JP7088265B2 - Communication equipment - Google Patents

Description

This specification discloses a communication device that executes wireless communication of target data.

Patent Document 1 discloses a system including a gate installed in a museum or the like, a mobile communication terminal, an access point, and a content server. The gate includes a reader / writer, executes communication with a non-contact IC chip of the mobile communication terminal, and transmits the SSID of the access point and the URL of the content server to the mobile communication terminal. The mobile communication terminal establishes communication with the access point and accesses the URL of the content server. As a result, the mobile communication terminal can acquire the content data from the content server via the access point.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-134932

This specification discloses a technique in which the first and second communication devices can appropriately perform wireless communication of target data.

The first communication device disclosed by the present specification functions as an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag of the NFC (Near Field Communication) standard, and even if the second communication device includes an application program, the application program can be used. Even if it is not provided, the first communication device transmits specific information to the second communication device by using the NFC standard wireless connection established between the first communication device and the second communication device. A kind of interface, the application program is a program for the second communication device to execute wireless communication of target data to be communicated according to a specific standard different from the NFC standard. The information is the information used when the first wireless network to which both the first communication device and the second communication device belong is formed, the first type of interface and the above. According to a specific standard, a second-class interface that executes wireless communication and, when the second-class communication device includes the application program, the wireless connection is established via the first-class interface, and the wireless connection is established. In a situation where the first wireless network is formed by shifting the first communication device to a state in which it is the master station of the first wireless network, the second communication device provides the specific information. When participating in the first wireless network by using the first wireless network to which both the first communication device and the second communication device belong, the second type of wireless network is used. When the wireless communication of the target data is executed with the second communication device via the interface and the second communication device does not include the application program, the wireless connection via the first type interface Is established, and the first wireless network is formed by shifting to a state in which the first communication device is the master station of the first wireless network. A second communication device and a data communication unit that does not execute may be provided.
Further, the other first communication device disclosed by the present specification includes a first-class interface that functions as an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag, a second-class interface, and a control unit. The control unit includes an interface control unit and a data communication unit. The interface control unit causes the first-class interface to execute a transmission operation using the first wireless connection established between the first communication device and the second communication device. The transmission operation includes an operation in which the first-class interface transmits network identification information used in the first wireless network to which both the first and second communication devices should belong to the second communication device. .. After the first-class interface performs the transmission operation, the data communication unit uses the first wireless network to which both the first and second communication devices belong, via the second-class interface. Then, wireless communication of the target data to be communicated is executed with the second communication device.

According to the above configuration, the first type interface functioning as an IC tag is used in the first wireless network to which both the first and second communication devices should belong by utilizing the first wireless connection. The network identification information is transmitted to the second communication device. In this way, since the network identification information is transmitted to the second communication device, the first communication device uses the first wireless network to which both the first and second communication devices belong. , The wireless communication of the target data can be appropriately performed with the second communication device via the second type interface. In particular, since the first type interface is an interface that functions as an IC tag, the first communication device executes wireless communication between the second communication device and the target data by using a relatively simple configuration. obtain.

The first communication device further receives a specific signal including network identification information from the second communication device via the second type interface, the first type communication device via the second type interface. A second wireless connection may be established between the second communication device and the second communication device to form a first wireless network to which both the first and second communication devices belong. .. According to this configuration, when the first communication device receives a specific signal including the network identification information from the second communication device as a result of transmitting the network identification information to the second communication device, the first communication device is used. The first wireless network to which both the second communication device and the second communication device belong can be appropriately formed. For this purpose, the first communication device appropriately communicates the target data with the second communication device by using the first wireless network to which both the first and second communication devices belong. Can be done.

The first communication device is selected from a plurality of states including a master station state that functions as a master station of a wireless network and an independent state that does not belong to the wireless network. It may operate in a similar manner. The control unit further changes the state of the first communication device from the independent state to the master station state in the first case where the first wireless connection is established while the state of the first communication device is the independent state. It may be provided with a state transition unit for transitioning to form a first wireless network to which only the first communication device belongs. The forming unit establishes a second wireless connection when receiving a specific signal after the formation of the first wireless network to which only the first communication device belongs, and the first and second. A first wireless network to which both of the communication devices of the above belong may be formed. According to this configuration, the first communication device belongs only to the first communication device in the first case where the first wireless connection is established while the state of the first communication device is unaffiliated. The first wireless network is formed, and then the first wireless network to which both the first and second communication devices belong is formed. The first communication device can appropriately form a first wireless network to which both the first and second communication devices belong.

The first type interface may supply a specific notification to the control unit when the first wireless connection is established. In the first case, the interface control unit may generate network identification information and supply the network identification information to the first-class interface when a specific notification is obtained from the first-class interface. .. According to this configuration, when the first wireless connection is established, the control unit supplies a specific notification from the first type interface to the control unit, so that the control unit determines that the first wireless connection has been established. You can know. As a result, the generation of the network identification information and the supply of the network identification information to the first type interface are executed. For this purpose, the first type interface can appropriately transmit the network identification information to the second communication device when the first wireless connection is established.

In the first case, the state transition unit may shift the state of the first communication device from the independent state to the master station state after the network identification information is generated.

The interface control unit is the network identification information used in the first wireless network to be formed after the second wireless network when the second wireless network in which the first communication device functions as a master station disappears. May be generated to supply network identification information to the Type 1 interface. According to this configuration, when the second wireless network disappears, the generation of the network identification information and the supply of the network identification information to the first type interface are executed. For this purpose, the first type interface can appropriately transmit the network identification information to the second communication device when the first wireless connection is established.

The first type interface may supply a specific notification to the control unit when the first wireless connection is established. In the first case, the state transition unit may shift the state of the first communication device from the independent state to the master station state when a specific notification is acquired from the first type interface. According to this configuration, when the first wireless connection is established, the control unit supplies a specific notification from the first type interface to the control unit, so that the control unit determines that the first wireless connection has been established. You can know. As a result, the transition from the independent state to the master station state is executed.

The first type interface may supply a specific notification to the control unit when the first wireless connection is established. The interface control unit may supply network identification information to the first-class interface when a specific notification is obtained from the first-class interface. According to this configuration, since the specific notification is supplied to the control unit from the first type interface, the control unit can know that the first wireless connection has been established. Therefore,
The interface control unit can supply the network identification information to the first-class interface at an appropriate timing.

The interface control unit may further control the operation mode of the first-class interface so that the first wireless connection is established while the operation mode of the first-class interface is the first mode. good. In the first mode, when the first-class interface receives a read command from the outside of the first communication device, it executes an operation of transmitting information to the outside of the first communication device in response to the read command. The mode may be such that, even if the first-class interface receives a write command from the outside of the first communication device, the operation corresponding to the write command is not executed. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent unnecessary information from being written to the first communication device.

The first type interface may function as an IC tag of NFC (Near Field Communication) standard. The interface control unit may cause the first-class interface to execute a transmission operation using the first wireless connection of the NFC standard. According to this configuration, since the first type interface is an interface that functions as an IC tag of the NFC standard, the first communication device is targeted with the second communication device by using a relatively simple configuration. Can perform wireless communication of data.

