JP7140170B2 - Communication device - Google Patents

Description

The technology disclosed by this specification relates to a mobile terminal and a communication device for executing communication of target data.

Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose techniques for two communication devices to perform wireless communication. In Patent Documents 1 and 2, two communication devices perform wireless setting communication according to short-range wireless communication (that is, wireless communication according to the NFC (Near Field Communication) system). The above wireless settings are settings for performing wireless communication according to a communication method (for example, IEEE802.11a, 802.11b) different from the NFC method. This enables the two communication devices to perform wireless communication according to the wireless settings.

JP 2007-166538 A JP 2011-146991 A

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

This specification provides a technology for a communication device to appropriately communicate with a mobile terminal.

A communication device disclosed by the present specification includes a first type interface for performing wireless communication with a mobile terminal and a second type interface for performing wireless communication with the mobile terminal, A communication speed of wireless communication using two interfaces is faster than a communication speed of communication using the first interface, and the second interface and the communication device use a first target network. information for communication with the mobile terminal via the first target network, to the mobile terminal via the first type interface After the transmission, wireless communication of the target data is performed between the mobile terminal and the first target network using the second type interface, and the communication device operates as an access point. In a second mode in which wireless communication using a second target network can be executed, wireless settings for allowing the mobile terminal to participate in the second target network are transmitted to the mobile terminal. a communication execution unit that executes wireless communication of the target data via the second target network with the mobile terminal using the second type interface after transmission via the interface of the second type.
Further, the mobile terminal disclosed in this specification includes a first type interface for performing wireless communication with a communication device and a second type interface for performing wireless communication with the communication device, A communication speed of wireless communication using the second type interface is faster than a communication speed of communication using the first type interface, and the second type interface and the communication device are a first target network. information for communication with the communication device via the first target network, from the communication device through the first type interface after receiving the target data via the second type of interface, performing wireless communication of the target data with the communication device via the first target network, the communication device acting as an access point In a second mode in which wireless communication using an operating second target network can be executed, the wireless setting for allowing the mobile terminal to participate in the second target network is performed by the communication device. a communication execution unit that executes wireless communication of the target data via the second target network with the mobile terminal using the second interface after receiving the target data via one interface; .
Another technology disclosed by this specification is a communication device. A communication device includes a first type interface, a second type interface, and a control unit. A first type interface is an interface for performing wireless communication with a mobile terminal. A second type interface is an interface for performing wireless communication with a mobile terminal. The communication speed of wireless communication using the second type interface is faster than the communication speed of communication using the first type interface. The control unit includes a determination unit and a communication execution unit. The determining unit determines whether the communication device currently belongs to a target network for performing wireless communication using the second type interface. The communication execution unit performs wireless settings for making the mobile terminal belong to the first target network in a first case where it is determined that the communication device currently belongs to the first target network. is used to perform transmission processing for transmitting to the mobile terminal, and then the second type interface is used to perform wireless communication of the target data between the mobile terminal and the first target network. In a second case where it is determined that the communication device does not currently belong to the target network, the communication execution unit determines whether both the communication device and the mobile terminal belong to the second target network. After executing the processing, wireless communication of the target data is executed between the portable terminal and the second target network using the second type interface.

In the above configuration, if the communication device is determined to currently belong to the first target network, the mobile terminal can use the wireless settings received from the communication device to belong to the first target network. . Thereby, the communication device can wirelessly communicate the target data with the mobile terminal at a relatively high communication speed via the second type interface. On the other hand, when it is determined that the communication device does not currently belong to the target network, the specific processing can realize a state in which both the communication device and the mobile terminal belong to the second target network. As a result, the communication device can communicate the target data with the mobile terminal at a relatively high communication speed via the second type interface. According to this configuration, the communication device can appropriately perform wireless communication with the mobile terminal by executing processing according to whether the communication device currently belongs to the network.

The second type interface may be an interface for the communication device to perform specific wireless communication. The specific wireless communication may be wireless communication performed between the communication device and the mobile terminal without going through an access point different from the communication device and the mobile terminal. The specific process may be a process for executing specific wireless communication between the communication device and the mobile terminal using the second type interface. According to this configuration, the communication device can perform wireless communication of the target data with the mobile terminal without going through the access point.

The communication device has a plurality of states including a master station state functioning as a master station of the target wireless network, a slave station state functioning as a slave station of the wireless network, and a device state different from the master station state and the slave station state. It may be selectively operable in any of the following states. The communication device may be capable of performing specific wireless communication via the target wireless network by operating in either the parent station state or the slave station state in the target wireless network. In the second case, the communication execution unit newly constructs a second target network to which the communication device and the mobile terminal should belong, which is a second target network for executing specific wireless communication. specific processing may be executed. According to this configuration, when the communication device does not currently belong to the target network, the communication device wirelessly communicates the target data with the mobile terminal via the newly constructed second wireless network. can be properly executed.

In the second case, the communication execution unit selects whether the communication device should operate in the second target network in either the master station state or the slave station state without executing a selective determination process. , the communication device may perform specific processing including processing for determining that it should operate as a master station state in the second target network. According to this configuration, it is possible to newly construct a second wireless network in which the communication device inevitably operates in the master station state. Thereby, the communication device can appropriately perform wireless communication of the target data with the mobile terminal by operating as a master station in the newly constructed second wireless network.

The control unit may further include a receiving unit that receives specific information from the mobile terminal using the first type interface. In a second case, the communication execution unit determines, in a specific case where the mobile terminal currently belongs to the second target network, the specific wireless settings for the communication device to belong to the second target network, the specific A specific process for making the communication device belong to the second target network may be executed using a specific wireless setting included in the information of . According to this configuration, the communication device may belong to the second target network to which the mobile terminal currently belongs. As a result, the communication device can appropriately perform wireless communication of the target data with the mobile terminal via the second target network.

The communication device may use the second type interface to perform specific wireless communication between the communication device and the mobile terminal without going through an access point different from the communication device and the mobile terminal. . In a specific case, when the specific wireless setting is included in the specific information, the communication executing unit performs a specific wireless setting for making the communication device belong to the second target network using the specific wireless setting. processing may be performed. The communication execution unit is a second target network for the communication device to perform specific wireless communication when, in a specific case, the specific wireless setting is not included in the specific information, the communication device and a mobile terminal to newly construct a second target network to which the mobile terminal should belong. According to this configuration, if the specific wireless setting for belonging to the second target network to which the mobile terminal currently belongs is obtained, the communication device is configured to connect to the second target network to which the mobile terminal currently belongs. can belong As a result, the communication device can appropriately perform wireless communication of the target data with the mobile terminal via the second target network. On the other hand, when the specific wireless settings are not acquired, the communication device can newly construct a second target network for performing specific wireless communication. As a result, the communication device can appropriately perform wireless communication of the target data with the mobile terminal via the second target network.

The communication device has a plurality of states including a master station state functioning as a master station of the target wireless network, a slave station state functioning as a slave station of the target wireless network, and a device state different from the master station state and the slave station state. It may be selectively operable in any of the states. The communication device operates in either the master station state or the slave station state in the target wireless network, thereby performing specific wireless communication via the wireless network using the second type interface. may be executable. The communication device may further use the second type interface so that the communication device and the mobile terminal can perform other wireless communication via the access point. The communication execution unit determines whether the mobile terminal belongs to the first target network in a first case where the communication device currently belongs to the first target network for performing other wireless communication. A transmission process of transmitting the wireless settings to the mobile terminal via the first type interface may be executed. The communication execution unit determines whether the communication device currently belongs to a first target network for performing a particular communication, and the communication device operates as a parent station state in the first target network. In the first case, the wireless setting for the mobile terminal to belong to the first target network may be transmitted to the mobile terminal via the first type interface. The communication execution unit determines that the communication device currently belongs to the first target network by performing specific communication, and that the communication device operates as a slave station state in the first target network. In the first case, the transmission process may not be executed. According to this configuration, the communication device, when the communication device currently belongs to the first target network for performing other wireless communication, relatively Communication of target data can be executed with a mobile terminal at a high communication speed. In addition, when the communication device is operating in the first target network as the master station state, the communication device communicates with the mobile terminal and the target data via the first target network to which the communication device currently belongs. communication can be performed properly. On the other hand, the communication device can suppress the mobile terminal from participating in the first wireless network when the communication device is operating in the slave station state in the first wireless network.

