type interface is an interface for executing wireless communication in accordance with the Near Field Communication standard. The first confirmation signal is a PING signal.
The communication device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the first response signal is a PING Response signal. A computer program for a mobile terminal for executing communication between a communication device and target data.
The mobile terminal
A first-class interface for performing wireless communication with the communication device,
It is a second-class interface for executing wireless communication with the communication device, and the communication speed of wireless communication via the second-class interface is the communication speed of wireless communication via the first-class interface. Equipped with the above-mentioned second type interface, which is faster than
The computer program is applied to the computer mounted on the mobile terminal in each of the following processes, that is,
The mobile terminal is a first wireless network for executing wireless communication via the second type interface, and belongs to the first wireless network formed by a relay device different from the communication device. in it are state, from the communication device, via said first type of interface, a first information reception process of receiving first identification information, the first identification information, the portable terminal The first information reception process, which is information used by the mobile terminal in order to transmit the first confirmation signal without executing the connection process for connecting to any wireless network, and the first information reception process .
When the first specific information is received from the communication device, the first confirmation signal is transmitted to the first radio via the second type interface by using the first specific information. The first confirmation signal transmission process to be transmitted to the network,
A first terminal-side determination process for determining whether or not a first response signal to the first confirmation signal has been received from the communication device via the relay device and the second type interface.
When it is determined that the first response signal has been received from the communication device, the communication device and the target data are communicated by using the first wireless network via the second type interface. a first terminal side communication executing processing for execution,
A computer program that runs.

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