The second type interface may be an interface for performing wireless communication according to a specific standard different from the NFC standard. The interface control unit is used when the first wireless connection is established regardless of whether the second communication device has an application for executing wireless communication of the target data according to a specific standard or not. , The first type interface may be made to execute the transmission operation. The data communication unit executes wireless communication of the target data with the second communication device when the second communication device has an application, and wireless communication of the target data when the second communication device does not have the application. Does not have to be executed with the second communication device. According to this configuration, the first type interface transmits network identification information to the second communication device regardless of whether or not the second communication device includes an application. However, the first communication device can appropriately change whether or not to execute wireless communication of the target data with the second communication device depending on whether or not the second communication device includes an application.

The control unit is further a second case in which the first wireless connection is established while the state of the first communication device is the master station state, and the first communication device functions as the master station. In the second case where one wireless network exists, whether or not the number of slave station devices belonging to the first wireless network in the slave station state matches a predetermined upper limit value. It may be provided with a judgment unit for judging. In the second case, when it is determined that the number of slave station devices does not match the upper limit value, the interface control unit causes the first type interface to execute the transmission operation, and the data communication unit performs the first radio. The network may be used to perform wireless communication of the target data with the second communication device via the second type interface. In the second case, when it is determined that the number of slave station devices matches the upper limit value, the interface control unit does not cause the first type interface to execute the transmission operation, and the data communication unit receives the first radio. The connection may be used to perform wireless communication of the target data with the second communication device via the first type interface. According to this configuration, in the first communication device, the number of slave station devices is the upper limit value in the second case where the first wireless connection is established while the state of the first communication device is the master station state. Depending on whether or not the data matches, the wireless communication of the target data can be appropriately performed with the second communication device via the first type or second type interface.

The plurality of states may further include a slave station state in which the first communication device functions as a slave station of the wireless network. In the third case where the first wireless connection is established while the state of the first communication device is the slave station state, the interface control unit does not cause the first type interface to execute the transmission operation, and data communication is performed. The unit may use the first wireless connection to perform wireless communication of the target data with the second communication device via the first type interface. According to this configuration, the first communication device is via the first type interface in the third case where the first wireless connection is established while the state of the first communication device is the slave station state. , The wireless communication of the target data can be appropriately executed with the second communication device.

The interface control unit may further control the operation mode of the first-class interface so that the first wireless connection is established while the operation mode of the first-class interface is the first mode. good. In the first mode, when the first-class interface receives a read command from the outside of the first communication device, it executes an operation of transmitting information to the outside of the first communication device in response to the read command. The mode may be such that, even if the first-class interface receives a write command from the outside of the first communication device, the operation corresponding to the write command is not executed. Further, the interface control unit may change the operation mode of the first-class interface from the first mode to the second mode when the first-class interface is not allowed to execute the transmission operation. The second mode is a mode in which when a write command is received from the outside of the first communication device, information is received from the outside of the first communication device in response to the write command and the information is supplied to the control unit. May be. The data communication unit uses the first wireless connection in a state where the operation mode of the first type interface is the second mode, and the target data from the second communication device via the first type interface. May be received. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent unnecessary information from being written to the first communication device. Further, when the first type interface does not execute the transmission operation, the operation mode of the first type interface is changed from the first mode to the second mode, so that the first type communication device is the first type. The target data can be appropriately received from the second communication device via the interface of.

The communication speed of wireless communication via the type 2 interface may be faster than the communication speed of wireless communication via the type 1 interface. According to this configuration, the first communication device can rapidly perform wireless communication of the target data via the second type interface.

The data communication unit may receive the target data from the second communication device via the second type interface by using the first wireless network. The first communication device may further include a printing mechanism that performs printing of an image represented by the received target data. According to this configuration, the first communication device can receive the target data from the second communication device and appropriately print the image.

A control method for realizing the above-mentioned first and / or second communication device, a computer program, and a computer-readable recording medium for storing the computer program are also new and useful. Further, a communication system including the above-mentioned first and second communication devices is also new and useful.

The configuration of the communication system is shown. The flowchart of the processing of the CPU of the printer of 1st Embodiment is shown. The sequence diagram which shows the operation of the printer and the mobile terminal of 1st Embodiment is shown. The flowchart of the processing of the CPU of the printer of 2nd Example is shown. The sequence diagram which shows the operation of the printer and the mobile terminal of 2nd Example is shown. The sequence diagram which continued with FIG. 5 is shown. The flowchart of the processing of the CPU of the printer of 3rd Embodiment is shown. A sequence diagram showing the operation of the printer and the mobile terminal of the third embodiment is shown.

(First Example)
(Configuration of communication system 2)
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 2 includes a printer 10 and a mobile terminal 50. In FIG. 1, a PC (abbreviation of Personal Computer) 110 is shown, but the PC 110 will be used in the third embodiment described later.

(Configuration of printer 10)
The printer 10 is a peripheral device (that is, a peripheral device such as a PC 110) capable of executing a printing function. The printer 10 includes an operation panel 12, a display mechanism 14, a printing mechanism 16, a wireless LAN (abbreviation of Local Area Network) interface 20, an IC (abbreviation of Integrated Circuit) tag interface 22, and a control unit 30. .. Each unit 12 to 30 is connected to a bus line (reference numeral omitted). In the following, the interface will be referred to as "I / F".

The operation panel 12 includes a plurality of keys. The user can give various instructions to the printer 10 by operating the operation panel 12. The display mechanism 14 is a display for displaying various information. The printing mechanism 16 is a printing mechanism such as an inkjet method or a laser method.

The wireless LAN I / F 20 is an I / F for executing wireless communication (hereinafter referred to as "WFD communication") according to a WFD (abbreviation of Wi-Fi Direct) method. The WFD method is a wireless communication method described in the standard "Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Technical Specification Version 1.1" created by Wi-Fi Alliance. The WFD method is wireless according to, for example, the standard of IEEE (abbreviation of The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802.11 and the standard equivalent thereto (for example, 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, etc.). It is a wireless communication method for executing communication.

Hereinafter, a device (for example, a printer 10) capable of executing WFD communication according to the WFD method is referred to as a “WFD compatible device”. In the above WFD standard, the states of the WFD compatible device are the Group Owner state (hereinafter referred to as "G / O state"), the client state (hereinafter referred to as "CL state"), and the device state. Two states are defined. The WFD-compatible device is usually capable of selectively operating in one of the above three states.

When a pair of WFD-compatible devices in the device state should newly form a wireless network, the pair of WFD-compatible devices usually perform wireless communication called G / O negotiation. In G / O negotiation, one of the pair of WFD-compatible devices is determined to be in the G / O state (that is, G / O device), and the other is determined to be in the CL state (that is, CL device). decide. After that, the pair of WFD-compatible devices establish a connection to form a wireless network (that is, a WFD network). In FIG. 3 and the like described later, the WFD network is referred to as "WFDNW".

At the stage when the WFD network is newly formed by G / O negotiation, only one G / O device and one CL device belong to the WFD network. However, the G / O device can establish a connection with another device and newly join the WFD network using the other device as a CL device. In this case, two or more CL devices belong to the WFD network. That is, in the WFD network, one G / O device and one or more CL devices may exist.

The G / O device manages one or more CL devices. Specifically, the G / O device registers the MAC address of one or more CL devices in the management list in the memory of the G / O device. Further, the G / O device deletes the MAC address of the CL device from the management list when the CL device leaves the WFD network. The upper limit of the number of CL devices that can be managed by the G / O device (that is, the upper limit of the number of MAC addresses of the CL devices that can be registered in the management list) is predetermined by the G / O device. Generally speaking, the above upper limit value may be an integer of 1 or more.