In the first case, the communication executing unit may execute the transmission process when the mobile terminal does not currently belong to the first target network. In the first case, the communication executing unit may not execute the transmission process when the mobile terminal currently belongs to the first target network. According to this configuration, the communication device does not need to execute the transmission process when both the communication device and the mobile terminal currently belong to the first target network. As a result, the communication device can communicate the target data with the mobile terminal via the first target network without executing the transmission process.

The control unit may further include a receiving unit that receives specific information from the mobile terminal using the first type interface. The determination unit may further determine whether the mobile terminal currently belongs to the first target network using the specific information. In the first case, the communication execution unit may execute the transmission process when it is determined that the mobile terminal does not currently belong to the first target network. In the first case, the communication executing unit may not execute the transmission process when it is determined that the mobile terminal currently belongs to the first target network. According to this configuration, the communication device can appropriately determine whether or not the mobile terminal currently belongs to the first target network.

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

1 shows the configuration of a communication system; 4 shows a flowchart of communication processing executed by the multi-function device of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a sequence diagram for explaining the processing executed by each device in the first situation; FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining the processing executed by each device in the second situation; FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining the processing executed by each device in the third situation; FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining the processing executed by each device in the fourth situation; FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining the processing executed by each device in the fifth situation; FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of communication processing executed by the multi-function device of the second embodiment; FIG. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram for explaining the processing executed by each device in the sixth situation; FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of communication processing executed by the multi-function device of the third embodiment; FIG. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram for explaining the processing executed by each device in the seventh situation; FIG.

(First embodiment)
(Configuration of communication system)
As shown in FIG. 1, a communication system 2 includes a multi-function device (hereinafter referred to as "MFP" (abbreviation for Multi-Function Peripheral) 10, a mobile terminal 50, and an access point (hereinafter referred to as "AP"). ) 6 and a PC 8 . The MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 are capable of performing short-range wireless communication. Near field communication is wireless communication according to the NFC system. In this embodiment, wireless communication according to the NFC system is performed based on the international standards of ISO/IEC21481 or 18092.

Also, the MFP 10 is capable of wireless communication according to the later-described WiFi Direct system. Below, WiFi Direct is called "WFD." In WFD, wireless communication is based on the 802.11 standard of the IEEE (abbreviation of The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) and its equivalent standards (eg, 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, etc.). executed. The NFC system and the WFD system (hereinafter referred to as "WFD system") are different in wireless communication system (that is, wireless communication standard). Also, the communication speed of wireless communication according to the WFD system is faster than the communication speed of wireless communication according to the NFC system.

For example, the MFP 10 can construct a WFD network by establishing a connection with the mobile terminal 50 (hereinafter referred to as "WFD connection") according to the WFD system. Similarly, the MFP 10 can build a WFD network by establishing a WFD connection with the PC8.

The PC 8, MFP 10, and portable terminal 50 are also capable of performing wireless communication according to the normal Wi-Fi (for example, IEEE 802.11) system different from the WFD system. Generally speaking, wireless communication in accordance with normal Wi-Fi is wireless communication in which AP6 is used, and wireless communication in accordance with the WFD system is wireless communication in which AP6 is not used. For example, the MFP 10 can join a normal Wi-Fi network by establishing a connection with the AP 6 (hereinafter referred to as a "normal Wi-Fi connection") according to normal Wi-Fi. MFP 10 can perform wireless communication via AP 6 with other devices (eg, PC 8, mobile terminal 50) that normally belong to a Wi-Fi network. Note that the NFC method and the normal Wi-Fi method (hereinafter referred to as the “normal Wi-Fi method”) are different in wireless communication method (that is, wireless communication standard). Also, the communication speed of Wi-Fi is generally faster than that of NFC.

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

As described above, the PC 8, the MFP 10, and the portable terminal 50 are each capable of wireless communication according to the WFD system. A device capable of executing wireless communication according to the WFD system is hereinafter referred to as a “WFD compatible device”. The WFD standard defines three states of a WFD-compatible device: Group Owner state (hereinafter referred to as "G/O state"), client state, and device state. A WFD-enabled device can selectively operate in one of the three states described above.

A WFD network is configured by a device in the G/O state and a device in the client state. In a WFD network, only one device in G/O state can exist, but one or more devices in client state can exist. A G/O state device manages one or more client state devices. Specifically, a device in G/O state creates a management list that describes the identification information (ie, MAC address) of each of one or more client state devices. A device in the G/O state adds the identification information of the device to the management list when the device in the client state newly belongs to the WFD network, and adds the identification information of the device when the device in the client state leaves the WFD network. Delete from the management list.

A device in the G/O state exchanges target data (for example, the network layer of the OSI reference model) with a device registered in the management list, that is, a device in the client state (that is, a device belonging to the WFD network). Wireless communication of data containing information (print data, scan data, etc.) can be performed. However, a device in the G/O state communicates with an unregistered device that is not registered in the management list with data for the unregistered device to belong to the WFD network (for example, data that does not include network layer information (probe Physical layer data such as Request signal, Probe Response signal, etc.) can be wirelessly communicated, but wireless communication of the above target data cannot be performed. Print data can be wirelessly received from the registered mobile terminal 50 (that is, the mobile terminal 50 in the client state), but print data cannot be wirelessly received from devices not registered in the management list.

Also, a device in G/O state can relay wireless communication of target data (print data, scan data, etc.) between a plurality of devices in client state. For example, when the portable terminal 50 in the client state should wirelessly transmit print data to another printer in the client state, the portable terminal 50 first wirelessly transmits the print data to the MFP 10 in the G/O state. In this case, the MFP 10 wirelessly receives the print data from the portable terminal 50 and wirelessly transmits the print data to the other printer. That is, a device in G/O state can perform the functions of an AP in a wireless network.

Note that a WFD-compatible device that does not belong to the WFD network (that is, a device that is not registered in the management list) is a device state device. A device in the device state can execute wireless communication of data for belonging to the WFD network (physical layer data such as Probe Request signal, Probe Response signal, etc.). Scan data, etc.) cannot be wirelessly communicated.

Note that hereinafter, a device that is not capable of executing wireless communication according to the WFD system but is capable of executing wireless communication according to normal Wi-Fi is referred to as a “WFD non-compliant device”. A “non-WFD device” can also be called a “legacy device”. A non-WFD device cannot operate in the G/O state. A device in the G/O state can describe the identification information of the WFD-incompatible device in the management list.

(Configuration of MFP 10)
The MFP 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, a scan execution unit 18, a wireless LAN interface (hereinafter the interface is referred to as "I/F") 20, an NFCI/F 22, A control unit 30 is provided. The operation unit 12 has a plurality of keys. A 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. A scan executing unit 18 is a scanning mechanism such as a CCD or a CIS.