The G / O device can execute wireless communication of the target data with the CL device registered in the management list without going through another device. The target data is data including information on the network layer of the OSI reference model and information on a layer higher than the network layer (for example, an application layer), and includes, for example, print data, scan data, and the like. Further, the G / O device can relay the wireless communication of the target data between the plurality of CL devices. In other words, the pair of CL devices can execute wireless communication of the target data via the G / O device.

As described above, in the WFD network, an access configured separately from the WFD-compatible device between the WFD-compatible device that is the source of the target data and the WFD-compatible device that is the destination of the target data. Wireless communication of target data can be executed without going through points. That is, it can be said that the WFD communication and the WFD method are wireless communication methods that do not go through the access point and wireless communication methods that do not use the access point, respectively.

The G / O device cannot execute the wireless communication of the target data with the WFD compatible device (that is, the device device) in the device state, but can execute the wireless communication of the WFD connection data with the device device. That is, the G / O device can establish a connection with the device device and allow the device device to participate in the WFD network by executing wireless communication of the connection data of the WFD method with the device device. In other words, the device device can establish a connection with the G / O device and participate in the WFD network by executing wireless communication of the connection data of the WFD method with the G / O device. In this case, the device device shifts from the device state to the CL state. The WFD connection data is data including information in a layer lower than the network layer of the OSI reference model (for example, physical layer, data link layer) (that is, data not including information in the network layer), for example. Includes Probe Request signal, Probe Response signal, Provision Discovery Request signal, Provision Discovery Response signal, Association Request signal, Association Response signal, Authentication Request signal, Authentication Response signal, 4-Way Handshake signal, and the like.

The G / O device can also establish a connection with a device (hereinafter referred to as "legacy device") that cannot execute WFD communication according to the WFD method, and allow the legacy device to participate in the WFD network. When establishing a connection with a legacy device, the G / O device describes the MAC address of the legacy device in the management list. This allows legacy devices to join the WFD network. Legacy devices do not selectively operate in any of the three states (ie, G / O state, CL state, device state), but while they belong to the WFD network, they are CL devices. It operates in the same state as.

The printer 10 is a WFD compatible device, but in this embodiment, it cannot operate in the CL state. Further, the printer 10 does not have a program for executing G / O negotiation with other WFD compatible devices. That is, the printer 10 can selectively operate in one of two states, the G / O state and the device state.

The IC tag I / F 22 is an I / F for executing wireless communication (hereinafter referred to as "NFC communication") according to an NFC (abbreviation of Near Field Communication) method for so-called short-range wireless communication. The NFC system is, for example, a wireless communication system based on the international standard of ISO / IEC21481 or 18092. As a type of I / F for executing NFC communication, an I / F called an NFC Forum Device and an I / F called an NFC Forum Tag are known. The IC tag I / F22 is an NFC forum tag and functions as an IC tag of the NFC standard (that is, ISO / IEC21481 or 18092).

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

The NFC forum tag (that is, the IC tag I / F22) is not an I / F that can selectively operate in any of the above three modes, but an I / F that functions only as an IC tag. For example, when the NFCI / F of the mobile terminal 50 operates in the Reader mode of the R / W modes, the mobile terminal 50 reads information from the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10, that is, from the printer 10. Information can be received. Further, for example, when the NFCI / F of the mobile terminal 50 operates in the Writer mode of the R / W modes, the mobile terminal 50 writes information to the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10, that is, the printer. Information can be transmitted to 10.

Since the NFC forum tag (that is, the IC tag I / F22) is not an I / F that can selectively operate in any of the above three modes, it has a simpler configuration than the NFC forum device (that is, the IC tag I / F22). That is, the configuration of the IC chip is simple). Generally speaking, an IC chip that functions as an NFC forum tag is cheaper than an IC chip that functions as an NFC forum device.

The method of supplying power to the IC tag I / F 22 may be either a so-called passive type or an active type. The passive type is configured to receive radio waves from the NFCI / F of the mobile terminal 50 to generate electric power to activate the circuit of the IC chip in the IC tag I / F22. Since the passive type IC tag I / F has a simple structure as compared with the active type IC tag I / F, it is relatively inexpensive and can realize the miniaturization of the I / F itself. However, the passive type IC tag I / F has a feature that a shorter communication distance can be realized as compared with the active type IC tag I / F. On the other hand, the active type is configured to receive power from the power supply in the IC tag I / F or the power supply in the printer 10 to activate the circuit of the IC chip in the IC tag I / F 22. The active type IC tag I / F is more expensive than the passive type IC tag I / F and has a feature that a long communication distance can be realized.

In this embodiment, the IC tag I / F 22 is a buffer memory (not shown) for temporarily storing the information supplied from the control unit 30 in order to transmit the information to an external device (for example, the mobile terminal 50). ). However, the IC tag I / F 22 does not have a RAM for storing the information supplied from the control unit 30 for a long period of time (for example, the period until other information is supplied from the control unit 30). In the second embodiment described later, the IC tag I / F 22 includes a RAM 24 (see FIG. 5).

As the operation mode of the IC tag I / F22, there are a ReadOnly mode and a Writable mode. In the ReadOnly mode, when the IC tag I / F22 receives an NFC standard read command from an external device (for example, a mobile terminal 50), the operation of transmitting information to the external device in response to the read command (hereinafter, "read response"). It is a mode to execute "operation"). However, the ReadOnly mode is a mode in which even if the IC tag I / F22 receives an NFC standard write command from an external device, the operation corresponding to the write command (hereinafter referred to as "write response operation") is not executed. On the other hand, the Writable mode is a mode in which both a read response operation and a write response operation are executed.

The above-mentioned write response operation is, for example, an operation of supplying the information to the control unit 30 when the information is received together with the write command from an external device. In the ReadOnly mode, since the write response operation is not executed, the information received from the external device is not supplied to the control unit 30, and as a result, the information in the IC tag memory 36 of the control unit 30 is used by the external device. It can be suppressed from being overwritten by the information received from. Further, in the second embodiment described later, it is possible to prevent the information in the RAM 24 of the IC tag I / F 22 from being overwritten by the information received from the external device.

Here, the differences between the wireless LAN I / F20 and the IC tag I / F22 will be described. The communication speed of wireless communication via wireless LAN I / F20 (for example, the maximum communication speed is 11 to 600 Mbps) is the communication speed of wireless communication via IC tag I / F22 (for example, the maximum communication speed is 100 to 424 kbps). ) Faster. Further, the frequency of the carrier wave in wireless communication via wireless LAN I / F20 (for example, 2.4 GHz band, 5.0 GHz band) is the frequency of the carrier wave in wireless communication via IC tag I / F22 (for example, 13.56 MHz). It is different from the band). Further, for example, when the distance between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 is about 10 cm or less, the control unit 30 can execute NFC communication with the mobile terminal 50 via the IC tag I / F22. On the other hand, regardless of whether the distance between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 is 10 cm or less or 10 cm or more (for example, about 100 m at the maximum), the control unit 30 controls the mobile terminal via the wireless LANI / F20. It is possible to execute WFD communication with 50. That is, the maximum distance that the printer 10 can perform wireless communication with the communication destination device (for example, the mobile terminal 50) via the wireless LAN I / F 20 is such that the printer 10 can communicate with the communication destination device via the IC tag I / F 22. Greater than the maximum distance that wireless communication can be performed.