The wireless LAN I/F 20 is an interface for the control unit 30 to perform wireless communication according to the WFD system and wireless communication according to normal Wi-Fi. The wireless LAN I/F 20 is physically one interface. However, in the wireless LAN I/F 20, the MAC address used in wireless communication according to the WFD system (hereinafter referred to as "WFD MAC address") and the MAC address used in wireless communication according to normal Wi-Fi address (hereafter referred to as “normal Wi-Fi MAC address”) and are assigned. More specifically, the wireless LAN I/F 20 is normally assigned a Wi-Fi MAC address in advance. The control unit 30 normally uses the Wi-Fi MAC address to generate a WFD MAC address and assigns the WFD MAC address to the wireless LAN I/F 20 . The MAC address for WFD is usually different from the MAC address for Wi-Fi. Therefore, the control unit 30 can simultaneously perform both wireless communication according to the WFD system and wireless communication according to normal Wi-Fi via the wireless LAN I/F 20 . As a result, a situation can be established in which the MFP 10 belongs to the WFD network and also belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network.

A device in the G/O state can describe not only the identification information of the WFD-compatible device in the client state but also the identification information of the WFD-incompatible device in the management list. That is, a device in G/O state can establish a WFD connection even with a WFD-incompatible device. Generally speaking, a WFD connection is a wireless connection in which the WFD MAC address of the MFP 10 is used. A WFD network is a wireless network in which the WFD MAC address of the MFP 10 is used. Similarly, the normal Wi-Fi connection is a wireless connection in which the normal Wi-Fi MAC address of the MFP 10 is used. A normal Wi-Fi network is a wireless network in which the normal Wi-Fi MAC address of the MFP 10 is used.

By operating the operation unit 12, the user changes the setting of the wireless LAN I/F 20 to set a mode (hereinafter referred to as "WFD=ON mode") and a mode in which wireless communication according to the WFD method using the wireless LAN I/F 20 cannot be performed (hereinafter referred to as "WFD=OFF mode"). can be done. The mode setting unit 46 sets either the WFD=ON mode or the WFD=OFF mode according to the user's operation. Specifically, the mode setting unit 46 stores a mode value representing the mode set by the user in the memory 34 .

Note that the control unit 30 executes various processes according to the WFD system (for example, the process of setting the MFP 10 to spontaneous G/O mode, G/O negotiation, etc.) in the WFDI/F=OFF mode. Can not do it. When WFDI/F=ON, the memory 34 stores a value indicating the current state of the MFP 10 regarding WFD (any one of the G/O state, client state, and device state).

The NFCI/F 22 is an interface for the control unit 30 to perform wireless communication according to the NFC system. NFCI/F 22 is composed of a chip physically different from W-FiI/F 20 .

The communication speed of wireless communication via wireless LAN I/F 20 (for example, the maximum communication speed is 11 to 454 Mbps) is the communication speed of wireless communication via NFCI/F 22 (for example, the maximum communication speed is 100 to 424 Kbps ). Furthermore, the carrier wave frequency (e.g., 2.4 GHz band, 5.0 GHz band) in wireless communication via the wireless LAN I/F 20 is the carrier wave frequency (e.g., 13.56 MHz band) in wireless communication via the NFCI/F 22 different from Further, when the distance between MFP 10 and mobile terminal 50 is approximately 10 cm or less, control unit 30 can perform wireless communication with mobile terminal 50 via NFC I/F 22 according to the NFC system. On the other hand, 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 maximum), the control unit 30 uses the WFD method via the wireless LAN I/F 20. and wireless communication according to normal Wi-Fi can be performed with the mobile terminal 50 . That is, the maximum distance at which the MFP 10 can perform wireless communication with a communication destination device (for example, the mobile terminal 50) via the wireless LAN I/F 20 is the distance between the MFP 10 and the communication destination device via the NFCI/F 22 Greater than the maximum distance over which wireless communication can be performed.

The control unit 30 has a CPU 32 and a memory 34 . The CPU 32 executes various processes according to programs stored in the memory 34 . The functions of the units 40 to 46 are implemented by the CPU 32 executing processes according to programs.

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

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

Note that the user can set the MFP 10 to spontaneous G/O mode by operating the operation unit 12 . The spontaneous G/O mode is a mode in which the MFP 10 keeps operating in the G/O state. Work area 38 in memory 34 also stores a value indicating whether MFP 10 is set to spontaneous G/O mode. As will be described later in detail, a WFD-enabled device in the device state normally operates in either the G/O state or the client state when establishing a WFD connection with another WFD-enabled device in the device state. Perform G/O negotiation to selectively decide what to do. When the MFP 10 is set to spontaneous G/O mode, the MFP 10 keeps operating in the G/O state without performing G/O negotiation.

(Configuration of mobile terminal 50)
The mobile terminal 50 is, for example, a mobile phone (for example, a smart phone), a PDA, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, a mobile music player, a mobile video player, or the like. The mobile terminal 50 has two wireless interfaces, a wireless LAN I/F (that is, an interface for WFD and normal Wi-Fi) and an NFCI/F. Therefore, the portable terminal 50 can perform wireless communication with the MFP 10 using the wireless LAN I/F, and can perform wireless communication with the MFP 10 using the NFC I/F. The mobile terminal 50 includes an application program for causing the MFP 10 to execute functions (for example, print function, scan function, etc.). Note that the application program may be installed in the mobile terminal 50 from a server provided by the vendor of the MFP 10, or may be installed in the mobile terminal 50 from media shipped together with the MFP 10, for example.

The portable terminal 50 has a work area 58 in the memory 54, similar to the MFP 10. FIG. The work area 58 is a wireless setting (authentication method, encryption method, password, wireless (including network SSID and BSSID). Furthermore, when the mobile terminal 50 operates according to the WFD method, the work area 58 stores a state value representing the state of the mobile terminal 50 (that is, any one of the G/O state, client state, and device state). Store.

(Configuration of PC8)
The PC 8 has a wireless LAN I/F (that is, an interface for WFD and normal Wi-Fi), but does not have an NFC I/F. Therefore, the PC 8 can communicate with the MFP 10 using the wireless LAN I/F, but cannot perform wireless communication according to the NFC system. The PC 8 has a driver program for causing the MFP 10 to execute processing (for example, print processing, scan processing, etc.). It should be noted that the driver program is usually installed in the PC 8 from media shipped together with the MFP 10 . However, in a variant, the driver program may be installed on the PC 8 from a server provided by the MFP 10 vendor.

(Configuration of AP6)
The AP 6 is not a WFD G/O state device, but a normal access point called a wireless access point or wireless LAN router. The AP 6 can establish normal Wi-Fi connections with multiple devices. As a result, a normal Wi-Fi network including AP 6 and a plurality of devices is constructed. The AP 6 receives data from one of the multiple devices that normally belong to the Wi-Fi network, and transmits the data to another one of the multiple devices. That is, the AP 6 relays communication between a pair of devices that normally belong to a Wi-Fi network.

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

(Communication processing executed by MFP 10)
Communication processing executed by the MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIG. Control unit 30 executes communication processing when MFP 10 is powered on. In S2, the receiving unit 40 monitors reception of NFC information by executing wireless communication according to the NFC system. Note that the receiving unit 40 receives NFC information via the NFCI/F 22 . Specifically, the receiving unit 40 monitors establishment of an NFC communication session between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 . While the power of the MFP 10 is ON, the receiving unit 40 causes the NFCI/F 22 to emit radio waves for detecting devices capable of executing wireless communication according to the NFC scheme.

A user of the mobile terminal 50 activates an application program. By operating mobile terminal 50 , the user causes mobile terminal 50 to generate NFC information including a process execution instruction (for example, print instruction, scan instruction) indicating a process to be executed by MFP 10 . The NFC information further includes the SSID and BSSID of the wireless network to which the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs, if the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to a wireless network. Note that when the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to a wireless network, at least one of a WFD connection and a normal Wi-Fi connection is established between the mobile terminal 50 and another device (for example, the AP 6 or the MFP 10). is established.

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

When the NFC information is received (YES in S2), in S4, determination unit 42 determines whether MFP 10 currently belongs to a network. Specifically, the determination unit 42 determines whether at least one of the information indicating the current belonging to the WFD network and the information indicating the current belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network is stored in the work area 38. If so, it is determined that the MFP 10 currently belongs to the wireless network (YES in S4), and the process proceeds to S6. On the other hand, if neither the information indicating the current belonging to the WFD network nor the information indicating the current belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network is stored in the work area 38, the determination unit 42 determines whether the MFP 10 does not currently belong to the wireless network (NO in S4), and proceeds to S8.

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

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

If the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can execute communication via the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. That is, the mobile terminal 50 can perform wireless communication with the MFP 10 using the wireless settings currently stored in the work area 58 . In S7, the control unit 30 transmits setting change unnecessary information indicating that data communication can be executed without changing the wireless setting of the mobile terminal 50 via the NFC I/F 22, and proceeds to S20. Note that the setting change unnecessary information includes the IP address of the MFP 10 .

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

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

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

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

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

In S14, the communication executing unit 44 uses the NFCI/F 22 to transmit communication NG information indicating that the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 cannot currently communicate with each other to the mobile terminal 50, and performs communication processing. exit.

In S15, the communication executing unit 44 sets the MFP 10 to spontaneous G/O mode. The spontaneous G/O mode is a mode in which the MFP 10 keeps operating in the G/O state. Accordingly, the MFP 10 is set to the G/O state although the WFD network has not been constructed at the stage of S15. When the MFP 10 is set to the G/O state, the communication execution unit 44 allows the WFD compatible device and/or the WFD non-compatible device to wirelessly communicate with the MFP 10 operating in the G/O state via the WFD network. Prepare wireless settings (SSID, BSSID, authentication method, encryption method, password, etc.) for execution. According to this configuration, regardless of whether a device (portable terminal 50 in this embodiment) that receives wireless settings from the MFP 10 is a WFD-compatible device or a WFD-incompatible device, the MFP 10 receives the wireless settings. and wireless communication can be performed. Generally, when the MFP 10 currently belongs to a network according to the first wireless communication scheme (or wireless communication standard or wireless communication protocol), the communication executing unit 44 determines whether the MFP 10 belongs to the network. In the wireless setting, the portable terminal 50 uses a second wireless communication method (or wireless communication standard or wireless communication protocol) different from the first wireless communication method (or wireless communication standard or wireless communication protocol). protocol) to the communication executing unit 44 .

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

In S<b>16 , the communication executing unit 44 transmits the prepared wireless settings to the mobile terminal 50 using the NFCI/F 22 . When the process of S16 is executed after the process of S15, the communication executing unit 44 transmits to the portable terminal 50 the wireless settings prepared at the stage of setting the spontaneous G/O mode (S15). When the process of S16 is executed after the process of S13, the communication execution unit 44 sets the wireless settings prepared at the stage when the WFD network in which the MFP 10 is operating in the G/O state is established to the NFCI/F 22. It uses it and transmits it to the mobile terminal 50 .

Next, in S<b>18 , the communication executing unit 44 establishes a WFD connection between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 using the wireless LAN I/F 20 . When mobile terminal 50 receives the wireless settings of MFP 10 operating in the G/O state from MFP 10 , mobile terminal 50 stores the received wireless settings in work area 58 . Therefore, the mobile terminal 50 normally performs wireless communication according to Wi-Fi. Next, the communication executing unit 44 executes wireless communication with the mobile terminal 50 through Authentication Request, Authentication Response, Association Request, Association Response, and 4-way handshake. In the process of wireless communication described above, various authentication processes such as SSID authentication, authentication method and encryption method authentication, and password authentication are executed. A wireless connection is established between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 when all the authentications are successful.

Note that if both MFP 10 and mobile terminal 50 are in the device state, when a WFD connection is established between MFP 10 and mobile terminal 50, one of MFP 10 and mobile terminal 50 is switched to G/ O and the G/O negotiation for determining the other of the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 as the client is executed. However, when S16 is executed, the MFP 10 is confirmed to be in the G/O state. Establish

In addition, in the process of S18, the communication executing unit 44 acquires the MAC address of the mobile terminal 50 using the wireless LAN I/F 20 . When wireless connection is established, control unit 30 further adds the MAC address of mobile terminal 50 to the management list. Note that the MAC address of the mobile terminal 50 is included in the NFC information. As a result, the MFP 10 in the G/O state can communicate target data (print data, scan data, etc.) with the portable terminal 50 according to normal Wi-Fi. The target data includes network layer data, which is a higher layer than the physical layer of the OSI reference model. Therefore, the MFP 10 in the G/O state can perform network layer wireless communication with the portable terminal 50 in the client state.

Next, in S<b>20 , the communication executing unit 44 executes data communication processing with the mobile terminal 50 via the wireless LAN I/F 20 . The content of the data communication process changes depending on the content of the process execution instruction included in the NFC information. If the process execution instruction is a print instruction, the communication execution unit 44 receives print data from the mobile terminal 50 in the data communication process. In this case, the control unit 30 causes the print execution unit 16 to execute print processing using the received print data.

On the other hand, if the process execution instruction is a scan instruction, the control unit 30 causes the scan execution unit 18 to scan the document set on the scan execution unit 18 and generate scan data. The communication execution unit 44 then transmits the generated scan data to the mobile terminal 50 .

Next, in S<b>21 , the communication executing unit 44 uses the wireless LAN I/F 20 to monitor reception of a disconnection request for disconnecting from the mobile terminal 50 from the mobile terminal 50 . If the disconnection request has not been received after the predetermined period of time has passed (NO in S21), the process returns to S2. On the other hand, if a disconnection request is received from the mobile terminal 50 within a predetermined period after the data communication process of S20 is completed (YES in S21), the communication executing unit 44 disconnects the wireless connection with the mobile terminal 50. . Specifically, the communication executing unit 44 erases the MAC address of the mobile terminal 50 in the management list. Next, in S22, the communication executing unit 44 determines whether or not the setting of the wireless LAN I/F 20 has been changed by the process of S9. Specifically, when the setting change information is stored in the memory 34, the communication execution unit 44 determines in S9 that the mode value indicating the WFD=OFF mode has been changed to the mode value indicating the WFD=ON mode. (YES in S22) and proceed to S23. On the other hand, if the setting change information is not stored in the memory 34, the communication executing unit 44 does not change the mode value indicating the WFD=OFF mode to the WFD=ON mode in S9 ( NO) and returns to S2.

In S23, the communication execution unit 44 determines whether or not an external device (for example, the PC 8) other than the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the WFD network newly constructed in S18. Specifically, if the management list contains identification information other than the identification information of the mobile terminal 50, the communication execution unit 44 determines that the external device currently belongs to the WFD network (YES in S23). I judge. In this case, the process returns to S2 without changing the mode value. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the MFP 10 from leaving the WFD network when an external device currently belongs to the WFD network.

On the other hand, if the management list does not contain identification information other than the mobile terminal 50, the communication execution unit 44 determines that the external device does not currently belong to the WFD network (NO in S23), Proceed to S24. In S24, the communication executing unit 44 changes the mode value indicating the WFD=ON mode to the mode value indicating the WFD=OFF mode, and returns to S2. That is, in the communication process, when it is determined that WFD is in the OFF mode in S8, the wireless communication using the wireless LAN I/F 20 is temporarily performed with the mobile terminal 50 via the WFD network. , WFD=OFF mode to WFD=ON mode. Then, when the WFD=ON mode is changed to the WFD=OFF mode in S25, the WFD network constructed in S18 disappears. According to this configuration, when the mode value is changed from the mode value indicating the WFD=OFF mode to the mode value indicating the WFD=ON mode during execution of the communication process, the mode value can be returned to the setting before the change. can.