The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32, a main memory 34, and an IC tag memory 36. The CPU 32 executes various processes according to the program stored in the main memory 34. The main memory 34 is composed of a RAM, a ROM, and the like. The main memory 34 stores not only the above program but also various data generated or acquired in the process of executing various processes by the printer 10. The IC tag memory 36 is a memory for storing data to be supplied to the IC tag I / F22.

(Configuration of mobile terminal 50)
The mobile terminal 50 is a portable terminal device such as a mobile phone (for example, a smartphone), a PDA, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, a portable music player, a portable moving image player, or the like. The mobile terminal 50 includes a wireless LAN I / F and an NFCI / F (not shown).

The mobile terminal 50 is a WFD compatible device, and can selectively operate in any one of the three states of the G / O state, the CL state, and the device state. Therefore, the mobile terminal 50 can execute WFD communication via the wireless LAN I / F of the mobile terminal 50.

In the modified example, the mobile terminal 50 may be a legacy device instead of a WFD compatible device. Even in this configuration, the mobile terminal 50 can establish a connection with the G / O device (for example, the printer 10) and participate in the WFD network.

Further, the mobile terminal 50 can execute NFC communication via the NFCI / F of the mobile terminal 50. The NFCI / F of the mobile terminal 50 is the above-mentioned NFC forum device, and can operate at least according to the R / W mode.

(Processes executed by the CPU 32 of the printer 10; FIGS. 2 and 3)
Subsequently, the process executed by the CPU 32 of the printer 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of processing executed by the CPU 32, and FIG. 3 shows a specific example realized by the flowchart of FIG.

When the power of the printer 10 is turned on (that is, when the printer 10 is started), the printer 10 is not connected to any wireless network and is in a WFD standard device state. When the power of the printer 10 is turned on, the CPU 32 stores a value indicating the device state in the main memory 34 as a value indicating the state of the printer 10 (hereinafter referred to as “WFD state value”).

As shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 32 (that is, the control unit 30) of the printer 10 supplies a mode setting instruction to the IC tag I / F 22 when the power of the printer 10 is turned on, and sets the operation mode of the IC tag I / F 22. Set to ReadOnly mode. As a result, it is possible to prevent the information in the IC tag memory 36 of the control unit 30 from being overwritten by the information received from the external device (for example, the mobile terminal 50). As a result, as will be described in detail later, the printer 10 can appropriately supply the information in the IC tag memory 36 (WFDWSI described later) to the mobile terminal 50.

The IC tag I / F 22 transmits a detection radio wave for detecting a device (for example, a mobile terminal 50) capable of executing NFC communication. The NFCI / F of the mobile terminal 50 also transmits a detection radio wave for detecting a device (for example, a printer 10) capable of executing NFC communication. When the user brings the NFCI / F of the mobile terminal 50 closer to the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10, the distance between the NFCI / F of the mobile terminal 50 and the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10 is the distance that radio waves can reach each other. It is smaller than (for example, 10 cm). In this case, one of the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10 and the NFCI / F of the mobile terminal 50 receives the detected radio wave from the other and transmits the response radio wave.

Next, wireless communication for establishing an NFC connection (that is, an NFC type wireless connection) is executed between the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10 and the NFCI / F of the mobile terminal 50. In the process of the wireless communication, the IC tag I / F22 of the printer 10 is type information indicating that the IC tag I / F22 itself functions as an IC tag of the NFC standard (that is, it is an I / F of the NFC forum tag). Is transmitted to the NFCI / F of the mobile terminal 50. As a result, the mobile terminal 50 can know that the communication partner (that is, the printer 10) is the NFC forum tag.

When an NFC connection is established between the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10 and the NFCI / F of the mobile terminal 50, the mobile terminal 50 determines which of the R / W modes should be operated. do. Which of the R / W modes the mobile terminal 50 should operate in is determined in advance by a program (for example, an application) mounted on the mobile terminal 50. For example, when a printing application for causing the printer 10 to execute a printing function is already installed in the mobile terminal 50, the mobile terminal 50 operates in the Reader mode of the R / W modes according to the printing application. decide. On the other hand, when the print application is not already installed in the mobile terminal 50, the mobile terminal 50 is in the R / W mode according to an application different from the print application or the operation system (that is, OS) of the mobile terminal 50. It may decide to operate in Reader mode, or it may decide to operate in Writer mode of R / W modes.

When the mobile terminal 50 determines to operate in the Reader mode of the R / W modes, the mobile terminal 50 transmits a read command to the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10. Further, when the mobile terminal 50 determines to operate in the Writer mode of the R / W modes, the mobile terminal 50 transmits a write command to the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10.

Even if the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10 receives a write command from the mobile terminal 50, the IC tag I / F 22 does not execute the write response operation. This is because the operation mode of the IC tag I / F22 is set to the ReadOnly mode. On the other hand, when the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10 receives a read command from the mobile terminal 50, the IC tag I / F 22 executes a read response operation. Specifically, the IC tag I / F 22 first supplies the control unit 30 with a specific notification for notifying that the NFC connection has been established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50.

As shown in S10 of FIG. 2, the CPU 32 monitors the acquisition of a specific notification from the IC tag I / F22. When the CPU 32 acquires a specific notification from the IC tag I / F22 (YES in S10), the CPU 32 proceeds to S12.

In S12, the CPU 32 generates wireless setting information used in the WFD network to which both the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 should belong. In the following, the wireless setting information used in the WFD network will be referred to as "WFDWSI". WFDWSI includes SSID (abbreviation of Service Set Identifier), BSSID (abbreviation of Basic Service Set Identifier), authentication method, encryption method, and password. The SSID and BSSID are identification information for identifying the WFD network. More specifically, the SSID is the network identifier of the WFD network, and the BSSID is the MAC address of the printer 10. The authentication method, encryption method, and password are information for executing device authentication, data encryption, and the like in the WFD network. In FIG. 3, "X1" is shown as a specific value of SSID.

The CPU 32 newly generates an SSID and a password by randomly generating a character string. However, the BSSID, the authentication method, and the encryption method are predetermined information, not information newly generated by the CPU 32. The CPU 32 writes the generated WFDWSI in the IC tag memory 36.

Next, in S14, the CPU 32 supplies the WFDWSI in the IC tag memory 36 to the IC tag I / F22. As a result, the IC tag I / F 22 transmits the WFDWSI to the mobile terminal 50 by using the NFC connection (that is, the NFC connection used for the communication of the read command). When WFDWSI is transmitted from the IC tag I / F22, the NFC connection is disconnected.

As described above, since the IC tag I / F22 is set to the ReadOnly mode, even if a write command is received from the mobile terminal 50 after the WFDWSI is stored in the IC tag memory 36 ( For example, even if a write command transmitted by an application other than the print application of the mobile terminal 50 is received), it is possible to prevent the WFDWSI in the IC tag memory 36 from being overwritten by other information. Therefore, the printer 10 can appropriately transmit the WFDWSI to the mobile terminal 50.

Subsequently, in S16, the CPU 32 changes the state of the printer 10 from the device state to the G / O state. In S16, the CPU 32 spontaneously shifts the state of the printer 10 to the G / O state without executing G / O negotiation. Specifically, the CPU 32 first changes the WFD state value in the main memory 34 from the value indicating the device state to the value indicating the G / O state. Next, the CPU 32 generates a management list in the main memory 34 in which the MAC address of the CL device should be described. At the stage of S16, neither MAC address is described in the management list. That is, at the stage of S16, the CPU 32 forms a WFD network to which only the printer 10, which is a G / O device, belongs.

As shown in Case A of FIG. 3, when the printing application is already installed in the mobile terminal 50, when the mobile terminal 50 receives the WFDWSI from the printer 10, the mobile terminal 50 uses the WFDWSI in the G / O device. A process for establishing a WFD wireless connection (hereinafter referred to as "WFD connection") with a certain printer 10 is executed. Specifically, the mobile terminal 50 transmits a Probe Request signal including the SSID included in the WFDWSI via the wireless LAN I / F of the mobile terminal 50. On the other hand, as shown in Case B of FIG. 3, when the printing application is not already installed in the mobile terminal 50, the mobile terminal 50 can operate in Reader mode and receive WFDWSI from the printer 10. , Do not send Probe Request signal. This is because the printing application for interpreting WFDWSI and transmitting the Probe Request signal is not installed.

In S18 of FIG. 2, the CPU 32 monitors the reception of the Probe Request signal including the SSID "X1" via the wireless LANI / F20. When the CPU 32 receives the Probe Request signal including the SSID "X1" (that is, in the case of case A in FIG. 3), the CPU 32 determines YES in S18 and proceeds to S20. On the other hand, when the CPU 32 elapses for a predetermined period after the printer 10 shifts to the G / O state in S16 without receiving the Probe Request signal including the SSID "X1" (that is, in case B of FIG. 3). In the case), it is determined as NO in S18, S20 to S24 are skipped (that is, the print data reception process and the print process are not executed), and the process proceeds to S26.

In S20, the CPU 32 executes a process for establishing a WFD connection with the mobile terminal 50 (that is, a process for joining the mobile terminal 50 to the WFD network in which the printer 10 is a G / O device). Specifically, the CPU 32 executes communication of connection data such as a Probe Response signal, an Authentication Request signal, and an Authentication Response signal with the mobile terminal 50 via the wireless LANI / F20.

The mobile terminal 50 transmits the authentication method, the encryption method, the password, etc. included in the WFDWSI to the printer 10 in the process of communicating the connection data. Then, the CPU 32 of the printer 10 executes the authentication of the mobile terminal 50. Since the WFDWSI is transmitted from the printer 10 to the mobile terminal 50, the authentication is usually successful. As a result, a WFD connection is established between the wireless LAN I / F 20 of the printer 10 and the wireless LAN I / F of the mobile terminal 50.

The CPU 32 describes the MAC address of the mobile terminal 50 in the management list when the WFD connection is established. As a result, the mobile terminal 50 participates in the WFD network in which the printer 10 is a G / O device as a CL device. That is, the CPU 32 forms a WFD network to which both the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong.

When a WFD connection is established, the mobile terminal 50 (that is, a print application) transmits print data to the printer 10 via the wireless LAN I / F of the mobile terminal 50 using the WFD network. Since the mobile terminal 50 is a CL device and the printer 10 is a G / O device, the print data is directly transmitted from the mobile terminal 50 to the printer 10 without going through another device. The print data is data designated as a print target by the user of the mobile terminal 50, and is, for example, an image file, a document file, or the like.

In S22, the CPU 32 receives print data from the mobile terminal 50 via the wireless LANI / F20 using the WFD network. Next, in S24, the CPU 32 supplies print data to the printing mechanism 16. As a result, the printing mechanism 16 prints the image represented by the print data on the print medium.

Since the print data is an image file or the like, it has a relatively large data size. The communication speed of NFC communication is slower than the communication speed of WFD communication. Therefore, if a configuration is adopted in which wireless communication of print data is executed between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 by using NFC communication, it takes a long time for wireless communication of print data. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 execute the wireless communication of the print data by using the WFD communication, the wireless communication of the print data can be executed quickly.

In S26, the CPU 32 changes the state of the printer 10 from the G / O state to the device state. That is, the CPU 32 changes the WFD state value in the main memory 34 from the value indicating the G / O state to the value indicating the device state. Next, the CPU 32 erases the management list from the main memory 34. As a result, the WFD network disappears. When the CPU 32 finishes S26, it returns to S10.

(Effect of the first embodiment)
According to the printer 10 of this embodiment, the IC tag I / F22 functioning as an NFC standard IC tag uses an NFC connection (that is, executes NFC communication) to carry a WFDWSI containing an SSID "X1" as a mobile terminal. Send to 50. Then, the printer 10 shifts to the G / O state and forms a WFD network to which only the printer 10 belongs. When the printer 10 receives the Probe Request signal including the SSID "X1" from the mobile terminal 50, the printer 10 establishes a WFD connection between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50, and both the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to the printer 10. Form a WFD network. Next, the printer 10 uses the WFD network (that is, executes WFD communication) to receive print data from the mobile terminal 50. The printer 10 prints an image represented by print data on a print medium. Thereby, the printed print medium can be provided to the user of the mobile terminal 50.

As described above, the NFC forum tag (that is, the IC tag I / F22) has a simple configuration (that is, the configuration of the IC chip is simple) as compared with the NFC forum device. Therefore, the printer 10 of this embodiment can be realized by a simple configuration as compared with the case where the NFC forum device is used as the I / F for executing NFC communication. As a result, for example, the printer 10 can be manufactured at a relatively low cost.

When the IC tag I / F22 has a RAM as in the second embodiment described later, it is necessary for the CPU 32 to write the WFDWSI to the RAM in the IC tag I / F22 in S14 of FIG. be. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the IC tag I / F22 does not have a RAM, it is not necessary for the CPU 32 to write the WFDWSI to the RAM in the IC tag I / F22 in S14 of FIG. Therefore, the process of S14 can be executed quickly, and as a result, the supply of WFDWSI from the printer 10 to the mobile terminal 50 can be executed quickly.

(Correspondence)
The printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 are examples of a "first communication device" and a "second communication device". The IC tag I / F22 and the wireless LANI / F20 are examples of the "first type interface" and the "second type interface", respectively. The operation of transmitting the WFDWSI including the SSID "X1" to the mobile terminal 50 is an example of the "transmission operation". Print data is an example of "target data". The WFD standard is an example of a "specific standard". The ReadOnly mode is an example of the "first mode". NFC connection and WFD connection are examples of "first wireless connection" and "second wireless connection", respectively. The G / O state and the device state are examples of the "master station state" and the "independent state", respectively. The WFD network, SSID "X1", and Probe Request signal are examples of "first wireless network", "network identification information", and "specific signal", respectively. A print application is an example of an "application". The processes of S12 and S14 in FIG. 2 are examples of processes executed by the “interface control unit”. The processing of S16, the processing of S20, and the processing of S22 are examples of processing executed by the "state transition unit", the "forming unit", and the "data communication unit", respectively.

(Second Example)
The points different from the first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the IC tag I / F 22 includes a RAM 24 for storing information supplied from the control unit 30 for a long period of time.

(Processes executed by the CPU 32 of the printer 10; FIGS. 4 to 6)
The contents of the process executed by the CPU 32 of the printer 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. Unlike the first embodiment, the CPU 32 of the printer 10 (that is, the control unit 30) generates the WFDWSI when the power of the printer 10 is turned on, and supplies the generated WFDWSI to the IC tag I / F22. The method for generating WFDWSI is the same as that for S12 in FIG. In FIG. 5, “X1” is shown as a specific value of the SSID included in the WFDWSI generated when the power of the printer 10 is turned on. The IC tag I / F22 stores the WFDWSI in the RAM 24.