(Effect of this embodiment)
The effect of this embodiment in the first to fifth situations will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7 each show processing corresponding to the communication processing in FIG.

(First situation)
In the first situation shown in FIG. 3, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 currently belong to the same WFD network or the same normal Wi-Fi network. In this situation, when NFC information is received from portable terminal 50 using NFC I/F 22, MFP 10 determines in S4 that MFP 10 currently belongs to the network (YES in S4). Next, in S6, the MFP 10 determines that the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs (YES in S6). The MFP 10 uses the NFCI/F 22 to transmit the setting change unnecessary information to the portable terminal 50 in S7. When the setting change unnecessary information is received, the portable terminal 50 transmits print data to the MFP 10 using the IP address included in the setting change unnecessary information and the wireless settings stored in the work area 58 . The MFP 10 receives the print data using the wireless LAN I/F 20 (S20). Upon receiving the print data, the MFP 10 causes the print execution unit 16 to execute print processing.

In the sequence diagrams of this specification, the MFP 10 performs wireless communication using the NFC I/F 22 (that is, wireless communication according to the NFC method), and the MFP 10 performs wireless communication using the wireless LAN I/F 20 (that is, WFD method or normal Wi - wireless communication according to Fi) are indicated by arrows. Arrows representing wireless communication using the wireless LAN I/F 20 are drawn thicker than arrows representing wireless communication using the NFCI/F 22 .

According to this configuration, when it is determined that the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs, the MFP 10 changes the wireless settings currently set in the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50. Therefore, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 can appropriately communicate print data via the network to which they currently belong.

(Second situation)
In the second situation illustrated in FIG. 4, MFP 10 currently belongs to the WFD network. The MFP 10 operates in the G/O state in the WFD network. PC8 in client status currently belongs to the WFD network. Mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to the wireless network to which MFP 10 currently belongs. Mobile terminal 50 may or may not currently belong to a wireless network other than the wireless network to which MFP 10 currently belongs.

In this situation, when NFC information is received from portable terminal 50 using NFC I/F 22, MFP 10 determines in S4 that MFP 10 currently belongs to the network (YES in S4). Note that the NFC information includes the SSID and BSSID of the wireless network when the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the wireless network. Does not include SSID and BSSID. Next, in S6, the MFP 10 determines that the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to the WFD network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs (YES in S6). The MFP 10 determines in S12 that the MFP 10 is in the G/O state (YES in S12). In this case, in S<b>16 , the MFP 10 transmits the wireless settings of the MFP 10 stored in the work area 38 and the IP address of the MFP 10 to the portable terminal 50 using the NFCI/F 22 . Upon receiving the wireless settings, the mobile terminal 50 stores the received wireless settings in the work area 58 . Next, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 establish a WFD connection (S18). This allows the mobile terminal 50 to belong to the WFD network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. Note that the MFP 10 transmits wireless settings including the authentication method and encryption method of the MFP 10 to the mobile terminal 50 using the NFCI/F 22 . According to this configuration, the portable terminal 50 can execute the authentication process according to the authentication method and the encryption method received from the MFP 10, and execute the process of confirming which authentication method and encryption method should be used. I can do without it. Therefore, connection between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can be established relatively early.

Next, the mobile terminal 50 transmits print data to the MFP 10 using the wireless settings stored in the work area 58 and the IP address received in S16. The MFP 10 receives the print data using the wireless LAN I/F 20 (S20). Upon receiving the print data, the MFP 10 causes the print execution unit 16 to execute print processing. According to this configuration, the MFP 10 communicates print data with the mobile terminal 50 via the WFD network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs when the MFP 10 is operating in the G/O state in the WFD network. can be executed properly.

(Third situation)
In a third situation, shown in FIG. 5, MFP 10 currently belongs to the WFD network. The MFP 10 operates as a client in the WFD network. The PC 8 in G/O state currently belongs to the WFD network, but the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to it. The mobile terminal 50 is the same as in the second situation.

In this situation, when NFC information is received from portable terminal 50 using NFC I/F 22, MFP 10 determines in S4 that MFP 10 currently belongs to the network (YES in S4). Next, in S6, the MFP 10 determines that the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to the WFD network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs (NO in S6). The MFP 10 determines in S10 that the MFP 10 is in the client state (YES in S10). In this case, in S14, the MFP 10 uses the NFCI/F 22 to transmit the communication NG information to the mobile terminal 50. FIG.

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

(Fourth situation)
In the fourth situation shown in FIG. 6, the wireless LAN I/F 20 of the MFP 10 is set to WFD=ON mode, but does not currently belong to the WFD network. That is, the MFP 10 operates as a device state. It should be noted that the MFP 10 is in a state where it currently does not belong to a normal Wi-Fi network either. The mobile terminal 50 is the same as in the second situation.

In this situation, when NFC information is received from portable terminal 50 using NFC I/F 22, MFP 10 determines in S4 that MFP 10 does not currently belong to the network (NO in S4). Also, in S10 and S12, the MFP 10 determines that the MFP 10 is neither in the G/O state nor in the client state (NO in both S10 and S12). In this case, in S15, the MFP 10 sets the MFP 10 to spontaneous G/O mode without executing G/O negotiation.

Next, in S16, the MFP 10 sets the wireless settings of the MFP 10 stored in the work area 38 (that is, the wireless settings generated when the spontaneous G/O mode is set in S15) and the IP address of the MFP 10. , is transmitted to the mobile terminal 50 using the NFCI/F 22 . Upon receiving the wireless settings, the mobile terminal 50 stores the received wireless settings in the work area 58 . Next, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 establish a WFD connection (S18). Thereby, the mobile terminal 50 can belong to the WFD network in which the MFP 10 is operating in the G/O state.

Next, the mobile terminal 50 transmits print data to the MFP 10 using the wireless settings stored in the work area 58 and the IP address received in S16. The MFP 10 receives the print data using the wireless LAN I/F 20 (S20). Upon receiving the print data, the MFP 10 causes the print execution unit 16 to execute print processing. According to this configuration, the MFP 10 can newly construct a WFD network in which the MFP 10 operates in the G/O state in the WFD network. As a result, the MFP 10 can appropriately communicate print data with the mobile terminal 50 via the newly constructed WFD network. Furthermore, since the MFP 10 inevitably operates in the G/O state in a newly constructed WFD network, it is possible to determine the authentication method and the like used in the WFD network.

(Fifth situation)
In the fifth situation shown in FIG. 7, the wireless LAN I/F 20 of the MFP 10 is set to WFD=OFF mode. The MFP 10 is in a state of not currently belonging to the network. The mobile terminal 50 is the same as in the second situation.

In this situation, when the NFC information is received from the mobile terminal 50 using the NFCI/F 22, it is determined as NO in S4 as in the fourth situation. The MFP 10 determines in S8 that the WFD=OFF mode is set. In this case, in S9, the MFP 10 changes from the WFD=OFF mode to the WFD=ON mode. Next, the MFP 10 sets the MFP 10 to spontaneous G/O mode in S15.

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

In this embodiment, the MFP 10 executes processing according to whether the MFP 10 currently belongs to the same network as the mobile terminal 50, that is, whether the MFP 10 can communicate with the mobile terminal 50. As a result, the wireless LAN I/F 20 can be used to appropriately perform wireless communication of the target data with the portable terminal 50 at a relatively high communication speed. In addition, the MFP 10 can communicate the target data with the mobile terminal 50 via the WFD network without going through an access point different from the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 .

Furthermore, when the MFP 10 is unable to communicate with the mobile terminal 50 and the MFP 10 currently belongs to the WFD network, the MFP 10 communicates the target data with the mobile terminal 50 via the WFD network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. communication can be performed properly. Further, when the MFP 10 does not currently belong to the WFD network, the MFP 10 can appropriately communicate the target data with the mobile terminal 50 via the newly constructed WFD network.

(correspondence relationship)
The MFP 10 is an example of the "communication device", the NFCI/F 22 is an example of the "first type interface", and the wireless LAN I/F 20 is an example of the "second type interface". From the above description, the NFCI/F 22 (that is, the "first type interface") is used by the MFP 10 (that is, the " communication device”) and the mobile terminal 50.

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

NFC information is an example of "specific information." The G/O status is an example of the "master station status", and the client status is an example of the "slave station status". If it is determined YES in S4 of FIG. 2, the WFD network to which the MFP 10 belongs is an example of the "first target network", and the WFD network constructed by the processing of S15 to S18 of FIG. This is an example of "second target network".

The case of YES in S4 of FIG. 2 is an example of the "first case", and the case of NO in S4 of FIG. 2 is an example of the "second case".

(Second embodiment)
Differences from the first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, when the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to a network, the mobile terminal 50 further includes NFC information including a password, an authentication method, and an encryption method as wireless settings stored in the work area 58. is sent to the MFP 10 .

Also, in this embodiment, instead of the communication process of FIG. 2, the communication process of FIG. 8 is executed. S2 to S24 of FIG. 8 are the same as the processing of S2 to S24 of FIG. If NO in S4 (that is, if the MFP 10 does not currently belong to a network), in S82, the determination unit 42 determines whether wireless settings are included in the NFC information received from the mobile terminal 52 via the NFC interface 22. determine whether or not If it is determined that wireless settings are included (YES in S82), in S83, setting change unnecessary information is transmitted to mobile terminal 50 using NFC I/F 22 . If NO in S4 (that is, if the MFP 10 does not currently belong to the network), in S83, setting change unnecessary information including the MAC address of the MFP 10 is transmitted to the portable terminal 50. FIG. On the other hand, if YES in S4 and NO in S6 (that is, if the MFP 10 currently belongs to the network, but the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 do not currently belong to the same network), the MFP 10 The setting change unnecessary information including the IP address is transmitted to the mobile terminal 50 . Next, in S84, the communication executing unit 44 uses the wireless setting included in the NFC information to belong to the network to which the mobile terminal 50 belongs, and proceeds to S20.

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

(Effect of this embodiment)
The MFP 10 of the second embodiment can achieve effects similar to those of the MFP 10 of the first embodiment in the first to fifth situations. The effect of this embodiment in the sixth situation will be described with reference to FIG. 9 shows processing corresponding to the communication processing in FIG.

(Sixth situation)
In a sixth situation, shown in FIG. 9, MFP 10 is currently not affiliated with a network. On the other hand, mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network to which AP 6 belongs.

In this situation, when NFC information is received from portable terminal 50 via NFC I/F 22, MFP 10 determines that MFP 10 currently belongs to the network (YES in S4). Next, in S82 of FIG. 8, the MFP 10 determines that the NFC information includes wireless settings for belonging to the network to which the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs (YES in S82).

Next, in S<b>83 , the MFP 10 transmits setting change unnecessary information to the mobile terminal 50 using the NFCI/F 22 . It should be noted that the MFP 10 transmits setting change unnecessary information including the MAC address of the MFP 10 to the portable terminal 50 if NO in S4 (that is, if the MFP 10 does not currently belong to the network). In addition, if the determination in S6 is NO (that is, if the MFP 10 currently belongs to the network, but the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 do not belong to the same network), the MFP 10 sends the setting change unnecessary information including the IP address of the MFP 10. Transmit to the mobile terminal 50 .

The MFP 10 uses the wireless settings included in the NFC information to establish a normal Wi-Fi connection with the AP 6 (S84). When the IP address of the MFP 10 is included in the setting change unnecessary information, the portable terminal 50 designates the IP address as a transmission destination and transmits the print data to the MFP 10 via the AP 6 (S20). Further, when the MAC address of the MFP 10 is included in the setting change unnecessary information, the mobile terminal 50 identifies the IP address of the MFP 10 according to RARP (abbreviation of Reverse Address Resolution Protocol), and designates the identified IP address as the destination. Then, the print data is transmitted to the MFP 10 via the AP 6 (S20).

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

(correspondence relationship)
The network to which the mobile terminal 50 belongs is an example of the "second target network". The case of YES in S4 of FIG. 8 is an example of the "first case", the case of NO in S4 of FIG. 8 is an example of the "second case", and the case of S4 in FIG. 8 is NO. and YES in S82 is an example of the "specific case".

(Third embodiment)
Differences from the first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, instead of the communication processing of FIG. 2, the communication processing of FIG. 10 is executed. S2 to S12 and S15 to S24 in FIG. 10 are the same as the processes in S2 to S12 and S15 to S24 in FIG. If NO in S8, that is, if the MFP 10 is not set to the WFD=ON mode, the determination unit 42 determines in S76 whether the MFP 10 currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network. Determination unit 42 determines that MFP 10 currently belongs to a normal Wi-Fi network (YES in S76) when information indicating that it currently belongs to a normal Wi-Fi network is stored in work area 38. and proceed to S80. On the other hand, if information indicating that the MFP 10 belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network is not stored in the work area 38, the determination unit 42 determines that the MFP 10 does not currently belong to the normal Wi-Fi network (NO in S76). Make a decision and proceed to S9.

If YES in S12, that is, if the MFP 10 currently belongs to the WFD network and is operating in the WFD network in the G/O state, the process proceeds to S13. In S16, the communication executing unit 44 transmits the wireless settings of the MFP 10 stored in the work area 38 to the portable terminal 50 via the NFC I/F 22, and proceeds to S18. The wireless settings of the MFP 10 sent in S16 include a password.

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

In S80, the communication executing unit 44 sets the wireless settings for belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network stored in the work area 38, that is, the wireless settings of the AP (for example, AP 6) other than the password to NFC. It is transmitted to the portable terminal 50 via the interface 22 and proceeds to S20. When the wireless setting of the AP is received, the mobile terminal 50 allows the user to specify the password. When the password is specified by the user, mobile terminal 50 establishes connection with the AP using the wireless settings received from MFP 10 and the password specified by the user. As a result, the mobile terminal 50 can wirelessly communicate with the MFP 10 via the AP. Note that the MFP 10 cannot perform wireless communication with the mobile terminal 50 when the connection between the mobile terminal 50 and the AP is not established. In this case, the control unit 30 returns to S2 without executing the processes of S20 to S24.

(Effect of this embodiment)
The MFP 10 of the third embodiment can achieve effects similar to those of the MFP 10 of the first embodiment in the first to fifth situations. The effect of this embodiment in the seventh situation will be described with reference to FIG. 11 shows processing corresponding to the communication processing in FIG.

(Seventh situation)
In a seventh situation, shown in FIG. 11, MFP 10 currently belongs to a normal Wi-Fi network. MFP 10 is normally connected to AP 6 in a Wi-Fi network. The mobile terminal 50 is the same as in the second situation.

In this situation, when the NFC information is received from the mobile terminal 50 using the NFC I/F 22, the MFP 10 determines in S4 that the MFP 10 currently belongs to the network (that is, the normal Wi-Fi network). (YES in S4). Next, in S6, the MFP 10 determines that the mobile terminal 50 does not currently belong to the normal Wi-Fi network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs (NO in S6). At S76, the MFP 10 determines that it currently belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network (YES at S76). In this case, in S<b>80 , the MFP 10 transmits the IP address of the MFP 10 and the wireless settings including no password among the wireless settings of the AP 6 stored in the work area 38 to the portable terminal 50 . This configuration eliminates the need to provide the password to the mobile terminal 50 and the user. As a result, when the mobile terminal 50 and the user do not know the password for belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network in which the AP 6 is used, the mobile terminal 50 can be prevented from belonging to the normal Wi-Fi network. can.