The processes S10 to S26 in FIG. 4 are the same as the processes S10 to S26 in FIG. 2, but the order of the processes is different. As shown in FIG. 5, an NFC connection is established between the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10 and the NFCI / F of the mobile terminal 50, and then the read command is communicated using the NFC connection. , The same as the first embodiment.

When the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10 receives a read command from the mobile terminal 50, the IC tag I / F 22 supplies a specific notification to the control unit 30. As a result, the CPU 32 determines YES in S10 of FIG. 4, and proceeds to S16. In this embodiment, the CPU 32 does not generate the WFDWSI (S12) and supply the WFDWSI to the IC tag I / F22 (S14) when YES in S10. This is because the WFDWSI is supplied to the IC tag I / F22 when the power of the printer 10 is turned on or when the S14 described later is processed, and the WFDWSI is already stored in the RAM 24 of the IC tag I / F22. Therefore, when the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10 receives a read command from the mobile terminal 50, the WFDWSI (that is, SSID “X1”) in the RAM 24 is transferred to the mobile terminal 50 without acquiring the WFDWSI from the control unit 30. Send to.

Each process of S16 to S26 in FIG. 4 is the same as each process of S16 to S26 in FIG. When each process of S16 to S26 of FIG. 4 is executed, as shown in FIG. 5, the formation of a WFD network to which only the printer 10 belongs, and the WFD to which both the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong. The formation of the network and the communication of the print data are executed, and then the WFD network disappears.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the CPU 32 finishes S26 (that is, when the WFD network disappears), the WFDWSI is generated (S12) and the WFDWSI is supplied to the IC tag I / F22 (S14). .. In S12, the CPU 32 randomly generates a character string to generate an SSID and a password. Therefore, the SSID and password generated in S12 are different from the SSID and password generated when the power is turned on (or when the past S12 is executed). In FIG. 6, “X2” is shown as a specific value of the SSID generated in S12. The IC tag I / F22 deletes the WFDWSI (that is, the WFDWSI generated when the power is turned on) in the RAM 24, and stores a new WFDWSI (that is, the WFDWSI supplied in S14) in the RAM 24.

When the CPU 32 finishes S14 in FIG. 5, it returns to S10. As shown in FIG. 6, when the NFC connection is reestablished between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50, the IC tag I / F 22 uses the WFDWSI (ie, SSID “X2”) in the RAM 24 for the mobile terminal 50. Send to. Subsequent processing is the same as in FIG. 5, except that SSID "X2" is used instead of SSID "X1".

(Effect of the second embodiment)
In this embodiment as well, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, in this embodiment, since the IC tag I / F 22 includes the RAM 24, the WFDWSI can be stored in the RAM 24 in advance before the NFC connection is established. Therefore, when the NFC connection is established, the IC tag I / F22 can quickly transmit the WFDWSI in the RAM 24 to the mobile terminal 50 without acquiring the WFDWSI from the control unit 30.

(Correspondence)
In this embodiment, the WFD network of FIG. 5 and the WFD network of FIG. 6 are examples of the "second wireless network" and the "first wireless network", respectively. Further, the SSID "X2" is an example of "network identification information".

(Third Example)
The points different from the first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the IC tag I / F 22 does not have a RAM as in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the printer 10 selectively operates in one of two states, a G / O state and a device state. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the printer 10 selectively operates in any one of the three states of the G / O state, the CL state, and the device state. For example, the printer 10 may perform G / O negotiation with a device different from the printer 10 to determine that the printer 10 becomes a CL device.

(Processes executed by the CPU 32 of the printer 10; FIGS. 7, 8)
The contents of the process executed by the CPU 32 of the printer 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. When the user desires to form the WFD network to which the printer 10 and the PC 110 belong, the user executes a predetermined operation on the operation panel 12 of the printer 10 and executes a predetermined operation on the PC 110. As a result, the CPU 32 of the printer 10 executes G / O negotiation with the PC 110 via the wireless LANI / F20.

In the G / O negotiation, the CPU 32 transmits information indicating the G / O priority of the printer 10 (more specifically, the Intent value) to the PC 110, and receives information indicating the G / O priority of the PC 110 from the PC 110. do. The G / O priority of the printer 10 is an index indicating the degree to which the printer 10 should be in the G / O state, and is predetermined in the printer 10. Similarly, the G / O priority of the PC 110 is an index indicating the degree to which the PC 110 should be in the G / O state, and is predetermined in the PC 110.

The CPU 32 compares the G / O priority of the printer 10 with the G / O priority of the PC 110, determines that the device having the higher priority is in the G / O state, and determines that the device having the lower priority is in the G / O state. Determines that the device is in the CL state. In case C of FIG. 8, it is determined that the printer 10 is in the G / O state, and the PC 110 is determined to be in the CL state. That is, the CPU 32 changes the WFD state value in the main memory 34 from the value indicating the device state to the value indicating the G / O state. Further, the CPU 32 generates a management list including the MAC address of the PC 110 in the main memory 34. Further, in the case D, it is determined that the printer 10 is in the CL state and the PC 110 is in the G / O state. That is, the CPU 32 changes the WFD state value in the main memory 34 from the value indicating the device state to the value indicating the CL state.

When the printer 10 becomes a G / O device (that is, case C), the printer 10 (that is, the CPU 32) generates WFDWSI. Then, the CPU 32 supplies the generated WFDWSI to the PC 110 via the wireless LANI / F20. As a result, a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the PC 110, and a WFD network to which the printer 10 which is a G / O device and the PC 110 which is a CL device belongs is formed.

On the other hand, when the printer 10 becomes a CL device (that is, case D), the PC 110 generates WFDWSI. Then, the CPU 32 receives the WFDWSI from the PC 110 via the wireless LANI / F20. As a result, a WFD connection is established between the printer 10 and the PC 110, and a WFD network to which the printer 10 which is a CL device and the PC 110 which is a G / O device belong is formed.

When the WFD network to which the printer 10 and the PC 110 belong is formed as in the case C or D described above, the printer 10 receives print data from the PC 110 using the WFD network and performs printing processing. Can be executed.

In the first or second embodiment, the NFC connection is established between the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 while the printer 10 is in the device state, but the printer 10 is in the G / O state or the CL state. Meanwhile, the NFC connection is not established. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the WFD network to which the printer 10 and the PC 110 belong can be formed, the NFC connection can be established even while the printer 10 is in the G / O state or the CL state. ..

As shown in FIG. 8, an NFC connection is established between the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10 and the NFCI / F of the mobile terminal 50, and then the read command is communicated using the NFC connection. , The same as FIG. 5 of the first embodiment.

When the IC tag I / F 22 of the printer 10 receives a read command from the mobile terminal 50, the IC tag I / F 22 supplies a specific notification to the control unit 30. As a result, the CPU 32 determines YES in S10 of FIG. 7, and proceeds to S50.

In S50, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the current state of the printer 10 is the device state. Specifically, when the WFD state value in the main memory 34 is a value indicating the device state, the CPU 32 determines YES in S50 and proceeds to S12. Each process of S12 to S26 is the same as each process of S12 to S26 of FIG.