When receiving the wireless settings, the portable terminal 50 receives the wireless settings and prompts the user to specify a password, as in the tenth situation. Then, the mobile terminal 50 establishes a normal Wi-Fi connection with the AP 6 when the password is specified by the user. This allows the portable terminal 50 to belong to the normal Wi-Fi network to which the MFP 10 currently belongs. The mobile terminal 50 can transmit print data to the MFP 10 via the AP6. When the mobile terminal 50 belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network, the wireless setting stored in the work area 58 and the IP address of the MFP 10 received in S80 are used to perform wireless communication via the AP 6. , to send the print data to the MFP 10 .

Although not shown, even if the MFP 10 is currently operating as a device (Yes in S8, NO in S10 and S12) and belongs to the normal Wi-Fi network (YES in S78), The MFP 10 transmits, to the portable terminal 50 , wireless settings that do not include a password among the AP wireless settings stored in the work area 38 .

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

(correspondence relationship)
The non-WFD network to which the MFP 10 belongs is an example of the "first target network" when it is determined YES in S4 of FIG. The case of YES in S4 of FIG. 10 is an example of the "first case", and the case of NO in S4 of FIG. 10 is an example of the "second case".

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

(Modification)
(1) In the above first to third embodiments, when the MFP 10 receives the NFC information (YES in S2), it determines whether it currently belongs to the network (S4), and it is determined that it belongs to the network. If so (YES in S4), it is determined whether the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 currently belong to the same network (S6). However, the process of S6 may be omitted. That is, in the first and third embodiments, when the MFP 10 receives the NFC information (YES in S2), it determines whether it currently belongs to the network (S4). (YES in S4), it may proceed to the processing after S8. Further, in the second embodiment, when it is determined that the MFP 10 currently belongs to the network (YES in S4), the process may proceed to S82 and subsequent steps.

(2) A "communication device" is not limited to a multi-function device, but may be any other device (e.g., a printer, a FAX device, a copier, a scanner, etc.) having a first-type interface and a second-type interface. good too.

(3) MFP 10 may store an AP program for functioning as an access point. The control unit 30 may store predetermined wireless settings in the work area 38 when the AP program is started. In S4 of FIG. 2, the determination unit 42 may determine that the MFP 10 is currently participating in the network (non-WFD network) when the AP program is activated. In this modified example, a normal Wi-Fi network constructed with the MFP 10 functioning as an access point is an example of the "first target network".

(4) Further, for example, in S15 of FIG. 2, the communication executing unit 44 may activate the AP program instead of setting the MFP 10 to spontaneous G/O mode. Next, the communication execution unit 44 may transmit the wireless settings stored in the work area 38 to the mobile terminal 50 . Then, the communication executing unit 44 and the mobile terminal 50 may establish a connection using wireless settings stored in advance in the work area 38 . In this case, the MFP 10 establishes a normal Wi-Fi connection with the mobile terminal 50, and the MFP 10 may build a normal Wi-Fi network. In this modified example, a normal Wi-Fi network constructed with the MFP 10 functioning as an access point is an example of the "second target network".

(5) The combination of the "first type interface" and the "second type interface" is not limited to the combination of the NFC I/F and the wireless LAN I/F. For example, when a wireless LAN I/F is adopted as the "second type interface", the "first type interface" may be an interface for executing infrared communication, or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface. or an interface for executing Transfer Jet. Further, when NFC I/F is adopted as the "first type interface", the "second type interface" may be an interface for executing wired communication, or may be an interface for Bluetooth (registered trademark). It may be an interface for execution. Generally speaking, the communication speed of communication via the second type interface should be faster than the communication speed of communication via the first type interface.

(6) "Type 1 interface" and "Type 2 interface" are physically two interfaces (that is, two separate chips) as in the above embodiment. Alternatively, it may be physically one interface (that is, one chip realizes two types of communication).

(7) In each of the above embodiments, an interface for executing wireless communication according to the WFD method and an interface for executing wireless communication according to normal Wi-Fi are physically one. interface (wireless LAN I/F 20), a plurality of physical interfaces (that is, two separate IC chips) may be used. In this modified example, a plurality of interfaces is an example of the "second type interface".

(8) In each of the embodiments described above, in S15, the communication executing unit 44 sets the MFP 10 to spontaneous G/O mode. However, when the mobile terminal 50 is capable of executing wireless communication according to WFD, the communication execution unit 44 transmits WFD connection start information indicating starting WFD connection to the mobile terminal 50 via the NFC interface 22 . 50. A WPS (abbreviation for Wi-Fi Protected Setup) wireless connection method may be used as a method for executing WFD wireless connection. WPS wireless connection methods include a PBC (abbreviation for Push Button Configuration) method and a PIN (abbreviation for Personal Identification Number) code method. In this modified example, the PBC code system will be described, but the technique of this modified example can also be applied to the PIN code system. The WFD connection start information may include information indicating that the PBC code method is used as a method for executing WFD wireless connection. The WFD connection start information may further include the device ID of the MFP 10 (eg, MAC address, serial number, etc.).

When the WFD connection start information is received, the mobile terminal 50 may determine whether or not the setting of the wireless LAN I/F of the mobile terminal 50 is capable of executing wireless communication according to the WFD scheme. . When the setting of the wireless LAN I/F is a setting capable of executing wireless communication according to the WFD method, the mobile terminal 50 maintains the setting of the wireless LAN I/F and changes the setting of the wireless LAN I/F to the WFD method. If the setting is not capable of executing wireless communication according to the WFD method, the setting of the wireless LAN I/F may be changed to a setting capable of executing wireless communication according to the WFD method.

Next, the communication executing unit 44 may search for the mobile terminal 50 . Specifically, the communication executing unit 44 may sequentially execute the Scan process, the Listen process, and the Search process. Scan processing is processing for searching for devices in the G/O state existing around the MFP 10 . Specifically, in the Scan process, the communication executing unit 44 may sequentially use 13 channels 1ch to 13ch to sequentially transmit the Probe Request signals wirelessly. Note that this Probe Request signal may include P2P (Peer 2 Peer) information indicating that the MFP 10 is capable of executing the WFD function.

For example, when there is a WFD compatible device in G/O state (hereinafter referred to as “specific G/O device”) around the MFP 10, the specific G/O device is one of 1ch to 13ch. It may be determined in advance to use the channels. Therefore, a specific G/O device may wirelessly receive the Probe Request signal from the MFP 10 . In this case, the specific G/O device may wirelessly transmit the Probe Response signal to the MFP 10 . This Probe Response signal contains P2P information indicating that the specific G/O device is capable of executing the WFD function, and information indicating that the specific G/O device is in the G/O state. good too. As a result, the communication execution unit 44 can find a specific G/O device. The above Probe Response signal further includes information indicating the device name of the specific G/O device, the model of the specific G/O device (for example, mobile terminal, PC, etc.), and the specific G/O device and the MAC address of As a result, the communication execution unit 44 can acquire information about the specific G/O device.

When the device ID (for example, MAC address, serial number, etc.) of the specific G/O device included in the Probe Response signal matches the device ID of the mobile terminal 50 included in the NFC information, the communication execution unit 44 A specific G/O device can be identified as the mobile terminal 50 . That is, when the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the WFD network and is operating in the G/O state in the WFD network, the communication executing unit 44 can discover the mobile terminal 50 by the Scan process. can.

Note that, for example, when there is a device-state WFD-compatible device (hereinafter referred to as a “specific device device”) around the MFP 10, the specific device device is one of 1ch, 6ch, and 11ch. It may be determined in advance to use the channel. Therefore, the specific device may also wirelessly receive the Probe Request signal from the MFP 10 . In this case, the specific device may wirelessly transmit a Probe Response signal to the MFP 10 . However, this Probe Response signal may include information indicating the device state and may not include information indicating the G/O state. Further, the device in the client state does not have to wirelessly transmit the Probe Response signal to the MFP 10 even if it wirelessly receives the Probe Request signal from the MFP 10 . The communication executing unit 44 can discover the mobile terminal 50 in the Scan process regardless of whether the mobile terminal 50 is in the G/O state or in the device state.

The Listen process is a process for responding to the Probe Request signal. A specific device can wirelessly transmit a Probe Request signal in a Search process, which will be described later. That is, when the current state of the mobile terminal 50 is the device state, the mobile terminal 50 may periodically transmit the Probe Request signal wirelessly. This Probe Request signal may include the device ID (for example, MAC address, serial number, etc.) of the mobile terminal 50 .

If the device ID of the specific device included in the Probe Request signal matches the device ID of the mobile terminal 50 included in the NFC information, the communication execution unit 44 determines that the mobile terminal 50 is the specific device. can be specified. That is, when the mobile terminal 50 is operating in the device state, the communication execution unit 44 can discover the mobile terminal 50 by the Listen process. Upon receiving the Probe Request signal from the mobile terminal 50, the communication executing unit 44 may wirelessly transmit the Probe Response signal.

In the Search process, the communication executing unit 44 may sequentially transmit the Probe Request signal wirelessly using three channels of 1ch, 6ch, and 11ch. Thereby, the communication executing unit 44 may wirelessly receive the Probe Response signal from the specific device. This Probe Response signal includes P2P information indicating that the specific device is capable of executing the WFD function, information indicating that the specific device is in a device state, and the device ID (for example, MAC address, serial number, etc.). If the current state of the mobile terminal 50 is the device state, the mobile terminal 50 may wirelessly transmit a Probe Response signal in response to the Probe Request signal transmitted from the MFP 10 .

If the device ID of the specific device included in the Probe Response signal matches the device ID of the mobile terminal 50 included in the NFC information, the communication execution unit 44 determines that the mobile terminal 50 is the specific device. can be specified. That is, when the mobile terminal 50 currently belongs to the WFD network and operates in the WFD network as a device state, the communication executing unit 44 can find the mobile terminal 50 by the Search process.

When mobile terminal 50 is found, MFP 10 uses wireless LAN I/F 20 to perform G/O negotiation with mobile terminal 50 to establish one of MFP 10 and mobile terminal 50 as a G/O device. It may decide to operate as a /O state and the other device as a client state.

Next, communication execution unit 44 may establish connection between MFP 10 and mobile terminal 50 according to WPS. Specifically, when the current state of the MFP 10 is the G/O state and the current state of the portable terminal 50 is the client state (YES in S22), the communication execution unit 44 determines whether the communication The execution unit 44 may generate wireless settings (SSID, authentication method, encryption method, password, etc.) necessary for establishing wireless connection and wirelessly transmit them to the mobile terminal 50 . Note that the authentication method and encryption method may be determined in advance. Also, the communication executing unit 44 may generate a password when generating the wireless settings. Note that the SSID may be generated by the communication execution unit 44, or may be determined in advance. By transmitting the wireless settings to the mobile terminal 50, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 can use the same wireless settings. That is, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 may use wireless settings to perform wireless communication of Authentication Request, Authentication Response, Association Request, Association Response, and 4-way handshake. In this process, the MFP 10 and the portable terminal 50 may perform various authentication processes such as SSID authentication, authentication method and encryption method authentication, and password authentication. A wireless connection may be established between the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 when all authentications are successful. As a result, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 may belong to the same WFD network.

On the other hand, if the current state of the MFP 10 is the client state and the current state of the target device is the G/O state, the communication execution unit 44 may execute WPS negotiation for the client state. good. Specifically, the mobile terminal 50 may generate wireless settings (SSID, authentication method, encryption method, password, etc.) necessary for establishing wireless connection and wirelessly transmit them to the MFP 10 . As a result, the communication executing unit 44 may wirelessly receive the wireless settings from the mobile terminal 50 . Subsequent processing (communication processing such as Authentication Request) is similar to WPS negotiation for G/O status. As a result, the MFP 10 and the mobile terminal 50 may belong to the same WFD network. As a result, the MFP 10 in the client state can perform wireless communication of target data (print data, etc.) with the portable terminal 50 in the G/O state. In this modified example, G/O negotiation and WPS negotiation are examples of “specific processing”.

(9) In each of the above embodiments, the units 40 to 46 are implemented by software, but at least one of the units 40 to 46 may be implemented by hardware such as logic circuits.

In addition, the technical elements described in this specification or in 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 exemplified in this specification or drawings achieve multiple purposes at the same time, and achieving one of them has technical utility in itself.

2: communication system, 6: AP, 8: PC, 10: MFP, 20: wireless LAN interface, 22: NFC interface, 30: control unit, 50: mobile terminal

Claims (11)

A communication device,
a first type interface for performing wireless communication with a mobile terminal;
A second type interface for performing wireless communication with the mobile terminal, wherein the communication speed of wireless communication using the second type interface is higher than the communication speed of communication using the first type interface the interface of the second type, which is also fast, and
In a situation where the communication device is in the first mode belonging to the first target network, when wireless communication with the mobile terminal is established via the first type interface, the first sending information for communication via the first target network with the mobile terminal already belonging to the target network to the mobile terminal already belonging to the first target network via the first type interface after transmission, using the second type of interface to perform wireless communication of the target data via the first target network with the mobile terminal already belonging to the first target network;
a second target network in which the communication device operates as an access point and is capable of executing wireless communication using the second target network different from the first target network ; wireless settings for newly joining the mobile terminal to the second target network when wireless communication is established with the mobile terminal via the first type interface in a mode, After transmitting to the mobile terminal via the first type interface, using the second type interface, via the mobile terminal newly participating in the second target network and the second target network and a communication execution unit that executes wireless communication of the target data. 2. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the communication device is a device capable of performing at least one of printing and scanning functions. 3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein said interface of the first type is an interface for performing wireless communication according to either NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the interface of the second type is an interface for executing wireless communication according to Wi-Fi. 5. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said information for communication with said mobile terminal via said first target network comprises an IP address of said communication device. 5. Any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said information for communication with said mobile terminal via said first target network includes an SSID (abbreviation for Service Set Identifier) of said first target network. The communication device according to . 7. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said wireless settings include an SSID (abbreviation for Service Set Identifier) of said second target network. A communication device according to any preceding claim, wherein said first target network is a Wi-Fi compliant network. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said first mode is a mode capable of executing wireless communication according to a specific scheme. 10. The communication device according to claim 9, wherein said specific scheme is a Wi-Fi compliant scheme. a mobile device,
a first type interface for performing wireless communication with a communication device;
A second-type interface for performing wireless communication with the communication device, wherein the communication speed of wireless communication using the second-type interface is higher than the communication speed of communication using the first-type interface the interface of the second type, which is also fast, and
in a first mode where the communication device belongs to a first target network, when wireless communication is established with the communication device via the first type interface, with the communication device, after receiving information for communication via the first target network from the communication device via the first type interface, using the second type interface, the communication device and the mobile performing wireless communication of target data with the communication device via the first target network to which both terminals belong ;
a second target network in which the communication device operates as an access point and is capable of executing wireless communication using the second target network different from the first target network ; wireless settings for newly joining the mobile terminal to the second target network when wireless communication is established with the communication device via the first type interface in a mode, Wireless communication of the target data via the second target network newly joined by the mobile terminal using the second type interface after receiving from the communication device via the first type interface with the communication device; and
A mobile terminal.

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