On the other hand, when the WFD state value in the main memory 34 is a value indicating a G / O state or a CL state, the CPU 32 determines NO in S50 and proceeds to S52. In S52, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the current state of the printer 10 is the CL state. Specifically, when the WFD state value in the main memory 34 is a value indicating the CL state (that is, case D in FIG. 8), the CPU 32 determines YES in S52 and proceeds to S58. On the other hand, when the WFD state value in the main memory 34 is a value indicating the G / O state (that is, case C in FIG. 8), the CPU 32 determines NO in S52 and proceeds to S54.

In S54, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the number of CL devices belonging to the WFD network in which the printer 10 is a G / O device matches a predetermined upper limit value. Specifically, the CPU 32 first reads the number of MAC addresses described in the management list in the main memory 34 to specify the number of CL devices. Then, when the number of CL devices matches the upper limit value, the CPU 32 determines YES in S54 and proceeds to S58. On the other hand, if the number of CL devices does not match the upper limit value, that is, if the number of CL devices is less than the upper limit value, the CPU 32 determines NO in S54 and proceeds to S56.

In S56, the CPU 32 uses the WFDWSI (that is, the WFDWSI generated by the printer 10 after the above G / O negotiation) currently used in the WFD network in which the printer 10 is a G / O device, as a memory for IC tags. Write to 36. Then, the CPU 32 supplies the WFDWSI in the IC tag memory 36 to the IC tag I / F22. As a result, the IC tag I / F 22 transmits the WFDWSI to the mobile terminal 50 using the NFC connection.

When the CPU 32 finishes S56, it proceeds to S18. When the CPU 32 receives the Probe Request signal from the mobile terminal 50 (YES in S18), the CPU 32 causes the mobile terminal 50 to participate in the WFD network to which the printer 10 and the PC 110 belong (S20), and carries the mobile terminal 50 using the WFD network. The print data is received from the terminal 50 (S22), and the print process is executed (S24). The CPU 32 does not shift from the G / O state to the device state (that is, does not execute the process of S26) even after finishing S24. This is because if the process of S26 is executed, the WFD network to which the printer 10 and the PC 110 belong disappears, and the printer 10 cannot receive print data from the PC 110.

In this embodiment, in the WFD network, the G / O device has the authority to participate other devices in the WFD network, but the CL device does not have the authority to participate other devices in the WFD network. We have adopted a policy. Therefore, if YES in S52, that is, if the NFC connection is established while the printer 10 is in the CL state, the printer 10 cannot join the mobile terminal 50 to the WFD network. Therefore, in S58, the CPU 32 does not supply the WFDWSI used in the WFD network which is the CL device to the IC tag I / F22, and the information indicating that the WFD communication cannot be executed (information indicating that the WFD communication cannot be executed. Hereinafter referred to as "impossible information") is supplied to the IC tag I / F22. Specifically, in S58, the CPU 32 writes the impossible information in the IC tag memory 36 and supplies the impossible information in the IC tag memory 36 to the IC tag I / F 22. As a result, the IC tag I / F 22 transmits the impossible information to the mobile terminal 50 by using the NFC connection.

If YES in S54, that is, if the NFC connection is established while the printer 10 is in the G / O state, but the number of CL devices matches the upper limit, the CPU 32 is managed. Since the number of CL devices cannot be increased any more, the mobile terminal 50 cannot participate in the WFD network. Also in this case, in S58, the CPU 32 supplies the impossible information to the IC tag I / F 22.

Next, in S60, the CPU 32 supplies a mode change instruction to the IC tag I / F22, and changes the operation mode of the IC tag I / F22 from the ReadOnly mode to the Writable mode.

When the mobile terminal 50 (that is, the printing application) receives the impossible information from the printer 10, it determines that the print data should be transmitted to the printer 10 by using NFC communication instead of WFD communication. Then, the mobile terminal 50 determines to operate in the Writer mode of the R / W modes, and uses the NFC connection to transmit the NFC standard write command and print data to the printer 10.

Since the IC tag I / F22 of the printer 10 is operating in the Writable mode (see S60), when a write command is received from the mobile terminal 50, a write response operation is executed according to the write command. Specifically, the IC tag I / F 22 supplies print data to the control unit 30. As a result, in S62, the CPU 32 receives print data from the mobile terminal 50 via the IC tag I / F22.

Next, in S64, the CPU 32 executes a printing process (a process similar to that in S24). Subsequently, in S66, the CPU 32 supplies a mode change instruction to the IC tag I / F22, and changes the operation mode of the IC tag I / F22 from the Writable mode to the ReadOnly mode. When the CPU 32 finishes S66, it returns to S10.

(Effect of the third embodiment)
In this embodiment, when the NFC connection is established while the printer 10 is in the device state (YES in S50 in FIG. 7), the printer 10 converts the WFDWSI into the mobile terminal 50 as in the first embodiment. It transmits (S14) and forms a WFD network to which only the printer 10 which is a G / O device belongs (S16), and then forms a WFD network to which both the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong (S16). S20). Therefore, the printer 10 can receive print data from the mobile terminal 50 using the WFD network (S22) and appropriately execute the print process (S24).

When the NFC connection is established while the printer 10 is in the G / O state (NO in S52 in FIG. 7), the printer 10 determines whether or not the number of CL devices matches the upper limit (NO). S54). When it is determined that the number of CL devices does not match the upper limit value (NO in S54), the printer 10 transmits WFDWSI to the mobile terminal 50 (S56), and both the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong to the printer 10. Form a WFD network (S20). Therefore, the printer 10 can receive print data from the mobile terminal 50 using the WFD network (S22) and appropriately execute the print process (S24).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of CL devices matches the upper limit value (YES in S54), the printer 10 transmits the impossible information to the mobile terminal 50 (S58), and the mobile terminal uses the NFC connection. The print data can be received from 50 (S62), and the print process (S64) can be appropriately executed.

Further, when the NFC connection is established while the printer 10 is in the CL state (YES in S52 in FIG. 7), the printer 10 transmits the impossible information to the mobile terminal 50 (S58) and uses the NFC connection. Then, the print data can be received from the mobile terminal 50 (S62), and the print process (S64) can be appropriately executed.

As described above, the printer 10 can execute an appropriate process according to the state of the printer 10 and appropriately execute the print process. In particular, when the printer 10 should receive print data from the mobile terminal 50 using the NFC connection (YES in S52 or YES in S54), the operation mode of the IC tag I / F22 is changed to the Writable mode. (S60), print data can be appropriately received from the mobile terminal 50 by using the NFC connection (S62).

When the print data is received using the NFC connection (S62), it takes a longer time to communicate the print data than when the print data is received using the WFD connection (S22). However, for example, a so-called label printer capable of printing on a relatively small print medium such as a label such as a laminated film, instead of a normal printer capable of printing on a relatively large print medium such as A4 size printing paper. Then, since the data size of the print data is relatively small, even if the configuration of receiving the print data using the NFC connection is adopted, it is possible to suppress the user from feeling dissatisfied with the long communication time of the print data. obtain. That is, the printer 10 may be a normal printer, but is preferably a label printer.

(Correspondence)
ReadOnly mode and Writable mode are examples of "first mode" and "second mode", respectively. The case of YES in S50, the case of NO in S52, and the case of YES in S52 are examples of "first case", "second case", and "third case", respectively. The CL state is an example of the "slave station state". Not only the process of S14 but also the process of S56 is an example of the process executed by the "interface control unit". Further, the process of S54 is an example of a process executed by the "determination unit".

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

(Modification 1) The "first communication device" is not limited to the printer 10, and may be a scanner, a copier, a multifunctional machine, a mobile terminal, a PC, a server, or the like. For example, in the modified example in which the scanner is an example of the "first communication device", the CPU of the scanner uses the WFD network to which the scanner and the mobile terminal belong, and scan data via the wireless LAN I / F. May be sent to the mobile terminal. In this modification, the scan data is an example of "target data". Further, for example, in the embodiment in which the PC is an example of the "first communication device", the CPU of the PC uses the WFD network to which the PC and the mobile terminal belong, via the wireless LAN I / F. A data file (for example, a document file, etc.) in the PC may be transmitted to the mobile terminal. In this variant, the data file is an example of "target data". Further, the "second communication device" is not limited to the mobile terminal 50, and may be a printer, a scanner, a copier, a multifunction machine, a PC, a server, or the like.

(Modification 2) The “second type interface” is not limited to the wireless LANI / F20 for executing WFD communication, and for example, performs wireless communication via an access point (hereinafter referred to as “AP”). It may be a wireless LAN I / F for the purpose. In this modification, when the CPU 32 of the printer 10 belongs to the specific wireless network formed by the AP, the SSID of the specific wireless network is transmitted to the mobile terminal 50 by using the NFC connection. You may. In this case, the mobile terminal 50 may transmit a Probe Request signal including the SSID to the AP to participate in the above-mentioned specific wireless network. Also in this case, the CPU 32 of the printer 10 receives print data from the mobile terminal 50 using the above-mentioned specific wireless network to which both the printer 10 and the mobile terminal 50 belong (that is, via the AP). be able to.

(Modification 3) The “second type interface” is not limited to the wireless LANI / F20, and may be, for example, a BTI / F for executing wireless communication of Bluetooth®. In this modification, the passkey (that is, PIN) used in the Bluetooth® wireless network is an example of "network identification information". When the communication speed of NFC communication is increased, the communication speed of wireless communication via BTI / F may be slower than the communication speed of wireless communication via NFCI / F22. Generally speaking, the communication speed of wireless communication via the type 2 interface may be faster or slower than the communication speed of wireless communication via the type 1 interface.

(Modification 4) In FIG. 2, the CPU 32 of the printer 10 may execute the process of S16 and then the process of S14. Generally speaking, the CPU 32 may shift the state of the printer 10 from the device state to the G / O state by the process of S14 after generating the SSID by the process of S12 as in each of the above embodiments. Then, as in this modification, after shifting the state of the printer 10 from the device state to the G / O state by the process of S14, the SSID may be generated by the process of S12.

(Modification 5) In S16 of FIG. 2, the CPU 32 of the printer 10 forms a wireless network by shifting the state of the printer 10 from the device state of the WFD standard to the G / O state. Instead of this, the CPU 32 may form a wireless network in which the printer 10 operates as an AP by activating a so-called SoftAP. In this modification, the CPU 32 generates wireless setting information (SSID, BSSID, etc.) used in the wireless network in S12, and supplies the wireless setting information to the IC tag I / F22 in S14. In this modification as well, S18 to S24 are executed in the same manner. In S26, the CPU 32 stops SoftAP. In this modification, the state in which SoftAP is activated is an example of the "master station state".

(Variation Example 6) In the above embodiment, each process of FIG. 2, FIG. 4, or FIG. 7 is realized by executing the program (that is, software) in the main memory 34 by the CPU 32 of the printer 10. Instead of this, at least one of the processes of FIG. 2, FIG. 4, or FIG. 7 may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

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

2: Communication system, 10: Printer, 12: Operation panel, 14: Display mechanism, 16: Printing mechanism, 20: Wireless LAN I / F, 22: IC tag I / F, 30: Control unit, 34: Main memory, 36 : IC tag memory, 50: Mobile terminal, 110: PC

Claims (10)

The first communication device,
It functions as an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag of the NFC (Near Field Communication) standard, and the second communication device and the first communication device regardless of whether the second communication device is provided with the print application program or not. The printing application program is a type 1 interface for transmitting specific information to the second communication device by using the NFC standard wireless connection established with the second communication device. , The second communication device is a program for executing wireless transmission of target data to be printed according to a specific standard different from the NFC standard, and the specific information is the same as the first communication device. The first type of interface, which is information used when the first wireless network to which both of the second communication device belongs is formed, and the first type of interface.
A second-class interface that performs wireless communication according to the specific standard,
When the second communication device includes the printing application program, the wireless connection is established via the first type interface, and the first communication device is the parent of the first wireless network. In a situation where the first wireless network is formed by shifting to the state of being a station, when the second communication device participates in the first wireless network by using the specific information, the said Using the first wireless network to which both the first communication device and the second communication device belong, the target data can be obtained from the second communication device via the second type interface. When the second communication device receives and does not include the printing application program, the wireless connection is established via the first type interface, and the first communication device is the first communication device. The first wireless network is formed by shifting to the state of being the master station of the wireless network, but the target data is not received from the second communication device .
A printing mechanism that executes printing of the image represented by the received target data, and
A first communication device comprising. The first communication device further includes
When the second communication device includes the print application program, after transmission of the specific information, a specific signal including the specific information is transmitted from the second communication device via the second type interface. Is a forming unit that forms the first wireless network to which both the first communication device and the second communication device belong via the second type interface. When the second communication device does not include the printing application program, the first wireless network to which both the first communication device and the second communication device belong is not formed, but includes the forming portion. , The first communication device according to claim 1. The first communication device further includes
The first communication device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a generation unit that generates the specific information when the power of the first communication device is turned on. The first communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first type interface further includes a memory for storing the specific information. The first communication device further includes
It has a control unit that is separate from the first-class interface.
The first communication device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit supplies the specific information to the memory of the first type interface. The first communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the specific information includes information for identifying the first wireless network. The first communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first wireless network disappears after the communication of the target data is completed. The first item according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the communication speed of the wireless communication via the second type interface is faster than the communication speed of the wireless communication via the first type interface. Communication equipment. The second type interface is wireless according to at least one standard of IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802,11 standard and the standard conforming to the IEEE 802,11 standard. The first communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , which executes communication. A computer program for the first communication device,
The first communication device is
It functions as an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag of the NFC (Near Field Communication) standard, and the second communication device and the first communication device regardless of whether the second communication device is provided with the print application program or not. The printing application program is a type 1 interface for transmitting specific information to the second communication device by using the NFC standard wireless connection established with the second communication device. , The second communication device is a program for executing wireless transmission of target data to be printed according to a specific standard different from the NFC standard, and the specific information is the same as the first communication device. The first type of interface, which is information used when the first wireless network to which both of the second communication device belongs is formed, and the first type of interface.
A second type interface, which performs wireless communication according to the specific standard, is provided.
The computer program performs the following processing, that is, the following processing on the computer mounted on the first communication device.
When the second communication device includes the printing application program, the wireless connection is established via the first type interface, and the first communication device is the parent of the first wireless network. In a situation where the first wireless network is formed by shifting to the state of being a station, when the second communication device participates in the first wireless network by using the specific information, the said Using the first wireless network to which both the first communication device and the second communication device belong, the target data can be obtained from the second communication device via the second type interface. When the second communication device receives and does not include the printing application program, the wireless connection is established via the first type interface, and the first communication device is the first communication device. The first wireless network is formed by shifting to the state of being the master station of the wireless network, but the target data is not received from the second communication device , and the data communication process is executed .
The first communication device is a computer program further comprising a printing mechanism for printing an image represented by the received target data .

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